Medical directory

h t l a e H

y r o t c e r i D Š2013 The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors

August 2013 A Special Publication of The Punxsutawney Spirit and Jefferson County Neighbors

Are eye’floaters’ dangerous?

Dark spots, specks, “webs,” and other shapes that seemingly dance around in a person’s field of vision are often referred to as “floaters.” Such floaters are typically harmless, but there are instances when they can be indicative of something more serious.

The perception of floaters in the eye is called myodesopsia.

They are particularly noticeable when looking at a light-colored background, such as the sky.

What causes floaters?

Floaters are formed when very small pieces of the eye’s gel-like substance, called vitreous, break loose in the inner back portion of the eye. Vitreous is the part of the eye between the lens and the retina and contains a clear jelly called the vitreous humor. The vitreous has a gel-like consistency initially, but as a person ages the vitreous begins to dissolve and liquefy. Some of the undissolved gel particles can break off and float around in the more watery center of the vitreous, forming floaters.

Shadows from the floating particles, and not the debris itself, are what you actually see in the eye.

As light passes through the eye, shadows from the particles are

cast onto the retina. They seem to move around in the eye following the rapid movement of the eye.

When should I be alarmed?

Most eye floaters are quite common and not dangerous at all.

However, consult an eye doctor if the floaters interfere with your quality of life or impair your ability to read or drive a car.

If floaters suddenly increase or are accompanied by light flashes or losses in peripheral vision, this could be a sign of a serious condition known as retinal detachment.

The National Eye Institute offers that a retinal detachment occurs when any part of the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position at the back of the wall of the eye.

Left untreated, a retinal detachment can lead to permanent visual impairment or even blindness in a matter of a few days. Surgery is required to seal any holes in the retina or to reattach the retina to the back of the eyeball.

Prevention and Treatment Many eye conditions, including floaters, are a hereditary condition. If someone in your family is prone to severe eye floaters, there is a good chance you may experience the same. However, taking some precautions can help improve eye health and reduce

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your risk of developing floaters.

• Avoid excessive rubbing of the eyes.

• Do not sleep face-down where the eyes will be rubbed in sleep.

• Recognize some medications carry side effects that can affect the eyes. Talk to an optometrist about medications you take and discuss potential alternatives.

• Avoid risky sports. Head and eye trauma can lead to new eye floaters. Blows to the head and face can cause vitreous material to detach.

If you have floaters that are dense and numerous, a procedure called a vitrectomy may be For the latest technology in eyecare recommended. This procedure and the most advanced diagnostic removes the vitreous gel along with the floating debris, replacequipment ing the gel with a salt solution. A vitrectomy is a potentially risky • Contacts Specialist • Pediatrics • procedure, so it’s often reserved Developmental Vision • Diabetic Eye only for those suffering from Care • Infant Eye Care • Special Needs severe floaters.

Patients • Ocular Disease • Emergencies Most floaters are left untreated, and patients are advised to simply Open Daily; Monday and Wednesday Evenings and live with them and learn to cope.

Saturday by Appointment Eye floaters are common and usually carry no risks. If they become prevalent or are accompanied by flashes of light, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.

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Everyone forgets things from time to time. Periodically forgetting where you left your keys is likely not indicative of a bad memory. But some people find themselves forgetting things more frequently, a troubling development for those who can’t explain their sudden loss of memory.

Memory loss is often considered to go hand-in-hand with aging. As a person ages, conventional wisdom suggests memory will begin to fade. But sometimes memory loss has nothing to do with aging, and a lot to do with a brain that isn’t sharp because of an unhealthy lifestyle. The following are a few ways men and women can improve their memory.

• Get some sleep. Men and women who aren’t getting enough sleep can almost certainly blame that lack of shuteye for at least some of their memory loss. When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain’s ability to think critically, solve problems and even be creative is compromised considerably. In addition, research has shown that memory-enhancing activities occur during the deepest stages of sleep, further highlighting the

importance of getting a full night of interruption-free rest.

• Hit the gym. Exercise is another activity that can improve memory. Daily physical exercise increases the amount of oxygen that gets to your brain while reducing the risk for certain disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can lead to memory loss.

• Manage stress effectively.

Stress has a host of negative side effects, not the least of which is its impact on your memory.

Chronic stress that goes untreated can destroy brain cells and damage the region of the brain that deals with the formation of new memories as well as the retrieval of older memories.

Numerous studies have shown that men and women cite their career as their primary source of stress. Since quitting your job is likely not an option, find ways to manage your stress more effectively. This may mean finding a way to make the most of your time, be it working more efficiently, emphasizing planning ahead or even vowing to stop procrastinating. Other ways to manage stress include making time to relax and recognizing that you have limits while seek-

ing the help of others.

• Make some dietary changes.

Diet can also have an impact on memory. What you eat is fuel for both your body and your brain, and a poor diet can have a negative impact on your memory. Be sure to include omega-3 fatty acids, sources of which include salmon, tuna and other cold water fatty fish, in your diet. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids, which can also be found in walnuts, can boost brain power and possibly reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Foods with antioxidants, including fruits and vegetables, can also protect your brain cells from damage, which can have a positive impact on your memory.

Leafy green vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce and arugula as well as fruits like apricots, mangoes and cantaloupe are good sources of antioxidants.

A diet high in saturated fat, which is found in red meat, whole milk, butter and cheese, has been found to have a negative impact on memory. Research has shown that such a diet increases a person’s risk of developing dementia while impairing an individual’s ability to concentrate and remember things.

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2 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

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Easy ways to be more active Embracing an active lifestyle that leaves behind the comforts of the couch can be a difficult adjustment.

But the payoffs of adopting a more active lifestyle are numerous. In addition to feeling better physically, men and women who embrace more physical activity typically notice improvements in their mood as well.

The positive mental effects related to physical activity are no accident, as numerous studies have shown exercise can stimulate chemicals in your brain that improve your mood while also lowering stress and helping you relax. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aerobic exercise or a mix of aerobic exercise and strengthtraining activities three to five times a week for 30 to 60 minutes has been shown to improve cognitive ability and judgement, reduce a person’s risk of developing depression and improve sleep.

The numerous positive effects of physical activity illustrate just how beneficial such a lifestyle can be.

