Health

March 22, 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

Don’t avoid the frozen food aisle | Page 11

Energy

Make your own | Page 13

• LARRY JONES Where’s Fido? | Page 3

• NUTRITION 10-11 • WELLNESS 6 • CALENDAR 14

Are you caring for a loved one at home?

She always said she didn’t need to travel to see beautiful things. She said they were right outside the back door. Most comfortable on the front porch with a fresh cup of coffee. She didn’t need a vacation to relax. Home is where her heart is. We’ll make home where her healing is. When you don’t know where to turn, turn to HomeCare of Mid-Missouri.

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wellness

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Page 3

What to do if you lose or find a pet Have you ever lost a pet and wondered how you were ever going to locate him or her? There are so many ways these days to locate your lost animal that it can sometimes be overwhelming.

Here are a few tips though that can help:

Larry Jones

If you’ve lost a pet n Search your neighborhood and talk with neighbors. n Distribute fliers with a photo (design a free flier at www.pet-connect.org). n Visit nearby animal shelters and make a report. n Return to nearby animal shelters every 2-3 days and keep searching. n Make a lost pet report online at www.petconnect.org. n Make a lost dog report with Lost Dog Registry at 816-333-0020. n Run an ad in local papers and check the found pet ads. n Make sure your contact information is current with your veterinarian and microchip company. n Distribute fliers to local vet clinics

Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department.

If you’ve found a pet n Take the pet to a veterinarian or animal shelter and ask to have it scanned for a microchip. n Make a report with nearby animal shelters. n Put up fliers (design a free flier at www.petconnect.org). n Place a Found Pet ad in local newspapers. n Make a found pet report online at www. pet-connect.org.

Health watch Senior health

Replacing two knees at once In patients at low risk for cardiovascular complications, replacing both knees at once may be preferred over replacing knees at separate times. Simultaneous total knee replacement was associated with significantly fewer prosthetic joint infections as well as other revision knee operations within one year after surgery when compared with two separate procedures. However, simultaneous replacement was associated with a moderately higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within 30 days.

— American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

kids health

Fevers have a purpose Fever is a physiological mechanism that has beneficial effects in fighting infection.

Although many parents administer antipyretics — medications to reduce a fever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen — a recent report emphasizes that the primary goal should be to help the child feel more comfortable rather than to maintain a “normal” temperature.

Parents should focus on the general well-bestock.xchng ing of the child and observe the child for signs of serious illness and maintain appropriate fluid intake. Parents should not wake up a sleeping child to administer a fever-reducer.

— American Academy of Pediatrics

n Make a found dog report with Lost Dog Registry at 816-333-0020.

Having your animal micro-chipped gives you a better chance of being reunited with your animal if it becomes lost or stolen. A microchip is a small electronic chip that is injected under the skin. It is similar to giving a vaccination.

It is not however a tracking device. If your animal is taken to the shelter or a veterinary clinic, it will be scanned for the microchip. If a microchip is found, then the owner information will be quickly accessed and the owner can be contacted. The microchip should not replace the rabies tag or identification tags, but it is a great bonus as the microchip can’t be removed.

Independence Animal Services will be holding several low cost rabies and microchip clinics throughout the city during the spring and summer. The following is a schedule of those events: n Tails on the Trail from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at McCoy Park, 950 N. Spring St. Check out the website for registration form for the walk and schedule of events. www.tailsonthetrail-independence.com.

Having your animal micro-chipped gives you a better chance of being reunited with your animal if it becomes lost or stolen. n Pets in the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 21, at Water Fall Park (near Bass Pro) n Tractor Supply from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the corner of M- 291 and 23rd Street n 2nd Annual Community Animal Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Independence Animal Shelter, 875 Vista Avenue. n Call 816-325-7206 for additional dates and information.

Page 4 Tuesday, March 22 2011

health

Metabolic syndrome | It can lead to serious health woes

By Maria Gomes, M.D Endocrinologist St. Mary’s Medical Center

We all know that carrying extra pounds can impact your health, but apparently, few of us are terribly concerned. It seems we need a “wake up call” before we take health issues seriously. Well, many can consider metabolic syndrome a wake up call.

