Get Healthy by The Times of NWI

your life.better.

With a commitment to providing personalized patient care, Porter integrates the most advanced technology to deliver the treatment that makes your life…better.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

The first and only regional hospital to offer OSI surgical technology, which gets you up and moving more quickly.

daVinci Robotic Surgery

The most advanced technology for urologic and cervical surgeries, resulting in less pain, less blood loss, less scaring, and shorter recovery times.

Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Our team is committed to the prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Named Best in Region for Coronary Intervention Procedures in 2009 by HealthGrades®.

Top 15% in the Nation

HealthGrades®, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings organization, has ranked nine of Porter’s services in the top 15% in the nation for 2009 including: treatment of stroke, coronary intervention, overall orthopedic services, treatment of pneumonia, GI procedures and surgeries, and more.

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2 Hospitals. 350 Physicians. 7 Convenient Outpatient Locations. VALPARAISO PORTAGE CHESTERTON HEBRON DEMOTTE SERVING LAKE, PORTER, LAPORTE, STARKE, NEWTON, AND JASPER COUNTIES

january/february 2010

GET WELL SOON NOW

Sick with a cold or flu? With the help of these home remedies and attitude adjustments, you’ll be healthy again in no time.

what’s new Local Health News

survivor spotlight By Casandra Riddle

CONVENIENT CARE

MORE Wii Whether you’ve sweated it out on Wii Fit long enough to know your favorite routines by memory or you’re ready for a fun, easy way to get yourself in gear, Nintendo is shaking things up with Wii Fit Plus. The new package has fifteen new balance games and six new yoga and strength activities. And, if you’ve ever quietly wondered if Segway tours would be your thing, there’s even a challenge that mixes Segways and scenic beaches—without the goofy looks from total strangers.

INPATIENT REHAB

FINALLY . . . SINUS RELIEF

GOURMET SURVIVAL GUIDES The Eat This, Not That! series of books has guided readers toward making smarter food choices since they hit the shelves a few years ago. And this year they’re amping up their approach, with the Eat This, Not That! Restaurant and Fast-Food Survival Guide and Cook This, Not S That! Kitchen Survival Guide. The T Restaurant and Fast-Food Survival R Guide dishes up info on thousands G of popular restaurant foods, with w calorie-cutting tips and a report card on the best and r worst restaurants in America. w But B if staying in is more your style, the Kitchen Survival Guide s brings restaurant-style dishes b into in your kitchen with less budgetand gut-busting. b INSTANT BREAKFAST Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but it’s arguably the most inconvenient. If you’re pressed for time, sugar-laden cereals, donuts in the office and mid-morning snacks seem painfully tempting. Knock out the morning munchies with Quaker Simple Harvest, a hot instant breakfast with no sci-fi ingredients and about 160 calories per serving. The maple brown sugar with pecans provides 4 grams of protein and 15 percent of your daily dietary fiber to ensure you’re less tempted to down two bear claws with your coffee.

there’s no place like home HOW AT-HOME DIALYSIS SAVED ONE MAN’S LIFE Fifteen years ago, Darrell Polletta of Hobar t was a happy, healthy 35-year-old. An executive sales representative, he ser ved a four-state region to suppor t his growing family. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and flying airplanes. He worked out at the gym regularly and could bench-press 445 pounds. Little did he know what was just around the corner.

etting up for work one morning, Polletta noticed his ankles were swollen. He dismissed it at first, but when they were still swollen the next day, he became concerned. “I’m poking, and my ankles are like silly putty,” he says. He headed for the doctor’s office. Polletta was eventually diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a genetic blood disorder that destroys the kidneys. “It can be

slow, or it can be fast,” he says. “With me, it progressed very rapidly.” Within three years, Polletta required hemodialysis, a procedure where machines are used to perform the function of the kidneys. While FSGS is rare, kidney failure is not. According to nephrologist Rafael Fletes, of DaVita Dialysis Center in Hammond, roughly 400,000 people undergo regular dialysis. “That is just the tip of the iceberg,” Fletes says. There are many more people suffer-

TAKING THE CHALLENGE

the body shop

HEALTHY PRODUCTS

By Sarah Tompkins

ing kidney disease, most of those as a result of diabetes and hypertension. As with most diseases, early detection is key to staving off total failure, but once failure occurs, it is permanent, and dialysis becomes a way of life. Most dialysis patients undergo fourhour sessions, three times a week. It is hardly an ideal replacement for the 24/7 job done by healthy kidneys, but without it, toxins and fluids back up, the composition of the blood becomes unbalanced, and the patient dies. For ten years, Polletta attended regular dialysis sessions. He used clinics in other towns when he was on the road. “I got to be a regular customer,” he jokes. But dialysis is no walk in the park. People often experience nausea, weakness and extreme fatigue after treatments. And, long-term dialysis began to take a toll on Polletta. His blood pressure became difficult to control, and he developed calcium deposits in his joints that affected his mobility. Some deposits became so severe that he needed surgery to remove them. Then, two years ago, Polletta learned of a machine designed for

home use. After researching it, he knew it was for him. “I was the second trainee [at Hammond’s DaVita Dialysis Center]. I’m one of those curious mechanical people,” he says. “I knew how to run my machine years ago. This machine is actually simpler because it’s more computer controlled. You get a lot of support from NxStage, the company that makes the equipment. You can call them up any time of the day or night. They’ll walk you through it.” Switching to home dialysis has made a world of difference for Polletta. Instead of dialyzing three times a week for four hours, he does it six times a week for two and a half hours, a routine that more naturally mimics that of the kidneys and keeps toxins from getting too concentrated. He takes far fewer medications. The calcium deposits in his legs have dissolved. Most importantly, he feels better. “It’s improved my health a substantial amount,” he says. “I sleep better. I have more energy. I feel pretty much like my old self. I pop out of my chair when I’m done, and I get dressed, and I go do what I want to go do.” Home dialysis also gives Polletta more freedom and more control over his life. He is no longer a slave to the clinic schedule. “If I’ve got something going on in the morning,” he explains, “I don’t have to dialyze in the morning. I can dialyze when I get home.” Polletta is relishing his new lease on life. He has taken charge of his health, and feels optimistic about the future. “When I knew I was going to do it, I went to La-Z-Boy and bought myself a really nice chair,” he says. “When something like this happens in your life, and you’re put against the wall, you either do this, or you die. People ask, ‘How can you do that?’ There’s no choice. I want to take care of myself. I have a lot of things to look forward to.”

The Newest Stress Reliever

“In a c culture of ambition and activity we seldom take the time to relax and recharge,” says Karen Schutters, of Schutte ers, personal trainer and owner of Priority Fitness in Munster. Combining the benefits bene hydromassage and guided imagery, area residents now have two new options for de-stressing, healing and maintaining optimal health. Hydromassage is a computerized bed containing multiple jets that isolate pressure on your lower back, upper back, upper legs, calves and feet. These jets travel up and down the body and can be adjusted for speed and intensity by the user. The entire experience lasts up to fifteen minutes, easily fitting into anyone’s post-workout routine, or as an ongoing relaxation regimen. Like other massage treatments, the benefits of hydromassage include calming the nervous system, reducing chronic pain, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins and physically relaxing the body. However, unlike the expense of a massage therapist, a hydromassage costs only ten dollars a session, making it a more affordable option for ongoing treatment. Guided imagery is a meditating and highly relaxing system aimed at creating mental clarity.

With the use of an antigravity reclining chair, the body’s weight is suspended for optimum relaxation. Headphones are worn to play various recordings of life-affirming and motivational passages. Some of these passages reinforce the ideas of focus; others suggest optimism with use of inspirational words. All of the passages are recorded over the peaceful sensation of precise sound waves and gentle music. The whole experience can last up to an hour and will leave the user feeling calm, rejuvenated and crisp.

SKIN SO SOFT

Ultimate

a helping hand Having a serious health, family or financial problem? Do you know someone who is living with abuse, a chronic illness or without the basics? Do you not know what to do, where to go—or who to see? Sometimes life’s misfortunes leave those who are victimized feeling powerless and overwhelmed. And that may be a good time to contact We Care From the Heart, a social service agency that has a reputation for doing it all. The Hammond agency—with a satellite office in East Chicago—grapples with everything that can overpower people and keep them down: turned-off utilities, benefit applications that are hard to understand, home clutter, emergency food and clothing needs, living with a batterer.

