HEALTH&fit Sunday, April 28, 2019
New Heart Failure Monitoring at Silver Cross | 4 Accuquest - Many Forms of Tinnitus | 6 Silver Cross Robotic Surgery | 8 & 9 Lifestyle Changes Make a Difference | 15
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 1
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Q U A L I T Y H E A LT H C A R E M AT T E R S Riverside Healthcare has been named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades. This distinction places Riverside in the top 2% of more than 4,500 United States hospitals. More importantly, it tells patients and their loved ones that selecting the right healthcare partner really does make all the difference.
CHOOSING RIVERSIDE MATTERS.
To ďŹ nd out more about this award visit riversidehealthcare.org
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 2
HEALTHCARE 4/18/19 11:32 AM
HEALTH&fit
index 4.......................................... Heart Monitoring System at Silver Cross 6......................................................................... Many Forms of Tinnitus
Shaw Media
1851 Surgery 8 & 9...................................................... Silver Cross est. Robotic
Publisher Steve Vanisko 815-280-4103 svanisko@shawmedia.com Designer Beverly Rogman 815-526-4541 brogman@shawmedia.com
10.............................................. Endless Possibilities at Harbor Chase est. 1851
12..................................................... OLA Recognized for Quality Care 13........................................................... Professional Medical Profile Silver Cross Expands Mental Health Services
14.............................................................................. Exercise and Aging 15..............................................................Morris Man lost 100 Pounds
Published by Shaw Media 2175 Oneida Street, Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-280-4100 Fax: 815-729-2019 www.theherald-news.com
est. 1851
Spider Veins May Be A Sign Of Varicose Veins. If left untreated Ulcers can develop in the legs. Don’t let this happen to you!
SM-CL1640248
Most patients with Varicose Veins report symptoms of itchiness, fatigue, pain and discomfort in the legs, and swelling of the skin. Trust an expert! Call Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center to set up a FREE Vein Screening. Start today and you will be wearing shorts by summer! We accept most insurances! Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center • 815-254-8888 • www.eternalaser.com SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 3
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 3
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Silver Cross 1st to Offer Patients a New Heart Failure Monitoring System Silver Cross Hospital and Heart Care Centers of Illinois (HCCI) have collaborated to bring to the region the first miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS Heart Failure System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure.
to reduce the likelihood that the patient will need to be hospitalized.
Hong Jun Yun, MD On April 9, HCCI cardiologist Hong Jun Yun, M.D., successfully implanted the CardioMEMS devices in a 66-year-old male and a 64-year-old female, both diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The innovative CardioMEMS system at Silver Cross features a sensor that is implanted in the pulmonary artery (PA) during a non-surgical procedure to directly measure PA pressure. Increased PA pressures appear before weight and blood pressure changes, which are often used as indirect measures of worsening heart failure. The CardioMEMS system allows the patient to transmit critical information about their heart failure status to a clinician on a regular basis, without the need for additional clinic or hospital visits. This enables clinicians to detect worsening heart failure sooner and adjust treatment
“Silver Cross is committed to providing exceptional patient care,” adds Silver Cross Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Ruth Colby, “and that includes investing in innovative medical technologies like CardioMEMS that help improve outcomes and reduce hospitalizations for patients with heart failure.” Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 6 million Americans have heart failure, and 900,000 new patients are diagnosed each year. Patients with heart failure are frequently hospitalized, have a reduced
Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization for Americans over the age of 65. According to the American Heart Association, the estimated direct and indirect cost of heart failure in the U.S. in 2012 was $31 billion, and that number is expected to more than double by 2030. The CardioMEMS sensor is designed to last the lifetime of the patient and doesn’t require batteries. Once implanted, the wireless sensor, no bigger than a dime, sends pressure readings to an external patient electronic system. There’s no pain or sensation for the patient during the readings. Clinical trial data showed that CardioMEMS technology reduces heart failure hospital admissions by up to 37 percent in patients with Class III heart
The CardioMEMS system allows the patient to transmit critical information about their heart failure status to a clinician on a regular basis, without the need for additional clinic or hospital visits. quality of life and face a higher risk of death; in fact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that half of heart failure patients die within five years of diagnosis.
