Living Healthy 2012

Living Healthy SUMMER 2012

in Northern Vermont & New Hampshire

NorthStar Publishing LLC

the need for

SLEEP

CHRONIC fatigue

Living with a disease few know about

happy

TRAILS makes Kingdom sparkle

A FREE PUBLICATION

Living Healthy in Northern Vermont & New Hampshire

is published annually by NORTHSTAR PUBLISHING LLC SUMMER 2012 Volume 1 • Number 2 PUBLISHER: Justin Lavely justin@northstarmonthly.com GRAPHIC DESIGN: Heidi Allen Goodrich heidi@northstarmonthly.com EDITORS: Lyn Bixby lyn@northstarmonthly.com Justin Lavely justin@northstarmonthly.com ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION: Vicki Moore vicki@northstarmonthly.com Angie Knost angie@northstarmonthly.com EDITORIAL OFFICES: NorthStar Publishing LLC PO Box 319, 29 Hill Street Danville, VT, 05828 802.684.1056 EDITORIAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS: info@livinghealthyvt.com Living Healthy is produced and published by Northstar Publishing, LLC located at 29 Hill Street, Danville, VT. Printed in USA. Copyright 2011 by NorthStar Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without expressed permission from NorthStar Publishing LLC. Publisher is not responsible for errors resulting from typographical errors. Acceptance of advertising is subject to publisher’s approval and agreement by the advertiser to indemnify the publisher from loss or expense on claims based upon contents of the advertising. Publisher does not assume liability for errors in any advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the individual item in which the error appeared.

www.livinghealthyvt.com

Living Healthy SUMMER 2012

in Northern Vermont & New Hampshire

4

KINGDOM MAGIC A mountain bike trail system is growing in popularity and has a once sleepy Northeast Kingdom village bustling with activity.

8

SUNFLOWERS PROVIDE SUMMER NUTRITION Nutritionist Marion Brown discusses several recipes to take advantage of the health benefits of sunflowers.

4 Kingdom Trails

10

ROSE-COLORED GLASSES St. Johnsbury’s Donna Garfield chronicles her story of surviving the darkness associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

8 Sunflowers

SURVIVING CANCER: IT’S NOT OVER ‘TILL IT’S OVER 16 WHY I SUPPORT IMMUNIZATIONS 17 THREE HOSPITALS PARTNER UP FOR SLEEP 20 SWEET ORGANIC DREAMING 21 THE RIGHT MATTRESS CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE 21 BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SUMMER HAZARDS 23 YOGA AND YOU 26 HOPE FOR LYMPHEDEMA SUFFERERS 26 GREEN CLEANING 27 STRATEGIES IN AN ERA OF REFORM 28 COVER: Simon Goudreault, of Quebec, along Herb’s Hill, one of the many trail offerings at Kingdom Trails.

LEFT: Alexis Morin and Elizabeth Pilotte of Montreal find that the trails don’t just kindle adventure.

Photos by Jacob L. Grant

10 Chronic Fatigue

4 • 2012 LIVING HEALTHY

Tim Tierney, executive director of Kingdom Trails.

Kingdom Magic Mountain Bike Trail System Makes the Region Sparkle photo & article by Jacob L. Grant

T

here’s a spot just as you come up over the rise behind the Inn at Mountain View Farm in Lyndonville, where the forest falls away at your sides, the sunlight hits your face, and you emerge onto a grassy hillside looking out over the town of Burke and the mountains beyond. No matter how hard you are peddling, or how labored you’re breathing, it’s a view that beckons your attention, bids you to pause and takes your breath away.

And it’s not the only one. A ride along Kingdom Trails, a mountain biking gem tucked away in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, reveals dozens of scenic vistas that can lift the spirit, downhill corners that ignite the adrenaline and an atmosphere of community and camaraderie that can assuage even the sternest frown.

“It’s awesome!” said Matthew Easter, an avid mountain biker from Ontario. “So far the trails here are the best I’ve ever ridden.”

It’s no exaggeration to say that Kingdom Trails has the best network of mountain biking tracks around because, well, it does. In fact, Bike Magazine crowned it Best Mountain Bike Trail Network in North America in 2008. Reviews from Vermont Life and Vermont Magazine to The Boston Globe and The New York Times have been glowing. Dirt Rag Magazine proclaimed East Burke “home to the best mountain biking in the United States,” raising it above bicycling hubs like Utah, Crested Butte in Colorado, and parts of California.

But what is it about this nearly 20-year-old trail system that works so well? From its humble

volunteer-run beginnings, to its fully staffed, 110-mile-long network of biking glory, Kingdom Trails has truly gone from rags to riches.

Now there are lots of communities throughout New England and beyond that are trying to replicate what Kingdom Trails has become, but the secret to its success may not be so much a matter of formula, as it is plain old simple good luck.

John Worth, who owns and operates East Burke Sports and was instrumental in the formation of Kingdom Trails, said it might just be a matter of enchantment.

“We just have that magical combination of things up here,” he said. “We’ve got this great village of Burke where there’s places to stay, a gas station across the street, a bike shop right next door and willing landowners. They are so key to making all this work.”

Back in the late 1980s, when the sport of mountain biking was just starting to take off, Worth said he and some fellow riders began cutting trails for their own recreational use. Once a small network was constructed, Worth began to think about growing the trail system into what it is today Then, along came a man named Doug Kitchel, a former owner of Burke Mountain Ski Area. Worth said Kitchel approached him about developing a recreational community within the town of Burke. Specifically, Kitchel wanted to start by asking for access to existing trails on private property for use by mountain bikers.

Going door-to-door and talking to landowners face to face, Worth and Kitchel did just that.

In 1994 the Kingdom Trails Association was established. The mission was not just to create an amazing network of trails, but do so in a way

Kingdom Trails Fast Facts • 49,000 annual visits • 600 individual members • 1,700 member households • 20,000 day tickets sold in 2011 • 110 miles of trails • 10-person trail maintenance crew • $100 spent daily by average visitor • An estimated $4.9 million brought into the community in 2011

that was conscious of conserving the natural resources in the area, respectful of the landowners and educational to all.

Today, Kingdom Trails is a charitable nonprofit conservation organization driven by a volunteer board of directors. The trail network is open during all seasons of the year for nonmotorized recreation. Currently, all mapped trails in the local area are on private land, and the funds needed to maintain the trail system are generated through the sale of member and day passes.

The 100-plus miles of well-signed trails were conceived, built and mapped under Worth’s direction, with the help of thousands of volunteer hours. On a typical excursion a rider will dart in and out of woods, fields and meadows, along cross-country ski trails, through backyard lawns, across driveways and alongside grazing horses.

2012 LIVING HEALTHY • 5

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There’s hardly a rider on the network who won’t boast about how well maintained the trails are – no big ruts or erosion, no unexpected obstacles.

“The trails have a good flow,” said Taylor Wall, an experienced mountain biker from Ontario. “They’re really well maintained. They have good drainage, and a lot of good corners. Makes for a smooth ride.”

Kingdom Trails draws riders from throughout North America.

On a recent weekend – the Victoria Day holiday weekend in Canada – the majority of people on the trails were from Canada.

Josee Melanson, who frequents the trails with her friends and children, said the network offers something her whole family can enjoy. One of the things that makes Kingdom Trails such a great place, she said, is the atmosphere.

“We just love to come here,” she said. “Not only are the trails good, but the people, the community is good. It all creates a really great place to be.”

Pierre Lagace, from Quebec, agreed. “The whole village,” he said, “is really nice. We come down here all the way from Quebec just to ride. It’s a long drive, but it’s always worth it.”

The formation of Kingdom Trails was initially met with some resistance, but Worth and Kitchel managed to grow their project to a point where landowners began approaching them about getting involved. Today there are over 50 landowners allowing access to their lands. Landowners get free usage of the trail system, and are protected under state statute in case anyone is injured while on their property.

The popularity of Kingdom Trails today is such that local inns and bed-and-breakfasts are designing vacation packages that include trail access. Even real estate brokers sometimes call with questions on behalf of perspective homeowners wanting to buy a house in the area simply for the recreational opportunities.

Tim Tierney, the executive director, said some factors that make Kingdom Trails such a hot spot include the overall quality construction of the trail system and the fact that Kingdom Trails offers something for everyone

regardless of their age or mountain biking skill level.

“And,” he said, “something that makes us convenient as well as unique is that you can park your car in one spot, do a variety of trail loops and wind up right back at your car.”

Tierney pointed out that the staff is unlike what one might find elsewhere. At other bikes shops where employees may be reluctant to give away the locations of their favorite mountain biking spots, the employees at Kingdom Trails will not only divulge their favorite routes, but highlight a path for you on a Kingdom Trails map that will cater to your preferences and level of ability. Not to mention that they can tell you where to eat, where to stay and what sites to go see, enhancing your overall experience.

It’s estimated that the average visitor spends $100 a day in the Burke area, but Tierney believes that estimate is quite conservative.

He said an economic impact study estimated that about $4.9 million is brought into the community annually due to trail visitors.

And as Kingdom Trails approaches its 20-year landmark in 2014, Tierney said he’s looking at expanding the trail system while nourishing its positive impact on the community. He said the only major problem is that Kingdom Trails might be growing too fast.

Worth agreed, estimating that the trail system sees a roughly 10-15 percent growth every year.

Not enough public parking and too few toilets are always an issue, but he said at a time when so many communities are suffering economically, if those are the only major problems, they are the kind of problems he’s glad to have.

