Health

February 22, 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

New dietary guidelines | Page 10

Repair or replace?

An update on ankle surgery | Page 6

Donald Reber, left, had his right ankle joint replaced two years ago

by Dr. Nirain D’Souza at Midwest Orthopaedic Center in Peoria, Ill. photo by JENNIFER DAVIS/GHNS

Wellness 2-6 • CaLENDAR 7-9 • NUTRITION 10

Page 2 Tuesday, February 22, 2011

wellness

Stroke victims are trending younger Let’s face it. What you don’t know can kill you. Since 1963 The American Heart Association has celebrated American Heart Month in February, by promoting news about cardiovascular disease that continues to rise among our population each year. This includes stroke.

Studies looking into the third leading cause of death and top cause of disability in the United States point to a dramatic uptake in strokes among young and middle-aged Americans, while dropping in older ones. This is a strong indication that the obesity epidemic may be starting to reshape the demographics of the disease.

The sharpest increase – 51 percent – was among men 15 through 34. Strokes rose among women in this age group, too, but at 17 percent, not as fast. For males 15 to 34, there were about 15 stroke cases per 10,000, and for girls and women in that age group there were about 4 per 10,000.

The president of the American Heart Association calls the news “alarming.” What has worried the medical profession about obesity in children and young adults and its potential toll in cardiovascular disease and stroke appears to be happening. Many young adults showing signs of stroke are sometimes misdiagnosed in hospital emergency rooms, preventing them from receiving early effective treatment that can prevent serious damage.

According to a team of Wayne State University School of Medicine neurologists, performing magnetic resonance imaging sooner on younger stroke patients entering emergency rooms can lower the rate of misdiagnosis and lead to faster and more appropriate treatment.

People who have memory problems or other declines in their mental abilities may be at higher risk for stroke, according to a recently released study that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 63rd Annu-

Dr. Michael Liston

Michael Liston, MD, FACC, Carondelet Heart Institute at St. Mary’s Medical Center al Meeting in April. And while it is known that rates of cardiovascular problems run higher in black and Hispanic populations, the academy now believes native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders may also be at higher risk for stroke at a younger age and more likely to have diabetes compared to other ethnicities.

Strokes trended down for older folks.

Occurrences dropped 25 percent among men 65 and older (from 404 to 303 per 10,000 hospitalizations), and 28 percent among women in this age group (from 379 to 274). Doctors are inclined to believe better prevention and treatment of risk factors such as high blood pressure in older people contributed to the decline.

That said, stroke still takes its highest toll on older people. The latest data show for those over 65, there were nearly 300 stroke cases among 10,000 hospitalizations. Having a blood pressure higher than 140/90 is still the single highest risk factor for stroke so ignorance is not bliss.

It’s more important than ever to know what your blood pressure is and if it’s too high, take steps to lower it. Talk with your doctor about what you can do.

number to know

40 stock.xchng

More than 40 percent of American kids skip breakfast.

— Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Page 3

wellness

healthSHORTS New guidelines established for vital records requests The Missouri State Health Department has adopted new guidelines for obtaining copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records to help protect Missourians from identity theft.

Beginning March 1, identification will be required when requesting vital records from the state health department in Jefferson City and local health departments throughout Missouri.

To obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate, and marriage and divorce statements, you’ll now need to present a document containing a photo, such as a driver’s license, passport or school, work or military identification. If an applicant does not have a photo ID, at least two alternate forms of identification must be presented.

The documents must include the applicant’s name and the name of the company or organization issuing the document.

Requests for vital records submitted by mail must be notarized by a notary public.

An application form is available on the state health department’s website or a written request containing the required information must be notarized before it is mailed to the health department.

The fees for vital records are $15 for a birth, marriage or divorce record, and a death record is $13 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.

In addition, birth and death certificates may be obtained at most local health departments in Missouri. Copies of marriage licenses are available from the recorder of deeds in the county where the license was obtained, and copies of divorce decrees are available from

Food service inspections l Jackson County The Jackson County Public Works/Environmental Health Division conducts inspections anywhere food is handled, prepared and served to the public for cities other than Independence.

the circuit clerk in the county where the decree was granted.

