May/June 2010 by The Times of NWI

A Publication of The Times

LOSE WEIGHT,

FEEL GREAT All the right foods, workouts and alternative methods for weight loss that lasts

ALSO

Getting Paid to Exercise Fast Food Fears Cranial Sacral Therapy may/june 2010 nwi.com/gethealthy

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

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Cardiac & Vascular Institute

Committed to the prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, Porter’s cardiovascular imaging capabilities are among the most advanced in the metropolitan Chicago area. Our team’s capabilities in caring for heart attacks and heart failure are among the best in the nation according to Medicare. (source: hospitalcompare.gov)

Stroke Care Excellence

At Porter, we know identifying stroke symptoms rapidly and with precision is essential. This is why we have stroke protocols in our emergency department with neuro-imaging services available 24/7.

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SERVING LAKE, PORTER, LAPORTE, STARKE, NEWTON, AND JASPER COUNTIES

may/june 2010

lose weight, feel great

You’ve tried everything to shed those unwanted pounds—or maybe you haven’t, but should. Either way, there’s no time like the present, and there are plenty of options available in the area to maximize your efforts and result in success.

what’s new Local Health News

By Casandra Riddle

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

GO GREEK Just because you shunned that sorority (or fraternity) in college doesn’t mean you can’t go Greek. Dig in to a new Yoplait Greek yogurt for twice the protein with 0 percent fat. It’s a great postworkout snack, and it comes in four flavors, to ensure you’re never lacking variety. As an added bonus, yoplaitgreek.com has several recipes that utilize the thick creaminess of Greek, so if noshing on a full container of yogurt isn’t your type of snack, you can still pack in the protein through cakes, dips and pastas. Find Yoplait Greek at your local grocery store for around $1.50.

INCISIONLESS SURGERY SU

IMPROVING HEART HEALTH

survivor spotlight

the body shop

HEALTHY PRODUCTS

By Sarah Tompkins

BRIGHT WHITES If the clunky, gunky tooth-whitening strips aren’t your thing, or if impatience trumps your desire to see a whiter smile, check out Luster 1 Hour White. It’s a simple three-step process with a rinse, gel and whitening light that can take your teeth up to six shades lighter in 60 minutes, or the time it takes the Law & Order crew to crack the case. It’s gentle on enamel, so even the sensitive-mouthed can partake, and satisfaction is guaranteed. Some users have even reported seeing their desired results in as little as 30 minutes, which leaves you with extra time to practice flashing your whiter smile. Pick up the Luster 1 Hour White system at CVS or Meijer for about $40. CHANNELING JUNE CLEAVER Stay on top of kitchen trends by tying one on. Aprons are the hot new-old accessory for home cooks, keeping you in the kitchen, cooking healthy, without worrying about splatters, sputters and stains. And to keep from fumbling for the towel, pick up an apron from justperfectinc.com. There’s a super-absorbent terry cloth towel that’s attached by zipper to thee bottom of the apron, so you can quickly swipe up p any dribbles. Buy one online for $40. ALL-NATURAL NAILS Your nail polish remover stinks. Not only does it play l games with ih your tear ducts and burn that paper cut you accidentally swabbed, but it unleashes harsh, disgusting-smelling chemicals, too. Since naked nails aren’t always ideal, pick up a bottle of Karma Organic Polish Remover. It’s a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic, soy- and cornbased polish remover that kicks the chemicals to the curb. With tea tree oil and vitamin E, Karma is gentle on your nails and the skin (while still eliminating evidence of your last manicure), and the 100 percent recyclable bottles are gentle on your conscience. Find it online at karmaorganicspa.com in lavender, tea tree and unscented varieties for $12, and pick up a few cruelty-free, chemical-free nail polishes to go with it.

Craniosacral Therapy

FIGHTING BACK

I must admit, I walked in a skeptic. Sure, I believe that all things in the universe are connected, I do yoga, I drink green tea. However, I still take a pill when I have a headache, and I still see the doctor when I have an ailment, and I feel like my doctor knows what’s going on in my body better than I do. But I’ve battled insomnia for years. I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried over-thecounter sleeping pills; they only make me more jittery. I’ve tried meditation; that only makes me think more, unable to shut off my brain. I’ve tried prescription sleeping pills, which only make me walk in my sleep, unaware of my refrigerator raids in the morning. Melatonin, chamomile, fuzzy blankets—nothing worked.

Woman pioneers local fibromyalgia support group Jodi Phelan woke up one morning in January 2009 unable to move. ¶ “My whole body shut down,” says the 31-year-old Joliet resident. In the hospital emergency room, Phelan went through a battery of tests including a CAT scan and MRIs. “They tested for lupus and they thought I had multiple sclerosis,” she recalls. ¶ Consultations with several medical specialists eventually resulted in a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in March 2009.

Loving Care Agency

his complex chronic condition is characterized by widespread and sometimes unrelenting pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, migraine or tension headaches and defined tender points are also among the FMS symptoms recognized by the American Medical Association. An estimated 5.8 million Americans have FMS. Most are women; however, “no one is exempt” from the syndrome, regardless of age, gender or ethnic background, Phelan says. And the pain of fibromyalgia isn’t just physical. “It takes a toll emotionally, financially and socially on patients, their family, friends, coworkers and community,” she says. “For those with severe symptoms, FMS can be extremely debilitating and interfere with even routine daily activities.” Phelan lives with those effects every day. The former human resources executive is unable to work. “I can only walk for 15 to 20 minutes and I have to use a cane. If I need to go for longer distances, I have to use a wheelchair.” Any exertion causes a “fibro flare,” she says. “I crash for a week. I’m unable to do anything.” In the weeks following her diagnosis, Phelan says she fell into a depression.

So I turned to Laura Moretton, owner of Holistic Healing Pathways in Kouts, a natural and holistic health care practitioner and a craniosacral therapist. Laura suggested that I experience a few sessions of craniosacral therapy. I was a bit skeptical, as is my nature, but after another bout of Tivo’d Judge Judy at 2 a.m. with a bag of cheddar cheese Sun Chips, I thought, what the heck? Craniosacral therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger, who assembled schools and performed training. In this therapy, the therapist works the patient’s spine and skull with his or her hands, thereby easing nerve passages and optimizing movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord. “This healing process works with the body’s system to help rebalance,” Moretton explains. “It’s extremely gentle, noninva-

on your mind

losing your weight,

not your mind

AN EXPERIENCE WITH ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

sive, and can help relieve headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, motor-coordination impairments, chronic fatigue, learning disabilities, post-traumatic stress, emotional issues, tension and pain. It’s the gentle touch of a human person, which is so profound. “Most people who come in to see me have been everywhere seeking help,” Moretton adds. “They usually find success here. When your child is hurt, you hold their hand or hold them. When someone you love has a problem, you hug them. Craniosacral therapy extends this time-tested practice . . . providing clients support and balance through the healing arts.” I left each session with Moretton immediately feeling more centered and less stressed. But would the healing pass the true test of time? That time that keeps ticking away, minute after minute as I watched the clock at night, tossing and turning? Well, it didn’t right away, so at first I thought my skepticism was confirmed. But then after my second craniosacral session, thoroughly succumbing to the calming sensations in my core, I did sleep better—that night, and most nights since. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m cured for life, or I’m a poster child for craniosacral salvation, but I do know it helped me tremendously. I feel that I am a calmer person these days, and I am going through some pretty stressful stuff in my life. Will I lapse again when the sun is shining less frequently? Will I hit a wall of three nights in a row with four hours sleep? Perhaps. But I can tell you this: if that does happen again, I’ll be calling Moretton for another session, because so far, it’s the only thing that has done any good. And, Moretton says, most of her clients find themselves in the same boat. When traditional techniques don’t meet one’s needs, alternative medicine can be just what the holistic healer ordered. —Heather Augustyn

Getting your body on the right track when it comes to losing weight begins with your mind. “The mind-set is the most important.” Those are the words of Dr. Joseph Paun of Highland’s Paun Family Chiropractic and Wellness, who says the key thing when it comes to telling people how to think in terms of diet and exercise is that there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all program.” “Everyone has different things they like,” Paun says. The one thing Paun tries to push with his patients is for them to get on board with nutrition and exercise, because while you can lose weight doing one or the other, “why would you want to?” “Why would you want to limit yourself to just eating like a bird all day or to work out like a maniac to make up for what you could do with the other?” he asks. Paun says the neat thing about getting into the proper mind-set is that you don’t have to be restrictive when it comes to dieting—being reasonable is satisfactory. You can also shift your focus when the situation calls for it. An example, Paun says, is when there’s a death in the family. “You’re not going to be able to get into the gym, so maybe you can tighten up a little bit on your diet,” he says. Another time to think smart is during the holiday season and all the tempting treats it has to offer. Holiday eating means putting your body through an extra workout session or just becoming more active in general. “You just change your focus as the situation calls for it,” Paun says. “That’s real life. Things always pop up and throw your schedule off, and I think you have to plan for that.” Most people want to change because they’re frustrated with their bodies, yet they’ve been living a mindless life in