Even better, embracing an active lifestyle does not mean you have to start planning that expedition to climb Mount Everest or start training for the triathlon. In fact, a few minor adjustments to your current routine might be all it takes to reap the rewards of living a more active lifestyle.

Walk This Way Walking more can help many people quickly and easily improve their physical and mental condition. Instead of retiring to the couch after dinner, take a walk around the neighborhood with your family or significant other. Or go it alone and use your nightly walk as a peaceful opportunity to collect your thoughts.

Walking after dinner is a great way to get in some daily cardiovascular exercise, and a post-dinner walk might encourage you to eat less.

Walking can be incorporated into your daily routine in other ways as well. On shopping trips, park further away from the store so you can walk more. And walk kids to school or the bus stop instead of dropping them off in your car.

Do Your Own Chores It might be easier to cut your landscaper a check and let him look after your property, but that big green yard outside your front door presents a great opportunity for you to be more physically active. Mow your own lawn, choosing a push mower instead of a ride-on mower, and tend to your trees, shrubs and flowers yourself. This is a great way to be more physically active, and the physical and mental rewards might just be outdone by the pride you feel when seeing a beautiful landscape you tended to yourself.

Embrace a Cause If the known physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle are not proving to be ample motivation in your quest to be more physically active, then perhaps the opportunity to help others might do the trick.

Numerous charities sponsor charity walks or runs that provide participants with an opportunity to raise money for a good cause. Even better, such events tend to take all comers, so you might be able to enlist your friends, family members or coworkers to join you. Signing up for a 10K might be just the motivation you need to get out and start training. And once the training begins, chances are you won’t want to stop even after the charity event has come and gone.

Join a Sports League Many men and women played in recreational sports leagues as a youth or young adult. Unfortunately, it’s easy to abandon those recreational activities when the responsibilities of work and family take over. But joining a sports league is a great way to reach your weekly exercise goals, meet new friends and reconnect with a game you might have loved as a child. Many people find it’s easier to embrace a more active lifestyle when they enjoy their physical activities, so find a sport you enjoy playing and then start playing it more.

Calorie-conscious people often turn to salads as a low-calorie options come mealtime. Salads can be consumed at any time of the day and are no longer considered just an appetizer or side dish.

Despite their simplicity, healthy salads are not always easy to make. But there is a method to making the perfect salad.

The following are a handful of ways calorie-conscious men and women can prepare a healthy and delicious salad.

• Start with fresh ingredients. Choose your own fresh ingredients rather than buying prepackaged salads. Salad mixes sold in many stores may be convenient, but they tend to get old rather quickly and could be hiding already spoiled pieces of lettuce and other greens. Use the salad kits as a guideline to which lettuce varieties go well together, then buy your own heads of lettuce. This may take more time, but it will be worth the effort.

Mixing spicy greens with sweet ones like endive and romaine will balance flavors. Also, choose varying textures of greens so that there is variety in every bite.

• Wash everything well. It is essential to wash salad greens

thoroughly, not only for flavor but also for safety. Even organic lettuces grown with all-natural ingredients could be harbingers of bacteria, and you don’t want to run the risk of becoming ill due to a foodborne pathogen. E-coli outbreaks have been traced back to spinach and other lettuces in the past, requiring recalls on these foods. Lettuce leaves also can collect dirt and silt, which tend to lodge in the inner ends of lettuces.

Insects also may be hiding out in salad greens, and that can be an unwelcome surprise to anyone.

Soak the salad greens in a bowl of cold water, then drain and repeat. The cold water will not only clean the lettuce but also perk up the leaves. Wash all salad accoutrements, including tomatoes, cucumbers and citrus fruit rinds, as well.

• Thoroughly dry. Nothing can ruin a salad faster than limp, overly wet leaves. Salad spinners are invaluable tools that can quickly rid leaves of moisture.

Dry the lettuce in batches to ensure it is as dry as an be.

• Choose fresh vegetables to add punch to salads. To improve the nutritional content of salads, add an array of vibrantly colored raw vegetables. Tomatoes, pep-

pers, artichoke hearts and beets can be combined to create a healthy and delicious salad that’s loaded with flavor and vitamins.

• Add lean protein. If the salad will be your entree, adding lean protein can help you feel more satisfied after you eat. Anything from tofu to sliced salmon to kidney beans can add protein and even fiber to a salad to make it a more complete meal.

• Add dressing at the end.

Wait until the last possible minute before you add salad dressing. When adding the dressing, remember the dressing should enhance the flavors of the salad and not overpower them. Light vinaigrettes made with seasoned vinegar and oil pair well with many salad combinations. Keep in mind that the oil in a dressing will penetrate the lettuce and make it limp. That is why the dressing should be added just before the salad is served. Think about placing a dollop of dressing in the bottom of a salad bowl and then toss right before eating to mix all ingredients.

Once you have become a master of salad basics, consider new ingredients and flavors to come up with combinations that please the palate.

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4 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

Craft a low-cal, healthy and fresh salad

Understanding your risk for sleep apnea

Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013 - 5

Sleep apnea is a debilitating and life-shortening ailment that affects millions of people across the globe, many of whom do not know they have this potentially dangerous condition. Understanding sleep apnea and its symptoms and risk factors is imperative for men and women who feel they have or may someday have sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

The word “apnea” is Greek and means “without breath.”

Sleep apnea occurs involuntarily and unexpectedly while a person is asleep.

It causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly while sleeping – sometimes hundreds of times a night – estimates the American Sleep Apnea Association. These moments of breathlessness can last a minute or longer and may not trigger a full awakening in a person.

There are different types of sleep apnea. The main types are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive apnea is more common and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep and inhibit air flow.

With central sleep apnea, a person’s brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

During an episode of sleep apnea, the body may rouse itself partially to resume breathing but not enough to fully awaken the person. As a result, sleep may be very fragmented and sufferers could feel extremely tired during the day and not understand why.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Individuals who may be experiencing sleep apnea m a y h av e t h e f o l l ow i n g symptoms, according to The Mayo Clinic: • excessive daytime sleepiness • loud snoring • awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat • headaches in the morning • problems paying attention • difficulty staying asleep Others may notice a spouse or family member has sleep apnea by recognizing abrupt awakenings from shortness of breath or intermittent pauses in his or her breathing during sleep. Also, it is important to note that snoring may not be a sign of sleep apnea, but very often loud snoring punctuated by periods of silence is a pretty good indicator of apnea.

