Healthline Magazine December

Complimentary

December 18, 2014

MONTHLY

HealthLine Of Northern Colorado

Happy and Healthy

HOLIDAYS

Relax and treat yourself well to get the most out of the season.

+ Dial Down the Holiday Stress + Curb your Stress Cravings + 10 Healthy Strategies to Survive the Holidays

Pinpoint accuracy allows our experts to focus on a very specific area, providing fewer side effects and better results than other therapies. With stereotactic radiation therapy you’ll receive some of the most advanced technology available in the country, right here at home. And it’s just another way we take care of our own.

For more information or to schedule your appointment, call (970) 679-8900 or visit BannerHealth.com/COCancer.

on the cover Happy and Healthy

HOLIDAYS Relax and treat yourself well to get the most out of the season.

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

Keep Holiday Stress at Bay with These Helpful Tips .................................... 4 NUTRITION: Expert tips to curb food cravings during times of stress .......... 8 10 healthy strategies to survive the holidays.............................................. 10

For editorial:

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

also inside RELATIONSHIPS: Socializing tips for introverts ................... 12 UNCOMMON SENSE: What to do when attitudes on abstinence persist after marriage........................................ 14 Health Briefs & Calendar.................................................... 16

December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 3

HL

ON THE COVER

Keep Holiday Stress at Bay with These Helpful Tips

By Summer McElley, Healthline Magazine

The holidays are a joyful time of the year, but they also bring with them a constant motion of demands that can leave you feeling stressed and depressed. From parties to shopping, cleaning, entertaining and traveling there can be a lot to juggle. But with these tips from Riverpath Counseling Colorado and Touchstone Health Partners managing stress levels during the holidays should come easy.

Manage Your Time Wisely Whether we have experienced it personally or watched others stumble through tasks, we all know that making a plan of how we are going to get things done

4 HEALTHLINE

can make a huge difference.

“Organize and prioritize … know what has to be done now, what can wait and maybe what doesn’t need to be done at all,” said Alex Michaud, counselor at Riverpath Counseling Colorado in Johnstown. Emily Dawson Petersen, development and marketing director of Touchstone Health Partners in Loveland agreed that it is important to manage your time and make meaningful choices. “Just remember that all responses are normal,” she said. “What is easily managed by one can be very different for someone else.”

So before you tackle your holiday tasks, make a list of just what needs to be done and tackle those. The “wants” can come if you have

time. “Don’t get the snowball effect,” Michaud said. “You have a choice not to dwell, which often keeps you from getting things done.”

Take a Time Out for Yourself

Sometimes during the holidays it is easy to focus on everyone else and forget about your own needs. “Know that your time is valuable,” said Dawson Petersen. “Setting time apart from normal activities will make you want to spend those special moments with family and friends.”

Allowing for “me time” can be something different for everyone from meditating to exercising to just sitting down with a good book.

Michaud says just doing something for you for 30 to

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

60 minutes a day can make a huge difference. “Make time for you so you can be the best for everyone else,” he said.

While taking a time-out for some me time is important, it is also critical to take a media time-out. Dawson Petersen said that individuals often feel stress from watching too much TV. Whether it is a feelgood Christmas movie or the constant holiday push during the commercials, it can leave many feeling overwhelmed.

Not everyone’s holiday celebration looks the same and by having this ideal vision of families and presents constantly pushed in your face can exacerbate stressful feelings. “Remember this time of Stress — continued on pg. 6

December 18, 2014

Get more accurate readings with Digital Mammography.

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) 593-6191 or visit BannerHealth.com/McKee. December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 5

Stress — continued from pg. 4

year is different for each family and individual,” she said. “There isn’t one way to celebrate the holidays.”

Prepare in Advance Often the holidays means traveling to see family or having family to come and see you. Sometimes you might even find yourself in a room with family members you may not even interact with throughout the rest of the year. Dawson Petersen said it is important to set boundaries. “Setting boundaries allows you to treat others with respect,” she said. “The same boundaries that always apply need to be present even during the holidays.”

