Medical Services Directory 2018 by kim

MEDICAL SERVICES D I R E C T O R Y A Handy Guide To Area Medical Services & Providers

2018

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Medical Directory

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Medical Directory Homewood Retirement Centers Retirement communities located in Frederick, Maryland; Hanover, Pennsylvania; Martinsburg, Pennsylvania; and Everett, Pennsylvania. Based in Washington County, Maryland, just outside of Hagerstown, Homewood Retirement Centers is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and operates with its own Board of Trustees that is responsible for Homewood’s management. Residents enjoy “attractive homes and a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle, as well as a comprehensive array of support and services that enhance every aspect of daily life,” according to Homewood Retirement Centers website. Phone: (301) 582-1750 Website: http://homewood.com/locations

Somerford House & Place of Hagerstown Two senior living communities in one, Somerford House & Place of Hagerstown offers assisted living apartments, as well as Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program for people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, rehabilitation services, and respite/short stays for when caregivers are unavailable. “Our residents enjoy many services and amenities, including restaurant-style dining, highly skilled 24-hour staff, a full slate of social, educational, and recreational activities, exercise and wellness programs, full-service beauty salon and barber shop, games room, library, wireless internet, transportation, laundry and housekeeping,” Somerford’s website states. Phone: (301) 791-9221 Website: www.fivestarseniorliving.com/ communities/md/hagerstown/ somerford-house-place-hagerstown

Panhandle Home Health Panhandle Home Health has been serving the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia since 1976. The majority of its staff has 10 or more years of experience in the community as home care providers, according to its website. “We are dedicated to assisting seniors, adults and children with maintaining their independence in the comfort and safety of their own home,” the website states. “Our licensed and certified staff includes: registered professional nurses, medical social workers, physical, speech, and occupational therapists and certified home health aides.” Panhandle Home Health offers a wide variety of specialized services tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. Services are provided based on the patient’s needs, payer coverage, the scope of services and physician orders. Home health care can help with: Heart attack, joint surgery, stroke, diabetes, IV therapy, rehabilitation, terminal illness, incontinence training, chemotherapy and after surgery or hospitalization. Phone: 304-263-5680 Website: panhandlehomehealth.org

Panhandle Podiatry Panhandle Podiatry with Dr. John J. Mollica treats the following conditions: achilles tendon, ankle instability, ankle sprains, arthritic foot and ankle care, athlete’s foot, bunions, calluses, corns, crush injuries and diabetic foot. According to the practice’s website, Mollica’s philosophy is to educate patients as best as possible. Mollica is surgically trained and has performed many hospital-based surgeries over the last 15 years, attaining board-qualified status in foot surgery. Phone: 304-267-3030 Website: www.panhandlepodiatry.com

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Medical Directory

East Ridge Health EastRidge Health Systems is a comprehensive behavioral health center serving the three-county Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. EastRidge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental health, substance abuse and intellectual/developmental disability services and programs for all age groups, without regard to race, color or national origin, its website states. EastRidge offers the majority of services out of three outpatient clinic sites located in Martinsburg, Kearneysville, andBerkeley Springs. In addition, specialized services are offered at several additional sites in Martinsburg and Hedgesville. Phone: 304-263-8954 Website: www.eastridgehealthsystems.org

Center of Dermatology The Center for Dermatology offers comprehensive dermatologic care to adults and children. The center offers the following services: Skin disease treatments for acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, warts, skin infections, skin allergies, rashes, hair and nail disorders, detection and treatment of skin cancer, PUVA and narrowband UVB treatments; Cosmetic services and products including chemical peels, facial vein treatment, Latisse eyelash growth treatment; surgical services and treatments including cysts, mole removal, lipomas, skin biopsies, skin tags and skin cancers. The center also offers MOHS surgery. Phone: 304-263-3933 Website: http://erikbhurstmd.com/

After Hours Pediatricians After Hours Pediatricians can care for a sick child during week nights and weekends when a family’s regular pediatrician is not available. The practice’s goal is to offer top-quality, convenient medical care when a child has a “can’t wait” condition. The facility is open from 6 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and from 1 to 8 p.m. weekends and holidays. The staff of pediatricians is trained to care for infants and children up to age 21. Services provided include: Immediate care for sore throat, stomachache, earache, headache, etc.; examination for the causes of rashes, high temperature, etc.; treatment of sprains, burns, cuts, and scrapes — including “stitches” if necessary; treatment of minor eye illness or injury and treatment of mild and moderate asthma flare-ups. Doctors can also write drug prescriptions. Phone: 301-302-7837 Website: http://afterhourspediatricsofhagerstown.com/

