& WELLNESS
HEALTH
FREE
Spring Edition
2011
Looking Good AT T H E B E A C H Be Your Best This Season With Our Guide to Dermatology, Hydration and Safety www.HealthyinHR.com
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A DAY AT THE BEACH
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LIFESTYLES TURNING RESTLESS NIGHTS INTO BLISS MAY BE A MATTER OF CHOOSING THE PERFECT MATTRESS FOR YOU.
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LOOK GOOD AND STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER AS WE BREAKDOWN SUNBURN THREATS, STAYING HYDRATED AND MORE.
AVOIDING ALLERGIES Holistic expert Erica Steele examines natural ways to stop seasonal allergies.
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CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE Avoid a trip to the doctor by taking a trip to your kitchen cabinet intead.
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IN THE NEWS
DOCTOR’S ORDERS Dr. Jeffery Moore explains the causes and cures associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
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GENERAL HOSPITAL New U.S. News and World Report names top hospitals in Hampton Roads.
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FINDING FITNESS For Howard Schwartz, the road to local celebrity and healthy living began with an alarming wake-up call.
MORE PEDIATRICIANS ARE TEAMING UP TO ENACT A BAN ON TANNING BEDS FOR TEENAGERS. 2
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OUNCE OF PREVENTION Five simple screenings today that may prolong your life tomorrow.
& WELLNESS
HEALTH Vol. 2, Issue #2 Spring 2011
Published by Pilot Media Cos.
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Hampton Roads Health & Wellness is a quarterly distributed throughout Hampton Roads in high-traffic locations including many doctors’ offices. Entire contents, ad and graphic design and www.healthyinhr.com copyright 2011 by Pilot Media Cos. Reproduction of any portion of this publication or its website without the publisher’s written consent is strictly prohibited. Information found herein is as accurate as possible at press time but should be solely used as a guide. For more specific advice, please consult your family physician.
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In the News However, it wasn’t women who pushed that number up – it was their male counterparts. Facelifts for men rose 14 percent in 2010 and liposuction increased by 7 percent. Men were also fond of reconstructive ear surgery in 2010, accounting for an 11 percent rise, as well as dermabrasion, by 4 percent. “The growth in cosmetic surgical procedures for men may be a product of our aging baby boomers who are not ready to have plastic surgery,” said ASPS president, Dr. Phillip Haeck. “Minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox and soft tissue fillers work to a point. However as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”
Lap Band May Not be as Successful
Teen Tan Ban Teens hoping to keep the golden tan of summer all year long may find it increasingly more difficult if the American Association of Pediatrics has its way. The medical organization recommended earlier this year that teens be banned from artificial tanning beds, citing the high rate of skin cancer associated with the activity. A 2010 study found that melanoma risk was up 74 percent for people who tanned indoors and the risk is higher, researchers say, for those who begin indoor tanning at a young age. Melanoma is the second most common type of cancer among women ages 20-29. According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 1 million people were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during 2010 and nearly 9,000 died from the rare, but deadly, melanoma. More than 30 states regulate indoor tanning for minors in some regard, with North Carolina banning the use for youths under the age of 14 and requiring parental permission, usually in person, for teens ages 14-18.
Men Face Their Vanity According to a press release from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there was an increase in the number of plastic surgeries completed in 2010, up 2 percent from the year prior. 4
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On the heels of the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement that Lap Band surgery may now be used on less obese people, at least one study is showing that it may not be as effective as originally hoped. As weight loss surgery continues to gain momentum a study by Dr. Guilherme Campos of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine shows that patients aren’t always receiving the desired results. Campos followed 100 patients who underwent the Lap Band surgery and 100 who had the more traditional gastric bypass. The bypass patients lost 64 percent of their excess weight after a year, however, only 36 percent of the Lap Band patients were able to reach that milestone. Previous studies have suggested that the Lap Band process is safer than the more invasive bypass surgery, which involves the reduction in the size of the stomach. During Campos’ study, the rate of complications associated with the surgeries was about the same. He suggests that patients interested in the surgery make sure they do their research before choosing the right option for them.
US & Russia Team Up Against Polio The US government and the government of the Russian Federation signed a Protocol of Intent on Cooperation for the Global Eradication of Polio. Signing the Protocol of Intent on behalf of USAID, Administrator Raj Shah said: “I am excited by the potentially huge impact that we can have when combining our countries’ respective talent and expertise to overcome our world’s development challenges.” The WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Rotary International and the United Nations Children’s Fund launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. The Initiative has formed partnerships with host
governments and the public and private sector to successfully achieve a 99 percent reduction in polio worldwide since its inception. However, recent years have seen polio outbreaks in Central Asia with several new cases also reported in Russia. The disease is highly infectious and mainly affects children under the age of 5. One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis and among those paralyzed, 5-10 percent die. If left unaddressed, polio threatens to return to pre-eradication levels in the hundreds of thousands each year. “The global eradication of polio is a public health priority for HHS and USAID and for their international partners, including Russia. Ridding the world of this preventable disease will dramatically reduce the global burden of disability and death from polio, especially among the world’s children,” said Dr. Nils Daulaire. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to strengthen our partnership with our Russian colleagues to work towards a world without polio.” The Protocol of Intent between the US and Russia outlines a globally-based partnership on polio eradication, using their expertise in coordination with the GPEI strategy to accelerate polio eradication. Potential collaborative efforts may include disease surveillance, support for immunization campaigns, technical assistance, advocacy efforts and additional areas for potential partnership.
“Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability globally, representing 60 percent of all deaths. What’s concerning is that many of these diseases are preventable,” said Julien Forder, senior research fellow at the London School of Economics. “We know from research that exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing long term conditions. Nearly a third (30 percent) of cardiovascular disease and more than a quarter (27 percent) of diabetes could be avoided if everyone started to exercise.” “Americans need a wake-up call,” added Dr. Jan Maurer, vice president & medical director of Health Dialog. “People need to realize that lifestyle factors are actually life-and-death factors. With over 50 percent of US healthcare costs attributable to chronic disease, we literally cannot afford to continue living as we are. Americans must take a good look in the mirror and realize that that the ‘they’ are actually ‘we.’”
Child Seat Use Extended
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released more stringent recommendations for young passengers of motor vehicles and is urging “all pediatricians to know and promote these recommendations as part of child passenger safety anticipatory guidance at every health supervision visit.” The statement, which was released March 21, suggests rearfacing car seats for most infants up to 2 years; forward-facing car safety seats for most children through 4 years; belt-positioning Despite having the highest rate of obesity of any developed booster seats for children through 8 years; and lap and shoulder country worldwide, Americans are feeling fine it seems. A survey seat belts for all who have outgrown booster seats. The report released by Health Dialog reveals that 91 percent of Americans goes on to recommend that children younger than 13 ride in “feel well” and 76 percent “consider themselves healthy.” the rear seats of the vehicle. Shocking perhaps, considering 39 percent of the same “It is important to note that every transition is associated with Americans rank themselves the least healthy country out of some decrease in protection; therefore parents should be encourthose surveyed and over half (52 percent) say obesity is the most aged to delay these transitions for as long as possible,” the group widespread health problem in the United States. said in its statement. The survey was conducted as part of Bupa Health Pulse 2010, a global study of health attitudes and behaviors of over 12,000 individuals across 12 countries. Alongside the survey findings, a Bupa-commissioned report, published by the London School of Economics (LSE), highlights the growing burden of chronic disease around the world. Americans should stand up and listen. Cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes pose the biggest threats – globally, heart disease is the biggest killer and diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition. Medical evidence tells us that obesity is a precursor to both. Yet, while 52 percent of Americans say obesity is the country’s biggest health problem, only 12 percent list it as their own top health concern. One in 10 Americans (12 percent) reported getting no exercise whatsoever in an average week and another 20 percent reported getting only between 30 minutes and an hour per week. Of all 12 countries surveyed, Americans were the most sedentary on a daily basis, with one out of every 10 saying they are sitting for 12 or more hours each day.
The Cost of American Obesity
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Looking Good and Staying Safe at the Beach
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t’s finally time to roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. With a few tips on how to look good and stay safe at the beach, you’ll be singing along, wishing, as the Nat King Cole song goes, that summer could always be here.
Looking Good We all know we’re supposed to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays to help prevent skin cancer and premature aging. But how exactly should we accomplish that without staying indoors forever with the curtains closed? It’s all about prevention and hydration. “Skin doesn’t have to be sun-damaged, weathered, scaly and splotchy,” says Kate Perrino. A licensed medical aesthetician at the Spa and Laser Center at North Shore in Virginia Beach, Perrino is confident that “your skin can be beautiful for a lifetime.” Sunscreen is the key to battling ultraviolet rays. The news on sunscreen is that the FDA, after years of talking about it, may finally be on the verge of issuing new sunscreen regulations. New labels are supposed to give a clearer picture of the level of sun protection we’re getting and will most likely include a number system and a star system. If SPF labels aren’t updated by the time the lifeguards blow their first whistle this season, experts recommend lathering up with an SPF of at least 15. “Fry now, pay later!” warns Dr. David H. McDaniel, dermatologist and director of the Laser and Cosmetic Center in Virginia Beach. McDaniel, 6
who also conducts research in anti-aging prevention, says all suntans are a sign of injury or damage to skin cells. “People who are fair-skinned are most at risk for sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging,” McDaniel notes. The skin of African-Americans and Hispanics has more natural sun protection, but McDaniel cautions they too will age prematurely if not using sunscreen. “Most people just need to be sun-safe,” he says. Being sun-safe means thinking head to toe. “Hats are a must,” recommends Kim Wadsworth of Wadsworth Style, who says hats are hot when it comes to preventing premature aging of the skin. The style consultant and editor of Vow Bride magazine says, the longer the bill of a ball cap and wider the brim of a hat, the more umbrella-effect you create for areas of the body we usually forget, like the neck and chest. Many swimwear shops carry hats made with specially treated cotton