Your Health & Fitness | 2012 by pscommunications

the

your

health fitness

2012-13

a resource for medical & wellness services in northwest guilford county

a publication of

your our health, wehealth have nothing &fitness Without weyouhave nothing It was our pleasure in this issue to work with many local “Living a healthy our lifestylehealth, will only deprive of

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poor health, lethargy and fat.”

“Living a healthy lifestyle only deprive you of a It may sound a little harsh will to some, but Jill Johnson, poor health, lethargy and fat.” group fitness instructor and personal trainer, says it like itIt is. Her statement supported by but numerous physi- a may sound a littleisharsh to some, Jill Johnson, cians exercise professionals throughout pages groupand fitness instructor and personal trainer,the says it like of this year’s GUIDE to Your Health and Fitness, all it is. Her statement is supported by numerous physi-of whom unanimously tout the benefits of exercise cians and exercise professionals throughout the and pages healthy eating. of this year’s GUIDE to Your Health and Fitness, all of whom the benefits exercise and In fact,unanimously whether it’s tout preventing heartofdisease, diabehealthy eating. tes, or even dementia, the proven correlation between

professionals in the health and fitness industry, and I thank for their ininvaluable contributions of articles, It was them our pleasure this issue to work with many local comments, suggestions andand input. professionals in the health fitness industry, and I thank them forone their invaluable contributions Whether it is particular topic or several,of wearticles, hope comments, suggestions and input. what we’ve covered in this issue will contribute in some way to a itlifelong habit of healthy living for you Whether is one particular topic or several, we and hope your what family. we’ve covered in this issue will contribute in some way to a lifelong habit of healthy living for you and your family. Here’s to your health,

practicing healthy habits and enjoying good health In fact, whether it’slife preventing heart disease, diabeis thedementia, few subjects we can universally tes,one or of even thethat proven correlation between agreed on. practicing healthy life habits and enjoying good health is one of the few subjects that we can universally agreed on.

Patti Stokes

Here’s to your health, publisher/editor

Patti Stokes publisher/editor

The GUIDE to Your Health & Fitness is proudly published by The GUIDE to Your Health & Fitness is proudly published by

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Area providers weigh in on Affordable Care Act By thOMaS leSter / nWO Ask anybody you meet and they’re bound to have opinions on the Affordable Care Act, or as it’s known by some, Obamacare. The controversial law, which extends coverage to close to 50 million uninsured Americans, prevents insurance companies from denying coverage for preexisting conditions and allows children to remain on their parents’ plan up to age 26, among other provisions, was passed in 2010. Its constitutionality was challenged by a number of attorneys general in the ensuing months, and in June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional. We asked numerous individuals in the healthcare industry – including providers, administrators and insurance representatives – their beliefs and feelings on this controversial, misunderstood law.

Q: What are your basic feelings about the Affordable Care Act? a: Dr. robert Fried, eagle Physicians & associates of Oak ridge: “Healthcare legislation is a good start. I’m in favor of trying to improve access to healthcare for the Americans who have not been covered. I’m concerned that there’s Fried a lot of misinformation about what is in the healthcare act that has been brought about by both parties to paint it as all good or all bad when it’s neither all good nor all bad.”

Come Celebrate Celebrating Our OneOur Year Two-YearAnniversary! Anniversary! We would like to send a heartfelt to all our Celebration patients, referral Atthanks an Open House sources, vendors, consultants,Wednesday, etc. for yourAugust consistent support throughout 24 | 12:30-3:30PM this second year! We are continuing to grow!

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God is good all the time! The best years are yet to come! We would like to send a heartfelt thanks to all our patients, referral sources, vendors, consultants, etc. for your consistent support during this challenging first year! God is good all the time! The best years are yet to come!!

Cone health CeO tim rice: “The fact is everyone in our industry knows our industry has to change. Some of that change is codiﬁed in the Obama legislation from two years ago and some of it is happening anyway. The Rice ACA is one part of that wave. It’s a huge tsunami coming our way and we’ve got to change regardless of what’s in congress or in the upcoming presidential election in November.” lew Borman, Media relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of north Carolina: “Overall, we believe access to health care and health insurance is critical and a strong mandate was important to

make sure that the insurance pool grows to cover all Americans.” Dr. Stacey Blyth, leBauer healthCare at Oak ridge: “I was asked a question about this notion of more coordinated care. The doctor asked me when I was interviewing in the early 90s, what I think of universal coverage. This is short of that but it’s getting Blyth at the notion of a uniﬁed system. My heart skipped a beat; I was trying to get into med school. Back then, we understood what we’re doing is not sustainable. We’re spending more than other nations. At some point that spiral has to stop. Hopefully we’re getting further along the spectrum of conversation

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Q: What aspects of the healthcare law are strongest? a: Dr. Chan Badger, northern Family Medicine: “It’s going to be good from our primary care standpoint. It will allow every American to have health insurance of some sort. I see so many folks who do not seek care because they Badger do not have insurance. That’s unacceptable to me because everybody needs care whether they have insurance or not. I’ve seen patients who have neglected an issue because of costs and it becomes worse when they do seek care.

“Overall, I think it will allow care for the patient to be better. Everyone is going to be able to identify with a primary care physician. Therefore, it will improve healthcare in general. There will be a home base for each person out there going forward.” rice: “There are things hospital physicians have to do differently. For instance, we’re penalized if our readmission rate is too high for certain conditions. Most of the provider community feels that should happen anyway. You’ll be rewarded on outcomes, not necessarily on how many times you see a patient – that’s how we get paid today. This turns that on the ear. Now you’ll get paid by saving the government money on the patient and meeting quality indicators. It’s payment for value, not payment for volume.” Blyth: “The premise is sound if not easy to get at. The notion we

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The Affordable Care Act is designed to increase access to health services for more Americans.

need to streamline care, coordinate care better, stop the redundancy so we can put more time and money into preventative care and coordinate better – that’s great on the

surface. It’s great for patients and it would help me. The premise is sound and a good one.”

