Healthline1015

September 24, 2015

P ! NKTOBER October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Put on the pink and support the warriors in your life.

Who has your back?

Support for ďŹ ghters, survivors, friends and family.

is back!

Raising awareness for Metastatic Breast Cancer one tutu at a time.

Dense tissue issues and what you should know about screenings.

Awarded best hospitals in northern Colorado

Our providers and staff are focused on providing extraordinary care to every patient, every day. We are proud of the U.S. News & World Report rankings because they echo something I’ve always known – our hospitals and our teams are among the very best.

– Kevin Unger, president and CEO of Medical Center of the Rockies and Poudre Valley Hospital

uchealth.org/noco-numberone

contents

s

Sex and intimacy can survive cancer, but topics often not discussed

s

Page 10

Raising Funds and Raising Awareness Page 18

also inside

5 ways to improve your health and finances............................................................. 4 NUTRITION: Chia seeds can be tiny powerhouses of healthy snacking .................... 6 Cooking with these foods can help battle predisposition for obesity .......................... 7 6 steps to get a child to do what he is told ............................................................... 8 Uncommon Sense ................................................................................................ 20 Fitness: Tips for feeling fit at 30, 40, 50 and beyond .............................................. 22 Gout, just a pain in the big toe? Think again. ......................................................... 24 Health Calendar .................................................................................................... 25

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: Linda Story, advertising director: 970-635-3614

For editorial:

Misty Kaiser, 303-473-1425 kaiserm@reporterherald.com

September 24, 2015

on the cover DENSE TISSUE ISSUES and what you should know about screenings..... PAGE 12

P ! NKTOBER October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Put on the pink and support the warriors in your life.

Who has your back?

Support for fighters, survivors, friends and family.

September 24, 2015

is back!

Raising awareness for Metastatic Breast Cancer one tutu at a time.

Dense tissue issues and what you should know about screenings.

WHO HAS YOUR BACK? Breast Cancer Support Groups .... PAGE 14 RAISING AWARENESS of metastatic breast cancer one tutu at a time ...................................... PAGE 16

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Healthline 3

5 ways to improve your health and finances

By Cameron Huddleston, GOBankingRates.com (TNS) You know healthful habits can help you improve your physical and mental well-being, ward off chronic diseases and even prolong your life.

But did you know they can also help you save money?

That’s right: Taking steps to improve your health can also improve your finances. In fact, the savings can be substantial and long term.

Here are five ways to improve your health — and finances.

EAT LESS MEAT One way to improve your finances and health is to cut back on meat.

“Studies do show that people who eat less meat tend to be leaner and less likely to gain weight than people with higher meat intakes,” said Kristen Gradney, the owner of a nutrition consulting firm. Numerous studies have also shown that switching to a vegetarian diet can lower cholesterol levels, she said.

Plus, you can cut your grocery bill by replacing meat sources of protein with beans and vegetables. A can of beans usually costs less than $1.

QUENCH YOUR THIRST WITH WATER You’ve probably heard that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, but that rule isn’t supported by hard evidence. In

4 Healthline

fact, water needs vary person to person.

But the truth is, water is your best bet for hydration because it’s calorie-free and inexpensive. Considering households spend an average of $850 a year on soda, and drinking just one soda every day can add 10 pounds of extra weight in a year, according to Drink Water First, your wallet and waistline will thank you for sticking to water. Just skip bottled water, which costs 240 to 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

DRINK LESS ALCOHOL Various studies have found that moderate consumption of alcohol actually helps your heart. However, if you drink too much, those benefits are outweighed by an increased risk of high blood pressure, liver damage, certain types of cancer and other problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. So what’s a

moderate amount? One glass of wine a day for women and men older than 65 and two for men 65 and younger.

Limiting — or eliminating — your alcohol consumption will also save you money.

Consumers spend an average of $445 a year on alcoholic beverages, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Cutting back or eliminating your alcohol consumption can save you several hundreds of dollars every year.

EXERCISE WITH FRIENDS Exercise is an easy way to improve your health. Not only does physical activity help you control your weight and combat chronic health conditions, it can also make you feel happier, relieve stress and give you more energy. Exercise can also lead to higher wages because it boosts productivity, according to a study published in the Journal of Labor Research.

QUIT SMOKING You probably don’t need

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to be told that smoking is bad for you — it’s an accepted fact. But if the warnings that smoking can lead to lung disease, heart disease and cancer haven’t convinced you to quit, maybe the high cost of your habit will.

The average price for a pack of cigarettes is $6.24, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. So if you have a pack-a-day habit, you’re spending nearly $2,300 a year on cigarettes.

Plus, smokers pay $35 for related health costs per pack they smoke, according to the American Cancer Society — which adds up to almost $13,000 a year if you smoke a pack a day.

——— Cameron Huddleston writes for GOBankingRates. com (), a leading portal for personal finance news and features, offering visitors the latest information on everything from interest rates to strategies on saving money, managing a budget and getting out of debt.

September24,2015

y

ydo I Where

Myfamily’s health? is that

turn when it comes to my health?

I’VE NEVER even heard of that

y

TALKTO

y

As someone with cancer, Is it DISEASE. medication treatable? how do I know if participating safe?

What’s the latest technology? in a clinical trial is right for me? WhodoI Clinical trials are an important part of cancer research.

Participation in clinical trials benefits patients, physicians and researchers and brings the latest research findings to the community.

about this?

What are my OPTIONS

Clinical trials are research studies conducted with actual patients to test new drug treatments or new approaches for diagnosing, controlling or preventing cancers.

now?

Ask the

Expert

Trials are usually based on your cancer type and are conducted in phases, with the first phase focused on patient safety.

Before you decide to participate in a clinical study, your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks.

North Colorado Medical Center and McKee Medical Center are affiliates of the Colorado Cancer Research Program, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and offer clinical trials close to home.

Speak with your physician about possible participation in clinical trials at North Colorado Medical Center or McKee Medical Center.

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Samuel Shelanski, MD Oncology

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Alice Wood, MD Hematology, Oncology

Jennifer Rubatt, MD Gynecologic Oncology

Ariel Soriano, MD Hematology, Oncology

Benjamin George, MD Hematology, Oncology

BannerHealth.com/COCancer

September 24, 2015

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Healthline 5

HL nutrition: the edgy veggie

Chia seeds can be tiny powerhouses of healthy snacking As we continue to get used to the back-to-school routine, here’s a lesson about healthy snacks: We want them.

A new study shows that 94 percent of Americans snack daily. We want to snack mindfully and want the same for our kids. But few children (and adults) are craving carrot sticks.

Healthy goes new-school by way of an ancient food — chia.

Chia seeds, tiny black or speckled beauties, provide mammoth energy. They’re rich in omega-3s, fiber and protein, a winning combination that helps stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol.

The Aztecs adored chia back in 3500 B.C., but silly us, we’ve been wasting it on chia pets. You cannot eat a chia pet.

You can eat organic Qi’a superfood snack bars from Nature’s Path (38 g, $1.79).

