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June 20, 2013
HealthLine Of Northern Colorado
LASER ME SMOOTH Summer means swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless shirts and maintenance... or not.
SUMMER HEALTH EDITION + Avoiding illness in the pool + Get healthy summer skin + Summer fitness tips
Ask the Expert:
Heart Attack
What do I need to know about heart attacks? It is very important to call 911 if you suspect you or a loved one is having a heart attack. Paramedics will use special equipment to assess your condition on the scene, and may implement a Cardiac Alert. A Cardiac Alert notifies CVI cardiologists and cardiac catheterization lab staff members at McKee Medical Center to be ready to treat you upon arrival. Patients who are treated quickly as a result of McKee’s Cardiac Alert program: • Experience fewer immediate complications from the heart attack • Have less heart muscle damage • Are less likely to suffer from long-term heart failure Time is muscle – the faster the artery is open, the better the patient outcome.
Where
Experts Work Best.
Jim Quillen, M.D. Cardiologist CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado Appointments: (970) 203-2400
McKee Medical Center & North Colorado Medical Center Accepting Kaiser Permanente members.
www.BannerHealth.com/CVI
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contents
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Tips for avoiding illness in the pool this summer Page 4
Allergy apps help sneezy sufferers track their symptoms Page 16 ▲
also inside FITNESS:
Health Line of Northern Colorado is a monthly publication produced by the Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald. 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.
For advertising information contact:
Esprit de She races celebrate women ...........8 Summer fitness tips .....................................9
Keeping your skin healthy in the summer sun ..............................................18
Uncommon Sense .....................................10
HEALTH CALENDAR .................................20
FOOD:
HEALTH BRIEFS.......................................21
Outdoor Food Safety...................................14
Linda Story, advertising director: 970-635-3614
For editorial:
Misty Kaiser, 303-473-1425 kaiserm@dailycamera.com
on the cover LASER ME SMOOTH: Summer means swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless shirts and maintenance... or not.
_________ PAGE 6
Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 3
Going for a swim? These tips will help you avoid illnesses By Colleen Wright Orlando Sentinel (MCT)
Summer time is all about taking a dip in the pool, but it’s no fun when it makes you sick. Every year, thousands of Americans get sick from recreational water illnesses caused by germs spread from swallowing, breathing in mists or coming into contact with shared bodies of contaminated water. That water can be in backyard swimming pools and hot tubs, public water parks and interactive fountains or
in natural lakes, rivers, even oceans. Diarrhea is the most common infection, but recreational water illnesses also can lead to skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections, according to the Department of Health in Orange and Seminole counties in Florida. “Children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk for these illnesses,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin, Director of the Department of Health in Orange County, in a statement. Anyone who is ill should avoid swimming until their symptoms have passed, Sherin added.
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“Just one diarrheal incident can release enough germs into the water that swallowing a mouthful can cause diarrhea lasting up to two to three weeks,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for the Department of Health in Seminole County, in a statement. A key to healthy summers starts with the backyard swimming pool. • To keep the water free of illnesses, check chlorine and pH levels before entering the water, according to county health departments. Even though chlorine isn’t enough to keep pools illness-free, proper levels maximize germ-killing power. • Don’t swallow the water
Thursday, June 20, 2013
•
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you swim in. Parents of small children should take youngsters on bathroom trips every hour and check diapers every 30 to 60 minutes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends these guidelines for a healthy swim. Don’t swim when you have diarrhea. Shower with soap before you start swimming. Take a rinse shower before you get back into the water. Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes. Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
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Ask the Expert:
Detox Diets
What should I know about detox diets and colon cleanses before starting one? The goal of these diets is to rid the body of toxins that may cause a wide range of medical ailments (fatigue, headaches, fibromyalgia and more) with weight loss as a bonus. These diets often involve a multi-day regimen with a period of fasting and a restricted diet. Many programs also include laxatives and a liquid-based concoction. Diets that recommend very few calories can lead to malnutrition, dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Laxatives can also cause dehydration. Advocates of detox diets claim a variety of health benefits, but there is no supporting medical research. A healthy diet and exercise are recommended over these diets. Consult your physician before beginning a weight loss program or detox diet to learn the risks and set safe weight loss goals.
Where
Experts Work Best.
Grant Taylor, D.O.
Family Medicine Banner Medical Clinic Harmony Road Appointments – (970) 204-9069
To find a Banner Health physician in your area, visit www.BannerHealth.com/BMG Accepting Kaiser Permanente Members
/BannerHealth
Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 5
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ON THE COVER
Laser Me SMOOTH
Summer means swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless shirts and maintenance... or not.
by Dominique Del Grosso
From plucking, threading, shaving, waxing, or maintaining an au naturel look, hair removal can be a real pain, literally. When in pursuit of baby-soft skin, experiencing nicks, burns,
in-grown hairs or red, irritated skin areas is the last thing you’re after. Fortunately, laser hair removal makes smooth, hairless skin achievable. Out with the razor, hot wax, tweezers and pain-inducing hair removal techniques—take a seat, lie back
6 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
and let the laser concentrate its light beam on your hair follicles, zapping them into submission. Looking fabulously hairless is possible.
