Health&Wellness December 2018

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

Vol. 16 • Issue 3 • December 2018

HEALTHY

HEARING

HELPS WITH A HEALTHY LIFE LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR EARS

ALSO INSIDE Protect Your Hearing

3 Types of Hearing Loss

Be Careful with Headphones

My hearing aids don’t define me — I do.

I didn’t realize that my hearing loss was affecting me until it began affecting him.

That’s when I made the choice to take charge of my hearing.

My family physician referred me to Audiology Associates. The moment I walked in the door, I knew I had found my hearing care home. Audiology Associates was patient, informative, and compassionate — my appointment felt more like a conversation than a consultation. We talked about my current lifestyle and how I could maintain — even improve — my hearing with their help and my determination.

Does David’s story sound familiar?

Visit our AudigyCertified practice to learn how you too can experience better hearing.

AudigyCertified™ and here for you We have been chosen as an elite private hearing care practice in North America by Audigy, LLC. Continuing education ensures that we can offer up-to-date diagnostics and technology to our patients. We are proud to have been selected and certified by our peers for upholding the highest standards of patient care.

Lexington • 259 Southland Dr Other convenient locations: Prestonsburg • 1428 N Lake Dr Pikeville • 5425 N Mayo Trail, Ste 201

Dr. Robert Manning, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Emma Lackey, HIS Jake Manning, HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist Hearing Instrument Specialist

859.963.2958 www.kyhearing.com

$500 OFF

an AGX5, 7, or 9 twodevice hearing system.

Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional discount. Expires 12/31/18.

6/30/18.

is it a good idea to use a local referral Q Why agency to help find a senior living community?

A

It’s a FREE service I have firsthand knowledge of all senior living communities in Lexington and surrounding areas I can save you a lot of time and frustration

I will narrow down the communities that fit your specific needs and you can choose from two or three versus twenty I can schedule tours and am available to join if you choose

Senior Living COMMUNITIES:

• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Personal Care • Memory Care • Respite

CALL ME FOR A

FREE consultation (859) 351-5890 www.silverlexington.com

It is my mission to help guide your family through what may be a very difficult time because I am a local company that knows the process and senior living communities well.

Susan Neville, Owner & Senior Living Consultant, Silver Lexington

Local Senior Living Placement Service *No Medicaid or Subsidized Housing

YO U’ R E M O R E THA N YO UR AG E .

YO U’ R E M O R E THA N YO UR AGE.

FIVE STAR SENIOR LIVING. WW E’E RE ORE HAN ’REMM ORETT HANA A SENIOR the SServing ENIORLIVING LIVING CC OMMUNITY . .

Lexington OMMUNITY

690 Mason Headley Road 690 MasonKY Headley Lexington, 40504Road Lexington, KY 40504

859-278-9080 859-278-9080

Community for 33 years.

When you look at the faces of you look atsee the laugh faces of ourWhen residents, you’ll our residents, seethat laugh lines from a happyyou’ll life, eyes lines from a happy life, eyes that have seen it all, and smiles filled have seen it all, and smiles filled with hope for the future. with the afuture.

• All hope three for meals day included We see you – and we’re here to • Free transportation 7 days a week Weyour see you – and we’re here to make life exceptional. make your life exceptional.

• Expansive social programs and • Fiveevents Star Dining Experience • Five Star Dining Experience • Lifestyle360 Activities Program • Lifestyle360 Activities Program WE’RE MORE THAN • Concierge Services • Concierge Services SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY. WE’RE MORE THAN A WE’RE A FAMILY. WE’RE MORE THAN A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY. SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY. Call us toAstop by for a tour.

WE’RE FAMILY. WE’RE A FAMILY. Call us to stop by for a tour.

Call us to stop by for a tour.

www.LafayetteLexington.com I N D E P E N D E N Twww.LafayetteLexington.com L I V I N G • S H O R T-T E R M R E H A B I NSDKEI LPLEENDD E VG I N& G R• ESHHAOBRI L T -I T ET R IMO N REHAB NN UTR SLIIN TA © 2017 Star SKILLED NU R SFive IN GSenior & Living R E H A B I L I TAT I O N © 2017 Five Star Senior Living

Pet Friendly

Pet Friendly

LEG ACY RE SE RV E AT F R I T Z FA R M

The Legacy Reserve Lifestyle Awaits With four dining venues, a beautiful outdoor terrace, plentiful onsite amenities and wonderful new friendships to be made, many people have chosen to live the Legacy Reserve lifestyle.

Apartment home selections in Independent Living, Personal Care and Memory Care are limited and a waiting list has started on many floor plans.

Please call (859) 310-7353 to schedule your personalized visit to learn more about luxury living at affordable pricing.

Special Advantages end April 30th.

Call today to learn more on how you can pursue Enjoy the best season of Legacy your life.

The Freedom to Enjoy Life at Reserve.

L E G A C Y R E S E R V E K Y. C O M

2700 Man O’War Blvd. Lexington, KY 40515

(859) 286-5111 www.legacyreserveky.com L E G A C Y R E S E RV E K Y. C O M 2 7 0 0 M A N O ’ WA R B LV D. L E X I N G TO N, K Y 4 0 5 1 5

IMPROVING KENTUCKY AND BEYOND, ONE SMILE AT A TIME. Read our article in this month’s issue to learn how one person overcame their dental anxiety to achieve a beautiful smile. ®

University of Kentucky College of Dentistry

859-323-DENT (3368) ukhealthcare.uky.edu/dentistry

N I

Health&Wellness is a proud product of

Z

ROCKPOINT

Protect Your Hearing

9

Three Types of Hearing Loss

25

Be Careful with Headphones

31

Psychological Issues Sometimes Come with Hearing Loss

DEPARTMENTS 22

EVENTS CALENDAR

24

IN THE NEWS

28

NATURE'S BEAUTY

29

FOOD BITES

COLUMNS 11

COSMETIC DENTISTRY Holiday Smiles

12

FAMILY VISION Give Your Eyes Some L-O-V-E

13

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Mindful Hearing, Mindful Listening

14

FUNERAL Finding Hope During the Holiday Season

17

Brian Lord | Publisher David Bryan Blondell | Golf & Special Sections Director Jennifer Lord | Customer Relations Specialist Barry Lord | Sales Representative Anastassia Zikkos | Sales Representative Kim Wade | Sales Representative Janet Roy | Graphic Designer Purple Patch Innovations | Web & Social Media

Health&Wellness Magazine can be found in 20 central Kentucky counties and is distributed to over 90% of medical facilities, including chiroprator’s, eye doctor’s and dentist’s offices. You can also pick up your FREE copy of Health&Wellness at most grocery and convenience stores as well as many restaurants throughout Central KY.

&

FEATURES

6

Publishing

A G M

CONTENTS

A

DECEMBER 2018: HEARING

IMAGING Healthcare: How’d We Get Here and Where Do We Go?

18

GENERAL DENTISTRY Overcoming Dental Anxiety and Reaching a Beautiful Smile

21

FAMILY DOC Keeping Your Ears Clean: Safety a Priority

For advertising rates and to find out how to get YOUR article published:

859-368-0778

e-mail brian@rockpointpublishing.com

© Copyright HEALTH&WELLNESS Magazine 2018.

All rights reserved. Any reproduction of the material in this magazine in whole or in part without written prior consent is prohibited. Articles and other material in this magazine are not necessarily the views of Health&Wellness Magazine. Health&Wellness Magazine reserves the right to publish and edit, or not publish any material that is sent. Health&Wellness Magazine will not knowingly publish any advertisement which is illegal or misleading to its readers. The information in Health&Wellness should not be considered as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment.

RENT THIS CABIN

In the Beautiful Red River Gorge CAMPING CABINS AND PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES ALSO AVAILABLE

FROM THE

EDITOR

Tanya J. Tyler, Editor | Share your story: editor@healthandwellnessmagazine.net

Dear Friends, It’s that time of year when we give thanks for all our blessings and also look forward to the coming of a new year. Try as we may, we still sometimes take things for granted, maybe even our Health & Wellness. How often do you think about your hearing – how marvelous a sense it is, how wonderful it is to be able to hear birds singing and children laughing and your significant other saying “I love you”? This month’s issue has many informative articles about hearing – protecting your hearing, dealing with hearing loss, mindful listening. Don’t use a cotton swab to clean your inner ear! There are better ways to get rid of ear wax and we tell you just how to do it.

We’re about to embark on a rather noisy season, so be sure to keep the volume of your favorite holiday songs at a safe level so you can start 2019 with your ears ready to hear a hearty Happy New Year!

Here’s to your good health,

Tanya

Call or visit website for reservations.

(606) 668-2599 ksbrown@mrtc.com www.kentuckywildflowersllc.com

Chiropractic Pain and Injury Center

Pain relief now! Health for a lifetime.

Chiropractic Care, Nutritional Counseling, Corrective Exercise and Spinal Posture Screenings

Dr. Rob Kennedy B.S., D.C.

859-275-1962 340 Legion Rd., Suite #2 Lexington, KY 40504

www.cpiclexington.net

&

PROTECT YOUR HEARING TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO RETAIN THIS IMPORTANT SENSE

6 December 2018

December 2018

By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

&

How many decibels are in common sounds?