The

The agency also addresses problems facing the elderly, the developmentally disabled, the mentally ill, people who are HIVpositive and people in need of legal services, home repairs and counseling. Executive director Dianne Craft says she has been a “caretaker” all her life. She learned from her parents, who made a point of helping the elderly, neighbors and even strangers in need. She, in turn, carried on their values, wanting to “master” everything there was to help others— from applying for government benefits to helping the elderly get into foster care for seniors instead of having to live in nursing homes. A few years ago, she asked two friends to pool their money with hers—$90 to be exact—in order to start the all-purpose agency. “The only thing we

don’t provide is hospice,” says Craft, who works with thirty-five employees who do everything from medical treatment to job training. She is linked to many other agencies, too, and knows exactly who is out there to address any problem that comes along. Craft says the agency serves 1,000 people per year at no cost to the client. “I tried to start a waiting list,” she says, “but I just couldn’t. We deal with crisis. When people need help, they need it now.”

ARE YOU A HYPOCHONDRIAC? Sometimes hypochondriacs are the butt of jokes. People who worry about imaginary illnesses can be funny; they read about illnesses in magazines, see them on TV dramas and talk shows, hear about neighbors who have been hospitalized for some serious malady, and then decide they are suffering the same fate.They worry about contracting all kinds of sicknesses, and are often convinced they have them, despite trips to the doctor that generate a clean bill of health.

Test

Fitness

I’m gasping for air into a fighter pilot mask at a dead sprint on a treadmill. I’m given a few minutes to recover before pulling myself under water and expelling every last ounce of oxygen in my lungs. This isn’t some sort of training regime for the Navy Seals, it’s a controversial experiment in fat loss to learn what the numbers on a scale will never reveal.

he idea to pursue this test was born out of frustration. After completing the Ironman race, I was still left with some fat around my middle. I was ready to give up, until a chance meeting with Chad Leader of the Crown Point-based Ultimate Test Lab (ultimatetestlab.com) gave me hopes of a midsection worthy of an underwear ad. As we went over the numbers from Leader’s three tests—resting metabolic rate, VO2 Max, and hydrostatic weighing, it was the first time I considered that my “clingy” fat wasn’t a metabolism problem, as mine measured in the “very high” category for a mid-twenties male. According to the test, my problem was my low threshold for burning fat. Once my heart rate hits 131 BPM, I move from burning only fat to burning both fat and sugar. Moving past the 161 BPM mark, my body burned pure sugar (mainly from broken-down carbohydrates) as fuel. I spent most of my workout time in the “sugar” zone, helping contribute to my 21 percent body fat percentage. The test also showed that my 6’6” frame needed at least 3,200-3,500 calories a day to function properly, far more than the 2,000-2,200 range many doctors refer to. In light of this information, Leader laid out a plan

Positively Powerful Pomegranates

that flies in the face of mainstream weight-loss thought. According to Leader, the first step is to throw out my scale. Technically, my height and weight (6’6”, 240 lbs) put me in the “overweight to obese” category, even though I have a 36-inch waist, can run a sub-seven minute mile and do 100 push-ups. Step two is to get off the “low fat” gerbil wheel. Leader instructed me to eat more, getting 40 percent of my calories from carbs (mostly fruits and vegetables—not bread or pasta) and 30 percent from protein, and to increase my fat intake until it made up 30 percent of my diet (whole milk, meat, avocados and eggs are all excellent sources). Finally, Leader ordered me off the “cardio king” workouts, and suggested that I focus 50 to 60 percent of my workout time in the “pure fat-burning” zone instead (this “zone” is different for everyone, and can only be determined through the test), while also building more muscle mass through resistance training. As my body learns to run on fat rather than sugar, it will not only “lean out” my frame, but also provide a distinct advantage as an endurance athlete. The ironic part of Leader’s controversial test and eating and fitness plans is that it advocates doing what most Americans believe makes them fat. But in a nation where two out of every three people are overweight or obese, it’s clear that the old conversations for fat loss are not yielding the results we want.

GET HEALTHY ONLINE:

green life

The Word on Mercury Fillings For decades, silver-colored fillings have been lining the mouths of Americans everywhere, taking out the decay but perhaps adding something dangerous. According to the American Dental Association, “Dental amalgam is a stable alloy made by combining elemental mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements . . . While questions have arisen about the safety of dental amalgam relating to its mercury content, the major U.S. and international scientific and health bodies . . . have been satisfied that dental amalgam is a safe, reliable and effective restorative material.” Still, many dental patients feel wary of putting such a metal in their mouth, especially when viable alternatives exist. “I stopped doing mercury/amalgam fillings about 11 years ago,” says Dr. James Arnold of Smiles by Arnold & Associates in Chesterton and Valparaiso. “When I realized that it was something that I didn’t really want in my own (or a family member’s) mouth, I made the personal decision not to use it with patients, either. It was the best available restorative material for many decades, and it helped dentists restore teeth that would have been otherwise removed. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to detect cavities lurking beneath old silver/mercury fillings, and problems can escalate rapidly, often without warning. “Additionally, many dentists feel strongly that amalgam fillings create problems with tooth fracture over time. Cracked tooth syndrome is another common development, where hairline cracks can create pain to pressure, hot or cold. It will often lead to catastrophic breakage, creating the need for root canal therapy or removal of the tooth

Deadly Carbon Monoxide

ask the expert FRANK AERTS

The Power of Prevention A registered physical therapist, Frank Aerts serves as director of rehabilitation services for LaPorte Regional Health System, and has more than 25 years of experience in the wellness/physical therapy field. Mr. Aerts received his degree in physical therapy from the University of Leuven in Belgium and is currently working on his doctorate in science at Andrews University in Michigan. He lives in LaPorte with his wife and son, and enjoys participating in triathlons.

SYMPTOMS

in question. These potential emergencies can usually be avoided by upgrading the amalgams preventatively.” Alternatives to mercury fillings include composite fillings, which are made from a mixture of quartz and glass in resin and are the same color as one’s own tooth; and glass ionomers, which are made from a mixture of glass powder and acrylic acid and are also the same color as the tooth. Your dentist can help advise you on the best solution for your situation and whether or not you should replace existing amalgam fillings with alternative restorations. “When amalgams are ‘upgraded’ to new restorations, the choice of restoration is dependent upon several factors,” Arnold says. “These include, but are not limited to, how much tooth structure remains, which tooth is being restored, how the tooth ‘lines up’ with the other teeth, and how much force the tooth will need to endure. If you have a good relationship with your dentist, you should trust his or her recommendation as to when and how these old restorations should be upgraded.” Arnold adds, “It’s just nice to know that there are excellent options available.”

TREATMENT

PREVENTION

Q: What are the most important things we can do to stay well? There are eight things: maintain a healthy diet, have a regular exercise program, refrain from substance abuse, manage stress levels, meet regularly with your health care professionals, participate in early detection screenings, follow safety guidelines and regulations, and participate in a medicalbased wellness program. The influence of your diet on your physical and mental health cannot be overstated: “You are what you eat.” Poor eating habits are a major contributing factor to obesity. In the U.S., one in four people are now considered obese, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes, and may increase the risk for certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer. In an exercise program, focus on strength and cardiovascular endurance, proper posture and balance. Exercise for 30 minutes five to six times a week. Regular exercise helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscle and joints; reduces the risk for falls; helps manage weight; helps lower your risk for some diseases; helps control blood pressure and stress levels, depression and anxiety; and boosts self-esteem and well being. Substances that are abused include illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. Maintain good sleeping habits. Create a balance of work/social/family/recreational