Medical Directory

Magnolia Family Medicine Magnolia Family Medicine is located on W.Va. 9 in Hedgesville, just behind the Department of Motor Vehicles. Founded in 2017 by Dr. Jason Swalm and his wife, Tracy, both of whom have held numerous occupations in the healthcare environment including combat medic, EMT, laboratory services and nursing. Both Jason and Tracy are veterans of the United States Army and hold a special respect for soldiers, law enforcement, as well as teachers and nurses, the practiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website states. Phone: 304-267-6249 Website: http://magnoliafamilymedicine.net/

Sharpsburg Pharmacy Sharpsburg Pharmacy is a locally owned and community-minded full-service pharmacy with an emphasis on

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

personalized customer service, according to its website. The pharmacy carries a complete selection of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and durable medical equipment. Sharpsburg Pharmacy accepts most major insurance plans and bills all Medicare and MD/WV Medicaid programs. Phone: 301-432-7223 Website: http://sharpsburgpharmacy.com/

Hospice of the Panhandle Hospice of the Panhandle has helped those with serious, life-limiting illnesses manage their pain and symptoms in the comfort of their own home for over 30 years according to is website. The organization serves Berkeley, Hampshire, Jefferson and Morgan counties in West Virginia. Residents may receive hospice services at: Their private home, nursing home, in an assisted living facility, Continued on page 6

Medical Directory

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

at a hospital or at the Hospice of the Panhandle Inpatient Facility. Hospice provides medical professionals and volunteers who: Work with doctors to relieve pain and symptoms; assist with bathing, dressing and personal care; help make arrangements for the future and support clients in the completion of goals. Hospice care is paid for by: Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Don’t have insurance coverage for hospice services? As a nonprofit health care provider, the organization will work with clients to meet their needs even if they don’t have insurance or are not able to pay for care. Phone: 304-264-0406 Website: http://www.hospiceotp.org/

Winchester Imaging

Reed’s Pharmacy Reed’s Pharmacy has locations in Berkeley Springs, Berryville, Va., Hancock, Md., Hedgesville and Martinsburg. The business offers a variety of services from overthe-counter medications to gifts. A full list of services includes: medication adherence, durable medical equipment, flu shots and immunizations, med synchronization, mtm services, private consultation, over-the-counter pain medication, cold and allergy meds, vitamins, oral health products, first aid items, greeting cards, candles, jewelry and gift certificates. Website: www.reedspharmacy.com

Clary Grove of West Virginia

Winchester Imaging provides diagnostic medical imaging services including open MRI, CT, ultrasound and xray in a convenient outpatient setting, according to its website. Winchester Imaging is located in the Trex Corporate Center on 522 just east of 37. According to its website, Winchester Imaging’s staff is dedicated to keeping patients on-time. Same day appointments are available in CT, Ultrasound and X-Ray. Phone: 540.431.3600 Website: http://winchesterimaging.com/

Clary Grove is a 120-bed short- and long-term care center whose goal is to help people feel stronger and healthier to enjoy the fullness of a physical, emotional and spiritual life, according to its Facebook page. “Our staff is dedicated to providing each resident with coordinated quality care, spiritual support and a sense of community,” its Facebook page reads. Phone: 304-329-3195 Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ClaryGroveWV/

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury A COMPREHENSIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER Adults and Children Mental Health/Emotional Issues

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Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury is a notfor-profit, intimate, church-related continuing care retirement community that is committed to enabling residents to use their gifts fully, live their lives richly, and enjoy with dignity the years that God has given them, according to community's website. The facility is located in Winchester, Virginia. Phone: (540) 665-0156 or (800) 492-1279 Website: www.svwc.org/

