Health&
Fitness
Keeping his promise.........................2 A cherished memory comes to life thanks to Tidewell doctor
The “A” Word....................................4 Know the facts about atherosclerosis
Senior Friendship Center...................6 A home away from home for seniors
Summer Days Spa.............................7 Reaching your full health potential
FREE
MARCH 2015 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
Page 2
Submitted by: David Glaser, Tidewell Hospice director oF coMMUnicAtions
Dorothy Hunt clearly remembers the day she and her father, Jack Davis, first met Tidewell physician Dr. Calvin Martin. The decision to call hospice hadn’t been an easy one, but it became a necessary one for the daughter who relocated from New England to Arcadia in order to care for her ailing 89-year-old father. That first encounter with Martin, Tidewell’s Southern gentleman doctor, assured Dorothy that she made the right choice. “Even though he had Alzheimer’s, my Dad looks at Dr. Martin — he’s not a young man, you know — and says, ‘So when are you gonna retire, when they start throwing the dirt over you?’” Dorothy remembered, fighting back a chuckle. “Right then, they became the best of friends.” With his wry smile and quick wit, Martin was more than a match for the wise-cracking Davis. Over the next year, the two traded jokes, barbs and stories as Martin made regular visits to the home Jack and Dorothy shared. When Jack’s
Thursday, March 5, 2015
A promise fulfilled condition deteriorated throughout 2014, Dorothy was presented with another decision and she eventually — and hesitantly — handed her father’s care over to the staff of the Arcadia Hospice House.
But there was still some unfinished business at home. Jack Davis had spent his entire working life in construction and also served as a Navy Seabee, the U.S. Navy’s mobile construction battalion. In order to keep Jack’s mind and hands active, Dorothy had purchased a sailboat model kit
SUN NEWSPAPERS Member of the Audit Bureau of circulation
DeSoto General Manager ................................Joe Gallimore ................................863-494-2434 Arcadian Editor / Art Director ........................Susan E. Hoffman ........................863-494-0300 Assistant Editor....................................................Steve Bauer ....................................863-494-0300 Office Manager / Advertising .........................Tami Jewell ....................................863-494-2434 Graphic Artist / Customer Service ................Jackie Bierman .............................863-494-2434 Graphic Artist / Page Designer ......................Kyle Gallimore...............................863-494-0300
for him. Before Jack could make much progress, however, his disease progressed. “Dad was always busy. He’d sit for a time, but then he’d have to be doing something and he’d work a
directions, and took them along. Over the next three months, the sailboat slowly took shape in Martin’s home. He made three trips to a Sarasota hobby shop in search of missing parts. For ones he couldn’t replace, he fabricated on his own. “I had never done it before, but I read the directions and did the best I could. Some of the knots were so small I had to use my old hemostats to tie them. I’m just glad I remembered the old surgical knots,” Martin joked. “Things like that are important to people and if you can make them feel better, why not do it? It was important to Jack and Dorothy and I guess I’m a sentimentalist.” The completed model, along with a plaque dedicated to Jack Davis and Dr. Martin that Dorothy created, is now proudly on display at the little (on the model). But it eventu- Arcadia Hospice House. In a town ally got to the point where I knew located miles from the coast, known he was never going to be able to for its love of rodeo and its quaint, finish it,” Dorothy said. historic Main Street lined with anInstead of boxing up the kit and tique shops, a sailboat has become a storing it or giving it away, Dorothy prized possession. turned to Dr. Martin and asked if “He’s an awesome guy and I he would consider completing it know he was determined to finfor her father. Martin didn’t hesiish it. It meant a lot to me that he tate, even though he’d never built would do that. He couldn’t have anything like the intricate model been nicer to me or my Dad. He’s a in his life. He went to Jack’s home, caring, compassionate man,” Dorogathered up the scattered parts and thy said. DeSOTO CIRCULATION Customer Service
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Measles & the MMR Shot FloridaHealth.gov • Florida Department of Health Measles is very contagious Measles is a respiratory disease Measles affects the lungs and breathing tubes. It causes • Measles spreads when an infected person breathes fever, cough and rash. measles is very contagious, and coughs or sneezes. can be deadly. Measles remains common outside of the U.S. - it is only a • You can catch measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been - even plane ride away. Measles can be serious up to 2 hours after that person has left. Measles can be serious, especially for babies and young • A person with rash or cough illness children. From 2001-2013, 28% of children younger than 5 should wear a mask when years old who had measles had to be treated in the seeking health care. hospital. For some children, measles can lead to: • Pneumonia, a serious lung infection • Almost everyone who has not had • Lifelong brain damage the MMR shot will get • Deafness measles if they are exposed. • Death The MMR shot is the best way to protect against measles The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot: • Protects your child from measles, mumps and rubella. • Keeps your child from missing school and keeps you from missing work to care for your sick child. • Helps keep your community and neighbors safe from measles.
