WELLNESS
3 TREATING SKIN WITH CARE 4 HOW TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY DURING WINTER 5 MEET DR. RICKY D. MITCHELL, THE ‘SINGING DOCTOR’ 6 MAINTAIN A SAFE & HEALTHY PREGNANCY 7 HOW TO OVERCOME COMMON ROADBLOCKS TO WEIGHT LOSS 8 AVOID CONTRACTION OF FOODBORNE ILLNESSES
FITNESS
9 EXERCISE AND AILMENTS: HOW EXERCISE CAN HELP PREVENT DISEASE 10 HOW TO MAKE EXERCISE MORE ENJOYABLE 11 HOW TO FIND TIME FOR EXERCISE
MEDICINE
12 HEALTH BOOSTERS YOU HAVE AT HOME
LOCATION FINDER
13 HEALTH & FITNESS DIRECTORY 2|HEALTH & FITNESS
EYE CARE
14 ARE EVE “FLOATERS” DANGEROUS 15 EYES ON HEALTH: WHAT YOUR EYES CAN TELL DOCTORS 16 HOW TO HELP KIDS ADAPT TO EYEGLASSES 17 YEARLY EYE EXAMS CAN REVEAL MORE THAN JUST VISION TROUBLE 18 UNDERSTANDING DIABETIC EYE DISEASE 19 CONTACT LENS CARE VITAL FOR EYE HEALTH
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AUGUST 2015
WELLNESS
Treating skin with care
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Each year, nearly five million Americans are treated for skin cancer, with most cases being nonmelanoma skin cancer, typically diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. But skin cancer is not the only condition that can affect the skin. From rosacea to eczema to acne to psoriasis, the skin can be affected by numerous conditions, many of which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Keeping skin healthy requires effort, and there are many things men and women can do to protect their skin and reduce their risk for various conditions. · Schedule routine visits to a dermatologist. Dermatologists can treat and help prevent disorders of the skin, and men and women
AUGUST 2015
should make annual visits to their dermatologist to ensure their skin is healthy. Dermatologists can diagnose if a mark or a blemish is something benign or serious and provide information on various courses of treatment. As with any specialist, dermatologists may be well versed on new and innovative care. If anything on your skin seems suspect, visit a dermatologist right away. · Protect yourself from the sun. The single best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. Not only can a lifetime of sun exposure cause wrinkles and age spots, it can lead to cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply it every two hours or more often. Make sunscreen a part of your daily regimen, applying it as you would moisturizer or antiperspirant. · Quit the habit. The Mayo Clinic says smoking narrows tiny blood vessels
in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Smoking also can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin, which promotes elasticity. · Be gentle to the skin. Use mild cleansers and limit showers and baths to warm water. Moisturize dry skin if it is problematic. Pat skin dry after washing and do not tug or rub skin excessively. · Inspect skin regularly. Routinely check your skin for any changes and share any concerns with your doctor. Schedule annual skin checks as part of yearly physical examinations. Taking these steps can help you maintain healthy skin and prevent ailments in the years to come.
HEALTH & FITNESS |3
How to improve indoor air quality during winter Homes tend to be stuffier in autumn and winter. As temperatures outside dip, windows are closed and air quality inside homes can suffer. Poor indoor air quality can not only be uncomfortable, causing residents to experience headaches, dry eyes and nasal congestion, but also can be unhealthy. According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma. Though it’s not feasible or healthy to open windows when temperatures outside dip to near or below freezing, there are steps everyone can take to improve the indoor air quality in their homes. · Add to your décor with plants. Plants provide both aesthetic and practical appeal to a home’s interior. Houseplants can clean and purify the air in a home, helping to remove formaldehyde, benzene and other toxins that can make indoor air unhealthy to breathe. Benzene is an irritant that can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, and blurred vision, among other side effects. Formaldehyde, which is often found in homes thanks to its widespread use in a range of products, can cause watery eyes, nausea and wheezing. · Watch what you are lighting up. Many homeowners know that smoking indoors drastically reduces indoor air quality, putting even nonsmokers at heightened risk of developing various respiratory ailments. Homeowners concerned about the indoor air quality in their homes should ban smoking inside, no matter how low temperatures dip outside. In addition, homeowners with wood-burning stoves and fireplaces should be especially diligent maintaining these features, as they can
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release harmful soot and smoke if they are not taken care of. Some people may also be allergic to incense and scented candles, so keep a watchful eye on residents and guests whenever you light candles or sticks of incense. If any symptoms of allergies appear, avoid lighting any more candles or incense, waiting until you can open the windows if you want to light any again. · Purchase an air purifier. Air purifiers are beneficial year-round, helping to remove allergens and particles from a home. High-efficiency particulate air filters, known as HEPA filters, are extremely effective at removing airborne particulates from the air inside your home. · Pay attention to pets. Like their owners, pets tend to spend more time indoors during the winter. That means more fur and pet dander, the skin flakes in an animal’s fur or hair that can trigger allergic reactions, is likely in your home during the winter than in the summer. To combat this, bathe your pets regularly in the winter, making sure to wash the animal’s bedding in hot water on a weekly basis as well. · Open the windows when possible. Winter does not typically provide many opportunities to open the windows, but you might get a few chances to let some fresh air in through the windows during winter. Make the most of these opportunities, and when possible crack the windows when you’re cleaning so dust and other particles that kick up have a path outside of your home. Clean interior air should be a yearround priority, but homeowners may have to go the extra mile to keep their homes’ interior air clean when winter arrives.
AUGUST 2015
Meet Dr. Ricky D. Mitchell, the ‘Singing Doctor’ Submitted by Elms Creek Family and Urgent Care Clinic If you walk among the pediatric rooms at Elms Creek Family and Urgent Care Clinic, you may hear him before you even see him. Whether you hear a familiar melody or just some words
Dr. Ricky D. Mitchell, MD, FAAP
AUGUST 2015
of greeting or comfort added to a tune, you’ll quickly realize why Dr. Ricky Mitchell’s patients affectionately refer to him as “The Singing Doctor.” How did Dr. Ricky develop his well-known habit of singing to his patients? “I initially started singing at work because I felt happy and blessed,” the pediatrician explains. “I noticed that the singing helped to calm the children as I was seeing them, so I’ve continued it. I also just love to sing anywhere I am!” After completing his medical degree at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1996, Dr. Ricky received residency training in Pediatrics at University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Dr. Ricky, who is boardcertified in pediatrics, has worked in his field for over fifteen years, seven of which have been at Elms Creek Family & Urgent Care Clinic in Killeen, Texas. He shares what he likes most about his work: “I like having fun with children and helping
them to feel better. I get an opportunity to play with children every day!” His patients and their parents agree that Dr. Ricky enjoys what he does, and it shows! What advice does Dr. Ricky have for all parents? “Every parent should love his or her child unconditionally. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor; you can love your child. Loving your children is not giving them everything in the world, but it means being there for them and showing love in ways that are meaningful to them.”
