UUHC Frontiers Summer 2014

SPRING 2014

U TA H ’ S S O U R C E F O R H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

60-Second Fitness Quiz Find a formula that works for you

Spring Dreaming

A season without sneezin’?

The ASD Mystery

Probing the causes of autism

Our tool kit for giving your man a health tuneup includes breakfast burritos and ESPN (yep, that should work!)

FEED

on this!

Find easy tips and fun ideas for a healthier you at healthfeed.uofuhealth.org

eyes on the guys

CONTENTS Spring 2014

Eyes on the Guys

ONE QUESTION

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More often than not, it’s the female of the species who prods her male companion into paying attention to his health. So stand by your man, and share this guide with him.

3 ONWARD + UPWARD

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When the snow stops, the sneezing soon begins: how to attack springtime allergies.

Plus, what to do about your child’s bedtime problems; primary care perks; myths about snoring; and an egg-cellent calorie counter.

6 FIND YOUR FITNESS FORMULA A successful workout plan has to fit your schedule, personality, and fitness level. We have a neat bag of tools to get you there.

14 AMAZEMENTS More than 100 years after autism was given a name, there’s a flurry of research.

15 SCRUMPTIOUS & IN-SEASON Spearhead a diet-compatible dinner with asparagus, a kid-friendly veggie with a fun shape. (Swordfight, anyone?)

Is bug spray with DEET dangerous?

No, it’s not dangerous as long as it’s used appropriately. DEET has been around for 50 years and has been pretty well studied, so if there was going to be a problem with it, we’d know by now. It’s safe to use during pregnancy and for [children] ages 2 months and up.”

—Brian M. Ely, D.O., family medicine physician, University of Utah Health Care’s South Jordan Health Center

bookmark it!

Start your day with an easy tip, a healthy how-to, or a quick video.

Visit healthfeed.uofuhealth.org

Utah’s source for healthy living

healthcare.utah.edu Cover photography by Chad Kirkland. Photographed on location at Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Rebecca Bingham ● EDITORS: Melinda Rogers, Jen Jenkins ● EDITORIAL + PHYSICIAN ADVISERS: Dennis Scott Jolley, Senior Director of Clinical Marketing ● Christopher Nelson, Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs ● Kathy Wilets, Associate Director of Public Affairs ● Michael Bronson, Director, South Jordan Health Center ● Richard R. Orlandi, M.D., Executive Medical Director, South Jordan Health Center ● Susan A. Terry, M.D., Executive Medical Director, Community Clinics

Elevate is published four times annually by University of Utah Health Care. ©2014. Designed and produced by McMurry/TMG, LLC. SENIOR CONTENT EDITOR: Sally Kilbridge ● SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Adele Mulford ● ART DIRECTOR Pamela Norman. Information in Elevate comes from a wide range of medical experts and is not intended for diagnosing or prescribing.Consult your health care provider before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Send correspondence and address changes by email: elevate@hsc.utah.edu; mail: Elevate, University of Utah Health Care, Office of Public Affairs and Marketing, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108. facebook.com/UofUHealthCare

twitter.com/UofUHealthCare

Spring 1 is here!

You’ll be inspired to clean. A deep spring-cleaning is just

the thing to ward off pesky indoor allergy triggers such as dust mites, mold, and animal dander. Plus, you’ll burn calories—a 150-pound woman will burn more than 200 calories during an hour of sprucing up.

It’s hard not to love this time of year. But just in case, here are five healthy reasons to heart the season.

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Flu season is almost over. Yes, we said almost. The bug

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You can spend time outside without freezing. Research shows that

usually bites hardest in January and February but can linger until May. So if you’ve made it this far, congratulations! And remember to keep those hands clean, drink plenty of fluids, and get your rest.

enjoying quality time alfresco lowers stress levels and can even boost your memory and attention span. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

4 5

Spring break can save your heart. In one study of

middle-aged men at risk for heart disease, an annual vacation was shown to reduce the risk of death from all causes, including heart disease.

It’s spinach season. One

serving of this leafy green gives you all the vitamin K you’ll need for the day— and then some. And that’s a nutrient you’ll want plenty of to ensure healthy bones.

WIN A PASS TO VISIT OUR STATE PARKS! Visit parks.uofuhealth.org and enter to win a Utah State Parks Annual Pass.