Your hearing is at its best between the ages of 18 to 25 years. Then it decreases so slowly the loss is usually not noticeable until around age 50 years. High-pitched sounds usually go first. This is all under ideal, normal conditions and only accounts for the aging process. Half a billion individuals under the age of 65 have hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Sound is measured in decibels (Db), which describes its intensity (see sidebar). Listening to any sounds at or above 85 Db for a prolonged period can damage hearing. About 40 million U.S. adults aged 20-69 years have noise-induced hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly 50 percent of people 12-35 years old are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices, based on data analyzed by the WHO. Noise between 70-90 Db slowly causes increased

Pin Drop – 0 Db

Heavy City Traffic – 85 Db

Normal Breathing – 10 Db

Blender – 85-90 Db

Rustling Leaves – 20 Db

Motorcycle (24 feet away) – 88 Db

Whisper – 30 Db

Riding in Convertible (50-70 mph) – 88-90 Db

Refrigerator – 40 Db

Gas Lawnmower – 90 Db

Normal Conversation – 50-60 Db

Music Player at Max. Volume – 105 Db

Normal Street Traffic – 70 Db

Music Concert – 110 Db

Vacuum Cleaners / Blow Dryers – 70 Db

Ambulance Siren – 120 Db

Dishwasher – 75 Db

Jet Engine Taking Off – 140 Db

Garbage Disposal – 80 Db

Fireworks/Firecracker – 140-165 Db

School Cafeteria – 85 Db

Gunshot – 150 Db

30 Db

50-60 Db

70 Db

88 Db

105 Db

120 Db

140 Db

HEARING Continued on Page 8

A Lexington Tradition in Senior Living Since 1989 Call TODAY to learn about our Move-in Special!

Resident Perspective Personal care center with apartment-style living and a community feel.

• 62 Personal Care Apartments

Setting the standard in Staff-to-Client Ratios!

• 34 Rehab Beds of which 26 are Private Rooms • Rehab & Nursing Services available

Helen Roseberry is a resident of Tanbark. She worked in a museum for 30 years; first as registrar, then as coordinator, and finally as museum director.

Ms. Roseberry said her family chose Tanbark based on it’s reputation and years of service. She has now lived at Tanbark for over 3 years. When asked what she likes about Tanbark she answered quickly that it’s the activities offered.

s e i t i v i t c A

She loves going out to different restaurants in the Lexington area every Thursday with the “Lunch Bunch”. She also enjoys Happy Hour, Bingo, and dinner & a movie. She says she never feels pressured to attend activities; that she joins in at her own leisure.

Visit our website or call today for a full list of services and amenities

Signature HealthCARE at Tanbark Rehab & Wellness Center | (859) 273-7377 | 1121 Tanbark Road, Lexington, KY 40515 www.facebook/SHCatTanbark www.SHCatTanbark.com

7

8

&

December 2018

Degrees of Hearing Loss

HEARING continued from Page 7

hearing damage. Loud sounds can damage the delicate hair cells in the cochlea. They bend and vibrate with greater magnitude until eventually they break or wilt and no longer respond to noise properly. If you beat on those hair cells hard enough, they die and never regenerate.

To protect against noise-induced hearing loss, avoid long exposure to loud noises. Try not to be around sounds at or above 100 Db for more than 15 minutes. If the noise is at or above 110 Db, try to move away from it in under a minute. Wear protective equipment on your ears when mowing the lawn, attending a rock concert or if you’re in an occupation – such as firefighting, construction and factory work – that exposes you to loud sounds for a sustained period. Be careful when using ear buds – don’t crank up the volume to drown out background sounds. The issue isn’t the music being played closely to the ear but how loudly it is played.

In addition to aging and noise damage, hearing loss can be caused by certain conditions and medications. The ear has a high demand for blood flow so any impairment of that blood flow to the ear can be detrimental. Narrow or abnormal blood vessels can prevent sufficient blood from reaching the cochlea. They can also prevent toxins from getting cleaned out of the ear. This has the potential to damage the delicate cells within the ear. High blood pressure, diabetes and sickle cell anemia can all accelerate hearing loss. Smoking can also affect the ears because nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that causes blood vessels to shrink slightly.

Ototoxic drugs have chemical properties that make them toxic to the sensory cells in the ear. Strong aminoglycoside antibiotics used for life-threatening infections such as bone infection, painkillers such as Vicodin and oxycontin and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs can induce hearing loss. High doses of the over-the-counter painkillers ibuprofen and aspirin can cause ringing in the ear and, eventually, hearing loss.

Mild – Sounds below 40 Db are difficult to hear. Includes difficulty hearing softer environmental sounds and conversations in noisier environments, at a distance, in larger group settings or over the phone. Consonant sounds s, f or th may be hard to distinguish from other speech sounds. Higher level of concentration needed to follow conversations in certain situations – a cumulative strain that can be significant and draining.

Moderate – Trouble hearing sounds below 40 Db and also many sounds in the 41-60 Db range. Normal conversation is between 50-65 Db, making keeping up with conversations in most settings difficult without a hearing aid.

Severe – Sounds below 61 Db are difficult to hear, as well as many between 61-80 Db, making both conversations and loud speech difficult to follow.

Profound – Only very loud sounds above 81 Db can be heard but no speech; the person needs to rely on lip reading or sign language to communicate.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS ON DECEMBER 7TH

from all of us at Kentucky Health Solutions

859.312.9646 • KentuckyHealthSolutions.com 2365 Harrodsburg Rd, Ste B235, Lexington, KY 40504

FREE Medicare health plan review. Call Today!

Medicare Health Plans • Small Group • Individual Health

December 2018

&

3 TYPES OF

9

HEARING LOSS LEARN ABOUT VARIOUS CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss is quite common and can happen at any time in life. One in eight Americans aged 12 years and older has hearing loss in both ears, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. That’s 13 percent of the population, or 30 million Americans.

By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer The ear has three main parts. The outer ear picks up the sound waves that travel down the ear canal. They hit the eardrum and cause it to vibrate. The middle ear is a closed space behind the eardrum that is normally filled with air, but sometimes fluid collects there, too. When sound waves hit the eardrum, the vibrations move three

10

&

December 2018 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |   HandWmagazine

tiny bones, which then move sound into the inner ear. The inner ear, or cochlea, sends the sound to the brain as electrical signals via the auditory nerve. Even the slightest flaw in any part of the pathway can cause hearing loss.

There are three basic types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive and mixed. The most common type of hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. It occurs when there is a problem with the sensory hair cells and/or neural structures (nerves) in the inner ear. The auditory nerve is comprised of many nerve fibers that carry signals to the brain that are interpreted as sound. The auditory nerve can also be damaged in this type of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss reduces the intensity of sound and can also distort what is heard. Possible causes for sensorineural hearing loss include exposure to loud noises; aging; medicines that damage the ear; illnesses such as meningitis, measles and certain

autoimmune disorders; genetics; head trauma; and structural malformation of the inner ear.

Presbycusis, tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss are all forms of sensorineural hearing loss.

Presbycusis, the most common form of hearing loss in those age 55 years and older, comes on gradually due to changes in the ear that happen as we age. It typically involves damage to the inner ear. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health conditions common with aging and ototoxic medications can all contribute to presbycusis.

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is the perception of a sound in the ears or head that has no external source. Many people with tinnitus experience a ringing, humming, buzzing or chirping sound. Others even perceive singing or music.

Experts believe neural hyperactivity, or overstimulation of the nerves, leads to tinnitus. It may also be the byproduct of noise exposure. Teenagers

There are three basic types of hearing loss.

are increasingly experiencing tinnitus, possibly as a result of frequent noise exposure, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear that vibrate in response to sound waves. Just as with an electrical circuit, these hair cells can be overloaded with too much noise or with sounds that are too loud. Conductive hearing loss occurs because of a physical condition or disease that prevents sound from being transferred from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is usually mild and temporary because in most cases medical treatment can help.

Possible causes of conductive hearing loss include wax buildup or fluid in the middle ear due to poor Eustachian tube function (this tube drains fluid from the middle ear and ventilates it to regulate air pressure there). Other causes are ear infections, foreign objects lodged in the ear, a ruptured eardrum, structural malformation of parts of the ear, ear trauma or, in rare cases tumors.

Mixed hearing loss includes elements of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. In addition to some irreversible hearing loss caused by a problem with the inner ear, there can also be an issue with the outer or middle ear.

Source

Scientific Reports (www.nature.com/articles/ srep27109#abstract)

Dental Care by Gretchen Kinchen, DMD Creating beautiful, healthy smiles in an environment full of Southern Hospitality NEW PATIENTS RECEIVE

FREE

WHITENING TRAYS

At Dental Care by Gretchen Kinchen, DMD we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle compassionate care that you deserve from a dentist in Lexington.

We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate staff. The result is a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

We also believe that patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options and choice of dentist in Lexington. You’ll find all of this important information on our website, including directions to our Lexington office, service descriptions, patient forms, patient education resources and more.

Not only is Dr. Kinchen a leading dentist in Lexington, our office is a full-service practice specializing in cosmetic dentistry and providing for all of your dental needs.

Massage, Skin Care, Stretch, and a huge selection of holiday gifts are available with a Massage Envy Gift Card.

Visit your local Massage Envy to give the gift that gives more.

HAMBURG

1908 Bryant Rd. Near Malone’s in Hamburg (859) 258-2200

NICHOLASVILLE RD 116 Marketplace Dr. Ste. A In front of Walmart (859) 899-2300

BEAUMONT CENTRE

989 Governors Lane, Suite 120 Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 296-0296 www.gkdentalcare.com

MassageEnvy.com M-F 8a–10p | S 8a–6p | Su10a–6p

CHEVY CHASE

630 Euclid Ave. Ste. 105 Next to Euclid Kroger (859) 281-1218

Cosmetic Dentistry.

