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Vol. 17 • Issue 1 • October 2019
CANCER AWA R E N E S S
MANAGING
EMOTIONS
AFTER CANCER TREATMENT
SOCIAL
MEDIA
CARING CONTACT FOR PATIENTS
NEW
pet health
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“With Today’s Breakthroughs, You Too Can ELIMINATE Diabetes, Neuropathy, Hypertension, Over-Weight & MORE!” BEFORE TRUE HEALTH SOLUTIONS
AFTER TRUE HEALTH SOLUTIONS
Harold Gilbert, age 56, started with Dr. Miller to Eliminate Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathy. After just MONTHS, Gilbert’s AIC went from 7.2 on medications to 5.9 OFF MEDS! He lost over 28 lbs., his Neuropathy, Hypertension, Acid Reflux and Body Pain are gone! Gilbert went from 14 medications a day to ZERO a day. Q: Harold, why did you go to Dr. Miller? A: “I heard Jack Pattie (5.90AM radio) talk of Dr. Miller and the results he gets. I was on 14 drugs a day, which I hated to take, and my health was getting worse. I really needed to do something to get my health and life back.” Q: You’ve been seeing other medical doctors, what about Dr. Miller was different? A: “Dr. Miller makes it just so clear, something is causing diabetes, neuropathy and hypertension. Something in my body is not working right. His approach is to uncover and reveal exactly what that is. Dr. Miller really takes the time to listen and looked at my whole health history.” Q: What did Dr. Miller do to find out what’s not working correctly in your body? A: “Dr. Miller has an amazing blood panel lab he orders through Lab Corp. After he gets the results, he does a ‘Functional Medicine’ computer assessment that uncovered exactly what was causing my Type 2 Diabetes, Neuropathy, Hypertension and being Over-Weight. It’s really very impressive.” Q: Harold, what did Dr. Miller recommend for you to Eliminate Diabetes, Neuropathy and Hypertension?
A: “Dr. Miller laid out a very clear plan of care, he makes it all very clear and started off by seeing me every week to ensure I would win and walk away from all these diseases. I’m really happy with how he treats me as a patient.” Q: What are the results of your treatment from Dr. Miller? A: “My results are great, just amazing! After just months my A1C went from 7.2 on over 14 medications a day to 5.9 off all the medications. My weight dropped over 28 pounds and now I'm off nearly every medication, from 14 a day! I highly recommend Dr. Miller. I got my health and my life back!”
“My A1c went from 7.2 on medications to 5.9 off meds! I’ve lost over 28 lbs., my Neuropathy, Hypertension, Acid Reflux and Body Pain are gone and I’ve got my energy and life back!”
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.
IMPROVING KENTUCKY AND BEYOND, ONE SMILE AT A TIME. Read our article in this month’s issue to learn about factors that increase the likelihood of oral cancer.
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859-323-DENT (3368) ukhealthcare.uky.edu/dentistry
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Health&Wellness is a proud product of
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OCTOBER 2019: CANCER AWARENESS
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CONTENTS
COLUMNS
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FEATURES
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Managing Your Emotions After Cancer Treatment
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GENERAL DENTISTRY Risk Factors and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
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Social Media Offers Caring Contact for People with Cancer
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MANAGING STRESS Power of Perception: Making the Decision to Be Happy
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Brain Cravings and Addiction
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The Life-Changing Power of EARLY Screening
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FUNERAL Funerals, Memorials Services and Monuments Matter
Halloween Safety
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FAMILY DOC HPV Vaccine Protects Against Cancer
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Breast Self-Awareness Can Guard Your Health
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INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Mindfulness for Cancer Survivors
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‘When You’re at Home, You’re Happier’
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CRISPR Trials Underway in U.S.
DEPARTMENTS 10
PET HEALTH – NEW!
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IN THE NEWS
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EVENTS CALENDAR
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NATURE'S BEAUTY
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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.
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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
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© Copyright HEALTH&WELLNESS Magazine 2019. 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.
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Dear Friends, The encouraging news about cancer is big strides are being made every day and they’re creating more and more cancer survivors. Innovative and aggressive treatments are on the forefront, so even if you hear those dreaded words, “I’m pretty sure it’s cancer” – much as Nicole Smith did (see her story, “The Life-Changing Power of Early Screening”) – there is still hope that, while your life will definitely be different because of the diagnosis, it doesn’t necessary mean it’s over. I find Alex Trebek’s story encouraging. He was diagnosed recently with pancreatic cancer, but he chose to undergo stringent new treatment and so far has been doing well. (Yes, that’s me with Alex on Jeopardy! I was a two-day champion on the show in 2002.) Dr. John Patterson has interesting information about mindfulness-based cancer recovery in his Integrative Medicine column. It could be the thing you need to help you battle the scourge of cancer. Read and study and pray and put up your dukes and FIGHT! Here’s to your health,
Tanya
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MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS
AFTER CANCER TREATMENT
For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | October 2019
By Jean Jeffers, Staff Writer
Patients living with cancer feel many different emotions, including anxiety and distress. These emotions can affect the quality of life of patients when they are going through postcancer treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute, distress after cancer treatment may be emotional, mental, social or spiritual. Patients may encounter a range of emotions from sadness and loss of control to depression, panic and isolation. Most patients look forward to resuming their “normal” lives after a bout with cancer, but they must also deal with various after effects. This includes lingering stress over having an illness. Returning to a regular routine may take some
time. For that reason, it is recommended patients give themselves and their loved ones space and grace to adjust following the end of treatment. With the end of treatment comes a new level of being: The person will be anxious to find out if he is in remission and/or will be asking himself if the cancer will return. Even though the patient has looked forward to this time of remission, he may be fearful and uncertain. The patient and her family may have many questions for the physician. During the follow-up appointment, the patient will have an opportunity to ask questions. The doctor may also order blood tests or imaging tests such as a CT scan or X-rays. Questions to ask your doctor include: »» How often will I need follow-up appointments? »» Will I require repeated testing? »» What are the signs and symptoms to look for signifying the cancer has returned? »» Are there long-term side effects to my treatment that I should look out for? »» When can I return to work? »» What should I do if I am feeling more anxiety or am depressed? »» What do I do about feeling tired after I go home?
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»» Will I need to make changes to my diet? »» What if I have sexual problems after treatment? »» When is my next appointment? In an ideal situation, the patient returns home fully recovered. But she may have to face the future without the benefit of treatment in order to be made comfortable as the end approaches. Emotional support will take on prominent importance. In this case, other questions may arise: »» What will my symptoms be? »» Will I have pain as I regress? »» Will I remain alert? »» Will I get weaker? A team approach may be beneficial so some questions are directed to the physician, some to the social worker and others to the nurse practitioner and/or dietician. In every instance, the needs of the patient must be kept in mind. This is the key to successful emotional management after cancer treatment. Sources
Family Doctor (www.familydoctor.org) National Institutes of Health (www.cancer.gov)
The patient and her family may have many questions for the physician.
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October 2019 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | HandWmagazine
SOCIAL MEDIA
OFFERS CARING CONTACT FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER
By Dr. Tom Miller, Staff Writer The loneliness that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis is rarely talked about. Cancer patients report friends often begin to treat them differently and reduce or even eliminate contact, calls or visits. At the same time, cancer patients may feel cut off because they are not well enough to take part in activities they previously enjoyed. Even if they are surrounded by people who love them, some patients feel isolated because others cannot understand what a cancer diagnosis really means. Loneliness can be particularly acute if the patient is single, living alone or widowed. Some friends may feel awkward at first about relating to you as a cancer patient, so take the lead by reaching out to them. It’s okay to be honest about your feelings. When friends want to help, let them know what you need, but be understanding of their own schedules and limitations. No matter how caring one’s friends and family are, if they have not been through what you are facing, they may not fully understand what adjusting to cancer is like. You can find support groups locally, regionally and nationally. Get in contact with them. Whether you take part online
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For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | October 2019 or in person, a support group is a great place to share experiences, learn from others who have been there, too, and find access to resources you might not have known about otherwise. One of the best ways to break through your sense of isolation is to open up about your feelings in a safe space with a professional who specializes in the emotional effects of cancer. Mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and advanced practice nurses, have the professional training to assist you in facing the complexities of cancer diagnosis, treatment and management. Seeking spiritual guidance and support may provide a sense of life’s deeper meaning, and this higher perspective can go a long way toward relieving the loneliness of your cancer journey. Religious gatherings are some of the best antidotes to isolation, offering a welcoming community that can be far more accepting than other types of social groups. The Cancer Support Helpline is staffed by counselors and resource specialists who are available to provide emotional support as well as information and referral to local, regional and national resources to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Professional counselors and resource specialists can be reached toll free at 1-888-793-9355 or via live chat Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Services are provided in English and Spanish.