Growth Be Gone
In reality, there’s no entirely painless way to remove hair. Any method comes with
Thursday, June 20, 2013
risk, but the purpose of laser hair removal is to successfully eliminate hair growth for the long-term, making your maintenance more manageable and cost-efficient. Jean McBride, owner of and esthetician with aRejuvenation Med Spa in Longmont, recommends two things: Make certain you schedule treatments with a clinic who has a medical doctor overseeing the services provided, as it’s a legal requirement in the state of Colorado, and speaking with a certified laser technician, who has special training on the particular laser medical device, to ensure all your questions and concerns are addressed before you invest in the process. To alleviate any unnecessary worry leading up to your first appointment, it’s in the client’s best interest to have a thorough understanding of the laser hair removal process, the cost, what to expect in appointments and how to best prepare your mind and body. The nervousness leading up to the first appointment can be the worst part. “This is because of high anxiety due to the unknown, and because there will be the
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highest percentage of hair in the growth cycle cycle. When the treatment is over, the normal response is ‘That was so much easier that I thought it would be,’” McBride says. Most medical spas suggest clients generally commit to six to 10 treatments to achieve long-lasting results. The reason for multiple appointments is because hair doesn’t grow all at one time, making it impossible to do away with all of it entirely in one go. Yielding the best results, the hair must be penetrated in its growth cycle, Tamara Dzurek, paramedical aesthetician at Meyers Aesthetic Center in Longmont, says. As a result, each treatment is generally separated by five to six weeks, McBride says.
treatment is over,
six to 10 treatments, the expense of laser hair removal may outweigh the cost of consistent waxing appointments, making extra time to shave your intimate areas or banishing that unwelcome facial hair forever.
the normal
Color Blind
“When the
response is ‘That was so much easier that I thought it would be,’” Jean McBride, Owner/esthetician, aRejuvenation Med Spa
The rates for laser hair removal vary from $300 to $1,600 for the minimum of six appointments give or take depending on two things: which areas you designate for treatment and which spa you visit. Although potentially pricey up-front with
Unfortunately for the blond and redheads of the world, laser hair removal isn’t as effective on these hair colors. The darker and coarser the hair, the better the results, Dzurek says. This is because the laser doesn’t recognize white, blond or red hair. “The laser beam is red, therefore, it is unable to distinguish red hair,” McBride says. Also unfortunate for those with light hair, there are no products on the market that can darken the pigment of hair to increase the laser’s efficacy.
First-Timer
Prepping your body for the first laser hair removal appointment is a mustdo. McBride and Dzurek
recommend shaving a few days before to achieve a bit of hair growth and come ready lotion, deodorant and self-tanner free. If using Retinol products, they should not be used several days before treatment, but it’s recommended to speak with your medical professional and certified technician to determine the appropriate course of action prior to your appointment. The most common areas certified technicians laser on women are the face, underarms and bikini area. And, the most common areas for men are the back of the neck and areas of the back, Dzurek and McBride say. Each area varies significantly in price. The more surface area the laser will cover, it’s likely the more expensive it will be. It’s important to ask questions about what to expect after the first treatment, too. Sometimes, the treated area can become sensitive. “There may be some swelling and redness around the hair
Thursday, June 20, 2013
follicle,” Dzurek says. And, knowing what you can or cannot do about it is equally important. At the finish of six to 10 treatments, clients can expect an 85 to 90 percent reduction of pigmented hair, McBride says. “The goal is to space the appointments out appropriately in order to obtain the largest percentage of hair in the growth cycle during treatment. Maintenance appointments are common and more and more reduction can be achieved over time,” she says. For best results, it’s not recommended to be humdrum about the laser hair removal process. “Consistency of treatments plays a huge role in the success of hair removal. The goal is to have the largest percentage of hair in the growth cycle each treatment. Coming in too early and skipping appointments will increase the number of treatments needed,” McBride says.
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 7
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FITNESS
Women athletes have races geared just for them
Kurhajetz. For women who are ready to hit the road, Rebekah Mayer, national training manager for Life Time Run, offers the following tips:
New runners: (BPT) - Women are busier event experiences. Start with one minute of One such event, debutthan ever these days - the running followed by four mining in 2013 is the Life Time latest report from Runninutes of walking, and repeat Athleta Esprit de She - The gUSA says women account Spirit of Her event series. four to six times. Each week, for nearly eight million U.S. Designed exclusively for add a minute of running and road-race finishers, with the women, the series features remove a minute of walking, number continuing to climb. 18 fitness-inspired “happy until you’re able to run 10 For many women, running hour” 5K and 10K runs, minutes or more without a provides an opportunity to cycle tours, duathlons and break. take a break from the chaltriathlons for every pace and lenges of work, family and Moms: passion. Each event includes other stress to be their best Invest in a running a post-race rendezvous where selves while combining fun, stroller. Look for times when participants can salute their personal accomplishment you can squeeze in a run success with a drink at the and camaraderie with others. while bringing a child (or two) champagne bubbly bar, enjoy One of the latest trends in along. Play “I Spy” along your post-race manicures, pedifitness caters to this female route to keep kids entercures and massages at the audience, with many race tained. LifeSpa beauty bar, and shop events designed specifiat the community market. Carb-loaders: cally for women. In 2011, ”Crossing the finish line is Running burns about 100 the United States had 18 a defining moment for both calories a mile and you’ll want women-only events, but by girls and women - no matter to refuel appropriately during 2012, the number had risen their age - and is worthy training. Having a combinato more than 200. Womenof celebration. The shared tion of protein, healthy fats only events offer something desire to celebrate fitness and fiber during each meal for everyone, from beginners and health, optimism and and snack throughout the to competitive racers, and strength will inspire women day will promote a healthy provide a meaningful and of today and nurture the girls metabolism. There is no need relevant fitness experience of tomorrow,” says Esprit de to “carb-load” for 5K and by mixing camaraderie with She brand director, Lindsey competition and designer 10K training. 8 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado Thursday, June 20, 2013
Social butterflies: Find friends with whom you can share the journey. Registering for a 5K or 10K with a friend can become a girls’ night out. Many races promote women-only destination events, with the idea that participants can leave behind their work or family obligations and travel with a running girlfriend to enjoy competition and relaxation time simultaneously, according to RunningUSA. “It’s common for women to feel guilty about taking time away from their jobs, kids and other obligations to work out. Just remember, you’ll be a happier, healthier woman,” Mayer says.