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Thursday, March 5, 2015
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Healthy humor
your sense of well-being; facilitates positive social interaction; reduces senior LiFe iMproVeMent proGrAM director anxiety, tension, depression, anger One of our basic human needs and hostility; lowers stress levels; that we tend to overlook is our need brings a sense of balance for fun, play, laughter and using our into life; exercises your sense of humor. Researchers have heart and cardiovasfound that laughter and humor are cular system; and very necessary and healthy for us reduces pain. in relieving stress, depression and A true burnout. It has been said, “Humor sense of is to life what shock absorbers are to humor automobiles.” Humor and laughter is the help us get through those rough ability spots in life and helps to break up life into little manageable pieces. The benefits of laughter include: Brightens your mood and improves Submitted by: Jennifer Weiner, DMH
to laugh at yourself. John Powell said, “Blessed is he who has learned to laugh at himself, for he shall never cease to be entertained.” Give yourself permission to have fun and don’t take your-
so, LAUGH For tHe HeALtH oF it! If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety or grief/loss, please call the Senior Life Improvement Program at 863993-7787. The Senior Life Improvement Program is a service of DeSoto Memorial Hospital.
The Senior Life Improvement Program at DeSoto Memorial Hospital
Group therapy can be a scary prospect for many. However, the powerful nature of the group process greatly enhances recovery from depression and anxiety. Most participants who were initially quite fearful of being in a group
self so seriously. It’s been said that good mental health and survival in the face of adversity depends upon a sense of humor. But be careful because humor and laughter are contagious and you may infect those around you.
quickly learn that the group is there • Everyone has similar problems to help them and they can partici— you are not alone. pate at any level they feel comfort• Group members support one able. Attributes that make group a another. rewarding and powerful experience • Group therapies vary widely in include: purpose, topic and technique. • You contribute at your own pace. • Disclosure of personal informa-
tion is not necessary for benefit from the group. The Senior Life Improvement Program at DeSoto Memorial Hospital is dedicated to helping seniors and their families have purposeful, healthy and independent lives. We specialize in providing excellent individualized comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care. Call 863-993-7787 for information.
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Page 4 Submitted by: Gene Myers, MD desoto MeMoriAL HospitAL
50475583
All of these problems have one thing in common - they are secondary to ATHEROSCLEROSIS, “THE A WORD.” 1). Angina pectoris [a warning signal manifested by chest pressure, heaviness, tightness, fullness, arm, jaw, back, neck, dis comfort with exertion secondary to blocked heart arteries] 2). Heart (coronary artery) artery blockage 3). Heart attack (myocardial infarction) 4). Coronary artery angioplasty or stent 5). Coronary artery bypass surgery 6). TIA (transient ischemic episode– decreased blood supply the brain without permit damage) CVA (stroke with permanent brain damage) 7). Blocked neck (carotid) artery 8). Removal of atherosclerotic blockage from the neck artery [Carotid endarterectomy] 9). Carotid artery stenting 10). AAA [Abdominal aortic aneurysm] enlargement of the abdominal aorta (main blood vessel running through the abdomen) 11). Surgical correction of AAA [Abdominal aortic aneurysm] 12). Endovascular repair of AAA (covered stent to the AAA)
Thursday, March 5, 2015 13). Blockage of a kidney artery (renal artery stenosis) 14). Renal artery stenting 15). Leg pain in the calf and thigh or buttock with exercise (claudication)–leg pain secondary to blocked leg arteries or pelvic arteries 16). Bypass surgery for blockage in the leg arteries 17). Angioplasty stenting atherectomy (removal of plaque) to the leg arteries It may be surprising to you that you have a relatively common problem and no one has told you that you actually have a DISEASE, and that this disease is called ATHEROSCLEROSIS. The word is almost never used by healthcare providers, physicians or the news media. Even when advertising statin agents and other medical therapy for atherosclerosis “THE A WORD” is virtually never used. Failure of we as physicians and patient teachers, has led to a common misunderstanding that when you have been diagnosed with one or more of these blood vessel problems or have undergone therapy for them, we did not spend time to educate you about the actual cause. Most patients believe that the problem was one that occurred with aging, might expect to occur