fabric to block the sun. “They’re designed for protection and wearability,” says Wadsworth, “while still looking very chic.” Yogurt is definitely not as chic, but it’s a great skin revitalizer after a trip to the beach. While many spa products are designed to soothe and repair skin from overexposure to sun and wind, Perrino says painting your face with plain yogurt, not yogurt with sugar, will cool and hydrate the skin just as well. On the other hand, you could splurge on a can of aerosolized thermal spring water to spray on après-beach. You’ll look good and smell better after a shower, but don’t grab the nearest bar of soap, which will just irritate the skin. Use a ph-neutral cleanser. “After a day at the beach is a perfect time for an Epsom salt bath,” recommends Perrino. “Your skin will love it.” Although the official start of beach season is just a few weeks away – for many not long enough to get in ideal swimsuit shape – it’s never too late to take that first step. Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios in Virginia Beach, looks at it this way: “You want to get started and then continue because summer in Hampton Roads lasts about six SPRING 2011
PROTECT THE KIDS SUN Lather ‘em up with an SPF of 30-50 for children, preferably waterproof. Apply sunscreen before kids put their bathing suits on so there won’t be any surprise spots of sunburn at the bathing suit edge. Babies over 6 months should not use sunscreen with micronized zinc oxide, which could be absorbed into their skin. Infants under 6 months do not enjoy the beach. Sunscreen should not be applied to their skin. There will be plenty of time for the sun, sand and heat when they are older. Never leave a young child sitting at water’s edge. You are pushing buttons to develop skin cancer later. Must haves include hat, sunglasses, umbrella, and water and hydrating snacks like fresh fruit.
SAFETY Lifeguards are not babysitters. Watch your kids like a hawk. Know who your older children are talking to and where they are going. Source: Dr. Victoria Strasnick with Virginia Beach Pediatrics Center and Sentara Pediatrics
THE EXPERTS
Dr. Victoria Strasnick, Virginia Beach pediatrician
Dr. David H. McDaniel, Virginia Beach dermatologist
Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios in Virginia Beach
months, and you’re not going to the beach only one time.” While there’s not enough time before Memorial Day to lose a lot of weight, White says, “What you can do is jumpstart a cardiovascular workout and a weight-training routine. That will increase muscle mass, speed up metabolism and burn extra calories.” He recommends two to three days a week of moderate weight training and three to five days a week of a 30-minute cardiovascular workout that might be walking, jogging, or taking spinning or step classes. “Once the season begins,” White says, “just getting to the beach is a good workout. You burn calories walking from your car, especially at the North End or Sandbridge. Trudging across the sand gives you a cardiovascular workout, and you get resistance training from carrying your chairs and bags.”
Pediatrics Center and Sentara Pediatrics, says, “It’s always better to be in the water with your children and to never take your eyes off them.” It’s no surprise that a doctor’s office located just a few miles from Sandbridge and Dam Neck sees its fair share of sunburn and jellyfish stings. But most cases can be treated right on the beach or at your beach house: For sunburn, apply cold compresses, aloe or moisturizers, but not butter. Jellyfish stings can be treated with vinegar; if there’s no vinegar, rinse, but don’t rub, the affected area with sea water, not fresh water. (continued on page 8)
David W. Best, MD and his Associates at
Staying Safe
Tidewater Nephrology, Ltd.
Kent Hinnant, chief of operations for the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service, says, “We don’t want to scare anyone but let’s be practical. Don’t leave your common sense at home.” The experts may not want to scare us but the facts are scary. Last year, VBLS lifeguards rescued 1,110 adults and children from the water at the guarded beaches between Croatan and 89th Street and reunited 1,323 lost children with their parents. Thankfully, there was not one drowning fatality. The rescue service is on the beach for one reason: To avert a tragedy in the water. But they can’t do it alone. “Learn to swim,” urges Hinnant. “It sounds simple but many people have not had swim lessons.” When beachgoers can’t swim and they rely on standing up in the water, what happens when the current changes and your feet can’t find the bottom? “Your security blanket is gone,” Hinnant says. While a guard’s responsibility is not finding “lost” parents, guards activate their communication system to help reunite children with parents. “ Please don’t make your child be the one waiting at the lifeguard stand for 45 minutes while we try to find you when we should be watching the water,” Hinnant says. Whatever your swimming ability, parents should have eyes on their kids 24-7. Dr. Victoria Strasnick, with Virginia Beach
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AVOID THESE BEACH BUMMERS PHYTOPHOTODERMATITIS It’s sometimes called “happy hour” rash, and Dr. Victoria Strasnick of Virginia Beach Pediatrics Center says every summer she treats an adult or child who has this brown, odd-shaped rash. It comes from the oil of lemons or limes. When you slice the fruit and go out in the sun without washing your hands, the sun’s rays activate a substance in the citrus, causing blisters that can be painful. Last year, a girl’s facial rash happened after her dad squeezed lemons and the spray inadvertently splashed on her face. The July 2007 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine illustrated a severe case: After a young woman prepared mojitos, which contained limes, she went out in the sun and her hands developed such a severe reaction she was admitted to a burn unit.