activities and exercise on a regular basis. Meet regularly with your family physician/ gynecologist, eye doctor and dentist. In addition to regular eye exams, participate in early detection screenings for colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, osteoporosis and heart conditions. Wear protective safety gear and maintain a safe work environment at home and at your place of employment. Obey seat belt laws and speed limits. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and avoid DWT—driving while texting. To avoid back pain and injury, use safe lifting techniques. Participate in a medical-based wellness program rather than a performance-based program, which measures how far or fast you can run. A wellness program doesn’t train you for the Olympics. A comprehensive plan will help you keep on track and looks at an array of risk factors and numbers such as blood pressure, blood lipids, fat percentage, balance, bone density, etc. Q: What part does heredity play in wellness? We do not have any control over gender, age and heredity. Genetics play a significant role in some health problems; for example, those with a history of early heart disease. In certain cases, genetic makeup can directly cause obesity or may increase the susceptibility for obesity. In the latter case,

outside factors, such as an abundance of food and inactivity, are still required. Your genetic makeup should not discourage you from a healthy lifestyle. Instead, it should give you extra incentives to adhere to it. Q: What part does lifestyle play in wellness? We can’t control our genetics, but we can control our lifestyle, which has a profound impact on our lives. Genetic makeup probably has the greatest influence on your potential life expectancy, but your lifestyle will determine if you reach your potential and will influence the quality of your life, especially at later ages. Lifestyle is learned. We have an epidemic increase in child obesity. Now 17 percent of our children between ages 2 and 19 are overweight. It is very difficult for our children to stay healthy if they do not grow up in an environment that embraces a healthy lifestyle. Q: How important is attitude in staying well? Attitude is everything. It’s a lifestyle— not something you do, but something that you are. Avoid extremes—everything in moderation is the key. For example, don’t exercise excessively; don’t drink excessively, but enjoy a glass of wine. While external motivators are excellent to jumpstart things, it is the internal motivation to be healthy that is needed for long-term commitment.

what’s new

survivor spotlight

the body shop

on your mind

food & fitness

the green life

ask the expert

Local health care news, and fun products that promote fitness and healthy eating

How a new at-home treatment changed—and probably saved—one man’s life

The newest stress relief, how to keep skin soft, and advice from the winners of a weight-loss contest

A social service agency that does it all, and a look inside the mind of a hypochondriac

A fitness test that surprises, and a reminder about why we should be eating pomegranates

The latest on mercury fillings, and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

This health care expert is passionate about the power of prevention

4 letter from the editor 2

food & fitness

on your mind

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

6 health care advisory council

O Over the h last l half h lf century, Lakeshore k h Bone & Joint Institute has h grown to be b Northwest h Indiana’s d ’ largest, l most experienced d orthopedic h d healthcare h lh team. From hip disorders in the young child to sports related injuries in youth and adult athletes to total joint replacements and arthritic conditions in the aging adult, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute has treated patients from childhood to their golden years. Our physicians utilize innovative surgical and non-surgical treatments to speed healing and increase function to help you get back to being your best.

LAKESHORE BONE & JOINT AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: • Sports medicine Michael C. Leland, MD

Bruce J. Thoma, MD

Paul J. Gruszka, MD

Thomas H. Kay, MD

Anton A. Thompkins, MD

Education:

Orthopedic Residency:

Pediatric Orthopedic Residency:

Fellowship:

Sports Medicine Consultant:

Orthopedic Surgeon

BA – Northwestern University, Evanston, IL MD – Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, MI Mary Free Bed Hospital - Grand Rapids, MI

Sports Medicine Consultant: Valparaiso High School

BA – University of Notre Dame South Bend, IN MD – Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN Foot and Ankle Surgery Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, CA/VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA

Orthopedic Surgeon

BS – Tufts University, Medford, MA MD – University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago, IL University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL Kankakee Valley High School

Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

BS – University of Illinois BS – Depauw University Champaign - Urbana, IL Greencastle, IN MD – University of Illinois College of Medicine MD – University of Cincinnati Chicago, IL College of Medicine Cincinatiti, OH University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL

Sports Medicine Consultant: Portage High School

• Spine • Work injuries • Joint replacements

Orthopedic Residency:

• Minimally invasive

Fellowship:

• Foot & ankle

Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN Spine Surgery - Panorama Orthopedics Denver, CO

• Hand & wrist

Sports Medicine Consultant: Chesterton High School

• Shoulder & elbow • Disorders of hip & knee • Pediatric orthopedics • Pain management David J. Musgrave, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Education:

BS – University of Dayton Dayton, OH MD – Ohio State University College of Medicine - Columbus, OH

Orthopedic Residency:

Mount Carmel Medical Center Columbus , OH

Sports Medicine Consultant: Andrean High School

Anthony C. Levenda, MD

Nick Nenadovich, MD

Rebecca B. Anderson, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

Aaron G. Anderson, MD

Education:

BA – Indiana University Northwest Gary, IN MD – Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN

BS – University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI MD – University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, MI

Education:

BS – University of South Florida Tampa, FL MD – University of Chicago Chicago, IL

Orthopedic Residency:

Orthopedic Residency: University of Chicago Chicago, IL

SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY

Fellowship:

University of Chicago Chicago, IL

Fellowship: Sports Medicine/Arthroscopy Total Joint Replacement Toledo Orthopaedic Surgeons - Toledo, OH

Spine Surgery - SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY

Orthopedic Hand Surgeon

• Rheumatology services

BA – Harvard College Cambridge, MA MD – University of Chicago Chicago, IL

• Podiatric services

Orthopedic Residency:

• Orthopedic trauma services

Fellowship:

• Clinical health psychology services

Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH

SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery – Boston Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

• Physical & occupational therapy

Sports Medicine Consultant:

• On site X-ray & MRI

Valparaiso University

• Bone density assessment

Heather Nath, MD

Pain Management Specialist

Rheumatologist

Education:

BS – Bradley University Peoria, IL MD – Rush Medical College Chicago, IL

Anesthesiology Residency: Rush Medical Center Chicago, IL

Fellowship:

Karen Kovalow St. John, MD

Pain Management – Rush Medical Center Chicago, IL

Education:

BS – Heidelberg College Tiffin, OH MD – Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN

Internal Medicine Residency:

Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN

Marc S. Bruell, DPM

Rachel L. Stern, DPM

Steven M. Kalisch, PhD

Education:

Podiatric Surgery Residency:

Preceptorship:

Podiatric Surgeon BS –

Wayne State University Detroit, MI DPM – Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Chicago, IL Lakeside Community Hospital Chicago, IL

Podiatrist BS –

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI DPM – Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine Chicago, IL Certified by the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine

Medical Psychology Specialist BA – University of Vermont Burlington, VT MA – University of Vermont Burlington, VT PhD – United States International University San Diego, CA

Doctoral Internship:

Scripps Medical Hospital, The Pain Center, La Jolla, CA

Fellowship:

Rheumatology – Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN

M a i n : 2 1 9 . 9 2 1 . 1 4 4 4 | L a k e C o u n t y : 2 1 9 . 7 6 9 . 8 4 1 1 | w w w. L B J I . c o m C H E S T E R T O N • C R O W N P O I N T • H O B A R T • L A P O R T E • M I C H I G A N C I T Y • P O R TA G E • VA L PA R A I S O

letter from the editor volume 5 | issue 1

It’s that time of year. • Those two to three pesky months when anyone and everyone suffers from some kind of cold or flu. Except this year’s cold/flu season came early, which means twice as many people are sick for twice the time.

t’s these annoying illnesses—with equally annoying symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, sinus headache)—that are so frustrating because you just have to wait until they go away. You can treat the symptoms but not the root of the problem. You may be well enough to go to work but ill enough to be unfocused and miserable while there. These kinds of illnesses leave you in limbo—you’re not healthy, yet you’re not laid up in a hospital either. You’re in between both extremes, and you feel like you’ll be stuck there forever. But we’re finally learning that prevention is the key to avoiding these kinds of illnesses, as well as the biggies that will lay you up in the hospital. If we take the steps necessary to build a stronger immune system, then we won’t get sick in the first place. Or, as Erika Rose says in our “Get Well Soon Now” feature (page 18), “Focus on giving your body, mind

and spirit the strength it needs to fight its own battles, a strategy that is bound to win out in the end.” Erika’s story lists four easy New Year’s resolutions that promote prevention and just general healthy living. If you’re going to make a change in 2010, these are the ones to make. And if you do, we guarantee sickness will be a thing of the past. But in case you DO get sick, we also offer an expert’s view on home remedies that work, and we investigate whether or not chicken soup really does heal a cold. (It does.) And with all of the talk about flu in the past few months, it seems everyone is becoming a hypochondriac. If you think you might be one of them, check out our story on hypochondria on page 16. Also, learn how to keep your skin soft despite the brutal winter weather (page 12) and read about the power of pomegranates (page 24). This month, our Well-Being events calendar— as well as daily health stories and blogs—can be found at nwitimes.com/gethealthy. And if you want a weekly reminder to read up on health news and advice, be sure to sign up for our Get Healthy e-newsletter. You can subscribe on our website. If you’re sick right now, I hope that the stories in this issue will help bring you healing. I also hope that a year from now we’ll ALL be healthier, thanks to the preventive practices we’re learning about every day. Julia Perla Managing Editor

