PE Health & Wellness 2017

&Wellness

HEALTH

A Special Advertising Edition of Working to connect you with healthcare professionals who have the answers.

2 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

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4 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Manage pain without opioids Courtesy of Family Features

New research is giving pain sufferers a dose of good news. With concerns mounting about the prevalence of opioid use and abuse in the U.S., a new study validates the effectiveness of acupuncture and other non-drug health therapies for pain.

The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health compiled evidence on how complementary health therapies — including acupuncture, yoga, t’ai chi, massage therapy and relaxation techniques — are effective in treating chronic pain.

The top five pain conditions commonly treated in primary care settings — back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, severe headaches and migraine, and fibromyalgia — were evaluated. The study showed that acupuncture in combination with yoga is the most effective therapy for back pain and acupuncture with t’ai chi is the most effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain in the knee.

“As addictions to, and deaths from prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and methadone continue to rise, raising awareness on complementary and alternative pain therapies like acupuncture is more important than ever,” said Kory Ward-Cook, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). “The research from National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health brings greater attention to the use of acupuncture to treat and relieve chronic pain.”

Experts in the field are pointing to the study, which was published in the “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” journal, as a pivotal opportunity in shifting how patients explore treatment for their pain management. The findings support the benefits of non-drug approaches to help those with chronic pain more safely manage their conditions without the harmful side effects of opioids.

The study explored seven widely-used non-drug treatments: • Acupuncture: Using practices derived from traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners stimulate specific points on the body, most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. Nationally BoardCertified practitioners, whose credentials can be verified through the NCCAOM, are affirmed to have the education and training necessary to competently deliver acupuncture therapy. To learn more or find a NCCAOM board-certified practitioner in your area, visit nccaom.org.

• Spinal manipulation or osteopathic manipulation: This approach involves applying controlled force from hands or

Family Features

a device to move a joint past its normal range of operation with the goal of improving health.

• Massage therapy: Using hands (or sometimes forearms or elbows), therapists manipulate muscles and soft tissue to relieve tension and pain.

• T’ai chi: These mind and body practices involve a series of postures and movements integrated with mental focus, breathing and relaxation techniques.

• Yoga: A generally low-impact approach to physical well-being, yoga spans physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation. Practicing certain sets of yoga poses may help reduce pain.

• Relaxation techniques: There are several types of relaxation techniques, including meditation, that strive to bring

the body to its natural state with slower breathing, lower blood pressure and a feeling of increased well-being.

• Natural product supplements: Certain dietary supplements such as chondroitin, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly used to help treat inflammation often associated with pain.

“Opioids are dangerous, highly addictive and do not treat chronic pain — only mask it,” said Bill Reddy, Director of the Integrative Health Policy Consortium and a NCCAOM-certified and licensed acupuncturist. “To solve the opioid epidemic, we must apply the most powerful, innovative approaches to address the root cause of pain within the human body.”

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 5

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6 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Cancer screening can make difference Courtesy of Brandpoint

You go in for your annual visit and it goes something like this: You get weighed and measured and prodded. You see your doctor and talk about your health, maybe get a prescription refill, and most likely a referral for a screening or lab test. You walk out with the best of intentions, but you never get that test done. Sound familiar?

Many of us don’t love the idea of going in for a colonoscopy or mammogram, and even the idea of a needle stick might make some of us jittery. But when it comes to cancer screenings, those tests can mean the difference between a treatable — even curable — cancer, and one that’s far tougher to beat.

In recent years, there’s been a trend towards evidence-based medicine — looking at the evidence and deciding what works and what doesn’t. The good news is that the medical evidence sometimes points to fewer tests. Here are some of the more significant changes you might notice at your next doctor visit, plus tips on how to make screenings easier on yourself.

What’s new for women If you’re still getting annual mammograms, you might be able to have them less often. According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), women at average risk of breast cancer need screening only every two years from ages 50 to 74. Everyone’s situation is different, so talk to your doctor and together decide what’s right for you.

Likewise, most women don’t need oncea-year Pap tests. According to a 2012 change in guidelines, women ages 21 to 65 at aver-

age risk need this cervical cancer screening just once every three years. If you’re 30 to 65, you can get a DNA test as well as a Pap, which lets you go five years between tests (if your doctor agrees). That said, you’ll still want to go in for an annual wellness visit.

tests that involve collecting a little stool at home and mailing it in to the lab. The newer FIT tests look at immune markers and are more sensitive than older ones.

Depending on the test, these need to be done every one to three years.

What’s different for men

Get over reluctance

Not as much to report here, guys, but if your doctor is still ordering a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test during your annual exam, you might want to talk about it. In 2012, the USPSTF recommended against routine PSA tests as a way to screen for prostate cancer. A high PSA level doesn’t necessarily signal cancer, but could lead to unneeded treatments. While PSA test rates have been going down, a recent study found that around 40 percent of men over age 60 were still getting them.

If you’re not a fan of getting tested, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans aren’t getting essential tests, and cancer screening rates are lowest among U.S. Latinos and Asians.

Here are a few simple ways you can make screenings easier for yourself.

• Ahead of your annual exam, check out which exams and preventive care are recommended for you by visiting GetScreenedNow.org, a collaboration between Stand Up To Cancer and Rally Health.

• Schedule your screenings and lab tests before you leave your primary care doctor’s office.

• When picking a day and time, think of how you might feel. Depending on the test, pick time of day that works best for you.

• On the day of your appointment, take someone along (for some tests you’ll be sedated so you’ll definitely need a driver).

• Make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. If you tend to get cold, bring a wrap or take socks.

• Before you leave, ask when you can expect your results so you’re not conjuring up worst-case scenarios while you wait to hear back.

• Afterward, treat yourself to your favorite little indulgence — you’ve earned it. Go to a movie, get a pedicure or have a piece of pie.

Latest on colon screenings If you’re between 50 and 75, you probably know that you need regular colon cancer screenings. You have a growing number of options now, and they all generally involve a trade-off between thoroughness and the length of time between screenings.

In particular, more insurance companies have started to cover virtual colonoscopies (Medicare is a notable exception).

Unlike traditional colonoscopies that use a camera to look inside your colon, a virtual colonoscopy is basically a CT scan (these scans use a series of X-rays to create sharp images). Normal results on an old-style colonoscopy can often get you off the hook for 10 years; the virtual version needs to be repeated every five years.

There are also several simple lab

Things you should share with your doctor Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

It is important to be honest with a doctor about certain health habits, but sometimes it isn’t so easy to be forthcoming. Fear of being judged or discussing embarrassing situations may prevent some patients from telling medical professionals the whole story.

However, the things people do not share could end up compromising their treatment or prevent doctors from discovering certain ailments.

Rather than omitting information, people need to be frank with their doctors. Honesty is important when speaking with a physician, even when the discussion turns to the following

aren’t a daily smoker, mention if you smoke in social situations or grab a drag once in a while. Smoking increases the risk for many illnesses and can compromise how effective some medications can be.

2. Alcohol consumption: Be honest about how much you drink, as alcohol can interfere with medications.

3. Supplement usage: Overthe-counter medicines, herbs Metro Creative Graphics and other supplements can afHonesty is important fect overall health. A doctor needs to know the entire picture when speaking with a physician, before prescribing treatment. even when the discussion turns 4. Exercise habits: Don’t to potentially sensitive topics. claim to be a gym rat if you’re more of a couch potato. An accurate idea of their patients’ potentially sensitive topics.

1. Smoking: Even if you fitness levels and habits is a key

diagnostic tool for physicians.

5. Unusual issues: Be forthright with any issues, even those that occur in embarrassing areas of the body.

Remember, if you’re uncomfortable with your doctor, you can always get a referral for a specialist who treats those areas of the body daily.

6. Drug use: Prescriptions are written in dosages for the intended recipient. Taking drugs that are not prescribed to you, whether it’s a loved one’s prescription or an illicit drug, affects your body. If you have a medical issue, consult with your doctor so you can get your own legal prescription or begin working toward addressing your addiction.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 7

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8 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

‘Y’ you should get to know Bloom YMCA BLOOMSBURG — Did you know that the Bloomsburg Area YMCA at 30 E. Seventh St. offers approximately 50 weekly fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels?

The “Y” opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Start your day with energy, attending a morning class of Indoor Cycling, Powermetrics or the TGIF (Thank Goodness I’m Fit!) on Friday.

Classes are offered throughout the day, with many of them — such as Silver Sneakers, Chair Yoga, Zumba Gold, Geisinger Silver Circle and Silver Sleek — geared towards the older adult. For the “after work” crowd, beginning at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, Step Aerobics, Piloxing (a combination of boxing, pilates and dance), Cardio Kickboxing, Fitness Fusion, Zumba, Zumba Strong and Indoor Cycling classes, just to name a few, are offered. There are also Saturday morning classes,

Special to Press Enterprise

The instructors at the Bloomsburg Area YMCA, 30 E. Seventh St., include, from left, Karen Murtin, Missy Grazio, Maureen Alderfer, Donelle Weiss Honabach, Susan Hock, Noelle Pinchot, Maximilian Angle, Nadeen Swab, Penni Kinn, Andrea Tloczynski and Robin Harder. including Piloxing, Instructors Choice, Zumba and Power Flow Yoga.

For those who like a more personal, one-on-one setting, personal training packages are available that can get you headed in the right direction toward your fitness goals.

The Y also offers members access to its Xtreme Row facility for an even wider range of classes and fitness equipment.

All Bloomsburg YMCA instructors are group fitness certified, and the facility is family friendly with a wide array of child-watch hours. The Y also

takes pride in the cleanliness of the facilities and ability to offer many different payment options. Come join the Bloomsburg Area YMCA family and see what the best fitness center in Bloomsburg is all about!

Visit www.bloomsburgy.org for a free seven-day pass.

Learn differences between hot, cold therapies Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Inflammation can affect anyone, and those who have battled it likely have nothing positive to say. But while few people may associate inflammation with something good, inflammation is actually a process by which the body’s white blood cells and the substances those cells produce protect the body from infection at the hands of bacteria, viruses and other foreign organisms.

While inflammation is protective by nature, sometimes an inflammatory response is triggered by mistake. When that happens, the body’s immune system, which is designed to protect the body, begins to damage its own tissues. The resulting symptoms of this faulty immune system response may include joint pain, joint stiffness, loss of function in the joints, and swelling of the joints. None of those symptoms are comfortable, and people suffering from them may be on the lookout for ways to alleviate their pain and suffering.

While anyone battling persistent inflammation should speak with their physicians to explore their treatment options, a preliminary search of how to best treat

inflammation will no doubt turn up inCold therapy formation about heat therapy and cold Cold therapy, sometimes referred to as therapy. The following breakdown should “cryotherapy,” can relieve pain associated not replace a physician’s advice, but it can help patients battling inflammation better with inflammation that has developed recently. Cold can help numb tissues and reunderstand both treatment options. lieve muscle spasms and can also be used to alleviate pain associated with injuries.

Heat therapy According to the Merck Manual, a ref- The Merck Manual notes that ice bags or erence book for physicians and patients cold packs can be used to apply cold. In alike, heat works against inflammation addition, fluids that cool by evaporation, by increasing blood flow and making con- including ethyl chloride, may be applied nective tissues more flexible. Heat also topically. Some medicines may interact can be used to combat edema, a condition with ethyl chloride spray, so inflammacharacterized by an excess of fluid in the tion sufferers should consult their physitissues of the body. Upon application, heat cians before applying such sprays.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, ice can temporarily reduce pain and alleviate stiffness in the joints. Heat also may tem- can be used to calm flare-ups and numb pain associated with chronic, inflammatoporarily relieve muscles spasms.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that heat ry arthritis. Ice also can ease inflammation can be effective at relieving pain associat- and numb pain linked to pulled muscles or ed with worn-away cartilage in the joints injured tendons. Pain and inflammation because it eases chronically stiff joints resulting from the stretching or tearing of and relaxes tight muscles. In addition, ligaments in the joints may also be eased moist heat can relax painful neck spasms by applying ice to the affected area.