For more information, visit www.dhss. mo.gov/data/vitalrecords/index.php.

Blue Springs

New comedy video aims to explain health reform

Grain Valley

Trying to understand health care reform has left a lot of folks scratching their heads. In response, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City invited some stand-up comics to put their heads together to help sort it all out.

The result is a two-minute comedy video all about health care reform, “Health Care Reform Makes Me Smile!”

“The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, and parts of it have already taken effect,” said Steve Roling, Health Care Foundaton president and CEO. “More provisions take effect soon, and the Health Care Foundation wants to help employers and consumers understand how the law affects them so they can make good choices.”

Research indicated that most people don’t understand what health care reform will and will not cover. The Health Care Foundation has established a plain-language website, www.

ReformReality.org, to explain the law in simple terms.

“Some funny people embraced what we are trying to do,” Roling said. “They gave us an offbeat way to call attention to this important national issue.” The four comedians that participated are Marc Maron, Leslie Jones, Al Madrigal and Asif Ali. The comedy video is available at www.ReformReality.org.

– Jillaynr Ritchie

n Valley View High School, 5000 N.W. Valley View Road – On Feb. 10, inspectors found no hot running water available at the three compartment sinks, prep sinks or hand washing sinks.

n Gambino’s Pizza, 1430 W. AA Highway – On Feb. 8, open employee beverages were observed on a prep table in the kitchen, corrected.

Lee’s Summit n El Maguey, 547 Melody Lane – On Feb. 7, inspectors found the rice in the steam table at 107 degrees. It had been there for 1 1/2 hours, so the establishment was allowed to reheat the rice to 165 degrees and serve it. Numerous fruit flies were observed on the bags of onions and on the trash can next to the three-compartment sink, and a few fruit flies were observed throughout the kitchen. n Jumpin Catfish, 834 S.W. Blue Parkway – On Feb. 8, containers of soap were observed above boxes of gloves, foil and wax paper in the dry storage room, corrected. n Habanero’s, 1008 S.E. Blue Parkway – On Feb. 10, inspectors observed the final rinse of the bar dish washing machine was not producing any detectable sanitizer. A repair man was on site and replaced the sanitizer and then the final rinse tested at 100 ppm chlorine. n Jimmy Johns, 426 S.E. Missouri 291 – On Feb. 11, two chemical spray bottles were not labeled, corrected.

– Jillayne Ritchie

All the latest hearing aids with expert fitting and advice by experienced licensed audiologists Providing comprehensive, compassionate and superior hearing care!

We can help you hear your best.

Charles E. Hare, M.S., CCC/A Roberta Beile, M.A., CCC/A Tawna Noftzger, Receptionist

www.JacksonCountyAudiology.com

816-373-7900

The ScoTTSdale cenTer

17020 e. 40 hwy., SuiTe 9 independence, Mo 64055

Page 4 Tuesday, February 22, 2011

cover

Repair or replace?

Ankle replacement surgery improves over time

By Jennifer Davis | GateHouse News Service aced with agonizing pain and barely able to walk, Donald Reber of East Peoria, Ill., took the step several years ago of undergoing an ankle fusion. The worn-out part of his left ankle joint was removed and the bones were permanently “fused” with screws and metal plates. The pain was gone, but so was his flexibility. Still, life resumed — briefly.

“I don’t remember the pains beginning in the right ankle, but it reached the point where I couldn’t walk,” says Reber, 71. Luckily for Reber, ankle replacement was now an option.

F

Not the same as the original

Then and now Ankle replacement surgery has been around since the 1960s, but the early operations were plagued with failures.

“One of the reasons the original ankle replacements failed is we put them in with cement, medical cement,” says Dr. Nirain D’Souza, orthopedic surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedic Center in Illinois. “We’ve done that kind of surgery on knees and hips for many years, and it’s very successful. Not so successful in ankle joints.”