CORRECTION:

In our November/December issue, “Busting Breast Cancer Myths,” Marylyn Rosencranz was listed as an M.D. when she is actually a D.O. Also, the correct name of the school where she earned her degree is Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. We regret both errors. 4

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

Publisher — BILL MASTERSON, JR. Associate Publisher/Editor — PAT COLANDER Managing Editor — JULIA PERLA Art Director — JOE DURK Designers — APRIL BURFORD, MATT HUSS Asst. Managing Editor — KATHRYN MACNEIL Contributing Editors HEATHER AUGUSTYN, SHARON BIGGS WALLER, ASHLEY BOYER, JULI DOSHAN, Rob Earnshaw, LU ANN FRANKLIN, Terri Gordon, seth “tower” hurd, STEVEN LONGENECKER, BONNIE MCGRATH, CASANDRA RIDDLE, ERIKA ROSE, SARAH TOMPKINS Contributing Photographer Robert Wray Niche Publication Sales Account Executives LESLIE BRYAN, MIKE CANE, ANDREA WALCZAK Advertising Managers DEB ANSELM, CHRIS LORETTO, FRANK PEREA, JEFFREY PRECOURT Production Manager TOM KACIUS Advertising Designers RYAN BERRY, KATHY CAMPBELL, JEFF FOGG, Mark Fortney, JAYME JULIAN, david mosele, JACKIE Murawski, JEFF OLEJNIK, CHRISTINA SOMERS, KATHLEEN STEIN Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 2080 N Main St Crown Point, Indiana 46307 219.662.5300 1111 Glendale Blvd Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151 Copyright, Reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from Get Healthy magazine. Get Healthy magazine is published six times each year by Lee Enterprises, The Times of Northwest Indiana, Niche Division, 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, IN 46321.

ALL HEALTH CARE IS LOCAL TOO The Times Health Care Advisory Council Hears from Lake County CEOs

n serious planning on our niche coverage of Northwest Indiana health care last summer, it dawned on our team that we hadn’t heard from the leadership that we are most dependent on—the executives who manage the business of providing the care for ourselves and our families. This omission is no reflection on the leaders themselves, who are excellent communicators. Rather, the media owns this one. Health care reporting is so focused on the mountain being moved in Washington and analyzing how that might affect us at home, that we forget about local challenges and opportunities in abundance here. The obvious forum to find out about what is going on right now was to bring these leaders together for a discussion. And that became our simple goal. Quickly we realized that although our hospital chiefs were very enthusiastic about a chance to talk to each other and the media, scheduling was going to be a challenge. After a couple of weeks, it became obvious that we should schedule a summit for Lake County and another for Porter and LaPorte County CEOs in the next quarter. Then, working with the communications departments of Methodist, Community and Sisters of St. Francis hospital groups, we narrowed the topics to the few and the important: H1N1, dealing with the geriatric population surge, health care provider education and patient safety. The meeting of Methodist Hospitals’ Ian McFadden, Community’s Don Fesko and Sisters of St. Francis’ Gene Diamond was a learning experience for everyone. The hospital groups—and they are all competitors in every sense—have formed a task force to set and implement uniformed coding for emergencies. For the providers, the work force on the ground, this takes away an extra bit of stress they don’t need and it ultimately makes patients safer. As Gene Diamond says, the people providing the care keep patients safe. “Hospitals are very dangerous places, and we’ve taken intense internal actions to promote patient safety. We want to ensure that every patient is aware of being loved.” For McFadden, safety means helping to prevent the spread of communicable disease, improve the systems for patient identification and medication distribution as well as addressing the issue of long waits in the emergency rooms. CEO Don Fesko is putting priority on working externally on quality of life issues, thinking strategically about the next generation of the provider workforce. Every leader at the table has concerns about shortages of a highly skilled and trained workforce. And marketing Northwest Indiana isn’t the only priority; it goes down the food chain, too. Physicians need the support of academia, the community and their own teams in order to want to work here. (IUN and the teaching hospital for Lake County are almost certainly on the schedule for the next state legislative session and we did not have time to get into it at this discussion.) We are now planning the next meeting of our business and health care advisory boards for Porter County as the General Assembly goes back to work. By then, Congress and the president may have made progress or not, and we will still have much to talk about. Our next update will be in the February issue of this magazine. Have a healthy, happy and blessed New Year. Pat Colander Associate Publisher and Editor

Northwest Indiana health care Advisory council

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Adrian May Hospice of the Calumet Area

John Gorski Community Healthcare System

Debbie Banik, COO Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute

Donald Fesko Community Hospital

Tom Keilman BP

Lou Molina Community Hospital

John Doherty Doherty Therapeutic and Sports Medicine

Mary Ann Shachlett Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana JoAnn Birdzell St. Catherine Hospital Janice Ryba St. Mary Medical Center Gene Diamond Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. David Ruskowski Saint Anthony Medical Center Daniel Netluch, M.D. Saint Anthony Medical Center Carol Schuster, CNO Saint Anthony Medical Center Thomas Gryzbek St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers Jim Lipinski St. Margaret Mercy Health Centers James Callaghan Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital Trish Webber, R.N., MBA Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital Jonathan Nalli Porter Hospital Ian McFadden Methodist Hospitals Denise Dillard Methodist Hospitals Fred McNulty LaPorte Regional Health System Mike Haley LaPorte Regional Health System Lilly Veljovic, CEO Pinnacle Hospital Beverly DeLao Hammond Clinic Rob Jensen Hammond Clinic C.D. Egnatz Lake County Medical Society John King, M.D. Crown Point Anton Thompkins, M.D. Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute

Willis Glaros Employer Benefits Systems

Dr. Alex Stemer Medical Specialists Center of Indiana Paul Chase AARP Dr. Pat Bankston Indiana University School of Medicine Northwest College of Health and Human Services, Indiana University Northwest Phillip A. Newbolt Memorial Health System State Representative Charlie Brown State Senator Ed Charbonneau State Senator Earline Rogers ______________

marketing and community relations Mylinda Cane Community Healthcare System Angela Moore St. Catherine Hospital Kelly Credit Porter Hospital Mary Fetsch St. Mary Medical Center Marie Forszt Community Hospital Joe Dejanovic Saint Anthony Medical Center Ellen Sharpe Saint Anthony Memorial Hospital Maria Ramos St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers Stacey Kellogg LaPorte Regional Health System Sister M. Aline Schultz Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.

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HEALTHY PRODUCTS

CONVENIENT CARE

St. Catherine Hospital has opened a convenient care clinic as part of a government pilot program to improve access to primary care and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits. The East Chicago hospital was one of two Indiana hospitals chosen for the program, and its Med-Clinic will be funded in part by a grant from the state. The Med-Clinic treats the daily health concerns of patients 18 months and older. Dr. Matthew Libiran leads a staff of board-certified nurse practitioners who perform many of the same duties as doctors, such as diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications and treatments for illnesses. The clinic provides treatment for conditions like colds and the flu, along with preventive care, such as general and mental health screenings and vaccinations. “We are excited about this opportunity to pilot new ideas to provide cost-efficient care,” says JoAnn Birdzell, St. Catherine Hospital CEO. “Most importantly, this project will serve to improve access to primary health care for everyone in Northwest Indiana.”