Risk Factors Many people experience sleep apnea, though it may be more pronounced in certain groups of people. Those who are overweight may have obstructions to breathing.

People with a thick neck also may have a narrower airway.

Genetics also may play a role in a narrow airway in the throat or enlarged adenoids or tonsils that contribute to airway obstruction.

Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea as women, and men who are older than age 60 have an increased risk over younger men.

Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea over people w h o h ave n eve r s m o ke d .

That’s because, according to the Mayo Clinic, inflammation and mucus reten-

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tion may occur in the upper airway.

People who naturally have difficulty breathing through the nose may be at a higher risk for sleep apnea.

Treatments After being tested for sleep apnea, which usually involves some sort of sleep test, whether at home or a nocturnal polysonmography that measures heart, lung and brain activity is conducted at a sleep center, a doctor may

refer patients to an ear, nose and throat doctor if there is a physical obstruction causing the apnea. Recommendations may include losing weight, quitting smoking and other lifestyle changes if these are thought to be the primary causes behind the apnea.

Therapies for obstructive sleep apnea can include continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which uses a machine to deliver continuous air pressure into the nose

and mouth to keep air passages open. There are other air pressure devices as well.

Surgery, including implants or creating a new air passageway via a tracheostomy, may be necessary in severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments.

Sleep apnea is not a condition to take lightly. It affects millions of people and requires action to prevent other maladies resulting from lack of oxygen to the body.

COSM offers variety of care options Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (COSM) has been treating patients in the Punxsutawney area since the fall of 2000. The office is located at 720 West Mahoning Street in suite 200.

Douglas S. Fugate, M.D., one of COSM’s board certified orthopaedic surgeons, is a native of Punxsutawney. He provides general orthopaedic coverage and specializes in total joint replacement procedures, arthroscopic procedures and fracture care.

Jagadeesha N. Shetty, M.D., is a board certified physiatrist who treats pain of the bones, muscles, joints and tendons, including low back pain and chronic pain. Dr. Shetty has also provided services at the Punxsutawney location since 2000.

Alan M. Keefe, MPA-C, is a certified physician assistant who has practiced with COSM’s orthopaedic group in Indiana and Punxsutawney since 1999. Hours are available Monday through Friday by calling (814) 938-7040.

COSM Rehab has provided rehabilitation

services to Punxsutawney patients since 2006.

Aileen Amy, PT, is the facility director and staff physical therapist. This office is located in suite 100. COSM Rehab provides physical therapy and aquatic therapy as well as measuring to fit braces as prescribed by your physician. Occupational therapy services are provided by Chris Hudock, OT. Hours are available Monday through Friday by calling (814) 938-4447.

The Center for Work Comp Injuries program started in 2011 and is directed by Mr. Keefe.

Keefe works closely with employers and their workers compensation carriers to return patients back to work safely and in a timely manner.

Keefe often meets directly with employers to review their employee’s individual needs, and he also communicates with nurse case managers to coordinate the appropriate care within each employer’s panel network. You can reach him at our Punxsutawney office at (814) 938-7040. You may also find us on the web at www.pacosm.com.

(BPT) – Everyone is born with about 100 billion brain cells. We form new connections between these cells throughout life, but the rate is particularly high when we’re young. Since those connections facilitate thinking and learning, parents who want to help give their children an intellectual edge should consider the brainhealthy choices they make each day.

“Making the effort to nurture your child’s brain with both proper nutrients and varied experiences, especially when they are young and developing at such a fast rate, is crucial,” says speech pathologist Lauren Zimet, founder of Early Insights, LLC, and an expert on childhood brain development.

“The connections in brain circuitry can be enhanced through the environments and activities a child is exposed to, and participates in, as well as the nutrients a child consumes.”

Zimet offers five tips to help parents enhance healthy brain development in their children, positioning them for success in school today, and well into their future: 1. Select a rainbow It’s no secret that the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables are numerous, but thanks to the results of ongoing research, you can confidently add brain health to that list. Encourage your children to eat a colorful array of produce (organic when possible) each day so they get the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals needed to nourish and protect their growing brains. If your child is resistant to eating produce, encourage them to come shopping with you and select something new to try. Kids

are more likely to eat what they have selected themselves.

2. Relax the right way While it’s true that exercise boosts brain power, it’s also important to teach children how to relax. Balancing activity with relaxation is important so that kids don’t get too stressed, which can impact the brain’s development and lead to learning and behavior problems.

Teaching children early on the benefit of setting goals, working towards those goals, and giving their brain and body time to relax are important life skills.

When it’s time to relax, skip the TV and teach your child that taking a walk in nature, reading a book or drawing are great ways to unwind. Deep breathing is also an excellent practice to teach children of all ages.

3. Eat omega-3 brain food Omega-3 essential fatty acids are critical to a child’s brain development. They are called “essential” because we need them for optimal health. The problem is that our bodies cannot manufacture them and we can only get them from the food we eat or supplements we take. While fish, nuts and seaweed are good omega-3 sources, kids typically don’t gobble down these foods.

That leaves many parents worried that their kids aren’t getting enough, and with omega-3 deficits linked to ADHD, dyslexia and other behavioral and psychological disorders, many are turning to supplements for their children. Experts agree that the safest, most reliable source of the most important essential fatty acids (EPA and DHA) is a high quality fish oil supplement. Fortunately, there are purified, molecularly distilled fish oil supplements that

are manufactured with kids in mind. Parents should be sure to choose one of these chewable, tasty options like those by Nordic Naturals to ensure success in getting their children to take the supplements.

4. Happy brains are hydrated brains Staying hydrated is important for growing brains and bodies. Water can improve energy, increase mental and physical performance, remove toxins and waste from the body, and keep skin healthy and glowing.

Based on the trillions of cells in the body that need water to function, most nutritionists agree that children need more, not less H20. To estimate how many ounces of water your child should drink daily, divide his or her weight in half and aim for that number of ounces per day.

5. Be a positive support system early on Learning is a complex process, but children will be more open to trying new things when they know their parents believe in them. Acknowledging effort, instead of the outcome, strengthens a child’s belief in himself or herself. Teaching goal setting, prioritizing activities and working off of check lists exercises the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the brain. Experimentation through trial and error is the way the brain learns best.