failure and improved quality of life and the ability to exercise. For more information about heart care at Silver Cross, visit www.silvercross.org
4 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 4
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Silver Cross is one of the SAFEST hospitals in the nation. 8 STRAIGHT A’s for Patient Safety Keeping patients safe is our No. 1 priority, which is why Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has been recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America by the Leapfrog Group. Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data so consumers can see how well their hospital protects patients from errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. More than 2,600 U.S. hospitals are graded twice per year. It’s calculated by top safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. To see Silver Cross Hospital’s full grade and tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. • New Lenox • (815) 300-1100 • www.silvercross.org JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 5
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Tinnitus Comes in Many Forms Dawn Kovacik, M.A., CCC-A
Certified Audiologist | License #147-000011
Tinnitus is often described as the perception of noise independent of any external source of sound. With subjective tinnitus, the individual is the only person able to perceive the noise, which may present as hissing, buzzing, or ringing. In such cases, noise can be perceived in one or both ears, as coming from inside the head, or located around the head with no direction apparent. In other cases, noise may seem to originate from within the individual’s body; this is a rare condition known as objective tinnitus and is usually prompted by a vascular disorder or spasmodic muscle movement. Tinnitus caused or influenced by sensory input from the body is also known as somatic tinnitus.
In general, there is no cure for tinnitus, but those who have “bothersome” tinnitus in addition to hearing loss can often find some relief with the use of a hearing aid combined with external sound stimuli, such as a metronome, white noise, or music delivered through wearable or non-wearable devices. An audiologist can help diagnose and make recommendations for the mitigation of tinnitus side effects. If necessary, hearing aids can be fitted for those who present both with tinnitus and hearing loss, to help provide clearer hearing of real noise and dampen down the effects of perceived noise.
RIC
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, primary tinnitus may present with hearing loss or with no identifiable cause. Secondary tinnitus has a known and diagnosed cause. Pulsatile tinnitus is generally recognized as a noise that is rhythmic like a heartbeat.
Receiver-In-Canal
AQ Premium Level Tinnitus Support 100% Digital Hearing Aid • Nearly invisible when worn • Bluetooth® enabled • Feedback elimination • Rechargeable options
IIC
Invisible-In-Canal
AQ Premium Level Tinnitus Support 100% Digital Hearing Aid
Some individuals experience tinnitus seldom enough or at such a low level that it can be classed as “no bothersome”, in which case tinnitus has only a small impact on quality of life. In other cases, tinnitus may classed as “bothersome”, meaning it is severe enough to cause significant disruption to quality of life.
• Completely invisible when worn • Custom molded • Bluetooth® enabled • Feedback elimination
CALL TOLL-FREE TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
(888) 349-8109 JOLIET
3077 W. Jefferson St., Ste. 206
NOTICE! CATERPILLAR EMPLOYEES & RETIREES
Your hearing aid benefit could be up to $5,000 with us! Call today for more info!
www.accuquest.com
Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., USA.
PROMO CODE
N-HRN-210-FP-C
6 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 6
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Our hearing aids can make all the difference in your world!
1000
$
OFF MSRP
Any Pair of 100% Digital
 � �
Â?
VALID NOW W THROUGH MAY 31st
#
By Appointment Only
> FREE Hearing Screening & Video Otoscopy > FREE Audiometric Testing > FREE 4-Packs of Batteries (Limit 2 packs per family)
FREE Video Otoscopy & Hearing Screening Expires: 5/31/19
Š2013 AccuQuest Hearing Centers
Your hearing aid today for more info!
Dawn Kovacik Kovacik, M.A., CCC-A Â Â? Â? Â?Â? Â?
Â?   €€ Â? € Â?Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? Â? € Â
Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., USA.
