Get Healthy Late Winter 2016

Healthy Superfood

SNACKS How to get your picky eater to eat healthy

C‌ old-Weather Workouts

Breaking Free from Anxiety

Ice skating, skiing, running...

Don’t let the chill keep you from getting fit!

Late Winter 2016

Saturd Febru ay, ary 27 3-5 p. m.

Ingalls Presents Hearts In The Right Place III When it comes to your heart, you can’t afford to take chances, but it is never too late to protect your heart health.

Join Ingalls from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, at the Ingalls Family Care Center, Flossmoor (19550 Governors Highway) for a heart health event.

Hearts In The Right Place III will include timely heart health and nutrition presentations.

Featuring: Interactive Booths • Hands-only CPR Demos • Nutrition Demonstrations Free Chair Massages (three stations) • Giveaways, Prizes and Light Refreshments

This event is FREE, but registration is requested. Please Call 708.915.CARE (2273) or register online at Ingalls.org. *Can’t make it to the event?

Take our FREE online Heart Health Assessment at: bit.ly/IngallsHeart www.Ingalls.org

Wholehearted Cardiovascular Care.

SM

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Late Winter 2016

1

contents

late winter 2016

notes 4 editors’ 6 hot topics

Health briefs and stats that might surprise you

9 the medical report Tips for sitting properly at your desk

10 your health

Feeding picky eaters, winter foot health, shortterm rehab, and proper snow shoveling

14 on the table

How tracking macros helps with weight loss, and a new superfood snack

18 sound mind

Treating the anxiety epidemic

20 before and after A Gary man survives an aneurysm just in time

22the fit life

A first-timer’s barre class, and fitness for those with chronic disease

2622 10

feature package Winter Fitness:

Ideas for working out in the elements in Northwest Indiana

32 your best friend How to know if your dog should have a flu vaccine

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Put your HEART in great hands.

Andre Artis, MD Cardiology

Venkatrama Garlapati, MD Cardiology

Mihas Kodenchery, MD Cardiology

Excellence in Cardiology Care. Methodist Physician Group cardiovascular specialists are committed to providing the best heart and vascular care in Northwest Indiana. We use the most advanced methods to accurately diagnose and effectively treat even the most complex cardiovascular conditions. Our goal is to return patients to healthy, productive lives using the least invasive procedures necessary.

5800 Broadway, Merrillville • 219-884-9180 MethodistPhysicianGroup.org

The right doctors make all the difference. nwi.com/gethealthy

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Late Winter 2016

3

editors’ notes

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2

A

PUBLISHER

Christopher T. White

Although we’re technically at the tail end of winter, we all know that cold weather in the Region usually lingers until its welcome is long worn out. But the only way to get through it is to make the best of it, and that’s what we’ve decided to do in this issue. We have ideas for outdoor fitness activities that are fun even in frigid temps, plus tips on how to stay healthy while doing cold-weather activities like shoveling, along with the usual topical content we provide yearround. Happy reading, and stay warm.

CO-EDITORS

Giles Bruce Julia Perla Huisman PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Lisa Tavoletti DESIGN DIRECTOR

Mary Garrison DESIGNER

Julia Perla Huisman GET HEALTHY CO-EDITOR

April Burford

S

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Eve Adams, Christine Bryant, Mark Loehrke, Shannon Rooney, Carrie Steinweg, Amanda Wilson

Sometimes the most common-sense advice is the best advice. As the father of two young daughters, I’m always interested in learning ways to get kids to eat nutritious foods. As Dr. Lisa Mullally, a Crown Point family physician, reminds us in this issue: “Your child is not going to eat green beans with his dinner if you just let him have a bowl of Goldfish crackers 30 minutes prior to mealtime.” The way to make sure your children eat their veggies? Bribe them with hunger.

NICHE PUBLICATION SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mike Cane, Andrea Walczak VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Joe Battistoni ADVERTISING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Eric Horon ADVERTISING MANAGER

Giles Bruce GET HEALTHY CO-EDITOR

Craig Chism PUBLISHED BY LEE ENTERPRISES The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200

Healthy ON THE COVER Superfood

SNACKS How to get your picky eater to eat healthy

Cold-Weather Workouts

Breaking Free from Anxiety

Ice skating, skiing, running...

Don’t let the chill keep you from getting fit!

Delicious

Stephanie Peters, figure skating director at Midwest Training & Ice Center, skates on the ice rink at Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville.

Photo by Penny Frazier.

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Late Winter 2016

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2080 N Main St, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 219.662.5300 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151

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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.

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Colon Cancer At-A-Glance* Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.

On average, your risk is about 1 in 20, although this varies widely according to individual risk factors.

90% of new cases occur in people 50 or older.

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Navin Kumar, MD

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topics Pick Up the Pace

3 7

MILES PER HOUR: Speed you should walk to have a 50 percent lower risk of heart disease

BLOCKS:

Average distance to walk daily to have a 47 percent lower risk of heart disease

Source: Circulation Journal

THE FAVORITE Being Mom’s favorite doesn’t mean it’s best for your psychological health, according to new research.

Jill Suitor, a professor of sociology at Purdue University, says there is a cost for those who perceive they are the closest emotionally to their mothers, and these children report higher depressive symptoms. This cost comes from higher sibling tension experienced by adult children who are favored for emotional closeness, or the greater feelings of responsibility for the emotional care of their older mothers.

Source: Purdue University

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CHRISTINE BRYANT

Music If you like listening to music, your mood may be benefiting.

A study by researchers from McGill University in Canada found that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine produced in the brain. Dopamine is a moodenhancing chemical that helps combat depression.

Other studies have suggested that music may reduce pain and anxiety for patients who have undergone surgery, and may be beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue. The researchers say music may even be a possible treatment for heart conditions.

SkinDeep Experts say your diet not only affects your body on the inside, but on the outside as well. A professor of dermatology at Baylor, Dr. Rajani Katta, says studies connect diet and acne.

“Years back dermatologists thought the two were not linked, but now researchers say there is evidence for a link between sugar and carbohydrates and acne,” he says.

The main culprits? Studies show foods with a high glycemic index can affect breakouts, such as those high in refined carbohydrates like sugar, and other foods like white rice, bread and potatoes.

Source: Baylor College of Medicine

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Introducing Northwest Indiana’s Ear, Nose, Throat and Sinus Center Board-certified ENT physicians dedicated to providing individualized care for the relief you need.

SINuS SuffErErS iT’s TimE To gET rEliEf.

Sinus relief: • Long-term relief from sinus pain and congestion • Treatment of nasal polyps and tumors • Balloon Sinuplasty • Snoring and sleep apnea Advanced Surgery: • Cochlear implants • Congenital and acquired ear abnormalities • Head and neck tumors • Thyroid nodules • Ear and hearing reconstruction

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Ear Disorders: • Ear infections • Hearing loss • Balance disorders • Swimmer’s ear • Fluid in the ear • Perforated eardrum • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Pediatric Care: • Ear infections • Tonsils and adenoids • Hearing loss • Sinus disease • Snoring and sleep apnea • Swallowing disorders • Breathing problems

PorterPhysicianGroup.com

Offices in Valparaiso & Portage • To schedule an appointment, call 219-531-0355.