Michaud said it is also important to consider the past and make sure there

isn’t anything lingering that could set the tone for negativity, if there is then you should deal with it before the holiday event. “It’s important to consider your framework and mindset before going into an event,” he said. “How you feel about an event can really determine the outcome of the event.”

Give Back Not everyone has the traditional family or holiday celebration and that is OK. Michaud said that many have a family of choice and these are the people that they reach out to during the holidays and sometimes the best way to spend your holidays is by giving back in your community. “Look around the community and realize that you have a gift to give,” Dawson Petersen said.

From volunteering, delivering

meals, attending community meals or going to your place of worship there can be endless ways to give back and provide support for others.

“Invest yourself and give your holiday meaning,” Michaud said.

Focus on Your Attitude It is human nature to be hard on yourself, but that can be changed simply by refocusing your attitude.

Michaud said that by simply changing the way that we say something can make a huge difference. “Language can dictate your frame of reference,” he said. So instead of putting rules on yourself by saying words such as “I should”, “I have to”, and “I must”, instead switch to “I want to” and “I wish I could”.

Set a Budget

the internet and radio, it is easy to be bombarded and to feel pressured to overspend.

Dawson Peterson said that financial stress can be huge during the holidays and that it is not something that will simply go away with the holiday season. So before you head out with your shopping lists this year — set a budget and stick to it.

By simply taking a step back and taking the time to organize and plan, this holiday season should be less stressful and hopefully leaving you feeling energized and not wiped out. Remember it is always OK to ask for help when in doubt. Family and friends would rather help so that they can spend quality time with you – making special memories that will last a lifetime.

From TV ads to those on PATIENTS’ SURGERY OPTIONS: • • • •

Computer-guided surgery Minimally invasive surgery Artificial disc replacement Scoliosis care & surgery

TWO LOCATIONS:

Comprehensive spine care.

B E C A U S E L I F E D O E S N ’ T H AV E A “ S TO P ” B U T TO N Spine care at the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies can help you press the “play” button on your life again. Drs. Robert Benz and William Biggs have years of experience, board certification, and specialized spine expertise to help you recover from a back or neck problem that has you on “stop.” We offer complete spine services, whether you need surgery or conservative care. If you need help hitting “play” on your life again, call us today at (970) 493-0112.

2500 E. Prospect Rd Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-493-0112 3470 E. 15th St Loveland, CO 80538 970-663-3975 Toll-Free: 800-722-7441

Serving the people of Northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska since 1969.

Robert Benz, MD

Specialists in the medicine of motion 6 HEALTHLINE

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

William Biggs, MD

www.orthohealth.com

December 18, 2014

Get a jump start on the New Year!

CAMPUSES LOCATED IN: Fort Collins Minutes Longmont away from Loveland!

Greeley Cheyenne

}

TRAIN FOR A

CAREER LOVE YOU’LL

IN

HEALTH CARE

IN

15-19 MONTHS!

*

Dental Assisting** Medical Assisting

Classes start Jan. 5!

CLICK OR CALL NOW!

ibmc.edu

1-800-NEW-CAREER

Medical Billing and Coding Pharmacy Technician Therapeutic Massage December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

* As prescribed, IBMC health care programs can be completed in 15-19 months. **Programs vary by campus.

For Consumer Disclosure Information, visit ibmc.edu/consumer-information.

HEALTHLINE 7

HL

NUTRITION

Expert tips to curb food cravings during times of stress (BPT) - Do you reach for comfort foods or junk food when you’re stressed? You know you shouldn’t, but you probably feel you need something to help you during that intense period. With a few tips from culinary experts, you can cut the cravings and find healthy ways to manage nutrition during stressful times.

“In moments of stress, people tend to reach for foods they know, sometimes even favorite foods from childhood. It is certainly not a time when we choose to experiment,” says Chef Odette Smith-Ransome, chef instructor at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

If traveling, you may often search for a familiar restaurant or fast food place. It’s easier to reach for food that you know because it provides a level of comfort to balance out the uncomfortable moments of stress, SmithRansome says.

