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This leading technology is just one example of the world-class advancements McKee Medical Center has invested in for the people of Northern Colorado.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Inside
HELAiLT H ne
September, 2009
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, non-commercial, 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:
The fight against essential tremor
Linda Story — 635-3614
For editorial information, contact: Jade Cody: 635-3656 jcody@reporter-herald.com
Page 4
Cook healthier with tips from CSU Page 11
also inside Women’s gyms offer a comfortable environment .................................... pg. 7 Destination: Healthy with Amanda Wicker ................................................ pg. 9 Moms make connections at local support groups ................................. pg. 16 Crandoodles by Steve Crandall ............................................................... pg. 18 The Healthy Plate ..................................................................................... pg. 19 Renew yourself with winter solstice ........................................................ pg. 21 Loveland health calendar ........................................................................ pg. 22 Uncommon Sense with Loveland’s Dr. Beth Firestein ........................... pg. 23 Loveland health briefs ............................................................................. pg. 25 Health in a Handbasket ........................................................................... pg. 26
Baggage Lost Amanda Wicker has surgery to remove extra skin from her weight loss
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Shaken identity
Rh photo/Jade Cody
Sylvia Falconer, who has a condition called essential tremor, recently had surgery to reduce the tremors by sending electrical impulses into her brain.
Story and photos by Jade Cody • Special Sections Editor
Greeley woman has surgery to combat essential tremor
S
ylvia Falconer has always had terrible penmanship. She remembers her teacher in grade school telling her to “do more loops,” but she never quite mastered it — and 15 years ago, curiously, her handwriting worsened. Falconer’s hands and voice began shaking shortly afterward, and she struggled to speak clearly. As it turned out, these were the initial symptoms of essential tremor (ET) —
a neurological condition that affects upwards of 10 million Americans according to the International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF). Symptoms vary for each person, but usually consist of shaking in the hands, arms, head and voice. For Falconer, a woman who built a life around using her voice, ET was devastating. Her storied past includes time spent preaching, speaking for women’s rights, counseling, teaching school and even hosting a TV program when she was in her 20s and 30s. “Everything I had done up to that point had been vocal,” she said. Speaking became increasingly difficult, so much so that Falconer even-
tually had to quit her successful counseling practice in Denver and stop preaching as a Unitarian minister. She grew frustrated about not being able to speak clearly and asked her husband, Jerry Mangan, for help making phone calls. “For years I had poor Jerry make calls for me,” Falconer said. “I didn’t want to talk to people. It affected my self confidence.” Mangan said they stopped going out as often, and when they did, she was reserved and quiet. “When we went out people couldn’t understand her, so she wanted to stay home more,” he said. As a lifelong extrovert, Falconer’s personality forcefully shifted. “I could
HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
feel myself becoming very much an introvert,” she said. Her sense of identity had morphed, her self confidence was shaken, and she began feeling depressed. “I used to preach to 2,000 people with no microphone,” she said. “To try to preach with no voice depth was getting impossible.” For years Falconer tried anything and everything to treat ET. She took countless medications, tried botox shots in her neck, went to psychotherapy — she even went to Mexico to have blood oxidation and chelation therapy performed. Some of the medications worked at first, though not as much as she had hoped. She began contemplating surgery to tame the tremors. But Falconer wasn’t able to just hop into a hospital bed and have the deep brain stimulation surgery performed. She had to be properly evaluated — a process that took several appointments with her neurologist. The surgery doesn’t come without risk, a point that the neurologist had made clear to Falconer. She recalls the doctor telling her, “Remember, I could hurt you. We’re dealing with the brain here,” she said. And despite being told she could end up paralyzed or worse, Falconer and Mangan decided her quality of life outweighed the potential
risks. She and Mangan spoke frequently about the risks of the surgery, something that ultimately brought them closer. “There was a lot of discussion — if it didn’t work, then what,” Falconer said. “He (Mangan) was my advocate. It made us so close doing something where your life is in jeopardy,” she said. The pair married on Sept. 12 of this year, after a 15-year courtship. “He’s a keeper,” Falconer said with a smile. Once she passed the lengthy consultations needed before someone can be approved for the surgery, Falconer went in for the first of three surgeries. The initial procedure involved the implantation of screws into Falconer’s shaved scalp. In the second, the biggest surgery, holes were drilled into her scalp and a crown was put on her head. She was wide awake with a team of doctors surrounding her. The physicians were searching for the exact spots on her thalamus — called the sweet spots — that would inhibit her tremors with electrical impulses. This surgery took nine hours total, mostly because it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location in the brain, and because it is different for each person. The third surgery was done to implant a receptor Sylvia Falconer holds her remote control to the electrode generator in her chest. She can control the tremors in both her hands, along with her voice, by sending electrodes to her thalamus. RH photos/Jade Cody
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
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A print of one of Sylvia Falconer’s artworks titled “ House on the Hill.” Falconer started creating art when Essential Tremor began affecting her voice. Photo courtesy Sylvia Falconer
into her chest, which sends electrical impulses to her brain via wires running through a tube to the sweet spot on her thalamus. She controls the receptor with a hand held remote control, with buttons to increase the intensity of the impulses to control specific actions, such as speaking or quieting the tremors in her right or left hand. Before the surgery, Falconer had joined a number of support groups, including one held at McKee Wellness Center in Loveland. She said in the groups, everyone had learned to hear her. She has continued attending the groups and enjoys sharing the story of her experience with ET — something she doesn’t consider to be all bad anymore “I can see the benefit of essential tremor in that I needed to further develop that introverted side of myself,” she said. “I can see it in my writing and art — there’s a different thought going into it. I think I have become more compassionate for
people who are handicapped, and as a minister, that was important.” Mangan said he found it fascinating the way Falconer developed her artistic talent in the midst of her tremors. He said she would cut out figures by doing small 1/8inch cuts with scissors. “In the middle of her shakiness, she found this other creative outlet,” Mangan said. “That touches me.” Today Falconer’s art hangs in her home, a resplendent reminder of her journey with ET. With her voice returned, Falconer still preaches once in awhile at various Unitarian churches, and she writes a faith column for the Greeley Tribune. She also continues to cultivate her passion for creating art (though much more efficiently these days). And although Falconer still has a slight slur in her speech, she said people don’t care, and she has more confidence when speaking. “It’s a total miracle for me,” she said.