Alzheimer’s and Low Cholesterol?

food & fitness

Nutrition after Weight Loss Surgery

The effects of high cholesterol are well established—plaques accumulate in blood vessels, “hardening” them, and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke—but a new wave of research contends there is a danger in lowering cholesterol, and that loss of cognition, even the development of Alzheimer’s, might be the price paid.

regards to eating, says Dr. Mary Tilak of TAWL (Dr. Tilak’s Aggressive Weight Loss) in Highland. People are eating, but they’re not thinking about what they’re eating or why they’re eating—or where they’re eating. “This is called mindless behavior,” Tilak says. “They’ve begun to live a mindless life.” Change, Tilak says, begins at home. People should eat more often at home and should plan their meals. Too many restaurants pile on large portions of food, not to mention fast food “biggiesized” soft drinks or burgers at two-for-the-priceof-one. “We think free food is good food,” Tilak says. “We don’t think about it—it becomes mindless.” —Rob Earnshaw

Get Paid to Work Out “Did you get your raise yet?” This question, which Trek Store of Schererville owner Dave Eenigenburg poses to new employees on their first day, almost always catches them off guard. Eenigenburg then lays out the “cash for health” offer. “We pay five dollars per day to employees who arrive to work in a way other than a car. The bonus is for packing a lunch rather than eating out.”

he Trek Store is just one of a growing number of businesses now offering not just perks, but cash, to employees who work at staying healthy. The original purpose was to help his employees believe in the “ride to work” idea, which is growing in popularity both locally and nationwide, but Dave didn’t expect the program to transform the company’s culture. “The first thing I saw was that call-off dropped to almost zero,” he says. “When I’ve only got four or five people working at one time, losing one can make a smoothly running day into an immediate disaster.” Dave also saw an unusually strong camaraderie building among the employees who participated in the program. John Hudec, a customer of the Trek Store and owner of the Griffith-based Hudec Woodworking Corp., followed Dave’s example in his own company. Employees at Hudec Woodworking were challenged to either bike 800 miles, or run or walk 240 miles in one year. A $50 cash bonus for signing up for the program, and a $500 check was cut to every employee who met the goal. All but two signed up. “Happy employees are productive employees,” Hudec explains. “But I also saw employees who were enjoying their lives more, who had more energy to enjoy their lives and give to their families.You can always raise your level of fitness. To be a part of that as an employer is pretty rewarding.”

Weight loss surgery presents some nutritional challenges, particularly for the first six to eight months while the stomach “pouch” is healing. Omar Shamsi, MD, at Methodist Hospitals in Hobart, says it’s important to meet the daily requirement for protein, water intake and vitamin/mineral intake. “That’s 80 to 100 grams of protein, at least 64 ounces of water per day, and a multivitamin,” he says. The gastric bypass procedure removes 90 percent of the stomach and a part of the small intestine. This limits the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, Dr. Shamsi says. “This is why it’s important to supplement with the multivitamin. And since the stomach is now small, a few bites and you’re full, so you don’t want to fill the pouch with junk food. Protein is the building block of tissues. So food should be a protein shake or lean chicken or fish. A serving size resembles a deck of cards.” Eventually, patients can transition to a normal diet (after consulting with their doctor) but portion sizes will be smaller than average. “I always tell patients you will be eating less, but you won’t be as hungry,” Dr. Shamsi says. “Your appetite will be suppressed.” Taking smaller bites (about the size of a pencil eraser), chewing food slowly and thoroughly and using infant utensils can help patients deal with the smaller amounts. Allow ten minutes per ounce of food, 30 minutes for each meal. Carbonated beverages and those high in sugar and caffeine can irritate the stomach lining, so drink water or a sugarfree flavored drink instead. Patients who opt for the Lap-Band, which squeezes the stomach rather than removes it, will be required to eat less as well, due to the smaller stomach size, so healthier, smaller amounts are key.

Food, Inc.

green life IT DOESN’T DO A BODY GOOD

Fact or Fiction?

To hear such a statement from a respected expert like Dr. Spock can be shocking, especially when the statement is about something that is supposed to “do a body good.” But research reveals that cow’s milk is loaded with hormones given to the cows to increase production and other toxins. “The milk we’re drinking is filled with fat, cholesterol. We know that,” says Robert Cohen, executive director of the Dairy Education Board. “What we don’t know is that it contains virus, bacteria, powerful growth hormones, proteins that cause a vast array of allergies in the human body. This is not nature’s perfect food. We have children coming into puberty earlier in America, and we don’t know why. Every sip of milk they are drinking

with the addition of this powerful growth hormone, has 59 different bioactive hormones.” According to the Harvard University Gazette, December 7, 2006, “One study compared diet and cancer rates in 42 countries. It showed that milk and cheese consumption are strongly correlated to the incidence of testicular cancer among men ages 20 to 39. Rates were highest in places like Switzerland and Denmark, where cheese is a national food, and lowest in Algeria and other countries where dairy is not so widely consumed.” So what is the alternative? Cohen suggests eating green leafy vegetables instead, which are a greater source of calcium, minus the protein in milk that inhibits calcium production as well. Another solution is to select hormone-free milk. Studies suggest that organic milk, which is hormone-free, causes fewer allergies (such as asthma and eczema) and it has more nutrients, including up to 71 percent more omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for development. Make sure yogurt, ice cream and cheese, which are made from dairy milk, are also organic and free of rBGH, or bovine growth hormone. Jeannie Nowarita, nutritionist with Dr. William Stimack and Dr. Shirley Williams in Valparaiso, says, “Organic milk is a great alternative. If you’re going to do cow’s milk with your kids, organic is the only way to go. Horizon is the one I go with and it has the best taste. We also use rice milk and almond milk, because almond milk has healthy unsaturated fats, which is good for brain development. For cheese, you can do a vegetable protein or soy cheese, and for yogurt there are tons of organics, like Stony Hill Farms.” —Heather Augustyn

ask the expert JERRY SABO

Beware of Fast Food

Dr. Benjamin Spock, the renowned pediatrician who wrote Baby and Child Care in 1946, wrote in the seventh edition of his book that “cow’s milk has become a point of controversy among doctors and nutritionists. There was a time when it was considered very desirable, but research has forced us to rethink this recommendation . . . dairy products contribute to a surprising number of health problems.”

Weight gain and all that goes with it—sluggishness, too-tight clothes, and frustration—may be sneaking up on you in ways it never did for your grandma or your great-uncle. • So says Jerry Sabo, certified nutritionist for Methodist Hospitals in Northwest Indiana, where he works in cardiac rehabilitation ser vices. In this revealing Q & A he unwraps some nuggets of information about how food is ser ved, and how to foil trends that can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Q: What change do you see that affects the way people eat now compared to a few decades ago? Portion sizes have changed over the years. In 1954 a Burger King french fry order was 2.6 ounces; that has doubled, and a jumbo fry is 6.9 ounces. A standard McDonald’s burger in 1955 was 1.6 ounces, about 333 calories. Now it’s 3.2; other burgers are 8 ounces, even bigger. It’s almost a joke how they treat nutrition and how the food is marketed: “We’ve got the biggest burger.” The standard burger now is about 590 calories. A good source for information is fastfoodnutrition.org.

The movie contends that the industrialization of food has turned animals into commodities, and as a result, safety and health are at risk.

Q: What about beverages? A standard Burger King soda in 1954 was 12 ounces; now we have 32-ounce sodas and more. People may not think about the calories they drink: 22 percent of all calories now come from beverages. Q: Are we getting enough fiber? Actually, the biggest thing typically missing is fiber—whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, whole cereals. McDonald’s does have yogurt with granola, but you don’t typically see an Olive Garden with whole-grain pasta or pizza. Q: How do we figure out how much food we need? Your height, your gender—you need to adjust calories for that; a nutritionist or dietitian can help you understand how

Q: Plant protein? Like nuts or seeds. Sprinkle almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top of cereal. If you have nut allergies, most people can tolerate seeds—flax seeds or sunflower seeds. And you need good teeth: people with poor teeth or with dentures that don’t fit properly find fiber hard to eat. So because it hurts, they eat calorie-laden white bread or potatoes without the fiber. And with no fiber to fill you up, you eat more. That’s why you can eat a monster burger with bacon and cheese— there’s no fiber. Q: What else contributes to people eating more? A lot of people eat in 20 minutes or less. In that amount of time you don’t feel full,

so you keep cramming things down. And we think somehow we have to finish that plate; we don’t even feel full until the plate is empty. You can eat less without even changing anything except using smaller plates. Q: What do you do to avoid eating everything on your plate when you dine out? I take a container and put half the food in it to take home. Q: Any other tips? You can lose weight just by changing your environment. [In a recent study] keeping a chocolate bar in a desk drawer instead of on the desktop led to a 40 percent reduction of candy that was eaten. Keep the candy wrapper in front of you—don’t throw it away, so you can see how many you’re really eating. Juices—I don’t drink the pure form of cranberry juice, because there are still calories in juice. You can make your own sauces to avoid the added sugars [that come in bottled sauces]. Never eat snacks out of the bag.You can also find good information at foodfacts.com, and nutritiondata.com. Q: You really get energetic over this, don’t you? This is my passion. I was a chef for ten years in Chicago restaurants. I saw how people ate and the effect it had on them. Over time, I knew of customers who died, and that made me become a dietitian. —Julie Dean Kessler

what’s new

survivor spotlight

the body shop

on your mind

food & fitness

green life

ask the expert

The latest in local medical technology, and innovative healthy products

Unable to find a local support group for those suffering from fibromyalgia, Jodi Phelan started her own

An experience with craniosacral therapy, and home care for medically fragile children

Adopting a weight-loss mind-set, and the relationship between Alzheimer’s and cholesterol

Fit workplaces, nutrition after weight loss surgery, and the facts about high fructose corn syrup

What you should know about milk, and the debate about food industry practices

A nutritionist reveals alarming information about fast food and offers survival strategies for eating out

4 letter from the editor 2

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

6 health care advisory council

10 well-being events

As seen in

neeD GOOD ADViCe?