One thing is for sure: Kingdom Trails has only just begun tapping the vast recreational potential of the area.

“We’re here to stay,” Tierney said. “The mountain biking destinations are no longer just out west. Now we have people coming here from Utah, which is great.

Kingdom Trails is an important economic cog around here now.

We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing, and try to stay ahead of the curve to know what to offer to keep people coming.”

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Sunflowers provide summer nutrition

By Marion Brown

W

ith summer in full bloom, we won’t be able to get outside enough. Sunny weather in Vermont is never wasted. We spend our time hiking, biking, running – anything to get us outdoors. So when it’s time to refuel, two things are most important – time and nutrition. Nutrient-packed foods leave you feeling fuller longer, without the need to “refuel” after an hour.

Sunflowers are popular, and it’s not just because of their good looks; they’re packed with a number of health benefits. Sunflower kernels are full of Vitamin E. They have almost double the amount of Vitamin E as almonds, the commonly known Vitamin E powerhouse. Sunflowers also rank high among foods that naturally provide folate, a B vitamin that is vital to healthy cell growth and important for women who are thinking of becoming pregnant. With sunflowers in your meals, you’ll be adding a handful of nutrition.

Molasses Sunflower Muffins Muffins don’t have to be loaded with added sugar for them to be sweet. For these muffins, I ditched the sugar and instead used molasses, applesauce and raspberries. This way, the sweetness carries nourishment with it. This recipe makes six large muffins or 12 smaller ones in 45 minutes.

Ingredients: ■■ 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour + 2 tbsp, divided ■■ 1 tbsp baking soda ■■ 1/4 tsp salt ■■ 1/4 cup sunflower oil ■■ 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses ■■ 2 large eggs ■■ 1 cup unsweetened applesauce ■■ 1 cup unsweetened almond milk ■■ 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries Directions: Let all ingredients come to room temperature. This is the first step in making bakery-style muffins. Preheat the oven to 425

8 • 2012 LIVING HEALTHY

degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, add flour, baking soda and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs and then add molasses, applesauce and almond milk. Fully blend.

Combine wet and dry ingredients. Be careful not to over mix.

This is another important step in making bakery-style muffins. In a separate bowl, coat raspberries with 2 tbsp flour. Stir into batter until evenly distributed.

Coat a large muffin tin (six muffins) with sunflower oil. Pour batter evenly into the pan. Cook muffins at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350 and cook for another 14-16 minutes.

Sunflower Kale “Sunka” Pasta This sunflower dish was inspired by the spirit of the summer and those long days we spend outside. After hours in the sun, when it’s time for dinner and you’re looking for a quick, easy, nutritious meal, this is the one for you.

During these summer months, kale will be sprouting up everywhere, and this is a great way to use a big bunch of it.

According to WebMD.com, “One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15 percent of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40 percent of magnesium, 180 percent of vitamin A, 200 percent of vitamin C, and 1,020 percent of vitamin K.” I got this recipe idea from my sister and a friend of ours; I altered it by substituting sunflower oil for olive oil, which is traditionally used in pesto, and called my creation “sunka.” The sunflower oil I used was cold pressed, meaning that heat was not used in extracting the oil from the seeds, which can alter the oil’s composition. What you get from cold pressing is an oil that is full of its true nutrients. This dish makes four servings in less than 30 minutes. So invite your friends over and make sure you have an extra bottle of wine to share.

Sunflower Hummus (top left), Molasses Sunflower Muffins (right) and Sunflower Kale “Sunka” (lower left).

Ingredients: ■■ 1/2 cup sunflower oil + 1 tbsp ■■ 1 cup white wine (I used Sauvignon Blanc) ■■ 1/2 tsp salt ■■ 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved ■■ 1 large clove garlic, diced ■■ 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped ■■ 1 bunch of fresh kale, chopped ■■ 1 box of pasta (I used whole wheat fettucini) ■■ 1 pound turkey breast ■■ 1 loaf of your favorite bread

Sunflower Hummus I’m always looking for a new flavor for hummus. It is incredibly easy to make, and it tastes way better when it’s home made! In the spirit of summer’s arrival, I chose sunflower oil as the oil base for my hummus. I also added almond milk to give this hummus a lighter, creamier texture.

This makes for a perfect appetizer dish for friends and family, or a nice afternoon snack.

Directions: Bring a pot of water to boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drizzle with a bit of sunflower oil to prevent the pasta from sticking. Grill turkey for 5-7 minutes each side.

Heat 1 tbsp sunflower oil in a pan, add salt, cherry tomatoes, garlic and walnuts. Let the mixture brown. In a food processor, blend kale, 1/2 cup sunflower oil and wine. You may have to do this in small batches if you have a small food processor.

Add the “sunka” mixture to the tomato mixture. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the alcohol to cook off.

Serve either with sauce on top of the pasta or coat the pasta with sauce and serve all together. Add grilled turkey, a nice big slice of your favorite bread, and a full glass of wine.

Ingredients: ■■ 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans ■■ 1/3 cup tahini ■■ 1/3 cup sunflower oil ■■ 1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened) ■■ 2 tbsp lemon juice ■■ 1/2 tsp cracked pepper plus extra for garnishing Directions: Place all ingredients into food processor and grind for 20 seconds. Serve in your favorite bowl with a selection of fresh vegetables.

Marion Brown grew up in Lyndonville and graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Nutrition and Food Science and Dietetics. She lives in Burlington where she teaches pilates, works for a yoga inspired apparel company and writes her food blog: www. healthy-retreat.com

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www.stjohnsburyacademy.org 2012 LIVING HEALTHY • 9

Rose-Colored The Glasses: Surviving Darkness Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

by Donna M. Garfield

A

pair of rose-colored glasses hang on the bulletin board in my kitchen. They were a gift from my co-workers because I look at the world and expect the best in people, I am willing to give everyone a second chance, and I stand up for the underdog. In a world that is sometimes filled with darkness, the glasses represent my symbol of hope.

There was a time when I was healthy, had plenty of energy, traveled and volunteered for many activities. As our three children grew, there was school, church, baseball, scouts, dance lessons, cheerleading, ski teams and all the extracurricular activities that keep parents busy. I could envision a time when the three children were grown and my husband, Reed, and I would still be young enough to travel.

Then CFS struck, and my life changed forever.

I was 31 years old.

CFS is chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as CFIDS (chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome). According to the CFIDS Association of America website, “at least one million Americans have CFS and millions more suffer worldwide.”

After I became ill with CFS, my life changed.

I gave up volunteer work, travel was limited and my activities revolved around schedules and early bedtimes. Any change in those routines would make me ill.

CFS is an illness defined by debilitating fatigue.

When I first became ill in 1985, no one could put a name to what I had.

There were no support groups in 1985, so I made up my own rules in order to survive. I realized there was a fine line between feeling well and feeling ill. I had to consider the physical and emotional consequences of everything I did. To this day, I still have to be careful of crossing that line. If Reed and I decide to go to an evening event and stay out a little late, then I rest in the afternoon, and most likely I will be resting in bed the next day. I have learned for the most part 10 • 2011 LIVING HEALTHY

where that line is.

The fatigue has continued to shadow me for more than 25 years. I have learned to live with it as a constant enemy waiting to attack.

Starting in 1985, a series of events led to three successive years of intense stress in my life. There was a death in the family, a job change for me and two severe accidents among family members. In the fall of 1985, I started feeling strangely fatigued all the time, but the doctors could find nothing wrong.

At my office Christmas party in 1987, I remember eating some seafood, and it didn’t settle well. I had not had any alcoholic drinks, but all of a sudden the room was whirling, and I thought I was going to faint. A doctor at the party was summoned. My pulse was so fast, he thought I was having a heart attack. We immediately went to the hospital, where I spent the evening in the emergency room. The ER doctor did some tests, told me I was suffering from exhaustion and suggested I go home and rest. In my own mind, I decided I had a bad reaction to the seafood.

However, over the next six months, things went downhill rapidly. I had never experienced that much fatigue, and even then, I couldn’t sleep at night. Being awake from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. became an ordinary occurrence. I couldn’t eat.

I used to be 5 feet, 8½ inches and 135 pounds. I lost 29 pounds and looked like a skeleton.

My doctor hospitalized me for exhaustion

on June 13, 1988. He refused to let me have any visitors other than my husband and my mother.

I was put on total rest, not even allowed to have a telephone in my room. The doctor ordered tests, and the results came back fine. He explained to me that with everything going on in my life in the last three years, it was as if I had been involved in a bad car accident, and I would be fine in six months.

Six months passed, and I was not fine. The fatigue was unbearable. I was back at work, but I felt like I was walking in darkness. I was extremely depressed. My heart raced all the time.

When I managed to work all day, I would arrive home and my husband would have to help me up the stairs. I would try and eat some dinner.

By 7 p.m., I would be in bed. Days turned into years. It was a nightmare. Reed was patient and endured it all with me. He was working full time and trying to take care of me, too. I wondered if it would ever end.

Along with fatigue came other symptoms. For me, they included anxiety, severe panic attacks, and depression. Panic attacks happened frequently, most often in crowded places, and were very scary. The first indication was light-headedness, feeling as if I were going to faint. I had heart palpitations and sweating, making me afraid I was having a heart attack. The most important thing for me was to leave the crowded area.