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A support group is a great place to share experiences. With a diagnosis of cancer come significant changes in a person’s life, including the potential loss of caring contacts and social needs. Several social media platforms, including email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and online groups, provide support. Some patients, family members and friends who use social media found it beneficial because it provided an avenue for patient engagement and empowerment, increasing psychosocial and informational support, strengthening patient-clinician relationships and relaying opportunities for clinical and research advances in cancer care and treatment. Another well-respected social media site is CaringBridge. This site was founded by Sona Mehring, who sought a vehicle to connect and update friends and family about the health of a friend. Instead of making numerous time-consuming phone calls, Mehring created a website that allowed friends and family to get updates
YO U’ R E M O R E THA N YO UR AGE . 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
and offer support and encouragement. Patients can provide an interactive journal account of their progress and maintain the caring and connection with friends and family. CaringBridge is now available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Sources and Resources
Cancer Support Community (www. cancersupportcommunity.org) CaringBridge (www.caringbridge.org)
About the Author Dr. Thomas 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.
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pet health
Looking for the best care options for the Health & Wellness of your four-legged friends? Then welcome to our new “Pet Section,” where we will feature the finest businesses in Central Kentucky that tend to the care and well-being of your furry loved ones. In this issue we feature Uptown Hounds, an upscale pet resort in downtown Lexington that will pamper your pooch in the way he or she deserves.
DOGGIE PARADISE
AWAITS AT UPTOWN HOUNDS By David Bryan Blondell, Special Sections Dir.
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othing in this world is better than the love you give and receive from your pets. And let’s face it — they deserve the best care you can provide when it comes to a place to board them during the day or for an extended period. America’s Uptown Hounds Luxury Resorts is such a place. It was created as an all-inclusive, high-quality, high-energy environment where canine pets play, primp, relax and stay. Conveniently located in downtown Lexington near offices, the University of Kentucky campus and hospitals and healthcare facilities, Uptown Hounds’ guests — pets AND their owners — have a multitude of luxurious amenities to enjoy. Uptown Hounds features large, plush hotel suites for short- and long-term boarding, private daycare rooms, an oversized doggie-only pool, a top-notch grooming facility and spa, a boutique with the finest of toys, treats, food and pet-related merchandise and, of course, extremely large air-conditioned indoor and manicured outdoor
play areas that provide your pooch the most fun and friendly environment possible. The beautiful marble floors and walls and the upscale fixtures that are part of the facility’s luxurious decor simply reflect the high-class treatment your four-legged member of royalty deserves. Upon arrival, Concierge Services can help you create a custom long-term boarding or daycare stay for your dog. At check-in you can arrange fetch, belly rubs, swim time, gourmet treats and toys from the boutique, email postcards or salon and spa services. These further pamper your pooch with toenail polish, tooth brushing and hair coloring. (Photo and custom art services are also available upon request.) The Daycare Services at Uptown Hounds are second to none, with newly expanded hours of 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to make it more convenient for working owners. Once there, the friendly Pet Services Staff make sure your pet is well-cared for and is having a happy, fun stay with up to three playtime sessions with new-found friends (grouped by weight and activity level). Individual play-
time and extra attention are also offered, as is supervised usage of the popular 30-foot-by50-foot outdoor pool. Open to all customers to visit without any other services required during the May 1-Nov. 1 season, the swimming pool area is a favorite spot for members and their pets alike. The in-ground saltwater pool is specially designed for canines with a depth of 4 feet, with a wrap-around step for easy in and out. The pool’s fountains and geysers entertain pets and soothe their onlooking parents as they relax
The swimming pool area is a favorite spot for members and their pets alike.
pet health by Uptown Hounds | October 2019
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Upon arrival, Concierge Services can help you create a custom long-term boarding or daycare stay for your dog. poolside. Toys, towels and lifejackets are available as needed. Whether you are treating your dog to a cooling swim, aquatic exercise, or are just coming to enjoy the atmosphere, Uptown Hounds’ pool is a private retreat for you and your pet. Uptown Hounds recognizes proper, professional care of your pets is among the most important considerations you have. For anyone who wants to give as much love and special treatment to your dogs as they give you, please give America’s Uptown Hounds Luxury Resorts a try. You are welcome to visit the website at www.UptownHounds.com or call Guest Services at (859) 255-2275. Uptown Hounds is conveniently located just off South Broadway at 466 Angliana Avenue, just a half mile from downtown and a block from The Red Mile. Uptown Hounds invites you to take a quick tour of the facility, and they look forward to welcoming you and your dog to become part of the Uptown Hounds family!
“We’re here for the Health & Wellness of your 4-Legged friends”
www.UptownHounds.com
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General Dentistry.
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October 2019
RISK FACTORS AND SYMPTOMS OF
ORAL CANCER
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he American Cancer Society estimates roughly 53,000 people in the United States will develop oral cancer in 2019. That’s about 145 new cases confirmed each day. More troubling still, Kentucky has one of the nation’s highest incidences of oral cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. While fatalities from this type of cancer have decreased over the past 30 years, early detection of oral cancer is still crucial in order to achieve positive treatment outcomes. When healthcare providers detect oral cancer in its earliest stages, individuals have an 80-percent to 90-percent chance of surviving longer than five years following diagnosis. Unfortunately, these odds decrease for cases that are not diagnosed early. Oral cancer can affect the lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, hard palate or roof of the mouth, cheek area and throat area. Regular visits to the dentist offer one way to detect issues in these areas earlier and begin treatment if needed. Left unchecked, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the mouth and then go beyond to the head, neck and other areas of the body. Individuals should be aware of factors and work to limit behaviors that increase their risk of developing oral cancer, including: »» Using tobacco – cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc. »» Vaping – While more research is needed, vaping, Juuling or e-cigarette use has been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. »» Heavy alcohol consumption – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines heavy consumption as an average of two drinks a day or more for men and an average of more than one drink a day for women. »» Excessive sun exposure to lips without protection such as lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. »» Human papillomavirus (HPV) – a sexually transmitted virus. »» Weakened immune system. »» Family history of cancer. »» Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer. It’s important to note, however, that 25 percent of people who develop oral cancer report not smoking and only drinking occasionally. Everyone should be on the lookout for oral cancer symptoms and speak with a healthcare provider if they have concerns. Earlier this year, with the support of a $1 million grant from the United Health Foundation (UHF), the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) was able to launch its “Eradicate Oral Cancer in Eastern Kentucky” project. This effort targets the counties of Harlan, Letcher and Pike because the prevalence of oral cancer in these areas is as much as 54 percent higher than the state average. The three-year project seeks to raise public awareness of the symptoms of oral cancer and its links to heavy alcohol and tobacco use, provide oral cancer screenings in partnership with local health departments and help connect patients who need additional care to cancer specialists in Lexington. By encouraging residents in these areas to be screened, UKCD hopes to catch potential issues earlier while also educating participants and encouraging them to speak with friends and family about risk factors for oral cancer. A portion of the grant funding has been set aside to use for financial assistance for individuals needing help with travel expenses and for health
SYMPTOMS OF ORAL CANCER Talk with a healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms persist longer than 14 days: • A sore/lesion or discolored area of the mouth that doesn’t heal • A lump in the mouth or throat • Pain or difficulty swallowing, chewing or speaking • Red or white patches in your mouth • Discomfort, pain or tenderness in mouth or lips • Discomfort when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw care services related to oral screening findings, regardless of an individual’s insurance coverage. Findings from the project will be shared in presentations to state and national organizations, along with guidance on how the program could be replicated or adapted in other communities. With each oral cancer screening session conducted, participants are asked a short set of survey questions. While many participants have indicated knowledge of tobacco as a possible risk factor for oral cancer, survey findings demonstrate work is still needed in helping underscore the potential impact of other risk factors, such as HPV, alcohol consumption and sun exposure. About the Author
Dr. Melvyn Yeoh is an assistant professor and chief of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. More information about UK Dentistry is available at www.ukhealthcare.uky.edu/dentistry.