Heat and cold therapies can effectively linked to nerves or blood vessels in the head or pain emanating from muscles combat symptoms associated with inflamin the neck. Heat can be applied via hot mation, but such treatments should alpacks, infrared heat, paraffin baths, and ways be discussed with a physician before hydrotherapy. being instituted.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 9

10 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Beware of heart attacks during holidays Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

According to a study published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association (AHA), the winter holiday season is considered a risk factor for cardiac and noncardiac death.

While researchers don’t know exactly why heart attacks are more common around holidays, they note a number of possible reasons, including changes in diet and alcohol consumption during the holidays; stress from family interactions, strained finances, travel and entertaining; respiratory problems from burning wood; and not paying attention to the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

One woman’s story Consider the case of Julie Rickman, a 41-year-old stay-athome mom.

“I felt like we were running around, going everywhere, and I just couldn’t catch my breath,” Rickman said. “I remember, two days before Christmas, we thought I was allergic to my live Christmas tree, and we took it down and got an artificial tree.”

The day after Christmas, Rickman got winded while folding laundry. She thought it was exhaustion but decided to go to the emergency room, anyway.

That trip saved her life.

Along with two blockages in her heart, doctors also discovered she had suffered a heart attack.

“I have no idea when the heart attack happened. I was one of those women who attributed feeling bad to the holidays and thinking I was exhausted,” she said.

Doctor’s advice “The progression of heart disease doesn’t happen overnight, so an uptick in cardiac death during the holidays is actually more the acute manifestations of the disease,” explained Jorge Plutzky, M.D., a volunteer with the American Heart Association. “Factors like cold weather, stress and

North American Precis Syndicate

Research shows death from heart attack is highest during December and January — but you can reduce your risk. dietary indiscretion can contribute to a chain of events leading to more stress on the heart. A cardiac event might be triggered because the heart is working harder.”

Rickman, now an American Heart Association Go Red For Women volunteer, has since changed her approach to the holidays and to life. She cut out processed foods and limits sugar. She also limits social engagements and time spent on social media during the holidays and makes a conscious effort to realize being a supermom might not be reality.

“The biggest challenge is controlling stress,” Rickman said. “I don’t try to do it all. I have my list but it’s not an ongoing list of unrealistic expectations.”

that risk with a few simple but effective action steps: • Take medication as directed • Have a follow-up doctor’s appointment • Complete a cardiac rehabilitation program • Manage risk factors • Develop a strong support system.

The program is part of the association’s Guideline Transformation and Optimization Initiative and is supported by an educational grant from AstraZeneca.

For further facts and advice about reducing heart attack risk, see www.heart.org/ What you can do heartattack. To get involved, The American Heart Asso- visit www.heart.org or follow ciation is helping heart attack the AHA on Facebook and survivors learn how to reduce Twitter.

That’s good advice, especially because people who have had a heart attack are at increased risk of another, added Plutzky, director of preventive cardiology and cardiovascular medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass.

“Make sure the holidays don’t get in the way of taking your medicines and continuing to be attentive to a healthy diet,” he said. “But even when the holidays are passed, these things continue to be issues all year long because heart disease remains a leading threat to America’s health.”

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 11

Community

We offer a vital and important service to the community. We are here to help your family get through the very difficult time of losing a loved one.

We are also here for the community. We support many civic projects and events to make all all of our lives better. We’re here for the family and we’re here for the community.

JAMES L.

HINCKLEY, JR.

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Serving Greater Berwick Area for Over 50 Years James L. Hinckley, Jr. - Supervisor

Kayla T. Bloom, Au.D., CCC-A Sandra J. McGinley, M.S., CCC-A Kristin D. Hale, Au.D., CCC-A

ACE Hearing Centers has recently welcomed Sandra J. McGinley, M.S., CCC-A to their staff of audiologists at 2201 5th Street Hollow Road in Bloomsburg.

Sandi has 19 years of experience in audiology working at the former Northeast Ear Nose and Throat Associates. ACE Hearing Centers is located in Bloomsburg and Williamsport, and is accepting new patients.

Their audiologists provide services on all makes and models of hearing aids.

2201 Fifth St. Hollow Rd. Bloomsburg | 570-784-8050

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12 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Choices to consider before ER permarkets or pharmacies and specialize in treating less serious conditions than urgent care centers or emergency rooms.

If you have a minor illness or you need preventative care, like a vaccination, then a retail clinic is a logical stop for you.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

A health concern rarely strikes when it’s convenient for you, and in most cases it occurs at the worst possible time. When you need care and don’t have time to schedule an appointment, what do you do?

You head to the emergency room, of course. You wait in the long ER lines and pay the hefty bill that concludes your visit, all for a non-emergency situation that required immediate treatment. It’s hardly the most efficient solution, and while your health is certainly your most important concern, there are ways to receive the same quality care without the long wait and extravagant expense of an emergency room visit.

Considering three C’s Years ago the emergency room was your only option when you needed immediate care, but today’s health care market is home to a number of flourishing alternative options. To find the right solution for your situation, consider the three C’s: care, convenience and cost.

• Care: Evaluate the severity of your symptoms and identify what services you need. An emergency issue should always be treated at the ER, but if the problem is not life- or limb-threatening, it can be treated somewhere else.

• Convenience: It’s a good idea to know what health care facilities are near you, as well as their hours of operation.

• Cost: Not every provider will be covered by your insurance, so it’s important to understand your coverage area as well as your pre-authorization requirements.

Best option for you If you face a serious health issue, you

Telemedicine A product of the digital age, telemedicine connects patients with providers via virtual visits, resulting in lower costs Brandpoint and decreased travel time. Telemedicine Years ago, the emergency room was services are an attractive option if you your only option when you needed immedi- live in a rural community or for times when the treatment you require does not ate care, but today’s health care market is extend beyond a consultation. They are home to a number of flourishing alternative also a handy tool for follow-up appointoptions. ments that do not require an in-person visit. should head to the emergency room imOn-site clinics mediately. However, if the issue merits immediate care but is not life- or limbFinally, you may consider an on-site threatening, the Urgent Care Association clinic. This option is now offered by of America offers this quick guide to your many employers as a way of providing on-demand health care options. increased health care access to their employees. Similar to retail clinics, an onUrgent care centers site clinic specializes in offering wellness Urgent care centers are equipped to and preventative services - though the handle illnesses and injuries that require specific services offered by each clinic X-rays, intravenous fluids and/or on-site may vary. lab tests. With an emphasis on conveBest solution for you nience, urgent care offers short wait times — often 30 minutes or less compared to You’ve read all the care options above four hours in the emergency room — and and you have a pretty good idea of the affordable care, made even more so be- best solution for any care need. Match cause it is covered by most insurance pro- that need with the right treatment option viders. above and you’ll receive the same quality care without the long wait and hefty bill Retail clinics of that emergency room visit.

Otherwise known as walk-in clinics, To find an urgent care center near you, retail clinics are commonly found in su- visit www.whereisurgentcare.com.

Know the whole tooth about your teeth Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

Each smile is unique. What does yours say about you?

• Your teeth tell your story Scientists can learn a great deal about people based on their teeth. Teeth can reveal people’s age, diet and where they live.

Teeth can also display signs of stress or illness, providing researchers with a detailed history of a person’s life and health.

• Teeth mark your individuality Your teeth are as unique as your fingerprints. No two teeth — even two teeth in the same person’s mouth — are the same. Each of your 20 baby

teeth and 32 permanent teeth has its own profile and varies in shape and size.

• They’ve been with you since birth Your teeth were always there — even if no one could see them at first. You are born with the crowns of your baby teeth beneath your gums.

These teeth make their entrance when you’re 3 to 6 months old. The crowns and roots of your permanent teeth form beneath your baby teeth, eventually pushing them out of the way and triggering a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

• Teeth survive long after death The enamel on teeth is

stronger than any other part of the body — so strong that it can remain intact for hundreds of years after someone dies.

Studying the teeth of human ancestors has taught scientists some fascinating things about history. For example, studies of dental remains have found evidence that the first travelers to leave Africa for China set out about 80,000 years ago and that early humans used a simple form of aspirin for pain relief. Even the toughest substance in the body needs regular care, however.

• Your teeth are tough, but they need your help There are more than 300 different types of cavity-causing

bacteria. They feed on leftover sugar in your mouth, creating acids that leave small holes in your teeth. Protect your teeth by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day and eating a healthy diet that limits sugary drinks.

• Who cares about your teeth?

Your dentist does. In addition to daily home care, your teeth need regular dental cleanings and checkups. Visit https://findadentist.ada.org for a nearby American Dental Association dentist who will work with you to help protect one of your most unique features — your smile.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 13

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14 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Get an annual health exam rests. The systolic (top number) should be below 120, while the bottom should be less than 80, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• Respiration rate: The doctor will measure the number of breaths taken in a minute. WebMD says between 12 and 16 breaths per minute is normal for a healthy adult. Breathing more than 20 times per minute can suggest heart or lung problems.

• Pulse oximetry: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine says pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is a measure of how well oxygen is being sent to the parts of your body furthest from your heart. Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to 100 percent. Values under 90 percent are considered low.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Annual health exams are a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A person may not see the need to visit the doctor if he or she is feeling well, but not every disease or condition manifests itself in a way that men and women can detect.

According the Unity Point Clinic, nearly one-third of the 133 million Americans living with a chronic disease are unaware of the presence of their conditions. Routine physical exams can detect serious illnesses before they do much damage.

No two physical exams will be exactly alike, but many will share some general features.

Health history A crucial element of a physical exam will include a thorough health history if the physician doesn’t already have one on file.

Metro Creative Graphics The doctor will take time to ask questions Routine physical exams can detect seabout family history of illness, health habits, any vices (smoking, drinking alcohol, rious illnesses before they do much damage. etc.), exercise schedule, and diet. If there is Vital signs a possible hereditary health condition runA doctor will check a patient’s vital ning through your family, the doctor may suggest certain testing and make note of signs during the physical. Areas the doctor will look at include but are not limited to: potential signs to look for in the future.

• Heart rate: This measures the speed Current ailments at which the heart is pumping. Normal After discussing a patient’s history, resting heart rate values range from 60 to the doctor may ask if they are having any 100 beats per minute. problems they cannot explain. These can • Blood pressure: A blood pressure cuff include changes in eating or sleeping pat- (sphygmomanometer) will measure systerns; aches and pains; lumps or bumps tolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic presand other abnormalities. Again, the pres- sure measures the force with which the ence of symptoms may be indicative of ill- blood is pushing through the arteries. The ness or physical changes, but not all dis- diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in eases produce obvious symptoms. the arteries between beats, when the heart

Physical exam The examination will also include physical components. The doctor will perform a visual inspection of the skin and body for any abnormalities, such as the presence of skin cancer. The physician may feel the abdomen to check that internal organs are not distended. Females’ physical examinations may include breast and pelvic exams.

Comprehensive tests In addition to the exam at the office, the physical may include an electrocardiogram, or EKG, to check electrical activity of the heart; blood count and cholesterol checks through blood work; body mass index testing; X-rays or MRIs and bonedensity tests.

Physical exams remain an important part of staying healthy. Consult with a doctor for more preventative maintenance tips.

Prescription medications can be customized Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

When a person feels ill, his or her doctor may assess any symptoms and then prescribe a particular medication to treat or alleviate those symptoms. Doctors prescribe medications hoping to treat sickness, but sometimes prescriptions fall short, leaving some to wonder if prescription medications could be customized more for individual needs?

The science is already here.

Making specialized drugs is not a new concept. Prior to the rise of drug manufacturing companies, early pharmacists routinely customized ingredients. According to Profes-

sional Compounding Centers of America, customized medications are created through a process known as pharmacy compounding, which is defined as the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients.