Much of the reading I have done over the years compares a panic attack to a fight-or-flight reaction. My body sensed danger, even though there might not be any, and responded accordingly. It happened many times in restaurants with my husband, and we would have to get up and leave. Then I would have to overcome my fear of returning to that restaurant because the same thing might happen. The first time it happened at the grocery store, I was near the end of my shopping. I was alone and somehow managed to make it through the checkout and go home. It so unnerved me that I could not return to that store

for five weeks. Usually after such an episode, I was exhausted and would have to go to bed.

I also had panic attacks in traffic while driving to work. By the time I arrived at work, I was so tired that my husband was called to take me home. Along with medicine, I later found some relief through counseling and learning breathing techniques.

My life was so different from other people. I knew no one else who had these symptoms. I didn’t even know how to explain it to anyone.

The depression left me living in a dark tunnel. I could not feel any light in my life. Every hour of every day, it was just putting one foot in front of another.

About this time, reports were published about a mysterious and debilitating illness called CFS. My sister in Michigan faxed me an article about it and told me it sounded just like what I had. I could not believe how much the symptoms were similar to mine. I immediately took the article

CFS has also taught me the abundance of my blessings. I thank God every day that I can get out of bed.

There are so many people who would give anything to be able to do that. to my doctor. We had long ago exhausted all the tests available for any major illnesses. He diagnosed me with CFS. Since there was no known way to treat it, we had to find ways to alleviate my symptoms. It took another three years before we found medicines I could take because I was very sensitive to many of the ones that we tried. Finally, an antidepressant called Imipramine turned things around for me. I was told it would take about two weeks before I would know if it worked. I remember very clearly starting the medicine on a Monday.

On Thursday morning of the same week, I woke up and for the first time in years, I could feel light in my life. I will never forget that day. It was as if the sun started to shine again. From that point on, I slowly started to get better. We found other medicines I could take to control the anxiety and panic attacks. Reed and I were even able to travel to Michigan for my nephew’s high school graduation in 1997 and to Connecticut in 2000 to visit my aunt.

In 2003, I had a major relapse. I was so discouraged. I didn’t want to ever have to go through that level of fatigue and depression again. I put on my rose-colored glasses and drew on my reserves. I was ready for battle. This time, I

knew what to expect; however, the severity lasted three long years. Since that time, I have not been able to travel very far, and my life has become more limited in some ways.

I have had to make choices as to what I can and cannot do. Learning to say “no” became part of my new vocabulary. In order to survive, I had to cut out all the extras and put a plan into action – one that some people didn’t understand.

I have had people say things to me such as, “Well, you don’t look sick. It’s all in your head. If you really wanted to attend my party, you would.” I have learned to develop a thick skin because if people don’t see a wound or a broken bone, they have a hard time understanding an illness. Still, the remarks of other people hurt, and friendships were lost.

Although I have never fully regained my health, I feel that I am 80 percent recovered now. As I look back and analyze my association with CFS, I know that I do not have the physical strength that most people have, and therefore I have to set very strict boundaries for myself. I have a routine, and it needs to stay fairly regular.

If it doesn’t, the fatigue overwhelms me, and I have to stay in bed. However, in the past few years I have found that the fatigue does not last as long as it used to. There is hope yet.

I found that CFS gave me an opportunity to be a voice for those who are depressed or ill with no outward effects. It is very easy for people to have empathy for someone who has a visible injury.

People have a harder time understanding those who are suffering inside, but I know what it feels like, and I have been able to help some of those people.

CFS has also taught me the abundance of my blessings. I thank God every day that I can get out of bed. There are so many people who would give anything to be able to do that. I try not to ever take my health for granted.

I have found that real friends do not leave you when things get tough. They are there to see you through it all. The friends who stayed by my side are still my friends.

Reed has been a great strength to me. It has not been easy for him. I am a legal secretary and my bosses and two co-workers have given me consistent support through the years. I have been at the same office for 27 years, and they have been very good to me through it all. Our best friends have not abandoned us, either. My father died five years ago and my mother, who never learned to drive and had never lived alone, decided she was not going to wither up and die.

She is a survivor, and I have learned much from her. These people embraced my fight with CFS and encourage me to do everything I can to have a full life, but also to know my limits. Ultimately, though, my walk is one I take alone with God at my side. It is impossible to share the number of times I have had to rely on a power greater than I possess.

Today my primary physician is Dr. Mary

Chronic fatigue syndrome Definition: CFS refers to severe, continued tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors The exact cause of CFS is unknown.

Some theories suggest CFS may be due to: ■■Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); however, no specific virus has been identified as the cause.

■■Inflammation in the nervous system, because of a faulty immune system response.

The following may also play a role in the development of CFS: ■■Your age.

■■Previous illnesses.

■■Stress.

■■Genetics.

■■Environmental factors.

CFS most commonly occurs in women ages 30 to 50.

Symptoms Symptoms of CFS are similar to those of the flu and other common viral infections and include muscle aches, headache and extreme fatigue. However, symptoms of CFS last for six months or more.

Signs and tests The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes CFS as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs, based on ruling out other possible causes.

There are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis of CFS. However, there have been reports of CFS patients having abnormal results on the following tests: ■■Brain MRI. ■■White blood cell count.

Treatment There is currently no cure for CFS. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Many people with CFS have depression and other psychological disorders that may improve with treatment.

Expectations (prognosis) The long-term outlook for patients with CFS varies and is difficult to predict when symptoms first start.

Some patients completely recover after six months to a year. Some patients never feel like they did before they developed CFS.

2011 LIVING HEALTHY • 11

Ready. She does not have the history with me that my other doctor did, but she listens. I take in copies of articles and ideas I have researched, and we discuss what is best for me.

One of the most important things to find in a doctor is someone who takes the time to really listen.

I am an avid reader. One of my favorite authors is Laura Hillenbrand, who wrote Sea Biscuit, a bestseller that was made into a movie. She wrote most of the book from her bed after years of an illness that her doctors could not identify.

Hillenbrand was finally diagnosed with CFS. Her struggle with CFS is much worse than mine, and she has been an inspiration to me. She told her story in an article published in The New Yorker in July 2003. It can be found at www.cfids-cab.org/ MESA/Hillenbrand.html. Hillenbrand has been an active advocate for individuals with CFS. It has always been a dream of mine to be a writer and photographer. Today, I am a regular contributor to The North Star Monthly newspaper out of Danville.

My office has a newsletter, and I write articles for that. The Caledonian-Record daily newspaper in St. Johnsbury has published two of my articles. It has not been easy, but it is one thing that makes me feel good.

I hope that by writing and sharing my story, it will help someone else suffering with CFS. What have I learned? Don’t judge others. You have no idea what struggles they may be dealing with.

Be kind. I may not be able to travel, but I can call people, send notes, pray for others, or do simple things.

Holidays are always tiring. I try to buy gifts during the year so that the pressure does not become too extreme in November and December.

Dr. Mary Ready and Donna Garfield.

I can’t go to every event I am invited to. I have learned to accept that and be grateful for the things I can do.

Exercise is important, but I can’t do a lot of it. I have times when I can walk one mile a day. I have other times when I cannot exercise at all.

In the early days, people called CFS the “yuppie flu.” There was talk about it being related to mononucleosis and the Epstein-Barr virus.

In 2009, research about a retrovirus known as XMRV showed a possible connection to CFS, but now there does not seem to be enough evidence to support that theory.

No one knows how you get CFS. There is no blood test, X-ray or scan that will tell your doctor you have it. My advicer is never stop reading and keeping updated on new information. Know your body and do your own research. You cannot depend on your doctors to know everything. The national CFIDS website is full of information and has started doing webinars that are easily accessible.

There is a support group in Burlington. Started in the early 1990s by Jim Boyce, it was restarted in 1996

by Rik Carlson, who became sick on

Jan. 2, 1995, when he was 47 years old. At the time, he and his wife, Barbara, owned a furniture store.

He said, “I got the worst case of the flu that never went away. Then I got it again. By the time I got it the third time, I didn’t get out of bed for the next five years.” They had to close the store, and after a year and a half, he was able to receive disability payments. He said he has to prioritize his activities and be careful what he does.

Carlson wrote a book called “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Politics of Disease.” He and his close friend, Michael Thurston, of Lyndonville made a documentary film called “Invisible,” describing CFS and the people who have it. A website, www.vtcfids.org, has more information on the support group, the film, a medical scholarship, monthly meetings and many other items of interest. The support group meets once a month.

Lainey Rappaport is secretary of the Burlington support group. She said, “I used to be a school teacher, but stopped teaching a couple of years ago due to CFS. I am now a

Justice of the Peace and register of voters.” She has chemical sensitivities which are common among those with CFS. She believes she became ill when she was in high school. She takes vitamins and has tried massage, meditation and yoga as ways to help fight her illness.

I keep positive sayings posted around my home and office. I believe “the glass is half-full.” So many people have so much less. I have practiced Tai Chi, done counseling, and now have acupuncture once a month. Our children are grown, and we have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Pets are known to be therapeutic, and for me, having a cat is calming.

We have Emma, a beautiful dark gray and golden cat. She was given to us by a friend who knew Emma would be the perfect fit for me.

There is something right with the world when you can sit in a recliner reading a book and your cat is curled up beside you.

Sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like without CFS. My lifelong dream was to write, but would I ever have done that if I hadn’t been forced into a more restrictive lifestyle? My husband and I were going to travel, and I always wanted to visit an island in the Mediterranean or go to Greece or Italy. But I have learned that some of the best places are right here in the Northeast Kingdom.