IF YOU GO: Esprit de She Run Cherry Creek North, Colorado, July 7, during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Registration is still open for this event. Visit espritdeshe.com, the official website of The Spirit of Her Race Series, to learn more.
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Fitness tips to get ready for summer fun (BPT) - The sun is shining longer every day, telling you that it’s time to get ready for vacations, activities with family and friends and of course, swimsuit season. To help you prepare, there are some simple fitness tips you can follow to look and feel good this summer season. Celebrity trainer and spokesman for the makers of Dr. Scholl’s®, Dolvett Quince, helps people to look and feel their best on a daily basis. “Summer is just a few short months away,” Quince says. “Getting your body ready for summer requires full involvement of one’s self. You need to be prepared mentally as much as you invest in yourself, physically. So, you need to be ready from your head to your toes
- it’s a full body commitment. Hard work aside, you’ll be sure to enjoy the new you as you reach your goal.” He has a few tips to help you tackle your workout routines and get your body ready for your summer wardrobe: • Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps flush your system, and as a bonus, it keeps you from feeling bloated. • Swimwear, shorts and dresses show off the legs, so be sure to target that area. Do squats and lunges to help tone the thighs and glute area. • Eat plenty of fiber. Remember you can get fiber from many different foods, including delicious
summer fruits such as raspberries, blueberries and strawberries! • Wear the right footwear. You don’t want your workout routine halted by injuries or soreness in your feet or legs. Dr. Scholl’s® Active Series™ Replacement Insoles offer targeted Triple Zone Protection - in the ball of the foot, the arch, and the heel - to help protect feet with every step. These insoles can help relieve and prevent pain for those suffering from shin splints, runner’s knee and plantar fasciitis. • Add weights to your workout routine. They don’t have to be heavy to
help trim and tone your muscles. • Keep up the workout, even while on vacation. Add a little variety to the routine with yoga or a jog along the beach. Time your workouts in the morning so you can enjoy the rest of your day. • As always, be sure to exercise responsibly and consult with a fitness expert to ensure you use proper form. Summer and warmer weather will be here before you know it, so get started right away to show off your physical fitness and summerready body. Put Quince’s fitness tips to use now to get your body toned and ready.
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Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 9
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Uncommon Sense
Talking to kids about Pot Dear Dr. Beth, I am the parent of two young teenagers who attend middle school in the area. I am very concerned about the new law that legalizes pot smoking. I have tried to steer my kids away from drugs and now it feels like our state is giving kids the message that smoking pot is okay and even “cool”. How do I keep them going in the right direction? The issue of whether to legalize marijuana has been a topic of intense debate for our states and our nation for decades now. Until recently, the majority of citizens in our state and other states have been vehemently opposed to the legalization of pot. Gradually over time the demograph-
ics of the population have changed and many people have become accepting of pot as a recreational drug on par with alcohol - not necessarily good for you but a substance informed adults should be able to make their own decisions about. The legal and political issues around this topic are extremely complex and those are not my areas of expertise. As we know, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Colorado (and Washington State) have both passed referendums legalizing possession and use of small quantities of pot and both states are in active periods of hammering out implementation guidelines about the recent legalization.
Save the Date
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 - 10a.m. Preclous Pals Cemetery Dedication Ceremony
10 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
Dr. Beth Firestein, Licensed Psychologist
One thing that is definite is that use of marijuana, like alcohol, is illegal for minors. In that sense, nothing has changed for you as a parent of children who are minors. How to parent around this issue is a trickier matter. While alcohol and pot are not the same in either public perception or effect, in some ways the issues are analogous. Think about how you parent your children around alcohol. Some parents don’t consume alcohol on a regular basis in their homes and strongly discourage their children from using alcohol. Some families consume alcohol on a casual social basis and still strongly discourage their children from drinking until they are permitted to make their own decisions as adults. Parents need not change their own personal parenting values around drugs and alcohol just because a substance becomes legal. Have frank, open, non-judgmental discussions with your children about your views on recreational use of marijuana when it seems timely and age-appropriate to do so. You can acknowledge that different members of society view recreational use of pot in different ways and let them know how you see it. Give them a clear sense of your expectations and encourage their resistance to peer pressure just as you would around any type of unhealthy behavior. Denying or ignoring the fact of legalization or going into lengthy moral lectures about the wrongness of legalization is unlikely to be helpful in Thursday, June 20, 2013
any way, but it is fine to point out that neither the majority of states nor the federal government have yet legalized the drug and that there are definite risks associated with using pot. Ultimately, you have to decide as a parent what the consequences will be if you find out that your child is experimenting with pot, alcohol, or other drugs. If your children are on the cusp of the age of majority, you may have to decide how to deal with your adult child’s decision to perhaps use this substance now that it is legal. These are tricky issues for families but open, honest, non-coercive communication is the key to maintaining healthy relationships with your adolescent and young adult children. Dr. Beth, I am 28, single, and about six months out of a relationship with a woman that was quite important to me. I feel like I am pretty well over the ending of that relationship and ready to start dating again. The problem is that my last girlfriend had herpes. Even though she told me about it and we tried to be safe, I still ended up getting herpes too. Now I am worried about dating and having to tell a new partner that I have an STD. How do I go about doing this? I’m glad to hear that your previous girlfriend was straightforward with you. I’m not sure what practices you used to be safe, but most of the time precautions do work to prevent transmission of the virus. However, this is not always the case. Avoiding unprotected sex-
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ual contact during outbreaks is generally an effective (though not foolproof) way to avoid transmitting herpes to a partner. However, newer research indicates that during a small percentage of days in a month the person with herpes can have “asymptomatic shedding” of the virus. This means that at times the virus may be present in the genital tract in the absence of visible outbreaks making it possible to unintentionally transmit the virus to your partner in the absence of any obvious symptoms. This creates a tricky situation for potential partners trying to protect uninfected partners. In fact, a new partner who doesn’t believe they have herpes and has never had an outbreak may already be carrying the virus due to prior asymptomatic transmission of the virus from a previ-