Today’s implants, however, not only require less bone removal, but they stimulate the bones to grow around and into the implant.

“What most people don’t realize is that bone is a living organ, just like your brain and your heart and your liver. And it’s got cells inside of it, and those cells do magical things like heal fractures or stick themselves to a metallic implant. … It basically functions like living cement.”

Ten years ago, D’Souza says, the orthopedic community “really wasn’t there in terms of our knowledge and skill with these surgeries. That has definitely changed.”

Instead of one implant that came in “small, medium or large,” there are now four models approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

D’Souza believes the need for ankle replacements will continue to grow with our aging population.

“Just like with any joint, it wears out as you get older. And our baby boomers are coming into that age.”

Since 2005, D’Souza has performed 48 ankle replacements and had no failures.

“Just like with any artificial implant, it’s artificial,” D’Souza says.

“The best joint you are ever going to have in your life is the one you were born with. Everything we are doing is second fiddle to what the good Lord gave you. And there will be failures. It’s one of the things you talk about with patients. People have to be aware of that before going ahead with the procedure.”

Still, if something does fail, D’Souza says there are options.

“If the plastic is the portion that has failed, we can replace the plastic. If there’s massive loss of bone because, as they get loose, they can wear away the bone, one option is to do a custom ankle replacement. The final option, which is what most people end up having, is a conversion from a replacement to a fusion.”

Reber wishes he could have had an ankle replacement for both, instead of an ankle fusion, but he is not prepared to switch out his fusion for an ankle replacement, even though he could.

“Obviously, the replacement is best because it offers more mobility,” Reber says.

But unless something goes wrong, he’s happy with the way things are.

“Not everybody is going to get (an ankle) replacement, (but) I’m hoping there will be more people who will at least be evaluated to see if they are a candidate,” says D’Souza.

relax…and enjoy reading your paper

Health watch Senior health

Motivation key to knee recovery Personal motivation may be the biggest factor in determining the length of time it takes for a patient to return to work after a total knee replacement, according to new research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

“Although the physical demands of a patient’s job certainly have some influence on their ability to return to work following a primary total knee replacement, the patient’s characteristics, particularly motivation, play a more important role,” said study author Joseph F. Styron, Ph.D., of Case Western Reserve University.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, arthritis is the leading cause of disability among working-age Americans, and total knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty, is commonly used to help treat advanced forms of arthritis of the knee.

— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

kids’ health

Gaming addictions have health risk Pathological gaming, or video game addiction, has been associated with health problems in youth, according to a new study that looked at more than 3,000 children in elementary and secondary school in Singapore.

The prevalence of pathological gaming was similar to other countries — about 9 percent of young gamers.

Children and teens who played more video games and who had lower social competence and greater impulsiveness were at higher risk of becoming pathological gamers.

The authors identified depression, anxiety, social phobias and lower school performance as likely outcomes of problem gaming. Those who stopped being pathological gamers ended up with lower levels of these same symptoms, but still higher levels than the control group of children who never became pathological gamers.

— American Academy of Pediatrics

Page 6 Tuesday, February 22, 2011

wellness

Tuskegee Institute’s infamous syphillis study No patients here, only poor, black subjects In 1932 US Public Health Service scientists and physicians embarked on a clinical research project with Tuskegee Institute in Alabama to study syphilis. This project became known as the 'Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male.”

Ostensibly to advance the health of the 'negro male', the study is recognized as one of the most vile and indefensible acts ever perpetrated by the U.S. Government on its citizens.

The Tuskegee Study, what do you know?

T or F 1. The study lasted 10 years.

2. Participants were treated and cured of syphilis.

3. Participants were paid $10 to sign up for the study.

In research there are no patients or clients.

Rather, participants are called “subjects.” In 1932 there were few rules or ethical guidelines for the recruitment and treatment of research subjects.

