Oct 2014 Thermography

VALLEY OF THE SUN

east valley area

Promoting Healthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional

OCTOBER 2014

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HealthyCells

®

www.healthycellsmagazine.com

M A G A Z I N E

• Nutritional

Spectrum Thermography Before You Feel It, Thermal Imaging Can See It

Medicare and Open Enrollment Choosing the Right Plan

The Whole Person Approach to Weight Loss

Say Goodbye to Painful and Unsightly Varicose Veins

Cunningham

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letter from the owner

I

t’s October; time for the leaves to turn to fall colors, nature’s reminder that it’s time to prepare for winter. Here in the Valley of the Sun, October

has a bit different meaning than many other areas of the country. We plant winter gardens, welcome our Winter Visitors as they return, and get back outdoors after spending the summer doing our best to avoid the heat.

One opportunity for outdoor fun is The Mayor’s Day of Play in Chandler, held on Saturday, October 25 at Tumbleweed Park. This is an excellent oppor-

tunity for the whole family to enjoy a long list of outdoor fun and activities. More information is available at www.chandleraz.gov.

We all know that when it comes to cancer, early detection is the most important factor, which is the reason I chose to feature Spectrum Thermography in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Learn how thermal imaging can be used to detect irregular cellular activity in the earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.

October is also Fire Safety Month. Every year more than 4000 people die as a result of fires and another 20,000 are injured; sadly, most could be prevented.

Take time to check or replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, make sure the dryer vent is clean, and inspect other heat sources before using.

Have a safe October,

“Here in the Valley of the Sun, October has a bit different meaning than many other areas of the country. We plant winter gardens, welcome our Winter Visitors as they return, and get back outdoors after spending the summer doing our

Monica Tegg/Owner Healthy Cells Magazine ®, East Valley

best to avoid the heat.”

Monica@healthycellsmagazine.com www.healthycellsmagazine.com/phx 480-204-3090

October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

OCTOBER

Breast Cancer

Awareness Month

2014 Volume 2, Issue 10

5

Endocrine System: The Whole Person Approach to Weight Loss

This Month’s Cover Story:

6

Emotional: Roles People in Your Life Play When You Have a Chronic Condition

Before You Feel It, Thermal Imaging Can See It page 14

8

Physical: What is Plantar Fasciitis?

10

Nutritional: Plant-Based Goes Mainstream — October is Vegetarian Awareness Month

12

Colon Health: Colorectal Cancer: What are the Risk Factors?

13

Best Treats for Your Tricksters: Tips for Regulating Sugar Intake During Halloween

17

Healthy Children: Childhood Obesity: A Recipe for Lifelong Health Problems

18

Healthy Circulation: Say Goodbye to Painful and Unsightly Varicose Veins

19

Chemical-Free Alternative: What is Natural Haircare and is It for You?

20

Lifetime Plan: Dental Decay: Are Cavities Contagious?

21

Health Insurance: Medicare and Open Enrollment — Choosing the Right Plan

22

Senior Health: Would You Recognize Elder Abuse?

23

Medical News: Research Study Tests New Drug to Fight Breast Cancer

25 26

Spectrum Thermography Cover and feature story photos courtesy of Spectrum Thermography

For advertising information, contact Monica Tegg, owner, Valley of the Sun Edition Cell: 480-204-3090 • Fax: 309-691-2187 PO Box 6233, Chandler, AZ 85246 monica@healthycellsmagazine.com Healthy Cells Magazine® is a division of: 1327 E. Kelly Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616 • Ph: 309-681-4418 • Fax: 309-691-2187 info@limelightlink.com Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine® is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the East Valley.

Body Balance: Falls and Older Adults: Causes and Risk Factors

Healthy Cells Magazine® is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine® are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

Natural Essences: Can Essential Oils be Used on Pets?

Healthy Cells Magazine® is available FREE in high traffic locations throughout the East Valley, including medical facilities and other waiting rooms. Healthy Cells Magazine® welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the East Valley area. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

endocrine system

The Whole Person Approach to Weight Loss

Katrina Stage, ND, RH

By Katrina Stage, ND, RH, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine

W

eight loss is a hot topic. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions and improves self-confidence, enhances mood and facilitates fitness.

Because healthy, sustained weight loss requires commitment, the most effective approach should be individualized and closely monitored by a physician.

While healthy eating habits and exercise are crucial aspects of any weight loss plan, other factors can contribute to weight gain.

The endocrine system is a major player when it comes to body weight. Thyroid hormones control metabolism, so treating dysfunction is crucial. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which helps regulate blood sugar and the body’s response to stress.

Optimizing adrenal function can be vital to weight loss goals.

If conditions such as insulin resistance or diabetes are present, specific, individualized diets help decrease cravings and blood sugar levels while facilitating weight loss.

Food sensitivities and allergies may cause a low level of inflammation in the body, also contributing to weight gain. Naturopathic physicians may test for these foods or recommend a diet that eliminates common sensitivities.

In addition to the weight loss, removing offending foods decreases symptoms such as headaches, seasonal allergies, indigestion, gas and bloating while improving energy. Identifying and treating other functional disturbances in the digestive system, such as poor absorption, gut flora imbalance, and fungal overgrowth will also facilitate weight loss and symptom improvement.

Poor elimination of environmental toxins may also contribute to weight gain. A customized cleanse facilitates the release of these toxins, typically resulting in weight loss, decreased blood pressure, increased energy, clearer thinking, improved digestion and healthier skin.

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Katrina Stage, ND, RH, is a clinical adjunct faculty member at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) and a physician at the SCNM Medical Center. She can be reached at k.stage@scnm.edu.

SCNM is a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical school with the largest on-campus naturopathic medical center in the Southwest. To learn more, visit www.medcenter.scnm.edu.

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Often the obstacle is fatigue, which interferes with regular exercise. Natural therapies can increase sleep quality and decrease stress — significant factors in any weight loss plan.

As with most health goals, a customized, “whole person” approach is the best way to help people succeed at achieving, and maintaining, their ideal weight.

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2370 W Ray Rd Suite I • Chandler, AZ 85224 October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 5

emotional

Roles People in Your Life Play When You Have a Chronic Condition

By Barby Ingle, Chairman, Power of Pain Foundation

C

reating a support system in your life when you are suffering with chronic pain is a must! Your support system can be comprised of your family, friends, a support group, health care providers, and caretakers. Surrounding yourself with people who are both emotionally and physically supportive can make a difference in your daily life. You may also find it beneficial to map out a plan of action with your support team so that a daily routine is established and maintained. This can serve to minimize stress levels when unexpected changes in plans arise.

you may find that the interaction between you has changed and not always for the better. Some people cannot handle watching someone else in pain and feel bad that they cannot fix it. They may tend to react by avoiding you. Or they may compensate by babying you, or to the other extreme, bullying you. The reality of your new situation is that as these changes are taking place on the inside, you must also deal with the outside. You can make positive changes with dealing and communicating honestly with others in your life and the new roles assumed by you and them.