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By Dr. Sheila Stallings Cornerstone Family Practice Now that you have the diagnosis of diabetes, “sugar diabetes,” or diabetes mellitus, “Where do I go from here?” is often the next question. Once over the initial shock or disbelief, you may go through a grievance period: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, then acceptance – just like one would go through with the loss of a loved one. Hopefully, once the acceptance sets in you will decide to live a healthy life with diabetes. Don’t become overwhelmed with all of the things you can’t eat. Instead, enjoy all the

things you can eat and don’t make it too complicated. Remember, a small change can make a big difference. For instance, the fear that you can’t eat fruit anymore is simply not true. You should, however, focus on the fruits that are low in fructose (sugar) such as apples, bananas and grapefruit, which you can eat in moderation. “Oh no, I can’t have any sweets!” is another concern for some newly diagnosed patients. There are many delicious, sugar-free products now available, including cookies, puddings and even candy. Become educated on the dos and don’ts of diabetes and use available resources to help guide you through “life as a diabetic.”

Living healthy with diabetes • Take your diabetic medication as directed by your doctor. • Eat more fresh vegetables. • Eat less starch (bread, rice, pasta). • Keep routine appointments with your doctor. • Know your numbers and what they mean. HbA1c (hemoglobin A 1 c) tells you what your glucose levels have been running over the past 3 months on an average. The goal is to keep it below 7 percent. • Check your blood glucose at least once daily. It is important for you to bring your glucometer/readings with you to your doctor’s appointment to ensure the readings are accurate. • Have regular foot exams and check for non-healing sores. • Get an annual eye exam – the No. 1

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cause of blindness is diabetic retinopathy due to uncontrolled diabetes. • Exercise at least five days a week. Exercise helps to lower glucose levels in the bloodstream. Whether it’s walking, jogging, kickboxing, aerobics exercise, swimming or Zumba, find an activity that you enjoy so that you’ll stay committed. • Accountability. Find someone to help you through the lifestyle changes that you’ll need to make, whether it’s a support group, nutritionist or family member. • Know the signs and symptoms of high and low blood glucose levels. Have a plan in place for both situations. Remember to keep it simple and don’t ignore your diabetes – rather, enjoy your life with it. If you commit to healthy lifestyle changes, you may even feel better after your diagnosis than you did before.

Your Medical Home Is Just Around The Corner At Cornerstone Family Practice at Summerfield

Finding the right health care provider for your family can be tough. You want someone you can count on to care for you through the stages of your life, with compassion and a commitment to keeping you healthy. Dr. Sheila Stallings, Dr. Fernanda Moreira and Physician Assistant Kristen Kaplan welcome new patients of all ages to Cornerstone Family Practice at Summerfield. With convenient expanded hours for busy patients and their families Monday – Thursday 8 am to 7 pm Friday 8 am to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to noon SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

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Comprehensive care including: • Physical exams • Diagnosis and treatment of illness • Management of chronic disease • Cardiac screenings • In-office minor surgical procedures • Gynecological care • Pediatric care Sheila C. Stallings, MD Fernanda I. Moreira, MD Brent A. Burnett, MD* Fred H. Wilson, MD* Kristen W. Kaplan, PA-C *currently unable to accept new patients

You Can Choose. We are faced with making choices every day. We must choose where to shop, where to buy gasoline, where to bank, who to trust. Oak Ridge Physical Therapy is the convenient place you can trust for your rehabilitation needs. Whether you are having balance problems or recovering from surgery, an injury, or a fall – we are here for you. You can choose. Choose Oak Ridge Physical Therapy.

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Five ways to protect your family as school starts By DrS. StaCeY BlYth and PhiliP McgOWen The school buses roll, optimism ﬁlls the air and bright, happy faces are everywhere. And that is just the parent’s reaction to the start of school. But one thing every parent dreads is that phone call saying that their little one has a fever and needs to be picked up. While we can’t promise that your child will get a perfect attendance award, there are steps you can take to keep your child (and the rest of your family) healthier this school year. teach your children to clean

their hands. The proper use of soap, water and a little time is the best thing your child can do to prevent picking up germs. Make sure they wash the backs of their hands as well as the palms and have them pay special attention to the fingers and fingernails. This is not a splash and dash thing. Encourage them to spend 30 seconds scrubbing. And no, antibacterial soaps aren’t necessarily better. You don’t need to kill germs, just wash them off of hands. Get your kids a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children get a flu shot, beginning at the age of 6 months. Flu shots usually become

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available in September. Children who are 8 and younger may need two doses. Your pediatrician or family doctor can let you know. teach your children how to sneeze. The good news is that studies find most people cover their nose and mouth when they sneeze. That’s great because colds and the flu spread in tiny droplets that are sprayed when one sneezes. The bad news is that many people sneeze into their hands. Now everything they touch becomes contaminated with germ-laced micro droplets. Encourage your child to use a tissue or sneeze into their elbow. All of this leads to our next bit of advice — encourage your children to keep their hands away from their mouths and eyes. Colds, the flu, pink eye and a host of other infections are literally picked up by kids this way. Keep your child’s immune system strong. Pay attention to diet and sleep. Everyone rushes in the morning, but a bowl of nutritious cereal (watch out for the high sugar varieties) and milk takes little

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A nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies works with good sleep habits to help keep the body’s immune system strong. Encourage your children to spend 30 seconds washing their hands.

time to ﬁx and is a better way to start the day than picking something up at the drive-through. Do what you can to help your children develop a habit of eating fruits and vegetables during other meals and snacks. It is always hard, but children need 8 to 12 hours of sleep a night, depending on their ages. Adequate sleep helps keep

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The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children get a ﬂu shot, beginning at the age of 6 months.

the immune system strong and enhances school performance. Establish a sleep routine to help children wind down. This won’t be an easy battle to win, but keep the TV out of the bedroom and the computers and cellphones turned off. It is also a great idea to estab-

lish a relationship with a medical professional. Your family doctor or pediatrician can tell you when your child is due for a vaccination or know when that three-day-old cough is allergies or something more. Remember that specialized care is available in our community

pediatric • adolescent • adult 

Same-day appointments available

9 even when your child’s doctor’s ofﬁce is closed. There is a pediatric emergency department at The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital with the expertise and equipment to care for children. According to the CDC, nearly 22 million school days are missed each year because of the common cold. Following these suggestions can cut down on those dreaded calls to pick up a sick child at school. And who knows, add a little luck to these tips and perhaps that perfect attendance award is in your child’s future after all.

Drs. Blyth and McGowen practice family medicine at LeBauer HealthCare – Oak Ridge at 1427-A N.C. Hwy. 68 North.