Why you should k
if other family members have it, and that procedures performed will “cure” the problem “. None of these can be any further from the truth. Matter of fact, none of the invasive or surgical procedures listed stop the problem or, cure the problem. They just correct the most severe and threatened area of blockage. SO WHAT IS ATHEROSCLEROSIS–WHAT CAUSES IT–IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO STOP THE DISEASE PROCESS FROM PROGRESSING?? First of all, let’s start with the FACT THAT ATHEROSCLEROSIS IS GENERALLY A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE PROCESS. Referring to be PREVENTION HEART LABS posterior first let’s learn about the normal human artery, shown in the uppermost vertical column. Human arteries are similar to the old garden hoses, with multiple layers. One layer is rings of muscles that can relax or constrictive thereby affecting blood flow through the artery to the individual organ served by the artery. If the muscle is not being used, the artery will constrict to reduce blood supply to the muscle so as not to waste heart energy. Another very important layer of the artery is the innermost layer called the ENDOTHELIUM–this may be considered the most important of all the layers, even though it is only one cell thick... This layer contains certain enzymes that create “GOD given nitroglycerin (this is what regulates the degree of relaxation or constriction of the artery) from a common amino acid called L- arginine (you may have heard of this as it is commonly sold in vitamin stores and used by weightlifters to increase the size of muscles). Perhaps even more importantly, the endothelium acts as a barrier to many of the circulating blood chemicals. For instance your physicians may have referred to you having hyper (high) cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood stream. However, this is almost irrelevant because as long as it remains in the blood stream it does not affect one adversely. THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THIS ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER BECOMES “POROUS” AND LETS NORMALLY OCCURRING BLOOD STREAM PRODUCTS TO CROSS THE ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER INTO THE WALL OF THE ARTERY. This is the initiating factor in the development of atherosclerosis. In other words, you could have very high total cholesterol, even a high level of bad cholesterol (LDL),
but it would not affect you adversely as long as it remains in the blood stream and does not cross the endothelial barrier into the wall of the artery. There are many factors that affect the endothelium and make it inappropriately porous–some of the more common ones include tobacco usage, hypertension (high blood pressure), systemic inflammatory illnesses. Once this occurs, if you have certain FAMILY TRAITS where the cholesterol is very high or ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS that create very high cholesterol then that factor will become more important once the barrier is broken down. Once the endothelial barrier is able to be penetrated then the bad cholesterol with a bad protein called APOB crosses into the wall of the artery then starts an inflammatory process. IN OTHER WORDS ATHEROSCLEROSIS IS AN INFLAMMATORY DISEASE OF THE ARTERY. The artery compensates by permitting the outer wall of the artery to enlarge trying to prevent narrowing of the lumen through which the blood flows (seen as stepped 2 in the vertical column on the diagram). If ACTIVE AGGRESSIVE LIFELONG PERMANENT MEDICAL INTERVENTION is not carried out steps 3 and steps 4 occur, where the outer wall can no longer expand and compensate for the swelling inflammatory process and the inner lumen becomes compressed and narrowed. Steps 2, 3, and 4 occur very slowly, many times taking 20-30 years. We know from Korean War veterans autopsies that the process usually starts in the late teens. As the steps occur very slowly it is possible in some instances for natural bypasses to develop–collaterals–which could help prevent organ injury such as myocardial infarction (heart attack). This slowly occurring process is less likely to result in disastrous organ injury. On the other hand, it is UNEQUIVOCALLY POSSIBLE TO PREVENT PROGRESSION OF THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS (STEPS 2, 3, 4) AND CAUSE REGRESSION OR SHRINKAGE OF THE
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know the “A word” ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE. However, it requires lifelong, permanent aggressive medical therapy and lifestyle changes–in other words, your doctor can’t do this by herself/ himself–it requires active lifelong patient participation permanently! To accomplish this detailed blood evaluations, family history, and other important studies are required so that a precise PATIENT SPECIFIC medical program can be designed to accomplish the goal of “REGRESSION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS”. In other words one size does not fit all. Understanding the CONTENT OF THE ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE in the inflammatory process is very important in understanding the other