ous partner. Without proper testing you may not know the other person also has the virus since many people never manifest the virus in obvious outbreaks. Thus, protection is a two-way street. Herpes virus antibodies have been determined to be present in about 22% of the US adult population. Herpes has been described by one expert as “a life adversity, nothing more and nothing less.” It is not a life-threatening illness. Fortunately, lots of research has been done that indicates that asymptomatic viral shedding as well as outbreaks can be significantly reduced by taking anti-viral medications on a regular basis. Protected sex using condoms is also an effective method for greatly reducing the risk of infecting an uninfected partner. The best thing to do is to
inform yourself of the facts of your condition and communicate clearly and honestly the risk factors to any new potential sexual partner. Most people find that their partner is willing to work with them on this issue even if they are uninfected. A great resource for education is the website herpes.org. It has the most recent high quality information on herpes prevention and treatments. Having herpes need not be a barrier to having a satisfying sexual-romantic relationship. It just requires a bit of preparation and caution to minimize the chances of becoming infected or infecting a new partner. Ultimately, you are the person
and that can and will make the best decisions about when and how to disclose to potential partners. The important thing is to share this information with your potential partner before you have sex and to be honest and informed.
Uncommon Sense with Beth Firestein Dr. Beth Firestein is a licensed psychologist. She has 27 years of therapy experience and has practiced in Loveland for more than 16 years. She may be reached by calling her office at 970-635-9116, via email at firewom@webaccess.net or by visiting www.bethfirestein.com.
R ecovery in mind, body and spirit. To learn more, call (970) 624-5458.
All faiths or beliefs are welcome.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 11
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FOOD Watercress finesse: Crisp, peppery green takes a starring role in sprightly main-dish salad
By Joe Gray, Chicago Tribune, (MCT) Watercress is a treat I had come to associate with spring and the return of farmers markets — that is, until I came across vibrant bunches of it recently at the local grocer. It was so fresh and crisp that instead of figuring how to incorporate it into dinner, I made it dinner accompanied by ingredients to complement, not overpower, its peppery bite cooling and zesty oranges, mild sauteed chicken, briny olives and rich, tangy feta. So was born a watercress-centric salad that makes a light dinner.
For a heartier version, you certainly could make the meal chicken-centric, grilling larger portions and serving the rest of the salad alongside. (Shrimp would be good as well.) A milder cheese, such as queso fresco, could sub for the feta. Since that dinner, I’ve come to find out that watercress is common at many grocers. Apparently, everyone knew this but me. I’m still enjoying the freshly picked wild watercress from the farmers market, but I’m so glad to have a supply at the grocer when that harvest is done. Tip: Watercress is edible from stem to leaves. If the stems are thick, you can snap or cut them off, separating the clusters into smaller sprigs. (Nibble on the thick stems for a snack.) WATERCRESS, CHICKEN AND CITRUS SALAD Prep: 20 minutes/ Cook: 8 minutes/ Servings: 2 Vinaigrette: 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt
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Salad: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 pound chicken tenders or 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast half 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large bunches watercress, about 6 oz. 2 tangerines, peeled, segmented (or 1 orange) 1/2 medium jicama, peeled, cut in 1/4-inch matchsticks, about 1 cup 1/4 cup quartered green olives 2 oz feta, crumbled, about 1/2 cup Directions: 1. For the vinaigrette, whisk the orange juice, vinegar, olive oil and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside for flavors to marry. 2. For the salad, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high
heat. Add the chicken; sprinkle with salt. Cook, turning, until lightly browned and cooked through, 8 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. 3. Place the watercress, tangerine segments, jicama, olives and feta in a bowl. Shred the chicken into long pieces with your fingers (or slice or cube it with a knife). Add to the salad. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad; toss gently with your hands to lightly coat all the ingredients. Nutrition information: Per serving: 494 calories, 34 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 88 mg cholesterol, 21 g carbohydrates, 30 g protein, 1,307 mg sodium, 5 g fiber. ——— ©2013 Chicago Tribune. Visit the Chicago Tribune at chicagotribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 13
Dining outdoors? Tips for keeping food safe and delicious
(BPT) - Al fresco dining is one of the great pleasures of warm weather. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood barbecue or an intimate dinner party on your deck, outdoor dining is a great way to savor good food, company and the great outdoors. To ensure your meals are safe and enjoyable, it’s important to know how to prepare, transport and store food for outdoor eating. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) offers some advice for safely handling food when you’re dining outdoors this summer:
Purchasing
Warm weather brings a bounty of fresh produce, and a trip to the local farmers market can make a nice addition to your outdoor meal. Food safety starts in the field. It’s important to get to know the growers selling produce at your local farm stand, and ask about their farming practices. How do they
keep their products free from bacterial pathogens and other contaminants? Farmers may also have great tips for storing produce, testing for ripeness and even ways to prepare the fruits and veggies they sell. IFT spokesperson and food safety expert, Don Schaffner, PhD, says that when you’re purchasing produce, make sure it’s free of mold, bruises or blemishes where bacterial pathogens can grow. Many grocery stores offer freshly cut, packaged produce for customers seeking nutritious convenience foods. Freshly cut vegetables and fruit need proper temperature control to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Prepping
Before preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure all prep utensils such as cutting boards, dishes and countertops are clean before
14 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
preparing each food item. Dirt, dust and pathogenic microbes can linger on produce. It’s important to wash fresh produce before consuming it. The only exception is are pre-bagged salads and leafy greens, as experts advise that additional washing of ready-to-eat green salads is not likely to enhance safety. Thoroughly washing in cold water will suffice for most fruits and vegetables, but some types of produce require special handling. Wash spinach or salad greens in a bowl of water and rinse them gently to remove dirt and other contaminants. Give extra attention to fruits with stems, such as apples, pears and peaches. You may be tempted to forego washing fruit with a rind, since you won’t be eating the rind. But, it’s still important to wash oranges, avocados, melons, cantaloupe, etc. - pathogens can linger in unwashed crevices and transfer to your hands or the
Thursday, June 20, 2013
knife you use to cut the fruit. In addition, wash items you’ll peel - such as carrots and cucumbers - for the same reason.
