Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 1
Give the
Gift of
Fitness Holiday
Weight Loss: Yes, it's possible.
Post-Workout
Plan:
How to help your body recover
CLEAR Intentions: Meth Awareness in Loveland
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Ask the Expert:
Allergies
What do I need to know about allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is a common reaction to indoor and outdoor allergens. It runs in families and affects up to 40 percent of children and up to 30 percent of adults. Symptoms include: !
and allergy shots. !
Where
Experts Work Best.
Dr. Anna Kujawska Aspen Allergy Clinic " ! # $ % & ' ()* ++(,+++*
Banner Medical Group McKee Medical Center North Colorado Medical Center $ -
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 3
contents
Action-X Athletic company expands its reach in Loveland
The Gift of Fitness Local gift ideas for fitness enthusiasts
Page 11
Page 4
For advertising information, contact:
Recover How to help your body recover after strenuous workouts
Health in a Handbasket
Page 8
The battle of willpower: Win over your will in 2012
Page 14
also inside Jess No Less Start the new year off right with healthy goals
Page 10
Health Line of Northern Colorado is a monthly publication produced by the Loveland Daily ReporterHerald. The information provided in this publication is intended for personal, noncommercial, informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company, product, procedure or activity. You should seek the advice of a professional regarding your particular situation.
Health insurance: When they won’t pay ....... pg. 12 Uncommon Sense: Deal breakers ............... pg. 15 The Healthy Plate .......................................... pg. 18 Breakfast mistakes you might be making.... pg. 22 Loveland health briefs .................................. pg. 25 Loveland health calendar ............................. pg. 26
Linda Story, advertising director: 970-635-3614
For editorial information, contact: Jade Cody, special sections associate editor: 970-635-3656 jcody@reporter-herald.com Summer Stair, specialty publications editor: 720-494-5429 sstair@times-call.com
Clear Intentions: Group raises meth awareness in Loveland PAGE
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Give the Gift of Fitness Presents for the fitness enthusiast on your list Complied by Summer Stair, Reporter-Herald
CEP COMPRESSION RUNNING SOCKS Keep the runner in your life injury free with compression socks. Not only do they help prevent fatigue in muscles during exercise by increasing blood flow, but they can help recover from an injury quicker. Available in white, black and pink. $60.00 at 3X Fast in Loveland
SWIMMING CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS Choose from the many different ornaments to find one perfect for the swimmer in your life. $8 at MI Sports in Loveland
EVERLAST ADVANCED PRO STYLE TRAINING GLOVES If you want to fight like a pro, you have to train like a pro. Made of synthetic leather, the Pro Style gloves are built to promote proper punching technique, with full padding on the front and back of the wrist that conforms to the natural shape of your fist. $29.99 at Jax Outdoor Gear in Loveland
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 5
THE GRID REVOLUTIONARY FOAM ROLLER AND CORE WORKOUT DVDS The Grid Revolutionary Foam roller and core workout dvds from TP Therapy are a great gift for any fitness level. $45 Foam Roller; $50 for foam roller and one dvd; $80 for foam roller and three dvds; $20 individual dvds. All available at 3X Fast in Loveland.
GIFTS FROM VALEO This year it’s all about the core and the tools you can utilize to get in shape. Choose from the Resistance Tube, Ab Wheel, Body Ball or Yoga Kit, which includes two foam blocks, a webbed strap belt, nylon tote bag and non-slip mat. All from Valeo. $7.99 Resistance Tube; $14.99 Ab Wheel; $19.99 Body Ball; $34.99 Yoga Kit. All available at Jax Outdoor Gear in Loveland.
THE BUNGEE STRAP FROM PHILO Get more efficient with The Bungee Strap — an elastic cord goggle strap. Perfect size for the stocking. $6 at MI Sports in Loveland
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Fit Gifts Think outside the box when giving fitness Craig Hill McClatchy Newspapers
Giving the gift of being a workout partner can be the greatest gift of all.
S
A WORKOUT PARTNER
ometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between late-night fitness commercials and Saturday Night Live. Shake Weight ads look like dirty jokes that are impossible to describe in this family publication. Commercials for The Rack look like meatheads stunt-riding an old woman’s walker. If you’re looking to buy fitness equipment as a Christmas gift, it’s probably not a good idea to go the late-night route unless you’re shopping for a gag gift. Here are some better ideas for giving the gift of fitness.
Sometimes all people need to launch a healthy workout routine is a partner to stand with them as they face the fear of the unknown. Workout classes, the weight room and even the locker room can be intimidating if you aren’t used to them. By offering yourself as a workout partner these fears will get easier for both of you. Also, there’s nothing like a partner to keep you motivated whether it’s getting to the gym or doing one more rep. The best part about this gift: It’s free and you get to enjoy it too. Free, except for the time you put in
SUPREME 90 DAY This workout program feels a lot like the wildly popular P90X program (right down to instructor Tom Holland’s uncanny resemblance to P90X instructor Tony Horton). The program follows the same “muscle confusion” idea but has shorter workouts. The workouts move faster and the program is only a fraction of the cost of P90X, which sells for $120 plus shipping and handling. $27, supreme90day.com
TRX SUSPENSION TRAINER One of the hottest trends in the fitness world, the TRX suspension trainer has a pair of straps you can attach to the ceiling or door jam to use for strength and cardio training. Simply grab the handles for balance while doing squats. Lean over the handles to do pushups. Lean back to do rows. TRX straps are kind of pricey at $190, and the door anchor is sold separately for $25 at www.trx training.com so a cheaper route might be taking a class, which run between $10-$20. $190, trxtraining.com
PERSONAL TRAINING A good personal trainer can help you with anything from working out with injuries to making sure you are getting the most out of your workouts to inspiring you to push a little harder than you might on your own. Shop around, however, to make sure the trainer you hire is certified and has a personality that meshes with yours or your gift recipient. $40 per hour or more, various locations
FIT BY NATURE
Inspire with the gift of a personal trainer.