INPATIENT REHAB

Porter Hospital is the only hospital in Porter County with an inpatient rehabilitation unit for patients who need at least two types of intensive therapy. A team of seventeen works with patients with medical conditions like strokes, spinal cord injuries and neurological dysfunctions so that patients receive at least three hours of therapy each day. “We tailor the program around the patient,” says Angela Boland, the unit’s program director. “We sit down weekly and discuss the individual needs of the patient, their individual goals and what it will take to help them reach their goals.” Boland says they try to help patients return to the standard of living they were enjoying before entering the unit. The eleven-room facility offers private rooms and a small kitchen and laundry area to help with rehabilitation. “We can safely trial [adaptations] there and help the patient develop new ways to do those tasks safely,” Boland says. “Safety is the number one priority.” Porter estimates about 190 of its patients had to receive therapy elsewhere last year before the facility opened. Since then, the unit’s medical team has seen more than 150 patients. “Patients will no longer have to leave Porter County for this type of care,” says Jonathan Nalli, Porter CEO. “This is a significant addition to Porter’s patient services, and Portage is a perfect location for this important new unit.”

FINALLY . . . SINUS RELIEF

The hospitals in the Northern Indiana Region of the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services are offering a minimally invasive procedure to fix sinus problems. Balloon Sinuplasty clears inflamed sinus passages that do not respond to medications. The balloon is inserted into the sinuses by a catheter with a guide wire, and then the balloon is gently inflated to clear the blocked passages without causing damage. Patients’ breathing and nasal drainage return to normal within minutes. “Balloon Sinuplasty is another tool we have to help people address sinus problems,” says Dr. Thomas Tarin, a Saint Anthony staffer based in Merrillville. “We’ve been doing it for a couple of years and it has proved very successful.” There are no incisions for the two-hour procedure, and most patients can return to work within two days. “Sinusitis [inflammation of the sinuses, such as with sinus infections] can be very difficult to treat,” Tarin says. “We first try medical therapy— antibiotics, irrigation and nasal sprays. If the symptoms persist, surgery is an option. It’s a matter of deciding which patients are right for it.”

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

By Casandra Riddle

GOURMET SURVIVAL GUIDES The Eat This, Not That! series of books has guided readers toward making smarter food choices since they hit the shelves a few years ago. And this year they’re amping up their approach, with the Eat This, Not That! Restaurant and Fast-Food Survival Guide and Cook This, Not That! Kitchen Survival Guide. The Restaurant and Fast-Food Survival Guide dishes up info on thousands of popular restaurant foods, with calorie-cutting tips and a report card on the best and worst restaurants in America. But if staying in is more your style, the Kitchen Survival Guide brings restaurant-style dishes into your kitchen with less budget- and gut-busting. INSTANT BREAKFAST Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but it’s arguably the most inconvenient. If you’re pressed for time, sugar-laden cereals, donuts in the office and mid-morning snacks seem painfully tempting. Knock out the morning munchies with Quaker Simple Harvest, a hot instant breakfast with no sci-fi ingredients and about 160 calories per serving. The maple brown sugar with pecans provides 4 grams of protein and 15 percent of your daily dietary fiber to ensure you’re less tempted to down two bear claws with your coffee.

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Do you suffer with painful & embarrassing dentures? Tired of dentures ruining eating, speech and appearance? If so, there’s good news, you may qualify to participate in a new research study for replacing teeth using dental implants to end denture problems at a reduced cost. Inability to eat with confidence prevents social outings and keeps you away from your favorite foods and restaurants. Missing teeth can make it difficult to control weight by limiting nutritional choices. Overheard remarks about denture wear are painful, fortunately, self-esteem can improve after regaining your teeth and smile. Implants improve sex life and a nice smile can mean more income for those working. Finally, science now shows that teeth affect long term health. With these benefits, how could you not look into this for yourself, kids, grandkids, or spouse? Dr. Atcha’s unique Method™ of care for complex dental problems is recommended by more fellow dentists in NW Indiana and Illinois. The latest advances and convenience of everything in one office. For those with anxiety, IV sedation guarantees comfort as part of the study. Dental implants are the next best thing to having your original set of natural teeth and can end your denture problems permanently. A one-of-a-kind warranty is even provided for peace of mind. Openings are limited and participants are accepted on a first come basis. Dr. Ivan Atcha featured on Fox , CNN and Yahoo! News

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there’s no place like home How at-home dialysis saved one man’s life Fifteen years ago, Darrell Polletta of Hobar t was a happy, healthy 35-year-old. An executive sales representative, he ser ved a four-state region to suppor t his growing family. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and flying airplanes. He worked out at the gym regularly and could bench-press 445 pounds. Little did he know what was just around the corner.

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

photograph by NATALIE BATTAGLIA/THE TIMES

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Taking the Challenge

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The Newest Stress Reliever “In a culture of ambition and activity we seldom take the time to relax and recharge,” says Karen Schutters, personal trainer and owner of Priority Fitness in Munster. Combining the benefits of hydromassage and guided imagery, area residents now have two new options for de-stressing, healing and maintaining optimal health. Hydromassage is a computerized bed containing multiple jets that isolate pressure on your lower back, upper back, upper legs, calves and feet. These jets travel up and down the body and can be adjusted for speed and intensity by the user. The entire experience lasts up to fifteen minutes, easily fitting into anyone’s post-workout routine, or as an ongoing relaxation regimen. Like other massage treatments, the benefits of hydromassage include calming the nervous system, reducing chronic pain, lowering blood pressure, releasing endorphins and physically relaxing the body. However, unlike the expense of a massage therapist, a hydromassage costs only ten dollars a session, making it a more affordable option for ongoing treatment. Guided imagery is a meditating and highly relaxing system aimed at creating mental clarity.

Skin So Soft

he cold, dry weather is here, which means your skin is most likely taking a beating. We asked Toni Lozano, supervisor of Spa Pointe & Hair Studio in Munster, about ways to keep skin soft and smooth during these winter months: “Due to dry winter weather and indoor heating, even oily skin types can become dehydrated.

This is a great time of year to not only counteract damage caused by the summer sun, but also prevent excessive dryness that can lead to premature aging. “Exfoliation is needed year-round to help products absorb more effectively, and this is especially true in colder weather. Layers of dead skin cells on the surface of the face and body need to be removed to reveal the new skin cells below and allow moisturizers to do their job. “A professional facial is the best way to get on the proper regimen for your skin and lifestyle needs.”

ontestants in Omni 41’s Biggest Loser competition lost 1,564.1 pounds, or more than three-quarters of a ton. They also reduced their body fat, some by double digits. Michael Mance, 48, of Dyer shed 72.8 pounds and 25.24 percent of his body fat to take top honors in the male category and as the overall winner. Jennifer Mikka, 36, of Highland, lost 41.4 pounds and 18.25 percent of body fat to place first in the female category in this 12-week contest. The initial weigh-in Before on August 1 drew some 300 people. An optional weigh-in was provided every Monday, but the 53 contestants who decided to complete the challenge were required to participate in a final weigh-in on October 30. Seminars on health topics were also offered during the 12 weeks. Mance won a oneyear membership to After Omni and a bicycle from Trek, which he has ridden along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago. Mikka won a full-day spa package from Vanis and a oneyear Omni membership. Both say the experience has been life-changing. “I’ve had trouble with my weight. I thought a competition would keep me on track,” says Mance, who stuck to a 2,000-calorie-a-day/lowfat diet and worked out. “After the third week, I began to look at it not as a competition but as a lifestyle,” he says. “I’ve lost a few more pounds.” Mikka had joined Omni for the sauna and pool to relieve the pain of spinal surgery. She noticed signs announcing the contest and decided to try it. “I’d had a baby in January 2007 and the back surgery in June 2007. I wasn’t able to take off the pounds like with my other children,” she says. Adhering to a low-carb diet of between 1,200 and 1,500 calories a day helped her lose the weight, Mikka says. “The exercise I did was walking the kids around through the park.” —Lu Ann Franklin

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Are You a Hypochondriac? Sometimes hypochondriacs are the butt of jokes. People who worry about imaginary illnesses can be funny; they read about illnesses in magazines, see them on TV dramas and talk shows, hear about neighbors who have been hospitalized for some serious malady, and then decide they are suffering the same fate.They worry about contracting all kinds of sicknesses, and are often convinced they have them, despite trips to the doctor that generate a clean bill of health.

