Health by The Examiner

May 31, 2011

Health The Examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Going gluten-free only necessary for celiacs – page 7

HEALTH CARE FOR JOPLIN

Aid group sends doctors after tornado devastates town Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, a physician and health columnist for The Examiner, traveled to Joplin over the weekend with Olathe, Kan.-based aid group Heart to Heart InternationBOYAJIAN- al. Boyajian-O’Neill grew up in Arma, Kan., about O’NEILL 45 minutes northwest of Joplin, and completed her undergraduate at nearby Pittsburg State University.

How did you get involved with Heart to Heart International? “I’ve been a volunteer with Heart to Heart International for several years. I went to New Orleans after Katrina. Heart to Heart is ... very highly respected, highly regarded among non-government organizations. This is what they do. They go, they stay. In Haiti, they went after the earthquake, and they stayed and worked with local organizations with certain goals in mind – greater stability of healthcare for kids, building schools, that

kind of thing.”

What will you be doing in Joplin? “We are going to provide medical care for those who have been displaced. By displaced, I mean they are displaced from their physicians and displaced from their medication. We’ll also help those who are acutely injured or ill, whether it’s directly related to the tornado or happened later during the cleanup.”

See JOPLIN / PAGE 2

“You have to think, physicians are DISPLACED, physicians’ homes are destroyed, nurses’ homes are destroyed. It’s not like you have local people available to take care of the local population.” – Lori Boyajian-o’nell

Carthage Press/CODY DYER St. John’s Regional Medical Center has become the symbol for tornado-ravaged Joplin. A group of local doctors, including Examiner columnist Lori Boyajian-O’Neill, spent Memorial Day weekend volunteering with aid organization Heart to Heart International, providing health care to the damaged city.

• LARRY JONES

Get up, get exercise at any age – page 2

Wellness 3-6 • CaLENDAR 7 • NUTRITION 7

Quality Orthopedic Care Providers

Page 2 Tuesday, May 31, 2011

wellness

Older adults can get PEPPI Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department.

Back Row (L-R): Ernest Neighbor, MD

Seated (L-R): Craig Satterlee, MD

Knees & Hips Trauma, Total Joint Replacement

Subspecialty Shoulder

Robert M. Drisko, II, MD

Alexandra Strong, MD

Sports Medicine, Knees, Shoulders

Paul Nassab, MD

Subspecialty Hand, Upper Extremity, Shoulder & Elbow

Raymond Rizzi, DPM

Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Surgery

Subspecialty Spine, Total Joint Replacement

Not Shown: Ann Lee, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehab

Christopher Wise, MD

Doctors help in Joplin ▲

Subspecialty Trauma, Acetabular Hip Fracture

The Independence Health Department is promoting a community-based physical activity program designed for older adults and disabled adults. The goal of the program is to maintain or improve a person’s level of fitness and independence. PEPPI (Peer Exercise Program Promotes Independence) includes strength training using resistance bands and walking. PEPPI depends upon peer leaders in the local community. Older adults become peer leaders. They receive professional training in the components of PEPPI and lead activity classes for their peers. PEPPI will teach older adults how to exercise correctly in a safe environment and increase their level of physical activity. Flexibility, balance, strength and endurance are four components taught in the class. n Flexibility: Stretching activities help keep the body limber and can improve a person’s mobility. Stretching activities alone will not improve endurance or strength, but they will keep your body flexible. Stretching exercises

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can be done daily or at least three times a week. n Balance: Good balance helps prevent falls. Falling is the major cause of broken hips and other injuries that often lead to disability and loss of independence. Balance activities can be done anytime and anywhere. n Strength /Resistance: Strength or resistance activities improve older adults’ independence by making them strong enough to do the things they enjoy and need to do. These activities also increase metabolism. This will help keep weight and blood sugar in check and prevent osteoporosis. Strength/resistance exercises work major muscle groups. n Endurance: Endurance activities build stamina and increase the heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. Exercises like walking, jogging, or stair climbing raise the heart rate. Endurance activities should be done for 30 minutes a day. This time can be divided into 5- or 10-minute sessions. Many older adults are afraid that physical activity might harm them or cause them to fall. Get past your fears! And remember to always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Several groups in the city are participating in a PEPPI program. Your group would need at least one Peer Leader to be trained. The training last three hours and will take place at the Independence Health Department on from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 23. If your church or group would be interested in learning more about PEPPI and how to start a program, call the Independence Health Department at 3257185.

JOPLIN l From COVER

So it’s not necessarily those injured in the tornado, but those who may need treatment for health problems they had before? “It’s a combination of both. Those injured during the tornado might not have realized how badly injured they were. For example, people have presented in the last couple of days with broken bones. That’s directly related to the tornado, not the cleanup, but they’re hurt worse than they originally thought.”