December 2018

I

&

HOLIDAY SMILES

t’s fine to have a jagged-toothed jack o’ lantern at Halloween. But for the holidays, we all want our teeth to look wonderful so we can flash those beautiful snow-white smiles that make the season bright.

Taking care of your teeth may fall by the wayside in the midst of all the holiday parties, prep, shopping and sharing that prevails at this time of year. With all the gooey goodies available – from cake to candy to pie and more – your teeth may be assailed more than usual. Damaging acids form in the mouth every time you eat a sugary snack. This can lead to cavities or gingivitis. Thus it’s essential to make dental care a priority so you can enjoy every delectable bite.

First and foremost, don’t neglect your twice-a-day brushing routine.

This will give your teeth some needed protection before you hit the holiday buffet at the office party. Try to avoid sticky, chewy, gummy foods that will stay on and in between your teeth, such as caramel. Instead, choose food items that dissolve quickly. No one expects you to give up ALL the sweets that tempt you from every angle or angel. Just be sure to indulge in moderation. Take only one dessert or a small taste of a few, and brush immediately after you eat. Keep a travel toothbrush and a mini tube of toothpaste in your handbag or car. If brushing is not possible, chew some sugarless gum. It will boost the production of saliva and flush out food debris that could lead to cavities.

WHY NOT What else should you watch out for MAKE AN EARLY this season to keep your teeth merry and white? Don’t try to crack nuts open NEW YEAR’S with your teeth – use a nutcracker and save your bite. Remember starchy foods RESOLUTION can be just as detrimental to your teeth as sugary foods. Bread and potatoes can TO BE MORE have as much of a negative effect on your teeth as candy and cake. So again, PROACTIVE use restraint as your fill your plate at a ABOUT YOUR holiday gathering. Add vegetables and cheese to your bounty to counteract the DENTAL HEALTH? destructive effects of cavity-causing bacteria on your teeth.

– DR. ADKINS Another holiday staple you should use sparingly is alcohol. The acidity in alcohol can wear tooth enamel away, leaving your mouth vulnerable to cavities. Rinse your mouth out with water in between drinks – doing so can clean away freshly formed bacteria – and don’t chew ice. That habit is very bad for your teeth any time of the year. Speaking of drinks, coffee can leave stains on your teeth and soda and juice can erode the enamel on your teeth, so choose your beverages wisely. Fortunately, there are many whitening options available at Adkins Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to restore your smile.

Why not make an early New Year’s resolution to be more proactive about your dental health? Perhaps you’ve been vowing to get some needed dental work done and you’re determined 2019 will be the year. Good for you! Make the call to Adkins Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, where you’ll find gentle, individualized care and the smile you’ve always wanted.

FIRST AND FOREMOST, DON’ T NEGLEC T YOUR T WICE-A-DAY BRUSHING R OUTINE.

About the Author Please contact Dr. Ruth Adkins of Adkins Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for more information on Tooth Whitening or other dental services. (859) 543-0333.

ABOUT ADKINS DENTISTRY 2704 Old Rosebud Rd #210, Lexington, KY 40509 • 444 Lewis Hargett Circle #260, Lexington, KY 40503 859.543.0333 • www.adkinsfamilydentistry.com Offering two convenient locations for general, family, cosmetic, implant, teeth whitening, and reconstructive dentistry. It is our goal to ensure our patients achieve a beautiful smile that is healthy enough to last a lifetime!

11

&

Family Vision.

12

T

December 2018

GIVE YOUR E YES SOME

L-O-V-E

here’s more to seeing than meets the eye. Vision involves our eyes, brain and body. You cannot make an eye movement without sending a message to the body and vice versa. Performance optometry focuses on maximizing not just what you see but how well you can perform activities of daily living – driving a car, reading a book, hitting a ball. Vision is also essential to balance. It is a matter of how your sensory input works together, a process called sensory integration. Performance optometry helps you reach your potential in everything you do – it’s all about how the body, brain and eyes work together.

The conveniences of modern life can make vision and seeing difficult, not just in terms of blurred vision caused by myopia or other eye misalignment or diseases. Before we got bombarded by computers, Smartphones and other devices, we lived and moved and had our being in a 3-D world.

Our ancestors were constantly looking off into the distance, alert for possible predators or seeking sources of food. Today we find ourselves wrapped in a 2-D world of flat-screen TVs and computers with blue light that harms our eyes more than we realize. Living in this environment creates visual stress, expressed in headaches, eyestrain and dry eye.

Constantly focusing on a small screen or doing close work puts us in sensory overload. It’s essential to give your eyes some L-O-V-E: Lots Of Varied Experiences. If you spend your entire day staring at a computer, don’t go home and do the same thing. Go out and take a walk – get your eyes away from that environment and move them and use them – get back in touch with the 3-D world.

Performance optometry stresses our ability to recognize, react and respond to what we see. It helps us be as accurate and as quick as we can when we see something. We have to recognize what we see and almost immediately decide how to react and respond to it. For our ancestors, it was a matter of life or death. For us, it can be the difference between a safe encounter or a dangerous outcome.

Fortunately, these days sophisticated optometric equipment picks up eye health problems and determines the best solution to improve your sight, be it glasses or contacts or other enhancements. There are filters that can block the blue light on your TV, laptop, tablet or phone. Glasses and contact lenses use all sorts of tints and filters to block UV light and reduce eye-damaging glare. Eyewear can be specifically designed to match your activities.

TODAY WE FIND OURSELVES WRAPPED IN A 2-D WORLD OF FLAT-SCREEN TVS AND COMPUTERS WITH BLUE LIGHT THAT HARMS OUR EYES MORE THAN WE REALIZE.

Most eye problems can be prevented or cured if they are caught early.

Even if you were told as a youngster that myopia (nearsightedness) was something you just had to live with – and might entail getting stronger and stronger glasses as you got older – there may be a better solution or even a cure. Call Family Eye Care Associates at (859) 879-3665 to learn more about improving your eyesight and your vision.

About the Author

Dr. Graebe received both his B.S degree in Visual Science and Doctorate of Optometry from Indiana University. He is a Behavioral Optometrist and learning expert. He has been in private practice here in the Bluegrass area for the past 32 years.

ABOUT FAMILY EYECARE ASSOCIATES 105 Crossfield Drive, Versailles, KY 40383 • 859.879.3665 • www.myfamilyvision.com

Family Eyecare Associates

We exist to consistently provide you with the finest, most complete eye care available. Our goal is to develop a life-long relationship with you and your family, both as our patients and our friends.

&

Integrative Medicine.

December 2018

Y

MINDFUL HEARING, MINDFUL LISTENING

ou cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. – M. Scott Peck, M.D., psychiatrist (1936-2005), author of The Road Less Traveled Hearing and listening are often confused. Hearing is one of the five major sense perceptions, along with seeing, tasting, smelling and touching. We use the sense of hearing when we are in conversation with another person and we may refer to that elemental sense of hearing as listening. But listening also has a much deeper meaning.

In the corporate world and the medical and psychological sciences, the quality of active listening or deep listening is recognized as a critical element in interpersonal communication at work, at home and in the clinical encounter.

Relationship-centered care involves a therapeutic alliance that is so important to healing and success in clinical encounters. In his poem When Someone Deeply Listens to You, poetry therapist John Fox describes deep listening “as if gold has been discovered.” There is a quality of safety, benevolence and kindness in active/deep listening that transcends barriers of culture, religion, politics, race, social status, age, gender, language and the distinction between in-groups and out-groups.

Are Sounds Really a Barrier to Contemplation?

Another common misunderstanding about hearing is that sounds are a barrier to meditation, prayer, mindfulness or other contemplative practices. While it may be pleasant to engage in such practices in a completely quiet and peaceful environment, it isn’t always possible and it certainly isn’t necessary.

While it is delightful to have the luxury of quiet for such practices, it is sometimes simply not possible to control external sounds. We will sometimes (perhaps often)

find we are practicing meditation, prayer, mindfulness or other contemplative practices in a setting that involves sounds – maybe a lot of sounds. Anyone living in a busy urban environment knows this very well. This has actually been described as an asset to practice.

Contemplative traditions suggest external sounds can actually be an asset to one’s internal practice, calling it good fortune to practice under adverse circumstances. The analogy is that adversity builds character or we sharpen the blade with the grit of the stone.

Paying Attention to Sound Mindfulness practice acknowledges sounds as universal companions to meditation. We can disempower sounds as a barrier to meditation by formally using them as a focal point of our mindfulness practice. Rather than reacting to sounds (whether bodily sounds or indoor or outdoor sounds) as obstacles to our mindfulness practice, we actually place our attention on them in a friendly, nonjudgmental, non-adversarial way.

We might use a fresh, innocent beginner’s mind and name/label all sounds by thinking “sound” rather than distinguishing between pleasant and unpleasant sounds (or noise). In this sense, our experience is the same whether we hear traffic noise, thunder, dogs barking, people coughing and cell phones ringing. We just let them be – and we stop taking them personally.

Letting Go of Sound More often, the focus of our mindfulness practice may be on something other than sound, such as the physical sensations of breathing or the whole body.

In this practice, we may consider sounds to be an obstacle to successful practice or a good meditation. The instruction is to simply notice the normal wandering “monkey mind” has veered off from our breath or body onto

sounds and reactive thoughts such as, “If only it was quiet – then I could meditate.”