Specialized pharmacists take a practitioner’s prescription and mix individual ingredients together in the exact dosage and strength required. Compounding may be done to change the form of the medication from a pill to a liquid or to remove a certain additive or ingredient, such as gluten, that might cause an allergic reaction. The American Pharmacists Association says

that compounding also can be used to flavor a medication in an effort to make it more palatable.

Compounded drugs can be just as safe as mass-produced prescriptions. And thanks to their tailor-made formulas, compounded medications also may help people avoid side effects and other adverse reactions. Compounding gives physicians flexibility in regard to how to best help their patients.

Compounding is done in hospital pharmacies and other healthcare facilities. There also are thousands of community-based pharmacies in the United States that specialize in compounding services.

Pharmacists in these facilities spend all of their time making special preparations.

All pharmacists and pharmacies engaged in compounding are subject to oversight by both federal and state authorities. On Nov. 27, 2013, Congress amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by enacting the Drug Quality and Security Act to ensure that compounded drugs are produced in accordance with applicable federal requirements.

Pharmaceutical compounding may not be new, but it is increasingly relied on to create the best formulations for individual patients.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 15

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Five things to avoid to help your heart Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

Managing blood pressure well can add years of life for the nearly 80 million American adults who have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). But there are some things that you may not realize are sabotaging your efforts to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.

What to watch for 1. Decongestants: According to the AHA, people with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Many over-the-counter cold and flu preparations contain decongestants such as oxymetazoline, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, which increase blood pressure.

2. Sleep apnea: Some 12 million Americans have sleep apnea, according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute estimates. It’s a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder in which tissues in the throat collapse and block the airway. The brain forces the sleeper awake enough to cough or gulp air. Pauses in breathing can contribute to severe fatigue during the day. Sleep apnea is also a risk factor for such medical problems as high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes and stroke.

3. Stress: In addition to the emotional discomfort you feel

North American Precis Syndicate

Keeping your blood pressure within the proper range can go a long way toward keeping your heart healthy. when faced with a stressful situation, your body reacts by releasing stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) into the blood. These prepare the body for the “fight or flight response” by making the heart beat faster and constricting blood vessels.

Constriction of blood vessels and increase in heart rate do raise blood pressure, temporarily; when the stress reaction goes away, blood pressure returns to its pre-stress level. Chronic

stress can cause your body to go into high gear on and off for days or weeks at a time. And while it may not directly cause high blood pressure, chronic stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices that do affect your blood pressure. It’s important to handle your stress in a healthy way, especially if you already have high blood pressure.

4. Sodium: In some people, sodium increases blood pressure because it holds excess flu-

id in the body, placing an added burden on the heart. If your blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or above, your doctor may recommend a low-salt diet or advise you to avoid salt altogether.

5. Not taking your medicine: In addition to lifestyle modifications, you may need one or more types of prescription medication to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Keeping track of your prescribed medications can be challenging, but your heart health depends on it. Writing things down or using a health-tracking app will make managing your medications a lot easier. “Remember that you’re on blood pressure–lowering medicine for a reason. Stopping, skipping, or taking them differently can increase your risk of debilitating or deadly consequences such as stroke or heart attack,” said Raymond Townsend, M.D., an AHA spokesperson and director of the Hypertension Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “If you think you need to do something differently, talk to your health care provider first, before making a change that could change your life.”

For more information about blood pressure management, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/ hbp. Bayer’s Consumer Health Division, maker of Coricidin HBP, is a sponsor of the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure website.

Alternative cancer treatments can be effective Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Individuals react differently to cancer diagnoses. Some are ready to come out swinging against the disease, while others may be angry or forlorn at the news. As varied as the responses to such news can be, the ways that cancer may be treated are numerous, too.

Traditional components of cancer treatment include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, though many people opt to avoid these treatments or supplement them with alternative therapies. The Mayo Clinic warns that, while some complementary and alternative cancer treatments can be safe, the efficacy of others is unproven, and some such treatments may actually be danger-

ous. It is important that people who have been diagnosed with cancer properly investigate each treatment, discussing each with their physicians as well.

Below are some cancer treatments that those diagnosed with the disease may come across in their research.

• Research or investigational treatments: These treatments are still being studied in clinical trials and some may have benefits that outweigh the side effects. Volunteers may be able to try these treatments, according to the American Cancer Society.

• Dietary changes: Dietary changes, such as switching to organic, plant-based food, raw juices and natural supplements, may strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself. This is the basis behind plans like the Gerson Therapy and the Budwig Protocol.

• Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help alleviate anxiety, fatigue, pain, sleep problems, and stress. Massage also can be a helpful practice to add to any cancer treatment regimen.

• Acupuncture: According to The Mayo Clinic, studies show that acupuncture may help to relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture also may lessen pain.

• Yoga/meditation: Many people find that deep breathing and meditation associated with yoga can help to relieve stress, calm nerves and create a relaxing environment. Stretching and light exercise can be beneficial as well.

Alternative therapies may be part of an overall cancer treatment, whether they’re used in conjunction with treatments or in place of chemotherapy and radiation.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 17

Caring for dentures improves oral health Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Proper dental care and oral hygiene is essential at all stages in life, even for people who have dentures, partials or implants. People with dentures must recognize that oral hygiene protects their dentures as well as their mouths.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, while 11 percent of the population requires the use of a complete denture. In addition, 5 percent of the U.S. population wears a partial denture. The Canadian Denture & Implant Centres says that 16 percent of the population wear dentures.

Removable dentures require care to keep them clean and in good repair. Servicing dentures also helps ensure wearers’ mouths stay healthy. Follow these guidelines to keep dentures clean.

• Handle with care. Dentures are strong, but they are not impervious to damage. Treat them with care while handling, being sure not to bend or damage any clasps when cleaning, and try not to drop the dentures. When handling dentures, Colgate recommends standing over a folded towel or basin of water for added protection.

• Brush daily. False teeth need to be brushed, so don’t trade in your tooth-

Metro Creative Graphics

Removable dentures require care to keep them clean and in good repair. brush just yet. Brushing will help remove food deposits and prevent staining.

• Take a break. Remove dentures before going to bed and soak the dentures in warm water or special denture cleansers. Removing dentures for six to eight hours allows tissue inside the mouth to recover. Soaking helps to remove stains, bacteria and tartar.

The Mayo Clinic notes that most dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape, so do not allow them to dry out.

• Clean your mouth. While dentures are removed, use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the tongue, palate and cheeks. If you still have any natural teeth, use a softbristled brush to cleanse. Always rinse dentures before returning them to your mouth.

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Dentists can advise how frequently to have dentures checked for fit and professional cleaning. Loose dentures can cause sores and infection, so it’s best to address any issues regarding fitting promptly.

Dentists also will inspect the inside of the mouth for signs of disease or irritation.

• Eat healthy foods. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet to keep the body and mouth healthy. Cut up hard foods like fresh fruits and vegetables if dentures are impacting your ability to eat these foods.

People of all ages rely on partial or complete dentures to maintain their smiles. Routine care is necessary to keep the dentures intact and mouths healthy.

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Navigating cold, flu season at least 20 seconds — about how long it would take to run through two renditions of “Happy Birthday.”

• Avoid actions that spread germs, like touching your face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth. If you do get sick, stay home from school or work to avoid spreading germs to others.

• Maintain good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food. All these actions help build your immune system.

Courtesy of Brandpoint

Every year in the U.S., there are more colds than people. Annually, nearly 320 million Americans catch 1 billion colds, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Seven in 10 people will turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help them feel better — and many of these medicines may contain acetaminophen.

In fact, acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drug ingredients to reduce pain and fever, found in more than 600 OTC and prescription medicines.

When used as directed, it is safe and effective. However, taking more than the maximum daily dose (4,000 milligrams) is an overdose, and can lead to liver damage.

“Family members play an important role as caregivers when administering medicines safely,” says Mark Gibbons, director of programs and operations at Caregiver Action Network, a member of the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition (AAC). “It’s important to double check all medicine labels to be sure you’re not accidentally doubling up on acetaminophen.”

Each year, acetaminophen overdose causes about 26,000 hospitalizations. It’s important to know the dose that is right for you and your loved ones. With the arrival of cold and flu season, the AAC’s Know Your Dose campaign offers some helpful tips for preventing illness and safe medicine guidelines if you do get sick.

Know your dose Brandpoint

With the arrival of cold and flu season, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition’s Know Your Dose campaign offers some helpful tips for preventing illness and safe medicine guidelines if you do get sick.

your family from getting sick, including: • Get vaccinated for the flu. It’s the best way to minimize the chance you’ll get the flu and spread it to others. Even if you got a flu shot last year, you need to get one this year, too. Each year’s shot is different, specifically designed to prevent the strain of flu expected to be most prevalent this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend anyone 6 months and older get vaccinated.

Preventing illness • Be diligent about washing your hands You can do a lot to protect yourself and regularly. Each time you wash, scrub for

If you or a family member does fall ill, you may decide to treat symptoms with medicine, which might contain acetaminophen. To ensure you’re using acetaminophen safely, follow these steps: • Always read the label on any medicine you take. Be sure you understand and follow the dosing instructions.

• Know if your medicine contains acetaminophen. It’s important to know which of the medicines you’re taking contain acetaminophen so you can ensure you’re not taking too much.

• Take only one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen could put you at risk for exceeding the maximum daily dose.

If you have questions about an OTC or prescription medicine that you’re taking, talk to a healthcare provider.

To learn more, visit KnowYourDose.org and follow @KnowYourDose on Twitter.

Understand serious nature of mini-strokes Courtesy of Family Features

Knowing the warning signs of a mini-stroke could help save a life.

A survey conducted by the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association shows one-third of United States adults have had symptoms consistent with a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, but only 3 percent called 911 for help.

“Ignoring any stroke signs could be a deadly mistake,” said Mitch Elkind, M.D., chair of the American Stroke Association Advisory Committee.

“Only a formal medical diagnosis with brain imaging can determine whether you’re hav-

ing a TIA or a stroke.”

The survey showed 35 percent of respondents experienced at least one sign of a TIA or mini-stroke, such as sudden trouble speaking or a severe headache with no known cause. According to the online survey, those who suffered symptoms were more likely to wait it out, rest or take medicine rather than call 911.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability in the United States and among the top five causes of death. However, with proper, timely medical attention, stroke is largely treatable. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome.

The American Stroke As-

sociation’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people remember the most common stroke warning signs and what to do in a stroke emergency: F – Face drooping A – Arm weakness S – Speech difficulty T – Time to call 911 While the symptoms are the same, the difference between a TIA and a stroke is that the blockage is temporary, lasting between a few minutes and 24 hours. People who suffer a TIA, sometimes called a warning stroke, are more likely to have a stroke within 90 days, according to the American Heart Association/American

Stroke Association.

Elkind said anyone who experiences a stroke warning sign that appears suddenly, whether it goes away or not, should call 911 immediately.

This could improve the chances of an accurate diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Stroke symptoms come on suddenly with no known cause and may include confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; or a severe headache.

To learn more about stroke warning signs and treatment, visit StrokeAssociation.org.

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Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 19

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Get pro eye exams for children Courtesy of Family Features

Studies repeatedly emphasize the importance of diagnosing vision problems at an early age, but that’s something many parents assume is being covered by their children’s school system. In reality, an estimated one in four American schoolage children have vision problems that — if untreated — can affect learning ability, personality and behavioral developments, adjustment in school and, ultimately, could lead to blindness.

While it’s true that schools may provide vision screenings for younger children, one study found that even if a child failed such an exam, 50 percent of parents were unaware of the failure two months after the screening. Furthermore, these screenings do not adequately test for prevalent vision disorders such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes) or significant refractive error.