The 600 black men who were the initial subjects were not truthfully informed about the potential risks to their health. They were merely told they were being treated for “bad blood” a common term used to describe a variety of illnesses from anemia to syphilis.

Three hundred ninety-nine of the initial 600 subjects had syphilis, but there were no plans for treatment. Instead the study focused on the progression of their illness.

In 1936 the decision was made to follow the men until death. In 1947 when penicillin became the treatment of choice for syphilis these men were not informed of, nor offered, this treatment. Predictably, their health declined. For their part the subjects received regular examinations, some free food and burial insurance. They would need it.

The study was initially planned to last six months but lasted more than 40 years. In July 1972, the Associated Press reported on the Tuskegee Study, causing a firestorm of criticism and the ending of the study. A Congressional advisory panel called the Tuskegee Study, “ethically unjustified.”

Protocols and procedures were completely overhauled to ensure that clinical research subjects were protected through an informed consent process.

Lori Boyajian O'Neill Sports and wellness Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at lori.boyajian-oneill@hcahealthcare.com.

In the wake of public outcry and lawsuits, the Tuskegee Health Benefit Program was set up to provide lifetime medical benefits and burial services to all living participants their wives, widows and children. In January 2004 the last subject, no, excuse me, husband, father, brother, man, died. In January 2009, the last widow receiving such benefits died. Currently there are about a dozen sons and daughters receiving medical and health benefits.

The Tuskegee Study profoundly influenced how legitimate clinical research is conducted.

In the Kansas City area private and public research institutions advertise their studies to recruit subjects. Those interested in participating will be presented with very specific information about the study, including potential risks and benefits. Participants must provide informed consent indicating they understand the research, that they have not been coerced to participate and that they understand they can leave the research study at any time.

These safeguards are a direct consequence of Tuskegee.

February is Black history month, a time to reflect and celebrate. Of Tuskegee, there is still much upon which to reflect and no aspects to celebrate. For the many area citizens who help advance our medical knowledge and serve the public good through their participation in clinical research programs, the legacy of those “Negro males” is that of protection and preservation of dignity through the informed consent process.

We honor these men this month and always.

Answers: 1. F 2. F 3. F

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Page 7

health

healthCALENDAR Items for the Health Calendar may be emailed to jill.ritchie@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051, attention Jill Ritchie. The following items are for Feb. 23 through March 1, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlights Blue Springs FREE HYPNOSIS SEMINAR – Weight Loss Management from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, A Healthy Change Hypnotherapy, 1133 W. Main St., Suite 203. To register, call Mike at 816-560-6903.

STRETCH-N-GROW – for ages 2 to 5, 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, March 2 through April 6, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $38. Call 816-228-0137 to register.

Independence DIABETES STORE TOUR, 10 to 11 a.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Noland Road Hy-Vee customer service desk. Tour the aisles and learn which foods you should choose to help control your blood sugar. No registration required. For information, call 816-510-5694.

DIABETES STORE TOUR, 10 to 11 a.m.

Thursday, 23rd Street Hy-Vee customer service desk. Tour the aisles and learn about healthy eating, carbohydrate counting, portion size and label reading. No registration required. For information, call 816-500-6778.

Kansas City MISSOURI LEAGUE FOR NURSING INC. workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Truman Medical Center-Lakewood. Topic: Employment law issues in health care management. Cost, $125 for members; $160 for non-members, and an addition $15 if registering on-site. To register, call 573-635-5355 or visit www. mlnmonursing.org.

Addiction groups Independence Straight Talk, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, First Baptist Church. Narcotics Anonymous Help Line: 531-2250.

Living Free – Al Anon meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 1723 Appleton Ave. 461-0039.

Blue Springs ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, meetings available daily, most sessions are closed, and there are beginner meetings also, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s aDiner). There is a total of 29 meetings per week. For times, call 228-7921.

CHAPEL HILL AL-ANON, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m. Saturday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

BLUE SPRINGS ALATEEN, 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

Raytown NEW DAY AL-ANON, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church. 353-5446.

