Health&Wellness Town&Gown 2016

Health&Wellness Town&Gown’s

2016

Healthy Happy

Valley

People of all ages in the region are looking to live healthier and happier

Shianne Barton of Bellefonte with her daughter, Trinity

Welcome to Blair Plastic Surgery

Robert & Fanny Louton M.D.

The Secret Worth Sharing

Dr. Robert Louton is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and established Blair Plastic Surgery over 25 years ago. Thousands of his patients have enjoyed beautiful, natural results, and he continues to set the highest standard of care for aesthetic and general plastic surgery in Central Pennsylvania.

“The definition of a successful procedure is one that enhances the way patients appear without calling attention to the fact that they’ve had surgery.”

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Louton received his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas and perfected his plastic surgical skills at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Louton has additional training in hand surgery, cosmetic lasers of all types, ultrasound and laser assisted liposculpture, endoscopic facial aesthetic surgery and is an active member in the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Surgeons.

The main pillars of exceptional results are safety, satisfaction, skill and experience. Exceptional results are paramount to Dr. Louton and the entire staff of BPS. To create the best surgical environment for our patients, the Center for the Surgical Arts, a state licensed ambulatory surgical center, was founded in 2004. This Altoona facility is Accredited by the American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) and is staffed by highly proficient registered nurses, surgical technicians, and certified nurse anesthetists, all highly skilled to meet your unique needs. The facility is dedicated to plastic and cosmetic surgery patients and allows for a very private and safe experience.

Fanny Louton MD, MPH is a family practitioner with a passion for cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Louton conceived and developed Blair Plastic Surgery’s Medical Skin Care and Laser Center in 1997, the first medical spa in the area offering comprehensive non-surgical medical procedures and services. Her additional background in pathology and preventive medicine makes her uniquely qualified and capable of delivering non-surgical aesthetic solutions to a diverse patient population. She is constantly seeking the newest and state of the art skin care products, innovative and effective lasers, as well as other well tested cosmetic procedures, all to create and maintain beautiful healthy skin. If you’re ready to see a change in your skin for the better, Dr. Fanny Louton and her staff of medical skin professionals will show you what a difference a few intelligent choices can make.

Drs. Robert and Fanny Louton deliver the satisfaction and results worth sharing with your family and friends.

Contact Blair Plastic Surgery, 814-234-1420 to discuss your options in a private consultation.

BlairPlasticSurgery.com

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More than Numbers The effects of making a healthy transformation in life can go beyond what is read on a scale • by Jennifer Babulsky The New Addition How to prepare before, during, and after a baby’s arrival • from Mount Nittany Health

Publisher Rob Schmidt Founder Mimi Barash Coppersmith Editorial Director David Pencek Creative Director Tiara Snare Operations Manager/Assistant Editor Vilma Shu Danz

Could I Have Dry Eye? Absolutely Understanding the conditions and treatments for CDE • by Harvey P. Hanlen, OD, FAAO

Art Director/Photographer Darren Weimert

Navigating Home Health Care Careful planning can help bring the right care to you or a loved one • by Jason Lieb

Account Executives Kathy George, Debbie Markel

Examine Your Eyelids Vision problems could be caused by upper-eyelid issues • by Dr. Robert Louton Wellness in the Workplace Healthy lifestyles at the office can help any business • by Zack Papalia, MPH, CSCS A Conservative Approach Conservative care is recommended before surgery for a herniated disc • by Dr. Roy Love

Graphic Designers Cody Peachey, Laura Specht

Business Manager Aimee Aiello Administrative Assistant Lana Bernhard Distribution Handy Delivery To contact us: Mail: 403 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801 Phone: (814) 238-5051, (800) 326-9584 Fax: (814) 238-3415 dpenc@barashmedia.com (Editorial) rschmidt@barashmedia.com (Advertising)

© 2016 by Barash Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form except with written authorization from the publishers.

Be Proactive about Your Health Creating a life of emotional and physical well-being • by Meghan Fritz

On the cover: Photo by Darren Weimert/ Shianne Barton of Bellefonte used her daughter Trinity’s second birthday as inspiration to become healthier and happier.

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Health&Wellness

The effects of making a healthy transformation in life can go beyond what is read on a scale

By Jennifer Babulsky Photos by darren andrew weimert

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So many have fallen into the trap of that nagging scale. You watch as the number keeps creeping up and up and wonder what to do. Are you hard on yourself? Do you try the latest crash diet? What’s the secret? The answer is that there is no secret, except maybe to focus on yourself.

That’s what four local people featured here did. They chose to make their health a top priority. While some have lost a considerable amount of weight, they say it’s all about feeling better about themselves and making themselves a priority in their lives.

Controlling the “ remote to your life” Tara Tomco of Bellefonte has struggled with health problems all her life. The 33-year-old owner and health and fitness coach of Heart Happy Fitness had dealt with chronic stomach issues, headaches, exhaustion, breathing problems, and just overall feeling unwell, but doctors could never give her a set diagnosis.

“A part of me thought it was all in my head as I grew older,” she says. “I came from a family where we ate balance meals. But in my teenage years, my eating habits took a complete change. I struggled with severe anorexia for more than two years and put my family through so much watching me starve myself day and day again. But I knew it was the only thing I had control over in my life.”