Medical Directory

National Youth Advocate Program NYAP in West Virginia has served children and families since 1982. In keeping with its philosophy of maintaining strong local support for our foster parents and team members, the West Virginia program is administered through four regional office locations: Fairmont, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Ravenswood, New Martinsville, Harrisville and Sutton, according to the organization’s website. Under the leadership of the WV State Program Director, Renee Ellenberger, these four offices serve as a base for regional services which include an array of Therapeutic Foster Care options and Home Based Services for children ages 0-18 and their families. Phone: (304) 596-2390 Website: www.nyap.org

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Dermatology Associates and Surgery Center Dermatology Associates and Surgery Center is a physician owned and operated Dermatology practice, according to information on its website. Its focus is to provide our patients with accurate and prompt diagnosis and treatments for their skin conditions, the website said. “We accomplish this by using our highly trained and well educated medical providers, multiple locations and an in-house Dermatopathology Laboratory to process and diagnosis any skin biopsies taken by our medical team,” the website states. Phone: (304) 350-8733 Website: http://dascwv.com/

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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Medical Directory

Prepare now to avoid dry, winter skin Winter weather brings harsh conditions that can wreak havoc on skin. Come winter, winds pick up, temperatures plummet and humidity levels in the air can drop. These factors create a recipe for sapping skin of its natural oils and vibrancy. Even the most wellmaintained skin can be impacted by winter air, and the other changes the season brings forth. Taking the initiative ahead of winter’s arrival can help people salvage the appearance of their skin. — Start exfoliating. Skin’s radiance can be dulled by a buildup of dead skin cells. These cells also can clog follicles, leading to breakouts. Regular exfoliation one to three times per week can assist with the removal of dead skin cells. Ridding the outer layer of skin of unnecessary debris can also help skincare products penetrate more readily. — Choose a thick moisturizer. It may be necessary to ramp up moisturizing products to combat with dry, winter air. Look for products that contain shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, or cocoa butter. They’ll help retain moisture and protect the skin against the

wind and cold. — Turn down the heat. While it’s important to stay warm, bundle up rather than cranking the heat. Avoid especially hot water in the shower as well. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Therefore, be sure to take warm showers instead of boiling hot ones. — Invest in a hydrator. According to the experts at Glo Skin Beauty, hydrators are lighter than moisturizers, allowing them to penetrate further into the skin. — Use sunscreen. Do not deviate from daily sunscreen use. Even though conditions seem less sunny, skin still needs to be protected from harmful UV rays. — Wear gloves to protect hands. Frequent hand washing and exposure to cold temperatures can impact the skin on hands. Protect them with warm gloves and generously apply moisturizer. — Run the humidifier. Use a humidifier at night to keep skin supple and improve the health of nasal passages. Winter weather can be tough on skin. By preparing in advance of winter, people can head off dry skin and other problems.

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Valley Basic Life Support Valley Basic Life Support LLC offers emergency preparedness training in the Greater Washington Area. Classes are tailored for a wide range of subject areas, including workplace compliance, home environmental needs, those for social groups, clubs or places of worship. Phone: 800-359-1236 Website: http://valleybls.com/

Patient Care Transportation Patient Transportation has been in business for more than 15 years, its website states. The business — which boasts more than 4,000 customers — offers medical transportation needs. In 2014, Patient Care Transportation expanded services to include ambulance and wheelchair van transports. Phone: Multi-Passenger, (304) 264-0119; Ambulance, (304) 300-0933 Website: http://patienttrans.com

Caring Angels Home Health Caring Angels Home Health was established by partners who have been running health care agencies since 2006 in the Northern Virginia area, according to caringangelshh.com. The business has expanded its agencies and practices from a one-man physical therapy business, into a full service agency with dedicated staff, diverse health care services and a wide market area, according to the website. Services include: skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social worker and home health aide. Phone: 304-350-8658 Website: caringangelshh.com

Medical Directory

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Understanding why cancer comes back can aid in fight Researchers continue to make strides as they look for ways to defeat cancer. In many areas of the world, significant progress has been made in regard to improving cancer survival rates. While cancer treatments continue to evolve and help people fight and ultimately overcome their disease, cancer is a formidable foe that can sometimes return. Understanding why cancer returns can help patients and their loved ones prepare to fight all over again.

WHY DOES CANCER COME BACK?