“Giving your child’s brain what it needs to grow strong can help him or her at school and in all social situations,” adds Zimet. “Utilizing these tips is a great way to help position your child for success in the coming school year, and beyond.”

6 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

Ways to help kids boost their brain power

McKinley Health Center earns high rating Brookville – McKinley Health Center, a skilled nursing and short stay rehab community at Laurelbrooke Landing in Brookville, has been given a four-star overall quality rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

CMS rates nursing homes on a quarterly basis to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily and to help identify areas about which they may want to ask questions.

The rating takes into account the results of health inspections, quality measures and staffing. McKinley Health Center received four stars in all three categories, the highest results for any nursing home in Jefferson County.

McKinley Health Center has maintained this rating for over a year.

According to Interim Executive Director Cindy Russell, McKinley Health Center’s most innovative programs are in the quality measures category.

The quality measures rating comes from nine different physical and clinical measures for nursing home residents such as the prevalence of bed sores

or changes to mobility. This information is required to be tracked by all nursing homes for all residents.

The quality measures ratings show how well nursing homes are caring for their residents’ physical and medical needs.

According to Russell, an important driver of their success in quality measures is their critical pathways programs.

The critical pathways program was created to better manage chronic diseases with the ultimate goal to improve a resident’s overall health and wellness and reduce hospital stays.

“We currently have established pathways for pneumonia, COPD, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections and urosepsis,” Russell said.

“We’re also working on further developing our diabetes and transitional care models.”

According to Assistant Director of Nursing Hope Martin, a certified wound care specialist, the critical pathways are evidence-based care practices that help patients to manage their chronic diseases.

“For example, we’re currently developing a pathway

to help manage diabetic care.

With us educating the patients and helping them in the process, they can learn to better manage their lifestyle through activities such as healthy eating and exercise,” said Martin.

Martin said the critical pathways program is the most comprehensive way to be able to manage a condition and ultimately avoid hospital stays.

Quality improvement projects, such as Martin’s certification in wound care, in addition to the critical pathways, help to maintain and improve McKinley Health Center’s quality rating.

“Hope educates the staff and focuses on prevention.

She works hand-in-hand with physicians and wound clinics,” said Russell. “Her involvement,

in conjunction with the critical pathways, is constantly improving our quality of care.”

Laurelbrooke Landing is a continuing care retirement community, providing all levels of care for older adults. It is part of the WRC Senior Services family.

For more information, please call 814-849-3615, visit www. wrc.org or on Facebook.

Kids’ vitamin deficiency signs A healthy diet is supposed to provide all of the essential vitamins and minerals necessary to sustain a body. But thanks to finicky eating habits and limited choices, many children are not getting the vitamins and minerals they need to grow up healthy. Although many foods are fortified with certain vitamins, they still may not be enough to provide the level of nutrition required for a growing body. Parents may be well informed of a child’s needs of vitamin C to boost immune system function, but they may not be as readily informed about other vitamins that are essential to human health.

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A promotes a healthy immune system and proper eyesight function. A child lacking in vitamin A may be tired and weak and experience weight loss. Other symptoms include dry eyes, skin scaling and respiratory infections.

• Vitamin B6: Hyperactivity and impulsiveness are often blamed on an underlying medical condition, such as ADHD. But such conditions may be the result of a deficiency in vitamin B6.

• Vitamin B12: Nervous system function is largely governed by proper levels of vitamin B12.

Children who do not receive enough vitamin B12 may experience weakness, insomnia, edema, and abdominal pain.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because it is produced in the body after exposure to the sun. Children who spend many hours indoors or wearing thick layers of sunscreen may not get enough vitamin D. Irritability, muscle cramps and even late teething could be tied to vitamin D deficiency.

Parents should consult with pediatricians about the proper levels of vitamins children need.

Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013 - 7

Facts about childhood fevers triggering the fever.

For parents of toddlers and older children, a fever of 103 F or less is generally nothing to run to the doctor about. There is no inherent harm in letting the fever run its course, and it can actually prove beneficial in fighting the viral or bacterial illness that is causing the fever in the first place.

If your child is a newborn, a fever of 101 F or higher can be considered a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a doctor right away. Youngsters ages 7 weeks to 3 months should be brought to a doctor immediately if they have a fever of 101 or higher.

If a child has a fever of 104 or higher and his or her body temperature will not come down to 101 or 102, even with treatment, this is a cause for concern.

This guideline, courtesy of renowned childhood medical expert Dr. Sears, can help parents determine if their child’s body temperature is something they should be concerned about.

• Normal temperature – 97 to 99 degrees (36 to 37.2 Celsius).

• Low-grade fever – 99 to 100.9 degrees (37.3 to 38.3 Celsius).

• Common fever – 101 to 103.5 degrees (38.4 to 39.7 Celsius).

• High fever – any fever over 103.6 degrees (39.8 Celsius).

Most pediatricians agree that a fever should not be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if it is not making a child extremely uncomfortable. These medications can be used if the child has pain or is complaining about how they feel about the fever. Acetaminophen is used every 4 hours while ibuprofen lasts a little longer and is given every 6 to 8 hours.

When checking fevers, parents often wonder which thermometer is best. While some parents employ the lips-on-theforehead method, there are more accurate methods of determining temperature readings.

• Glass rectal or oral/underarm thermometers: These have been around the longest and have a proven record of accuracy. They do take the longest to read a temperature and can be difficult when dealing with fidgety kids.

• Ear thermometer: This quick and easy thermometer has become a favorite method. But accuracy can vary, giving different readings from each ear.

• Temporal thermometer: Another quick method, this thermometer is swept across the temporal artery in the forehead and has a better accuracy rating than the ear thermometer.

Ways families can embrace a Mediterranean diet Healthy eating is a top priority for many families. The search is always on for foods that taste good, appeal to the masses and provide adequate nutrition.

The benefits of a Mediterranean diet have been touted for years. New information has emerged that reveals the potential of the Mediterranean diet to reduce a person’s risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a diet rich in fish, nuts, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and red wine can significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing heart-related ailments. The study was the first large, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of the Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health.

The research included more than 7,000 participants, each of whom were randomly given one of three different diets. These included a Mediterranean diet with extra virgin olive oil, a Mediterranean diet including extra nuts and a typical low-fat diet. Some of the findings include: • Overall risk for major cardiovascular events were lowered with the Mediterranean diet.