Her chronic health problems remained even after recovering from her eating disorder and after marrying her husband, Brad, in 2007 and having two children. She found herself weighing more than 200 pounds and waking up each morning already feeling exhausted.

“I was having more and more headaches, body aches, dizzy spells, shortness of breath, chest pain, and exhaustion to the point I couldn’t move. And symptoms were increasing daily,” she explains. “I knew something was not right, but I still had not found any answers. I was not eating right at all at this point, and exercise, well, I never made time for it quite honestly — for I failed at it every time I tried.”

Everything changed on February 11, 2014, when Tomco was taken to the emergency room after fainting. Her heart rate was far too fast, her blood pressure was dropping, and she had lost control of

(Left) Shianne Barton started getting fit again after her daughter, Trinity, turned 2.

(Above) Tomco overcame health issues to take control of her life and become healthier and happier.

her body. Doctors also found a hole in her heart she never knew existed. She was diagnosed with numerous heart problems and had to begin taking several medications and continue dealing with dizziness, nausea, circulation problems, and more.

One of her friends invited her to join a fitness challenge group online that offered support, nutrition tips, meal plans, recipes, exercise programs, and Shakeology (superfood meal replacement). Tomco invested in the program and quickly realized she had her work cut out.

“I fainted five minutes into the exercise, but I didn’t let that stop me,” she says. “I kept coming back for more. Each day, I was able to go a minute longer. And finally, on most days now I am able to make it through a full 30 minutes. I began to eat clean, which was a lot simpler that I thought, honestly. I would focus on drinking half my body weight in ounces of water daily. My first 30-day challenge group was a success, and it ended right before I had my first heart-specialist appointment.”

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Health&Wellness want to be. Will it be easy? Heck no! But it’s worth it. Stay focused on one day at a time, one meal at a time, and one workout at a time. You get to look back at the person you left behind, for the person you are working toward now will be stronger, healthier, and, most of all, happier to live the fulfilling life you deserve.”

The Knepps have inspired each other to lose weight and become healthier.

Tomco traveled six hours with her mother to meet the heart specialist, and the doctor was impressed with her lifestyle changes. Tomco has lost 45 pounds and been able to eliminate all her stomach medications and focus on eating healthy and exercising.

“Though you see a physical transformation, that’s not all there is to see here,” she says.

“I have lost a lot of things with my health journey as far as weight, inches, excuses, self pity, and sweating the small things in life. But I have gained a ton of things by helping and pouring myself into helping others, building confidence, setting goals, focusing on personal development, eating healthier, putting my family first, exercising almost every day for 30 minutes, and using my energy on the things in life that bring me pure joy.”

Her advice to anyone looking to make a lifestyle change is to realize you have the “remote to your life.”

“You have to be the one to take a stand and change it,” she says. “You don’t have to do crash diets or starve. You need to focus on nutrition, fitness, and support to get you to where you 6 - Health&Wellness 2016

Partners in health Chris and Dave Knepp of Bellefonte have worked side by side over the past 17 months to lose weight and make healthy transformations in their lives. After each had reached a weight they never thought they would reach — just shy of 300 pounds for Dave and more than 200 pounds for Chris — the couple decided they needed to make a significant change, and they would make that change together. They began eating healthier and exercising regularly.

Chris has lost nearly 80 pounds, while Dave has lost nearly 50.

“The biggest benefit has been doing this with my husband and feeling better about ourselves and the life we’re living,” says Chris, 44, administrative support assistant for Penn State Student Affairs Information Technology.

“We have been able to do this change together.

We’ll do cardio side by side. He’ll wait for me to get [to the gym] after I’m done with work to encourage me through my weights, even though he’s already lifted with his friends. It brings a smile to my face when my older friends at church call me skinny and to know that everyone is proud of me for what I’ve done. I also know I’ve motivated others to make changes in their lives. They know that if I can do it, they can too. That keeps me going.”

Dave, a 45-year-old corrections officer at Centre County Correctional Facility, had wanted more than a diet. He wanted to finally feel like he was living a healthy life and wanted to see improvement. Through his determination and the support of Chris and others, he is on his way toward meeting his goals. He is finding simple tasks much easier, such as carrying cases of water to his wife’s second-floor office. His blood pressure has dropped, and his medication has been reduced.

“The biggest benefit has been reducing my

medication,” he says. “Support of my wife and friends is one of the biggest motivators I have.

I weigh myself once a week, and with each half pound or pound I see vanish on the scale on Saturday morning, I have a smile on my face and added confidence to keep pushing. I have seen my wife make huge gains with the effort she has put forth. Living with a person who is doing it makes it that much easier. She has proven to be someone who will help me at the dinner table — and not bring home Twinkies!”

That is not to say the health transformation has been easy for the two, or really anyone trying to be healthier. Chris and Dave have found ways to motivate each other and overcome barriers that come their way. Using the app, MyFitnessPal, has been helpful for the couple, as has surrounding themselves with a support network.

They also learned that instead of focusing on your weight each day, set realistic goals and do not let a goal of overall health result in unhealthy ways to reach those goals.

“Find tools that work for you,” Dave says.

“I count calories, but that may not work for someone else. I cannot say enough about having

my wife at my side. Along with her and my friends who work out with me or support me by saying, ‘Good job,’ we are doing this together and making the hurdles much more manageable.”

