Oregon Healthy Living

NOVEMBER 2015 | VOL. 8 — ISSUE 11 | COMPLIMENTARY

Dance as if Nobody’s Watching Calorie burn, balance and mental agility

PLUS

DIY Holiday Gifts Shingles 411 Pet Mythbuster Quiz

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Table of Contents NOVEMBER 2015 | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11

PAMPER

FITNESS

FOOD

SPECIAL

HEALTH

Shingles: A pox upon it Watch Me Dance-Dance: Whip out some fitness moves

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Homemade and Healthy: Gifts you can make

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Making Matcha: Supercharged green tea

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Mythbuster Quiz: How safe are Fido and Fluffy?

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Sore Spots: Repetitive use

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CALENDAR

Local Events Calendar: Find out what’s happening in your community

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The editor’s desk

As someone who had chickenpox, I’ve wondered how worried I should be about shingles, particularly after seeing recent scary television ads. Find out about your risk for this painful virus in Cathleen Cole’s report. Cindy Wilson busts some vaccination myths regarding our pets, but also uncovered how animal shelters in Jackson and Josephine Counties need volunteers to walk, pet and cuddle animals while they await adoption. What a great volunteer role!

Next month we will investigate exercise-induced asthma and of course, healthy New Year crose@mailtribune.com resolutions!

On the cover

Jacksonville photographer David Gibb staged the photo shoot at the historic Redmen’s Hall with professional dancers Jennifer Berry and Jason Younker. Both dance instructors believe strongly in the fitness and mental health benefits of dance. “Dancing all week is a better workout than I’d get going to the gym every day each week,” Berry says. “All the steps and patterns you learn in dance keep your mind active, and dance makes you happy, which reduces stress.” Younker, a Latin dance instructor, says dance has the potential for a great cardio workout. “Dance works the muscles that sometimes get missed during physical training. And it keeps the neurotransmitters firing with amazing delight,” he says.

STAFF EDITOR: Cheryl P. Rose

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Dena DeRose DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Bret Jackson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: David Gibb, Diane Wittenberg

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Cathleen Cole Rebecca Scott Cindy Quick Wilson

ADVERTISER INDEX

Abdill Career College ............. 21 Ashland Food Co-op ............. 14 The Blue Giraffe Day Spa Salon ....................... 10 Katzen Orthodontics ................. 4 Medford Food Co-op ............... 9 Medicap Pharmacy .................. 9 Oregon Advanced Imaging ...... 3 Providence Medford Medical Center....................... 24 Sherm’s Food 4 Less ................. 2 Shop’n Kart.............................. 7 Southern Oregon Foot & Ankle .......................... 23 Southern Oregon Subaru ....... 19 Oregon Healthy Living Magazine is published by the Southern Oregon Media Group Advertising Department, 111 N. Fir St., Medford, OR 97501. General information: 541.776.4411 To advertise: 541.776.4422 Submissions and feedback: crose@mailtribune.com

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Gotta Dance!

Burn calories, connect with a partner (or not) and have a lot of fun with the physical and social aspect of dancing

TEXT BY CATHLEEN COLE • PHOTOS BY DAVID GIBB

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he stunning woman, dazzling in a flowing, beaded gown, twirls around her partner, a handsome man bedecked in a finely tailored suit. They glide around the dance floor with eyes only on and for each other as they flow with the music. The elegance of their ballroom dancing is breathtaking and the envy of all who watch.

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FITNESS

Danielle Kauzlarich, a LaBlast instructor at Superior Athletic Club in Medford, emphasizes that experience and a partner are not required.

There’s a reason why ABC television network’s “Dancing with the Stars” is so popular. Watching couples perform elegant, energetic and complicated dances with precision and grace is mesmerizing. And it makes so many people want to learn to dance!

One, Two, Cha Cha Cha!

Cori Grimm, a dance instructor at Evergreen Ballroom in Central Point, teaches Latin, swing and ballroom dancing. “I teach a little bit of everything,” she says. The instructor likes to watch “Dancing with the Stars” and use some of the show’s songs in her classes.

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Grimm has couples and singles who come to her classes. For the ones who show up solo, she invites intermediate dancers to partner with beginners. Her students range in age from 8 years old to 90.

There are lots of reasons Grimm’s students want to learn to dance. The 50-plus couples finally have “empty nests” and are looking for ways to connect with each other again.