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

The common cold is often blown out of proportion for a hypochondriac— into pneumonia or lung cancer. Hypochondriacs are convinced their little aches and pains indicate something serious, like an impending heart attack. Every little twinge signifies the need for a doctor’s care, the need for medication or a trip to the emergency room. They waste money, waste time, and most seriously, they cry wolf. Hypochondriacs really feel their symptoms. They are magnified and real. Less than 10 percent of men and women suffer from this condition, which can last for as little as six months or up to many years. One serious problem facing a person suffering from hypochondria is that the imagined or exaggerated symptoms are so scary that the person avoids doctors completely so as not to confirm the worst. And in so doing, the sufferer misses catching a real disease in its earliest stages. Doctors need to be particularly

understanding when they encounter a hypochondriac, so they don’t minimize their feelings, which can drive them away. But they should also not humor them by doing unnecessary tests, thereby feeding the fear. What contributes to hypochondria? • Media coverage of pandemics, or the news of impending epidemics, can set off fears that are out of proportion to the real threat. • Reaching an age at which a friend or relative passed away can also set off the fear of having a malady that has yet to be diagnosed. • Actually having suffered from a past illness or having a medical condition. When does a person really suffer from hypochondria? • A person has to be truly obsessed with vague and unexplained symptoms

and/or a fear of illness, and this obsession has to persist for at least 24 weeks or more. • There is no reality related to the symptoms (or the fear of symptoms) that a doctor can use for a diagnosis of an actual illness. • There is frustration and unhappiness by a doctor’s inability to make a diagnosis. • Symptoms and fears persist no matter how many times a doctor reassures the person that he or she is fine. What can hypochondriacs use to treat their fears? • Talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or other therapist/counselor. • Medication that treats depression also seems to work for hypochondriacs. Ironically, many who suffer from hypochondria also suffer from depression. But other mental illnesses are often associated with being a hypochondriac, including anxiety and obsessivecompulsive disorder. —Bonnie McGrath

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year: when coughs can be heard all over the office, and when germs fly faster than a 747. You may be sick right now, but you just might be able to get better without having to go to the doctor. We investigate common health myths and home remedies, while also taking a look at which New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions will keep you from getting sick the next time.

GET WELL SOON NOW How to quit being sick

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

Debunking Health Myths Old wives’ tales and corny cures are in abundance during cold and flu season, and since we all want to stay well it’s easy to get sucked into such “sage” advice. Experts sort the myths from the facts. MYTH: Feed a fever, starve a cold TRUE OR FALSE? False “Among the most important things to do during any infection is to make sure your body is well-rested and energized, which means eating healthily and drinking plenty of fluids,” says John Cmar, MD, associate program director at Johns Hopkins University. “‘Starving a cold’ won’t make you get better any faster, but it will make you miserable and hungry.” Although there is a very small study published by Dutch scientists which suggests that eating increases a type of immune response that fights cold viruses, the general medical community feels that the study was too small to be statistically reliable, says Margaret Lewin, MD, medical director of Cinergy Health. “Nevertheless, it is definitely true that the body needs lots of fluids when sick with a cold or flu in order to compensate for the fluids lost by perspiring, sneezing, coughing and mucus production,” she says. “Most people don’t have much of an appetite when ill, and it’s not necessary to eat solids, but fluids and plain carbohydrates (oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, plain pasta or rice) seem to go down easiest.” MYTH: Going outside in cold weather can cause a cold or flu TRUE OR FALSE? False Influenza and the common cold are caused by viruses, so going out into cold weather doesn’t cause an illness. Aaron Carroll, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and coauthor of Don’t Swallow Your Gum! Myths, Half-Truths and Outright Lies about Your Body and Health [2009 St. Martin’s Press], says while it’s true that people get flu and colds in the winter, it has nothing to do with the colder temperatures. “In cold weather we tend to spend more time cooped up with other people,” he says. “This is why hand washing is so important.” Dr. Cmar says that going out for an extended time in cold or wet weather without proper protection for the temperature can stimulate your nose and sinuses to produce more mucus and contribute to a cough, which is likely an origin of this myth. MYTH: You won’t develop antibodies if you wash your hands too frequently TRUE OR FALSE? True and false Hand washing is more beneficial than bad, Dr. Carroll says. “Your body is exposed to viruses and bacteria constantly,” he says. “With hand washing, we’re just trying to avoid the bad ones. However, you can get an unhealthy obsession with alcohol-based washes. If you use those too much, you can kill off good bacteria and get things like warts.” —Sharon Biggs Waller

Resolution Overhaul

f you want to make 2010 the year of good health, it’s going to take a lot more than just hand sanitizer and a little extra vitamin C. Instead, focus on giving your body, mind and spirit the strength it needs to fight its own battles, a strategy that is bound to win out in the end.

Arming your immune system with free-radical fighters, enabling your body to resist injury and keeping a positive attitude are a couple of things your body will thank you for when illness surrounds you. And no more unrealistic, nonspecific, grandiose goals that are just too immense. “Lose 50 pounds,” “get fit” and “be a better person” may be what you really want ultimately, but they are just too general, nonspecific and lofty to enable any real headway. As Kate Fairbairn, personal trainer and wellness coach at Fitness Pointe in Munster, points out, the first step of any successful behavior change is awareness— awareness of the unhealthy behavior as well as what is holding us back from banishing it. She helps individuals come to their own conclusions about the roadblocks that perpetuate their unhealthy behaviors so they can ultimately think through and craft their own solutions, which carry a greater chance of success. In short, analyze the things that get in the way of achieving your goals and brainstorm some ideas that will work for you personally. To get you started, here are some suggestions for small changes that can have big benefits . . .

Get enough sleep. Experts say lack of adequate sleep can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure and a compromised immune system. Whether it’s recording a favorite TV show and saving it for the weekend or getting the kids to take a couple of tasks off your plate to free up that hour, figure out what you can give up in favor of an extra hour of slumber. Commit to positive thinking. Many say that those with a tendency to think negatively are more susceptible to illness. Recognize the triggers that tend to make you anxious or sad and explore another option to avoid those situations. Find ways

to distance yourself from negativity and surround yourself with positive thinkers. Being charitable and reaching out to others is said to be a great way to manage depression and convert to positive thinking. Improve your posture. Habitual bad posture leads to back pain, stressed joints and a tendency for injury. Consciously improve your body mechanics by changing the way you do something. Adjust the car mirrors when sitting with good posture to avoid slouching while driving. When getting the morning paper, bend at the knees instead of hinging at the hips. Add a lumbar support pillow to your

office chair. Make it a point to stand up, stretch and realign posture periodically. Choose one poor nutritional habit and banish it. Whether it’s a tendency to skip breakfast, an addiction to diet soda, or a severe aversion to anything green, choose one bad habit and substitute a good one. Come up with a breakfast that is just as quick as a lap through the drive-through. Substitute at least some of your afternoon sodas with green tea or water with a splash of lemon. Along those same lines, commit to “cleaner” eating by substituting something processed that you regularly eat with a fresh fruit or vegetable. —Erika Rose

january/february 2010 | GET HEALTHY

Can Chicken Soup Heal? When you’re sick with a cold, your first inclination might be to have a bowl of chicken soup. But is there really any backing to this comfort-food remedy? Turns out, there is. University of Nebraska Medical Center physician/researcher Stephen Rennard, MD, took his wife’s family recipe for chicken soup (see recipe below) into his lab in 1993 and discovered that it had an anti-inflammatory effect and slowed cold symptoms. “The cold-fighting ability of cells increased when the researchers bathed them in chicken soup,” Dr. Carroll says. “They also found that hot chicken soup improved mucus movement.” Dr. Rennard wasn’t able to pinpoint the exact ingredient that was doing the most good, so he theorizes that it was the concoction of all the ingredients that made the difference. —Sharon Biggs Waller

Grandma’s Chicken Soup Recipe Other chicken soup recipes are also effective. For the video, visit unmc.edu/chickensoup.