Chris says people should take each day as it comes and give yourself praise when you do something such as walking through the gym doors for the first time, if going to the gym is one of your goals. She also suggests being willing and able to hold yourself accountable for healthy steps you take.

“Once you get there, you’ll be happy you did and feel better for it,” she says. “Find a way to make yourself accountable for going.

I have eight people I text every time I leave the gym, letting them know what I’ve done.

These days, that same text goes on my Facebook wall for those people to hold me accountable, for me to encourage them, and to receive the feedback from them. It’s a great network. Every Saturday, I weigh in and then send/post an update.”

A lifestyle, not a diet For 26-year-old Shianne Barton of Bellefonte, her daughter’s second birthday was a wakeup call.

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Health&Wellness “I wanted to get back to the old me and be healthy,” Barton, a fitness coach in Bellefonte, says. “I was into health and fitness during my college years, and then when I found out I was pregnant, I ate everything in sight. I gained 50 pounds during my pregnancy. I am only 5-2, and gaining that much was just absurd. I joined [a gym] the day after my daughter’s party. I had it in my heart that I needed to change because I wanted to be healthy for myself and my family.”

Similar to Tomco, Barton has used Shakeology, but credits the bulk of her success to good old healthy eating and regular exercise. She has lost 70 pounds and is working on toning her body to reach her fitness goals.

“I love working out now,” she says. “I love eating clean. I love this lifestyle. I want to live the best life I can live. I want to be healthy and live a long life. I want to share with others what works and how they can change, too.”

But for those asking how they can eat healthy, exercise, or just figure out what the first

step is for a healthy life, Barton says people just need to ask for help.

“Don’t be afraid to ask others for help,” she says. “Get it into your mind that this is a lifestyle and not a diet. Portion your food and follow the 80/20 rule — 80 percent of healthy eating and 20 percent of not as healthy. Exercise for 30 minutes a day or longer. You don’t need to work out seven days a week, but if you can get three to four days of working out, then that’s great. Don’t deprive yourself — if you want to have a piece of cake, then eat it.”

She also encourages people to be kind to themselves and don’t get discouraged when barriers arise.

“Every day is a new day, and you can’t beat yourself up over some spilled milk,” she says.

“Embrace life and live it to the fullest!” T&G Jennifer Babulsky is a freelance writer based in State College and programming coordinator of Penn State’s Center for Women Students.

“Your Hometown Gym” For 25 years, our mission has been to provide the facilities and programs to enhance fitness, athletic performance, health and quality of life.

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The New Addition How to prepare before, during, and after a baby’s arrival

Contributed photo

Health&Wellness

From Mount Nittany Health The birth of a child can be one of the most exciting and special moments in life. If you or a loved one are thinking about having a baby, here are a few tips for helping you through this incredible journey.

Before pregnancy If you’re hoping to become pregnant, it is generally recommended that you schedule a visit with your health-care provider. According to Jessica Shuman, MD, OB/GYN, Mount Nittany Physician Group, “During preconception consultations, your provider can talk with you about your health history and provide recommendations for a healthy pregnancy.”

In addition, your health-care provider can help put you on track for these general prepregnancy goals: • Achieve a normal weight. Talk with your provider about a target weight range that’s right for you.

• Eat right and exercise. These tried-andtrue methods will help keep your body in tiptop shape before pregnancy, which also can help with recovery after baby arrives.

• Adjust your medications. Talk with your provider about any medications you are currently taking, so that he/she can help you choose the medications safest to take during pregnancy. You also may want to begin taking a prenatal vitamin.

• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and street drugs. In addition to being harmful during pregnancy, these should be avoided if trying to become pregnant. Again, talk with your health-care provider about support for quitting drinking, smoking, and/or drug usage.

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Jessica Shuman, MD, OB/GYN, of Mount Nittany Physician Group offers advice for women who are preparing to have a baby.

During pregnancy Congratulations! Your pregnancy journey has begun. While every patient and pregnancy are different, here are a few general goals to keep in mind during the nine months ahead: • Start a prenatal vitamin. If you haven’t already, begin taking a daily prenatal vitamin, which you can purchase over the counter.

• Begin regular prenatal appointments.

You’ll want to schedule your first prenatal visit with an OB/GYN provider. These visits will continue for regular checkups during your pregnancy.

• Continue to eat right and exercise. Eating nutritious meals can be difficult, especially during the first trimester when nausea and food aversions peak, but making smarter choices, such as having water instead of soda and veggies instead of chips, can make a big difference. You should talk with your OB/GYN about a modified exercise routine to keep you fit during your pregnancy.

• Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when it’s time for a break. Be sure to listen by taking rest periods or naps and getting a good night’s sleep.

• Plan for baby. Having a baby is, literally, a life-changing event. Prepare yourself for the impact that will occur in all aspects of your life, from changes to your body to the workplace, and everything in between.

• Take a class. According to Shuman, “Many patients who take a childbirth class become more confident and less anxious about labor and delivery. In addition, having a more involved and informed patient can lead to a smoother birthing process overall.”

Each month, Mount Nittany Medical Center offers a free class, “Parents-to-Be: The HEIR & Parents Hospital Tour for Expectant Parents.”