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Femme Fitness
7
Some sweat best in a ladies-only zone
Jennifer Lehman Staff Writer
S
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
ometimes girls just want to have fun and sometimes women just want to work out with other women, sans men. Many fitness clubs became unisex in the 70s and 80s, but in the past decade or so, exclusively female gyms have found a serious following with national franchises like Curves. These gyms market themselves toward women with machines built for women’s bodies, hours that work for moms and resources focused specifically on the health and wellness obstacles that women face. The women at the local Curves in Loveland site a slew of reasons why they’d rather hang with the ladies. “It’s not sweaty. It’s clean. They’re just women. We have fun and laughter and this particular (workout) is quick,” Connie Welburn, 72, said. Many of the women at Curves prefer a female only environ-
ment because there is no male gaze or perceived male gaze like they might sense at a regular gym. “I like it because it doesn’t matter what exercises you are doing. You can look not so feminine and get a workout whereas if you are with men you might be a little selfconscious. It’s more intimidating I think if you have mixed sexes there,” Cindi Hunzeker, 60, said. “You had to adjust the machine every single time you used it and there’d be men standing around like you’re wasting their time because you’re at a machine they want. And you can’t do what they can do, of course you can’t, but you know, I paid my membership too,” said Carol Waconish, 68, of the unisex gym she used to attend. Laura Pickett, 64, said she likes an exclusively female gym for the same reason she likes having a female doctor — “I just feel more comfortable. I went to a gym where
all the girls were out doing aerobics and behind them were the machines with bicycles and rowers and all the guys were sitting there checking them out.” The Curves set up is pretty intimate which makes for easy conversation. “It’s more fun,” said Carol Welconish, 68. “You don’t feel like you’re working out. You talk to ladies about female things, and you laugh and get to know them. Here everyone’s so friendly. Every time you come in you make a new friend almost. I’m not a hard core gymnast, I’m
not out to get muscles, just to get some exercise.” For some it’s not the men but the younger crowd they find intimidating. “(Curves is) so varied in age,” Leslie Megill, 63, said. “There’s nothing worse than walking into a gym where it’s body beautiful and everybody’s 30 and under. That’s more intimidating than walking into a gym with men and women.” “It seems like a lot of younger people go (to unisex gyms), and you gotta wear special clothes. You gotta look
the part. I just like this where it’s a circuit-you know exactly what to do, when to do it,” said Linda Hessler. Gail Engel, 54, said she would never go to a unisex gym because she knows she would be uncomfortable. “I won’t go to one. Because I’m slow, because I’m a bigger woman, because I don’t want other men to see me,” she said. “Before I came here two months ago I was limping so bad I couldn’t hardly walk.” Engel has had two I See FEMME/Page 8
RH Photos/Rhema Muncy
Top, Cindy Lewis assists Sondra Konzem in her workout. Bottom, two women use a couple of the machines in the Curves circuit, spending 30-40 seconds and then moving on to the next station.
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
FEMME From Page 7
knee replacements, a hip replacement and will soon have a shoulder replacement. “My core strength was so bad I could barely get out of bed every day. I knew I had to do something so I started coming here. I’m now walking without a limp. I’m strengthening my arm so that when I do have my surgery for my shoulder, I’ll be strong enough to get through it,” Engel said. Pat Maloney-Sobek, a personal trainer at Chilson Recreation Center, has seen both worlds. She worked previously at a women’s gym in Boise, Idaho and she now works at Loveland’s recreational center. Culture can play a factor in the need for a women’s only gym, Maloney-Sobek said. In
some cultures women aren’t allowed to be uncovered, even facially, in front of men, so women’s-only gyms are more convenient. Maloney-Sobek said that at
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
unisex gyms there are men and women everywhere except the weight room where there is not so surprisingly a much greater number of men. For this reason, some
of her female clients politely refuse to go in. “They would not allow me to take them in the weight I See Femme/Page 9
Beat weight room intimidation If the machines, the men, the grunts or the hot young thing (girl or guy) on the leg press in the weight room makes you bit shy, read this: You know your stuff (and if you don’t, learn it): Club members are usually required to undergo training on all weight room equipment at any kind of fitness center. Once completed, you know how to use the equipment “so just go in and do it,” Maloney-Sobek said. If you are still feeling hesitant, maybe it’s because you have additional questions, so go ask someone. Join the noise fest: The grunting. Some guys do it (and probably some ladies too), and while it may be necessary to spew vocal cues of dominance and strength for them to get the best workout, it’s also kind of weird. If it bugs you, grunt right back or utilize another verbal expression for your own routine like humming a tune or pronounced breathing to help you focus on your reps. Or you can just laugh at them inside your head (or out in the open), as smiles do wonders for a workout. This is also a great time to bring in the iPod and block it all out with your favorite song. Imagine awesomeness: You already are awesome, clearly, but sometimes pretending to be Lara Croft or Demi Moore in “GI Jane” can push fear off the cliff and leave you soaring through that maze of iron and muscle straight towards your goals of strength and empowerment. Rah!
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Destination: Healthy Amanda Wicker is a Loveland native and the founder of Destination: Healthy, a free weight loss support group held at Message of Life Ministries on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Amanda has lost a total of 130 pounds using diet and exercise. She can be reached at destinationhealthy@gmail.com.