Cancer patients who have finished successful treatment may be disheartened to learn that their cancer has come back. According to Cancer Research UK, cancer can come back if treatment failed to get rid of all the cancer cells. In such instances, the cells left behind may grow into a new tumor. Some cancers also can spread to other areas of the body, forming new tumors elsewhere. Cancer also might come back if it has become resistant to the drugs used to treat it. Cancer cells are mutated cells in which the genes within them make the cells behave differently from normal, healthy cells. Cell mutations vary, and some might make cancer cells resistant to drugs used during chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. Multidrug resistance occurs when cancer cells have become resistant to many drugs at the same time.

DOES THE TYPE OF TREATMENT MATTER?

Cancer can come back regardless of which type of therapy or therapies doctors initially employ to get rid of it. — Surgery: Cancer can return after surgery if any cancer cells were left behind during the operation. Small cancer cells sometimes break away from the primary cancer prior to surgery, and these are too difficult for surgeons to see and remove during surgery. Surgeons who suspect they left some cancer cells behind may recommend additional treatment to attempt to kill any cancer cells still in the body.

— Chemotherapy: Cancer occurs when cells do not die and begin to grow uncontrollably. Chemotherapy aims to kill cells that are attempting to double and form new cells. However, all cells do not divide at the same time. This is why chemotherapy involves a series of treatment sessions, as physicians hope stretching treatment out over time will enable them to catch as many dividing cells as possible. Some cancer cells left behind after chemotherapy may fall victim to the body’s immune system, while others will simply die off. But some may survive and ultimately divide, prompting cancer to return. — Radiation: Radiation therapy aims to prevent cells from growing and dividing by making small breaks in the DNA inside the cells. Radiation therapy is common and effective, but it can leave cancer cells behind. When it does, those leftover cancer cells can lead to a recurrence of cancer. No one wants to receive a single cancer diagnosis, much less learn that their cancer has returned after treatment. But cancer can return, and when it does, it’s important that patients fight just as hard as they did during their initial treatment sessions.

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Medical Directory

Experts: Fight the flu with these strategies Influenza can rear its head any time of the year, but is known to be a particularly bad thorn in one’s side during times of year when the weather is cold. According to WebMD, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu in an average year and it can take three to seven days for a regular case of the illness to go away, with some effects lingering for up to two weeks. No one wants to get the flu, which is marked by fever, aches and pains, congestion, fatigue, and other symptoms. As a result, people do all they can to help prevent the flu — or at the very least shorten its duration. The best way to stave off the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the vaccine is carefully curated to treat against the flu strains that research suggests will be the most common each flu

season. Getting vaccinated by the end of October is recommended. Steer clear of sick individuals and make a concerted effort to avoid germs and the spread of germs. Diligently washing hands and avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth can help you avoid and spread germs. In addition, repeatedly clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. You might want to consider prophylactic treatment with an antiviral medication. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of oseltamivir phosphate, which is known by the brand name Tamiflu, as a flu preventative. However, many people only reach for the drug when symptoms already have set in. Instead, it can be especially helpful in preventing the flu when someone in the household has already contracted the illness.

The best way to stave off the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the vaccine is carefully curated to treat against the flu strains that research suggests will be the most common each flu season. Getting vaccinated by the end of October is recommended. The results of several clinical studies show that Tamiflu, when taken once daily, is up to 92 percent effective in preventing influenza illness in adolescents, adults and the elderly. Drink plenty of liquids during flu season to keep the body well hydrated so the immune system can be in top form. Fruit juices, water, broth-based soups, and sports drinks can help keep the respiratory system from forming thick mucus that can become laden with bacteria. Should a fever set in, fluids

help prevent dehydration. It also can be wise to take zinc supplements during cold and flu season. Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of the respiratory care department at Mount Sinai Medical Center and the author of “The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu,” says zinc may boost immunity, which can shorten the duration or severity of the flu. The flu can quickly escalate and cause serious symptoms. Prevention and early treatment are essential during cold and flu season.