Single people are seeking partners, but aren’t interested in the nightclub scene. “It’s very social,” Grimm says.

Dancing is a good physical activity that promotes flexibility, strength and endurance and can be as slow or fast-paced as you want it to be. “It can be as gentle as walking,” Grimm

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FITNESS

says. But it can also be physically demanding. Latin and swing dances are fast and highly physical with partner lifts and even acrobatics. “It depends on the style and level,” she says.

And dancing can be enjoyed for a lifetime. “My 90-year-old student can dance for an hour straight,” the instructor says. “It’s pretty impressive.”

The social aspect of dancing is important too, Grimm believes, and dancing with a group of friends at a regular spot is comforting. “It’s like going to ‘Cheers’ where everybody knows your name,” she adds.

Have a LaBlast!

Dance-exercise classes have been around for decades – Jazzercise and Zumba, as examples. The beat and the steps may change, but the premise is the same: Dancing is good exercise and it’s fun.

One of the newest dancefitness classes is LaBlast. Created by professional dancer and

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FITNESS

continued from page 7 choreographer Louis Van Amstel, who is a longtime dancer on “Dancing with the Stars,” LaBlast combines a wide variety of dance styles and music genres.

Danielle Kauzlarich, a LaBlast instructor at Superior Athletic Club in Medford, emphasizes that experience and a partner are not required.

“There’s definitely a learning curve,” the instructor admits, but she works with class members and goes over the same move repeatedly if students aren’t catching on.

A theme of LaBlast is, “Anyone can dance.” Kauzlarich believes that’s true. “People dance to their own beat all the time,” she says. In her class, people quickly lose their self-consciousness, if they had any to begin with, and enjoy the time together. “It becomes almost like a social hour,” she says. “The time flies – not like on a treadmill.”

The physical health benefits are mostly cardiovascular with the heart-pumping, fast-paced dancing, but Kauzlarich also explains that dancing is good for coordination, flexibility and balance. She adds weights sometimes to tone the arms.

“In LaBlast you definitely sweat,” she confirms. “This is burning calories for 60 minutes while learning basic dance steps.” continued on page 10

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DANCING WITH THE ROGUE VALLEY STARS Come cheer for local celebrities paired with local professional dancers in a high-energy contest to support Southern Oregon Sparrow Clubs, which inspire and empower kids to help other kids in their community who are in medical need. The event is in its seventh season. “It’s a lot of fun and family friendly,” says Matt Sampson, Oregon director of Sparrow Clubs USA. “It raises a lot of money for local causes.” Sampson notes that a portion of the proceeds goes to support dance activities in Southern Oregon. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to dwtrvs.com.

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FITNESS

Where: North Medford High School auditorium When: Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets for 2 p.m. performance: General admission - Adults: $15, Children 17 and younger are free Tickets for 7 p.m. performance: Reserved seating is $20 and $25

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FITNESS

DANCING

TO A DIFFERENT

BEAT

Latin A fast-paced, sensual dance where partners spin and turn with accentuated hip movements. It includes the cha-cha, rumba, samba, salsa, merengue, paso doble and jive.

continued from page 8 Since dancing is a social sport, there are mental benefits as well. “It lifts your spirits,” Kauzlarich says. “I’ve met so many really good friends from dance class.”

Learning complicated dance moves can also contribute to mental sharpness. “It definitely helps memory,” the instructor says. “Keeping the body moving is so important to keeping the mind healthy.” Medical experts agree. According to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), “Physical activity is a valuable part of any overall body wellness plan and is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline.”

Kauzlarich keeps coming back to the fun factor of LaBlast and dancing in general. “It’s fun,” she says. “It’s a great way to burn calories with a smile on your face.”

Swing An energetic style of social dancing in which a dancer often lifts, spins and flips his or her partner.

Ballroom An elegant and smooth style of partner dancing. Dancers move around the floor counterclockwise. It includes the foxtrot and waltz, but also incorporates other dances such as the sensual tango.

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Little Aches,

Big Common Problems: overuse injuries TEXT BY REBECCA SCOTT

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n acute injury, such as a wrist break, results from a single event. Overuse injuries occur due to repetitive tears to the tendons, bones and joints. These injuries are more commonly seen in adults, teens and athletes.