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.
October 2019
Brain Cravings and Addiction RESEARCHERS LOOK FOR WAYS TO TREAT COMPLEX DISEASE By Dr. Tom Miller, Staff Writer The marvelous human brain has a down side where cravings can overcome someone’s ability to control urges for things the brain seeks. Whether it is candy, nicotine, alcohol, uppers, downers, a variety of Smartphone apps and challenging games or social media, brain biochemistry suggests addictions occur at multiple levels. This happens through an interaction between the cellular/ biochemical and neural functioning of the brain’s addiction-seeking regions or centers. The normal healthy human brain is known to reward beneficial thinking and behaviors by switching on circuits that make you feel satisfied and content. This then motivates you to repeat that thinking and behavior. When addictions challenge the brain, they can interfere with the pleasure/ reward circuits, resulting in less desirable behaviors. This leads to pleasure-seeking alternatives such as social media, challenging video games,
drugs or alcohol to deal with the anxiety and stress. Addicted individuals find themselves losing control and craving whatever it is that meets the need to satisfy what has been lost. Several National Institutes of Health-funded (NIH) scientists are focused on learning more about the biology of addiction. These researchers have found addiction is a long-lasting, complex brain disease. Current treatments can help patients develop methods of control. However, there is always a risk of relapse. The biological basis of addiction helps explain why people need more than good intentions to manage their addictions. It is a misconception that addiction is a choice or moral dilemma. Brain chemistry actually changes with addiction, and it takes a good deal of therapeutic intervention to reverse these changes and return to an appropriate level of functioning. There is also a genetic explanation that researchers seek to understand further. Clinician researchers have found adolescents can be especially vulnerable to addiction because their brains are not yet fully developed. This shows particularly in the frontal region of the brain. In the mature brain, this region aids impulse control and assessing risk. Pleasure circuits in adolescent brains tend to operate in overdrive, making substances of abuse even more rewarding and enticing. The NIH has a series of nationwide studies that are examining how teen brains are altered by alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs. Researchers use brain scans and other tools to assess the longterm impact of addictions on the developing brain. These studies track the links between substance
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use and brain changes, academic achievement, IQ, thinking skills and mental health over time. There is much to learn about the adolescent brain and reducing the harm of addiction. The complexity of treating addiction has led psychiatrists and mental health professionals to identify several medications and behavioral therapies that are beneficial for managing addictive thinking and behaviors. They work best when used in combination. Identifying the appropriate treatment for an individual depends on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s motivation and compliance with the selected treatment plan. There is promise in the potential for vaccines against nicotine, cocaine and other drugs. This might prevent these drugs from entering the brain. Addiction is a serious and complicated disease with serious medical and social consequences. Publicly funded addiction treatment centers located throughout the United States provide information via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This public health unit, a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, is charged with improving the quality and availability of effective treatment and rehabilitative services to reduce addictions, illness, disability and death. Sources and Resources
Kavli Foundation (www.kavilfoundation.org) National Institute of Health (www.nih.gov) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov)
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Free Mammograms and Pap Tests
October 2019
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THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF EARLY
SCREENING
“I am pretty sure it is cancer.” These are the life-altering words Nicole Smith heard. Nicole is a behavioral health consultant at Wolfe Family Medical Clinic in Campton, Ky. When she heard these words, she said, “I was absolutely floored. I must have appeared rather shocked because the next comment [the doctor] made was, ‘Is there anyone with you today?’”
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t age 45 Nicole Smith was diagnosed with Intermediate Grade Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Stage I A Tumor. And if it was not for the early screening through an event made possible through collaboration through Kings Daughters mobile mammography unit and the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program, which is part of the Department for Public Health, Nicole would not have the healthy testimony she has today. If you did not know the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program is amazing. This program provides breast and cervical screening and follow-up services to uninsured, low-income, age appropriate women. The screening and follow-up services are provided by local health care professionals through contracts with local health departments and community healthcare providers. The program is funded through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For Nicole, and many others like her, this program is truly a life saver. Juniper Health, Inc hosted the event in Beattyville with the mobile mammogram provided by Kings Daughters Hospital. She said that “the mobile mammogram staff were professional and made me feel at ease. The process was easy, and I was able to return to work following my appointment.” Eight days after her mammogram she said “I was notified my mammogram indicated a nodule in my left breast. Our Care Coordinator Tammara obtained my mammogram results. This is where my Primary Care Provider, Care Coordinator, Nurse Manager and Referral Clerk’s became so valuable to my decision making for my healthcare. My Care Coordinator scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram. I was advised to schedule my appointment at a location that had the ability to complete an ultrasound and biopsy if necessary. I chose to schedule at a hospital where I had previous mammograms. I had my first mammogram at age 35 because my half-sister had breast cancer as well.” After a few weeks her scans were completed. Nicole remembers clearly the day she got the phone call confirming her results. “I was sitting at my desk at work when I received the phone call notifying me, I had cancer. I immediately began crying. The nurse on the phone couldn’t be more supporting in discussing the next steps. Then my coworkers began pouring into my office holding me while we all cried together. I just couldn’t believe that this could be happening to me at 45. If I had simply waited till the recommended age it wouldn’t have been caught
early. They lifted me up and told me “we got this”. I couldn’t ask to work with a better group of people. I am extremely lucky to work with such caring people.” Nicole was diagnosed and began treatment. She says, “The mass was caught very early which allowed me to have options. I have chosen to have a lumpectomy and follow up with radiation. Having my cancer located early on from a routine mammogram have provided me with the ability to choose to have the lump removed versus one or both of my breasts. Currently, I am waiting for a surgery date.” There is such power in being able to diagnose and begin treatment and that is what the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program offers women in Kentucky. We asked Nicole what has life been like since being diagnosed? “I have chosen to look at the positive side. I am extremely lucky to be diagnosed early, being blessed with caring and knowledgeable coworkers who always have my back. Now I am afforded the opportunity to encourage other women in our area to get a mammogram. I can share my own story and experience to help others. I feel that if my story can convince one woman to have a mammogram and save their life then it was worth it.” So, we encourage you to take the time to schedule your mammogram. There is no excuse. Tell friends, family and loved one’s that if they don’t have adequate health insurance to cover this screening to reach out to Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program (1-844249-0708) to find out how you qualify for this program. We pray that you never find anything. But its better to know and know early than to wait till it’s to late. And if you do find something, we pray your results are like that of Nicole’s. To Learn more about Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program you can go online to The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, then go to the Division of Women’s Health, the click on Women’s Cancer Screening Program. Their website is https://chfs.ky.gov/ agencies/dph/dwh/Pages/cancerscreening.aspx
“… if my story can convince one woman to have a mammogram and save her life, then it was worth it.” – Nicole Smith
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October 2019
Halloween Safety HELP YOUR CHILDREN HAVE FUN WHEN TRICK OR TREATING By Jamie Lober, Staff Writer Fall is here, which means Halloween is right around the corner. As a parent, you want to be selective about the Halloween activities in which your child partakes. Kentucky Emergency Management says if you plan to carve a pumpkin, keep tools out of your child’s hands. Instead, suggest letting him clean out the pumpkin by removing the pulp and seeds and then let him draw a face on it that you can carve for him. If you have a jack-o-lantern, keep it out of the way of children’s costumes so they do not catch fire. Choose your child’s costume carefully. Whether he is a superhero, sports figure or favorite celebrity, ensure his gear is fireproof and has large eye holes. You can use reflective tape to help your child be more visible. If your child has a prop such as a sword, make sure the end is flexible and smooth enough that it does not injure him or others. Reinforce to your children
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Jacqueline Lester (Jackie) first came to Tanbark as a short term rehab patient. She then transitioned over to being a Resident in a Personal Care apartment and has thoroughly enjoyed the 8 months she has been living at Tanbark.