Medical Directory

Wednesday, October 31, 2018 11

Panhandle Home Health: The miracle of chicken soup Then and Now Back in the 1970s, a local physician needed help caring for his sick wife while he was at work. Exhausting every possible option, he soon realized no such resource existed in the community. A local women’s club learned of his plight and went to work, securing a feasibility study grant to measure the possibility of creating and sustaining an agency that provided home health care after surgery, illness or injury. Based on the results, a board of directors was appointed and Tri-County Home Health was created to serve Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties. The organization was managed by the Berkeley County Health Department, but later became an independent entity and renamed Panhandle Home Health. And 42 years later, we’re still adapting to the needs of the community and having a positive impact on health care. When we began, the only services offered were skilled nursing and home health aide, providing specialized care to patients while teaching families general care techniques. As time when on, we discovered families were facing the challenge of getting their loved one’s other types of necessary care. Today, Panhandle Home Health offers a full gamut of services, focusing on the overall health and wellness of the patient. We added physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which have increased in frequency of use over the past 10 years. Some patients are being discharged the same day they have a joint replacement. While it feels too soon, it’s also a relief for many patients to recover in their own home. This is where Panhandle Home Health becomes a key component in the recovery plan. Home health liaisons will help ease the transition from hospital, with therapists and nurses generally making their initial visit to the home within one day of discharge. Other services now offered include: decongestive therapy for chronic swelling (lymphedema) by our certified nurses, and dietary con-

BY LISA BIVENS, RN Guest Column

sulting to promote health and healing through proper nutrition. A more recently added service is our Bridge Program, in partnership with Hospice of the Panhandle, which helps patients who are in between eligibility for home health care or hospice services. Our agencies work together to ensure patients are receiving the appropriate level of care. The goal is to reduce unnecessary ER visits, which can expose already vulnerable patients to other illness. When or if the time comes, our staff can help ensure a smooth transition from home health to hospice care. This team effort and continuity of care is a huge benefit to the patient and their family. In addition to expanding our services, Panhandle Home Health has grown from a numbers perspective. In 1976, the projected revenue was $49,800; the current projected revenue is nearly $4.8 million. Our 49 employees plus 23 independent contractors conducted 35,786 visits in 2017, managing between 175 and 195 average daily patients on service at any one time. I’m proud to say nearly half our staff members have been with Panhandle Home Health for 10 years or longer. We actually have two who have been here since our start in 1976! The experience and longevity of our staff, coupled with compassionate care are why we hope you’ll choose Panhandle Home Health for your home health needs. Panhandle Home Health, Inc. is a nonprofit Medicare-certified home health care agency and is a partner agency of the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle. The office is located at 208 Old Mill Road in Martinsburg. Call 304-263-5680 or visit panhandlehomehealth.org to learn more.

Cold season never seems to take a year off. Experts estimate that colds are so widespread that very few humans escape infection. Some people come down with colds more than once per year. That should not come as too great a surprise, as there are now thought to be more than 200 different strains of cold. For the past 50 years, researchers studied two classes of viruses responsible for a total of roughly 100 different incarnations of the common cold. Two years ago, after development of molecular techniques to look at the viral genome, researchers found a third class of rhinoviruses, according to James Gern, MD, an asthma specialist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. This discovery doubled the number of potential cold viruses. While there’s no cure for the common cold, cold remedies have been around for centuries. Chicken soup remains one of the more pop-

ular cold remedies. Grandmothers have long espoused the virtues of chicken soup with regard to treating colds, but now research is backing up those claims. Researchers have long examined the potential health benefits of chicken soup in an attempt to understand why it seems to be such an effective tonic at treating colds. A 1998 report found that broth may help improve the function of the tiny hairs in noses called cilia. The cilia help prevent contagions from See SOUP, Page 13

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12 Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Medical Directory

Symptoms and risk factors for COPD A group of progressive lung diseases that make it hard to breathe, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, was the fourth most common cause of death in the United States in 2016. Only cancer, heart disease and unintentional injuries claimed more American lives in 2016 than COPD, which includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. But Americans aren’t the only people affected by COPD, as the World Health Organization notes the disease affects more than 65 million people across the globe. Experts predict that number will rise over the next half century. So how does COPD affect so many people and claim so many lives? Understanding its risk factors and symptoms is a good place to start answering that question and more about this deadly yet preventable disease.