This is a very important moment in our practice. Rather than this habitual, self-critical reactivity, we simply notice where our attention went and gently escort it back to the physical sensations of breath or the body. We let go of the identification of sound as either pleasant or unpleasant. We let go of even naming it as sound. We return our attention to the breath or body, over and over, even if this returning makes up the majority of our practice.

After all, mindfulness involves practicing paying attention – using the breath and the body to train the mind to pay attention. Eventually, this skill can be applied to every moment of our lives – under all circumstances – alone and with others.

Listening With the Ears of the Heart You know how it feels to be interrupted frequently by someone you are speaking to. You may even interrupt others yourself. This is sometimes unhelpful and can even be unkind. We really can’t fully understand what another person is saying if we are thinking about our response while they are speaking and cutting them off mid-sentence.

Mindful speaking and mindful listening are the two-way components of mindful communication for group discussion or one-on-one conversation. The instruction is to limit your speech to that which is true, necessary and kind – and

allow silence. You can become a better listener and communicate more mindfully by first declaring this as an intention to which you are committed. Offer other people your complete, undivided attention.

Really listen. Don’t plan your reply.

Ask clarifying questions if you are not sure what they really want you to hear. To truly refine your ability to listen with the voice of the heart, repeat back to them what you think they said or meant. Do so as clarification rather than interpretation.

Hearing and listening can be pathways to living a mindful life.

Mindful hearing and listening can sometimes even feel like gold has been discovered.

Sources and Resources

Mindfulness classes at Mind Body Studio include a weekly Wednesday drop-in, a quarterly all-day Saturday and a quarterly 8-week intensive Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

For details, visit www.mindbodystudio.org.

About the Author Dr. John Patterson is past president of the Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians and is board certified in family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. He is on the faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Saybrook University’s College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (Oakland) and the Center for Mind Body Medicine (Washington, D.C.).

ABOUT MIND BODY STUDIO Mind Body Studio

517 Southland Drive, Lexington • 859.373.0033 • www.mindbodystudio.org Dr. Patterson operates the Mind Body Studio in Lexington, where he offers integrative medicine consultations and group classes. He can be reached through his Web site at www.mindbodystudio.org.

13

&

Funeral.

14

December 2018 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |   HandWmagazine

FINDING HOPE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

A

nyone who has experienced the death of a loved one may find the holidays difficult. The season can become filled with feelings of sadness, emptiness and stress as a result of the loss.

“Society encourages you to join in the holiday spirit, but all around you the sounds, sights and smells trigger memories of the one you love who has died,” said Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition. “During the holidays it is important to remember to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself.”

While there are no set guidelines for coping with the hurt during the holidays, Wolfelt offers several suggestions to help grieving people continue their healing journey during the holiday season.

Talk About Your Grief Don’t be afraid to express your feelings of grief. Ignoring them won’t make the pain go away, and talking about your grief openly often makes you feel better.

Identify friends and relatives who understand the holiday season can increase your sense of loss and allow you to talk about your feelings.

Talk About the Person Who Died Include the person’s name in your holiday conversations. If you are able to talk candidly, other people are more likely to recognize your need to remember that special person who was an important part of your life.

...ALL AROUND YOU THE SOUNDS, SIGHTS AND SMELLS TRIGGER MEMORIES OF THE ONE YOU LOVE WHO HAS DIED.

Do What Is Right for You During the Holidays Well-meaning friends and family often try to prescribe what is good for you during the holidays. Instead of going along with their plans, focus on what you want to do.

Share your needs with your friends and family.

Plan Ahead for Family Gatherings Decide which family traditions you want to continue and which new ones you would like to begin.

Plan out the activities you want to do so you don’t get caught off guard. This can create feelings of panic, fear and anxiety when your feelings of grief are already heightened. Leave room to change your plans if you feel it is appropriate.

Be Tolerant of Your Physical and Psychological Limits Feelings of loss will probably leave you fatigued. Lower your own expectations about being at your peak physically and mentally during the holiday season.

Embrace Your Treasury of Memories Memories are some of the best legacies that exist after the death of someone you loved. And holidays always make you think about times past. Instead of ignoring these memories, share them with your family and friends. Keep in mind that memories can stimulate feelings of happiness and sadness.

Eliminate Unnecessary Stress You may already feel stressed, so don’t overextend yourself. Avoid isolating yourself, but be sure to recognize the need to have special time for yourself. Keeping busy may distract you from your grief temporarily, but it can also increase your stress levels.

Express Your Faith During the holidays, you may find a renewed sense of faith or discover a new set of beliefs. Associate with people who understand and respect your need to talk about these beliefs. You may want to attend a holiday service or special religious ceremony.

Enjoy Some Hands-On Activities If you are experiencing sadness and loneliness during the holidays, there is a good chance your children or grandchildren may be as well. To help children cope with grief, you can spend time during the holidays making crafts with them. Use photos of your loved one to create ornaments for your tree, scrapbooks or wall art. Spending time with family making crafts will open the door for opportunities to share stories and special memories you have of your loved one.

Serve Others Often when you serve others, you are able to better cope with the loss you may be experiencing. During the holidays there are many opportunities to volunteer in

the community. Consider feeding those less fortunate at a local food bank, helping with a toy drive or collecting coats for the homeless.

About the Author

Joey Tucker has been serving the Lexington community as a funeral director for Milward Funeral Directors since 2007 and has been a licensed funeral director since 2002. Milward is the 37th oldest continuously operated family business in the United States, with three locations in Lexington.

Joey can be reached at (859) 2523411.

ABOUT MILWARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS Downtown: 159 North Broadway 859.252.3411 • Southland: 391 Southland Drive 859.276.1415 Man O'War: 1509 Trent Boulevard 859.272.3414 • www.milwardfuneral.com

Kentucky’s Leading Hair Replacement Facility • Genetic Hair Loss • Chemotherapy • Alopecia • Cosmetic Hair Replacement

859.263.9811 Hair Institute offers several surgical and non-surgical hair restoration options, including Virtual Reality®, full and partial prostheses, hand-knotted wigs, and human hair extensions.

- Laser Light Hair Therapy - Surgical Hair Restoration Options

- Full Cranial Vacuum Prostheses - Enhancements and Integrations

1795 Alysheba Way Suite 7101 Lexington, Kentucky 40509

HAIR REPLACEMENT • HAIR RESTORATION • HAIR EXTENSIONS Professional • Confidential • Meticulous

Even Superheroes Need to Get Their Vision Checked

AMERICAN HAIR LOSS COUNCIL

www.hairinstitutelexington.com

®

Schedule an appointment for: Complete Eye Exam Dry Eye Clinic Low Vision Visual Rehabilitation/ Therapy: • eye alignment, • athletic performance, • reading difficulties, • balance, and • school performance, • headaches

Dr. Graebe

Dr. Callihan

Family Eyecare Associates

Call Today!

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A MAMMOGRAM? WOULD YOU LIKE A TAKE-HOME COLON CANCER SCREENING KIT? HAVE YOU RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER? Give us a call today! We may be able to help you!

(859) 309-1700 www.kycancerlink.org

105 Crossfield Drive, Versailles KY 40383

(859) 879-3665 www.myfamilyvision.com

Sponsored in part by:

ROCKPOINT Publishing

&

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

Exceptional Care by an Expert Team in a Comfortable Environment:

WHITER, BRIGHTER SMILES!

Teeth Whitening

Root Canals

Porcelain Veneers

Invisalign

Extractions

Zoom Whitening

Implants

Natural Whitening

Crowns/Bridges

Periodontal Treatment

Dentures

Pediatric Dentistry Fillings/Tooth Colored

$250

1Hr Teeth Whitening Special (includes a $50 rebate)

New patients only. Offer expires 12/31/18.

Please mention coupon when scheduling.

2704 Old Rosebud Rd #210 Lexington, KY 40509

444 Lewis Hargett Circle #260 Lexington, KY 40503

Call or go online today to schedule your appointment!

(859) 543-0333 www.adkinsfamilydentistry.com PREFERRED NETWORK PROVIDERS WITH DELTA DENTAL, METLIFE, AND MANY OTHERS

(859) 543-0333

Imaging.

December 2018

&

HEALTHCARE:

HOW ’D WE GE T HERE AND WHERE DO WE GO?

THE MOST USED PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANY IN KENTUCKY HAS RATES OF $306.67 FOR MALE EMPLOYEES AND $738.55 FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES PER MONTH...

A

s I’m writing this article, the elections are here and, as usual, the opinions, complaints, fears and concerns about healthcare are as diverse as the potential medical conditions there are to acquire.

By the time this article is printed, the elections will be decided – but chances are great the healthcare crisis will continue. In fact, this concern is more than a century old.

Theodore Roosevelt unsuccessfully attempted to introduce universal healthcare in 1912. By 1929, Baylor University introduced an idea that became the birth of modern healthcare – a 50-cent-per-month plan to ensure payment in the event of hospitalization. This was Blue Cross insurance.

After this introduction, the Great Depression hit and few Americans could afford such a luxury when food and shelter were barely obtainable. Employers began to offer free health insurance to attract employees during World War II. The war imposed a wage freeze and this was a way for employers to compete for better candidates. By 1943, employer-paid health insurance was expected, thanks to the IRS declaring it tax free.

Presidents Truman, Kennedy, Reagan, Nixon and Clinton all attempted to take on health insurance in a national forum, only to learn health insurance had long become big business. President Barak Obama brought us the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, the first national healthcare expansion in decades, but it continues to face fierce opposition from the health insurance industry.