Winners will be notified on May 16, 2014.

spring 2014

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attacking allergies AVOIDANCE IS BLISS You can’t react to an allergy trigger—which in Utah in spring is likely tree pollen—if you aren’t exposed to it. “This is a little difficult with seasonal allergies because it means not going outside,” says Kevin F. Wilson, M.D., an ear, nose and throat specialist at the South Jordan Health Center, who suffers from seasonal allergies himself. Play it smart by staying inside when pollen counts tend to be the highest (5 to 10 a.m.) and keeping the windows in your home closed.

When the snow melts, pollen (and sneezing) isn’t far behind.

Stop the misery with these three strategies.

REMEDY THE SITUATION Still feeling stuffy? Over-thecounter antihistamines and nasal sprays can spell relief. “Some people find success with nasal rinses that wash out the pollen,” Wilson says. If that’s not enough, ask your doctor about prescription options.

WANT TO LEARN WHAT YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO? Join Kevin Wilson, M.D., for Allergy Night on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Participants will receive a free allergy test (skin prick) for 14 antigens. For ages 5 and up. Call 801-587-8368 to reserve a spot.

GIVE IT A SHOT For those who want a long-term solution, there’s immunotherapy, which is the route Wilson chose.

After identifying your allergy, your doctor will expose you to the trigger, gradually increasing the doses. This is done through a series of shots or, depending on your allergy, oral drops.

“Immunotherapy allows us to offer very specific, personalized treatment that people can even do at home,” Wilson says.

SNORING: ALL HIS FAULT? MYTHBUSTER

Can that bullhorn next to you control his nocturnal noises? Yes. And no. Snorers can stop by themselves, “but it takes

a lot of effort and lifestyle changes, especially for habitual snorers,” says Krishna M. Sundar, M.D., the medical director of University of Utah Health Care’s Sleep-Wake Center.

While it’s true that losing weight can end snoring for some, talk to your doctor first to rule out sleep apnea, which is common among loud snorers, says Bryce Williams, D.D.S., an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who treats sleep apnea at the South Jordan Health Center. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives can help, too.

And for those who snore only when sleeping on their backs, a special pillow can provide a quick fix, keeping you in the right position.

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GOOD eggs

Eggs come in all shapes, sizes, and calorie counts. We take a by-the-numbers look:

Hard-boiled: 77 Mini chocolate: 15

3 SCENARIOS

A Bumpy Bedtime: Is It Serious?

You thought getting them to sleep when they were babies was tough. But as they grow, new concerns surface. Learn how to tell whether your child’s sleep behavior is just a phase or a cause to call the pediatrician.

Deviled (whole): 126

1 HE SLEEPWALKS LIKE A ZOMBIE. Most

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kids grow out of this, says Carolyn M. Sanchez, M.D., a pediatrician at the South Jordan Health Center. The key is to keep

DOC TALK

him safe: Block stairs and kitchens with gates and gently direct him back to bed. Consider placing a bell on his bedroom door to alert you.

PRIMARY CARE PERKS

Don’t wait until you’re sick to search for a primary care provider.

Look when you’re healthy. “We recommend people start early and go for their annual physicals so we can develop a relationship and understand their needs,” says Matt Nimer, P.A.-C., a certified physician assistant at University of Utah Health Care’s South Jordan Health Center. With that special someone in your life you’ll have:

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A PARTNER. See the same person for every sinus infection and sprained ankle, and you’ll have an advocate who knows what tests you’ve had and what specialists you might need to see.

A HEALTHY RAPPORT. “As the relationship develops, we are able to understand what is normal for each person, because no two people are alike,” Nimer says.

A BRIGHT FUTURE. The key to beating conditions like diabetes and heart disease is to detect them before they start.

A primary care provider can schedule the screenings you need to stay in good health.

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SHE’S BEEN OUT OF DIAPERS FOR A YEAR BUT RECENTLY STARTED WETTING THE BED. If your child has been dry for six to 12 months with no accidents, this is

worth a call to your doctor, who will want to rule out a urinary tract infection. When she’s older, social stressors, such as trouble at home, may be factors.