• A Mediterranean diet that included extra servings of nuts cut stroke risk by 46 percent.

• Extra servings of extra virgin olive oil reduced stroke risk by 33 percent.

• Although the low-fat diet was most effective at lowering participants’ cholesterol, it was the least effective at preventing heart attack, stroke and deaths from cardiovascular disease. This evidence debunked the common philosophy that cholesterol is the major contributor to heart health risks.

According to the British Medical Journal, a Mediterranean diet does not only provide cardiovascular benefits. It also has been shown to reduce overall mortality, death from cancer and incidences of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The Mayo Clinic says that the diet is composed of recipes from regions that border the Mediterranean Sea. There is a heavy emphasis placed on vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and olive oil. Dairy, red meats and sweets are heavily limited.

Those interested in adopting a Mediterranean diet should realize it is largely a lifestyle change.

Start by selecting fish and white meats over red meats. Fish can be enjoyed at least three times per week. Then incorporate more nuts, legumes and omega-rich oils into the diet. Supplementation with olive oil can include up to four tablespoons per day. Aim for eating three servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables daily.

Men and women should consult with a doctor before modifying their diet and their kids’ diets.

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8 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

Fevers scare many parents.

When a child’s temperatures rises, it can induce panic and helplessness. But when parents recognize that fevers are oftentimes not incredibly harmful to children, that recognition can reduce panic and overreliance on fever-reducing medication.

If a child is healthy, a fever does not necessarily indicate anything serious. A fever is a rise in temperature initiated by the hypothalamus in the brain, which acts as the body’s internal thermostat. The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C), but if body temperature is measured consistently throughout the day, this temperature will fluctuate. In fact, body temperature is often lower in the morning and higher in the middle of the day.

In many cases, the hypothalamus raises body temperature as the result of an infection or illness, according to the Nemours Foundation for Children’s Health. It is believed that making the body less hospitable to viruses and bacteria helps reduce their propensity to grow and multiply.

A fever is often a good indicator that a person is sick, which can sometimes be difficult to determine if there are no apparent symptoms. This can parents and doctors discover what is

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Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013 - 9

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Understanding the aspects of Parkinson’s disease neurons. Some of these neurons are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As Parkinson’s progresses, less dopamine is produced, making it more difficult for a person with Parkinson’s to control his or her body’s movements.

What are some symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from individual to individual, but the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation notes that the primary motor signs of Parkinson’s include: • tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face • bradykinesia, or slowness of movement • rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk • postural instability or impaired balance and coordination Parkinson’s progresses slowly, and a person might begin to feel somewhat weak and notice slight tremors. These tremors gradually progress to additional symptoms. For example, a person might notice their voluntary movements, such as walking or even rolling over in

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bed, have become slower. Other symptoms can include difficulty rising from a sitting position or, in the later stages, difficulty swallowing.

Are there any known causes of Parkinson’s disease?

There is no known cause for Parkinson’s disease, but scientists are exploring a potential relationship between the loss of cells in other areas of the brain and body and Parkinson’s disease. According to the PDF, scientists have discovered that signs of Parkinson’s disease have been found not only in the mid-brain but also in the brain stem and the olfactory bulb.

Concerned men and women who have or have had a family member with Parkinson’s disease often want to know if there is a genetic link. Evidence to a possible genetic link remains highly controversial and inconclusive, so any potential genetic implications regarding Parkinson’s disease remain unclear.

Some evidence has suggested that toxins in the environment may cause Parkinson’s disease. These toxins, which include manganese, carbon monoxide and carbon disulfide, may selectively destroy the

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neurons that produce dopamine, potentially causing Parkinson’s as a result.

Certain medications and street drugs have also been known to produce symptoms similar to those associated with Parkinson’s. Antipsychotics used to treat severe paranoia and schizophrenia as well as MPTP, a synthetic heroin contaminant, can cause Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

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10 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

Though millions of people across the globe are living with Parkinson’s disease, many people have limited knowledge of this disorder. The extent of many people’s experience with or knowledge of Parkinson’s disease begins and ends with Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox, two high-profile personalities who have publicly acknowledged their fight against this potentially debilitating disorder.

As much as Ali and Fox have done to bring awareness to Parkinson’s disease, the disorder largely remains a mystery, even to those medical researchers who have devoted their lives to finding both a cause and a cure for Parkinson’s. But there are some things the medical community does know about Parkinson’s, and a greater understanding of this disease might help find a cause once and for all.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, which means the symptoms will continue and worsen over time. Parkinson’s involves the malfunction and death of nerve cells in the brain known as

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How women can reduce their risk of diabetes

Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013 - 11

Millions of people across the globe are living with diabetes, a chronic disease in which sugar levels in the blood are high. The side effects of diabetes can be serious, and some people might become very sick even before they are diagnosed, while others may need to make drastic lifestyle changes upon diagnosis in order to avoid more dire consequences, including death.

Though diabetes does not discriminate based on race or gender, women should know that certain things can elevate their risks. Birth control pills, for example, can increase a woman’s blood g l u c o s e , o r b l o o d s u g a r, levels. Elevated blood sugar l eve l s a r e a s y m p t o m o f diabetes or prediabetes, a condition when blood sugar levels are high but not high enough to indicate diabetes.

Prediabetes can eventually develop into type 2 diabetes, and recent studies have shown that prediabetes increases a person’s risk of heart disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, women going through menopause may also have elevated blood sugar levels thanks to hormonal changes.

So what are women concerned about diabetes to do? Though there’s no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, which is most often diagnosed in children, teens or young adults, women can take steps to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Increase your lean muscle mass. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that increasing muscle mass can reduce people’s risk of developing prediabetes. This is sig-

nificant for women who may avoid lifting weights in favor of cardiovascular equipment like the treadmill or elliptical machine. Though cardiovascular exercise can burn glucose as well, it’s still important to build lean muscle by including some strength and resistance training in a workout regimen.

• Don’t carry extra weight. According to a 2001 study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, overweight people are 20 to 40 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with healthy weights. If you are carrying extra weight, a combination of diet and exercise should help you shed pounds and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes as a result.

• Embrace whole grains.