Common overuse injuries include tennis elbow, runner’s knee and shin splints, but these injuries aren’t limited to athletes. “I see more adults doing regular activities who twist or turn the wrong way,” says Aaron Williams, a family and sports medicine physician at Providence Medford Medical Center. “They ignore the pain and it becomes an overuse injury. Don’t disregard little aches and pains. Your body is telling you something for a reason.”

Microtrauma to the muscles, tendons and bones cause overuse injuries. “But they can completely heal,” explains Williams.

“Treatments include physical therapy, injections and surgery.” Physical therapy is used more often than surgery, but the type of therapy session depends on the injury. “There’s a lot of stretching in physical therapy.

You work on your range of motion and strengthening.”

Stressing the same muscles or tendons every day can lead to further injuries over time. “For anyone, crosstraining is key,” advises Williams. “Runners can swim and lift weights. You can get the exercise you need and put stress on different parts of your body.” But you must use caution with workout routines, especially when you first start. “Begin exercising with a slow progression,” he advises. “Going too hard, too fast, leads to injuries.”

Overuse injuries are subtle and usually occur over time, making a diagnosis difficult. Treatments are available, but the best remedy is prevention. Good muscle balance, flexibility and increased strength help prevent overuse injuries.

Procrastinating getting the pain evaluated changes your available treatment options.

Many people afflicted with overuse injuries are unaware they have them. “I see about 500 patients a year suffering from overuse injuries,” says Williams. “If you feel you’ve gotten hurt, don’t blow it off. Get an evaluation so you can receive proper treatment. Don’t wait too long.

The worst case scenario is we say you’re healthy.”

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You Can DIY Handmade and healthy holiday gifts

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oes the thought of crowded stores make you cringe? Don’t want to wake up at dawn to shop? There is relief for those who want unique gifts without the hassle of retail shopping.

Special gifts for your friends and family aren’t online or in stores. They reside in your own capable hands. DIY gifts are easy to make, customizable and useful. With hundreds of possibilities, here are some ideas to get those hands crafting and creative juices flowing.

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TEXT BY REBECCA SCOTT

Spice Rub in a Jar

Spiced Hot Drink Mix

Ingredients 1 8-ounce glass jar with tight-fitting lid 3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes 3 tablespoons seasoned salt 3 tablespoons dried basil leaves 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon sugar

Ingredients 4 1/2 cups dark brown sugar or coconut palm sugar 2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 tablespoon each ground ginger and allspice 1 teaspoon each nutmeg, mace and cloves

Add variety to your meals this year.

A dash of this and pinch of that, combined in a sweetly decorated jar, turn spices into a delicious present.

Directions Layer ingredients in jar and seal. Tie with decorative ribbon.

The aroma of fall and winter spices are comforting, especially in a piping hot drink. Inexpensive and easy, this versatile gift can be used in any beverage: cider, tea, wine or juice.

Directions Add ingredients to a food processor.

Pulse until combined. Store in an airtight, festive container. To use, add one tablespoon of spice mix per cup of hot beverage.

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PAMPER

Granola Bars in a Jar

Healthy treats are rare during the holidays, but a wholesome granola mix can provide a snacking fix. If you attend several parties, make multiple jars and use them as handy host gifts.

Ingredients Layer the ingredients in a one-quart mason jar in this order: 1 cup granola 1/4 cup sliced almonds 1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut 1/2 cup organic dried fruit, such as cherries or cranberries 1 cup granola 1/2 cup blanched almond flour 1/4 cup walnut pieces Directions Use holiday wrapping paper and cut circles the same size as the jar lid. Place the paper on top of the lid. Seal the jar with the ring. You can also add a decorative bow and gift tag. Include the following baking instructions with your gift: • Whisk together 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of milk and one slightly beaten egg.

• Combine jar mixture with the wet ingredients until the dry ingredients are well-coated. Let the mixture set for 8 to 10 minutes.

• Line a 5x9-inch pan with parchment paper. Pack the granola evenly into the pan.

• Bake for 40 minutes at 275 degrees. Let cool for one hour. Then move to the refrigerator to finish cooling.

• Remove the granola from the pan onto a cutting board • Cut into bars. Enjoy!

Homemade Lip Balm

Fall weather is lovely, but one side effect of cool temperatures is chapped lips. Be a holiday hero this year by supplying your friends, family and neighbors with the gift of a natural lip balm.

“Homemade is less expensive than store-bought,” says Angela Stuhr, a local resident who makes her own lip balm. “You choose the ingredients based on the needs of the person receiving it. Peppermint oil, vanilla extract or lavender oil are my favorites to add flavor,” she says. “Lip balm is an easy and unique present. Homemade gifts are great because you’re doing it out of love, for the people you love.”