Chef Christine Neugebauer of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, advises that when traveling, pack your own beverages. By doing this, you can choose water, green tea and nonsugary juices. She also warns against hotels’ continental breakfasts. Be careful what you choose, because a small meal like yogurt or an orange may be all you need. Choos-

8 HEALTHLINE

ing a smaller plate will also prevent you from filling up on extra calories.

It all comes down to food choices where stress and food are concerned. When stressed, you are more likely to make a quick, bad choice.

“Make sure when you shop you buy healthier foods. So when you need something, that is what you are going to eat,” says Neugebauer.

“The vicious cycle of guilt regarding our eating habits steps in and worsens the current stress situation,” SmithRansome says. “Add guilt to the situation, and the stress levels increase - compounding the problem.”

Smith-Ransome warns that when stressed, one should stay away from caffeine and sugar. It’s easy to grab an energy drink or a candy bar because they’re accessible and in every convenience and drug store in America. Once the rush is gone from sugary, caffeinepacked foods, you’re facing a crash unless you continue to eat and drink to keep your body in the high. Continuing to eat and drink these products will compound the situation even more because you then become sleepdeprived, which raises the levels of anxiety and slows you down.

The best way to attack bad eating choices during a moment of stress is to maintain your body and mind

at equilibrium. Before an important interview, presentation or exam, try eating whole foods and complete meals, and forget about the bag of cookies. While these satiate the appetite at the moment, it certainly won’t keep your blood-sugar levels stable, making it difficult to cope with your initial problem: high stress.

Neugebauer recommends packing a snack or eating a healthy meal that will last, and small meals throughout the day keep you from getting hungry.

It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to communicate with your mind that you are full. Neugebauer emphasizes the importance of drinking water when gauging your hunger level. She says, “sometimes you think you’re hungry and you’re not.

If you drink some water, then you may not be hungry anymore.” By making informed, careful food choices during

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

times of stress, you can help ensure what you eat doesn’t add extra calories, fat and poor nutrition to your worries.

For more information about The Art Institutes, visit artinstitutes.edu.

————————— The Art Institutes is a system of over 50 schools throughout North America.

Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change.

Several institutions included in The Art Institutes system are campuses of South University or Argosy University. Administrative office: 210 Sixth Avenue, 33rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 ©2014 The Art Institutes International LLC. Our email address is csprogramadmin@ edmc.edu.

December 18, 2014

Welcome

to the team. team Dr. Sandra Plybon has joined UCHealth Family Medicine in Loveland.

Dr. Plybon focuses on preventive care and education to keep you enjoying life.

In addition to well-checks, her special interests include: • Allergies.

• Asthma.

• Pediatric care.

For an appointment, call:

970.619.6450

FAMILY MEDICINE

1327 Eagle Drive

December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 9

H L HEALTHY HOLIDAYS

10 healthy strategies to survive the holidays Loss at Life Time Fitness offers these 10 holiday health strategies.

1. It’s about the friends and family, not the food.

Food is a component of any celebration but remember, you didn’t travel just to eat. “You traveled to see family and friends, so focus on them instead of what you can and can’t eat and you’ll enjoy these social events more thoroughly,” says Christ.

(BPT) - The holidays are a wonderful time of year. A chance to see old friends and distant relatives, take a vacation or just put the stresses of everyday life behind you so

you can focus solely on family and fun. If you’re trying to manage your weight, though, holiday activities can come with a cost if you give in to the treats of the season.

To help you make the holidays their best and arrive on the other side with your weight loss goals still in tact, Anika Christ, senior program manager of Life Time Weight

2. Moderate the plan.

Don’t expect to go through the holidays without indulging in any of your favorite treats. You’re less likely to stick to such a strict guideline. Instead, exercise some

JUST SAY Let Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Garden Help You Pre-plan: • Make Informed Decisions When You Choose Your Final Quality of Care • Personalize Your Funeral and Make a Tribute to the Life You’ve Lived • Guarantee Today’s Pricing and Relieve Your Family of Future Responsibility • Take Advantage of Affordable Payment Plans • Provide Your Loved Ones with Peace of Mind

YES!