(continued from page 7) Dr. Mitchell B. Miller of Coastal Family Medicine says he see a surprising number of tourists and locals each summer with cuts on their feet. “Nobody thinks about it because people kick off their sandals as soon as they hit the beach,” says Miller, a past president of the Medical Society of Virginia who is currently a delegate to the American Medical Association. “But shells, fish hooks, stuff like that, people should watch where they step and it would be great if people packed an antibiotic ointment in their beach bag, just in case,” recommends Miller. Water shoes would help reduce cuts on feet but most people just aren’t going to wear them. Staying hydrated may not sound like a safety issue compared to drownings and fish hook injuries but heat-related illnesses can be extremely serious. “Drinking water is the best way to prevent heat stroke or worse,” says White, a registered dietitian. He suggests packing a cooler full of drinks and snacks that hydrate. Good choices are water and sports drinks. For snacks, bring sliced melon, cantaloupe and honeydew in a zipped baggie. Fruit not only hydrates, it also boosts collagen production, which is great for the skin. White, who advises Men’s Health magazine and joins the advisory board to Ozygen magazine in May, says super snacks to pack for the beach include celery and peanut butter, humus and baby carrots, apples, string cheese, yogurt and pretzels. Now that you’ve packed your beach bag full of common sense plus tips to look good and stay safe, there’s only one thing left to do. As the Beach Boys say, “Let’s go surfin’ now ….” Kathryn Barrett, who lives in Virginia Beach, is a medical journalist and video producer.
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Tip: Always wash your hands after slicing or squeezing lemons or limes.
FISH HOOKS Dr. Mitchell Miller of Coastal Family Medicine says summertime and the livin’ isn’t easy for beachgoers who have encounters of a painful variety with fish hooks. How? By stepping on them on the beach or coming into contact with the hooks while swimming in the water. Tip: Wear sandals or water shoes.
The Natural Approach to Seasonal Allergies
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is the season for allergies, as flowers begin to bloom and nature awakens after a long winter’s rest. Unfortunately, the body triggers an immune system response to combat some of the environmental stressors lurking in the air. The tendency is to run to the pharmacist and relinquish control to an OTC remedy, but alas, overBy Erica Steele stressing the body’s natural forces is counterproductive in the pursuit of an allergy-free life. Allergy symptoms may vary to include stuffy noses and runny noses; mucous production; coughing; burning, itchy, red eyes; and headache. Some may even vomit. Once the body recognizes an allergen, usually as a result of something within the environment, it produces an allergic reaction, which stimulates the various symptoms. The histamines the body produces counteract the allergen, but not necessarily before symptoms occur. The following guide should help those who are vulnerable to manage the allergies that plague them this time of year. – When allergens are breathed in, they trigger coughing, stuffy nose, mucus and the like. Driving with the windows up, reducing the use of fans around the house, and changing filters regularly can greatly enhance the air quality of the surrounding environment. Facilitating a clean environment can lead to reduced allergic reaction. – When a runny nose is a part of life, a neti pot can be a great asset. Neti pots use heated water with a little pot, which can be found in any drug store. With the nozzle of the neti, one pours warm water into one nostril, which then forces water through the other side, freeing the sinus cavity.
– When sinus cavities are congested, the best temporary relief from inflammation of the cavities is an ice pack. Never use heat on the sinus as it brings more blood to the area, creating more problems; cold, on the other hand, takes the inflammation away from the area known as vasoconstriction. – Supporting the body’s immune system through super foods can help prevent allergies. Foods high in antioxidants including cranberries, blueberries, blackberries and cocoa fight the body’s production of free radicals and support a healthy immune system, which helps to safeguard the body from allergens. Green tea is an incredible antioxidant and should be consumed daily for allergy as well as metabolism support. Matcha, which is green tea powder, is available as a supplement in health food stores. – Chiropractic adjustments can also lift the allergy burden by improving nerve conduction to the sinus cavity. Through a misalignment or subluxation, the vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves, which connect to various organs and areas including your sinus cavity. When the nerves are free and clear, they provide added reassurance and health to your sinus. – Finally, from a naturopathic perspective, herbs such as quercetin may be used to ward off histamines produced in response to allergens. They are made from an all-natural plantderived compound called bioflavonoid. This natural antioxidant fights free radicals as well and is contained in a number of foods. Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, broccoli and lettuce are all rich in the supplement. Those with liver conditions shouldn’t use this supplement. For maximum benefit, treatment should begin six weeks before allergy season. Aromatherapy blends including eucalyptus, peppermint and the like can also provide refreshing relief, allowing the nasal cavity to be free and clear. Supporting the immune system to fight off allergens is key to restoring natural health even during times of pollen, ragweed, dust, and the like. Regularly clearing the sinus with neti, arming the body with quercetin-rich foods, and avoiding environmental stressors are key to natural allergy-free living. Taking preventative action is the best approach. A nationally certified massage therapist, Erica Steele owns a holistic wellness center in Virginia Beach called Essential Wellness (www.vabeachwellness.com).