These disorders can, if left untreated, have an economic impact, too — children’s vision disorders cost an estimated $10 billion annually in the United States alone. These issues can be addressed early on if children are given comprehensive eye examinations by eye care professionals, and the sooner

Family Features/Getty Images

An estimated one in four American school-age children have vision problems that — if untreated — can affect learning ability, personality and behavioral developments, adjustment in school and, ultimately, could lead to blindness. they’re identified, the better.

A recent study from The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine evaluated the status of vision in the U.S. health care system and recommended comprehensive eye exams as the “gold standard” in identifying potential vision disorders for children before they enter school — even though this is something only three states currently require of their school systems. What’s more, research has shown that of children in

the 9-to-15 age group, only 10 percent who needed eyeglasses actually had them.

Through the Kids See: Success initiative, a partnership of the Vision Impact Institute, Optometry Giving Sight and VSP Vision Care, experts in the eye care field are working to educate parents, legislators, child advocacy groups, school nurses, teachers and administrators about the social, educational and future economic benefits of comprehensive eye exams for children prior to en-

tering kindergarten.

Regardless of whether your local schools require eye exams before entry into kindergarten, your child and children you know deserve to start school with a baseline for academic success. One eye exam could change your child’s academic future forever. In the meantime, watch for these signs that your child may benefit from glasses and schedule an eye exam promptly: • Squinting is a classic symptom of either nearsightedness (not seeing well far away) or farsightedness (not seeing well up close).

• Closing one eye to see better could indicate a structural problem like astigmatism.

• Eye rubbing may be the result of eye strain.

• Sitting too close to the television or lowering the head while reading a book are signs of nearsightedness.

• Losing place while reading due to skipping lines may mean there is an eye muscle problem or vision problem, such as astigmatism.

• Frequent headaches or brow aches are often a result of uncorrected farsightedness.

Find more information about the importance of early eye exams for children at visionimpactinstitute.org.

How to promote healthy kidneys Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Kidney disease is a widespread issue made all the more disconcerting by the fact that many people are unaware they have it.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million American adults have kidney disease, and most don’t know it. And the problem of kidney disease is not exclusive to the United States, as the Canadian Kidney Foundation notes that the number of Canadians being treated for kidney failure has tripled over the last quarter century.

Healthy kidneys are something many people take for granted. But those who want to do everything they can to keep their kidneys healthy can consider the following tips, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic.

• Stay hydrated, but avoid overhydration. Many people are familiar with the benefits of drinking water each day, and adequate hydration definitely pro-

motes healthy kidneys. But overhydrating has not been proven to enhance kidney function. The Cleveland Clinic recommends adults drink between four and six glasses of water per day.

• Exercise. Regular exercise benefits various parts of the human body, including the kidneys. High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the biggest risk factors for kidney disease, and regular exercise can reduce a person’s risk of both conditions.

However, overexertion can strain the kidneys, so adults who exercise, especially novices who need to improve their conditioning, should avoid going too hard at the gym.

• Speak with a physician before taking vitamin supplements or herbal remedies. Vitamin supplements and herbal remedies have become very popular in the 21st century, but excessive supplementation can harm the kidneys.

Discuss any supplements or herbals rem-

edies with a physician before taking them.

• Quit smoking. Just as exercise benefits the body in myriad ways, smoking harms the body in myriad ways. Smoking decreases the blood flow in the kidneys, decreasing their ability to function at optimal capacity. Smoking also increases a person’s risk of high blood pressure and cancer of the kidneys.

• Eat healthy. A healthy diet decreases a person’s risk for high blood pressure and diabetes. Adhering to a healthy diet and controlling portion sizes can help control weight and blood pressure and contribute to healthy kidneys as well.

• Get screened. Adults who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes should make sure their physicians screen for kidney dysfunction during routine appointments.

Learn more about kidney disease at www.kidney.org.

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Sleepiness could be narcolepsy Courtesy of Brandpoint

Do you fight to stay awake during the day? Is exhaustion part of your everyday life? If the urge to sleep is overwhelming and irresistible, it may be a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, a condition affecting approximately one in 2,000 people in the U.S. Narcolepsy is one of the most frequently diagnosed primary sleep disorders. However, it’s not always easy to recognize.

“There are five major symptoms of narcolepsy. Many of them can be confused with other medical conditions such as depression or epilepsy, making a narcolepsy diagnosis somewhat tricky,” said Dr. Raj Dasgupta, pulmonary and sleep specialist at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “Approximately half of the people affected by narcolepsy remain undiagnosed. A diagnosis can take up to 10 years to receive.

We need greater awareness of narcolepsy to help expedite the diagnosis process for patients.”

Everyone with narcolepsy has excessive daytime sleepiness. That’s when you feel tired all the time, making it hard to stay awake and alert throughout the day. It can be

Brandpoint

Narcolepsy is one of the most frequently diagnosed primary sleep disorders. described as feeling fatigued or irritable, having difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or mood changes. Patients say it comes in waves, like a “sleep attack.” These can happen during unusual situations, such as in the middle of a meal, a conversation or bike ride.

There are five major symptoms, but you don’t need to experience them all to have narcolepsy.

1.

Excessive daytime sleepiness: As discussed above, this is when you have an

irresistible urge to sleep during the day.

2. Cataplexy: The weakening of muscles when you feel strong emotions like embarrassment, laughter, surprise, or anger. Cataplexy can cause your head to drop, your face to droop, your jaw to weaken, or make your knees give way.

3. Sleep disruption: When you often fall asleep quickly but wake up frequently throughout the night.

4. Sleep paralysis: Feeling unable to move or speak for a

short time when falling asleep or waking up. You may also feel like you can’t breathe.

5. Vivid dreaming: Often frightening dreamlike experiences that seem real and happen when falling asleep or waking up. You may experience hearing sounds or words when drifting to sleep or have unwanted visions. Sleep paralysis often accompanies these vivid dreams.

Narcolepsy occurs equally as often in men and women.

The symptoms often start between the ages of 10 and 25, but it can take up to 12 years for narcolepsy to fully develop.

Narcolepsy is a debilitating disease, as it can cause difficulties at work, negatively impact social interactions, lower selfesteem and create challenges performing everyday tasks.

Contrary to popular belief, people with narcolepsy do not spend more time sleeping than the average person.

“It’s normal to feel tired sometimes,” Dasgupta says.

“But if the urge to fall asleep is interfering with your job or personal life, it might be time to talk to a sleep specialist.”

For more information about narcolepsy and to take the symptom screener, visit MoreThanTired.com.

When you should worry about moles Understanding the ABCDE’s of detecting melanoma and the “Ugly Duckling” Skin cancer is one of the most perva- sign are important strategies for detecting sive types of cancer, and just about every- skin cancer. Here’s what a person should one is at risk of getting it. The American know.

Cancer Society says that, over the past 30 Ugly duckling sign years, more people have had skin cancer This concept was introduced in 1998 than all other cancers combined.

Melanoma, while not the most com- and relates to the observation that nevi, mon form of skin cancer, is the deadli- or moles, on the body tend to look like one est form of the disease. According to the another — much like all the ducklings in a Skin Cancer Foundation, if melanoma is flock will resemble one another. However, recognized and treated early, it is almost a mole that is unlike the other, or an “ugly always curable. One way to detect melano- duckling,” may indicate the presence of ma early is to be aware of moles and new melanoma. Nevi may present in different patterns, which are deemed “normal” to growths on the skin.

Brown spots, growths and moles on the a particular person. An outlier, or a mole body are often harmless, but they may be that doesn’t fit the pattern, could raise a indicative of skin cancer. Experts say that red flag. The outlier may be darker than anyone who has more than 100 moles is at surrounding moles or it may be smaller. greater risk for melanoma than others.

ABCDE Knowing one’s skin and being aware of The ugly duckling sign is often used with any changes is key to detecting skin cananother diagnostic tool called ABCDE. This cer much more promptly.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

is an acronym for the detection steps: asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving.

• Asymmetry: If an imaginary line is drawn through the middle of the mole and the two halves of the mole do not match up, this could be a warning sign. Normal spots tend to be symmetrical.

• Border: The borders of early melanoma tend to be jagged or notched, while regular moles have even borders.

• Color: A mole with multiple colors might be melanoma.

• Diameter: Melanomas tend to be larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. Large spots should be investigated.

• Evolving: If a mole starts to change all of a sudden by growing or changing color, or even if it simply feels different, see a doctor.

“When in doubt, check it out” can be applied to detecting skin cancer. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when considering that early detection can save lives in the event of melanoma.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 23

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Protect eyes from ultraviolet rays Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Thanks to increased awareness about the perils of exposure to ultraviolet rays and skin damage, a greater number of people routinely apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors.

But while people take steps to prevent sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging, they may fail to consider that UV rays also can damage their eyes.

Just as people protect their skin from the sun, so, too, should they safeguard their eyes. Prevent Blindness America warns that the sun is comprised of UVA and UVB rays.

Metro Creative Graphics UVA rays may hurt central vision by damaging the macula, A wide array of sunglasses can protect eyes from potenor a part of the retina at the tially damaging ultraviolet radiation. back of the eye. UVB rays typically affect the front part of tis, and these rays can burn and smartphones, emit blue the eye or the lens and cornea. the cornea, potentially causing light. Some blue light can be benThe following are some com- pain and temporary vision loss. eficial, but some can be harmful to the eyes. Lenses that absorb mon eye conditions that can be Macular degeneration harmful blue light or block it can linked to exposure to UV rays.

According to the American prevent retinal damage.

Photokeratitis Optometric Association, macuPterygium Excessive amounts of UV lar degeneration is a deterioraradiation over a short period of tion of the part of the retina that Pterygium is a growth that time can cause photokeratitis, is responsible for sharp, central forms on the outer portion of which is equivalent to a sun- vision. In addition to UV rays, the eye, or the cornea and conburn of the eye. Photokeratitis chronic exposure to shorter- junctiva. The World Health Ormay occur after spending long wavelength visible blue and ganization says that prolonged hours at the beach or skiing violet light can be harmful to the UV exposure can contribute to without proper eye protection. retina. The sun and many artifi- this condition. Pterygium may UVB rays cause photokerati- cial light sources, such as LEDs extend over the cornea and re-

duce vision, requiring surgical removal.

Cataracts UV exposure also can contribute to the formation of cataracts. Prevent Blindness America says a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye that focuses the light people see.

Sun protection Sunglasses should completely cover the eyes, including the skin on the eyelids and under the eye, to provide adequate protection for the eyes. Wraparound frames will offer additional protection to those who spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight. The AOA says sunglasses should also do the following.

• Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.

• Screen out between 75 and 90 percent of visible light.

• Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection.

• Have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

Consumers should speak with an eye doctor if they have additional questions about eye protection. Prescription lenses can be tinted and treated to offer UV protection.

Watch for signs of atrial fibrillation Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Palpitations of the heart or uncomfortable sensations in the chest can be distressing. Thoughts of heart attack may come to mind, and that anxiety can only exacerbate the situation. While heart attack might be the first thing people think of when experiencing chest discomfort, atrial fibrillation may be to blame for such feelings.

Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib, is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that may lead to heart-related complications. The American Heart Association says that at least 2.7 million Americans are living with AFib. Although treatable, without proper diagnosis, AFib may lead to blood clots, stroke and even heart failure.

Many people with AFib experience no symptoms at all and are unaware they have it until it is discovered during a physical examination. For those who experience symptoms, The Mayo Clinic lists

these as some of the more common: • Palpitations, which can be sensations of a flip-flopping in the chest or even a racing feeling.

• Fatigue • Reduced ability to exercise • Lightheadedness • Chest pain or shortness of breath • Dizziness and weakness When the heart is working normally, it contracts and relaxes in a beat. When a person has AFib, the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat irregularly.

They quiver and do not move the blood into the ventricles in an effective manner. This irregularity can cause pooling or clotting of blood. Should a clot break off and enter the bloodstream, particularly in an artery leading to the brain, stroke may occur.

A proper diagnosis from a physician is needed before treatment can begin.

