Inspire Health Fall 2013

INSPIRE

FALL 2013

Real Inspiration for Women L ISSUE SPECIA

Aginelgl W

CHOCOLATE Lovers Rejoice

BETTER THAN BOTOX TOP 5

BEAUTY MINERALS

The Whole Approach to

GROWING YOUNGER Fall 2013

INSPIRE HEALTH

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HAMG-115 TriCities Medical Asscocaites Print Ad_InspireHealthMag_8.375x10.875_FIN_OL.pdf

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17 Pa g e

We are living in an era where food safety is taking a back seat to genetic engineering. Food safety evangelists are calling GMOs nothing short of frankenfoods, declaring that their development is both strange and dangerous.

contents Fall 2013

§ Superfood CHOCOLATE lovers rejoice! { page 5 } § Weight-Loss SHRINK, SWAP, SKIP —How to Eat Healthier When Dining Out { page 7 }

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§ Exercise INCREASE UPPER BODY STRENGTH WITH THESE 6 MOVES You can prevent sarcopenia from happening to you. Find out how to keep your upper body strong as you age. { page 10 }

§ Eat Healthy A BEAUTIFUL DIET - TOP 5 BEAUTY MINERALS { page 14 } Cover Story THE WHOLE APPROACH TO GROWING YOUNGER { page 18}

§ Healthy Mind PRESERVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE { page 20} § Natural Beauty BETTER THAN BOTOX { page 21}

super food FEATURE

to its nutritional potency, appetitesuppressing and mood-enhancing effects. It is truly a superfood, boasting omega 6 fatty acids, important vitamins (such as vitamin C), minerals, fiber and nutrients that the body craves.

HOW TO ENJOY CACAO? There are many ways to incorporate this spectacular superfood into your diet. It can easily be blended into smoothies, shakes, or nut milks.

You can make ice creams, fudges, puddings, molded chocolates, or barks.

There are even recipes for using cacao in savory dishes.You can keep things simple by eating cacao straight, using it as a garnish, adding it to a trail mix, or dipping it in nut butter.

CHOCOLATE lovers rejoice!

By: Lauren Amerson

RAW IS ALWAYS BEST: Cacao is actually the whole food that chocolate is made of, and to obtain its many benefits, it is best eaten in its raw form (never heated over 118 degrees Fahrenheit); this will ensure that it maintains its potency and effectiveness. Due to the damage caused from heat, when cacao beans are roasted to produce chocolate, the benefits decrease. Having recently gained popularity, resulting in an increased demand, you can now buy high-quality, raw cacao as whole beans, nibs (crushed up beans), paste, powder, and butter. Cacao combines well with many flavors, including vanilla, green powders, honey, maca, goji berries, cinnamon, turmeric, chilies, mint, lavender, coconut, and cayenne.

DID YOU KNOW THAT CHOCOLATE NOT ONLY TASTES AMAZING, BUT IT PROVIDES SOME PRETTY OUTSTANDING BENEFITS TOO? FROM ANTI-AGING TO FEELINGS OF ELATION, CHOCOLATE IS PROVING TO BE A HEALTH FOOD THAT’S TRULY EXCEPTIONAL FOR THE MIND AND BODY. acao, otherwise especially during their monthly known as cycle when magnesium levels can chocolate, has plummet. Cacao keeps things flowing; an unusually it stimulates peristalsis in the colon, high antioxidant which can help support regularity and value which helps relieve constipation. And yes, it has guard against free been shown to aid in weight loss due radical damage---one of the primary accelerators of the aging process.

CHOCOLATE = BLISS: Cacao is widely known for its It’s great for the heart, too. Cacao aphrodisiac effects on both men and women. Not to mention its anti-depressant and stress-reducing qualities, can help lower high blood pressure plus the PEA (love chemical, found in the brains of people by keeping the vessels open, heart in love), anandamide (a neurotransmitter---bliss chemical), relaxed, and blood flowing easily. tryptophan (an essential amino acid), and serotonin it Loaded with bioavailable magnesium, contains. Put simply, cacao makes you feel good! cacao offers major benefits to women,

C

Fall 2013

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editor’s LETTER INSPIRE

Real Inspiration for Women

ISSUE 07

E L ISSU SPECIA

Aggin

CHOCOLATE Lovers Rejoice

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

TER BET THAN BOTOX

The Whole Approach to

G WIN GROUN GER YO

BeautifulThoughts I’m sure you would agree that society puts a great deal of emphasis on physical beauty, The media is continually influencing our perception of beauty, making wrinkles and gray headedness an ugly thing.