they are only to go to homes that have a porch light on and never enter a home or approach an unknown vehicle. Be sure your child knows not to accept cookies, brownies or any other baked good that is not wrapped. Supervision is important for younger children. If you’re not accompanying your child on her trick-or-treating rounds (hopefully someone is – another parent or a responsible teenager), verify she knows her address and phone number in case she gets lost and also has a way to get in touch with you. For older kids, you may want them to carry a cell phone and check in with you throughout the evening. Encourage your child to go with a group of friends and always use the buddy system. Talk about the route they are taking in advance and set a time you expect them to be home. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) asks motorists to be extra attentive and patient and slow down on Halloween night. Children can get caught up in the excitement of the Halloween hustle and forget to look both ways before crossing the street, placing a larger responsibility on motorists. If you’re planning to stay home and hand out treats, the Lexington Clinic encourages you to
make sure there’s nothing on your porch that people can trip over. Sweep leaves from your walkway and sidewalk and check to be sure outdoor lights are working properly. Restrain pets that may jump on or bite trick-or-treaters. The KSP advises handing candy out from the driveway instead of porch to reduce obstacles and congestion. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests handing out coloring books, pens or pencils as alternatives to candy in order to promote a healthier Halloween. The AAP also urges parents to go through all treats when the children get home and throw away anything that is unwrapped or looks spoiled or suspicious. If your child has allergies to soy, peanuts or wheat, you read the labels on the treats to avoid any reactions. If you’re not keen on having your child going door to door, there are alternatives where he can still dress up and take part in the holiday. Check the local newspaper to find organized trick-or-treat activities at churches, libraries and malls. When you use common sense and follow good safety rules, your child will be sure to have a safe and happy Halloween.
Motorists, be extra attentive and patient and slow down on Halloween night.
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Managing Stress.
October 2019
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POWER OF PER CEPTION:
MAKING THE DECISION TO BE HAPPY
By Don Marshall Gash, Ph.D. Professor of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
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t is amazing how much of a difference perception can make in health and well-being. Eric is one of the inspiring people I have met who are managing their serious illnesses with courage and living meaningful, satisfying lives. I met him at a large conference on Parkinson’s disease where patients and support groups were learning about recent advances in understanding and treating the illness. Eric had participated in a clinical trial that involved surgery and receiving monthly drug infusions. He was 36 years old when he was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Seven years later he volunteered for the clinical trial we were discussing in a workshop at the meeting. While there were initial benefits, problems with his infusion site developed, blocking delivery of the experimental drug. He was now 50 years old and relying on standard medical treatments, which were helping with some symptoms. But like other patients, he knew the disease was relentlessly progressing. Given the circumstances of contracting an increasingly debilitating disease as a young adult and having a promising surgical treatment fail for technical reasons, Eric had good reasons to be bitter, angry and frightened. He was not. Instead, he was an enthusiastic volunteer for one of the major Parkinson’s disease foundations, working with patient support groups to help others deal with the challenges they faced as the disease progressed. He talked with our workshop group about what would benefit patients participating in clinical trials and their families. His voice was muted and sometimes halting. He needed some assistance from a family advocate at times to answer our questions. He made a compelling plea for better communication, working compassionately with families and explaining what the results meant when the study was completed. I had a chance to talk with Eric several times during breaks in the presentations. He had a great sense of humor, was jovial and loved to talk about the proceedings and people there. As we stood in the large pavilion near the entrance, I asked Eric how he could stay so positive after all he had been through. He thought for a minute and then answered. “See those doors over there?” he said, pointing to a large number of glass doors leading to the street. “I can choose how I feel when I walk through them. I can be happy or sad. I know being sad will lead me where I do not what to go. So I make the decision to be happy.” The Power of Perception: Perception is our awareness and understanding of information coming in though our senses. It is a synthesis of what we see, hear and feel with our mind’s interpretation of what it means. Our beliefs drive our reactions to these sensations. Our thought processes induce changes in our brain neurocircuitry, neurochemistry and function that affect body and mind. Seeing the world with a realistic positive attitude and perceiving opportunities, focusing on what you can realistically do – and doing it – does benefit one’s health and authentic happiness. This does not mean denying and failing to accept the realities of your situation, but remaining open-minded and staying actively engaged in dealing with the issues, as well as remembering you own your mind and possess the ability to choose how you respond. Perceiving the world as basically bad with angry cynicism or fearfulness creates what has been called a Nocebo effect that can lead to a downward
spiral into ever-increasing negative feelings and behaviors. The effects on health can be detrimental and even deadly. As an example, the effects of perceptions about stress have been clearly documented. Stress is inherently part of living and is often high in our modern culture. As Hans Seyle, the discoverer of Bad Stress, emphasized in his writings, it is often not the stress itself but the individual’s perception of the effects of stress that can lead to serious health problems. In a landmark study, Abiola Keller and her colleagues at the University of Wisconsin analyzed the association between the perceptions that stress is bad for one’s health with the death rate over an eight-year period. Their data from over 28,000 Americans surveyed showed the premature death rate for highly stressed individuals believing stress was bad for their health was 43 percent higher than those also undergoing high stress but who believed it had little effect on their health.1 A large epidemiological study in Denmark adds strong support for the role of perception in increasing the risk for an early death. Anders Prior and his colleagues followed the association between perceived stress and dying in over 118,000 participants in the 2010 Danish National Health Survey. They found the number of premature deaths rose in a dose-dependent pattern to perceived stress. Their results were similar to those in the Wisconsin study, with a 51-percent increase in risk for dying for those in the high-stress-perceiving group.2 Power to Change: Change, as the old adage goes, is inevitable, except from a vending machine. The brain and body are changing daily in response to activities, experiences and innate biological processes. We possess the power to make choices that shape our perceptions, health and wellbeing. The choices Eric made in his life helped him live better and more meaningfully. First, he did not let his health problems, such as fatiguing easily, a muted voice or slowness in walking, isolate him. He was dedicated to remaining active socially and focusing on helping others. Eric kept up with the advances in treating Parkinson’s and followed regimens that helped keep his symptoms, including fatigue, under control. His sense of humor made him a joy to be around. There are doors we need to walk through. Choosing to do so with a positive perception and focusing on what you can realistically do does benefit your health and promote authentic happiness. This does not mean denying and failing to accept the realities of your situation, but remaining open-minded and staying actively engaged in living – recognizing, as Eric did, that helping others greatly enriches your life. Let me know what you think at dongash@khtnow.com. Sources
1. Keller, A. et al. (2012). Does the Perception that Stress Affects Health Matter? The Association with Health and Mortality. Health Psychology 31:677-684. PMID:22201278 2. Prior, A. et al. (2016). The Association Between Perceived Stress and Mortality Among People With Multimorbidity: A Prospective Population-Based Study. American Journal of Epidemiology 184:199-210. PMID:27407085
ABOUT NEUROWAY ONWARD To schedule a free introductory meeting, or for more information: Don Marshall Gash, PhD | dongash@khtnow.com | 859-963-2901 Don Marshall Gash earned his Ph.D. from Dartmouth College and did his postdoctoral training at the University of Southern California. He is a professor at the University of Kentucky, as well as a neuroscientist and inventor. Gash has published over 200 scientific papers and five drug development patents. He is also the business founder/partner for Independence Assistance, Avast Therapeutics and Neuroway (d.b.a. KY Healthcare Training).
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October 2019 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | HandWmagazine
BREAST SELF-AWARENESS CAN GUARD YOUR HEALTH KNOW YOUR BODY AND GET APPROPRIATE SCREENINGS
Screenings will become more personalized over time.