Available in five flavors, from fairly virtuous nuts, seeds and sea salt to downright decadent dark chocolate cranberry almond, all crunchy, chewy bars contain chia, hemp seeds and coconut for healthy fats and brown rice and tapioca syrup for sweetness. One nuts, seeds and sea salt bar contains 180 calories, 8 g fat, 110 mg sodium, 5 g fiber and 6 g protein.

You can also drink chia by way of smoothies from Naked Juice (15.2 ounces, $2.99).

Available in chia cherry lime and chia sweet peach, they’re

6 Healthline

fruity, filling and potassiumpacked with no added sugar.

One bottle contains 270 calories, 2 g fat, no sodium, 6 g fiber and 2 g protein, but — yowza — 53 g sugar from concentrated fruit juice.

There’s a better way to chia.

Between snack bars and smoothies lies chia’s sweet spot. Chia seeds contains a natural gelling agent. Stirred into dairy or plant-based milk, they soften, swell and voila — almost-instant chia pudding.

Natural, nourishing and additive-free, it’s less gloopy than tapioca but far from flan, not pretty and oddly textured.

Yet after one spoonful, you’re hooked. Top with fruit, nuts or granola for an awesomely energizing after-school snack.

If Tarahumara Indians can run a hundred miles on chia drinks, chia pudding will certainly fuel your kid through homework or boost you past the afternoon blahs. Pick up Bob’s Red Mill chia seeds (16 ounces, $11.99) at Whole Foods and other natural food stores.

Chia pudding makes a healthy (and fun) after-school snack and can double as breakfast for extra credit — good to know during September, Better Breakfast Month.

———

By Ellen Kanner, Miami Herald (TNS) - Ellen Kanner is

the author of “Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith and What to Eat for Dinner.”

Chia Pudding

If you have a high-speed blender like VitaMix, the dates give this an incredible caramelly taste, and the blender makes a smooth and creamy pudding. If you’re mixing by hand, maple syrup provides ample sweetness, and you get to enjoy chia pudding in all its seedy glory. Either way, three ingredients, two minutes (plus chill time) and wham, you’ve got a healthy after-school or anytime snack. Makes 4 servings, doubles easily.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups milk or unsweetened plant-based milk 1/3 cup chia seeds 4 Medjool dates, pitted, or 3 tablespoons maple syrup DIRECTIONS Pour milk into a mixing bowl or blender. Add chia seeds and dates or maple syrup. Blend together briskly for a minute to avoid chia clumps. Pour into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight., during which time the chia seeds will expand and magically create a thick pudding. Give another stir before serving. Keeps (covered and refrigerated) for 3 days.

Note: Top with an energizing array of good-for-you goodies like chopped fruit (fresh or dried), nuts, sunflower, hemp or pumpkin seeds, coconut and granola. Try this basic recipe, then go to the head of the class by adding 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa for — yes — chocolate chia pudding.

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September24,2015

Cooking with these foods can help battle predisposition for obesity

By Alison Bowen, Chicago Tribune (TNS)

Incorporating more foods into your diet to avoid gaining weight — it sounds too good to be true.

But one doctor says that a few foods can slow your risk of obesity.

Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, author of “The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle,” which focuses on reversing gene damage to maximize longevity, talked to us about foods to take out or bring in.

Research shows, Gaynor said, that multiple genes affect someone’s chance of becoming overweight.

“What we used to think is that if you had a gene or genes, for instance, a lot of people in your family were overweight, you would just assume you would be overweight at some point in your life as well,” he said.

But, he said, “Genes are largely dynamic, and you can change the expression of genes.”

For example, you can eat foods that are protective against things that your genes might predispose you to, like cancer or obesity.

Genes affect the formation of new fat cells — people form new fat cells at different rates.

But even if you can’t change your genes, you can

change what’s happening in your body, said Gaynor, who is also founder of Gaynor Integrative Oncology in New York City.

And knowing whether you’re predisposed to genes that, for example, cause obesity, can help you know how to counteract that.

If you’re more predisposed to obesity, Gaynor said, you can home in on the hormones that influence weight.

According to Gaynor, three major hormones affect what the scale says: insulin, which helps the body process sugar; and leptin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1), which make you feel full.

Everyone has those three

hormones, but sometimes inflammation blocks them.

“The major causes of inflammation are too much white sugar and white flour and heat-damaged vegetable oils found in fast food and processed food,” he said.

So in addition to the oftprescribed fish, for example, consider cooking with other anti-inflammatory foods, such as rosemary, extra-virgin olive oil, artichokes, garlic, turmeric and cinnamon.

“It’s good to have cinnamon at the end of every meal, even if you’re having cinnamon tea, or you could have desserts with cinnamon instead of white sugar,” he said.

R ecovery in mind, body and spirit.

To learn more, call (970) 624-5458.

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

September 24, 2015

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Healthline 7

HL living with children

6 steps to get a child to do what he is told

By John Rosemond, ,Tribune News Service (TNS) The following statement is true: A child’s natural response to the proper presentation of authority is obedience.

The following statement is also true: Most of today’s parents — I’d estimate over 90 percent — do not act like authority figures.

A woman tells me her 5-year-old does not do what she tells him to do. I

disagree, pointing out that children almost always do what they are told.

“I’ve never heard of a 5-year-old who would not do what he is told,” I say. “Now, I’m not suggesting that you’re going to get 100 percent obedience, even under the best of circumstances. In my experience, however, 85 percent obedience is the lowest score you’ll get if you follow my advice.”

“Well,” she replies, “my son won’t do anything I tell

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8 Healthline

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him to do, ever.”

“Please don’t be offended, but I’ll venture that the problem is not your son; rather, it’s you.”

“How so?”

“It’s very simple, really,” I said. “Children do what they are told. Your son is not doing what you think you are telling him to do. The only logical conclusion to draw, therefore, is that you are not telling him to do anything.

Instead, you are doing what most parents do these days: pleading, bargaining, bribing, cajoling, reasoning and explaining. That sort of approach invites complaining, arguing, and disobedience.”

“You’re absolutely right,” she said. “I’m doing all of that.”

This very frustrated mom had been trying to correct the wrong person, which is why none of her corrections had worked. In less than five minutes, I taught her the simple art of telling.

First, and contrary to the advice given by most parenting pundits, deliver instructions from a fully upright position. Do not bend over, grab your knees, and “get down to the child’s level.” That is a pleading posture and as a result, one’s voice takes on a pleading character.

Second, use the fewest words possible. The more concise the instruction, the more authoritative it sounds.

So, if you want a child to pick

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up his toys, simply say, “I want you to pick up your toys now and put them where they belong.”

Third, do not explain yourself. Explanations invite resistance. They stimulate argument.

Fourth, if a child asks for an explanation, say, “Because I said so,” which is simply an affirmation of the legitimacy of your authority.

Fifth, do not end an instruction with the word “okay?” Remember, you are giving direction, not asking your child to consider a suggestion.

Sixth, when you have delivered the instruction, turn around and walk away. Do not stand there, supervising.