Knowing when to let go Amanda Wicker Destination: Healthy
T
his past summer my family spent a lot of time at the park, and a good portion of it was spent helping my daughter learn how to climb on the monkey bars. Not only did I learn new things about my patience, but it reminded me of a great concept for my journey. I found myself repeating to my daughter, “You have to let go of that one to be able to grab on to the next one.” In this Health Line you will find an article about an im-
portant part of my journey. I had about seven pounds of skin in my Destination: Healthy stomach that was left behind after my weight loss. That skin was a constant NEED HELP LETTING GO reminder of my unhealthy Here are some examples of things that you choices. When I let go of the may need to let go of: excuses, memories, skin, the reminders went clothes that don’t fit, relationships, habits, with it and now I am free to ways of thinking, attitudes, unhealthy food grab on to the future. As this choices. year comes to a close think • Write down those things on a piece of about what you may need to paper and put it into the fireplace. let go of. I know just like the monkey bars it may seem a • Use a journal to let out any feelings you little overwhelming, but it is need to sort out and let go only then that you are truly • Talk with a friend, pastor, counselor or able grab on to what is relative you can trust. ahead.
FEMME
Put Your Feet in Our Hands
From Page 8
room. Again, an intimidation factor, and I hate to use that word, but that’s what it is.” Maloney-Sobek said most of the women who don’t feel comfortable going into the weight room are in their 50’s but she has seen the same hesitancy in younger women through the advanced weight training class she’s taught at Front Range Community College for the past nine years. “I don’t get women in that class, only men,” MaloneySobek said. “This semester I talked two women into it, but they aren’t comfortable. They stay in their own corner. These are young girls, 18-23, you’d think they’d really like to be in there with those guys, right?” But maybe gender intimidation goes both ways, or maybe it’s all just a matter of
preference: “They’ll go to body sculpting and toning classes that are mostly women and the men won’t go to those,” Maloney-Sobek said. Teaming up with a trainer or a workout partner can make women more confident about using the equipment in a unisex weight room. “I think that women do work out together very well,” Maloney-Sobek said. But when it comes to flying solo that intimidation factor can creep up again. “When you leave them alone and aren’t training them anymore, they go back to where they feel most comfortable: out of the weight room,” MaloneySobek said.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Healthy holiday cooking Make boosting nutrition the goal this holiday season Rhema Muncy Special Sections Reporter
W
ith gumdrops and delicious Christmas pastries swimming through dreams at night, choosing nutritious holiday food is usually at the bottom of the seasonal priority list. Making the healthy choice can feel like deprivation, especially with New Year’s resolutions right around the corner. This year, the CSU nutrition department challenged Northern Colorado to eat healthier for the holidays. A live cooking demonstration offered substitution ideas for hefty holiday recipe ingredients and healthier twists on old family favorites. “The point of healthy holiday eating is to maximize nutrients and minimize fat, sugar and sodium,” nutrition Ph.D. student Laura Bauer said. “Different colors make it appetizing, but also all the different colors represent different nutrients.” Bauer and two other graduate students, Lisa Conway and Francine Schafer, prepared side dish ideas for upcoming holiday feasts, all with healthy substitutions and a well rounded mix of nutrients for the holiday table. “The cool thing with stuffing is you can really do whatever you want — onions, celery, bread and sage are some of your basic things. From there the sky is the limit (for) what you want to add to it.” The pear and wild rice variation with wheat bread and cranberries offered a fiber-boosting alternative to boxed stuffing. The cooks encouraged playing with the colors, textures and baking time of the stuffing until the perfect results are achieved. Bauer also mentioned that it is best to pour in the broth a little bit at a time to make sure not too much is added.
RH Photo/Rhema Muncy
CSU graduate students Francine Schafer and Lisa Conway prepare food for the healthy holiday cooking class at the CSU test kitchen. “When putting stuffing inside of a turkey, you need to be careful of putting food into a raw bird,” Bauer said. “Make sure the stuffing is done. It needs to get to at least 165 degrees, just like the turkey.” An alternative to marshmallow infused sweet potatoes mixed in apples, maple syrup, walnuts and pecans. Creamy mashed potatoes received the low fat milk treatment with roasted garlic. “When you are making mashed potatoes, warming the milk beforehand not only keeps the potatoes warm and moist but really enhances their flavor,” Bauer said. The green bean casserole make-over included fresh portobello mushrooms instead of canned mushroom soup, yellow bell peppers for added texture and baked almond slices in lieu of fried onion strips. “When you add the milk, turn the heat down, because it doesn’t curdle but it tends to coat the bottom with a brown film,” Conway said. The healthier pie crust ready for a hearty pumpkin mix offered a nutritious alternative with whole wheat flour, oats and nuts ground together as the base. After it is baked, the crust
could be frozen because it does not contain eggs, Conway said. HEALTHY HOLIDAY CHOICES Fort Collins natural health practitioner Robin Phelps prepares clients for the barrage of holiday parties by arming them with healthy options. Her first rule of thumb is to get enough water, especially when drinking alcohol. “Try to drink one glass of water between each one,” Phelps said. “That way you don’t get quite so tipsy.” And with so many options readily available at holiday parties, stick to the healthier options with a small piece of a favorite dessert as a reward. “Don’t park yourself right next to the food,” Phelps said. “Grab some snacks and then mingle with people so you aren’t apt to grab what is right in front of you.” Other ways to save holiday calories are to bring a healthy side dish and to let fruits and vegetables go naked, she said. When it comes time to eat America’s favorite gobbler, light meat offers the least amount of fat in a turkey. Bauer’s advice for avoiding holiday eating mosh pits was to be OK with a special day, but to still act smartly. “Maybe you eat mashed potatoes a
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
lot at your house,� Bauer said. “On Thanksgiving, don’t eat mashed potatoes. Or make sure to have smaller portions of everything. Don’t let yourself get bent out of shape. If one day you eat a little more, don’t keep eating the next day.� Controlling stress is another way to banish eating habits depleted of nutrients. “During the holidays, a lot of people will stress eat or eat junk food just to get something in there,� Phelps said. “Stop and take a few breaths. Don’t worry about your party or your house being perfect. Everyone will just enjoy being together.�
Wild rice and Serves 8 Ingredients: 4 cups cubed whole wheat bread or cornbread 2 cups cooked wild rice (3/4 cups dry) 11/2 teaspoon olive oil 4 stalks celery, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 4 pears, cored and chopped 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
oven to 350 degrees and baking them for 15 to 20 minutes. Heat oil, celery and onion over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add pears, broth, water, sage and thyme. Reduce heat and simmer until pears are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl; add bread, wild rice and cranberries. Drizzle broth over RH photo/Rhema Muncy the stuffing and lightly toss until evenly moistened. Seapear stuffing son with salt and pepper. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Transfer to a lightly oiled thyme or 1 teaspoon dried casserole dish and cover 1 cup reduced-sodium chickwith foil. Bake until heated en or vegetable broth through, 35 to 45 minutes. 1 cup water 1 For a crisp top, uncover af/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cranberries ter 15 minutes of baking. Salt and pepper to taste Nutrition: Calories 219; Fat 3.4g, Saturated fat 0.6g; Directions: Dry out bread by cubing and laying Protein 6.3g, Carbohydrates it out the day before for 24 44.3g; Cholesterol 0mg; hours or by preheating the Sodium 249mg; Fiber 6.7g.