Changes Both Inside and Out When you have chronic pain, making life as stress free as possible is important. As you learn to adjust to your physical pain, you are also adjusting emotionally. The people around you and in your support system may also be experiencing an emotional adjustment. As they do,

Learning How to Cope With Your Situation Transforming your world, so that your emotional resources work together with your outer influences, will help you with your new daily reality.

Changing your approach to situations and your perspective can help you see things from a different angle. You can prepare and react to the

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

new roles that those in your support system have adopted. Learning to use the people in your life to better your situation will also help them to stay positive, and they can then play larger roles in your life, whether this means embracing offers from some or backing off from others. Limiting your time, discussions, or interactions with particular people in your life will help everyone cope with stress of your new disability.

Look at your life as being different, not over. Try arousing your hidden inner potential by trying new activities, learning new subjects, and working to create balance and harmony between how you feel and what you can do. Bring out the good qualities that you have hidden inside you by experiencing the freedom of being your genuine self. When you’re in pain, it is hard to be anything but your true self; it can expose the raw side of who you are.

As being one who lives with chronic pain, the pain has helped me gain self-knowledge, avoid unnecessary detours in life, and cultivate love and goodness in myself and in those I choose to have around me. By my learning to manage pain, fear, and anger, I have been able to create new circumstances and enjoy a better life quality, allowing those around me to also become better people. Paying attention to how you are living and reacting has many positive advantages. It has helped me become the person I want to be towards others in my life as well as become more spiritual. It has been helpful in refining my values.

Living in pain has given me the chance to experience real satisfaction and happiness, to forgive myself, and to love and embrace myself on a grand level.

Help Them Help You To let your family, friends, and caregiver know what they can do to help you, make a list of what needs to be done. Decide what items you can do yourself on the list and what you need assistance with. Responsibilities that need to be considered include: cleaning, cooking, laundry, mail drop off and delivery, pet care, planning meals, shopping, social activities, and transportation. Friends and family may find it beneficial to map out a plan of action with the patient’s participation so that a daily routine is established. This reduces stress levels and minimizes unexpected changes in plans.

Try to stay active and maybe join a support group or seek psychological counseling if appropriate. Some people even reach the point of ultimately counseling others who have chronic pain. Some people find benefit in getting involved in volunteer work, which allows them to set their own hours and feel that they still can contribute to others instead of just focusing on their own condition.

It is important to discuss concerns with family members, friends, physicians, or support service professionals (e.g., psychologist, social worker), in order to take advantage of options that are available and may actually lead to pain relief and improvement in the overall quality of life. It may be difficult (or impossible) to imagine that someone can be in severe pain continually if one has not experienced it.

I did not understand this; and, as a former athlete, it was hard for me to talk about pain and what I was going through. Society also does not often address the issues around chronic pain. I often hear the words “you look healthy,” but inside I suffer excruciating, unforgiving, and burning pain that is invisible to others.

Power of Pain Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers support to pain suffers and their families for more than 150 chronic pain conditions. Learn about the many ways to help yourself or someone you know who suffers with a chronic condition by contacting the Power of Pain Foundation at 480-882-1342, email: barby@powerofpain.org or visit www.powerofpain.org.

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October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 7

physical

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Submitted by Dustin Hall, LMT, SIP, Structura Bodies Therapies

Dustin Hall, LMT, SIP

T

he plantar fascia is the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot. When this tissue becomes swollen or inflamed, it is called plantar fasciitis.

Causes Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused.

This can be painful and make walking more difficult.

You are more likely to get plantar fasciitis if you: • H ave foot arch problems (both flat feet and high arches) • Run long distances, downhill, or on uneven surfaces • Are obese or gain weight suddenly • H ave a tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel) • Wear shoes with poor arch support or soft soles • Change your activities Plantar fasciitis is seen in both men and women.

However, it most often affects active men ages 40–70. It is one of the most common orthopedic foot complaints.

Plantar fasciitis was commonly thought to be caused by a heel spur. However, research has found that this is not the case. On X-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn.

The pain is often worse: • In the morning when you take your first steps • After standing or sitting for a while • When climbing stairs • After intense activity The pain may develop slowly over time, or come on suddenly after intense activity.

Exams and Tests A health care provider may look for: • Tenderness on the bottom of your foot • Flat feet or high arches • Mild foot swelling or redness • Stiffness or tightness of the arch in the bottom of your foot.

Treatment Surgery should always be your last option for plantar fasciitis. Surgery leaves behind a lot of scar tissue that can further complicate things and possibly cause more Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

“Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult.” pain later. An alternative treatment to surgery is massage. As a massage therapist, I have experienced many plantar fasciitis cases and have had great success rates with deep tissue massage, specifically structural physiotherapy massage. This is a set series of sessions focusing on the muscles groups involved in causing the plantar fasciitis.

Your health care provider may also recommend these steps: • U sing a bouncy ball, pool ball, or lacrosse ball to roll out the plantar fascia

• Foot and ankle re-patterning exercises • Wearing shoes with good support and cushions • Apply ice to the painful area. Do this at least twice a day for 10 15 minutes, more often in the first couple of days.

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce inflammation Outlook (Prognosis) Nonsurgical treatments almost always improve the issue. Treatment relief can last from several months to the rest of your life depending on your daily routine. Most patients feel better after the first session.

Prevention Making sure your ankle, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles are flexible can help prevent plantar fasciitis. Stretching your plantar fascia in the morning before you get out of bed and during activities will greatly help the fight against plantar fasciitis.

To start putting length back into your plantar fascia and getting on with your life, contact Structura Body Therapies for a free 30-minute consultation to find out how we can help you live a more pain-free, healthy life! Call today 480-686-8647 or check us out online at www.structurachandleraz.com. We heal by design!