Why struggle with ith shoveling snow when you could be enjoying enjo trips to the museum? eum? ncy know Residents at Park Regency kno that saying “yes” to Assisted Living means gaining a life, not giving one up.

Catch up with guys like Bud at Park Regency where Residents flourish in an active, friendly community.

970.667.0202

www.RESTHAVENCOLORADO.com 8426 S. Hwy 287 • Fort Collins 10 HEALTHLINE

A Bethesda Senior Living Community 1875 Fall River Drive, Loveland, CO 80538 970-461-1100 • www.BethesdaSeniorLiving.Com

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

December 18, 2014

moderation and determine ahead of time when you will treat yourself and when you won’t. Also be aware of what cravings you need to avoid succumbing to the most and indulge sensibly.

3. Bring your own healthy alternative.

One way you can ensure you’ll have a healthy option to enjoy is if you bring it yourself. There are plenty of party-friendly ideas, including: veggie platters, hummus, fruit or cheese trays, mini meatballs, cold-cut platters, nuts or shrimp cocktails.

4. Make the event your own.

Christ notes that one of the best ways to counter the temptations of the season is to host your own holiday event and put the focus on physical fitness and fun

instead of food. “Invite family members to go ice skating, skiing or sledding before coming back to your home for a healthy meal,” she says. “You’ll create lasting memories without the lasting calories.”

5. Eat before you eat.

If you’re worried about overeating at an upcoming holiday party, one of the best things you can do is eat beforehand. A healthy snack eaten before you arrive will tide your appetite and help you avoid overindulging in less-healthy fare later.

6. It’s better to give.

If baking is one of your favorite holiday traditions, you don’t need to forgo this activity in the name of weight management. You can still make your favorite cakes, cookies or desserts - just

make sure to share them with co-workers, family and friends instead of keeping them home where they will simply tempt you.

include activities that will alleviate that stress, such as meditating, yoga, massage or working out.

7. Be good on your off days.

Avoid the stress of overspending by establishing a budget for everyone on your list before you start shopping.

Making presents for loved ones is also a cost-effective, thoughtful alternative.

No matter how busy you are during the holidays, you will have an off day here or there. Christ says, “This is the perfect time to remember your weight-management goals and treat yourself to a healthy dinner or some physical activity.”

8. Ease the stress.

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be stressful with all the extra shopping, planning and traveling they entail. If you turn to food when feeling stressed, be mindful of this during the holidays. Plan some time for yourself and

9. Be financially fit.

10. Remember what’s important.

The holidays may include food, presents and parties, but it’s the people who are most important. “Remember, the holidays come and go quickly but the relationships you nurture will last a lifetime,” says Christ.

To learn more ways that you can enjoy the holidays in a fun, healthy way, visit LifeTimeWeightLoss.com.

Dreaming oF WhiTe TeeTh This

chrisTmas?

•T TeeTh eeTh WhiTening WhiTenin ng •B Bleaching l e a c h in g • iimplanTs m p lan Ts •V Veneers en e e rs •m meTal eTal Free Fr e e resToraTions resToraTions

Steven J. Hood DMD

Comprehensive Comprehensive General Dentistry Dentiistry

a gentle approach to Dentistry 3013 north Taft ave., suite 1 • loveland

970.669.8662

www.drstevehood.com

accepting new patients

December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 11

HL

RELATIONSHIPS

Socializing tips for introverts

By Barton Goldsmith, McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT)

I have a secret that I’ve kept from the public for almost my entire life. I am shy. Most people wouldn’t guess it, but when I have to give a speech, I usually don’t get much sleep the night before. And if there is a meet-and-greet before the talk, I can become a nervous wreck, thinking about all those people I don’t know and who don’t know me, asking me questions and expecting me to be entertaining.