I know how blessed I am, and I try to focus on that. For the time being, I cannot travel, but I am also not totally disabled by CFS. I still wear my rose-colored glasses because I have hope that someday there will be a cure.

For more information, go to www. cfids.org and www.vtcfids.org

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12 • 2011 LIVING HEALTHY

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Surviving Cancer

It’s not over ‘til it’s over Ed and Karen Guest are retired and live in East Burke. They have been married for over 45 years and approached Karen’s cancer the way they have taken on every other bump in their long road together – as a team.

By Edmund J. Guest

W

e were more relieved than anything, like a great weight had been lifted from our shoulders. The ordeal – two surgeries, five months of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation – was all behind us. A friend had had a similar experience and years later was doing fine, plus the docs all agreed Karen’s prognosis was excellent. Now that the treatments were over, we were optimistic we could finally return to normal and get on with our lives. Or so we thought.

It all began the previous December, just before Christmas, when a routine mammogram revealed the suspicious spot. Quickly we progressed to confirmatory tests, diagnoses and pro-vs.-con consultations. By the end of January, two surgeries had removed the malignancy and some lymph nodes, and we started consultations about the road ahead. Words were never said, but we knew this was going to be tough on both of us. Obviously Karen would bear the brunt, but I faced months of everything from chauffeur duties to simple nursing care to cheerleading. It would be 16 • 2012 LIVING HEALTHY

stressful for any couple.

In early March, the chemotherapy began, and we settled in for the worst. Karen was quickly debilitated – nauseated, listless, exhausted, and scared. Her fingers and toes became numb and painful as the toxic drugs settled into the nerve endings of her extremities.

Her hair started to come out in clumps, so she had her hairdresser take off the rest. She ordered wigs.

I considered shaving my head in solidarity, but figured with so little hair to start with, no one would notice. I tried to distract her with fresh music, books, and DVD

movies, but she really just wanted to sleep or sometimes use her iPad to e-mail our daughters or play a game. Or simply be left alone. I became increasingly concerned she might be entering into depression.

Her medical team at DartmouthHitchcock’s Norris Cotton Cancer Center had warned us about likely side effects, so we were not surprised when their predictions came true. As the months went by, we fell into a weekly pattern of seven-hour infusions, several days of nasty reactions, a brief start toward recovery, and then the next infusion. In a perverse sort of way, the predictability was comforting.

The docs had said this was all quite normal, and we reassured ourselves that we were not entering the unknown.

A month after the chemotherapy ended, Karen began six weeks of daily radiation. This was easier for her to tolerate compared to the chemo, but soon a listless fatigue set in. The nausea was gone, but Karen had little energy and no stamina. She would feel good enough to do a light chore or take a walk, then quickly run out of gas and retreat to the couch for a nap. We counted the days until the radiation would be over. Despite her oncologist’s warning of possible continuing fatigue, we decided that when all the treatments were completed, life would return to normal.

It didn’t.

Three weeks after the end of radiation, we left on a seven-day cruise to Bermuda. We had taken a number of strenuous trips in the past, but this one would be easy.

We’d stay with relatives before leaving from New York (no long flights, strange hotels or unfamiliar food), and Karen could let Holland America pamper her with everything from room service to spa treatments. If she felt like it, she could take in a show, enjoy the sea air from a deckchair, read, see a bit of beautiful Bermuda, or not. The perfect do-what-you-want getaway and a much needed change of scene and subject. And a caregiving break for me as well.

Despite her continuing lack of stamina, we returned later in October from that brief interlude feeling refreshed, and we vowed to plunge back into our active

WORLD CLASS CARE Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and its Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Lebanon, N.H., provided Karen with world-class care, from initial diagnosis to surgery, through chemo and radiation therapies and follow-up to this day.

Upon completion of the surgeries and postsurgical consultations, Karen received her chemo and radiation therapies at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center North in St. Johnsbury, Vt. The St. Johnsbury center provides oncologist and radiation oncologist services in support of chemotherapy and radiation therapies, as well as immediate support services, such as nutrition supplements and snacks, a well-stocked library, and a comfortable on-site family lounge. It additionally provides patients and families with referrals to community services, from support groups to wig and headscarf makers. There is also a volunteer masseur who comes by periodically to alleviate the stress and stiffness from sitting for hours while being infused.

For more information, contact DartmouthHitchcock in Lebanon at 603-650-5000 or St. Johnsbury at 802-4734100.

northern Vermont retirement. I got the skis tuned, the snowshoes repaired, stored the lawn furniture and gardening tools and made plans for family Christmas visits, all in readiness for the coming winter.

But Karen hung back. No matter what or how little she did, she was quickly exhausted, and the numbness in her extremities refused to subside.

Her oncologist had said it would take a while to bounce back and that everyone recovered at their own pace. We had assumed that given Karen’s active lifestyle and positive attitude, she would be one of the “rapid recoverers.” But it was not to be.

All through the late fall and early winter, we took walks, first quite short, then longer, none anywhere near as long or as difficult as Karen would do before her treatment. She started some low impact stretching and strengthening exercises, but the going was difficult and slow.

“Never give up, never give in!”

And that is the attitude anyone in this position – both patient and caregiver – must assume.

By the one-year anniversary of her diagnosis, she was still struggling to regain her normal strength and feeling a bit down for her lack of progress. I too mirrored her frustration and wondered when or if she’d ever fully recover.

And then an old nemesis reared its head. Months of sitting while cancer-killing poisons were pumped into her body and the general lack of activity while

recovering from the infusions, had allowed the minor, but chronic osteoarthritis in her joints to reassert itself. The stiffness caused by a year’s worth of inactivity began to interfere with her strengthening program. So, entering the second year of her ordeal, Karen began a physical therapy program as best she could to get her ankles, knees and hips working smoothly again.

Yes, the arthritis flare-up was discouraging and yes, with everything else it was something she didn’t need, but deal with it she did.

She’s persistent, even dogged, true to her motto: “Never give up, never give in!” And that is the attitude anyone in this position – both patient and caregiver – must assume.

The patient, as well as families and friends, must be ready for anything and be determined to recover regardless of occasional setbacks.

Karen’s recovery is a journey, and it’ll only be over when it’s over.

Everyone is different, and some-

times it takes a long time to come back from the ordeal of cancer treatment. Karen is continuing her mobility and strengthening exercises, and ever so gradually increasing her stamina and staying power. A year after her chemo began, she resumed skiing a couple of runs at a time.

Toward the end of April, Karen reported that she had begun to feel “pretty good.” Her stamina was much better, and the lethargy was gone. Then several days later, she awoke one morning and announced, “I feel great!”

It was all rather sudden – as if 11 months after starting chemotherapy and six months after completing radiation treatments, her body had finally purged itself of all the poisons and radiation used to kill her cancer. Karen now spends her time tending her flowers, entertaining friends, book clubbing, planning travels and volunteering at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center.

OPINION

Why I Support Immunizations

By Harry Chen, MD Vermont Health Commissioner

V

ermonters have been exposed to misinformation about vaccines as the debate about Senate bill S.199 (removal of the philosophical exemption) brings up polarizing issues related to public health and personal choice.

To prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases, state law requires that children must be fully vaccinated before they can attend childcare or school. This law was put into place to protect all children, and it has proven to be effective in reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

When public health strategies to prevent illness are effective (such as vaccines and hand

washing) the happy result is that nothing happens. These interventions leave us safer, and without dramatic news to report. This is why I refer to as public health as our “best kept secret.”

But the safety we all enjoy will soon fade if more parents choose not to fully immunize their children. Community (herd) immunity is built when a high percentage of individuals are immunized – providing a strong shield that stops the spread of infectious diseases and protects those who cannot be vaccinated. Ten children recently died in a pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak in California, and Europe and Quebec have seen significant measles outbreaks. Closer to home, Ver-

mont has been in the middle of a pertussis outbreak of its own.

The world is too small to expect to be spared. Saying “I told you so” is not an acceptable strategy from where I sit.

Myths and misinformation swirl around the issue of vaccine safety, and parent’s questions must be addressed. Every vaccine that is approved for the public has gone through meticulous testing to ensure that the benefits clearly and definitively outweigh the risks. But no medication is absolutely safe and effective for every individual. Since the human body is infinitely unique, some people will experience vaccine side effects. Unfortunately, there is no way for medical professionals to predict how any

individual child or adult will be affected.

It is imperative that we make informed health decisions for ourselves and our families based on up-to-date medical research and facts. History clearly shows that vaccines have drastically reduced the number of people suffering from infectious diseases that were common in years past.

In 2012, Vermont parents do not live in fear of their children contracting severe diseases like diphtheria, tetanus or polio. Success is measured when nothing happens, the shield of immunity remains intact, and children do not suffer unnecessarily. We cannot afford to lose focus on our common goal: healthy Vermont children and a healthy Vermont.

Harry L. Chen, M.D. earned his medical degree at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine. He was a faculty member at George Washington University Medical Center’s Department of Emergency Medicine. In Vermont, Dr. Chen has been an emergency physician at Rutland Regional Medical Center for over 20 years, and medical director from 1998-2004. He is also on the clinical faculty at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He served in the Vermont House of Representatives and was vice chair of the Health Care Committee.

2012 LIVING HEALTHY • 17 2011

HEALTHY CHOICES * Tip #6

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Break it up!

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Browse the aisles of the oldest operating natural food store and café in the Northeast and find specialty foods and provisions, wine, beer, award winning cheeses and local products.