In a quest for beauty, Americans spent roughly $426 billion on health and personal care products in 2011. This infatuation with beauty is as old as civilization; some ancient beauty treatments consisted of applying bat’s blood to the face to get rid of wrinkles, using young boy’s urine for freckle removal, and the extraction of ribs for a tinier waist. Today is no different; women go to extreme measures to look beautiful, undergoing plastic surgery for larger breasts, thinner thighs, flatter stomachs, and voluptuous lips.

With so much concern, money, and literal pain being endured in the name of beauty, I am left to wonder, what does beauty truly mean? Are extreme measures necessary to feel truly beautiful? Well, since beauty is defined as the qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or exalts the mind or spirit, beauty is a very personal thing. Your personal appearance should exalt your own mind and spirit. To be beautiful is to govern your own thoughts without expressed concern for the world’s definition of beauty—which is constantly changing. If you think you are beautiful, then you really are! Beauty is a feeling that originates from within. The fastest way to feeling good about yourself is to nurture your mind and body by eating the most nutritious, life-giving foods. A strong, healthy internal body cannot help but radiate externally through vibrant eyes, glowing skin, and a charismatic smile.

Get Inspired,

Christina Leidenheimer, CPT, CHLC Editor-in-Chief editor@inspirehealthmag.com Follow me on Twitter @christinaleid See what we’re pinning. http://pinterest.com/ IHMagazine www.inspirehealthmag.com

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advertiser index § Animal Clinic of Eagle Harbor

{ page 21 } § Bon Secours { page 2 } § J. Dwight Bradshaw, DDS

{ page 12 } § Cornerstone Private Practice

{ page 16 } § D.B. Bowles { page 15 } § Denison’s { page 12 } § Drs. Jett, Sellers, LaRusso

{ page 16 }

§ Genis Women’s Care

{ page 7 } § Home Sweet Home Care

{ page 6 } § Plastic Surgery Associates

{ page 24 } § Sage Organics { page 7 } § Southside Eye Care { page 13 } § Virginia Oncology { page 3 } § Woodard Orthodontics

{ page 15 }

weight-loss FEATURE

SHRINK, SWAP, SKIP

—How to Eat HealthierWhen Dining Out MANY PEOPLE FALL OFF THE HEALTH WAGON WHEN DINING OUT, BUT WITH A LITTLE FORETHOUGHT YOU REALLY CAN MAKE SMARTER CHOICES. • SKIP THE APPETIZER Most appetizer choices are very rich and high in calories.

• SHRINK PORTIONS Restaurants often serve portions that are three times the size of a normal portion size. Shrink the portion size down by half by taking half of it home to eat for another meal.

• SWAP A SIDE ITEM Don’t be afraid to ask your waiter to swap out items.

Most restaurants are happy

Healthcare for

to accommodate their guests.

For example, you can ask to swap a fattening side item for a fresh, low-calorie garden salad or steamed veggies (hold the butter).

• CHOOSE WATER Sodas alone can be 250300 calories or more. Swap sugary sodas for calorie-free lemon water or herbal tea.

• SKIP DESSERT Or, if you just can’t pass it up, shrink your calorie intake in half by sharing it with a friend.

W OMEN by

Women!

Genis

Visit any of our three convenient locations!

Women’s Care, P.C.

Request an Appointment Online or Call 923-4500 TODAY!

www.GenisWomensCarePC.com Diana C. Fedei, MD • Norma L. Jones-Ives, MD • Lauren B. Jordan, CNM • Lisa P. Perry, WHNP

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Fall 2013 2790 Godwin Blvd. ~ Ste. 375 • 5818 Harbour View Blvd. ~ Ste. INSPIRE C2 • 20209HEALTH Sentara Way ~ Ste. 108

Facing breast cancer head on

T

he year 1998 marked a critical milestone in breast care for women in the United States when Congress passed the “Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.” This law required insurance plans to cover breast reconstruction following mastectomies and therefore opened new options for mastectomy patients and for women with a strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors who, like Angelina Jolie, chose to have preventive removal of their breasts.

The problem for more than a decade, however, has been communicating the options to women who are facing the loss of one or both breasts. A study, for example, initiated by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found that almost 80 percent of these

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women did not know prior to embarking on surgery what to expect with reconstruction.

Plastic Surgery Associates of Tidewater (PSAT) has been a community leader in helping women understand their options.