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Almond and Green Bean Casserole Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 /3 cup pearl onions, halved 8 ounces portobello mushrooms, sliced 1 pound fresh green beans (about 4 cups) 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 /2 teaspoon salt 1 /2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 /2 teaspoon ground pepper 1 /3 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups lowfat milk 3 tablespoons dry sherry (not cooking sherry) 1 cup red, yellow or orange peppers (optional) 1 small container non-fat plain yogurt (5-6 ounces, preferably Greek yogurt) 3 tablespoons buttermilk powder 3 /4 cup sliced almonds
Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Heat oil, onions and mushrooms in a large saucepan over
medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir in green beans, onion powder, salt, thyme and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for three to five minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables; stir to coat. Reduce heat to low, add milk, sherry and peppers. Bring to a simmer, stirring often for three to five minutes more. Stir in the yogurt and buttermilk powder. Transfer to baking dish, then top with almonds evenly. Bake until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Let cool for five minutes before serving. To top with crispy onions, saute 1 /3 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika and one small sliced onion in a frying pan until crispy. Sprinkle evenly on top of the casserole.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Pumpkin pie Serves 6 Ingredients: Pie filling — 3 /4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 /2 teaspoon salt 1 /2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 /4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 15-ounce can of pumpkin 1 12-ounce can of fat free evaporated milk
RH photo/Rhema Muncy
slowly add just enough water to make the dough form a ball. Roll flat between sheets of waxed paCrust ingredients: per and lift onto pan. Make 1 /2 cup wheat pastry flour decorative edges. Bake for 1 cup rolled oats 1 10 minutes or until crisp. /2 cup chopped nuts 1 /2 teaspoon salt To make pie filling, mix 3 tablespoons olive oil sugar and spices in small 1 /2 cup water bowl. Beat eggs in a large Directions: To make the bowl. Stir in pumpkin and crust, preheat the oven to sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated 400 degrees. Blend oats and walnuts in a food pro- milk. Pour into pie shell and bake at 425 degrees cessor until mixture is floury with a few visible oat for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 depieces. Stir in bowl with grees and bake for 40 to 50 whole wheat pastry flour and salt. Mix in oil and minutes.
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Support Mom told him to use a brown paper sack. When he couldn’t find any sacks, she told him to use one of the plastic bags by the refrigerator. At the end of the day when Schmidt was asking all of the kids Rhema Muncy about school, the young boy Special Sections Reporter told her that everyone had laughed at him in the lunch he Schmidt household room, including the teachers banned pink lunch and lunch ladies. That was bags from the house when the Schmidts discovafter one fateful morning. ered the boy’s lunch bag had Kelly Schmidt, a mother of the name “Victoria’s Secret” five children, was running printed on the front. The the usual before-school cirMother of Pre-schoolers cus at her house. One of her (MOPS) gathering laughed younger sons couldn’t find and nodded in understandhis lunch box, so Schmidt ing when Schmidt finished
Moms come together to boost morale
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RH photo/Rhema Muncy
Kelly Schmidt speaks at MOPS at Crossroads Church. her story. The Loveland support group MOPS at Crossroads church provides a safe place for moms to build community and get to know other women while their children attend day care in the same building. “Having little kids from birth until when they start into school are hard times,” Crossroads MOPS coordina-
tor Amy Hallagan said. “There is a lot to do and learn, and sometimes you need to be reminded what your worth is because you don’t get thanked from the littles.” When Hallagan moved to Loveland a few years ago, her oldest son was a little over three years old, her younger son was nine months old and her husband
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
is great.” Kristi Beets started attending for that very reason. Her daughter was diagnosed with ADD and Sensory Disorder. When she learned that other moms face the same challenges, Beets felt relieved to know that she had sounding boards for tough decisions and seasons. The Holistic Mom’s Network offers another avenue of support. Geared at families who are looking to live a green lifestyle, the Denver chapter was founded by Peggy Robertson. She wanted to help Denver build an educational community that supports holistic families living against the current the mainstream lifestyles. “Holistic living is clean living; body, mind and spirit,” Robertson said. “How can you nurture all of those things in a way that is green and good for the environ-
ment? We really try to think about how what we do effects the whole world. We try to educate our kids as they grow up.” The all-volunteer organization utilizes the talents and strengths of the group members to teach classes on topics such as alternative medicine, massage, homeschooling, educational alternatives and many other topics. Their play dates focus on interacting with the children. Berthoud Family Church also hosts a MOPS program. Coordinator Jenna Conover started the group two years ago when the church moved into their new building. When speakers come through, they cover a range of topics from gardening to the sexual relationships of spouses. The main feedback she gets from other women is that they wish they had this type of support when their kids were young.