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Plastic surgery is a very personal procedure that demands a caring and highly individualized approach. At Triad Plastic Surgery, each of our patients is assured of a warm and supportive environment throughout the pre- and postoperative process. Our areas of expertise include the following: • Reconstructive surgery for cancer, trauma and burns • Cosmetic surgery of the breasts, face and body • Surgical management of skin concerns • Non-surgical rejuvenation • Hand surgery

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Preparing for “Peri ... What?” As our children blossom into teenagers, many of us in our mid-30s or 40s notice changes in our own bodies. For women, these changes are the very early signs and symptoms of perimenopause — the confusing and little-understood time before menopause. Perimenopause is deﬁned as the years surrounding a woman’s last menstrual period. During this time — usually between the ages of 35 and 50 — the function of the ovaries declines and the body’s estrogen levels drop. Signs and symptoms of perimenopause vary, but most women experience some degree of physical and emotional change, including erratic menstrual cycles, PMS-like symptoms, hot ﬂashes or night sweats, sleep disturbance, decreased sex drive, changes in mood and stress incontinence. But you don’t have to let these symptoms get you down! Sheila Koone, MSN, offers a course of action you can follow to take charge of your symptoms and optimize your health during perimenopause and beyond.

Don’t overlook your symptoms “The signiﬁcance of perimenopausal symptoms is often overlooked or underestimated,” Koone says. “Women should take their symptoms as early clues to the fact that perimenopause is beginning and consult with their doctor.” Your doctor can evaluate your situation individually and determine when and if hormone therapy is appropriate for you.

Perimenopause usually occurs between the ages of 35 and 50. During this time, most women experience some degree of physical and emotional change.

Eat healthy Instead of “three squares,” try eating three small meals and three snacks daily. Frequent small meals keep your blood sugar stable and avoid energy highs and lows. As you plan your meals and snacks, include a mix of healthy

foods, such as lean meat or protein, raw and leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and ﬁsh with omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy diet continues to play a vital role in preventing osteoporosis, heart disease and some cancers.

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Moderate exercise is great for overall fitness and wellbeing. It raises good cholesterol, reduces fats in the blood, builds strong bones, increases heart and lung capacity and reduces fluid retention. But exercise doesn’t just help your physical health — it also causes the release of endorphins, nature’s mood elevators, and increases oxygen and blood flow to muscles, which reduces tension.

De-stress

The hectic pace of women’s lives can make it difficult to find time to relax. That makes it even more important to set a regular time to slow down. Whether you like to take a bath, go for a walk, read a book or just nap, make sure you find time every day for your favorite stress reliever.

Educate yourself

“Self-care also includes taking time to learn about your body and your options for healthy living,” Koone explains. “The Sara Lee Center for Women’s Health provides a variety of free seminars and educational materials designed speciﬁcally to help women through the cycles of menopause.” For more information about perimenopause or menopause, call the Sara lee Center for Women’s health Menopause Warmline at (336) 718-4235. Sheila Koone is a North American Menopause Society-certiﬁed menopause practitioner at the Maya Angelou Center for Women’s Health at Forsyth Medical Center and Kernersville Medical Center.

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Benefits of acupuncture by Dr. rOD BrOWn Acupuncture is a centuries-old system of natural healing that is concerned with restoring proper energy flow to the various organs, tissues and glands of the body. Using this system, specific skin points are stimulated by small needles or other means such as pressure, mild electrical stimulation or lasers. Current research understands acupuncture therapy to indirectly influence the brain to intervene by means of hormonal and neuronal activities which, in turn, affects the body. That is to say, we are tapping into the body’s inherent self-regulating and self-healing capabilities. Musculo-skeletal pain often responds dramatically to acupuncture and textbooks list hundreds of other conditions that can be helped, including pain syndromes, muscle spasms, headaches, insomnia, asthma, tendonitis, digestive conditions, hot flashes, post-operative pain, arthritis, neck and back pain, and drug detoxification. Acupuncture therapy has been shown to be cost effective and has minimal side effects compared to many medications. With the uncertainty of our future health care system, interest in alternative solutions is at an all-time high. Major medical institutions are involved in ongoing research on acupuncture’s efficacy and many Western physicians including chiropractors and medical doctors have obtained specialized training to integrate acupuncture into their practices. Finally, the real question every patient wants answered: Does it hurt? Not really; acupuncture needles are

Enjoy the

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very small and most are not felt at all. For those with severe needle phobia, your clinician may substitute laser therapy, or electrical techniques. I am on a lifelong quest to find effective ways to enhance the health of my patients safely and naturally. For over 5,000 years acupuncture has been doing just that. For further readings I’ve posted some interesting acupuncture links in the Patient Information tab on our website: www.summerfieldchiro.com. Dr. Rod C. Brown has practiced chiropractic and acupuncture at Summerfield Family Chiropractic since 2000. He is a Chiropractic Physician and Fellow of the Acupuncture Society of America.

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Facts about developmental disorders By thOMaS leSter / nWO

Chan Badger, MD Carol Womble, FNP Teresa Anderson, CNP Dr. Chan Badger returned to his hometown of Jefferson, N.C. to practice community medicine for 8 years before joining Novant Medical Group and opening Northern Family Medicine in the fall of 2010. Dr. Badger and his wife live in Summerfield and have two children. Carol Womble, FNP, joined Northern Family Medicine in May 2011. She and her husband live in northwest Greensboro and have three adult sons. Teresa Anderson, CNP, joined Northern Family Medicine in May.Teresa practiced in Summerfield for over 13 years and brings more than 33 years of experience to our community. Northern Family Medicine provides well and sick care for children, women and men of all ages, health screenings, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes management, sports physicals, an on-site laboratory and same-day sick appointments.