We welcome the opportunity to visit with any woman seeking detailed information about all types of breast reconstruction. We also salute local organizations like Beyond Boobs that help women in the Hampton Roads area through their breast care journey. Check out the 2014 “Calendar to Live By!” (www.beyondboobs.org).

Tiffany, next year’s Ms. January — seen above with her lovely mother at the recent Beyond Boobs 2014 Calendar Gala — was like one of the women surveyed by the ASPS. She came to us

after having already “completed” reconstruction because she just had a feeling things could be better. She had the courage to seek a second opinion and then had even more courage to embark on a new plan carefully designed for her individual needs by the team at Plastic Surgery Associates of Tidewater — a plan that finally gave her the breast reconstruction she deserved.

That’s why we are here — to help you or a loved one understand the options available no matter where you are, or she is, on the path to feeling whole again. So, please, “Visit Us and See the Difference” at www. plasticsurgeonforyou.com , or call at 757-673-6000 for information about the quality breast care you deserve.

Healthy Choices Can Prevent Stroke

By Smaranda Galis, MD

S

troke awareness and being informed about its risk factors can save lives every day as well as protect the future by helping children develop healthy lifelong habits so they grow up into healthy adults.

And while many families are affected by this potentially fatal event, not many know the startling statistics. Every year, nearly 800,000 strokes occur in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 people. Strokes are also a leading cause of long-term disability.

While strokes can happen to anyone regardless of age, race or sex, according to the Centers for Disease Control older adults, African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives and people living in the southeastern United States have higher stroke prevalence.

A stroke or brain attack, also called cerebrovascular accident, occurs when an artery carrying oxygen-and-nutrient-rich blood to the brain is blocked or bursts and the brain cells begin to die.

There are two types of strokes. The most common, accounting for about 85 percent, is an ischemic stroke which is caused by a blocked artery due to plaque inside the vessel or blood clots. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a leaking or burst blood vessel resulting from preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure or aneurysms, bulges in an artery.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), sometimes called “mini-strokes,” occur if blood flow to a portion of the brain is blocked only for a short time and does not cause permanent damage to brain cells. TIAs may indicate an impending significant stroke.

It is imperative to know the symptoms of stroke because immediate treatment can save lives and prevent serious complications. The acronym FAST can help determine if someone is having a stroke: n F — Face: Can the person smile?

Does one side of the face droop? n A — Arms: Can the person raise

their arms? Does one drift downward? n S — Speech: Can the person repeat a simple phrase? Is their speech slurred? n T — Time: If any of these symptoms are present, call 9-1-1.

In addition to the FAST symptoms, any signs suggesting brain dysfunction such as confusion, dizziness, poor balance, vision problems or severe headache may indicate a stroke. Women may experience atypical signs of stroke, some of which mimic a heart attack, including face or chest pain, nausea, heart palpitations or shortness of breath.

There are numerous risk factors for stroke, divided into two categories: controllable and uncontrollable.

Controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity and alcohol or drug abuse. Controlling risks often requires medications but primarily revolves around healthy lifestyle choices such as daily exercise and not smoking. In fact, the incidence of stroke has decreased as more people have become educated about the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.

Uncontrollable risks include gender, family history and age. African Americans and Native Americans, who have a higher rate of high blood pressure and diabetes, are at greater risk as are those with family history of strokes and heart attacks.

Women who use oral contraceptives, especially those who smoke, are at greater risk. There is also evidence that pregnant women and hormone replacement therapy patients are at greater risk. Women who suffer migraine headaches with visual disturbances are at higher risk of stroke along with women with autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Treatment depends on the type of stroke. When a patient is brought to the emergency room, the stroke team works quickly to determine the cause with physical examinations and tests including blood

work, CT and magnetic resonance imaging scans, echocardiograms, carotid ultrasounds and cerebral angiograms.

Treatment for ischemic stroke may include injection of blood clot Dr. Galis busters such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which only works within several hours of the onset of symptoms. Aspirin may be administered to prevent the formation of other clots. Catheters may be used to remove blood clots.

Hemorrhagic strokes may require surgery to repair blood vessels or endovascular embolization, a procedure in which a surgeon guides a catheter to the trouble spot to stop bleeding.

The severity of a stroke depends on the part of the brain affected. Strokes that occur on the right side of the brain affect movement and feeling on the left side of the body. Left-brain strokes affect the movement on the right side, in addition to speech and language problems.