Source: www.nlm.nih.gov Photo credit: RawFile/iStock

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nutritional

Plant-Based Goes Mainstream October is Vegetarian Awareness Month

Judith Garner

By Judith Garner, Garner Healthy Living Everyday

A

plant-based diet is based on an assortment of vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, and fruits with modest amounts of fish, lean meats and low-fat dairy or no animal products including dairy. Data in a 2008 “Vegetarianism in America” study, published by Vegetarian Times, shows that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults, or 7.3 million people, follow a vegetarian-based diet; 22.8 million more say they largely follow a vegetarian-inclined diet; and of the non-vegetarians surveyed, 11.9 million people are “definitely interested” in following a vegetarian-based diet in the future.

Improving health and environment are the two most common reasons why people are motivated to go vegetarian. Concern for animals is deeply seeded and also another reason. Animal rights supporters simply feel that it is morally indefensible to inhumanely house animals in factory farms or kill animals for food.

Various Types of Vegetarianism • L acto-Ovo Vegetarian: Eats eggs, milk, and dairy product in addition to plant-based foods.

• Lacto Vegetarian: Consumes milk products, but no eggs.

• P escatarian: Consumes fish and other seafood, in addition to dairy and eggs.

• V egan: Eats only plant-based foods. No meat, fish, dairy, eggs, cheese, or honey.

• F lexatarian: Semi-vegetarian. Eats meat occasionally in small amounts, but derives the bulk of calories from plants.

The Healthy Vegetarian Diet The conservative American Dietetic Association issued a position paper in 2009 stating: “appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.”

Protein Problem Mythology Our meat-centered society was raised to believe that beef, pork, and chicken are the only “good” sources of protein. Therefore, the resounding question vegetarians are repeatedly asked is: “Where do you get your protein?”

Protein is part of the structure of every cell in our body, but how does the mechanics of our body work with protein? It is important to first understand that amino acids are the basic building blocks to make the proteins our body needs, including specialized proteins called enzymes. The human body requires 22 amino acids to build thousands of different proteins that make up our organs, muscles, hair, nails, skin, ligaments, tendons, and other body structures.

Page 10 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

Out of the 22 amino acids our body uses to make proteins, eight are called essential amino acids. Essential amino acids must be obtained from foods in a specific ratio to one another.

The other 14 are called nonessential amino acids; they do not have to come from food because our body makes them from other compounds. When we eat food, our body can’t utilize those proteins as they are in animals and plants, our bodily system breaks down those proteins into their individual amino acids and then rebuilds them into the type of human protein we need.

Depending on the amino acids they provide, foods are either classified as complete proteins or incomplete proteins. Complete proteins contain all eight essential amino acids. Incomplete pro-

teins lack sufficient amounts of one, or more, of the eight essential amino acids. Complementary proteins can be combined to meet the essential amino acids needs of the body as it rebuilds them into the human protein. Because the body deposits amino acids into a storage bank, called an amino-acid pool, where they remain for several hours, you don’t have to eat the different complementary protein foods all at the same meal.

Complete Proteins and Incomplete Protein Sources Animal proteins supply all eight essential amino acids in the specific ratio to each other that the body needs. But for vegetarians, there are several seeds — cooked like grains containing all eight essential amino acids as well: • Q uinoa: Contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids.

• A maranth: A cup of amaranth can supply 60 percent of an adult’s daily requirement of protein.

• B uckwheat: A high quality source of all eight essential amino acids.

• H emp Seeds: Contains high amounts of all eight essential amino acids in exact amounts the human body requires.

Incomplete proteins are found in a variety of plant foods.

Combining two, or more, incomplete protein foods will make complementary proteins forming all eight essential amino acids.

For example, when beans and grains are eaten together, the deficiencies in either one are made up for resulting in a complete protein. Incomplete protein foods include:

• • • •

Whole grains Legumes Nuts and seeds Dark green leafy vegetables

The advent of an increasing array of processed vegetarian foods indicates the growth in market segment. Vegetarian food is becoming more mainstream as most mid-sized food markets now stock processed soymilk, almond milk, quinoa, tofu, veggie cheeses, veggie burgers, and vegetarian microwaveable meals.

Strict vegetarians and vegans, however, choose “Clean Eating” — whole foods as close to their natural state as possible, over the processed-foods fare.

Garner Healthy Living Everyday helps people discover principles and practices of health by providing resources, education, and support in areas of weight-loss, habits of health, healthy eating, and processed-free lifestyle. Garner Healthy Living Everyday offers fee-based certified independent health coaching services. We have mentors and coaches in every important area of our life — school, work, sports, and skills. Why should maintaining our health be any different? For a complimentary initial consultation, contact Judith Garner at 480-560-7842, or email: judithgarner@cox.net. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/judithgarnerhealthyliving.

Photo credit: burwellphotography/iStock

Shoebox Ministry Restoring dignity to the homeless since 1988.

What’s in Our Laundry?

We may have a drawer full of undergarments, but that’s not the case for the Valley’s homeless.

Please help by donating packages of underwear, undershirts, socks or bras for a homeless family in need.

For sanitary reasons, new only please. Men’s items are the most needed.

Undergarments are the number one clothing item needed by the homeless. They are a luxury that thousands of men and women can’t afford.

October Goal • Collect 7,000 Items of Undergarments • Underwear, Boxers & Briefs • Undershirts • Socks • Bras

Distributed across the Valley to homeless shelters www.shoeboxministry.org • info@shoeboxministry.org • 480-905-1610.

October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 11

colon health

Colorectal Cancer What Are the Risk Factors?

Submitted by Healthy Cells Magazine®

S

cientists don’t know exactly what causes colorectal cancer, but they have been able to identify some risk factors for the disease. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease.

Studies show that the following risk factors may increase a person’s chances of developing colorectal cancer: age, polyps, personal history, family history, and ulcerative colitis.

Age Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older.

It is more common in people over the age of 50, but younger people also can get it. In rare cases, it can occur in adolescence.

Polyps Polyps are benign, or non-cancerous, growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. They are fairly common in people over age 50. Some types of polyps increase a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. Not all polyps become cancerous, but nearly all colon cancers start as polyps.

Diet The link between diet and colorectal cancer is not firmly established. There is evidence that smoking cigarettes and drinking three or more alcoholic beverages daily may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Personal History Research shows that women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast have a somewhat increased chance of developing colorectal cancer. Also, a person who has already had colorectal cancer may develop this disease a second time.

Family History The parents, siblings, and children of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this type of cancer themselves. This is especially true if the relative had the cancer at a young age. If many family members have had colorectal cancer, the chances increase even more.

Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which there is a chronic break in the lining of the colon. Having this condition increases a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Genetic Mutations Researchers have identified genetic mutations, or abnormalities, that may be linked to the development of colon cancer. They are working to unravel the exact ways these genetic changes occur. Recent results from The Cancer Genome Atlas study of colorectal cancer point to several genes (BRAF and EGRF among others) that may increase risk.

