COMMUnityheaLthMaGaZine.COM | Winter 2014
head off TanTrums aT your holiday ParTy hOW aQUariUMs Can CaLM yOUr nerVes
Stand Tall
8 WAYS TO FIGHT WINTER JOINT PAIN
MONITOR
EATS
heaLth nuts Revamp your holiday dinners with heart-healthy fats By KevIn CaRLSOn
Health and the holidays often don’t go hand-in-hand, particularly when food is the main attraction at parties. This year, change things up by incorporating nuts into your holiday dishes to get a boost from healthy fats and proteins. They are delicious any time of year. Believe it or not, nuts are chock-full of important vitamins and minerals, which have been proven to reduce heart disease and cancer risk, as well as control your weight. Many people tend to shy away from eating nuts because of their high fat content, says Ginnie Hill, a nutritionist and founder of Whole Body Health in Louisville, Ky. “I really don’t think there’s a bad nut. The fiber and fat content of nuts not only provide health benefits, but they are also very satiating,” Hill says. “The higher fat content should not be of great concern, as dietary fat is required for optimal brain function, hormone production and healthy skin.” Tricia Stefankiewicz, a registered dietician in Philadelphia emphasizes the role nuts play in helping to improve heart health. “In more recent years, the health benefits of nuts are being fully understood,” she says. “Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts are used in the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce heart disease and prevent other diseases.” If you’re not ready to go completely nuts, add these healthy guys in small portions. So, if you’re preparing a salad for the family feast, replace the bacon bits with chopped walnuts to get that crunchy texture. You can also use chopped or sliced almonds in place of crumbled or shredded cheeses when topping dishes like potato casserole, sautéed vegetables or wild rice.
aPPLe-saGe WiLD riCe stUFFinG
4 ounces chopped pecans 4 tsp. canola oil (divided) 1 1⁄2 c. diced celery 1 1⁄2 c. diced onions 1 medium red apple—halved, cored, and diced (about 1 1⁄2 c.) 2 c. cooked brown rice 1 c. cooked wild rice 1 ⁄2 c. dried cranberries 1 medium jalapeño pepper— seeded and finely chopped OR 1 ⁄4 tsp. dried pepper flakes 1 1⁄2 tbsp. chopped fresh sage OR 1 1⁄2 tsp. dried rubbed sage 3 ⁄4 tsp. salt
1 Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pecans and cook two to three minutes, or until they begin to brown, stirring frequently. Set aside on separate plate. 2 Heat 1 tsp. of the oil over medium heat. Cook the celery and onion for eight minutes until they begin to lightly brown on the edges, stirring occasionally. 3 Add apples and cook four minutes until tender and crisp. Stir in pecans and remaining ingredients. Cook three to four minutes or until the rice mixture is heated, stirring occasionally.
sWeet & saLty aPPLe saLaD
2 c. diced apples 1 c. diced celery 1 ⁄2 c. raisins 1 ⁄2 c. nuts 2 tbsp. light mayonnaise or mayonnaise-type dressing 1 tbsp. orange juice
1 Mix orange juice with mayonnaise. 2 Toss apples, celery, raisins and nuts with the dressing mixture. 2
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H | L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14
SOURCE: USDA.GOV
Stand sTrong Discover 8 ways to rise above winter joint pain—and why your joints might make a great meteorologist By JOHn O’BRIen
Jen Asmonga, 32, an elementary school teacher from Pittsburgh’s Plum Borough, has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 4. ■ Despite dealing with the disease almost all her life, aggressive treatment and therapy have left her “pretty pain free.” ■ When the weather changes, though, the pain sometimes flares up, says Asmonga, a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. “You can kind of sense when it’s coming,” she says. “Sometimes it’s a snowstorm coming, or rain in particular.” ■ Dr. Alan Kivitz, president of the Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center in Duncansville, Pa., says for the longest time patients like Asmonga would tell their doctors they could predict the weather with their joint pain. But science couldn’t tell them why—until recently.