www.accuquest.com
PROMO CODE
N-HRN-415-FP-C
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 7
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 7
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Man Returns to Exercise 2 Weeks after Robotic Hernia Surgery at Silver Cross Ken Lehmann of Tinley Park lived with an inguinal hernia for more than a year. It wasn’t until he went in for his regular checkup last December that his doctor recommended surgery. “I remember blowing my nose one day and felt a small pop,” he said. “After a checkup with my doctor, he sent me over to Dr. Vasdekas to get checked out for the hernia.” Dr. Thomas Vasdekas, boardcertified general surgeon with the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, confirmed Lehmann Dr. Thomas Vasdekas had a left inguinal hernia, and that surgery was the best option to repair it – specifically robotic-assisted surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. While common and not usually lifethreatening, inguinal hernias don’t go away on their own, Dr. Vasdekas explained. Even smaller hernias eventually grow larger and need to be surgically repaired. “The advantages with roboticassisted surgery are that we can make incredibly small incisions to repair the hernia, giving the patient a faster recovery time and with a lot less pain,” Dr. Vasdekas said, who has performed more than 1,000 robotic surgeries. “Less pain means patients require less pain medications. We’re actually seeing less opioid use with robotic surgeries.” Robotic hernia surgery requires three small incisions, two on either side of the lower abdomen and one through the belly button. The da Vinci robotic system at Silver Cross gives surgeons greater dexterity to perform the procedure, while the small incisions cause less strain on the abdomen making recovery for
the patient easier. Lehmann went in for surgery on Jan. 30, and was back to work two days later. He said he had no pain from his incisions, and only some discomfort from the gas used during surgery. “Now, all I have are two quarter inch lines on my stomach, and you can barely even tell anything was done,” he said. “I don’t think it could’ve gone any better.” Healthy and active, Lehmann likes to ride his bicycle 300 miles every month when the weather is warmer. He also works out three times a week. Thanks to
a couple of weeks! “After I had my two-week checkup with Dr. Vasdekas, he gave me the OK to start working out again. By then I felt like I could do anything.” “Everyone at Silver Cross was awesome,” he said. “From the first person that greeted me, to the nurses, anesthesiologists, everyone was incredibly caring and amazing. I felt pretty much at ease from the moment I met Dr. Vasdekas and throughout the process.”
“The advantages with robotic-assisted surgery are that we can make incredibly small incisions to repair the hernia, giving the patient a faster recovery time and with a lot less pain.” Dr. Thomas Vasdekas, General Surgeon robotic surgery at the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, he was only off his schedule for
For more information, visit www. midwestroboticsurgery.org
8 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 8
4/18/19 11:32 AM
Woman Vacationing Just Weeks after Robotic Partial Knee Replacement Every March, Tammy Zeiter and her family vacation in Mexico, but when they were there last year, the Morris business owner started noticing increased pain in her right knee. Tests ordered by her doctor showed a torn meniscus and diseased cartilage, causing the bones to rub against each other painfully. But even after a meniscus repair, Zeiter said her pain persisted. “It would just swell up all the time,” she explained. “So I decided instead of having it just continuously drained and going through constant problems, I would just get it fixed.” That’s when she came to see Dr. Rajeev Puri, orthopedic surgeon with the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. After additional tests, Dr. Puri recommended a partial knee replacement as the best option for Zeiter. Dr. Rajeev Puri With a partial knee replacement, only the damaged
part of the knee is replaced, which helps minimize trauma to the healthy bone and tissue. The Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital uses the Mako robotic-arm assisted technology for partial and full knee replacements. The Mako allows for precise placement of the implant. “Robotic surgery was the best option for Tammy, and using the Mako robot, I’m able to replace the part of her knee that was diseased while helping to spare the healthy bone and ligaments around it,” Dr. Puri said. “Two weeks after surgery, and she no longer needed a cane to walk around. She’s even wearing heals and riding a bike in her therapy!” Three weeks after surgery, Zeiter was feeling great. Walking up stairs is easier, and she’s even able to exercise and do squats – something that would have caused her significant pain before surgery. Best of all, she was looking forward to the next family trip to Mexico! “I’m doing great,” she said. “I’ve already gotten back to work, and even graduated to outpatient rehab a couple weeks after surgery. Dr. Puri, his entire staff, and everyone at Silver Cross Hospital were just
amazing. They went above and beyond for me. I told my husband if I ever need anything else done I want to go back to Silver Cross.” For more information, visit www. midwestroboticsurgery.org
About the Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross The Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox is home to the largest robotics program in the Chicago area and some of the most highly skilled surgeons in the United States. The Institute’s comprehensive team of robotic surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians has safely performed over 8,000 robotic procedures with outcomes that far exceed the national average. In fact, our patients consistently rate us in the Top 10% in the nation for patient satisfaction. With three da Vinci® surgical robots – including the latest da Vinci XI®, we perform the most robotic surgical procedures, hysterectomies, and colorectal procedures in the Chicago metropolitan area. And, we are one of the Top 3 robotic surgery centers in the Midwest. The Midwest Institute for Robotic Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital is the only facility in the Will County to offer Mako™ robotic-arm assisted surgery for partial knee and total hip replacement for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis. This new technology helps provide more accurate placement and alignment of a patient’s implant. What’s more, Silver Cross was the first hospital in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky to offer robotic spine surgery with navigation through the Globus ExcelsiusGPS system.