Page 12 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

If You Have Risk Factors If you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn’t mean you will get colorectal cancer. It just increases the chances. You may wish to talk to your doctor about these risk factors. He or she may be able to suggest ways you can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer and plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

Have questions or need support? The Crohn’s and Colitis Advocate Program offers free personalized support, education, resources and information. Visit www.CDandUC.com to learn more and sign up.

Source: nihseniorhealth.gov/colorectalcancer/causesandriskfactors Photo credit: Raycat/iStock

best treats for your tricksters

Tips for Regulating Sugar Intake During Halloween

Suzanne Nielsen, MD

By Suzanne Nielsen, MD, Pediatrician, Banner Health Center

H

alloween is around the corner, and that means your adorable princesses and pilots, ghouls and goblins are going to be lugging home sacks full of sugary snacks. So, what can parents do to regulate how much candy your kids eat? Here are a few things you can do to make sure Halloween is about costumes and fun, not stomachaches and sugar crashes.

One way to avoid temptation is by not buying the candy or treats you will pass out too early. Halloween candy seems to be put out on store shelves earlier and earlier, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy it earlier. The longer candy is around, the greater the likelihood of your kids sneaking a piece here and there. Also, you may want to consider handing out snacks other than candy, such as snack packs of crackers, dried fruit, or trail mix.

If your kids do go trick-or-treating, go through their bags of goodies before they tear into them. First, you want to make sure what they have is safe to eat. Second, divide the candy into smaller, more reasonable portions. You can allow your kids to have a little at a time. Think about using the remaining candy as an incentive for chores, doing homework, or good behavior.

Further, just because they have a sack full of candy doesn’t mean they need to eat it all. Find other ways to dole out the candy. Take some candy to work. A wonderful option that has popped up during the last few years, are candy buyback programs. Many area dentists and orthodontists participate in these programs and will pay money for leftover candy. This candy is then sent to our brave military members who are serving overseas, or to other military support groups. You can find information on candy buyback programs online.

Have a happy and safe Halloween, and if you have any additional questions or concerns about what your children are eating or should eat, talk with your health care provider.

Dr. Suzanne Nielsen is a pediatrician on staff at Banner Health Center in Gilbert. Her office can be reached at 480-649-6600.

To find a Banner Health Center or clinic in your area, visit www.bannerhealth.com/bmg.

Photo credit: monkeybusinessimages/iStock October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 13

feature story

Spectrum Thermography

Before You Feel It, Thermal Imaging Can See It

By Pam Mathews, CCT

Pam Mathews prepares images to be read by a radiologist

O

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign for increasing the awareness of the importance of early detection, and treatment of this disease. Detecting and diagnosing breast pathology as early as possible is undeniably the most important action an individual can take.

As a woman that’s had five breast surgeries, I know and understand the importance of early detection. However, the levels of radiation in detection methods should also be a consideration. Each Page 14 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

time I had surgery, there was a mammogram done. It’s estimated that each time you have a mammogram, you increase your risk of breast cancer by 2 percent.

I’ve seen firsthand what radiation does to the body. I started working in the medical field at John Hopkin’s Hospital in Baltimore where I received my Radiologic Technology degree. After several years, I worked as a radiation therapist, caring for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. I went on to spend many years working with orthopedic and naturopathic doctors.

Between X-rays, numerous mammograms, and scatter radiation exposure from working in the imaging field, let’s just say I’ve been exposed to more radiation than the average person. Because of my surgeries, scar tissue and muscle damage, mammograms are very painful and almost always result in a recheck, leading to more radiation exposure. I know and understand the importance of early detection, but did not want to expose myself to more radiation.

For me, it was time to explore other options.

When I was introduced to digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) or thermography, I felt it was a godsend.

I found regular screenings by thermography at consistent intervals offered the very earliest indicators of abnormality detecting subtle physiologic changes occurring in the breast tissue, whether it’s cancer, fibrocystic disease, or an infection. It was completely radiation free, there was no compression needed, and absolutely zero amount of pain.

After having thermography scans performed for five years, and seeing firsthand how it works and the difference it can make in people’s life, I decided this was something I can do for others.

Combining my training with X-ray and radiation therapies, plus my own experience, to educate and share thermography with others just made sense. I completed my training and Clinical Thermographer certification at American College of Clinical Thermography.

Although mammograms are still important, thermography is a first-response resource to help individuals monitor their health and detect irregular cellular activity in the earliest stages, often before symptoms appear.

The Process It takes, on average, cancerous cells 90 days to double in growth. It takes about five to eight years for the mass to be big enough to detect using mammography, ultrasound, or MRI. Thermography can detect the new blood flow and inflammation changes within just a few weeks.

These changes can be detected before being felt in the tissue.

A DITI camera creates images illustrating heat patterns in the body. An initial scan is taken, with a follow up about 3 months later. Multiple thermal scans are used to create a personal thermal map of

Having mobile equipment adds convenience and cost savings for patients

Pam sets up camera and equipment to scan a patient

Thermography images showing progression over a 12 month period October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 15

feature story

continued

Not Just for Breast Cancer T

hermography may also be used for full body imaging for the detection of thermal markers that may alert individual’s doctors to current or future problems such as: immune dysfunction, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, artery inflammation, dental issues including TMJ, digestive disorders, back and neck pain, fibromyalgia and stroke screenings.

Cases A gentleman had a full body scan and his hands showed up like red gloves. The report came back with a suggestion to check his blood glucose level. He discovered he was prediabetic before any symptoms appeared. With changes to his diet and exercise, he was able to avoid going on insulin.

Another person was having a shoulder scanned. Although his shoulder was normal, the doctor reading the scan reported a problem in the jaw area, a possible dental infection. He went to the dentist, who treated the infection before it had a chance to cause pain and discomfort.

I had a woman, who was preparing for spinal surgery, come in for a scan. The report showed the area around the kidneys had abnormalities. It was determined she had an undetected kidney infection with referred pain to the back and spine. She avoided surgery.

A teenage boy complained of back pain that couldn’t be identified; with thermography, we found it was in the sacroiliac joint, which is much lower than the area of his pain.

Another man’s scan showed his big toe as hot. The report suggested checking his uric acid and found he had gout, before any pain or symptoms appeared.

the area of interest to track vascular changes over time. These scans are stored on the computer and sent electronically to a medical doctor trained in thermography for interpretation, analysis, and reporting.