Metabolic syndrome is not completely understood. It is also called insulin resistance syndrome of syndrome X. Some health experts believe it isn’t truly a syndrome, but a group of characteristics.

One thing is clear: People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, and it is becoming increasingly common in the United States.

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person.

According to the American Heart Association, the factors include: n Increased waist circumference: Men – Equal to or greater than 40 inches; Women – Equal to or greater than 35 inches;

Maria Gomes GUEST COLUMN Maria Gomes, M.D., is an endrocrinologist at St. Mary’s Medical Center. She can be reached at 816-254-7977.

n Elevated triglycerides: Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L); n Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol: Men – Less than 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L); Women – Less than 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L); n Elevated blood pressure: Equal to or greater than 130/85 mm Hg or use of medication for hypertension; n Elevated fasting glucose: Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or use of medication for hyperglycemia.

As you see in the guidelines, being overweight is not as important as where you carry the extra pounds. Research has shown that people with the most belly fat had about double the risk of an early death than people with the least amount of belly fat. It was true whether the participants were actually overweight or not (published in the November, 2008, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine).

So called “belly fat” is worse because the fat cells are active-they produce hormones that can influence metabolic function. They can affect insulin resistance, increase estrogen levels and inflammation. Some research has shown these active cells also produce a hunger stimulating hormone, creating a vicious cycle.

The first step in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome includes losing weight and becoming more active.

A diet low in fat and cholesterol should be followed. Management takes time-reducing body weight by seven to 10 percent in the first year is recommended, with continued weight loss to achieve a body mass index of less than 25.

A Mediterranean-style diet may help for

weight management. It’s high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. Red meat and processed foods are kept to a minimum.

This diet can help to lower weight, blood pressure, lipids, and improve insulin resistance. A new medical review, published last week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, supports this.

Researchers looked of 50 published studies with a total of more than 500,000 participants for the analysis and concluded the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of the metabolic syndrome.

Of course, in weight control and overall health, exercise goes hand-in-hand with diet.

The bonus is that not only does exercise help with weight control, it can also help reduce that belly fat we’re targeting-especially in women.

Regular moderate-intensity physical activity, such as a brisk walk, for at least 30 minutes five days a week is recommended as a minimum.

But to lose weight, 60 minutes daily should be your target.

Take advantage of these warmer, longer spring days. Get off the couch, lace up your shoes, and take a walk.

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Page 6 Tuesday, March 22, 2011

wellness

Spring fever and basketball March Madness is an apt description for the three weeks in spring that bring us to cheers and tears and stops our hearts. There is not much to compare with the final four minutes of a tight NCAA Tournament basketball game in an arena where fans are right next to the court.

Instant joy. Instant anguish. Nothing in between. There is truly madness in March.

Millions fill out brackets for this great event, and millions more make friendly wagers on the outcomes of games played by college kids.

March Madness, what do you know? T or F? 1. $4 billion is wagered annually on tournament games.

2. 1 in 20 adults will complete an NCAA bracket.

3. Federal law prohibits office betting.

The “one and done” set-up creates general excitement even among casual sports fans who either have a college team to cheer for or find one. Brackets and friendly wagers dominate

Lori Boyajian O'Neill Sports and wellness Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at lori.boyajian-oneill@hcahealthcare.com. office conversations each March. Estimates on lost productivity at work are very difficult to confirm, with one employment company guessing the figure at $1.7 billion – during the first week! This is based on 10 minutes of lost

work daily, which may be an underestimate.

More than 8 million hours are spent watching games at work. CBS streams all of the games, a gift for the more than 60 percent of workers who report that they use work computers for personal activity. The news may not be all bad for employers. Some psychologists suggest office pools create higher morale among employees.

It is estimated that more than $7 billion will be illegally wagered among friends, office pools, and online betting, double the amount wagered on the Super Bowl. This is up from an estimated $4 billion wagered in 2006 due to the increased availability of online betting sites. Sports betting is legal only in the states of Nevada, Delaware and Oregon but only available in Nevada. Federal law, under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act prohibits office betting, but is rarely, if ever, enforced.