Seattle-based fitness guru John Colver has developed a 12-week workout program that takes place outside. Sure, it’s cold and wet this time of year, but Colver insists that not only will you get used to the inclement weather but it won’t be long before you enjoy these days. $25, mountaineersbooks.org
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 7
It’s SuchaClichÊ ToSayWe’reAGreat RetirementValue. (ButYesIndeedWeAre)
Yoga will not only help the recipient get in better shape, but it help ward off injuries and help relieve stress. YOGA Yoga is an excellent way to keep your body flexible, ward off injuries, release stress and get a good workout. Yoga studios offer everything from traditional classes to hot yoga. Almost all of these studios offer special starter packages, some for as a little as $10. $10 and up, various locations
PAIN RELIEVERS California-based Do or Die Fitness has developed a set of ergonomic foam cushions designed to make working out less painful. Wrist wedges ($20) are designed to reduce pressure on your wrists while doing pushups. A neck circle ($10) helps align your spine for any exercises on your back. And donut shaped cushions ($20) reduce pressure for exercises when you are on your knees. The complete set is $45. $10-45, dodfitness.com
THE BOD POD A body composition test is a good way to help you set realistic goals. A test will tell you your body fat percentage as well as your lean body mass. Most tests will also come with an analysis of how often and how hard you will need to workout and how many calories you should eat to reach a particular goal. A Bod Pod test simply requires you to sit still for a minute in a large egg-shaped devise while the test is administered. $30-40, MultiCare (253-459-6999) or bodylogic.cc
These days, it seems, everyone is trumpeting the word “value.â€? Which is ďŹ ne, but can they really prove it? We can. Because, when you live at MacKenzie Place it’s like you’ve retired to a beautiful resort. Oh my, there are so many programs, services, and amenities you might not know where to begin—the PrimeFitSM ďŹ tness center, the fullservice restaurant and pub, the wireless Internet lounge, the indoor pool, the salon and spa, the movie theater, the Brain Fitness Program, or the Twist TravelSM travel service...we could go on. We have Assisted Living services, too. Come see for yourself. Call now to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. Oh, and we almost forgot, rents start at just $2,950. Value? Yes indeedy!
ELASTIC BANDS Elastic bands are less expensive than workout machines and they provide most of the same benefits and some additional ones like increased resistance through your range of motion. Bands come in a variety of styles and resistance but they can be used to strengthen any part of your body. $10 and up, any sporting goods store
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Recover. Post-exercise habits help body recover, avoid injury and improve gains Kendall Schoemann Reporter-Herald
T
he last exhale of breath is released as a waterfall of sweat flows down his face. His heartbeat echoes throughout his head as he finishes the last mile of the workout. As endorphins kick in and success is achieved, he makes an all too common mistake and immediately picks up his bag and leaves the gym. While a post-workout triumph is an incredible feeling of accomplishment, many exercisers hinder potential results by not completing an adequate post-workout regime. By taking the extra time to tend to the body after a workout, exercisers will gain more results, avoid injury and improve health. Brad Sawatzky, fitness director at Orchard Athletic Club in Loveland, said a post-workout routine is essential in determining how quickly the body will recover. “A proper cool down, thorough stretch and healthy meal will help the muscles to re-energize and avoid unnecessary injuries,” Sawatzky said. When considering a post-workout routine, each element is essential in optimizing exercise results and improving muscle strength. Adding five to 10 minutes to a workout routine will drastically improve the body’s ability to build muscle and recover.
COOL DOWN Cooling down immediately after cardio helps transition the heart rate from high intensity to a resting rate and relaxes the muscles. “A five minute cool down allows the body to push out the muscle’s biotoxins,” Sawatzky said. “Without a cool down, those fibers will remain in the muscle and cause soreness.” A cool down can be any form of exercise that is performed at a slower rate than the previous workout and transitions the body to a state of rest. “Cooling down can be as simple as a speed walk,” said Chad Bryant, supervising personal trainer at Miramont Lifestyle Fitness in Loveland. “It should last as long as it takes to bring the heart down to a resting rate.” Once the body has slowly moved to rest, the muscles need to be worked to reduce the chance of injury.
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 9
7 Reasons to keep stretching
STRETCH Three minutes of stretching directly after a workout will help the muscles recover quickly. “Everyone should spend at least three minutes on stretching,” Bryant said. “Make sure to cover the quads, hamstrings, shoulders, chest and triceps.” Stretching gives the muscles time to relax. “I recommend static stretching to elongate the muscles,” Sawatzky said. “This will increase the range of motion.” Lastly, hydrating the muscles is vital for full recovery.
• Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion. • May reduce your risk of injury. A flexible muscle is less likely to become injured from a slightly extensive movement. • Helps relieve post-exercise aches and pains. • Improves posture. Stretching the muscles of the lower back, shoulders and chest will help keep your back in better alignment. • Helps reduce or manage stress. Well stretched muscles hold less tension. • Enhances muscular relaxation. Habitually tense muscles tend to cut off their own circulation resulting in a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients. • Promotes circulation. Stretching increases blood supply to the muscles and joints which allow for greater nutrient transportation and improves the circulation of blood through the entire body.
HYDRATE
EAT
At no time should the body not be consuming water. Before, during and after a workout the body needs to hydrate, quench and replenish lost water levels. “Muscles are pretty much made up of water,” Bryant said. “Hydrating keeps the muscles healthy and strong.” Drink water during a workout to replenish what the body sweats out, and keep hydrating throughout the day.
The post-workout element that most exercisers ignore, is a healthy meal. “Nine out of 10 times, my clients are at the gym with a goal to lose weight,” Bryant said. “So they think they will lose more weight if they don’t eat for a long time after a workout, which is just not true.” According to Bryant, the best way to lose weight is to keep the body adequately fueled and hydrated after a workout. “Think of food as fuel for the body,” Bryant said. “If you don’t eat for awhile after exercising, the body is going to save the next meal for survival, which increases fat stores and muscle loss.” Sawatzky recommends eating a whole meal instead of a protein shake. “Whole foods are easiest to digest,” Sawatzky said. “Meals should consist of carbohydrates and protein and avoid fat.” After exercise, the muscle’s glucose levels, or the way it keeps energy, are low. Consuming a balanced meal of carbohydrates and protein will replenish muscles. “I recommend meals such as fruit, pasta, bagels with peanut butter, milk and turkey sandwiches,” Bryant said. Because the body can only absorb 40 grams of protein at a time, targeting large amounts of protein is unnecessary. The time period to ingest a meal post-workout is approximately 30 minutes. “Eating between 30 to 60 minutes is ideal,” Sawatzky said. Regardless of an exerciser’s fitness goals, taking care of the body and replenishing lost water and energy levels is critical in maintaining a healthy, injury free body and achieving more results from cardio and strength training.