In a separate study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, whole grains were found to protect women against diabetes. Women who ate t wo t o t h r e e s e r v i n g s o f whole grains per day were 30 percent less likely to have developed type 2 diabetes than women who rarely ate whole grains. Whole grains should be consumed in place of refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar levels to swing rapidly. Carbohydrates are refined to increase the shelf life of certain products and improve taste. During the refining process, nutrients needed to utilize the sugar are removed. Foods that contain refined carbohydrates include white bread, white rice and pretzels. And as noted by the United States Department of Agriculture, it’s safe to assume grain products are made with refined grains unless the packaging notes they

are made with whole grains or whole wheat.

• Get a good night’s sleep.

People who fail to consistently get a good night’s sleep may be increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes because a lack of sleep can make them more resistant to insulin. A 2012 study from researchers at the University of Chicago published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that sleep deprivation hinders the ability of fat cells to respond to insulin. The fat

cells of study participants after they were deprived of sleep needed nearly three times as much insulin to regulate blood sugar as the cells needed on a typical night’s rest. That dogged resistance to insulin over time can allow sugar and cholesterol to accumulate in the blood, increasing a person’s risk of diabetes and heart disease as a result. Though the National Sleep Foundation admits sleep needs vary depending on a person’s age

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Food for thought Cutting back on salt may cause you to eat more eat enough to keep us in a “safe range” between 2,300 mg/day and 4,600/mg a day, according to medical researcher Bjorn Folkow.

“It stands to reason that if the amount of salt in food is lowered, we will eat more to get to our safe range,” Satin says.

“More food equals more calories and that means more weight gain, unless we increased our physical activity to burn off the extra calories.”

This isn’t news to those who raise livestock. According to Dr. Rick Rasby, professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska, cattlemen intentionally control the amount of salt in cattle feed to either reduce the cost of feed or to fatten cows up before sale. If they add more salt to the feed, the cows naturally eat less. If they reduce the amount of salt, then the cows will eat more.

This instinct is driven by the body’s physiology designed to maintain an efficient cardiovascular system, according to researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine.

This vital life-sustaining system is found in fish, reptiles and all mammals. This system is so robust that it contains multiple failsafe mechanisms. The body

will actually retain salt if you try and cut back too much.

Of course any excess salt is simply washed away when you drink water through the natural process.

The irony is that for most of us there is no need to reduce the amount of salt we consume, Satin says. Years of scientific evidence, including recent research by Canadian scientists published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), shows that eating the levels of salt recommended by the American Heart Association or the U.S. government would actually cause harm. Current recommendations from the American Heart Association are as low as 1,500 mg/day, an amount so low that European researchers, also writing in JAMA, found it would increase the risk of heart attacks and early death.

“The unintended consequence of the ongoing salt reduction experiment may be an increase in obesity,” Satin says. “More research is needed, but meanwhile, individuals may want to focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise and remember that lowering the salt Delivering The WOW… Every Day…One Step At A Time! in food may make you want to eat more.”

What every parent needs to know about keeping kids safe around medication (BPT) – Every year more than 67,000 children are treated in an emergency room for accidental medicine poisoning. That’s one child every eight minutes. Even more surprising is that in 86 percent of serious cases seen in emergency rooms, the child got into medicine belonging to an adult.

“Ask any parent, and they will tell you they store medicine where children can’t get them,” says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide.

“But every minute of every day the Poison Control Centers get a phone call about a medicine scare involving a young child.”

To find out what is causing this disconnect, and to understand what could be done to fix this problem, Safe Kids Worldwide examined data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Poison Control Centers, and spent time talking with moms.

“What we found is that while parents generally put medicine up and away from kids, they might not be thinking of pills stored in purses, vitamins left

on counter tops or a diaper rash remedy near a changing table,” says Carr.

The study, “An In-Depth Look at Keeping Young Children Safe Around Medicine,” reveals some eye-opening facts. In 67 percent of emergency room cases, medicine was in a spot the child could easily reach, such as in a purse, on a counter or on the ground. Medicine belonging to a relative, such as an aunt, uncle or grandparent, accounted for 43 percent of emergency room visits for medicine poisoning.

“Curious kids can get into trouble fast,” Carr says. “It takes only a few seconds for children to get into medicine that could make them very sick.”

Safe Kids offers parents and caregivers some tips for helping kids stay safe around medicine: • Always put medicine and vitamins up and away and out of sight of children. When you need to give another dose in just a few hours, it may be tempting to keep it close at hand, but it is important to put medicine up and away after every use.

• Be alert to products you

might not think of as medicine but actually are, such as diaper rash remedies, eye drops or antiseptic ointments. Make sure all harmful products are kept up and away from children.

• Ask guests to put purses, bags and coats where children can’t reach them. Many people store medicine in handbags and coat pockets.

• When your child is a guest in someone else’s house, be aware of medicine risks. Take a look around to be sure medicine isn’t within reach of your child.

• Buy medicine in child resistant packaging when possible. But be aware that “child resistant” doesn’t mean “child proof.” Given enough time and opportunity, some children will still be able to get into medicine in child resistant packaging.

• Always keep the Poison Control Center number at your fingertips, either by the home phone or programmed into your cell phone: (800) 222-1222.

To learn more about keeping kids safe around medicine, or for a video on medicine safety, visit www.SafeKids.org.

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2 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

(BPT) – Our bodies naturally crave salt, a necessary nutrient, and research shows that we gravitate to the amount we need for our bodies to function properly. Salt deficiency has been linked to a host of health concerns, including insulin resistance, increased risk of heart attacks and reduced cognition.

But what if eating less salt also increases your weight by making you eat more?

“Over the past 30 years, an interesting phenomenon has occurred: the rates of obesity have dramatically gone up but the amount of salt we consume has remained fairly stable,” says Mort Satin of the Salt Institute.

“Food producers have been lowering the amount of salt they use, under pressure from the government and consumer activists, so we are either eating a lot more food to get the salt we need or have drastically lowered our activity levels, or both.”

In the U.S., research shows that people have been consuming about the same amount of salt on a daily basis for 50 years. And around the world most people eat about the same amount of salt – about 3,500 mg/day, according to the World Health Organization. It appears that we all, when free to choose,

Coping with seasonal allergies The season of allergyinduced sniffles and other complications is upon us. If you are one of the millions of people affected by seasonal allergies that lead to nasal swelling, sneezing, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat, you may not be enjoying the warmer weather as much as others.