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“It is important for moms to have a place to go to talk about spit up and breast milk, or to talk about your spiritual needs or grocery lists,” Conover said. “Moms parenting little ones are in the trenches. They don’t come with a handbook. Sometimes you don’t have to say anything — just a heavy sigh will be fine.” Each mom has different support needs, from seeking parenting advice to just relaxing with girlfriends. “When you become a mom, you lose a lot of yourself, and it is important to keep that self-identity,” Conover said. “Support is important on every level.” Crossroads MOPS member Erin Grosboll wants moms to remember that all females need companionship. “You feel re-energized and like you can take on the world better,” she said.
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travelled often. She remembers walking into her first MOPS meeting and wanting to cry because she finally found women who understood exactly how she felt. “Things shift when you have kids, and you have never been in this season before,” she said. Amber Daly attends MOPS at Crossroads because she feels being a mom is the most important job around. “You can’t do it on your own,” Daly said. “You need other women in your life who know what you are going through. Being a mom is lonely and sometimes you don’t realize it.” Daly’s mom Jeannie Baugh comes to the group as a mom mentor so that she can offer encouragement. “Motherhood is about collecting tools,” Baugh said. “The more ideas you can get from other moms who have experienced the same thing
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
AT CENTERRA 970-593-3009
1625 Foxtrail Dr., Ste 260 • Loveland, CO
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
BOYD LAKE
3470 East 15th Street Horstman Place
US 34 Mountain View High School
3470 East 15th Street Loveland, CO 80538 Our phone and fax numbers will remain the same: 51-306079
LOVELAND
open for appointments December 7, 2009 We are moving our Loveland office. Starting Monday, December 7, OCR’s patients will have their Loveland doctor and therapy appointments at our new office:
www.orthohealth.com
Boyd Lake Avenue
we welcome patients to our new facility
N Interstate 25
18
970-663-3975 | Fax: 970-663-2235
Our new office is located on East U.S. 34 directly north of Mountain View High School. The location is one block west of Boyd Lake Avenue and two miles west of I-25. Turn off U.S. 34 onto Horstman Place. Our new office offers: appointments with more OCR physicians
equipment and facilities
surroundings
digital x-ray services
The relocation of our Loveland office will NOT affect our Fort Collins facility and its services.
HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
HL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
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Healthy Plate
Healthy holiday fare of opportunity to help chop and combine ingredients, nutrition graduate student Francine Schafer said. he holidays offer a “Scrub all veggies with a perfect time to celebrate health with the brush,” she added. “Wash all your fruits and vegetafamily. The CSU nutrition bles, even if it is the kind center recently offered a where you don’t eat the healthy holiday cooking outside because when you class where graduate stuare cutting into it, you dents prepared nutritious might have the bacteria on side dish heroes for this the outside get into the inseason’s table. side.” For an alternative to A time-saving holiday gooey sweet and calorie meal trick is to make this crammed marshmallow dish the day before and sweet potatoes, the stuthen reheat it for 20 mindents offered this roasted utes before dinner. . sweet potatoes and apples dish jam-packed with nutriNutrition information: ents and flavors from a Serving size — 1 cup. Caloblend of aromatic spices. ries 309; Fat 12.3g; SatuOther variations could use rated fat 1.3g; Protein 2.8g; almonds or pistachios. Carbohydrates 50.6g; Sweet potatoes make it a Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium kid friendly meal with lots 360mg; Fiber 7.2g.
RHEMA MUNCY SPECIAL SECTIONS REPORTER
Cilantro and toasted almond pesto cool for 5 minutes. In a food processor or blender, combine the Ingredients: toasted almonds, 3 tablespoons slivered almonds cilantro, olive oil, lime 2 cups chopped cilantro juice, garlic, cheese, salt 3 tablespoons olive oil and pepper. Process until 3 tablespoons lime juice smooth, scraping down 3 cloves garlic, chopped the sides with a rubber 3 tablespoons grated spatula as needed. Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon salt Nutrition information Ground black pepper per serving (values are rounded to the nearest Directions: In a small, whole number): 52 calodry skillet over medium- ries; 44 calories from fat; low heat, stir the slivered 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g almonds until they are trans fats); 1 mg cholesfragrant and lightly toast- terol; 1 g carbohydrate; 1 ed, about 3 minutes. g protein; 0 g fiber; 81 mg Transfer to a plate and sodium. By Jim Romanoff, AP Serves 12
Roasted sweet potatoes and apples Adapted from a recipe in Sunset magazine Serves: 10 people Ingredients: 3 pounds orange-flesh sweet potatoes (or yams), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 each Fuji, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 /4 cup maple syrup 1 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts and pecans) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 tablespoon cinnamon 11/2 teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, mix sweet potatoes, oil, apples, syrup, walnuts, lemon juice, thyme, cinnamon, salt and pepper until evenly coated. Cover two 9-by-13 inch rimmed baking pans with cooking spray. Spread the mixture into both pans in a single layer. Roast until sweet potatoes are browned and tender when pierced, about 40 minutes, turning every 15 minutes. Add more spices to taste. This dish can be made one day ahead of time when chilled in the refrigerator. Reheat, drizzled with a little olive oil, at 425 degrees for 20 minutes before serving.
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer Often cervical cancer has no Elizabeth Howell, McKee Medical Center symptoms in its early stages. Only RH Paid Advertorial after the cancer has developed into a later stage will a woman experiuestion: What are the ence symptoms, and even then, signs and symptoms of cer- those signs can be mistaken for othvical cancer? er common problems such as PMS Answer: Cervical cancer is or pain with ovulation. the fifth most Cervical cancer is a cancer that deadly cancer starts in the cervix — the lower part for women, afof the uterus that opens at the top fecting about 16 of the vagina. The function of the out of 100,000 cervix is to allow for the passage of women annuala baby from the uterus to the vagina ly worldwide. It during childbirth. is the cause of There are several cervical cancer death for about nine women in risk factors including giving birth to 100,000. Among multiple children, having many sexElizabeth Howell gynecological ual partners, having sexual intercancers, cervical course for the first time at a young age, smoking, using oral contracepcancer follows endometrial cancer tives or having a weakened imand ovarian cancer in rate of incimune system. Having contracted dence.