3HIS NIGHT TERRORS TERRIFY ME. “Night terrors can be dramatic, but they’re often harder on the parent than the child. Unlike nightmares, the child doesn’t remember them the next day,” Sanchez says. Transitioning between sleep cycles triggers these fits of yelling.

Rest assured, he’ll grow out of it. spring 2014

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QUIZ TAKE THE QUIZ

S

pring has sprung, and the days of hiding under a puffy coat are behind you. If you like the idea of getting in shape but don’t know where to start, we have the solution. Spend 60 seconds on these seven questions, and consider yourself already on the path to fitness. keeping you from 1 What’s exercising today?

I’m at home with the kids I’m stuck at a desk for 10 hours a day My joints hurt

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If you had $50 to use on fitness, how would you spend it?

I’d buy tools to use on my own I’d buy a few sessions at a cycling studio I’d hire someone to show me what to do

Run Smarter Whether you’re recovering from an injury or focusing on technique, University of Utah Health Care’s Runner’s Clinic is a top resource. “We use a high-tech treadmill, video technology and muscle sensors to see what your body’s doing,” says physical therapist Jason L. Miller, D.P.T., a running specialist.

are your 3 What exercise priorities?

Convenience Time (as in, short and sweet) Other people to work out with are your 4 What exercise goals?

DASH TO THE RUNNER’S CLINIC

Call 801-213-8838 to schedule a personal running consultation or visit runnersclinic.uofuhealth.org to learn more.

Firming up Dropping pounds Improving my overall health your 5 Who’s fitness idol?

Jessica Simpson Tony Horton (inventor of P90X) Richard Simmons

do you like about working out?

6 What

FIND YOUR 6

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It gives me more energy plus some time to myself It helps me de-stress It’s a way to socialize

your fitness 7 What’s budget?

Non-existent Whatever it takes $10 to $20 a week

If you answered mostly: you need an at-home DIY plan “You don’t need a gym or even tools to get in shape,” says Erin N. Probert, D.P.T., a physical therapist with University of Utah Health Care. “You can get a perfectly good workout at home with your own body weight.”

YOUR IDEAL ROUTINES: . Three times a week, speed walk, jog, or run around your neighborhood for 30 minutes, stopping every three to five minutes to do a minute of pushups, squats, or jumping jacks. Bring the stroller and increase the challenge!

. Twice a week, create your own 20-minute cardio-strength circuit in your living room. Do a minute each of lunges, pushups, squats, and plank pose. Intersperse a minute of jumping jacks, high-knee jogging, or step-ups on your stairs between each strength set.

you need focused, intense sessions When time is crunched, you have to maximize your minutes—and schedule them just as you would a business meeting or an appointment.

Interval training, where you alternate high-intensity bouts of cardio exercise (using a treadmill, a stationary bike, or a rowing machine) with short recovery periods, delivers results fast, Probert says.

Cycle Smarter Epic scenery and trails make Utah a top biking state for hard-core cyclists and casual cruisers. Jump into the season at University of Utah Health Care’s Cyclist’s Clinic. “We work with patients but also anyone who’s getting into biking,” says physical therapist Erin Probert, D.P.T., a certified bike-fitting specialist. After high-tech testing, you’ll receive a fitness plan tailored to you.

PEDAL OVER TO THE CYCLIST’S CLINIC Call 801-213-8838 to schedule an appointment or visit cyclistclinic.uofuhealth.org to learn more.

you need a beginner routine

YOUR IDEAL ROUTINES: . After a five-minute warm-up, go hard (you’re breathing heavy but not gasping) for 30 seconds to a minute, then go easy for 30 seconds to two minutes. Repeat this for 20 minutes, then cool down. Try to manage two sessions weekly.

Just start moving—every day. Almost anything you do will improve your health. Exercise is good for conditions like arthritis. “Moving lubricates and brings nutrition to the joints, which helps prevent pain,” Probert says.

. Short lunchtime classes at a nearby gym let you get in and out fast. (Pack a healthy lunch at home, and you can eat when you return to work.) Schedule two or three classes weekly.

YOUR IDEAL ROUTINES: . Swimming or even walking in the shallow end of a pool protects your joints but also provides resistance, forcing your heart to work harder. Aim for three or more sessions weekly.