Then have a taste of Vermont in our eclectic café featuring a hot entrée and salad bar, daily soups, grilled and fresh sandwiches, a juice bar and smoothies, all freshly made.

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THE NEED FOR SLEEP

Probing mysteries of sleepless nights

By Nancy J. Goss

A

good night’s sleep is a wonderful thing. It refreshes one’s mind and body for a new day. However not everybody is able to achieve a good night’s sleep.

Some people wake up in the morning feeling more tired than they were before going to bed. Lack of sleep can have a profound impact on mental and physical well-being. But there is hope for those who struggle to get a good night’s sleep.

For more than 15 years, the Northern Vermont Center for Sleep Disorders at North Country Hospital in Newport, has treated hundreds of people with sleep problems and disorders. After months, years, or even decades of poor sleep, people can now enjoy peaceful and refreshing sleep during the night and feel rested and alert during the day. Patients come to the full-service sleep center from northern and central Vermont and northwestern New Hampshire to have their sleep problems and disorders diagnosed and treated.

The four-bed, hospital-operated center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

The staff includes three board-certified physicians who adhere to the highest AASM standards.

Last year Medical Director Veronika Jedlovszky, MD, and David Alsobrook, MD, were joined by Innocent Ezenwa, MD, and nurse practitioner Elaine Robinson. Dr. Ezenwa is board certified in sleep medicine, internal medicine and has extensive training in pediatric sleep medicine. The centers are managed by Deb McCormick, a registered polysomnographic technologist, and employ six technicians and four clinical support staff.

With Dr. Ezenwa’s arrival, the center was able to offer more accessibility for the sleep lab and expand its services. In 2011, a joint venture between North Country Hospital and Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) in St. Johnsbury expanded the center’s sleep medicine services. A two-bed sleep lab in St. Johnsbury near NVRH operates three nights per week. This is expected to expand to six nights per week as the volume grows.

In February, 2012 the Northern Vermont Center for Sleep Disorders announced an expansion of its sleep medicine program at Copley Hospital in Morrisville. The collaborative program between Copley Hospital and North Country Hospital enabled clinic hours to expand to Monday through Friday to better meet patient needs. The center is located at 530 Washington Highway in Morrisville The sleep labs don’t really look like laboratories. The rooms are spacious and comfortable bedrooms, the kind found in a home or luxury hotel. The testing is done while the patient sleeps the night away. Using a variety of tools the medical staff in the sleep lab are able to diagnose sleep disorders, suggest treatment options and help the patients get the good night’s sleep that their bodies need.

A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a recording of data that includes

20 • 2012 LIVING HEALTHY

Sheila Taylor, certified sleep lab technician. measurements used to identify various sleep problems. During sleep testing, sensors monitor brain waves, muscle movements, breathing, snoring, and heart rate. Soft belts around your chest and waist monitor your breathing. A sensor attached to your finger monitors your heart rate and blood oxygen levels. None of these devices are painful or dangerous, and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible.

The sleep study, its analysis and its interpretation are part of a complex process. After the sleep study, technologists process or “score” the large amount of data collected. The physician then interprets the information, makes a diagnosis and works with the patient to determine the best form of treatment.

Dr. Jedlovzsky recalled how one man came to the sleep lab at the encouragement of his wife. He disagreed with his wife’s assessment that he had a sleep disorder. However, his wife was alarmed that her husband sometimes stopped breathing for so long when he was sleeping that she thought he was dead. Skeptically, her husband agreed to spend a night at the lab. The tests determined that he was suffering from sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep disorder.

After treatment, the patient told Dr. Jedlovszky that it had been so long since he had a good night’s sleep that he forgot what it was like. Dr. Jedlovszky also said he told her that he felt much better during the day.

“That was a real eye opener for him,” she said. Dr. Jedlovszky said his words are not uncommon. Many patients who have been served by the sleep lab have reported similar experiences, she said.

Dr. Alsobrook said there are many more people in this area who could benefit from being evaluated at the lab. “Raising this awareness is very important because we are a sleep-deprived society, and the problem is getting worse,” he said. “We have the longest work hours and least vacation of any country on earth. Only 35 percent of adults sleep the recommended eight hours per night.”

Dr. Ezenwa compares his work of finding the underlying cause of a sleep disorder to that of a detective trying to solve a crime. No stone is left unturned in the search for clues, he said, and some patients have amazing results. A good night’s sleep, he said, can mean the difference between struggling to stay awake all day and facing the world with energy and enthusiasm.

If you think you have a sleep disorder call 802-334-3208 for information or talk to your primary care physician for a referral to the sleep lab at one of the three convenient locations.

Nancy J. Goss is director of community relations at North Country Hospital in Newport, Vt.

THE NEED FOR SLEEP

The right mattress can make all the difference

S

leep is vital to life and health. Just ask someone who doesn’t sleep well or someone who has been deprived of sleep for a night or two how important it is to them. You’ll get an earful.

Because it is such a powerful weapon, we know that sleep deprivation has been used in wartime. Yet scientists

By Katheryn Laferriere are just now beginning to understand what a significant influence good sleep has on our overall health.

“Sleep is the best predictor of longevity,” says James Maas, a psychologist, researcher and author of Sleep for Success: Everything You Must Know About Sleep But Are Too Tired To Ask. “Nutrition and exercise are extremely important, but you need all three to be psychologically and physically healthy.”

Being cozy and comfortable are paramount when you are searching for quality sleep, and updating your mattress can be a simple way to achieve that blissful night’s rest you need.

If you are having trouble sleeping, the problem may not be the mattress itself, but its age. When you keep your mattress for too many years, the materials inside it begin to break down and that compromises its ability to support your body. A good rule of thumb is to shop for a new one every 10 years.

Katheryn Laferriere owns Mayo’s Furniture & Floor Coverings in St. Johnsbury with her husband Fred.

Key considerations when you are thinking about a new mattress: ■■Find the right firmness to support and cushion.

Howard Levy, MD, an Emory University assistant professor of orthopaedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation says, “If you’re on too soft [of] a mattress, you’ll sink down to the bottom. But on too hard of a mattress you have too much pressure on the sacrum, and on the shoulders and on the back of the head.” Finding a medium-firm or a firm mattress with a pillow top can be the winning combination for support and cushioning.

■■An adjustable bed can be a good purchase.

Sleeping with your head in a raised position is a good way to help with nighttime heartburn problems from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also recommended for people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to help them breathe easier. Further, these beds also allow you to adjust your knees and hips to relieve pressure on sore joints, according to Levy.

■■Don’t keep your mattress for too long.

Sweet organic dreaming Creating a chemical free sanctuary in the bedroom

By Jessica Goldblatt Barber

W

e spend over a third of our lifetimes in the bedroom. Sleep is a time for our bodies to heal, renew and rejuvenate. If you’re going to make one room in the house as chemical free as possible, make it your bedroom.

Start by clearing your bedroom of clutter and unwanted goods. There should be no workspaces, electronics or exercise equipment in view.

When redecorating, paint with natural paints or clay plasters. They have a wonderful feel, are easy to work with and improve indoor air quality. Use natural fiber curtains, such as cotton, hemp, wool or silk. If replacing floors, use natural fiber carpets, wood, cork and stone. Avoid plastics and vinyls.

As for the bed, choosing an organic mattress is one of the best ways to significantly make a difference in reducing your overall chemical exposure.

This is especially true for new babies and children. In addition, organic mattresses offer a superior sleep surface. It is little wonder that they are the fastest growing sector in the mattress industry.

There are two main types of organic mattress options: one is natural latex foam; the other is organic cotton and wool innerspring.

Natural Latex foam mattresses are similar in performance and price to Tempur-Pedic mattresses, but are made from naturally occurring, sustainably harvested sap from rubber trees. Natural latex is mold, mildew, dust mite and bed bug resistant.

Latex mattresses are often recommended by chiropractors for people with back and sleep issues because they gently give and cradle the body. For people who love a super-soft mattress, there are choices to create a pillow-

like top. Transfer of motion (when the person next to you moves around) is very limited on latex mattresses, so they are really wonderful for couples.

Organic innerspring mattresses are constructed like conventional mattresses, but they are made with organic cotton and/or wool. Organic cotton is chemical free, and looks and feels wonderful. Wool is naturally flame retardant and meets the strictest California standards. It is antibacterial, dust mite resistant and regulates your body temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Production of most organic mattresses is still very much a cottage industry. They are often made in small factories, using U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved organic cotton and organic wool. Purchasing American-made goods benefits our economy.

Conventional mattresses have a greater environmental impact. The plastic foams they are made of do not break down quickly, while the natural materials in an organic mattress gently compost and give nutrients to soil.

Do a bit of research before purchasing furnishings for your home, and when possible, select the safer, greener alternatives. They will become more available as consumers demand them, and more affordable as supply and competition grows. We can create a healthier home and planet, one smart choice at a time.

Jessica Goldblatt Barber is the owner of Interiors Green, The Home & Living Store, on Main Street in Bethlehem N.H. 2012 LIVING HEALTHY • 21

&

J Fitne s

Amy W. Wheeler, L.Ac. Barry Fudim, L.Ac.

S

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HOSPITAL DRIVE, ST. JOHNSBURY | 802 748-8141|

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Be on the lookout for summer hazards

I

f you see someone tip water out of an old tire, scour for ticks on their clothing after a hike, or scan waterways for signs of blue green algae, chances are they work for the Vermont Department of Health. Spring and summer in Vermont bring the risk of West Nile Virus (from the bite of an infected mosquito), Lyme disease (from the bite of an infected tick) and exposure to hazards such as algae blooms that may contain harmful toxins.