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Namasté, Anxiety.

About 30 percent of in vitro fertilization patients suffer from anxiety and depression, with studies showing an infertility diagnosis causes the same amount of stress, anxiety and depression as an HIV or cancer diagnosis.

According to a new study, however, yoga can help reduce that anxiety. Participants completed 45 minutes of Vinyasa-style yoga and 30 minutes of group discussion with other infertility patients per week over a period of six weeks.

Source: Fertility Centers of Illinois, Pulling Down the Moon

ears inside the

Earwax is good for your ears.

You heard that right. That yellow, gooey stuff keeps them healthy by stopping dust, dirt and bugs from getting into the ear canal, as well as helping prevent infection.

Source: WebMD

Drink to Better Health

A new study has found that drinking two to three alcoholic drinks a day is linked to a reduced likelihood of death in early onset Alzheimer’s patients.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, takes on a long-held notion that alcohol is harmful to Alzheimer’s patients because it can damage brain cells. However, the study showed consumption of two to three units of alcohol every day was associated with a 77 percent lowered risk of death compared with taking just one drink or fewer.

It’s Not Me, It’s You More than three quarters of U.S. adults believe distracted walking is a serious issue, yet almost the same number of people believe it’s other people—not themselves—acting dangerously.

90

vs.

85

vs.

PERCENT say they see walkers talking on the phone

PERCENT using a smartphone

37

PERCENT admit doing so themselves

28

PERCENT percent themselves

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 8

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MEDICAL REPORT

Sitting Pretty

W

hen you think of a job that is difficult on your spine, do you envision a desk job? Probably not, but you should.

Research has linked sedentary lifestyles with several health issues including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and spinal problems.

Dr. James Crowder More sitting leads to increased pressure on the spine and discs, especially when proper posture is not used. Common complaints from people with sedentary jobs include back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain and more.

To help avoid future problems due to your sedentary job, proper posture and an ergonomic work station are crucial. Listed are a few ergonomic tips.

1. Chair height. The height of your chair should allow your feet to be flat on the floor with your knees and hips bent to 90 degrees, with your lumbar spine and hips placed fully against the back of the chair. The proper position removes excess pressure from the legs, hips, back, pelvis and lower back. If the seat height is too low, or too high, it can cause leg discomfort such as numbness and tingling, hip stiffness, difficulty walking and pain.

2. Lumbar support. Whether it is built into the chair or a separate support pillow, a proper lumbar support places the lumbar spine into a neutral position, helping the body to avoid a slouched, flat-back posture that can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, back and hip pain and even sciatica, a radiating pain that goes from the lower back down the legs.

3. Head position. Your head should be squarely seated above your shoulders, chin parallel to the floor and eyes straight ahead. When the head moves forward out of the proper posture it can cause neck pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, headaches, and arm symptoms including pain, numbness and tingling.

4. Computer monitor. The ideal viewing height is to have your eyes level with an imaginary line across the screen, about 2 to 3 inches below the top of the monitor. No tilting of the head up or down to look at the monitor; this can cause neck and shoulder pain as well as headaches. The monitor should also be an arm’s length away (even further if the monitor is 20 inches or greater) to avoid eye strain and headaches.

5. Telephone. Never hold the telephone between your ear and shoulder.

This causes neck pain and stiffness, muscle pain, shoulder pain and headaches.

If you spend a large amount of time on the phone at work, you should use a headset to avoid excess strain and pain on the spine.

If you continue to experience any symptoms, consult a qualified chiropractor.

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Health KIDS’ HEALTH

Picky, Picky f you’re one of those rare parents whose children never put up any type of resistance to healthy eating, read no further. For all of the other parents who endure food battles with their kids over healthy dietary choices, know you’re not alone and that there’s hope in helping the picky eaters in your house eat a healthy, balanced diet.

“Dealing with picky eating is not an easy task,” says Dr. Lisa Mullally, who runs Indiana Sports and Medical Science Institute, a primary/family care practice in Crown Point, with her husband, Dr. Tim Mullally.

“I have four children between the ages of 11 and 4, so I’ve dealt with this problem both as a physician and as a mother.”

Mullally stresses the importance of setting good eating habits from an early age. One easy habit to establish is to offer a variety of fruit—which children are naturally inclined towards eating since fruit is typically Anna, a picky sweet—not only as eater, helps make smoothies a snack but as a that contain healthy, delicious spinach, a food she dessert option. would not eat For other types otherwise. of food that children tend to eschew, such as vegetables, the simple

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Late Winter 2016

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To combat pickiness, Ellen Gale has her daughters Natalie and Anna make smoothies with her.

yet often overlooked tactic of offering healthy options to hungry children is key. “Your child is not going to eat green beans with his dinner if you just let him have a bowl of Goldfish crackers 30 minutes prior to mealtime,” Mullally says. “Hunger is okay, and doesn’t have to be immediately satisfied. Offer the undesirable food first when your children are hungriest. Put out veggies and dip as an appetizer.”

Ellen Gale, a Hobart mom of daughters ages 3 and 8, combats pickiness in her family by enlisting her daughters’ help for food shopping

and preparation. “Often, I let my daughters choose what type of fruits and vegetables we buy, and they help me with simple cooking tasks like making pancakes in shapes that they like,” she says. Gale also endorses offering non-food rewards, like medals for courage and sticker charts, to encourage kids to try new, healthy foods.

“Healthy food should be a priority in life,” Mullally says. “Your children’s eating habits will affect their future health and longevity. The effort is worthwhile.”

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PICKY EATER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

I

AMANDA WILSON

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Health

SENIOR HEALTH

GENERAL HEALTH

Cold Feet

F

AMANDA WILSON

rom the minor, daily irritation of dry, cracked skin to the perils of frostbite, winter is a risky time of year for your feet. Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Foot Care in Crown Point, offers a few simple tips to protect your feet from the minor and major assaults of winter.

Practice proper foot hygiene. Mom was right when she advised you to wash your feet every day and to always wear clean socks. Not only should your feet be clean, they should also be dry before you put your boots on, since moisture in cold weather can promote blisters and open sores. Nirenberg recommends using a good quality foot powder daily to help prevent moisture from accumulating.

Wear the correct footwear. Take the time to find the best fitting—and best quality—socks and shoes. Wet footwear can bring on a host of problems, including frostbite, so you want to protect your feet from moisture with athletic socks that wick moisture away from the skin and waterproof boots that keep water from entering.

Because cold temperatures cause the blood vessels in your feet and toes to constrict, it’s essential to have boots that fit well. Avoid tight-fitting boots, which can pinch the toes and decrease circulation.

Yet boots shouldn’t be too loose, either, as that can lead to blisters and infections.