It can be a very scary evening.

I’m the same way socially. If invited to an event where I don’t know many people — perhaps a party given by acquaintances

Offering compassionate, convenient care that fits your schedule – any day of the week.

We’re making healthcare easier than ever, with dedicated Urgent Care and extended hours at several of our eight clinics. Make an appointment or stop by today.

(970) 619-6900

afmfc.com/hours 12 HEALTHLINE

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

December 18, 2014

of my other half — it can be a bit daunting to put on the public me rather than just be the guy who watches football on Sunday in his PJs. Trying to be that person can get weary, but when required to, I can call the plays and help my partner by being a little more outgoing in social situations.

Here are a few tricks that have worked for me and may help you as well.

• Try to keep a smile on your face. This lets people know that you are open and receptive to being approached. Seeing someone smile helps the other person feel that you are safe to talk to. Smiling also sends a signal to your own brain telling you that you are in a good place and should ex-

pect nice things to happen around you. It’s interesting that we are the only species in the animal kingdom that bares its teeth as a sign of welcome and joy. Other species do it only when they are angry or scared; it’s called “fear aggression.”

• If you are talking to a small group of people who don’t already know each other, become the master of ceremonies. By that, I mean, be the one who makes sure that everyone gets properly introduced. If someone new comes along, you need to introduce him or her to the group as well.

This will help you get to know everyone and make conversation, though not necessarily about yourself.

The other people in the

group will appreciate your efforts. It makes you look like an outgoing person even if you are a little shy.

• Use a person’s name when you first meet. When you are introduced to someone, call the other person by name as you shake hands. Say you are at an event and someone introduces you to a guy named Dave. You then say, “Hi Dave. Nice to meet you.” It’s a really simple action that produces some very powerful results. The person you are greeting will feel more welcomed, you will remember the name after you’ve said it aloud, and you will feel more empowered and comfortable because you are in control of the situation and

conversation. The next step is to ask Dave where he is from and what brought him to this event. The conversation will usually flow on its own from there.

Using these tips can make a potentially uncomfortable evening a pleasant one for those of us who are a little introverted. This stuff is easy and it works, so give it a try.

——— (Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist in Westlake Village, Calif., is the author of “The Happy Couple: How to Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time.” Follow his daily insights on Twitter at @BartonGoldsmith, or email him at Barton@bartongoldsmith. com .)

R ecovery in mind, body and spirit.

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

All faiths or beliefs are welcome.

December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 13

HL

UNCOMMON SENSE

What to do when attitudes on abstinence persist after marriage Dear Dr. Beth, I was raised Catholic and I was told all my life that sex was sinful, bad and dirty.

Unlike a lot of girls in my generation, I actually did decide not to have sex until I was married. I was fortunate that I found a great guy who shares my social and religious values and we waited to have sex until we got married last year. I was 21 and he was 23. The problem is that now that it is OK to have sex (I’m married and with someone I love), I can’t seem to get over the feeling that sex is wrong and bad. I can’t enjoy sex and seldom want to have it.

My husband is getting very frustrated and so am I. Any suggestions?

In my counseling practice, I find that this is a fairly common experience for men and women who have held off from acting on their sexual desires until marriage.

It seems to be especially true for individuals raised in very conservative religious cultures.

For many young people, it takes a lot of psychological energy to repress the sexual impulse, which is very strong at this age. Marrying without having had prior sexual experience can add to the awkwardness of shifting gears and moving into this new state of social permission and religious support for having sex.

The beliefs about premarital sexuality perpetuated in conservative social and religious cultures are often

14 HEALTHLINE

applied unequally to men and women. Men are seen as innately sexual and their strong impulses toward sexual thought and activity are considered normal. Women have historically been seen as relatively uninterested in sex and been told that it is up to the woman to keep the man’s sexual urges in check by maintaining her purity and abstaining from sex.