The thermal images are analyzed for abnormalities possibly indicating signs of disease in the body. These comparative scans will highlight blood flow, tissue physiology (inflammation), and function changes. The doctor submits a diagnostic report, which is then given to the patient to share with their health care professional.

It is important to note that thermography does not diagnose cancer. It exposes localized inflammation, giving doctors and specialists a unique thermal map from which recommendations and therapies can be prescribed, or recommend more drastic tests.

The Personal Touch My life experiences, previous employment, and experience dealing with people facing tough situations and personal health challenges, gives me the unique ability to relate to people on many levels. I’ve been in their shoes. I understand their concerns, anxieties, and fears. They may walk in as a patient, but in the short time we spend together, I make a personal connection and they leave with a new friend, someone they can call when needed.

One person called because she couldn’t sleep and had an overwhelming fear her cancer had returned. The cost of a scan was well worth the peace of mind she gained from the scan results.

I’ve received calls from my patients regarding things not related to their health —someone they can turn to as a friend when they Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

need a listening ear or bounce a thought off someone, a real friend.

One person called because she couldn’t figure out where to buy a replacement water filter for her facet. It was a real problem for her and easy for me to help her out.

Since I work with many professionals from a variety of fields throughout the state, often I can help when someone is looking for a referral.

Convenience I have a mobile unit, so the thermography scan can be done most anywhere, as long as there is a plain wall for the background and room to set up the camera and computer. For patient convenience and comfort, I often perform the scan in the patient’s own doctor’s office and do home visits for people with limited mobility.

Thermography Cases I had a patient whose second annual exam (first year to determine baseline then annually each year thereafter) showed abnormal activity.

Her naturopathic physician had her do a detox and make changes to her diet. Three months later, her scan was back to baseline.

A woman I met recently had learned about thermography and on a whim, decided to have a scan. It showed some abnormal activity so she followed up with her physician who ordered a mammogram.

It was negative, but because of a family history of breast cancer, she saw a specialist anyway. A biopsy of the area showing concern found cancer cells. The doctor did a lumpectomy and said she probably caught the cancer five years sooner than it would have otherwise been detected.

Insurance Although thermography is very cost-effective, most insurance companies won’t cover the screening. This is changing, however, as preventive health and early detection are more in-focus and considered an effective way to keep health care costs down. There are a few progressive insurance companies that cover thermography as a part of their preventive wellness plans now. However, it is likely that more companies will soon realize the benefit of thermography and its life-saving technology and include it in their general coverage in the near future.

Multimodal Approach Today, important screening tools include blood and urine tests, invasive and non-invasive biopsies, detailed patient histories, and standard radiographic procedures such as mammography. Using a multimodal approach, clinical examination, thermography, and mammography will detect 95 percent of early stage cancers.

By including thermography for early detection of abnormal patterns of inflammation and new blood vessel growth years before lesions are dense enough to be seen by a mammogram or felt in the tissue, makes preventative health tools and more patient treatment options available.

The best reward for me is giving people peace of mind and knowledge for them to stay the healthiest they can, and I love it.

Anyone interested in adding digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) into their multimodal screening regiments can contact Spectrum Thermography by visiting www.spectrumthermography.com or calling 480-226-8289 to set up an appointment.

healthy children

Childhood Obesity A Recipe for Lifelong Health Problems

By Jeff Mason, MHA, St. Luke’s Medical Center

T

oday, more than a third of children and adolescents in the U.S. are overweight or obese, tripling the amount over the past three decades. The health consequences of childhood obesity are both short- and long-term. Obese children are at increased risk to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes all of which can result in even more critical health problems later in life.

•E ncourage your children to stop eating when their full.

This way, children are less likely to overeat.

• D on’t use food as a reward. Children will start to associate food with “being good.” Instead, use nonfood rewards like a trip to an amusement park or the zoo.

• L imit technology time. Every minute spent watching TV, playing video games and using cell phones and computers is a minute that could be spent doing physical activity. In addition, less TV time means fewer commercials pushing sugary snacks and drinks.

Jeff Mason, MHA, is the director of Food and Nutrition Services for St. Luke’s Medical Center and Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital.

For more information, call 1-877-351-WELL (9355) or visit www.stlukesmedcenter.com.

Photo credit: stu99/iStock

Reflect Your Youth The antioxidant power of

Large restaurant portions, advertisements for sugary drinks, fast food, and high-calorie snack options, are all factors that can lead to a poor diet. Lack of physical activity also contributes to the childhood obesity epidemic. However, a child’s eating and recreational habits originate at home, meaning parents can play a major role in getting their kids started off right. When parents choose to live a healthy, active lifestyle, their children often follow in their footsteps.

Parents can follow these simple principles to keep children healthy: • M ake time for family dinner. When families sit down for a meal together, they engage in conversation, resulting in less eating and more talking. Another benefit is slower eating, which aids in better digestion and allows the body to register fullness before overeating occurs.

• G et your children involved in the kitchen. When kids reach the appropriate age, grocery shop and cook together so they can see where the food comes from and how it is cooked. They will be able to make more informed decisions when it comes time to shop and cook for themselves.

• L et children eat what you’re eating. Children don’t need pizza, macaroni and cheese, and dinosaur-shaped chicken fingers to be happy. Instead of making separate meals for the kids, allow them to eat the same nutritious meals you’re making for the rest of the family.

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www.barbdryburgh.arealbreakthrough.com www.barbdryburgh.nerium.com October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 17

healthy circulation

Say Goodbye to Painful and Unsightly Varicose Veins

By Hassan S. Makki, DO, FACC, Valley Vein Center

F

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or most people, it’s time to put away the shorts and sundresses and bundle up for the cold weather. However those of us living in Arizona get to enjoy the warm weather a bit longer. If you’re one of the roughly 25 million Americans who suffer from vein disorders, the thought of wearing leg-bearing ensembles just one more day could be agonizing. Aside from the unpleasant, bulging look of varicose veins, they are often quite painful.

Fortunately, there’s a relatively new procedure called Venefit. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that will have you looking and feeling your best before warm weather comes to an end. Unlike the traditional surgical procedure, in which diseased veins are stripped, the Venefit procedure uses a tiny catheter, powered by radiofrequency waves, to deliver thermal energy to the diseased veins.

The heat causes the vein wall to shrink and the vein to seal off and close. Once the vein is sealed off, blood is re-routed to healthy veins.

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lief the very next day, and are able to resume regular activities in just a few days.