For the overwhelming majority, gambling

is limited to small wagers among friends or coworkers for big events such as the Super Bowl or NCAA Tournament with braggin’ rights primarily at stake. For some, however, the NCAA To urnament or Super Bowl is an entry point into pathologic gambling. Researchers at the Olin School of Business at Washington University report that those who wager actually experience less enjoyment than those who don’t. Anyone who has been on the losing end of a buzzer-beater would agree. Their research indicates that the fear of losing or “anticipated regret” is the source of anxiety and less enjoyment. “Why didn’t I pick the other team.”

But for me and millions others who just love the emotion and joy, March Madness is the best part of the sports calendar. Young college kids just playin’ a game. And we fans, hands clasped, breaths held, on the edges of our seats just can’t get enough. Try to resist it.

Betcha can’t.

Answers 1. F $7 billion 2. F 1 in 10 3. T

healthSHORTS Community Blood Drive coming up in Blue Springs A Blue Springs Community Blood Drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 30 and 31 at the Community Blood Center, 1124 W. U.S. 40.

Bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, and eat well and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Cholesterol testing will be performed on all units of blood collected, and all donations will benefit local hospitals.

When checking in at the registration desk, ask that your donation be credited to code “CL.” There will also be a raffle for one gift card for a large pizza, donated by Minsky’s Pizza.

To make an appointment, call Paula Melton at 816-228-5704, and for medical eligibility questions, call 800-245-7035.

Fundraiser ongoing for Gloria Mengel at Panes & Drains Brown Fundraising.com is partnering with Panes & Drains of Liberty and holding a fundraiser for 12-year-old Gloria Mengel, who was diagnosed with a Germ Cell Brain Tumor Sept.

12, 2008.

Panes & Drains is offering you a choice of professional window cleaning or gutter cleaning, both at a substantial discount ($89.95), and $18 of each order will go to the Mengel family to help offset the upcoming costs of this fight.

Gloria has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation. Due to the location of the tumor, her vision was impaired to the point where she was legally blind. In November 2009 she was diagnosed with AML (leukemia), a residual effect of the treatment for the brain tumor. She underwent a bone marrow transplant on March 8, 2010. The transplant was successful, however, in October 2010 she was diagnosed with radiation necrosis, which further damaged her vision. In January 2011, an MRI showed the tumor is trying to grow back. Gloria’s doctors have referred her to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago for possible treatments.

If you would like to help, visit www.brownfundraising.com and click on the Gloria logo, choose the service you want, enter your information at checkout, and enter the Promo Code: Gloria.

– Jillayne Ritchie

health

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Page 7

What is broken heart syndrome, and is it fatal?

Y ou most likely have heard the commonly used metaphor that a person “died of a broken heart.” Can such a thing happen?

There is a medical disorder called broken heart syndrome. Another name for it is stress cardiomyopathy. Although some people may die from this condition, it is very unusual.

Broken heart syndrome is usually a temporary condition that is brought on by an acute stressful situation. Examples are an unexpected death of a loved one, receiving very bad news, and the loss of a job or a great deal of money.

Chronic stress can affect a person’s heart, but the symptoms of this syndrome are brought on by episodes of acute stress and not chronic stress.

Although the exact mechanism is not known, the cause is thought to be from the effect that a surge of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, has on the heart.

It is theorized that these hormones temporarily damage a part of the heart muscle, and it becomes weakened. As a result, the weakened heart does not pump as efficiently as it should.

Symptoms vary and include some of the same symptoms as a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heart rhythm and generalized weakness.

The good news is, though individuals may have to be hospitalized, usually the symptoms go away within a week, and the heart returns to its normal status.

Thus far, most reports concerning this condi-

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.

tion indicate that recurrence of broken heart syndrome is unlikely. In contrast to a heart attack, where there is usually blockage of the coronary arteries, the coronary arteries are normal with this syndrome.

Also, the results of an electrocardiogram are not consistent with a heart attack. The heart muscle, though weakened, it is not damaged as it is in a heart attack. As a result of the weakened heart, heart failure may take place and require treatment.

Because the symptoms of a heart attack and broken heart syndrome overlap, patients who have such symptoms should immediately seek medical care.

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health

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.

Grain Valley ■ Grain Valley High School, 551 AA Highway – On March 10, inspectors noted the temperature of the final rinse cycle in the dish machine did not meet the minimum required temperature of 160 degrees; corrected.

■ Whiskey Tango, 401 S. Outer Road East – On March 11, raw eggs and raw sausage were found stored on a shelf above drink mixers in the walk-in cooler, and cooked meats and nacho cheese in the walk-in cooler were not date labeled; both were corrected. There was no detectable sanitizer provided in the dish machine final rinse cycle; corrected.

Raytown ■ Burger King, 9945 E. Missouri 350 – On March 7, inspectors found a drink container without a lid or straw in drive through area; corrected.

■ Fox’s Drug, 10004 E. 63rd St. – On March 7, inspectors observed the cook touching a hamburger bun with bare hands; corrected by discussion and demonstration.

■ Raytown Success Academy, 10750 E. Missouri 350 – On March 7, inspectors found several products on the steam table out of temperature, due to the overhead heat lamp not working.

Blue Springs ■ Country Club of Blue Springs, 1600 N. Circle Drive – On March 8, an open employee beverage was observed on the cook’s line; corrected.

■ Freshman Center, 2103 W. Vesper St. – On March 9, inspectors found pasta salad on the salad bar was 54 degrees, and shredded cheddar cheese was 52 degrees. Procedure in place for holding these items cold was an ice pack under a larger pan, with the pans holding the food items on top. This procedure will not hold food at 45 degrees or below. Potentially hazardous foods were transferred to an ice bath.

■ El Maguey, 800 S.W. Sunset Ave. – On March 10, an open employee beverage was observed in the kitchen; corrected. A large pan

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of refried beans on the kitchen prep table had an internal temperature of 105 degrees after 3 hours of cooling; no rapid cooling methods were being used. A pan of rice on the cook’s line, under no form of temperature control was 95 degrees. Both the beans and rice were discarded.

Containers of cooked pork, chicken and beans in the walk-in cooler were not date labeled; corrected.

■ Timothy Lutheran Church, 425 N.W. R.D. Mize Road – On March 11, no sanitizer was detected in dish machine final rinse, chemical bucket was empty. Container of ice machine cleaner was stored on ice machine shelf.

Lee’s Summit

■ Mason Elementary, 27600 E. Colbern Road – On March 7, inspectors found the dishwashing machine final rinse was not hot enough, 160 degrees or above, to sanitize equipment.

■ Garozzo’s Ristorante, 1547 N.E. Rice Road – On March 8, several cockroaches were observed around the steam table on the cook’s line and under the wall in between the cook’s line and the dishwashing area.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Page 9

Health watch New research

Alcohol still causes 4% of deaths Nearly 4 percent of all deaths in the world are related to alcohol.

Since 1999, at least 34 countries have adopted some type of formal policy to reduce harmful use of alcohol. Restrictions on alcohol marketing and on drunk driving have increased, but there are no clear trends on most preventive measures.

— World Health Organization

nutrition

Page 10 Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Can people live on rice alone?

DEAR DR. BLONZ: This question has to do with fruits, vegetables and protein.

Don’t all living organisms need to have protein, the same way that “meat” organisms do? In the case of the non-meat foods, they are “incomplete” but not “inferior.”

Isn’t it perfectly possible to live on a bowl of unrefined rice or bread and water without suffering any of these deficiencies that vegetarians are constantly being warned about? – B.P., Berkeley Calif.

DEAR B.P.: The word protein comes from the Greek proteos, which means “to come first.” It fits, because protein is a primary ingredient in every cell of the body. It is needed to make hair, skin, nails, muscles, organs, blood cells, nerve, bone and brain tissue, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, chemical messengers, and the DNA and RNA used to form the genetic code of life. When we talk about protein, however, we are speaking of a nutrient, not a food.

Our proteins are made from chains of building blocks called amino acids. While there are

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.

many different types of protein, there are only about 22 amino acids.

Our body can manufacture most of these, but there are about nine that we need in our diet, these being referred to as the “essential

amino acids.” Classic protein foods are those that contain all the essential amino acids.

These include meat, eggs, milk products, beef, fish and soybeans.

During digestion, the protein we consume is broken down to its individual amino acids.

Having a regular supply of the essential amino acids means that the body will be able to build whatever type of protein it requires.

You are correct that whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, all contain some amino acids, even those that might typically be thought of as “protein” foods. Fruits are vegetables are mostly water, so the amount is low.

Nuts, seeds and grains have little water, so you get more amino acids on a weight basis.

For us, however, the key is to get a supply of all our EAAs on a regular basis. Rice and wheat, for example, contain amino acids, but not a good supply of all the essentials.

Despite this, one can survive if he or she shifted to a diet where the only source of EAAs was the “protein” of rice or wheat. This is possible because our body is amazingly adept

at recycling essential amino acids that are in short supply. We could survive, but not thrive, thus the body would be thwarted from building any new protein tissues.

The solution for rice, wheat or any “incomplete” protein is to add a food that supplies the missing amino acid(s). That’s precisely what’s done by vegetarians, as well as in places where people don’t have a ready supply of complete protein foods like we have in the United States.

There are three basic types of vegetable protein: 1) whole grains, such as rice, corn, oats, and barley; 2) legumes, such as beans and lentils; and 3) nuts and seeds, such as almonds and peanuts, and sunflower and sesame seeds.

By including foods from two or more of these groups during the day, you supply the makings of a complete protein.

For example, by eating both rice (grains) and beans (legumes), you supply the body with the daily EAAs it needs.

There is additional information on the concept of complementary sources of amino acids at tinyurl.com/4t8fosw.

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nutrition

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Page 11

Frozen vegetables are as nutritious as fresh vegetables March is Frozen Food Month and one of the questions I often get asked is whether frozen vegetables are as nutritious as fresh vegetables.

The answer is yes, frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh vegetables and often are more nutritious than fresh. According to the International Food Information Council, the nutritional value of frozen vegetables is identical to fresh.

The reason for this is that frozen vegetables are picked and frozen within hours of being harvested, preserving the nutrients at their peak quality. Fresh vegetables, however, can lose some nutrition, depending on how long the product has been stored. To get the most nutrients from frozen vegetables, cook them in a minimal amount of water quickly, such as a microwave or steamer.

Another big bonus that comes from using frozen vegetables is the convenience they offer.

There is no need to peel, chop or cut, making them a great time saver to substitute for fresh.

In addition, a person can pour out the amount needed and store the remainder in the freezer for later use, not having to use it up in days as you would fresh vegetables. And the majority of frozen vegetables cook in 5-10 minutes, depending on the serving size.

The easy spinach minestrone soup recipe below takes advantage of the convenience and nutrition that frozen vegetables have to offer.

This soup is a great source of B vitamins, important for heart health.

Easy Spinach Minestrone Soup Serves 8 All you need 1 large onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced

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All you do 1. In a medium saucepan, saute onion and garlic until tender.

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Page 12 Tuesday, March 22, 2011

health

What is a urinary-tract infection?

By Dr. Benjamin Montgomery GateHouse News Service

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The urinary tract is made up of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys.

Urinary tract infections are most commonly caused by bacteria that enter the urethra from the anal area and begin to multiply. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder.

Women have a higher risk of getting urinary-tract infections than men. Risk factors for infections include sexual activity, being post-menopausal, narrowing of the urethra or ureters, a blockage, such as a kidney stone, and frequent catheterization.

The most common symptoms associated with a urinary-tract infection include a burning sensation with urination, an increased urge to urinate, urinating small amounts frequently and lower abdominal pain. Cloudy, strong-smelling urine, bright pink or light brown urine, which indicates blood in the urine, are also signs of an infection.

Urinary-tract infections can be diagnosed easily with a simple urinalysis and urine culture. The urinalysis shows if there is a potential infection, and the culture reveals the bacteria that may be responsible. A urine culture can help tailor treatment to specific bacteria, but it is not always necessary.

Short-course antibiotics can treat simple urinary-tract infections. Severe infections occasionally require hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics. Preventive therapy with the use of antibiotics on a daily basis or only after sex is used occasionally for recurrent infections.

Here are some simple rules to follow to prevent an infection: ■ Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

The color of your urine should be light yellow to clear. If it is darker, you likely aren’t drinking

Untreated, prolonged urinary-tract infections or recurrent urinary-tract infections can cause serious kidney damage, which can be permanent. enough water.

■ Avoid drinks like coffee, soda and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder lining.

■ Empty your bladder after sexual intercourse.

■ For women, avoid possible irritants to the vagina and urethra, including feminine deodorant sprays and powders, scented maxi pads and bubble baths.

■ For women, wipe from front to back to avoid transferring bacteria.

■ For recurrent urinary-tract infections, having a glass of cranberry juice daily may help decrease the frequency of infections.

Untreated, prolonged urinary-tract infections or recurrent urinary tract infections can cause serious kidney damage, which can be permanent.

It is advised to see a doctor if symptoms of a urinary-tract infection have developed and have persisted for more than two to three days despite increasing water intake or if vaginal or penile discharge occurs.

See a doctor immediately if fever, nausea, vomiting or back pain accompanies your symptoms or if you are pregnant.

Benjamin Montgomery, M.D., is a family medicine physician in Jacksonville, Ill., and he is part of Memorial Physician Services.

cover

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Page 13

Get your powerup Need fast energy?

Make your own

By Jim Hillibish | GateHouse News Service

T

he word “energy” in eats and drinks boosts prices faster than you can run around the block. There’s more than just marketing to this madness.

A good athletic drink or food is a balance of ingredients that rapidly metabolize into energy. Athletes are willing to pay big bucks for this.

Hydration is a major concern. Carbohydrates allow your body to absorb water faster.

Gatorade researchers found 6 percent carbs is the optimum amount.

One downside can be high calories. Sugars are needed to boost the energy quotient.

So, these are not diet foods. Plus, commercial products are often high in fructose.

You can make your own high-energy drinks and cookies at about a tenth of the cost of commercial products and without the fructose and preservatives. Another advantage: They taste better.

Bicycle Energy Balls Long-distance bicyclists often rely on fruit cookies and bars for a power boost. They’re easy to keep in a pocket and can be eaten without stopping. n 24 dried figs n 1/3 cup honey n 4 tablespoons orange juice n 2 tablespoons lemon juice n 2 1/2 cups unbleached flour n 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

n 1/4 teaspoon baking powder n 2 tablespoons applesauce n 1/2 cup sugar or corn syrup n 2 egg whites n 1 cup oat bran

Chop figs, honey, orange and lemon juices in a food processor until fine. Mix other ingredients except oat bran. Fold in figs and mix thoroughly. Roll into 20 to 24 balls and coat with oat bran. Place on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until puffy — longer baking times make them crunchier. Place uncovered in a refrigerator overnight to harden.

Fluid Replacer

n 16 ounces tea n 2 tablespoons sugar

n 2 ounces orange juice

n 1/8 teaspoon salt

Mix sugar and salt into hot tea. Cool, add orange juice and mix well.

Notes: Drink just before and during workouts to prevent dehydration. Recipe expands easily and keeps in refrigerator up to a week. Freeze in water bottle for a cold drink on a long run.

The Energizer n 1/2 cup orange juice

n 2/3 teaspoon salt

n 9 tablespoons sugar

n 2 liters water

Mix and chill three hours. Load up your water bottle and enjoy. stock.xchng photos

wellness

Page 14 Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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 March 23 through 29, 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 560-6903.

Independence NUVAL NUTRITION STORE TOUR, 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, 23rd Street Hy-Vee. Learn about the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System as you tour the aisles. Tour begins a customer service desk. No registration required. 500-6778.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR GRIEF seminar, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Eastgate Christian Church, 4010 S. River Blvd. Learn the common dynamics of grief reaction and how it commonly affects those who suffer the pain of loss. Free and open to the public. No reservations needed. Call 2526828.

“SCRUBS” fundraiser, sponsored by Centerpoint Medical Center Auxiliary, 3 to 8 p.m.

March 28; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 29; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 30, outside the hospital’s cafeteria, 39th Street and Jackson Drive. Proceeds from the Uniform Source scrubs sales will be used to provide scholarships to students pursuing a medical career and to charities in Eastern Jackson County.

DIABETES STORE TOUR, 10 to 11 a.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. March 30, Noland Road HyVee. Join Jamie Jarvis for a trip through the aisles to learn which foods you should choose to help control your blood sugar. Tour starts as customer service desk. No registration required.

Buckner/Levasy/Sibley COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh a minimum of 115 pounds, and must provide photo identification. To schedule an appointment, visit www.esavealifenow.org, enter sponsor code bslcomm, or call Dolores Hirst at 650-3763.

Lee’s Summit WomenHeart meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Arbor Room. The Cardiac Rehab staff will provide information and demonstrations regarding heart health and exercise. Snacks provided. Call Petro Branson, 524-5076 or Nancy Payne, 550-5552.

Other THE SHARED CARE FREE CLINIC, (formerly Jackson County Free Clinic), is looking for volunteer nurses and phlebotomists for Wednesday and Thursday daytime hours, as well as Tuesday evenings. Contact Jayne, 816-4046455 or www.jcfhc.org.

NATIONAL WALK FOR EPILEPSY, Sunday.

Your support will help thousands overcome the challenges of living with epilespy and aid in the search for a cure. For information, call 866-4EF-

WALK or visit www.WalkforEpilepsy.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 Diner). 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

Yourtake 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.

Do you think that the more intelligent you are the healthier you are overall?

Why or why not?

Weight Management

Independence TOPS Mo. 291, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. 461-0811.

TOPS Mo. 251, 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Maywood Baptist Church. 478-0723 or 252-2392.

TOPS Mo. 331, 5 p.m. Tuesday, College Park Community of Christ. 254-7075.

TOPS Mo. 24, 9 a.m. Thursday, New Walnut Park Church. 373-6146 or 650-5262.

TOPS Mo. 100, 9 a.m. Thursday, Farview Restoration Branch. 356-5278.

TOPS MO 0062, 6:30 p.m. Thursday,

Skyler Kramer, Blue Springs I think so. The smarter you are the better choices you'll make.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Elias Vaoifi, Independence I think so because it helps you eat what's right and stay away from what's not good for you.

Gabby Vaoifi, Independence No, I don't think they're related in how it would help you.

– Jeff Martin

health

healthCALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Northeast Baptist Church. 254-9455.

TOPS Mo. 892, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. 3569219.

TOPS Mo. 482, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Calvary Presbyterian Church. 452-3029.

Healthy Reflections, 10 a.m. Thursday, Sermon Center. 325-7370.

Overeaters Anonymous, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Maywood Baptist Church.

Handicap accessible. Call Wanda G., 833-2632.

Love Me Slender, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Van Horn Health Source. 418-4070.

CEA-HOW (Compulsive Eaters Anonymous-H.O.W.), 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Unity Church of Independence, 14304 E. 39th St.; 1800-672-6715.

Blue Springs TOPS Mo. 772, 10 a.m. Tuesday, First Baptist Church West Annex. 228-3741.

SOS (Save-Our-Selves) Weight Management, 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Vesper Hall. Participate in this weight management program and supportive group discussion. Cost, $1 per meeting. 228-0181.

Lee’s Summit Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m.

Monday, Unity Village, Administrative Building, Room 221. Call Lisa, 833-2636.

CEA-HOW (Compulsive Eaters Anonymous-HOW Concept), 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, First Presbyterian Church. Call Lisa at 679-7009 or visit www.ceahow.org.

Raytown Overeaters Anonymous, 4 p.m. Sunday, Quiet House, 65th and Elm. 353-2691.

Other Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program for compulsive eaters. 913-383-5933 or www.overeatersanonymous.org.

WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays, or 7 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays. Cost, $35 for 12-week class, with $25 going in the pot for top three losers. To register, 800-262-2152.

Miscellaneous

Independence 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 classes, 9 a.m. second Monday; 1 p.m. fourth Monday. There is a fee. To register, 325-7803.

Blue Springs 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.

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. 913-4921200.

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.

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.

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

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.

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room 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

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Page 15

Health watch PROGRAM, 7 p.m. Friday, Blue Springs Christian Church. Call Steve, 229-7311, Ext. 243.

Buckner Caring Communities ADHD Parents, 7 p.m. during the school year, first Thursday, 13 Sibley Road. Call Ms. Gordan, 650-4415.

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. 347-2845.

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 hot line at 461-4673.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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Health tip

Eat more dairy for bone health It is recommended that adults eat three cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy products a day for bone health, protein, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A and D. Try adding cheese to your sandwiches, dip vegetables in yogurt dips and prepare oatmeal with milk instead of water.

— EatRight.org