Allergy research is ongoing, and in the future doctors may be able to prevent allergic reactions from occurring rather than treating the symptoms that ensue. Until then, you will have to work with the remedies that currently exist. These remedies include antihistamines, which can cause dangerous interactions with other medications and may cause drowsiness. These side effects can be dangerous for use in seniors. Consider these other options instead.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

Although liquids can’t wash the allergens out of your s y s t e m , wa t e r, j u i c e a n d clear broths can help loosen congestion. Hot liquids can soothe inflamed membranes in the nose and throat.

• Avoid allergens as much as possible. Check weather

reports for the levels of particulates in the air and stay indoors if they are high. Keep away from tall grasses and places with a lot of foliage.

• Use the air conditioning. Rather than keeping the windows wide open, use an air conditioner and dehumidifier to filter the air coming inside of the house and ensuring it is cool and dry.

• Head to the beach. If you want to spend time outdoors, areas by the ocean will have pollen counts that are much lower than in mountainous areas.

• Dry clothes indoors.

Line-dried clothes may smell fresh, but they can bring molds and pollens indoors and exacerbate allergies.

• Shower frequently. After being outdoors, take a shower to rinse off any allergens clinging to hair and skin.

• Check with a doctor.

Before mixing allergy medications with any prescriptions you are taking, ensure that they are safe to mix. If your doctor is unavailable, consult with a pharmacist about drug interactions.

Natural ways to ease arthritis pain A leading cause of disability in the United States and elsewhere, arthritis can be a debilitating disease. Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year.

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of old age. The Arthritis Foundation says one in every five adults has arthritis, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 65. In a 2008 Canadian Community Health Study, 15.3 percent of Canadians aged 12 or older reported a diagnosis of arthritis. Even children can suffer from arthritis.

A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This can compromise physical movement and lead to pain. Arthritis may result from the wearing down of joints and connective tissue through repetitive movement or injury, but it also may be the result of an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the membranes around joints, particularly in the hands and feet.

Treating a complex condition like arthritis is not always easy.

Treatment of arthritis, which has no cure, typically involves reducing pain and improving mobility.

While pain medications can be prescribed to treat arthritis, there are other more natural ways to handle arthritis as well.

• Eat foods that reduce inflammation. Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and connective tissues, so it makes sense that reducing inflammation could ease symptoms. A number of foods, including tart cherries, have been found to reduce inflammation. According to research from Oregon Health & Science University presented in 2012 at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in San Francisco, tart cherries have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food. The antioxidant compounds – called anthocyanins – in tart cherries have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications. Spinach, walnuts, garlic, and broccoli also can reduce inflammation.

• Use hot and cold treatments. The University of Washington School of Medicine says

Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013 - 13

Ralph A. Cardamone M.D., F.A.C.C.

hot and cold treatments can reduce swelling, relax muscles and relieve pain. Cold packs can numb sore areas and should be used when symptoms come on suddenly. Heat sources, in contrast, can help ease pain gradually and limber up tight joints and muscles. Always use a towel or barrier between a cold or hot pack and the skin to avoid injury.

• Exercise a few times per week. Although it may hurt to move around, frequent exercise can actually be beneficial in the long run. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling three times a week can help to keep joint pain at bay. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to find out if it is right for your condition. Once you get the green light, start out gradually. If you are experiencing pain for more than an hour after a workout, your workout was too much for your body to handle and you need to lighten the load during your next workout.

• Lose weight. Being overweight can put added pressure on joints and cause more pain.

Shedding a few pounds may be all it takes to get substantial relief from pain associated with arthritis.

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Salty snacks reduce stress Clearfield-Jefferson

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biological defense mechanism we evolved to cope with daily stress.

P.O. Box 344 Of course, you don’t need to be a scientist to notice the calming effect of salt. On a vegan InDuBois, PA 15801 ternet chat room, one user named Alex confessed, “I’ve gone a while without salt now, but I just had Help is only a phone call. some with my dinner last night and I noticed it once again. Every time I eat some salt since beCRISIS # 1-800-341-5040 ing on this lifestyle (which is not often), I just You Still Matter. feel better for some reason. Just more awake and more calm.” Other people responded that they www.cjsuicidepreventionteam.org experienced the very same effect of salt.

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 Where: DuBois City Park • Length: Around the Park vital nutrient is necessary to keeping the body properly hydrated and healthy. When you sweat, you lose not just water, but also electrolytes (salt) 1 p.m. registration • 2 p.m. walk begins which need to be replenished.

FREE Registration The fact remains that whether they are called comfort foods or mood stabilizers, salty foods are Prevention Begins With You incredibly effective at making people feel better Walk registration forms can be found on our website: and reducing heightened stress levels, a common www.cjsuicidepreventionteam.org condition in today’s ever-changing world. So, the next time you finish a stressful day and want to A memorial service for survivors of suicide will be held following the walk. wind down and relax, it may not be the margarita The coming together of those bereaved by suicide can provide the opportunity that changes the mood, it’s more likely the salt to be with other people who can really understand, because they have been on the rim of the glass. To learn more about the through the same experience; to gain strength and understanding from the benefits of salt, visit www.alittlesalt.org. individuals within the group, but also to provide the same to others.

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Flip-flop fans: Hard, cold facts about your favorite hot weather footwear (BPT) – It’s easy to understand why we all love flip-flops: They’re cute and comfy, keep your feet cool in warm weather, and are great for showing off that fab pedicure you just got. But no matter how much you adore your flip-flops, they shouldn’t be all-occasion footwear.

Sometimes, they can lead to sore feet or even severe injury.

“Flip-flops are hugely popular, but it’s important to remember they’re not appropriate for everyday wear or for all occasions,” says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

“Every spring and summer, podiatric offices see an influx of patients with injuries and ailments directly related to wearing flip-flops at the wrong time or wearing the wrong flip-flops altogether.”

The secret to safely enjoying flip-flops through summer is twofold, Garoufalis says. First, find the right style, and second, know when to wear flip-flops and when to wear something else.

How to choose flip-flops Some styles of flip-flops may cause blistering and pain, and increase your risk of injury in certain situations. It is possible to find a better flip-flop. The APMA offers some tips: • Look for high-quality, soft leather, which will minimize the risk of blisters and other skin irritations. Vinyl or rubber styles are more likely to rub your foot the wrong way. Check out the APMA website for footwear products that

have earned the organization’s Seal of Acceptance. The seal indicates that a team of APMA podiatrists have evaluated the product to ensure it promotes normal foot function and health.