While surgical intervention is the only way to reduce the appearance and underlying cause of varicose veins, you should also follow these daily tips for prevention and maintaining healthy circulation in your legs.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight puts strain on your legs, often causing varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight is not only beneficial to preventing varicose veins, but to your body as a whole.

• Stretch it out: The stress from standing or sitting for a long period of time can cause varicose veins. Maintain good blood circulation by altering your position frequently, stretching, rolling and flexing ankles, and bending your knees. Don’t forget to exercise daily, as well.

• Compression stockings: Elastic stockings prevent blood from flowing backwards. These stockings are shown effective if worn daily and may prevent the requirement for more invasive treatments.

• Avoid wearing heels: Wear low or flat shoes whenever possible.

Heels are constricting and often contribute to the development of varicose veins.

• Quit smoking: In addition to reducing blood pressure, quitting smoking will increase blood circulation throughout your entire body.

Hassan S. Makki, DO, FACC is board-certified in internal and cardiovascular medicine. For more information or to schedule a free varicose vein screening at one of three convenient Valley locations in Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe, please call 602-234-0004 or visit www.ValleyVeinCenterAZ.com.

Photo credit: wsphotos /iStock

Page 18 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

chemical-free alternative

What is Natural Haircare and is It for You?

By Marji Hays, Cunningham Salon Organic

L

ike most women, and men too, for that matter, I want to look good and my hair is an important part of my appearance. Having my hair cut, colored, highlighted, permed, etc. can be part of a regular routine for many, but have you ever thought about what you are actually putting on your hair? What’s in those bottles at the salon? Is it safe? Can it affect your health?

But it’s only placed on your hair, right?

Not all hair care products are made the same. As many as 5000 chemicals can be found in hair care products, smoothing systems, shampoos, coloring dyes, etc. and some are toxic in large enough doses. The American Cancer Society states that more investigation needs to be done to fully establish a link between hair dyes and cancer but agrees that some contents can be considered carcinogenic and may even cause hair loss.

When these products are placed in the hair, they are absorbed through the hair follicles and scalp and enter into your blood stream almost immediately. It takes 26 seconds from the time hair color is applied until it enters your blood stream. Surprised? I was, which is one of many reasons I changed the way I do hair, in an attempt to keep my staff, my clients, and myself safe. I now use organic hair color that is ammonia-free. These products use a water-based color and a beeswax activator. Clients are thrilled with the safer, odorless, and shiny results they get.

Harmful chemicals are often the cause of itching, skin irritation, stinging, chemical burns, and strong odors often associated with many hair treatments. Some of the chemicals I recommend avoiding in your hair care products include: • Ammonia • Parabens

• Silicones • Formaldehyde

• Paraffin • Alcohol

There are many reasons to change your hair care products to a chemical-free alternative, including a desire for a healthy lifestyle, a vegan diet, being a cancer survivor, having skin or scalp disorders, sensitivities, dislike of fumes, pregnancy, and on and on.

I’ve learned that many people are in search of organic hair color and products because they are dealing with an illness and want a more natural, safer alternative to possible harmful chemicals. Frequently a doctor or specialist will tell someone to start using natural or organic foods and products, which includes organic hair products and treatments.

Yes, there are products that work beautifully and still fit into our lifestyle and desire for good health. Seek out a salon offering organic products that give the same results. After all, we all want to look our best and without compromise.

Individual needs are important to us at Cunningham Salon Organic, where every customer is a masterpiece! We have researched and tested the products for you. To schedule an appointment or learn more about organic hair care, email: cunninghamsalonorganic@hotmail.com or call 480-705-9873. I look forward to the day when organic hair products are the preferred choice.

Photo credit: 4FR/iStock October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 19

lifetime plan

Dental Decay

Are Cavities Contagious?

By Kent J. Spurling, DDS, Imagine Dental

L

“

ooks like you have a new cavity, we’ll need to make an appointment to get that filled for you” may be the dreaded response from your dentist at your annual exam. Maybe the fear of that diagnosis has kept you from keeping your cleaning appointment or putting off setting up an appointment for a new patient examination. Or maybe you get your cleaning and exam faithfully, but have given up on even getting fillings done, because there’s always a cavity to fill or a filling that ends up turning into a crown or a root canal or extraction of a tooth down the road.

Many people face those same fears and feelings of helplessness when it comes to dental decay. Add insult to injury, much blame has been placed on you as the patient for not brushing or flossing enough, or enjoying your Snickers or Skittles a little too often, leaving you with a sense of guilt on top of the fear and helplessness. Granted, your daily oral hygiene and diet do contribute to decay, but that’s not the whole picture.

Decades of research into the process of dental decay has lead the dental profession to a much fuller understanding of what causes decay, what protects against decay, and ultimately what can rid a mouth of decay for life. It’s not a magic pill or vaccination, but a management program that is based on the risk each individual patient has for developing decay. The program is based on striking a balance between risk factors that favor decay and protective factors that fight decay, such that the scales tip in favor of the protective factors and no decay.

What are the risk factors? Specific bacteria, frequent snacking, smoking tobacco, dry mouth, gum recession, orthodontic or prosthetic appliances, recent history of decay, and family history of decay.

Parents must understand that the bacteria that cause decay are introduced into the mouth within the first months of a baby’s life and come predominantly from the mother or primary care giver.

That means dental decay is a transmissible or contagious disease.

If mom or dad has decay problems, a child is at high risk for decay.

As a result, your dentist needs to assess the risk factors and protective factors for your child as early as 1 year old so he or she does not fall victim to that same bad bacteria and suffer a lifetime of fillings and lost teeth.

What about adults? Maybe you’ve been free of decay for years, but your spouse or significant other has decay. If you are sharing saliva with someone at high risk for decay, you are at an increased risk for decay yourself. A high-risk individual with no risk management plan has a 70 percent chance of new decay within a year. What is your decay risk? Ask your dentist to evaluate and help you implement a lifetime plan for true prevention for you and your loved ones.

For more information, phone 480-893-7733. Imagine Dental is located 4802 E Ray Rd #19, Phoenix, AZ 85044 or visit them online at www.cosmeticdentistahwatukee.com.

Photo credit: Merbe/iStock

Page 20 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

health insurance

Medicare and Open Enrollment

Choosing the Right Plan

Patty Vieira

By Patty Vieira, Independent Broker, Insurance Resources LLC

F

all is upon us and it’s time for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period! This is that time of year when Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and view other options. Many times medical conditions change and it’s always a good idea to see what your options are for the coming year. Insurance companies change their benefits each year and what may have been a good choice for 2014 isn’t necessarily your best choice for the coming year.