HEALTH & FITNESS |5
Maintain a safe and healthy pregnancy Thousands of women will become pregnant this year for the first time. Pregnancy can trigger thoughts of the future and making plans for when the baby arrives. It also can be a time to take inventory of personal health to make changes that will benefit expecting mothers and the children growing within them. Prioritizing overall health is a great way to increase your chances of a safe and healthy pregnancy. · Visit an obstetrician or midwife as soon as possible. Once the pregnancy test comes out positive, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the course of the pregnancy and what can be done from the start. Doctors may schedule blood screenings and estimate due dates. They also will go over nutrition and care guidelines, which will usually include a regimen of prenatal vitamins. · Discuss age and risk factors with the doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out that there has been a societal shift in the age at which most women become pregnant, with many waiting until later in life to start their families. Whereas ages 20-24 used to be the peak time for pregnancy, many women in North America now become pregnant for the first time between the ages 25 and 29, while many more wait until their 30s. Waiting longer to become pregnant for the first time may increase a woman’s risk for certain conditions during pregnancy. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have and let you know about additional testing that may be necessary. · Don’t overeat. Eating right is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the baby. Anything you put in your body can affect the baby,
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so prioritize a healthy diet. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to eat for two. During the first few months, you may not have much of an appetite. The fetus does not require many additional nutrients until the end of the pregnancy. Only then will an increase of 200 calories or so be adequate. Speak with your physician about what constitutes healthy and unhealthy weight gain during pregnancy. · Choose healthy foods. Avoid undercooked foods and soft cheeses that may harbor bacteria. Some seafood, such as tuna or shark, may contain high levels of mercury. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and dairy products can fuel your body and keep the baby growing. · Continue to exercise. Unless there are complications during your pregnancy, you likely can continue to exercise. However, don’t overdo it with exercise, and call your doctor if you experience any adverse side effects during or after exercise sessions.
· Avoid drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Smoking, taking drugs or drinking during pregnancy can cause serious health problems for the baby. Miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and SIDS are just a few of the potential side effects of drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco or taking drugs while pregnant, advises Baby Center. Avoid these behaviors and always check with a doctor before taking any over-thecounter or herbal remedies as well. · Get educated. Pick up a book from a reputable doctor or author so that you can better understand your pregnancy. It can save you stressful moments and keep your pregnancy on a healthy track.
AUGUST 2015
How to overcome common roadblocks to weight loss Diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are essential elements of a healthy lifestyle. Adapting to a new diet and embracing a new exercise regimen requires a strong commitment, but so, too, does maintaining a healthy weight once those pounds have been shed. Losing weight can be difficult, and many people who set out to shed a few extra pounds encounter a handful of common obstacles along the way. These roadblocks do not disappear once weight has been lost, which only highlights the long-term approach men and women must take as they look to lose weight and keep pounds off for the long haul. The following are a handful of obstacles men and women may face as they look to lose weight and keep weight off for years to come.
weight loss efforts is a hectic schedule. Commitments to career and family can make it easy to veer off course with regard to diet. Planning is often an effective way to overcome a hectic schedule. Plan meals in advance so you are not tempted to order takeout or delivery after a long day at the office. Use weekends to schedule and plan your weeknight meals, preparing meals in advance when possible and using a slow cooker so your meals are cooking while you’re at the office and ready to eat the moment you arrive home at night. Setbacks Setbacks are another common obstacle that can threaten weight loss goals. Everyone experiences a setback or two as they attempt to lose weight and keep that weight off. Don’t allow such setbacks to derail your weight loss efforts, and don’t beat yourself up when a setback occurs. Respond by rededicating yourself to your weight loss efforts, and before you know it, you will be back on track.
Snacks Snacking is perhaps the biggest obstacle to weight loss many men and women will face. Choosing the wrong snacks can compromise your efforts to lose weight, but the right snacks can provide energy boosts without negatively impacting your waistline. Rather than high-calorie snacks that offer little nutritional value, choose low-calorie alternatives. For example, instead of fried tortilla chips, opt for reduced-sodium baked chips instead. In lieu of ice cream on a warm afternoon, choose low-fat yogurt, which can be just as refreshing without all those empty calories.
the hard work you put in all week eating at home. Busy schedules
Men and women can expect to face some common obstacles as they attempt to lose weight. Anticipating those obstacles is a great way to ensure they don’t derail your weight loss efforts.
One common obstacle that compromises even the most dedicated
Restaurants Dining out is another potential obstacle for men and women trying to lose weight. Avoid buffet-style restaurants or those establishments you know serve especially large portions. When dining out, ask to swap highcalorie side dishes with vegetables when possible, and choose nutritional, lowcalorie entrées that won’t compromise
AUGUST 2015
HEALTH & FITNESS |7
Avoid contraction of foodborne illnesses Stomach bugs are rarely pleasant. Such bugs can last several days and result in missed school or work and even turn into something more serious, like dehydration. Many stomach bugs, whether they are the result of a virus or germs brought home from school, may be the result of poorly handled food. Foodborne illnesses cause about 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,200 deaths nationwide each year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under the right conditions, various bacteria can proliferate in food and result in bugs characterized by bouts of nausea or vomiting. While many food-related ailments are innocuous, one never knows when something ominous could be lurking in the foods one has eaten. In many cases, preventing food-related illness needs to begin even before food is brought into the home. At the store Shop at stores that take proper food handling seriously. Look for clean stores that properly refrigerate foods.
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Inspect frozen or refrigerated foods to make sure nothing appears open or tampered with. If food is packed in clear wrapping, check to see that the food does not have a lot of ice crystals, which may mean it thawed out and then was refrozen. Select canned foods that are in packages without dents or bulges. Dents may compromise the can’s seam and let in contaminants, while bulges may indicate improper sealing or processing, contaminating the food inside the can. Shop for perishable foods last so you minimize the amount of time they are without refrigeration. If you expect that it will take you longer than an hour to get home, consider transporting foods in insulated bags or a cooler to preserve their freshness. At home
Do not leave foods that need to be chilled sitting out for long periods of time. Refrigerate and freeze foods promptly after unpacking them from the store or after a meal is over. When defrosting foods, do not do so on the kitchen counter. Instead, use the refrigerator or run frozen packages under water.
All fresh produce should be rinsed thoroughly before use, even if stores say the foods have already been washed. Produce can retain bacteria from the fields where it was grown. Also wash the skins or rinds of foods before peeling or slicing, or you may transfer bacteria to the flesh of the food. Wash and disinfect hands, utensils, cutting boards, and any other surfaces after handling raw meats and poultry. Try to contain juices from meats so they do not get all over countertops. Always use separate utensils for preparing uncooked meats and produce. Cook foods to the recommended temperature and check with a food thermometer. Keep in mind that some foods may cook unevenly, especially in microwaves. Stir and keep cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Do not overload the refrigerator and freezer; otherwise they may not chill foods sufficiently. Check that the appliance is working properly. Avoiding foodborne illnesses requires diligence at the store and at home. With care, members of the household can remain healthy.
AUGUST 2015
F I T N E S S
Exercise and ailments: How exercise can help prevent disease The benefits of routine exercise are plenty. Daily exercise can improve mood, help reduce stress and make it easier for men and women to maintain healthy weights. Regular exercise also can help men and women combat or reduce their risk for various ailments, including some potentially deadly diseases. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Though postmenopausal women are most susceptible to osteoporosis, anyone can get the condition, which can lead to fractures and other bodily injuries. But routine weight-bearing exercises, including strength training, walking and jogging, can strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis and bone loss. A Nurses’ Health Study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that women who walked for four or more hours per week had 41 percent fewer hip fractures than women who walked less than one hour per week. Back pain
Heart disease
People experiencing back pain may feel that inactivity is the best approach to overcoming it. But prolonged inactivity may only exacerbate back pain. Men and women dealing with back pain should always consult a physician for the best approach to alleviating their pain. Don’t be surprised if, during such consultations, your physician prescribes certain back exercises. According to www.spine-health. com, a Web-based resource for back and neck pain sufferers developed by a multispecialty group of medical professionals, certain back exercises can distribute nutrients into the disc space and soft tissues in the back to keep the discs, muscles, ligaments, and joints healthy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in United States, while Statistics Canada notes it is the second-leading cause of death among Canadians. Regular exercise can greatly reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease by strengthening the heart, lowering blood pressure and helping the heart function more efficiently. Even moderate physical activity can have a profound impact on heart health.