An examination may include an EKG or ECG, which will show the heart’s electrical activity as line tracings on paper. The

spikes and dips in the tracings are called waves. An EKG will determine if the heart is pumping correctly.

AFib is more common among people with clogged arteries or diabetes and may develop following valve surgery. AFib also is more common in people with coronary heart disease. As a person ages, his or her risk for AFib increases. Stress also can be a major factor in triggering AFib, according to StopAfib.org.

Once AFib is diagnosed, managing risk factors and restoring a heart to normal rhythm becomes the priority. Doctors use a variety of medications to control heart rate, which may include beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Medications to prevent stroke also may be prescribed.

Surgical intervention may be necessary if medications aren’t working.

Atrial fibrillation is a serious condition that requires treatment. Episodes can be managed and treated to help people live healthier lives.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 25

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26 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Ways to stretch health benefits and hearing benefits, care materials and services simply by using their benefits and keeping the benefits paid out under a specified amount.

Courtesy of Family Features

Often, employees enroll in medical insurance plans for protection against unpredictable events, sudden illness or serious health concerns that may result in expensive medical bills. Getting the most from your benefits requires understanding coverages and deductibles, as well as taking advantage of voluntary benefits, like dental, vision and hearing, to stay healthy and save money.

Medical screenings Routine health screenings, such as mammograms, immunizations, colonoscopy procedures and prostate cancer screenings, which may be covered fully or in part by your medical coverage, can help you stay healthy and lower health care costs.

Avoid surprises About 91 percent of adults in the United States are confused about what their benefits cover, according to a recent Harris poll. The best starting point is to review your plan so you understand the care and services covered.

If you have a high-deductible plan, you will need to pay for most or a percentage of the health costs until reaching the individual or family deductible. Be prepared to pay any copayments or deductibles the plan requires before receiving care. Also, before scheduling appointments, ask for a cost

Get paid to save Family Features/Getty Images

Many voluntary plans, such as dental and vision, offer preventive exams, such as routine cleanings and vision exams, that are fully covered. estimate for the appointment, reduce health costs. Voluntary coverage is affordable and tests or service. many plans offer added incenDental and vision tives. For example, coverage Many voluntary plans, such for LASIK, dental, vision and as dental and vision, offer pre- hearing benefits can increase ventive exams, such as routine from one year to the next for cleanings and vision exams, those who continue to enroll that are fully covered. That’s and use their benefits. because these preventive exMembers could earn monams help to maintain and im- etary rewards to use for denprove overall health and help tal, vision, LASIK, orthodontia

Many employers encourage employees to save money by matching a percentage of the amount the employee contributes to the plan. If available, enroll in a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to set aside money to pay for health care costs. Remember that these accounts are not a substitute for the coverage provided by voluntary benefits.

Learn more about the questions to ask when reviewing benefit plans at ameritasinsight.com.

Understand different cancer treatment types Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

An estimated 12.7 million people across the globe discover they have cancer each year, and a little more than half will die from the disease, according to the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research. However, many of those deaths can be prevented.

Cancer treatment is not a one-size-fitsall situation. Cancer care often involves different types of doctors working in concert to create patients’ treatment plans, which may include a combination of various treatments. Multidisciplinary teams factor in all aspects of a patient’s health to customize a successful treatment plan.

Although no two cancer care regimens are the same, various treatments are used again and again. Understanding these treatments can give patients more control over their care. The following are various types of cancer treatments, courtesy of the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and Cancer.net.

• Surgery: Surgery can be used to di-

agnose, treat and alleviate symptoms of cancer. During surgery, doctors remove something from the body. Sometimes all of the cancer can be removed or tumors can be made smaller with surgery.

• Radiation therapy: This form of therapy uses high doses of radiation aimed at the cancer to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Radiation works by making small breaks in the DNA inside of cells. This prevents cancer cells from growing and dividing, causing them to perish. More than half of all cancer patients undergo radiation therapy.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy relies on drugs to kill cancer cells. Unlike radiation therapy, which only targets small areas where the cancer is detected, chemotherapy can affect the entire body.

Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cancer cells, but it also can kill healthy cells that grow and divide quickly, such as those that cause hair to grow.

• Targeted therapy: This is a special type of chemotherapy that goes after the inner workings of cancer cells, particu-

larly the functions that make them different from normal cells. Unlike regular chemotherapy, targeted therapy leaves most healthy cells alone.

• Stem cell transplant: Stem cells can turn into several other types of cells. This type of transplant gives patients new cells and is often employed to treat leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and cancers that affect the blood. Stem cell transplants also can restore cells in those who have had theirs destroyed by very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. It is comprised of biological agents that stimulate an immune system response. Certain immunotherapies can mark cancer cells, so it is easier for the immune system to find and destroy them.

Doctors may suggest additional treatment options to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer can be a formidable foe, but there are many different options that can help restore health.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 27

Manage diabetes during holidays Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including food. Family gatherings and holiday office parties wouldn’t be the same without great food.

Food plays such a significant role during the holiday season that many people are worried about overindulging. Some celebrants can afford to overindulge, while others must resist temptation. Diabetics fall into the latter category, as the festive mood of the season does not mean people with diabetes can throw dietary caution to the wind. With the holiday season upon us, diabetics can heed the following tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help them stay on a healthy track.

• Stick to your normal routine.

While the holiday season can be unpredictable, the CDC advises diabetics stick to their normal routines as closely as possible. Because holiday guests cannot control food served to them at family gatherings or parties, the CDC recommends diabetics offer to bring a healthy, diabeticfriendly dish along to any parties. In addition, don’t skip meals during the day in anticipation of a large holiday meal.

Doing so makes it hard to control blood sugar levels.

• Be extra careful with alcohol.

Metro Creative Graphics

The availability of sugary treats during the holiday season can tempt diabetics to deviate from their healthy diets.

Alcohol is served or readily available at many holiday gatherings, and many people overindulge because of the festive mood of the season. Overindulging in alcohol is dangerous for anyone, but diabetics must be especially mindful of their alcohol consumption. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines. Diabetics who want to enjoy a holiday libation should keep their alcohol

consumption to a minimum.

• Eat slowly. Eating slowly can benefit anyone during the holiday season. Eating at a leisurely pace gives diners’ brains ample time to signal that their bodies are full.

By eating quickly, diners may be eating more calories than they hoped to eat, and that can lead to uncomfortable feelings of fullness after a meal. Diabetics who can slow down their eating are less likely to overindulge in less healthy holiday foods that can affect their blood sugar levels.

• Remain active. The holiday season can be hectic, as adults often must juggle extraordinarily busy social schedules with the responsibilities of everyday life.

Many people sacrifice time at the gym to ease the burden of hectic holiday schedules, but diabetics must resist that temptation. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that routine physical activity helps diabetics keep their blood glucose levels in their target range. Physical activity also helps the hormone insulin absorb glucose into all of the body’s cells for energy. That extra energy boost can help diabetics fend off holiday-related fatigue.

Diabetics face a lot of temptation come the holiday season. But with the right plan of action in place, men and women with diabetes can enjoy a healthy holiday season.

Salty foods can help combat stress Courtesy of Brandpoint

Stress. No one wants it, but we all experience it from time to time. Higher levels of stress can cause problems at work and at home. But stress is not just hard on your mental wellbeing; it is also hard on your body and can lead to many negative health outcomes.

Stress levels can also increase significantly when economic times are tough. In England, the British Health and Social Care Information Centre found that stress had increased by 47 percent during that country’s recession and that stress was the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK, affecting 20 percent of the population.

Professor Cary Cooper of Lancaster University, an expert on stress, was alarmed and told The Independent, “I have never seen figures like this before. Stress is a trigger

mechanism for a whole range of conditions, from heart attacks to immune system disorders, mental illness and depression and anxiety.”

Everyone is familiar with comfort foods, but the key comfort foods that have been shown to actually reduce stress all contain salt. Stress is characterized in the human body by high levels of the hormone cortisol, referred to as the “stress hormone.” Scientific research has shown, in animals and in humans, that increased levels of salt consumption are effective in reducing levels of cortisol.

Especially in women Research from the University of Haifa, published in the science journal Appetite, confirmed the relationship between salt and stress in humans. Researchers found an inverse correlation between

salt and depression/stress, especially in women. Craving salty foods may very well be a biological defense mechanism we evolved to cope with daily stress.

The researchers reviewed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) using 10,000 individuals and demonstrated that depression and stress were higher in individuals who consumed less salt, a trend more prevalent in women than men. They noted that the relationship of higher depression with lower salt intake in humans was consistent with the results of other animal studies. They also found that young people, up to the age of 19, selectively choose foods that are higher in salt, indicating a natural feedback mechanism driving them to consume higher salt foods and rewarding them with more vig-

orous growth.

Other good stress-relieving tips include getting a good night’s sleep and taking time off to focus on relaxation and regular exercise, which has added health benefits. Of course, with exercise, another benefit of salt becomes apparent, as this vital nutrient is necessary to remain properly hydrated and healthy.

When you sweat, you lose not just water but also electrolytes (including sodium) which need to be replenished.

The fact remains that whether they are called comfort foods or mood stabilizers, research indicates salty foods are effective at making us feel better and reducing our heightened stress levels, a common condition in today’s ever-changing world. So, the next time you finish a stressful day and want to wind down and relax, don’t be surprised if you instinctively reach for a salty snack.

28 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Orthodontic braces have evolved nected by a wire. Pressure is achieved by periodically using tight, thick wires. As pressure is applied to the periodontal ligament, which holds the teeth in place, the body will naturally create new room and adjust. If too much pressure is applied too soon, tooth loss may occur.

Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Braces have evolved considerably over the years. With new technologies available, plus an acknowledgment that braces are a necessity for people of various ages and not just children, patients of all ages are choosing orthodontic procedures to give themselves healthy smiles.

New technology

Early braces Orthodontic treatment in some shape or form has been around since 1000 BC. Studies of exhumed Egyptian mummies found that some Egyptians were buried with crude metal bands around their teeth, and archaeologists believe a material may have been tied to these bands to provide pressure to move the teeth. Ancient Romans and Greeks wrote about bringing newly emerging teeth into proper position by pushing them with fingers.

Pierre Fauchard is considered the father of dentistry and a pioneer in the field of orthodontics. Fauchard invented the bandeau, which was a horseshoe-shaped strip of metal with regularly spaced holes to fit around teeth and correct their alignment, states Colgate Oral Care Center.

Nowadays, braces have evolved even further, with millions of people choosing from the various types of braces to correct dental problems. The American Association of Orthodontics notes that one

Metro Creative Graphics

Smaller brackets, tooth-colored options and even plastic aligners have largely replaced traditional metal braces. out of five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21 — proving it’s never too late to straighten one’s teeth.

Why braces?

Braces were once considered a cosmetic procedure only. Dentists today recognize that correcting misaligned teeth can prevent periodontal problems, tooth wear, dental caries, infected gums, and various forms of dental disease.

Engineering feat Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth to gradually shift them and the jaw. Traditional braces consist of small brackets adhered to the teeth that are con-

Braces no longer resemble the railroad style metal braces that wrapped around teeth in the early 1970s. Brackets are small and may be the color of metal or enamel. Brackets may be affixed to the front of the teeth or the back. Some people opt for clear plastic aligners, which can be very successful in the hands of trained orthodontists.

Many orthodontists use heat-activated nickel-titanium alloy wires that apply constant pressure and do not need to be tightened as frequently. Also, advanced photography and x-rays enable orthodontists to plan treatment plans more effectively.

Orthodontists spend two to three years learning how to properly align teeth and jaws, says the American Association of Orthodontists. Braces treatment lasts an average of about two years, with patients visiting the orthodontist every four to six weeks for adjustments.

Braces have come a long way. In a short time, anyone can have a beautiful smile to show off.