That, too, invites push-back.

In June of 2013, on the first day of a three-day family conference in South Carolina, I spoke on this very subject.

On day two, numerous parents reported to me that this very simple approach was already working.

Right. Re-read the first sentence of this column.

——— (Visit family psychologist John Rosemond’s website at www.johnrosemond.com.

September24,2015

THIS ISN’T A JOB. IT’S YOUR DESTINY.

With award-winning hospitals and facilities serving the entire Front Range, UCHealth is the state’s largest and most innovative health system.

UCHealth has career opportunities across the state for people who possess a rare combination of talent, drive, ambition, and intellectual curiosity.

Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins University of Colorado Hospital in Denver Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs Separately, these institutions provide superior care to patients and service to the communities they serve. Together, they push the boundaries of medicine, attracting more research funding, hosting more clinical trials and improving health through innovation.

JOIN US CAREERS.UCHEALTH.ORG September 24, 2015

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Healthline 9

HL feature: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Sex and intimacy can survive cancer, but topics often not discussed Dr. Nathalie McKenzie was 30 years old and a newlywed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy.

“All of a sudden I didn’t have breasts anymore,” said McKenzie, a gynecologiconcology surgeon at University of Florida Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health.

“Here I am, physically, obviously disfigured. I don’t feel like putting on a sexy nightgown even as a newlywed and prancing around my new husband.”

McKenzie didn’t bring up her concerns with her oncologist. She felt timid and thought of him as a father figure. And when she talked about it with a gynecologist friend, the friend expressed surprise that McKenzie was even thinking about sex while going through cancer treatment.

Though cancer therapies have improved dramatically in the past few decades, gaps remain in addressing long-term medical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatments among survivors. Intimacy and sexual function are one of the least discussed issues in cancer care, experts say, and it could have a significant impact on the survivors’ quality of life after cancer.

“I think that it’s a big issue for both men and women,” said Jan Perun, a nurse practitioner who helps oversee the Breast Cancer

10 Healthline

Survivorship Clinic at UF Health Cancer Center.

It’s difficult to point a finger at any particular part of the patient-provider equation for this shortfall. While oncologists and primary care providers are busy with the medical side of cancer, patients are many times hesitant to bring up the issue — as McKenzie was — because they’re either shy or think that the topic pales in comparison to having cancer.

“Sex is a big part of life, and if it’s not, it’s not, but most of us agree that it’s a big part of life, and therefore we should talk about it,” said McKenzie, who is now 41 and has two children. “And if we don’t feel comfortable talking about it, that’s OK, but we should have handy resources to provide to our patients to talk about it.”

In 2013, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, two of the leading cancer organizations in the country, asked more than 2,000 primary-care doctors and medical oncologists about how they saw their roles in providing follow-up care for cancer survivors.

“And when it came to sex, both oncologists and primary-care providers said, ‘That’s not me. That’s not my role.’ So that right there tells you, we have a problem,” said Catherine Alfano, vice president of survivorship at American Cancer Society.

Sex is one of the issues that’s not addressed during or after cancer, neither by providers, nor by patients.

More than 14 million cancer survivors were alive in 2014, 1.2 million of them in

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Florida, which ranks second in the nation in the number of cancer survivors after California, according to the American Cancer Society.

Breast cancer and prostate cancer are the most common types of cancers among women and men, respectively, followed by colon and rectal cancer in men and uterine cancer in women.

These cancers are closely tied to sexual function and body image, but it’s not clear how often the topic comes up during or after treatment, or how many patients don’t seek help.

Lavinia Montanez was a 29-year-old married woman living in Puerto Rico when she was diagnosed with cervical and uterine cancer 11 years ago.

She had a complete hysterectomy and rounds

September24,2015

of radiation. It was a stressful time, and her marriage dissolved. A few years later, she began noticing physical changes that she wasn’t expecting: Her vagina began to close off little by little, partly because of a late side effect of radiation.

“What (the doctors) told me was that radiation could give me colitis, but they said nothing about the vagina.

They just told me that I could have intercourse,” said Montanez, who now lives in Orlando.

By the time she ended up in Dr. Christopher Walker’s office at UroGyn Specialists of Florida two years ago, she had to have reconstruction surgery.

Aside from surgery, there are also less invasive treatments available — from drugs to creams, dilators and sensors used in pelvic-floor therapy — that can help address many sexual side effects that could result from cancer surgery and radiation.

But questions about sex postcancer often go unanswered.

“I actually have women in this office that have cried — it is so common — because they cannot meet the needs of their significant others, and they’ve tried, quote, everything,” said Perun.

“There are some things over the counter that you can use, but a lot of these side effects are pretty overwhelming, and they require medical support and medical care.”

Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist at Personalized Urology & Robotics at South Lake Hospital, said men tend to be more forthcoming about their concerns, but even if they’re not, “if they have a biopsy, before results come back, we start having the

September 24, 2015

conversation about treatment options. … The biggest issue is when patients don’t know what is going to happen.”

Dr. Michael Rothenberg, a clinical sexologist in Winter Park, regularly counsels couples who seek help because of intimacy issues related to cancer.

“What I tell people is that sex is a form of communication. And what I do in the office is help people develop a dialogue,” he said. “It’s helping them to understand that what once worked for them and the things they did before may not work now. It’s about changing your mindset. … You can add things to the plate,” said Rothenberg, whose national and international lectures on sex after cancer are usually packed.

Jackie, who didn’t want to be identified to protect her partner’s identity, said her fiancé waited for her for more than a year to be sexually intimate again.

After a cancer diagnosis, she had a hysterectomy followed by radiation.

She was hesitant even after she was given a green light to have sex. “I’m not the same person that he met a few years ago. I’ve gained weight. I feel like I’ve aged.

I’ve lost my muscle tone. It’s taken a toll on me. But he called me beautiful all the time.”

And her gynecologic oncologist discussed intimacy issues with her during treatment. “She said, ‘You are going to be fine.’ She said, ‘Go out, have sex, enjoy life.’

And she was right.”

—By Naseem S. Miller, Or-

lando Sentinel (TNS)

THIS ISN’T A JOB. IT’S YOUR DESTINY.

With award-winning hospitals and facilities serving the entire Front Range, UCHealth is the state’s largest and most innovative health system.

UCHealth has career opportunities across the state for people who possess a rare combination of talent, drive, ambition, and intellectual curiosity.

Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins University of Colorado Hospital in Denver Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs Separately, these institutions provide superior care to patients and service to the communities they serve. Together, they push the boundaries of medicine, attracting more research funding, hosting more clinical trials and improving health through innovation.

JOIN US CAREERS.UCHEALTH.ORG

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Healthline 11

HL feature: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS CANCER SCREENING OPTIONS FOR WOMEN WITH DENSE BREAST TISSUE

By Judy Finman, Healthline Magazine Some research has shown that dense breasts can be six times more likely to develop cancer and can make it harder for mammograms to detect breast cancer. Other results show that women with dense breasts, but no other risk factors for breast cancer, are considered to have an average risk.