(336) 643-5800 6161-B Lake Brandt Road Greensboro www.NorthernFamilyMedicine.com

Autism relates to a spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), usually involving the lack of an ability to socialize or form relationships, communications deficiencies, behaviors and interests. Symptoms of autism generally show up before a child’s third birthday. Often times, autistic children develop normally until they reach 18 to 24 months. At that point, they tend to stop gaining new skills or losing the skills they have. There are several symptoms of autism, of which several or few can manifest in an individual. Autistic individuals might have problems in development of speech. According to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 40 percent of people with autism never speak. Others with autism have difficulty starting or maintaining conversations. Autistic children might have trouble making or maintaining eye contact. Difficulties in establishing friendships are also considered symptoms. Other widely accepted symptoms include the need for routine and an intense focus on certain topics. Dr. Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism, is a scientist and livestock equipment designer. She said from an early age, she received invaluable encouragement as she intensely focused on art. “When I was in elementary school my teachers and my mother always worked to broaden my art skills,” Grandin wrote in an essay for takepart.com. “Kids with autism often

The CDC now estimates that one in 88 U.S. children – and one in 54 boys – is autistic. Since 2002, the diagnosis rate of autism has increased by 78 percent.

become fixated with drawing the same thing over and over. I was fixated on drawing horse heads. Drawing the head was easy, but drawing the legs accurately was more difficult. My teacher encouraged me to work on creating the entire horse. I then proceeded to make a horse

sculpture from clay that included the entire horse.” Grandin said the encouragement she received in her artistic ability nurtured her mind and led her to create commonly-used equipment. “I heard about sad cases where a Continued on page 15

Dr. Janet Dees Dr. Preston Lentz Dr. Jennifer Summer Dr. Kate Vapne Rachel Mills, PNP Donna Brandon, PA-C Join us on Facebook

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By Sarah BUrChette / nWO Karen Carter didn’t know much about autism before her son Matthew was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. “As an educator, I was worried about him when he was younger because I noticed he had sensory issues,” Carter says. “He was very shy with new things too.” Carter says Matthew, a rising thirdgrader at Northern Elementary, has come a long way since he was ﬁrst diagnosed at 5 years old. He was also diagnosed with attention deﬁcit disorder, which is common for children with Asperger’s. Asperger’s syndrome is included on the autism spectrum as a developmental disability. Today it is estimated that one out of 88 children in the United States will have some form of autism. Its cause is still unknown and affects peoples’ communication, social interac-

a lot of the time it’s thought that [autistic “I think people] are not smart, or are weirdoes.”

tion and behavior skills. Carter says Matthew sometimes acts like other children, but has quirky habits. “He tends to chew on his shirt when he’s nervous,” she says. “We try to talk to him about it and explain that most third-graders aren’t doing that and might make fun of him.” Matthew has a hard time concentrating when other things are going on around him, which can cause him to make noises. “He’s not unaware of the noises,” Carter explains. “It’s his way of creating a white noise to block out everything else. He has a hard time ﬁltering other things going on around him – a

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vacuum cleaner, a pencil sharpener – it is all equally important in his brain.” Janice Eads, a teacher from Brooks Global, is helping Northern Elementary start a new program for children like Matthew who have a harder time concentrating in a traditional classroom environment. The students will have “sensory break” areas catered to their learning styles. Other students without autism can join them for lunch. Carter thinks the new program will be beneﬁcial for students with and without autism. “A lot of autistic children have a hard time making eye contact and it will also help them become more comfortable in social situations,” Carter says. “I think it will bring more awareness of the autistic scale to students without autism. They’ll understand more about what they go through and that they have a different way of processing their environment.” “It’s been a learning experience for me too,” Carter notes. “I think a lot of the time it’s thought that [autistic people] are not smart, or are weirdoes. As a mom, I know I can be biased but I believe Matthew is smart. He articulates well when he is passionate about something. He’s very into trains right now.” Carter hopes that the new program will allow her to continue learning more about autism as well as Asperger’s. “I’ve heard great things about the teacher and it’s great to see other kids who are having the same problems,” Carter says. “Matthew will be able to have other kids in his class that are on the autism spectrum and I’m hoping it will give him the opportunity to make some new friends.”

Laurie MacDonald, MD Michael Bramley, MD Forsyth Pediatrics in Oak Ridge offers comprehensive pediatric care for infants through teenagers. Services include newborn care, pediatric and adolescent well visits, adolescent medicine, treatment of childhood illnesses and minor emergencies, developmental screening, school and sports physicals, immunizations and preventive care. Dr. Laurie MacDonald received her medical degree from Wake Forest University Bowman Gray School of Medicine and completed her residency at Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. She and her husband John live in Oak Ridge with their 4 daughters, ages 3, 6, 8 and 11. Dr. Michael Bramley received his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and completed his residency at N.C. Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill. Dr. Bramley and his wife Sally live in Belews Creek. They have 3 three grown children who are married and live nearby with children of their own.

(336) 644-0994 Oak Ridge Commons Shopping Ctr 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite BB

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Sorry, but exercise alone won’t do it By CathY gOlD, nP, CPt Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply improve upon your overall health, the quality and amount of food you put into your body is critical to helping you reach your goals. It is typical for people to become frustrated when they feel they are working hard at exercising but not losing weight. Could it be that they’re not actually working as hard as they think they are? Or maybe it’s their diet. Or both. There’s no way to know where the pitfalls are unless you’re keeping a written diary of your exercise as well as food and water intake. It takes discipline, but it’s the only way to conﬁrm if you’re eating as well as you think you are, and your calories

Nutritious food, daily exercise and drinking water are critical to helping you reach your weight and health goals.

consumed are in line with your calories burned. Though it’s a challenge, it may help to know that people who use an exercise and food journal lose three times more weight than those who

don’t – and keep it off! Nine out of 10 women in one study under-estimated their daily caloric intake by over 300 calories – that’s enough to make up almost a pound per week! And even more, they typically over-estimated the calories they burn in a day. Many people have asked me about speciﬁc diet plans, meals or menus. Legally, personal trainers cannot prescribe a diet plan. We can, however, make recommendations and offer guidance and support. the best diet out there is the one you’ll stick to.

Paul Weiss is an incredible practitioner who is honest and skilled. My daughter visited him with recurring back issues. During our visit he spent time with her, got to the root of the problem and was able to give her some simple solutions that helped immediately! I highly recommend Cedar Hill! –Lynne B., Oak Ridge

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There is no one particular diet that works for everyone. I have found through the years that most people are strong-willed enough to stick to almost any “diet” for a few weeks. And, because most of those diets involve a drastic reduction of calories, people will lose weight. But if they’re not accustomed to eating the foods that the diet prescribes, it is much more difﬁcult to adhere to it on a long-term basis. So, after a few days or weeks they slip a little here and

there, and before too long they’re back to the same eating habits that they started with. If it’s the South Beach diet, good for you! If it’s the Weight Watchers program, more power to you. If it’s the Food Pyramid … oh, wait, they got rid of that! But you get my point. Whatever method you use, sticking to it is the important part. Rather than trying to develop a completely new way of eating, however, there is an easier way. Take what you already eat (and you know this because you’ve written it down) and make small sustainable changes over time. Little things every week add up to huge results. The first goal is to get your portion sizes down so that your total calories are in the right ballpark. Then you can tweak the choices you make to reduce fat, cut sugar, add protein, get enough fibers, etc. It’s a process, but one that is lasting and effective because it is based on the foods you already eat. Cathy Gold, owner of Gold Standard Fitness in Summerfield, is a nurse practitioner and certified personal trainer.