Weekend Warrior SOS Strains, sprains, and pain

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are the frequent rewards for people who end inactive weeks with intense runs or competitive sporting.“If you go out on the weekend and play like you did when you were a kid, you run the risk of getting injured,” says orthopedic surgeon Travis G. Maak, M.D. When you do, the best treatment is the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. (And hang up the workout clothes for a while.) Apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes, wrap the area, and try to keep it elevated.

. Sign up for a group exercise class at your local recreation center and recruit a friend or two to do it with you. Don’t let age or mobility issues dissuade you: Some people even do the exercises in a chair. Everyone is welcome.

spring 2014

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COVER STORY

behind every (healthy) man ... ... is an amazing

woman

Give this healthy guide to a man you love ≥ BY JANET LEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD KIRKLAND

More often than not, it falls to a woman—wife, girlfriend, mother, or daughter—to prod a man into paying attention to his health. Some guys think going to the doctor isn’t manly; others claim not to have time. But taking steps to live longer and take better care of a family may be the ultimate alpha male behavior.

So stand by your man, and share this guide with him—today would be a good time.

Ticker Talk What’s the big deal? Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of

men and women in the U.S. “Coronary artery disease (CAD) is hardening or thickening of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, allowing it to pump,” says Cory M.L. Nitzel, M.D., a cardiologist with University of Utah Health Care. “It’s the most common type of heart disease and it often starts when you’re young.” There’s no cure, only management (and prevention). Excess weight, smoking, high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are major risk factors. Unfortunately, there are few symptoms until you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest tightness, which are signs of a potential heart attack.

What’s a guy to do? Exercise, weight control, and a diet low in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium are the best ways to prevent or control CAD and other heart issues. And by all means quit smoking. Nitzel recommends regular blood pressure tests (every one to two years) and cholesterol screenings (every five years) starting at 18 and 35, respectively. Earlier monitoring may be appropriGET CHECKED ate if there’s a family history of CAD. While Schedule your cholesterol-lowering medications called statins physical exam at the can improve your overall CAD risk, they have South Jordan Health Center. Call potentially serious side effects, so discuss them 801-213-8838. with your doctor.

spring 2014

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What’s the big deal?

Two types of men, in particular, run into potential fitness-related traps as they age: sedentary types who suddenly decide to get back in shape and weekend warriors who play hard once a week. Both may experience aches, pain, and injuries, which can set the stage for further injuries or even arthritis down the road. “For men, being active and fit improves heart health, decreases depression, boosts your immune system, and more,” says Travis G. Maak, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center. (A recent study found that exercise is as effective as many drugs for treating things like heart disease and diabetes.)

But you also have DEALING WITH to know how to AN INJURY? pace yourself.

Schedule an evaluation with a sports medicine specialist at the South Jordan Health Center. Call 801-213-8838.

What’s a guy to do? If you’re

currently inactive, start slowly— daily walks are great. Then build to these recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine: 30 minutes of moderateintensity cardio exercise five days a week (or 15 minutes of vigorous exercise) plus two weekly strengthtraining sessions. If you’re already active, you can enlist a physical therapist or trainer to strengthen injuryprone joints and muscles (called “pre-hab”). One aspect of pre-hab is functional fitness, which means doing activities during a workout that mimic the movements you’ll use on the field. They’ll prepare your body to handle whatever you throw at it and can significantly improve your performance. If you have a new or nagging injury, a sports medicine doctor can evaluate it and create a plan to get you moving again.

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Game Time

COVER STORY

Burritos + ESPN = One Healthy Morning It’s no secret that most men aren’t proactive when it comes to going to the doctor, but what if your guy could get his checkup while catching a game? Four times a year, South Jordan Health Center sponsors a men’s health clinic, during which patients can come in for a physical, speak with a dietitian and a physical therapist, and have their hearing screened—all while noshing on breakfast burritos and watching ESPN. It’s like tailgating at the doctor’s office! “We do it on a SIGN UP TODAY Saturday morning and the whole thing Clinics fill up quickly. takes about two hours,” says David E. Go to mensclinic.uofuhealth.org Chatterton, R.N., the nursing supervisor for or call 801-213-8838 and book primary care at the South Jordan Health a morning that will make you Center. (Preventive visits like this are covfeel like a million. ered by most insurance plans.)