Know signs of peripheral artery disease Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

deposits build up in arteries in the legs and feet. The condition is often undiagnosed, yet ignoring the signs of PAD is dangerous. Not only does it increase your risk for heart attack and stroke, these blockages can restrict circulation to the legs and feet. Left untreated, PAD can end in amputation. Cigarette smokers have the highest risk — so high, in fact, that PAD screening should be routine in smokers. People with diabetes and those with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity or physical inactivity are also at risk.

Many people dismiss leg pain as a normal sign of aging.

But for 8.5 million Americans, the cause of their pain can be a life- or limb-threatening condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD). Everyone, especially those at highest risk, should know the signs of PAD and know how to prevent and treat it. With new drugs on the horizon, health plan coverage for exercise therapy, improvements in procedures to treat advanced disease, and new treatment guidelines for health care providers, there are now more tools than ever to combat this disease. Unfortunately, the What can I do about it? disease often goes undetected Simple measures can catch and untreated although it’s PAD before it’s too late. You more common than atrial fi- can manage or reverse it with proper care. If you have risk brillation and heart failure. factors, take your socks off at What is PAD? the doctor’s office. Your socks PAD happens when fatty and shoes cover up many of

the signs of this crippling disease: • Leg pain: The most common symptom of peripheral artery disease in the legs is painful muscle cramping in the hips, thighs or calves when walking, climbing stairs or exercising. The pain often goes away after a few minutes of resting. This type of pain is called intermittent claudication. Thanks to a recent ruling, it’s easier for people to keep PAD from getting worse.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services now covers supervised exercise therapy for people with intermittent claudication. You may be eligible for up to 36 sessions during a 12-week period with an optional second round of treatment. Ask your doctor if this therapy is available to you.

• Skin problems or discoloration on your legs and feet: Be aware of redness or

other color changes in the skin on your legs and feet. Temperature changes may also be noticeable — your feet will feel cooler than other parts of your leg.

• Leg or foot wounds that are slow to heal: If cuts or other wounds on your feet or toes aren’t improving after a couple of weeks, you should ask about PAD. • Poor nail growth: Slowgrowing or thickened toenails can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the legs and feet.

Even if you aren’t having symptoms, if you have risk factors, you should be screened regularly. Early detection and treatment are key. Speak to your doctor about any problems you’re having with your legs and feet.

For more information about PAD management, visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org/PAD.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 29

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30 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

When should child visit orthodontist?

Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

• Thumb sucking • Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth • Jaws that shift or make sounds • Speech difficulties • Biting the check or tongue • Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all • Facial features that are out of proportion to each other • Jaws that are too far forward or too far back • Grinding or clenching the teeth Most children begin orthodontic treatment between the North American Precis Syndicate ages of 9 and 14.

While there’s no “exact age” for a child to begin orthodontic treatment, there are a few things to consider.

Suggests Dr. DeWayne B. McCamish, president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), “Somewhere between the 7th and 8th birthdays is generally when a child should visit an orthodontist. If a parent is concerned about something they observe, it’s quite alright to bring in an even younger child. The orthodontist assesses the ‘bite’ — meaning All children should get a how the teeth come together.

There is a wealth of informa- check-up with an orthodontist at tion we can gather just from the first recognition of an orthwatching how a child brings odontic problem but no later the teeth together. Some prob- than age 7. lems reveal themselves at an early age, and some of these should consult an orthodonproblems can be addressed tist: • Early or late loss of baby while a child still has some teeth baby teeth.”

• Difficulty in chewing or What to watch for biting These signs suggest you • Mouth breathing

Benefits of evaluation A check-up with an orthodontist while some baby teeth are still present can be beneficial for youngsters and their parents.

“If we determine that treatment will be needed, an early check-up allows the orthodontist to recommend the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. We can also talk with parents about

budgeting for treatment, based on their individual circumstances. Orthodontists routinely offer a variety of payment plans, and parents can look into benefits to reduce their out-of-pocket expenditures such as insurance, flexible spending ac­ counts and health savings ac­ counts,” according to Dr. McCamish.

Many AAO members offer low-cost or complimentary initial consultations and a referral to an orthodontist is not necessary.

What an orthodontist is Orthodontists first graduate from dental school and then go on for an additional two-tothree academic years of study at an accredited orthodontic residency program to become orthodontists. Only orthodontists can be AAO members. You can be sure that you are being treated by an orthodontic specialist when you see the AAO logo.

For further information or to find nearby AAO orthodontists, visit mylife mysmile.org.

Get informed about biologic medicines Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

A relatively recent wave of medications has provided significant advances in treating a wide range of illnesses, particularly those that are linked to auto-immune dysfunction or chronic ailments.

Many people may be prescribed a biologic response modifier medicine at some point in their lives, and those who understand when and why such medications are prescribed may find such knowledge calms their nerves and reduces any confusion they might have about their conditions.

• What are biologic response modifiers?

Biologics are derived from animal products. First-generation biologic products included things like vaccines and blood components. However, a newer wave of biologic medicines has come to market over the last decade or so. These medications are manufactured through biotechnology and are complex proteins, sugars, nucleic acids, or a combination of these substances that are created from living cells. Cells may include yeast, bacteria or a widely used cell called CHO,

which originated from hamsters in China.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says biologics are often at the forefront of biomedical research and are continually evolving.

• Why biologics are different Unlike traditional medicines, which are largely made from chemical components that follow a strict recipe for manufacture, many biologics are complex mixtures that are not easily replicated.

According to the resource Everyday Health, when biologics are made, a specific gene is isolated and inserted into the host cell’s DNA, where it will become permanent. The cell follows the instructions of the gene and how it was programmed and becomes a specifically functioning cell. This one reprogrammed cell is combined with others that have been made the same way.

The entire process of biologic manufacturing is complex, requiring state-ofthe-art knowledge. It also requires entirely new biotechnology facilities and laboratories that employ top-notch scientists. These factors combine to contribute to the generally high price tag of biologic medications.

• How biologics work According to WebMD, biologics are designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system that may cause a symptom of a disease. For example, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the medication would suppress inflammation, which is a central feature of the disease.

Biologics target specific parts of the immune system rather than broadly treating the body.

Diseases that may be treated by biologics include rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and even certain cancers.

• Side effects of biologic medicines Because most biologics are administered intravenously, injection-site irritation can be a common side effect. Biologics also carry a risk of infection. According to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, because biologics target the immune system, there is a risk for serious infection or disease.

Biologic medicines continue to evolve and can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions for which no other treatments are available or effective.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 31

Clearing up facts on adult acne Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Many youngsters develop acne during adolescence. Acne often disappears by the time adolescents graduate high school, but for some people, acne lingers into adulthood.

The American Academy of Dermatology says adults can get acne, which may persist as adults reach their 30s, 40s or 50s. Some people even develop acne for the first time as adults, a condition known as adult-onset acne. Although both men and women can develop acne, women tend to get adult acne more often than men.

Adult acne can be particularly frustrating for adults who had acne as children. Understanding what’s behind the blemishes can help people get the treatment they need to banish breakouts.

• Stress: Stress may contribute to adult acne. When stressed, the body releases certain hormones, most notably cortisol, to address the problem. Skin experts say that testosterone can accompany cortisol, which can drive oil glands to produce more oil. Stress can lead to more oily skin, which increases the likelihood of breakouts. Learning how to reduce stress can lead to clearer skin.

• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones are normal for women. Estro-

Metro Creative Graphics

Adult acne can be particularly frustrating for adults who had acne as children. gen and progesterone levels vary depending on the menstrual cycle. The Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology says that acne is prevalent before one’s menstrual cycle, and can also occur during menopause when hormones are in flux again. If acne is problematic, women can speak with their doctors about hormone therapy or birth control pills to see if either option can alleviate the hormone

fluctuations that contribute to acne.

• Family history: Genes also may be to blame for adult acne, as some people may have a genetic predisposition to acne.

• Medication: Acne may be a side effect of certain medications. If medicine is triggering breakouts, women can discuss potential alternatives with their physicians.

• Sugar: Some evidence suggests that sugar can contribute to acne by raising insulin levels, which then triggers oil-releasing male hormones. Stick to foods that do not trigger a sugar (and insulin) spike.

Australian researchers found that people who followed a low-glycemic index diet (which is low in refined carbohydrates like those found in white bread) had a 22 percent decrease in acne lesions, compared with a control group that ate more high-GI foods.

• Salt: It’s not the greasy fries that cause acne, but it very well may be the salt on those fries. Some doctors suspect that sodium can cause issues with the skin because the iodine found in table salt and seafood can build up and make acne worse.

If these options do not work, speak with a dermatologist about cleansing regimens and topical treatments that can help reduce acne breakouts.

Cognitive decline reason to quit smoking Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Smokers have scores of reasons to give up the habit. In addition to contributing to cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and other lung ailments, cancers elsewhere in the body, wrinkled skin, and diseases of the eyes, nose and mouth, smoking may also contribute to cognitive decline.

There’s growing evidence suggesting that using cigarettes can affect the brain in negative ways, including causing cognitive decline as early as age 45.

According to the study “Impact of Smoking on Cognitive Decline in Early Old Age,” led by Severine Sabia, as published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, smoking is a possible risk factor for dementia, although the impact smoking has on the brain may have been underestimated in elderly populations because of the general shorter life span of smokers.

Study participants were given a battery of tests in memory, vocabulary and executive function that included reasoning and fluency, and a global cognitive score. Both men and women participated (5,099 men and 2,137 women, with a mean age of 56), and smoking history was recorded over the 10-year assessment period. An analysis revealed that a cognitive decline occurred in all tests except vocabulary among all participants, but mostly in men.

However, faster cognitive decline was observed among current smokers compared with those who had never smoked.

The size of the effect associated with smoking was similar to that of 10 years of aging.

Findings are similar to other research being done on the topic of smoking and its impact on the brain. The Alzheimer’s Society states that smoking is bad for the heart, lungs, and vascular system — including

the blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Recent research has shown that smoking is a significant risk factor for vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, with smokers twice as likely to develop the disease as nonsmokers.

The Mayo Clinic defines vascular dementia as problems with reasoning, planning, judgement, memory and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to the brain. Factors that increase the risk for vascular dementia are high cholesterol and smoking.

Dementia can be brought on by stroke, whether it’s a large stroke or a series of ministrokes. WebMD says vascular dementia can occur over time as “silent” strokes build up — something that seems to occur more readily in smokers and those with cardiovascular disease.

Symptoms of cognitive decline that may result from smoking and vascular dementia can include: • problems with short-term memory • wandering or getting lost • trouble managing money • difficulty planning or following through on activities • loss of bladder or bowel control • delusions or hallucinations • inappropriate emotions • impaired coordination or balance More research is needed with regard to the association between smoking and cognitive decline related to dementia. If research continues to prove a correlation, greater warning may be issued about smoking and its effect on parts of the body beyond the heart and lungs. Even at this early junction, current research suggests yet another reason to quit lighting up.

32 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Make mammograms more comfortable Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Mammograms help to detect breast cancer early, improving women’s prognosis as a result. Susan G. Komen states that mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool in use today.

When women should begin getting mammograms remains open to debate. The American Cancer Society now recommends that women between the ages of 45 and 54 receive annual mammograms.

Despite the benefits of mammograms, many women avoid them out of fear of the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. But researchers are examining how much pressure mammogram machines need to apply to get accurate breast images.

Until widespread customized mammograms are offered, women can take various steps to reduce the amount of discomfort they feel while under-

Metro Creative Graphics

Women can take various steps to make mammograms less painful. going these important screening procedures.

• Apply a topical numbing gel. BreastCancer.org says a study found that applying a numbing gel an hour before having a mammogram resulted in less discomfort when compared to placebo and other pain-reduction techniques. Be

sure to discuss application of the gel with your physician prior to your procedure.

• Schedule your procedure for the right time. Do not schedule a mammogram right before or during a menstrual cycle, when breasts already are very tender due to hormonal changes. Waiting

until seven to 14 days after a period is a better bet.

• Take pain relief pills. A physician may suggest taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to the appointment to reduce discomfort before and after the procedure.