During the class, expectant mothers and their coaches are given a birthing-room tour along with an overview of the Medical Center’s maternity services, rooming-in program, and more (see mountnittany.org/events).

After pregnancy Welcoming baby, and new mom, home is yet another major adjustment that comes with pregnancy. Here are a few things to keep in mind for making the transition smoother: • Prepare the essentials. Before baby arrives, be sure you have the essentials ready, including a correctly installed car seat, crib and/or bassinet, diapers, burp cloths, wipes, newborn clothes, breast pump (if breast feeding), formula, and bottles (if bottle feeding).

• Be ready to feed and diaper often. “Newborns

generally eat about 12 times a day, and you can expect to change their diapers nearly as often,” says Shuman. In addition, newborns typically sleep about 16 hours a day, but usually not longer than an hour or a two at a time.

• Ask for help. Taking care of a newborn is hard work, especially for a mom recovering from childbirth or surgery (in the case of a C-section). Do not hesitate to ask for help from friends and family.

• Listen to your baby. Newborns communicate by crying. Listen closely and, over time, you’ll be able to distinguish different cries for different needs, such as diaper changes, feedings, swaddling, etc.

• Listen to your body. If you need a break, remember to rest when baby sleeps. Taking care of your newborn baby and yourself are your main priorities (housework, phone calls, and social media can all wait). Be sure to nourish your body with lots of water and nutritious meals.

• Follow up with your provider. “New moms should typically be seen about six weeks postpartum,” Shuman says. “With so much change happening so quickly for new moms, this appointment is especially important to ensure that mom is healthy and on track for a successful recovery and life with her new baby.” T&G For more information or to set up an appointment with Mount Nittany Physician Group OB/GYN, call (814) 237-3470. For pediatrics in Bellefonte, call (814) 355-3626. For pediatrics in Boalsburg, call (814) 466-7921.

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Health&Wellness

Could I Have Dry Eye? Absolutely Understanding the conditions and treatments for CDE

By Harvey P. Hanlen, OD, FAAO. When I tell many of my patients that they have dry eye, they say, “That’s impossible! My eyes water a lot.”

We need to understand what dry eye really is.

The condition is called chronic dry eye (CDE), and it is a disease process. You may experience a variety of symptoms, including: • Dryness that presents as a sandy or gritty sensation.

• Burning or stinging when it feels like something is in your eyes.

• Watery eyes that cause blurry and/or fluctuating vision and even difficulties seeing at night.

• Sensitivity to light that also can cause problems wearing contact lenses.

CDE cannot really be cured, but needs to be managed for better patient comfort and improved vision. This condition often gets worse as we get older, and we start to experience poorer vision and more glare.

It may surprise you to know how many people endure the discomfort and frustration of CDE. More than 5 million Americans experience symptoms of dry eye, and many do not even know they have it.

When I am performing the refractive part of an eye examination (that’s when doctors change lenses to determine the prescription for contact lenses and/or glasses), and the patient tells me that their vision is fluctuating, I expect that it is a dry eye problem. Patients often say they can read the letters initially, then the letters become fuzzy. After they blink a few times, they say they can see the letters 12 - Health&Wellness 2016

better now. Fluctuating vision is very often a dry eye problem.

The condition can be either inflammatory or noninflammatory, and the treatments are different. There is a test to find out if the condition is inflammatory. It takes only a few minutes to perform, and the results occur within 10 to 15 minutes.

Once that determination is made, then the doctor can develop a treatment protocol for their patient. The cause must be handled first, and that can be done utilizing different drops.

In addition, some artificial tears may help at that time to temporarily relieve some of the symptoms, but the inflammation still needs to be managed.

Very often, in conjunction with chronic dry eye, we also see a condition called blepharitis, which is a crusting of the eyelashes, often referred to as “dandruff of the eyelashes.” This must be treated with one of a variety of Lid Hygiene products.

tears may be best, depending on your problem, When we have a better idea of what the cause is as not all products are the same. of a patient’s condition, we treat that inflammation One additional treatment is the use of for two to four weeks and see if the inflammation punctal plugs. We have upper and lower tear goes down. Once we see an improvement in the ducts in each eyelid, near our nose. Tears drain inflammation, we need to proceed with more out through those openings. Many times we treatment options. Simply using an over-theneed to block those openings with a medical counter eye drop is not always the answer, and the plug that helps keep the tears on your eyes specific type of drop is critical. longer. Your doctor will determine if this Let’s take a moment to explain the structure of treatment option is indicated. the tear film. People may think we have watery As you can see, there is a lot more to dry tears covering just the front of our eyes. The tear eye than just using drops and not knowing film is comprised of three layers, sort of a sandwich the cause. Talk to your eye doctor and see if of tears made up of the inner layer being mucous, he/she is involved in dry eye evaluation and the middle layer being water, and the outer layer treatment. If not, seek out someone who is, being lipid or oily. and you may be able to improve your symptoms There are two primary places in the eye that Halo-therapy may relieve the T&G and see better. tears are produced. Because there are different help symptoms of: kinds of tears, we must treat what is not Allergies • Arthritis • Asthma Dr. Harvey Hanlen is an optometrist who has producing properly. If a patient has blepharitis,COPD • Emphysema • Sinusitus Hypertension been •in the State College area for more than 40 then the lids need to be treated and cleaned upCystic Fibrosis Sleeplessness • Acne/ Eczema years. His office is located on the Diamond in to allow the glands to produce properly.

