Health today by Fémina Magazine

healthtoday

June 16, 2013

Laredo, Texas

FEBRERO 2013

VIDA SALUD

NUEVO LAREDO

HOLISTIC HEALTH WITH THE SILVA METHOD AWAKEN YOUR MIND’S NATURAL ABILITY LITTLE HEROES TO THE DENTIST AND BEYOND!

C Y

HEALTHY HEARING THE LITTLE THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED

HOW FIT ARE YOU?

editorial

wanted this health issue to speak volumes. This magazine has very unique dynamics that aid and inform the reader in different ways possible. With this in mind, I wanted this issue to break from the one-dimensional view and get different perspectives in terms of writing and presentation. There are still so many unsaid and untold health problems that our community faces as well as new opportunities, new clinics and new doctors to meet. We took a little bit longer than expected to bring out this new issue, but nonetheless we made sure that each article was crafted to meet your health needs. In this issue we cover different topics with issues relating to maternal health, running and how to properly use an automated external defibrillator. We also have exclusive interviews with an audiologist and Mr. Rodriguez, the CEO of Laredo Specialty Hospital, both with the same vision in mind, to keep Laredoans healthy. We hope you have a safe and healthy summer and remember to always hydrate!

DIRECTORY

Ninfa Cantú Deándar

Ana Solis

Publisher

Photographer

Mariana Cazares

Hector Chapa Rudy Cantu Gloria De Spain Melissa Urteaga

Office Manager

Yanira Resendez Editor

Valentín Pérez

Advertising

Art and Editorial Design

Francisco Carreón Karla de la Garza Commercial Designer

Christine Rojas Writer

EL MAÑANA, INC Laredo, Texas (956) 712-1122 6010 McPherson . Building C art@elmanana.com.mx

health

TO DAY

Laredo Specialty Hospital Offers Long Term Care for Laredoans By Christine Rojas

fter making a full circle around Texas and working as a CEO at Specialty Hospitals around the state, Rodriguez now serves Laredoans while providing the best care possible to patients. Specialty care is given to patients whose extended stay at a hospital often requires special care from physicians that often requires a longer length of stay, typically averaging 25 days. Treatment is often available for Wound Care patients whose slow healing process may be the result of an underlying condition stemming from diabetes, poor circulation, trauma or surgery. The multidisciplinary team at Laredo’s Specialty Hospital provides these rehabilitative resources for patients to offer the best recovery possible with a full staff of respiratory, speech and occupational therapists. The wound care program also includes medical direction by specialty physicians, a trained clinical team providing treatment, monitoring the progression of the wound, equipment for wound care, and healing environments with family visits. Wound care at the specialty hospital is also addressed after treatment is completed and includes addressing issues such as mobility, daily activities, depression, body image and anxiety, along with other rehabilitative processes. Another option for treatment

is the Ventilator Weaning Program which carefully assists patients from using their ventilator and return to a normal breathing routine. The process can be lengthy with therapist weaning procedures, equipment to support decrease in ventilation and observation that often reduces the risk of stress ulcers and infection. Within the nation, the average of successful ventilator weaning within patients is 69 percent. In Laredo, the average is 82 percent. This is due to the multidisciplinary team working together to improve the treatment regiments necessary for each patient. One of their most successful patients who was once believed to never have the ability to live without a ventilator was able to leave the hospital ventilator-free. “We were able to, with time, wean the patient off. With time, the patient actually walked out the door,” he explained. Yet Rodriguez notes that positive outcomes are constantly seen at Laredo Specialty Hospital due to their personalized treatment program. “Every patient has a personalized care plan that’s guided by their attending physician and coordinated by consulting specialists.” Rodriguez passion for helping others coincides with his background as a respiratory therapist who has always wanted to work in the medical field. “It’s a very rewarding career because we have a huge impact on a patient’s life every day. We have tremendous positive clinical outcomes that to us is very satisfying.”

JUNE 16 2013

PRO FI LES

r. Mario Rodriguez calls Laredo his hometown. After growing up nearby the old Mercy Hospital and graduating from Nixon High School, he moved to San Antonio and attended Southwest Texas State. After living there for 30 years, they moved back to Laredo. Rodriguez has been living in Laredo for the past five years and has been working as the Chief Executive Officer at Laredo Specialty Hospital. His specialty is in Hospital Administration particularly in long-term acute care.

C Y

Laredo Specialty Hospital is a 60bed private room facility with access for visitation by family members during visiting hours. Also included is a six bed intensive care unit, a therapy gym, monitored rooms at the central nursing station and medical professionals with various specialties. Treatment and care at the specialty hospital is made through doctor referrals with the admissions department.

For more information, call

956.753.5353 or visit their website at LSH.ernesthealth.com

PAGE

health

TO DAY

JUNE 16 2013

TO PI CS

Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry INVITES YOU TO EMPOWER THE HERO IN YOUR CHILD Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry is now open in Laredo. They specialize in the oral health care of children from 6 months to early adulthood. The Little Heroes team has developed an animated storyline throughout their office, where your child will learn how to defend themselves from the Sugarbugs. Every detail of Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry has been strategically designed to be kid-friendly, comfortable and efficient. Their amazing practice is located at 5220 McPherson Road, Suite 101 and is open Monday

Christian Cabello

- Friday, from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. A variety of dental services are offered, including routine dental care, digital x-rays, in office sedation, out-patient hospital services and much more. Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry’s founding cape crusader, Dr. Sergio Guzman, is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist who was raised in McAllen, Texas. Dr. Guzman learned early that success starts with a smile, and has been defending the little grins of South Texas heroes ever since. Dr. Guzman earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed specialized training in pediatric dentistry at Columbia University in the heart of New York City. Dr. Guzman is fluent in both English and Spanish and defends healthy smiles at all three of his dental practices in the South Texas region. He is an avid super hero collector and enjoys spending time with his wife and son. Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry is also proud to boast the brawn, the brain, and the brilliantly beautiful Dr. Christian Cabello. Her super skills stem from her excellence as a Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Christian has battled the evils of bad dental hygiene all over the globe and has taught kids the importance of protecting a healthy smile by leaps and bounds in the U.S, Mexico, Guatemala, and even Africa! Now she’s set her sights on where it all started, Laredo. Dr. Christian was born and raised in the gateway city. She graduated from JB Alexander

Dr. Sergio Guzman High School’s Magnet for Health and Science program in 2000 (Go Bulldogs!) Dr. Christian is fluent in both English and Spanish and is animated about making a positive impact in her patients’ lives. For more information call (956) 568-6690 or visit www.littleheroesdentistry.com and join the fight against cavities today!

PAGE

health

TO DAY

JUNE 16 2013

IN THE NEWS EVERY YEAR OVER

AEDs are used in conjunction with CPR, they can increase survival rates between 50 and 80 percent. Most AEDs are fully automatic and conduct a pre-test to monitor the victim’s heart rhythm to ensure the victim is a candidate for the AED. This is done by a quick scan to guarantee the victim’s heart rhythm meets the criteria for electrical shock. In addition, the AED provides a series of step-bystep verbal commands allowing zero room for error during these critical and stressful times when time is of essence. Heading the efforts for the Laredo Heart Save Program, Nora Martinez, City of Laredo Health Department and Chief of Health Promotion and Nutrition, explains that “Children as well as adults may fall victim to SCA. Educating our community and especially our youth in CPR and AED use is vital to survival of sudden Cardiac Arrest. Chances of survival for anyone in our community are greater if citizens act when they see someone collapse. Action only results when bystanders know CPR and AEDs are visibly available for use by people who know how to use them.” The hearts on the map below highlight all current locations where the Laredo Heart Save Program has installed an AED. For more information or to list an AED on this map please contact 956.795.4942.