Since the implementation of the ACA, 250,000 previously uninsured Kentuckians now have insurance. Sounds great – but there’s more to the story. In order to be ACA-compliant, and quite frankly to have any health insurance at all, many of us were faced with choosing high-deductible plans. I would love to say this keeps the premiums reasonable, but that is definitely subjective! The most used private insurance company in Kentucky has rates of $306.67 for male employees and $738.55 for female employees per month with the lowest deductible of $2,500 per individual. The prices quoted are for those 25 years old and younger. For an employee who is 50 to 65 years old, the premiums are $1,023.13 to $1,041.88. That’s more than $12,000 a year. Is your head spinning yet?

Well, you can wait until the politicians solve this for you, but their track record doesn’t make them a good bet.

Central Kentuckians have a choice. Some healthcare providers are thinking outside the box. Patient Choice Ultrasound and Thermography decided to do just that. By being transparent and all-inclusive in our pricing, PCU offers nationally certified sonographers to perform diagnostic ultrasounds at a fraction of the cost of insurance-dependent facilities.

Patient Choice recognized even with the high-deductible plan, many patients were still underserved due to the high cost of exams and having to pay out of pocket. The lack of transparency of the actual costs complicates it even more for the patient.

Patient Choice believes firmly that everyone should have catastrophic insurance. Serious illnesses, accidents and life-altering diseases are expensive and should not devastate all aspects of your life due to financial ruin.

Companies such as Medvoucher and Access Med are other alternatives to the standard insurance model.

Take action for more control of your healthcare.

• Shop Pricing. Traditional protocol has a receptionist at your doctor’s office schedule your exam at check out at your visit. But is this the best for you? Or are they just keeping you “in-house”? Check prices! If you can’t get an exact answer on price, go where you can!

• Communicate that you want Choice in your healthcare. Ask yourself why your physician wants the study done at a certain place. The “convenience” factor is rarely valid with telemedicine and cloud services capable of sending results immediately.

• Think outside the box. Ask around, visit Web sites, make phone calls.

Take control! Remember, it’s your health, it’s your money and it’s your choice!

About the Authors

With 40 years in the field of ultrasound, Kim Davis, RDMS, RDCS, RVS, is the founder and CEO of Patient Choice Ultrasound & Thermography. Becky Chandler, ACCT, Advanced Clinical Thermographer, is a partner at PCU with 10 years of experience.

PCU is located at 152 W. Tiverton Way in Lexington and can be reached at (859) 554-7360 or visit its Web site at www.patientchoiceultrasound.com.

ABOUT PATIENT CHOICE ULTRASOUND & THERMOGRAPHY

PATIENT CHOICE

152 W. Tiverton Way, Lexington, KY • 859-554-7360 • www.patientchoiceultrasound.com Offering inclusive, transparent pricing for diagnostic imaging including Ultrasounds and Thermography. We strive to make healthcare less of a hassle and more about empowering patient choice.

17

&

General Dentistry.

18

I

December 2018

OVERCOMING DENTAL ANXIETY AND REACHING A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

I am still thrilled with how my teeth look and function. I can’t count the times I have been told I have a beautiful smile. I never thought I would ever hear that compliment as I have always been embarrassed by my teeth.

— Andrea Crookston

t has been over a year since Andrea Crookston made the decision to make her oral health a top priority and partner with University of Kentucky Dentistry. Prior to starting the journey, Crookston would hide her smile when taking photos. Fear and anxiety kept her from going to the dentist every six months as recommended. Instead, she would only go when the pain was too much for her to tolerate.

Now that she’s had a year to test the look and functionality of her new smile, Crookston said, “I am still thrilled with how my teeth look and function. I can’t count the times I have been told I have a beautiful smile. I never thought I would ever hear that compliment as I have always been embarrassed by my teeth.”

Before calling on UK Dentistry, Crookston’s fear of the dentist had unfortunately led to the deterioration of many of her teeth, causing breakage and necessary extractions.

Eventually, Crookston began having difficulty eating certain foods.

Simply hiding her smile was no longer an option. At this point she decided to make a commitment to her oral health, knowing it would likely involve major dental treatment options such as dentures or dental implants.

Recalling the time before her treatment, Crookston said, “I’d been in pain for a long time, but I was afraid of the dentist. The sound of the drill gives me cold chills.”

Holding strong to her new goal, Crookston began seeing Dr. Ted Raybould, chief of the Division of Adult Dentistry at UK Dentistry, for help with obtaining a healthy

functional smile. A patient-centered team approach was the best way to help Crookston achieve her goal, so Raybould enlisted the help of two colleagues, Dr. Steven Tucker and Dr. Wes Coffman.

Tucker and Coffman utilized digital technology to create simulations of what Crookston’s teeth could look like after procedures.

Together, the trio of doctors planned Crookston’s dental treatment. They decided an All-on-X procedure would work best for her needs and help achieve the final appearance they and Crookston desired.

An All-on-X, also known as a full arch screw retained fixed hybrid bridge, uses four to six titanium dental implants to anchor a bridge of teeth to a patient’s jaw. This provides a strong foundation for prosthetic teeth. This treatment option is a viable choice for patients who are at risk of losing enough teeth that they would otherwise need dentures or for patients who have extensive wear on their teeth and need to have their bite reconstructed with extensive crowns or multiple dental implants.

The All-on-X treatment option worked as the best choice for Crookston because, according to Raybould, fillings would not have corrected the advanced breakdown of her remaining natural teeth.

Another reason this procedure works well for patients in need of extensive work is it is more cost effective and takes place in a single session.

Unlike the previously used staged procedure for dental implants, which requires months of healing between extractions, placement of the dental implant

post and fitting of the crown, the All-on-X is done in one session and requires a shorter recovery time before the teeth can be used for eating. For Crookston, this was the best option because it helped her avoid multiple trips to the dentist, which in turn helped reduce her stress. Also, she didn’t have to take as many days off work.

Although she’s still nervous about working with a dentist, Crookston says thinking about her before and after photos helped her through the process. “The results are really life changing, not only in appearance, but also in function,” she said.

While recovery was not painful, Crookston says it took some time to feel like herself again. “I did not hurt. It just took me some time to get my energy back.”

For those contemplating having a similar procedure done, Crookston suggestions taking it easy afterward.

“Don’t try to be a superwoman.

Take the time you need to recover.

As wives and mothers, we tend to put ourselves last and we really need to stop that.”

Just a few months after the procedure, Crookston was much happier to take photographs. “I don’t have to cover my teeth when I smile anymore … I look better and feel better. You don’t realize what you’re missing out on.”

Although some of her anxieties about going to the dentist still linger, Crookston will admit one thing: “Drs. Raybould, Tucker and Coffman knew best and everything is fine now because I listened.”

Underscoring the importance of selecting the right team for one’s needs, Crookston added, “Everyone has taken the time to make sure I am comfortable and informed on what they are doing. I have always been afraid of going to the dentist, but I will keep my appointments at UK Dentistry because I know they will make me as comfortable as possible.”

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY Clinic Info: 859-323-DENT (3368) • ukhealthcare.uky.edu/dentistry UK Dentistry offers expert, personalized care for the general and specialty dental and oral health needs of adults and children. We're committed to improving Kentucky, and beyond, one smile at a time.

Do You Have...

LOOSE DENTURES or MISSING TEETH? If you answered “YES” to the question above, then we have the solution for you!

The Intra-Lock Mini Implant is a revolutionary new type of implant which makes it possible to replace anything from a single tooth to a full mouth restoration in only a few short visits.

REVERSEDIABETES Take back control of YOUR life!

Reverse Diabetes, DRUG FREE! “We offer proven, individualized care to reverse Diabetes and Neuropathy.”

– Dr. Mark Miller

EE FNR SULTATION

CO

e)

($397 Valu

iabetes • Reverse D ss Lo t gh ei W •

Diabetes & Cholesterol.

“It is a miracle that I am off Insulin! I suffered for years and after just months with Dr. Miller I am healthier, off meds and feel great. Dr. Miller’s care is the best!” – Dan, Patient

AS SEEN ON ABC, NBC AND CBS NEWS

These Mini Implants are also great for stabilizing and supporting loose dentures. Made from titanium, Mini Implants are strong, durable and longlasting. Plus, they require minimal bone density, which makes them perfect for denture wearers. And when compared to traditional types of implants, IntraLock Mini Implants are significantly more affordable, less invasive and have minimal recovery time. we beat competitor pricing! call us for details

• STABILIZE Existing upper / lower denture with MDI implants.

• REPLACE Single/multiple missing teeth with MDI implants & crowns.

FREE CONSULTATION call today for your appointment

Dr. Ballard Morgan, DMD General Dentistry

859-233-7700 or 800-467-7535 toll free Integrated Care | Nutrition | Chiropractic Dr. Mark A. Miller, DC and Associates, PLLC

(859) 223-2233 www.TrueHealthSolutionsForYou.com You have the right to rescind within 72 hours any agreement to invest in services that are performed the same day in addition to advertised free services.

1510 Newtown Pike, Suite 201, Lexington (GRIFFIN GATE PLAZA)

www.ballardmorgandmd.com bmorgandmd@gmail.com

Your Family, Your Health, Our Passion Family Practice Associates of Lexington, P.S.C. Proudly serving Kentucky for 35 years.

• Family Practice • Pediatrics • Internal Medicine • Primary Care for your entire family!