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Consider the Alternative
Kicking It … HOMESTYLE
Avoiding a Trip to the Doctor with Common Household Items
W
ith health care costs skyrocketing and a seemingly endless ongoing political debate about who should pay for what, the average consumer is left somewhere in the middle, wondering if they should go to the doctor when they have a sore throat or just self-medicate and hope for the best. While there are loads of productive over-the-counter medicines available for whatever ails you, there are also many tried and true home remedies that can work just as well – if not better – using things most people have around the house. OK – so we’re not necessarily going to recommend that you start cleaning your cuts and scrapes with kerosene, as many oldtimers will suggest, but there are some safe alternatives out there that do work and could ultimately save you a costly trip to the doctor’s office.
Duct Tape – That’s right, you knew
it could save the world! There are bunches of home remedies for ridding yourself of an annoying wart, but according to Webmd.com, duct tape is the only one that has a shred of evidence to back it up. A small strip of tape is placed across the wart for five to seven days thus causing some internal reaction. The body views it as a foreign body and the immune system kicks into high gear, clearing the wart in the process. At the end of the week, remove the tape, wash – We won’t begin the area and to speculate how this houseabrade the skin hold staple neutralizes the away with a nail file or sting of sunburns and itchy bug pumice stone. bites, but we’re certainly thankful that it does. It’s only safe if the skin isn’t broken, medical experts warn, but it’s ideal for those first – It’s one of those remdays of summer when you get edies that have been passed a little pinker than you andown from generation to genticipated. While grandma eration, but sometimes those suggests cheesecloth, any are the ones that work the lint-free fabric dipped in best. Gargling with warm salt white vinegar will do the water soothes a sore throat. trick. Don’t rub, but rather Mix a teaspoon of salt in lay the cool cloth across the warm water and stir until it affected area and feel the is fully dissolved and gargled burn drift away. Of note – it’s every few hours to keep the edge off the pain. great for athlete’s foot as well!
Vinegar
Salt
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Ginger – Was your mother a firm believer that ginger ale worked well at curbing nausea? She was absolutely right. A recent study of cancer patients found that as little as ¼ teaspoon of ginger cut nausea by 40 percent. Capsules and ginger teas are available in stores, or you can make a warm soothing ginger tea with 1/2 teaspoons of dried ginger, a heaping teaspoon of honey and eight ounces of warm water.
Tea Tree Oil – In the Outback, aboriginals used the tea tree leaves to soothe their wounds. Today it has a load of applications, from boils and thrush to acne and halitosis, but our favorite use is for dandruff. Tea tree oil shampoos can be purchased just about anywhere, but why not pick up the essential oil so you have it on hand. A few drops can be added to your favorite shampoo and applied or you can avoid the medicinal smell, apply a few drops to your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before washing your hair with your regular shampoo.
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Doctor’s Orders Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A New Solution for an Old Problem By Jeffrey K. Moore, M.D. Moore Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, PA.
C
arpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist. Symptoms include numbness in the hand and fingers and sometimes pain. If diagnosed and treated early, carpal tunnel syndrome can often be managed without surgery. In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or the condition is mild to moderate, your doctor will always try simple treatment measures first. If significant symptoms persist or if nerve tests show nerve damage, the best treatment is often surgical release.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve traveling through the carpal tunnel. Flexor tendons
Median nerve Synovium
Transverse carpal ligament
There are two types of Carpal Tunnel surgery: open surgery and endoscopic release. Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR) is a relatively new procedure utilized more frequently over the last two to three years. It is not known what percentage of surgeons are actually using this procedure, but it is becoming more available as more surgeons learn how to use this technique. About 80 percent of carpal tunnel surgery is still being done as an “open” procedure. ECTR is an operation where a small incision is made in the wrist and a thin fiberoptic tube with a camera attached (endoscope) is used to visualize the transverse carpal ligament. The ligament is released with a tiny knife inserted through the incision in the wrist while it is visualized on the video screen. This releases pressure on the nerve and allows it to heal. The ligament is cut during surgery. When it heals, there is more room for the nerve and tendons. 12
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Flexor tendons
Median nerve Divided transverse ligament
The difference between ECTR and open carpal tunnel release is that with ECTR there is only one small incision required, and it is not in the palm. However, with open carpal tunnel procedures, a longer incision is necessary in the palm of the hand. By using an endoscopic technique for surgery it is believed that the skin and soft tissue of the palm can be preserved and therefore less post operative pain and more rapid recovery may be possible. Both types of surgery are done as an outpatient under local anesthesia in an operating room. It takes about 30 minutes. The success rate is very high and the complication rate very low. The hand can be used for light activities the following day, and sutures are removed at about one week. A few people need physical therapy to maximize recovery. The primary benefits of the endoscopic technique over the open operation are less pain and more rapid recovery. Perhaps the most impressive part about endoscopic carpal tunnel release is how quickly patients can get back to their normal activities. Although many patients do have some pain in the palm and discomfort with the fingers after surgery, most appear to be able to resume most of their day-to-day activities within a few days after surgery and often return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery. Open surgery with the traditional approach takes a substantially longer time for recovery. Even with ECTR, many patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting and repetitive motion for 6-8 weeks after surgery. The need for therapy is lower due to less swelling and easier use of the hand following surgery. If you are interested in having an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, look for a surgeon who has experience doing this specific endoscopic surgery. Ask how successful he or she has been with people who had conditions similar to yours. The end results of traditional and endoscopic procedures are the same. Your doctor will discuss the surgical procedure that best meets your needs.