Weighty Matters

What’s the big deal? A recent

report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that people who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death—even when blood pressure and some other risk factors are normal. While men tend to drop pounds faster than women, they’re more likely to store any excess fat around their middle, which is dangerous, says Jamie N. Saunders, R.D., a clinical dietitian at the South Jordan Health Center. “That deep fat around your organs increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and possibly even dementia,” she says. “So if your waist measures greater than 40 inches, you need to lose weight.”

can help evaluate your diet’s strengths and weaknesses and develop a way of eating that works with your activity level and lifestyle.

“Some guys go for the high-protein diet to build muscle, but you won’t add muscle if you’re just sitting on the couch!” Saunders says. In addition, cancel your membership to the clean plate club and focus on portion control. As for working out to lose weight, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 to TAKE CONTROL OF 50 minutes of moderate YOUR WEIGHT intensity cardiovascular Get advice from a South exercise five times a week Jordan Health Center (less if you up the intenphysician before any sity of your sessions) weight-loss program.

Call 801-213-8838 or along with two strengthvisit uofuhealth.org. training sessions.

What’s a guy to do? Diet is the most powerful weapon against weight loss, but exercise plays an important role, too. A nutritionist

Syringe: Jamie Dickinson/The Noun Project

REAL MEN GET BOTOX Women aren’t the only ones worried about lines. In 2012, men accounted for 10 percent of cosmetic procedures, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Men are realizing that it’s a relatively straightforward process to turn back the clock,” says Jaron H. McMullin, M.D., a plastic surgeon at the South Jordan Health Center. While Botox is by far the most popular male cosmetic procedure, the top three surgical options are: 1. Nose reshaping 2. Eyelid surgery 3. Liposuction If you’re considering going under the knife, McMullin says to stop smoking at least four weeks before to maximize wound healing.

(Better yet, quit altogether!)

LOOK BETTER

BY LUNCHTIME

For more information about cosmetic procedures, or to schedule a free consultation, call 801-213-5200. spring 2014

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What’s the big deal? “Low

back pain is one of the most common reasons patients go to the doctor,” says William Ryan Spiker, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon with University of Utah Health Care. “Eighty percent of people will have it at some point.” Aging, smoking, obesity, and mechanical stress such as shoveling snow all contribute.

“Mental stress and anxiety are other factors,” he adds.

Backcountry

COVER STORY

What’s a guy to do? “Most of the time back pain resolves on its own within six weeks,” says Spiker, who recommends resting for a day or two, then gradually returning to normal activities. To minimize your risk, control LEARN WHAT’S UP your weight and keep your muscles WITH YOUR BACK strong, especially your core, which Have your pain includes the key postural muscles checked at the new Comprehensive along the front, sides and back of Spine Clinic. your torso. If pain persists, see your Schedule an doctor, who will create a personalappointment at ized treatment plan.

801-213-7746.

What’s the big deal?

Different Strokes

Stroke is less common than coronary artery disease, but it’s still related to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. “The most common type, called ischemic stroke, happens when a clot blocks an artery to the brain, causing numbness or paralysis, speech and vision troubles, and headache,” Nitzel says. If a stroke isn’t fatal, the complications can be debilitating. A less severe, yet still FREE CAROTID serious, type of stroke is ARTERY SCREENINGS known as a TIA, or transient Find out if you ischemic attack. It’s caused have carotid artery disease—a leading by a temporary reduction in cause of stroke—by blood flow to the brain and registering for a free signals that there’s a blockscreening on Friday, age in an artery.

May 9, 2014. You must

What’s a guy to do?

be older than 65, and appointments are limited. Please call 801-213-8838.

Everything you do to minimize heart disease—losing weight, limiting sodium intake and saturated fat (found in high-fat cheeses, meats, and many dairy products), exercising, quitting smoking, and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels—will help lower your odds of suffering a stroke. If your lifestyle or family history puts you at high risk, a cardiologist can recommend tests or medications.

EQUIPMENT CHECK As you might guess from the commercials about erectile dysfunction (ED) and “low T,” male sexual health is a popular topic these days. “Fifty percent of men will experience erectile dysfunction by age 50,” says urologist Jim M. Hotaling, M.D., a male infertility specialist at the University of Utah’s Center for Reconstructive Urology and Men’s Health. “After that, the incidence goes up by 10 percent each decade.”