Wealened Immune System Boalsburg.

Your doctor should explain which artificial and others...

Halo-therapy may help relieve the symptoms of: Allergies•Arthritis•Asthma COPD•Emphysema•Sinusitus Cystic Fibrosis•Hypertension Sleeplessness•Acne/Eczema Weakened Immune System and others...

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BREATHE BETTER LIVE BETTER

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Allergic Rhinitis • Anaphylaxis • Asthma • Chronic Sinus Infections • Contact Dermatitis • Drug Allergy Testing • Eczema • Food Allergies Centre County • 253 Easterly Parkway, State College. PA • 814-954-7957 Mifflin County • 418 North Logan Blvd., Burnham, PA • 717-248-9550 www.allergyv.com

Taste of the Month Each month, Town&Gown highlights a local place to eat and offers a glimpse into the great dining of our community.

If it’s happening in Happy Valley, it’s in Town&Gown!

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Health & Wellness Professional Profiles

PHYSICAL THER APY

Specialized Physical Therapy for the Head, Neck, Jawand everything else from Shoulder to Toe! At Atlas Therapy, our specialized approach combines manual, massage and neuromuscular therapies with the principals of traditional physical therapy. By integrating these approaches, we are able to provide you with optimal personalized care.

For the often difficult-to-treat conditions of the head, neck, and jaw, as well as the rest of your body’s ailments and injuries, Atlas’ expert therapists use our unique protocol in a one-on-one setting to get you on the path to a faster recovery.

Our goal is to help you live pain free.

Our specialized, unique therapies help achieve pain-free results and expedite your journey to better living. Come experience the “Atlas Way”!

Atlas Therapy State College Office 3075 Enterprise Dr # 200 (814) 308-8482 Altoona Office 613 Valley View Blvd # 200 (814) 889-0310

ww w.atlastherapy. com

OPTOMETRY

Bringing your life into focus The professionals at Restore Eye Care can help you with all your

eye care needs, from annual eye

exams, diabetic eye health checks, and glaucoma management, to low vision rehabilitation, and

post-concussion treatment. Our vision therapist also provides

treatment for children with learning

100 Oakwood Ave., related vision problems.

State College, PA 16803 (814) 272-0262

www.restoreeyecare.com 16 - Health&Wellness 2016

We have an excellent selection of glasses and contact lenses too!

OPTOMETRY

HOLISTIC NUTRITION

Monica C. Montag MA, HHP, CN

Dr. Hanlen and Associates 104 W. Main St. Boalsburg, PA www.drhanlen.com

Eyes on the Diamond

Now is the time to protect your vision

Dr. Hanlen provides family eye care and additional specialized services including: •Macular Degeneration evaluation •Dry Eye services •Specialty contact lenses including Keratoconus and Corneal Disease.

Angie Wallace BS, NC, CGP

Be Well Associates

233 Easterly Parkway, Suite 104 State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-0785 www.bewellassociates.com We Are YOUR Nutrition Experts!

We use food, supplements, and science to help you feel great.

Over 40 years of combined experience for dramatic results!

Visit our website www.bewellassociates.com Or Call for a FREE 15 minute consultation

Call today at 814-466-2020 PHAR M ACY

Pharmacist/Manager

Neil Foster

Boalsburg

Pharmacist/Owner

3901 S. Atherton St., State College (In the Boalsburg Medical Office Building).

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Boalsburg Medical Office Building Corner of Warner Blvd. and S. Atherton Street

Rt. 45 West

Mt. Nittany Middle School

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State College

We are a modern pharmacy with old-fashioned service:

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Transferring prescriptions is easy! Just Give Us A Call.

814.466.7936 2016 Health&Wellness - 17

Health&Wellness

Navigating Home Health Care Careful planning can help bring the right care to you or a loved one

By Jason Lieb Navigating the home health-care field can be very overwhelming. Home health care is a unique service that can provide supportive and medical services for individuals in their home during recovery or for the treatment of a prolonged or chronic medical issue.

Finding the right caregiver for your personal situation is an important part of living up to the quality of life you want. Breaking down the decision into three general aspects will help provide the framework for a decision.

The first is figuring out what types of services a person may need. Typically, we break these services down into two main categories: medical and nonmedical health-care services. Medical and nonmedical services are general terms used in the home-care field. They can be often interchanged with skilled or nonskilled services, respectively.

Medical, or skilled, services will typically require a physician order or prescription for treatment.

Medical treatments are then completed by a licensed nurse or health-care professional who must follow the physician’s orders.

Nonmedical, or nonskilled, services are not typically prescribed by a physician, and treatment is provided by either a certified nursing aide or home caregiver. Nonmedical services include companion care, meal preparation, and hygiene care, among others.

The second aspect is determining how to pay for services. Many commercial insurance providers, along with Medicare and Medicaid, cover treatment for individuals in their home. But it is important to understand what your specific coverage is.

Again, insurance companies will distinguish 18 - Health&Wellness 2016

between medical and nonmedical needs and base their coverage on specific medical conditions and treatment options. Often, it is difficult to know all of the services your insurance provider will cover, so it can be very helpful to call your insurance provider and speak to a customer representative or go to your insurance carrier’s Web site to read through your individual coverage.