General Hospital U.S. News Ranks Hospitals Sentara Norfolk General Hospital has earned the number-one spot among Hampton Roads hospitals in this year’s Best Hospital rankings by US News and World Report, which vetted a total of 4,852 hospitals nationwide. The hospital’s nationally recognized heart and heart surgery program, as well as nine other specialty programs, helped it win the crown. Out of 25 Hampton Roads hospitals, the top 10 local facilities also included #2, Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital; tied for #3, Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News and Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk; #5, Chesapeake General Hospital; #6, Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton; tied for #7, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center. The goal of the 21-year-old rankings, which focus on hospital specialties, is “to help guide patients who need an unusually high level of hospital expertise,� according to U.S. News and World Report. “Best Hospitals judges medical centers on competence in complex, demanding situations, often with patients whose age or other health conditions pose their own risks.�
Soul Food Needn’t Be Bad Food
When he visits Hampton Roads in May, beloved ďŹ tness guru Richard Simmons will deliver his trademark message, “Love Yourself – You Are Worth It.â€?
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Soul food has the reputation of being bad for you, but a new cookbook from the American Heart Association fries that stereotype with healthful versions of old favorites. A 96-page magazine called Healthy Soul Food Recipes will be available for $3.99 at supermarket checkouts beginning May 3 and from shoppower.org beginning May 17. May is Stroke Awareness Month. How’s this sound for a mouth-watering menu? Vegetable Barley Soup, Crabcakes, Three-Bean Salad and Blackberry-Pear Crisp. In addition to recipes, the magazine has nutritional analysis for each, cooking tips, a personal stroke-risk checklist and logs to record physical activity, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight. The magazine is part of “Power To End Stroke,� an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association education and awareness campaign that embraces the lifestyle and culture of African Americans. For more information on the campaign, visit PowerToEndStroke.org.
Age in Style
Simmons, who weighed 268 pounds when he graduated from high school, is the keynote speaker for Bon Secours’ 2011 Successful Aging Forum on May 13, from 9am to 3pm at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton. According to Bon Secours, the event has sold out for the past three years. Previous hosts have included Pat Boone, Naomi Judd, Anne Jillian and the late Jack LaLanne. The ticket price of $25 includes lunch, keynote, exhibits, door prizes and a physicians’ panel. Call 217-0330. „
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Lifestyles
The Mattress Matters Blissful Slumber is Only a Decision Away
By Amanda Dagnino
I
s there anything better than climbing into your faithful bed after a long day in the trenches? Letting your head sink back into the pillow as the mattress supports your aching body? Nah … there really isn’t. But for folks in need of a new mattress, the end of the day may just be the beginning of a restless night instead of a journey into blissful slumber. Nobody wants to curl up amidst bumps, springs and dips that are sure to ruin the opportunity for a good night’s sleep. Finding a new mattress, however, can be challenging. There are more options, materials and prices than ever before, making a trip to the nearest mattress outlet nothing short of overwhelming. Buying a mattress is much like buying a car. Looking at pictures of it on the internet simply isn’t enough. You have to touch it, smell it, kick the tires and take it for a test drive before you’re confident with your decision. Specialists suggest that people never purchase a mattress via mail unless they have been intimate with that exact model – that they know how it feels, not just to the touch, but how it would feel to sleep on as well. Recommendations range from 10-20 minutes, but just about everyone suggests that 14
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purchasers actually lie down on the mattress they’re interested in, simulating a sleeping position as much as possible. Keep in mind that there simply isn’t that one perfect, super mattress that is ideal for everyone – it’s a very personal, individual purchase. What is comfortable for one person may be the least comfortable for another. A mattress should be firm enough to fully support a sleeper but soft enough to not put too much pressure on sensitive areas. Doing your homework first can make the process much easier. Research types, styles, designs and prices on the internet prior to hitting the store. Walk in with at least a general idea of what you’re interested in seeing. While research isn’t fun for many people, there are websites, which, we should add, are not supported by a major brand, that offer great contrast and comparison and consumer reviews. Bestbedguide.com, for example, has a personal criteria quiz to match consumers with the right mattress as well as information on the latest materials, advice on how to purchase and notes on how to evaluate a mattress for comfort, support and durability.