October 2019
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By Jamie Lober, Staff Writer
According to KentuckyOne Health, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women today, next to skin cancer. The best defenses against breast cancer are knowing your body and getting appropriate screenings, such as a mammogram and breast ultrasound, so you can detect any issues when they are early and most treatable. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says breast self-awareness means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any new lumps or skin changes such thickening, dimpling, unexplained reddening or pain especially in one place or if it is getting worse, contact your health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says while there are some factors that are out of your control – such as age, genetic mutations, having dense breasts, having your first menstrual period before age 12, starting menopause after age 55 and family history – there are some things you can control. Research suggests other variables such as smoking, being exposed to chemicals that cause cancer and working the night shift can increase cancer risk. Start making good lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not drinking alcohol at all or having no more than one drink a day and breastfeeding your children if possible. As for screening, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released a new guideline saying women with an average risk of breast cancer should begin having annual mammograms at age 45 years and can change to having them every other year starting at age 55 years. Women can start screening as early as age 40 years if they wish. The American Medical Association and the ACS decided to wait longer to screen based on weighing the risks and benefits of the mammogram. For example, while screenings undoubtedly save lives, they can sometimes detect something suspicious that requires more testing, only to have the exam prove it was not something harmful. The clinical breast exam was also removed from the recommendations; the organizations felt these do not provide a clear benefit. Another recent change is having the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) weigh in about screenings. Since high breast density is a risk factor that is usually detected on a mammogram, the FDA proposes mammography facilities inform women if they have high-density breasts. This can help them make the most appropriate personalized decisions with their healthcare provider about screenings and risk reduction. The National Cancer Institute noted breast cancer is one of the only cancers for which an effective screening test such as the mammogram is available. Researchers continue to strive to improve the test and make sure it incorporates the latest technologies. One exciting advance is 3-D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, in which pictures are taken from different angles and then turned into a 3-D image. Researchers are also taking into account each individual woman’s risk level as well to decrease the chance of over-diagnosis. The goal is that screenings will become more personalized over time, just as cancer treatments are. The ACOG encourages women to schedule a well-woman visit every year with the main purpose of discussing healthy lifestyles and minimizing health risks. Screening and counseling is all done at this time. The more you share with the gynecologist, the better she is able to guide you as you navigate through the different ages and stages. She should be aware of any medications you take as well as your family, social and sexual and reproductive history. The breast and pelvic exams are typical components of the visit, so it is a great opportunity to be reassured you are in good health or to treat an issue early for the best prognosis.
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“WITH BAPTIST, I DIDN’T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN CLOSE AND BEST.” – Justin Evans, Cancer Success Story When Justin was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, family encouraged him to leave town for treatment. But after meeting with a Baptist Health Lexington oncologist, “I knew immediately that I wanted to stay here,” he says. With Baptist, Justin received lifesaving care without having to leave his life behind. “As soon as treatment was over, I got to go home, not to a hotel room,” Justin says. He was also able to keep working. “I never took a sick day, and I didn’t have to take a pay cut.” Today, Justin is in remission and moving forward with his life. At Baptist Health, we’re proud to offer people like Justin world-class care, that isn’t a world away. Learn more at BaptistHealth.com/CancerCare.
Corbin | Floyd | La Grange | Lexington | Louisville | Madisonville | Paducah | Richmond
BaptistHealth.com
October 2019
‘WHEN YOU’RE AT HOME, YOU’RE HAPPIER’ Justin attributes his successful cancer journey to his mindset and the comprehensive care at Baptist Health Lexington.
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By Tanya Tyler, Editor ustinJ.was 28Health&Wellness when he was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It was everywhere.
He had ignored a lump under his collar bone for a few years. “At that age, you don’t think about lumps,” says Justin. “You think about girls and graduating college.” One night, Justin thought his appendix had ruptured, so his wife took him to the ER. Appendicitis was ruled out, but it was determined that he had swollen lymph nodes. He was sent home with pain meds and instructed to follow up with his general practitioner, who noticed the lump and had it biopsied. That’s where Justin’s cancer journey began. Within 30 minutes of receiving the biopsy results, Justin was in the office of Dr. Lee Hicks, oncologist with Baptist Health Lexington. He began chemo two days later. “Total time – one week before I started chemo,” says Justin. “When I first got diagnosed, friends and family members wanted me to go to Cleveland Clinic and Houston,” he says. “When I met with my oncologist, Dr. Hicks, and he said, ‘Listen, here’s your treatment. It works. God willing with this treatment, you’re going to be fine,’ I knew he was going to take care of me. I wanted to stay here – at Baptist.” Justin was ready for the battle with the help of his trusted network at Baptist, which included a multidisciplinary team of caregivers dedicated to treating the whole patient — body and mind. At the outset of treatment, Justin was paired with a social worker who also happened to be his childhood babysitter, Angie Pennington. “Baptist, in its infinite wisdom, puts a social worker in the chemo ward,” Justin says. “Angie about lost it when I walked in.” During chemotherapy, Justin never took a sick day. It was a coping mechanism. “Being at work took my mind off of it,” says Justin, a general manager at Panera. “At home, I would have melted away in my sorrow.” He admits it was tough, and
there were days he probably should have called in sick, but thanks to understanding co-workers he could count on, Justin always made his way into work. He’s grateful he didn’t have to file for short-term disability – a 45 percent pay cut. Besides the benefit of being able to continue working during chemo, receiving treatment close to home enabled him to rely on his vast support system. “Hundreds of people had my back whenever I needed it,” says Justin, who graduated from a local high school, Lafayette, attended UK and works at one of Panera’s busiest locations. His wife, brothers and parents – and the nurses at Baptist, he says – were especially supportive. “I always had someone with me and in the waiting room while I had chemo.” “As soon as treatment is over, I don’t have to drive or fly home, and I’m not in a hotel room,” says Justin, who lives just a fiveminute drive from Baptist. “I had the safety of my own home in terms of germs,” he adds, which was important because his immune system was compromised by the chemo. Plus, there’s no place like home when it comes to comfort. “Your mental state is a huge part of fighting cancer,” he says. “Cleveland isn’t foreign, but it’s not home. When you’re at home, you’re happier. Your mind controls a lot more than you think.” Mindset is something Justin cares about deeply, which is why he’s signed up for a peer-to-peer support group piloted at Baptist. It offers an outlet for cancer patients to share experiences in a positive environment. “You can’t understand what it feels like physically and emotionally until you’ve been through it,” says Justin. “Sometimes you need someone to say it’s going to be okay, and they want to hear your story.” It’s yet another example of Baptist’s comprehensive care — and it’s just a few minutes from Justin’s home. See more about Justin’s story at BaptistHealth.com/CancerCare
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Funeral.
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October 2019
FUNERALS, MEMORIALS SERVICES AND MONUMENTS MATTER
understand discussing or pre-arranging a funeral is not a welcome subject for most people. Some even question if funerals or life celebrations are really necessary. But there are compelling reasons why funerals and life celebrations matter. Whether you choose a traditional funeral or life celebration, it provides a profound experience that ultimately aids in the grieving process. These are the seven key reasons funerals and life celebrations matter: 1. They bring together friends and family whose support and compassion give us comfort and perspective. 2. They help us express our grief in a safe setting. 3. They let us share memories, tributes and appreciation for the life of the deceased. 4. They help us acknowledge the reality of death. 5. They allow for the expression of faith. 6. They provide us with a sense of continuity — that life goes on. 7. They encourage our acceptance of loss and help us heal. Virtually everyone who comforts family and friends at a visitation and attends a funeral or life celebration experiences a profound sense of their importance and helpfulness. More than endings, funerals and life celebrations are bridges of transition. As time passes and grief subsides, we appreciate more fully the relationship that endures. We see that the words spoken and feelings experienced during the visitation and funeral help us reach a place of fond memory and deep appreciation for the person whose life is celebrated. As a funeral director, I believe conducting funerals is a sacred trust that allows me to help families transition from what can sometimes be a devastating moment to a time of peace, knowing their loved one is no longer hurting or sick. In recent years, the rate of cremation has grown as much as 29 percent in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and as high as 77 percent in states such as Washington. A number of people think with cremation, little needs to be done but to have the remains scattered. What people may not understand is cremation is simply a type of final disposition just as burial is a type of final disposition. For the people left behind, a visitation and service as part of the grieving process for someone who has been cremated is every bit as profound and helpful as a traditional funeral and burial. This ritual still matters for the same reasons a A VISITATION visitation matters when traditional burial is chosen. The important point is we need ritual and ceremony to help us comprehend major life AND changes. When words are inadequate, we use ritual. It is no different than the experiences we have at SERVICE IS baptisms and weddings. As the years go by, having a place of permanent PART OF THE memorialization allows family and friends a tangible GRIEVING area to visit — a sacred spot where you can engage in quiet reflection and rekindle treasured memories of PROCESS. the deceased. You can choose from a number of possibilities: scattering gardens with permanent markers, urn gardens, traditional urn burial or niches in mausoleums or special areas on cemetery grounds. Some people prefer to keep the urns in their homes and others prefer having their ashes scattered at a remote spot, but I recommend having a special permanent marker placed at a cemetery.