Q
I See Cancer/Page 24
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HPV — the human papillomavirus — is a significant risk factor. Symptoms of cervical cancer can include: • Continuous vaginal discharge. • Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause. • Periods that become heavier and last longer than normal. Advanced symptoms of cervical cancer include: • Loss of appetite • Weight loss • Pelvic pain • Back pain • Fatigue • Leg pain • Heavy bleeding from the vagina • Leaking urine or feces from the vagina
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
The Winter Solstice: Take time to contemplate your life Laura Lee Carter Special to the RH
O
n Dec. 21, the winter solstice arrives, a magical time when the sun begins its gradual journey back to bring us the delightful warmth of spring. Predating Christianity, we humans have been battling with midwinter’s ominous gloom for centuries with solstice rituals of light and fire, celebratLaura Lee Carter ing the warmer, brighter days ahead. In Europe the ancient Yule festival survives even today, with the traditional Yule log, whose embers are believed to frighten away evil spirits. Why not take your own winter solstice retreat and rejuvenate your spirit? Find a quiet place to spend a moment appreciating the miracle of our sun and seasons. Take time to contemplate your life. What is working for you, and what is not? What is missing? Is it meaning or fun? Is it the energy to do all of the things you still want to do? Is it love or excitement? Is it the motivation or resources to pursue your dreams? What can you do to improve your existence today? How do others find inspiration to become more and not less as they age? Consciously working through core issues, rather than hiding from them, rejuvenates creative flow and adds joy to life. NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION We all need to renovate our lives every now and then. The secret to posi-
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tive transformation is remembering the child within. Why not try falling in love with yourself all over again? Remember a time when you were full of curiosity and simply delightful? This was long before the world told you to settle down and quit being so full of life. Back then, every new thought felt like a revelation, and the world was your oyster. On your winter solstice retreat, spend time focused on how lively and alive you used to be. Then add on to that how amazing you have become over the past 20, 30 or 40 years. What happened to that kid who loved life so much? What happened to that bundle of boundless joy and energy? The world happened. We learned how to act like adults, to become more responsible. There was no time for our glorious selves to blossom. We were too busy for that. Could this be just the right time for your best self to start to shine through? Is it time to rediscover the positive, creative being you are inside? What do you love to do, but have denied yourself for ages? Is it drawing, playing music, watercolors, writing, hiking, dancing? Is it painting your surroundings in all your favorite colors? Start focusing on what is dynamic and creative within. What needs to come out now? “IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO CHANGE. SURVIVAL IS NOT MANDATORY.” — W. EDWARDS DEMING It’s never easy to accept the need to change. That’s why so many of us have to hit rock bottom before we can con-
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
21
sider changing anything. Why not try a new approach? Be open and ever-vigilant of messages from your life, signs that shout: “Some serious change is in order now!“ If we refuse to listen, that voice just keeps getting louder. Major traumas like divorce, empty nest, illness or job loss can be great motivating events in our lives. They may force us to finally step way outside of our box, stretch our comfort zone, dig in and start learning more about who we have become. Here are a few important steps to consider when you hope to successfully change your habits, your mind set and your life. • Work at alleviating negative thought patterns. Internal self-criticism can defeat any of us if we do not battle it daily. Try to develop an attitude of gratitude. We sometimes cease to appreciate all we are given, because we are surrounded with so much abundance everywhere we turn. • Start exercising to build self-respect and improve your moods. Twenty minutes of walking outside in the sun everyday can improve your outlook dramatically. Then start single-tasking instead of overwhelming yourself with a gigantic to-do list. Choose one important goal and spend time everyday focused on it with laser-sharp focus. Eliminate non-essentials from your life, and cultivate self-compassion. Develop these strategies into a daily routine, and within 30 days they will become new life habits. • Commit fully, in a public way, to your goal. Log your progress everyday, line up support for when you falter, reward every little success and, if you fail, figure out what went wrong, plan for it, and try again. Start each day by asking yourself: “What do I want to happen today?” And this time ask for exactly what you want. You can change your life. Laura Lee Carter, M.A. Counseling Psychology, is a local author, blog mistress and Life Change Coach, known online as the Midlife Crisis Queen. Carter’s mission is to coach her clients through life changes, offering whatever assistance they need to achieve the positive outcomes they seek. Learn more at www.LauraLeeCarter.com. Carter can be reached at 223-9139 or via e-mail at MidlifeCrisisQueen@gmail.com.