If you already know what you want, the site can also help you find the mattress you’re looking for in a store near you. While the traditional spring coil mattress continues to be the most popular style on the market, a variety of new materials have bounded onto the showroom floor in recent years, including memory foam and the new air mattresses that allow owners to adjust the firmness. Here’s a glance at some of the more popular materials:
Latex: Move over memory foam, being touted as the most
Spring/Coil: Traditional and trustworthy, there are
loads of coil mattresses on the market to choose from, from the cloud-like pillow tops to the firm, back-saving firmer version with a high coil count. The array of models and prices make it difficult, but take your time, test drive and just in case things don’t work out as you plan, make sure you purchase your mattress from a store with a return policy.
Air:
As usage continues to climb, two concerns have come to the surface. Because the memory foam envelops the sleeper, it can make for a very warm sleeping environment. It has also been noted that the mattress can omit a slight chemical smell when new, a fact that has found many new mattress owners airing their memory foam out in the yard before bringing it into the boudoir.
No, not the kind you take camping with you. These new mattresses look very similar in build to a traditional spring mattress, but instead, the firmness is controlled by an air sac held within the bed. Thanks to great marketing, the most commonly recognized mattress of this type is Select Comfort’s Sleep Number Bed, but there are several on the market. Built in electric pumps allow users to easily adjust the firmness of the mattress and in most cases, the air sacs are separate, so couples can choose their own level of comfort. As no two sleepers are exactly like, this ability to personalize can certainly be a benefit to many couples. If shopping for an air mattress, look for construction that includes separate air channels to avoid the mattress from bulging on one end when you sit on the other (think water bed).
environmentally-friendly option on the mattress market, latex is the new kid in town when it comes to bedroom furniture. With support that is similar to the memory foam mattress, latex is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. It is said to breathe easier, not causing people to “sleep hot” as they do on the memory foam. Nor does it have the chemical smell that many memory foam users have complained about. The material comes in both a natural and synthetic form. Most major manufacturers are now making latex and partial latex mattresses, but with all mattresses, the quality of the design and the process in which the latex was formed differs among various manufacturers. The sheets of latex even come in a do-ityourself version, with buyers assembling the layers of the mattress and encasing it at home. The most important thing, of course, is that the consumer picks the right mattress for them. Don’t be lured in by advertising gimmicks and high-pressured sales tactics. Arriving at the store as an educated consumer can only provide a little extra assurance that you won’t be swayed by the latest and greatest new thing on the market. And of course, don’t be embarrassed to get up there and assume the sleeping position. There’s no better way to know whether it will provide a peaceful night’s sleep.
Memory Foam: Consistently growing in popularity, we’d have to be living in a cave to not hear the raves about the Tempur-Pedic and similar mattresses. Memory foam has the ability to contour perfectly to an individual shape, reducing stiffness in pressure points and relieving pain. While few of us are actually drinking wine and jumping on the bed at the same time, the illustration stands true – the memory foam mattress carries little movement to the sleeping partner, making for less distraction during the night if you have a restless spouse.
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FITNESS Q&A
Howard Schwartz’s transformation – he’s dropped 120 pounds – has been so remarkable he has become the poster boy for the Weight Management Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. His face smiles out from billboards throughout Hampton Roads and from a TV commercial that shows him playing basketball. (Echard Wheeler photo)
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H
BYPASS SURGERY was Just the First Step
By Fred Kirsch
SPRING 2011
oward Schwartz has already celebrated Independence Day once this year. On Feb. 8. That’s the day, a year ago, that Schwartz had gastric bypass surgery at Chesapeake Regional’s Weight Management Center and declared his freedom from obesity. Howard marked the occasion with several low-fat, high-protein meals and a vigorous two-hour workout at the gym. “The surgery helped me take the first steps and get my life back,” said Schwartz, 57. “I couldn’t have done it without the surgery. But exercise has taken me to a level I couldn’t have imagined.” Since his operation to bypass his stomach and create a small pouch in its place, Schwartz, who once dipped the scales at 300 pounds, has turned into the incredible shrinking man, dropping 120 pounds. He now fits into size 34waist pants and no longer takes that handful of pills for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and “you name it.” Schwartz, service manager for Orkin Pest Control, hits the gym “every chance I get,” which is usually four to five days a week, where he plugs in his ’60s and ’70s music and puts in 30 minutes on both the treadmill and stationary bike, hits the weights and the abs machine. Schwartz’s transformation has been so remarkable he has become Chesapeake Regional’s “poster boy.” Most of you have seen Howard smiling out from billboards throughout Hampton Roads or showing off his new body in newspaper ads and, recently, on a TV commercial. What’s it like to be a celeb? “I love it,” said Howard. “It has kind of taken on a life of its own. The other day I was at a light and the guy in the car next to me was poking his wife and pointing at me, like ‘There’s the guy.’ I like it because it gives me the chance to tell people that you can turn your life around.”