Hamburg Pavilion Location

Harrodsburg Road Location

1775 Alysheba Way #201

2040 Harrodsburg Rd, Ste 300

Lexington, KY 40509

Lexington, KY 40503

859.278.5007 www.fpalex.com

Family Doc.

December 2018

D

&

KEEPING YOUR EARS CLEAN SAFE T Y A PRIORIT Y

id your mother ever tell you never to put anything bigger than your elbow in your ear? She was right. When you feel as though your ears are clogged with wax, you may be tempted to dig it out with a cotton swab or (worse) a ballpoint pen cap or keys, but there are other – safer – ways to clean your ears.

First, learn a little bit about ear wax. It’s a material the body produces.

Properly known as cerumen, ear wax acts like a filter, collecting dirt, bacteria and other debris and protecting your inner ear by trapping these harmful substances before they go deep inside your ear. Without ear wax, your ears would constantly feel itchy and dry. Ear wax generally works its way out of your ears by itself when you perform natural jaw motions such as chewing, talking or yawning. Sometimes, however, the wax can build up in your ears and even affect your hearing. This buildup is called impaction and it can be harmful.

People who wear hearing aids or ear plugs are most susceptible to impaction. Symptoms of impaction include aching or ringing in your ear(s), difficulty hearing out of the affected ear or dizziness. You might also feel a fullness in your ear(s). Ear wax buildup can be very irritating and you might decide to resort to using home remedies to clean out your ears.

The worst thing you can do is use a cotton swab to try to remove the wax from inside your ears. You might inadvertently push the wax further into your ear canal, complicating the problem. You should only use cotton swabs to clean the outside of your ears (the earlobes). A warm, damp washcloth is even better for cleaning them. If you use a sharp object such as a bobby pin or toothpick to clean out the wax, you run the risk of puncturing the eardrum and perhaps permanently damaging your hearing. You could also cause an infection in your ear, symptoms of which may include pain, fluid discharge or drainage, fever or impaired hearing. An ear infection definitely needs to be taken care of by your primary care physician.

Another less-than-ideal way to clean out your ears is with an ear candle.

These require you to put a cone-shaped candle in your ear and then light it. The obvious hazard is getting burned by the fire or the wax, which could also drip into your ear.

The worst thing you can do is use a cotton swab to try to remove the wax from inside your ears.

You can get over-the-counter eardrops to soften the wax in your ears.

They may contain mineral or baby oil, glycerin, saline or hydrogen peroxide. If you use these kits, be sure to carefully follow the directions about how many drops to use and how long to keep them in. Ear wax softener can make ear wax removal easier.

The best and safest way to remove wax buildup from your ears is to see your doctor. He or she will use special instruments such as a cerumen spoon, forceps or irrigation system to clean your ears.

About the Author

Dr. Ashley Rollins is originally from Lexington, Ky. She graduated magna cum laude from Transylvania University in Lexington with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2009. She earned her medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2014 and completed her residency in internal medicine at the UK Hospital in 2018. Dr. Rollins is a specialist in internal medicine and pediatrics. She can see patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, for any issue but has an interest in pediatrics, women’s health and preventative medicine. She is mainly located at Family Practice Associates’ Hamburg office. She is married with one daughter and enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, camping and going to the lake.

ABOUT FAMILY PRACTICE ASSOCIATES OF LEXINGTON TWO LOCATIONS: 1775 Alysheba Way, Ste. 201 and 2040 Harrodsburg Rd., Ste. 300 • 859.278.5007 • www.fpalex.com Proudly serving Kentucky for over 35 years, Family Practice Associates of Lexington is a group of primary care providers who are dedicated to giving family-centered care from birth to later years.

21

22

&

December 2018

events DECEMBER 2018

!

W E N

Submit your healthy event listings: brian@rockpointpublishing.com

Wednesdays Mindfulness and Relaxation for Health

Relax the body, quiet the mind, open the heart. Arrive 6:00-6:30 and deeply relax, instruction 6:308:00PM. Mobilize inner resources for promoting health, preventing burnout and managing stress-related chronic disease. Study and practice in a supportive group. Gentle yoga, mindful movement, deep relaxation, sitting meditation and discussion.

Instructor- John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP, Cost $10. Mind Body Studio 517 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY 859-373-0033. Full details at http://www.mindbodystudio.org/?page_id=1055

Fridays Argentine tango Passionate and Romantic- Mindful and Meditative. A uniquely transformative social skill, art form and movement therapy. No partner or

dance experience required. Friday evening 7:30-9:00PM. You may dropin to any class (this is not a series). $10. Instructors: Dr. John Patterson and Nataliya Timoshevskaya Mind Body Studio 517 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY 859-373-0033 Full details at http://www.mindbodystudio.org/?page_id=214

Nov 16 – Dec 31 Southern Lights The 25th Annual Southern Lights

AC E R E N I ONL ENDAR C A L magazine.net s dwellnes healthan -calendar.html /race

includes a self-guided four mile journey through a dreamland of fabulous light displays including neverbefore-seen displays and traditional favorites. Following the driving tour, families are encouraged to park and visit the holiday craft merchants, the KHP Gift Shop, seasonal entertain-

OUR PRESCRIPTION:

a subscription!

Do you or someone you know love Health&Wellness Magazine?

Enjoy the convenience of our monthly issue delivered directly to your mailbox with a subscription.

Only $2 per issue. $24 for a year of healthy reading!

RECEIVE THIS MAGAZINE IN YOUR MAILBOX FOR ONLY

2

$ 00 per issue

MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

&

M

A

G

A

Subscribe online: www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net

Z

I

N

E

For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | December 2018

ment and activities for children, petting zoo, pony and camel rides and so much more! Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. 5:30pm – 10:00pm daily.

Mon-Thurs $15/car; Fri-Sun $25/car.

Nov 24 – Dec 29 Holiday Lunch at the Woodford Reserve Distillery

Woodford Reserve will be decking the halls, rolling out the ribbons and stocking their shelves with special bourbon and treats. Choose between a distillery tour plus the lunch experience, or solely the lunch experience. Lunch will include for all guests a special bourbon tasting, a beautifully plated holiday lunch and plenty of cheer to go around. A cash bar (accepting cash and credit cards) will be available to guests featuring a special Woodford Reserve holiday cocktail. Reservations are required.

11:40am–2:00pm at Woodford Reserve Distillery, 7855 McCracken Pike, Versailles, KY 40383. $40–$60. https://www.woodfordreserve.com/ age?location=/events/ for details.

Dec 1 – 29 Holidays at Ashland

Dec 1, 2 and 8 A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Henry Clay home is decked out in grand style with a different historical theme each year. Special candleight tours are given during this time.

10:00am–4:00pm daily. (859) 2668581 for more information. Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate: 120 Sycamore Road, Lexington, KY 40502.

Despite his friends' cheer and excitement, Charlie Brown is not in the Christmas spirit. Sally is making her Christmas list, Snoopy is decorating his doghouse, and Charlie Brown is wondering what it's all for. But when Charlie Brown thinks he ruined Christmas, the Peanuts help each other remember what friendship is all about. Times: December 1 - 2:00 and 7:00pm; December 2 - 2:00pm; December 8 - 2:00pm at the Lexington Opera House. (859) 233-4567 for tickets ($20-$25).

Dec 1 – 31 Holidays at Shaker Village

8

Shaker Village bustles with lighthearted moments that remind us of long-ago winter days filled with wonder and laughter. Delight in life's simple gifts with family and friends, as lively music, merriment and twinkling lights illuminate the Village. Special teas, hikes, holiday meals wagon rides and illuminated events throughout the month. 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330. 10:00am–5:00pm daily. (859) 734-5411 for more information.

December 8 YMCA of Central Kentucky

Reindeer Ramble 5K/10K Run and Fun Walk For 13 years, the Reindeer Ramble has been helping underserved kids go to summer camp that otherwise wouldn't be able to attend. Every summer we help hundreds of youth in our community go on adventures where they can explore new talents and interests. We help kids flour-

&

23

ish by surrounding each child with support and guidance and fantastic opportunities to discover and learn. Race held at Keeneland, 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY 40510.

Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ KY/Lexington/ReindeerRamble5K for information and to register.

15

December 15 A Day of Mindfulness for Body, Mind and Heart

Relax the body, quiet the mind and open the heart. Promote resilience, manage stress and prevent burnout.

Mobilize your own inner resources for healing. Learn mind-body skills for managing stress-related chronic conditions. Facilitator: John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP Mind Body Studio 517 Southland Drive Lexington. Pre-registration required by calling 859-373-0033 and emailing john@mindbodystudio.org. Full details at http:// www.mindbodystudio.org/?page_ id=1020. UK Wellness Program offers discount for UK employees, retirees and spouses.

Yoga Healing Arts

at LHAA

New Classes & Updated Studio

For a limited time, we are offering unlimited classes at only $30 for 30 days to current students, past students, and new students. Come check out our changes with our experienced and knowledgeable instructors - even if you’ve visited before!

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF YOGA! Increase Strength • Reduce Stress • Increase Balance Ease Pain • Increase Flexibility and Mobility Better Posture • Feel Better in Body and Mind

AN EXPANDED EXPERIENCE!

Lexington Healing Arts Academy

30

DROP-IN $15/CLASS

$

5-CLASS YOGA CARD $60 (expires in 3 months)

10-CLASS YOGA CARD

30 DAYS UNLIMITED INTRO OFFER expires in 30 days valid for 1-time use

Fall Special Pricing!