Ingredients: 1 5- to 6-pound stewing hen or baking chicken 1 package of chicken wings 3 large onions 1 large sweet potato 3 parsnips 2 turnips 11 to 12 large carrots 5 to 6 celery stems 1 bunch of parsley Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Clean the chicken, put it in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to boil. Add the chicken wings, onions, sweet potato, parsnips, turnips and carrots. Boil about 90 minutes. Remove fat from the surface as it accumulates. Add the parsley and celery. Cook the mixture about 45 minutes longer. Remove the chicken. The chicken is not used further for the soup. (The meat makes excellent chicken parmesan.) Put the vegetables in a food processor until they are chopped fine or pass through a strainer. Both were performed in the present study. Add salt and pepper to taste. Matzoh balls can be added. Prepare according to the recipe on the back of the box of matzoh meal (Manischewitz). (Note: This soup freezes well.)

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

Home Remedies that Work

oogle “home remedies” on the Web and you’ll find quite an extensive list. Some are tamer and seemingly more sensible than others, such as rubbing various foods on your face for acne and using shortening to soothe dry hands. Then there are some that are, well, more interesting. One of the most bizarre has to be vitamin C to prevent pregnancy. How about grinding up and swallowing hair to slice up pinworms in the intestines? Perhaps a strategically placed garlic clove to treat a yeast infection? After reading solutions like these, it’s easy to see why home remedies get a bad rap. But are they all bad? Dr. Biljana Uzelac, a Dyer and St. John pediatrician with Medical Specialists of Indiana, admits to being on the receiving end of many home remedies from her mother and grandmother in her native Serbia. Among others, she’s had potatoes placed on her head and mustard slathered on her feet to draw out a fever. While her education in Western medicine leads her to question methods like these, she remains a staunch supporter of many natural treatments. She reasons that much in pharmacology is derived from herbs. In fact, looking to connect the best of Western and Eastern medicine, she has just embarked on compiling a book about home remedies and treating ills naturally. Here are some of the home remedies Uzelac supports: Marshmallow root for cough “One of the things my grandma used to use,” Uzelac says, is marshmallow root for a cough. With no side effects, she advocates this herb found in health food stores as a natural cough suppressant and expectorant. Take one cup of lukewarm water and add one teaspoon of the root and let it set for three or four hours, she says. After it turns a yellowish color,

drain the roots and discard before drinking the water. Honey or lemon can be added for taste. For kids, she says about a cup a day is enough. Adults can drink up to three cups a day. She notes that drinking marshmallow root can affect blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should be cautious. Gargling salt water for a sore throat A teaspoon of salt dissolved in some warm water can provide relief from a sore throat, she says, as this can reduce some of the swelling. She cautions that ingesting salt can be dangerous for children so be sure they can gargle and not swallow. Browned flour for a diaper rash Uzelac learned about this one from a patient. When a couple of different prescription creams failed to work on her baby’s diaper rash, she tried browning flour on the stove and applying it to the baby’s bottom when cooled. When she saw how well this worked, she recommended it to other parents who tried it with success. Why brown it on the stove? Uzelac speculates it is to take out the moisture. Vinegar and alcohol for swimmer’s ear Asked about a popular method to treat swimmer’s ear—mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and vinegar—Uzelac says this makes sense as a way of restoring the proper pH to the ear, though she tends to recommend an over-thecounter product. Preventive measures While she believes in many natural cures, Uzelac most readily stands by what she believes is the best remedy of all—natural, nonprocessed foods as a preventive measure for illness. “What I am advocating the most—and this is something I absolutely stand for—is healthy eating,” Uzelac says. “I think if you eat healthy you will be less sick and you will need less medication.” —Erika Rose

Worried about your child contracting H1N1 or any other flu or cold from Santa this holiday season?

You don’t have to worry, says Aaron Carroll, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and coauthor of Don’t Swallow Your Gum! Myths, Half-Truths and Outright Lies about Your Body and Health. “We are really getting hypersensitive about our health! There is the slightest risk, but no more than anything else we encounter in our daily activities. Yes, there are many people touching Santa, but if you wash your hands after you leave [Santa’s Village] you’ll be okay. The risk of getting sick is far less than the benefits and joy your child gets from being with Santa.”

A WEEKLY FIX FOR THE HEALTH NUT FROM THE EDITORS OF GET HEALTHY MAGAZINE

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Best in Gary, IN Region* and Only Specialty Excellence Award Recipient for Cardiac Surgery 2010 ttttt Recipient of the 2009/10 HealthGrades Women’s Health Excellence Award™

recognizing excellence in vascular, cardiovascular, orthopedic, stroke and pulmonary care for women

Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Women’s Health – 2009/10

Hammond Campus

Five-Star Rated for Women’s Health – 2009/10 ttttt Recipient of the HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ Two Years in a Row (2009 – 2010) Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services Two Years in a Row (2009 – 2010) Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Pulmonary Services Two Years in a Row (2009 – 2010)

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food & fitness

Ultimate

The

Test

Fitness

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According to Leader, the first step is to throw out my scale. Technically, my height and weight (6’6”, 240 lbs) put me in the “overweight to obese” category, even though I have a 36-inch waist, can run a sub-seven minute mile and do 100 push-ups. Step two is to get off the “low fat” gerbil wheel. Leader instructed me to eat more, getting 40 percent of my calories from carbs (mostly fruits and vegetables—not bread or pasta) and 30 percent from protein, and to increase my fat intake until it made up 30 percent of my diet (whole milk, meat, avocados and eggs are all excellent sources). Finally, Leader ordered me off the “cardio king” workouts, and suggested that I focus 50 to 60 percent of my workout time in the “pure fat-burning” zone instead (this “zone” is different for everyone, and can only be determined through the test), while also building more muscle mass through resistance training. As my body learns to run on fat rather than sugar, it will not only “lean out” my frame, but also provide a distinct advantage as an endurance athlete. The ironic part of Leader’s controversial test and eating and fitness plans is that it advocates doing what most Americans believe makes them fat. But in a nation where two out of every three people are overweight or obese, it’s clear that the old conversations for fat loss are not yielding the results we want. —Seth “tower” Hurd

Positively Powerful Pomegranates Pomegranates have been touted as being wonderfully rich in antioxidants, putting them in a category with other things people love to love: chocolate, red wine and green tea.

hile the antioxidants in pomegranates have taken center stage, there are other reasons to seek out this super fruit. “There’s a synergy in these types of foods,” says Lauren Zuro, a registered dietician at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. “The minerals and how they’re combined in a particular food makes them different than just consuming a large amount of a single nutrient.” Pomegranates are loaded with the following nutrients: Calcium While there’s not as much calcium in pomegranates as you’ll find in dairy, Zuro says you can find a fair amount of this bone-strengthener in the tasty fruit. Vitamin D A vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Getting enough of this vitamin helps ensure normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus (also found in pomegranates). Plus, vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium, to maintain strong bones. Vitamin C Not only great for preventing scurvy, vitamin C is also purported to ward off the common cold, and may protect against strokes and heart attacks. And—bonus!—vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin. Again, antioxidants According to Zuro, a specific antioxidant in pomegranates (punicalagins, in case you’re a trivia buff) is more highly concentrated in the fruit than the same antioxidant is in red wine or green tea. —Casandra Riddle

GET HEALTHY ONLINE: For a quick and easy pomegranate recipe, please visit nwitimes.com/gethealthy.

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Deadly Carbon Monoxide

t seems every winter there is a disturbing report of a family who is unknowingly poisoned by deadly carbon monoxide. The reason this killer continues to plague people’s homes is that it is an odorless gas that is so powerful it overpowers people in mere minutes. It knows no economic, racial or territorial boundaries and kills hundreds every year. To protect your family, make sure to take a few simple precautions this year before you heat your home, because it may be the difference between life and death. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result.” Most at risk, according to the EPA, are fetuses, infants, elderly people and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease. But at high levels, everyone, regardless of strength or health, is at risk.