If men deviate from the ideal of virginity before marriage, they are usually forgiven; after all “boys will be boys.” However, women are generally characterized based on their sexual behavior as either “good girls” or “bad girls” and it is pretty much an all or nothing proposition Good girls maintain their sexual purity and if they deviate they are often seen as “bad” and frequently labeled as sluts or whores.

These harsh judgments are changing in large segments of American culture and even in many religious denominations.

However, religions that put sexual purity as the highest sexual standard a girl or woman can aspire to also tend to believe that after marriage, women will naturally be able to shift gears and open up to their sexual desire for their husband.

In this context, women and their mates are ill-prepared to move into the reality of marital sexual relations. It is hard to immediately turn the switch from “off” to “on” when it comes to sex. You may continue to feel uncom-

fortable with sex and experience feelings of guilt and shame when starting to have sexual desires or responses.

Fortunately there are several tools available to assist you and your husband in making this transition. Here are a few ideas: • You will want to seek out some education about sex and sexuality. It is important to know what sex is... and what it isn’t. Media portrayals of sex are simplistic and unrepresentative. You don’t have to be gorgeous and have a perfect body to feel desirable and enjoy sex.

• Sex is both natural and unnatural. Eros, the erotic instinct, is our urge toward life, both the perpetuation of the human species and our urge towards pleasure.

But learning how to make love with your partner in a mutually satisfying way is not a blueprint we are born having. It is valuable to learn everything you can about sex, ranging from male and female anatomy to specific sexual techniques.

• It will take some experimentation to find out what you personally enjoy and don’t enjoy within the realm of sexual expression. Be patient with yourself and each other. This is a learning process.

• It is really important to review, question and update your beliefs about sex.

Sex is neither sinful nor shameful and especially

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

given that you are developing a sexual relationship that is sanctioned by your religious beliefs. It takes time and conscious effort to replace old beliefs and attitudes with new, healthier ones, but changing your concepts and attitudes about sex are key to a lifetime of sexual happiness.

Sex is a complicated subject for anyone. These ideas may help. However, if you find that your lack of desire persists even after working with these suggestions, I would suggest that you find a qualified counselor who deals with human sexuality and work with her or him individually or as a couple to achieve the intimate satisfaction that I’m sure both of you desire.

Dear Dr. Beth, I am a junior in high school and I have played girls’ basketball since middle school. My parents have been really supportive and take a lot of pride in my being an athlete. I have really lost interest in playing basketball, but I don’t know how to tell my parents. They will be crushed. Should I keep playing even though I don’t enjoy it anymore? Or if I don’t, how do I tell my parents I want to quit playing?

This is a tough situation. First, I would ask you to pay attention to your feelings as you practice and play. Do your feelings of

December 18, 2014

dissatisfaction fluctuate? Is your unhappiness due to any particular part of being in girls’ basketball? For example, you may still enjoy playing but no longer enjoy the stress of competition or you may still like basketball but not get along with the coach or some of the girls and that’s why you don’t like it anymore. In other words, is the dissatisfaction true dissatisfaction or primarily due to current circumstances?

There is a value to sticking with something through the inevitable emotional ups and downs of any long-term commitment, but there is also value in being able to recognize when an activity is no longer fulfilling or worthwhile and making the difficult choice to leave or change that activity. Your parents are

clearly proud of you and you are probably right in thinking that they would be disappointed in your decision not to continue with basketball, but it is unlikely that they will be devastated.

Your parents may have several reasons for encouraging you to participate in a team sport. They may be thinking of the value of learning to be part of a team, the social experience, developing a sense of competence and mastery, and a desire to see you maintain a healthy level of physical fitness, along with other reasons. Parents may also have ego-based reasons for wanting you to continue.

Maybe one of your parents didn’t get the chance to play basketball and wish they had or maybe your parents gain feelings of pride and personal

self-esteem from having an athletic or high-achieving child.

If you decide that your dissatisfaction is due to a true shift in your desire to participate and those feelings are unlikely to change, I would suggest talking to your parents about your desire to stop playing or at least to stop playing competitively. I would discourage you from quitting impulsively in the middle of a season and informing them after the fact.