The Medicare annual enrollment period is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

This is your golden opportunity to change the decisions that you made last year and haven’t worked well for you. From year to year, your needs may change, both financially and medically, so this is your opportunity to make adjustments to fit your circumstances.

particular doctors and medications with the various carriers to help find the plan that will work the best for you.

Overall, a broker has your best interest at heart. Since Medicare makes sure that all the insurance vendors compensate equally, you can feel good that the broker’s recommendation is truly for your benefit.

When shopping for a Medicare plan, look for an insurance broker and inquire how many companies they have available. The more they have, the better chance you will have to find the best plan to meet your specific needs.

Have questions about Medicare Plans? Call Patty Vieira at 480-220-7233, email pattyjvieira@gmail.com, or visit www.insurancebypatty.com. With 28 years of experience, I can simplify insurance quotes and policy terms so you can understand them and find the right plan to meet your unique needs.

Photo credit: Squaredpixels/iStock

SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to the digital subscription notification on our website

healthycellsmagazine/subscribe Receive a Notification When The Next Digital Issue Has Been Uploaded Insurance brokers who specialize in Medicare products are knowledgeable resources. With multiple types of plans and companies to offer, the goal of a broker should be to make sure you are in a plan that is well suited for you. Brokers are normally contracted with many carriers and have many different types of plans. While no one knows what the future holds, brokers try to look at your current situation and see what will be in your best interest.

Medicare supplements that are combined with a good prescription drug plan have a very comprehensive coverage. That being said, supplements have a cost or premium and many companies require medical history or information. On the other hand, Medicare advantage plans typically will not have a premium, but will have out-of-pocket expenses that can add up over the course of the year. Many Medicare advantage plans also have options that assist clients with limited incomes and chronic Illnesses.

Physicians are rarely contracted with all companies. And then there are all the networks within the insurance company if you’re looking at Medicare Advantage plans. An insurance broker can research your October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 21

senior health

Would You Recognize Elder Abuse?

By Cathy Peterson, Gemini Hospice LLC

Cathy Peterson

E

lder abuse can be as subtle as a change in someone’s behavior to the more obvious bruises and pressure marks found on their body. The victims of elder abuse are often frail, vulnerable, and unable to help themselves and rely heavily on others to meet their needs. Unfortunately, those who abuse the elderly are often people they know and trust, including family members, friends and caregivers.

What to Look For Although the signs listed below don’t necessarily indicate abuse, they are definitely telltale signs that there could be a problem.

Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, burns, unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, sudden change in alertness, unusual depression, bruises around the breasts or genital area, sudden changes in financial situations, bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, unusual weight loss, belittling, threats, use of power and control by spouses and strained or tense relationships between caregiver and elderly persons.

Abuse can come in many forms, including: •P hysical Abuse: Inflicting physical pain or injury (slapping, bruising and restraining) • Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual conduct of any kind • Neglect: The failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder • Exploitation: The illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else’s benefit • Emotional Abuse: Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts (humiliating, intimidating or threatening) • Abandonment: Desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.

• Self-neglect: Characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his or her own health or safety.

What Tto Do If You Suspect Abuse Unfortunately, the abused often suffer in silence. If you notice a change in their behavior or any of the signs mentioned above, you should start questioning what is going on. It is not your role to verify the abuse is happening, but merely to alert others of your suspicions.

Page 22 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police. If it’s not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is still occurring, contact the Adult Protective Services in the state where the elderly person resides.

• Arizona Adult Protective Services: 602-542-4446 • The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 Be prepared to give the elder person’s name, address, contact information, and details regarding your concern. It’s important to remember that the older person has a right to refuse services offered by Adult Protective Services.

For additional information or if you or a loved one needs Hospice, we can help. Gemini Hospice is family-owned and operated with care and compassion being our main goals. Call 480-883-1353 or visit www.geminihospice.com.

Photo credit: pojoslaw /iStock

medical news

Research Study Tests New Drug to Fight Breast Cancer

Mary Cianfrocca, DO

By Mary Cianfrocca, DO, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center

A

cutting-edge research study at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert is testing the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational drug that, when combined with chemotherapy, may make a major difference in treating breast cancer in patients who carry harmful mutations on either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

The Brocade study will enroll patients with hereditary breast cancer that is metastatic, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body, or locally recurrent, meaning it has come back in the same original area.

These patients also have mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, similar to the kind that actress Angelina Jolie inherited.

The study is examining the results of the oral drug Veliparib when taken in combination with chemotherapy treatments. Veliparib is designed to prevent the cancer cell from repairing itself by blocking a protein called PARP, possibly making the cell more susceptible to anticancer drugs.

These breast cancers can be very difficult to treat with traditional chemotherapy regimens. If Veliparib is found to add to the effectiveness of chemotherapy, it would give patients with BRCA mutations and metastatic breast cancer a new option for therapy.

To learn more about the Brocade study at Banner MD Anderson, call 480-256-3420 or visit www.brocadestudy.com.

Banner MD Anderson, located on the Banner Gateway campus, delivers cancer care to patients in Arizona through the collaboration of Banner Health and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner MD Anderson offers focused disease-specific expertise in the medical, radiation, and surgical management of the cancer patient.

The center uses an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and provides access to clinical trials and new investigative therapies. Banner MD Anderson also offers state-of-the-art technology for diagnosing, staging, and treating all types of cancer. For more information, visit www.BannerMDAnderson.com.

Mary Cianfrocca, DO, is director of the Breast Cancer Program and medical director of the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Gilbert. Dr. Cianfrocca is also the principal investigator for the Brocade Study at Banner MD Anderson.

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and save lives by visiting one of our 1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) two convenient East Valley donor center locations! www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

Schedule your appointment today: Give blood 3 times a year!

1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

Give blood 3 times a year!

1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) Give blood 3 times a year!

www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org 1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

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1989 W. Elliot Rd., #32 (Elliot Rd. & Dobson Rd.)

Give blood 3 times a year!

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Give blood 3 times a year!

Schedule your appointment today: Give blood 3 times a year!

1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

Page 24 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

Give blood 3 times a year!

1-877-UBS-HERO (827-4376) www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org

body balance

Falls and Older Adults

Causes and Risk Factors Submitted by Sheriolyn Curry, CSA, Comfort Keepers Inc., Chandler

F

alls don’t “just happen” and people don’t fall just because they get older. Often, more than one underlying cause or risk factor is involved in a fall. A risk factor is something that increases a person’s risk or susceptibility to a medical problem or disease.