Rehabilitation and physical therapy for stroke patients is very important. While one part of the brain may not recover from a stroke, the rest of the brain can compensate for the loss. Outcomes are much better for patients who go through a structured rehabilitation program.

Dr. Smaranda Galis is a board certified neurologist practices who practices with the Bon Secours Neuroscience Center at Harbour View in Suffolk. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, Virginia Neurological Society and Tidewater Medical Women’s Association and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Eastern Virginia Medical School. For more information, call (757) 541-1110.

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exercise INSPIRED TO MOVE

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Model: Felicia Zinn

INCREASE UPPER BODY STRENGTH WITH THESE MOVES

RESISTANCE TRAINING IS INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT AS YOU AGE. IT HELPS BUILD AND MAINTAIN STRONG BONES AND VITAL MUSCLE TISSUE, PREVENTING SARCOPENIA—THE GRADUAL MUSCLE TISSUE LOSS THAT BEGINS AT AGE 30 AND BEYOND. WOMEN, ESPECIALLY, NEED TO GIVE ATTENTION TO UPPER BODY STRENGTH, SINCE IT SEEMS TO DECLINE RAPIDLY WITH AGE. PRACTICING A GOOD UPPER BODY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM REGULARLY WILL KEEP YOU STRONG AND ACTIVE FOR YEARS TO COME.

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1.

PUSH UPS To begin lie face down on the floor, then start by pressing your hands to the floor while you lift your body weight up.You can use your knees for support or come up onto your toes.

Your body should be parallel to the ground. Return to the starting position.

Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

2.

OVERHEAD SHOULDER PRESS To begin you will need a set of dumbbells.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Keep a slight bend in your knees.

Bring the dumbbells up to a 90 degree position. Next, raise the dumbbells up over head until they meet in the middle above your head. Return to the starting position.

Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

3.

SIDE LATERAL SHOULDER RAISES To begin you will need a set of dumbbells. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Keep a slight bend in your knees. Lift the dumbbells from your sides. Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the movement. Bring the dumbbells up until your arms are parallel to the floor, then return to the starting position.

Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

4.

BENT OVER DEAD ROW Holding a pair of dumbbells, stand with your feet shoulder width apart; bend over at your waist until your upper body is at a 45 degree angle. Hold the dumbbells using an underhand grip. Your arms should be bent at your sides. Slowly, begin lowering the dumbbells until your arms are straight. Keep your shoulders pulled back and your chest high throughout the movement. Do not allow your shoulders to round out at the bottom of the movement. Return to the starting position.

Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

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exercise INSPIRED TO MOVE

6.

BICEP CURLS Holding a pair of dumbbells, stand width your feet shoulder with apart; curl the dumbbells up as high as you can without allowing your elbows to leave your side. Return to the starting position.

Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

5.

DUMBELL FRENCH PRESS Lie on your back on the floor. Keep your knees bent and feet on the floor. Using a pair of dumbbells, extend your arms straight up; the dumbbells should be facing each other.To begin the movement, lower the dumbbells toward your ears until your arms are bent at a 90 degree angle. Return to the starting position.

Perform 3 sets of 15 reps.

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eat whole GET INSPIRED

t e i d l u f i t au TOP 5 A beTHE

BEAUTY MINERALS DID YOU KNOW THAT EATING CERTAIN FOODS CAN HELP PROCURE A MORE BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCE?

BY CONSUMING FOODS RICH IN BEAUTY MINERALS YOU CAN MAINTAIN RADIANT,YOUTHFUL LOOKING SKIN!

Silica Silica is one of the most widely -known beauty minerals. Silica is found in the skin’s tissue. Older individuals typically have less silica in their tissues; this is because this mineral actually decreases as we age. Therefore, it is important to take silica into the body. It is a vital mineral for cell metabolism and formation. It increases skin elasticity and firmness, resulting in younger looking skin.

Silica is also important for the structure and function of connective tissue and the maintenance of smooth skin, strong hair and nails.The body loses silica naturally through urination, hair loss, and nail trimming, making it necessary to restore silica on a regular basis. Silica is found in large amounts in the earth’s crust, bamboo, and in crystals, but the most commonly known edible source can be found in cucumbers.

Lycopene Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in certain fruits like tomatoes.

Antioxidant compounds support skin texture by reducing free radical damage that could potentially harm the skin. Lycopene creates strong cell connections that help block ultraviolet rays, reducing skin redness. This potent mineral also improves cell communication, causing cells to operate efficiently; this allows skin cells to repair and regenerate at a faster more proficient level. With all of this dynamic repair work taking place beneath the surface, your skin is certain to appear younger and healthier with fewer wrinkles.