The Health Department website (healthvermont.gov) provides information designed to increase awareness of these hazards, including signs and symptoms and common sense precautions everyone can take to avoid them.

Insect repellent is one of the precautions recommended for anyone who spends time outdoors during the summer in Vermont.

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and avoiding tick bites is important for preventing Lyme disease.

Most repellents contain DEET, which is safe and effective to use, even on children.

Repellents containing newer active ingredients are also available. Use an EPA-registered repellent and make sure you read the label carefully. Vermont started a comprehensive West Nile Virus surveillance program in 2000, and last year had the first human case confirmed in Vermont since 2003.

Bring us your tired, your restless, your sleep deprived patients.

The number of cases reported to the Health Department has steadily increased since 2005. In 2011, there were over 512 reports of people who were likely exposed to Lyme disease in Vermont.

The increase is probably due to both heightened awareness among Vermonters and an increase in the number of infected ticks. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. In addition to using repellents, people should perform daily tick checks and remove ticks promptly. It can take 36 hours for the tick to transmit Lyme disease to you, so even if the tick has attached to you, prompt removal can prevent disease.

Public awareness about the dangers of algae also continues to grow. The Health Department, in collaboration with partner agencies and the University of Vermont, developed a comprehensive surveillance and monitoring system to report algae blooms in 1999. Blooms can be reported by calling

the Health Department at 1-800-439-8550 (Vermont only).

Some kinds of blue-green algae produce dangerous toxins and exposure can result in skin irritation or allergic reactions. Drinking water that contains toxins produced by algae can result in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Children are considered to be at higher risk because they are more likely to accidentally drink the water. No human cases of illness related to blue-green algae have been documented in Vermont. During the summers of 1999 and 2000, two dogs died after drinking large amounts of water from a toxic blue-green algae bloom in Lake Champlain.

For more information about summer precautions recommended by the Health Department visit: healthvermont.gov. You can follow the department on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ healthvermont.

Northern Vermont CENTER FOR SLEEP DISORDERS Accredited by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Three board certified physicians and a nurse practitioner serving your sleep medicine needs.

We are now able to accommodate patients ages 5 and older with all sleep related disorders including: CSA/OSA

Insomnia

RLS/PLMD Narcolepsy Shift Work Disorders Circadian Rhythms Disorders Parasomnia Enuresis DOT Sleep Evaluations Hypersomnia

For more information call 802.334.4108 or visit us on line at www.northcountryhospital.org We have the experience.

We have the knowledge.

We have the resources.

cs at te clini Satelli d Copley an NVRH pitals o H s

Newport, Vermont

Studio for Life

130 Maple Lane ~ Barton, Vermont

802-673-4779 rebecca.ryt@gmail.com

www.studioforlife.com

Yoga ~ Massage ~ Reiki 1st Yoga Class FREE! (for new customers)

Rebecca Marcotte, RYT-200 Registered Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master and Massage Practitioner 2012 LIVING HEALTHY • 23

HEALTHY CHOICES * Tip #9

New Servi Deli ng Sand Fresh wich and M es ore!

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Start with fist size portions of food, then wait a few minutes before adding more to see if you are still hungry.

This Healthy Choices Tip is brought to you by NVRH.

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Reiki Retreat Where Healing is a Choice

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HEALTHY CHOICES * Tip #10

The Buddy System!

Find an exercise program that fits you. Find a friend who has the same interest.

Then go work it out together!

This Healthy Choices Tip is brought to you by NVRH. Looking forward to your health.

HOSPITAL DRIVE, ST. JOHNSBURY | 802 748-8141|

Find us on Facebook.

Dr. Richard Leven Dr. Stephen Feltus Dr. Suzanne Corbitt Dr. Jill Barr

Care you can count on 24/7.

Our award-winning short-stay and outpatient therapies include physical, occupational, and speech language.

We also offer a stimulating and caring enviroment for our respite guests.

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At North Country Hospital quality patient care is our greatest commitment, employees are our greatest asset, excellent patient experience is our greatest accomplishment, and the health of the community is our greatest responsibility.

Our board certified clinicians and technicians blend medical expertise and the latest technology with genuine concern for our patients.

Newport, Vermont

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Yoga and you

By Rebecca Marcotte

Y

oga seems to be the “new” health fad in America.

Although it is a comparatively recent phenomenon (here), yoga is believed to have been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Over 15 million Americans are reported to be enjoying yoga’s health benefits. It can hardly be called a fad.

Yoga’s benefits are awe-inspiring. Stress is reduced, strength and flexibility are increased and breathing and balance are improved. Yoga is clinically noted to relieve symptoms of back pain, arthritis and asthma. While increasing cardio activity and circulation, it helps with memory and improves energy levels.

Yoga means to join or unite. It embraces a concept of spirit or energy that resides in all living things. It helps practitioners connect or unite that spirit with improved physical and mental health.

Some potential benefits of yoga may be hard to study scientifically.

For instance, yoga has been said to increase spiritual awareness.

Nevertheless, there is an abundance of anecdotal claims for what

yoga can do. Go to any yoga studio and listen to students after class.

Some will even tell you that yoga can help improve marriages and relationships at work.

The only way to be certain of all that yoga can do for you is to try it for yourself. There are many excellent instructors and opportunities for various yoga styles available in the Northeast Kingdom.

The emphasis on meditative and introspective mental/spiritual focus is thought to be a defining difference between yoga and other very healthy (and fun) aerobic exercise programs like Pilates, Zumba and spinning.

There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although the styles are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has

Statistics (From a 2008 Yoga in America study) ■■ 15.8 million yoga practitioners

Gender of U.S. yoga practitioners ■■ 72.2 percent female ■■ 27.8 percent male

Age of U.S. yoga practitioners ■■ 40.6 percent 18-34 ■■ 41.0 percent 35-54 ■■ 18.4 percent over 55 a particular emphasis. There are many sites online that can help you demystify the names to figure out which class is right for you.

There is not a right or wrong style, but students may want to do some research and take a few lessons to find the instructor and style that satisfies their needs.

From improved sexuality to weight reduction and many other proven benefits, yoga may not be a panacea, but it’s good for every body, has few side effects, is low cost and it’s fun.

Rebecca Marcotte is a registered yoga instructor, massage practitioner and Reiki master at Studio for Life in Barton.

Hope for Lymphedema sufferers

By Kathleen Hall

L

ymphedema is an accumulation of protein rich fluid in tissues that causes swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.

The cause of lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is edema that starts at a young age and is caused by malformations in the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Secondary lymphedema generally comes on when lymph vessels or lymph nodes have been damaged or removed. This is generally associated with surgical treatments for cancer or from cancer treatment with radiation.

While the causes of lymphedema may differ, the symptoms and treatment are similar.

Symptoms of lymphedema can include, but

26 • 2012 LIVING HEALTHY

not limited to an increase in the size of a limb, difficulty fitting into clothes, tightness of rings or watches and a “feeling of tightness or heaviness” in a limb. It commonly presents with puffiness of the hand or foot.

Treatment for lymphedema is called “Complete Decongestive Therapy,” or CDT for short. Treatment can be provided by a variety of health care practioners who have received specialized training. Generally treatment is provided by a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or a massage therapist and generally

Vt. again named healthiest state Vermont was again named the healthiest state in the nation when the United Health Foundation released its 2011 edition of America’s Health Rankings.

Vermont has been among the top five healthiest states for the past eight years, climbing steadily from 20th in 1990 to 12th in 2000, to become first in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

This year, Vermont ranked among the top 10 healthiest states in 15 of 23 public health measures relating to behaviors, community and environment, health policies, clinical care, and health outcomes.

“Public health is what we all do together to assure the conditions in which people can be their healthiest,” said Health Commissioner Harry Chen, MD. “Compared to other states, Vermonters are faring well. But not all of us are as healthy as we can be – especially those who are younger, have less education and lower incomes.”

Vermont is also notable for its high rates of high school graduation, lower incidence of infectious disease, low violent crime rate, and high use of early prenatal care.

involves: • Specialized lymphatic drainage massage, skin care and education.

• Compression bandages and compression garment fitting.

• Exercises designed to promote improved lymphatic flow to the affected areas.

If you are concerned that you may have lymphedema it is important to seek care and evaluation from your medical provider, who can provide resources for treatment in your area. Additional information can be obtained from a certified lymphedema therapist. The Internet can be a valuable resource with sites such as the National Lymphedema Network (NLN).

Kathleen Hall is a physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist employed by Dan Wyand PT and Associates/Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury.

Green Cleaning Alternative cleaning products can protect our health

By Susan Cheney

T

he past few years we have been hearing a lot about going green. The definition of green has everything to do with nature, and clean means pure, free from soil or dirt.

So green cleaning is cleaning to protect our health without harming the environment. To be clear, it is more than switching a few products.

Green cleaning can refer to the way products are manufactured, packaged and distributed. If all of that is environmentally friendly and the products are biodegradable, the terms green or eco-friendly may apply.

Is green cleaning worth the extra costs? I personally and professionally think so. Many people suffer from allergies, asthma, emphysema and chemical sensitivity, and it seems to be getting worse each year.

There are so many products available that it can be extremely confusing. Just because a product says non-toxic, eco-safe, or environmentally-friendly, it does not mean much without a standard in place. Go to www.greencleaningnetwork.org/gc-standards for information and links to major standard and certification agencies.