The Institute is also home to some of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the region and nation. Several are pioneers in their field mentoring other surgeons across the 50 states and around the world in advanced colorectal, gynecological, and hernia repair and gallbladder removal robotic techniques. Others help design the implants used during joint replacement surgery. These experts even perform complex procedures such as Single-Site® Hysterectomy and cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) through one tiny incision in the belly button for virtually scar-less results. For more information, visit www.midwestroboticsurgery.org SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 9
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 9
4/18/19 11:32 AM
HarborChase of Plainfield Offers Unsurpassed Hospitality and Endless Possibilities Located at 12446 S. Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, HarborChase of Plainfield Assisted Living and Memory Care offers an active and engaging retirement lifestyle, full of new friends, awardwinning cuisine, generous amenities, superior concierge services and energizing social events. To help cultivate its emphasis on hospitality, the community is staffed 24 hours a day with associates and concierge. “At HarborChase of Plainfield, we want residents to enjoy life, make friends, and experience a high level of independence and freedom,” said Leonard Gibson, Executive Director at HarborChase of Plainfield. “Every inch of our community has been thoughtfully designed and created to cater to the wants, needs and desires of our residents. We take care the little things so you’ll have more time to indulge your interests.” HarborChase has a variety of upscale features for residents to enjoy. Luxury parlors and seating areas are also conveniently spread across the community. The community also offers a true all-day dining experience for residents and their loved ones to enjoy. HarborChase’s culinary team is committed to creating dining experiences that residents will find extraordinary and irresistible. “We pride ourselves in providing farm-to-table, from scratch meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients,” said Gibson. “Our culinary team is focused on both surprising and delighting our residents. Our chef-developed menu is focused on healthy, nutritious, flavorful and regionalized cuisine. Our chef creates meals that keep our residents excited. Menus consist of resident requests, local favorites and creative creations.” The Life Enrichment program at HarborChase helps to enhance independence and choice for residents. It was created to provide a wide and pleasing variety of fitness classes, cultural events, learning opportunities, entertainment options, religious programs and group
events. To help maximize participation, residents are encouraged to request specific classes and experiences. “We work hard to ensure that residents have fun and energizing things to look forward to every day,” said Gibson. “Whether its live entertainment, an educational class, a movie, a shopping excursion or an organized fitness class, our associates strive to make sure that there is truly something for everyone to look forward to and enjoy every day.” While HarborChase has upscale amenities and an emphasis on enjoying life, residents also enjoy a perfect combination of convenience and care. The community offers a variety of care levels, including: assisted living, memory care, respite care and day retreats. Residents receive the appropriate level of support needed to nurture and maintain independence for as long as possible. “We truly believe in making every moment count for our residents and their loved ones,” said Gibson. “We want to compassionately focus on each person’s interests, abilities and strengths.” In addition to their levels of attention and care, HarborChase offers a number of additional care services. Available services include: MD, therapy, support groups, auditory clinics, psychology and podiatry. “At HarborChase, all care partners and associates are carefully selected, not only for their caregiving knowledge and expertise, but also for their warm and caring hearts,” said Gibson. “Our paramount desire is to create an exceptional day for each resident which surpasses both resident and family expectations. Our associates are truly dedicated to our core values of respect, attentiveness, integrity, stewardship and excellence.” For more information or to schedule a personalized tour and complimentary chef-prepared lunch, call (815) 267-3510.
10 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 10
4/18/19 11:33 AM
Let Us Help Make It Easier!
HARBORCHASE WILL REIMBURSE YOU UP TO
2,000
$
*Towards Your Move
Are you ready to make the move to HarborChase? Let us help make it easier! Move into HarborChase by April 30th and we’ll help you pack up and move! We’ll even reimburse up to $2,000 of your moving expenses! We want to ease your mind and help ensure a smooth transition to the exceptional lifestyle of HarborChase.
Call today for details on this limited time offer!
12446 S. Van Dyke Rd. Plainfield, IL 60585
(815) 267-1841
*Limited time only. Offer covers up to $2,000 toward the cost of moving expenses. Offer expires 4/30/19 Applies to new residents only.