Meet the

expert at nwi.com

toDay’s eXPerts Foot aND aNkLe sPeciaLists

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if the phone line is busy, please call back.

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Doesn’t Your Spine Deserve

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At Midwest SpineCare, all we treat are neck, mid-back, and lower back problems. In fact, Dr. Mark Chang continues to receive the highest level of satisfaction among patients and insurance carriers in the local area as shown in these popular rating scales: HealthGrade® Physicians Reports® Vitals™ Angie’s List®

4 1/2 stars out of 5 4 1/2 stars out of 5 3 1/2 stars out of 4 Grade A

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letter from the editor volume 5 | issue 3

I don’t know if this is happening everywhere (I hope it is!), but over the past year, I’ve noticed a LOT of weight loss within my social and professional circles. It is so exciting to see my friends and colleagues slimming down, toning up and simply looking fantastic!

ut their waistlines are not the only noticeable difference. They also have clear skin, lots of energy and the self-confidence to take on the world. It’s a reminder that losing weight is about so much more than looking good—keeping trim truly does benefit one’s health, in so many ways. The proof is in the pudding. (The fat-free pudding, of course.) When I asked my friends how they lost the weight, the majority of them said that it started with eating better. They cut out fast and starchy foods and focused their diet instead on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Then they added exercise, which helped them lose more pounds and tone their muscles. Of course, exercise and healthy eating are the primary weight-loss methods that work pretty much every time. But for when they don’t work, or when you want to troubleshoot specific areas, you could try some more specific methods. Kim De Lauro of Baum’s Natural Foods in Merrillville tells us of the all-natural products and procedures that aid in weight loss, on page 21. And on page 22, Dr. Paul Stanish of Community Hospital gets to the nittygritty of weight loss surgery, which is an option only for those who have tried everything (and we mean everything) to no avail. We also talk about the secret weapon in exercising for weight loss: strength training. A common belief is that cardio does all the work, but as you’ll see on page 23, it’s a two-way street. In addition, you can read about the dangers of fast food (page 28), learn the truth about high fructose corn syrup (page 25) and find out what, exactly, is in your milk (page 26). And we’re just scratching the surface here in the magazine. You’ll find all kinds of health news and advice every day on our website, nwitimes.com/gethealthy. While you’re there, sign up for our free weekly newsletter, to receive healthy tidbits in your email inbox every week. Wherever you are on your weight loss journey, we hope that this issue will give you the information and motivation you’re looking for. I’m seeing success stories left and right . . . keep up the good work, and you could be one of them! Julia Perla Managing Editor 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 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.

THE LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM RAMIFICATIONS OF HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION The Times Health Care and BusINess Advisory Councils Focus on What Happens Next

s we gear up for our second hospital CEO summit with leaders from Porter and LaPorte counties, everyone is asking themselves the same big question: What does the health care reform bill mean for me? How will it impact my insurance plan? Ultimately, what does it mean for the health of my family, my neighbors and my community? What does the future hold? What will change and what will stay the same? Now imagine that your job is to manage the care of hundreds, maybe thousands of people. And they are all wondering about these questions, and some of them are very sick and some are going to die. Many have loving families, in agony over not only the uncertainties of what may be a progressive sickness, but the decisions they have to make regarding treatment. Add to this the responsibility of the fiscal management of million-dollar budgets for the basic health care services generally thought of as an entitlement, though they aren’t generally funded that way, and you have some idea of what the leadership, management and the very critical communications staff has to grapple with on a daily basis. These issues are at the heart of the matter, but the expectations around the edges are not small, either: protection of patient privacy, limits on hospital stays and shortage of trained health care professionals, including doctors and nurses. Less than 300 doctors graduated from medical school in Indiana last year, just as the baby boomers are rapidly moving into the last third of their projected life span. Even for the layman, these are scary numbers. For the time being, the debate that lasted for over a year in Congress is done and the first steps toward implementation have begun. Already it is apparent what a momentous task this was and some of the simple logistical reasons it took so long. No matter which side of the question legislators were on—and the bill covered so many issues, including the student loan process—each action had a cost associated with it and each reaction had to reflect how the cost would be paid and when. The size of the numbers and the vast projections must have been a hellish situation for the staff members and the budget office people. Now those numbers will be pushed out to the states and the health care providers and ultimately all the rest of us—insured or not, healthy or sick. And no matter what happens this year, next year, in 2014, no individual will ever look at health care as something that happens to somebody else again. From now on, we will be looking at it as a member of a family and a community. We will actually begin to look at it from others’ points of view, from the standpoint of the health care provider, from the pharmacist, from the elderly people making choices between buying medicine or food. One of the benefits of this long debate is that we have heard a lot of stories we may not have heard otherwise, we have seen the prices on prescriptions and premiums rise and the concept of care and concern for our neighbor has never been so real and, at times, unnerving. For me, this year has been a wake-up call and a reminder about how lucky we are to have the level of service and health care that is available in Northwest Indiana—that continues to improve and grow. We have brand new facilities, more families coming into our area and more providers attracted to the quality of life here. I have a much more complete appreciation for the many dedicated people who work in the high-stakes industry and the work that they do. We look forward to continuing the conversation with the leaders in our community who are working on the ground, who extend care and compassion to those most in need, those who are sick and scared. Our concern and understanding of what is going on in our community embodies the hope for the future. Moving the dial on public education is the challenge and mission for Get Healthy and Times Media, too. Pat Colander Associate Publisher and Editor 6

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

Northwest Indiana health care Advisory council John Gorski Community Healthcare System Donald Fesko Community Hospital Lou Molina Community Hospital 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

Debbie Banik, COO Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute Tom Keilman BP John Doherty Doherty Therapeutic and Sports Medicine 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

Daniel Netluch, M.D. Saint Anthony Medical Center

State Senator Earline Rogers

Carol Schuster, CNO Saint Anthony Medical Center

______________

Thomas Gryzbek St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers

marketing and community relations

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 Lilly Veljovic, CEO Pinnacle Hospital Beverly DeLao Hammond Clinic Rob Jensen Hammond Clinic C.D. Egnatz Lake County Medical Society

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HEALTHY PRODUCTS

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY

Saint Margaret Mercy was the first hospital in the region to use the da Vinci Si high-definition surgical system for urosurgeries, such as prostatectomies and hysterectomies. The da Vinci Si System allows surgeons to perform delicate, complex procedures with small incisions and high precision. The system has advanced visualization that can magnify up to ten times the actual size of an object and gives surgeons an inside view of the patient. Its motion technology replicates open surgery by maintaining the natural alignment between the surgeon’s eye, hand and instrument. Patient benefits may include less pain, blood loss and scarring. The small incision site also lessens the chance of infection. Recovery time from the procedure is often less than that of open surgery, giving patients a faster return to normal activities and better clinical outcomes.

INCISIONLESS SURGERY

Surgeons at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart recently performed the first incisionless procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where food or liquids in the stomach leak backwards up the esophagus, causing irritation and heartburn. The Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF, uses the EsophyX device to reconstruct or repair the natural anatomy between the stomach and esophagus. This repair prevents reflux, often times preventing further need of medications. The surgery is done through the mouth without the need for incisions, which doctors say reduces pain and recovery time while leaving no visible scarring. “Many reflux patients are unable to drink carbonated or caffeinated beverages or eat rich foods or fruit without triggering reflux,” says Dr. A. Bassel Shughoury, one of the first specialists trained to perform the new procedure in Northern Indiana. “After the EsophyX procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for years.”