Keep an eye on, and take care of, your feet. Hydrate your dry feet, not only for comfort but because dry, cracked skin on your feet can lead to infections. Look over your feet regularly and keep an eye on any sores, blisters or ingrown toenails. Nirenberg stresses that it’s especially important that individuals with diabetes check their feet daily for diminished sensation, even when serious infections are present. Don’t hesitate to seek help for pain or any wounds that aren’t healing.

Properly winterize your feet so they’re ready to come out and play in the sun this summer!

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On the Short Term SHANNON E. ROONEY

When you’re facing a knee or hip replacement, the devil is in the details, as the saying goes. But short-term rehab facilities, which provide physical therapy following those types of procedures, are making the process easier for patients across the country. These facilities provide full-service rehab with the aim of getting patients acclimated to any post-operative physical changes.

The key is to shop around beforehand. Dan Faloona, director of business development for Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, advises patients: “Be your best advocate.

Be your own advocate.” Settling on a rehabilitation facility before your operation will make the process a bit easier because you will know where you’re going after surgery. “Shop around,” Faloona says. He recommends visiting the short-term rehab health campuses in your area, with a focus on closeness to home. While you won’t be staying long, you’ll want to make it easy for family and friends to visit.

Visiting facilities will also give you a good look at the different services they offer. For example, Dyer Nursing and Rehabilitation boasts a special piece of equipment for those recovering from knee and hip surgery.

The AltarG is an anti-gravity treadmill that subtracts body weight, taking pressure off of the new knee or hip. In addition, there is occupational and respiratory therapy, as well as speech and post-stroke therapy.

So, if you are having surgery this winter and want to be golfing by April, Dyer or another short-term rehab facility can help you get there. “We focus on your goal,” Faloona says. With your choice in short-term rehab facility made, you will be able to rest easy knowing your post-operative plans are in place.

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MEN’S HEALTH

KNOW YOUR SNOW

S

SHANNON E. ROONEY

now removal is one of the common causes of injury during the winter months. All that bending and lifting of heavy snow can put you at serious risk for injury, in addition to placing undue stress on your heart. More than 203,000 people were treated in 2014 for injuries resulting from shoveling snow, according to the National Institutes of Health, citing figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Lower back injuries and injuries resulting from falls are the most common shoveling-related issues, according to Deborah Shepherd, director of emergency departments for Porter Health Care System. Shoveling, she says “can be extremely dangerous as there are patches of black ice sometimes under the snow that (people) don’t or can’t see.”

Keep these three guidelines in mind when shoveling, to care for injuries or avoid them altogether.

Advanced Solutions, Lifesaving Care Brain, Spine and Movement Disorder Treatment Close to Home

WARM UP Remember, shoveling is exercise.

Before clearing snow, do some light stretching or calisthenics to warm up your muscles. Get your blood moving with a brisk walk.

Then gently stretch your lower back or hamstrings to get them ready to move.

PACE YOURSELF Don’t be fooled by fluffy snow.

It may look light, but you’ll feel the burn when pushing it around. Take frequent breaks and stop to stretch. If you have a heart condition, Shepherd says, keep in mind your doctor’s recommendations for exercise.

Shoveling is exercise and requires your heart to work harder.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS Should anything crunch or crack, or if you experience chest pain, seek treatment right away, Shepherd says. “Know your limitations, know your surroundings before you start shoveling snow or any other strenuous activity out in the cold—and as always, dress warmly!” Rest and ice an injury first. If it persists, head to your local emergency room.

Mohammad S. Shukairy, MD Neurosurgeon

Wayel Kaakaji, MD Neurosurgeon

Marc Levin, MD Neurosurgeon

Community Spine and Neurosurgery Institute physicians use their vast experience in neurosurgery to diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system affecting the whole body.

Neurosurgeons, Marc Levin, MD, Wayel Kaakaji, MD, and Mohammad S. Shukairy, MD, offer the most advanced surgical treatments along with a variety of non-surgical approaches to restore their patient’s health and relieve their pain.

SPECIALTIES INCLUDE: • Surgery for Conditions/Injury of the Brain • Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders • Concussion Treatment

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Table

Superfood Snacks

A

EVE ADAMS

14

Late Winter 2016

GET HEALTHY

ABOVE: The superfood snacks by Harvest Circle Workshops contain only pure, nonprocessed ingredients. RIGHT: April Niksch is the owner of Harvest Circle Workshop and creator of the company’s superfood snacks.

on a raw diet can enjoy them. They’re also packed with fiber and antioxidants and are low-glycemic.

With flavors such as peanut butter banana, dark chocolate coconut almond, dark chocolate espresso, dark chocolate peanut and honey nut, as well as seasonal flavors, Niksch’s snacks have attracted many followers. All the snacks are handmade in small batches to control quality — Niksch designs, creates, prepares, packages, markets and delivers all of them herself.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE MURRAY

pril Niksch had dreams of creating a “superfood” snack. The owner of Harvest Circle Workshop in Schererville began her journey in 2013, when she was having her own personal health revolution and had an idea for a booth at Chesterton’s European Market.

Niksch took her mother and grandmother’s recipes for the delicious cookies she had as a child and morphed them into healthy, nutrient-dense snacks or mini meals.

She cleaned up the ingredients, switching out the not-so-good stuff for only the very best ingredients. Nothing in these nutrientrich snacks comes from a can, box or is processed in any way.

“Every single ingredient has a health benefit and is a ‘superfood,’” Niksch says. “If I am using coconut milk as an ingredient, then I make the coconut milk from real coconuts.”

A few superfood ingredients she uses are raw cacao bean, raw almond and raw wild honey. Each ingredient has been chosen carefully and must have nutritional value to make the cut. Furthermore, all the fruits found in these snacks are harvested and picked by Niksch. The seasonal pumpkin flavor, for instance, WHERE TO GO uses real pumpkin.

These artisan Harvest Circle Workshop’s superfood snacks can be snacks are vegetarian, found in the refrigerator gluten-free and section of many health food contain no refined stores, restaurants, and cafes sugars, soy or dairy. around Northwest Indiana. For They’re considered further information check out harvestcircleworkshop.com. “raw,” so anyone

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WHAT IS A PROSTHODONTIST?

THE MACROS METHOD

W

EVE ADAMS

ith so many trendy diets to choose from, it can be overwhelming to try losing weight. So let’s keep it simple and get back to the basics of weight loss. It all comes down to macros.

Kelly Devine Rickert, registered dietitian and health coach at Franciscan Wellcare, says “macro” is short for “macronutrient,” a key nutrient that provides us with calories. These are commonly known as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

“When you want to get healthier or lose weight, paying attention to the percentages of macronutrients consumed can often help you reach your weight loss goals faster,” she says. “Everyone needs a healthy mix of all of these macronutrients, as carbs, fats and proteins are essential for life and growth, but paying closer attention to what percent you are consuming them in can help.”

Typical percentages of macronutrients are 50 to 65 percent carbohydrates, 10 to 20 percent protein and less than 35 percent fat. When trying to shed a few pounds, Rickert says, “Protein is increased to 25 percent of the calories and carbohydrates are dropped to about 45 percent.”