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
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Jess No Less
Healthful
Holiday
Stay on track during the holiday season Jessica Benes Reporter-Herald
I
lost weight this year because I invested in personal training at Orchard’s Athletic Center with my favorite trainer Brad; checked out the Firm Body Boot Camp at the Outlet mall with my sister; employed various diets that followed the same theme of lean meats and vegetables and tried to stay active and watched what I ate. I had times of lows, where I gave up all pretense of eating well because of my love for grease and carbs, and highs where I made a renewed commitment to the cause. I made a new resolution Dec. 1 to lose the rest of my goal weight by January’s issue of Health Line. I am taking this plunge, not to gain pounds this Christmas season like I usually do, but to reach last year’s resolution goal in time for the new year resolution. Visit my blog at http://jessicabenes .blogspot.com to read about my daily progress. I also encourage readers to begin their own blogs to document the journey. Start a healthy lifestyle change the day this issue comes out and make a one-month commitment until the next issue. Let me know if you do so, and I’ll read what you write. I might even include your comments in my next column. Jude Starks, R.Ph., Certified Health Coach, gave me some great tips on how to stay motivated at holiday parties to limit calorie intake. • Have a clear goal of your plan before you walk in the door. “One of the things that happens is people don’t do any kind of planning. They go to the party, look it over and graze,” Starks said. • Go to the party full. Eat a healthy meal beforehand. • Drink lots of water all day long. Starks said that in the winter people stay inside, breathe the same air and dehydrate faster. • If you think you’re going to eat carbohydrates at the party, abstain from bread
“Alcohol is dense in calories and will quickly raise blood sugar and
pack on the pounds. The more you drink alcohol, the more you don’t listen to your brain about food.” — Jude Starks, R.Ph., Certified Health Coach
and sugar during the day. • Understand your triggers and avoid them. “Triggers are huge during the holidays. They are things that you always ate at a past event and make you feel happy after you eat it. That is, until you try your pants on the next day,” Starks said. • Find the healthier items on the table. Maybe it’s a vegetable tray or a meat and cheese platter. Load up on vegetables and a small amount of meat. • Start with sparkling water and lime in a cocktail glass. It looks like vodka tonic and no one will think you’re not drinking with them. “Alcohol is dense in calories and will quickly raise blood sugar and pack on the pounds,” Starks said. “The more you drink alcohol, the more you don’t listen to your brain about food.” • If the party includes a full
meal, understand that a portion size should be that of a salad plate. Half the plate should be vegetables or a little fruit, a quarter should be protein and a quarter should be starch. • Dancing will burn a lot of calories. Or do something active after the party like go for a 30-minute walk with your dog. For a free health assessment, email Jude Starks at judestarks@gmail.com. Jessica Benes is a newsroom reporter and writer for the Loveland Reporter-Herald. This column is meant to encourage people struggling with healthy eating and weight loss by offering advice from experts and sharing her own progress. Contact Benes at jbenes@reporter-herald.com.
Jess No Less
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 11
X
Action
Athletic company expands its reach Madeline Novey Reporter-Herald
N
ick Reese’s foray into the business of athletics started with a guinea pig. More accurately, Reese was a guinea pig for exercise physiologist John Frappier, who is credited with development of the original athletic acceleration training program based upon his study of how Russian athletes trained in the mid- to late-1980s. So for three years, the Minnesota athlete ran on treadmills (among other exercises) and gave blood samples to nurses who in turn tested for levels of resulting lactic acid, the chemical compound released during exercise that helps the body generate energy. But today, more than 20 years after these studies, Reese owns and operates his own athletic training facility and equipment production company in Loveland. The business has evolved several times since its birth in 2004 — then known as Maximum Performance — and has become
If You Go What: Action-X Sports Fitness. Where: 6760 N. Franklin Ave., Loveland. Phone/email: 593-3278 or action-x.net.
Action-X Sports Fitness director of sports performance Kris Ringwall, right, and trainer Brianne Bailey, top, assist Fort Collins High School senior J.D. Hammer, left, and Rocky Mountain junior Cale O'Donnell during a high-intensity circuit workout. Reporter-Herald/ Steve Stoner
two separate but related entities, Action-X Sports Fitness and Perform-X Training Systems. Sometime between 2006 and 2007, Reese and business partner Kris Ringwall designed the company’s first unique, highspeed treadmill. Then they expanded design and production to resistance cord systems and other machines they say foster proper biomechanics. And on March 1, the duo moved both branches into a business park in north Loveland, 6760 N. Franklin Ave. Reese and Ringwall have since met nationwide with people with dozens of health clubs, high schools, colleges and professional sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Nuggets, to sell their equipment and train athletes using the Action-X model But this time, in the new location, they are trying to quash the perception that Action-X is only for hard-core athletes. Action-X (and Perform-X) can work for any person of any skill level, the duo said, with added confidence from those who train. “I think it’s definitely worth it, if you’re not a die-hard athlete,” said Jonna Leyrer, 20, a former competitive softball player and recreational athlete who has trained at the Action-X gym for five years. Even Leyrer’s mother, who’s almost 50, enjoys the workouts, she said.
Reporter-Herald/Steve Stoner
Rocky Mountain High School junior Cale O'Donnell, 16, front, does a high-intensity circuit workout with Action-X Sports Fitness director of sports performance Kris Ringwall. “I had never seen anything like what they offer,” Leyrer said of the specially designed equipment. Her favorite and least favorite machine is the treadmill, which offers a ground-like resistance and can push runners at speeds of 30 mph. Oliva Wagner, 20, originally of Boulder, plays soccer for the University of MarylandCollege Park and trains at Action-X when she comes home for breaks. Having played soccer since she was 4 or 5, Wagner considered herself to be in good shape. But her first Action-X workout left her exhausted. “It was probably the hardest workout I’ve ever done, but I was also really excited about what it would do,” she said. “I would see myself progressing just about every week, based on the tests.” She too recommended that athletes of any age or skill level take a look at Action-X and Perform-X. “If want to get more toned, or fitter, more healthy, they’ll do what you want, instead of just having one program for everyone,” she said. Over time, Reese and Ringwall plan to expand the Perform-X equipment into more area gyms. And with the increased interest in performance-based workouts such as P90X and fitness bootcamps, they will continue to promote their unique brand of circuit-interval, station-style training. “We’re changing the mindset of how people are working out, but on an extreme level,” Ringwall said. Madeline Novey can be reached at 970-669-5050, ext. 516, or mnovey@reporter-herald.com.