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Disorders

continued from page 12

teacher forbids an elementary school child to draw pictures,” Grandin wrote. “If a teacher had stiﬂed my art ability, I would have never become a designer of livestock equipment. Half the cattle in North America are handled in equipment I have designed for the meat plants. I think that this is a real accomplishment for a child that some people thought was mentally retarded.” Autism diagnoses have increased greatly over the past decade. The CDC now estimates that one in 88 U.S. children – and one in 54 boys – is autistic. Since 2002, the diagnosis rate of autism has increased by 78 percent. One reason for the drastic rise is that doctors are becoming more and more aware of symptoms of autism. Still, the CDC can’t rule out the possibility of a true increase. It surmises that a combi-

The symbol for autism is a series of puzzle pieces. The pieces represent the mystery around the causes and understanding of autism.

nation of an increase in autistic individuals and better detection systems accounts for the jump in numbers. According to Autism Speaks, scientists have discovered rare genetic mutations associated with autism within the last ﬁve years. Autism Speaks advocates the use of prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, or a diet including at least 600 mg of folic acid in the months before and after conception as a means of reducing the risk of autism. Early intervention is one of the

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most effective treatments for autism. Services that fall under the early intervention umbrella include therapy for talking and interactions. Applied Behavior Analysis is one of the most widely-accepted treatments among healthcare professionals and is used in many schools and clinics. The basic premise of ABA is to reinforce positive behaviors and to discourage negative behaviors. The child’s progress is then measured and tracked. The symbol for autism is a series of puzzle pieces. The pieces represent the

mystery around the causes and understanding of autism. Asperger’s syndrome is a PDD similar to autism, but it has several key differences. Children with Asperger’s syndrome are usually higher functioning and have near-normal language development, although other communication problems can arise as they age. Common symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome include difficulty with social skills, unusual preoccupations (a child might develop rigid rituals such as getting dressed in a specific order), coordination problems and a limited range of interests. However, many children with Asperger’s syndrome are extremely talented in particular areas of interest. As a more recently recognized disorder, exact numbers of people with Asperger’s syndrome is unknown, although it is believed to be more common than autism. It is more common in boys than girls and is typically first diagnosed between ages 2 and 6.

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Is there a ‘gender bias’ in ACL injuries? by anDY MiChelS, Pt, MS, SCS

The endocrinology specialist who’s remarkably close to home. Dr. John Lambeth is not only a board-certified endocrinologist; he’s also a native of Summerfield who chose to return home to lead Triad Endocrine Consultants in Kernersville. Specializing in diabetes management and disorders of the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, Dr. Lambeth provides his patients with a comprehensive level of diagnosis and care. Plus the personal attention you’d expect from someone who grew up just down the road.

500 Pineview Drive, Suite 101 Kernersville , NC 27284 336-992-1351 www.TriadEndocrineConsultants.com

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The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of four main ligaments in the knee. It is the front crossing ligament that provides important stability to the knee joint, and when it is injured, it signiﬁcantly limits participation in sports. Many people are familiar with the term ACL because of famous athletes who have had ACL injuries such as Tom Brady or Tiger Woods. It is also a common injury of high school and recreational athletes. ACL injuries usually occur secondary to a noncontact twisting knee injury or when one lands awkwardly from a jump. People with ACL injuries frequently are able to return to full functional activities or sports (in 5-8 months) after having ACL reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, females have a 4-8 times higher rate of ACL injury than males, especially from women’s gymnastics, soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Why do females injure their ACLs more often than males? Research suggests that there are several factors that contribute to this difference, which is sometimes referred to as the “gender bias” of ACL injuries. Emma Foster, an 11th-grader at Northwest High School, tore her ACL playing recreational basketball and has had an ACL reconstruction. “Before my injury, I had no idea that girls had more ACL injuries than guys,” Emma says. “I did not know that when girls jump and land, they use their muscles differently than boys.” It is no secret that men and women are built differently, have differently shaped skeletons, and have unique body types, but a combination of in-

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fluences and genetics may also play a role. These influences come under four main categories – hormonal, anatomical, muscle activation and body alignment factors. Hormones can have an impact on injury potential. Studies have shown the risk of suffering an ACL injury appears to be greater during the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Also, changes in female hormones across the menstrual cycle have been associated with changes in knee joint laxity (looseness) and muscle strength. Anatomically speaking, the ACL of a female (in comparison to a male normalized to age, body weight and size), is smaller and tears at lower stress levels. The ACL position and increased overall knee flexibility in females also may make the female ACL more likely to be injured. Females have been shown to exhibit different muscle activation patterns (of the thigh, hip and calf muscles) than males when landing from a jump, causing a tendency to land straight-legged. Females also have reduced hip, quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength (in comparison to males normalized to age, body weight and size). Fatigue most likely increases risk of ACL injury in any person. There are also body alignment issues in which females have wider hips and an increased knee angle during a variety of cutting, landing,

and squatting tasks. These increased angles have been shown to be associated with ACL injury risk both experimentally and in a computational model. There is some good news regarding what can be done in response to these challenges. Prevention is the key. Various ACL injury prevention programs (incorporating specific education, jump and balance training, agility training and strengthening) have been shown to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries (in both females and males). Studies have shown when women participate in these neuromuscular training programs, their risk of ACL tears drops to the level of their male counterparts. In conclusion, research supports that women do have significantly more ACL injuries compared to men and that this predisposition to ACL injuries is multifaceted. Scientific studies are continually taking place to address and better understand these issues. Awareness of the anterior cruciate ligament and its vulnerabilities, especially in females, will hopefully lead to prevention of so many of these injuries in the future. Information in this article was primarily obtained from the International ACL Research Retreats: Updates on ACL Injury Risk and Prevention – 2010 and 2012. Andy Michels, owner of Oak Ridge Physical Therapy and a board certified sports physical therapist, has 25 years experience in orthopaedic rehabilitation and ACL injury treatment strategies.