Because ED can indicate a man is at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, it’s important to address ED when it first arises. The condition is hard to reverse when it becomes chronic. Simple changes, such as adjusting your diet, losing weight, and lowering blood pressure, can make a difference.

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One area of men’s sexual health that’s still under the radar is male infertility. “It’s where [the topic of] cancer was 30 years ago when nobody talked about it,” Hotaling says. “Half of fertility issues are attributable to the man, and most of the time the cause is genetic,” he adds, noting that the University of Utah is home to the world’s top lab for analyzing genetic causes of male infertility. “Fertility isn’t just determined by the age of the woman,” he says. “Paternal age is very important, too, and we’re just beginning to understand it.”

SEE A MECHANIC

To schedule an appointment with Jim Hotaling, M.D., at South Jordan Health Center, call 801-587-1454.

The Big C What’s the big deal?

For men, cancers of the lungs, colon, and prostate are most fatal. “The first two are so deadly because by the time you experience symptoms, the cancer is often at an advanced stage that’s harder to treat,” says Brian M. Ely, D.O., a family medicine physician. Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly, and physicians are taking more conservative approaches to screening and treatment, he says. While skin cancer isn’t a big killer, it is common, especially for people who spend a lot of time in the sun without protection.

What’s a guy to do? Change your lifestyle. “If you eat a healthy diet high in fiber, fruit, and vegetables, exercise more than 3½ hours a week, don’t smoke, and aren’t obese, your risk of cancer is one-third the risk compared to people who do none of these things,” Ely says. Smokers have the highest risk of lung cancer, and new guidelines recommend starting screening at age 55 for people with a 30-pack-year history of smoking (the equivalent of two packs a day for 15 years or one pack daily for 30 years).

He recommends getting checked for colon cancer starting at age 50, or earlier if there’s a family history. The screening guidelines for prostate cancer are in flux. Talk with a doctor if you have a family history or are experiencing urinary problems. To look CAll todAy Schedule your for skin cancer, your family physical exam physician can do a basic mole at the South check annually; if you’re at Jordan Health higher risk for skin cancer, a Center. Call dermatologist will do a more 801-213-8838. thorough exam.

spring 2014

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AMAZ EMEN TS

1908 Referring to patients with schizophrenia who screen themselves from others, Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler coins the word “autism.”

A CENTURY after autism was given a name, there’s a frenzy to identify causes of and treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a range of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting 1 of every 47 children in Utah, the country’s highest rate. ASD is associated with repetitive behaviors and problems in social interaction and communication. No single cause has been found, but several genes seem to confer risk, perhaps amplified by environmental factors. Early diagnosis helps parental efforts in improving the lives of children with ASD. Here, advancements in autism research, where the University of Utah is a key player.

2012

1967 In The Empty Fortress, child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim erroneously proposes that unfeeling “refrigerator mothers” are to blame for the development of autism.

GREAT

1977

2009

The University of Utah’s The first study Autism of twins with Research autism is Program published in (UARP) presthe Journal ents the initial of Child results from Psychology its 20-year and Psychiatry. Outcome Debunking Study, which Bettelheim, focused on it finds that the experiautism is due, ences and at least in part, functioning to genetics. of individuals with autism.

The CDC releases higher estimates of how many U.S. children have ASD (1 in 88 in the U.S.; 1 in 47 in Utah).

Research finds associations between pollutants, genes, and other prenatal and perinatal risk factors and ASD.

2014 UARP is studying the impact of genetic changes on autism and looking more closely at in utero and epidemiologic risk factors for autism, including excess maternal weight and advanced paternal age.

LEAPS

IN THERAPY University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic doesn’t just diagnose autism; it provides patients a broad range of support, with a particular focus on teens, a traditionally underserved segment of the ASD community. Among the therapeutic groups:

1

Unstuck and On Target.

For children ages 8 to 12, this group helps kids manage unexpected events, arguments with friends, and school challenges.

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Expressive Therapy Group. For teens ages

13 to 18, the group is led by art, music, and recreational therapists in developing specific goals, such as social functioning and expression of feelings.

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Greatest Gals. This

women-only group for adults focuses on developing social skills through friendship, outings, and regularly scheduled parties.