Find us on
www.HarborChasePlainfield.com JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 11
4/18/19 11:33 AM
OLA Recognized for National Nursing Home Quality Care Honor Roll
Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) in Joliet is pleased to report that once again, OLA is on the National Nursing Home Quality Care Honor Roll List. The only Joliet facility with this honor, the National Nursing Home Quality Care Honor Roll recognizes “performances on the long-stay quality measures on Nursing Home Compare, which has aligned with the top 10% of nursing homes in the United States.” “OLA is constantly evolving based on seniors’ needs and
expectations of a soon-to-be year 2020 senior living community,” states George Block, OLA Administrator. “We are honored to be recognized and hope to continue strengthening staff-toresident communication, daily wellness check-ins, mobilityengagement and overall care for both short-term and long-term stay individuals.” These efforts will not only include a resident’s overall health, but also their mental and spiritual well-being. “This recognition is an honor for our directors, nursing and support staff who work together to make this possible. Their dedication to patient care is what makes OLA such a special place to live!” Nursing homes on the National Nursing Home Quality Care Collaborative Honor Roll have demonstrated a focus on safety and quality. According to nhqualitycampaign.org, “The NNHQCC strives to instill sustainable quality and performance improvement practices, eliminate health care-acquired conditions (HACs) and improve resident satisfaction and safety by focusing on the systems that impact quality long-term health care.” Continue your story with Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Enhance your quality of living and enjoy a resident-centered, retirement home community providing high-quality care and rehabilitation services for seniors. A welcoming community awaits perspective seniors and their families. Call and schedule a tour today. To speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator, call 815-725-6631 ext. 4113.
2018
12 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 12
4/18/19 11:33 AM
Professional Medical Profile
Unique individuals who provide specialized medical services
Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital Expands Mental Health Services
Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital, a freestanding 100-bed psychiatric hospital located on the campus of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, recently expanded the mental health and chemical dependency treatment available at the new hospital. On April 1, Silver Oaks began accepting adults ages 18-54 into inpatient care. The new service offering joins the currently running Senior Adult Monarch Program. The 25-bed Adult Psychiatry Program provides care for adults struggling with mental health and/or chemical dependency conditions. “More than 1,000 people die from suicide in Illinois each year, and that number continues to grow over time,” explains Silver Oaks Chief Executive Officer Scott Hullinger, Scott Hullinger. Chief Executive Officer “Individuals at risk for suicide span all age ranges, but there is a particular concern as these rates are dramatically increasing among middle-aged men.”
Mental health conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma and lack of education on how to recognize signs and symptoms. What’s more, unregulated use of legal and illegal opiates is straining the limited resources available for those who need treatment, and access to these drugs is easier than ever. High levels of opiate use are prevalent in Chicagoland, with increased access to these and other drugs in suburban neighborhoods. Sophisticated manufacturing of heroin has led to higher levels of addiction as other drugs, such as fentanyl, have been added. This reduces the amount of time it takes to develop an addiction, and due to the stronger effects of the drug, an increase in overdose deaths. Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital also provides inpatient medical detoxification from opiates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Silver Oaks offers a no-cost assessment to determine what level of care is best for each individual. “Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital understands that people are impacted by life’s challenges differently, and the hospital stands ready to meet the mental health needs of our community,” Hullinger added.
The Adult Psychiatry Program offers caring and nurturing treatment for suicidal behaviors, anxiety, depression, loss and grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, help processing significant life changes, trauma-related experiences and many others. Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital uses evidence-based modalities that are proven to be effective in the treatment of mental health conditions. Patients receive the most modern psychiatric care that is currently available. The hospital works closely with medical providers to ensure effective integration of mental and physical health care. A joint venture between US HealthVest and Silver Cross Hospital, Silver Oaks Behavioral Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient services for mental health and chemical dependency care. PMS Cool Grey 10 c CMYK 61 - 53 - 48 - 20
Primary Logo Font Used: Helvetica Bold Condensed
PMS 355 c CMYK 98 - 12 - 100 - 2
Black Logo
Secondary Font Use: Helvetica Regular
To schedule a free assessment, please call (844) 580-5000. For more information, visit silveroaksbehavioralhospital.com. One Color Logo - PMS 2945c
One Color Logo - PMS Cool Grey 9 c
4.5” logo
817-801-8000 www.DigitalCCink.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 13
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 13
4/18/19 11:33 AM
Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50 In an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury. • Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise. • Begin with low-intensity exercises. Even if you feel great
and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. • Choose the right places to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. • Stay hydrated. The NIA notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise. Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break.
14 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 14
4/18/19 11:33 AM
Ray Cockream of Morris is enjoying life after losing 100 pounds with the guidance of Morris Hospital cardiologist, Dr. Syed Ahmed.