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
When they won’t pay Dealing with a denied health insurance claim
Summer Stair Reporter-Herald
M
ost people are surprised when a health insurance claim is denied. It’s hard not to wonder why a specific procedure was not covered. But, wait, just because you get a denial letter doesn’t mean the procedure is not covered. Erin Moaratty, chief of external communica-
tions for the Patient Advocate Foundation, said a denial simply means the insurance company isn’t going to pay for it, but that there are several different reasons of why that could be. “It could not be a covered benefit, the insurance company may need more documentation or maybe preauthorization for the specific procedure was needed,� Moaratty said. “First, you need to understand what the denial is.� Moaratty said consumers need to review the denial claim and completely understand what it is saying and why the claim was denied. On the form they should also be able to find the appeal process and a timeline of when this needs to occur. It is important to follow the timeline and steps outlined by the insurance company. “Know what they are saying and what kind of documentation you need to appeal this. You will then write a concrete appeal letter and since this is a business transaction keep it factual, not emotional,� Moaratty explained. Melody Irvine, a medical consultant for Career Coders in Loveland, said that statistics show that more than 50 percent of the
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 13
“Know your benefits. Know what is covered and what is not. Just because you received a bill doesn’t mean it is right. Always double check everything.” — Melody Irvine, medical consultant
claims denied can be reversed. When a claim is denied, Irvine recommended for consumers to get on the phone with all parties involved and find out where the problem occurred. “Sometimes it takes a lot of work and investigation on the consumers end but it is worth it,” Irvine said. “It is a lot harder to get the money back, then to pay it first and then research.” Both Irvine and Moaratty said the best thing for consumers to do is to know their health insurance coverage before getting any procedure done. Irvine said it is also important to keep the lines of communication open between the patient and doctor. Always be clear about the specific procedure, and how it is being documented and billed. When a denial claim is received, one of the best resources to help consumers understand what is being said is the physician’s office. “This is the best resource, “ Irvine says. “The physician’s office has everything in front of them. Investigate it here first and then go to the insurance company.” For further support, advocate groups such as the Patient Advocate Foundation can help consumers understand the procedure and guide them through it. “I think that if they find it challenging to seek help and have that support,” Moaratty said. “It is great to have someone that is on your side when you are going through this.” So when a denial claim is received just remember to double check all of the paperwork received up to that point. “Know your benefits; know what is covered and what is not,” Irvine says. “Just because you received a bill doesn’t mean it is right. Always double check everything.”
Your partners for health and wellness The physicians at Medical Clinic at Centerra are dedicated to the development of long-term relationships with each patient, focusing not just on the illness, but also on preventive care.
To make an appointment, call 970.203.7000.
Dr. Sheila Copple, internal medicine Dr. Pamela Levine, family medicine
North Medical Office Building 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave. | Loveland, Colo. 80538 (Located north of Medical Center of the Rockies)
970.203.7000 pvhs.org/clinics
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
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Health in a Handbasket
Will I Am. Get in shape and stay that way with motivation tips Jade Cody Reporter-Herald
M
y friend Will and I fight every single day. Mr. Power and I are always deciding on when to go to the gym, how much Charles in Charge is too much Charles in Charge, and whether a cheese and roast beef plate is the right choice for both lunch and dinner (it is). Will I, or won’t I? It is my daily battle. It’s little rudimentary things — such as resisting the urge to break out in my Flash Dance routine during work meetings, and it’s big things — like exercising at least four times every week, even if the dog ate my jump rope. Mr. Power is slick as a fox, a mind control extortionist of grand measure. He is inside all of our heads, whispering at us that we should relax on the couch and work out later, have a beer or two and work out later ... and then later not work out because there is another later that is the best later of all. And I tell that man ‘no’ like he’s a 5-yearold in the cereal aisle. My reasoning for exercising, eating right or doing healthy type things always seems less convenient, less fun and less right than Will’s ideas, but afterward, it feels worth every effort. So how can I make Will and Grace live in harmony? How do I take the struggle out of consistently getting motivated to wear gym shorts? Bryce Moeder, a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym in Loveland, gave me some insight into his take on willpower and how he helps clients stay motivated, particularly people new to working out who want to resolve to get into shape in 2012. Moeder cited Newton’s Law of Motion: Objects in motion tend to stay in motion. “Once we get our bodies into the habit of going forward in our exercise regiment, it is much easier to keep that momentum,” he said. It takes roughly 21 to 90 days to turn a routine into a habit, he said. “Unfortunately, exercise tends to lead
towards the latter. It usually takes about three months to turn our new routine of going to the gym into a habit.” But once that fitness train horn is blowing, getting to the gym is that much easier. You start seeing results, getting positive feedback and feeling those magical workout endorphins that gym rats and bunnies crave. “It may seem like an eternity at first, but when taken in perspective, three months is really not that long at all. Be diligent and patient and before you know it, your new routine will feel like such a habit that you cannot begin to even imagine your life without it,” he said. “I suggest making yourself go to the gym or engaging in some form of exercise a minimum of one hour at a time and a minimum of four days per week. If you are getting into the gym four days per week, your body is beginning to adjust to the idea of working out more days in the week than days you are not.” If your New Year’s resolution happens to be getting fit, take these additional tips from Moeder:
willpower to overcome,” he said. “Sure, that donut on the counter looks delicious and would be a quick-fix option for breakfast on the way out the door.” But if you remove it, you remove the decision to not eat it, and the willpower gauge doesn’t move in the direction of empty.
CHANGE IT UP “When you are in the gym, varying your routine is critical,” Moeder said. “Doing the exact same routine day-in and day-out is a recipe for failure. You will become bored with your mundane approach to working out and be much more likely to lose the battle with your willpower.”
TRY A PERSONAL TRAINER You’ll gain motivation and accountability, and you will have expert knowledge backing your workout plan.
GIVE IT THREE MONTHS This is enough time to make it a routine and start revealing dramatic results in mood, energy, confidence, body appearance and overall well-being.
WORK OUT EARLY “If you are using willpower to make yourself get to the gym first thing in the morning, you are doing it well before you have had the opportunity to empty your willpower reservoir for the day,” he said.
TAKE OUT THE TRASH “Take inventory of unnecessary choices you face throughout the day that require
Health in a Handbasket is a monthly feature in which I try a write about healthrelated topics. If you have an idea for a new topic, write to me at jcody@reporter-herald.com.
Health in a Handbasket
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 15
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Uncommon Sense
Deal
Breaker Beth Firestein, licensed therapist For the Reporter-Herald
Q
uestion: My girlfriend and I have been together for three years. She is always commenting that she wants to get married, but I only see her three or four times every two weeks. I have a daughter who lives with me every other week, and my girlfriend almost refuses to spend any time with me when my daughter is there. She says she doesn’t want to hurt my daughter if we don’t work out. I feel like we’re growing further and further apart, and that if she can’t be close to my daughter now, we can never really get to the point of marriage in the future. I’m thinking of moving on. What do you think? Answer: It sounds like you have already answered your own question. You seem to be clear that you and your daughter are a package deal. Although your relationship with your girlfriend is really good in a lot of ways, there are some issues for every person in a relationship that I would call “deal breakers”. Deal breakers are things that you know for a fact you cannot live within an important relationship, such as a marriage or romantic partnership. For most people, dealbreakers are things like physical, emotional or sexual abuse by their partner directed at you or anyone in your household (such as a child). For many people a deal breaker is a partner’s addiction to alcohol or drugs, chronic unemployment and inability to contribute to the family in a substantive way, or, as in your situation, an untenable situation between your girlfriend and your child. It is certainly better to identify any deal breakers before progressing to a new level of commitment. It is also your responsibility to communicate to your girlfriend what your deal breakers are. If you really care for her and value the relationship, you certainly want to give her the opportunity to respond to these issues before reaching the conclusion that you have to break up.