IMPROVING HEART HEALTH

Porter Health System recently acquired the smallest heart pump on the market that can treat patients with advanced cardiac failure and other serious heart conditions. The Impella 2.5 works by temporarily taking over the heart’s pumping function in order to give surgeons the time needed to perform life-saving operations. The pump is inserted into a large artery in the thigh and moved up into the left ventricle of the heart. Once there, the device gives the heart three to five times more blood flow than the current standards of care. Dr. Keith Atassi was the first Porter physician to use the heart pump. The patient was a man who had suffered a heart attack, Atassi says, and because the heart was so weak, the chances of it not being able to pump the necessary amount of blood through the body was high. Atassi used the device to unload the heart and move more blood, he says, which allowed him to perform an angioplasty, a procedure to widen a blocked artery or blood vessel. “This patient could have died,” Atassi says. “But he went home with a good, functioning heart within two or three days of the procedure.”

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

By Casandra Riddle

BRIGHT WHITES If the clunky, gunky tooth-whitening strips aren’t your thing, or if impatience trumps your desire to see a whiter smile, check out Luster 1 Hour White. It’s a simple three-step process with a rinse, gel and whitening light that can take your teeth up to six shades lighter in 60 minutes, or the time it takes the Law & Order crew to crack the case. It’s gentle on enamel, so even the sensitive-mouthed can partake, and satisfaction is guaranteed. Some users have even reported seeing their desired results in as little as 30 minutes, which leaves you with extra time to practice flashing your whiter smile. Pick up the Luster 1 Hour White system at CVS or Meijer for about $40. CHANNELING JUNE CLEAVER Stay on top of kitchen trends by tying one on. Aprons are the hot new-old accessory for home cooks, keeping you in the kitchen, cooking healthy, without worrying about splatters, sputters and stains. And to keep from fumbling for the towel, pick up an apron from justperfectinc.com. There’s a super-absorbent terry cloth towel that’s attached by zipper to the bottom of the apron, so you can quickly swipe up any dribbles. Buy one online for $40. ALL-NATURAL NAILS Your nail polish remover stinks. Not only does it play games with your tear ducts and burn that paper cut you accidentally swabbed, but it unleashes harsh, disgusting-smelling chemicals, too. Since naked nails aren’t always ideal, pick up a bottle of Karma Organic Polish Remover. It’s a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic, soy- and cornbased polish remover that kicks the chemicals to the curb. With tea tree oil and vitamin E, Karma is gentle on your nails and the skin (while still eliminating evidence of your last manicure), and the 100 percent recyclable bottles are gentle on your conscience. Find it online at karmaorganicspa.com in lavender, tea tree and unscented varieties for $12, and pick up a few cruelty-free, chemical-free nail polishes to go with it.

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well-being events

Because dates and times are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all event details. If you would like to submit a health-related event to be considered for listing in the Get Healthy calendar of events, please send the information at least 6-8 weeks in advance to kmacneil@nwitimes.com.

c o m p i l e d by J u l i D o s h an

FITNESS ONGOING Circle Shape Up, 4-5pm, every Tue & Thu, Porter Education and Rehabilitation Center, 1401 Calumet Ave,Valparaiso. 219.264.7240. porterhealth.com. This seatedexercise concept will help people of all ages incorporate effective and simple exercises and stretches into every day activities. As a result, flexibility, muscle tone and energy levels will improve. ONGOING Feel Like Dancing? 12:301:15pm, 2nd and 4th Tue of every month, Cancer Resource Centre, 926 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3349. comhs.org. Aspiring Freds and Gingers are encouraged to take advantage of this free event that is guaranteed to add fun and movement to guests’ day through swing and line-dancing lessons. APR 24 7th Annual Samaritan Skedaddle, 9am, 8th and Washington Sts, Michigan City. 219.879.3283. skedaddle.org. Proceeds from this annual 5K run and walk go to benefit the Samaritan Counseling Centers, Inc. (a community-based interfaith counseling and education service) in LaPorte, Michigan City and Portage. MAY 16 30th Anniversary Hub Run, Lake County Courthouse, downtown Crown Point. 219.663.5810. slymca.org. What began as a 7-mile run through the streets of Crown Point and turned into a 5K/2K run/walk through the Lake County Fairgrounds is returning home. A full day of celebration will feature food, refreshments, free massages and musical entertainment, along with the race, which will be one of the first in the country to try a new timing system where a disposable chip is placed on the racing bib. All proceeds from the day will benefit the Southlake YMCA Financial Assistance Program, which provides membership and programs to low-income individuals, children and families. MAY 16 Spring Walk of Hope, 10:30am, Mokena Community Park District, 10925 LaPorte Rd, Mokena. 708.798.9171 or 815.341.1238. cancersupportcenter.org. Offering three different routes for walking or a 5K fun run, the Spring Walk of Hope raises money for the Cancer Support Center’s free programs to help people fight cancer. Anyone who has cancer or has been affected by it is welcome to participate in the walk and enjoy music, games and food at the Celebration of Hope after finishing.

CLASSES/SEMINARS ONGOING C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Natural Birth & Parenting Network, 7pm, first Wed of the

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month, Hebron Community Center, 611 N Main St, Hebron. 219.996.5188. indianabirthchoices. com. This free community program brings together midwives, doulas, childbirth educators, chiropractors, breastfeeding consultants and new and expecting parents. No need to preregister. May 5: Evidence Based Maternity Care & Reducing Infant Mortality.

Rd, Munster. 219.836.3349. cancerresourcecentre. com. Women who have completed their breast cancer treatment are invited to share their experiences and address any concerns at this bimonthly support group. ONGOING Alzheimer’s Support Group, 2pm, first Sun of every month, Immanuel United Church of Christ, 2201 Azalea St, Highland. 800.272.3900. alz.org/Indiana. This support group is designed for caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. It meets monthly to allow participants to share experiences and receive the support they need from others in similar situations.

APR 21 What You Need to Know about Women’s Cancers, 5:30-7:30pm, Rush University, Armour Academic Center, Rm 994, 600 S Paulina St, Chicago. 888.352.7874. rush.edu. Learn more about diagnosis and treatment options for women with breast and gynecologic cancers as well as the latest information on prevention at this free event.

ONGOING Brain Injury Information & Support Group, 2:30-4pm Wed, Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit Family Waiting Lounge, 8th Floor, 1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago. 312.563.2700. rush.edu. This group is open to family members and loved ones of adults with an acquired brain injury such as a tumor, stroke or aneurysm. Information, ideas about what works and what doesn’t work and invaluable emotional support will be available from caregivers in similar situations.

APR 22 Annual Spring Forum, 9am-1pm, Westchester Public Library, 100 W Indiana Ave, Chesterton. 219.477.3125. Fire safety, managing falls and wandering awareness will top the topics at this free, informative event for area seniors and their caretakers sponsored by the Porter County Triad. APR 27 Addressing Sensitive Issues in Men and Women, 6-8:30pm, Rush University, Armour Academic Center, Rm 994, 600 S Paulina St, Chicago. 888.352.7874. rush.edu. Pelvic and abdominal health often goes undiagnosed and untreated because it isn’t easy to discuss, but it can also have serious effects on quality of life. Men and women are encouraged to attend this informational session to learn how to prevent and treat these issues with nutrition, physical therapy, exercise and in some cases, medical and surgical treatments. MAY 19 Stroke Symposium, 9am-1pm, St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart. 219.836.3477 or 866.836.3477. comhs. org. A neurologist, cardiologist, dietitian and rehabilitation coordinator will discuss signs, symptoms and causes of stroke in accordance with such topics as prevention, nutrition, physical activity and medications at this free event. Vendors and free screenings will also be available. JUN 15 Spine and Back Treatment Options, 6-8pm, Armour Academic Center, Rm 994, 600 S Paulina St, Chicago. 888.352.7874. rush.edu. The latest procedures for spine and back care will be discussed by an orthopedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon from the Spine and Back Center at Rush Hospital.

SUPPORT GROUPS ONGOING After Care Breast Cancer Support Group, 7-8:30pm, 2nd and 4th Mon of every month, Cancer Resource Centre, 926 Ridge

APR 22

Women’s Wellness 7-10pm, 8:30-11:30am, Miller’s Senior Living Community, 5911 Lute Rd, Portage. 219.764.0628.

As part of the Healthy Life Series sponsored by St. Mary Medical Center and Miller’s Senior Living Community, this free event will focus on healthy lifestyles for women. Health care professionals will be on hand to provide information about bone density, breast health, incontinence and more. Participants who want to receive a free screening for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, mini-neuro or bone density should fast for 12 hours before attending.

ONGOING Caregiver Support Group, 10am, second Sat of every month, Miller’s Senior Living Community, 5911 Lute Rd, Portage. 219.764.0628. This monthly group will allow caregivers to share their problems, ideas and successful solutions in a supportive and informative environment. ONGOING Couples Confronting Cancer Together, 7-8:30pm, 1st Tue of every month, Cancer Resource Centre, 926 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3349. cancerresourcecentre.com. This group is designed for those dealing with cancer, and their spouse or significant other is also invited. ONGOING Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance, 6pm, 1st and 3rd Wed of every month, Porter-Starke Services, 701 Wall St, Entrance C, Valparaiso; 7pm, 2nd and 4th Mon of every month, Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus, 8701 Broadway, Merrillville. 219.462.3689. porterstarke.org. This unique support group is a peer-directed discussion, with patients being treated for depression or bipolar disorder and their families helping form a comprehensive common denominator of the support needed. ONGOING Fibromites Unite, 10am-noon, 4th Sat of every month, St. Margaret Mercy Hospital, 24 Joliet St, Dyer. 708.539.9896. fibromitesunite.org. This support group features free membership, guest speakers, social activities and the opportunity to meet others dealing with fibromyalgia.