According to Breastcancer.org, dense breasts have less fatty tissue and more non-fatty tissue than breasts that aren’t dense. No one method of measuring breast density has been agreed upon by doctors. Breast density is not based on how one’s breasts feel during a self-exam or a doctor’s physical exam.

If you have a higher risk of breast cancer because you have dense breasts, you and your doctor will develop a screening plan tailored to your unique situation. General recommended screening guidelines include a monthly breast

12 Healthline

self-exam, a yearly breast exam by your doctor, and a digital mammogram every year starting at age 40. Your plan also may include MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] of the breast, and ultrasound, to detect any cancer as early as possible.

It is important to compare this year’s study to prior years’ studies and to correlate the information from the various imaging studies obtained. Usually test reports will say if the recent imaging test is different from other tests or prior results of the same test. Obtain a copy of each breast imaging report and keep them in a binder to reduce the risk of your tests falling through the cracks or someone missing an important finding.

The Mayo Clinic reports that mammograms are recommended for breast cancer screening in women with dense breast tissue. Undergoing mammogram screening every year may help detect a breast abnormality sooner in women with dense breast tissue, compared with un-

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dergoing mammogram screening every two years or less frequently.

Despite concerns about detecting cancer in dense breasts, mammograms are still effective screening tools. Digital mammograms, which save images of your breasts as digital files instead of film, allow for more detailed analysis and are more effective at finding cancer in dense breast tissue. Most mammogram machines in the United States are digital.

Ask an expert in breast imaging

Dr. Jeri Sue Plaxco is a Radiologist and Breast Imaging Subspecialist with Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants (AMIC) in Fort Collins. She is affiliated with a number of hospitals in northern Colorado, including the University of Colorado Health System.

She is expert in breast cancer screening. For women with dense breast tissue, she says, “It depends on the woman and her age. Generally speaking,

September24,2015

I recommend for a woman with dense tissue and without a personal history of breast cancer, annual screening mammography with a supplemental screening ultrasound. And, for a woman with a history of breast cancer and dense tissue I would also recommend a supplemental ultrasound or an MRI in addition to the annual screening mammography.”

She offers women with dense breast tissue some “pearls” of wisdom to consider: • Clinical breast exam is an unreliable predictor of breast density.

• There is a 1.8 - 6 fold increased risk of breast cancer in women with extremely dense breast tissue versus women with fatty tissue.

• The sensitivity, or ability to detect breast cancer, of mammography in the fatty breast is >90 percent. In the extremely dense breast, the sensitivity of mammography for the detection of breast cancer is 30 to 59 percent.

• Cancer detection is increased by

3 to 4 cases per 1,000 screening examinations when mammography PLUS supplemental screening breast ultrasound is utilized in women with dense breasts.

• There is an increased risk of disease in the lymph nodes and increased tumor size with increasing mammographic density (i.e., cancers are more likely to be diagnosed later in women with extremely dense breast tissue as they are more difficult to detect in the dense breast).

Dr. Plaxco also favors digital breast tomosynthesis, or DBT (commonly referred to as a “3D” mammogram).

“I would encourage women with known dense breast tissue to get their mammogram at a facility with DBT. DBT is now being used more frequently in the screening and diagnostic settings.

The scientific literature to date finds that DBT increases cancer detection rates, including the detection of more invasive cancers than standard 2-view digital

mammography alone, and decreases recall rates for additional views.”

When asked about another imaging option, Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI), she says, “I don’t think at this point in time that MBT is being used in routine supplemental screening.”

Kelly Tracer, Media Relations Specialist at Poudre Valley Hospital, says: “We do not provide Molecular Breast Imaging at Poudre Valley Hospital. Our radiologists recommend different combinations of 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI as the gold standards for patients with dense breast tissue.”

“We do not offer MBI at McKee or our other mammography center in Greeley,” adds Paul Matthews, Public Relations Director for Banner Health, Western Division.

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Healthline 13

HL feature: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Who has your back?

Breast Cancer Support Groups

Group support available in the area for anyone touched by cancer

By Emma Castleberry, Healthline Magazine While support groups may not be for everyone, there is evidence of their effectiveness in the healing process, says Marianne Pearson, manager of oncology support services at University of Colorado Health.

“The statistics show that if people have specialized support during cancer it decreases their distress,” she says. “By providing a group

14 Healthline

setting it helps people feel less anxious, less depressed, less alone.”

University of Colorado Health (UCH) offers two free breast cancer support groups. The general group meets the fourth Monday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m at the Cancer Center of the Rockies, E. Harmony Rd., Fort Collins. This group is open to any patients newly diagnosed, in treatment or in survivorship. Like all cancer support groups at UCH, this group is led by a licensed social worker trained in oncology supportive counseling. UCH also offers a young women’s breast cancer support group for women under 45.

“We separated them out

because of the unique needs of young women with cancer,” says Pearson. “There are just different layers of life issues versus someone who is in the retirement phase or the end of their career.”

The young women’s group is on hold for the summer and will regroup in October. For more information, call UCH support services at 970.297.6165.

A support group for all cancer types called Share the Cancer Journey meets every other Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM at Poudre Valley Hospital, 1024 S. Lemay Ave. in Fort Collins. The group is free and a light dinner is provided. The next meeting is on Oct. 1.

North Colorado Medical

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Center (NCMC) offers a free breast cancer support group called STARS (Support, Touch and Reach Survivors) on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the auditorium on the ground floor of NCMC’s Cancer Institute. STARS is facilitated by Betty Parsons, who won her battle with breast cancer 19 years ago.

“We’re reaching out to all types of breast cancer patients, new and older ones that have never had any outside support besides family,” says Parsons. “We mean to let women know that there are other survivors out there and they can do it also.”

The Cancer Center at McKee Medical Center in Loveland offers a wide ar-

September24,2015

ray of free support groups, including a breast cancer support group, a general cancer support group, a support group for caregivers and a yoga class tailored to those affected by cancer.

Gale Coddington, a social worker at McKee, facilitates the breast cancer support group. Coddington says the groups are all open and ongoing with content ranging from educational speakers to open floor sharing.

“We offer education through our support groups but we also offer one-onone support group sharing, dealing with personal issues related to cancer,” says Coddington. “The groups are based on the needs of each

group and they are always asked for input.”

The breast cancer support group has been in the community for more than 25 years and began meeting at McKee in 2008. The group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in conference room B in the McKee Cancer Center, 2000 Boise Ave., in Loveland.

Coddington also facilitates a support group for caregivers that meets in the McKee Wellness Center on the first and third Thursday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon and includes a free lunch. Coddington says that this group meets more often than the patient

and survivor support groups because, in her experience, caregivers often need more support.

“The caregivers are an essential part of the treatment process of any cancer patient,” says Coddington.

“They are caregiving 24 hours a day, sometimes nonstop, for months and sometimes years. We need to pay attention to that.”

The yoga support group at McKee meets on the first and third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the McKee Conference and Wellness Center.

The group begins with 30 minutes of gentle yoga and breathing followed by 30 minutes of holistic therapy

education for people touched by cancer.