Grilling
If you’ll be grilling at home, remember to always marinate meat in the refrigerator, never on the kitchen counter or outdoors. Discard any extra marinade that’s touched raw meat. Grill food thoroughly, using a thermometer to ensure the proper internal temperature: 145°F for steaks and fish, 160°F for pork, hot dogs and hamburgers, and 165°F for poultry. Keep finished meats hot until you serve by moving them to the side of the grill rack, away from the coals or highest flame on your gas grill. Avoid cross contamination by using separate serving plates and utensils for different meats and vegetables. If you’ll be grilling away from home - in a park, tailgat-
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ing at a sporting event or on a camping trip - consider purchasing pre-formed patties for burgers and pre-cut poultry. This minimizes the amount of handling meat requires and can help minimize the risk of bacteria and cross contamination.
Transporting
A picnic in the park can be great fun for everyone, but it’s important to assure your food arrives safely along with your family and guests. Follow smart food packing guidelines. Keep meats, including lunch meats and raw meats, cheeses and condiments cold in insulated, soft-sided bags or coolers with freezer gel packs. Food needs to be stored at 40° F or colder to reduce the risk of pathogen growth, so limit the number of times you open the cooler. Never
allow food to sit for more than two hours at temperatures below 90°F, and no more than an hour when temperatures exceed 90°F. Throw away food that’s been sitting out too long. Securely package raw meat, seafood and poultry to ensure the juices don’t contaminate other foods. Pack only the amount of perishable food that you think will be eaten. Beverages and perishable foods should travel in separate containers and coolers, especially if you’ll be transporting raw meat. When it’s time to go home, don’t reuse packaging material that has touched raw meats or meat juices. Make sure perishable leftovers stay cold on the trip home. Avoid taking home uncooked leftovers.
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Thursday, June 20, 2013
Join hosts Ashley Dean and Quentin Young as they turn the spotlight on diverse musical acts from Colorado – and those just passing through. Watch bands take over our compact studio. Soak up the banter. Find out what makes them tick. Sign up for the Second Story newsletter and immerse yourself in the scene.
SecondStoryGarage.com
Live Music Interviews The Inside Track
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 15
Pollen count apps for smartphones are nothing to sneeze at By Allie Shah, Star Tribune (Minneapolis), (MCT)
Kate O’Reilly’s spring allergy survival kit includes the usual stuff — nasal sprays, allergy pills and a box of tissues. This season, she’s added a new weapon to her line of defense: an app on her smartphone. After waking up one recent morning with a stuffy nose and stinging eyes, she downloaded the WebMD Allergy app, which tracks pollen levels in the air. “If there’s a high level, I want to wake up knowing that,” said O’Reilly, of Minneapolis. The prolonged winter delayed the start of allergy season, which typically begins in March. While that gave allergy sufferers some relief, allergists say their offices now are bustling as allergy season kicks into high gear. Allergy apps are just starting to bloom. Many of them have been developed in the last year, said social media expert Christopher Lower, who contends that the new apps are a spinoff of the wildly popular weather apps.
These apps are beginning to change the way some people manage their seasonal allergies, which afflict up to 25 percent of the population. But some allergists are skeptical about the apps’ usefulness. Common features of the often-free allergy apps include a daily forecast of the pollen levels in your area and a description of the predominant allergens in the air — tree pollen, grass, mold and ragweed, to name a few. Many apps also allow users to log their symptoms and medications. For example, Zyrtec makes an AllergyCast app with a “Today I feel” dial that allows users to choose from “ugh” to “great.” It also features a “products” tab that lists various medications, made by Zyrtec, of course. Dr. Ron Reilkoff, a pulmonologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, said he sees benefits in using apps to measure air quality. “All these allergies depend on the environ-
16 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
ment,” he said, “so if you can be forewarned and be prepared that it’s going to be a bad day … I think it’s beneficial.” Dr. Julia Montejo, an allergist with Fairview Clinics, agreed. She said the apps can be particularly helpful for people who don’t recognize their symptoms. “I think they’re useful if they can help guide your therapy,” she said. “For some people, if they have runny noses and sneezes, and they’re wondering if they have a cold or an allergy, they can probably figure out that it’s an allergy if they see pollen counts. So then they’ll say, ‘Oh,
Thursday, June 20, 2013
today is a Claritin day, not a Sudafed day.’” Catie Kennedy of Minneapolis has been using an allergy app for several months. “I find it incredibly useful,” she said. “I’d rather know what I’m up against than not.” Her app sends her special alerts when pollen levels are especially high. “I take an allergy pill every day as soon as I start getting these alerts,” she said. But not everyone is so eager to welcome the apps. At the Allina Medical Clinic in Woodbury, Minn., Dr. Pramod Kelkar said that many factors beside pollen levels influence allergies.