Symptoms root canal therapy or removal of the tooth in question. These potential emergencies can usually be avoided by upgrading the amalgams preventatively.” Alternatives to mercury fillings include composite fillings, which are made from a mixture of quartz and glass in resin and are the same color as one’s own tooth; and glass ionomers, which are made from a mixture of glass powder and acrylic acid and are also the same color as the tooth. Your dentist can help advise you on the best solution for your situation and whether or not you should replace existing amalgam fillings with alternative restorations. “When amalgams are ‘upgraded’ to new restorations, the choice of restoration is dependent upon several factors,” Arnold says. “These include, but are not limited to, how much tooth structure remains, which tooth is being restored, how the tooth ‘lines up’ with the other teeth, and how much force the tooth will need to endure. If you have a good relationship with your dentist, you should trust his or her recommendation as to when and how these old restorations should be upgraded.” Arnold adds, “It’s just nice to know that there are excellent options available.” —Heather Augustyn

The EPA says it is important to know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and to recognize them fast since carbon monoxide overcomes people very quickly. First symptoms include shortness of breath, mild headaches or mild nausea. As the poisoning continues, symptoms advance to include severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea or fainting. Don’t confuse these symptoms with the flu or food poisoning, though. It’s important to take immediate action.

Treatment

If the family suffers from the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to get to a fresh air source right away, such as leaving the house. Once outside, use a cell phone or go to a neighbor’s house to call emergency services to see if carbon monoxide is present in the home. Then get to a hospital emergency room by asking a neighbor or ambulance to take the family since carbon monoxide poisoning is rapidly deadly and may have lasting effects.

Prevention

To prevent carbon monoxide from happening in your home, the EPA recommends “having all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked. Choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.” A popular holiday gift item is a self-starter for vehicles. If you use this, or manually like to warm up your car, never idle your car in your garage—even if the garage door is open—since fumes can build up and enter your home. Also, don’t ever use a gas oven to heat your home, not even for a minute, and never use charcoal grills indoors. Any gas-powered engines, such as generators, should never be used indoors and make sure any heater has ample ventilation. To help aid your vigilance of carbon monoxide gas, install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home. —Heather Augustyn

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activities and exercise on a regular basis. Meet regularly with your family physician/ gynecologist, eye doctor and dentist. In addition to regular eye exams, participate in early detection screenings for colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, osteoporosis and heart conditions. Wear protective safety gear and maintain a safe work environment at home and at your place of employment. Obey seat belt laws and speed limits. Don’t drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and avoid DWT—driving while texting. To avoid back pain and injury, use safe lifting techniques. Participate in a medical-based wellness program rather than a performance-based program, which measures how far or fast you can run. A wellness program doesn’t train you for the Olympics. A comprehensive plan will help you keep on track and looks at an array of risk factors and numbers such as blood pressure, blood lipids, fat percentage, balance, bone density, etc. Q: W hat part does heredity play in wellness? We do not have any control over gender, age and heredity. Genetics play a significant role in some health problems; for example, those with a history of early heart disease. In certain cases, genetic makeup can directly cause obesity or may increase the susceptibility for obesity. In the latter case,

outside factors, such as an abundance of food and inactivity, are still required. Your genetic makeup should not discourage you from a healthy lifestyle. Instead, it should give you extra incentives to adhere to it. Q: W hat part does lifestyle play in wellness? We can’t control our genetics, but we can control our lifestyle, which has a profound impact on our lives. Genetic makeup probably has the greatest influence on your potential life expectancy, but your lifestyle will determine if you reach your potential and will influence the quality of your life, especially at later ages. Lifestyle is learned. We have an epidemic increase in child obesity. Now 17 percent of our children between ages 2 and 19 are overweight. It is very difficult for our children to stay healthy if they do not grow up in an environment that embraces a healthy lifestyle. Q: H ow important is attitude in staying well? Attitude is everything. It’s a lifestyle— not something you do, but something that you are. Avoid extremes—everything in moderation is the key. For example, don’t exercise excessively; don’t drink excessively, but enjoy a glass of wine. While external motivators are excellent to jumpstart things, it is the internal motivation to be healthy that is needed for long-term commitment. —Lu Ann Franklin

Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Northern Indiana Region

Leading the Way with Distinction

Saint Anthony Medical Center, Crown Point • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Stroke – Eight Years in a Row (2003-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Repair – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • Ranked among the Top 5 in Indiana for Overall Orthopedic Services – 2010 • Recipient of the 2009 HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award TM • Ranked among the Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Safety – 2009 Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers, Hammond

•

Best in Gary, IN Region* and Only Specialty Excellence Award Recipient for Cardiac Surgery 2010 • Recipient of the 2010

HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence AwardTM • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiac Surgery – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 5 in IN for Cardiac Surgery - 2010 • Recipient of the 2009/10 HealthGrades Women’s Health Excellence Award™ – recognizing excellence in vascular, cardiovascular, orthopedic, stroke and pulmonary care for women • Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Women’s Health – 2009/10 • Five-Star Rated for Women’s Health – 2009/10 Dyer and Hammond • Recipient of the HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services - Two Years in a Row (2009-

Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Repair – Two Years

2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall

in a Row (2008-2009) • Ranked Among the Top 15% in the Nation

Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) •

for Hip Fracture Repair – Two Years in a Row (2008-2009)

Dyer Campus • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiology

• Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Spine Surgery – 2009 •

Services – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure – Four

Hammond Campus • Ranked Among the Top 5 in IN for

A Driving Force

Years in a Row (2007-2010) • Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings for Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • Ranked

Among

the

Top

15%

the

Nation

for

Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2007-2009) • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Cardiac Services – 2009 • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiac Surgery – 2009 • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years in a Row

(2009-2010)

•

Five-Star

Rated

for

Treatment

Cardiac Surgery – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Coronary Bypass Surgery

With five hospital campuses, 47 affiliated clinic locations, over 1,050 physicians and 5,900 employees, the Northern Indiana Region hospitals of the Sisters of St. Francis are a driving force in healthcare today. Our hospitals are not only highly ranked by national ratings experts, but they provide compassionate care guided by principle and mission. In 2008, we provide over $125,000,000 in community benefits and will continue to work with all the communities we serve with purpose and superior care.

– 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • Received the Highest Possible Star Ratings for Treatment of Heart Failure – Three Years in a Row (2008-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for Cardiology Services – 2009 • Five-Star Rated for Hip Fracture Repair – Five Years in a Row (20062010) • Ranked Among the Top 15% in the Nation for Hip Fracture Repair – Four Years in a Row (2006-2009) • Recipient of the HealtGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ – Two Years in a Row (2009-2010) • Ranked Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Pulmonary Services – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 5

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Four Years in a Row (2007-

2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pneumonia – Two Years in a

• Five-Star Rated for Overall Pulmonary Services – Two Years

for

Overall

Pulmonary

Services

–

2010

in a Row (2009-2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – Two Years in a Row (2009- 2010) • Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Pneumonia

–

Three

Years

Row

(2008-2010)

•

Received

the

Highest

Possible

Star

Ratings

for

Saint Anthony Memorial, Michigan City • Recipient of the 2010 HealthGrades Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award™

Treatment

Pneumonia

–

2010

•

• Only Recipient of the 2010 HealthGrades

Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award™ in the Region** • Ranked Among the Top 10% in the Nation for GI Surgery – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 10 in IN for GI Services – 2010 • Ranked Among the Top 5 in IN for GI Surgery – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for GI Surgery – 2010 • Five-Star Rated for Cholecystectomy – 2010 Franciscan

Physicians

Hospital,

Munster

•

Five-Star

Rated

* As defined by the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget.

for

Treatment

Heart

Failure

–

Two

Years

**Region is Michigan City–LaPorte, IN as defined by the federal government’s Office of Management and Budget.

Row

(2009-2010)

A Special Place for a Special Time We know the birth of a baby is a special time for the whole family and we offer accommodations that provide both privacy and the comforts of home for this very personal experience. At the Family Birthing Center, one of the region’s most experienced medical teams focuses on what matters most, the health and well-being of every mother and every baby. t 1SJWBUF CJSUIJOH BOE QPTUQBSUVN TVJUFT t 0OF PG UIF BSFB T NPTU BEWBODFE Neonatal Intensive Care units t 0WFS CBCJFT BSF CPSO FBDI ZFBS BU Community Hospital, making it one of the leading facilities in the state for newborn care For tours of the Family Birthing Center, please call --. Visit our all new private rooms through a virtual tour at www.comhs.org.

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