AUGUST 2015
Type 2 diabetes A joint study from the American College of Sports Medicine and the
American Diabetes Association found that participation in regular physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, a potentially deadly condition, the prevalence of which has increased considerably over the last several decades. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people who already have type 2 diabetes check their blood glucose levels before and after exercise to see how their bodies react to different activities. Understanding such reactions can help people with type 2 diabetes prevent their blood glucose levels from getting too high or too low. Exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. But while regular exercise can instantly improve your quality of life, it also can reduce your risk for a host of potentially deadly ailments.
HEALTH & FITNESS |9
How to make exercise more enjoyable Sedentary lifestyles can be dangerous to human health. Numerous studies have linked sedentary lifestyles to various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But in spite of those connections, sedentary lifestyles are on the rise. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both men and women are engaging in physical activity a lot less frequently than in years past. The survey, which examined data between 1988 and 2010, found that women who reported not engaging in physical activity rose from 19 percent to 52 percent, while figures for men rose from 11 percent to 43 percent. Many men and women find physical activity unenjoyable, which may make it difficult for them to include exercise in their daily routines. The following are some approaches men and women living sedentary lifestyles can take to make physical activity more enjoyable.
· Find activities you like. Physical activity is not limited to working out in a gym. Many adults find gyms great and motivational places to get in shape, while
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others are bored by strength-training or intimidated by gyms. Finding a physical activity you enjoy increases the chances that you will make exercise a part of your daily routine. Yoga, walking and cycling are just a few of the many physical activities that can help you live a less sedentary life. · Get a workout buddy. Another way to make exercise more enjoyable is to enlist a friend to workout with you. Friends can supply motivation on those days when you don’t feel like working out while also making workouts more enjoyable by sharing a few laughs as you lift weights, walk around the neighborhood or engage in whatever physical activity you do together.
· Set specific goals. Exercise also becomes more enjoyable when you establish specific goals that give you something tangible to work toward. You are more likely to enjoy what you’re doing if you reach your goals along the way than if you don’t set any goals and simply go through the motions. You also can reward yourself for reaching certain goals, which will undoubtedly make your efforts more enjoyable.
· Involve other interests in your exercise routine. If exercise truly bores you, find ways to incorporate your other interests into your workout routine. Rather than spending 30 to 60 minutes simply running on a treadmill, take your tablet along with you and stream your favorite television shows. If possible, catch up on reading while you ride the exercise bike. Combining your workout routine with other passions can make your exercise routines more enjoyable, making you more likely to commit to them on a regular basis. · Sign up for classes. Gyms are more than just weight rooms and cardio machines. Many gyms now offer classes like Zumba, kickboxing and yoga, which can make exercise more communal and fun. If the weight room isn’t your thing, find a gym that offers classes you’re likely to embrace. Exercise need not be dull, and men and women looking to be less sedentary can look for ways to make working out more fun in an effort to reach their fitness goals.
AUGUST 2015
How to find time for exercise Diet and exercise are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. While even the busiest men and women can find ways to eat healthy, finding time to exercise can be more difficult. According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, regular physical activity can prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and stroke, which are the three leading causes of health-related death in the United States. In addition, men and women who are not physically active are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps people control their weight while promoting bone, muscle and joint health. While the benefits of regular exercise are substantial, finding the time for daily exercise is not always so easy. The following are a handful of strategies men and women can employ as they attempt to make more time in their days to exercise. · Reexamine your free time. Few adults, and especially those juggling families and careers, have an abundance of free time. But reexamining the ways you are spending your free time may help you uncover some moments for daily exercise. The Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition notes that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 need at least two and a half hours each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. While that may seem like a lot, it’s only slightly more than 20 minutes per day. It helps to supplement such aerobic activity with some strength-training activities at least two days per week. Try waking up 20 to 30 minutes earlier each day, using that time to hit the treadmill or jog around the neighborhood. You likely won’t be affected by waking up earlier, and you won’t need to alter your existing schedule for the rest of the day, either. If mornings aren’t your thing, make better use of your lunch hour, going for a jog or visiting your company’s exercise facilities ifthat option is available to you.
desk. Men and women who can’t seem to find time to exercise often cite the demands of their job as the primary reason behind their inactivity, but those same individuals can use the technology at their disposal, be it smartphones that allow them keep track of work emails or tablets that make it possible to connect remotely to office servers, to work while they exercise. Bring your smartphone or tablet with you when you work out on the elliptical or jog on the treadmill. · Reduce your sedentary time. A 2008 study from Australian researchers found that people who regularly break up their sedentary time, including the hours they sit behind their desk at the office, with movement had healthier waist circumferences, body mass indexes and triglycerides than those who did not. While hourly breaks to walk around the office might not seem like exercise, such breaks can benefit your long-term health.
· Get creative. Many people associate daily exercise with private gyms, and while gyms can serve as excellent motivators and great places to get full-body workouts, time involved in driving to and from the gym can make it difficult to commit to gym memberships. But you don’t need a gym membership to live a healthy lifestyle. When possible, take the stairs instead of an elevator and park further away from your office door so you get a small cardiovascular workout on your way into and out of the office. Rather than retiring to the couch after dinner, walk or bike around your neighborhood. Such simple gestures may seem insignificant, but the more creative ways you find to exercise each day, the more beneficial such efforts become. While there is no way to create more time in the day, men and women can employ several strategies to make more time for daily exercise.
· Work while you exercise. Technology has made it easier than ever before to stay connected to the office even when you are nowhere near your
AUGUST 2015
HEALTH & FITNESS |11
MEDICINE
Health boosters you have at home Many people desire to be healthier, and sales of nutritional supplements reflect such desires. A report by Packaged Facts titled “Nutritional Supplements in the U.S,” says supplement sales reached $11.5 billion in 2012 and have been climbing ever since. In addition to an increase in supplement use, gym memberships also have increased. IBIS World’s “Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs” market research report indicates the number of gym memberships have increased in the last several years as consumers have become more health-conscious. While these avenues to health certainly can be beneficial, individuals also can turn to many health boosters in their own homes to help them achieve their goals of living healthier lifestyles.
· Lemon water: Lemon water is now being touted as a beneficial addition to one’s daily diet. Lemon water can help reduce acidity in the body, including removing uric acid, a main cause of inflammation. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which can aid in weight loss by helping to fight hunger pangs. Lemons also contain a load of vitamin C, which can give the immune system a boost. · Yogurt: Probiotic pills can help return healthy bacteria to the digestive system, but so can eating yogurt regularly. Look for yogurts that contain live and active cultures for optimal benefit. · Bicycle: Dust off that bicycle that has been hiding in your garage. Cycling is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise, and riders can tailor their intensity levels to correlate to their ages and abilities. Many people find cycling an enjoyable form of activity because it gets them outside and often doesn’t feel like exercise. · Fruits and vegetables: Produce offers many of the vitamins and minerals people look to supplements to provide. Including diverse fruit and vegetable choices in one’s diet can improve health in
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various ways, including providing a boost to the immune system.
of energy without the insulin spike associated with other forms of sugar.
· Honey: Honey is a valuable superfood that can boost overall health. In addition to soothing sore throats, it can serve as an antibiotic and wound healer, provide allergy protection, increase calcium absorption, and provide a source
Being healthier is a goal for many people, and certain foods, beverages and products already in your home can help you get on a healthy track.