Whether breast cancer specifically or cancer in general, a support network to help patients, survivors and their friends and family handle the various stresses and emotional experiences of having or recovering from cancer can be an integral part of the healing process.

Local physicians and providers are here to help facilitate that part of the journey, all you have to do is find one that best suits your needs and take the first step.

At Columbine, you're family.

NORTH SHORE HEALTH & REHAB FACILITY LAKEVIEW COMMONS THE WEXFORD www.columbinehealth.com September 24, 2015

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Healthline 15

HL feature: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

RAISING AWARENESS of metastatic breast cancer one tutu at a time (BPT) - Hearing a doctor utter the words “breast cancer” often leaves women with dozens of initial questions: “How will I manage all of the demands of daily life while in treatment? How will it affect me physically? How do I tell my family?” But a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, the most advanced stage of the disease after it has spread to other parts of the body, can be particularly difficult.

“There’s a real dark side to cancer. Like many women with this disease, I experience fear, sadness and physically feel the impact of my diagnosis,” says Linda Carey, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in

16 Healthline

2003 and metastatic breast cancer in 2006.

Shortly before Carey’s first diagnosis with breast cancer, her husband Bob started a personal photography project - The Tutu Project - to express his feelings about some significant life changes, including the Careys’ move from Arizona to Brooklyn, New York. When Carey was diagnosed, the project evolved into a way to help make her laugh and allowed her to shift her focus away from her cancer journey. Over the years, the project has further evolved into a way for the Careys to provide support to others.

Through the Tutu Project, Bob photographs himself

wearing only a pink tutu in a variety of poses and settings around the world - walking through fields, standing atop the Grand Canyon and even jumping across the Brooklyn Bridge - all in the hope of offering inspiration, laughter and perhaps a smile while in chemotherapy, while raising funds to cover incidental costs not covered by health insurance for those living with breast cancer.

Bob notes, “This can be a very scary road to travel.

But Linda’s cancer has taught us that life is good, dealing with it can be hard, and sometimes the very best thing-no, the only thing-we can do to face another day is to laugh at ourselves, and

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share a laugh with others.”

Carey says she relies on finding the humor in the little things and the support of friends and family to get her through the toughest times.

The approximately 175,000 American women living with this advanced form of breast cancer often face challenges distinct from those diagnosed with an earlier stage. For many like Carey and her husband Bob, the desire to share their stories and connect with other members of the metastatic breast cancer community is an essential part of the journey.

“In those moments when I feel alone or afraid, I use journaling or drawing to help express my emotions, nega-

September24,2015

tive or positive. These are my forms of self-therapy self therapy and I can’t begin to describe the value that they have added to my life.”

To help create awareness of metastatic breast cancer and find strength and solidarity in these experiences, Carey is encouraging women to participate in the nationwide #MBCStrength photo and story-sharing campaign.

Women with metastatic breast cancer can share their own photos and stories that capture the essence of their journey living with MBC on Twitter using the hashtag #MBCStrength or on Facebook. Photos posted on the Facebook page will be considered for a display in Times Square on Oct.

13, 2015, Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Carey’s personal account is also featured at www.MyMBCStory.com, an educational website tailored for women with metastatic breast cancer developed

by AstraZeneca with input from breast cancer advocacy organizations LBBC and Metastatic Breast Cancer Network. Those who share their stories on Facebook also have an opportunity to be featured on the site, which in addition to firstperson stories also provides tools and information tailored to women with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones.

Educational resources are important for many

women facing a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis diagnosis, bebe cause despite the wealth of

“This can be a very scary road to travel.

information available about

But Linda’s cancer

breast cancer, there are very

has taught us that

few resources specific to metastatic disease.

“As the fight continues for more metastatic breast

life is good, dealing with it can be hard,

cancer resources, research

and sometimes the

and financial support, my

very best thing-no,

hope is that we and the broader community do not

the only thing-we

lose sight of one key truth:

can do to face

our disease may not be cur-

another day is to

able but it’s up to us how we choose to live our lives.”

To read stories from women living with metastatic breast cancer visitMyMBCS-

laugh at ourselves, and share a laugh with others.”

tory.com.

Think Clearly and Increase Your Vitality with the Purification Program from New York Times Bestselling Book Clear Body, Clear Mind Do you feel less alert and aware than you used to? Tired or drained of energy for no apparent reason? Wooden or even lifeless? This newly expanded edition of Clear Body, Clear Mind contains the solution.

T

he truth is, our world is swimming in toxic substances which lodge in your body for years, dull your senses, and reduce your ability to think clearly.

Clear Body, Clear Mind by L. Ron Hubbard gives a full description of the Purification Program, an all-natural regimen designed to eliminate the accumulated drugs and toxins from one’s system and free you from the devastating effects they have on the body, mind and spirit.

September 24, 2015

Tens of thousands of people from all over the world and all walks of life report life-changing results from this program, including: Increased energy, enthusiasm and vitality Greater mental alertness and ability to concentrate Dramatically improved general health and happiness A more positive attitude toward life A heightened sense of spiritual well-being

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Healthline 17

HL health event

Raising Funds and Raising Awareness October is Breast Cancer Awareness month!

Here are several upcoming fundraising and education events that are dedicated to fighting this disease.

Lace up your running or walking shoes and join

in the Komen Colorado Race for the Cure on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® series is the world’s largest breast cancer education and fundraising event in the nation. The Rase is a fundraiser, celebration and meaningful way to remember those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Seventy-five percent of the funds raised stays right here to fund local education, screening and treatment programs. For more information go colorado.info-komen. org. Can’t make it to the Pepsi Center? You can also “Sleep in for the Cure” (visit the web site for details).

The I Ain’t Afraid Halloween 5K & 10K

couldn’t be any more convenient – participants are simply asked to complete the race any time during the month of October (you’ll report your finishing time to organizers).

The virtual 5K and 10K is intended to show breast cancer that WE AIN’T AFRAID! All participants will receive a fun, 3-1/2-inch I AIN’T AFRAID finishers medal. The cost is $18, which includes your medal and shipping. At least $4 of every registration will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Register at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-aint-afraid-breast-cancerawareness-5k-10k-fort-collins-registration-17785736617.

The Human Bean is hosting Coffee for a Cure on Friday,

Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit Oncology Patient and Family Support. For more information, contact vivianna@ mantoothcompany.com.

GTS Productions / Shutterstock.com

18 Healthline

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September24,2015

TITLE Boxing is hosting a Box-A-Thon on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit Wilbur’s Fund for Women with Breast Cancer. For more information contact mlopez@titleboxingclub.com.

A Pink Powerflow Yoga Party

takes place on Friday, Oct. 23 at Miramont Central, 2211 S. College in Fort Collins.

Presented by Colorado Moves to End Cancer, the event helps support the work of two cancer centers in Colorado, the UC Health Cancer Center and the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Events are open to everyone. The organizers say, “We want the whole community to join us to raise funds that will stay here in northern Colorado to fight cancer!”