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) 252-3411.
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
October 2019
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Resonant Frequencies Shatter Cancer Cells Like Glass
Anthony Holland, PhD, is a renowned composer who has conducted at Carnegie Hall. A professor at Skidmore College for 27 years, Holland also conducts radiofrequency experiments on cancer cells. He has been interested in physics and acoustics since he read The Rainbow and the Worm: The Physics of Organisms by Dr. Mae-Wan Ho. Ho theorized live cells exhibit properties similar to crystals. In the book, she details a therapeutic device invented by New Mexico physician Dr. James Bare. The idea that a machine could destroy microorganisms when tuned to the correct frequency clicked with Holland. Bare’s device uses a plasma antenna that pulses on and off. (A constant pulse of electricity would produce too much heat, thus destroying the cell.) Holland built his own frequency machine and for 15 months searched for the exact frequency that would shatter living microorganisms. The high frequency needed to be exactly 11 times higher than the low frequency; in music, this is known as the eleventh harmonic. At this frequency, microorganisms shatter like crystal glass. Jonathan Brody, PhD, assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University’s Division of Surgical Research, asked Holland if cancer cells could be blown up in the same way. The two began working together. Their preliminary results suggested Holland’s device causes changes in the size and shape of pancreatic cancer cells. They were specifically vulnerable between 100,000 to 300,000 Hz. Using the machine, they shattered leukemia cancer before they could divide. The intervention also slowed cancer cell growth rates up to 65 percent. They next tested the treatment against the super bug methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to many common antibiotics. The frequency therapy eliminated antibiotic resistance, allowing the researchers to introduce a small amount of antibiotic to kill it. “When people ask me what kind of music I’m composing now, I tell them I’m writing music for microorganisms and cancer cells,” Holland said.
Medicare to Cover Costly, Innovative Cancer Treatment Nationwide
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T-cell), which can cost $375,000 or $475,000, depending if it used for advanced lymphoma or pediatric leukemia, will now be covered nationwide by Medicare. Previously, Medicare’s regional administrators decided whether to cover the treatment, which led to confusion, says Seema Verma, administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The treatment involves extracting and genetically altering a patient’s T cells to attack a protein on the surface of cancer cells. The cells are then infused back into the patient. The cell therapy from Novartis and Gilead Sciences is designed to be given just once as a potential cure for patients who have run out of other treatment options. Medicare will also cover the therapy when administered at health care facilities enrolled in a Federal Drug Administration-mandated (FDA) safety program that requires special training for handling side effects. This means the treatment can be given on an outpatient basis, which would be less costly. Medicare will additionally approve all FDA-approved uses for CAR T-cell therapy as well as off-label uses recommended in CMSapproved compendiums. CMS said it will increase the reimbursement for CAR T-cell therapy on Aug. 2. The FDA approved two versions of CAR T-cell therapy in 2017 – Kymriah (Novartis) for certain types of lymphoma and childhood leukemia and Yescarta (Gilead Sciences) for lymphoma. Other CAR T-cell therapies are in development.
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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!
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Family Doc.
For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | October 2019
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HPV VACCINE
PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER TWO DOSES OF THE HPV VACCINE ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ALL BOYS AND GIRLS AT AGES 11-12 YEARS.
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accines protect your child before they are exposed to a disease. If you knew there was a vaccine available that would prevent cancer from developing in your child, you would certainly rush to take advantage of it. There is indeed such a vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www. cdc.gov), human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause serious health problems, including genital warts and cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. A vaccine is now available to combat it. Two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for all boys and girls at ages 11-12 years. The second dose should be given six to 12 months after the first dose. Children who start the vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need to receive three shots over six months. HPV vaccination is also recommended for everyone through age 45 years if they have not been vaccinated already. HPV infections are so common nearly all men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Nearly 80 million Americans are currently infected with some type of HPV. About 10 percent of men and almost 4 percent of women have oral HPV. About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected each year. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. Most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some time in their life. The HPV vaccine was developed to prevent cervical and other cancers of the reproductive system. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Some oropharynx cancers (cancer in the back of the throat) are also caused by HPV. Traditionally, these cancers were caused by
tobacco and alcohol, but recent studies have shown about 60 percent to 70 percent of these cancers may be linked to HPV. HPV is not known to cause other head and neck cancers, including those in the mouth, larynx, lip, nose or salivary glands. In general, the CDC says, HVP is thought to be be responsible for more than 90 percent of anal and cervical cancers, about 70 percent of vaginal and vulvar cancers and 60 percent of penile cancers. Most of the time, HPV goes away by itself within two years and does not cause any health problems. Researchers believe the body’s immune system fights off HPV naturally. But there is no reason to take a chance when the vaccine is readily available and has been shown to be very safe and highly effective. The side effects of the vaccine are mild – pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the shot was given; dizziness; fainting; nausea; and headache. It is a small price to pay for long-lasting protection. HPV infections and cervical precancers have dropped signi ficantly since the vaccine has been in use. Talk to your pediatrician about getting your child vaccinated against HPV. About the Author
Dr. Ashley Rollins is a specialist in internal medicine and pediatrics, but she can see patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. 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 UK Hospital in 2018. Dr. Rollins has an interest in women’s health and preventative medicine. She is located at Family Practice Associates’ Hamburg office.
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.
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October 2019
events OCTOBER 2019
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Submit your healthy event listings: brian@rockpointpublishing.com
Daily Mondays Centered Community Space Mindfulness Meditation with Centered Studio at 309 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 180 in Lexington has a community space where we welcome community groups to gather at no cost. Get in touch with Centered to arrange this for your group. 859-721-1841
Brent Oliver
Every Monday 8:00pm-9:00pm at Centered Studio, 309 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 180 in Lexington. Mindfulness Meditation is a welcoming meditation community open to everyone. We define mindfulness as concentration power, sensory clarity, and equanimity all working together. Donations-based class.
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Mondays Post-partum Support Group with Sarah Wylie Van Meter
Every Monday at 11:00am Attending this group will give birth parents a time and safe place to feel supported and be in community during their postpartum time journeys. Those who join will be in attendance to each other and to themselves as we exchange ways to care for our own bodies, our emotions, our babies, and our partnerships. Babies of all ages and stages are welcome. Come with or without your baby/babies and don’t fret if you arrive late. Donations-based class. Centered Studio, 309 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 180 in Lexington.
Tuesday/Friday Gentle Community Yoga w/
AC E R E N I ONL ENDAR C A L magazine.net Cost $10. Mind Body Studio 517 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY 859-373-0033. Full details at http:// www.mindbodystudio.org/?page_ id=1055.
s dwellnes healthan -calendar.html /race
Fridays Last Thursdays Argentine tango "Dance of La Leche League the heart"
Monthly last Thursdays 1:00-2:00pm at Centered Studio, 309 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 180 in Lexington. This is a free support group for breastfeeding mothers. Siblings welcome.
Passionate and Romantic– Mindful and Meditative. A uniquely transformative social skill, art form and movement therapy. No partner or dance experience required. Every Friday 7:30-
Lauren Higdon & Terry Fister
Every Tuesday and Friday at 10:30am-11:30am at Centered Studio, 309 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 180 in Lexington. This weekly restorative class integrates gentle yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and wellness tips for all ages and levels of physical condition. Classes may include chair yoga, restorative, yin yoga, tai chi, and more. Perfect for beginners as well as experienced yogis! Donations-based class.
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Mondays (Oct–Dec) Wednesdays Mindfulness-Based Stress Mindfulness and Relaxation Reduction (MBSR)
for Health
The “gold standard” mindfulness program worldwide. 8 week course on Mondays 6:00-8:30 PM. Orientation October 21st. Learn to promote resilience, prevent burnout, cultivate compassion and manage stress-related chronic conditions. Instructor: John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP. Mind Body Studio 517 Southland Drive, Lexington, KY 859-373-0033. Full details at www.mindbodystudio. org/?page_id=1262. UK Wellness Program offers deep discount for UK employees, retirees and spouses.