• Choose a flip-flop with soles that bend at the ball of the foot. If you can bend the sole completely in half or wring it like a wet rag, the sole will not provide proper support.

• The thong part of the flip-flop should fit comfortably, neither too loose nor too snug. Straps that are too tight could rub and cause blisters. Too loose straps may result in you losing the shoe at a critical moment – resulting in injury. Consider a flip-flop with extra padding on the part of the strap that fits between your toes.

• Your foot should fit perfectly on the sole. Your heel should not hang off the back, nor your toes off the front.

• Dispose of worn flip-flips, no matter how much you loved them last year. Old shoes lose their ability to support and protect your feet, and it’s easy to find a new pair to replace old ones.

• Still not sure which flip-flop is the right choice? Start with APMA Seal Accepted pairs at APMA. org/Seal.

When to wear flip-flops A shoe style that was once relegated to beach or poolside is now considered acceptable in a variety of settings. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing flip-flops to the mall or grocery store, when

they’re out for a stroll, or even in the office. Flip-flops have even made inroads into the bridal scene, with some comfort-minded brides wearing them for their weddings and receptions.

Deciding whether wearing flipflops is socially appropriate for the occasion is up to you, but there are some times when you should not wear them for safety reasons.

• When doing yard work – such as mowing the lawn or working in the garden – it’s best to wear shoes that cover and protect your entire foot. Flip-flops don’t offer sufficient support or protection.

• For long walks, opt for a good walking shoe. Even the sturdiest styles of flip-flops don’t offer sufficient arch support and shock absorption for extended walking.

• Playing sports calls for the right footwear. Choose a shoe that is designed for the sport you’re playing. Flip-flops don’t offer adequate support or protection for hard play and may come off your foot at a crucial moment. They might lose you the game at best, and leave you with a foot or ankle injury at worst.

Finally, put away your flip-flops when the weather is bad. “This one may seem obvious,” Garoufalis says, “but some people continue to wear their flip-flops even when the temperature drops, rain falls, or snow is on the ground. Wearing flip-flops in bad weather puts you at risk of injury if your foot slips out of a wet shoe or even frostbite if temperatures fall too low.”

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14 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013

(BPT) – Stress affects everyone and can cause problems at work, home and with health.

Researchers have found that stress is a leading cause of illness, affecting as much as 20 percent of the population. Economic factors, such as a recession, have also been shown to significantly increase population-wide stress levels.

“Stress is a trigger mechanism for a whole range of conditions, from heart attacks to immune system disorders, mental illness, depression and anxiety,” says Professor Cary Cooper of Lancaster University, a known expert on stress.

Work and home life can be a source of stress in addition to health problems, creating a vicious cycle. Many times people will turn to food to help them relieve stress and there is a scientific reason for this. Salty snacks actually help your body reduce stress levels. Stress is characterized in the human body by high levels of the hormone cortisol, referred to as the “stress hormone.” Scientific research has shown, both in animals and in humans, that increased levels of salt consumption are very effective in reducing levels of cortisol.

Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey demonstrated that depression and stress was higher in individuals who consumed less salt, a trend more prevalent in women than men. There is a direct relationship between depression and lower salt intake in humans, consistent with the results of animal studies. Craving salty foods may very well be a

Get the facts about fibromyalgia

Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013 - 15

Characterized by widespread pain with no apparent cause, fibromyalgia is a condition that has had many people scratching their heads and desperate for answers.

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome where a person has long-term bodily pain, particularly tenderness in the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but some theories suggest it may stem from physical or emotional trauma or abnormal pain responses in the central nervous system. The U.S. Library of Medicine states fibromyalgia is most common among women ages 20 to 50, although it can be present in men as well. African-American women are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia than Caucasians and other races.

However, Caucasian women report significantly more pain over sufferers of different ethnicities. Doctors are unsure why this is the case.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia are largely painful “tender points” over the body. Painful areas generally occur in the soft tissue on the back of the neck, shoulders, chest, and lower back. Pain may radiate out from these areas and can be a deep ache or a shooting, burning pain. Depending on the individual, pain may begin in the morning and ease up with daily activity. It may worsen at night. The pain may escalate when the weather is cold or damp or the person feels anxious and stressed.

In addition to pain, fatigue and depression are associated with fibromyalgia, and these symptoms may stem from interrupted sleep patterns due to the pain. Other symptoms can include migraine headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritable bowel syndrome, and reduced ability to exercise. Sexually active women may experience pain during intercourse, and menstrual cramping may be more intense.

WebMD says roughly 5.8 million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia, while approximately 443,000 Canadians are believed to have fibromyalgia. Treatment options vary with symptom severity.

Fibromyalgia treatments vary depending on the individual. Treatments for the condition typically involve medications and self-care.

Exercise and alternative treat-

ments also may be tried. Here is a look at some of the more common fibromyalgia treatments.

• Analgesics: Pain relievers are the first line of defense against fibromyalgia. Reducing pain can make activities tolerable. If over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medicine.

• Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta (R) ) have been approved for use in relieving pain and fatigue.

Doctors may use a combination of antidepressants to help promote sleep and take away the pain of fibromyalgia.

• Anti-seizure medications: In some cases, drugs that are used to treat seizure disorders have been effective at relieving pain caused by fibromyalgia.

• Pregabalin: This drug, marketed under the name Lyrica (R), is the first drug approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia.

• Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can help alleviate symptoms

of fibromyalgia. Also, consuming a healthy diet and reducing caffeine intake may help.

• Alternative therapies: Some people find that massage therapy, tai chi, yoga, and acupuncture promote relaxation and can relieve symptoms.

A 2010 report from CNN says fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat and only 35 to 40 percent of people with the chronic pain condition get relief from the available medications. Some have requested prescriptions from their doctors for medical marijuana to ease symptoms.

Historically, marijuana has been used as a painkiller and to relax the body. While some doctors prescribe it where it is legal, many others prefer to wait for synthetic cannabis compounds to be studied and produced.

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that affects millions of people, a majority of which are women. Those with widespread pain should visit a doctor to develop a course of treatment.

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16 - Medical and Health Directory, The Punxsutawney Spirit & Jefferson County Neighbors, August 2013