For more information, go to miramontlifestyle.com.

The 15th anniversary celebration of Hope Lives! Celebrate Life in the Pink Gala

takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy, in Loveland. The Hope Lives Breast Cancer Support Center was founded in 2001 to help ensure that women in Larimer County and Windsor who are diagnosed each year receive complete post-diagnosis support and care. Hope Lives! helps to support those who are touched by breast cancer by providing guidance and education. Tickets are $150 and may be purchased by calling 9780.225.6200. Sponsorships are also available. Go to hopelives.org for more information.

Have The Talk Of A

Lifetime

Why spend time on dirty dishes when you could be taking cooking classes?

Residents at Bethesda know that saying “yes” to Assisted Living means enriching your life, not giving it up.

You talk

about many things with your loved ones: from dayto-day details to big events. Sharing stories with those who matter most will be especially significant when it’s time to honor and commemorate your lives. Meaningful memorialization starts when loved ones talk about memories made, lessons learned, and how they hope to be remembered.

Visit our website to download a free brochure and Have the Talk of a Lifetime today.

It can make the difference of a lifetime.

A Non-Profit Tradition in Assisted Living

For more than 50 years, our faith-based mission has been to provide individually-tailored care, enriching lifestyles and providing peace of mind for families.

With So Much Out There, What’s Not To Love?

Park Regency Loveland has an abundance of activities nearby including The Promenade Shops at Centerra, a beautiful shopping and dining destination.

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1875 Fall River Dr., Loveland, CO 80538 www.BethesdaSeniorLiving.com/PRL

Please Connect With Us!

(970) 461-1100

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September 24, 2015

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Call today! Join us for a

complimentary lunch and tour.

Healthline 19

HL uncommon sense

Dealing with problems in youth promotes healthier adulthood Dear Dr. Beth, I am the mother of a 7 year-old daughter and I am really worried about her. In most respects she seems like a pretty normal kid, but she has had some unusual behaviors and reactions to her surroundings. She can’t stand the feeling of certain clothing fabrics against her skin, normal noises seem to really agitate her, and she

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I have tended to see her as just being a picky and somewhat dramatic child.

Now that she has started school, however, these reactions seem to be getting worse. Her teachers are concerned and so am I. How do I find out what is going on with her?

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We provide short term healing and long term care.

For more information Visit: 821 Duffield Ct Loveland, CO 80537 970-669-0345

20 Healthline

Obviously, it is impossible for me to offer an armchair diagnosis of something as unique and individual as your child’s behaviors and reactions to things. That said, I do think you have a situation with your child worth investigating further. Some of the traits you are describing are

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quite common with children (e.g. being a picky eater is typical of many younger children) while other traits seem rather unusual.

Most children do not react strongly to normal noises in their environment or the texture of certain types of fabrics against their skin. They may prefer softer fabrics or cotton fabrics over synthetics but on the whole, these would be preferences rather than strong reactions, and most young children pay almost no attention to such nuances of clothing. Reactions to the texture of certain foods is also suggestive of something unusual going on with your daughter.

Here are a few more questions you might consider in evaluating your daughter’s behavior and reactions: 1) Does she have strong or overwhelming reactions to others forms of sensory stimulation in her environment, such as bright lights, everyday sounds (like vacuum cleaners and leaf blowers), or strong aversion to be touched? 2) Is she often physically uncoordinated or bumping into things as though she doesn’t quite know where her body is in space? 3) Is it difficult for her to engage with teachers and peers socially and in conversation?

These traits may be nothing to worry about or they may be indicative of a Sensory Processing Disorder. This is a lesser known neurological/developmental condition

September24,2015

that has some overlap with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), but is not the same as either one of them. SPD is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information and input that comes in via the senses.

The condition can be diagnosed by a health professional, such as a physical or occupational therapist or a psychologist or psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about these kinds of issues in children.

The condition used to be called “sensory integration dysfunction” and is treatable with a set of methods called Sensory Integration Therapy.

Of course, it is also important to have your daughter evaluated by someone competent in differentiating between behaviors with primarily psychological underpinnings vs. possible neurological, brain-based disorders.

Regardless of the causes or definition of her condition, early identification of these types of problems is important since they can worsen over time or become more pronounced in social and academic settings. Most important, your daughter will be happier and more comfortable if the sensory problems that cause her so much emotional distress are evaluated and made better with appropriate treatment.

Dear Dr. Beth, There isn’t a whole lot that bothers me or makes me upset, but when I think someone has lied to September 24, 2015

me—my brother, a friend, or whoever—I practically go off the deep end. I yell and scream at them and usually just cut off the relationship. I’m not sure why I’m so sensitive to lying, but I sometimes wonder if it has to do with my parent’s divorce.

When I was 12 my Dad and Mom started fighting all the time and within a few months, Dad moved out. Less than a year later they got a divorce and not long after that, Dad married this new, younger woman. Even though Mom didn’t talk much about it, as I got older I figured out that Dad had been having an affair and Mom had discovered it. I think he had been lying to her about it for years. Do you think this might be why I have such strong reactions to people who lie and why I tend to be suspicious that people are lying to me, even if they aren’t?

as well. actions to people are related The break-up of the to this major event in your marriage was not in any way family’s past. Please underrelated to you, yet you have stand that I am not suggesthad to bear the brunt of what ing that you should become happened between your tolerant of people who lie or mother and your father and not react at all to being at the this other woman. The family effect of another person’s disunit broke apart, your mother honesty. You have the right to was emotionally devastated, be concerned, to inquire and and you were left with the to be angry or end a relationremains of the destructionship with someone that has -a broken family and the lied to you. betrayal of your trust in the However, carrying around security of your family unit. the degree of reactivity you I don’t know if you have describe can really hinder ever dealt directly with the emotional and psychological your relationships with others issues around your father’s and may sometimes cause deceit and the break-up of you to throw good people out your family, but these are of your life due to misunderissues that tend to fester standings and misinterpretainside of us if we never look tions of people and situations. them in the face and work By doing the necessary work them out in our own selves. to reduce your tendency to I would strongly recommend overreact, you will be better seeing a therapist and doing able to distinguish who is whatever work is necessary, worth trusting (even if they psychologically and emotionmake an error in relating to ally, to really come to terms you) vs. who you really need with your anger, sadness and to purge from your life. This the betrayal that you, too, work is emotionally difficult, experienced as a result of but well worth the time and your father lying.

It is very likely that your effort extreme suspiUncommon Sense with cious re-

Beth Firestein

I think you may be very close to the center of the target on this one. Of course, there is no way to know for sure, but I have worked with many people, both younger and older, whose discovery of a parent’s affairs has led to their becoming extremely sensitive to issues of trust and honesty. Although it was your mother who was most directly betrayed, in a pretty direct way you were betrayed

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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 bethfirestein.com.

Healthline 21

HL fitness

TIPS FOR FEELING FIT at 30, 40, 50 and beyond

(BPT) - Do you ever wake up and think “Wow, I don’t feel as young as I used to?” It’s a sentiment shared by people of every age group. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 60 - feeling fit and aging well can be a reality with the right mindset and proper exercise and nutrition.