Bereavement groups Blue Springs Widowed Persons support group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex A. 224-0677 or 229-8093.

Independents Singles Ministry grief support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, First United Methodist Church. 228-3788.

Adult Bereavement support group, sponsored by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. several times throughout the year, Vesper Hall. To register, 655-5490.

Grief support group for children, 7 p.m.

Thursday, St. Mary’s Home Care Services office.

Other Infant loss group, sponsored by Carondelet Health. 655-5582.

Fitness Independence Gentle Tai Chi for those 50 and older, 6 p.m. Monday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

LOW IMPACT EXERCISE, 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center.

254-8334.

Wake Up Workout, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

Walk to the Beat, 8 a.m., Monday-Friday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

PEPPI exercise classes, 10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. To register, 325-6200.

PEPPI exercise classes, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center.

To register, 254-8334.

PAVEMENT POUNDERS 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.

Tuesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

SITTIN’ FIT chair exercises class, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-

Yourtake 6200.

STRETCH AND TONE, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Cost, $1. 325-6200.

ZUMBA GOLD, dynamic workout to Latin and international rhythms, 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday, Palmer Center. Cost, $2. 325-6200.

TAI CHI by the Three Dragons Way, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $35 for a four-week session; $40 for a 5-week session.

325-7370.

WALK TO THE BEAT, 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

Blue Springs Swimnastics, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Therapeutic swim, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex.

Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Crosstrainer aerobics, 9 to 10 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per class. 228-0181.

Prenatal and postnatal exercise classes, 9:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 300 N.W. Mock Ave. 655-5400.

Weight room for ages 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $10 per month; $2 per visit; $96 for a year. 228-0181.

What is your favorite stress-relieving activity?

Katia Milazzo, 14 Independence “Stretching and just exercising. It helps you calm down the stress.”

MORE ON PAGE 9

Joan Rockers Independence “Dancing at the Palmer Center and at the Fairmount Community Center. We have fun, and it’s a way to make new friends.”

Linda Harris Independence “Just working with bread dough. It lowers the stress level by all means, and it’s good socialization. You take it all out on the bread.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

Rehab that’s worth the drive.

When it comes to rehabilitation, no one works harder to help you meet your goals than Health South Mid America Rehabilitation Hospital.

With the latest therapeutic technology and advanced rehabilitation nursing care, we’re moving you toward your goals…FASTER!

I-435 and Nall Avenue Overland Park MidAmericaRehabHospital.com

health

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Page 9

healthCALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Yoga — For beginners and beyond, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per class. 228-0181.

YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $8 per visit, $48 for six classes.

228-0181.

Tai Chi, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall.

Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

Stretching exercise, 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1.50. 2280181.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE PROGRAM for older adults, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Wednesday and Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1 per session. 228-0181. weight room orientation, 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Vesper Hall. Free. 228-0181.

Stretch AND TONE, 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

AQUA-AEROBICS, noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 2280137.

Raytown Tai Chi, 11 a.m. Thursday, Elliott Place Retirement Community. Free. 313-6800.

Kansas City WALK AND TALK, 7 to 10 a.m. MondayFriday, Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd. 358-1919.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Truman Medical Center-Lakewood. 373-4415, Ext. 1175.

Prenatal/Infant/Child programs Independence WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue Springs WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 220-1007.

Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit Tough Love support group, for families dealing with

unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

Moms & Moms-to-be prenatal and postnatal class, 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Family YMCA. 224-9620.

Kansas City WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-9740 or 923-5800.

Women’s Issues Independence Women’s Empowerment Groups, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), 6:30 to 8:30 Monday. For locations, call Karen Costa, 252-8388, Ext. 16.

Other Hope House Inc. weekly support groups, open to any female who has been or is now involved in an abusive relationship. For times and location, call the hotline at 461-4673.

Miscellaneous Independence HEALTH AWARENESS PRESENTATION, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Palmer Center. Presenter, Susan Laitner, RN, Independence Health Department.

Free. 325-6200.