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Vitamin C, E Vitamins C and E are some other well-known resources containing powerful antioxidants. Because free radicals can damage the skin’s delicate collagen and elastin, these vitamins are excellent additions to any beauty diet. They both can help repair and prevent free radical damage caused by over exposure to the sun and environmental pollution. They join forces to accomplish even more together; studies support that vitamin C enhances the protection over the skin when combined with vitamin E. Some good sources of vitamin E are sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, peaches, tomatoes and avocados, while oranges, kale, parsley and green peppers contain vitamin C.

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Zinc and Copper

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Zinc and copper are essential trace elements needed by the body.They work best as a team to prevent pre-mature aging by protecting the skin against damage while repairing it as needed.

Zinc works effectively on specific aspects of cellular metabolism functions, protein synthesis, cell division and cellular repair, which makes it an important anti-aging mineral. Copper is beneficial as it repairs and maintains connective tissue in the skin, heart and arteries. Individuals having a copper deficiency actually will show signs of pre-mature aging. Eat cashews, almonds and chickpeas to obtain copper. Zinc is ultimately found in meats like oysters and beef, but also in plant foods like pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, shitake mushrooms, cacao and peanuts.

Selenium Selenium is an important antioxidant mineral needed for beautiful, youthful skin. It increases tissue elasticity and helps prevent cell damage by free radicals. Like a shield, it protects the skin from excessive ultraviolet light. Some food sources of selenium are tuna, salmon, wheat germ, Brazilian nuts and garlic. Brazilian nuts are among the best source of selenium; just 5 nuts provide the sufficient daily value for most people.

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healthy recipe

FALL-SPICED WARM CHOCOLATE MILK By: Lauren Amerson WHAT YOU NEED: Nut Milk:  2 cups warm water  1 cup raw almond or hazelnuts, soaked  3 dates, pitted Seasoning:  2 tbsp raw cacao powder  ½ tsp ground cinnamon  ¼ tsp ground cardamom or your favorite fall spice  ½ tsp vanilla powder or ¼ tsp vanilla extract  Dash cayenne pepper  Dash of salt WHAT YOU DO: 1. Soak raw nuts in water for 12 hours, then rinse.

2. On stove top, warm water to about 120 degrees.

3. Add water, nuts and dates to blender and blend for 1-2 minutes.

4. Strain blender contents through nut milk bag into large bowl.

5. Add nut milk and remaining ingredients to blender and blend for 10 seconds.

6. Pour into mug and garnish with extra cayenne or cinnamon.

7. Enjoy!

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eat fresh

FEATURE

SEEDS OF CHANGE

- How to Avoid GMOs We are living in an era where food safety is taking a back seat to genetic engineering. Food safety evangelists are calling GMOs nothing short of frankenfoods, declaring that their development is both strange and dangerous.

What are GMOs? Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. To put it plainly, the DNA of plants, seeds and animals is deliberately being altered by giant biotech industries like Monsanto—the leading producer of genetically engineered seed. Their purpose in doing this is to make food resistant to herbicides and to allow food to produce its own insecticide (Bt Toxin).

Are GMOs safe for me and my family to eat?

Since up to 80% of the food in North America contains GMOs, food safety is certainly a viable concern. Nearly

all processed foods like cereal, snack bars, deli meats, crackers and chips contain traces of GMOs, so there is a high probability you and your children are eating GMOs for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Various feeding studies conducted on animals consuming GMOs have shown pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy or increased density of the liver, odd shaped cell nuclei and other unexplained abnormalities, false pregnancies and higher death rates. While no solid studies have yet been conducted on the relationship of GMOs and human health, there is certainly more than a casual association between genetically

modified foods and adverse health effects in studies done on animals.

Several National Academy of Sciences studies have affirmed that genetically engineered crops have the potential to introduce new toxins or allergens into our food and environment. It is safe to conclude that when food is altered from its natural state, and especially when the actual DNA is tampered with, health and safety issues are always a major concern!

How to protect yourself?