After determining what services your healthinsurance provider covers, the insurance provider also will typically have a list of providers in their network that offer the services you may need. Since each person’s needs and insurance coverage are different, it is important to discuss your situation with your insurance provider, your referring physician (if you have one), and with any potential home health-care companies you may work with to help make the most informed financial decision.

The final aspect is matching the services needed with a home health-care company. In the home health-care field, there are two different licenses that companies can have. One is a home-care

license that can provide nonskilled personal care and companion-care services. The other license is a home-health license, so that the company can provide medically based services to clients in the home under the orders of a physician. A home health-care company will hold one or both of these licenses, so it’s important to understand their range of services for both your current and future care needs.

Many home health-care companies also will have accreditations or certifications above and beyond their licenses. In general, being an accredited or certified agency involves an outside company auditing various quality control processes for both patients and employees and focusing on national patient safety goals. These accreditations and certifications are voluntary for companies to acquire and signify an emphasis on quality care from an organization or company.

Ultimately, there will be a handful or more home

health-care organizations who will be able to fulfill your needs. Consider a few companies and ask to speak with their clinical team or clinical director and meet with their nursing supervisors or administrators to help make a decision. Choosing a company who provides great communication between your health-care providers as well as individuals in your support team will be essential.

Once an assessment is completed, caregivers are typically assigned for treatment based on your needs. The connection of the caregiver and how comprehensive the plan of care is will be important to ensure a positive treatment outcome and overall experience as the consumer.

Home health-care companies are meant to make your life easier. Let a professional help you find the right services so you can thrive. T&G Jason Lieb, MS, is owner/president of BrightStar Care of Happy Valley.

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When a family member or loved one needs assistance, it’s critical to choose a provider who can offer a quality of care that will help them-and you-achieve a higher quality of life.

BrightStar Care is here to help reduce the stress and anxiety that can occur during these times, and create greater peace of mind for both the individuals in our care and their families.

BrightStar Care services focus on improving the health and wellbeing of those entrusted to our care. These services include comprehensive, around-the-clock personal and companion care, and nursing support as necessary. Our clients count on us for outstanding care and just about anything else they need, anytime, anywhere - so they and their loved ones can get the most out of life. To ensure the highest quality care, all of our clients receive an assessment completed by a registered nurse. All treatment and care is supervised by our director of nursing.

BrightStar Care services are available on a daily, weekly, part-time or live-in basis, and are provided by the highest quality caregivers in the industry - trained, certified individuals who have undergone extensive background checks and verifications, and are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, dependability and excellence. Our goal is to connect you with the right caregiver and provide a plan of care to help you live the life you want.

2016 Health&Wellness - 19

Health&Wellness

Examine Your Eyelids Vision problems could be caused by upper-eyelid issues

By Dr. Robert Louton Several conditions can come about that cause heaviness of the upper eyelids and lead to loss of upper visual fields. A person with such a condition may find themselves tilting their head back further and further to read or watch television. Driving may become more difficult, as seeing above the horizon requires a change in head position. The eyelids struggle to elevate adequately and provide complete vision above the horizon. A sense of eye fatigue, especially by the end of the day, becomes progressively more pronounced.

This problem is very common and affects males and females equally and is not confined to any one race or people.

There are three general causes for this condition, and any or all three can be at work simultaneously to create loss of the upper visual field: 1. Stretching or weakness of the muscle that holds up the eyelid creates loss of upper visual field when the eyelid can no longer clear the pupil entirely. This suspensory muscle, or levator muscle, may be affected at birth, as in congenital levator ptosis, or may be neurologic as a result of a number of conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Horner’s syndrome. However, more than 60 percent of upper-eyelid ptosis is due to stretching of the muscle as it attaches to the upper eyelid, and this occurs with age.

The treatment for levator ptosis is a minor surgical procedure that advances the muscle and reattaches it to the tarsal plate, which

20 - Health&Wellness 2016

is a small cartilage component of the upper eyelid that helps give the eyelid its shape.

2. Excess upper-eyelid skin also may cause loss of upper visual field. As we age, our upper-eyelid skin becomes more redundant.

If a sufficient amount of this excess tissue is present, it can create a hooding of the eyelid and occlude the upper visual field.

Excess upper-eyelid skin is referred to as dermatocholasia and is treated with a simple procedure that removes the excess uppereyelid skin and clears the upper field.

3. The third condition that contributes to loss of upper visual field is drooping of the eyebrows. The medical term for this condition is “brow ptosis,� and it can be hereditary, affecting younger people in their 20s and 30s.

Brow ptosis, however, occurs more common with age. In many patients, brow ptosis contributes significantly to the excess skin and heaviness of the upper eyelid, leading to loss of upper visual field as well as eyelid fatigue, headaches, and forehead lines.

Brow ptosis is remedied by lifting the brow. Various brow lift procedures exist, ranging from a simple lateral lift that can be

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performed under local anesthesia to a full lift performed endoscopically.