Relax the body, quiet the mind, open the heart. Arrive 6:00-6:30 and deeply relax, instruction 6:30-8:00 PM. No prior experience of yoga or meditation required. Mobilize your inner resources for promoting health and managing the stress of caregiving, burnout and chronic disease. Cultivate your innate happiness, peacefulness and compassion. Study and practice in a supportive group. Gentle mindful movement, deep relaxation, sitting meditation and discussion. Instructor:John A. Patterson MD, MSPH, FAAFP,
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 Sponsored in part by:
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October 2019 9:00 PM. You may drop-in to any class- this is not a series. Cost $10/person. 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.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ lexington-ky-2019-log-timberhome-show-tickets-68193642019 for details.
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October 4-26 Keeneland Fall Meet
See live Thoroughbred racing at the most elegant race course in the world. 1:00pm recurring daily (no racing on Mondays or Tuesdays). Keeneland.com to purchase tickets online and for additional details.
October 18 The Bourbon Chase An overnight relay adventure. Teams of runners cover 200 miles of scenic byways along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail starting Friday, and finishing in downtown Lexington with a huge street party. Come on down Saturday afternoon and watch the runners come in. www.runragnar.com/event-detail/ relay/thebourbonchase#overview for details or to join the waitlist for registration next year.
19 October 11-13 October Pumpkin Run 3K The Log & Timber Home Show
Meet with builders and log and timber home companies face-toface to ask questions. Attend a Log and Timber Home University. Plus, attend workshops presented by experts. Leave with the information you need to build the custom wood home you want! Lexington Convention Center. Visit
Classes Meeting in Lexington
An event for the entire family! T-Shirt for each participant, trick or treating, costume contest, prizes and a piece of pumpkin pie at the end of the race! Registration: 8:30 a.m. Race Begins: 9:30 a.m. Awards: 10:30 a.m. Recognition to the Top THREE male/female in each category and top three runners overall. Please visit
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Saturdays LEXINGTON FARMER'S MARKET
Downtown Lexington near the Historic Lexington Courthouse. 7am–2pm.
http://cardinalhill.org/events/ pumpkin-run/ for complete event information.
October 25-27 Vintage Market Days of Lexington: “Home for the Holidays”
plantings and a little more! Our market takes place in the Covered Arena at The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. www. facebook.com/events/kentuckyhorse-park/vintage-marketdays-of-lexington-home-for-theholidays/914776715534076/.
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We are so excited to invite you to our “Home for the Holidays” Fall Event at The Kentucky Horse Park! Join us for a shopping experience you won’t ever forget, featuring the best vendors from Kentucky, as well as treasure hunters, artisans, and makers from states all over the country! Our vendors feature true vintage goods, antiques, original art, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal
November 16 Holiday Arts & Craft Show Open from 9am–3pm at New Life Community, 3353 Clays Mill Road, Lexington, KY 40503. Free entry! Come shop for home made crafts, Christmas gifts and home made baked goods. Silent auction. Concession stand available for lunch items. For more information, visit http://newlifelexington.org.
30% HEALTHIER, HAPPIER: Decrease Anxiety, Increase Joy »» Be Happy and Flourish »» What Successful Seniors Recommend and Proven by Medical Studies
Free Introductory Meeting TO SCHEDULE, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Don Marshall Gash, PhD | dongash@khtnow.com | 859-963-2901
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October 2019
N AT U R E ' S Pineberries NO FOOLING – THEY’RE REAL AND REAL TASTY By Tanya Tyler, Editor Health&Wellness Just when I was starting to think there was nothing new to write about for Nature’s Beauty, along come pineberries. What is a pineberry? It is a recently developed strawberry cultivar that comes in such colors as pale pink, pale orange and white with red outer seeds (these are called achenes). Pineberries exposed to direct sunlight will usually have a more evident pink flush. And no, the pineberry is not a mutation or a product of genetic engineering or modification. Pineberries are related to the common domesticated garden strawberry. They are the result of crossbreeding – a hybrid of wild South American (particularly Chile) and North American strawberries. Pineberries first appeared on the food scene thanks to the careful plant selection and
B E A U T Y
cultivation of some Dutch farmers. The name is derived from fusing the words pineapple and strawberry. As this combo suggests, the pineberry is aromatic with a flavor reminiscent of pineapple, yet the fruit has the texture and feel of a strawberry. Hence its other name, the pineapple strawberry (ananaserdbeere in German). Pineberries are currently produced in limited quantities in Europe and Belize. The first commercial cultivation occurred in 2010 in the Netherlands and Belgium. They were first imported to the United States in 2012. Because they are small – less than an inch long for the larger ones – they are not as profitable as either of their namesakes. The plants also have a low yield. But pineberries are still a delightful addition to any fruit bowl and can be used in jams, jelly and other recipes that call for strawberries. People were skeptical there was such a thing as pineberries because a British grocery store that said it was going to carry them had previously fooled the public by advertising the “pinana,” a pineapple banana. Because the pineberries’ debut was announced around April 1, many shoppers assumed they were a joke. But they are for real. Pineberries are not yet readily available in local supermarkets because they do not ship well. They are, however, easy to grow at home. They require the same care and maintenance as regular red strawberries. You can order pineberry plants from
THE NAME IS DERIVED FROM FUSING THE WORDS PINEAPPLE AND STRAWBERRY.
certified growers (see Sources) and grow them in raised beds and larger containers. Plant them in a pineberry-to-regular-strawberry ratio of 4:1 for improved cross pollination, and give all the plants room to grow. A few pineberry varieties are available, compared to the hundreds of varieties of the typical strawberry. The varieties currently being cultivated include the White Pine (a very vigorous plant); White Carolina (more susceptible to diseases and requires regular application of organic or sometimes chemical fungicides); White D (yields slightly larger fruit that is still smaller than regular strawberries); and Natural Albino cultivars. According to www.strawberryplants. org, pineberry plants are grown just like regular strawberries, although they need a regular strawberry plant close by for pollination. Crosspollination between a red strawberry variety and a pineberry will likely increase fruit yield in both plants. What will they think of next? How about purple strawberries? Sources:
• Mad About Berries (Madaboutberries.com) • Specialty Produce (www.specialtyproduce.com) • Stark Bros. Nursery and Orchards (www.starkbros.com) • Strawberry Plants (www.strawberryplants.org)
For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | October 2019
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By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer
America’s Packaged Food is UltraProcessed, Generally Unhealthy Store-bought food and beverages, also known as processed foods, are high in energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt, making them generally unhealthy, says a new Northwestern Medicine study published in the journal Nutrients ( July 24). About 80 percent of American’s total calorie consumption comes from store-bought foods and beverages, so the food and beverage supply plays a central role in the development of chronic diseases, including obesity and cardiovascular disease. The research aims to provide new information for consumers, researchers and policymakers to encourage food manufacturers to reformulate or replace unhealthy products and inform the U.S. government about where action may be needed to improve the healthfulness of the U.S. packaged food and beverage supply. “To say that our food supply is highly processed won’t shock anyone, but it’s important that we hold food and beverage manufacturers accountable by continually documenting how they’re doing in terms of providing healthy foods for consumers,” said lead author Abigail Baldridge, a biostatistician in the Department of Preventative Medicine at Northwest University Feinberg School of Medicine. The NOVA Food Classification System, developed at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, defines ultra-processed food and beverages as the fourth and final group of foods that are industrial formulations made entirely or mostly from substances extracted from foods – oils, fats, sugar, starch and proteins. They are derived
from hydrogenated fats and modified starch and synthesized in laboratories. Using the NOVA classification system, the Northwestern researchers analyzed 230,156 products and found 71 percent of them – including bread, salad dressings, snack foods, sweets, sugary drinks and more – were ultraprocessed. Among the top 25 manufacturers by sales volume, 86 percent of their products were classified as ultraprocessed. Bread and bakery products was the only category consistently among the highest third across all four nutrient categories: calories, saturated fat, total sugars and sodium. Although dietary guidelines are routinely updated, no regular surveillance or reporting about what is on grocery shelves is available to consumers, researchers or policy makers. The study team and researchers at The George Institute for Global Health in Australia launched a U.S. version of the free mobile app FoodSwitch last summer. FoodSwitch allows consumers to scan packaged foods to determine their healthfulness.
EPA Won’t Ban Toxic Pesticide Despite Link to Brain Damage in Children The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in July it will not ban the widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos, even though the agency’s own research shows it can cause brain damage in children. The pesticide was slated to be banned under the Obama Administration in 2015, but the rule never took effect and was eventually suspended in 2017 by then-EPA head Scott Pruitt.