Lifestyle Changes Do Make a Difference How local man lost 100 pounds with help from Morris Hospital cardiologist Sometimes all it takes is a different perspective and some encouragement to get back on track to better health. Ray Cockream, 71, of Morris, got just that about two years ago when he walked in to his first appointment with Morris Hospital cardiologist Dr. Syed Ahmed. At the time, Ray had high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and could walk only a few steps before losing his breath and having to sit down and rest. He weighed 400 pounds. Dr. Ahmed told his new patient how concerned he was about his health. “Dr. Ahmed told me he should put me in the hospital right then,” Cockream says. The news only got worse. After some diagnostic tests, Cockream learned he had unknowingly suffered a heart attack that damaged his heart. Fortunately, the damage was not severe. Cockream had a talk with Dr. Ahmed about his health. “He said that if I listened to him, we could try something that would help me,” says Cockream. That advice involved lifestyle changes: eat less, eat better and move more. Two years later, Cockream is down 100 pounds, can get around much easier, and was able to discontinue a couple of his medications.
A Time for Change Cockream says Dr. Ahmed came into his life at just the right time. Over the past few years, he had gradually become less able to do the things he and his wife, Linda, had enjoyed. The couple used to square dance together and walk along Liberty Street in downtown Morris during Cruise Nights. At one time, Cockream was in good enough shape to work as a fireman in Morris for 17 years and had even served on the fire crew at the Indianapolis 500. By the time a good friend suggested he see Dr. Ahmed, Cockream could barely walk through his own house. He wasn’t even out of the cardiologist’s office before he made a commitment to himself to get on the road to health. While Cockream had known for some time that this was something he needed to do, it was the encouragement and guidance of a good doctor that finally gave him the motivation. “I knew Dr. Ahmed cared and was looking after my best interest,” he says. “He knew what I needed to do to make it work. Right off the bat, we hit it off as a team.” Road to Success Cockream started by cutting back on his meal portions. No more double cheeseburgers with fries and no more fistfuls of cookies. Instead, he might have a junior
burger at a restaurant or two cookies for an afternoon snack. What used to be a plateful of pasta changed into a scoopful. He also eats less meat and more vegetables. But it’s his activity that has really made the difference. “It’s all about choices. And you have to stay busy,” he says. “If you just lay around in front of the television, it’s not going to work. I just buckled down and stay busy.” As his health improved, Cockream started feeling good enough to work on his ’68 Chevy Chevelle, do yard work, walk, and eventually ride his bicycle. Little by little as the pounds dropped off, his energy returned, and his health improved. Today, he enjoys being more involved with his four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. “Boy, it’s so much better now,” says Cockream. “I feel one hundred percent better. Dr. Ahmed has been great as far as keeping me on track. He’s kind of coached me on doing this. Everyone in his office is just super.” Dr. Ahmed is part of Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists, a practice of four cardiologists with office locations in Morris, Dwight, Ottawa, and in Channahon at the Morris Hospital Ridge Road Campus. For more information, call 815-705-1000, or go to morrishospital.org/cvspecialists. SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 15
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 15
4/18/19 11:33 AM
This is your connection to Morris Hospital
130 physicians. 36 medical specialties. Choosing a healthcare provider is an important decision. Whether you’re looking for a primary care provider or a specialist, we offer 130 options in 36 different specialties. Plus, you’ll find providers on the Morris Hospital medical staff in Braidwood, Channahon, Coal City, Dwight, Gardner, Marseilles, Mazon, Minooka, Morris, Newark, Ottawa, Seneca and Yorkville.
That’s a lot of options, without having to search far from home. Allergy/Immunology Anesthesiology Aviation Cardiology Colon and Rectal Surgery Dermatology Emergency Medicine Endocrinology Family Medicine Gastroenterology Gynecology Hospitalist Immediate Care
Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Obstetrics & Gynecology Occupational Medicine Oncology/Hematology Ophthalmology Orthopedic Spine Surgery Orthopedic Surgery Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) Pain Management
Pathology Pediatrics Plastic Surgery Podiatry Pulmonary Medicine Radiation Oncology Radiology Rheumatology Sleep Medicine Surgery, General Urology
To learn more about the providers by specialty, visit morrishospital.org/doctors. 16 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019
JHN_HealthFit_042819.indd 16
morrishospital.org 4/18/19 11:33 AM