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‘Freshman 15’ – truth or ‘myth-conception’? Thousands of new students enter college each fall. One long-standing assumption about college freshmen is their propensity to gain weight – on average, 15 pounds over the course of their initial year in college. As it turns out, a new study pokes holes in that assumption and goes on to point out the truth about freshman weight gain. A study by research scientist Jay Zagorsky from Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resource Research debunks the myth of the “freshman 15,” stating that the average weight gain is between 2.4 pounds for women and 3.4 for men. In total, no more than 10 percent of all college freshmen who were examined in the study actually gained 15 pounds. Some even lost weight.

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The results of this study were published in Social Science Quarterly. The study pointed to aging and becoming young adults as the culprit behind the weight gain, not necessarily the late-night pizza study sessions or cafeteria grub. The study also

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looked at same-aged people who were not in college, and most gained the same amount of weight during the period of time they could have been college freshmen. While students may not gain 15 pounds their freshman year, collegeage people do gain about 10 to 12 pounds over the four-year school period. Again, this is attributed to natural body changes associated with moving from adolescence into adulthood. Students concerned about weight gain in excess of the 2 to 3 pounds per year can employ these strategies to keep weight gain at a minimum. • Limit alcoholic beverages, which tend to be high in calories and add weight fast. • Plan for some daily exercise, even

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if it’s just strolling the quad. • When selecting foods from the cafeteria, fill half of your dish with vegetables and then a quarter with whole grains and a quarter with lean meat whenever possible. • Limit consumption of packaged, processed foods, which are high in salt and calories. • Go sparingly on drive-thru foods. • Keep healthy snacks on hand in your dorm room so you won’t have to head out when hunger pangs strike. • Use the campus gym if there is one. • Take a class as part of your electives that includes physical activity, like a sport.

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The ‘sunshine vitamin’ Vitamin D has long been recognized as a nutrient essential to the development and maintenance of strong bones. It has also recently been discovered to be of crucial importance to several aspects of overall health. Being deﬁcient in vitamin D has been linked to a number of disorders, including some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and now depression. A study conducted by VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam found that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to depression and other psychiatric illnesses. The Amsterdam research, which tracked over 1,200 people aged 65 to 95, showed that blood vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in individuals with major and minor depression compared with non-depressed participants. A study in the United States indi-

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The body can get all the vitamin D it needs from being out in the sun for short periods of time.

cated that vitamin D deﬁciency occurred more often in certain people, including the elderly, African-Americans, those who spend most of their time indoors, the obese, and those suffering from depression. Also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is one of the few vitamins the body can produce. In fact, the body can get all the vitamin D it needs simply by being out in the sun with ample skin showing to absorb the rays. However, increased awareness about skin cancer, the importance of sunblock and wearing clothes that protect skin from harmful UV rays has decreased many people’s production of vitamin D considerably. In the United States, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that as many as 70 percent of Americans may be deﬁcient in vitamin D.

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Because there are only a few food sources of vitamin D (fatty fishes including salmon, tuna, mackerel and vitamin D-fortified dairy products, such as milk), the best way to get the vitamin naturally is through moderate sun exposure. According to an article in U.S News and World Report, it is more difficult to produce vitamin D from the sun during the winter if you live north of Atlanta because the sun does not get high enough in the sky for its ultraviolet B rays to penetrate the atmosphere. But during the summer, when UV-B rays hit the skin, a reaction takes place that enables skin cells to manufacture vitamin D. If you’re fair skinned, experts say going outside for 10 minutes in the midday sun – in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen – will give you enough radiation to produce the average daily amount of vitamin D

you require. Darker-skinned individuals may need a little more time, since their skin is less able to produce vitamin D from the sun. During the winter and for an extra boost, you may need to take an oral supplement. A doctor can help determine how much you need based on a simple blood test. Can you get too much vitamin D? The body regulates the amount of vitamin D it produces from the sun. However, when taking oral supplements, it is always recommended that you monitor your vitamin D level. According to Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by megadoses of vitamin D supplements (50,000 IU a day) and can result in symptoms such as vomiting, poor appetite, weakness and frequent urination.

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What every man over 40 should ask his doctor Annual physicals may not be at the top of every man’s to-do list, but these visits are crucial for longevity – especially for those men over 40. There’s no better time than your check-up to have all your looming health questions answered. Make the most of your next visit by composing a checklist of things you’d like to talk about during your appointment. No matter how healthy you feel, there are some discussion points you’ll deﬁnitely want to cover:

Prostate Cancer Screening Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting one in six men, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. If you’re a man over 40, there are sev-

eral major risk factors that you need to know about. If you are AfricanAmerican, or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about your prostate health, beginning at age 40. The older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with this potentially life-threatening illness, but that doesn’t mean younger men are not also diagnosed. In fact, one in every 38 men aged 40 to 59 is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screenings and how you can lower your risk of diagnosis. Be proactive! Visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s website at www.PCF.org for more information on risk factors and to access a list of prevention tips.

Diabetes Risk Many people have the misconception that if something is wrong, their bodies will let them know. But diabetes often begins without symptoms. Your risk factor for developing diabetes goes up if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or a family history of the disease. Ask your doctor if you need to be screened. In the meantime, lower your risk for diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor is a great resource for helping you form an effective weight management plan.

Your Heart’s Health According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease causes more than one in four

deaths of men in the United States. To get an accurate gauge of your risk, be honest with your doctor. He or she can’t advise you properly if you don’t share all the facts on your habits – good and bad. Have your blood pressure and cholesterol tested at recommended intervals. Ask your doctor if your levels are normal and what you can do if they aren’t. If you don’t currently get regular physical activity, your doctor can advise you on safely easing into an exercise program. It’s vital for men to manage their risks for life-threatening diseases like prostate cancer, and one of the best ways to do that is with regular visits to the doctor. If it’s been over a year since your last appointment, call today to schedule a visit.

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Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack Many people mistakenly assume cardiac arrest and heart attack are the same thing. However, sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. In fact, there are distinguishable differences between the two that are best explained by detailing what is actually happening when someone is suffering from either one.

What happens during a heart attack? During a heart attack, blockage occurs in one or more of the heart’s arteries. That blockage subsequently prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Research indicates that many people with symptoms of a heart attack actually delay seeking treatment for more than two hours. In a 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, re-

Dr. Dav id Lorc zak , wife Ana and son Nat han ael

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searchers found the average delay in arriving at the hospital after the start of a heart attack was roughly two and a half hours. Of the more than 100,000 cases examined in the study, 11 percent waited more than 12 hours from the start of symptoms before seeking treatment. Those symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath and discomfort in other areas of the body that do not improve after ﬁve minutes.