Deal breakers can certainly arise or reach a critical point even after a commitment is made. This is especially messy and painful for both partners and any children involved. Be clear and courageous and don’t compromise your fundamental values about your daughter to accommodate a relationship that you can see will really not work at a deeper level of commitment.
Q
intervention occupations (EMTs and firefighters among these) frequently require a degree of life experience and maturity that most 24 year olds don’t yet have. While it may be true that people in your social circle are already settled into jobs and careers, keep in mind that these may or may not be rewarding to them and many of your peers are going to change jobs or go back to school at older adult ages to get into work that pays better or work that they feel passionate about. If you have already found your calling, you are actually rather ahead of the game. You have a long working life ahead of you. Even if it takes a couple of years to get the training and credentials you need to get the job you truly want to have, this is time invested, not wasted. Good for you for making the courageous move of going back to school to train for a career you truly desire.
uestion: I’m 30-years-old, married and going back to paramedic school so I can be a firefighter. Most people my age are already established in their careers and making good money and I’m just starting. How do I not feel bad about being behind? Answer: I honestly don’t think you are “behind”. An enormous number of people don’t even begin to train for a meaningful career they until they are in their 30s and beyond. In particular, jobs that require specialized training are frequently chosen after the usual post high school Dr. Beth Firestein is a licensed psychologist. or post college timeShe has 24 years of therapy experience and lines. has practiced in Loveland for over 14 years. Advanced and She may be reached by calling her office at specialized education, 970-635-9116, via e-mail at whether technical, firewom@webaccess.net, or by visiting mechanical, liberal www.bethfirestein.com. arts or emergency
Uncommon Sense with Beth Firestein
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Work Woes How to avoid on-the-job depression Alison Johnson McClatchy-Tribune
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specially in a tough economy, “it’s unbelievable how many people struggle with trying to feel happy at work,” said Ellen Golding, a psychologist based in Los Angeles. Her tips: Don’t isolate: Walk around and greet co-workers and attend staff lunches and office parties, even if you have to force yourself. Be positive: Don’t constantly vent about problems in the office or at home. Find at
least one co-worker who is generally upbeat to hang around. Allow more time in the morning: If you’re rushing to leave home, you’ll arrive at work already stressed. Build at least 15-minute cushion into your commute. Change self-talk: Practice turning negatives into positives. Instead of fretting you won’t finish a project, for example, tell yourself you’ll make a plan to do it. Deal with a boss who “hates” you: Accept that it’s fine not to have a great personal bond and focus on being professional. Find out exactly what your boss needs and do it. ... and one who bullies: To gain more control, regularly ask for clarification on your duties. Repeat back what your boss says, create a written email record and try
to have other people listening as you two talk. Combat layoff anxiety: Do what you can to prepare for possible downsizing by researching other jobs and participating in educational, volunteer and networking opportunities. Decompress off the job: Listen to books on tape or a favorite music station on your commute — nothing negative or work-related. If you have to bring work home, take a break to exercise, watch a funny TV show or spend time with family or friends. Live healthfully: Eat a nutritious lunch during the workday, drink beverages that calm you — herbal tea or water, say, rather than coffee — and aim for seven or eight hours of sleep a night.
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 17
Fitness gear: Gadget tracks your workout Shelby Sheehan-Bernard McClatchy-Tribune
screen that displays full color. You can wear it as a wristooking for gear to give you the band or armperformance edge? Motorola’s new MOTOACTV fitness tracker and music band, or clip it to your shirt player may give you the kick you need. or other gear. Using GPS and other smart technology, it Tired of listening to tracks the stats of your running, biking or downloaded songs? The walking workout (time, distance, speed, device also includes an FM heart rate and calories burned) while also radio for additional variety. Its storing up to 4,000 songs to get you 3.5 mm headphones (USB 2.0 pumped — creating a customized playlist based on the music that motivates you most. connections) allow audible readout of built-in heart rate monitors. If you You can sync the device with your computer to upload various stats to the device’s have an Android smartphone, the MOwebsite, which includes an analysis of your TOACTV also allows you to answer calls and receive texts. Battery can play music for performance data. It even offers fitness tips up to 20 hours and can track workouts for and training strategies from experts in the up to 10 hours indoors and 5 hours outfield. doors. Device weighs approximately 1.2 The device is sweat and rain resistant, with a scratch-resistant 1.6-inch glass touch- ounces. Size is approximately 1.8-by-1.8-by-
L
0.37 inches. MOTOACTV is available as 8GB or 16 GB. Price is $249 for the 8GB and $299 for the 16 GB. Purchase online at www.mo torola.com, www.bestbuy.com or REI.com. Also available at select Best Buy, REI and Sports Authority stores.
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
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The Healthy Plate
Healthy Heart Beef Wellington Rocco Dispirito The Associated Press
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or Christmas this year, I didn’t ask Santa for a new sweater, tie or even my two front teeth. I just wanted a richly satisfying holiday dinner that wouldn’t make me gain weight. One of my solutions was a down-sized beef Wellington. Traditionally, this dish is a fillet of beef covered with pate, a sauteed mushroom mixture known as duxelles, then enveloped in buttery puff pastry and baked in the oven. Beef Wellington is a dish with a story. It was named for the Duke of Wellington, a national hero for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. The Duke loved a certain dish prepared from beef, mushrooms, truffles, Madeira wine and pate cooked in pastry. It later was renamed in his honor. So I decided to create a version that would fit into today’s healthy, lose-weight lifestyle. It took many attempts to get it right. The result will impress you. So will the numbers. Traditional beef Wellington has 57 grams of fat and 744 calories per serving. My version has 11 grams of fat and 328 calories.