RISK FACTORS

Prolonged exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways can cause COPD. Limiting exposure to these risk factors can reduce the chances that you develop COPD. — Smoking: The American Lung Association notes that roughly 85 to 90 percent of all COPD cases are caused by cigarette smoking. When cigarette smoke, which contains thousands of harmful chemicals, is inhaled, the toxins within the smoke weaken the lungs’ defenses against in-

Only cancer, heart disease and unintentional injuries claimed more American lives in 2016 than COPD, which includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. fections, narrow the air passages and cause swelling in air tubes. Each of these things contributes to COPD. — Workplace pollutants/poor air quality: Long-term exposure to and contact with harmful workplace pollutants is another risk factor for COPD,

as is working in an environment with poor air quality. Exposure to certain chemicals and fumes can increase workers’ risk of developing COPD. The resource COPD.net indicates that 20 percent of COPD cases in the United States are caused by poor air quality in the workplace. Dust and fumes can adversely affect workplace air quality and may elevate workers’ risk for COPD. — Genetics: Though such instances are rare, the American Lung Association notes that a small number of people have a rare form of COPD caused by a genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce Alpha-1, a protein that protects the lungs. This is called Alpha-1 deficiency-related emphysema, and the Mayo Clinic notes that it’s responsible for about 1 percent of COPD cases.

SYMPTOMS

Shortness of breath and tiring easily are two early symptoms of COPD. Because these symptoms do not have too great an impact on daily life, they’re often ignored. People tend to take more notice as COPD progresses to a cough that can produce mucus, phlegm or even spots of blood. Fatigue and tightness in the chest also may indicate COPD. Many people with COPD also experience wheezing and gasping for air when climbing a flight of stairs. As COPD progresses, people may develop swelling in their legs and feet. COPD also may cause low oxygen levels in the bloodstream that can cause discoloration in the lips and fingernails. Current or former smokers need to be especially mindful of COPD symptoms, reporting even seemingly minor problems to their physicians immediately. More information about COPD is available at www.lung.org.

Medical Directory

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10 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease Change plays a big role in the aging process. As adults age, both their minds and bodies undergo changes. The changes associated with aging are not uniform. Some people may experience small changes as they inch toward and ultimately pass retirement age, while others may undergo changes that affect nearly every aspect of their lives. Cognitive decline is the type of agerelated change that can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life, affecting his or her ability to live independently. A general term used to describe symptoms associated with a decline in memory or thinking skills such as judgment and reasoning, dementia is often mistaken as a normal part of aging. However, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America notes that dementia-related illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease, are not a normal part of aging. Because many people associate memory loss with aging, they may be compelled to accept some of the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s as mere byproducts of growing older. However, the Alzheimer’s Association urges men and women to report any of these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s to their physicians the

Soup

moment they’re noticed. Family members who notice these signs in their relatives also should report them to their loved ones’ physicians. 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Examples of this symptom include forgetting recently learned information; forgetting important dates and events; and asking for the same information over and over. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Someone exhibiting this symptom may have trouble following a recipe or paying monthly bills. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home at work or at leisure: Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease at www.alz.org. 7. Misplacing things and losing the activities: People with this symptom Forgetting the rules of a favorite game or experiencing trouble driving to a fa- ability to retrace steps: People with may begin to withdraw from favorite miliar location are some examples of Alzheimer’s sometimes put things in activities or avoid being social because unusual places and then cannot retrace of the changes they’re experiencing. this symptom. 10. Changes in mood and personal4. Confusion with time or place: their steps to find those things. 8. Decreased or poor judgment: ity: Mood changes affect people with People with Alzheimer’s lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Poor judgment and decision-making Alzheimer’s, who may become con5. Trouble understanding visual im- often affects people with Alzheimer’s. fused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or 9. Withdrawal from work or social anxious. ages and spatial relationships: Some people with Alzheimer’s have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing: Difficulty joining or continuing a conversation and calling things by the wrong name are some examples of this symptom.

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getting into the body. Hot fluids also can help increase the movement of nasal mucus, helping to relieve stuffiness and congestion. Chicken soup also can help reduce inflammation, which often results as the immune system works to fight the cold virus. A study in the journal Chest found that chicken soup appears to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis, which is the movement of certain immune cells to mucus membrane surfaces. As a result, mucus production is inhibited and cold symptoms are reduced. Chicken soup is loaded with immune-boosting vegetables and other ingredients that provide phytonutrients. The American Cancer Society defines phytonutrients, or phyto-

chemicals, as plant compounds like carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol, and phytosterols that are thought to have health-protecting qualities. Chicken soup may also contain onions and garlic, which are believed to have natural antibacterial or antiseptic properties. An easily digestible comfort food, chicken soup also helps a person feel better because it effectively delivers vitamins and minerals. While some profess that homemade chicken soup is the key to fighting a cold, many commerciallymade soups fit the bill as well. The salt, steam, vegetables, chicken protein, and soothing broth combine to form a worthy adversary to the common cold.