As the number of risk factors rises, so does the risk of falling. Many falls are linked to a person’s physical condition or a medical problem, such as a chronic disease. Other causes could be safety hazards in the person’s home or community environment.

Risk Factors Scientists have linked a number of personal risk factors to falling: • Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness, especially in the legs, is one of the most important risk factors. Older people with weak muscles are more likely to fall than are those who maintain their muscle strength, as well as their flexibility and endurance.

“Many falls are linked to a person’s physical condition or a medical problem, such as a chronic disease.”

• Balance and gait: Older adults who have poor balance or difficulty walking are more likely than others to fall. These problems may be linked to a lack of exercise or to a neurological cause, arthritis, or other medical conditions and their treatments.

• Blood pressure: Blood pressure that drops too much when you get up from lying down or sitting can increase your chance of falling.

This condition —called postural hypotension — might result from dehydration or certain medications. It might also be linked to diabetes, neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, or an infection.

Some people with postural hypotension feel dizzy when their blood pressure drops. Other people don’t feel dizzy, even if their blood pressure drops a lot when they get up.

• Slower reflexes: Your reflexes may also be slower than when you were younger. The increased amount of time it takes you to react may make it harder to catch your balance if you start to fall.

• Foot problems: Painful feet and wearing unsafe footwear can increase your chance of falling. Backless shoes and slippers, highheeled shoes, and shoes with smooth leather soles are examples of unsafe footwear that could cause a fall.

• Sensory problems: If your senses don’t work well, you might be less aware of your environment. For instance, having numbness in your feet may mean you don’t sense where you are stepping.

• Vision problems: Not seeing well can also result in falls. One reason is that it may take a while for your eyes to adjust to see clearly when you move between darkness and light.

Other vision problems contributing to falls include poor depth perception, cataracts, and glaucoma. Wearing multi-focal glasses while walking or having poor lighting around your home can also lead to falls.

• Confusion: Confusion, even for a short while, can sometimes lead to falls. For example, if you wake up in an unfamiliar environment, you might feel unsure of where you are. If you feel confused, wait for your mind to clear or until someone comes to help you before trying to get up and walk around.

• Medications: Some medications can increase a person’s risk of falling because they cause side effects like dizziness or confusion. The health problems for which the person takes the medications may also contribute to the risk of falls.

The more medications you take the more likely you are to fall.

People who take four or more prescription drugs have a greater risk of falling than do people who take fewer drugs. You should check with your doctor if you think your medications are causing dizziness or unsteadiness. Your doctor can tell you which drugs, including over-the-counter medicines, might cause problems. Do not change your medications on your own.

What a Fall Might Mean Be sure to talk with your doctor if you fall, as well. A fall could be a sign of a new medical problem that needs attention, such as an infection or a cardiovascular disorder. It could also suggest that a treatment for a chronic ailment, such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia, needs to be changed.

Most Falls Happen at Home Although falls can happen anywhere, well over half of all falls happen at home. Falls at home often happen while a person is doing normal daily activities. Some of these falls are caused by factors in the person’s living environment. For instance, a slick floor or a poorly lit stairway may lead to a fall.

Other factors that can lead to falls at home include: • Loose rugs • Clutter on the floor or stairs • Carrying heavy or bulky things up or down stairs • Not having stair railings • No grab bars in the bathroom Simple changes can help make your home safer. For more information or help keeping your loved one safe, contact Comfort Keepers of Chandler at 480-659-9201 or email chandler@comfortkeepers.com.

Our certified caregivers provide all levels of care and a wide variety of services to give you or your loved one comfort and peace of mind.

Se habla español.

Source: nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/causesandriskfactors October 2014 — East Valley — ­ Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 25

natural essences

Can Essential Oils be Used on Pets?

By Holly Olmstead, Holly’s Home Health

A

ccording to the Humane Society, pet ownership in the U.S. has more than tripled since the 1970s. In 1974, approximately 67 million households included pets and by 2012 more than 164 million pet owners. We love our pets! The Humane Society also states that in 2012, Americans spent more than $50 billion on their beloved cats, dogs, and other animal companions, with the average annual amount spent on routine veterinary visits by dog owners of $231 and $193 by cat owners.

Most pet owners agree the benefits of owning and caring for a pet greatly outweighs the cost of maintaining a pet. In fact, most pet owners consider their pets “part of the family.” There are growing trends among pet owners, according to a recent National Pet Owners Survey. More and more, pets are included in vacations, pet birthday parties, and holiday gifts. Pet nutrition and health insurance is on the rise. This also includes pet owners looking for more a natural approach to care for their pet’s health needs. This is not surprising, since most owners care for their pets the same way they care for their self and their children.

Doris, a pet owner, recently shared her experience with me.

“We purchased a puppy that was taking antibiotics for kennel cough, so I continued it to avoid any issues. However, it didn’t do the job so we return to the veterinarian a few days later where they suggested more antibiotics. Our family has used essential oils with amazing success, so despite our puppy being 3 months old, we decided to give essential oils a chance. So glad we did! I had attended a class about essential oils and remembered information on the handout about kennel cough. I used a blend of oils for respiratory issues and diluted it with coconut oil and rubbed it on all four paws several times a day and used a diffused blend of oils with Cinnamon & Clove oils throughout the day and night. Within two days she was completely healed, thanks to essential oils!”

I believe that home remedies for dogs should always include essential oils. Dogs respond well to essential oils and, when used safely, they can treat everything from fleas and ticks, to bumps and bruises. Essential oils can also be used for dental treatments, digestive issues, hyperactivity, and ear infections, to name a few options.

Page 26 — Healthy Cells Magazine — East Valley — ­ October 2014

Essential oil for cats, on the other hand, is still controversial.

Besides using therapeutic grade oils, there are only a few essential oils used by cat owners.

The biggest concern is the quality of oils you choose to use.

Whether using essential oils for yourself or your beloved pets, it’s important to select high quality certified pure therapeutic grade oils that are steam distilled and do not contain harmful chemicals.

These are not to be confused with perfume quality oils that may not be designed for human use and consumption.

For more detailed information, I highly recommend Essential Oils for Natural Pet Care, a book by Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM, a holistic veterinarian who has used essential oils for over three years in her practice safely and effectively.

You may just find that the trend of natural pet remedies will save you time and money.

For free information about what essential oils to use and how to use them for yourself or your beloved pet, or if you would like to host or attend a class, please contact Holly at HollysHomeHealth@gmail.com or call 480-540-8014.

Photo credit: gchutka/iStock

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