You need to read all labels when considering green products. Look for specific ingredients that perform well without volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are organic chemicals that have high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperatures, which causes molecules to evaporate from the liquid or solid and enter the surrounding air.

VOCs are numerous, and many are dangerous to our health and environment. Health effects can include eyes, nose, throat irritations, headaches, nausea, skin reactions, fatigue, dizziness and respiratory infection that can lead to asthma and emphysema.

When there is a need to use products containing VOCs, use them in well ventilated areas.

There are many new green-cleaning products on the market. Many are wonderful. My favorite is Seventh Generation. If you look in your cupboards, you will find many items to make your own cleaning products.

Here are a few: • Vinegar, one of my favorites. It is a great salt neutralizer in the winter. Use it to wash your floors. It is also a natural disinfectant. In a clean spray bottle mix 2 ounces of vinegar to 14 ounces of water. You can use this for glass, counters, woodwork, just about anything you would use glass cleaner for.

Vinegar is also great in your dishwasher. You can pour ½ cup directly into the dishwasher and turn it onto the light cycle. If you have a stainless steel interior it will be shiny and bright not to mention it will sanitize it at the same time. You can also use vinegar as a rinse agent.

Instead of buying vegetable or fruit wash, use vinegar and water mixed in equal parts. Spray it on, rub it in and rinse.

Washing windows? Put four ounces of vinegar in a bucket to one gallon of water, add two drops of dish liquid, and your squeegee will glide across the glass.

Spill coffee, tea or cola on your rug? Apply white vinegar, let it sit a few minutes and dab with a white cloth. Repeat if needed. Rinse, and your tannin stain should be gone. (Make sure to test first in an inconspicuous place).

• Baking Soda. Use it instead of powdered cleanser. It works as a water softener and odor remover. Use it in your laundry. Pour some down your kitchen drain to freshen it.

• Borax. Use it instead of bleach.

• Furniture Polish. Mix a one-to-one ratio of olive oil and vinegar to clean and polish furniture.

• All Purpose Disinfectant. Mix two teaspoons borax, four teaspoons vinegar and three cups hot water in a spray bottle. Need to cut grease? Add ¼ teaspoon liquid soap.

Using Microfiber cloths also helps, and you can throw them in the wash.

I have just scratched the surface on green cleaning. Try it. It really is important to our health and the environment.

Susan Cheney is the owner of Top Carpet Cleaning in St. Johnsbury Center.

Keeping you informed.

Keeping you healthy.

Keeping you connected to the Kingdom.

Published annually by

N orthStar publishing llc

29 Hill St ~ PO Box 319 Danville, VT 05828-0319 802-684-1056

2011 LIVING HEALTHY • 27

A COMPLE TE ONLINE SOURCE FOR MEDITATORS. SINCE 1975.

Strategies in an era of reform

M E D I TAT I O N C U S H I O N S

By Paul R. Bengtson CEO, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury

M E D I TAT I O N B E N C H E S GONGS AND INCENSE B O O K S A N D M E D I A

n the winter 2011 edition of Living Healthy, I stated that in this era of “reform,” our responsibility locally is to continue being the best of the best in the U.S.A. While Vermont retains its position as the healthiest state in the nation, and while it continues to provide the highest quality of care in the nation, there are many things we continue to improve in the Northeast Kingdom. We integrate six strategies to pursue our mission to enhance the health of the communities we serve.

All of our strategic work at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is shaped by our institutional values, which were crafted into a written document authored by our trustees, employees, doctors and volunteers. Briefly, they emphasize:

I

mouth College of Medicine with the intention of establishing a family practice fellowship program here in the region.

Our quality improvement strategies have already produced dramatic changes. You may have heard or read a great deal about unnecessary utilization of health services and unnecessary readmissions to hospitals in the U.S. Our hospital has readmission rates that are a fraction of the average reported in our country. And we are working to get that number as close to zero as is clinically possible.

The same story is true for utilization of services. Vermont keeps many statistics tracking health services in specific regions of the state, and the data show that the NVRH service area compares well with its peers around the state.

Having seen many parts of the country, I can

Don’t just do something.

Sit there.

■■ Mutual respect for patients, families and coworkers.

■■ Teamwork through communication and cooperation.

■■ Pro-active leadership and effective management.

■■ The practice of high-quality and evidencebased medicine.

■■ Safety for patients and employees alike.

We need to keep our costs down, and do our part to make the NEK an attractive place for employers to do business.

We value the communities within which we work, and strive for high standards of care that address the needs of the whole person.

And, of course, we value the natural beauty of this region and respect the environment.

Our vision is to be the hospital that people choose for care, for work, for learning and for volunteering.

Our strategic work categories include people, quality, community, services, information and finance. As we manage our way through an uncertain policy environment, both at the federal and the state level, playing our position well requires that we have outstanding people working for you. Not only do we need the right people, we need the right number of people working together in well-functioning teams. To that end, we have strategies in place that focus our efforts to recruit outstanding physicians, nurses and other medical professionals.

For example, we established a nursing school program with the help of Lyndon State College and Vermont Technical College, which has graduated many nurses now working in the NEK and northern New Hampshire.

In addition, we are working with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and The Dart-

confirm my original feelings of years ago that Vermonters have the best of the best available to them.

That does not mean that we do not have challenges in the NEK. One of the many effective programs we have put in place is our community connections team. This small team of results-oriented professionals works with our medical home practices, specialists and all other helping agencies to prevent incipient problems from developing into health crises.

The community connections team has already saved the state hundreds of thousands of dollars by avoiding preventable use of expensive health services. We need to keep our costs down, and do our part to make the NEK an attractive place for employers to do business. Many of our observed health problems in the region are directly correlated with our economic well-being.

Doing our part managing costs is a matter that we take seriously. We can demonstrate that we have saved insurance companies and the state well over a million dollars in reduced emergency room visits through the efforts of our medical home and community connections programs. The same is true for admis-

M E D I TAT I O N S U P P L I E S

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samadhicushions.com 1.800.331.7751 28 • 2011 LIVING HEALTHY

sions to the hospital. That does not mean, however, that the price of services goes down.

We are still paid on a fee-for-service basis, and we need to find new ways of maintaining a stable budget. To that end, we comply with the state’s regulation of our budget and work with state officials to implement financing methods that will provide more flexibility to design even more programs and clinical systems that support our efforts to keep people healthy. You will learn more about this in the future as we consider “global budgets” for NVRH. Budgets of the future must allow us to move and adapt rapidly to a changing service environment. Science is allowing us to do new things, changing what used to be terminal diagnoses into chronic diseases, or in some cases cures. We will need to partner with surrounding healthcare providers in new and creative ways.

Examples here include our work with the state, Dartmouth-Hitchcock and local physicians to develop a clinical enhancement program for all patients diagnosed with cancer in this region. The project is still in its planning stages, with a “pre-pilot” program coming online this year. It involves primary care physicians and oncologists working with each other and a small group of supporting professionals to make sure that people diagnosed with cancer maintain lives as normal as possible while they work to maintain their health.

To make these great programs connect and cohere, we need information services systems to support all this work so that it can be accomplished with quality in an efficient manner. To that end, we have connected our information systems with almost all physician practices in our area and are considered to be “well wired.”

That said, we have a huge amount of work ahead of us, and we continue to convert our systems to give us the capability of accessing resources literally throughout the world.

These are a few examples of what I mean when it comes to playing our position well in the grand scheme of healthcare reform. If we do well, we can help others involved in true healthcare improvement, so the results of our mutual work produce continuing value to you.

Paul R. Bengtson is the chief executive officer at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St Johnsbury, a position he has held since November 1986. Prior to that time, he was executive director at Harris Hospital in Newport, Ark., and acting executive director at Springfield Community Hospital in Springfield, Mo. He also worked as assistant administrator for York Hospital in York, Maine, and held administrative positions in New York City at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and the Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan.

available through our Littleton, NH location

Stephen Phipps, MD • Ted V.J. Houle, MD • Krista Haight, MD Paul M. Lindstrom, OD • Brian Mawhinney, OD

www.eyeassociatesnne.net 2012 LIVING HEALTHY • 29

MEDICAL & ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Copley Hospital

OFFERING PRODUCTS FOR A HEALTHY HOME!