WEIGHT LOSS According to Rickert, using PERCENTAGES macros can also help you achieve a TO AIM FOR more heart-healthy diet by simply decreasing the percent of fats • 45 percent of daily calories are carbohydrates: whole and protein and increasing fruit, grains, breads, pasta, rice, vegetable and whole-grain intake. snacks, fruits, starchy vegetables, She recommends starting an account beans and legumes, and oats on an online weight loss tracker such • 25 percent of daily calories are as My Fitness Pal, Lose It or Fitbit. proteins: animal proteins such as Keeping track of the foods you eat beef, poultry, eggs, cheese and on a daily basis will help you to see seafood, and plant sources such as tofu, nuts, beans, and soy what percentage of carbohydrates, fats and proteins you’ve consumed • 25 percent of daily calories are fats: oils, seeds, avocado, and nuts and where you can make changes.

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Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana Offers the highest caliber of specialized Orthopedic care to Northwest Indiana & Chicagoland patients.

O

rthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana (OSNI), the largest fully integrated orthopaedic group in Lake County, has been providing world-class care to the patients of Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area for twenty years.

“Our physicians and surgeons have trained at the most prestigious institutions from around the country and have been continuously recognized for their research and patient excellence awards,” said Dr. Dwight Tyndall, the Stanford and Hospital for Special Surgery trained spine care specialist.

“Everything related to the treatment of orthopaedic care is offered in one easily accessible modern state of the art facility,” said Dr. Hecht, who is a University of Chicago trained joint surgeon. He further added, “We, the doctors, felt that we should have a modern and welcoming environment for our patients as well as our staff who do a tremendous job taking care of our patients.” The OSNI office offers easy access to parking as well as all needed diagnostics (X-rays, Open MRI) and physical therapy, all under one roof.

By Bob moulesong, Times Correspondent

From L-R: Jack gelman m.d., Faaps Hand, Wrist and Elbow; dwight tyndall, m.d., Faaos Spine Care, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Disc Regenerative Therapy; sunil dedhia m.d., Faaos Sports Medicine, General Orthopedics, Arthroscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Upper/Lower Extremity, Knee Replacement, Work-Related Injuries/ Conditions; nitin khanna m.d., Faaos Spine Care, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; arshad a. khan dpm Foot and Ankle Surgery; robert W. coats ii m.d., Faaos Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions; Joseph d. hecht m.d., Faaos Hip and Knee Joint Replacement, General Orthopedics

spinal conditions OSNI offers treatment for many spinal conditions including disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, cervical disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal compression fractures, and spondylolisthesis.

Surgical procedures are considered only after all conservative treatment options have been exhausted, according to Dr. Tyndall.

“We conduct a thorough examination of the patient to determine the best course of action,” Dr. Khanna said. “This examination includes digital X-rays and an open MRI to assist us in a correct diagnosis.”

Alternative options to surgery include physical therapy; exercise, medication, and manipulation are explored and exhausted before surgery is considered.

Joint replacement OSNI offers minimally invasive hip replacement surgery that can have the patient home the day after surgery.

Our joint specialist, Dr. Hecht, has helped champion new procedures including anterior hip replacement, which results in less tissue trauma as the technique goes between muscle planes during

hip replacement, Dr. Tyndall explained. “The artificial implants used include enhanced polyethylene plastic and metal with ceramic properties as well as permitting porous bone ingrowth rather than bone

orthopaedic specialists oF northWest indiana 730 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321 • (219) 924-3300 • osni.org

call today to schedule an evaluation with one of osni's physicians (219) 924-3300 16

Late Winter 2016

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cement. This leads to longer lasting joint replacements compared to earlier designs.

Specially designed surgical instruments are used to prepare the joint to get the implants in place through very small incisions.” Because the new techniques are minimally invasive, patients can return home sooner, even overnight, and return to normal activities faster than ever before.

Workers compensation Given the complexity of treating the injured worker, OSNI has a dedicated team of work comp professionals to ensure a seamless process throughout the entire plan of care. If surgical intervention is needed after failure of nonsurgical conservative treatment, all efforts are made to restore function in a minimally invasive, tissue sparing approach and to get the injured worker back on their feet.

The team of professionals is well versed in both Indiana and Illinois cases. The OSNI physicians understand that dealing with pain and injuries can negatively affect not only a patient’s performance at work but also a patient’s personal life. Therefore, a team approach involving the physicians, staff, case managers and patients is used to assure timely treatment and return to work.

sports surgery

Dr. Sunil Dedhia, a Northwestern Medical School and Orthopaedic residency graduate, who specializes in sports medicine and is the team doctor for Andrean and Purdue Calumet College, explained that the t. To that end the entire practice is structured to focus on the patients, from their first check-in to their rehab after surgery. He further explained that by focusing on just sports medicine and sports surgery he is able to offer the specialized care that sports related injuries such as ACL tears and shoulder rotator cuff tears require.

To speed patients’ recovery and return to active sports as soon as possible Dr. Dedhia utilizes the latest arthroscopy technology in treating these injuries. innovative diagnostic testing OSNI offers innovative diagnostic testing such as an open MRI and digital X-rays.

“Frequently, pain forces patients to seek medical help,” Dr. Tyndall explained. “Our focus is to make our patients as comfortable as possible and that begins with having state-ofthe-art diagnostic testing right

here in our building so patients don’t need to go to multiple places to get their testing done.”

Since many people have a fear of enclosed places such as a traditional MRI, OSNI offers patients an open MRI machine for their test. “We see many patients who are full figured and have difficulty fitting into a regular MRI. Being able to offer these patients an open MRI is a wonderful opportunity to ease their discomfort.

They are already suffering; we don’t want to add to their discomfort.” Dr. Tyndall said OSNI also offers state-of-theart digital X-rays. “Digital X-rays allow the physician to see the results by the time the patient returns to the examination room,” Dr. Dedhia said. “This allows us to shorten the wait time that is often experienced by patients in more traditional type offices.”

physical/occupational therapy We have a seamless process between physician and therapist,” Dr. Coats said. “Being in close proximity allows our staff to communicate as often as needed to ensure that the patient is receiving the best care possible.” Both Dr. Gelman and Dr. Coats agreed, adding that being able to directly speak to the hand therapists about difficult hand rehab cases helps to speed the patients’ recovery and helps to engage the patients in their rehabilitation.

The physical therapy staff has advanced training in joint mobilization and manipulation as well as orthopaedic nonsurgical and post-surgical care.

Staff members are certified in a variety of rehabilitations including sports, joints, hand, spinal and pain centralization.

OSNI brings the highest caliber of specialized orthopedic care to northwest indiana and chicagoland area.

OSNI physicans have been awarded compassionate doctor,top 10 doctor in the state, doctors of excellence, america top orthopedist, and Best of the region. nitin khanna md, sunil dedhia md, and dwight tyndall md received this honor for the difference they have made in their patients’ lives. dwight tyndall md also earned the 2015 on time doctor award. nwi.com/gethealthy

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17

Mind

Suffering in Silence

T

MARK LOEHRKE

he numbers themselves are enough to make one anxious: An illness affecting 18 percent of the U.S. population—more than 40 million adults, only about one third of whom are actively seeking treatment—at an annual cost of more than $42 billion.