Currently in the Unites States, GMO food labeling is not a legal requirement. So, how can you protect yourself and your family? There are a few tips that can help you be a Fall 2013

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cover story

The WHOLE Approach to GrowingYounger By: Christina Leidenheimer, CPT, CHLC--Editor WITH AN ESTIMATED 77.3 MILLION BABY BOOMERS LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES, ANTI-AGING IS A VERY POPULAR TOPIC AMONG MATURING WOMEN. DESPITE HOLLYWOOD’S TAKE ON THE MATTER, FEMALE MATURATION CAN BE A BEAUTIFUL THING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU PRACTICE THE WHOLE APPROACH THAT YIELDS FANTASTIC RESULTS.

A

ging is now being classified as a disease, and every human is a carrier. Despite this undeniable fact, there is much that can be done to avoid pre-mature aging. Experts agree that lifestyle factors indubitably have an enormous impact on the aging process. In fact, our chronological age and our real age (as it is being called), are two completely different things. So what are some factors that can cause an individual to age prematurely? Some factors include smoking, excessive sun exposure, environmental pollution, poor diet, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise. Cigarette smoking, may be among the worst aging accelerators; it is directly associated with wrinkle formation because it constricts blood flow in the capillar­ies, reducing the flow of moisture and nutrition to the cells. Not only is aging something that takes place externally for the eye to see, but the mind and body age internally. This means what we put into our bodies via food or topical skin products can essentially affect how we age. Since aging takes place over many years, the reversal of such cannot be remedied with a jar of synthetic, fix-all beauty cream. The real solution goes much deeper than that; it considers the whole person.

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a good night’s rest, you know the awful feeling that follows the next morning. Not only do you feel terrible when you miss sleep, but under-eye dark circles and puffy eyes tell all. Our bodies are complex machines that engage in an intelligently designed repair system while we are asleep.

The organs (liver and kidneys) undergo a cleansing period during the wee hours of the morning, so sleep is pertinent for internal rejuvenation to be accomplished.

In fact, nearly all cells renew themselves while we are at rest, including our skin cells. Since skin is the largest organ of the body, beauty rest is essential for a youthful appearance. For optimal beauty and a rested body, aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.

5 KEYSTO GROWING YOUNG

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1

.PROPER HYDRATION The human body is composed of nearly 70% water, making proper hydration an essential part of a healthy body. What happens to a plant that has not been watered? It shrivels up, becomes limp, and eventually dies from lack of water---a life giving source. The same can be true for humans. We are living things that depend on water for survival. Despite this fact, studies estimate that nearly 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. This statistic is bearing on the fact that most prefer caffeinated, sugar-laden drinks that actually incur dehydration, over pure, unadulterated water. Dehydration results in many ill effects, all affecting the real age of our bodies. Aim to stay hydrated with pure spring water. Drink throughout the day, even before you become thirsty. While some suggest 8 glasses of water as the minimum, it really depends on your weight, and activity level. If you sweat often, you will need to replenish your water stores more often than the average person.

2

.PROPER NUTRITION What we put into our bodies absolutely has a bearing on our health status. Eating life-giving foods that are bursting with nutrients can help maintain vitality and health. Whole, natural foods contain vitamins and minerals that can protect against cancer and other diseases, improve the immune system, and increase energy levels.

Adversely, processed foods are laden with exorbitant amounts of chemical ingredients that, overtime, can promote disease, compromise the immune system and induce pre-mature aging. Choose to eat a youthful diet of colorful, bright foods found in nature and avoid pre-packaged foods that are heavily processed and harsh on the body.

3

. BEAUTY REST No doubt, missing adequate sleep can have a negative impact on our appearance. In fact, one of the fastest ways to dull, droopy, and puffy skin is an unrested body. If you have ever missed

. STRESS MANAGEMENT Prolonged stress can be so intense that it affects health; it can even make a person appear older than they really are.

When tension builds, it can cause the whole body to become tense, possibly inducing wrinkle formation and a distorted posture. An ongoing study by University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) suggests that chronic stress appears to hasten the shriveling of the tips of the bundles of genes inside cells, which shortens their life span and speeds the body’s deterioration.

The inability to relax causes a constant state of tension; the mind and body cannot enjoy true health and rebuild itself under such circumstances. Consciously try to reduce stress in your life by practicing positive coping methods. Exercise, meditation and breathing, proper diet, and planned recreation can help reduce stress.

5

. EXERCISE The benefits of exercise are enormous, and anti-aging is one of the top perks. Individuals that do not exercise regularly increase their risk for heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stiffness and weightgain. As we age, a lack of exercise can lead to poor balance and coordination, loss of strength, loss of muscle tissue and loss of endurance. If we continue to exercise as we age, we can maintain a strong body and youthful vigor. Exercise is essential to all age groups and it is never too late to start feeling younger.

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healthy mind FEATURE Before choosing an activity, it is important to gauge your loved one’s ability to enjoy particular surroundings. For example, many Alzheimer’s patients tend to be very sensitive to loud noises and bright lighting. While By: Kelli Ewing, M.Ed., CIT, NCC, CCMHC, LPC attending a musical or concert may have been one of your loved one’s IF YOU HAVE HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A CAREGIVER FOR SOMEONE favorite activities, this environment DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE (AD),THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE may now be over stimulating, causing YOU HAVE WITNESSED SIMPLE EVERYDAY TASKS BECOMING PROGRESSIVE- the person to become anxious. ConLY DIFFICULT FOR YOUR LOVED ONE. WHILE MEDICATIONS AND SPECIAL- sider renting a video of a musical or IZED THERAPIES CAN BE HELPFUL THROUGHOUT THE PROGRESSION OF purchasing a CD that can be played in THIS ILLNESS, PERHAPS THE MOST HELPFUL TOOL IN PRESERVING VITALITY the comfort of home.

FOR YOUR LOVED ONE IS TO KEEP THEM ACTIVE; AND THERE IS PLENTY YOU Make an inventory of all of the CAN DO TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS! person’s favorite activities and/or n progressed stages, AD can negapastimes. Brainstorm ways you can tively affect one’s memory, sensory recreate these activities in environperception, focusing ability, communi- ments that are pleasing to the person. cation and decision making skills. For As you engage in particular activities these reasons, it makes sense that with your loved one, make note of his activities geared towards enhancing or her temperament. In later stages of these executive functions of the brain AD, your loved one may not be able should be utilized with your loved one. to verbalize if he or she is enjoying These may include outings geared to the activity, but their body language the person’s interests, crafts and hobbies, may assist you. music and being in nature. It is very imStaying active with him or her portant that your loved one find ways to through this process will help to stay connected to the world throughout lighten the burden of this illness for the stages of this disease. both of you!

Preserving the Quality of Life for Those with

Alzheimer’s Disease

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natural beauty FEATURE Benefits:

The Botox injection takes just a few minutes and is less painful and less expensive than plastic surgery options.The results last from 3 to 6 months.

Potential side effects:

Drooping eyelid Headache Bruising Nausea Facial pain Redness Weakness in facial muscles Reduced blinking The risks of repeated Botox injections are unknown.

An All- Natural Alternative to Botox Used faithfully by the beautiful Queen Cleopatra of ancient Egypt, aloe vera gel is an all-natural anti-wrinkle alternative to the modern Botox injections. Aloe vera is said to tighten and brighten the skin while actually enhancing collagen production.

Wrinkles are often derived from skin lacking moisture. Aloe vera is a natural humectant, locking moisture into the skin while supplying vital beauty building nutrients that renew the skin.The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports no significant side effects of the topical use of aloe vera; this makes it a nearly risk-free beauty treatment option.

To obtain the greatest benefits from aloe on the skin, break open an aloe vera leaf and squeeze it to extract the gel. Massage the gel onto your clean face just before bed; leave the gel on until the morning. As the gel dries, you will feel the skin smooth and tighten---an instant face lift.Wash clean in the morning.

You can re-apply aloe as a daily moisturizer.

It is okay to use it for a clean, smooth primer prior to makeup application.

BETTER THAN BOTOX BOTULINUM TOXIN, KNOWN AS BOTOX, HAS BECOME VERY POPULAR AS A QUICK FIX METHOD FOR REDUCING WRINKLES AND RENEWING THE AGING FACE. BUT, ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS REALLY WORTH THE WRINKLE FREE BROW?

B

otox does indeed produce results. An individual getting an injection can expect to have a smooth, wrinkle-free face for about 3 to 6 months.

However, one must remember that Botox, which sounds trendier than the real name—botulinum toxin, is actually a bacteria. In fact, Botox is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a potent neurotoxin that causes the life threatening paralytic disease botulism. When a small amount of Botox is injected into a muscle, it essentially blocks nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract.This temporarily weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles; this paralysis is what causes the skin to appear smoother.

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Is cancer in your genes?

What percentage of cancer is hereditary?

Approximately 10 percent of all cancer is hereditary. This means the majority of patients do not have a hereditary cancer syndrome in their family.

What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of helping patients and their relatives understand their risk of a genetic syndrome and how genetic testing might be used to alter their management and screening for cancer.

Genetic information is explained in terms patients can understand, in a supportive environment, so they are able to make an informed decision.

Who should consider genetic counseling?

Anyone considering genetic testing should consider genetic counseling. Genetic counseling is recommended by a number of societies pre- and post-testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. If you have had cancer and/or there are multiple rela-

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tives in your family with cancer and you are concerned about your risk, you should talk to your doctor about setting up a referral for genetic counseling.

Tell us about the Hereditary Cancer Program at Virginia Oncology Associates.

Our program offers genetic risk assessment to at-risk patients and their family members for a number of hereditary cancer syndromes including, breast, colon, and ovarian cancer syndromes. Our services are provided by board-certified physicians and genetic counselors.

How can testing help manage a patient’s risks for cancer?

Genetic testing can potentially alter a patient’s medical management or screening.

Will insurance companies cover genetic testing?

Most insurance companies provide coverage for genetic testing when certain criteria are met. In our program, the genetic counselor will ensure testing is covered by your insurance company prior to moving forward with the testing.

Are there laws that protect against insurance discrimination?

Yes, HIPAA and GINA prohibit health insurance companies for using genetic testing as a pre-existing condition How can I contact someone regarding setting up an appointment for genetic counseling?

Call Virginia Oncology Associates at (757) 466-8683, Southside or (757) 8739400, Peninsula to set up an appointment or to get more information on our Hereditary Cancer Program or visit VirginiaCancer.com.

Ladies, Don’t Cry Over

Dry Eyes

By Robert P. Larys, MD Symptoms you think of when it comes to menopause?

Hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, fatigue. Yet one symptom affects more than 60 percent of women, and they don’t even know it’s connected to menopause: dry eyes.

It’s one of the most common conditions that we see in our clinic. Dry Eye Syndrome’s symptoms range from occasional “tired eyes” to moderate irritation including grittiness, itching, and a foreign body sensation to severe, chronic dryness with redness, pain, and even vision loss.

What causes it? Primarily a deficiency of tears, which are continually produced to lubricate and protect the surface of our eyes. Tears are a complex mixture of water, mucus, oils, and immune factors, each with important functions. A deficiency of any of these components can lead to trouble.

The degree to which your hormones affect your eye health depends largely on your individual blueprint and lifestyle. The Society for Women’s Health Research recently revealed that 62 percent of women experiencing menopause or peri-menopause experienced symptoms of dry eyes. Despite these statistics, roughly 16 percent reported they linked their symptoms to menopause.

That means more than half of women did not recognize dry eyes as a symptom of hormonal changes .The two most common problems are a deficiency of the watery component produced by the lacrimal glands beneath the upper eye lids and a deficiency of the oily component produced by special oil glands in the eye lids. An oil deficiency causes your tears to evaporate too quickly.

Symptoms may be at their worst while reading or working at the computer for extended periods, and especially indoors (or in the car) with the air conditioner or heater running. Paradoxically, tearing can be a symptom of dry eyes as well. Dry, irritated eyes will often trigger a reflexive burst of watery tears that makes you look like you’re crying! These aren’t very effective tears, by the way, and they evaporate quickly.

Just because women undergo

menopause doesn’t mean they have to suffer from dry eyes. The key is linking your symptoms with your hormonal changes, then seeing your doctor to discuss treatment choices. Every body is unique so you may need to experiment to find a combination of changes that work for you.

First and foremost, lubricate. Supplement those deficient tears with a good artificial tear, or eye drop. Not all eye drops are made the same, however. Dry eyes generally don’t need drops designed to “get the red out.” A wellbalanced lubricant is all that’s needed for most cases of mild dry eye. If your symptoms aren’t easily controlled with artificial tears, then a visit to the eye doctor is critical.

A good clinical exam under the microscope will reveal the severity and the cause of your dry eyes. In addition, Southside Eye Care employs a state-of-the-art tear lab to better monitor the progress of treatment. Some patients require attention to the eyelids using special hygiene techniques and some may benefit from oral supplements, like the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil capsules. Some might require topical anti-inflammatory medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) or mild steroids. Temporary or permanent tear duct plugs can be highly effective when needed and surgical correction of lax or malfunctioning eyelids is sometimes required in our older population.

So don’t cry over dry eyes. Our staff at Southside is very experienced at recognizing, diagnosing, and treating the causes and symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome. If you’re a dry eye sufferer to any degree, by all means, stop in and see us.

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