Medical Directory

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The relationship between health and volunteering Volunteering is often its own reward. Helping others can be just as beneficial to the people doing the helping as it is for the people being helped. Though it can sometimes be hard to find time to volunteer, a close look at some of the various health benefits of volunteering may compel adults and children alike to find the time they need to volunteer.

VOLUNTEERING AND HAPPINESS

Veteran volunteers may have long suspected they’re happier when they volunteer, and research suggests that’s true. A study from researchers at the London School of Economics that was published in the journal Social Science and Medicine found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. The researchers compared people who never volunteered to people who did, finding that the odds of being “very happy” rose by 7 percent

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among people who volunteered monthly. Those odds increased by 12 percent among people who volunteered every two to four weeks.

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A study from researchers at the London School of Economics that was published in the journal Social Science and Medicine found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

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Psychologists have long known that social interaction can improve mental health. Psychology Today notes that interacting with others decreases feelings of depression while increasing feelings of well-being. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, exposing volunteers to people with shared interests. That can be especially valuable to people who are new to a community, helping them to avoid feelings of loneliness after moving to an area where they have no preexisting social network.

VOLUNTEERING AND LONG-TERM HEALTH Volunteering that requires social interaction can produce long-term

health benefits that can have a profound impact on quality of life as men and women age. A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease focused on participants without dementia who were involved in a highly interactive discussion group. Researchers compared those participants to others who participated in Tai Chi or walking or were part of a control group that did not receive any interventions. The former group exhibited improved cognitive function, and MRIs indicated they increased their brain volumes after being involved in the discussion group. Larger brain volume has been linked to a lower risk of dementia. Many volunteering opportunities require routine interaction with others, potentially providing significant, long-term health benefits as a result. While volunteering is a selfless act, volunteers may be benefitting in ways that can improve their lives in both the short- and long-term.

Medical Directory

Wednesday, October 31, 2018 15

How puzzles promote health and wellness Puzzles are fun and entertaining, but their benefits go beyond simple recreation. In fact, playing and solving puzzles on a regular basis can benefit adults and children in various ways. Puzzles often stimulate problemsolving centers in the brain and can improve brain health. Researchers have found that, by completing crossword puzzles, playing challenging games or doing other puzzle-related activities, individuals may be less likely to develop brain plaques that have been tied to Alzheimer’s disease. Data published in the Archives of Neurology found a distinct connection between people who exercised their minds with stimulating activities in their early and middle years and brain health. This group had less Beta-amyloid protein uptake in their brains, which is linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s, than those who didn’t engage in puzzles during the same time frame.

Beyond their health benefits, puzzles offer some additional perks. — Puzzles boost vocabulary. Puzzles such as crosswords or codewords/cryptograms introduce people to new words. This helps people expand their vocabulary and can help them improve their spelling. — Puzzles teach patience. Puzzles can be challenging, and such challenges can promote patience in regard to approaching and realizing goals. — Puzzles can reinforce lessons. Teaching through puzzle play is an effective way to tap into memory retention while making lessons fun. — Puzzles may improve intelligence. Engaging in puzzles can force players to think and reason using general knowledge, memory, spatial imagery, and logic. These skills help to sharpen intellect over time. Researchers at the University of Michigan even found that adults could boost their IQs by four points after spending 25 minutes a day doing

Puzzles are a fun recreational activity that also can boost brain health. puzzles. — Puzzles reinforce concentration. Concentration is required to find words hidden in a word search puzzle or to solve a brainteaser. According to data on SelfGrowth.com, puzzles naturally induce a state of creative, focused meditation. — Puzzles improve visual-spatial

reasoning. When solving a jigsaw puzzle or working one’s way through a maze, players have to look at different shapes and figure out where they fit within the larger picture. Better visual-spacial skills can help with packing, driving and using a map and can be valuable career tools in fields such as architecture.

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