All three of these conditions are treated surgically. There is no nonsurgical treatment that is proven effective for brow ptosis, dermatocholasia, or levator ptosis. All the procedures described are very effective with low complication rates and high levels of patient satisfaction. They are generally performed by an oculoplastic surgeon in an outpatient setting. More advanced procedures may require general anesthesia. Typically, local injection with or without sedation would be adequate. With the proper establishment of medical indications, these procedures are often covered by insurance companies. T&G

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Health&Wellness

Wellness in the Workplace Healthy lifestyles at the office can help any business

By Zack Papalia, MPH, CSCS If you were to ask any business owner if one of their operational goals was to maintain a healthy company, the vast majority would surely answer, “Yes!” Unfortunately, many would simply be thinking of a healthy bottom line. While this is obviously a great goal for businesses, maintaining a healthy, happy employee base should be equally as important.

Employee health and wellness programs are more than a “nice perk” for your employees. They are some of the most proven and reliable ways to maintain a truly healthy, successful business. From boosting profits to boosting employee morale, implementing and promoting these programs are something every successful organization should fully embrace. In particular, employee wellness programs have been shown to help businesses attract the best candidates, retain their top employees, motivate their workforce, and substantially improve their productivity while reducing waste.

Active companies attract active minds More and more, job seekers are looking for more than just a good salary when considering a new position. Whether young or old, a quality work environment, including a high-visibility, highly engaged workplace wellness program, tops the list of what current candidates are most interested in when seeking out new employment. As a result, top companies nationwide, and some of the best here in Central Pennsylvania, are including employee wellness programs in order to attract the top talent.

We spend hours each day at work. The best candidates want to know that is time well spent, both for the business and for themselves.

22 - Health&Wellness 2016

A culture of care Organizations that are willing to invest in the well-being of their employees routinely see employees who are willing to invest in the well-being of their organization. When employees see management genuinely interested in their well-being and eager to make the workplace more than just a “place to do work,” they are far more likely to care about the quality and quantity of work they produce.

Another benefit of many employee wellness programs is the increased sense of cohesion and team identity created. By working together for common health and wellness goals, individuals are able to create better work relationships and learn how to rely on and relate to one another in ways beyond simply their assigned tasks. As a result, their ability to work together efficiently and productively, and their desire to produce high-quality outcomes, is enhanced.

Healthy employees are happy employees Allowing employees to fit exercise into their workdays will improve their focus, cognition, and mood. When you begin to exercise, a number of significant physiologic changes

occur. Dopamine and endorphins, hormones known to boost energy and mood, are released shortly after you begin exercising. Also, blood flow increases to your brain, boosting your mental sharpness and cognition. All of these things will carry over once you stop exercising, increasing your alertness, mental clarity, and energy as you return to work. By incorporating and promoting exercise breaks during the workday, organizations are able to enhance their employees’ moods, productivity, and energy during the day.

Financial fitness According to recent research out of Oregon State, less than 3 percent of US adults achieve all four common healthy lifestyle factors — regular exercise, healthy body weight, no smoking, and a good diet. The absence of these healthy behaviors has led to a boom in the prevalence of chronic diseases nationwide. Unfortunately, the physical, mental, and economic impacts that result are not isolated to the personal level. The fallout can take a very real and very significant toll on employers as well. The presence of unhealthy behaviors increases absenteeism in the workplace while simultaneously decreasing productivity, increasing cost, and interfering with on-the-job performance.

Furthermore, maintaining a workforce wherein the prevalence of chronic disease is high leads to a significant increase in health-care expenses, which, in many cases, the employer must take at least partial financial responsibility.

Return-on-investment (ROI) studies have examined the specific impact of employee wellness programs. Effective employee wellness programs have shown ROI’s ranging from $1.50 to as high as $15.60, with the average cost savings at $3.49 for every $1 invested in employees’ health!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aside from sleeping, work takes up the largest portion of the average (working) American’s day (BLS, 2012). Also, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, approximately 60 percent of insured individuals in the United States receive their health-care coverage through their employer. With so much time spent at work, and the intimate relationship that often exists between one’s employer and their health care, integrating wellness-promotion programs into the workplace simply makes sense.

Businesses need to view their employees as assets rather than tools, and employees should start viewing their work life as a beneficial, rewarding part of their life, rather than an obligation apart from their life. As any smart investor could attest, ensuring that your assets remain cared for is key to long-term growth and return. How can any business expect to be successful without adequate care and investment in their greatest assets — their employees? T&G Zack Papalia is owner of Inspire Wellness Solutions, a local employee health-management company.

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Health&Wellness

A Conservative Approach Conservative care is recommended before surgery for a herniated disc

By Roy M. Love, DC, FACO Patients often ask: Can herniated discs be treated in your office?

First off, a herniated disc is the cushioning disc between your vertebrae, which has the inside of the disc (the nucleus) bulge through the outside fibers of the disc (the annular fibers).

This event can cause mild to moderate pain in the disc at the onset. If the herniation leaks nuclear material on the nerve root, it can cause swelling of the nerve root and pain.

If the herniated disc compresses or stretches the nerve root, it can cause severe pain in the back, buttocks, or down into the lower leg. If the nerve is compromised, it can cause numbness, pain, and weakness.

Progressive weakness in the muscles of the leg or compression of the nerves that supply the bowel and bladder are the most serious complications from a herniated disc and may require surgery.

A recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine clearly shows a very large herniated disc that was resolved with conservative care. Often, when a patient has a large herniated disc, they are directed to surgery prior to conservative care. This article in the New England Journal of Medicine clearly states conservative care, whether chiropractic or physical therapy, should be used first.

Conservative care should always be tried prior to surgery with a herniated disc, unless the patient develops progressive, sustained muscular weakness in the leg or loses bowel or bladder function.

24 - Health&Wellness 2016

Love recommends trying conservative care before surgery when it comes to back and leg pain.

Treatment for herniated discs involves decompressive traction, manipulation of adjacent restricted joints, physical-therapy modalities, McKenzie directional preference exercises, exercises to help hydrate and improve disc function, and spinal-stability exercises.

In cases of severe pain, steroidal medicines or an epidural injection may be necessary to reduce inflammation and begin the healing process, so conservative care can then help improve disc and adjacent joint and muscle functions.

So if you suffer with back and leg pain and have not tried conservative care, or if you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, try conservative care first before surgery. T&G Roy M. Love, DC, FACO, is at Nittany Valley Chiropractic Center, with offices in State College and Centre Hall. He has practiced in State College and Centre Hall for 30 years and has twice been named Pennsylvania Chiropractor of the Year.

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Health&Wellness

Be Proactive about Your Health Creating a life of emotional and physical well-being

By Meghan Fritz All we have to do is see the news to experience an immediate sense of negativity and anxiety. What we watch on television, listen to on the radio, and read on the Internet or in the newspaper, as well as the company we keep, has an effect on our emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Do not make the mistake of being careless about what you take into your spirit daily. Raise your awareness and begin to be purposeful and proactive about who and what you choose to spend your time with and offer your energy to.

This awareness will create a healthier body and mind and leave you feeling less anxious and heavyhearted in your daily life.

One of my favorite ways to start the day is to go for an early-morning walk. It is in the newness of the day and the quietness of the early morning that I prepare mentally and physically for the day ahead. This morning ritual allows me to start the day from a proactive place instead of reactive. I always feel more peaceful, alert, and energized after my walk. When I skip this sacred ritual, I feel irritable, exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed out.

The fact is stress, negativity, and anxiety are a part of daily life. There will always be that little voice within that screams the problem or point of stress to you over and over again. This voice will demand attention and do whatever it takes to get you to take the bait of stress, anxiety, and negativity.

The way to starve this voice from feeding us thoughts of doom and gloom is to cultivate a daily ritual of proactive wellness.

26 - Health&Wellness 2016

Identify an anchor An anchor serves as a grounding force in our lives. If the storms of stress and anxiety are brewing before you, an anchor holds you safely in place and gives you a sense of protection and peace. People without anchors drift aimlessly through life, exposing themselves to storms, damage, and days full of chaos and stress.

Having a spiritual anchor is the key to living a life that is enjoyable and abundant emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. If you take the time to observe people who are successful and generally optimistic about life, you will find that they have a spiritual anchor they rely on to get them through the difficult stormy seasons of life.

It doesn’t matter what your anchor is, as long as it serves as a time to refresh, replenish, and rejuvenate your spirit.

Identify your anchor and make it a point to honor this Zen time daily, even if it’s for five minutes. This one simple, daily ritual will give your intuition space to guide you forward to the path that is right for you.

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Health&Wellness you know it, you too have been slimed by the negativity. You may have been in a great mood, and now you find yourself mulling over your own problems, wondering how you will ever be happy. Dump the toxicity out of your life. Misery loves company, and the best way to guard your peace and improve your health is to get rid of anyone or anything that tries to steal it.

Evaluate the people you spend time with and make it a point to surround yourself with family, friends, and colleagues who will increase your energy level and enthusiasm. Pay attention to how you feel when you are around toxic people and make it a point to hatch an escape plan immediately.

Guarding your peace of mind is like locking your front door at night. No one can steal your peace if you have made the decision to guard it well and protect it under all costs. Leaving your spirit unlocked exposes you to the drama and negativity of others around you. Dump the toxicity out of your life and lock the door of your spirit. This one decision can help you feel lighter and more anchored in your daily life.

Use your words If you are feeling stressed and anxious, ask yourself: What have I been thinking about?

Chances are you have been stuck on a problem or an area of unhappiness in your life. The quickest way to drop the negativity is to begin to speak what you want, not what you don’t

want. Speak blessings over your life, not curses.

Start the day by speaking success over yourself.

Declare that you are a valuable, worthy person who is full of wisdom and favor.

You would never drink rat poison for fun, so stop speaking poison over yourself. Learn to be your best advocate for emotional and physical wellness by speaking words of encouragement to yourself daily. Commit to treating yourself with love and kindness. You would never allow someone to bully you or the people you love in your life, so stop bullying yourself!

Honor your ritual Once you have identified your spiritual anchor, dumped the toxins, and begun to speak words of success over your life, make it a point to honor this ritual. Begin each day with whatever ritual works for you. It will allow you to feel more positive, energetic, and proactive about the new day.

Don’t wait until you are in turmoil to begin the process of feeling better emotionally and physically. Do the homework to figure out what wellness plan works for you, and honor your selfcare plan daily.

Remember, five minutes of honoring your wellbeing is better than none at all!

You are worth it! T&G Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College and writes a monthly “Living Well” column in Town&Gown.

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28 - Health&Wellness 2016

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