Winter brings all sorts of headaches, among them joint pain, which can be compounded by shoveling snow, chipping away at icy car windows, and even taking a tumble on a slick sidewalk. Recent research shows the weather itself is a culprit in achy joints. A 2007 study by researchers at Tufts University in Boston provides evidence that the weather really can cause discomfort for those with arthritis and other kinds of joint pain. The study showed that every 10-degree drop
“There’s some truth to that,” Smerbeck says. “There could be a storm front approaching, and pressure could be falling.” Smerbeck, who has been predicting the weather for three decades, says the barometric pressure in our atmosphere puts pressure on our bodies—and on the tissues within our bodies. “It’s a like a human barometer,” Smerbeck says. “Depending on what the air pressure is, those tissues can expand or contract. When the air pressure drops, those tissues can expand against nerves inside your joints and cause pain.” Big storms are caused by low-pressure systems, so when the weather is about to get nasty, the pressure drops, tissues in our bodies expand and—ouch!—our joints can start to ache. People with arthritis and other forms of joint aches have long sought warmer, drier climates in hopes of lessening their pain. And while research suggests cold air has a negative effect on those with joint pain, Smerbeck says science also can explain the benefits of low-humidity climates. Even though we typically refer to humid air as feeling “heavy,” humid air is actually lighter, Smerbeck says. The molecules that make up water vapor weigh less than molecules like nitrogen and others in drier air, meaning more humid air puts less pressure on human tissues, allowing them to expand and, in some cases, cause joint pain. If you have osteoarthritis or joint pain caused by a previous injury or surgery, there are some simple things you can do to make wintertime a little less painful.
You’ll hear people say, ‘It’s going to rain today—I can feel it in my shoulders.’ There’s some truth to that. BOB SMeRBeCK ACCUWEATHER SENIOR METEOROLOGIST
in temperature corresponded to an incremental increase in people’s joint pain. And evidence is building that the real culprit might be a part of the forecast most of us ignore—the barometer reading. According to the Cleveland Clinic, when the barometric pressure drops, tissues in joints can swell, pushing them against muscles and nerves in the area and causing pain. Bob Smerbeck, a senior meteorologist with State College, Pa.-based AccuWeather, says the phenomenon can really be felt with the wild swings in air pressure, which we frequently experience in the wintertime. “You’ll hear people say, ‘It’s going to rain today—I can feel it in my shoulders.’ There’s some truth to that,” Smerbeck says. “There could be a storm front approaching, and pressure could be falling.”
L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14 | C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
3
When the weather outside gets frightful, many of us tend to slip into our cocoons, hole up on our couches and settle in for the long winter. But too much vegging out could make things flare up. “It’s kind of hard to get out of the house when it’s cold,” Sandorfi says. “That does not help the joints. You want to keep them lubricated and keep things moving.”
Don’ t take relaxation
To an eXTreme ... So, get some
eXercise any kind of exercise is good to keep blood flowing to the joints, and, of course, keep your weight in check. “Exercise of any type is beneficial and important for people with arthritis,” Kivitz says. People with arthritis and other forms of joint pain see particular benefits from low-impact exercises such as swimming. “Water therapy is good for anyone with arthritis in general,” Kivitz says. It’s low-impact and a good workout. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is beneficial for those with arthritis because it strengthens the muscles around your joints, helps you maintain bone integrity, gives you more energy, makes it easier to sleep, and makes you feel better about yourself. But Kivitz cautions patients not to feel compelled to exercise if they’re hurting. “Ultimately, you have to listen to your body,” he says.
PinPOint Pain that’s On the Way
Want to get ahead of joint pain? Keep an eye on the forecast. The Atlanta-based Arthritis Foundation offers an online Arthritis Index that’s designed to tell you how much pain the upcoming weather could cause you. Go to arthritisToday.org. Click “Tools & Resources,” then “Tools to Help You,” and then “Weather & Arthritis Index.” Type in your ZIP code, and the index offers up a localized forecast that will tell you if your risk for weather-related joint pain for the next couple days is anywhere from “Low” to “Extreme.” THE INDEX IS BASED ON A PROPRIETARY FORECAST DONE BY STATE COLLEGE, PA.-BASED ACCUWEATHER.