Ingredients 1/4 cup oil, such as sweet almond or coconut 1/4 cup butter, such as shea or cocoa Enough wax to make 3/4 cup (such as beeswax or soy wax) A few drops of essential oil 1 teaspoon powdered herbs for color, such as beet root powder Directions Measure the oil and butter into a heatproof glass measuring cup. Melt the mixture by setting the measuring cup in a pan of gently boiling water, creating a makeshift double boiler.

Add enough wax to make a total of 3/4 cup. Melt this in the double boiler. Handle carefully as it is hot. Mix everything with a stainless steel spoon. Pull the spoon out. Wait a few minutes until what’s left on the spoon hardens. Test to see if the texture is to your liking. Add more oil if you want it softer or more wax to harden it. When the consistency is where you want it, add a few drops of essential oil. Carefully pour into clean lip balm tubes or tins. Stuhr recommends taking the lids off the tubes and tying the tubes together with rubber bands. Then pour the mix over all containers at once to avoid spills.

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PAMPER Mustard Detox Bath

People enjoy mustard on hot dogs or hamburgers, but mustard isn’t usually found in bathtubs. However, since the time of ancient Egypt, mustard baths have been used as a cure for achy muscles, colds and stress. “Detox baths are warming and encourage circulation,” says Amey Broeker, wellness manager at the Ashland Food Co-op. “It’s soothing for the nervous system and relaxes your muscles.”

The basic ingredients are easy to find. “I’d recommend looking for pre-made essential oil blends because they save time and money,” says Broeker. “There are oil blends that target opening the heart, soothing the nervous system and opening bronchial passages. Anytime you can give the gift of relaxation, that’s great.”

Ingredients 1/4 cup mustard powder 1 cup magnesium in the form of Epsom salts 3 drops wintergreen essential oil 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil 3 drops rosemary essential oil 3 drops red thyme essential oil 1/4 teaspoon sodium ascorbate (soluble vitamin C, optional) Directions Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight jar in a dark place. When ready to use, dissolve 1/4 cup in bath water.

Soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

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Windowsill Herb Pot

Even when it’s cold, potted herbs grow by sunny windowsills. Surprise green-thumbed friends with the gift of an herb pot they can tend and grow. You can provide plant starts or seed packets.

Ingredients Four small containers of herbs, such as basil, sage and rosemary One rectangular, 18-inch container Potting soil Directions Place the four herb pots in the larger container. Move the container to a windowsill or counter with frequent sunlight.

Water regularly and watch grow!

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Ma Tea tcha Ben wit : efit h s

TEX QU T BY C ICK I W I L N DY SO N

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edicated tea drinkers will cite many reasons for enjoying this 5,000-year-old brew. Some value the calming effects of herbal teas like chamomile and rose hip, while others prefer the caffeine boost from black teas such as Earl Grey.

For the health-minded, the most popular choice is green tea, which has been found to promote weight loss, reduce the risk of heart attack and protect against cancer.

Celebrated as the superstar of all green teas is matcha, a verdant, nutrient-rich powder that is whisked with warm water and served in a bowl. According to analysis, matcha has 10 to 15 times the nutritional value of regularly brewed green tea and provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids in a way unlike other green teas. Matcha contains 20 times more antioxidants than blueberries or pomegranates, according to research by Tufts University in Massachusetts.

Travis Peterson, owner of Dobra Tea in Ashland, explains that high quality matcha is produced entirely differently from the majority of Japanese green teas. “Matcha comes from gyokuro tea leaves which are shade-grown, a process that encourages high quality leaves that are very rich in chlorophyll,” he says.

“Because you are drinking the whole leaf, matcha is considered to have more health promoting benefits – a superfood that is much higher in antioxidants.”

The power of green

Jason Miller and his wife, Kara, both acupuncturists and herbalists, own Jade Mountain Medicine, an Ashland clinic specializing in Chinese medicine. “In general, our patients aren’t taking green tea alone for their health, but it is a part of their holistic approach to health and wellbeing,” Jason Miller says. He admits that while it is difficult to assess how much benefit individual patients might gain from matcha, there has been a considerable amount of research done on green tea in animals and humans, especially with regard to cancer. These studies conclude, he says, “that due to the EGCG content, or epigallocatechin gallate, which is the main active component of green tea leaves, it is extremely beneficial for human health with regard to supporting cardiovascular health, preventing cancer and protecting the liver.”