route that atherosclerotic plaque can take. Turning down to the vertical column of progression steps 3–4 is important to realize that the content of the plaque may have a CONSISTENCY OF ANYTHING FROM BEES WAX TO HONEY. When it gets to the thicker beeswax type it is not unusual for natural calcified plaque–one of the healing process is applied to atherosclerotic plaque. If you are discovered to have calcification of the heart arteries and by definition you have atherosclerosis which is attempting to heal itself. THIS HARDER FIRMER CALCIFIED PLAQUE APPEARS MUCH LESS DANGEROUS THAN THE LIQUID PLAQUE. In the content of the atherosclerotic plaque is in more of a liquid honey phase, chances of it causing a disastrous event are much higher. This appears to be a “younger form” of the atherosclerotic plaque process. Over the area where the atherosclerotic plaque is located, there becomes a thickened layer called an “ATHEROSCLEROTIC CAP”. IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRIVE TO
HAVE THIS AS “THICK” AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT RUPTURE OR EROSION OF THE PLAQUE. If the liquid plaque is exposed to a crack/fissure or rupture then the honey-like liquid material in the plaque can exit the area from the arterial wall and become exposed to the blood stream. This is when sudden changes occur. This seems to occur more likely in a mildly narrowed plaque such as a 30-40% blockage that doesn’t severely narrowed vessel. WHEN THIS LIQUID MATERIAL IS EXPOSED TO THE NORMALLY PRESENT CLOTTING FACTORS PRESENT IN THE BLOOD STREAM A RAPID CLOT OCCURS. In other words, a 30% plaque, whose content is predominantly honey-like liquid, can change from a 20%–30% narrowing to a sudden 100% blockage in a matter of 20 or 30 min. secondary to plaque rupture or erosion, exposure of it to the clotting factors and subsequent blood clot (thrombus) formation. This is the usual cause for sudden occurrence of angina (chest discomfort) followed by myocardial infarction (heart attack). This is displayed in steps 3–4 in the diagram. From the sequence of events you probably already now have come to realize why aspirin is so effective in helping to prevent the latter events. In addition, certain medications will become very important in thickening the cap to prevent plaque rupture; these are referred to his statin agents. Furthermore, you now can recognize why it is so important to understand blood clotting. If you are an individual who has genetic or environmental factors that PREDISPOSE YOU TO A MUCH MORE RAPID CLOT FORMATION, OR HAVE THE INABILITY TO DISSOLVE CLOTS QUICKLY, you realize that if there is a plaque rupture the chance of having rapid total closure of the artery is increased. By understanding the atherosclerotic process, you now understand that lifelong aggressive medical therapy, specifically tailored to your specific situation is so important in preventing progression. You also should realize now that it is possible to get regression. THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT ATHEROSCLEROSIS, WHY IT DEVELOPS, HOW IT NORMALLY PROGRESSES, UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS NEEDED TO PREVENT PROGRESSION BECOMES THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL
TO THOSE PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS. This is the foundation necessary from the very beginning in order for the patient to justify the permanent lifelong effort required by them and their physician to design a specific program to maximize the statistical possibility for causing regression of atherosclerosis. From the dietary perspective, each individual may have different needs. However from the atherosclerosis perspective, it is important to point out that all the gains accomplished over the past 30 years in the United States with marked reduction in cigarette smoking tobacco usage, has now been overwhelmed by new
problem of “sugar addiction”–with the average American increasing their sugar intake and 64 pounds per year now to 160 pounds per year!. Finally, the GOOD NEWS: With this new knowledge database, and powerful medications already available (and those that are soonto-be released), if all therapeutic measures are maximized and done so permanently THERE IS AN 82% CHANCE THAT ONE CAN EXPECT TO SEE ABSENCE OF PROGRESSION OR REGRESSION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC HEART PROCESS regardless of which artery it is in. We hope you will spread the word and stop the atherosclerotic process!