BEEF WELLINGTON Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 8 32-ounce beef tenderloin, center cut, trimmed of all visible fat Salt and ground black pepper 1 /2 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped 10 ounces button mushrooms, sliced 1 cup diced yellow onion 21/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 2 egg whites, beaten 12/3 cups Bisquick Heart Smart Pancake and Baking Mix 5 chunks dried porcini mushrooms 3 /4 ounce beef jerky, finely shredded 1 /2 cup Madeira 11/2 tablespoons arrowroot powder 2 teaspoons soy sauce
Directions: Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season the beef liberally with salt and pepper. In a large saute pan over medium-high, heat the olive oil. When the oil is just smoking, add the beef. Brown on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the beef and place on a rack to rest. Add the garlic to the hot pan and cook until lightly browned, about 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms and onion. Cook until the mushrooms and onions are soft and tender and all of their liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add 2 teaspoons of the thyme. Set aside 1/4 cup of the mushroom-onion mixture. Transfer the rest to a food processor and pulse to roughly chop until reduced
to 1/4-inch pieces. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, add the spinach and egg whites and mix well. In a medium bowl stir the pancake mix with just enough water, about 1/3 cup, to moisten and make a dough that holds together but is not sticky. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a thin rectangle that is 2 inches longer than the beef roast. Place the beef on the dough. Spoon the spinach and mushroom mixture on the top and sides of the beef and pat down tightly. Fold the dough up and over the top of the beef and spinach and crimp the seams together. Place the meat seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a few slits in the top to vent. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center of the roast registers 140 F. Remove from the oven, cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place 2 of the porcini chunks in a spice grinder and grind to a fine powder. Place the mushroom powder, remaining whole porcini mushroom chunks and the shredded jerky in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups of water. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, or until the water is simmering. Let sit for 5 minutes and repeat. Pour the Madeira into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil for about 5 minutes, or until reduced by half. Pour the dried mushroom and beef broth through a fine mesh strainer into the reduced Madeira while pushing on the jerky and mushrooms to extract as much liquid as possible. Remove the whole pieces of porcini mushrooms from the strainer and roughly chop them, then set them aside. Discard the jerky. Bring the broth and Madeira mixture to a boil. In a small bowl, combine the arrowroot and 4 tablespoons cold water. Mix well, then add to the simmering sauce. Cook and stir for 1 minute, or until the sauce is just thickened. Add the soy sauce, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of thyme leaves and both the reserved chopped porcini and reserved 1/4 cup of the mushroom and onion mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Nutrition information per serving: 328 calories; 11 g fat; 82 mg cholesterol; 23 g carbohydrate; 31 g protein; 3 g fiber; 756 mg sodium.
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 19
Healthy Legs, Healthy You! Do you suffer from bulging, painful varicose veins in your legs? Maybe you notice that your legs ache, swell, or feel heavy and fatigued, especially by the end of the day? All of these can be signs of vein disease caused by faulty valves in your veins. If left untreated they can lead to more serious health issues such as blood clots, venous hemorrhage, or skin ulcerations. The veins in your legs have to work hard against gravity to get the blood back to your heart using one-way valves. When these veins become stretched, the valves weaken and are unable to completely close, resulting in increased vein pressure. It is this increased pressure that is the source of the problems. Meet the doctors at The Vein and Laser Center of Northern Colorado
Factors that contribute to venous disease are: • Family history • Gender • Age • Multiple pregnancies • Prolonged periods of standing or sitting • Overweight
Steven H. Peck, M.D
WinďŹ eld M. Craven, M.D. Michael D. Roller, M.D.
Craig R. Clear, M.D.
Robert R. Quaid, M.D.
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Conservative methods of treatment are to avoid sitting or standing for long periods, the use of compression stockings, regular exercise, and controlling your weight. If a patient’s symptoms do not improve with conservative measures then a physician may recommend a consultation for treatment known as Endovenous Laser Treatment, or EVLT. EVLT is performed by the comprehensive vein specialists at The Vein and Laser Center of Northern Colorado. This group uses the most advanced laser delivery system, VenaCure 1470, which provides the patient with a manageable post procedure recovery period, allowing the patient to return to work the following day. Procedures are done in the ofďŹ ce in less than 2 hours, and are typically covered by insurance. Complimentary screenings with a limited ultrasound are an option to see if you are a candidate for EVLT. The Vein and Laser Center invites you to call with your questions or to schedule a consultation at 970-267-2661. RH Advertorial
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Clearing the Way Group works to educate Loveland on National Meth Awareness Day Jade Cody Reporter-Herald
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ethamphetamine use exists in Loveland, and every person in the community is paying the price. That is the message that John Giroux, co-founder of CLEAR, the Coalition of Loveland for Education, Awareness and Resources in the fight against methamphetamine, wanted to relay on Nov. 30 at Lake Loveland. “Our goal is to raise awareness on National Meth Awareness Day that meth impacts everyone in this community,” he said. “We can’t stick our heads in the sand anymore, and that’s happening in Loveland. People tend to look the other way.” To spread the word yesterday, Giroux, along with several other volunteers, held signs detailing the dangers of meth and promoting Mitch’s March Against Meth, which is scheduled for March 31, 2012, at Lake Loveland. The March, a project created by Lovelander Cindy Gray, is aimed at bringing the
Cindy Gray holds a sign for Meth Awareness Day on Nov. 30 at Lake Loveland. Gray’s late son, Mitch, was addicted to meth prior to his suicide in 2007. Gray has since organized Mitch’s March Against Meth, to be held on March 31, 2012, at Lake Loveland. RH photo/Jade Cody
Reporter-Herald/Jade Cody
Volunteers hold signs for Meth Awareness Day on Nov. 30 at Lake Loveland.
community together in the fight against meth. Gray’s son, Mitch, was addicted to meth for several years before committing suicide on July 4, 2007. Gray said Mitch became addicted to meth very quickly. “He tried it when he was 17, and he got completely addicted to meth. He was a good kid, he Mitch Gray, age 22 had a kind heart — he genuinely cared about people. He hated himself for what he did to our family, but
he was overcome with it (meth). He wrote me letters saying ‘I want to stop, but I can’t.’ “After they’re addicted,” Gray said, “there isn’t much you can do to make someone stop. So our goal is to educate. There’s a better success rate now than there was a few years back — so it is possible.” Giroux stressed that meth use is not only tragic for the friends and families of users, but also to the pocketbook of Loveland citizens. “It’s $75,000 per year on society for every single meth addict,” he said. “That’s $300 for every man, woman and child in Colorado.” Jonathan Judge, program manager for the Colorado Meth Project, was also on hand at Lake Loveland. He said it was important to support the CLEAR organization and to help educate people on meth usage. “This gets people at least thinking about the drug and having those important conversations with their children,” he said. Lovelander Shelley Duckett, who recently joined CLEAR and was holding a sign, said awareness was imperative. “I’ve seen a lot of families being ripped apart by meth, including mine,” she said. “So I just want to raise awareness. “I don’t think Loveland knows there’s a problem, so bringing awareness is important.” To volunteer with CLEAR or for more information, visit www.lovelandclear.org or call 970-405-7868. For more information about Mitch’s March Against Meth, visit http://mitchsmarch.org.
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 21
Just found out she needs spine surgery
Right now, what she needs is proven health care. When you got the news, it was overwhelming. So many decisions to make. But after a little crying and a lot of soul searching, you began your research. That’s when you understood, experience matters. That’s where Banner Health shines. For decades, we’ve provided doctors with the advanced technology and support they need to make the care you need possible. Like being able to perform spine surgery to replace damaged discs with new ones made of innovative materials. Whatever your health issue, you know that it matters what hospital you choose. And what matters now is that you go to the place where experts work best.
McKee Medical Center North Colorado Medical Center www.BannerHealth.com/COexperts Connect with us:
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
Avo i d common
breakfast mistakes Alison Johnson McClatchy-Tribune
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any people start their day with diet blunders. Here’s how to correct them, with help from Dr. Wayne Andersen, an obesity specialist and medical director for Take Shape for Life, a weight loss program.