If these statistics were outlining a more high-profile and tangible malady like heart disease or cancer, Americans would no doubt be stunned into some sort of definitive action. But because they’re actually associated with the most common mental illness in the country—anxiety disorders—they are much more likely to go unaddressed and remain in the shadows, despite their alarming prevalence.

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“There’s a stigma attached to mental health treatment, including treatment for anxiety issues,” says Donna Southard, a family therapist at New Leaf Resources in Crown Point. “Although society is making progress in this area, many still often see therapy as OK for others but not for themselves. People are prone to telling themselves they can handle it on their own. I often ask people what their thoughts are if they see someone who refuses to get medical treatment for their diabetes, and most respond that it is essential for their life.

“When I ask why we don’t have the same belief for someone who has just experienced a major trauma or is struggling to maintain because of stress, most will agree that it doesn’t make sense to have a double standard between physical health and mental health, but that the thought of seeing a counselor makes them uncomfortable.”

Southard also believes that many people who are experiencing the symptoms associated with serious anxiety issues like panic

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attacks, phobias, adjustment disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder often simply learn to deal with their conditions and therefore don’t think to seek out professional help. In a fast-paced, technologically bombarded world filled with more stressors than ever before, people may simply come to accept their anxiety as “the new normal,” as opposed to a potentially serious medical issue in need of attention.

“Many people don’t seek treatment simply because they don’t know they should,” she explains. “Anxiety is often something people just learn to live with and incorporate into their being, rather than seeing it as something HOW TO TREAT ANXIETY that can be changed. Many Professional anxiety treatment people don’t know how to from a qualified therapist generally identify what they’re feeling starts with psychological testing as actual anxiety. Symptoms and diagnosis, followed by such as a racing heart, upset counseling (which will often include advice and recommendations for stomach, head or body aches lifestyle changes and stress-relief and trouble sleeping or techniques), meditation and, if concentrating just become necessary, anti-anxiety medication. one’s reality. People are As with most mental health issues, often surprised to realize the key to effectively treating an anxiety disorder starts with a they’ve been dealing with patient who understands a problem anxiety much longer than exists and is willing to get help. they thought.”

“We all have ups and downs and The trouble with ignoring uncertainties, but when someone’s or dismissing anxiety by day-to-day living is being impacted simply trying to “deal with by anxiety symptoms, and they it” is the potential for that are debilitated in some way by anxiety to develop into them, we are dealing with anxiety that can be viewed as a mental a more serious case of health problem,” Southard says. depression or manifest itself “In those cases they need to find a in physical ailments such as professional to talk with, even if it’s chronic migraine headaches, just for one session to get their input digestive issues and thyroid on the symptoms and the severity of the situation. The important problems. Growing anxiety thing is to address the problem, can also lead to a variety of not to pretend it doesn’t exist.” professional and personal complications as the problem snowballs and becomes all-consuming.

“Anxiety is normal for everyone from time to time, but when it begins to negatively hinder someone’s life that’s a good time to seek professional help,” says Angie Cerniglia, a marriage and family therapist, also at New Leaf in Crown Point. “Anything from keeping someone from doing the things they’d like to be doing, to causing physical symptoms can be a sign that a person’s anxiety has gotten beyond their control.

Often it comes to feel like anxiety is running the show rather than being managed by the person struggling with it.”

When the anxiety gets to the point where fear is out of control and everyday activities are impeded, it’s time to get treatment, adds Lorna Hecker, the director of the Couples and Family Therapy Center at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond. “For example, you may have a fear of heights—lots of people do—but if it gets in the way of you getting to your job on the 10th floor, it clearly is a problem,” she says.

“If any anxiety persists for months, it’s time to get help.”

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orthopaedic specialists

of Northwest Indiana

I have over 25 years experience with hip replacement surgery.The majority of hip replacements in the US were taught using posterior or lateral approaches to the joint and these have an excellent track record of successfully relieving pain from severe arthritic hip joint disease. Those techniques position the patient on their side and require some dissection (cutting) near muscles that can lead to postoperative limping. The posterior approach also had the problem of a higher rate of post-operative dislocations than other techniques.

Our local hospitals now have the HANA traction table (see above), which extends the surgeon’s ability to perform the Anterior Approach to heavier and larger patients.

X-Ray’s intra-operatively are facilitated with the traction table, confirming proper positioning of the replacement components and confirmation of leg length equalization.

Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Although most minimally invasive hip techniques involve a single incision that can be as small as 3-4 inches, the benefits of the Direct Anterior approach other than small incision include: ♦ Slightly lower risk of post-operative blood clots, possibly because there is less twisting of the leg during surgery. ♦ Patients lie on their back during surgery rather than their side. This makes it easier for the anesthesiologist to monitor the patient during surgery. ♦ Lying on your back (supine), during surgery also makes it easier for the surgeon to measure and match leg lengths. This means there’s a smaller chance of needing a shoe lift after surgery. ♦ Finally, some patients are walking without a limp or cane in as little as 2 weeks because the “walking muscles” were not directly affected during surgery.

ARTHRITIS UPDATE:

ADVANCES IN JOINT REPLACEMENT ♦ Residency/Training: Univ. of Chicago ♦ Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (ABOS) ♦ Member American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

For more information about Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery, I can be contacted at:

Joseph Hecht, M.D

Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana 730-45th Street, Munster, IN 46321

www.josephhechtmd.com Phone 219-924-3300 Fax (219) 922-5424 GET HEALTHY

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19

Before

After

Family Connection

T

ELISE SIMS

hrough the years, Harold Ward, of Gary, had seen quality health care but had never been a patient himself.

For 39 years, he worked with the Department of Child and Family Services in and around hospitals, helping plan care for kids with special medical needs. Suddenly last July, he found himself on the receiving end of care at the St. Catherine Hospital emergency

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department in East Chicago, suffering from severe back pain that couldn’t be relieved with over-the-counter medications.

“The pain was terrible,” recalls the 70-year-old retiree. “It was on my left side and radiated from my lower back down my leg.

They were still running some tests when my sister, who is a nurse practitioner in Dallas, called the hospital to speak with the health care team. That phone call saved my life.”

Ward’s sister, Tamara McCrary, told nurse Annette Henderson that Harold’s father and grandfather had both died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture in their early 70s.

“I can’t afford to lose my brother,” she told Henderson. “Please check it out.”

The health care team had been monitoring Ward, who told them that he didn’t have any major medical issues and didn’t drink but was a smoker. With this new key piece of family history, however, they immediately sent him for an MRI and CT scan. The MRI revealed a mass in his stomach and the CT scan distinctly showed an aneurysm.