St. John’s Regional Medical Center was destroyed during the tornado. What health infrastructure remains in Joplin? “Traditionally, St. John’s is the bigger of the two hospitals. It provides tertiary care. In the last few years, Freeman has grown to offer more than just obstetrics. But in a disaster, they’re overwhelmed.

What happens in a disaster is that medical – and every other resource, ambulance, police, fire – are overwhelmed. We fill in the gaps until they can get up and running again. “You have to think, physicians are displaced, physicians’ homes are destroyed, nurses’ homes are destroyed. It’s not like you have local people available to take care of the local population. That’s where we come in. If there’s medicine available, we provide it. If we can’t provide the treatment they need, we direct them to the resource that can.”

Having grown up near Joplin, did you feel compelled to go help? “When they talk about Range Line and Main Street being destroyed, disaster relief facilities being set up at Missouri Southern, you think of all the times you went shopping there, went to eat there, went to ‘Southern’ as we called it. So yes, absolutely.” – Elle Moxley

Page 4 Tuesday, May 31, 2011

wellness

Advancements at St. Mary’s Kidney Stone Center can make removal less painful Tad Wilson GUEST COLUMN Tad Wilson is a urologist in the Kidney Stone Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Kidney Stones.” Those two words can bring even the toughest of us to our knees. Kidney stones develop when urine contains too much of certain minerals. The minerals bind together and create crystals that can become stones. These stones can be as small as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. Anyone can develop kidney stones at any age, but they are slightly more common in men than in women, and most often in people older than 40. There are medical conditions that increase the risk. Someone who has had kidney stones is at much higher risk of getting them again. You may be unaware of the small stones that travel through the urinary tract and are released with urine, but larger stones can cause a blockage causing excruciating pain. Pain is often the only symptom of kidney stones. The pain is usually in the lower back, side, abdomen or groin. It often comes in waves, or contractions, as the body tries to expel the stone. Movement or changing positions doesn’t help. The pain can be intense enough to cause nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include a persistent urge to urinate or blood in the urine. About half of kidney stones will eventually pass within a couple of weeks. Drinking plenty of water can help, along with over-the-counter pain medication. There are some prescription medications that may speed the process. But if the stone is too large to pass, surgical treatment may be required. The most commonly used medical treat-

ment for kidney stones is a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. During the procedure, sound waves pass through the body and are directed at the stones to break them into pieces small enough to finally pass with the urine. The biggest advantage to this treatment is that it is noninvasive. However, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure –the size of the stones and their locations are factors – and it may take several treatments to break up the stones. Another treatment called percutaneous stone removal is very successful. A technique used by the physicians involved with the Kidney Stone Center at St. Mary’s makes this minimally-invasive surgery a particularly good option for patients with large or multiple stones. It’s a two-step process involving an interventional radiologist and the urologic surgeon. Prior to surgery, the patient is sedated and using high tech imaging, an interventional radiologist inserts a small catheter through the skin and into the kidney, creating a tunnel directly to the kidney stone. After the guide is in place, the patient is transferred to a surgical suite where a small incision is made at the site of the guide allowing the urologist to directly access the stone. A scope is placed through a sheath to see the stone which can then be grasped and removed, or broken into smaller pieces and then removed using laser or ultrasound. Patients usually have an overnight stay in the hospital, return to work in about a week and resume full physical activity within two weeks. You can help prevent the formation of kidney stones by making a few simple changes in your diet. Perhaps the easiest is to drink more fluids. Dehydration is a leading cause of kidney stones, so staying well-hydrated is very important-particularly in the hot weather months. Lower your salt intake and the amount of animal protein you eat, as an excess of either of these may lead to kidney stones. Finally, include lemonade or orange juice in your diet. The citric acid present in these beverages can help bind calcium in the urine and prevent stone formation. For more information about the Kidney Stone Center at St. Mary’s, call the nurse line at 816-655-5737.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 Page 5

Food inspections l Independence The city of Independence Environmental Health Division conducts inspections anywhere food is handled, prepared and served to the public within city limits. Critical violations must be handled within 72 hours. ■ Hometown Buffet, 13720 E. U.S. 40 – On May 17, inspectors observed a cup in the hand sink in the prep area. The hand sink in the dish washing area was completely blocked and inaccessible, and there was no soap at the hand washing sink in the wait station. – Jillayne Ritchie

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Page 6 Tuesday, May 31, 2011

wellness

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There were 315 deaths from drowning in Missouri between 2005 and 2009. Fifty-four of those were children under age 15, including one in Eastern Jackson. Statistics cannot bear witness to the grief and pain of loved ones. Deaths from drowning are almost always preventable. Non-fatal drownings can leave victims with life-long cognitive, behavioral and memory problems.

