Your Health & Fitness

How Peripheral Neuropathy Can Be Treated

By Toni Rocha

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy (PN), a condition that results from damage to nerve networks in the hands, feet, ankles and other parts of the body.

At Health N.O.W., 2146 State Road, Auburn, patients find relief from symptoms ranging from mild to disabling, including numbness, tingling, twitching, throbbing and stabbing pain. They also avoid further damage that a lack of feeling can cause, including wounds to the feet that don’t heal, which could eventually lead to amputation.

“The symptoms can range from that ‘pins and needles’ feeling to severe pain,” explains Dr. David M. Gafken, DC. “Diabetes is the No. 1 cause of PN.”

Patients come into the center for a thorough assessment, which includes family history, existing conditions and testing to determine if they are candidates for chiropractic treatment courses.

“Patients who fall inside certain ranges undergo testing to find where the source of the problem is,” Gafken explains. “These can include a full metabolic workup, blood sugar/glucose reading (AIC), an evaluation of genetic components plus cigarette and alcohol usage. Based on the results of these tests, we arrive at a score which reflects the severity of the PN they are experiencing. Then we determine if they are good candidates for a treatment course or if the nerve damage has progressed too far to treat effectively.”

For patients who fall into the treatable score range, Gafken says laser is one of the methods he uses. Laser therapy involves the use of low-level waves that can be set at one of four depths, depending on how deep into the muscle and bone tissue the damage has occurred. Laser can successfully be used to increase blood flow and repair nerve damage to the ankles and feet, hands and fingers, and other areas of the body.

“One of the main areas we address is the lower spine, using decompression therapy combined with laser treatment to reduce inflammation, encourage stronger blood flow and to build new pathways to healthier nerve networks,” Gafken adds. “The decompression course takes place over a six- to eight-week period,

Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy but other conditions can cause it as well. teamed with other appropriate soundwave electrical methods.” Gafken describes the course as quite effective as compared to the medications usually prescribed to treat PN. “The drugs used to treat PN are high-powered and can have significant side effects,” he explains. Gafken explains that the normal PN score for patients is 74. “We had a woman whose PN score was 19 to 20 when she came to the center,” Gafken says. “When her course of treatment was complete, her score had improved to 60.” Along with relief from the discomfort of PN, patients also benefit from improved sleep patterns, he says. “After treatment, patients can walk better and more safely,” Gafken says. “This is vital because patients who cannot feel their feet are prone to falls and other situations in which they can cut or damage the affected tissue. We can save them the loss of their toes and feet because the treatment course helps them get more efficient blood flow back into their feet and ankles.” With improved capabilities, patients are better able to resume or initiate exercise programs and enjoy participating in sports without fear or discomfort, Gafken says. They can also work at their jobs and around the house and yard, a benefit that directly improves their quality of life. “How active they are depends on their overall health and age, but we want them to be as active as they can be without overdoing it,” Gafken concludes. For more information on PN treatment, or to make an appointment, call (260) 920-8811. Learn more at seekhealthnow. com. ❚

Your Home & Garden

Metal Roofing: A Long-Term Solution

By Janine Pumilia

If you like the idea of never having to think about your roof again, you may want to consider installing a metal roof that will outlive you and your children.

“The average grade asphalt roof has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years but with a metal roof, it’s one and done,” says Farbod Salman, marketing director for Shield Exteriors in Garrett, Ind. “This roof is never going to give you issues. And if your home passes down to your children, or you sell it to a new owner, they’ll never have issues either.”

The popularity of metal roofing has risen along with its aesthetic beauty and a better understanding of its value proposition, says Salman.

“A lot more people are installing metal roofing for its durability, but they also just really like the way it looks.”

Unlike the metal roofing of yesterday, most often associated with rural pole barns, today’s metal roofing comes in many colors and styles.

A Shield Exteriors metal roof offers high value because it’s installed only once. The company offers a double lifetime accident-free warranty, meaning the original owners are covered for as long as they own the home and the next owners, or descendants if the home is passed to children, are covered for the duration of their ownership, too.

“There’s no small print in this guarantee and no limit to how many times we’ll come to repair the roof if a storm causes a tree limb to fall on it or it gets damaged,” Salman explains. “This is how we’ve built our reputation for impeccable customer service. We answer the phones seven days a week and never leave a customer hanging. If a problem happens, we’re out there immediately to take care of it.”

Many insurance companies offer a discount to homeowners

The new styles of metal roofing are highly attractive as well as durable. with metal roofing because they understand its durability. It’s also an environmentally responsible choice since metal is easily recycled; the average asphalt roof is made with gallons of crude oil. Some 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into landfills each year. Shield Exteriors employs its own crew of trained, licensed installers. Once a homeowner decides to install a metal roof, a home is measured down to the inch and roof panels are custom cut to fit the home. A metal roof may be installed over a layer of existing shingles, depending on local building codes. Metal roofing can be installed on a new construction home if the walls are built, says Salman. Since careful measurement is required, it can’t be ordered from a blueprint alone. Metal roofing is lighter in weight than a shingled roof but more durable in every kind of weather event, he adds. “The typical customer for a Shield Exteriors metal roof is someone who plans to stay in that home for a long time,” says Salman. “But in the event they do decide to put the home on the market, this kind of roof is definitely a selling point.” Owners of homes at all price points are choosing metal roofing, says Salman. Shield Exteriors installs all types of roofing and serves residential customers in northeast Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. It provides free estimates. “Reliable customer service is the thing we’re very well known for,” says Salman. “That’s how we’ve built our reputation.” Learn more by calling Shield Exteriors at (260) 818 6072 or stop in at 600 North Randolph, Garrett, Ind. ❚