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WebMD Allergy app is one of a handful of mobile apps that allow allergy sufferers to track their reactions and anticipate attacks. - Image courtesy of webmd.com
“It’s kind of intellectually satisfying to look at the apps and look at the pollen count,” he said, but, “people should look at their body and their symptoms rather than looking at the apps.” Dr. Philip Halverson questioned the tool’s usefulness as well. “I wonder about the clinical utility of pollen counts,” he said. People with allergies who are seeing doctors already are treating their symptoms. “If it’s a seasonal allergy, we typically have a plan,” he said. “So, really, the treatment is pretty much symptom-based.” Allergy apps aren’t on most people’s radar yet, said Lower, co-owner of
Sterling Cross Communications in Maple Grove, Minn., but they’re a natural outgrowth of mainstream apps. He cited a recent Pew Research Center report on smartphone apps, which found that weather-related apps top the list of mobile downloads. “That’s typically where most of these (allergy) apps came out of — they’re gaining mass information from weather sites,” he said. O’Reilly had a weather app, but was looking for more information about pollen. So, she turned to what’s become a reliable source: her smartphone. She tweeted: “I wish weather apps had an allergy component. Is there
a seasonal allergy app?” She instantly received a half dozen responses on Twitter. Kennedy chimed in, tweeting: “The Weather Channel App for iPhone does. There are even alerts!” O’Reilly ultimately chose the WebMD Allergy app. It has bar graphs showing pollen levels, ranging from none to low to moderate to high and finally severe. “It’s almost like a ‘threat level green,’ ‘threat level orange’ situation,” she said, laughing. “I liked it right away.” ———
©2013 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Visit the Star Tribune (Minneapolis) at startribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 17
Your partners in health.
HEALTHY SUMMER SKIN:
Lovelaand Family Practice has a new name, but the friendly faces you’ve come to knoow and trust for qualityy health care remain. Dr. Kevin Felix and Victor Palomares, PAC, are dedicated to the develoopment of long-term relatioonships with each patiennt, focusing not just on thee illness, but also on prevenntive care. Now w welcoming new w ppatients. Same-day appointments mayy bbe available. Call 970.3 92.4752. Victor Palomares, PA-C Dr. Kevin Felix
tips for every age (BPT) - As people show more skin with the summer season, it is important to get into a skincare routine that fits your lifestyle. Extended time in the sun can result in unwanted wrinkles, blemishes and sagging skin, not to mention more serious consequences - melanomas, scarring and skin cancer. Current estimates show that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, it only requires simple steps alongside a protective mindset to prevent skin damage at every stage of life. To maintain a healthy exterior this season, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stanferd L. Kusch provides the following tips for strong, glowing skin at any age:
IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 20S
Primary Care 3850 N. Grant Ave. (Northwest of 37th Street and Garfield Avenue)
pvhs.org/clinics 18 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
Though you may not be worrying about wrinkles yet, your skin may start to show warning signs of damage. Now is the time to focus on prevention. • Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps delay the appearance of wrinkles. • Quit smoking: Smoking strips your skin of elastin and collagen, leaving you at the risk of severely premature facial wrinkling. • Eat smart: Foods that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants help prevent wrinkles by reflecting UV radiation from the sun. Thursday, June 20, 2013
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IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 30S This decade is the first time many see distinct signs of aging and skin damage, and it becomes necessary to build a more aggressive damage control and prevention regimen. • Assess the damage: Take advantage of free health screenings at your local pharmacies or retailers. • Maintain reduced stress levels. Ask your pharmacist or clinician about the effects of cortisol and stress on your skin and weight. • Get acquainted with retinoids: Retinoid creams contain compounds found in vitamin A and are used to treat wrinkles, sun damage and acne. Retinoid creams are available in
both prescription and over-the-counter treatments. • Make sunscreen a habit: Use (and reapply) sunscreen throughout the day whenever you go outside.
IF YOU’RE IN YOUR 40S Years of sun exposure can leave your skin with noticeable lines, blotchiness or dryness. • Limit exposure: Decreasing sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin cancer. • Moisturize regularly: While moisturizers won’t slow down the aging process, they can help soothe increasingly raw or irritated skin and can help strengthen collagen. • Add a little pep: Skin creams with peptides
(small chains of protein molecules) can stimulate collagen and plump sagging skin.
IF YOU’RE 50-PLUS For people age 50 and older, it’s critical to be aware of changes in your skin that may reflect the status of its health. • Self check: Monitor changes in your skin and look out for persistent pink, scaly patches and red or black pearly spots or bumps - these can sometimes be indicators of skin cancer. • See a dermatologist: By age 50, everyone should have a total body skin check to screen for skin cancer. • Continue good habits: Sunscreen is still an absolute must for this
age range, and moisturizers and hydration are even more important than ever. No matter what your age, everyone feels most confident when their skin is its healthiest. Visit your doctor or take advantage of free counsel from pharmacists and local health screenings. For example, Sam’s Club hosts health screenings every month which are free and available to the public. For a full schedule of Sam’s Club screenings through October, visit SamsClub.com/healthyliving. This season, take action to prevent and minimize skin damage, so your skin is nourished, protected and healthy for many summers to come.