True or false 1. 70 percent of drowning deaths in pools occur at home. 2. 80 percent of those who die from drowning are male. 3. Every day, 10 people die from drowning. The CDC reports that for kids age 1 to 14 years, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death. About 280 children drown in pools annually. Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates. In 2007, among children 1 to 4 years old who died from an unintentional injury, almost 30 percent died from drowning. Last week, a 6-year-old Olathe boy drowned in a partially drained pool in his neighborhood. This is a familiar scenario. According to the CDC, most young children who drown in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. Among children ages 1 to 4 years, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools.

The fatal drowning rate of African American children ages 5 to 14 is more than three times that of white children in the same age range. A whopping 90 percent of those who drown while boating are not wearing a life jacket. “Floaties” are not personal floatation devices, and there is no substitute for U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jackets. Those who cannot swim should only be in the water during formal swim lessons or nestled safely in the arms of an adult loved one who is wearing an approved life vest. The CDC reports that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children aged 1 to 4 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning swim lessons at age 4. In Eastern Jackson County, YMCA branches in Blue Springs and Independence offer very affordable swim lessons for all ages For more information, visit www.kansascityymca.org. Swim safely. Answers: 1. F (90 percent) 2. T 3. T

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at Carmel Hills The dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit offers dedicated, caring and compassionate staff well trained to assist residents in living their lives to the fullest. We offer structured activities designed to maximize interaction with each resident. Personalized behavioral management designed to encourage participation in a calm environment. We provide semi private and private rooms, complimentary cable television, nutritionally balanced meals and rehabilitation services.

For those seeking short term medical and or rehabilitative services, we focus our efforts on working closely with patient and family and strive to achieve the most successful functional outcomes. Our nursing team is support by licensed therapists who provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies. This dedicated team works together to design individualized care plans tailored to each patients speciﬁc needs. We believe our best results are achieved when we work together 810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO 816.461.9600

calendar

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 Page 7

healthCALENDAR Items for the Health Calendar may be e-mailed 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 June 1 through 7, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlights

Blue Springs STRETCH-N-GROW: Fitness fun for kids 2 to 5 years, 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays, June 1-July 6, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. Cost, $38. Call 228-0137 to register. FREE HYPNOSIS SEMINARS – Stop Smoking from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 7; Weight Loss Management from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 8, A Healthy Change Hypnotherapy, 1133 W. Main St., Suite 203. To register, call Mike at 816-560-6903. Lee’s Summit AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEARTSAVER CPR, 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation in City Hall, 220 S.E. Green St. This course teaches choking management and CPR techniques for all ages. Two-year certification cards issued. Fee, $22. To register, call 969-1500. BASIC FIRST AID, 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 7, Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation in City Hall, 220 S.E. Green St. This two-year certification course covers bleeding management, shock, burns, fractures, medical emergencies and more. Fee, $24. To register, call 969-1500.

Addiction groups

Independence Straight Talk, Narcotics Anonymous, 7 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 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex A. 2240677 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. Other Infant loss group, sponsored by Carondelet Health. 655-5582.

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. 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. 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.

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.

Screenings/Immunizations

Independence Evening immunization clinics, 1:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jackson County Health Department, 313 S. Liberty St. 404-6415. HEALTH SCREENINGS for those 50 years and older, 10 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Palmer Center. Screenings for blood sugar, blood pressure and diabetic foot screenings. Free. 325-6200. Blue Springs SCREENINGS, 11 a.m. to noon Thursday. St. Mary’s Medical Center is sponsoring free glucose, blood pressure and diabetic foot screenings.

Support groups

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

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.

No reason to cut gluten if you don’t have celiac disease I’ve had many people ask me lately, “So, why is going gluten-free healthy for you?” The first time I heard this I was confused because I have never really considered gluten-free as a “healthy” diet. Then I realized that many are using a gluten-free diet as a way to lose weight. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley and oats (by contamination). If you have celiac disease, gluten causes an immune reaction that can damage or destroy the villi in your small intestine, leading to many different symptoms such as weight loss, anemia and diarrhea. The only treatment for celiac disease is to avoid all foods that contain gluten. For those who have not been diagnosed with celiac disease, there is no medical reason for restricting gluten from your diet. Then how are people losing weight on this diet? Wheat accounts for a large portion of the gluten we consume. Wheat is in all of those foods that tend to put on extra pounds such as cakes, cookies, crackers and breads. By cutting out these foods, you automatically cut out calories. Although there are many other foods that don’t contain gluten that still contain carbohydrates (carbs), a gluten-free weight loss diet essentially becomes a semi low-carb diet. Eliminating food groups from your diet makes it easy for those who don’t want to count calories or watch portions, and it can work. However, by eliminating food groups you also eliminate essential vitamins and minerals. Diets don’t work. Not long-term, anyway. The only way to successfully lose weight and to keep it off is to eat a balanced diet of healthy foods, watch portions, and exercise.