• Speak with the technician. Women can express their concerns about pain to the mammogram technician, who might suggest various ways to minimize discomfort.

• Learn about padding.

Find an imaging center that uses padding on mammogram plates. MammoPad is a soft, white, single-use foam pad that is invisible to X-rays.

• Avoid caffeine. Some women find that caffeine contributes to breast tenderness.

Avoid caffeine the week before the procedure.

Mammograms are an important health care tool. Reducing discomfort may encourage women to follow guidelines regarding mammograms more closely.

Are you at risk for OTC pain med overdose?

Courtesy of Brandpoint

If you are one of the millions of Americans who turn to over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines to get relief, you may be at risk of overdose. Taking too much OTC pain medicine can lead to serious side effects, such as stomach bleeding, ulcers, liver damage and death.

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) surveyed consumers and gastroenterologists to find out more, and discovered many adults report taking more than the recommended dose of an OTC pain medicine. The survey was conducted

by Harris Poll, with sponsorship support from McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

These common myths and facts can keep yourself and your family safe from OTC pain medicine overdose complications.

• Myth 1: Drug labels are just guidelines.

Many consumers believe they know how to best treat their pain when it comes to reaching for the medicine cabinet, with 40 percent admitting they perceive the dosing directions on OTC pain medicines as just guidelines.

Conversely, American consumers take appropriate safety measures in many aspects of their lives. Most people always

wear a seat belt when riding in a car, have smoke detectors in their home and have anti-virus software on their computers.

Yet, only 32 percent of people say they always read the drug facts label on an OTC pain medicine they haven’t taken before, which can be a costly or even fatal oversight.

• Fact: Medicine labels can change periodically, as can health conditions and situations. Byron Cryer, MD, chair of the AGA Gut Check: Know Your Medicine campaign and associate dean of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of following dosing directions.

“Read and follow the drug facts label — every time — to avoid potential overdose complications,” Cryer says.

• Myth 2: Taking more than the recommended dose is harmless.

One in four Americans are willing to take more than the recommended dose of OTC pain medicines because they believe their symptoms will go away faster. While patients might exceed the recommended dose for weeks or even months without complications, it can take just one occurrence to put them in the hospital.

• Fact: Taking more than the recommended dose will not lead to quicker pain

relief. Work with your health-care professional on the proper dosage and treatment for your individual health situation.

• Myth 3: Mixing medicines is safe and effective.

On average, a gastroenterologist sees 90 overdose cases per year due to OTC pain medicine. Most gastroenterologists (64 percent) report their patients were unaware of the risks of taking more than directed and, when overdose complications arise, the mistake often involves taking two or more medicines with the same active ingredients at a time.

• Fact: “Mixing medicines is dangerous,” Cryer says. “Take only one product at a time containing the same kind of active ingredient.”

Overuse of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) can cause stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers and damage to the esophagus and small intestine, while overdosing on acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

If you are living with pain, get relief safely. The AGA encourages you to read medicine labels every time you take an OTC pain medicine. If you are still not receiving relief from your pain, talk to a health-care professional.

Visit GutCheckFacts.org to learn more.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 33

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Chicken soup good for more than soul Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Cold season never seems to take a year off. Experts estimate that colds are so widespread that very few humans escape infection. Some people come down with colds more than once per year. That should not come as too great a surprise, as there are now thought to be more than 200 different strains of cold.

For the past 50 years, researchers studied two classes of viruses responsible for a total of roughly 100 different incarnations of the common cold.

Two years ago, after development of molecular techniques to look at the viral genome, researchers found a third class of rhinoviruses, according to James Gern, MD, an asthma specialist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. This discovery doubled the number of potential cold viruses.

While there’s no cure for the common cold, cold remedies have been around for centuries. Chicken soup remains one of the more popular cold remedies. Grandmothers have long espoused the virtues of chick-

Metro Creative Graphics

Grandmothers have long espoused the virtues of chicken soup with regard to treating colds, but now research is backing up those claims. en soup with regard to treating colds, but now research is backing up those claims.

Researchers have long examined the potential health benefits of chicken soup in an attempt to understand why it seems to be such an effective tonic at treating colds. A 1998 report found that broth may help improve the function of the tiny hairs in noses called

cilia. The cilia help prevent contagions from getting into the body. Hot fluids also can help increase the movement of nasal mucus, helping to relieve stuffiness and congestion.

Chicken soup also can help reduce inflammation, which often results as the immune system works to fight the cold virus. A study in the journal Chest found that chicken soup appears

to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis, which is the movement of certain immune cells to mucus membrane surfaces. As a result, mucus production is inhibited and cold symptoms are reduced.

Chicken soup is loaded with immune-boosting vegetables and other ingredients that provide phytonutrients. The American Cancer Society defines phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, as plant compounds like carotenoids, lycopene, resveratrol, and phytosterols that are thought to have healthprotecting qualities. Chicken soup may also contain onions and garlic, which are believed to have natural antibacterial or antiseptic properties.

An easily digestible comfort food, chicken soup also helps a person feel better because it effectively delivers vitamins and minerals.

While some profess that homemade chicken soup is the key to fighting a cold, many commercially-made soups fit the bill as well. The salt, steam, vegetables, chicken protein, and soothing broth combine to form a worthy adversary to the common cold.

Here is cancer terminology you should know Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

A cancer diagnosis is often shocking.

Once the shock begins to wane and patients and their families start examining their treatment options, it’s easy to grow confused by the terminology physicians and their staffs use. The following are some common cancer terms, courtesy of the American Cancer Society and Cancer.net, to help lessen confusion and ensure cancer patients and their families are as informed as possible.

• Ablation: Ablation, or ablative therapy, is treatment that removes or destroys all or part of a cancer. Ablation may also refer to removing or stopping the function of an organ, such as when ovaries are removed to prevent them from making hormones.

• Adhesions: Adhesions are scar tissues that form after surgery or injury. If this scar tissue tightens, it can bind together organs that would normally be separate.

• Alopecia: Alopecia is hair loss that, in instances where cancer is present and being treated, can result from chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments.

• Bilateral: When cancer is bilateral, it is present on both sides of the body. This term may be used to describe the presence

of breast cancer in both breasts.

• Biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

• Bone marrow: Bone marrow is soft tissue found in the center of large bones where blood cells are formed.

• Cancer cell: A cancer cell is one that divides and reproduces abnormally and is capable of spreading throughout the body.

• Carcinogen: Any substance that causes cancer or helps it to grow. Tobacco smoke is loaded with carcinogens.

• Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the lining layer of organs. The ACS notes that 80 percent of all cancers are carcinomas.

• Chemotherapy: A form of cancer treatment that employs drugs to kill cancer cells.

• Five-year survival rate: The percentage of people with a particular cancer who are alive five years or longer after diagnosis. Five-year survival rates generally improve the earlier the cancer is detected.

• Hemoglobin: The part of a red blood cell that carries oxygen and is often measured in complete blood count. That count can get very low in people who have cancer.

• In situ: In situ refers to cancer that

has not spread from its point of origin to nearby tissue.

• Invasive cancer: Contrary to cancer described as “in situ,” cancer described as “invasive” has spread outside the layer of tissue in which it started and can potentially spread to other parts of the body.

• K-ras: A gene that can mutate into a cancer accelerator and allow colorectal cancer to grow.

• Lobules: The milk-producing glands in a woman’s breasts.

• Metastasize: The spread of cancer cells to one or more sites elsewhere in the body, often via the lymph system or bloodstream.

• Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in treating patients with cancer. There are various types of oncologists, including surgical oncologists and pediatric oncologists.

• Precancerous: Cells described as “precancerous” have the potential to become cancerous.

• Sarcoma: Cancer that develops in the tissues that support and connect the body, including fat and muscle.

• Stage: A way to describe cancer that may refer to its location, where it has spread and whether or not it is affecting the function of other organs in the body.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 35

Sleep apnea can be life threatening Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

Here’s news many may find eye-opening: Untreated, severe obstructive sleep apnea more than doubles your risk of dying from heart disease, the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project warns.

To raise awareness of this and to urge individuals with symptoms of sleep apnea to talk to a doctor about their risk, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sleep Research Society (SRS) and other partners created the “Sleep Apnea Hurts Hearts” campaign.

“Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous disease that can severely damage your heart if left untreated,” said Dr. Ronald Chervin, AASM president. “With millions of sufferers remaining undiagnosed, it is critical to raise nationwide awareness about obstructive sleep apnea so that it can be treated with CPAP therapy, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death.”

Nearly 30 million American adults are kept from restful sleep by obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic disease that involves the repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep. According to the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, there are five key warning signs and risk factors for sleep apnea: snoring, choking or gasping during sleep; fatigue or daytime sleepiness; obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) and high blood pressure.

Severe damage Millions of people with sleep apnea remain untreated, which can lead to dangerous health consequences — including lifethreatening effects on heart health. The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project warns that untreated, severe obstructive sleep apnea hurts HEARTS by increasing the risk of: H — Heart failure E — Elevated blood pressure A — Atrial fibrillation R — Resistant hypertension T — Type 2 diabetes S — Stroke.

“It is clear that untreated,

severe obstructive sleep apnea may have a devastating impact on heart health,” said Janet B. Croft, Ph.D., senior chronic disease epidemiologist in CDC’s Division of Population Health.

“Those who have symptoms of sleep apnea such as loud snoring in addition to obesity and a heart problem or high blood pressure should discuss their risk for sleep apnea with their doctor.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently released a scientific statement on sleep duration and quality, which stated that moderate and severe sleep apnea are associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The authors of the AHA statement recommended that a public health campaign addressing sleep behavior should be launched to promote ideal cardiac health.

Damage control Fortunately, treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are available. Following diagnosis by a board-certified sleep medicine physician, the most commonly prescribed treatment for

sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure therapy — or CPAP. This treatment uses mild levels of air pressure, provided through a mask, to keep the throat open while you sleep.

According to a recent meta-analysis of 27 studies involving more than 3 million participants, the risk of cardiovascular mortality was reduced to normal levels in people with sleep apnea who were treated with CPAP therapy.

The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project recommends that people who have been prescribed CPAP therapy for sleep apnea should use the treatment nightly to reduce their risk of cardiovascular death. Individuals who prefer a treatment alternative can discuss their treatment options with a boardcertified sleep medicine physician at a sleep disorders center that is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

To find an accredited sleep center nearby or to learn how you can guard your heart from sleep apnea to avoid being #SnoredtoDeath, visit www. projecthealthysleep.org.

How common is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Increased hours spent on computer keyboards and digital devices can put people at risk for a relatively common and oftentimes painful condition that affects mobility in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, can cause numbness, pain and tingling in the hand or arm as a result of one of the major nerves of the hand — the median nerve — being compressed in the wrist.

The American College of Rheumatology says that CTS may be the most common nerve disorder experienced today, affecting between four and 10 million people in the United States alone. Middle-aged to older individuals are more likely to develop CTS than younger persons, and females are diagnosed three times more frequently than males.

• What is the carpal tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is a passage that forms in the wrist on the palm side of the hand. It is located just beneath the skin surface. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says the carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones. Eight small wrist bones form three sides of the tunnel. The width of the tunnel is only about an inch. Injury or inflammation to the tissues inside of the carpal tunnel can shrink the space of the tunnel, eventu-

Metro Creative Graphics

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, pain and tingling in the hand or arm as a result of one of the major nerves of the hand — the median nerve — being compressed in the wrist. ally pressing on the tendons and the median nerve that runs through this narrow area.

• The role of the median nerve When compression occurs in this area of the wrist, a key nerve is affected. The median nerve originates in the neck and runs through the arm. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist and

goes into the hand, providing feeling to the palm side of the thumb and to the index, middle and part of the ring fingers (although not the little finger). It also controls some small muscles at the base of the thumb.