$110 (expires in 6 months)

20-CLASS YOGA CARD $190 (expires in 12 months)

FIND DETAILS ON OUR YOGA SCHEDULE ONLINE: 859.252.5656 ext. 44 | www.lexingtonhealingarts.com 272 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY 40503

LHAA YOGA MEMBERSHIP $79/month (Includes our rotating Sat. Series classes & 5% discount on Massage & Personal Fitness Training Sessions!)

24

&

December 2018

I N

T H E

N E W S

By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer

Hearing Loss a Risk Factor for Dementia, Depression, Falls Hearing loss is usually a slow process – so slow that many people don’t realize it and subconsciously cope with the effects. This causes mental fatigue and associated side effects. Untreated hearing loss has been proven to take a toll on people’s physical and mental health. These include falls, hospitalizations, social isolation, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, fatigue and cognitive decline and dementia. Adults with moderate hearing loss are three times more likely to develop dementia over time, according to research conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institute on Aging. As much as 36 percent of dementia risk is attributable to hearing impairment, says Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., an investigator and associate professor of otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins.

When a person needs to strain to listen, it overtaxes the brain. This effort, as well as atrophy in underused regions, precipitates changes in brain structure, eventually causing cascading effects on brain structure and function, says Lin. Lin and his colleagues also suggest hearing loss is linked to a 30-percent to 40-percent increased risk of cognitive decline than those without hearing loss. Brain scans have shown diminished grey matter in those with hearing loss over six years. Their brains lost the most matter in the region associated with spoken language and semantic memory, the same region associated with early Alzheimer’s. Depression is also more prevalent in adults with untreated hearing loss, says the American Academy of Audiology and the National Council on Aging. Lastly, those with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling, according to Johns Hopkins and the National Institute of Aging research. Every additional 10 decibels of hearing loss increased the chances of falling by 1.2 fold. In addition to lack of environmental awareness due to hearing deficiencies, Lin theorizes hearing loss overloads the brain. “Gait and balance are things most people take for granted, but they are actually very cognitively demanding,” Lin said. “If hearing loss imposes a cognitive load, there may be fewer cognitive resources to help with maintaining balance and gait.”

FDA Approves New Opioid Ten Times More Powerful Than Fentanyl The drug sufentanil, available as an IV medication, has received a new incarnation aimed at those with acute pain who are unable to receive IV or swallow a pill. Dsuvia, made by AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a single-dose tablet administered under the tongue by health care professionals to patients in hospitals, surgical centers and emergency rooms. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October. It will not be available in retail pharmacies or for outpatient use. Dsuvia will only be distributed to health-care settings certified in the Dsuvia Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMs) program and compliant with appropriate dispensing and use restrictions. The drug cannot be used for more than 72 hours, says the FDA. “Because of the risks of addiction, abuse and misuse with opioids, Dsuvia is also to be reserved for use in patients for whom alternative pain treatment options have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated, where existing treatment options have not provided adequate analgesia or where these alternatives are not expected to provide adequate analgesia,” says a statement from FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb.

The statement also noted the Department of Defense was involved in the drug’s development because it was a priority for the Pentagon to fill “an unmet need.” This new form of sufentanil delivery was approved by the European Medicines Agency in June under the name Dzuveo. It is expected to be available in the first quarter of next year.

Adults with moderate hearing loss are three times more likely to develop dementia over time.

December 2018

BE CAREFUL WITH

HEADPHONES

HIGH VOLUMES CAN LEAD TO HEARING LOSS Continued on NEXT PAGE

&

25

26

&

December 2018

By Harleena Singh, Staff Writer Many people use headphones without knowing the negative health issues the devices can cause. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of headphones and ear buds has led to a major increase in the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents and young adults.

Hearing specialist David A. Schessel, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division at Stony Brooke Medicine, says, “If you can hear the music your child or teenager is playing through their headphones or earphones, it means the sound is too loud and can lead to permanent hearing loss.”

The amount of hearing loss someone can suffer is related both to the volume, measured in decibels (dB), and the duration of time the person is exposed to the sound. As the volume increases, the safe time of exposure decreases. Sound at 85 dB or below is considered safe. If someone is exposed to sounds greater than 90 dB for an average of eight hours per day without hearing protection, hearing loss will most likely result.

Classic iPod ear buds at 100 percent volume on an iPhone can hit noise levels of 112dB, leading to hearing damage in minutes. The same ear

buds at 60 percent volume measure approximately 80 dB, which makes them safe to listen to for several hours. Decibels decrease with distance — the closer you are to the source of a sound, the louder it is.

Headphones don’t have to be extremely loud to damage your ears. Experts believe prolonged use of headphones can also harm the ears.

Headphones cause ear infections, which can contribute to hearing loss. Ear infections are likely to occur among people who don’t take good care of their headphones. Headphones increase the humidity and temperature inside the ear canals.

Headphone ear cushions need to be replaced every two to three months and should be treated regularly with a cleaning agent to avoid accumulation of germs and bacteria. Sharing headphones – another way headphones cause ear infections – is not a good idea because the bacteria from other people’s ears will travel to your own.

The single biggest change you can make to protect your hearing is to turn down the volume on your devices. Limit your use of headphones or use noise-canceling headphones, which block external sound and let you enjoy your music or videos at a lower volume without distraction.

You can also protect your ears by reducing your listening time. One good rule of thumb is the “60-60” rule: Don’t listen at any louder than 60 percent of maximum volume for any longer than 60 minutes at a time.

Audiologists and otologists frequently recommend using over-the-ear headphones instead of in-ear or ear-bud-style models. Over-the-ear headphones increase the distance between your eardrums and the speakers, lowering the possibility of hearing loss.

References:

• American Osteopathic Association (https://osteopathic.org) • Audio Recovery (www.audiorecovery.com) • Lookout Communications (http://lookoutcommunications.com/) • National Center for Biotechnology Information (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) • Stony Brook School of Medicine (https://medicine.stonybrookmedicine.edu)

About the Author: Harleena Singh is a freelance writer and blogger who has a keen interest in health and wellness.

She can be approached through her blog (www. aha-now.com) and Web site, www.harleenasingh. com. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

&

For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | December 2018

Classic iPod ear buds at 100 percent volume on an iPhone can hit noise levels of 112dB, leading to hearing damage in minutes.

MEDICAL CODING certification Proven Leader More than 16

years and serving nearly 1,000 students

The ONLY PMCC taught in Kentucky by Patricia Cordy Henricksen, MS, CHCA, CPC-I, CPC, CCP-P, ACS-PM

Next PMC Class star C ts

Feb. 20, 2019

VA Approved.

REGISTER NOW www.soterionmedical.com

(859) 233-3900

e-mail us: soterion@windstream.net

27

28

&

December 2018

N AT U R E ' S

Cactus YES, YOU CAN EAT SOME VARIETIES OF CACTUS

By Tanya Tyler, Editor Health&Wellness Despite their prickly needles and spines, cactuses are really beautiful creations.

There are approximately 2,000 different species of cactus. They are found from British Columbia all the way down to Patagonia and come in numerous shapes and sizes. The largest saguaro cactus on record, nicknamed “The Grand One,” was approximately 46 feet tall. The smallest cactus is only about a centimeter in diameter.

Cactus flower colors range from white to yellow to red to magenta. Depending on the species, a cactus can live up to 300 years.

Cactuses are generally found in arid or desert environments, so they have adapted extraordinary measures to conserve water. They are called succulents because they can store water in their

B E A U T Y

stems and roots. Those aforementioned spines – which can be soft or rigid, straight or curved, arranged in rows or scattered – often reach 6 inches in length. They are not only for defense; they also help the plants prevent water loss. They reduce air flow close to the cactus and provide shade. A waxy substance on the surface of a cactus prevents loss of water from transpiration.

Almost any fleshy cactus fruit is edible, including the leaves, flowers, stems and fruit.

Dragonfruit comes from a type of cactus. The fruit of the saguaro has been an important part of the diet of the indigenous people of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States for centuries. The fleshy oval leaves or paddles of the prickly pear cactus are called nopales in Spanish. They can be chopped up and used in a variety of dishes (once the spines are scarped off). Nopales are rich in iron and vitamins A and C as well as B complex vitamins. They can be eaten raw or they can be roasted, boiled, sautéed or grilled or made into jams and juice. The purported benefits of fresh cactus juice include lowering blood sugar and cholesterol and healing wounds. Be careful, though – eating prickly pear can cause side effects such as nausea or diarrhea.

Certain cactuses produce a substance called mescaline, which can have hallucinogenic effects.

Some cultures use cactuses as a treatment for various ailments. Prickly pear cactus is said to

IT’S WORTH GIVING CACTUS A TRY.

have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

It can be used for treating obesity and hangovers.

The plant’s fiber and pectin decrease blood sugar by minimizing sugar absorption in the stomach and intestines. In addition, the leaves contain several antioxidants that can help protect healthy cells from being damaged by free radicals, thus reducing cancer risk or at least inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. Other health claims for nopales include improved skin health and strong bones.

In Arizona, it is against the law to harm a saguaro cactus. You also have to get a special permit for any construction that will affect a living plant. Cactuses are a little tricky to grow in a climate such as we have in this part of the country, but for the reward of their beauty and quirkiness (and nopales), it’s worth giving cactus a try.