What happens during cardiac arrest? When a person is experiencing cardiac arrest, their heart’s electrical system is malfunctioning and suddenly becomes irregular. The heart begins to beat very fast while the ventricles may ﬂutter or quiver. Blood is not being delivered to the body during

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There are distinguishable differences between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. It’s never too early for adults to start taking steps, including daily exercise, to prevent heart attack and cardiac arrest.

cardiac arrest, and a genuine fear is that blood ﬂow to the brain will be reduced so drastically that a person may lose consciousness. It’s best to seek treatment promptly for both a heart attack and cardiac arrest, but those experiencing cardiac arrest are at much greater risk of death if treatment is not sought immediately. Men and women, young and old, should also keep in mind that heart attack can sometimes lead into cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of seeking treatment as soon as any symptoms of heart attack begin to appear.

How are heart attack/ cardiac arrest prevented? The goal is to keep blood ﬂowing through the body as smoothly as possible. This means avoiding blood clots and the build-up of plaque in the arteries. That might sound simple enough, but plaque build-up and the process of coronary artery disease has been shown to begin as far back as childhood, when diets are not typically tailored to avoid heart disease. While it’s impossible to go back in time and change certain lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise routines and regimens,

there are ways adults can reduce the build-up of plaque, which can help them avoid falling victim to heart attack and cardiac arrest. • Exercise regularly. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended. • Eat a healthy diet. A diet low in saturated fat, which almost always equates to eating less red meat, and high in fruits and vegetables is ideal. • Stop smoking. For those who have never smoked or have quit smoking, keep it up. Those who have or continue to smoke, stop. • Don’t procrastinate. These changes can’t wait until tomorrow. As mentioned above, the process of developing coronary artery disease doesn’t wait for adulthood, and adults who need to make changes cannot afford to drag their feet. The good news is studies have indicated that even those with heart disease can expect to live longer if they simply commit to the necessary lifestyle changes. For more information about heart attack and cardiac arrest, visit the American Heart Association website at www.heart.org.

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Exercising, eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping the brain active as much as possible are some of the best ways to prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

Recent research notes that factors which can contribute to the onset of dementia include heart disease, strokes and other serious health conditions that affect the circulatory system. But other seemingly harmless conditions can play a role, too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle could help seniors fend off dementia. Researchers in Canada studied data on more than 7,000 survey participants who answered questions about overall health. While circulatory diseases did show a strong correlation to dementia onset, researchers discovered that additional conditions, including arthritis, sinus infections, incontinence and poor hearing, also played a role. The correlation between circulatory issues and brain function may be obvious, but researchers aren’t exactly sure why minor health infractions could contribute to senility. Some suggest that people with the burden of health problems may not be able to successfully thwart deterioration of the brain that comes with dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. The World Alzheimer Report states that more than 35 million

people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These are largely brain-destroying illnesses that have no cure. But adults might be able to prevent or delay its onset by placing a greater emphasis on overall health. According to Dr. Kenneth Rockwood, a professor of geriatric medicine and neurology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, who participated in the dementia study published in July 2011 in the journal Neurology, “the best thing people can do to stay physically healthy – and thus maintain their brains, too – is to exercise.” Below are seven of the best ways to prevent or delay the onset of dementia: • Adopt healthy eating habits. A healthy diet is essential to keep many diseases at bay, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and even to help maintain proper digestion. • Keep the brain active. Engage in brain-stretching activities like crosswords or sudoku. Practice memorization. Read not only for enjoyment, but to stimulate vocab-

ulary and also keep the brain sharp. Interact with people on a daily basis and engage in conversation. • Exercise. Seniors can participate in low-impact exercises that promote muscle strength and flexibility. Water exercises are very good because they don’t place strain on the joints. Stretching routines, like yoga or tai chi, are also effective. Exercise plans should be discussed with a health care provider prior to starting. • Try something new. For example, take a different route to a place you’ve traveled to before, learn a foreign language, or learn how to play a musical instrument. “those who continue learning new things throughout life and challenging their brains are less likely to develop alzheimer’s disease and dementia, so make it a point to stay mentally active,” says Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., of Helpguide, a non-proﬁt organization which provides mental health information. “in essence, you need to ‘use it or lose it.’” • Get plenty of deep, quality sleep. Establish a regular sleep schedule and incorporate a relaxing nighttime ritual. • Stay social. Volunteer, take a group class, visit with friends – though it’s common to become more isolated as you age, humans don’t thrive in isolation and neither do our brains, so it’s critical that you spend time with other people. • Keep stress in check. Simple daily rituals like deep breathing and taking time to engage in relaxing activities can reduce your stress level.

NORTHWEST GUILFORD OFFICE

Dr. John Moore, DO Dr. John Moore and his family have made their home in places ranging from Maine to Ocracoke, N.C. as he’s practiced and taught medicine over the course of his career. His broad range of medical experience includes family medicine, sports medicine and emergency care. Dr. Moore teamed up with Novant Health last spring to launch Kernersville Family Practice’s satellite office in King’s Crossing Shopping Center, which borders Oak Ridge and Stokesdale. As a fourth-generation physician, Dr. Moore’s patient care philosophy is rooted deep in personal attention. “I will treat you as I would treat my family,” he says. “When you come in, I want to know who you are.”

(336) 643-3378 Kings Crossing Food Lion Shopping Center 7607-B Hwy 68 North www.KernersvilleFamilyPractice.com

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ACA

continued from page 5

Q: In what ways does the law fall short? a: Fried: “Healthcare legislation is going to take 50 million more people without insurance. Thirty million of those people will get insurance if everything goes as planned. That’s 50 million who want to make appointments; where are the doctors? What’s missing is a way to increase the primary care provider pool. It’s estimated we need 39,000 more family doctors by 2020. Where’s that going to come from? That’s not addressed in the legislation. Badger: “The taxation portion. I don’t know any other way to allow folks to have health care without sharing in the costs for everyone. The government is not going to be able

Under the Affordable Care Act, health coverage will be extended to another 50 million people; the act also attempts to curtail the rising cost of health care.