MATERNITY UNIT TOURS, Centerpoint Medical Center. Call 751-3000 for dates and to register.

VISITING NURSE, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. They will check blood pressure, glucose levels and answer general health questions for seniors. 254-8334.

Food handler/manager permit training classes, food handler classes, 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays at Truman Memorial Building, 1 and 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Independence Health Department; manager class, 1 p.m. Monday. There is a fee. To register, 325-7803.

Blue Springs EYE GLASSES ADJUSTMENTS, sponsored by Blue Springs Optical, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall.

Break Time Club, sponsored by Shepherd Center of Blue Springs, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Timothy Lutheran Church. For older adults with some physical and/or mental limitations. A donation of $10 to the cost of the program is suggested. 228-5300.

Free legal advice for seniors, 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Vesper Hall. Legal advice provided

by Cochran, Oswald & Roam, LLC. To set up an appointment, 228-0181.

Support groups Independence Domestic violence group for men, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Family Conservancy of Eastern Jackson County. 373-7577.

Caring Communities Kinship, 7 p.m.

Monday, Cler-Mont Community School. LiLi Moe, 796-6041.

GRAY MATTER: Traumatic Brain Injury support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Comprehensive Mental Health, Independence. Call Dawn Tish, 254-3652, Ext. 746.

Parkinson’s Recovery information group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, The Salvation Army Center.

VOID (Victims Of Impaired Drivers), 6 to 7 p.m. business meeting; 7 to 9 p.m. support meeting, second Friday, Walnut Gardens Community of Christ, 19201 R.D. Mize Road. Call 816-536-2853.

Caring Communities Divorce and Step Family, 6:30 p.m. once a month, days vary, Blue Hills Elementary School. 796-6290.

Blue Springs Overcomer’s Outreach 12-step, 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Blue Springs Assembly. 229-3298.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF-HELP GROUP, 6:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex B building. Call Dixie Bozarth, 229-2851.

St. Mary’s Medical Center Stroke, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Ponderosa. Call Debbi Riess Roam, 655-5687.

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room

Foot and Ankle Surgery Specialty

City wins grant to fight obesity, tobacco use The Independence City Health Department is one of seven nonprofits in Missouri selected by the Missouri Foundation for Health to receive matching grant funds through the Social Innovation Fund, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors selected the seven organizations as part of the its Social Innovation for Missouri grant program, developed in response to the Social Innovation Fund award.

These one-year awards will be eligible for

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00

Raymond Rizzi, D.P.M.

INDEPENDENCE

By The Examiner staff

100. Call 229-8108.

Eastern Jackson County Lupus, 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Call Maureen Flanagan at 350-0913.

BreathEasy, Respiratory Disease, 7 p.m. Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. 2285900.

PARENTS OF NICU BABIES, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, St. Mary’s Birthing Center. Moms delivering at other facilities are welcome. 6555574, option 5.

Breastfeeding, offered by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 10 a.m. Thursday, 206 Mock Ave., Suite 101. 655-5574.

CHRISTIAN 12-STEP RECOVERY PROGRAM, 7 p.m. Friday, Blue Springs Christian Church. Call Steve, 229-7311, Ext. 243.

Lee’s Summit ALZHEIMER’S, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, The Arbor Room. Call Jeanne Reader or Jan Horn at 913-831-3888.

Cancer, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Lee’s Summit Hospital meeting room. 751-2929.

Parkinson’s Disease, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Places Restaurant and Cafe Banquet Room. 3472845.

Kansas City EMPOWER KIDNEY DISEASE CLASSES, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through 2011, at several area hospitals. Call 842-0076 to register.

– Jillayne Ritchie

renewal based on performance.

The Foundation’s Social Innovation for Missouri program helps nonprofits jointly address obesity and tobacco use, which are Missouri’s leading causes of preventable illness and premature death, especially among low-income populations.

SIM funding includes a $2 million grant from SIF, $2 million in MFH match funding, and local-level match funding.

The health department will receive $242,748.