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Thursday, March 5, 2015
It’s a home away from home
By CRAIG GARRET Arcadian correspondent
Which is nice, because the Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County serves warm meals, offers games and companionship and low-impact exercise, crafts and movies, special events, even health screenings. But it’s also a place to volunteer, neighbors helping neighbors: Meals on Wheels, for instance. Few words describe the sensation of a volunteer pulling into the driveway of a homebound senior, a meal tucked into a box for safekeeping. Unfortunately the Meals volunteer is often the most frequent guest with homebound seniors. But it’s the warm greeting and check on well-being
that helps many seniors through the week. And the program will gain in importance with some 12,000 Baby Boomers turning 60 each day. Friendship Centers are, well, like home. Even if it’s just available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
bered 39.6 million in 2009. They represented about 13 percent of the U.S. population, about one in every eight Americans. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4 percent of the population in the year 2000 but are expected to grow to be 19 percent of the population by 2030. So where do we turn? Often it’s the town senior center. The Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County opened its new facility at 219 W. Oak in
October. The center offers meaningful services for functioning seniors, activities like morning chair exercise, a Tuesday film and Thursday crafts. There are also workshops, support groups, AARP driving programs, a resource center, even a café with dietician planned meals. It is the only center in DeSoto County where seniors can turn for questions or help. Or to just feel at home. Details on the Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County are at (863) 494-5965, or friendshipcenters.org.
“Most (DeSoto) seniors come through us,” Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County director Karen Blanchette said. “It’s very rewarding. America’s older population, persons 65 years or older, num-
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You’re in good hands
By CRAIG GARRET Arcadian correspondent
And you’re in good hands. A state-licensed therapist like Mara is as close to a health specialist or Helping others achieve their full health potential is all Mara In- medic as is possible. The practigram-Zamora has ever wanted. And tioner fully understands the body’s organ and muscle connectivity, now as a massage therapist at the Summer Days Spa in Arcadia, she is the immune system, the power of endorphin release, deep tissue and achieving her goal. For those unaware (certainly anxious over a new experience), massage is a healing art covering a list of ailments, including stress, high blood pressure, lack of sleep, accident and health recovery, issues many of us assume we must live with due to age or other factors. Forget that nonsense. Massage with an expert offers one of the best healing techniques dating back centuries, even if it’s just working the knots from your neck or lower back. Summer Days Spa also offers other treatments, packages and personal care services. But it’s individual and couple massage therapy that generates awareness and new clients to the spa, Ingram-Zamora said.
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pressure point therapy. Therapists understand that stress takes an amazing toll on our mental and physical health, and that releasing the knots and tightness actually balances our bodies, creating a new awareness of the whole self, she said.
An older car doesn’t fix itself. “I’ve seen muscles like guitar strings,” she said, “that kind of bonk when (you) work them. An hour later clients get off the table, they’re very sleepy, endorphins have been released. They’re relaxed. You just see a lot of good things.” Summer Days Spa is at 507 East Magnolia, Arcadia. Hours and details are at (863) 244-1603.
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Thursday, March 5, 2015
The Heart Truth
February is National Heart Month and Heart Attack Prevention Month
The American Heart Association estimates that more than one million Americans suffer a heart attack every year. Fortunately, there are ways to control your risk. DeSoto Memorial Hospital wants to help you prevent this most serious of medical conditions. WHAT EXACTLY IS A HEART ATTACK? A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when one of the coronary arteries becomes severely or totally blocked, usually by a blood clot. When the heart muscle does not receive the oxygenrich blood that it needs, the muscle begins to die. The severity of a heart attack depends on how much of the heart muscle is injured or dies. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I’M HAVING A HEART ATTACK? Surviving a heart attack depends on the treatment given within the first hour. Immediate treatment for a heart attack should always include professional emergency medical intervention, including a call to 9-1-1. While waiting for help to arrive or on the way to the hospital, it is recommended that the patient take aspirin, a known blood clot inhibitor, which can decrease the risk of death by about 25 percent.
What signs should I be looking for? The warning signs may include but are not limited to: • Chest pain or indigestion which is unrelieved by rest or a change in position, moves to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw or back, produces constant or intermittent pressure or squeezing sensation • Unexplained shortness of breath • Heart palpitations or weak and/or fast pulse • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or nausea • Gray facial color
863-494-3535 900 N. Robert Avenue | Arcadia, FL 34266 | www.dmh.org