to afford, long term, to support things without taxes. As a taxpayer who pays my share, it stinks because the last thing I want to do is pay more taxes.” rice: “It’s got a lot of underpinning ideas that all hang on each

other. For instance, if a governor in a state doesn’t accept federal Medicaid money, in our state that’s x number of people that wouldn’t have care. It anticipates people getting coverage through exchanges but the exchanges aren’t set up. It’s like a Post your ad on www.piedmontparent.com this option: Datemonth. Please Web sitecheck address one house of cards.ofIfthis theopportunity. mandate had clude the $45 fee on my advertising invoice. No, thank you. I do not want to take advantage de the $45 fee on my advertising invoice. No, thank you. I do not want to take advantage of this opportunity. been overturned by the Supreme http:// __________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________ http:// ntal - full color ________________________________________ ________ Court, would it hold together? If a Date Web site address Date Web site address governor does not accept Medicaid, 1/8 horizontal - full color what does that do? It’s a very complex legislation.” horizontal - full color Blyth: “It falls short that it can 1/81/8 horizontal - full color We are a full service dental practice only do what it can do in the current serving families of all ages. system. I need to coordinate care and I need to ﬁll out 15 more forms and spend 35 more minutes per patient to coordinate their care. How Dr. Beth Borden • 336-644-2770 • bethbordendds.com We are a full service dental practice are we going to structure that? How We are adental full service dental practice e a full service practice serving families of all ages. are you going to avoid running what serving families of all ages. erving families of all ages. private care doctors you have into “Weare simply aren’t satisﬁed until you are.” We a full service dental practice the ground? We’re worried about We are a full service 1/8 dental practice horizontal serving families ages.- 2 spot the practical pieces. In the long run, serving families of of allall ages. Dr. Beth Borden • 336-644-2770 • bethbordendds.com it will pay for itself. In the short run, th Borden • 336-644-2770 • bethbordendds.com I can only work 12 hours a day; I’m not going to work 16 hours a day. Dr. Beth Borden • 336-644-2770 • bethbordendds.com Dr. Beth Borden • 336-644-2770 • bethbordendds.com On a practical level, who’s going to do the work and how are we going 1/8 horizontal - 2 spot to pay for the work to get done?”

WECOMING NEW PATIENTS

ntal - 2 spot

Q: What is the insurance industry doing to prepare? A: Borman: “We have been working closely with our customers, groups and individuals, both large and small employer groups, providing them with tools to better understand the impact of health reform, to understand the concepts of ‘grandfathering,’ the small business tax deduction and other aspects of health reform. We’ve created new online resources and tools that provided key information, a timeline for implementation and other highlights. Our website for this information is www.nchealthreform.com. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has prepared for and will meet all requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. But regardless of what happens in Washington, the need to change health care in North Carolina remains. Our focus on ﬁnding new ways to expand access to care, improve quality, and rein in rising medical costs for our customers will not change. The health care system is evolving, and we are dedicated to leading that transformation to improve the health of all North Carolinians.”

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Gold Standard Fitness offers unique personal, group training programs

It all started with four clients and an outdoor boot camp that was offered at community parks in Oak Ridge and Summerfield. Three years later, Gold Standard Fitness now has almost 60 clients and operates from a spacious studio in Summerfield, just off U.S. 220 – and it offers the area’s only RealRyder® bikes, which are wildly popular, innovative indoor cycles that simulate outdoor riding. Through the growth of her business, Summerfield resident Cathy Gold’s dedication to helping her clients change their bodies and their lives has remained constant. “We are only open for personal training – whether that’s individual, pairs or small groups,” Cathy says. “It’s not the same as walking into a large gym, where you’re a nameless face and you’re given the same fitness routines as every other member. We know you and we care Below: Gold Standard Fitness offers the area’s only RealRyder® workouts.

about your progress and success. You’re never on your own.” Group classes at Gold Standard Fitness normally have between eight to 12 people, and workouts are individually tailored. Modifications are offered to accommodate various fitness levels and health issues and Cathy is vigilant about making sure her clients remain injuryfree while encouraging them to continually progress to the next fitness level. “Beginning exercisers to accomplished athletes are challenged and see results,” she says. Oak Ridge resident Susan Mowery is a testimony to those results. She started taking classes at Gold Standard Fitness last November and is now 60 pounds lighter, more energetic and as a bonus, has made many new friends at the studio. “I love coming here,” says Susan. “Gold Standard Fitness has completely transformed my life. Although I was working out on my own, I didn’t realize I wasn’t pushing myself. Working with Cathy has made all the difference.” Susan also notes that the RealRyder® bike has played a major role in helping her shed those unhealthy pounds. Cathy became obsessed with bringing the innovative cycles to the Triad a

Right: A Gold Standard Fitness success story – Oak Ridge resident, Susan Mowery has lost 60 pounds and transformed her life with the help of Gold Standard Fitness and the RealRyder® bike.

couple of years ago after test driving one. “This is the only indoor bike in the industry that tilts, turns and leans. It feels more like you’re riding outdoors,” says Cathy.

“As kids, we ride bikes because it’s fun. RealRyder® puts the fun back into exercise.” Laura Mulcahy, an avid outdoor biker from Oak Ridge, is also passionate about the RealRyder®. “In one hour, I get the ideal high intensity cycling intervals that I would not get on my own,” Laura says. “Cathy provides the inspiration to go a little harder and to just keep going when I feel like I want to quit. “It’s a great class for all abilities, no matter where you happen to be in your fitness level,” adds Laura. “I continue to see improvement with every class I attend, which makes me want to come back each week to see how much further I can push myself. I can’t recommend it enough.” Another RealRyder® convert, Tracy Barrow, agrees. “The RealRyder® bike challenges my core, which never happened with regular spin bikes. The music is always awesome and I burn tons of calories,” Tracy says. Kristine Gorson says that she has also seen results in the amount of calories

BEFORE

AFTER

burned, pounds lost, and her endurance. According to Cathy, riders will burn between 500-800 calories an hour depending on how hard they’re working. She also notes that the Real Ryder®’s unique design provides a great workout for people with knee and hip problems. “They truly are adaptable for all ages, sizes, and experience.” Cathy personally relates to many of her clients’ fitness and weight challenges. She’s overcome several of her own to become a personal fitness trainer, group exercise and fitness boot camp instructor – and holds the area’s only RealRyder® certification (she’s also a registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner). From her personal and professional experience, Cathy knows that anyone can get fit and healthy. Through Gold Standard Fitness, she offers the tools and support to help them get there. 

The triad’s only

studio

www.goldstandard4fitness.com Cathy Gold (336) 549-6460 • 4446 US Hwy 220 N, Summerfield

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