MAY 8

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ONGOING Gilda’s Club, 11am-2pm, every Wed, Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine, 5758 S Maryland Ave, Chicago. 773.702.9900. uchospitals.edu. The Gilda’s Club mission is to create a welcome community of free support for everyone living with cancer. This chapter provides support as well as lectures, workshops and social events.

10am-6pm, Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S Court St, Crown Point. 219.227.6670. embracinggreenproductions.com. This unique event features consumers, local businesses and entrepreneurs coming together to raise awareness for a greener Indiana. Natural family products and services vendors in attendance will vary from green builders and remodelers to midwives and personal trainers. Portions of the proceeds from raffles held throughout the day will go to benefit American Personal Rights, La Leche League and the Caring Place, Inc.

ONGOING Lupus Support Group, 6:30pm, 4th Mon of every month, St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart. 800.948.8806. lupus.org. The Indiana Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America is sponsoring a monthly support group at St. Mary’s Hospital. This free group is open to the public and is designed to encourage patients and share skills for coping with lupus and associated autoimmune and connective tissue diseases. ONGOING Victory over Violence, 5-6:30pm, St. Catherine Hospital, 4321 Fir St, East Chicago. 219.836.3477 or 866.836.3477. comhs.org. This group will meet at the first-floor Daybreak Behavioral Health Services area and will provide support for those who are dealing with the aftermath of a violent incident.

SCREENINGS ONGOING Community Coronary Scan, Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd, Munster. 219.836.4599. comhs.org. This noninvasive test takes an x-ray picture of the heart to detect the calcium deposits that are a sign of heart disease. It’s quick, painless and is especially recommended for people who are at risk for heart problems. ONGOING Diabetes Screening, 4th Thu of

every month, St. Catherine Hospital, 4321 Fir St, East Chicago. 219.392.7786. comhs.org. This free blood pressure and glucose screening, which will feature information on heart disease and diabetes, can help determine the risk for diabetes. At least a two-hour fast is recommended for the blood glucose test. ONGOING Hearing Screening, Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd, Munster.

219.836.4527. comhs.org. This free screening helps to determine if participants need a complete audiologic evaluation to discover type and degree of hearing impairment. ONGOING Scoliosis Screenings, NeuroScience Institute, Southlake Campus, Methodist Hospitals, 200 E 89th Ave, Merrillville. 219.738.4926. methodisthospitals.org. This free screening is available only by appointment.

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SPECIAL EVENTS MAY 6 Northwest Indiana Go Red for Women Luncheon, Radisson Hotel, 800 E 81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.996.4958. americanheart. org. In conjunction with the American Heart Association’s national awareness campaign to help women better understand heart disease, this informative event will include an auction, heart-healthy lunch, shared survivor stories and a medical message. Also, May 8: Northwest Indiana Heart of Gold Ball. MAY 12 Celebratory Awareness Dinner, 5-8pm, Great Oaks Banquets, 13109 Wicker Ave, Cedar Lake. 708.539.9896. fibromitesunite.org. To commemorate National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, this dinner offers guests the opportunity to express support for the cause and educate others about the cost of the chronic pain illness. All proceeds will benefit the National Fibromyalgia Association in its efforts to further education and research. MAY 27 Speaking of Women’s Health, 7am-4pm, Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza Theatre, 800 E 81st Ave, Merrillville. 219.756.5656. speakingofwomenshealth.com. This day-long conference is aimed at helping more than 900 women make informed decisions about their health. Learn about financial security, total wellness and grab a few helpful hints about diet and exercise.

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Fighting Back Jodi Phelan woke up one morning in January 2009 unable to move. ¶ “My whole body shut down,” says the 31-year-old Joliet resident. In the hospital emergency room, Phelan went through a battery of tests including a CAT scan and MRIs. “They tested for lupus and they thought I had multiple sclerosis,” she recalls. ¶ Consultations with several medical specialists eventually resulted in a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in March 2009.

GET HEALTHY | nwitimes.com/gethealthy

photography by ROBERT WRAY

Woman pioneers local fibromyalgia support group

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You feel so alone and that nobody is as fortunate to have their family understands what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going through. behind them,â&#x20AC;? Phelan says. Her You go into a shell,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You personal support system includes her donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go out of the house husband, Shawn; parents, Dan and because of the stares you get. Here I Kathy Brown of Cedar Lake and aunt, Through her mother, Phelan learned that St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in am, a young person using a cane. People Sara Stanley of Steger. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re my legs Dyer hosts support groups. That was the beginning of Fibromites Unite, the think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re faking. Those stares make [for the meetings]. They do the flyers fibromyalgia support group Phelan founded and that has been growing since its September 2009 debut. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to get back to myself, and I get that by you feel uncomfortable.â&#x20AC;? and handle the refreshments,â&#x20AC;? she says. leading this group,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hospital has been wonderful to us.â&#x20AC;? Instead of giving in to those feelings, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do all the paperwork, but I have to Phelan says she wanted to get her life pace myself.â&#x20AC;? back, and began looking for a local Phelan also launched a website, fibromyalgia support group. However, none existed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer free membership and an opportunity fibromitesunite.org, that helps those with fibromyalgia Through her mother, Phelan learned that St. to meet fellow â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fibromites,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Phelan says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have keep in touch even if they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend support Margaret Mercy Hospital in Dyer hosts support social activities and, most importantly, understanding, group meetings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m getting more phone calls and groups. That was the beginning of Fibromites Unite, acceptance and reassurance. We vent, we cry, but we emails from people who want to know more about the fibromyalgia support group Phelan founded and always try to bring positive things and bring laughter to fibromyalgia,â&#x20AC;? Phelan says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One woman asked if we that has been growing since its September 2009 debut. each meeting.â&#x20AC;? could start a chapter in the New Lenox [Illinois] area â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to get back to myself, and I get that by for those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to Dyer.â&#x20AC;? leading this group,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hospital has been ibromites Unite also seeks to increase â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want everyone to understand that fibromyalgia wonderful to us.â&#x20AC;? awareness in the community and with is a part of our lives, but not our whole lives.â&#x20AC;? Fibromites Unite meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the families about the symptoms and effects â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lu Ann Franklin fourth Saturday of every month at St. Margaret Mercy of fibromyalgia. Guest speakers include Dyer Campus, 24 Joliet Street (U.S. 30). Currently there doctors and disability attorneys as well as are more than fifty members, who range in age from those offering alternative therapies. For more information about Fibromites Unite, 29 to their 70s. At least twenty attend the meetings, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living with fibromyalgia requires a call Jodi Phelan at 708.539.9896 or email her at and those numbers are growing. strong support system and not everyone fibromitesunite@yahoo.com.

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Why Replace Missing Teeth? Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches or jaw pain.

Who Would Want Their Appearance And Health To Deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth - the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jawbone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act very similar to your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Dr. Platt will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.

They Look And Feel Like My Own Teeth! Thousands of people report their life is transformed by dental implants. If you are currently eating soft foods, you’ll be able to eat a much more normal diet again and you may be pleasantly surprised that your favorite foods taste great again. Implants are sturdy, so you can speak, smile, and laugh with confidence. They provide a strong foundation that helps keep your gums healthy and preserves your attractive profile. Our goal is to provide you with teeth that look and feel natural through a comfortable and convenient procedure.

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IMPLANTS What is a Dental Implant? How Does it Work? A dental implant is a substitute tooth root that serves the same function as a natural tooth root. If you compare real teeth to dental implants, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. Both have a crown, the visible part used to chew food. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium, the same well-accepted material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth Dr. Platt first replaces the root with a small implant. Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the implant. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. Before placing your implants, Dr. Platt will take an image of your jaw in his office using a Cone Beam CAT scan machine. This enables him to determine the exact location of your dental implant prior to placing it.

No Need to Change Dentists! Unlike some “one stop shop” dental implant centers that make you use their dentists; we work with you and your current dentist. There are implant centers springing up all over the country. Many of them are advertising the convenience of having everything under one roof: the surgeon, the prosthodontist, the dental lab and a CT scan. It is certainly convenient for the patients and the doctors providing treatment to have everything in one location; however, convenience should not be the primary consideration with implant treatment.

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Craniosacral Therapy

An experience with alternative medicine I must admit, I walked in a skeptic. Sure, I believe that all things in the universe are connected, I do yoga, I drink green tea. However, I still take a pill when I have a headache, and I still see the doctor when I have an ailment, and I feel like my doctor knows what’s going on in my body better than I do. But I’ve battled insomnia for years. I’ve tried everything. I’ve tried over-thecounter sleeping pills; they only make me more jittery. I’ve tried meditation; that only makes me think more, unable to shut off my brain. I’ve tried prescription sleeping pills, which only make me walk in my sleep, unaware of my refrigerator raids in the morning. Melatonin, chamomile, fuzzy blankets—nothing worked. So I turned to Laura Moretton, owner of Holistic Healing Pathways in Kouts, a natural and holistic health care practitioner and a craniosacral therapist. Laura suggested that I experience a few sessions of craniosacral therapy. I was a bit skeptical, as is my nature, but after another bout of Tivo’d Judge Judy at 2 a.m. with a bag of cheddar cheese Sun Chips, I thought, what the heck? Craniosacral therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger, who assembled schools and performed training. In this therapy, the therapist works the patient’s spine and skull with his or her hands, thereby easing nerve passages and optimizing movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord. “This healing process works with the body’s system to help rebalance,” Moretton explains. “It’s extremely gentle, noninva-

Loving Care Agency For families that have a baby who is born with a serious condition or a child who is facing an illness or disorder, having the option of caring for a child at home, rather than shuffling back and forth between hospital rooms, can ease the burden quite a bit. The Loving Care Agency is making that happen for many Northwest Indiana families through its home care service. The national agency serves adults and children, but its three Midwest locations in Chicago, Indianapolis and Valparaiso specialize in pediatric care only. “There’s not a whole lot of pediatric home health care out there,” says Sandy Storey-Moon, a home care specialist who pairs nurses with families in need of services. “There is a definite need.” With home care shifts covered by specially trained, highly skilled pediatric nurses, medically fragile children who may otherwise only be cared for in a hospital setting can receive care in their own home, where they are more likely to thrive. Care is covered for such diagnoses as gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular anomalies, spinal cord injuries, peritoneal dialysis, neuromuscular disorders, respiratory syndromes and dysfunction, tracheostomy and traumatic brain injuries and for patients in need of ventilators or tubes for digestion and breathing. Some premature infants can also return home earlier with the help of Loving Care Agency. “My role is to make sure we get a perfect match for that child,” says Storey-Moon. “It is so wonderful to know that you are making a difference in a family’s life in a most positive way.” —CARRIE STEINWEG

To learn more, please visit lovingcareagency.com. If you’re interested in home pediatric care from Loving Care Agency, contact Sandy Storey-Moon at 219.548.0099 or smoon@lovingcareagency.com. 16

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not your mind

Getting your body on the right track when it comes to losing weight begins with your mind. “The mind-set is the most important.” Those are the words of Dr. Joseph Paun of Highland’s Paun Family Chiropractic and Wellness, who says the key thing when it comes to telling people how to think in terms of diet and exercise is that there isn’t a “onesize-fits-all program.” “Everyone has different things they like,” Paun says. The one thing Paun tries to push with his patients is for them to get on board with nutrition and exercise, because while you can lose weight doing one or the other, “why would you want to?” “Why would you want to limit yourself to just eating like a bird all day or to work out like a maniac to make up for what you could do with the other?” he asks. Paun says the neat thing about getting into the proper mind-set is that you don’t have to be restrictive when it comes to dieting— being reasonable is satisfactory. You can also shift your focus when the situation calls for it. An example, Paun says, is when there’s a death in the family. “You’re not going to be able to get into the gym, so maybe you can tighten up a little bit on your diet,” he says. Another time to think smart is during the holiday season and all the tempting treats it has to offer. Holiday eating means putting your body through an extra workout session or just becoming more active in general. “You just change your focus as the situation calls for it,” Paun says. “That’s real life. Things always pop up and throw your schedule off, and I think you have to plan for that.” Most people want to change because they’re frustrated with their bodies, yet they’ve been living a mindless life in regards 18

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to eating, says Dr. Mary Tilak of TAWL (Dr. Tilak’s Aggressive Weight Loss) in Highland. People are eating, but they’re not thinking about what they’re eating or why they’re eating—or where they’re eating. “This is called mindless behavior,” Tilak says. “They’ve begun to live a mindless life.” Change, Tilak says, begins at home. People should eat more often at home and should plan their meals. Too many restaurants pile on large portions of food, not to mention fast food “biggie-sized” soft drinks or burgers at twofor-the-price-of-one. “We think free food is good food,” Tilak says. “We don’t think about it—it becomes mindless.” —Rob Earnshaw

Alzheimer’s and Low Cholesterol? The effects of high cholesterol are well established—plaques accumulate in blood vessels, “hardening” them, and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke—but a new wave of research contends there is a danger in lowering cholesterol, and that loss of cognition, even the development of Alzheimer’s, might be the price paid. “Wow, how research can be polar opposites!” says Jennifer Pallone, D.O., a neurologist at the Neurological Institute & Specialty Centers in Merrillville. Cholesterol is a steroid produced by the body that serves vital roles, including helping maintain the myelin sheath that protects nerves and helps transmit brain signals. But not all cholesterol is the same, and the low-density variety is considered especially corrosive. In Alzheimer’s, dementia seems to stem from abnormal accumulation of proteins in the brain. Under normal conditions, the body monitors protein levels and disposes of excesses. Alzheimer’s happens when the system fails. Why the system fails is still a mystery, but cholesterol may play a part. “They’ve been looking at elevated levels of cholesterol that may prevent the brain from clearing abnormal proteins,” Pallone says. “Things that cause vascular disease in the brain are risk factors in developing Alzheimer’s. It is important to note at which range atherosclerosis of arteries begins and vascular complications of stroke and heart attack begin to rise. The goal is to normalize levels, not to cause them to be abnormally low. It becomes a balancing act to treat one disease without causing another.” The final word? “The benefit of controlling high cholesterol outweighs the side effects,” Pallone says. And to stave off Alzheimer’s? Pallone advocates good “health hygiene”— mental and physical exercise, proper sleep, and proper diet, one rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. —Terri Gordon

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LOSE WEIGHT, FEEL GREAT >>> For those of us who keep tr ying to lose weight but don’t succeed, we cer tainly can’t blame it on a lack of options. There are countless weight-loss methods out there, whether through food, exercise or natural or surgical means. Here are just some of the many options available in our neck of the woods. 20

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Alternative Weight Loss Methods Okay, everyone’s heard the lament: reducing the calories I take in—and upping my exercise to burn more calories—just hasn’t done the trick. I’m still fat!

hether it’s a metabolism problem where a body just isn’t very efficient at burning calories, or a miscalculation in terms of what’s going into one’s system and what sort of calories are actually being expended during a variety of exercises, there are a number of alternative weight loss methods that may boost one’s ability to burn the excess fat—and possibly one’s spirits to boot! None of these approaches is a license to gorge and remain a couch potato, those in the know warn. But if one keeps eating sensibly and exercising properly, some of the latest methods may boost the ability to burn fat and allow for the desired results, according to experts. One of the most popular products of late is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), says Kim De Lauro, a certified nutritionist who manages Baum’s Natural Foods in Merrillville. De Lauro explains that this product is a “good” fat that we need for proper and optimal metabolic functioning, and that we used to get it through beef when cattle diets were more “natural.” These days she advises taking soft gel caps three

times a day with the oil, which ends up “releasing the bad fat because your body prefers the good fat.” A bottle, which lasts about a month, costs less than $30. “With many other diet products, you have to exercise caution,” says De Lauro, who explains that many of the stimulants used to suppress appetite also throw off the blood pressure and the blood sugar. She says anyone is a candidate for CLA, though, and those worries are not a factor. Another popular product these days is chromium picolinate, “a natural fat burner and sugar balancer,” De Lauro says. “If you have sugar issues, it is also diabetic friendly.” De Lauro says users take one tablet per day, and an $8-$12 bottle should last for two to three months. Lecithin, another “good” fat (and fat burner) is still “tried and true,” according to De Lauro, but recent claims that it could increase some forms of cancer (some say it could actually decrease other forms) have left that product surrounded by some controversy these days. Then there are those who are sold on drinking good old apple cider vinegar, complete with the sediment (mixed with water), which De Lauro says is an effective, natural acid/ alkaline balancer within the body to

create an efficient fat-burning system. De Lauro warns that vinegar can be hard on the tooth enamel and to be sure to brush after drinking! Acai berries, which seem to be sprouting up all over these days (they are akin to a big blueberry), are another safe—and tasty—way to boost one’s fat-burning ability, De Lauro says. Pleasant “side effects” include a great “chocolatey” flavor, as well as a high antioxidant level (naturally occurring substances in food that protect the system from damage). Smoothies, anyone?

ome frustrated dieters are trying green coffee wraps for spot-reducing, particularly in cellulite (dimply, pudgy fat) found along the thighs. Micronized (pulverized) unroasted—and very stimulating—green coffee beans are formed into a paste and layered on certain areas, such as the thighs. This is then covered with a foil-like “solar blanket” that warms the area for about 30 minutes, according to Holli Zabek, an esthetician and cosmetologist at SpaPointe, a facility in Munster owned by Community Hospital. A vigorous, scratchy loofah treatment is also employed to stimulate the area. The whole process releases trapped impurities and fat and often reduces inches, Zabek says. The treatments run approximately $50, but there are discounts available if several treatments are purchased in advance. —Bonnie McGrath

may/june 2010 | GET HEALTHY

When to Go Surgical Weight loss surgery is available, but not easy

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For many very overweight people, there just doesn’t seem to be a future in cutting calories or upping their exercise. They’ve tried and failed with that conservative route, and they may have also failed with drugs such as appetite suppressants and metabolism boosters. But they still have a sincere desire to take off the pounds. That might be the time to check into something often thought of as a last resort: surgery. If you can pass the vetting by a skilled physician, as well as the insurance company criteria, it can be a good way to go. There are two surgeries that many people have heard about. The LapBand surgery ties off part of the Weight loss advice is being hurled at us, it seems, from all stomach, thereby directions. Sorting through it all can be daunting. A good making it smaller and tactic is to do what the experts do. • Dorothy Lindell, chief clinical dietitian for St. Anthony Medical Center in incapable of holding Crown Point, offers some classic tried-and-true advice as much food. It along with some insider tips. —Erika Rose can be adjusted if it is too loose or too Read labels. Lindell says many people neglect to observe the amount of calories and the number of tight—and it is much servings in the container. A “low-fat” food, for instance, less invasive than may sound like a good choice, but it may still have a ton of the other type of calories that come mostly from sugar. surgery: the bypass, Don’t drink your calories. Beverages are largely a which virtually waste of calories, Lindell says. “It’s out of your stomach in 15 minutes or less and you are still hungry,” she says. “My disconnects a portion suggestion to people is that the only calories you should be of the intestine drinking is milk.” and “bypasses” it Drink your milk, but make it skim. Lindell says there around the stomach. are nine essential nutrients in a glass of milk, so passing on The result of both milk in favor of less nutritious choices is a mistake. But keep the fat out. “If you don’t like the taste of skim milk, put procedures is the ice in it,” Lindell suggests. “It brings out a whole different same; however, the refreshing taste.” bypass involves a Reduce your cancer risk with fruits, vegetables major operation, and and whole grains. “Eat five servings of fruits and the patient has much vegetables every day and at least three servings of whole grains and you’ll accomplish that,” she says. “The fruits less ability to ingest a and vegetables have antioxidants along with many other lot of food. nutrients that we need to keep cancer at bay.” There is another Know your calorie target. Lindell likes the site surgery being calorieking.com for tools on finding out exactly what you developed, according should be taking in. to Dr. Paul Stanish, Think clean. Live by Lindell’s mantra: “If it came from a a surgeon at plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don’t.” In other words, stay away from heavily processed foods. Community Hospital in Munster and Think outside the (doughnut) box. When it’s your day to provide the office treat, colleagues might not appreciate Methodist Hospital the sugary, starchy standbys. Shake up the sweet treat norm in Merrillville. It with a fresh fruit salad or an angel food cake drizzled with will actually remove sugar-free Jell-O water. 80 percent of the Divide your meals into six small meals. Eating stomach permanently. frequently to stave off hunger is crucial to long-term success.

Foods that Fuel Weight Loss

Think like a dietitian

Pumping Iron

Stanish explains that these operations are not for everyone. The patient has to be considerably and calculably overweight. The patient has to be motivated and must have been an abject failure at other weight loss methods and/or, due to serious health risks, must need to take the weight off quickly and decisively. “After surgery, hard work is required,” Stanish says. “The surgery is not magic.” Stanish says patients have been known to gain weight back by “grazing” on small amounts of high-calorie foods all through the day. On the other hand, Stanish says the surgery can be highly successful not only for weight loss but for controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. “And energy level can go through the roof,” he says. Stanish says he gauges a patient’s age, overall health status, previous surgical history, the ability to exercise, the amount of weight the patient must lose, the insurance company requirements, and his own “gut feelings” about the candidate. For example, if the patient has a weakness for sweets, he may think long and hard about that. Also, conditions such as depression may cause some to gain the weight back. He also cautions patients that there could be side effects from the surgery—not the least of which is a very small chance of death from infection or other causes. Stanish says patients are often criticized by those who don’t know better that they are taking the “easy way out” if they opt for the surgery. But Stanish cautions that such thinking is wrong. He says for many people, weight loss surgery gives back their health, their activities, their job and their sex life. —Bonnie McGrath

Strength training’s crucial role Consider this question: with all other factors the same, who might lose more weight and keep it off, a person who does strictly cardiovascular exercise, or one who strictly strength trains? • Karen Schutters, a personal trainer, didn’t like answering this question, because ideally, a blend of both is best. But forced to choose, the co-owner of Priority Fitness in Munster says the strength trainer might fare better.

uite simply, she says, it’s because muscle is necessary to burn fat. “Muscle is active tissue, whereas fat is basically inactive tissue in your body,” Schutters says. “You want to increase the active tissue so that you can decrease your fat stores.” Plus, if you lose weight without strength training, some of those pounds lost are going to be muscle, she points out, thus reducing your calorie-burning power. “By not preserving the muscle or increasing your main muscle mass,” she says, “it’s actually going to be detrimental, because in the end, muscle requires calories. Muscle burns calories.” To better illustrate, a pound of muscle burns 35 calories a day, she says. If you lose five pounds of muscle because you’re not conditioning it during weight loss, that’s 175 calories you are holding onto that would otherwise be burned

simply by having the muscle. Schutters says strength training for weight loss will facilitate more of a permanent change, strengthening your metabolism and enabling you to “get away with” the occasional slip-up. Surprisingly, Schutters says many remain misguided about the critical role of muscle mass in burning fat and some still mistakenly believe strength training will add bulk. She occasionally encounters individuals who prefer to lose the weight before they begin strength training, but doing so, she says, would actually counteract their long-term goals. To naysayers who are lifting weights but aren’t seeing results, Schutters says it’s likely because you’re taking in extra calories because you think the workout has earned you that extra helping. For optimal weight loss, Schutters advises a full-body strength workout two to three times per week with one or two days rest in

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between. She recommends doing two exercises per body part to start. At the same time, four days of cardiovascular activity for 30 to 60 minutes is ideal. To combat that dreaded plateau, when weight loss efforts seem to abruptly halt, Schutters recommends talking to a personal trainer who can help modify the strength training plan to give those muscles the challenge they need. Methods of doing this might include splitting up the routines, lifting weights faster or slower, or doing more exercises per body part. —Erika Rose

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Nutrition after Weight Loss Surgery Weight loss surgery presents some nutritional challenges, particularly for the first six to eight months while the stomach “pouch” is healing. Omar Shamsi, MD, at Methodist Hospitals in Hobart, says it’s important to meet the daily requirement for protein, water intake and vitamin/mineral intake. “That’s 80 to 100 grams of protein, at least 64 ounces of water per day, and a multivitamin,” he says. The gastric bypass procedure removes 90 percent of the stomach and a part of the small intestine. This limits the ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, Dr. Shamsi says. “This is why it’s important to supplement with the multivitamin. And since the stomach is now small, a few bites and you’re full, so you don’t want to fill the pouch with junk food. Protein is the building block of tissues. So food should be a protein shake or lean chicken or fish. A serving size resembles a deck of cards.” Eventually, patients can transition to a normal diet (after consulting with their doctor) but portion sizes will be smaller than average. “I always tell patients you will be eating less, but you won’t be as hungry,” Dr. Shamsi says. “Your appetite will be suppressed.” Taking smaller bites (about the size of a pencil eraser), chewing food slowly and thoroughly and using infant utensils can help patients deal with the smaller amounts. Allow ten minutes per ounce of food, 30 minutes for each meal. Carbonated beverages and those high in sugar and caffeine can irritate the stomach lining, so drink water or a sugarfree flavored drink instead. Patients who opt for the Lap-Band, which squeezes the stomach rather than removes it, will be required to eat less as well, due to the smaller stomach size, so healthier, smaller amounts are key. —Sharon Biggs Waller

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High Fructose Corn Syrup

Friend or Foe?

igh Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) has been the subject of conversation lately, with many people believing it leads to obesity. HFCS is a mixture of glucose and an increased amount of fructose, hence the name “high fructose.” In contrast, table sugar can be broken down into equal amounts of glucose and fructose. Because it’s inexpensive and readily available, HFCS is added to 40 percent of all processed, canned or baked foods in place of table sugar. In addition to taking the role of sweetener, HFCS helps extend shelf life and provides a softer texture. Some studies have shown that fructose increases ghrelin, a hormone that signals hunger and appetite. Because of this, foods high in

fructose may encourage overeating. The World Health Organization says that HFCS should only make up 10 percent of the total amount of sugar consumed daily. “The recommended daily limit of sugar is ten teaspoons [or 40 grams],” says Vanessa Provins, RDCD, of Porter Health System in Valparaiso. “And that’s what’s in one can of soda.” Although it’s true that fruits and vegetables have a natural form of fructose, the amount is low; plus they are packed with healthy fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants. Because of HFCS’s high levels of fructose, some people, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome, can have digestive difficulties with the sweetener, which may cause intestinal discomfort. There are some studies that show HFCS negatively affects triglyceride (the fat in your blood) levels, but Provins says this is true with most sugars. While studies are still ongoing, most dietitians recommend treating all sugars the same, whether they are HFCS, honey or table sugar. “You can’t tag obesity to one thing. And all sugars are linked to an increase in diabetes, heart disease and dental problems. So people should moderate their intake of sugar beverages and sweets,” Provins says. “Give yourself one blowout item a day: a can of pop, a cookie or a doughnut. It’s not the teaspoons of sugar or HFCS that get you into trouble, it’s the overeating.” —Sharon Biggs Waller

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Food, Inc.

green life It Doesn’t Do a Body Good Dr. Benjamin Spock, the renowned pediatrician who wrote Baby and Child Care in 1946, wrote in the seventh edition of his book that “cow’s milk has become a point of controversy among doctors and nutritionists. There was a time when it was considered very desirable, but research has forced us to rethink this recommendation . . . dairy products contribute to a surprising number of health problems.” To hear such a statement from a respected expert like Dr. Spock can be shocking, especially when the statement is about something that is supposed to “do a body good.” But research reveals that cow’s milk is loaded with hormones given to the cows to increase production and other toxins. “The milk we’re drinking is filled with fat, cholesterol. We know that,” says Robert Cohen, executive director of the Dairy Education Board. “What we don’t know is that it contains virus, bacteria, powerful growth hormones, proteins that cause a vast array of allergies in the human body. This is not nature’s perfect food. We have children coming into puberty earlier in America, and we don’t know why. Every sip of milk they are drinking with the addition of this powerful

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growth hormone, has 59 different bioactive hormones.” According to the Harvard University Gazette, December 7, 2006, “One study compared diet and cancer rates in 42 countries. It showed that milk and cheese consumption are strongly correlated to the incidence of testicular cancer among men ages 20 to 39. Rates were highest in places like Switzerland and Denmark, where cheese is a national food, and lowest in Algeria and other countries where dairy is not so widely consumed.” So what is the alternative? Cohen suggests eating green leafy vegetables instead, which are a greater source of calcium, minus the protein in milk that inhibits calcium production as well. Another solution is to select hormone-free milk. Studies suggest that organic milk, which is hormone-free, causes fewer allergies (such as asthma and eczema) and it has more nutrients, including up to 71 percent more omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for development. Make sure yogurt, ice cream and cheese, which are made from dairy milk, are also organic and free of rBGH, or bovine growth hormone. Jeannie Nowarita, nutritionist with Dr. William Stimack and Dr. Shirley Williams in Valparaiso, says, “Organic milk is a great alternative. If you’re going to do cow’s milk with your kids, organic is the only way to go. Horizon is the one I go with and it has the best taste. We also use rice milk and almond milk, because almond milk has healthy unsaturated fats, which is good for brain development. For cheese, you can do a vegetable protein or soy cheese, and for yogurt there are tons of organics, like Stony Hill Farms.” —Heather Augustyn

Fact or Fiction?

FOOD, INc., the documentary by filmmaker Robert Kenner, boasts the tagline, “You’ll never look at food the same way again.” I must admit, I haven’t looked at food the same way ever since my husband, two sons and I sat down to watch this captivating film. I have since sought out grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and don’t dare visit a fast-food restaurant. I have long been a fan of Eric Schlosser, author of FAsT FOOD NATION, who coproduced the film. Top that off with another of my foodie and journalism mentors, Michael Pollan, author of OMNIVORE’s DILEMMA, who is featured throughout the film, and I am convinced of the premises this film presents, which are that corporations don’t have the individual consumer’s best interests at heart, that profit trumps health, that production and consumption turn animals into machines, that devious big-business practices threaten the little guy. Local farmer LuAnn Troxel, of Hanna, Indiana, presents a different view. Troxel is president of the Indiana Professional Dairy Producers, and she and her husband own the Troxel Dairy Farm and the South County Veterinary Service, which specializes solely in food animals. According to Troxel, the film “was so one-sided. They did not present an alternative side. They presented it to be a conspiracy against the big multinationals.” The movie contends that the industrialization of food has turned animals into commodities, and as a result, safety and health are at risk. With some 10 billion animals raised and killed in the U.S. each year, almost exclusively on factory farms, there is a hazard to workers, communities, the food system and the environment. The movie But Troxel points out, “Let’s not be so contends willing to castigate big companies, that the inbig farms and large- scale production. dustrializaBecause take 2,000 calories a day times tion of food 500 million people and that’s a lot of has turned calories the farmers have to provide.” animals into commodiAnd Troxel makes another very good ties, and as a point: what is the alternative to the result, safety system we’ve created? and health Misty Sorchevich, assistant manager are at risk. at Back to Basics Organics in Knox, Indiana, says that the better choice is to choose food that is not genetically modified or is from small farms where animals are grass-fed. “It was good that FOOD, INc. showed that these methods are better for farmers, better for consumers, and better for the environment,” Sorchevich says. “Agriculture has become so industrialized, so taking it back to what it used to be is possible and can be better for us.” —Heather Augustyn

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ask the expert jerry sabo

Beware of Fast Food Weight gain and all that goes with it—sluggishness, too-tight clothes, and frustration—may be sneaking up on you in ways it never did for your grandma or your great-uncle. • So says Jerr y Sabo, certified nutritionist for Methodist Hospitals in Northwest Indiana, where he works in cardiac rehabilitation ser vices. In this revealing Q & A he unwraps some nuggets of information about how food is ser ved, and how to foil trends that can sabotage your weight-loss efforts. Q: What change do you see that affects the way people eat now compared to a few decades ago? Portion sizes have changed over the years. In 1954 a Burger King french fry order was 2.6 ounces; that has doubled, and a jumbo fry is 6.9 ounces. A standard McDonald’s burger in 1955 was 1.6 ounces, about 333 calories. Now it’s 3.2; other burgers are 8 ounces, even bigger. It’s almost a joke how they treat nutrition and how the food is marketed: “We’ve got the biggest burger.” The standard burger now is about 590 calories. A good source for information is fastfoodnutrition.org. Q: What about beverages? A standard Burger King soda in 1954 was 12 ounces; now we have 32-ounce sodas and more. People may not think about the calories they drink: 22 percent of all calories now come from beverages. Q: Are we getting enough fiber? Actually, the biggest thing typically missing is fiber—whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, whole cereals. McDonald’s does have yogurt with granola, but you don’t typically see an Olive Garden with whole-grain pasta or pizza. Q: How do we figure out how much food we need? Your height, your gender—you need to adjust calories for that; a nutritionist or dietitian can help you understand how

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many calories you need. Visit mypyramid.gov to see your portion sizes for height and weight. Keep a food diary to see how much you really eat. Q: So it’s about portion size? Aim for smaller portions—3 or 4 ounces of meat in a meal twice a day, not all three meals. Eating bacon, eggs and sausage five or more times a week, that’s totally inappropriate. A majority of the heart patients I see, their standard breakfast has no fiber, yet generally we need at least three whole-grain servings every day. I like a whole-grain cereal such as Cheerios, with plant protein, not meat protein. Q: Plant protein? Like nuts or seeds. Sprinkle almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top of cereal. If you have nut allergies, most people can tolerate seeds—flax seeds or sunflower seeds. And you need good teeth: people with poor teeth or with dentures that don’t fit properly find fiber hard to eat. So because it hurts, they eat calorie-laden white bread or potatoes without the fiber. And with no fiber to fill you up, you eat more. That’s why you can eat a monster burger with bacon and cheese— there’s no fiber. Q: What else contributes to people eating more? A lot of people eat in 20 minutes or less. In that amount of time you don’t feel full,

so you keep cramming things down. And we think somehow we have to finish that plate; we don’t even feel full until the plate is empty. You can eat less without even changing anything except using smaller plates. Q: What do you do to avoid eating everything on your plate when you dine out? I take a container and put half the food in it to take home. Q: Any other tips? You can lose weight just by changing your environment. [In a recent study] keeping a chocolate bar in a desk drawer instead of on the desktop led to a 40 percent reduction of candy that was eaten. Keep the candy wrapper in front of you—don’t throw it away, so you can see how many you’re really eating. Juices—I don’t drink the pure form of cranberry juice, because there are still calories in juice. You can make your own sauces to avoid the added sugars [that come in bottled sauces]. Never eat snacks out of the bag. You can also find good information at foodfacts.com, and nutritiondata.com. Q: You really get energetic over this, don’t you? This is my passion. I was a chef for ten years in Chicago restaurants. I saw how people ate and the effect it had on them. Over time, I knew of customers who died, and that made me become a dietitian. —Julie Dean Kessler

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