Schwartz played ball growing up in New York City’s Queens, but was hardly into working out and battled weight issues from an early age. His radio career took him to jobs up and down the East Coast, from Boston to the Deep South, and, eventually, to Hampton Roads. After leaving the radio field in 1988, he decided to settle in the area. He and wife Debbie have been married 37 years and have three grown children, Erika, Michael and Sam. The Schwartzes live in Virginia Beach. Schwartz recently shared his amazing weight loss and what it’s taken to keep it off. To learn more about Schwartz’s journey, go to his blog at www.howshoward.com.
It doesn’t sound like this was your first battle with weight. I think I’ve lost more than 1,000 pounds in my life and put back on 1,300. I tried about every diet there is.
What made you take the step to have gastric bypass? Hitting 300 pounds was a huge wake-up call. That’s a big number. But it wasn’t just the weight. I had high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and slept with an apnea machine. And the quality of my life was pretty bad. I sweat so much, I would change my shirt several times a day. I knew if I wanted to be around to see grandchildren, I had to do something.
“Hitting 300 pounds was a huge wake-up call. That’s a big number. But it wasn’t just the weight. I had high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and slept with an apnea machine.” What’s been the biggest surprise in your becoming more fit? I actually have abs.
Has working out become such a part of your life that you no longer think about it?
As something of a couch potato, what made you turn to exercise? I knew surgery was only the start and part of the equation. That exercise would be the most important part of my losing more weight and keeping it off. I didn’t want to go back to what I was.
It’s become a big part, but I still fight the temptation of skipping a workout.
After people recognize you from the billboards and TV commercial, what do they ask you?
How hard was working out at first? Hard. I probably hadn’t been in a gym in 20 years and then hardly before that. The first thing I did was get a trainer to help me learn what I had to do. Our initial goal was doing cardio to get more fit and to tighten up.
Most people want to know how the process works and what it’s been like. One guy wanted to know if it improved my sex life.
What is a typical workout these days? About an hour and a half. I’ll do half an hour of walking on the treadmill. I try to go at as fast a pace as I can and at a steep incline. Then, I do another half-hour on the stationary bike. I have recently started doing interval training and riding as hard as I can for 10 seconds, slower for 15. That’s pretty tough.
I have been barred from a few buffets. A high-protein diet is very important because you are not eating much. And most everything I have is low-fat. I drink a lot of Muscle Milk, V-8 and water.
What about weights and core work? At first, I didn’t do any weights. I have a bad shoulder that limits how much I can lift, so I do lighter weights with more repetitions and I do four sets of 20 on the ab machine.
Obviously diet is a big part of fitness. I’ll bet before the surgery, you could do some serious damage with a knife and fork.
What do you tell people who ask how important exercise has been for you? You wouldn’t be talking to me now. Fred Kirsch is a freelance writer who lives in Norfolk.
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Ounce of Prevention Path to Healthy Living Begins with Five Simple Steps One in two Americans is living with a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are persistent and recurring, and are typically either hereditary or the result of factors such as poor diet, obesity or lack of exercise. Dr. Ian Smith, creator and founder of “The 50 Million Pound Challenge” and “The Makeover Mile” is a health and nutrition expert who is constantly encouraging Americans to be proactive when it comes to their health. “Unfortunately, many Americans postpone or even skip key health screenings due to fear, lack of awareness, or cost concerns,” says Smith. “However, it’s important to know your risk so you can make the appropriate lifestyle modifications to change - or reverse - the course of chronic disease.” Smith recommends five simple screenings as a first step in determining whether or not you are at risk for a variety of treatable - and preventable - chronic diseases.
Cholesterol Even though high cholesterol may lead to serious heart disease, most of the time there are no symptoms, which is why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked. A rapid cholesterol test involves just a simple blood sample from the finger. As with diabetes and blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss, maintaining a healthy diet, and quitting smoking are recommended if your cholesterol levels are not within a healthy range. If the added measure of a maintenance medication is needed to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level, it is important to make sure that the medication is taken regularly, as prescribed.
Diabetes A simple finger prick is all that is needed to check your blood glucose levels to see if you are at risk for diabetes. If your blood glucose test shows that you are at risk for diabetes, your doctor will work with you to make certain lifestyle changes, particularly involving diet and exercise.
Blood pressure Blood pressure is measured by a quick, painless test using a rubber cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated. If your blood pressure is consistently high, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and/or recommend a maintenance medication.
Other important screenings – osteoporosis and vision Two other important screenings that shouldn’t be overlooked are osteoporosis and vision. A simple bone mineral density test, done via low-dose X-rays, determines whether or not you are at risk for osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Additionally, a vision screening can help identify whether or not you are at risk for eye disease. For more information about “The Makeover Mile” visit www.makeovermile.com. Content provided by ARA
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