SKIPPING BREAKFAST Dieters often use this strategy, but numerous studies have found breakfast eaters are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and make better food choices throughout the day. Even an unhealthy breakfast is almost always better than no breakfast at all.
... OR EATING IT TOO LATE Don’t wait longer than an hour. “Thirty minutes is ideal,” Andersen said.
NOT EATING ENOUGH PROTEIN You won’t stay full long on carbohydrate-rich breakfasts such as sugary cereals or pastries. Choose cereals made from rice, oats, wheat, barley or rye; eggs and low-fat dairy such as yogurt and milk also are good protein sources.
SKIMPING ON FIBER Fiber is filling enough to lower your overall caloric intake without leaving you feeling deprived. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals and add fruits and vegetables and a handful of nuts and seeds to staples such as cereal and eggs.
TAKING IN TOO MANY — OR TOO FEW — CALORIES Most people should aim for roughly 300 to 400 calories per morning meal.
NOT READING FOOD LABELS Compare total calories, protein, fiber, sugar and fat content, and pay attention to serving sizes. Remember that some “healthy” foods such as granola and cereal bars can be very high in sugar and fat. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check for nutrition facts via online menus.
DRINKING TOO MANY CALORIES Fruit juices and energy drinks, along with many flavored coffee creamers, often are packed with sugar. Water and unsweetened green tea are always good choices.
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 23
With a growing neurology team, we’re here for you. With new providers in Fort Collins and Loveland, Neurology Associates of Northern Colorado offers diagnoses, treatment and management of nervous system disorders, injuries and disease. Call us today to find out how you can become a patient.
Dr. Lawrence A. Meredith Loveland
Dr. Sheri Friedman Loveland
Alzheimer’s disease Headaches Epilepsy Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease
Dr. Scott Strader Fort Collins
Prospect Medical Plaza 1106 E. Prospect, Suite 100 Fort Collins 970.482.4373
Movement disorders Neuromuscular diseases Neuropathy Stroke Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Dr. Paramijt Kaur Fort Collins
Dr. Gerald McIntosh Fort Collins
Traumatic brain injury Neuro-rehabilitation Myasthenia gravis
Medical Center of the Rockies North Medical Office Building 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., Suite 2200 Loveland 970.667.7664
970.482.4373 pvhs.org/clinics
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
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Health News Briefs
LOVELAND TURKEY TROT BREAKS RECORD - AGAIN
Media, Great Harvest Bread, Advanced Medical Imaging, and Home State The Loveland Turkey Trot 5K run/walk Bank. was held Thanksgiving morning at McKNEW OBSTETRICIAN/ ee Medical Center. Beautiful weather allowed for perfect running conditions with GYNECOLOGIST JOINS LOVELAND CLINIC 2100 people entering the race, the most Banner Health is pleased to welcome ever for the 10th anniversary edition of Jonathan Franco, MD, to OB/GYN Assothis annual Loveland tradition. ciates of Loveland. Over $43,000 was raised. 100 percent Franco is a Colof entry fees and sponsorship contribuorado native and tions will benefit the Stepping Stones completed medical Adult Day Program at McKee. This program provides participants an opportuni- school at the University of Colorado ty to socialize, build friendships, and enSchool of Medicine joy stimulating activities in a safe, caring in Denver and a environment. By tailoring activities to meet individual’s specific needs, Stepping residency at Maricopa Medical CenStones becomes a place where dignity, ter and St. Joseph’s confidence, security and independence Hospital and Mediare assured, giving participants new levJonathan Franco els of freedom and enhancing their quali- cal Center in Phoenix. He has ty of life. practiced since Overall winners were: 1995 in Fort Collins and Denver. 1st Place Male: Jed Morgan with a Franco, who also speaks Spanish, has a time of 16:22; 1st Place Female: Abby special interest in providing outstanding Defferschmidt with a time of 18:48; obstetric care, minimally invasive and 1st Place Male Masters: Steve Read with a robotic surgery as well as in-office contratime of 18:36 and 1st Place Female ception and endometrial ablations. Masters: Shannon Bridgeman with a OB/GYN Associates is located at 1900 time of 20:51. The Fastest Team prize Boise Ave., Suite 300. The phone number went to the Cooney 5 with an overall is 970-667-2009. time of 57:37. The Largest Team prize went to the Lucile Erwin Middle School J.P. VALIN, MD, NAMED CHIEF Team with 110 runners awarding them MEDICAL OFFICER FOR BANNER the Middle School Challenge Grant of MEDICAL GROUP – WESTERN $250 to spend on wellness activities at the REGION school. Timed results for each runner can J.P. Valin, MD, has accepted the posibe found at McKeeFoundation.com. tion of chief medical officer for Banner Thank you to event sponsors: Medical Group – Western Region. Valin will join the Banner Medical Group leadDr. Stower’s Orthodontics, ership team Monday, Dec. 12. His office Orthopaedic Center of the Rockies, will be located at Banner Corporate CenMax Muscle, Walker Manufacturing, ter in Greeley. Loveland Reporter-Herald, NOCO 5, Advanced Direct Marketing, Townsquare Valin has extensive experience in med-
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ical group leadership. He has served on the board of directors of Big Thompson Medical Group since 2003, and helped to lead the successful transition of BTMG into Banner Health. Valin grew up outside of Boston, and received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He attended New York Medical College J.P. Valin and completed his internship and residency training at New York Presbyterian Hospital – Cornell Medical Center in New York City. He also served as Assistant Chief Medical Resident at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Valin originally joined Big Thompson Medical Group (BTMG) as a traditional internist in 2000. In 2006, he helped to develop the hospitalist program at McKee Medical Center and transitioned to become a full-time hospitalist in 2007. At McKee, he serves on the Professional Review Committee, the Utilization Management Committee and several Clinical Initiative Workgroups focusing on heart failure, reducing pneumonia treatment variations, and reducing re-admissions. Currently he is director of the McKee hospitalist program and the hospital’s Chief of Staff. Valin also served on the board of directors of the Mountain Shadows Physician Hospital Organization for nine years and has experience with capitation and Medicare Advantage plans.