Tavis Piattoly is a sports dietitian, expert nutritionist and co-founder of My Sports Dietitian. He lends his expert insight into how people of three different age groups can feel fit, healthy and happy:

YOUNG ADULTS - up to 30

Starting a career, getting married, buying a home these are just a few big life events people in this age category often experience. It also means less time to focus on fitness, and often an increase in unhealthy eating on the go.

Physical activity - Piattoly suggests young adults do what they enjoy most, fitting it in on a regular basis.

“Any form of physical exercise and exertion is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, but adults under 30 usually like sporting events,” he says.

“This is the age where former athletes or very active post-graduates are still looking to play a sport for fun.”

Nutrition - “The metabolic rate of this age group is

declining, so they can’t live on fast food for breakfast, lunch and dinner like they did in college,” Piattoly says. “It’s time to clean up the diet and make smarter choices such as reducing sugar intake and avoiding fast food as much as possible. Prevention should be the focus.”

Supplements - Piattoly says a multivitamin, Nordic Naturals fish oil and probiotic are a must.

22 Healthline

MIDDLE AGE - 30 to 50

In this age bracket, regular checkups with a physician are important to test for common conditions like high blood pressure. The stress of having children and growing a career can take a toll.

Eating out due to lack of time becomes common and can cause weight gain.

Physical activity - Piattoly suggests regular strength training

three to five days per week to prevent the progression of muscle loss that begins around age 35.

“For cardiovascular-related exercises, it is important to do what you enjoy as you are more likely to stay motivated and consistent,” he says. “Yoga is recommended for those individuals who are looking to balance stress.”

Nutrition - “It’s important to eat smaller more frequent meals

throughout the day, such as every three to four hours, and to make sure a source of lean protein is included at every meal and snack,” Piattoly says. “Protein is more thermogenic than fat and carbohydrates, so your body burns more calories when consuming protein.”

Supplements - In addition to all the supplements recommended for the young adult group, Piattoly suggests vitamin D and turmeric extract, a great natural anti-inflammatory agent, for 30 to 50-year-olds.

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September24,2015

BOOMERS 50 PLUS

People of this age are concerned with their health and risk for disease due to family history or lifestyle factors from their youth.

Additionally, progressive loss of muscle mass and weaker bones increases risk for injury.

Physical activity - Piattoly says

regular strength training three to five days per week prevents the progression of muscle loss and maintains good bone strength to prevent falls.

“For cardiovascular-related exercises, it is important to do what you enjoy as you are more likely to stay motivated and consistent,” he says. “You can still participate in cardiovascular-related sports like tennis and basketball. For lower-impact sports that are easier on the joints, I like swimming and cycling.”

Nutrition - “Since the immune

system is not as strong as it once was for this age group, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key, such as five to 10 servings per day,” Piattoly says. “Protein is also a critical nutrient for the preservation of muscle mass. I usually recommend making a smoothie or shake at least once a day, which can include protein powder, fruit and some veggies.”

Supplements - “For heart

and brain health, I’m a big fan of omega-3 fish oil, particularly from Nordic Naturals. They make triglyceride form fish oil, which is the optimal form for absorption,” says Piattoly. “Fish oil also supports joint mobility and healthy immunity.”

Additionally, a vitamin D supplement for bone health and, potentially, calcium for osteoporosis, and creatine to reduce the risk of age-related muscle decline are all worthwhile considerations.

September 24, 2015

All-natural deodorant is a unique stink-stopper Jess Edelstein and Sarah Ribner, both 26, are co-founders — and president and CEO, and vice president and CFO, respectively — of PiperWai, a natural charcoal deodorant. They launched the brand in March 2014. The two have been besties since they sold lemonade the summer after fourth grade at a park. I spoke to Edelstein.

Q: How’d you come up with the idea?

A: I wanted to stop using anti-perspirant, but couldn’t find a natural deodorant that lasted all day and didn’t irritate my skin. After months of experimenting in my kitchen, I devised a formula that worked for me and gave some to Sarah. She took it on a trip to South America, said it lasted all day and we should sell it because it would change people’s lives.

Q: The startup money?

A: My parents gave us $2,000 to make our first jars, and we paid that back and have since reinvested in the business.

We won $7,000 in a pitch competition at Columbia University’s School of Business where Sarah is an MBA student. In June we had a crowdfunding campaign and raised $25,000.

Q: How’s the biz model work?

A: We sell direct to consumers via our website. We also wholesale to about 30 independent brick-and-mortar stores and large retailers. We have pending contracts with Whole Foods Market and a distribution contract with a third-party retailer in Canada. We also contract with online retailer the Grommet.

izes odor and keeps you dry. It lasts two to three months with daily use and you apply it once a day.

Q: Your customers?

A: People who want a healthier lifestyle.

We initially targeted millennial and Gen-X women and soon found a lot of men were keen on giving up their Old Spice for something more natural and effective. Other customers include cancer survivors and nursing or pregnant mothers.

Q: How much does PiperWai cost?

A: It retails for $11.99 plus shipping on our website for a 2-ounce jar.

Q: The biggest challenge?

A: For the first 16 months, we handcrafted the product ourselves in a community kitchen but couldn’t keep up with demand. We recently did our first run of 5,000 jars, and most of those went to (crowdfunding) backers, but scaling and finding a manufacturer was challenging.

Q: How big a biz?

A: We’ve sold about 8,000 jars and will be doing a second production run later this month. We project about $150,000 in revenue this year and $500,000 next year, which are based on pending contracts.

Q: What’s next?

A: We have some other major retailers who have expressed interest in PiperWai, and we’re trying to get on their shelves. We are also developing a stick applicator and travel-size version for the holiday season.

Q: The value prop?

A: We’re providing a healthy, natural alternative to conventional deodorants. Our customers say they’ve tried every natural deodorant brand and nothing has worked better than PiperWai. It’s also the only charcoal cream product, which is absorbent, neutral-

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—By Michael Hinkelman, Philadelphia Daily News (TNS)

PiperWai, a natural charcoal deodorant. (PiperWai)

Healthline 23

Gout, just a pain in the big toe?

Think again.

Debunking four myths that overshadow the seriousness of gout (BPT) - Gout - only rich, old men get it, right? Wrong!

The truth is, gout can affect both men and women of all ages, economic standing and backgrounds. More than 8.3 million American adults have gout, and the incidence and prevalence of the disease are on the rise.

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, even more common than rheumatoid arthritis.

Specifically, gout is a chronic, progressive, disease characterized by a buildup of serum uric acid (sUA) in the blood. sUA is a chemical that is created when the body breaks down substances called purines, which are naturally in the body and can also be found in some foods and drinks.

The pain from gout flares is often unbearable and can disrupt daily life. It can cause a patient to miss work, prevent him or her from taking part in normal daily activities or hobbies, and can lead to permanent damage to the body if not properly managed.

Dr Paul Doghramji, from Collegeville Family Practice in Pennsylvania, says there are many misconceptions about gout.