Many matcha tea drinkers experience a boost of energy throughout the day

and some have even reported increased endurance. Because matcha is made from crushed whole tea leaves, the caffeine content is somewhat higher than that of bagged tea and can actually equal half the level of a cup of black coffee. However, researchers found that the sustained energy increase was actually the combination of matcha’s natural properties, not just the caffeine.

Another study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking matcha can also increase thermogenesis, the body’s rate of burning calories, from a normal 8 to 10 percent of daily energy expenditure, to between 35 and 43 percent, a process which encourages weight loss.

The taste of matcha

“I use words like oceanic, vegetal or earthy,” Kara Miller says, “and some people describe the flavor as hay-like or grassy. A lot of people love the taste, but I think it’s more palatable when

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FOOD the caffeine content, excessive amounts of matcha or other it is used in a smoothie or other food item, rather than the forms of green tea may trigger certain side effects such as traditional whisk method, where the powder is whisked into headache, insomnia, irritability, diarrhea and heartburn. hot water. My favorite recipe is coconut matcha custard that “Sometimes the tannins and concentrations of caffeine can I make for special occasions. I also really love matcha ice irritate the stomach, leaving a person with a feeling similar to cream.” taking a vitamin on an empty stomach,” Peterson cautions.

Peterson says that people are often surprised by the four “This is easily remedied with a small bite of food either different grades of matcha and the differences in use and before or during consumption. In the Japanese tea ceremony, preparation. “Our highest grade matcha, Koicha, is served matcha is often accompanied by a small dessert, like mochi, to as a ‘thick’ infusion and is made from tea plants that are at complement the rich, savory tea with a sweet taste.” least 30 years old,” he says. “We have an everyday or The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu (hot ingredient-grade variety used mostly in chilled water for tea in Japanese), is a spiritual drinks, and three of ceremonial grade, which experience that embodies harmony, are of higher quality used in traditional respect, purity and tranquility. “High whisked matcha bowls.” The ingredientUNIQUELY DIFFERENT quality teas such as matcha are much grade matcha is stronger in taste and more than a beverage,” says Kara will hold up to sweeteners and other in taste, texture and Miller. “The art of tea is an ancient added ingredients. nutrients, matcha gets and simple ritual to nurture the its name from the body, mind and spirit. Tea has been A cautionary note considered an elixir of immortality, Although matcha is generally Japanese words “cha,” and has been used for self-realization considered safe, the National meaning tea, and “ma” through meditation, and for helping Institutes of Health warn that green one achieve mental purification and tea may cause stomach upset and meaning powder. enlightenment.” constipation in some cases. Also, due to

MATCHA TEA SMOOTHIE Ingredients 1/2 cup yogurt 2 tablespoons honey or sugar 1/2 cup ice cubes 1 teaspoon ingredient-grade matcha Directions Blend ingredients together in electric blender.

Pour into a tall glass.

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MATCHA CHIA PUDDING Ingredients 3/4 cup milk (cow or nut milk) 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1 teaspoon matcha 1 teaspoon maple syrup Directions Combine all ingredients, stir well. Chia seeds will begin to gel. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

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Pet Quiz:

SPECIAL

Do you know myths or facts about vaccinating pets?

TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON PHOTOS BY DIANE WITTENBERG

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o matter where you stand in the controversy surrounding vaccinations, there is no doubt that in veterinary medicine, they have proven to be a lifesaver for our beloved pets. Deadly diseases such as rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, feline leukemia and equine tetanus have been drastically reduced, and in some cases, eliminated by vaccination. We asked two local veterinarians, Alice Sievers with Bear Creek Animal Hospital in Medford, and Diane Wittenberg with Allen Creek Veterinary Hospital in Grants Pass, for their expert opinions.

The Myth: Vaccinations can be dangerous because of side effects and bad reactions.

Dr. Sievers: We see very few complications and those are limited to general malaise that lasts for 24 hours or less. We minimize risk by limiting the number or type of vaccines administered in a visit, utilizing an appropriate schedule to avoid over-vaccination and to maximize the body’s ability to respond to the vaccines, and only vaccinating animals that are healthy. All single-dose vials of vaccine used in our practice are free of mercury and substances such as thimerosal, a common concern for many people.

The Facts: Studies indicate that while such reactions can happen, less than 1 percent of animals have an adverse reaction. The most common complaints are lethargy and soreness or swelling at the injection site.

Rarely, animals can develop fever, an allergic reaction or an immune disorder.

The Myth: Yearly vaccinations are too expensive.

Dr. Wittenberg: Vaccines provide proven life-saving benefits and should be part of routine preventative health care. Puppies and kittens should start receiving

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SPECIAL vaccines around 6 to 8 weeks old, and receive boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old. As adults, they should receive vaccines every one to three years, depending on the vaccine.

The Facts: The cost of treating these diseases can run into thousands of dollars and can likely mean death for an unprotected pet. Some diseases are transmittable to humans, which can quickly multiply the expense of treatment. In contrast, the bill for vaccinations will be from $10 to $30. Low cost vaccination clinics are available in our area. (See sidebar for details.)

The Myth: I don’t hear much about rabies anymore.

I don’t think my pet needs protection.

Dr. Sievers: We follow the guidelines set out by the Rabies Compendium requiring dogs to be immunized against rabies by the age of 6 months. If an animal has no available history, we administer a one-year rabies vaccine. If they have documentation of a previous rabies vaccine, they can receive a three-year vaccination. For cats, we use a non-adjuvanted (a substance that enhances the body’s immune response to an antigen) rabies vaccine, that has a one-year duration of immunity at this time.

The Facts: While incidents of rabies overall has decreased, 12 counties in Oregon, including Jackson and Josephine, have reported finding rabies in bats this year. Other carriers include raccoons, skunks and foxes. Nationally, twice as many cats as dogs are reported to have rabies each year, but Multnomah is the only county in Oregon that requires cats to be vaccinated for rabies.

The Myth: My cat is strictly an indoor cat and I never take my dog to dog parks, so they don’t need to be vaccinated.

Dr. Wittenberg: The core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats. The specific vaccine protocol recommended for each individual pet can vary depending upon potential disease exposure and lifestyle, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.

The Facts: Many contagious diseases are spread without direct contact with another infected pet. For instance, if you pet a cat with panleukopenia (feline distemper), a virus that can live a year or two under the right conditions, you can infect your cat through your hands, clothing and food. Dogs can get canine distemper simply by inhaling it, so if your dog sniffs the wrong urine, or another dog sneezes near him, it can contract the disease.

LOCAL LOW-COST VACCINATION OPTIONS Jackson County Animal Services 5595 S. Pacific Highway, Phoenix 541.774.6654 Third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $10 for rabies shot, licensing available $10 for canine distemper/parvo vaccine $10 for feline distemper/combo

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Pet Country 2833 N. Pacific Highway, Medford 541.773.7087 First Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon.

Vaccinations from $11 to $22 Licensing available: $22 a year for spayed/ neutered animal, not altered, $33 Discounts for multiple-year vaccinations Seniors licensing discount, $19 a year for altered, $32 for non-altered

Additional Protection Non-core vaccines are optional vaccines that should be considered in light of the exposure risk of the animal (based on geographic distribution and the lifestyle of the pet).

Vaccines considered as non-core vaccines are leptospirosis, Lyme disease, canine influenza virus, bordetella bronchiseptica and the rattlesnake vaccine.

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SPECIAL

PREVENTION SAVES MONEY AND LIVES Brad Booker, shelter coordinator with Josephine County Animal Control, says vaccinations are standard procedure for animal adoption. “We vaccinate all pets before they leave here, heartworm test and medicate the dogs, and treat for fleas and ticks,” he says.

“We try to do everything we can to protect the animals before we send them out the door for adoption.”

Barbara Talbert with Jackson County Animal Control admits, “I don’t think there has been a case of rabies being transmitted to a person here in Oregon for many years, but that’s because the animal control districts abide by the law. If your dog shows up here at the shelter and does not have a current rabies vaccine or a license, the fees start

at $183 to get him released, so you can see the incentive for people to keep their dogs vaccinated and licensed.”

Southern Oregon Humane Executive Director Kenn Altine believes that non-core treatments should also be considered. “Vaccinations are important, but I think people can often overlook other types of protective treatments like heartworm medication,” he says.

“Heartworm has been in the Rogue Valley for some time. Once infected, it’s a very costly and arduous treatment, so I am a big proponent of heartworm protection. I live out in the country, so I also treat my dogs for rattlesnake venom. That saved my dog’s life when he got bitten by a snake.”

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Getting on Your Nerves TEXT BY CATHLEEN COLE

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If you had chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in nerve roots

n early September, Amy Maukonen of Medford noticed some itchy bumps along her waistline that she thought could be bug bites or poison oak. Then the deep pain came. “I could not sit or lie still or it would sting,” she remembers. “The sting wasn’t on the surface though. It was deeper down under, near the nerves.” She realized quickly she had shingles.

Maukonen started on a 10-day antiviral medicine treatment, which alleviated her pain fairly quickly although the rash lingered. At 40, she is younger than the typical 60-plus shingles patient, but high stress can be a factor for onset, which she believes was the case for her. She is the director of the new Valley School of Southern Oregon, a Montessoribased free public charter school for middle schoolers that emphasizes science, math, technology and engineering (STEM). “I’m sure it was the stress and pressure of opening up this new school,” she realizes. “We were working 20-hour days and sleeping very little.”

A painful rash

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. Shingles usually appears in a band or small area on one side of the face or body. “The rash appears in areas called dermatomes,” says Jarrod Watson, a family nurse practitioner at Providence Medical Group - Medford Family Practice. “These are regions of nerve distributions. The blistering rash very rarely ever crosses the midline of the body.”

Shingles is most common in older adults (60-plus) or people with weak immune systems often due to stress, injury, illness and some medications. “I have treated 30-year-olds who have had it – rare, but it happens,” says Watson. Most people who get shingles recover and don’t get it again, but it is possible to get shingles more than once.

A dormant virus awakens

Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox

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becomes active. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in nerve roots. In some people, it remains dormant for life. In other people, the virus “reactivates” when stress, illness, aging or another factor weakens the immune system. When the virus is triggered, shingles (not another case of chickenpox) is the result.

Shingles is not contagious, however there is a chance that a person with shingles can infect with the virus a person who hasn’t had the chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. “The result would be chickenpox if shingles was transmitted,” Watson says. “People actively infected with shingles should avoid pregnant women or anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine to reduce the likelihood of transmission.”

The stages of shingles

Symptoms of shingles come in stages. First is a headache and possible sensitivity to light. You may have flu-like symptoms. Second is itching, tingling or pain in a certain part of your body. This is the prodrome, or early symptom, stage.

A few days later, the rash will appear. The rash turns to blisters that fill with fluid and crust over. It can take two to four weeks for the blisters to heal and scarring is possible.

“Often the only prodrome is a sensation that there is a tag in your shirt, or something in clothing scratching your skin, or something to that effect,” Watson explains. “Patients will often ask family members to check their clothing or skin, with nothing obvious seen. This is the nerves becoming irritated and inflamed prior to the inevitable rash, which usually comes on a day or so later.”

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Shingles-related nerve pain – post-herpetic neuralgia – is very painful and can last for weeks and even years after the rash has healed. It can be so painful, Watson confirms, that clothing hurts to touch affected areas.

Treatment and prevention

The treatment for shingles is antiviral and pain medications. Starting antiviral medicine as soon as possible can help the rash heal faster and be less painful.

People who suspect shingles should see a medical professional immediately.

The shingles vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus – varicella zoster – that helps your body build immunity to the virus. Watson and the medical community in general recommend that people 60 and older who had chickenpox get the shingles vaccine. Unlike a flu shot that’s recommended yearly, the shingles vaccine is considered to be a one-time-only vaccine.

For people who have had shingles, the vaccine can help prevent another shingles attack or lessen the severity of it. “Even if someone previously had shingles, we would recommend the vaccine,” Watson says.

Who should not get the shingles vaccine? According to Watson and other medical professionals, anyone who received the chickenpox vaccine, anyone less than 50 years old, immunocompromised patients, people who are actively ill with fever, anyone with active tuberculosis, anyone with active shingles, anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to gelatin or neomycin since there are components of both in the vaccine, anyone currently taking antiviral medication and pregnant women.

CHICKENPOX VACCINE:

NO POX, NO SHINGLES

The varicella vaccine is a live virus administered to protect against chickenpox caused by the varicella zoster virus. Introduced in the United States in 1995, it slowly became a routine vaccination in pediatric offices over the next several years. While no vaccine guarantees you will not get the disease, says Jarrod Watson, a family nurse practitioner at Providence Medical Group - Medford Family Practice, it significantly lowers the likelihood of getting it, as well as the duration and severity of the disease if you did get it. If you get the chickenpox vaccine and never get chickenpox, you will never get shingles, Watson explains. “You have to have a true case of chickenpox first,” he says. “If you get the vaccine and end up getting chickenpox anyway, you would then be at risk for shingles later.” The live virus given through the vaccination does not reside dormant in the patient’s nerves because it typically does not convert to a full-blown case of chickenpox. The vaccine creates antibodies in the body that are always on the alert, constantly looking for chickenpox in the system, Watson notes. These antiboides attack the virus when the person is exposed, thus preventing him or her from getting a true case of chickenpox.

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NOVEMBER

EVENTS CALENDAR

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ASHLAND CULINARY FESTIVAL • ASHLAND HILLS HOTEL & SUITES, 2525 ASHLAND ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: www.ashlandchamber.com Three days of food demonstrations and the Top Chef competition.

Ticket prices vary.

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M. • SOU MUSIC RECITAL HALL, 450 SOUTH MOUNTAIN AVE., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: 541.488.9831 Rogue Riverkeeper and SOU’s Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program present the 3rd Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour. Considered one of the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festivals.

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TURKEY! TURKEY! 6 PM TO 9 PM • OSU SOUTHERN OREGON RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER, 569 HANLEY ROAD, CENTRAL POINT CONTACT INFO: 541.776.7371 Prepare for Thanksgiving with everything you need to know about cooking and utilizing a whole bird. Presented by OSU Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center. Class fee is $10.

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TAMING THE CHAOS 6:30 PM TO 9 PM • ASHLAND FOOD CO-OP, 237 N. FIRST ST. IN ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: 541.482.2237 Composing a balanced meal and organizing the kitchen. The class fee is $30 for members, $35 for nonmembers. Space is limited.

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LINE DANCE LESSONS 1 P.M. • MEDFORD SENIOR CENTER, 510 WEST MAIN ST., MEDFORD CONTACT INFO: medfordseniorcenter.org, 541.772.2273 Line Dance lessons are held each Tuesday. Beginning, intermediate and advanced dancers are welcome.

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STERLING MINE DITCH TRAIL HIKE 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. • NORTHWEST NATURE SHOP, 154 OAK ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: morgan@kswild.org/hike, 541.488.5789 Enjoy stunning views along this Little Applegate River trail system. Carpool meets at Northwest Nature Shop at 9 a.m. Bring plenty of water, comfortable walking shoes and a lunch.

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HAPPY HANDS & FEET REFLEXOLOGY CLASS 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. • FAMILY MASSAGE EDUCATION CENTER 77 MANZANITA ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: www.HelloFMEC.com Singles and couples welcome! Enjoy a relaxing foot bath and learn the reflexology points of the hands and feet, followed by a massage routine to refresh the body by following the reflexology stroke patterns.

GROW YOUR OWN MICROGREENS 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. • SOUTHERN OREGON RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER, 569 HANLEY ROAD, CENTRAL POINT CONTACT INFO: 541.776.7371 Learn to grow nutritious microgreens indoors. Class fee of $10.

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SIMPLIFIED TAI CHI 10 A.M. TO 11 A.M. • MEDFORD LIBRARY MEETING ROOM, 205 SOUTH CENTRAL AVE., MEDFORD CONTACT INFO: HOLLY HERTEL AT 541.774.6577 This free, on-going program is sponsored by Jackson County Library Services. Every Tuesday, classes in this 8-step Tai Chi form are targeted to participants age 50-plus or those with a desire to improve balance and ease of movement.

EVERY DAY ZOO IN YOU • SCIENCEWORKS HANDS-ON MUSEUM, 1500 EAST MAIN ST., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: www.scienceworksmuseum.org This engaging, interactive and bilingual exhibit explores the vibrant world of our inner microorganisms and their importance to our personal health. This exhibit runs through January 2016.

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SOUTHERN OREGON TURKEY TROT 7:45 A.M. • JACKSON COUNTY EXPO FAIRGROUNDS, CENTRAL POINT CONTACT INFO: www.sorunners.org/ turkeytrot/ Justify a big splurge on holiday trimmings by starting the morning with a run or walk. Ages 5 and under can participate in a dash and everyone else can join either the 2-mile or the 8-mile events.

Registration fee required for all but the dash.

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