Finish the season, talk to your parents and to your coach, and then withdraw if you feel that is the right thing to do. You may have to deal

with some disappointment, upset or lack of understanding on their part, but ultimately you are the best person to decide what your needs are and how best to meet them.

Uncommon Sense with Beth Firestein Dr. Beth Firestein is a licensed psychologist. She has 27 years of therapy experience and has practiced in Loveland for more than 16 years.

She may be reached by calling her office at 970-635-9116, via email at firewom@webaccess.net or by visiting www.bethfirestein.com.

At Columbine, you're family.

THE WEXFORD | 667-1900 LAKEVIEW COMMONS | 278-4000 NORTH SHORE HEALTH & REHAB FACILITY | 667-6111

www.columbinehealth.com December 18, 2014

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 15

H L HEALTH BRIEFS & CALENDAR MCKEE FOUNDATION BUYS 28 AEDS FOR SCHOOLS

Donation ensures one for every school in Thompson School District

The McKee Medical Center Foundation, in collaboration with its Heart Safe Community partners, donated 28 automated external defibrillators to the Loveland School District. The donation ensures that every school in the district has one of the life-saving devices available to assist someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Heart Safe Community is a public health initiative designed to improve survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by increasing the availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and educating community members on how to administer CPR. Partners in the initiative include the McKee Medical Center Foundation, McKee Medical Center, the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado, Thompson Valley EMS, Loveland Police, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Loveland Emergency Communications, Thompson School District, and Berthoud residents Tom Lucero and Julie Kruit.

“The Heart Safe Community initiative is all about meeting a critical public need,” said Julie Johnson Haffner, executive director of the McKee Medical Center Foundation. “When someone’s heart stops beating, the best chance that individual has to survive is for bystanders to call 911, administer CPR and shock the heart into a normal rhythm with an automated external defibrillator.”

More than 400,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting in the United States each year and most do not survive. Once the heart stops, brain death can begin to occur in just 4 to 6 minutes. Chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and the use of an AED. In March, the McKee Medical Center Foundation began raising money in support of the initiative with the goal of placing AEDs in every school building, athletic field and swimming pool in the Thompson School District.

The Foundation has already raised about $200,000 for the initiative through the McKee Classic Bike Tour in May and its annual gala.

Proceeds from its Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot road

Big Thompson Rehabilitation at Sierra Vista offers effective clinical pathways to meet today’s sub acute and chronic care needs.

We provide short term healing and long term care.

For more information Visit: 821 Duffield Ct Loveland, CO 80537 970-669-0345 16 HEALTHLINE

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

race also benefit Heart Safe Community.

Public CPR classes are planned as part of the initiative, and dates and times will be communicated as they are scheduled.

Eventually, the partnership wants to place AEDs at as many community gathering points as possible and is willing to assist nonprofit entities in purchasing one.

The partnership will also assist private businesses willing to pay for an AED by helping them coordinate the purchase and the installation. Businesses and nonprofit groups interested in having an AED on site can call the McKee Foundation at (970) 635-4001 for more information.

Where: McKee Wellness Services, 1805 E. 18th St. Suite 6 When: Mon.- Thurs., 8 a.m.4:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.669.9355

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT 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

BREAST-FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP

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

Cost: FREE. No need to register Call: 970.669.9355

YOUR FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO is like your Health...

You need a check-up on a regular basis.

Andrew Moore with the Investment Centers of America, Inc. would like to help you make sure that what you have sufficiently meets your current needs. It’s easy. Contact us today to set up an appointment. No obligation. The appointment is FREE and the coffee is on us.

Investment Centers of America, Inc. (ICA), member FINRA, SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor, is not affiliated with Home State Bank. Securities, advisory services and insurance products offered through ICA and affiliated insurance agencies and are * not insured by the FDIC or any other Federal Government agency * not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank * subject to risk including the possible loss of principal amount invested.

andrew Moore Financial Advisor

(970) 613-2185

www.andrewlmoore.net

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

Located at: Home State Bank 935 N. Cleveland Ave. Loveland, CO

December 18, 2014

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

For caregivers of elderly adults, particularly those people with Alzheimer’s and memory impairment.