Among the top 25 manufacturers by sales volume, 86 percent of their products were classified as ultra-processed.
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Integrative Medicine.
MINDFULNESS
FOR C ANCER SUR VIVORS
C
ancer survivor” refers to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life. Early cancer detection and improved treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapies, bone marrow and stem cell transplants, have led to a growing population of cancer survivors, which now exceeds 12 million, or 1 in 25 Americans.
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Cancer and Emotions. Though we do not have a clear scientific understanding of the exact mechanisms by which psychological stress may affect tumor growth and spread, the National Cancer Institute provides a fact sheet recognizing that, for some people, there seems to be a relationship between attitudes, emotions, the immune system and cancer. Psychological factors, especially repressed emotions and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, seem to impact the growth or spread of cancer in some cancer survivors. Rather than labeling certain emotions as good and others as bad, a better distinction seems to be “welcomed and expressed” versus “denied and repressed.” Journaling about all emotions can be especially therapeutic. It seems prudent, therefore, to recommend emotional expression and stress management as part of a cancer survivor’s personal plan for managing cancer, maintaining health and preventing recurrent cancer and other medical conditions, including new cancers. Even if there is no connection between a given individual’s cancer and stress, the many positive side benefits of stress management can improve
overall physical, mental and emotional health. Mindfulness for Cancer. Mindfulness is a widely used approach for managing the symptoms of stress-related chronic diseases, including cancer. Mindfulness programs are offered to cancer survivors and their families in major medical centers. Mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR) is an empowering mind-body approach that helps cancer survivors reclaim their lives. MBCR is a cancer-specific application of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), which has been used since 1978 to manage the stress of a wide range of physical, mental and emotional conditions. Mindfulness-based educational programs can help cancer survivors cope with the stress of a cancer diagnosis, navigating the health care system, prolonged procedures and painful treatments. Managing the emotional roller coaster of cancer survivorship can help survivors think clearly and plan with their medical team, family, insurer and employer. Psychological research has clearly demonstrated feelings of empowerment, self-control and selfefficacy are associated with better outcomes and survival than feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. One’s attitude, personal psychology, self-efficacy and sense of social support can literally be the difference between life and death. Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery. Psychologists specializing in psycho-oncology developed MBCR by tailoring MBSR to cancer survivors and their families. Like MBSR, MBCR is a therapeutic combination of gentle yoga, body scan, sitting
meditation, walking meditation, loving-kindness and other meditative practices. These practices can be used during most stages of cancer treatment as well as during recovery. Research suggests some cancer survivors respond to stress management practices with improved immune function and reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, confusion, fatigue and fears of cancer recurrence. Such psycho-educational programs can help some cancer survivors more effectively manage difficult symptoms and treatment side effects. Some find their internal capacity for healing and strength for the first time and learn to thrive despite the often life-altering impact of cancer. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mood disorders in people with or without cancer. Research has shown mindfulness training, especially in a structured, facilitated group experience, can significantly reduce anxiety and depression. The combination of MBSR and cognitive behavior therapy has led to the development of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), which can help people manage chronic, recurrent, relapsing depression, often with less need for anti-depressant medication. Even a small reduction in medication use can save money and reduce the side effects and interactions that can occur when multiple drugs are taken together. Reducing drug dependency can also increase feelings of self-control, empowerment and hope. Specialized tailoring of MBSR for those with anxiety is also now available.
Mindfulness is clearly emerging as one of the safest and most helpful integrative mind-body approaches for cancer survivors and their loved ones. Resources
• Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery: A Step-By-Step MBSR Approach to Help You Cope with Treatment and Reclaim Your Life. Carlson and Speca (2011) • Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World. Williams and Penman (2012) • National Cancer Institute. Psychological stress and cancer: Questions and answers. www. cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/ Risk/stress • National Institute of Mental Health Fact Sheet on Stress. www.nimh. nih.gov/health/publications/stress/ fact-sheet-on-stress.shtml
About the Author: Dr. 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 family practice faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Saybrook College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences (Pasadena) and the Center for Mind Body Medicine (Washington, D.C.). He operates the Mind Body Studio in Lexington, where he offers individual consultations and group classes in stress management, mindfulness and relaxation training. He can be reached through his website at www.mindbodystudio.org.
ABOUT MIND BODY STUDIO Mind Body Studio
517 Southland Drive, Lexington • 859.373.0033 • www.mindbodystudio.org Offering integrative medicine consultations and experiential health and wellness education to help you mobilize your natural healing ability by integrating mind, body, spirit and our relationship with each other and the earth.
For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email brian@rockpointpublishing.com | October 2019
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CRISPR TRIALS UNDERWAY IN U.S. By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer
CRISPR-Cas9 is a snipping technology that enables precise changes in highly specific locations in a cell’s genetic code. It does this by removing or replacing parts of the genome. Even tiny changes to individual genes can alter the function of a cell. The technology is derived from single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms and is composed of guided strands of RNA as well as the Cas9 enzyme. The enzyme does the cutting. Several different clinical trials using CRISPR to treat and potentially cure patients of serious medical conditions launched in the United States in the past year. These trials are in Phase 1 and 2 small studies designed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of potential treatments for melanoma, lymphoma, sickle cell disease and blindness. The first U.S. CRISPR clinical trial began last September, led by University of Pennsylvania professor of medicine Edward Stadtmauer. It included 18 patients with relapsed cancer who tend to overproduce the antigen NY-ESO-1. The genetic modification was derived from viruses such as HIV. The researchers added a gene to direct modified T cells to target cells with NY-ESO-1. They also sought to eliminate the protein PD-1 that could prevent the T
cells from killing cancer cells. Patients underwent chemotherapy to deplete their natural reserves of T cells, then received an infusion of the edited T cells to replace them. The trial is scheduled to conclude in 2033. Massachusetts-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics have two separate clinical trials underway. One focuses on editing donor T cells to fight non-responsive or relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It has 95 participants and works with T cells edited to target CD-19, a protein that makes B cells that can become malignant in this cancer. Researchers removed two proteins to prevent the patients’ immune systems from rejecting the donated T cells and to stop the T cells from attacking non-cancerous cells. Before human clinical trials began, a prototype treatment in mice with acute leukemia stalled tumor growth for about 60 days. Additionally, lab tests showed the modified human T cells were successfully able to target and kill marked cancer cells. The patients’ survival and recurrence rates will be tracked for five years. Another clinical trial involves boosting fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in patients with sickle cell disease, a genetically inheritable condition that causes hemoglobin proteins to clump into long fibers that warp disc-shaped red blood cells into sickle shapes. The irregularly shaped blood cells are short-lived and can’t flow smoothly through blood vessels, causing blockages, intense pain and anemia. Patients’ own stem cells were edited outside of the body to pump out high levels of HbF, a protein that typically has only trace levels (1 percent) in adulthood. The patients’ unedited bone marrow cells were destroyed with chemotherapy and then re-injected through a catheter. The goal was to generate 20 percent or more HbF in the bloodstream for at least three months. This trial is scheduled
to conclude in May 2022. If successful, the therapy will offer another option for sickle cell disease. The only current cure for it is a bone marrow transplant, but the likelihood of finding a marrow donor match is low, says the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Just two FDA-approved drugs currently exist for sickle cell. One of them, hydroxyurea, also works by increasing HbF. At the end of July, Cambridge-based Editas Medicine and Irish company Allergan began enrollment for a clinical trial for a treatment for a type of inherited childhood blindness known as Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). This is the first These trials are CRISPR clinical in Phase 1 and trial to do cellular editing in vivo, or 2 small studies in the human body. designed to About 18 participants, some as demonstrate young as 3 years old, the safety will be included. These patients have and efficacy a particular subset of potential of LCA caused by a single genetic mutatreatments. tion that impairs photoreceptors, the cells in the eye that convert light into signals. A type of adenovirus is injected into the space behind the retina. It infects the photoreceptor cells with DNA instructions that cut the photoreceptor genome in specified locations. This causes the cells to regrow without the mutation. Previously, the EDIT-101 treatment was tested in non-human primates and also in tiny samples of a donated human retina.
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