“Most people think gout only happens in overweight older men, or that it’s just a painful big toe that begins

24 Healthline

suddenly and goes away in a few days,” says Doghramji.

“The truth is that gout occurs in women as well as men, and can be very disruptive to daily life. Over time, uric acid crystals can deposit throughout the body in places like the joints and soft tissues which can lead to long-term health problems like joint and kidney damage.”

Misperceptions about gout continue to persist. Here are some commonly held gout myths and the real facts about this disease:

Myth No. 1: A poor diet and over-indulgence cause gout Fact No. 1: While some foods can trigger a gout flare, the real cause of gout is high levels of uric acid in the blood.

In a majority of patients this is primarily because the kidneys are not able to efficiently remove uric acid from the body.

Myth No. 2: Gout is a disease of the Middle Ages and not common in today’s society Fact No. 2: There are 8.3 million people with gout in the US and a study showed that this disease has increased 7 fold in the past 50 years! Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, even more common than rheumatoid arthritis.

Myth No. 3: Gout doesn’t get any worse than the painful flare Fact No. 3: Gout is more serious than people think!

It is a long-lasting condition that can get worse over time.

When uric acid levels remain high, uric acid crystals can form and collect in the joints.

Over time, these crystals can lead to serious consequences such as more frequent flares, the formation of lumps of uric acid that form under the skin

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called tophi, bone and joint erosion, and kidney damage.

Myth No. 4: Patients only need to treat the painful flares Fact No. 4: Whether patients are experiencing symptoms or not, it’s still important to keep uric acid at a healthy level. Guidelines suggest that most patients with gout keep their uric acid level below 6 mg/dL (milligrams of uric acid per deciliter of blood in the body). Some patients who have severe gout symptoms may have their doctor recommend keeping their uric acid level under 5 mg/dL. Ongoing monitoring helps patients ensure their uric acid levels are consistently under control, ultimately reducing the number of flares and appropriately managing their gout.

To learn more about gout, visit goutisserious.com and get the facts.

September24,2015

HL health calendar BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

BREAST-FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP

DIABETES INFORMATION GROUP

Where: McKee Cancer Center Conference Room B When: 2nd Thurs. of each month, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.622.1961

Where: McKee Medical Center When: Mon. Wed. and Fri. (except holidays), 10-11 a.m.

Cost: FREE. No need to register Call: 970.669.9355

CAREGIVER CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: Twice per month, 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.635.4129 for dates

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT

This group for caregivers of elderly adults focuses on providing support and education about community resources and behavior issues, particularly for people with Alzheimer’s and memory impairment.

Where: Stepping Stones Adult Day Center, 302 Third St., SE, Suite 100, Loveland When: 1st and 3rd Thurs. of themonth, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE. Care of elderly adult family members or friends is available through Stepping Stones Adult Day Program during meeting times at no charge.

Call: 970.820.6871

September 24, 2015

Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 2000 Boise. Ave. When: Tues., 1-3 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.635.4015

Information, resources, and support to people with diabetes and the general public.

Where: McKee Wellness Center, Kodak Room When: 4th Thurs. every other month, 7- 8:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE Sept. 24: Diabetes & Avoiding the Medicare Donut Hole (& Other Tips for Open Enrollment) Phoebe Hawley – Outreach Program Manager - Season’s Club Nov. 19: Sugar Substitutes, Short & Sweet Ann Walker, MS, RDN, CDE – Banner Health Dietitian

GENERAL CANCER SUPPORT

Where: McKee Cancer Center Conference Room B When: Tues. (except holidays), 5:30-7 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.635.4129

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Where: McKee Cancer Center Conference Room B When: 4th Thurs. of each month, 5:30 -7 p.m.

Cost: Free Call: 970.622.1961

SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP

Open to scleroderma patients, family, caregivers, and friends looking for a forum to share feelings, concerns, and information.

When: 4th Sat. of even numbered months, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Where: Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Canyon Room

STEPPING STONES ADULT DAY PROGRAM

Socialize, build friendships, and enjoy stimulating activities in a safe, caring environment. For caregivers, Stepping Stones provides a break from daily routines and the best care available.

Where: 302 3rd St. SE, Loveland, When: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Participants may choose from a full or half-day session, one to five days per week.

Information: 970.820.6871, BannerHealth.com/McKee SteppingStones

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, 11 a.m.

Cost: FREE - Registration not required.

Information: 970.635.4172

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YOGA SUPPORT GROUP For anyone touched by cancer.

Where: McKee Medical Center Cancer Center Lobby When: 1st and 3rd Thurs. monthly, 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.635.4054 to register.

PARKINSON’S LSVT “BIG” EXERCISE REFRESHER CLASS Open to anyone with Parkinson’s disease who has completed the LSVT “Big” program with a physical or occupational therapist and wants to practice exercises.

Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center, Boettcher Room When: 3rd Tues. of every month 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE Information: 970. 635.4171

WISE WOMEN GROUP The Wise Women Group is a free, community-based support group for women 50+ to connect with other women.

Dr. Beth Firestein facilitates this group. Email Dr. Beth if you would like to be on the announcement list for this group.

Where: Perkins, 2222 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, When: every other Tuesday, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

(September 22, October 6, 20, November 3, 17, December 1, 15) Cost: Free Information: firewom@webaccess.net

Healthline 25

PAID ADVERTORIAL

What is NEW with Pneumonia?

By Jeannine Stacey, RN, BSN, MSN Patient/Family Educator, Banner Health Pneumonia can be a deadly disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pneumonia causes an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 deaths in the Unites States every year.

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs causing a cough, fever, shaking chills and shortness of breath. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in one to three weeks, but the disease can be life-threatening. Those most at risk include the elderly, smokers, and people with chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema or asthma, and those with weak immune systems.

The good news is there are things you can do to reduce your chance of getting pneumonia. First of all, get an annual flu shot as flu can lead to pneumonia. Wash your hands frequently. And if you are at high risk, get a vaccine for pneumococcal pneumonia.

Vaccines for pneumonia can be confusing, particularly now that another pneumonia 26 Healthline

vaccine has been added to the mix.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is recommended for all children young-

er than 5 years old, all adults 65 years or older, and people 6 years or older with certain risk factors.

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE: • Heart disease • Lung disease (except asthma) • Diabetes • Kidney disease • Lymphoma • Hodgkin’s disease • Liver disease

• • • • • • •

Alcoholism Leukemia Cerebrospinal fluid leak Had spleen removed Sickle cell disease 65 years of age or older Organ or bone-marrow transplant

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) is recommended for all adults 65 years or older.

If you are unsure of your risk for getting pneumonia, talk to your doctor about the vaccines and your most appropriate and effective way to prevent it.

Reporter Herald—ReporterHerald.com

September24,2015

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Enhanced image clarity provides our experts the opportunity to detect breast cancer with shorter exam times for patients. It’s just another way we take care of our own. For more information or to schedule your appointment, call (970) 820-5900 or visit BannerHealth.com/McKee.