With this funding, the health department is expanding access to safe areas for physical exercise; increasing availability of fresh

foods and tobacco prevention and cessation programs; increasing calorie posting in area restaurants; and implementing a counter-marketing campaign to decrease tobacco use and promote new smoke-free policies. Visit www. ci.independence.mo.us/health.

Established in 2000, MFH is the largest nongovernmental funder of community health activities in Missouri. MFH is in its eighth year of grant-making, having issued more than $400 million in grants and awards to date. It is dedicated to improving the health of uninsured and underserved residents in 84 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis.

Raymond Rizzi, D.P.M., attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He did his residency at Kaiser Permanente and Legacy Hospital in Portland, OR. As a visiting scholar, Dr. Rizzi continued to advance training in ankle and foot reconstruction in Washington at Southwest Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and University of Washington.

816.303.2400

Centerpoint Medical Center Campus 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 410 Independence, MO 64057

816.561.3003

North Kansas City Hospital Campus 2790 Clay Edwards Drive, Suite 600 Kansas City, MO 64116

nutrition

Page 10 Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Dietary guidelines get 5-year update Every five years the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are revised. The DGA provide advice for making food choices that promote good health, a healthy weight and help prevent disease for healthy Americans ages 2 and over.

On Jan. 31, 2010, the most recently revised DGA were released.

The following are some of the main points of these newly revised guidelines. More emphasis has been given to portion/calorie control due to the overwhelming increase in obesity in America.

A much more strict sodium restriction has also been recommended.

Balancing Calories ■ Eat less and avoid oversized portions ■ Increase exercise to balance caloric intake ■ Maintain appropriate calorie balance during each stage of life - childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and breastfeeding and older age Foods to Reduce ■ Reduce daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mg) and further reduce intake to 1500 mg among persons who are 51 or older and

Tracey Shaffer Food for Thought Tracey Shaffer, RD, LD, is a Hy-Vee dietitian at the Blue Springs location The information provided should not be construed as professional medical advice. E-mail her at 1033dietitian@hy-vee.com.

those of any age who are African American or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease ■ Reduce intake of calories from solid fats and added sugars

■ Keep trans fatty acid consumption as low as possible.

■ Limit alcohol to up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women

here is a recipe to celebrate!

Foods and Nutrients to Increase ■ Increase fruits and vegetables ■ Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables especially dark green, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas ■ At least half of your grains should be whole grain ■ Increase seafood ■ Increase fat-free or low-fat dairy products

Serves 8 1 (5 oz. pkg.) spring mix lettuce 1 cucumber, seeded, julienned 10 baby carrots, peeled and quartered lengthwise 1/2 cup snap peas trimmed 1/2 cup broccoli sprouts 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar Salt and pepper to taste

All of these guidelines may seem like a lot to remember, but what it comes down to is quite simple. Shop the perimeter of the store, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, choose lower fat meats and dairy foods, decrease your portions and your consumption of processed foods and exercise.

It is basically the same advice I’ve been giving people for years. The hard part is putting it all into practice.

It’s starting to feel like Spring out there, so

Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, cucumber, carrots, snap peas, broccoli sprouts and chicken.

In a small bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, oil, basil, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper; whisk well. Pour mixture over lettuce mix and toss to coat.

Reader gains weight after quitting smoking DEAR DR. BLONZ: After I quit smoking, I seemed to “inhale” 5 to 7 pounds per night despite diet and exercise. All that showed up in blood tests was a slightly elevated cholesterol level. For many years I could not lose the weight, despite diet, exercise and liquid fasts that were recommended by several doctors. I was continually accused of eating in my sleep and encouraged to accept my weight gain because apparently I was only a “little bit overweight.”

The last of the liquid fasts came on the recommendation of an endocrinologist, but this time I monitored my blood sugar with a glucose monitor. On one of the days on the fast, I managed to gain 3 pounds. When I did a glucose monitor test, it showed my blood sugar was over 100. I dutifully reported this to the endocrinologist the next day and was accused of eating something with sugar in it.