• Symptoms of carpal tunnel Weakness of the hand as well as tingling and numbness are the two most common symptoms of CTS. The numbness particularly affects four of the fingers. It can occur when holding a phone, book, newspaper or steering wheel or engaging in just about any activity that involves the hands.

CTS also may wake a person up from sleep.

There are a number of other compression issues that can occur in the hand and arms, causing similar pain and tingling in other areas. Ulnar nerve compression in the elbow can cause part of the ring finger and pinky finger to tingle and may be indicative of a different ailment. That’s why a professional diagnosis must be sought when experiencing symptoms related to CTS. • When to see a doctor If pain and tingling are affecting activities and sleeping patterns, individuals should see a doctor. Various nonsurgical remedies and therapies may help. If left untreated, any condition affecting nerve function may lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage.

36 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Know facts about prostate cancer If you or someone you care about is a man over 50, now may be a good time to ask a doctor about prostate cancer screening.

According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed solid tumor in men; in fact, nearly one in nine men will develop prostate cancer over their lifetime. While this data appears to indicate an improvement in the number of men diagnosed with this disease according to historical figures, the information is deceiving. The American Cancer Society estimates 161,360 new cases of prostate cancer to be diagnosed in the United States this year alone.

While some believe that prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease that is not a major health issue, nothing could be further from the truth. Prostate cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer death — but if caught in the early stages, it’s just about 100 percent survivable. In fact, more than 2.9 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.

That’s why Henry Schein, Inc. — the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners — and the Integrated Medical Foundation stress the importance of getting checked regularly, especially if you’re susceptible.

The importance of PSA screening was underscored by the recent recommendation by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which acknowledged the importance of prostate cancer screening and suggested that men between the ages of 50 and 69 discuss screening with their physician.

“Prostate cancer has taken far too many fathers, sons, brothers and friends for us to remain silent about the importance of prostate cancer screenings,” said Dr. Deepak A. Kapoor, founder, Integrated Medical Foundation. “The true tragedy is that with early detection, prostate cancer is almost invariably curable. Now is the time to speak with the men in your life and make sure they discuss a prostate cancer screening with their doctor.”

The problem

Who is at risk?

Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

Unfortunately, diagnosing prostate canParticular risk factors for prostate cancer can be difficult. There are generally no cer include: symptoms until the disease has spread out• Being age 50 or older; side of the prostate. Most symptoms that • An African-American or nonwhite men associate with their prostate are re- Hispanic heritage; lated to difficulty with urination, but those • A family history of prostate cancer; symptoms are more commonly associated and • Exposure to toxins such as Agent Orwith benign enlargement of the prostate.

ange.

How to prevent Scientists have not yet discovered any surefire prevention for prostate cancer — research is being conducted to determine if a daily aspirin may be of benefit, but for now, a healthy diet with appropriate exercise is the best option.

Treatment options If your doctor ever does discover prostate cancer, there are several treatments available, according to Kapoor. The physician will determine which is best for you depending on the stage and grade of the cancer. The three most common options are: 1. Active surveillance; 2. Surgery, whether open, laparoscopic or robotic, in which the prostate and possibly some surrounding tissue is removed; and 3. Radiation therapy, such as: • Seed implantation, in which radioactive seeds or pellets are surgically placed into or near the cancer to destroy the cancer cells; • External beam radiation therapy, where radiation is administered from outside the body into the cancer using sophisticated computer-generated images to aim thin beams of radiation at the tumor from many angles — this type of radiation can be targeted with a high degree of precision to minimize untoward side effects.

You can find information about prostate cancer at http://bit.ly/2krh8jL, http://bit. ly/2urfhkD and http://bit.ly/2u0HCNE.

What role does insulin play in the body?

Courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Insulin plays a key role in metabolic functions in the body. People with diabetes have an intimate knowledge of insulin, particularly if they do not produce enough naturally.

However, the rest of the public may be less knowledgeable about the role of insulin and its impact on overall health.

Insulin is produced in the pancreas of the human body.

Its most important function is the way it interacts with glucose (blood sugar) to allow the cells of the body to use that glucose as energy. Insulin can be viewed as a type of key that unlocks the cells and enables glucose to enter. The pancreas senses when there is a spike in glucose in the bloodstream and reacts by producing insulin.

According to the Hormone

Health Network, insulin also works to ensure the liver stores excess glucose so that it is not actively in the blood. Stored glucose is called glycogen. This glycogen can be converted into fat when it is needed. Insulin also affects other metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of protein or fat.

If insulin is not being produced in the right amounts, the result is high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus. Complications of high blood sugar include damage to the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, and the extremities.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Supplementation with insulin will be necessary to avoid drastic changes in blood glucose levels.

When a person has type 2

diabetes, cells fail to respond to insulin properly. This is referred to as insulin resistance.

As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop. Typically with this type of diabetes, excessive body weight and not enough exercise are the culprits in insulin resistance.

Eating a healthier diet and becoming more physically active can help reverse the condition.

Too little glucose in the blood (hypoglycemia) can make a person feel irritable, tired or confused. Low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness.

That is why it is crucial that blood sugar concentrations remain relatively stable.

Without insulin, the body could not effectively make use of the energy obtained through eating and drinking. Insulin helps unlock cells so that glucose can be used to its full potential.

Metro Creative Graphics

Insulin’s most important function is the way it interacts with glucose (blood sugar) to allow the cells of the body to use that glucose as energy.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 37

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Separate cholesterol myths, facts Courtesy of North American Precis Syndicate

High cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is estimated to cause nearly 2.6 million deaths annually. Yet, a survey from the American Heart Association shows that nearly two-thirds of people who have high cholesterol don’t think they’re at high risk for a heart attack or stroke.

“My Cholesterol Guide” is a new, online tool that provides information, practical tips and downloadable resources to help the more than 94.6 million Americans living with high cholesterol. The guide is the latest offering from the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke.

What it is Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. Elevated levels of blood cholesterol can create blockages in the arteries and is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

“People with high cholesterol usually don’t have symptoms, so unless you get tested, you may not realize you need treatment,” said Ann Marie Navar, M.D., Ph.D., a volunteer member of the Association’s Cholesterol Advisory Committee and an Assistant Professor of Cardiology at the Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, N.C. “Even though we have a lot of evidence about the benefits and safety of cholesterol-lowering treatment, the chal-

lenge is that cholesterol remains underdiOverweight people are more likely to agnosed and subsequently undertreated.” have high cholesterol, but even people who maintain a healthy weight and reguWhat to do lar exercise can have high cholesterol.

The best way to manage high cholester“Since genetics does play such an imol is a multi-pronged approach, including portant role, some people may be doing diet, exercise and medication if cholester- everything right and still have high chool levels remain elevated, she said. lesterol,” she said.

The challenge is that many people don’t • Myth 4 — If the nutrition label shows recognize their risk due to some of the fol- no cholesterol, a food is “heart healthy.” lowing misconceptions about cholesterol.

Nutrition labels can be helpful, but you should read beyond the amount of cholesMyths and Facts terol a food contains.

• Myth 1 — High cholesterol isn’t a “It’s important to look for saturated concern for children. fats, trans fats and added sugars because High cholesterol can be hereditary. these all affect our heart health and choFamilial hypercholesterolemia is a ge- lesterol levels,” Navar said. netic disorder that can cause early heart • Myth 5 — Only people with “high” disease. If someone is diagnosed with ex- cholesterol need medicine to lower tremely high cholesterol or familial hy- their cholesterol. percholesterolemia, it’s important that “Even people whose cholesterol falls all family members get tested, including within what we would call ‘normal’ range young adults and children, so that treat- can benefit from having cholesterol-lowment isn’t delayed, Navar said. ering medication if they have other risks • Myth 2 — You don’t need a choles- for heart disease or stroke,” Navar said. terol check until you’re middle-aged. “Beyond just your cholesterol numbers, Getting your cholesterol checked start- knowing your overall risk of heart dising at age 20 and talking with your health ease can help determine if you need to be provider to ensure you understand what on treatment.” it means is crucial because getting treated The American Heart Association’s early can play an important role in reduc- Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol iniing the risk of heart disease. tiative, supported by Sanofi and Regen“For every decade your cholesterol eron, has information and resources for is high in your 30s and 40s, you increase identifying and managing your cholesyour risk for heart disease by more than terol and other cardiovascular risk fac30 percent,” Navar said. tors. Visit www.heart.org/cholesterol for • Myth 3 — Thin people don’t have further facts, and www.heart.org/MyChohigh cholesterol. lesterolGuide to download the free guide.

Diabetes can be harmful to your eyes Courtesy of NewsUSA

Diabetes is a serious disease that can affect many aspects of the body — the heart and kidneys, blood circulation and even the eyes. In fact, diabetic eye disease increased in prevalence by 89 percent between 2000 and 2010 and is a leading cause of blindness among American adults. Despite this, vision care is often overlooked by people with diabetes as they work to manage the many other health problems the disease can cause.

According to a survey by the American Optometric Association, 55 percent of people are unaware that diabetic eye disease often has no visual signs or symptoms. Additionally, 44 percent of Americans don’t know that a person with diabetes

should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year, including a retina (dilated) eye exam. Yet, these exams are the only way to diagnose serious eye diseases associated with diabetes at its early stage. Regular retina eye exams are critical for early detection and treatment of these progressive eye diseases that often begin without warning.

More time, more risk The longer a person has diabetes, the higher their risk for eye disease. Over time, diabetes may cause damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye, known as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to diabetic macular edema (DME). DME occurs when the damaged blood vessels leak fluid and cause swelling. Although symptoms are not always present, this

swelling can cause blurred vision, double vision and patches in vision, which may appear as small black dots or lines “floating” across the front of the eye.

Approximately 26 million Americans have diabetes and may be at risk for DME. More than 560,000 Americans have DME. Yet, approximately 55 percent are unaware that they have the disease. African Americans and Hispanics over the age of 40 are also at a higher risk for DME. • Getting an annual retina eye exam is the best way to help detect changes in vision.

• Don’t wait — make an appointment with a retina specialist today.

For more information about DME and tips for healthy vision, visit www.DiabetesEyeCheck.org.

NewsUSA

Annual retina eye exams are the best way to catch developing eye diseases among people with diabetes.

Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017 39

index

ACE Hearing Centers .......................................... 11

Heritage Springs Memory Care, Inc. .................. 17

Alternatively Healthy, LLC ................................. 33

Hinckley Funeral Home ...................................... 11

Ball, Dr. David J. ................................................. 15

Hoch Chiropractic Center ................................... 21

Bloomsburg Area YMCA .................................... 13

Kuna, Dr. John & Associates................................ 19

Bonham Nursing .................................................. 7

Longview Farms ................................................... 15

Brookdale Senior Living ...................................... 25

Maria Joseph Manor ............................................ 37

Central PA Periodontics ...................................... 23

Maylath Valley Health Systems, Inc. .................. 21

CMSU Drug & Alcohol Programs ...................... 25

McWilliams Uniform Shoppe .............................. 13

Danville Area Community Center ...................... 23

Mountain View Orthopaedics ............................ 33

Eye Care Specialists ............................................. 19

Nottingham Village............................................... 23

The Eye Center of Central PA ............................ 40

PenTeleData ........................................................ 9

Family Home Medical ......................................... 33

Shickshinny Medical Center ................................ 29

Finnegan Eye Care Centers ................................. 2

Susquehanna Valley Diagnostic Imaging ............ 7

First Step Podiatry of Berwick ............................. 37

Susquehanna Valley Healthcare Complex .......... 5

Geisinger HealthSouth ........................................ 15

UPMC Susquehanna Health System .................. 3

Griswold Home Care ........................................... 29

Trump, Dr. Michelle, Optometrist....................... 25

Dr. Betsy J. Hancock, The Visual Difference ...... 21

Vintage Knolls Senior Living .............................. 29

The Hearing Place ............................................... 13

40 Press Enterprise n Tuesday, November 7, 2017

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