spine care that’s right for you ORTHOPAEDIC & SPINE CENTER OF THE ROCKIES
Spine & Pediatric Spine Pediatric Orthopaedics Trauma & Fractures Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine Hand & Upper Extremity Knee & Shoulder
Specialists in the medicine of motion www.orthohealth.com 2500 E. Prospect Road Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 970-493-0112
Joint Replacement & Arthritis Physiatry Worker’s Comp Services
3470 E. 15th Street Loveland, Colorado 80538 970-663-3975
If you have a back or neck problem, we can help you get back to what you love. Drs. Robert Benz and Bill Biggs have years of experience and board certification in spine care. They specialize in the care that’s right for you—helping people like you feel better and get going again. We offer a complete spine program, whether you need surgery or conservative care. Surgery options include: • Computer guided surgery
• Artificial disc replacement
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Scoliosis care & surgery
Robert Benz, MD
William Biggs, MD
If we can help you with a back or neck problem, call us today at (970) 663-3975. Serving the people of northern Colorado, Wyoming, and western Nebraska. Nancy McRae, PA-C
Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 19
HL
HEALTH CALENDAR
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m., June 25 – Respiratory tools, oxygen July 2 – Nutrition July 9 – Personal Power, Advance Directives July 16 – Wrap up Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 2000 Boise. Ave., Loveland Cost: Free. Call: (970) 635-4015
MCKEE SPIRIT OF WOMEN
“Walk With Spirit”. An online walking guide to encourage women to get out and exercise. Link to the site to register is: http://spiritofwomen.com/ walkwithspirit/
BREAST-FEEDING CLASSES
When: 6:30-9 p.m., July 23 Cost: $20/couple Call: (970) 669-9355 to register
BREAST-FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays), 10-11 a.m. Cost: FREE. No need to register Call: (970) 669-9355
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
Have your blood pressure checked by a Wellness Specialist Where: McKee Wellness Services, 1805 E. 18th St. Suite 6, Loveland
When: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 669-9355
CPR FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS (INITIAL)
This class is designed for licensed and nonlicensed health care providers. The certification is valid for two years. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: 6-9:30 p.m., June 25 Cost: $55 (includes required book) Registration and payment due prior to class. Recertification available as well. Call: (970) 669-9355 to register
HEARTSAVER CPR WITH AED
The class is taught by American Heart Association certified health care professionals and covers adult and infant/child CPR, obstructed airway, the Heimlich maneuver, the use of a barrier device and AED hands-on training. The certification is valid for two years. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., July 23 Cost: $42 (includes required book)
SAFE SITTER
Safe Sitter is a one-day, sixhour class designed for 11to 13-year-olds. Participants learn care of the choking infant and child, babysitting as a business, child care essentials, safety for the sit-
20 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
ter, preventing injuries and injury and behavior management. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: July 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $45 Call: (970) 669-9355 to register.
YOGA SUPPORT GROUP FOR ANYONE TOUCHED BY CANCER
Join us for gentle yoga and holistic therapy education. Where: McKee Medical Center Cancer Center Lobby When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost: free Call: (970) 635-4054 to register
CAREGIVER CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Where: Call for locations and dates. Cost: FREE Call: (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. Where: First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland When: Third Thursday of the month, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cost: FREE Care of elderly adult family members or friends is available through Stepping
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Stones Adult Day Program during meeting times at no charge. Call: (970) 669-7069
GENERAL CANCER SUPPORT
Where: McKee Cancer Center lobby When: Tuesdays (except holidays), 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 635-4129
MAN TO MAN SUPPORT GROUP FOR PROSTATE CANCER
When: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., Fourth Thursday of each month Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Cost: Free Call: (970) 622-1961
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Where: McKee Cancer Center lobby When: Nov. 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 622-1961
TOTAL JOINT EDUCATION
Physical therapists and occupational therapists prepare patients for surgery. This program is coordinated through your physician’s office as part of the surgery scheduling process. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: Thursdays, 3 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 635-4172 to register
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HEALTH BRIEFS
FREE PUBLIC SEMINAR Acting as a Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities, and Risks
Speakers will be Norm Rehme, CWS®, V.P. and Trust Officer at Home State Bank and John Blair, S.V.P. and Trust Department Manager at Home State Bank. Seminar takes place on Thursday June 27, 3 to 5 p.m. in the Friends Room at McKee Conference and Wellness Center 2000 Boise Ave. in Loveland. Trustee duties are significant and should not be taken lightly. Many people serve as a trustee not recognizing its importance. Often they serve as their own trustee or for a friend or relative without knowing the risks. It is a fiduciary role that has legal consequences. This program
will cover the basics of a trust, fiduciary responsibility, and practical administration, from an accessible and light hearted perspective. If you find yourself in that role now, this is an important program to attend. There is no charge for this presentation. Space is limited to 75. No goods or services will be solicited in connection with this program. For reservations or more information please contact Audrey McElwain at (970) 635-4001 or audrey.mcelwain@bannerhealth.com. For information on this and other upcoming McKee Medical Center Foundation Community Seminars visit www.mckeefoundation. com/seminars .
MCKEE MEDICAL CENTER AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS McKee Medical Center announces eight recipients of health career student and adult scholarships for 2013. McKee Medical Center funds these scholarships with contributions specifically for this purpose. Contributors to the scholarship fund include the McKee Foundation Board and the McKee Volunteers. The groups awarded $20,000 in scholarships for 2013. The recipients in the adult learner category are Corlet Boelman and Shannon Griffith, both of Loveland. Additionally, high school seniors were awarded scholarships. They are Bethany Koschel and Alexis Martinez from Loveland High School; Hannah Carlson, Daniel Grine
and Jessica Modlich from Thompson Valley High School and Marissa Jara from Mountain View High School. Scholarships from McKee Medical Center have been offered since 1989. Total scholarships of $394,000 have been awarded since the inception of the program. Scholarships are awarded to individuals in a healthcare related field of study.