Autism + Parenting Although autism research is booming and early intervention has been shown to significantly improve language and social skills in many children, support for parents—who face huge challenges in getting their kids diagnosed, finding treatment and caring for them daily—is still lacking. “We’ve learned that kids’ level of functioning often depends on how well-equipped parents are to support them,” says psychologist Julia Connelly, PhD, clinical director at University of Utah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic. “So we try to build in a lot of support in our programs.” The clinic provides assessment and treatment for individuals of all ages with ASD, in hopes of improving lives, both for patients and their families.

HELP FOR PARENTS

For more about resources at the U of U’s Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic, call 801-587-8020 or visit asd.uofuhealth.org.

SCRUMPTIOUS + IN-SEASON

spearhead a smart dinner Asparagus also comes in white and deep purple varieties, but green has the most nutrients.

ASPARAGUS FRIES Serves four (about seven medium spears per person) 165 calories per serving

1 cup regular or Japanese bread crumbs (panko) ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 eggs Preheat oven to 425.

Mix bread crumbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl; whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.

1

1 bunch (about 1 pound) medium asparagus, rinsed and dried ¼ cup flour olive oil (use a spritzer if you have one)

FORMERLY PART OF THE LILY FAMILY (who knew?), asparagus is packed with fiber, disease-fighting antioxidants, and vitamin K, says Jamie N. Saunders, R.D., a clinical dietitian at University of Utah’s South Jordan Health Center. “It’s also a good source of B vitamins, which are crucial for producing energy.”

With 3 grams each of protein and fiber per cup and about 30 calories, asparagus is a weight-loss champ.

“Fiber and protein help keep you full, so you’re less apt to reach for something with empty calories.”

Look for bright green stalks and tips that are closed. Some people find the skinny spears are most tender, but thick ones can be just as good. To store, wrap the spears in a moist paper towel, stand them in a glass with a couple of inches of water, and stash them in the fridge.

Thanks to its mild flavor and Master fun shape (perfect for sibling That Menu swordfights), asparagus is an easy Need help getting sell for the younger crowd. This your nutrition on speedy recipe is child-friendly in track? Schedule more ways than one: Put the kids a free consultaon the spear-coating assembly line. tion with clinical dietitian Jamie Saunders, R.D., at 801-213-5277.

MAKE IT HEALTHIER: Use whole-wheat bread crumbs or panko for more fiber.

Snap or cut ends off asparagus. One by one, coat each spear with flour, dip it in egg, then roll it in bread crumbs. (Use tongs to keep your fingers from sticking to the bread crumbs.)

2 3

Spritz the spears with a little olive oil and bake for 30 minutes.

4 Sean Locke Photography/Stocksy

Place the spears on a nonstick baking sheet so they don’t touch.

MAKE IT HEALTHIEST: Skip the breading, and just spritz the asparagus with olive oil, toss with a little Mrs. Dash seasoning blend and roast for 25 minutes.

spring 2014

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Nonprofit Org US Postage

PAID

Welcome to the Spring issue of Elevate.

With winter in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to throw open the windows and embrace sunny days that beg to be spent outdoors. For your family, perhaps that means plopping one kid in the stroller, another on a trike, and discovering how spring is transforming your neighborhood. Or maybe you’ve just rescued your hiking boots from the back of the closet and are counting the minutes until the weekend.

Regardless of your outdoor agenda, our goal at Elevate is to help you enjoy it in optimal health. Count on us to use our best medicine to make this spring your best ever.

Come by today

Columbus WI Permit No. 62

University of Utah Health Care Office of Public Affairs & Marketing 383 Colorow Dr., 3rd Floor Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Get a Taste of Health

The staff at University of Utah Health Care’s South Jordan Health Center is here for you, whether you’re dealing with a medical issue that’s big (did you actually feel a lump?) or small (allergies are driving you crazy).

For a daily dose of wellness tips, creative recipes, and ideas for making your home a healthier place to be, visit healthfeed.uofuhealth.org.

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Here’s HOw tO reacH us: Phone 801-213-8838 Online southjordan.uofuhealth.org in person 5126 W. Daybreak Pkwy., South Jordan, UT 84095

featuring Self-check-in kiosks Most insurance plans accepted

Extended hours for primary care M—F, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sat., 8 a.m. to noon

After Hours Clinic M—F, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sat—Sun., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

24/7 emergency room