AUGUST 2015
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Are eye ‘floaters’ dangerous? • Avoid risky sports. Head and eye trauma can lead to new eye floaters. Blows to the head and face can cause vitreous material to detach.
Dark spots, specks, “webs,” and other shapes that seemingly dance around in a person’s field of vision are often referred to as “floaters.” Such floaters are typically harmless, but there are instances when they can be indicative of something more serious. The perception of floaters in the eye is called myodesopsia. They are particularly noticeable when looking at a light-colored background, such as the sky. What causes floaters? Floaters are formed when very small pieces of the eye’s gel-like substance, called vitreous, break loose in the inner back portion of the eye. Vitreous is the part of the eye between the lens and the retina and contains a clear jelly called the vitreous humor. The vitreous has a gellike consistency initially, but as a person ages the vitreous begins to dissolve and liquefy. Some of the undissolved gel particles can break off and float around in the more watery center of the vitreous, forming floaters. Shadows from the floating particles, and not the debris itself, are what you actually see in the eye. As light passes through the eye, shadows from the particles are cast onto the retina. They seem to move around in the eye following the rapid movement of the eye. When should I be alarmed? Most eye floaters are quite common and not dangerous at all. However, consult an eye doctor if the floaters
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interfere with your quality of life or impair your ability to read or drive a car. If floaters suddenly increase or are accompanied by light flashes or losses in peripheral vision, this could be a sign of a serious condition known as retinal detachment. The National Eye Institute offers that a retinal detachment occurs when any part of the retina is lifted or pulled from its normal position at the back of the wall of the eye. Left untreated, a retinal detachment can lead to permanent visual impairment or even blindness in a matter of a few days. Surgery is required to seal any holes in the retina or to reattach the retina to the back of the eyeball.
If you have floaters that are dense and numerous, a procedure called a vitrectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes the vitreous gel along with the floating debris, replacing the gel with a salt solution. A vitrectomy is a potentially risky procedure, so it’s often reserved only for those suffering from severe floaters. Experimental laser therapy to dissolve the floaters is another potential treatment option, though this procedure is still being studied and isn’t widely used. Most floaters are left untreated, and patients are advised to simply live with them and learn to cope. Eye floaters are common and usually carry no risks. If they become prevalent or are accompanied by flashes of light, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Prevention and Treatment Many eye conditions, including floaters, are a hereditary condition. If someone in your family is prone to severe eye floaters, there is a good chance you may experience the same. However, taking some precautions can help improve eye health and reduce your risk of developing floaters. • Avoid excessive rubbing of the eyes. • Do not sleep face-down where the eyes will be rubbed in sleep. • Recognize some medications carry side effects that can affect the eyes. Talk to an optometrist about medications you take and discuss potential alternatives.
AUGUST 2015
Eyes on health: What your eyes can tell doctors People who have been putting off eye examinations may want to call their opthalmologists to schedule an appointment. That’s because vision checkups can do more than protect your eyes. By examining the eyes, doctors may have a window into health problems affecting other areas of the body. Researchers recently discovered a link between detected retinal amyloid plaques and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. While evidence was found in lab mice, autopsies of at least eight Alzheimer’s disease patients have also shown amyloid plaques, which are known to interfere with memory and other mental functions, present in the retinas. Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif., are gearing up for larger studies of humans to determine if an Alzheimer’s imaging technique can be perfected. Dementia is not the only thing that doctors may be able to detect through an eye exam. Jaundice in the whites of the eyes may indicate liver disease, and early warning signs of diabetes may be detectable in the eyes. The American Academy of Opthalmology says the eye is the only place where doctors can see veins, arteries and a nerve without surgery, and eye examinations are increasingly being relied on to gauge overall health. The following are a few additional conditions that may be detected through the eyes.
brown, it’s more likely to be malignant melanoma. Thyroid issues
When the outer one-third of the brow (the part closest to the ear) begins to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease. The thyroid helps regulate metabolism, and thyroid hormones are essential to hair production. Hair loss may occur elsewhere, but is much more visible in the brows. Clogged arteries
High cholesterol The presence of bumpy, yellowish patches on the eyelid, known as xanthelasma palpebra, is a warning sign of high cholesterol, which is often initially diagnosed during a routine eye exam. Cancer Some cancer metastases can be detected during an eye exam. The presence of a bump or brown spot on the eyelid also may be indicative of skin cancer. Many malignant eyelid tumors are basal-cell carcinoma. If the spot is
Blockages in the smaller veins in the retina may indicate clogs caused by arterial plaque. This will show up as a retinal occlusion in a visual exam. If blood vessels in the eyes are blocked, clogged arteries may be present elsewhere in the body, so a cardiology workup may be ordered. Bell’s palsy The inability to close one eye or to control tear production in that eye may be a sign of Bell’s palsy. This is a condition of the nervous system that controls facial muscles, causing temporary paralysis in one side of the face. Sometimes Bell’s palsy follows a viral or bacterial infection.
Allergies Patients may be referred to an allergy specialist if they exhibit dark under-eye circles. While this can be a sign of aging, dark circles, sometimes referred to as “allergic shiners,” also may indicate certain allergies. When clogged sinuses cause a blockage of blood flow in the nasal passages around the eye, darkness may result. This symptom in conjunction with persistent nasal congestion could be a sure sign of allergies.
AUGUST 2015
HEALTH & FITNESS |15
How to help kids adapt to eyeglasses Children’s vision problems often become apparent when youngsters first enter school. Poor performance in the classroom may have little to do with a learning disability or a stubborn student, and a lot to do with poor vision. Vision problems can often be traced to genetics. A family history of various vision troubles increase the likelihood that a child will one day require corrective glasses. In addition, a growing reliance on digital devices may increase a child’s risk of computer eye strain, which may compound already present vision deficits. Understanding that he or she needs to wear glasses does not always translate into a child’s willingness to actually wear those glasses, as peer pressure remains an obstacle when encouraging kids to embrace their eyeglasses. Younger children may find it difficult to understand why they need glasses or they may forget to put them on or how to care for them properly. Parents may find it challenging to acclimate a child to eyeglasses, but there are a few strategies to help make that transition go more smoothly. Shop together Children may be more receptive to eyeglasses if they get to choose those glasses. Glasses are personal and should be sized according to the wearer’s face. Kids should select various pairs of glasses they like and try them on. Narrow down the pairs based on comfort, look and price. If your child likes a particular pair of glasses, it may be worth spending a few extra dollars for those frames, as kids are more likely to wear glasses they like. Move over “Coke bottle lenses” The eyeglasses of the past are much different from the eyeglasses of the present. Lens and frame technology has transformed the look and feel of eyeglasses. Lenses may be thinner and less apparent than ever before. Eyeglass
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manufacturers have developed frames that are bendable or almost entirely invisible thanks to frameless lenses. Some lenses reduce glare, and others tint when touched by sunlight. So it’s unlikely your son or daughter will end up looking like Mr. Magoo. Present positive images of role models Kids may be quicker to warm to eyeglasses if parents showcase a few of the many worthy role models who wear glasses, and do so with style. In addition to many celebrities, such as Tina Fey, Elle Fanning, Justin Timberlake, Joe Jonas, and Anne Hathaway, who frequently don eyeglasses, there are likely many people in your family or group of friends who wear glasses, and kids often want to emulate their elders. Choose the right time Make sure a child is well rested and happy before he or she dons eyeglasses for the first time. Start with a few minutes per day and build up to wearing the glasses for the prescribed duration. Use positive reinforcement and rewards for wearing and taking good care of the glasses.