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 25 Paid advertisement
COPD: How it can affect you McKee Medical Center
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o you ever have trouble breathing? Have you had a bad cough that will not go away or difficulty catching your breath? These could be symptoms of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or another lung illness. Your physician can help you get the answers you need by performing a simple in-office test called spirometry. Spirometry is the most common way of measuring the amount and speed of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. It sounds complex, but spirometry is a simple, painless test to measure lung capacity. The basic spirometry test varies depending on the equipment used, but generally, your healthcare provider will ask you to take the deepest breath you can and then exhale into the tube-shaped device for as long as possible. Spirometry is an important tool for improving the diagnosis and management for such conditions as COPD, a group of diseases that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis. This simple test can help your physician determine if you have an obstruction or restriction in your lungs. The earlier COPD is diagnosed, the better. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and is on the increase. Approximately 35 million individuals in this country have some form of COPD, and over 137,000 died from it in 2009 according to preliminary data released in March 2011. Lung experts encourage anyone over age 45 to be tested for COPD, especially current or former smokers. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD and the more a person smokes, the more likely that person is to develop COPD. Ac-
Lung experts encourage anyone over age 45 to be tested for COPD, especially current or former smokers.
cording to the Mayo Clinic, other risk factors for developing COPD are occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals, age and genetics. Symptoms generally develop in people at least 40 years old and rare genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency has been identified as a source in a few COPD cases. Researchers also suspect additional genetic factors can make some smokers more susceptible to developing the disease. Besides a persistent cough, other symptoms of COPD include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty catching your breath, wheezing and contracting frequent respiratory infections. COPD tends to develop slowly, so it is important to see your physician when you notice symptoms. COPD does not have a cure, but there are steps to relieve symptoms and stop the condition from worsening. Quitting smok-
ing is imperative for COPD sufferers to slow down lung damage. Inhalers that open airways are used to treat the disease along with inhaled steroids to reduce lung inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Singulair may be prescribed if needed. The Care Coordination Department at McKee Medical Center offers education sessions to aid in the management of COPD. During the seven-session series, the team reviews the respiratory system, how it works, and how you can conserve energy and decrease shortness of breath. Anyone who has COPD, emphysema or bronchitis is welcome to attend along with family and/or significant others. The next session is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, from 1-3 p.m. To register for the COPD series, call McKee Care Coordination at 970-635-4138.
Watch for in the the 3rd Thursday of each month.
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011
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Health Line Calendar
WISE WOMEN SUPPORT GROUP
BREAST-FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP
Join Dr. Beth Firestein for coffee and to meet some wonderful other women. When: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Dec. 15, Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 Where: The Mandolin Cafe, 210 E. 4th St. Cost: Free Contact: 970-635-9116.
When: 10-11 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays) Cost: Free. No need to register Contact: 970-669-9355
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS FOR INFANTS
Bright Beginnings is deWEIGHT LOSS SEMINAR signed to celebrate the birth of Create optimal health and new babies and provide famisafely lose 2-5 pounds per lies with health, safety, develweek with a medically proven opment, play and community program. Learn how many peo- resource information. ple have been able to reduce or When: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 eliminate medications for diap.m., Dec. 19, Jan. 16 betes, high blood pressure, and Where: Family Birth Center high cholesterol as well as Conference Room, 3rd Floor many other chronic conditions Cost: Free caused by excess weight. ProContact: 970-495-7528 to gram presented by a pharmacist register and a certified health coach. CHILDBIRTH AND FAMILY When: 6-7:30 pm Jan. 4, 2012. Seating Limited to the first LIFE EDUCATION McKee Medical Center offers 50 people. multi-session childbirth educaWhere: The Suites at the tion classes. For dates, times or Garden Room (2nd floor conto register, call 970-669-9355 or ference room), 697 Denver visit www.BannerHealth.com/ Ave., Loveland classes. For Spanish language Cost: Free classes, call 970-667-6241. In Contact: 970-302-4919 or addition, families can learn judestarks@gmail.com more about classes on breast BREATHE EASIER PULfeeding, sibling preparation and MONARY SUPPORT GROUP infant care. When: 10-11 a.m., second TOTAL JOINT EDUCATION Friday of every month beginning Jan. 13 Physical therapists and occuWhere: McKee Conference pational therapists prepare paand Wellness Center tients for surgery. This program Cost: Free is coordinated through your physician’s office as part of the Contact: 970-635-4053
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surgery scheduling process. When: 3 p.m., Thursdays Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Cost: Free Contact: 970-635-4172 to register
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP When: 5:30-7 p.m., second Thursday of the month Where: McKee Cancer Center Lobby Cost: Free Contact: 970-622-1961
CAREGIVER CANCER SUPPORT GROUP When: 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., every other Thursday, Dec. 15, 29, Jan. 5. Where: Call for locations Cost: Free Contact: 970-635-4129
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT For caregivers of elderly adults. The group focuses on providing support and education about community resources and behavior issues, particularly for people with Alzheimer’s and memory impairment. When: 1:30-3:30 p.m., third Thursday of the month Where: First Christian Church 2000 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland Cost: Free. Care of elderly adult family members or friends is available through Stepping Stones Adult Day Program during meeting times at no charge.
Contact: 970-669-7069
GENERAL CANCER SUPPORT When: 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesdays Where: McKee Cancer Center lobby Cost: Free Contact: 970-635-4129
MAN-TO-MAN: PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP When: 5:30-7 p.m., fourth Thursday of the month Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Cost: Free Contact: 970-622-1961
SOULPLAY ART THERAPY People whose lives are touched by cancer experience the benefits of expressing themselves through art. No art experience needed. When: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Wednesdays Where: McKee Cancer Center Conference Room Cost: Free Contact: 970-635-4129
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING Have your blood pressure checked by a Wellness Specialist. When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday Cost: Free Where: McKee Wellness Services, 1805 E. 18th St. Suite 6, Loveland Contact: 970-669-9355
Health News Briefs
POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM TO BUILD EMERGENCY AND SURGERY CENTER IN WEST GREELEY
Same-day surgery services will be offered for select general and elective surgeries in the areas of endoscopy, gastroenterology, Poudre Valley Health System announced orthopedics and urology. Other outpatient surgeries will be added as needs arise. In plans to build an emergency room and addition to outpatient surgeries, outpatient same-day surgery center in Greeley's IV therapy services will be offered. North Gate Village, next to King Soopers Marketplace, on the southeast corner of The 22,000-square-foot facility with an 71st Avenue and 10th Street. estimated cost of $14.5 million is scheduled The emergency division of the new facil- to open in June 2012 and will be divided into two main areas. One section will ity will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by board-certified emergency house an emergency care center that will include 10 examination rooms, two pediroom physicians from Emergency Physicians of the Rockies, an independent emer- atric exam rooms, a resuscitation room and gency provider group that has been serving laboratory. The diagnostic imaging area northern Colorado for more than 30 years. will include X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI.
The building also will feature a covered ambulance bay for easy emergency access in and out of the facility. The same-day surgery center, located on the west side of the building, will include three preparatory areas, two operating rooms, recovery areas and an observation room. According to Branzell, the proposed project is contingent on the land contract closing date anticipated to occur in the next 60 days. He estimates the project will generate approximately 70 new jobs in the Greeley community. For more information about the emergency and same-day surgery center, go to pvhs.org/weld-county-healthcare.
Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011 27
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Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado December 15, 2011