Sources

• • • • • •

Britannica (www.britannica.com) Just Fun Facts (www.justfunfacts.com) Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org) Medical Daily (www.medicaldaily.com) Soft Schools (www.softschools.com) The Trust for Public Lands (www.tpl.org)

For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | December 2018

&

Immigrants’ Microbiome Quickly Westernizes: Study

Virtual Reality Can Alter Taste The environment in which we eat is just as important as taste, say Cornell University researchers. Food scientists used virtual reality to demonstrate how people’s perception of real food can be altered by their surroundings. “When we eat, we perceive not only just the taste and aroma of foods, we get sensory input from our surroundings – our eyes, ears, even our memories about surroundings,” said Robin Dando, associate professor of food science and senior author of the study. Identical samples of bleu cheese were perceived to be more pungent in certain virtual reality settings. Such testing offers convenience and flexibility as compared to building physical environments. “This research validates that virtual reality can be used, as it provides an immersive environment for testing,” said Dando. “Visually, virtual reality imparts qualities of the environment itself to the food being consumed, making this kind of testing cost efficient.”

When we eat, we perceive not only just the taste and aroma of foods, we get sensory input from our surroundings – our eyes, ears, even our memories about surroundings.

Researchers have found evidence that the gut microbiota of Southeast Asian immigrants to the United States rapidly Westernize – but detrimentally. After immigration, the loss of gut microbiome (the population of beneficial microbes living in humans’ intestines) diversity and function predispose immigrants to metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. “We found immigrants begin losing their native microbes almost immediately after arriving in the U.S. and then acquire alien microbes that are more common in European-American people,” said senior author Dan Knights, a computer scientist and quantitative biologist at the University of Minnesota. “The new microbes aren’t enough to compensate for the loss of the native microbes, so we see a big overall loss of diversity.” It has been previously been shown people in developing nations have a much greater diversity of bacteria in their gut microbiome than people living in the United States. “It was striking to see this loss of diversity actually happening in people who were changing countries or migrating from a developing nation to the U.S.,” Knights said. First author Pajau Vangay added, “Obesity was a concern that was coming up a lot for the Hmong and Karen communities here.

In other studies, the microbiome had been related to obesity, so we wanted to know if there was potentially a relationship in immigrants and make any findings relevant and available to the communities.” Knights, Vangay and their team compared the gut microbiota of Hmong and Karen people still living in Thailand, Hmong and Karen people who had immigrated to the United States and the children of those immigrants with Caucasian American controls. They also were able to follow a group of 19 Karen refugees as they relocated from Thailand to the United States, which meant they could track how the refugees’ gut microbiomes changed longitudinally in their first six to nine months in the United States. It turned out significant changes occurred that quickly, and the Westernization of bacteria strains continued over the course of the first decade in the United States. The changes were more pronounced in their children.

Although the research didn’t establish a cause-effect relationship between the microbiome changes in immigrants and the immigrant obesity epidemic, it did show a correlation between greater Westernization of the microbiome and obesity. The research was published in the journal Cell.

29

30

&

December 2018

“With Today’s Breakthroughs, You Too Can ELIMINATE Neuropathy, Obesity, High Cholesterol & More!”

BEFORE TRUE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Michael Beebe, 62, was diagnosed with Neuropathy in both his hands and his feet, and suffered from Obesity, weighing 230 lbs.

He also suffered from High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Alcoholism and had lost his sense of smell for over 7years due to a chronic history of Sinusitis for 35 years.

He was accepted as a client and NOW.. his Neuropathy is gone, sinusitis is gone, his smell has returned and he’s lost over 40 pounds and he is free from alcoholism!

Q: Michael, why did you go to Dr. Miller?

A: “Neuropathy was terrible and my health was simply getting worse and I was afraid of losing my feet or a hand. I had suffered poor health for years and I really needed to lose weight, and I heard of Dr. Miller and the results he gets.”

Q: You’ve been seeing other medical doctors for Neuropathy and other health conditions, what about Dr. Miller was different?

A: “Dr. Miller made it so clear, something was causing my Neuropathy. He said his whole approach is to uncover and reveal exactly what that is and then address that, the real problem. The other doctors just recommended more medications. Dr. Miller makes complete sense.”

Q: What does Dr. Miller do to find out what’s not working correctly inside your body?

A: “Dr. Miller does a very comprehensive blood panel lab he orders through Lab Corp. He goes over the actual results of his clinic’s ‘Functional Medicine’ computer assessment. It is very impressive.

Q: After Dr. Miller finds what is not working correctly, what’s he do?

AFTER TRUE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

A: “Dr. Miller really does take the time and goes over everything, so I understood, and shows what needs done and what type of natural treatment he recommends fixing the problem causing Neuropathy and Obesity. It makes perfect sense seeing everything.”

Q: Michael, what did Dr. Miller recommend for you to eliminate your Neuropathy and Obesity?

A: “Dr. Miller started off seeing me weekly to ensure what he calls ‘the victory’ of eliminating the causes of Neuropathy and Obesity. He provides clear instructions on life-style improvements to eliminate poor health and then teaches you how to stay healthy. He just makes it all so clear and provides great printed instructions. I’m really happy I came to Dr. Miller, he literally saved my life.”

Q: What are the results of your treatment from Dr. Miller?

A: “My results are amazing, remarkable and life changing! My Neuropathy is gone, I can sleep better, my follow-up blood labs proved my Cholesterol is now normal and I’ve now lost 40 pounds! I highly recommend Dr. Miller!”

I no longer have Neuropathy, Obesity or High Cholesterol and I’ve lost over 40lbs!

Integrated Care | Nutrition | Chiropractic Dr. Mark A. Miller, DC and Associates, PLLC

(859) 223-2233

www.TrueHealthSolutionsForYou.com You have the right to rescind within 72 hours any agreement to invest in services that are performed the same day in addition to advertised free services.

December 2018

&

Psychological Issues Sometimes Come with Hearing Loss INDIVIDUALS MAY STRUGGLE WITH ACCEPTANCE, OTHER CHALLENGES

By Dr. Tom Miller, Staff Writer Each person dealing with hearing impairment faces numerous challenges. Among these are psychological issues that may arise. One of the most serious challenges is the potential isolation from social experiences. A person with hearing loss may feel emotions similar to those Elizabeth Kübler-Ross identified from her work with patients facing complicated health-related problems. Some individuals struggle with accepting their hearing loss and doing something about it. In order to get to the stage of acceptance, they may need the help of a health care professional.

Kübler-Ross found many patients go through a transition involving the stages of grief. Hearing impairment can create a sense of grief because of the loss of a vital human function. The ability to hear, understand and communicate is the doorway to the world around us. Kübler-Ross found patients often experienced a progression of emotional states

that usually included an initial sense of denial that leads to blaming their difficulty understanding on others. The frustration and realization that something is wrong leads to anger, followed by a stage of bargaining. With unresolved anger, a person can become depressed over the loss of relating well with others. Effectively processing the anger and depression experienced is often done with psychological interventions aimed ultimately toward acceptance, as well as beneficial audiological services.

People bring manifestations of their childhood difficulties into adulthood. A person with earlyonset hearing loss may have grown up dealing with some of the common symptoms. For instance, the child with hearing loss who was isolated and had poor self-esteem may be an isolated adult who may be an underachiever. Adults sometimes find isolation and withdrawal easier to live with than seeking professional help. Adults who have early-onset hearing loss often report while there were negative aspects of their hearing loss, they have come to incorporate the hearing loss into their personalities.

As a result, they have developed ways to cope with and manage hearing loss in their daily lives.

Awareness of the possible stages of grieving the loss of hearing is important for both the person with hearing loss as well as their family and friends.

Working with an integrated health care team that includes an otolaryngologist, audiologist and psychologist may be beneficial in treating individuals with hearing impairment.

Sources and Resources

• Kaland, M. and Salvatore K. The Psychology of Hearing Loss. The ASHA Leader, Vol. 7, 4-15 (2002).

• Kübler-Ross, Elisabeth and Kessler, David. On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss. New York: Scribner (2014)

About the Author Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Scientist, Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention, at the University of Connecticut and Professor, Department of Gerontology, College of Public Health, and Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, at the University of Kentucky.

31

WANTED Body Score

89

31 People to try

our best-sounding, multi-purpose hearing technology

W

Are you, or someone you know, struggling with hearing loss?

We need 31 people with difficulty hearing, to evaluate the world’s first hearing aid that tracks brain and body health while providing superior sound quality – Via® AI from Audibel®.

We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 31 qualified candidates for this program.

M

A

Please call (859) 559-4420 immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this program.

Hurry, program valid through January 1, 2019

REWARD $50

Walmart Gift Card Must complete 30-day evaluation

Up to

$500 OFF

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

Receive up to $500 OFF on Via AI multi-purpose hearing aids, as well as FREE in-office maintenance for the life of the hearing aids.

I m

Participants who successfully complete the 30-day hearing aid evaluation will also receive a $50 Walmart gift card as a token of our appreciation!

FREE TRIAL!

on any new pair of premium Audibel® hearing aids

Test drive Via® AI, our bestsounding hearing aids that tracks your brain and body health.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Exp: 11/2/18 Expires 1/1/19

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Exp: 11/2/18 Expires 1/1/19

100%

Money Back Guarantee!

V i

A

CALL (859) 559-4420 TODAY to schedule your appointment!

I N L E X I N G TO N : 120 Cherrybark Drive, Lexington, KY 40503 6 A D D I T I O N A L L O C AT I O N S : Frankfort, London, Morehead, Richmond, Somerset & Winchester

Audibel Hearing Aid Centers www.CentralKYAudibel.com