I went home and did a Google search on

Ed Blonz On Nutrition Ed Blonz, Ph.D., is a nutrition scientist and author. Send questions to: “On Nutrition,” Ed Blonz, c/o Newspaper Enterprise Association, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. E-mail him at ed@blonz.com.

how to lower blood sugar naturally. I found four different supplements 1) cinnamon, 2) chromium, 3) alpha lipoic acid and 4) apple cider vinegar (with the mother). I went on

a regimen with these and lost weight the day after starting the regimen. I stayed on it for 40 days and lost 22 pounds. I have now lost 28 pounds. When I finally told my doctor how I lost weight, he stared at me as if I had lobsters jumping out of my nose.

– A., Pittsburg, Calif.

DEAR A.: Tobacco is an addiction with a vast array of negatives that includes an effect on metabolism. Quitting is a stressful and bumpy road. The body lurches its way back to normalcy as it purges the collected poisons and cleans up its act. There is no one path that every body takes. What it does involve is moral fortitude, and you have my admiration for staying the course.

A bit of information might have helped determine what was going on with those weight swings, including what your height, weight and body composition might have been during smoking and afterward. It would have told me whether you were underweight while a smoker and whether some of that weigh gain might

have been water, which is about the only thing that can change that rapidly. Other information that might have helped would be some handle on the inventory of foods in your house. I realize that this might seem strange, but there is a phenomenon called a sleep-eating disorder, in which people have no recollection of foods consumed during the night. You measured blood sugar. It helps to understand that blood sugar can rise a bit when no food has been consumed. Stress hormones cause glucose to be to be dumped into the blood stream. This occurs naturally during the waking hours to prepare the body for activity.

You tried many things and it is difficult to say what caused what. The absolute best thing is that you quit smoking. You also have a story to tell and it is great that your weight is back down. You are probably convinced that the supplements did the trick, but there is no real science to support this, so please go lightly on thoughts that substances might have similar effects on others.

prevention

Earbuds, loud music may hurt hearing Our ears serve many functions. Hearing is the most important one, but ears have other uses that we frequently take for granted. For example, it would be very difficult to wear glasses if we didn’t have ears.

Ears also serve as a place for people to insert earbuds or wear headphones so they can listen to iPods, Bluetooth headsets and other gadgets from which sound emanates.

Today, it’s not uncommon to see people walking down the street with various wirelike objects protruding from their ears. These individuals appear to be oblivious to their surroundings as they meander down the street with a variety of expressions on their faces.

This social phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by the scientific community. The subject of a number of studies is, does listening to sound in this manner, usually music, have any deleterious effect on a person’s hearing?

According to a recent study, the answer is yes, at least in the short term.

In this study, two groups were evaluated: a

Dr. Murray Feingold Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of The Feingold Center for Children, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases.

“noise-exposure” group and a “non-noise-exposure” group. The noise-exposure group used earbuds and headphones that were connected

to an iPod Nano player. The iPods were set at 50 percent, 75 percent and more than 75 percent of the devices’ maximum volume.

Overall, the results showed that there was a risk of developing a hearing loss about four times greater in the noise-exposed group than in the non-noise-exposed group. However, this was a short-term hearing loss and there are questions whether long-term hearing loss occurs in these individuals.

Some experts say that you are much less likely to develop a hearing loss if you listen at a lower volume.

The volume is too loud when others can also hear your music.

Signs of hearing problems may occur late, and they include ringing in the ears and difficulty processing what is being said.

Although scientific studies are obviously important, good old common sense indicates to me that the continual bombardment of noise to bodies’ hearing mechanisms will ultimately cause some type of hearing impairment.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Page 11

Health tip

How to avoid frostbite Protect your head and feet when stepping outside. Most heat is lost through your head, so covering it is essential.

Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine leave the skin more prone to thermal injury, so don’t drink or smoke before going into the cold. Also, if you get wet, get inside quickly to dry off. Check for signs of numbness about every 30 minutes.

– American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons