Focus On Health a new you
A SUPPLEMENT TO TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS • FEBRUARY 26, 2009
INSIDE: EXERCISE • WINTER BLUES • CHOLESTEROL • TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING
PAGE S2 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • FEBRUARY 26, 2009
S T. C H A R L E S O RT H O P E D I C S
Renowned. Advanced. Comprehensive. R For better outcomes and faster recovery, there is no better place than The Orthopedic Institute of Long Island at St. Charles Hospital. Trained in some of the world’s finest facilities, our highly skilled surgeons are renowned for their unparalleled expertise in orthopedic care. Our team has performed more total joint replacements than any other hospital in Suffolk County, utilizing advanced techniques and technology. All the care you need. St. Charles offers a comprehensive array of services and procedures that rival those found in larger institutions. In fact, many patients prefer our idyllic location to the frenzy of Manhattan — knowing the care we offer is on par with “big city medicine.” Just some of the services St. Charles Orthopedics offers:
• Total Joint Replacement • Spine Surgery • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery
• Trauma • Pediatric Orthopedics • Sports Medicine • Mini-Incision Hip & Knee Replacement
Why should you know St. Charles? It’s experience you can count on.
• Gender Specific Knee Replacement • Arthroscopy • Hip Resurfacing
474-6797
Count on Experience. Count on St. Charles. PORT JEFFERSON • WWW.STCHARLES.ORG • MEMBER OF CATHOLIC HEALTH SERVICES OF LONG ISLAND A MEMBER OF THE MATHER-ST.CHARLES HEALTH ALLIANCE • FOR PHYSICIAN STAFF DIRECTORY, PLEASE CALL (631) 474-6030 83706
What’s inside ...
A new you
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Exercise is good for your health And also for your wallet
Winter blues or something more? Mental wellness
TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lee Lutz EDITOR Alyssa Cutler
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR David R. Leaman ART AND PRODUCTION
Janet Fortuna Beth Heller Mason Wendy Mercier
BUSINESS MANAGER Sheila Murray BUSINESS OFFICE Sandi Gross CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Alyssa Cutler SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Terri Caruso
Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Address: PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Telephone: 751-7744. Email address: desk@tbrnewspapers.com; fax: 751-4165; website: northshoreoflongisland.com. Email the Focus on Health editor at vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com. Entire contents copyright 2009.
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Nuture your child’s positive body image Constructive tips
Managing your cholesterol To prevent diabetes and heart disease
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Giving is good for your health Help others while helping yourself
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In brief ...
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Ten tips for healthy living (1-4)
Ten tips for healthy living (5-10)
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Port Jefferson Health Care Facility a member of the Glenhaven Health Organization Whether you are challenged by a temporary condition, or the need for long term support, we are prepared to help you meet the challenge. The facilities of Port Jefferson Health Care Facility offer comprehensive medical services for a wide range of individual needs.
• Clinical care, vision and podiatric care, hospice services,
• Short & long term rehabilitation
palliative care, Audiology, Cardiology, Neurology,
• Private & semi-private rooms
Orthopedics, CPM (knee replacement), Bipap therapy
• Electronic medical records
• Social workers & registered dieticians on staff
• On-site physician & dental services
• Personal grooming & selected amenities, barber and beautician on-site
• 24 hour nursing care
• Personal development through planned recreation, music
• Diagnostic services, including x-rays & lab tests
& creative arts
• Physical, occupational, speech & recreation therapy
• Religious services for all denominations available
• Community excursions
• Internet access areas
Call for a personal tour. 150 Dark Hollow Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 (631) 473–5400 or fax (631) 474–5362
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• Pharmacy services
FEBRUARY 26, 2009 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S3
Focus on Health
PAGE S4 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • FEBRUARY 26, 2009
“The care is incredible. They even remembered my favorite breakfast.”
New York Spine and Brain Surgery, UFPC and the Department of Neurosurgery at Stony Brook University Medical Center Present a Free Educational Event:
Phyllis Mallah of East Hampton - total knee replacement patient
• Attentive, comprehensive care • Leading advancements in surgical technique • Faster recovery • New operating rooms
Arthur Rosiello, MD Neurosurgeon
Joint Replacement Surgery at Mather Hospital
Relief from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – Finding Your Way Through Treatment Options
Relieve your pain and enjoy normal living again. Rest and recover with the confidence of being cared for by people who understand your entire experience. If you suffer from joint pain, talk to a Mather Hospital orthopedist about your options. Call 631-476-2888.
Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm Arthur P. Rosiello, M.D., FACS is pleased to announce a free educational event for people suffering from the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).
We Care…
Atkins Learning Center, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Room 135, Stony Brook University Medical Center (Refreshments will be provided) Contact: 631-444-8105 (ask for Nidia)
For information on this and other programs and services, call (631) 476-2888. For Physician referral, call (631) 474-6030.
This is an opportunity for patients with spinal stenosis to meet with Dr. Rosiello and learn more about the management and treatment of their disease.
Employment opportunities visit www.matherhospital.org
Frames or Contacts...
ABOUT LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS
The
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Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common reason for back surgery in people over the age of 65 in the United States.
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LSS is a sometimes painful condition caused by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing of the spinal canal can impinge and put pressure on the spinal nerve roots, causing pain and discomfort. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, often notice pain in the buttocks or a “pins and needles” sensation in the thigh or leg that occurs when standing (extension) or walking. The discomfort is usually relieved by bending forward (flexion) or with rest. In some cases, a patient will complain of leg pain and weakness without having any back pain.
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Evidence shows exercise is good for your health and your wallet
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udget-minded families are looking to cut expenses that seem like a luxury, or even just frivolous — including gym memberships. Yet mounting evidence suggests that cutting out the gym may be exactly the wrong move for even the most cashstrapped family. In its just-released report of annual health spending figures, published in the journal Health Affairs, the federal government confirmed that chronic illness accounts for 75 percent of all health spending. Yet exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risks for chronic illness and your medical bills. “To put that in financial terms, for every dollar you spend on wellness, you can save as much as $5 or more on illness,” says Dr. Richard Kreider, director of the exercise and sport nutrition laboratory at Texas A&M University. He has studied the effectiveness of one women’s fitness program for the past five years. “The women in our studies have been able to lose weight, gain muscle strength, raise metabolism and make significant medical improvements in blood pressure, resting heart rate and aerobic fitness,” Kreider says.
These frequent gym attendees had: • 39 percent fewer emergency room visits • 41 percent fewer hospital admissions • 18 percent lower overall claims costs
“Many of them no longer suffer from the chronic conditions that cost them so much money for medications and doctor visits.” This can add up to a bundle of savings. The Health Affairs report shows that the average annual out-of-pocket expense for someone with cancer is $8,411, but the good news is that regular exercise can help you avoid the disease and the costs associated with it. A major report by the American Institute for Cancer Research published in 2007 found that obesity
plays a key role in increasing the risk for many cancers — including breast cancer — by as much as 60 percent. And a study just published in the journal Cancer found that obesity increased women’s risk for ovarian cancer by a whopping 80 percent. The benefits go beyond reducing the risk of cancer. A recent landmark study by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota found that people who went to the gym at least eight times a month had significantly lower healthcare costs than those who did not.
The research, then, is clear. “Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can save not only your life, but your money as well,” says Kreider. “Your health is your most precious asset, and not taking care of it is going to cost you more in the long run.” So how can you get to the gym without breaking the bank? Many clubs are offering great deals on memberships because of the economy. Also, check with your health insurance provider to see if they have a wellness program that offers rebates on dues and membership fees. Some fitness centers have partnered with major health insurance and third-party providers, including Healthways SilverSneakers, AARP and Blue Cross Blue Shield, to make the cost of membership even more affordable.
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FEBRUARY 26, 2009 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S5
Focus on Health
PAGE S6 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • FEBRUARY 26, 2009
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TALKED ABOUT THE KIDS. TALKED ABOUT THE VACATION. NOW, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE CARE WE WANT.
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Learning about your options before you are faced with a health crisis and sharing them with your loved ones and health care providers may help you live every day to the fullest. Hospice is one of these options. Hospice is where families and friends come together with trained medical staff and volunteers to help the terminally ill patient meet their needs at the end of life, with both independence and dignity. Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, Inc. is a freestanding, not-for-profit, community based agency, working to respond to the needs of the community as they arise. Our home care hospice patients receive comfort care services from trained staff and volunteers including expert medical care, pain management, emotional, social and spiritual support, in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. If that option doesn’t fit the needs of the patient or their family, we also offer inpatient hospice care at the Hospice House, located in East Northport, New York. To learn more about your options call the health care professionals at Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, Inc.
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Dr. Michael Cardillo on Mental Wellness
Winter blues or something more?
C
arolyn, (not her real name) a 27 year old professional, was finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill her daily responsibilities. Although she had experienced prior episodes of melancholy, they had never affected her ability to function. After a complete medical examination failed to reveal any organic reasons for her symptoms, her primary care physician referred her for a psychological consultation. Carolyn’s complaints included a change in appetite, a tendency to oversleep with an increased need to sleep, a decrease in energy level, fatigue, avoidance of social situations, and a loss of interest in activities that she used to enjoy. Carolyn reported feeling depressed and hopeless; she noted that she was both irritable and anxious. She also stated that her attention span and concentration were impaired. Carolyn was found to be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the 2000 Edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IVTR (DSM-IV-TR), SAD is classified as a subtype of major depression. Carolyn is not alone. Her affliction is more common than one would think. Based upon data reported by the American Academy of Family Physicians (2006), Carolyn, along with 4- to 6- percent of the general population in the United States, suffers from SAD while another 10 to 20 percent may experience mild SAD or “winter blues.� WOMEN AT RISK WITH SAD; BUT MEN HAVE MORE SEVERE SYMPTONS
The DSM-IV-TR indicates that women comprise 60-90 percent of persons with SAD however, some
studies suggest that men suffering from SAD experience more severe symptoms. SAD is believed to be related to biochemical processes affected by changes in the amount of daylight during the different seasons of the year. SAD: LET THE SUNSHINE IN There are several theories on how the reduced level of sunlight is causative in SAD; specifically, its possible role in the production of both melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is linked to sleep and its production appears to be inhibited by light and facilitated by darkness. Therefore, an increase in melatonin during winter months (when there are more hours of darkness) might cause a person to feel lethargic and sleepy. In contrast, serotonin production tends to decrease during the winter and low levels of this neurotransmitter have been associated with depression. Additional factors, such as genetics, may also play a contributing role. Winter onset, the most common type of SAD, begins in late fall or early winter. Considered a cyclic, seasonal disorder, SAD symptoms usually appear and disappear around the same time every year. Patients diagnosed with winter onset SAD report a variety of the following symptoms: Depression Hopelessness Decrease in energy level Increased need to sleep/ tendency to oversleep Change in appetite Irritability and anxiety
Difficulty focusing and concentrating Avoidance of social situations Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed WHEN TO CONSIDER TREATMENT Like Carolyn, many individuals find it difficult to decide when to seek professional help. In fact, most of us experience some days when we feel down or blue. However, if you find that feelings of depression last for days at a time, and your motivation and ability to engage in activities of daily living are severely impaired, you should seriously consider psychological treatment. As with any significant change in functioning, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your family physician for a comprehensive medical examination. TREATMENT OPTIONS: LIGHT THERAPY, MEDICATION AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
If deemed necessary, SAD treatment may take several forms. Light therapy, also called phototherapy, involves the use of a special light designed to simulate daylight which can aid in the production of serotonin. Under medical supervision the patient is told to sit in front of a special light device for a period of time every day. Light therapy treatment would continue until enough natural sunlight is available outdoors. Medication, specifically the class of drugs known as antidepressants, is a second form of treatment for SAD. In cases where there is a history of SAD, antidepressant medications may be started before symptoms appear and continue
beyond the time symptoms disappear. This form of treatment has been successful in preventing a worsening of symptoms. A third treatment involves psychotherapy. Talk therapy can be used to educate patients and to help them understand the condition. Psychotherapy has been effective in teaching patients healthy ways to cope with SAD. For less severe cases of winter blues, self-help treatments, such as daily exercise, spending more time outdoors when possible and sitting close to bright windows while at home or in the office, have been shown to be beneficial. It may also be helpful to remember that winter onset SAD is a transitory condition linked to seasonal changes and that spring is only a few months away. Dr. Michael Cardillo is a clinical psychologist who has maintained a private practice in the Port Jefferson area for over 25 years. (This column in no way should supplant your own personal psychologist or licensed mental health professional).
0OF TVSHJDBMMZ BEWBODFE DFOUFS UXFMWF TLJMMFE IBOET ZPV DBO USVTU At the Center for Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, we perform more than 500 joint replacement procedures each year—so we have the experience, the expertise, and the results you need. We stay on the cutting edge of orthopedics by attending and participating in clinical trials and national conferences, to ensure the patients of Huntington are receiving the best care possible. And of course, they also have direct access to the considerable resources of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. We bring you comprehensive orthopedic excellence—including the latest treatment options—close to home. (left to right 7ILLIAM (EALY ))) - $ s 0ETER 'REEN - $ *AMES 'URTOWSKI - $ #HIEF OF /RTHOPEDIC 3URGERY s $AVID 7EISSBERG - $ 0AUL #HOI - $ s 3COTT !LPERT - $
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FEBRUARY 26, 2009 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S7
Focus on Health
PAGE S8 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Focus on Health
Nurture your child’s positive body image
W
ith spring around the corner, kids, tweens and teens across the country will doff sweaters for tank tops and jeans for shorts. And as a parent, you may feel more conscious than ever of our society’s preoccupation with body image and how it affects your child. Just as concerning as the rise in childhood obesity is the rising number of children — even very young children — who are obsessed with being thin. “We see children as young as 6-years-old complaining that their stomachs stick out, or bragging about having the chicken pox because it means
going to bed without dinner, which means fewer calories,” says Carolyn Costin, director of The Eating Disorder Center of California and the Monte Nido Treatment Center. “Kids see their moms and dads dieting and they want to diet too, even if they don’t need to.” While not every child dissatisfied with his or her appearance will develop an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, a poor body image can have a serious, long-term impact on a child’s emotional well-being. So how do you help your daughter or son develop a healthy, realistic body image in a society obsessed with thin and beautiful? Costin offers some advice:
KNOW THE SIGNS OF A PROBLEM First, parents need to be able to recognize when their child might have a serious problem. While the majority of young people with eating disorders are female, health professionals are seeing a rise in the number of boys and young men suffering from eating disorders and poor body image. Your child may have a problem if he or she: • Believes if you aren’t thin you aren’t attractive. • Thinks being thin is more important than being healthy. • Does anything to make themselves appear thinner — buying clothes, cutting their hair, taking laxatives or starving themselves. • Feels guilty after eating or punishes herself after eating fattening foods. • Counts calories and severely restricts calorie intake. • Is obsessed with weighing himself daily or sometimes multiple times each day. • Believes you can never be too thin. • Thinks that being thin and not eating are signs of will power and success.
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HOW TO FOSTER A HEALTHIER BODY IMAGE The single most important way parents can help their children develop a healthy body image is to lead by example, Costin says. Children who hear their parents criticize themselves for being too fat will be more likely to think poorly of their own bodies. “Avoid saying negative things about your own or other people’s bodies, and work hard at promoting healthy body esteem,” she says. “This may be difficult, especially if your own mother was not a good role model of a healthy body image.” If you suspect your own body image and habits are not providing a healthful role model for your child, ask yourself if you would want her to imitate your dietary and exercise habits or self-image. Would you send her off in the morning with nothing but a cup of coffee? Would you tell him to have a bad day if he gets on the scale and has gained a pound? “Your answers may surprise you,” Costin says. Help children find constructive ways to be healthy, including maintaining a good diet and regular physical activity. Share healthful pursuits, such as learning to cook nutritious meals together, with your child. But be sure to go out for ice cream too; balance is the key. Help with and praise creative endeavors, and applaud small but meaningful internal accomplishments, like her ability to remain calm, his quick wit, his sense of humor, her empathy for others. Stay alert to changes in eating habits and body image and be prepared to intervene. Parents need to actively help their children find constructive ways to feel successful, accomplish something and earn the respect, attention and admiration so important to teens. If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, seek help immediately. Log on to www.montenido. com or www.CarolynCostin.com to learn more.
ant to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease? Managing your cholesterol can help. But cholesterol, a type of fat in your blood, can be confusing. For example, one kind of cholesterol clogs your arteries. Another kind helps remove the bad cholesterol from your
body. What do you really need to know to protect your health? • Lower your bad cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that blocks your blood vessels. Try to keep your LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dl. • Raise your good cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol
that helps remove deposits from your blood vessels. Aim to raise your HDL above 60 mg/dl. • Triglycerides raise your chances for a heart attack or stroke if your levels are too high. Aim for triglycerides lower than 150 mg/dl. Your doctor may also give you a “total” cholesterol number. A good total cholesterol goal is less than 200 mg/dl. Why is managing cholesterol important? “Dyslipidemia, or abnormal cholesterol levels, is a key risk factor for both type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” says Dr. Michael Davidson, Director, Preventive Cardiology at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. “Keeping your cholesterol levels in check can lower your risk for both of these deadly diseases and help you live a longer, healthier life.” Your doctor can do a simple blood test to measure all your cholesterol numbers. If your levels are off, you’re not alone: about one in four American adults face the same challenge.
But many others have learned to achieve a healthy cholesterol balance, and you can, too. Their secret? “The key is simple,” Davidson says. “Healthy lifestyle changes lower LDL and raise HDL at the same time. Combining lifestyle changes with medicines, if necessary, is your best bet to manage cholesterol so you can live a longer, healthier life.” Here are five tips to help you manage your cholesterol: 1. Eat Smart. One simple way to lower your bad cholesterol is to eat fewer trans fats and high-cholesterol foods like egg yolks, fatty meats, butter and whole milk. You can also help your body absorb less bad cholesterol by eating foods that contain soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, kidney beans, yams and apples. Other cholesterol-smart foods are salmon, walnuts and olive oil. Eating as many vegetables, whole grains and fruits as you can will help you feel fuller longer and cut your cravings for less healthy snacks. Always check the “Nutrition
Facts” labels on foods before you buy to see how they might help or hurt your cholesterollowering efforts. 2. Stay Active. You can raise your good cholesterol and lower the bad at the same time with exercise. To get this powerful benefit, exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. And don’t worry about going to the gym — walking briskly is just as effective. And you can head to the mall and walk there when the weather is bad. Or do house work or work in the yard. The key is to get your heart pumping. This week, why not start with just 10 minutes? Take a 10-minute walk around the block every day during your lunch break or after dinner. Or choose another time that works for you. Then continue to add one lap each week until you’re walking briskly for 30 minutes. 3. Drop a Few Pounds. Being overweight raises your bad cholesterol. At the same time, it lowers your good cholesterol. But eating smart and
Continued on page S10
Pets are family too! WOODED ACRES ANIMAL HOSPITAL Dr. “I” and her staff look forward to seeing you at her practice located at:
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Dr. Jennifer Iannaccone
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Managing your cholesterol to prevent diabetes and heart disease
FEBRUARY 26, 2009 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S9
Focus on Health
Life is calling...
Cholesterol
You deserve to hear it.
Continued from page S9 staying active will help you lose weight — and dropping just a few pounds can raise your HDL. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you keep your cholesterol in balance. 4. Quit Smoking. It’s no surprise that smoking lowers your good cholesterol. If you smoke, quitting can help your HDL jump as much as 10 percent. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help. Options include the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or nasal spray. Prescription medicines are
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another option. Talk with your health care provider about which options are best for you. And visit SmokeFree.gov to learn more about how to quit. 5. Consider Cholesterol Medicines. Ask your doctor if medicines such as statins, fibrates and niacin can help you lower LDL while raising HDL levels. To learn more about how managing cholesterol can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, call the American Diabetes Association at (800)-DIABETES (800-342-2383), email AskADA@diabetes.org or visit www. CheckUpAmerica.org. Be sure to ask for your copy of “What You Need to Know: Cholesterol.”
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Elevates blood flow and tissue oxygenation Accelerates lymphatic drainage (decreases swelling) Can be used with conventional wound care Non-invasive, high patient comfort Promotes angiogenesis (new tissue growth) Reimbursable by major insurance carriers and Medicare Effective for heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, sprains, etc.
Dr. Patricia Nicholas WADING RIVER PROFESSIONAL CENTER 6144 Route 25A, Suite 6, Wading River, NY 11792 www.carepluspodiatry.com Member of APMA & NYSPMA
631–929–3892
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Giving is good for your health
uring times of economic downturn, you may have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets to make charitable contributions. However, you can still end up better off. In addition to the tax breaks giving can bring, as it turns out, giving is also good for your health. “Several studies over the years have found links between altruistic behavior and improved physical and psychological health,” says Dr. Ann Vincent, an internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic who researches the mind-body connection. “In general, I think altruism makes people feel better about themselves, which often translates into improved physical health. Other benefits that have been attributed to positive emotions include: enhanced creativity and ability to cope with stress and broadened cognition. In essence, thinking positively about ourselves is good for our physical and mental health.” But the benefits of giving, whether in the form of volunteerism or making a donation, aren’t just a one-time deal. The more you give, the better you may feel, and that means finding ways to give back throughout the year. Generosity is also a wonderful survival skill
to help you get through difficult times in your life. “Recent studies have examined individuals who have survived trauma, natural disasters and being prisoners of war,” says Dr. Edward T. Creagan, an oncologist at Mayo Clinic. According to Creagan, people who seem to thrive in adversity have many characteristics in common, but especially a few: • A sense of connectedness. The recognition that family and com-
munity are crucial to survival. • A sense of altruism, somehow sharing of themselves to make the lives of others a little bit better. • An optimistic attitude and sense of humor. If you have trouble motivating yourself to give time, money or goods, focus on how giving back can benefit you. “There is a ‘helper’s high’ that people some-
times say they feel in connection with altruism/philanthropy,” says Vincent. “But that initial euphoria is also sometimes followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.” Philanthropy can also have positive effects that help people maintain or improve their physical and mental health. It often creates broader social networks, which can help people cope with stress and anxiety, and it can provide a sense of purpose and empowerment. The emotional and physical benefits of philanthropy may be even more significant right now. Nonprofit organizations everywhere are increasingly looking for charitable individuals to partner with them in their goals for the future. Mayo Clinic, a not-forprofit organization, is one of the world’s premier medical treatment and research facilities and is currently conducting a campaign to transform patient care, research and education. The gifts Mayo Clinic receives now will help people today, as well as benefit future generations of patients and medical professionals. For more information on how giving can make a life-changing impact, visit www.mayoclinic.org/ campaign.
Did you know... Your membership could be discounted or even FREE!
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Many insurance plans and speciality group Family memberships participate. Fitness We can provide the necessary Center documentation for you. 384 Mark Tree Rd., Setauket • 751-6100 www.worldgymsetauket.com • ALSO IN CORAM & BAY SHORE
Shop Locally and Pa$$ It On! Did You Know That A Local Purchase Can Benefit The Local Economy 3 Times More Than The Same Purchase At A Chain Retailer? Dollars Spent At Home Stay At Home ©81984
A neighborly reminder from Times Beacon Record Newspapers
It’s a dog’s life. And that’s just the
way we like it.
For more information, call: 631-474-4590 - Port Jefferson 631-249-2347 - Melville or visit us online at: www.matherhospital.org 71647
If a chronic wound is holding you back from the simple pleasures of your everyday life, the Wound Care Center at Mather Hospital can help. Our state-of-the-art facility offers advanced programs and treatments to heal your wound and enable you to live your life.
FEBRUARY 26, 2009 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S11
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Focus on Health Raising healthy children in an overweight world
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revention is the key when it comes to obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a parent, regardless of your children’s ages or weights, your role is to help them develop healthy eating and physical activity habits. But how do you raise a child in a society that seems to promote weight gain? To help equip parents for this daunting task, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is offering a two-part workshop, “Raising Healthy Children in an Overweight World.” This workshop
Has joint pain come between you and your grandchildren? Come join us at our educational hip and knee pain seminar where you will learn the causes of hip and knee pain, techniques for diagnosis, and treatment options including, diet, nutrition, medication, including injectiontherapy, exercise and surgical options including, arthroscopy, hipreplacement and knee replacement surgery. Reserve your seat today.
Free Knee and Hip Pain Seminars
Mediterranean diet benefits: Adherence can reduce death from major illnesses
Tuesday, March 3 • 9:00 am To register for the FREE monthly seminars call (631) 444-4000. For information about the Joint Replacement Center call (631) 444-HIPS (4477) or visit www.allaboutmydoc.com
www.stonybrookphysicians.com 83799
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Louis C. Romeo, M.D., FAAOS, F.A.C.S., Director, Joint Replacement Center James Nicholson, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon Stony BrookOrthopaedic Associates,, 14 Technology Drive, East Setauket, NY 11733-9222
has been developed for parents who have children between 2 and 12. Join them for a discussion of the causes and consequences of childhood obesity, as well as what families can do to encourage healthy habits and promote a healthy weight: Wednesdays, March 4 and 11, 7 to 9 pm, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, 423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead. Registration is required. Fee: $20 for both sessions. For more information please call 727-7850, ext. 340.
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ticking to a full Mediterranean diet provides substantial protection against major chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, and Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers at the University of Florence. The study, published online in bmj.com, found that people who stuck strictly to a Mediterranean diet had significant improvements in their health, including a 9 percent drop in overall mortality, a 9 percent drop in mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 13 percent reduction in incidence of Parkinson and Alzheimer’s disease, and a 6 percent reduction in cancer. The Mediterranean diet from populations bordering the Mediterranean Sea has a reputation for being a model of healthy eating and contributing to better health and quality of life. It is rich in olive oil, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol.
TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS Presents ...
VERVE A comprehensive guide to healthy living strategies &
AGING WELL Targeting our educated, health-minded consumers in 42 communities along the North Shore who want to remain vital and vibrant at every age.
SUBACUTE CARE
This information will highlight the body systems, and the role each system plays in contributing to enduring health.
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Featuring: Fitness and Strength Exercising the Brain Nutrition • Preventive Care and Screening Living with Chronic Conditions such as Cancer, Diabetes & Joint Replacement Medical Breakthroughs • Lifestyle Choices
SHORT-TERM REHABILITATION STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENT FOLLOWING
◆ Orthopedic Injuries ◆ Joint Replacement ◆ Neurological Impairments ◆ General or Cardiovascular Surgery ◆ Prolonged Hospitalization
PUBLISHED MARCH 26, 2009 (deadline March 12)
Enclosed in all copies of The Village TIMES HERALD, The TIMES of Smithtown Township, The Port TIMES RECORD, The Village BEACON RECORD, The TIMES of Middle Country, The TIMES of Northport & East Northport and The TIMES of Huntington
For further information, please call Sharon Rogers at (631) 663–2459 395 Sunken Meadow Road, Kings Park, NY www.stjohnland.org
For Details
Call 631.751.7744 185 Rte. 25A, Setauket, NY 11733 ©84176 ©82376
Ten tips for healthy living (1-4) Create a healthy plate Better nutrition for you and your family
With busy schedules and lifestyles, keeping your mind, body and soul healthy can be a major challenge. However, don’t let the hectic pace of life keep you from living yours to the fullest. There are simple steps you can take that will leave you feeling energetic and upbeat. Consider these 10 tips to help you live a happy, healthy, safe and balanced life. GET PHYSICAL
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fter a holiday season filled with family, friends and lots of food, January is a great time to get you and your children back on track with healthy eating. Here are some tips on a simple strategy to get your family eating more nutritious foods with builtin portion control. Creating a healthy plate starts with filling half you plate with fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are super foods – loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which reduce our risk for disease. Eating several servings of fruits and vegetables every day is also important for promoting a healthy weight. Remember frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh, so keep your freezer stocked to make preparation quick and easy. The next step is to fill one quarter of the plate with carbohydrates, preferably whole grains, such as brown or wild rice, whole wheat dinner rolls, or whole wheat pasta. If your family doesn’t like whole wheat
pasta, try Barilla Plus™, which is more nutritious than white pasta but looks and tastes more like a cross between white and whole wheat. You can also serve baked potato (white, red or sweet), but remember to leave the skin on to get the most fiber. The last step is to fill one quarter of the plate with lean protein, such as skinless chicken or turkey, baked or broiled fish or shellfish, or lean cuts of pork or beef. Remember to remove any visible fat and prepare these in low-fat ways to keep the calories and fat minimal. Look for 93 percent extra lean ground beef or turkey to prepare your own hamburgers, meatloaf, meatballs, or chili. Be creative and you will find many useful ways to “Create a Healthy Plate” for you and your family. Alysa Ferguson, RD, CDN. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County is offering programs for parents and educators on the prevention of childhood obesity through healthy lifestyle changes. For more information, please call 631-7277850, ext. 342 or email ah372@ cornell.edu.
Exercise not only helps you build muscle and lose weight, giving you more selfconfidence, but it’s vital in maintaining a healthy heart. And don’t think you need to spend hours at the gym to achieve a new physical you. From strength training and cardio workouts, to walking the dog or taking the stairs — anything that gets your heart pumping will benefit your health.
STRESS IS A MESS Over time, stress can lead to serious health issues such as obesity, depression and even death. When you start seeing red, instead think blue‚ as in blueberries. Antioxidants found in the tasty fruit fight stress hormones. Also, don’t forget to breathe. Inhaling a deep breath for five seconds, then exhaling for another five seconds, can help clear your mind and enhance blood circulation.
LOL LAUGH OUT LOUD Build your immune system through laughter. Healthincreasing hormones, such as endorphins, are released through your body when you laugh. Additionally, laughter works your abdominal muscles and boosts your state of mind. Websites such as www.FunLOL.com can be a quick fix for a downer day.
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Ten tips for healthy living (5-10) YOGA-TA DO IT Yoga, an ancient practice of stretching and breathing tech n iques, has become a popular exercise for both men and women. In addition to releasing positive energy, yoga prevents injuries, promotes flexibility and can add relief to a stressful day. In fact, according to the book, “Real Men Do Yoga,” PGA golfer David Duval practices yoga every day. So, if it’s good enough for professionals, it may be an excellent addition to your weekly stress-relief routine.
EAT HEALTHY We know we should eat healthy, and with new online tools it’s a no-brainer. The new MyPyramid program, www. MyP y r a m i d .g o v, developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allows you to choose the ideal proportions of
a multi-function showerhead that will envelope you in a variety of massaging or refreshing sprays. Or, an exfoliating brush, wet or dry, can be stimulating and beneficial. Finish off your pampering shower with your favorite body cream to lock moisture in your skin.
foods and food groups to eat according to your body size and structure. GET PLENTY OF ZZZZZZ’S Between work, family and extra activities, it’s sometimes difficult to get the necessary six to eight hours of sleep per night. Be sure to avoid caffeine or exercise right before bed. Instead try reading a book or meditating. And, if you still need extra help to unwind, try aromatherapy before bed, such as chamomile bath salts and a warm milk and honey or lavender pillow spray to aid in a good night’s rest. WHAT ’S UP, DOC? Going to the doctor only when you’re sick isn’t going to cut it. For both your physical and mental well-being, it’s wise to have a routine annual physical examination. Especially if your family has a history of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, getting regular check-ups can help prevent or detect serious health issues.
YOUR RIGHT FOR RECREATION
S.O.S. SAVE OUR SKIN As the largest organ of the human body, your skin’s health is vital. Luckily caring for your protective layer can be easy and enjoyable. Try a trip to the spa, or even create a spa at home. There’s no better way to start your day than with an invigorating, spa-like shower. Try
You schedule meetings and appointments each week, so why not schedule time for recreation? Be sure to set aside time each week for activities you enjoy. Whether it’s dinner with family and friends, or taking the phone off the hook and curling up with a good book, be sure to block out time on your calendar with activities that you enjoy and will rejuvenate you. It doesn’t take a radical change in your behavior to start living a healthier lifestyle. By following these simple tips, you’ll be on the road to a happy, healthy, safe and balanced life.
FEBRUARY 26, 2009 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S15
A Health Woman’s Life: Care For Every Stage
Those perplexing teen years...family planning...your first pregnancy...the journey into your golden years. A woman’s life is full of wonderful, natural stages. At Suffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology, we believe each stage deserves its own special attention and nurturance. Suffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology is a progressive, collaborative practice offering a wide range of services with emphasis on primary and preventative women’s care for all age groups. Come visit with us. Surround yourself in the comfort of our state-of-the-art facilities. Find out about our ongoing Lecture Series. Meet our caring, certified physicians and other health care providers. Visit with us and feel cared for...every step of the way.
Suffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology, L.L.P.
Dedicated To A Lifetime Of Wellness For Women
Anthony Giammarino, M.D. Douglas S. Lee, M.D. John G. Petraco, M.D. Dennis Strittmatter, M.D. Sylvia Tufano, M.D.
Damiano Buffa, M.D. Steven I. Ross, M.D. Gerardo A. San Roman, M.D. Lance Edwards, M.D. Jennifer D. Marshak, M.D. Paul Lograno, M.D. Mindy L. Shaffran, M.D. Amy R. Richter, M.D. Stephen Golub, M.D. Dorothy Kozlowski, O.G.N.P. Carol Bonura, R.N., N.P. Over 30 Health Plans Accepted Including: Vytra, Empire Blue Cross, Oxford, United HealthCare and the Empire Plan
/UR #ONVENIENT /FFICES s %VENING AND 3ATURDAY (OURS Port Jefferson - Main Office 118 North Country Road (631) 473-7171
Patchogue 285 Sills Rd. (631) 475-4404
Smithtown 222 Middle Country Rd. (631) 361-7171
Visit our website at: www.suffolkobgyn.com
Wading River 6144 Route 25A (631) 929-3222 84354
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