Cardiologist Pastor Llobet reassured Ward that he would be able to repair the life-threatening aneurysm. It took a team of cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses and

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PHOTO COURTESY OF COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Harold Ward credits the St. Catherine Hospital staff for helping save his life after being diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

aneurysm with major surgery,” surgical technicians a little more Llobet explains. “Traditional than nine hours to repair Ward’s open aortic surgery is a big aorta and send him on the road complex surgery with a higher to recovery. morbidity rate. The patient “Dr. Llobet and his team did usually needs to be intubated not let me down,” Ward says. almost 24 hours, has an eating “I’ve been blessed. It is a miracle. tube for five or six days and has When I go to church (Pilgrim more pain because of the large Baptist Church in Gary), I incision in the midsection and a have testimony. The care at St. lengthy recovery.”

Catherine Hospital is very good.

Luckily for Mr. Ward, they were You couldn’t find a better team able to do a minimally invasive of doctors, nurses, aides and endograft repair in the cath lab, caring people who go above and he says. Endovascular aneurysm beyond the call of duty.” repair is an alternative to open Abdominal aortic aneurysm, surgery for the treatment of also known as a “Triple A,” AAAs. “Endograft repair has a lot is a bulge in the aorta, the lower morbidity,” Llobet says. “It main artery that carries blood has a shorter hospital stay and away from your heart. If the fewer complications bulge—caused by a for the patient.” weakened vessel— Using special ruptures, the results LEARN MORE endovascular can be deadly. instruments and Typically an AAA For more information about low-cost X-ray images, has no symptoms, vascular AAA a stent-graft is but if it expands screenings at St. inserted through rapidly it can leak Catherine Hospital, the femoral artery blood along the call 219.392.7110. and advanced aortic wall. If it into the aorta ruptures, there and placed at the site of the can be severe and persistent aneurysm. The surgeon checks pain in the abdomen or lower for leakage of the stent-graft. back. Occasionally there can Incisions are closed and sterile be leg pain. An AAA most dressings are applied. commonly occurs in men over “If you catch the aneurysm 50 years old and among those in time, it is easier to do the with a family history. The most endograft,” Llobet says. “This common cause of an aneurysm particular procedure was more is arteriosclerosis. Smoking difficult than it needed to dramatically increases the risk be, because Mr. Ward wasn’t for arteriosclerosis or hardening screened and his aneurysm was of the arteries. Not smoking is almost at the point of rupture.” the single best way to prevent Llobet recommends regular the disease. screenings, which are available at “Mr. Ward had both major St. Catherine Hospital: “Medicare risk factors—he had two family pays for an abdominal aortic members who had aortic ultrasound once a year if you aneurysms and he is a smoker,” are 60 years of age or older and Llobet says. smoke.”

“Previously we fixed an aortic

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Behavioral

Health Services

Now Open!

Older Adult Behavioral Health Services Community Healthcare System’s Behavioral Health Services offers specialized treatment programs to accommodate your individual plan of care, including:

• Inpatient Services • Outpatient Services • Intensive Outpatient Services

For Inpatient information and scheduling, call 219-392-7466.

For Outpatient information and scheduling, call 219-392-7025.

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21

Fit Life

Raising the Barre JULIA PERLA HUISMAN

O

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Late Winter 2016

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Get Healthy co-editor Julia Perla Huisman (in pink) attempts her first barre class at Studio Barre Crown Point.

Julia,” which made me smile and Every once in a while we would STUDIO BARRE also work harder. I didn’t want to pause to stretch, which made me CROWN POINT let her down.) excitedly think the workout was 1275 E North St The class finished with ab over. (And yet, I didn’t want it 219.226.4916 work that followed the same vein to be over.) Alas, following the studiobarre.com/ as the rest of the class—small, stretch we’d go into another set crownpoint quick movements that make you of moves—squats, leg lifts, some feel like your abs might actually with weights or the band, some break. Then, the glorious final stretch. For real without. The moves are small but surprisingly this time. difficult. “This class works every inch of your Although the class was much more difficult body,” says Whitney Holtz of Crown Point, one than I was expecting, I can see why people of the class members who’s been attending keep coming back. It’s clearly effective—it Studio Barre since it opened last September. “It wouldn’t be as painful if it weren’t—and it was makes places hurt that you didn’t even know kind of fun. “People say they feel long and lean could hurt.” when they leave,” Tabitha says, and Whitney All throughout the class, Tabitha would adds that going through the tough parts with compliment individuals on their hard work or other women makes it worthwhile. “We’re good form, amazingly remembering everyone’s laughing through the pain together.” name. (At one point she called me “Superstar

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY V. MARTIN

ver the past year, barre workouts have become the latest trend to hit the Northwest Indiana fitness arena. The barre method uses isolated ballet movements (and a ballet barre, obviously) combined with some Pilates and yoga for a full-body toning workout.

I’d been hearing so much about this new phenomenon that I wanted to try it for myself.

I used to do ballet when I was younger, I thought. How hard could it be?

I visited Studio Barre in Crown Point, a quaint new space with cheery, modern décor. My instructor was Tabitha Davis of Schererville, an energetic, efficient woman in great shape. Clearly this whole barre thing is working for her.

They set me up with a mat, band, a small ball, and free weights. The class started with a bang. I was expecting a slow warm-up but instead, we launched right into upper body work and pushups. All of the movements in this class are quick, driven by the beat of energizing pop music. Tabitha told me later that “motivating music” is one of their basic tenets; it keeps people going. I found myself internally singing along to many of the songs, a nice little distraction from the pain.

We then moved to the barre, using the small ball to squeeze our legs while simultaneously doing pliés, squats and relevés. We were constantly facing different directions— sometimes the “funky chandelier,” other times the “beautiful boutique.” You wouldn’t expect to hear those words at a workout class, but here this use of language is very intentional: this is a desirable place to be. When you have pretty things to look at, the whole experience is a little more enjoyable. Even when your muscles are screaming to stop.

Eating DisorDErs

awarEnEss wEEk Feb 22 – 28 Up to 30 million people

of all ages, Races and gendeRs suffeR fRom an It’s important for a person with an eating disorder to get mental and physical health services.

Regional can provide both.

6 convenient locations throughout Lake County.

24 hour emergency care at 8555 taft street in Merrillville.

Others locations open at 8:30 a.m.

Evening hours vary by location.

Contact us at 219-769-4005 or at regionalmentalhealth.org for more information.

2 locations 559 State Street Hammond, IN & 3903 Indianapolis Blvd. East Chicago, IN state street hours: Mon, Wed,Thurs 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tues & Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. indianapolis Blvd. hours: Mon & Wed 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tues,Thurs & Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WALK-INS WELCOME

Jared L. Moon, DPM

MONDAYS: 8:30 am-4 pm (Winfield) WEDNESDAYS: 8:30 am-12 pm (Portage)

Winfield Family Health Center

of St. Mary Medical Center - Adult & Pediatric Flatfoot Reconstruction 10607 Randolph St., Crown Point - Bunion and Hammertoe Surgery - Basic Podiatry Needs/Heel Pain Portage Health Center I - Revision of Failed Surgical Procedures of St. Mary Medical Center - Wound Care 6375 US Hwy. 6, Suite D, Portage - Foot/Ankle Trauma - Ingrown toenails To Schedule an appointment - Charcot Foot Reconstruction at any of our locations, - Diabetes related foot issues

call 219-947-6780

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COMMUNITY

CARE

N E T W O R K Community Healthcare System ®

JARED L. MOON, DPM Winfield l Portage Valparaiso

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23

Fit Life

TAILORED TRAINING

I

JULIA PERLA HUISMAN

t’s been proven that exercise helps fight disease, but those who already have chronic health issues must approach exercise differently than those without health problems.

The Munster health center Fitness Pointe recognized this and developed a new program called MedFit, which helps individuals with existing medical conditions LEARN MORE (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease) or who are at Those interested in MedFit can attend an risk for a medical condition informational session (metabolic syndrome) develop on February 25, March a fitness program that’s 30 or April 27 at Fitness tailored just for them. “The Pointe, 9950 Calumet program is for individuals who Ave in Munster.

can function independently,” says Phrosini Samis-Smith, who oversees MedFit, which she says is not intended to replace physical therapy, cardiac rehab or diabetes education programs. According to Samis-Smith, MedFit is the only program of its kind available in Northwest Indiana.

THE PERKS “The MedFit member has full facility use and is offered a variety of group exercises, as well as complimentary assessments at regular intervals,” says Samis-Smith. Two complimentary lab screenings are also offered. MedFit members are provided “oversight, assistance, guidance, and education during their exercise session,” she says. There are also group classes specific to MedFit members.

THE LOGISTICS Interested individuals must get a referral from a physician—which awards them entry into the program with no enrollment fee—and then fill out paperwork and questionnaires “so we can best individualize their MedFit experience,” Samis-Smith says. Once enrolled, they are set up with a MedFit Pro, who will gather baseline data (blood pressure, hydration status, etc.) and design them an exercise program.

THE TRACKING The key component to this program is the tracking, according to Samis-Smith.

Each member is regularly assessed and followed up with to ensure their medical conditions are improving.

Affordable Dental Care for the Whole Family!

In honor of National Dental Health Month all NorthShore locations will be offering:

FREE Examination & X-Rays

For NEW patients without insurance every Wednesday in February. Call to schedule your appointment.

FREE Dental Screenings

For ALL patients the entire month of February.

No appointment necessary.

Schedule your appointment in February and get entered into a raffle for an IPad mini!

Locations to Serve You: 6450 US Highway 6, Portage 6091 Broadway, Merrillville 3099 Central Ave., Lake Station 6920 Indianapolis Blvd, Hammond 24

Late Winter 2016

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For Appointments or More Information Call (219) 763-8112 or Toll free: 888-459-2349 Visit us at: www.northshorehealth.org

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3 words can be so scary.

Living Well. Living Wise.

AT H A RTS F I E L D V I L L AG E

Hartsfield Village is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that celebrates life to the fullest and promotes successful aging. We provide a plan for your senior living needs now and into your future.

Hartsfield Village features: • Rehabilitation Center • Independent Living • Nursing Care • Assisted Living • Fitness Studio and Spa • Memory Support

Schedule a tour today at 219-934-0750.

10000 Columbia Ave. | Munster, IN 46321 219-934-0750 | 800-297-6188 www.HartsfieldVillage.com

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You also have a right to a second opinion during this unsettling time in your life. Contact the largest and most advanced cancer care team in northern Indiana today. No referral is needed and we’ll take care of gathering your medical records so you don’t have to.

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25

Winter

Workouts 26

Late Winter 2016

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENNY FRAZIER

Stephanie Peters skates at Deep River Waterpark’s ice rink.

Stephanie is the figure skating director at Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer.

W GILES BRUCE

hen the weather dips below freezing and the snowflakes fall from the heavens, many of us head inside to the gym or stay home with our workout videos and treadmills.

Luckily, Northwest Indiana has plenty of options for outdoorsy types willing to brave the elements.

“Running on the treadmill is kind of drudgery,” says Paul Stofko, the Chesterton-based founder of the Crazy Legs Race Series, which offers non-pavement runs year-round. “I like the elements, the scenery. If you have proper gear, you’ll be able to do it no matter how cold it is. Well, maybe not if it’s negative 20.”

In this issue, we explore some of the outdoor fitness activities “If I was trapped available in the Region and give in a gym all winter, some tips on how to stay warm and safe when working out in that would be really the elements. depressing. It’s not really “I would say just try it,” Jason Hendrickson, coordinator of as cold as everybody F3 (Fitness, Fellowship and thinks. You do warm up if Faith) Northwest Indiana says of exercising outdoors in you dress appropriately. the winter. “So many people The first mile’s a little anticipate how horrible it’s going to be. They don’t get out chilly but after that and do it instead of just trying you’re warm.” it. It’s far worse in your head than it is in reality.”

Misty Sturges, owner of Miles With Misty He continues: “There’s no Coaching and Training in Crown Point such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”

The weather adds an extra physical challenge to the exercise. Megan Faulkner, special events coordinator for Lake County Parks and Recreation, calls hiking through 2 inches of snow akin to “walking through wet sand.”

“If I was trapped in a gym all winter, that would be really depressing,” says Misty Sturges, owner of Miles With Misty Coaching and Training in Crown Point. “It’s not really as cold as everybody thinks. You do warm up if you dress appropriately. The first mile’s a little chilly but after that you’re warm.”

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Late Winter 2016

27

7

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

1.

Ice skating.

Strap on your skates and cruise around the ice rink at Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville (9001 E Lincoln Hwy) or Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso (68 Lafayette St).

Outdoor boot camp. F3 Northwest Indiana does boot camp-style workouts rain or shine 5:30-6:15am Tuesdays and Thursdays and 7-7:45am Saturdays at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway in Crown Point.

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3.

Running. The Crazy Legs Race Series offers year-round non-pavement races in Northwest Indiana, such as the Frozen Feet 5K and Yeti 4-Miler. Another option for outdoor winter running is Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 East in Chesterton.

People can also run (or hike or walk their dog) from dusk to dawn on marked routes at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road in Valparaiso (a running club meets there every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am).

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FROZEN FEET 5K PHOTO BY TONY V. MARTIN, BOBSLED PHOTO COURTESY OF BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD

GILES BRUCE

4.

Sledding.

Try Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso. Or Oak Ridge Prairie County Park, 301 S Colfax St in Griffith.

5.

Cross-country skiing. This activity can be done on trails No. 9 and 10 at Indiana Dunes State Park (bring your own skis), Oak Ridge Prairie County Park in Griffith, and Stoney Run County Park, 9230 E 142nd Ave in Hebron.

6.

Snowshoeing.

You’ll need more than six inches of snow, but one place to do it is the Calumet Trail, which runs from Porter to Michigan City parallel to the tracks of the South Shore. There is a parking lot for the trail head off North Mineral Springs Road in Porter. Kids can also rent snowshoes at the Dunes. Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso also has snowshoes (and Nordic walking sticks) available to rent.

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7.

Bobsled rides. Ride a horse-drawn bobsled at Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Road in Lowell, if there’s at least 5 inches of snow.

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29

14 tips

Frozen Feet 5K in Porter

FOR HOW TO

survive GILES BRUCE

1.

Dress in layers.

You can always remove layers if you get too warm, but you can’t add clothes you don’t have if you’re too cold.

Your core temperature increases when you run.

Make sure the outer layers of clothing are the thickest as well as wind resistant.

2.

Avoid cotton.

Cotton can get wet from your sweat and freeze. Instead, wear moisture-wicking material.

3.

Dress as if it were 20 degrees warmer.

Your body temperature will increase by that many degrees once you start working out.

4.

Don reflective gear. This will help motor-vehicle drivers see you in the dark.

5.

Wear tights.

Waterproof tights made of synthetic materials can keep you from getting wet from the snow and sweat.

6.

Pick the right shoes.

Trail shoes will generally work for running. For hiking, climbing or off-trail running, use metal spikes so you don’t slip on the ice.

7.

Protect your fingers and toes.

Wear poly-fabric liners on your hands and feet underneath your gloves and socks for extra protection. And wear moisture-wicking wool socks.

8.

Store your exercise equipment indoors.

If you use weights or other props during your outdoor workouts, bring them inside between sessions so they don’t freeze.

If it’s really cold, don’t flick ice off your beard.

You may break off chunks of your beard, leaving you with uneven facial hair.

9.

Cover your face. A performance-fabric face mask can help prevent frostbite.

10.

Wear a headlamp when it’s dark. This will prevent you from slipping on ice, tripping over a pile of snow and falling into a pothole.

Refresh your batteries often, as they drain faster in the cold.

11.

Let the ice on your beard melt.

12.

Don’t let your water bladder freeze. Blow air back up the tube after drinking to help prevent it from freezing. Also, electrolyte tabs don’t prevent the water from freezing.

13.

Bring water. You dehydrate faster than you think in the cold.

14.

Run into the wind. That way, you won’t get as sweaty and, when you’re returning, the wind will be at your back.

Sources: Megan Faulkner, special events coordinator for Lake County Parks and Recreation; Jason Hendrickson, coordinator of F3 Northwest Indiana; Becky Krieger, recreation and wellness director for Porter County Parks and Recreation; Paul Stofko, Chesterton-based founder of the Crazy Legs Race Series; and Misty Sturges, owner of Miles With Misty Coaching and Training in Crown Point.

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PHOTOS BY TONY V. MARTIN

dress &

New Dialysis Clinics Opening Soon

Unsurpassed Patient Care is Our Commitment American Renal Associates (ARA) is a national provider of dialysis services. Together with our physician partners we provide exceptional care and services to patients who choose to receive treatment in one of our state-of-the-art facilities located throughout the US. The physicians of Northwest Indiana Nephrology are very proud to announce they’re partnering with ARA out of Beverly Massachusetts to bring state of the art world class dialysis facilities to Northwest Indiana. We are pleased to announce that our newest facilities in Indiana are now accepting applications for the following locations: Merrillville, Hammond, Portage, and Schererville, IN. Future locations include Valparaiso, Munster, South Lake, East Chicago, Gary and others.

Employment Opportunities: • Clinic Manager • Registered Nurse • Dietitian • Social Worker • Patient Care Technician • Home Training Coordinator • Equipment Technician • Facility Technician Manager Why Choose ARA: • We do not cap salaries • Annual raises significantly above industry average • ARA recognizes your most recent dialysis experience in calculating your paid time off accrual meaning no loss of vacation time for longevity • Starting salaries for experienced staff above the industry average

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31

Best Friend

Fido Has the Flu

T

CARRIE STEINWEG

he flu is a major concern and inconvenience, especially this time of year, causing myriad uncomfortable symptoms, an increase in school and work absenteeism and, in the worst cases, death.

Not only is influenza a problem for humans, but also for animals, and a recently identified strain of canine influenza has resulted in some very sick dogs.

The strain, H3N2, first surfaced in the U.S. in March 2015 and quickly spread, affecting dogs in 25 states. Although Indiana was among the affected states, the dog flu vaccine that has been introduced isn’t being widely stocked or strongly encouraged for all dogs in the Region.

The original outbreak was in Chicago, where more than 1,500 were infected. By year’s end a vaccine had received conditional approval in all states.

“At this time we have not had any cases here at Portage Animal Clinic and do not carry the vaccine,” says Dr. Kathryn Dittmer, associate veterinarian at Portage Animal

Clinic. The clinic only encountered one suspicious case and viral testing came back negative. “The important thing to remember about this outbreak was that it involved a novel strain of the flu virus,” she says.

The vaccine isn’t considered essential, and dogs who have little or no contact with other dogs would be at very low risk. According to Dittmer, the vaccine would be recommended for dogs at high risk. “This includes show dogs, animals that are regularly exposed to large numbers of dogs, such as at shelters, dog parks, groomers or doggie daycare and boarding facilities,” she says. Dogs with such risk could also benefit from an earlier canine flu vaccine for the H3N8 strain and the vaccination that helps prevent kennel cough, Dittmer says.

The condition, which is more severe and prolonged than the H3N8 strain, is contagious and spreads easily from dog to dog through coughing and sneezing or contact with contaminated objects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no cases of humans being infected.

However, the virus can also survive on human skin as well as clothing, so it’s possible for humans to spread it from dog to dog. The H3N2 strain has been documented to cause infection and respiratory illness in cats, although few cases have been reported.

Of course, new vaccines come with questions on safety and effectiveness. “Vaccines for this new strain have been developed but are still early in production, thus potential long-term effects have not had time to develop,” Dittmer says. “Preliminary trials show that they are safe and reduce both severity and shedding of the disease.”

KEEPING YOUR DOG HEALTHY IN THE WINTER • Continue to exercise your dog outdoors, as inactivity in winter months can lead to obesity and related problems, such as heart disease and kidney and breathing issues.

• Play indoor games, such as fetch, hide and seek or scent work.

• Keep an eye on your dog’s feet. Cover them with waterproof booties or rinse their feet when returning indoors. Ice can get stuck in between toes and cause pain.

• Limit outside time during extreme cold. (If you’re cold, they likely are cold, too.) Dog versions of coats and sweaters are a plus, especially for short-coated breeds.

• Beware of toxins on the ground from anti-freeze spills/leaks and watch to make sure your dog isn’t licking the ground. Anti-freeze has a sweet taste that is enticing to dogs, but it can cause severe kidney damage. Consuming it can cause a dog to act “drunk.”

If you notice that behavior, get the animal to a vet immediately.

Source: Dr. Kathryn Dittmer, associate veterinarian at Portage Animal Clinic

TREATMENT FOR H3N2 • As a viral infection, dog flu cannot be cured with medication.

• Rest, along with eating and staying well hydrated, can help ease some symptoms and help prevent worsening of others.

• Sometimes antibiotics also are given to treat or guard against secondary infections.

• Keep dogs and cats with signs of respiratory infection away from other pets until your veterinarian tells you otherwise.

• Talk to your veterinarian about specific treatment options.

Source: civh3n2.com

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