4
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H | L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. It is actually 100 different kinds of diseases, says Dr. Alan Kivitz, president of the Duncansville, Pa.-based Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center. That means the symptoms and severity of the disease—and the strategies for treating it—can vary widely and need to be treated on an individualized basis, Kivitz says.
Fill up
Bundle up
The tub In Sandorfi’s native Hungary, people soak in natural hot springs to and soothe their aches. “People recognize the effects of warm water on joint pain,” she says. Now, most parts of the United States are not blessed with hot springs, but a hot bath can have significant benefits, as long as you’re not also suffering from high blood pressure. In that case, stick to warm water. And you can even throw in some Epsom salts, which are rich in magnesium, a mineral that’s important for bone and heart health, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Osteo vs. rheumatoid
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the two main types of arthritis, damage joints in different ways, according to the Mayo Clinic.
at bedtime Doctors agree on the need for proper sleep for people with arthritis and other joint pain. And Asmonga says bedtime is another opportunity to ensure your body temperature doesn’t dip. She says she grew up sleeping on a waterbed because they’re heated, and now she has a heated mattress cover. Asmonga recommends getting a heated mattress cover, or an electric blanket, to keep you warm and maybe help fend off any pain in the morning. “That makes a huge difference. It also keeps your sheets warm. So it’s a win-win all around,” she says.
Spicy foods:
Load on lots of
a good RX
layers
The same spices that give your mouth a kick when you eat salsa or Szechuan beef have benefits throughout your body. “(Spicy food) raises the temperature, makes you feel warmer and it alleviates the pain,” Sandorfi says. Creams like Capzasin use extracts from hot peppers, and have been shown to provide some relief to people suffering from arthritis pain, Sandorfi says. Other overthe-counter brands like Icy Hot and its counterparts can do the job as well. “They have a warming sensation, bring blood into the area” and release a hormone that provides pain relief, she says. Warming massage oils are also good for rubbing into sore hands and knees, she says.
Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, involves wear-and-tear on your joint’s cartilage. Enough damage can result in bone grinding against bone, which causes pain. This damage can occur over many years, or be hastened by a joint injury or infection.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
“It’s extremely important to keep the core temperature high,” Sandorfi says. “It’s important to wear a hat, gloves and additional layers.” Long underwear and other layers on your legs can help with pain in your lower joints. “It protects your knees, hips and joints from the cold temperature,” she says. Moisture doesn’t help sore joints. Wool socks and other types of moisture-wicking material will help keep feet warm while pulling away moisture. And go for mittens instead of gloves. Rather than isolating the fingers mittensa allow your digits to share the warmth, so to speak. Asmonga says she feels better in the winter when she bundles up. “If I go out without gloves, my hands definitely have limited mobility,” she says. “It’s about staying warm and keeping those joints warm and feeling good.” L U D I N G T O N D A I L Y N E W S | F R I D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 4 | C ommunity H ealth
5
How much you eat and drink
matters We all let loose a little at holiday parties and with winter comfort food, but that leaves many of us loosening our belts come January. Excess weight puts pressure on joints already under strain, so maintaining a healthy weight is especially important for people who suffer from joint pain. There is a correlation between people who suffer from both obesity and osteoarthritis, Sandorfi says, and dropping pounds makes a big difference in joint pain. “Weight loss is crucial,” Sandorfi says. “Even a 10% to 20% weight loss brings a very significant pain relief,” she says, sometimes offering as much as a 40% improvement in how you feel. Kivitz says weight loss will be most beneficial for people with pain in a weight-bearing joint, such as the back or hips, than it will be for those with pain in other areas. That’s why it’s really important this time of year to limit the number of Christmas cookies and slices of pumpkin pie you’re eating. The same goes for how much you drink. Alcohol in moderation is OK, but beware the extra calories it packs. And if your joint pain is caused by gout, avoid it altogether, Sandorfi says, since it’s alcohol in the first place—beer being a big culprit—that can lead to the condition. If you are looking to raise a glass, hot drinks such as German mulled wine—maybe with a little lemon and sugar, anyone?— could have a therapeutic value. “Boy, does it warm you up,” she says. And don’t forget to stay hydrated.
What you eat and drink
makes a difference Warm beverages can help keep your body warm, and keeping your body warm will help alleviate joint pain, says Dr. Nora Sandorfi, a board-certified rheumatologist and associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. So fill up a mug of hot chocolate or hot tea, as long as it’s decaf—excess caffeine can weaken your bones, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet rich in calcium, which helps keep your bones strong and can lower your risk of osteoporosis. And think outside the milk carton—yogurt, broccoli, kale, figs and salmon all provide good amounts of calcium, and you can take supplements, too. Also on the foundation’s recommended menu—vitamin C-rich fruits and juices, a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, and fish with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.
Thinking Health?...Think Chiropractic!
Your Mason County Chiropractic Physicians (D.C.) • Neck, Back, Sciatic Pain • Muscle & Joint Pain • New Patients Welcome • Insurance Accepted • Same Day Appointments
Chiropractic Physician 5828 W. US 10, Ludington (next to Briggs)
843-3771
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Margaret E. Gustafson, M.D. • Jennifer L. Miller, D.O. • Michelle Gentry, F.N.P-B.C.
Are all Accepting New OB/GYN Patients
Chiropractic Physician 329 N. Jebavy, Ludington
843-4088
Our office offers full obstetrical care and specializes in a wide variety of women’s health issues as well as specific gynecological needs, prevention and wellness care and operative gynecology.We also have a special interest in menopausal concerns, including ways to manage menopausal symptoms. We accept most insurances including Medicaid, Meridian, McLaren, Medicare, Blue Cross and most commercial insurances. Please call our staff for inquiries.
To make an appointment call 231-845-5992 • www.gusmd.com
6
C ommunity H ealth | L U D I N G T O N D A I L Y N E W S | F R I D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 4
Chiropractic Physician 414 W. US-10, Scottville www.squireschiropractic.com
757-3356
Each Health Care Facility Individually Owned & Operated
Thoughtful Giving Develop a plan for your holiday donations and gifts By Kirsten Srinivasan
Something about the holidays often makes us want to add another gift to our shopping carts, whether it’s a can of soup for the hungry or a toy for a child in need. When it comes to giving back during the holiday season, there is no wrong way to go about it, but there are some things you can do to make sure your in-kind donation goes even further.
Know What’s Needed Start by contacting your local charities, especially food drives, to find out what items they most need. Paul Morello, public relations manager for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, says it can vary from one food drive to the next, but in general food drives are looking for nonperishable items. “Contact your local food bank to see what they are looking for,” Morello says. “Oftentimes, it will vary depending on what can they purchase or what they are getting at the time.” If giving to a toy drive like Toys For Tots, consider giving a gift for an older child. Bill Grein, retired major, United States Marine Corps and vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, says the organization is always short on gifts for preteens and early teens. Also, if you’re giving a gift that requires batteries or a helmet, consider giving those along with your gift, he says.
charity in your household budget for the year.” Miniutti recommends giving a monthly donation to a favorite charity to help incorporate it into your budget year-round. Many organizations offer a suggested donation amount, and often for good reason. Toys for Tots recommends budgeting less than $30 per gift. “It’s important for us to not have one parent walk out with a $125 bike and another parent walk out with a $25 doll,” Grein says. “That doesn’t look quite even so we try to encourage folks to donate in the $15 to $30 range.” If you have an item you’d like to donate to charity but can’t find a place to take it, consider selling it yourself and giving the proceeds to the charity, she says. Make sure to save your receipts and make your donation by Dec. 31 of each year to claim a deduction on your taxes.
Keep it Up It’s also important to continue giving after Dec. 31, Morello says, adding that poverty is a year-round problem. “People are kind of geared toward thinking about it during the holidays which is incredible and wonderful, but after the New Year and Christmas, hunger remains,” he says.
Check on the charity Make sure the charity of your choice is worthwhile by checking out its revenue statistics and financial performance at CharityNavigator.org.
Donation Budget When it comes to your overall holiday charitable giving, it’s important to sit down and think about how much of your budget you’d like to give to charity. How much to give is really up to individual preferences, says Sandra Miniutti, Charity Navigator’s CFO and vice president of marketing. The same goes for whether you donate to a national or local organization. “Most research shows that Americans, on average, give about 3% of their income to charity,” she says. “We recommend donors sit down at the beginning of the year and make a plan and budget. Include how much you will be giving to your
16 million
toys are collected and distributed nationwide by Toys for Tots annually to about 7 million children.
L U D I N G T O N D A I L Y N E W S | F R I D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 4 | C ommunity H ealth
7
KEEPING KIDS FIT YEAR ‘ROUND
Gymnastics not only increases strength, grace and flexibility, but also encourages hard work, discipline and determination.
Improve Your Health Naturally CPTG Essential Oils
Fun & Fit Programs for Kids: ~ Recreational Gymnastics Classes for kids Ages 18mos-18years ~ Girls & Boys Classes ~ Adult Gymnastics Class ~ Competitive Travel Team ~ Home Fun Meets & Show-Off-Your-Skills Days ~ Open Gyms for Friends & Family ~ We Host Birthday Parties!
Agility Balance Flexibility Strength Coordination Concentration Self Esteem
DoTerra Essential Oils
Standard Process Whole Food Organic Vitamins
OUR CLINICAL SERVICES: ~ Lakeshore Whole Health specializes in Nutrition Response Testing, a specific form of applied kinesiology (or “muscle testing.”) The process is gentle and non-invasive, yet precise to your individual nutritional needs. We test for barriers to healing which include immune challenges, foods, chemicals, metals and scars. Remove obstacles naturally then watch as your body heals itself ! PRODUCTS WE OFFER: ~ Organic Vitamin Supplements ~ Organic Herbal Supplements ~ 21 Day Purification Program ~ DoTerra Essential Oils ~ Zyto Compass Bio-Scan for Oils ~ Organo Gold Coffee (pH neutral) ~ Locally Made Soaps ~ Chemical-Free Lotions & Products ~ Gluten Free Foods ~ Healthy Snacks ~ Select Grocery Items ~ Friendly Environment
MEET OUR PRACTITIONER:
Aimee Goff, NRT Practitioner, Whole Health Educator
Vita-Mix Affiliate
Learn more at www.flipstargym.com MEMBER GYM
(231) 845-1385
Proudly certified through:
5909 W US Highway 10, Ludington, MI www.facebook.com/FlipstarGym
Wish you could easily get rid of your Varicose Veins without surgery? From large varicose veins to small spider veins Your wish is our command cooltouch ctEV™ 1320 nm lasEr trEatmEnt.
Gluten-Free Breads, Bagels, Buns, Pizza Crusts, & Cookies
MAKE A NEW START
“Healthy Body, Healthy Life” 5909 W US Highway 10 Ludington, MI ~ (231) 843-4800 www.LakeshoreWholeHealth.com www.facebook.com/LWH
Jump start your fitness goals. Be fit... be healthy... WSCC offers two of the finest athletic facilities in the area. The complex features a pool, whirlpool, gymnasium, wellness center, weight room, and racquetball court and ice arena.
with our
No hospitalization. Minimal downtime. Contact us today.
5 Atkinson Dr., Suite 201 Ludington, MI 49431
www.richardyorkmd.com 8
(231) 845-7732
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H | L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14
Call or visit the Recreation Center for membership information...
DIRECT LINE 3000 N. Stiles Road Recreation Center .............. 843-5543 Scottville Ice Arena ............................ 843-9712 www.westshore.edu
MONITOR
PETS
The Fish Tank Effect How aquariums can calm your nerves By ReX ROBInSOn
Spend five minutes in front of an aquarium filled with swimming fish, and take notice as a feeling of calm washes over you. Watching fish in an aquarium has a soothing effect on most people, and studies have shown it provides health benefits, including lower blood pressure. It can also help people with Alzheimer’s. “Anything that will hold your attention to stay in the present is a source of relaxation because most stress comes from worrying about the past or worrying about the future,” says Dr. Alan Beck, professor in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. That’s probably why aquariums are often found in places where people often feel stressed out. “It’s very common now to go into dental offices—waiting rooms in general—and see fish tanks,” Beck says.
studies show Beck and his colleagues have conducted a number of studies on fish aquariums and the positive mental and physical effects they can induce. In 1984, while working at the University of Pennsylvania, Beck, along with researchers Aaron Katcher and Herman Segal conducted a study about anxiety related to dental surgery, part of which focused on the calming effects aquariums had on patients. They found that prior to
oral surgery, pretreatment with aquarium contemplation “produced significantly greater degrees of relaxation during surgery,” including reduced blood pressure and heart rate in both subjects with high blood pressure and those without. In their 2002 study, titled Animal Assisted Therapy and Nutrition in Alzheimer’s Disease, Beck and Nancy Edwards found that watching fish in aquariums can help calm people with Alzheimer’s disease when they are agitated, which in turn can help improve their appetites.
a LeaRning eXpeRienCe Beck says owning fish is a rewarding experience. “It’s one of the few pets where you are truly in charge of the whole animal’s existence,” he says. “You’re the environmental manager—you’re the god.” It also can be a great way for children to learn about nurturing. “For a younger person to get an opportunity to be a nurturer is a good experience, especially for male children who don’t have many nurture games, at least in our culture,” Beck says. Beck also sees it as a window to getting younger people interested in aquatics and environmental issues. Also, because fish are so varied, he says it could increase interest in learning about other parts of the world.
OWninG an aQUariUM
It’s one of the few pets where you are truly in charge of the whole animal’s existence. DR. aLan BeCK
Before diving into aquarium ownership, talk to an expert at a local pet store that specializes in fish. Steve Mills is owner of Aquatic Interiors Seacave, in Akron, Ohio. He has been selling and maintaining freshwater and saltwater tanks for 35 years, and offers some tips. Getting Started Aquarium ownership goes wrong when people try to piece aquariums together from a variety of sources or end up getting fish that don’t “play nice” with each other, Mills says. Check with your local pet shop to get everything you need and to learn how to correctly feed the fish. Healthy Habitat Properly clean and maintain the tank and the water. Remember, saltwater aquariums can be much more difficult to maintain, as the fish are more delicate and susceptible to diseases. Water temperature and lighting are extremely important. If you own saltwater fish, you can hire a professional to maintain the tank. auto aquarium Consider looking into technology to help you maintain your tank. “I’ve got systems that pretty much run themselves,” Mills says. “They even have phone apps that will alert you when something goes wrong with the tank. It really comes down to how automated you want everything to be.” L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14 | C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
9
MEN
WOMEN
MONITOR
Is Bald Really So Bad?
Unseen Effects From fertility issues to body changes—diabetes symptoms faced only by women By eRIn GOLDen
People living with diabetes have to be in tune with their bodies in a way most of us don’t have to—knowing when your blood sugar is high or low, and exactly how to deal with it. But for women, it doesn’t end there. For those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the disease doesn’t just come with intense thirst or frequent restroom trips. Women often also deal with lesser-known symptoms that have a big impact on day-to-day life.
Some still seek a solution to hair loss, but more men embrace going bald By KevIn CaRLSOn
Combing the Web in search of it’s so CoMMon hair-loss remedies and treatments can be overwhelming. The process can be especially frustrating when coupled with misleading and, at times, of men experience male pattern predatory, claims of the newest, greatest, baldness before age 70 most revolutionary innovations in hair-loss prevention. Men experiencing hair loss can be divided into two categories—those who embrace the process of losing their hair, and those who fear embarrassment and scramble for any solution to reverse it. Spencer Kobren, president of the American Hair Loss Association, encourages men to learn how to lose their hair with dignity. “Losing your hair is much more socially acceptable now than it was 30 years ago,” he says. “It’s best to embrace it. Most guys begin to panic when they realize they’re losing their hair, but there isn’t much to be done at that point.” The hair-raising fact about hair-loss treatment options is that most are unsuccessful. Medications such as Rogaine, a foam-based product, and Propecia, a pill, can stave off hair loss for a while, but both take months to start working. And you’ll have to use those products every day, lest you want the receding to proceed. Newer technology such as laser combs and laser helmets are not scientifically proven to work. A well balanced diet may help prevent hair loss, according to Kobren, and quitting smoking could benefit your scalp. However, he reiterates the common knowledge that genetics play the biggest role in whether you go bald. The key, Kobren says, is learning to accept hair loss—and staying away from online message boards that pander to men who worry about going bald. “There is entrepreneurial jockeying for positioning online when it comes to these purported hair-loss remedies, and the unfortunate truth is that there is so much misinformation online,” Kobren says. “If you want to go the surgical route, you need to make sure to do your homework, and that includes finding a certified hair-transplant surgeon—not a cosmetic surgeon. Most importantly, talk with some of that surgeon’s patients to gauge their reactions and results. But, surgery really should be a last resort.” Kobren points out that hair-replacement therapy—previously known as hair plugs— has improved over the years. He says he expects the Artas Robotic Hair Transplant system to be a “game changer,” as it leaves no linear scarring and is the best surgical option currently available. Still, despite technological advances, Kobren says men will never get 100% of the results they want from hair-replacement surgery.
80%
10
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H | L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14
MONITOR
SeXUaL DySFUnCTIOn Researchers have found clear links between diabetes and sexual issues in men, including erectile dysfunction. The ties between the disease and sexual complications in women have gotten less attention, but experts say it seems likely that women have their own struggles. According to the National Institutes of Health, two studies found that at least 18% of women with type 1 diabetes—and perhaps up to 27%—reported problems with sexual dysfunction. For those with type 2 diabetes, the numbers were higher, at 42%. Reported problems include vaginal dryness, pain during sex and low libido. That’s likely due to fluctuating hormones and a decrease in blood flow throughout the body, including to genital areas. BReaST CHanGeS Seaquist says some studies have shown diabetes can change breast texture, which could affect mammogram results. These changes are not likely something you could see or feel. FeRTILITy STRUGGLeS If they’re managing it correctly, women with type 1 diabetes usually don’t have fertility problems, says Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist, the president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association. Type 2 patients, particularly those who develop polycystic ovarian syndrome, can run into trouble. Seaquist says doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes fertility problems, but it seems
Fast FaCt women with type 2 diabetes 42% ofreport sexual dysfunction SOURCe: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
to relate to how insulin levels help regulate how the ovaries work. If insulin levels are too high or too low, the menstrual cycle can become irregular. “It does lead to a change in how the ovary and pituitary work together,” she says. “If that connection is mixed up, people don’t cycle normally.” yeaST InFeCTIOnS Diabetic women of all ages are more prone to developing yeast infections. Diabetes can throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria in your body, and leave too much of the sugar on which bad bacteria thrives. Dr. Mary Peterson, a gynecologist and director of the Midlife Health Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Magee-Womens Hospital, says the likelihood of getting a yeast infection is higher even in menopausal women, who typically are less likely to get them than younger women. “Yeast infections are hands down the most common side effect of diabetes,” she says.
Meltdown Managed 1
STICK TO a SCHeDULe
Parents may be fine with not eating until 3 p.m. on Christmas, or visiting with family and friends until midnight, but many young children need to stick closely to their regular meal and bedtime routines. “Know where your child is developmentally,” Sirl says. Be OK with leaving parties earlier than you normally would, or declining some invitations if you feel your schedule is getting too booked.
If “no meltdown at the family party” tops your holiday wish list, take a few steps to avoid temper tantrums. “Holidays are right up there with weddings as far as having traditions and expectations, and the emotional pull for it to be perfect,” says Kimberly Sirl, a child psychologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. So, lower your expectations. Think of a holiday gathering from a child’s perspective, and plan ahead.
2
PaCK a SnaCK
Colette Nelson of Chicago has three children and 13 siblings. Her family parties are big, and food is key to her kids enjoying them. She typically feeds her children before parties because, by the time they get there, “there’s so much going on, they won’t eat.” And, kids who don’t eat can get cranky and develop headaches. Nelson’s family’s party spreads often include cut-up peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit and other substantial bite-sized foods so the kids don’t overindulge in chips and cookies.
Making life more comfortable, one foot at a time.
3
Head off tantrums and moody teen moments with these 7 tips By PaIGe FUMO FOX
FInD a QUIeT PLaCe
If your children get overwhelmed easily and you’re planning to go to Aunt Sue’s party for 50 people, talk it through ahead of time. Let your children know that you’ll find a quiet spot, like a guest room, where they can color, read or listen to music.
4
TaKe SOMe Me-TIMe
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Take walks, meditate or do something that will recharge you, says Sue DeCaro, a certified parent coach in Pennsylvania. Feeling refreshed and energized makes it easier for you to be there for your kids.
5
TaLK TO yOUR Teen
Some teens might think family parties are the worst way to spend a Saturday night. Tell them they’ll have some time during the weekend to hang out with their friends, but you have expectations for them, like being pleasant and not texting at the table, Sirl says. Encourage your teen to bring a board game to teach the other kids,
or even the adults. Help them figure out ways to be helpful.
6
aSK FOR HeLP
7
enCOURaGInG WORDS
Other guests can provide a change of scenery for antsy kids, Nelson says. Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes on an aunt’s lap to settle a child down. Ask an older cousin to go outside and shoot some hoops with the kids. Nelson says it’s nice to see a teenager take a younger cousin under his wing. Encourage your child to get into conversation with the aunts and uncles. Ask children what they think would make a party more enjoyable; they may surprise you with their ideas, DeCaro says.
Finally, when you see your child doing well, “Amplify it,” DeCaro says. “You might say, ‘Wow, that’s so great you brought a game and you’re encouraging your cousins to play it.’ That’s important for children to hear.”
ThE LIGhTER SIdE OF BIG BOY ®
Alan L. Mast, D.P.M.
Board Certified in Foot Surgery, ABPS Foot Specialist & Surgeon Specializing in Diabetic Foot Care Big Boy has healthier options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Some of our delicious menu items include: ®
333 N. Jebavy Dr. • Ludington
231.843.2690 Fax 231.843.4338
· Oatmeal & Fresh Fruit · Granola Parfait & Fresh Fruit · Spaghetti Marinara · Endless Soup, Salad, and Fruit Buffet Big Boy is a registered trademark of Big Boy Restaurants International LLC © 2014 Big Boy Restaurants International LLC
Ludington L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14 | C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
11
We are a skilled nursing facility providing compassionate skilled long term care and rehabilitation services to Mason County Residents since 1966
y l i m a F e k Li We provide special events such as our bike parade, old engine car show, motorcycle rally, and Veterans Day program Our employees participate in community events including the Lake Jump, United Way, Relay for Life, and Toys for Tots We are a member of the Ludington Scottville Chamber of Commerce and we support school athletics and school districts in Mason County
Oakview is Community Driven; we are “Like Family” because we are family! We have been given a five star rating by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Homes!
Mason County’s
Oakview MEDICAL CARE FACILITY
1001 Diana Street, Ludington • 231-845-5185 • www.oakviewmcf.com
Call now for your Pinhole Grafting Consultation! 12
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H | L U D I N G T O N D A I LY N E W S | F R I D AY, D E C E M B E R 12 , 2 0 14