400, 0 00 PEOPLE DIE

FROM SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST (SCA) IN THE UNITED STATES

SAVING

A LIFE Hector Gonzalez, MD, MPH Director of the City of Laredo Health Department

E 6

PAGE

very year over 400,000 people die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in the United States. In 2011, there were 286 sudden cardiac arrests in Laredo. The Laredo Heart Save Program is a Public Access Defibrillation Program aimed at identifying the location of Automated External Defibrillator’s (AED) within Laredo/Webb County and recording those locations into a central registry. In Laredo, many organizations have decided to make the Automated External Defibrillators available in

their buildings. Both the City of Laredo and Webb County have installed AED’s in every building. These entities have ensured that trained personnel are always available should the need for the use of this device arise. In addition, many local businesses, meeting facilities, and schools have AED’s ready. Recently, the Laredo Fire Department installed AED’s in fourteen of their fire engines. “We are very excited and relieved to have these AED’s in all of our fire engines,” said Capt. Eloy Vega of the Laredo Fire Department. “For the most part, fire engines arrive on the scene of an emergency before ambulances. Having an AED on every fire engine greatly increases the victim’s chance of survival. AED’s are very simple and can be used by everyone. Early intervention saves lives. If we can increase

the number of people trained and the level of awareness of how important it is to act when the time comes, then your average Laredoan will have the skill to save a life.” However, during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, those AED’s are useless unless the general public is trained and informed about their location. Through the Public Access Defibrillation Program (PAD), locations of all AED’s will be entered into a registry that will be available for the public. Thus, residents of the city of Laredo will have a resource that will provide information about the locations of AEDs throughout the city. An AED is about the size of a laptop computer and is a computerized device that analyzes the heart rhythm and prompts a rescuer to deliver an electrical shock if needed. When

C Y

health

Photographs by Ana Solis

TO DAY

Momentum

JUNE 16 2013

THE BEST WAY TO KEEP MOVING

FEA TU RES

By Jose Conde

ts 6 o’clock. You’re in the blistering heat and the thermometer reads 105 degrees. It’s just you and the road ahead. There is nothing that can come between you and your goal. You lace up your shoes, blast the music and you’re ready to conquer the road. Fifteen minutes have passed. Your breath is short and quick, your heart is racing and you have sweat streaming down your face. The heat is no longer present, the music has become background noise and all you can think of is the road ahead. Frustration fills your body. You push it but can no longer go. All the enthusiasm and energy has left your body. Your body is filled with pain and the agony of defeat; you just can’t

PAGE

stand it anymore. Your feet ache, your ankles hurt, your shins are in pain, your knee wants give out, your hip feels tight, and your back is so tense you can barely move. No you’re not exhausted, you’re hurting; something is wrong. Once a run becomes uncomfortable for a runner something has to give and most often than not, it all starts with the shoes. For a runner his shoes are his tools of choice; it is what allows him to do what he does best. Finding the right shoe is vital for a runner. It is what allows him to comfortably go about his run. Momentum Running Co. was founded by Jorge Nazarin and his wife out of need. “I was tired of having to drive 6-8 hours to get fitted for a pair of running shoes. I was having to drive to either Houston, San Antonio, or

Austin. Why didn’t we have one here in Laredo,” said Nazarin. This running store initiated with one sole principle of providing first class customer service to all of its patrons making sure that every customer leaves with comfortable shoes on their feet. The goal for the staff at Momentum is to provide guidance on shoes. The first thing they will do is fit you for shoes as they take imprints of your feet and from that determine the best shoe for you. As Nazarin states, “It’s not about choosing what shoe looks the best, but which one is the most comfortable.” The fitment process is unique, “We will try and emulate as much as we can of a running environment. We’ll have you jog, that way we can look at how you run, your pronation, your strike, and your cadence that way we can provide you with information vital for your health,” said Nazarin. With all this information Jorge is quick to point out, “We’re not coaches, we are avid runners with a passion for the sport.” The store is even equipped with a treadmill to let you try out the shoes and see what you really think about them. Every runner will tell you, stepping in a shoe is not the same as running in one. Momentum has a complete line of accessories ranging from headbands,

running shorts, and sport bras to LED lights and GPS Tracking devices; basically everything to make a runners life easier. “Even though we are a running specialty store we don’t only cater to runners. Our mission is to help out as many people as we can: runners, walkers, and nurses, anyone that values comfort on their feet. That’s who we are here for. Yes we sell shoes, but more than anything what we provide is comfort,” said Nazarin. Remember if you ever find yourself running, Momentum (mohmen-tuh m) is the force or speed of movement; impetus as of a physical object or course of events. Momentum is the force that keeps you moving and that is what Jorge Nazarin and his friendly staff at Momentum Running Co. intend to do. Because for a runner it is very important to have the adequate shoe, it truly makes a difference whether you’ve been running for five months or five years, or whether you’re training for something… the shoe matters.

C Y

health

M C

C M

LIFE LIFE ESCLERODERMIA SOUNDS SOUNDS ¿Qué es? GREAT GREAT VIDA SALUD

TO DAY

JUNE16 2013

PRO FI LES

EL ENGROSAMIENTO Y EL ENDURECIMIENTO DE LA PIEL, ASÍ COMO LA INFLAMACIÓN Y LA CICATRIZACIÓN DE MUCHAS PARTES DEL CUERPO SON ALGUNAS DE LAS IMPLICACIONES DE ESTA ENFERMEDAD. AÚN NO EXISTE UNA CURA C

Por Verónica Ibarra

U Y

na enfermedad rara y poco entendida que no es contagiosa, ni hereditaria, tampoco cancerosa, pero que te endurece la piel especialmente en las manos y la cara. También puede dañar los pulmones, el corazón, riñones, vías respiratorias, músculos y las articulaciones. Elsa Ramírez de Carrillo, una artista plástica de Nuevo Laredo, padece este mal y quiso dar testimonio para que otras personas identifiquen esta dolencia. “Los que padecemos esclerodermia producimos demasiado colágeno, una proteína que produce nuestro cuerpo. Esta es una enfermedad aún muy rara y son pocas las investigaciones. El exceso de producir colágeno hace que se endurezca la piel, pero también daña los vasos sanguíneos”, señaló Elsa, quien en su charla se ajustaba a un tanque de oxigeno portátil. La esclerodermia PAGE afecta alrededor de 14 de cada 1 millón de personas alrededor del mundo, y es más común en mujeres de 35 a 54 años. La complicación más grande de

By Yanira Resendez By Yanira Resendez

r. Celina T. Oliveirar. Celina T. OliveiraMontoya received Montoya received her Doctorate in Auher Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) fromfrom diology (Au.D.) AMES Lamar University in in Lamar University La Asociación MexiBeaumont, TexasTexas after after obtaining two two Beaumont, obtaining cana de Orientación, Apoyo y Lucha contra bachelors in communication science bachelors in communication science la Esclerodermia, and disorders, and Mexican Ame-Ame-Speech, Hearing and and Language As- Asand disorders, and Mexican Speech, Hearing Language es una organización Elsa, es la hipertensión arterial pul- ricanrican studies fromfrom the University of ofsociation (ASHA), and and is a Fellow of of studies the University sociation (ASHA), is a Fellow creada para ofrecer monar que le ha causado el endure- TexasTexas at Austin. Following the comAcademy of Audiology at Austin. Following the com-the American the American Academy of Audiology apoyo integral a cimiento de los vasos sanguíneos del pletion of herofbachelors degrees, Dr. Dr.and the Academy of Audiology. pletion her bachelors degrees, andTexas the Texas Academy of Audiology. todas las personas que padecen esta encorazón al pulmón, por lo que pade- Oliveira underwent four years of graand raised in Laredo, Texas Oliveira underwent four years of gra- BornBorn and raised in Laredo, Texas fermedad, así como ce fibrosis pulmonar, produciéndole duateduate supervised clinical experience whowho was was a hearing instruto a father a hearing instrusupervised clinical experienceto a father a sus familiares, esto una tos constante. with with audiological diagnosis, counspecialist, a pharmacist and and a a audiological diagnosis, coun-mentment specialist, a pharmacist sin fin de lucro. Te “Esta enfermedad no tiene cura seling,seling, treatment, and rehabilitation nurse, Dr. Celina T. Oliveitreatment, and rehabilitationregistered registered nurse, Dr. Celina T. Oliveidejamos un número y está diagnosticada como muy rara”. service in clinical facilities and private was was always surrounded ra-Montoya always surrounded service in clinical facilities and privatera-Montoya de cuenta y correos electrónicos para A mí me la detectaron en octubre del practices in Houston, Texas. She was field.field. Following in her bymedical the medical Following in her practices in Houston, Texas. She wasby the que los apoyes en 2011, pero ya antes, tenía cuatro años a clinical audiologist for two at atfather’ s footsteps to become partpart of of a clinical audiologist foryears two years father’ s footsteps to become recaudar fondos para Houston Ear, and Nose and Throat the realm of medicine, Dr. Oliveira con una tos muy constante, manchas Houston Ear, Nose Throat Clinic Cli-the realm of medicine, Dr. Oliveira el tratamiento de esta nicmoving beforeto moving Laredo, Texas.decided decided to study pre-med orthopedic en la nariz, mis manos se ponían mo- before Laredo,toTexas. Her to study pre-med orthopedic enfermedad. Her professional association includes surgery and sports medicine. Howeradas con el frío o con el estrés. Los professional association includes a surgery and sports medicine. Howe4 Cuenta HSBC ver, after few classes, it was evident a certification the Americanver, after médicos de Nuevo Laredo nunca me certification fromfrom the American a fewa classes, it was evident #4031898703 tothat her that this was not path the path señalaron que eran los síntoto her this was not the she she 4 Suc 3021, Tlaxcala meant to take. Re-evaluatingtortillas, tortillas, ” explained Dr. Oliveira. mas de una enfermedad was was meant to take. Re-evaluating ” explained Dr. Oliveira. ButBut Insurgentes she wanted do Oliveira Dr. Oliveirathis this caused the inspiring decision grave. Después de la whatwhat she wanted to dotoDr. caused the inspiring decision to to Tels: (55) 55-6421-961 always a particular interest come to her hometown to help tos persistente me always had had a particular interest in income backback to her hometown to help Correo: escleroderother Hispanics in community. the community. hearing health the combi-other daban neumonías. hearing health care,care, and and the combiHispanics in the miamexico@hotmail. nation of science improving Fue ahí que decidí nation of science and and improving the the com l LISTENING TO HER PATIENTS communication needs of people. trasladarme con communication needs of people. She Shel LISTENING TO HER PATIENTS began taking introductory Dr. Oliveira provides un especialista en d o r e q u e r í para began tener taking una introductory mejor calidadclasses declasses vida” in, inversidades Dr. Oliveira psicológicas provides services queservices derivan to ato a audiology anddesde was intrigued by a classde huge array ofenfermedad patients from all walks Monterrey”, refirió oxigeno l a s señaló audiology Elsa, andque was intrigued haceby 16a años class huge vivir array con ofuna patients from allque walks es ofand lifepoco and seen the most unusual on deaf culture that changed her. viewcrónica, Elsa. 24 horas. Por es onartista deaf culture plástica that dechanged Cabellete herRojo” view of life has has seen común theymost actualmente unusual on everything. a cockroach inside Después de vadesgracia, como on everything. Vivir con esclerodermia es un incurable. casescases like alike Debido cockroach a que stuck lastuck escleroderinside the the After receiving double bachelorsmia ear. Patients who get treated for hearios exámenes y estuson dolencias muy gran After desaf receiving ío. A menudo, double las bachelors activiear. Patients puede producir who get cambios treated for imporheaElsa Ramírez de incotidianas communication science and disor-tantes children listening dios que fueron enviararas, también son dades in communication pueden science ser and difdisoríciles ringring lossenloss range el range aspecto fromfrom children f ísico, generallistening Carrillo, artista plástica and Mexican American studies,mente an iPod to construction dos a Estados Unidos, muy costosas. Los debido ders ders andaMexican las limitaciones American y alstudies, dolor to antoiPod la autoestima too too loudloud to delconstruction paciente y la Dr.Los Oliveira faced culturalimagen workers exposed to extremities recibió el diagnóstico medicamentos no fDr. ísico. Oliveira pacientes was was faced también withwith cultural deben workers deexposed sí mismo toseextremities ven afectadas. of of shock grad school. para El loud noise byy machinery. de la esclerodermia, un mal incurable. los producen los laboratorios. Sólo un mantener shock during laduring piel grad bien school. humectada loud apoyo noise de caused lacaused familia by machinery. los amigos As soon as a patient walks “I was asked lot my back-es vital “Mi intención es informar a otros, medicamento cuesta 100 mil pesos al disminuir “I was asked la rigidez. a lotaabout Losabout pacientes my backAs soon para asayudar a patient a mantener walks intointo una the the ground: if I spoke English, if I made office, Dr. Oliveira and her staff porque a mí me la detectaron cuan- mes, pero no es la cura únicamente es también ground: ifdeben I spoke luchar English, contra if Ilas made ad- buena office, calidad Dr. Oliveira de vida. and her staff firstfirst

Photographs by: Ana Solis

want to learn if there is anything in the ear canal that is blocking sound from going in. They perform a series of tests at different frequencies and levels to find out how soft a patient can hear a beep or tone and different pitches. If the problem can be medically treated by a physician like an ear infection or a fluid in the ear, a physician may be able to treat it and possibly resolve the issue. “If none of these exist, and there are no other medical contraindications, then we can proceed with a hearing aid evaluation. Not everyone is a favorable candidate. The patient must understand the limitation of the hearing aids. Hearing aids cannot repair hearing, they are “aids”. They can only assist the patient in various situations, especially

if they are worn consistently. Having realistic expectations is also important before considering amplification,” said Dr. Oliveira. Permanent hearing loss cannot be reversed or get any better, but it can get worsen with time. Properly cleaning the ears and protecting them is extremely important. A cleaning item very dangerous for our ears are cotton swabs. The ears do not need to be cleaned inside the ear canal, only on the exterior. If cotton swabs are used inside the canal, the wax can eventually be pushed inside the ear canal which can create a plug affecting your hearing. There was a recent commercial that advertises an ear cleaning instrument where a stream of water can cleanse the ear. Dr. Oliveira advises us that this can possibly damage the eardrum depending on the temperature of the water and the force of the stream. “If you put something that is very hot or cold, you can cause a lot of dizziness. The ear is very sensitive to temperature change.” l THAT’S AN EARFUL:

PROTECTING OUR EARS There are several preventive measures one can take to protect their ears. She suggests for everyone to wear ear protection in areas where one feels it’s too loud such as mowing the lawn,

going to concerts or hunting. “People don’t realize that firearms are so loud that even one gunshot can cause damage to the ears,” she said. “When patients come in and say they are avid hunters or firearm users, it is reflective in their hearing loss. Those who are exposed to acoustic trauma have a higher change of having hearing loss in the higher frequencies. This can affect speech understanding, especially in noisy environments.” This is why it is important that hunters take the extra step to wear ear protection and also teach their children and grandchildren to do the same. “Parents should also take ear infections very seriously. The more ear

If you put something that is very hot or cold, you can cause a lot of dizziness. The ear is very sensitive to temperature change.” Dr. Celina T. Oliveira-Montoya

infections a child has, the more it is likely to cause cause permanent damage. This is especially true if the ear infections are chronic and left untreated. Not seeking medical care from a physician for chronic ear infections, as well as any other hearing related problem, can cause speech delay, academic problems, attention problems, self-esteem and even social isolation. Not being able to hear can impact speech and language development as well as comprehension.” Being an audiologist takes a lot of patience and empathy. “You have to be a people person. You want to provide amazing customer service, but you also need to have good counseling skills. I can empathize with what my patients are going through because my father and mother have hearing loss.” Dr. Oliveira has to think on her toes sometimes, especially when dealing with children. “I had a little boy recently, who is eight and has some hearing loss. When we put the hearing aids on he said, “I just feel alive!.” That wasn’t something I thought I would hear from an 8-year-old, but it was so sweet,” she said. These moments, which happen very often, are the times she is reminded as to why she chose this profession. Dr. Oliveira has a unique position in the hearing industry as the only fulltime audiologist in Laredo. As hearing loss remains the third most common chronic disorder in healthcare, Dr. Oliveira and her staff will continue to offer ethical and superior hearing health care for their patients. “I think that because May is National Hearing Awareness Month, it is important for people not to ignore their ears. You need to hear the sounds of life.”

health

TO DAY

JUNE 16 2013

PRO FI LES

For more information, call 956.727.3801 or visit their website at www. laredohearingcenter.com

11 PAGE

health

TO DAY

Photographs by Christine Rojas

JUNE 16 2013

E VE NT Dr. Antonio Mancera, Dr. Knecht, Mindy Casso and Dr. Diaz

Dr. Ruben Bocanegra

Celebrating C

NATIONAL

DOCTORS’ DAY Photographs by Christine Rojas

n March 28th the Laredo Medical Center(LMC) saluted their Medical staff physicians on National Doctors’ Day with a delicious breakfast. The reception took place in the LMC community center. This year was Doctors’ Day 80th year and LMC made sure to honor their 243 physicians with a great reception that also included music and gifts.

Dr. Truong

12 PAGE

Ely Gutierrez and Sean Campell

Christine Martinez, Dr. Fermin Romero and Laura Aguilar

M K

JUNE 16 2013

FEA TU RES

few notes on the importance of early and comprehensive maternal child health services are important to assure healthy outcomes for women and children. Through our Texas Healthy Babies efforts in Laredo known as Tejanitos Saludables, we developed a motto with the help of local news anchor, Ann Hutyra that states â&#x20AC;&#x153;a healthy baby starts with a healthy mom.â&#x20AC;? We need to assure early access for preventive care for both mothers and children. Women, however, need to stay in care after birth (post partum and in between pregnancies) to stay healthy. When we asked patients how often they visit their doctor, their answer alarmed us. This alerted us to continue providing assured adequate care for prenatal, postpartum, and interconception. Unfortunately, there is a lack of attention to prenatal care not just in our city but nation-wide. The National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality estimates that one in three pregnant women continue to receive inadequate prenatal care as well as disproportionate post natal care. There are many mothers, predominantly first time mothers, who speculate about the importance of early prenatal care - If this is a question that you or someone you know has asked, you are not alone. It is ideal to plan and prepare for childbirth. This should be discussed with your family, partner and doctor. It is important to understand that preventive and wellness care along with prenatal, postpartum and interconception care is imperative to avoid complications and ensure a healthy birth. The CLHD goal is to work with local providers and hospitals to offer assistance all families that are underserved. Specifically, we want to make sure women and children in particular are offered quality health care both pre-

duri ng and a

14 PAGE

Chief, Health Promotion & Nutrition Services Division of the City of Laredo Health Department

al re o f n e b n i n g

TO DAY

By Nora Martinez, MPH, IBCLC, RLC

health

egn

ancy

offer support and education to help families have strong and healthy babies. In meeting this goal we want to update the public and the medical community on our services for preventive care and to meet the needs of pregnant woman, their newborn and their family. Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement 1115 Waiver: Under the Texas Health and Human Services Commission guidance we are collaborating with County Indigent Care services, both hospitals, the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Laredo Campus, Border Region Behavioral Health as well partners in Maverick, Zapata and Jim Hogg Counties to enhance preventive care services. By improving access to preventive care, keeping person in the health care system and providing disease self-management, we can improve health and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and preventable hospitalization. Nurse Family Partnership: Through this nurse-led home visitation program for low-income first-time expectant mothers, we are providing medical home case management for 75 women and 30 newborns. Mom is being provided support for prenatal, postpartum and interconception care. The newborn is monitored for the first two years of life for wellness, positive growth and development. Mom is also being connected to all the social, educational and workforce opportunities available for her to succeed. For more information on this free pregnancy health service, please contact Nurse Family Partnership at 523.7848. Texas Healthy Babies (Tejanitos Saludables): This educational and outreach effort to improve women’s and newborn’s health has provided several information sessions. The developed theme of “ A healthy baby starts with healthy mom” caught on with women further understanding why it is important to get care before and after pregnancy. We also want to make sure babies were born healthy and we reduced prematurity. A special effort was to target the male role in women’s and

r r p e aft

children health care. We created an education strategy to spark interest in men to learn about prenatal care, post-partum care, nutrition, breastfeeding, diaper changing, care of a new born, and to learn about a child growth and development. The participation of the male in their partner’s health and the health of the newborn is critically important as well to role model for young children. For more information or to schedule a class, call 712.6015. Family Planning Title X: Women’s preventive health care services was a success serving 1,233 women for preventive care and family planning. For many women this is their only preventive and well care opportunity ensuring that when they are ready for childbirth, they are healthy and understand that their health is important for the newborn. Services are provided to low-income and uninsured individuals at reduced or no cost with over seven different birth control methods to choose from. The overall purpose is to promote positive birth outcomes and healthy families by allowing individuals to decide the number and spacing of their children. Family Planning is offered under Title X, a program designed to prioritize the needs of individuals from lowincome families and/or uninsured people (including those who are not eligible for Medicaid) who might not otherwise have access to these health care services. For an appointment, please call 795.4903. Healthy Living/Viviendo Mejor: targeted disease self management at the community levels servicing over 200 person and in particular targeting women to improve their health, manage their diabetes, heart disease, and improve healthier choices.

The City of Laredo Health Department is located at 2600 Cedar and is open after business hours to meet the needs of working families. Please call 795.4900 or visit our website to learn more about the many services offered or call any of the numbers above to start receiving the services you and your family deserve. http://www.ci.laredo. tx.us/health/healthindex.htm

health

TO DAY

JUNE 16 2013

FEA TU RES

C Y

15 PAGE

health

TO DAY

JUNE16 2013

COVER

STORY

The Silva Method

AND THE MIND’S ROLE IN HEALING

16 PAGE

f there’s one thing you don’t want to cut corners on, it’s your health. Any sensible person will tell you it’s worth every cent and every ounce of effort to eat the healthiest food, exercise frequently, and when you’re sick, visit a good doctor who can prescribe you the best medicine and treatment. What most people don’t realize is there’s another piece to the puzzle of holistic health. A step that most people never take, most doctors won’t even tell you about, and could make all the difference to your wellbeing. That step is learning to awaken your mind’s natural healing ability. Today, over six million people in 110 countries have taken this step with The Silva Method, founded by Laredo native, the late Jose Silva. Many have used The Silva Method to manage serious illnesses and minor ailments, and some simply to improve their overall wellbeing while working with their doctors. The Silva Method incorporates relaxation techniques and guided imagery to enhance your health and it could be the solution you need to a lifetime of healthy living. This scientifically proven method is the basis of many personal growth and healing programs worldwide. The Silva Method’s first book went on to become an international bestseller, selling over six million copies. Although Silva passed away in 1999, his teachings continue to be spread worldwide through his organization, Silva International, a family owned business, headed by his daughter Laura Quesada. Doctors, entrepreneurs, artists and celebrities, have used The Silva training to improve their lives in many inspiring ways - the reason why we’re confident that no matter what your personal objective is, you too can experience positive results. The Silva Method’s goal is to help every person awaken their mind’s natural healing ability, so they can transform it from a trigger of disease, to a catalyst for holistic wellbeing. The Silva Method has been working towards this goal since 1967, collaborating with top scientists and researchers, and training millions of people from across the world. The Silva Method trains you to you access your subconscious, and readjust your thought process for better alignment with your body’s natural healing abilities. For more information on upcoming seminars and Silva products, call The Silva Method office at 956-722-6391 or visit our website, silvamethod.com. Laura Silva Quesada

JUNE16 2013

TO PI CS

duri ng and a

18 PAGE

Chief, Health Promotion & Nutrition Services Division of the City of Laredo Health Department

al re o f n e b n i n g

TO DAY

By Nora Martinez, MPH, IBCLC, RLC

health

We have these 2-year-old children who are not talking or are saying four to five words when they should be saying fifty [words]. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pointing at their wants and needs instead of verbalizing Laura Fernandez

Sh ut te rs

t k oc im

e ag

ancy

egn

sp fo to c

ventive and in the continuum of care, offer support and education to help families have strong and healthy babies. In meeting this goal we want to update the public and the medical community on our services for preventive care and to meet the needs of pregnant woman, their newborn and their family. Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement 1115 Waiver: Under the Texas Health and Human Services Commission guidance we are collaborating with County Indigent Care services, both hospitals, the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Laredo Campus, Border Region Behavioral Health as well partners in Maverick, Zapata and Jim Hogg Counties to enhance preventive care services. By improving access to preventive care, keeping person in the health care system and providing disease self-management, we can improve health and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and preventable hospitalization. Nurse Family Partnership: Through this nurse-led home visitation program for low-income first-time expectant mothers, we are providing medical home case management for 75 women and 30 newborns. Mom is being provided support for prenatal, postpartum and interconception care. The newborn is monitored for the first two years of life for wellness, positive growth and development. Mom is also being connected to all the social, educational and workforce opportunities available for her to succeed. For more information on this free pregnancy health service, please contact Nurse Family Partnership at 523.7848. Texas Healthy Babies (Tejanitos Saludables): This educational and outreach effort to improve women’s and newborn’s health has provided several information sessions. The developed theme of “ A healthy baby starts with healthy mom” caught on with women further understanding why it is important to get care before and after pregnancy. We also want to make sure babies were born healthy and we reduced prematurity. A special effort was to

r r p e aft

target the male role in women’s and children health care. We created an education strategy to spark interest in men to learn about prenatal care, post-partum care, nutrition, breastfeeding, diaper changing, care of a new born, and to learn about a child growth and development. The participation of the male in their partner’s health and the health of the newborn is critically important as well to role model for young children. For more information or to schedule a class, call 712.6015. Family Planning Title X: Women’s preventive health care services was a success serving 1,233 women for preventive care and family planning. For many women this is their only preventive and well care opportunity ensuring that when they are ready for childbirth, they are healthy and understand that their health is important for the newborn. Services are provided to low-income and uninsured individuals at reduced or no cost with over seven different birth control methods to choose from. The overall purpose is to promote positive birth outcomes and healthy families by allowing individuals to decide the number and spacing of their children. Family Planning is offered under Title X, a program designed to prioritize the needs of individuals from lowincome families and/or uninsured people (including those who are not eligible for Medicaid) who might not otherwise have access to these health care services. For an appointment, please call 795.4903. Healthy Living/Viviendo Mejor: targeted disease self management at the community levels servicing over 200 person and in particular targeting women to improve their health, manage their diabetes, heart disease, and improve healthier choices. The City of Laredo Health Department is located at 2600 Cedar and is open after business hours to meet the needs of working families. Please call 795.4900 or visit our website to learn more about the many services offered or call any of the numbers above to start receiving the services you and your family deserve. http://www.ci.laredo. tx.us/health/healthindex.htm

health

TO DAY

JUNE 16 2013

QU IZ

C Y

19 PAGE

VIDA SALUD

CONTENIDO 21

Esclerodermia, ¿Qué es? Entérate de todos los detalles de esta enfermedad que endurece la piel.

VIDA SALUD SUPLEMENTO COMERCIAL GRUPO EDITORIAL ARGOS

Obesidad y sobrepeso infantil. El Dr. Jesús Armenta Jasso, experto en Cirugía Antiobesidad platica sobre los alcances de este padecimiento en los pequeños. Alergias, un problema creciente. Descubre por qué el asma es una de las principales alteraciones de la salud.

Ninfa Cantú Deándar DIRECTORA COMERCIAL

Mauricio Flores

SUBDIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVO

Norma Veloz

COORDINACIÓN COMERCIAL

Karla Hernández

VENTAS NUEVO LAREDO

Cáncer Colorectal. Este padecimiento se ha colocado como uno de los más comunes en Estados Unidos.

Verónica Ibarra

Valentín Pérez

Jessica Morales

Alfredo Ruiz

EDICIÓN

REPORTERA

DISEÑO EDITORIAL PRODUCCIÓN

LIFE ESCLERODERMIA SOUNDS ¿Qué es? GREAT VIDA SALUD 22

EL ENGROSAMIENTO Y EL ENDURECIMIENTO DE LA PIEL, ASÍ COMO LA INFLAMACIÓN Y LA CICATRIZACIÓN DE MUCHAS PARTES DEL CUERPO SON ALGUNAS DE LAS IMPLICACIONES DE ESTA ENFERMEDAD. AÚN NO EXISTE UNA CURA

Por Verónica Ibarra

na enfermedad rara y poco entendida que no es contagiosa, ni hereditaria, tampoco cancerosa, pero que te endurece la piel especialmente en las manos y la cara. También puede dañar los pulmones, el corazón, riñones, vías respiratorias, músculos y las articulaciones. Elsa Ramírez de Carrillo, una artista plástica de Nuevo Laredo, padece este mal y quiso dar testimonio para que otras personas identifiquen esta dolencia. “Los que padecemos esclerodermia producimos demasiado colágeno, una proteína que produce nuestro cuerpo. Esta es una enfermedad aún muy rara y son pocas las investigaciones. El exceso de producir colágeno hace que se endurezca la piel, pero también daña los vasos sanguíneos”, señaló Elsa, quien en su charla se ajustaba a un tanque de oxigeno portátil. La esclerodermia afecta alrededor de 14 de cada 1 millón de personas alrededor del mundo, y es más común en mujeres de 35 a 54 años. La complicación más grande de

By Yanira Resendez

r. Celina T. OliveiraMontoya received her Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas after obtaining two bachelors in communication science and disorders, and Mexican American studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Following the completion of her bachelors degrees, Dr. Oliveira underwent four years of graduate supervised clinical experience with audiological diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation service in clinical facilities and private practices in Houston, Texas. She was a clinical audiologist for two years at Houston Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic before moving to Laredo, Texas. Her professional association includes a certification from the American

Elsa, es la hipertensión arterial pulmonar que le ha causado el endurecimiento de los vasos sanguíneos del corazón al pulmón, por lo que padece fibrosis pulmonar, produciéndole una tos constante. “Esta enfermedad no tiene cura y está diagnosticada como muy rara”. A mí me la detectaron en octubre del 2011, pero ya antes, tenía cuatro años con una tos muy constante, manchas en la nariz, mis manos se ponían moradas con el frío o con el estrés. Los médicos de Nuevo Laredo nunca me señalaron que eran los síntomas de una enfermedad grave. Después de la tos persistente me daban neumonías. Fue ahí que decidí trasladarme con un especialista en do requerí oxigeno l a s Monterrey”, refirió 24 horas. Por Elsa. Después de vadesgracia, como rios exámenes y estuson dolencias muy Elsa Ramírez de raras, también son dios que fueron enviaCarrillo, artista plástica dos a Estados Unidos, muy costosas. Los recibió el diagnóstico medicamentos no de la esclerodermia, un mal incurable. los producen los laboratorios. Sólo un “Mi intención es informar a otros, medicamento cuesta 100 mil pesos al porque a mí me la detectaron cuan- mes, pero no es la cura únicamente es

AMES Speech, Hearing and Language Association (ASHA), and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and the Texas Academy of Audiology. Born and raised in Laredo, Texas to a father who was a hearing instrument specialist, a pharmacist and a registered nurse, Dr. Celina T. Oliveira-Montoya was always surrounded by the medical field. Following in her father’s footsteps to become part of the realm of medicine, Dr. Oliveira decided to study pre-med orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. However, after a few classes, it was evident to her that this was not the path she was meant to take. Re-evaluating what she wanted to do Dr. Oliveira always had a particular interest in hearing health care, and the combination of science and improving the communication needs of people. She para begantener taking unaintroductory mejor calidadclasses de vida” in, señaló audiology Elsa, andque wasdesde intrigued haceby 16a años class es onartista deaf culture plástica that dechanged Cabellete herRojo” view . on everything. Vivir con esclerodermia es un gran After desaf receiving ío. A menudo, double las bachelors actividades in communication cotidianas pueden scienceser and difdisoríciles debido ders andaMexican las limitaciones American y alstudies, dolor fDr. ísico. Oliveira Los pacientes was faced también with cultural deben mantener shock during la piel grad bien school. humectada para “I was asked a lot about my backdisminuir la rigidez. Los pacientes también ground: ifdeben I spoke luchar English, contra if Ilas made ad-

La Asociación Mexicana de Orientación, Apoyo y Lucha contra la Esclerodermia, es una organización creada para ofrecer apoyo integral a todas las personas que padecen esta enfermedad, así como a sus familiares, esto sin fin de lucro. Te dejamos un número de cuenta y correos electrónicos para que los apoyes en recaudar fondos para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. 4 Cuenta HSBC #4031898703 4 Suc 3021, Tlaxcala

tortillas,” explained Dr. Oliveira. But Insurgentes this caused the inspiring decision to Tels: (55) 55-6421-961 come back to her hometown to help Correo: escleroderother Hispanics miamexico@hotmail. in the community. com

l LISTENING TO HER PATIENTS versidades Dr. Oliveirapsicológicas provides services que derivan to a de huge vivir array conofuna patients enfermedad from allque walks es of life andpoco has seen theymost unusual crónica, común actualmente incurable. cases like aDebido cockroach a que stuck la escleroderinside the mia ear. Patients puede producir who getcambios treated for imporheatantes ring lossenrange el aspecto from children f ísico, generallistening mente to an iPod la autoestima too loud to delconstruction paciente y la imagen sí mismotoseextremities ven afectadas. workersdeexposed of El loud apoyo noisede caused la familia by machinery. y los amigos es vital As soon paraasayudar a patient a mantener walks intouna the buena office, calidad Dr. Oliveira de vida. and her staff first

Photographs by: Ana Solis

patient in various situations, especially if they are worn consistently. Having realistic expectations is also important before considering amplification,” said Dr. Oliveira. Permanent hearing loss cannot be reversed or get any better, but it can get worsen with time. Properly cleaning the ears and protecting them is extremely important. A cleaning item very dangerous for our ears are cotton swabs. The ears do not need to be cleaned inside the ear canal, only on the exterior. If cotton swabs are used inside the canal, the wax can eventually be pushed inside the ear canal which can create a plug affecting your hearing. There was a recent commercial that advertises an ear cleaning instrument where a stream of water can cleanse the ear. Dr. Oliveira advises us that this can possibly damage the eardrum depending on the temperature of the water and the force of the stream. “If you put something that is very hot or cold, you can cause a lot of dizziness. The ear is very sensitive to temperature change.” l THAT’S AN EARFUL:

PROTECTING OUR EARS There are several preventive measures one can take to protect their ears. She suggests for everyone to wear ear

protection in areas where one feels it’s too loud such as mowing the lawn, going to concerts or hunting. “People don’t realize that firearms are so loud that even one gunshot can cause damage to the ears,” she said. “When patients come in and say they are avid hunters or firearm users, it is reflective in their hearing loss. Those who are exposed to acoustic trauma have a higher change of having hearing loss in the higher frequencies. This can affect speech understanding, especially in noisy environments.” This is why it is important that hunters take the extra step to wear ear protection and also teach their children and grandchildren to do the same.

If you put something that is very hot or cold, you can cause a lot of dizziness. The ear is very sensitive to temperature change.” Dr. Celina T. Oliveira-Montoya

“Parents should also take ear infections very seriously. The more ear infections a child has, the more it is likely to cause cause permanent damage. This is especially true if the ear infections are chronic and left untreated. Not seeking medical care from a physician for chronic ear infections, as well as any other hearing related problem, can cause speech delay, academic problems, attention problems, self-esteem and even social isolation. Not being able to hear can impact speech and language development as well as comprehension.” Being an audiologist takes a lot of patience and empathy. “You have to be a people person. You want to provide amazing customer service, but you also need to have good counseling skills. I can empathize with what my patients are going through because my father and mother have hearing loss.” Dr. Oliveira has to think on her toes sometimes, especially when dealing with children. “I had a little boy recently, who is eight and has some hearing loss. When we put the hearing aids on he said, “I just feel alive!.” That wasn’t something I thought I would hear from an 8-year-old, but it was so sweet,” she said. These moments, which happen very often, are the times she is reminded as to why she chose this profession. Dr. Oliveira has a unique position in the hearing industry as the only fulltime audiologist in Laredo. As hearing loss remains the third most common chronic disorder in healthcare, Dr. Oliveira and her staff will continue to offer ethical and superior hearing health care for their patients. “I think that because May is National Hearing Awareness Month, it is important for people not to ignore their ears. You need to hear the sounds of life.” For more information, call 956.727.3801 or visit their website at www. laredohearingcenter.com

C Y

VIDA SALUD 24 Por Verónica Ibarra

C Y

a obesidad y el sobrepeso son el principal problema de Salud Pública en México. La mala alimentación, el sedentarismo y la falta de acceso a alimentos nutritivos, son factores determinantes para esta complicación. El tener algunos kilos de más, ya no sólo es cuestión entre adultos. Ahora, los pequeños también padecen la obesidad. El Dr. Jesús Armenta Jasso, experto en Cirugía Antiobesidad y Certificado por el Consejo Mexicano de Gastroenterología como especialista en Cirugía del Aparato Digestivo, platicó con Vida y Salud sobre los alcances de este padecimiento. Pero, ¿cuándo se considera en un pequeño la obesidad infantil? “ La obesidad infantil se toma cuando el percentil de masa corporal rebasa 95% (medición antropométrica) y se toma en cuenta por M arriba de los cinco años, ya K que antes de eso, la naturaleza provee de mayor grasa corporal. El factor que determina el sobrepeso y la obesidad está basado en tablas que determinan el sexo del niño, estatura y edad en un específico grupo poblacionalL, señaló Armenta Jasso. En el 2012, México ocupó el cuarto lugar en obesidad infantil, superado por Grecia, Estados Unidos e Italia. El Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, considera que la obesidad en México es una enfermedad que ha alcanzado el grado de pandemia. ,En México, la obesidad infantil ha llegado a niveles epidémicos, ya que entre los 6 y 12 años, existe sobrepeso y obesidad entre 26 a 33% de los niñosE, refirió Armenta Jasso. Aquí en Nuevo Laredo, uno de cada tres niños, sufre de sobrepeso. Un pequeño se reconoce ,gordi-

COMBATELA Objetivos requeridos para corregir la obesidad.

4 Mejorar los hábitos alimentarios, con una alimentación atractiva. 4 Incrementar la actividad física. 4 Pactar con el niñoadolescente la pérdida de peso. 4 Preservar el gusto y la satisfacción por la comida. 4 Mejorar la calidad de vida. MEDIDAS BÁSICAS PARA EL TRATAMIENTO 4 Dieta con restricción energética. 4 Aumento de la actividad física. 4 Apoyo familiar.

Obesidad y sobrepeso infantil tog cuando éste (el peso del paciente) supera 20% del ideal para edad, talla y sexo. Una de las causas de la obesidad, es que los niños y jóvenes no consumen fibra, toman poca agua y su alimentación se fundamenta en la ingesta de alimentos ricos en grasa y proteínas, así como refrescos y bebidas azucaradas en abundancia. Ante este grave problema, es im-

4 Aplicación de técnicas sencillas de modificación de la conducta. 4 Reeducación nutricional.

LA COMPLICACIÓN DE LA OBESIDAD EN LOS PEQUEÑOS, CRECE RÁPIDAMENTE. PADRES DEBEN CUIDAR LO QUE DAN DE COMER A NIÑOS

portante crear hábitos sanos como tomar agua, hacer ejercicio, eliminar azúcares e incluir frutas y vegetales, que les permitan tener una excelente calidad de vida. Un infante gorditog, también se enfrenta a factores emocionales sobre su imagen y apariencia. ,Son estigmatizados y rechazados, pero además están expuestos a mayor Sbullingb. El especialista considera que la conducta alimentaria es responsabilidad de los padres, ya que el niño ingiere lo que los adultos le dan para comer.

Hoy, la única fórmula eficiente y segura en un niño para bajar de peso, es aumentar la actividad f ísica y evitar los alimentos de alta densidad calórica. En otros países, se ha formulado programas específicos y hasta la cirugía bariátrica para algunos adolescentes. Las enfermedades de los niños por sobrepeso y obesidad, serán notorias

SABÍAS QUE

en la tercera década de su vida con factores como hipertensión, resistencia a insulina y diabetes. En la infancia, lo más notorio son las deformidades óseas en rodilla, cadera y tobillos. .La obesidad y sus enfermedades asociadas o complicaciones son la epidemia de nuestro siglo y lo peor es que es algo Lvoluntariamentev adquirido , puntualizó Armenta Jasso.

El 40% de los niños con sobrepeso a los 7 años tendrán obesidad en etapa adulta. 70% de los jóvenes de 13 años con sobrepeso serán obesos en la adultez.

C Y

VIDA SALUD 26

ALERGIAS Un problema creciente

respiratorio se localizan los pacientes que tienen problemas de asma. El entrevistado comentó que el asma, es la inflamación de los bronquios causante de mucha tos en la mañana, noche y cuando se realiza alguna actividad f ísica. Dicho bronquio se inflama y se cierra produciendo flema. “Entre los principales síntomas que podemos observar en un paciente con ese tipo de alergia, son: de nuestro cuerpo ante sustancias tos seca, sensación de silbido en el que no deberían de causarnos ningún pecho y falta de aire. Es importante problema, estas sustancias se llaman mencionar que estas señales se prealergenos”, explicó el Doctor Alfredo sentan primordialmente en distintas López Negrete, Alergólogo y Pediatra épocas del año, como la primavera y de la localidad, quien platicó sobre los el verano”, destacó. El asma está aumentando su prepuntos más importantes del tema. Mencionó que entre las alergias valencia a nivel mundial, esta inicia más comunes se encuengeneralmente en la infancia, con tran la rinitis alérgica, un gran impacto en la calidad de vida de la dermatitis atópica, persona que lo paconjuntivitis, y a dece, produciennivel de sistema do importantes alteraciones en la economía y la dinámica familiar. “No hay una edad específica para ser alérgico, sin embargo, se está preDoctor Alfredo López Negrete sentando un poco más en pacientes jóvenes, y estas personas en su vida adulta serán pacientes productivos, es decir, aumentarán en sus hijos de un 14 por ciento de probabilidad a un 40 por ciento. Todo esto es hereditario, por eso la importancia de asistir con un especialista para que determine a qué somos alérgicos, y evite que el problema siga evolucionando”, indicó López. Para evitar una crisis asmática, el experto sugirió evitar contacto con insectos, mascotas, hongos, humo

EL ASMA ES UNA DE LAS PRINCIPALES ALTERACIONES DE LA SALUD. NO HAY UNA EDAD DEFINIDA PARA SER ALÉRGICO Por Jessica Morales

as alergias son un padecimiento que en los últimos años han ido en aumento, es por eso que la Organización Mundial de Alergia, le ha dedicado una semana a nivel internacional, del 8 al 14 de abril. El propósito de dedicar estos días es aumentar la conciencia sobre dichas enfermedades. “Una alergia es la reacción exagerada

TOME NOTA Usted debe buscar ayuda inmediata sí: 4 Presenta falta de aire aún en reposo 4 Habla con palabras entrecortadas en lugar de oraciones 4 Está agitado, somnoliento o confuso 4 Escucha que le silbe el pecho 4 No hay mejoría dentro de las primeras 2 a 6 horas después de iniciar el tratamiento 4 Hay deterioro progresivo

de tabaco, entre otras. “Hay que tratar de tener medidas ambientales en la casa, por ejemplo, no usar plomero a la hora de limpiar, asear con trapos húmedos, no utilizar alfombras, evitar almohadas de pluma o hule espuma, así como los muñecos de peluche”, expresó. Por último, Alfredo recomendó a las personas de antecedentes familiares con alergias, dar seno materno exclusivo a sus hijos, por lo menos los primeros seis meses de vida, esto le protegerá contra las cuestiones alérgicas. “Eviten también proporcionarle al infante huevo, chocolate, y fresa hasta después del año de edad, porque estos son los alimentos que con mas frecuencia nos pueden dar un problema alérgico”, señaló.

VIDA SALUD 28

CÁNCER COLORECTAL EL PASO MÁS IMPORTANTE PARA PREVENIR ESTE CÁNCER ES LA PRUEBA DE DETECCIÓN Po Jessica Morales

i se detecta anticipadamente y con frecuencia, es curable, sin embargo, este padecimiento se ha colocado como uno de los más comunes en Estados Unidos y ahora en México, entre hombres y mujeres mayores de 50 años de edad, nos referimos al cáncer colorectal. “Esta enfermedad que también se conoce como cáncer de colon, es la que inicia en el intestino grueso y recto, la mayoría comienza con una lesión precursora llamada pólipos (tu-

mor pequeño mucoso) el cual no es canceroso, con el paso del tiempo se van convirtiendo en cáncer, tras pasar por varios estadios y lesiones genéticas”, señaló para Fémina el Doctor José Jonás Villarreal, especialista en Medicina Interna, Gastroenterología, Endoscopia Digestiva y Hepatología. El experto en el tema indicó que los pacientes mayores de 50 años con antecedentes familiares de cáncer colorectal, son los primeros en tener riesgos de padecerla. Está comprobado que dicha enfermedad tiene bases genéticas, por lo que se puede heredar, de esta manera au-

Doctor José Jonás Villarreal

menta un 10 ó 20 veces más, la probabilidad de tenerla. “Son varios los factores predisponentes, también influye de gran manera si la persona tiene obesidad, si consume una dieta alta en grasas y proteínas, en donde predomine más las carnes rojas que las blancas”, indicó Villarreal.

El entrevistado mencionó que normalmente la lesión precursora que es el pólipo, no presenta muchos síntomas, hasta cuando el tumor ya es muy grande puede comenzar a sangrar, puede haber datos de obstrucción intestinal, en esta etapa es cuando ya se presenta un cuadro, sin embargo, la posibilidades de cura disminuyen. En algunos casos se muestran indicios de este tipo de cáncer, como lo es la sensibilidad y dolor en la parte baja del abdomen, sangre en las heces, estreñimiento, diarrea, y pérdida de peso. “Es importante prevenirla realizándote un estudio de detención oportuna después de cumplir 50 años, la colonoscopia proporciona un examen detallado del intestino. Consiste en la exploración de todo

Es importante prevenirla realizándote un estudio de detención oportuna después de cumplir 50 años, la colonoscopia proporciona un examen detallado del intestino” EL DOCTOR JOSÉ JONÁS VILLARREAL, ESPECIALISTA EN MEDICINA INTERNA, GASTROENTEROLOGÍA, ENDOSCOPIA DIGESTIVA Y HEPATOLOGÍA.

el colon a través de una pequeña cámara, éste es el método más utilizado porque se pueden extraer los pólipos”, comentó el especialista. Para concluir con la charla, Villarreal platicó que sería muy favorecedor eliminar el tabú que aún poseen los varones en la actualidad. “Por lo general, los hombres son los que llegan al hospital en etapas más avanzadas, a pesar de que sangran no asisten por atención médica, puede más la vergüenza que esto les hace sentir. Si quieren vivir más, esa cultura ya no debe existir”, puntualizó.

C Y

VIDA SALUD 30

CIRUGÍA DE LA OBESIDAD

El inicio para un cambio de vida C

UNA INTERVENCIÓN QUIRÚRGICA PARA BAJAR DE PESO, AYUDA A PREVENIR DISTINTAS ENFERMEDADES. PARA MANTENERTE, HABRÁ QUE HACER EJERCICIO Y DIETA Por Jessica Morales

a obesidad es un problema actual de gran importancia en nuestro país. México es el segundo lugar a nivel mundial en obesidad, a su vez, esta enfermedad se relaciona con muchos otros problemas de salud.

En los años 50 se descubrió accidentalmente la cirugía de obesidad, al ver que en pacientes operados de resecciones tenía como alguna de las consecuencias una notable pérdida de peso acompañada de otros beneficios como la disminución de la diabetes. “Estos procedimientos son alternativas verdaderamente efectivas para personas con obesidad severa, actualmente son tres técnicas las que más se utilizan, éstas son: el bypass gástrico, banda gástrica y manda gástrica”, indicó en entrevista para Vida y Salud, el Doctor

Galileo Villarreal, Cirujano Bariátrico en la ciudad. El experto platicó sobre los beneficios que proporciona dichas intervenciones quirúrgicas. Comentó que, son varios los factores a tomar en cuenta para decidir qué tipo de cirugía se le aplicará al paciente, algunos de estos es el índice de masa corporal, edad, enfermedades asociadas y sus hábitos alimenticios. “Teniendo estos cuatro principales elementos de nuestro paciente, se valora a qué cirugía es candidato. Siempre se busca ofrecerle el procedimiento menos invasivo y el que más le ayude a bajar de peso”, mencionó Galileo. Dijo que, dichas intervenciones proporciona al paciente una gama muy amplia de beneficios. Para empezar le ahorra toda una vida de estar batallando por no poder bajar de peso, además, la disminución de riesgo sobre distintas enfermedades que van acompañadas de la obesidad. El entrevistado señaló que, los pacientes con un índice corporal arriba de 40, se les proporciona tiempo antes de su operación una dieta preoperatoria, la cual es baja en carbohidratos. Esta disminuye el tamaño del hígado, creando a futuro una cirugía más tranquila y llevadera.

Estos procedimientos son alternativas verdaderamente efectivas para personas con obesidad severa, actualmente son tres técnicas las que más se utilizan, éstas son: el bypass gástrico, banda gástrica y manda gástrica”. DOCTOR GALILEO VILLARREAL, CIRUJANO BARIÁTRICO EN LA CIUDAD.

Señaló que después de la operación, la nutrióloga visita al paciente en su cama y le da una serie de lineamientos de qué es lo que tiene que comer. “Es muy importante tener en cuenta que la cirugía sólo es la primera parte, es el primer paso que damos, a una meta que es bajar de peso”, finalizó.

VIDA SALUD

Anatomía del abrazo C

Por J. Alberto Luck Bueno

ABRAZAR ES UNA GRAN MEDICINA QUE TRANSFIERE ENERGÍA Y ESTÍMULO EMOCIONAL

uando abrimos nuestros brazos para estrechar a otro ser humano con auténtico afecto la vida se transforma en un milagro. El abrazo tiene un poder sanador, pues genera lo que miles de sustancias químicas no pueden juntas: hacernos sentir amados y apreciados. De todas las medicinas que existen en el planeta Tierra, sólo un abrazo puede liberarnos de las enfermedades emocionales más crueles que conoce la humanidad como el odio y el olvido. Pero, ¿qué es un abrazo? Cuando abrazamos y somos abrazados en el marco del aprecio y el cariño, navegamos por diferentes sensaciones. Se trata de una experiencia poderosa y subjetiva: es como si, de pronto, una sobrenatural descarga eléctrica nos levantara del suelo para lanzarnos por la estratósfera rumbo a un auténtico paraíso. Por algunos instantes nada nos falta; todo está bien y en calma. El abrazo puede ser cálido, derrite el hielo del egoísmo y la soledad; acorta la distancia entre dos seres humanos, los une; puede ser una forma de orar: un acto donde comulga lo mundano y lo divino; es un territorio anhelado para dos corazones que se buscan y, con buena suerte, se encuentran; es un bálsamo cuando acontece una tragedia o una pérdida, es una forma extraordinaria de acompañar; también es el afecto y el amor puestos en movimiento de forma suave, con gentileza. En numerosas ocasiones el abrazo habla por nosotros cuando las palabras se agotaron: se viste de un si-

lencio que resguarda muchos gritos internos: “aquí estoy”; “te amo”; “te extrañé mucho”; “te adoro”; “no te vayas, por favor”; “te quiero”; “regresa pronto”; “todo va a pasar”; “te acepto así como eres”; “jamás te olvidaré”; “que te vaya bien”; “eres lo más hermoso que me ha pasado en la vida”; “me alegra verte”; “perdóname”; “todo estará bien”; “tengo miedo”; “no puedo más”; “lo siento de verdad”; “eres una bendición para mí”; “nunca te olvidaré”; “ayúdame”; “ten fe”; “regresa pronto”; “gracias por todo”; “sigo aquí contigo”. Durante el año 2006 la página de internet escueladeescritores.com, de España, denominó a la palabra abrazo como la más hermosa del idioma castellano; los cibernautas abultaron seis páginas del sitio con diversas opiniones. Retomo el pensamiento de una persona de Oaxaca, México, quien escribió: “Abrazamos sueños, abrazamos esperanzas, abrazamos promesas, abrazamos amores, así, con un abrazo podemos abarcarlo todo...es la extensión de nuestro ser”.

Y es muy cierto, el abrazo no sólo se da con nuestras extremidades superiores, también se da con la mente, con el corazón. De pronto volvemos entrañables ideas, paisajes, melodías, historias, poemas, recuerdos, opiniones e ideologías. Así, convertimos lo intangible en concreto para abrazarlo con todos nuestros sentidos y con todas las energías que la vida nos otorga. Abrazar con fuerza habla de nuestro temperamento, pero cabe la posibilidad y el riesgo de extralimitarnos. Sin darnos cuenta, a veces, abrazamos nuestros

deseos con enferma obsesión. E n o c a s i o n e s , e nt rel a z a r n o s con lo imposible es dañino para nuestra salud f ísica y espiritual. Hay momentos en los cuales es mejor soltar, dejar de abrazar, por nuestro propio bien y el de quienes nos rodean. También existen abrazos que no deben jamás existir. El abrazo que no viene acompañado de calidez y cariño sino de odio y sometimiento; sólo asfixia, incluso aniquila la vida. Diferenciar entre abrazos nos invita a mirar la intención con que se ofre-

ce. Para descubrir el alma del abrazo, requerimos estar conectados con nuestras necesidades y sentimientos. Por otro lado, debemos reconocer que definitivamente hay quienes no saben abrazar; hay culturas que no contemplan el abrazo dentro de su repertorio emocional. Esto no quiere decir que las personas sean insensibles, simplemente no expresan sus sentimientos de esta manera. Creo que los latinoamericanos somos abrazadores por naturaleza. Recordemos que llegamos a este mundo envueltos en un primer abrazo, el de nuestra madre, el de nuestro padre, el de alguien que no arrulló con amor. El abrazo es una caricia de corazón a corazón; significa extender nuestro aprecio por el otro de manera espontánea; se trata de un intento cotidiano para navegar en la anatomía de la experiencia que sólo un abrazo puede ofrecernos: la eternidad conjugada en tiempo presente. Y ese es un buen lugar para sentirnos profundamente humanos y plenos. Vale la pena abrazar y ser abrazados en el marco del genuino afecto. Y tú querido lector ¿a quién vas a abrazar el día de hoy? J. Alberto Luck Bueno es periodista y orientador humanista.