528 Washington Highway Morrisville, Vermont 802-888-8888 www.copleyvt.org

Copley-owned Medical Practices Cardiology 528 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-8372

Mansfield Orthopaedics 555 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-8405

Rehabilitation Services

Locations in Hardwick, Morrisville and Stowe 802-888-8303

Urology

528 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-8372

Copley-affiliated Practices Women’s Center/OB-GYN/Birthing Center

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530 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-8304

North Country Otolaryngology (603) 444-2450

North Country Pediatrics (603) 444-2803

Occupational Health Services (603) 444-9294

Summit Medical Group (603) 444-7070

Surgical Associates at LRH (603) 444-0997

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital 1315 Hospital Drive St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819 802-748-8141 www.nvrh.org

NVRH on-campus practices General Surgery 802-748-8141

Northern Center for Sleep Disorders 802-748-7901

Occupational Medicine 802-748-4393

Orthopaedics 802-748-7488 802-748-5361

Northern Vermont Center for Sleep Disorders 189 Prouty Drive Newport 802-334-4108

North Country Hospital Oncology & Hematology Clinic 189 Prouty Drive Newport 802-334-3234

North Country Occupational Medicine Clinic 41 Medical Village Drive Newport 802-334-4191

Northern Counties Health Care 165 Sherman Dr. St. Johnsbury, Vermont 802-748-9405 www.nchcvt.org

Locations Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice 161 Sherman Dr. St. Johnsbury 802-748-8116

Caledonia Internal Medicine

530 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-2311

St. Johnsbury Pediatrics

185 Sherman Drive, Suite 2 St. Johnsbury 802-748-5174

Hardwick Health Center

Women’s Wellness Center 802-748-7300

Concord Health Center (family practice)

Green Mountain General Surgery

4 Slapp Hill Road Hardwick 802-472-3300

Morrisville Family Health Care 607 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-5639

Northern VT Center for Pulmonary/ Sleep Medicine 528 Washington Highway Morrisville 802-888-8388

Stowe Family Practice 1878 Mountain Road Stowe 802-253-4853

Littleton Regional Hospital 600 St. Johnsbury Road Littleton, N.H. 03561 800-464-7731, (603) 444-9000 www.littletonhospital.org

LRH-Owned Medical Practices Center for Sleep Medicine at LRH (603) 259-7580 Littleton Orthopaedics (603) 444-0111

Littleton Urological Associates (603) 444-0385

LRH Allergies Medicine (603) 444-2450

802-748-5131

Specialty Clinics

Allergy-Immunology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Neurology, Pediatric Subspecialties, Urology 802-748-7382

NVRH off-campus practice Corner Medical (family practice) 195 Industrial Parkway Lyndon, Vermont 802-748-9501

North Country Hospital 189 Prouty Drive Newport, Vermont 802-334-7331 www.nchsi.org

Affiliated Clinics Community Medical Associates 186 Medical Village Drive Newport 802-334-3504

Family Practice of Newport 186 Medical Village Drive Newport 802-334-4120

The Barton Clinic 488 Elm Street Barton, Vermont 802-525-3539

Orleans Family Medicine

U.S. Route 2 Concord, Vermont 802-695-2512

Danville Health Center (family practice) 26 Cedar Lane Danville, Vermont 802-684-2275

Hardwick Health Center (family practice) 4 Slapp Hill Rd. Hardwick, Vermont 802-472-3300

Island Pond Dental Center 82 Maple St. Island Pond, Vermont 802-723-4300

Island Pond Health Center (family practice) 82 Maple Street Island Pond 802-723-4300

Northern Counties Dental Center 151 North Main St. Hardwick 802-472-2260

Saint Johnsbury Family Health Center 185 Sherman Drive, Suite 1 St. Johnsbury 802-748-5041

Community Health Services of Lamoille Valley

LRH Audiology (603) 259-7692

30 East Street Orleans, Vermont 802-754-2220

LRH Facial Plastics Services

North Country OB/Gyn Services

Copley Professional Services Group, Inc.

North Country Orthopaedic Surgery

Morrisville Family Health Care

North Country Surgical Associates

Stowe Family Practice

(603) 444-2450

LRH Oncology/Hematology/ Infusion Services

A Norris Cotton Cancer Center Network Partner (603) 444-9376

North Country Internal Medicine (603) 444-0116

North Country Orthopaedics (603) 444-259-7688

81 Medical Village Drive, Suite 2 Newport 802-334-4110 81 Medical Village Drive, Suite 4 Newport 802-334-4175 41 Medical Village Drive Newport 802-334-3500

66 Morrisville Plaza, PO Box 749 Morrisville, VT 05661-0749 888-7266 607 Washington Highway Morrisville, VT 05661-8652 888-5639

1878 Mountain Road Suite 3 Stowe, VT 05672-4775 888-4231

MEDICAL & ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Behavioral Medicine

65 Northgate Plaza Suite 11 Morrisville, VT 05661-5900 888-8320

The Women’s Center

530 Washington Highway Suite 8 Morrisville, VT 05661-8715 888-8100

Community Dental Clinic 66 Morrisville Plaza Morrisville, VT 05661-8716 888-7585

Neurology Clinic

607 Washington Highway Morrisville, VT 05661-8652 888-5688

Johnson State College Health Care 337 College Hill Johnson, VT 05656 635-1265

Chiropractors

Fitness

Natural Foods

HealthSource Chiropractic 32 Hill St., Danville VT www.stjohnsbury-vt-chiropractor.com 684-9707 Lyndonville Family Chiropractic 11 Hill St., Lyndonville 626-5866

S&J Fitness 4 South Main St., Hardwick VT www.hardwickgym.com 472-3242 XIP Training Systems 791 Broad St., Lyndonville VT www.xiptraining.com 249-7870 The Club at Old Mill 49 Perkins St., St. Johnsbury www.clubatoldmill.com 748-5313

Natural Provisions 537 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury VT www.naturalprovisions.com 748-3587 St. Johnsbury Food Co-op 490 Portland St., St. Johnsbury VT www.stjfoodcoop.com info@stjfoodcoop.com 748-9498 Newport Natural Foods 194 Main St., Newport www.newportnaturalfoods.com 334-2626

Cleaning Cleanway Services St. Johnsbury and Littleton, N.H. www.cleanwayservices.com 748-1697 or 603-444-16995 Top Carpet Cleaning 1591 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury Center www.topcarpetcleaningvt.com 748-1697 or 603-444-16995

Furniture/Bedding Mayo’s Furniture & Floor Covering 802 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury 748-8725

Acupuncture

Dental

Gymnastics

The Acupuncture Works Barnet, VT & Hanover, NH www.theaccupunctureworks.com 633-2700 Four Corners Acupuncture 632 Morristown Corners Rd., Morrisville VT www.fourcornersacupunctureclinic.com 585-5510

Danville Dental Group 31 Mountain View Dr., Danville VT www.danvilledentalgroup.com 684-1133

Awsom Gymnastics 565 Union St., Newport VT www.awsom.us danielle@awsom.us 334-3933

Alternative Reiki Retreat 90 Farm St., East Ryegate VT www.vtreikiretreat.com reikiretreat@charter.net 757-2809 Morning Glory Essentials 1864 Bldg., 25 South Main St., Hardwick www.vtreikiretreat.com 472-6715 Spiral Pathways & Natural Arts Johnson/Morrisville area www.spiralpathways.com 363-2057 Studio for Life 130 Maple Lane, Barton www.studioforlife.com 673-4779

Chambers of Commerce Heart of Vermont Chamber of Commerce 156 Daniels Rd., Hardwick VT www.hardwickvtarea.com 472-5906

FIRE

Education St. Johnsbury Academy 1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury VT www.stjacademy.org 748-8171

Elderly Care Riverside Life Enrichment Center 2104 East BUrke Rd., Lyndonville 626-3900 or 866-926-3900

Eye Optical Expressions US Route 5, St. Johnsbury VT www.opticalexpressions.net 748-3536 Eye Associates St. Johnsbury, VT; Littleton, NH www.eyeassociatesnne.com 748-8126, 603-444-2484

Financial Passumpsic Savings Bank 1242 Memorial Drive, St. Johnsbury VT (800) 370-3196 www.passumpsicbank.com

Gauthier’s Pharmacy 415 Railroad St., St. Johnsury VT 748-8941

Physical Therapy Dan Wyand Physical Therapy 97 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury or 195 Industrial Parkway, Lyndon www.danwyandpt.com 748-1932 or 745-1105

Hearing

Recreation

Armstrong Better Hearing 198 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury VT info@abetterhearing.com 748-4852

Kingdom Trails 478 Route 114, East Burke www.kingdomtrails.com 626-0737

Meditation

Rehabilitation

Samadhi Cushions 30 Church St., Barnet VT www.samadhicushions.com 800-331-7751 Karme Choling Barnet VT www.karmecholing.org 633-2384

St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab 1248 Hospital Drive. St. Johnsbury www.reverastjohnsbury.com 748-8757

Sporting Goods East Burke Sports Route 114, East Burke VT www.eastburkesports.com 626-3215

Organic Products Interiors Green 2121 Main St., Bethlehem N.H. www.interiorsgreen.com 603-616-6499

Yoga Heart Space Yoga & Movement Center 446 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury VT www.heartspaceyogacenter.com 626-3398

Real Estate

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Begin Realty St. Johnsbury & Danville VT www.beginrealty.com 748-2045, 684-1127

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Northern Counties Health Care, Inc. Serving our neighbors since 1968!

Unnecessary Emergency Room visits cost you time and money.

e, Inc.

Northern Counties Health Care, Inc. Serving our neighbors since 1968!

sbury Family Health Center ond Health & Dental Center

day.

choice needs.

Caledonia Internal Medicine Concord Health Center

Danville Health Center Hardwick Area Health Center Northern Counties Dental Center

Call us first!

St Johnsbury Family Health Center Island Pond Health & Dental Center

Caledonia Internal Medicine – 748-5174 Unnecessary

Danville Health Center – 684-2275 Emergency Room St Johnsbury Family Health Center – 748-5041 Center – 695-2512 visits cost you timeConcord and Health money.

Hardwick Area Health Center – 472-3300

Island Pond Health & Dental Center – 723-4300

Call us first!

Northern Counties Dental Center – 472-2260

We can meet your urgent health needs today.

Visit your health center provider as your first choice We can meet your urgent health needs today. to help you handle non-emergency health care needs.

Visit your health center provider as your first choice to help you handle non-emergency health care needs.

We are here to help!

We are here to help!

www.nchcvt.org

www.nchcvt.org