Where: First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln Ave. When: 3rd Thurs. of the month, 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: 970.669.7069

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center, Boise.

Ave. When: Tues., 1-3 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.635.4015

DIABETES INFORMATION GROUP

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

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.

December 18, 2014

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

TOTAL JOINT EDUCATION

Physical therapists and occupational therapists prepare patients for surgery. This program is coordinated through your physician’s office as part of the surgery scheduling process.

Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: Thursdays, 3 p.m.

Cost: FREE Call: 970.635.4172 to register

YOGA SUPPORT GROUP

For anyone touched by cancer.

Where: McKee Medical Center Cancer Center Lobby When: 1st and 3rd Thurs. every month, 5:30-6:30 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 Tuesday of every month 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Cost: FREE Information: 970. 635.4171

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

HEALTHLINE 17

PAID ADVERTORIAL

Keeping the holidays special for loved ones with memory loss During the holidays, families gather to share meals and create special memories. Those of us with family members who suffer from memory loss often agonize about how to include members with dementia.

Many family members feel elaborate preparations, large crowds and multiple generations make for great memories, however, the person with dementia may enjoy a simpler celebration.

Here are some basic ingredients to create a more successful holiday celebration.

• Make sure your family member with dementia is well-rested. Fatigue can

occur in 90 minutes or less, so a person may do better attending only the meal, rather than the whole day. If the he or she asks to leave early, take them home or to a place to rest. Do not delay the person’s exit as it may

cause confusion or agitation for up to 36 hours.

• Allow your loved one who has prepared the elaborate dinner in the past to help with minor preparations such as peeling, mixing or mashing.

• Be aware people with dementia are highly susceptible to heightened stimuli, especially groups and noise.

• Avoid alcohol intake, especially if the person is on a mood-modifying medication.

• All people attending the gathering should accept what the guest with dementia says and perceives. Attempts to clarify “mistaken memories” will only serve to produce anxiety, worry or anger.

Holiday Gift Guide

Whether you are looking for gifts for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or you know people who are caregivers, here are some ideas for a meaningful gift that can impact their lives.

Safety: • Memory or dial-less phone (Alzheimer’s Storewww.alzstore.com) • Automatic medication dispenser • Medic Alert/Safe Return bracelet (patient and caregiver) • GPS for cell phone • Lifeline • Handheld shower head • Bathroom grab bars • Nonskid safety surface for tub • Shower chair • Locks for doors and windows • Front wheel walker

Self: • Scheduled outings to a favorite place, restaurant, or activity with the person with dementia • Scheduled phone calls to the person with dementia to reminisce, laugh, encourage • Scheduled phone calls to the caregiver to listen and support • Create a memory book of favorite labeled people and places • Accompany the caregiver to a support group or class

Service: • Monthly cleaning service • Assist with payment for respite care • Assist with payment for transportation service • Provide routine food service (delivered prepared food or groceries) • Gift cards for take out • Manicure/pedicure for the caregiver • Spa treatment for the caregiver • Movie tickets

Sensory: • Favorite foods • Picture books • “Reminisce” magazine • Scented essential oils (lavender, citrus, bergamot) • Favorite music on a DVD, MP3 or iPod • DVDs of old sitcoms, movies, TV shows

Join the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

Join the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry—visit endalznow.org to learn more and register.

18 HEALTHLINE

Reporter-Herald — ReporterHerald.com

December 18, 2014

Your Best Choice for Local News ‌

reporterherald.com / m.reporterherald.com

Breast cancer

doesn’t take excuses.

I’m healthy. g.

I’m too youn ump. l a t l e f r e I’ve nev tory. s i h y l i m a f I have no

Women with breast cancer often have no symptoms.

Schedule your mammogram.

BREAST DIAGNOSTIC CENTER uchealth.org/bdc | 970.984.4062