Point out the benefits Highlight activities that will be improved by better vision as they relate to your kids’ interests. Perhaps glasses will make gaming easier. Point out to kids who love to read how much more comfortable they are now that they can see the words on the page more easily. When it comes to the family athlete, discuss how much easier it is to see the ball now that your budding athlete is wearing eyeglasses. Modify daily routines You will have to work with your children to make some changes to facilitate wearing eyeglasses. Store the glasses in the same place each night before bed so that kids can find them in the morning. Emphasize wearing eyeglasses as much as you emphasize everyday activities like brushing teeth or making the bed. Explain to teachers the prescribed wearing schedule so that they are aware of when your son or daughter needs to wear his or her eyeglasses. The transition to wearing eyeglasses is not always easy for kids, but many adjust rather quickly.
AUGUST 2015
Yearly eye exams can reveal more than just vision trouble More evidence points to the importance of routine eye exams, not only to pinpoint potential conditions of the eye, but also to serve as windows to diseases that affect the entire body. Now more than ever it is essential to make and keep annual eye exams, as they can help to reveal the first signs of serious ailments. Doctors from around the world say dozens of diseases - from certain cancers to arthritis to high blood pressure - can show symptoms in the eye. Under the watchful and knowing gaze of an eyecare professional, individuals can get early diagnosis and begin treatment promptly. According to Dr. Roy Chuck, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore
AUGUST 2015
Medical Center, there are many systemic diseases that can be seen in
the eye. In addition to the conditions mentioned, jaundice can indicate liver disease while retinal detachment and bleeding in new blood vessels may indicate hypertension. By looking at the color of the cornea, some doctors can tell if a patient has elevated levels of cholesterol. Many people have had their eye doctors be the first healthcare professional to detect the presence of their diabetes. If an ophthalmologist suspects an underlying medical condition, he or she will likely refer men and women to their primary care doctors for a more thorough examination. Going to the eye doctor can do more than ensure your vision is sharp. It’s a life-saving decision for many people who have major health conditions diagnosed through the eyes.
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Understanding diabetic eye disease The NEI notes that there are four stages of diabetic retinopathy:
1. Mild nonproliferative retinopathy: The earliest stage of the disease, this stage may be characterized by microaneurysms, which are small areas of swelling in the retina’s blood vessels. 2. Moderate nonproliferative retinopathy: This is when blood vessels responsible for nourishing the retina begin to be blocked. 3. Severe nonproliferative retinopathy: During this third stage, the number of blocked blood vessels increases dramatically, depriving several areas of the retina with their blood supply. As a result, these areas send signals to the body to produce new blood vessels for nourishment.
Living with diabetes isn’t easy. People with diabetes must routinely monitor their blood glucose levels, pay careful attention to what they eat and how much they eat and work to maintain a healthy weight, which is often preceded by taking the steps to necessary to lose weight in a healthy way. But one lesser known potential side effect of diabetes is the impact the disease can have on eyesight. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of problems some diabetics face as a result of their condition. Each of these problems has the potential to cause significant loss of vision, and some diabetics even go blind. Understanding diabetic eye disease, and diabetic retinopathy in particular, can help men and women with diabetes take the steps necessary to protect their vision before it’s too late. Types of diabetic eye disease Diabetic eye disease is a blanket term that refers to various problems that men and women with diabetes may face. · Cataract: Cataracts are often associated with the elderly, and rightfully
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so, as age is a significant risk factor for cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is made of largely water and protein, and as a person ages, that protein may begin to clump together and cloud an area of the lens. But this clouding can develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes. · Diabetic retinopathy: The most common diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy is characterized by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Blood vessels may swell and leak fluid in some people, while other instances of diabetic retinopathy are characterized by the growth of abnormal new blood vessels on the retina. · Glaucoma: Glaucoma, which refers to a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve, is another condition most often associated with the elderly. But the National Eye Institute notes that men and women with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as an adult without diabetes. Stages of diabetic retinopathy
4. Proliferative retinopathy: This is when the signals sent from areas of the retina trigger the growth of new blood vessels, which are both abnormal and fragile, growing along the surface of the retina and along the surface of the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. Though these existence of these blood vessels does not cause vision loss, when these fragile vessels leak blood, severe vision loss and blindness can result. Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. According to the NEI, between 40 and 45 percent of Americans with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy, and the longer a person has diabetes the greater his or her risk for developing the disease becomes. In recognition of that risk, people with diabetes should get comprehensive dilated eye exams at least once per year. Pregnant women with diabetes should get comprehensive dilated eye exams as soon as possible upon learning they are pregnant, as diabetic retinopathy can be a problem for women with diabetes if they become pregnant. More information about diabetic eye disease is available at www.nei.nih.gov.
AUGUST 2015
Contact lens care vital for eye health
Since the advent of contact lenses, individuals with impaired vision have had a convenient method for improving their eyesight. Contact lenses are available in more prescriptions and styles than ever before, making them quite attractive to those looking for an alternative to traditional eyeglasses. Contact lenses are worn by millions of people every day. Although contact lenses appear to be a recent phenomenon, the concept of altering the optics of the human eye by placing an object directly over the cornea can be traced back to mathematician and inventor Leonardo da Vinci as early as 1508. Some reports say German glassblower F.A. Muller used methods initiated by English astronomer Sir John Herschel to produce the first glass contact lens in 1887. Others say the invention is attributed to Swiss physician Adolf E. Fick and French optician Edouard Kalt in 1888. Regardless of their origins, contact lenses gradually evolved from glass to nonporous plastic to hydrophilic soft contact lenses, which were introduced in 1959. Today, All About Vision notes that more than 90 percent of contact lenses prescribed in the United States are soft lenses. Because they’re so convenient to use, contact lens are easily taken for granted. However, good contact lens care is essential to maintaining proper vision and eye health. When certain precautions regarding contact lenses are not taken, the risk of eye infection or more serious complications increases considerably.
AUGUST 2015
The best way to avoid eye infections and further problems is to practice proper lens care. Contact lenses come in direct contact with the eye, and these lenses can easily transport bacteria and other microscopic material from the hands and elsewhere, putting sensitive eyes in constant jeopardy if precautions are not taken. Ophthalmologists help their patients decide which lenses are best for their particular eyes, and the condition being treated also helps determine the type of lens. But whether a person is using single-use disposable lenses or rigid gaspermeable lenses, the following tips can help ensure lenses stay clean. • Always wash hands with soap and water before handling contact lenses or any equipment. Choose a noncosmetic soap. Soaps with perfumes, lotions and the like can leave a film on your hands, and that film can then be transferred to the lenses. Once hands have been washed, dry them with a lint-free towel.
• Do not rinse or allow contact lenses to come into contact with water, even if the water is sterile. Remove lenses before washing your face or getting in a shower or pool. The lenses should not be stored in water; they should only be stored in a suitable contact lens solution. • While there are a variety of contact solutions on the market, some of which advertise “no-rub” cleaning, many eye care professionals recommend that lenses be rubbed and rinsed regardless of any claims made on solution labels. This helps break up oil or other materials that can stick to the lenses. • Always rinse lenses with fresh solution. When the lenses are in your eyes, leave the empty case open to air dry. • Routinely rinse your storage case with solution. This cleans out any dust or material that falls into the case. Discard each case after three months. • Keep the tip of the solution bottle away from any surfaces in the bathroom. Always replace the cap to keep the solution sterile. Use the solution from the sterile bottle, and do not transfer it to smaller travel bottles. • Use care when handling the contact lenses. A small tear or nick in soft lenses can cause irritation in your eyes. Discard worn or torn lenses, and follow the recommendations of the lens manufacturer and your eye doctor as to when to replace each set of lenses. • Your doctor may recommend a protein removal product if your lenses are prone to protein buildup. Eye drops can rewet the eyes if they are dry and irritated. Contact lens care requires commitment. Though contact lenses are convenient, they require more maintenance than traditional eyeglasses.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Area codes are 254 unless otherwise noted.
SHELTER Killeen ISD identified 1,565 students as homeless in 2014-2015 according to the McKinney-Vento Act definition of homelessness, Family Promise, an interfaith network, assists homeless children and their families with overnight lodging and meals. Also, a day building is needed. The mission is to help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence. In 1992, Family Promise was awarded one of 21 Points of Light, out of a field of more than 4,500 nominees, by President George H.W. and Barbara Bush. Call Dr. David Morgan at 6990529. E-mail GFHFamilyPromise@gmail.com. Habitat for Humanity builds and sells homes with zero interest for low-income families. Bell County Habitat for Humanity was created by combining Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity and the Temple - Belton Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer, donate, or help with lunches, call the Habitat office at 680-4007.
FOOD & CLOTHING
MEDICAL
KILLEEN
Greater Killeen Free Clinic, a United Way Agency, provides acute care for low-income, uninsured children and adults living in Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties. Clinic check-in: 9 a.m. Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Suite A, 718 N. 2nd St., Killeen.
Killeen Food Care Center Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Location: 210 N. 16th St. Call 554-3400. Food donations: Drop off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 710 E. Avenue E. Monetary donations: Make checks payable to Killeen Food Care Center and mail to: P.O. Box 1656, Killeen TX 76540. Operation Phantom Support -- Serves soldiers, veterans and their families. The Nancy Miller Food Pantry is open twice a week. Cost is $10 per month. Location: 315 E, Avenue C, Killeen. Call 233-1441. Operations Phantom Support -- Clothing, furniture and other household goods, no cost or discounted prices, at the Sgt. Leevon Ritter Support Your Troops Resale Center. Location: 317 E. Avenue C, Killeen. Call 233-1441. Salvation Army, monetary donations: Make checks payable to Salvation Army and mail to P.O. Box 4330, Killeen TX 76540. Call 634-7172.
The Greater Killeen Free Clinic’s annual UIL sports physical fundraiser is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at Charles Patterson Middle School. Cost is $25 (exact cash only). Students should wear gym shorts and flip flops or sandals. The fundrasier is in partnership with Killeen ISD coaches. Call the Free Clinic at 618-4211.
Free clothing, school uniforms and miscellaneous items available from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at East Lake Baptist Church, 3213 Lake Road, Killeen. Call 690-4400 or 699-8125.
HEALTH FAIRS
Refuge Corporation is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: 811-A Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Call 547-6753.
Free health fairs are being held at the following locations: KILLEEN Free health screenings for children and adults are from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Aug. 23, at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Based on financial need, free school immunizations are given on a first come, first serve basis. Shaved ice and healthy snacks are free for everyone with a bounce house for the children. Information provided about community and social services available in the area. Also on site, are the Killeen Fire Department fire truck and ambulance and Health E. Bear, the Metroplex Health System mascot. Location: 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive. E-mail or call Erin Spencer at erin.spencer@ahss. org or 519-8316. BELTON Back to School Health Fair is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 15, at the Bell County Expo Center. As time allows, back-to-school immunizations are free for uninsured and those on medicaid, ages 4 to 18, Family event features activities, vendors, food, raffles and give-aways. Location: 301 W. Loop 121. Call 939-2091.
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COPPERAS COVE
HARKER HEIGHTS Harker Heights Food Center is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at the Harker Heights First Baptist Church. Location: 100 W. Ruby. Call 953-4321. Monetary donations: Make checks payable to Harker Heights Food Care Center. Mail to P.O. Box 2238, Harker Heights TX 76548. E-mail ldawson@hhfoodcenter.org or cking@ hhfoodcenter.org. NOLANVILLE Open from 2 to 6 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays, 200 N. Main St. Call Food Pantry Director Mary Faye McDonald at 254-698-6820. Monetary donations: Make checks payable to Nolanville Food Pantry and mail to P.O. Box 8, Nolanville TX 76559.
•Diabetes, hypertension, asthma/COPD, heart disease and thyroid disease, call 618-4211 to schedule an appointment. •Lunch n’ Learn is from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 6. Topic is Easy, Peasy Food Preservation. “How to Make Jam” is presented by Jackie from Agrilife Extension. You’ll take jam some home. Door prize awarded. To reserve a space, call the Free Clinic at 618-4211 or e-mail mdilillo@ gkfclinic.org •Mammograms available for women age 40 and over who are low income and uninsured. Appointment, call 618-4211. •Well Women’s Clinic -- Women needing gynecological services outside of family planning. Appointment, call 618-4211 or e-mail clinic@gkfclinic.org. Mammograms provided by the partnership of Metroplex Hospital and the Greater Killeen Free Clinic. Gynecological testing funding provided by Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights and Metroplex Health System of Killeen. Call 618-4211, e-mail clinic@gkfclinic.org, website at www.gkfclinic.org/. Cove House Free Clinic, an outreach of the Cove House in Copperas Cove, is open every Tuesday. Patient check-in: 5 to 6 p.m. at 806 E. Avenue D. Call 547-4673 or e-mail clinic@covehouse.org.
VOLUNTEER Court Appointed Special Advocates work with abused and neglected children. Training is 30 hours and at least three hours of court observation. Volunteers usually work 10 to 15 hours per month and commit to working with the child throughout their experience in the court system about 12 to 18 months. Call 774-1881 or e-mail deal.bccasa@outlook.com. Drivers to transport cancer patients to and from treatments. Must have current driver’s license, insurance and inspection on vehicles. Volunteers receive brief training and are reimbursed for miles driven. E-mail Velma Perez with the American Cancer Society at velma.perez@cancer.org or call 512-919-1864. Drivers to transport veterans to medical appointments at the Temple Veterans Affairs hospital. Shuttle service is usually from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 743-0515 or 743-0740. Greater Killeen Free Clinic To help underwrite the cost of supplies for the Greater Killeen Free Clinic e-mail clinic@
AUGUST 2015
gkfclinic.org or 618-4211. Location: 718 N. 2nd St., Suite, A. Hope Pregnancy Center -- Killeen call 519-3343 or 554-6822. Copperas Cove call 518-4673. Hospice -- Volunteers are needed to support patients and their families. Support can be companionship to the patient and respite for the caregiver that includes visits, writing letters, reading to patients, light housekeeping, running errands, or preparing a favorite meal or dessert for the patient or family. Volunteer opportunities in surrounding areas and Gatesville do not require travel to the Killeen office. Call Hospice Compassus Volunteer at 254-539-1055 and ask for Catherine Hausenfluke. Hospice -- New Century Hospice is seeking volunteers to train or experienced professionals for part-time and full-time opportunities with flexible hours available. Positions include bereavement, clerical, crafts, and direct patient care. Location: 451 E. Central Texas Expressway, Suite C, Killeen. Call Kim Kirschner at 680-5500. Hospice -- Texas Home Health is seeking volunteers for one to two hours per week providing companionship and support to patients and their families in the local area. Call 756-0404. Nursing homes seeking caring individuals to make weekly or bi-monthly visit to Killeen nursing facility residents. About 60 percents of residents do not receive visits from anyone. Training is flexible and supervision will be provided. Visits are scheduled according to what is most convenient for volunteers. Contact: Margaret Matthews, Area Agency on Aging, at margaret.matthews@ctcog.org or 800-447-7169 or 770-2345. Organ donor registry makes it easier for Texans to register as organ, tissue and eye donors. The Glenda Dawson Donate Life -- Texas Registry has information about organ donation and instructions for registering online. Takes less than five minutes to register and information is protected. Only authorized organ procurement organizations and tissue and eye banks can access registrant inforamtion. www. DonateLife.Texas.org. Sickle Cell Anemia is seeking volunteers. Location: 402 N. 8th St., room 108, downtown Killeen. Call Ruby Graham at 634-7600. Volunteer Fire Department in Killeen is accepting applications. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residence (for at least the past 90 days) must be within one mile of the city of Killeen’s Fire District. Military personnel living on Fort Hood are exempt from the one-mile residency requirement. Active duty military must have a letter from their commander on official letterhead giving the soldier permission to join the Killeen Volunteer Fire Department. Applications available at Central Fire Station, 201 N. 28 St., Killeen or call D.C. Brank at 501-7671.
AUGUST 2015
CHILDREN Variety´s Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children All children with and without special needs (ages 6-12) are invited to two-day camp from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11. This is the only camp offered to the public. Cost is $80 per child. The camp accommodates children for varying abilities and needs. Activities include: nature discovery, archery, 40-foot vertical climbing wall, 125-foot zip line, outdoor pool, inflatable slip-n-slide, foam bubble machine, movie theater, arcade, miniature golf, games, and culinary and craft projects. Campers bring their own lunch, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat and towel. Drinks and snacks provided. Advanced registration and full payment are required before reservations can be made. Reservations are first-come, first-serve. Application: www.varietytexas.org. Location: 19051 Farm-to-Market Road 2484, Killeen. Call 554-5555. Special Olympics All parents of a special needs child and volunteers are invited to meetings held by the Killeen -- Copperas Cove -- Hood Phantoms. Athletes and volunteers are needed. Information provided on activities. Location: 902 Condor St., Killeen. For times and dates of meetings, call Joann Courtland at 681-8522. Anti-Victimization in Schools. Contact Joey W. Ellis, Aware Central Texas, 9397582, 939-1696, e-mail jellis4067@yahoo.com or go to the website at www.awarecentraltexas. org/. Current or former foster children, 16 to 25, have access to the following services: Computer, employment and job readiness services, GED training, laundry facility, life skills training, mail service, mentoring, shower facility, transitional house assistance, transportation assistance, tutoring, and connection to other local services. Project F.U.T.U.R.E. is a collaboration of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, Texas Workforce Commission, and Central Texas Youth Services. Call 634-0117. 24-hour crisis hotline: 800-421-8336.
PARENTS Adult Anger Management, Juvenile Anger Management, Stress Management, Survivors of Child Abuse, Survivors of Abuse Women’s Support Group classes and workshops are $20 cash per person, per class. Bring exact amount to each class. •For active duty military, retirees, veterans, their spouses and dependents, Aware has secured a new grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to pay for classes for these individuals up to $5,000 of accumulated class fees.
•Waivers of fees for classes are available for individuals on a case-by-case basis. Classes are held in Killeen, Copperas Cove, Lampasas, Gatesville, Belton, Temple, Marble Falls, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Contact Joey W. Ellis, education director, Aware Central Texas, 939-7582, 939-1696, e-mail jellis4067@yahoo.com or go to the website at www.awarecentraltexas.org Adult education presentations: Parenting Sessions 1, 2, 3 or 4 – Juvenile Anger Management Parenting and Juvenile Anger Management. Mood Management Classes / Stress Management Classes. Cognitive Awareness and Resource Empowerment. Cognitive Awareness and Prevention Program. VOICE Educational and Therapeutic Domestic Violence Support Groups. Education for Hope Survivors of Child Abuse Workshops and Support Groups. Aware Central Texas Volunteer Training Session 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. Call Michelle Romero at 554-3494 ext 104. Hope Pregnancy Center offers free services such as pregnancy tests, limited OB ultrasound, operations information, referrals, maternity clothes and baby items. Call 519-3343 or 554-6822 (Killeen), or 518-4673 (Copperas Cove).
MENTAL HEALTH “What To Do For Mental Health Crisis,” is for businesses, organizations and churches. The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid is available through Bring Everyone In The Zone, Inc. Call Dr. Alvin Dillard at 338-8777 or Maureen Jouett at 681-9112. MENTAL HEALTH National Alliance for Mental Illness, NAMI, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization which advocates for access to services, treatment, support and research. NAMI meetings (open to the public) start at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Temple VA Medical Center. Use the entrance on the Valet parking side of the hospital. Take the elevator to the 5th floor Conference Room 5G31. Call David Chastang at 771-3638.
VETERANS A free “Veterans Benefits and Health Care” seminar from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 15. VA claims will be taken and valuable personal assistance about your benefits and VA healthcare will be given by: VFW benefits counselor, representatives from the Waco VA Regional Office and the Killeen Heights Vet Center and other organizations that serve veterans. Bring a copy VA correspondence, documentation or both. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. Requested donation is $7.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
C O N T I N U E D (Continued from page 21) Location: 3307 Zephyr Road, Killeen. Call the Post at 690-7575 or Bill Wright at 338-3944. Drivers needed to transport veterans to medical appointments at the Temple Veterans Affairs hospital. Shuttle service is usually provided from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 743-0515 or 743-0740. Assistance filing VA claims provided for veterans, widows, widowers, orphans provided by certified service officers: KILLEEN •DAV Chapter 147 Wednesdays: Noon to 2 p.m. Location: 702 E. Avenue E. Call Bill Wright at 338-3944. •VFW Post 9191 Fridays: 4 to 6 p.m. Location: 3307 Zephyr Road. Call Bill Wright at 338-3944. •VFW Post 9192 Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon. Location; 301 Wolf St. Call Rocky Hernandez at 526-2767. FORT HOOD •Jewish War Veterans of the U.S., Fort Hood Post 795, meets at 10 a.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Spiritual Fitness Center. You do not have to be Jewish to join. Location: Battlaion Avenue and 33rd Street, Fort Hood. E-mail Edith Freyer at befrey@hot.rr.com.
Location: 607-B E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. Call 699-6655.
post-traumatic stress and physical disability. Email mail@bringeveryoneinthezone.org.
CENTRAL TEXAS STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
SUPPORT GROUPS
Pre-register for burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Bring copy of DD Form 214 and if married, bring spouse’s identification card or marriage license. Copies will be made for the record file at the cemetery. Active-duty military personnel bring letter signed by commander on letterhead paper stating they are active duty. Administration building is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Location: 11463 State Highway 195, south of Killeen. Call 616-1770. Veterans with PTSD, their caregivers and spouses support group is from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Meetings are for anyone who has been diagnosed with PTSD or wonders if they may have it. Veterans, their caregivers and spouses support group begins Feb. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. Meeting is for anyone who has survived any kind of traumatic event. Chaplain Stephanie Handy with the Darnall Army Medical Center, Department of Ministry, leads both support groups for men and women. Call 288-8849 or 288-8850. Retired Chaplain William “Bill” Shelnutt hosts “Who Is Your Soldier or Veteran Today?” from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Caregivers for Christ meets at the Spritual Fitness Center Chapel on Fort Hood. Meeting is open to caregivers and spouses (female or male) of active duty soldiers or veterans from any conflict.
•VFW Post 8577 Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: 1506 Veterans Avenue. Call Craig Lacy at 542-2748. Emergency only: call 290-8320.
Bring Everyone in the Zone -- Peer to Peer Support Group for veterans, active duty, guard, reserves and their families. Motto is “You Talk, We Listen.” Talking is your choice. Peer to Peer workshops are held at the following locations: •KILLEEN Bell County Human Services Help Center, 201 E. Avenue D, downtown Killeen. Thursdays: 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays (females only): 6 to 7 p.m. Call 254-681-9112. •FORT HOOD Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care, lower level, across from cafeteria. Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m. Call 254-288-8849 or 254-288-8850. •COPPERAS COVE VFW Post 8577, 1506 Veterans Avenue. Wednesdays: 8 to 9 p.m. Call 542-2748. •LAMPASAS Lampasas County Courthouse , 3rd floor, 501 E. 4th St. Tuesdays: noon to 1 p.m. Call 254-423-0399.
HARKER HEIGHTS •DAV Chapter 29 Tuesdays and Saturdays: 8 a.m. to noon.
Operation Family Caregiver program helps families of returning service members coping with health issues like traumatic brain injury,
COPPERAS COVE •Star Group - Veterans Helping Veterans •Hours of Operation: Tuesdays through Fridays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and federal holidays. •Services offered: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Referrals for assistance, benefits information, activities and games. Wednesdays and Fridays: Certified veteran’s service officer assists with claims disability claims and free notary. Location: 202 S. 4th St., Copperas Cove. E-mail Jonathan Haywood at haywood. veteranshelpingveterans@yahoo.com.
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COPPERAS COVE Celebrate Recovery, a Christ centered recovery program, meets from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Hillside Ministries. Nursery provided. Location: 2602 S. Farm-to-Market Road 116, Copperas Cove. Call Don Chennault at 317-8184. Celebrate Recovery, a Chris centered recovery program, meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church in Copperas Cove. Child care and meal are provided. Call Dave McKee at 458-3109. BELTON Celebrate Recovery Step Study for men in the Central Texas area is held at First Baptist Church Belton. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ centered 12-step ministry. Call 931-2021. KILLEEN Al-Anon group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at 2301 Clear Creek Road, intersection of Clear Creek Road and Bell Tower Drive in Medical Plaza Building, Killeen. Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowship for anyone who is troubled by someone else’s drinking. Call 833-4603 or 291-2293. HARKER HEIGHTS Al-Anon and Alateen meet at Trinity Baptist Church. Al-Anon is an anonymous fellowship for anyone who is troubled by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon discussion is from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. Al-Anon book study is from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Location: 403 E. 2410 Knights Way, Harker Heights. E-mail lenavwoods@gmail.com SALADO Al-Anon meeting, Let It Begin With Me, is from 6 to 7 p.m. Sundays at Salado United Methodist Church. Location: 650 Royal St., Salado. Call 833-4603. •Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets from 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays. •Asperger’s and Autism Caregivers Support Group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Both support groups meet at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Community Life Counseling Center. Clients see master’s-level graduate students in counseling sessions that are supervised by fully licensed and Texas board-approved supervisors. Cost to attend is $2 a meeting and the funds provide participants with snacks. Location: 717 College St., Belton. Call 295-5531. Breastfeeding Support Group La Leche League meeting is at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Location: Lovett Ledger conference room, Metroplex Hospital. Call Jenny Cresswell, 371-0412; Charlotte Durr, 213-1179; Elaine Clyatt, 719-393-2638; or Melissa Fredrick, 910-818-7753. Cancer Support Group meetings are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
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Location: Metroplex Medical Plaza, 2301 S. Clear Creek (corner of Bell Tower and Clear Creek), room 122. Call Judy Steine at 702-5449. Challenged Citizens -- Copperas Cove Association for Challenged Citizens, Inc., meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at American Legion Post 582, 910 Industrial Blvd., Copperas Cove. Call Sonja Kinsey at 702-7474, Barbara Burt at 542-6880 or Donna Torrez at 547-7692. Depression and bipolar disorder support group for seniors meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Lions Club Park Senior Center. The group meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the first Tuesday at the Bob Gilmore Senior Center. The group will not meet Aug. 4. A trained facilitator leads the groups for people 55 and older and their spouses or caretakers. Meetings are free. Educational material available. Call Larry Egly at 254-630-9141. English and Citizenship classes for adults are from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the recreation hall, 2903 E. Rancier Avenue in Killeen. Call 699-2568. Grief Support Group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Scott & White Clinic in Killeen. Call Terry Jackson at 724-4090. Lupus Support Group meetings are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Metroplex Medical Plaza, room 122. Contact: killeenarealupusgroup@gmail.com, Facebook or the Lupus Foundation of America, North Texas Chapter at 866-205-2369.
speakers. Call 768-2049 or 285-7984. Narcotics Anonymous -- Another Chance Group meets from noon to 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday. Location: 502-B N. 38th St. in Killeen. Overeaters Anonymous meeting -- Copperas Cove First Baptist Church from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays at 300 W. Avenue B. Call 690-2943. Panic Relief, Inc., “IDEAL,” is a program designed to help manage fear, experience high selfesteem. Let go of anger and live life to the fullest. Website: wwwpanicreliefinc.com. Call Judy Schiffman at 732-940-9658. Prevail Women’s Support Group for pregnancy loss and infertility meets at 7 p.m. the third Friday of each month at Crestview Christian Church. The group offers free and confidential peerled support discussions and Bible study from women who have suffered from pregnancy loss and infertility, Location: 2608 Farm-to-Market Road 116 S., Copperas Cove. Call 547-4013. Take Off Pounds Sensibly -- Chapter 1004 meets Thursdays at the Special Olympics building in Killeen. Weigh-in is from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Meeting is from 6:15 to 7 p.m.
Location: 902 Conder St. Call Betsy Eads at 690-6298 or Kerry Campbell at 634-6531, Take Off Pounds Sensibly -- Chapter 429 meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Copperas Cove Christian Church. Call Patsy Mixon at 518-3149. Walking -- The Greater Killeen Free Clinic has begun The Walk Club, an organized walk, which starts at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail adjacent to the dog park on W.S. Young Drive. Water and snack provided. Prizes awarded. All fitness levels are welcome. E-mail Marlene DiLillo at the Free Clinic at mdilillo@gkfclinic.org or call 618-4211.
HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS ProMed Career Institute classes include: clinical medical assistant, phlebotomy technician and administrative assistant. The institute is a member of the Career Colleges and Schools of Texas and the Texas Workforce Commission Certificate of Approval and serves as a national testing center for the National Healthcareer Association and the National Center of Competency Testing. Location: Suite 250, 701 W. Elms Road, Killeen. Call Ronald Sears, school director, 200-7277. E-mail health briefs to teresat@kdhnews.com.
Metroplex PVAMU Alumni Chapter meets once a month at 1605 N. Main St., Belton. Call Charlotte Jefferson-Huggins at 220-5435. Multiple Sclerosis -- Bell County Support Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Killeen Community Center. Bring ideas to share with the new peer led self help group. Location: 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. Contact Dee Dee Martinez at deedeemartinez@ gmail.com or 768-2049. Multiple Sclerosis -- Heart of Texas Support Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Robertson Avenue Baptist Church. Dinner is provided. Program is adapted to people with MS and their families. Location: 305 Robertson Avenue, (across the parking lot from Walgreens), Copperas Cove. Multiple Sclerosis -- Cen-Tex Self Help Group meets the first Thursday of each month, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Metroplex Medical Plaza, room 122, 2301 S. Clear Creek Road, Killeen. The group offers opportunities to make new friends and share experiences of life in a private setting to share common concerns, give and receive emotional support and receive MSrelated information from peers and guest
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