The best deals in town are waiting. Thursday, June 20, 2013
LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado 21
PAID ADVERTORIAL
Ask the Expert: Cancer Gene Question: I’ve heard a lot recently about women having genetic testing to determine if they carry a genetic mutation that makes them more likely to develop breast or other cancers? Pam Gale, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Genetic Risk Assessment Counselor
A:
In Loveland, McKee Cancer Center offers BRCA1/BRCA2 hereditary genetic testing and counseling. There are other genetic tests available as well, however; BRCA is the most common mutation found. Pam Gale, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Genetic Risk Assessment Counselor, recently received specialized training at City of Hope Cancer Center, a recognized leader in biomedical research, treatment and education located near Los Angeles, Calif., to bring this service to patients of northern and eastern Colorado. One of the goals of bringing genetic testing to McKee Cancer Center is “get the knowledge out to patients and physicians and to identify women at high risk at the time of their screening mammogram and offer the genetic testing and counseling services,” says Gale. “The purpose of genetic risk testing is to screen and catch those at high risk before cancer develops.” Many women with a high-risk for breast cancer are unaware of the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) and its implications. The women getting a screening mammogram complete a questionnaire that details their personal and family health history. The radiologists follow the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to identify patients that should be tested for those genes. Patients have a 45 percent chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime
for the BRCA 1 gene mutation and as high as 65 percent to 87 percent risk for the BRCA2 gene mutation. The risk for ovarian cancer for these patients is about 40-50 percent, Gale said. “It’s critical to get these patients identified,” says Gale. If there is a strong enough family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, the genetic testing is recommended and performed. Gale said obtaining the sample – a saliva test – is simple to perform, but the genetic evaluation of the sample can be expensive. Most insurance companies will cover the cost for patients if they meet the NCCN high-risk categories. Gale said it’s important to note that only 10 percent of breast cancer patients are related to the breast cancer gene. In fact, most breast cancer patients have a sporadic cancer (no family history of cancer) or a familial cancer and not related to a genetic defect. “The number one risk factor for getting breast cancer is being a woman,” Gale said. “But, for those patients with the breast cancer gene, the risk is very high. In addition, for those patients diagnosed with BRCA1 or 2, all of that patient’s siblings and children would have a 50 percent chance of having inherited the gene and need the genetic test, including the males. Testing the children of these patients can wait until around age 20.” Many patients who learn they have the breast cancer gene opt to
22 LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD / Health Line of Northern Colorado
Thursday, June 20, 2013
have both breasts removed surgically. Some also choose to have their ovaries surgically removed after they are done having children. The alternative to surgery is to have mammograms, breast MRIs, pelvic ultrasounds and blood tests performed annually to more aggressively look for indications of early cancer. The main options are very close surveillance or surgery. Genetic testing is only one piece of the puzzle in determining a management strategy for patients who do have a strong personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Even if a patient tests negative for the gene mutation, they may still need close surveillance including annual screenings if their other risk factors are high. “Testing negative for the gene mutation does not eliminate the need for surveillance – but it does help us to tailor the medical management more accurately,” adds Gale. Even with a negative test result, an evaluation of a patient’s family history, personal medical history and any pathological results that have been identified is needed. “What I would like to see is having the opportunity to sit down with every patient who is tested to help them evaluate their test results and decide what management strategies are appropriate and give them clear guidelines to prevent a cancer or a reoccurrence,“ says Gale. For more information about the genetic testing for breast cancer, please call your physician or the McKee Cancer Center at 970-679-8900.
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Get it checked! Colon cancer claims the lives of over 50,000 men and women each year. Check our website for screening guidelines. www.Digestive-health.net
Fort Collins • (970) 207-9773
Rand F. Compton, MD • Thomas A. Dowgin, MD • Rebecca C. Dunphy, MD Mark N. Durkan, MD • Rodney R. Holland, MD • Joseph X. Jenkins, MD Robert A. Simmons, MD
Loveland • (970) 669-5432 Daniel A. Langer, MD • Crystal M. North, DO Stephen R. Sears, MD • Lewis R. Strong, MD
Greeley • (970) 207-9773 Thomas A. Dowgin, MD
No matter where you are in northern Colorado... we’re here for you. With more than 40 physician choices in clinics throughout northern Colorado, Colorado Health Medical Group is here to meet your primary health care needs. Looking for a doctor? Immediate appointments may be available. Call today. FORT COLLINS Family Health Care of the Rockies (New location) 2121 E. Harmony Road Suite 230 970.392.4752
LOVEL AND Foxtrail Family Medicine (Partnership of University of Colorado Health and Associates in Family Medicine) 1625 Foxtrail Drive 970.619.6900
Poudre Valley Internists 4674 Snow Mesa Drive, Suite 100 970.392.4752
Colorado Health Medical Group Primary Care 3850 N. Grant Ave., Suite 100 970.392.4752
Colorado Health Medical Group Internal Medicine 1107 S. Lemay Ave., Suite 240 970.392.4752 GREELEY Greeley Medical Clinic 1900 16th St. 970.392.4752 Peakview Medical Center 5881 W. 16th St. 970.392.4752
Medical Clinic at Centerra North Medical Office Building 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave. 970.392.4752 Colorado Health Medical Group Primary Care 1327 Eagle Drive 970.392.4752 WINDSOR Windsor Medical Clinic 1455 Main St. 970.392.4752
Dr. John Ebens Dr. Pamela Levine
Dr. Brienne Loy
Poudre Valley Medical Group is now Colorado Health Medical Group.
pvhs.org/clinics