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
HL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Calendar
COLORADO ESSENTIAL TREMOR SUPPORT GROUP An interactive group for those how have been diagnosed or feel that they have essential tremor and need support to face daily life issues. When: The second Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Where: McKee Wellness Center Cost: Free Contact: 970-586-6931 or merryhugh@msn.com. ON OUR OWN Ongoing discussion group for people who are adjusting to life after the death of a spouse. When: Every second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Where: Pathways Hospice Cost: No fee or registration required. BRIGHT BEGINNINGS Poudre Valley Health System presents free Bright Beginnings visits for all families in Larimer County with children 0-3 years of age. Registration required. Call 4957528 to register or to learn more about the programs. January Classes: • Program A for infants: When: Jan. 11, 11:15 a.m. at MMC, Jan. 16, noon, at MCR • Program B for toddlers: When: Jan. 11, 9:15 a.m. at Loveland Library • Program C for 2-3 years: When: Jan. 11, 10:15 a.m. at Loveland Library
BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT Where: Mckee Medical Center When: 10-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays Cost: Free Call: 970-669-9355 ASTHMA EDUCATION A four-session multidisciplinary educational series to help people manage asthma. When: Mondays from Jan. 4-Jan. 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Cost: No charge BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK Have your blood pressure screened by a Wellness Specialist Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-noon. Where: McKee Wellness Services Cost: No charge Call: 970-635-4056
HEART FAILURE EDUCATIONAL SERIES 2010 An educational series offering support to people with heart failure. When: Second Tuesday of every month from 3:30-5 p.m. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Cost: No charge, no registration needed Contact: 970-635-4138
TOTAL JOINT EDUCATION Physical and occupational therapists prepare patients for surgery. Program is coordinated through your physician's office. When: Thursdays at 3 p.m. COPD Where: McKee ConferA seven-session multidiscience and Wellness Center plinary education series to Call: 970-635-4172 help with the management of COPD. CAREGIVER’S SUPPORT GROUP When: Tuesdays from Where: McKee Cancer 12:30-3 p.m. beginning Jan. 5 Center Conference Room Where: McKee Wellness and Conference Center Cost: No charge Cost: No charge Call: 970-635-4129 for Call: 970-635-4138 dates and times
SOULPLAY ART THERAPY People whose lives are touched by cancer experience the benefits of expressing themselves through art. No art experience needed. When: Wednesdays, 9:4511:45 a.m. Where: McKee Cancer Center Conference Room Contact: 970-635-4129 MAN TO MAN PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. every fourth Thursday Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Call: 970-622-1961
THE SEASONS CLUB The Seasons Club at McKee Medical Center strives to enhance the quality of life for mature adults through health promotion, education and recreation. Learn more about back pain, spine care and the latest in spine surgery technology from local orthopedic surgeon Jeffrey Donner. When: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20 DIABETES INFO GROUP BREAST CANCER SUPPORT Where: McKee ConferWhen: Call for times and GROUP ence and Wellness Center When: Second Thursday topics of each month from 5:30 to 7 Contact: 970-635-4097 or Where: McKee Conferp.m. www.bannerhealth.com ence and Wellness Center Keyword: McKee Seasons Where: McKee Cancer Cost: No charge. No regisClub. Center lobby. tration needed. Contact: 970-203-6550 Contact: 970-622-1961 Cost: Free
HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
HL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Uncommon Sense
Celebrating Harmoniously Holiday gatherings mean different things to different people: Here’s how to get along Beth Firestein Uncommon Sense
Q
uestion: Dr. Beth, no one in our family seems to want to celebrate the holidays the same way. This often causes arguments that ruin the holiday spirit for at least part of the holidays. What can our family do about this problem? Answer: It seems like everyone has a different idea of what the holidays mean, even within the same family. Some family members like to cook and decorate and others could care less. Some people enjoy all the decorations and goodies, but only when other people do the work. Some of us love the traditions that date back generations, others want to be free-wheeling and celebrate by playing Wii and World of Warcraft. Older family members may find more religious and spiritual meaning in the holidays, while other family members tend to put more emphasis on the holidays as a social and festive time to connect with family and friends. The three keys to a successful family holiday experience are 1) to have realistic expectations, 2) plan a few quality activities instead of lots of events and activities, and 3) give yourself (and your loved ones) permission to be imperfect. Realistic expectations that account for family members’ individual differences. If one person absolutely hates decorating, but doesn’t mind calling and inviting people over for dinner or running errands, don’t insist that they do the thing they hate. If you don’t expect everyone to love the same things about the holidays, there will be a lot less conflict. Try not to plan too many activities because this creates pressure to constantly be doing, organizing, shopping or hosting. It can also lead to trying to convince reluctant family members to help out with things they
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really don’t want to do anyway. On the other hand, if you are one of the reluctant ones, stretch a little and know that the extra effort to show love and support to your more enthusiastic family members will probably reap appreciation and generosity in return the rest of the year. Plan to be imperfect. Burn the cookies on purpose — or at least say you did it on purpose. Try to find humor in the things that go wrong. Sometimes they really are funny, at least after a year or two. Besides, these are the events that people have fun telling stories about in years to come. They become part of the folklore of the family. Whatever your style, find positive ways to celebrate the holidays that honor personal differences. You won’t be disappointed. Dr. Beth Firestein is a licensed psychologist. She has 23 years of therapy experience and has practiced in Loveland for over 12 years. She may be reached by calling her office at 970-635-9116 or via e-mail at firewom@webaccess.net.
Uncommon Sense
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
We’re here for your family.
Cancer From Page 20
Foxtrail Family Medicine offers comprehensive family care—for infants, children, moms-to-be, adults and seniors. Dr. Bradley Schnee and Dr. Anne Siple look forward to caring for you and your family. Call today for an appointment: (970) 619-6900 Foxtrail Family Medicine 1625 Foxtrail Drive (Just south of Medical Center of the Rockies in Centerra) pvhs.org
Dr. Anne Siple and Dr. Bradley Schnee
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F O X T R A I L FA M I LY M E D I C I N E POUDRE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
• Single swollen leg • Bone fractures A woman can focus on prevention by avoiding the risk factors. Also, a woman should have regular Pap smears to check for abnormal changes to the cervix that could lead to cervical cancer. Recently, providers have been using the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, which is thought to be effective in preventing cervical cancer by preventing two types of the HPV know to cause the cancer. The vaccine is available to women ages 9-26. Woman often ask about Pap smears — when to have one, how often to have one and whether they really need one. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends the following: • First Pap smear: Until recently, ACOG recommended that a woman have her first Pap smear three years after she becomes sexually active. This fall, however, they reviewed data and determined that the first screening should occur at age 21. Screenings in younger women often lead to anxiety and follow up exams when the rate of cervical cancer among this age group of women was very low. Age 19-29: Have a Pap smear every three
years unless your provider orders it more frequently. Age 30-65: The ACOG’s new guidelines also recommend a change in screening schedules for women who are 30 and older. The group now recommends that these women should be tested every two years instead of annually as was previously recommended. Women 30 and older who have had three consecutive negative tests should be screened once every three years. If a woman is at high risk for cervical cancer, has HIV or a weakened immune system or has had previous cervical abnormalities, screenings should take place annually. Age 65 to 70: Women who have had three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years may ask their provider whether they can discontinue having the tests. Also, women who have had a hysterectomy for benign reasons do not have to be screened. You should consult your personal health care provider regarding symptoms or questions you might have. Elizabeth Howell, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist with McKee Center for Women’s Health.
HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
Health Line Briefs
MMC ADDS EICU FOR ADDED CARE McKee Medical Center became the third Banner Health hospital in Northern Colorado to implement eICU, a remote monitoring system that provides an additional layer of care for the hospitalized patients in the Intensive Care Unit. The eICU technology is part of Banner Health’s iCare Intensive Care program. In the program, specially-trained clinical staff back up physicians, nurses and other caregivers at the bedside and help monitor ICU patient information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From the command center, specialists can assist the bedside caregivers to pick up nearly imperceptible changes in a patient’s condition or vital signs. Because intensive care patients are so medically fragile, this early warning system can help head off life-threatening complications.
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Retirement In Full Powder
contact Armi Hall at 970-419-7140 or e-mail ahall@orthohealth.com LINDEN WINS AWARDS FOR HEALTH MARKETING The CardioVascular Advertising Awards recently recognized Linden, a marketing agency in Fort Collins, for outstanding work in the field of healthcare marketing. Linden received awards for its work on behalf of Heart Center of the Rockies. For more information, e-mail Doug@golinden.com or visit golinden.com.
ABBY’S SIGNATURE CONCERT SERIES Pathways Hospice and Respite Care will present the Abby’s Signature Concert Series Christmas Concert on Dec. 21 from 10-11 a.m. and again from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Avenue in Fort Collins. The Abby’s Signature Concert Series is dedicated ORTHOPAEDIC CENTER OF to the memory of Abby THE ROCKIES MOVES French, who was born with The Orthopaedic Center severe developmental disof the Rockies moved its of- abilities and received supfice in Loveland to a stateport from both Respite Care of-the-art facility at 3470 East and Pathways Hospice. 15th St. on Dec. 7. The new Though doctors gave her a building is three times the life expectancy of only two size of OCR’s previous facili- years, French lived until she ty. OCR’s new office will of- was ten. French spent much fer patients more physician of her day listening to muand therapy appointments sic, as it seemed to bring her with the practice’s specialists comfort. Over the years in orthopaedics, podiatry, many musicians played for sports medicine, and physi- Abby and she touched their cal-occupational therapy. lives in a very special way. The new facility also inAll proceeds from the concludes digital X-ray services. certs benefit programs at Respite Care and Pathways Up to eight OCR physiHospice. cians will be able to have patient appointments at one For more information, time. OCR’s former building contact Respite Care at 970had room for five doctors to 207-9435 or Pathways Hossee patients at a time. pice at 663-3500 or visit For more information, www.pathways-care.org.
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HL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
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HEALTH LINE OF NORTHERN COLORADO/Reporter-Herald
HL
Health in a Handbasket
Say Uncle My sister finally did something worthwhile Jade Cody Special Sections Editor
E
very year when the time comes for our women’s health edition of Health Line, I try to put on my woman hat (which is embarrassing, cause the heels that go with it totally make my rear look big). The problem is, I’m a boy. I enjoy a good set of pliers, burning things and taking long walks to my seats at Broncos games. It’s not easy to relate to you females. About a month ago, things changed — my first niece, Hadley, was born. As I held her for the first time, she looked up at me with these deep sparkling ocean blue eyes while making the cutest little squeaks and baby hiccups. Suddenly I was smack in the middle of a baby-talking, cooing, awing and oohing crowd of women. And you know what, I admit it, I awe’d too. It took Hadley all of ten seconds to get me to act like a pansy. And then it happened: she yawned.
Health
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Tips for dealing with a pregnant sister/new mom While I can’t offer you a woman’s perspective on pregnancy and new motherhood, I can give you the little brother’s perspective. Here are some dos and don’ts for brothers dealing with a pregnant sister/new mom: Do tell your pregnant sister that her outfit looks nice. Don’t, however, make note of the elastic tops of her pants, and bring to light in front of everyone when you’re at Chili’s that she’s starting to get a “mom butt.” Do offer to carry the bags during a long day of baby accessory shopping with your expecting sister. Don’t go for a long day of baby accessory shopping with your sister.
I’m not sure if you know this, but a newborn baby yawning is pretty much the cutest thing that can happen in the whole world. Sure, she promptly shot a mess into her trousers like two seconds after the yawn, which was a little weird seeing as I had my hand under her little baby buns, but I didn’t mind one bit. I handed her off like a hot potato to my sister for a changing, then went back to being a useless uncle. We were especially excited for a healthy baby and mom because my sister had complications during delivery and had to be flown Flight for Life to Denver from Burlington — which is where we’re all from. But after a three-day stay at St. Anthony Hospital, my Health in a Handbasket sister was released and is a monthly feature in which able to rejoin her new bunI try a health-related advendle of yawns and hiccups. ture and write about it. If you The entire process got have an idea for a new me thinking of what it adventure, write to me at means to be a woman — jcody@reporter-herald.com. the pain, the emotion, the curlers — something I’ll in a Handbasket never experience. You girls
Nothing good can come of this. You will almost assuredly be harmed in some way, physically or emotionally, and if you don’t have grape juice when she needs it, you’ll pay dearly. Do help her into the car, giving her a pillow and blanket if necessary. Don’t offer to strap her to the roof cause the seat belts probably won’t fit anyway. Do stand in the hospital waiting room as she goes in for delivery. Don’t listen carefully when the doctor comes out to explains things involving words such as “uterus” or “incision,” unless you really like throwing up in your mouth.
RH photo/Jade cody
Baby Hadley flaunting her yawning skills for the cameras. have a lot on your plate, especially those of you who decide to give birth. And then I think of what it means to be a boy, you know, what with the pliers and rear scratching, and I appreciate my mom, and moms in general, a little more.