Health

October 26, 2010

Health The Examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Set a daily treat limit – Page 11

About 300 people walked Saturday at Waterfall Park to raise awareness and funds for children with apraxia of speech.

TRYING TO

The Examiner/MICHAEL GLOVER

communicate

Words don’t always come easy for kids with apraxia – Page 10

•LARRY JONES

Tips for a safe Halloween – Page 2

Wellness 2-5 • CaLENDAR 6-7 • NUTRITION 9, 11

Page 2 Tuesday, October 26, 2010

wellness

Halloween safety begins at home Clean up sidewalks, don’t forget pets October means colorful trees, shorter days and Halloween. Halloween is a child’s favorite day, full of activities and anticipation. They get to dress up, go trick-or-treating and have parties. Then they get to eat the yummy treats.

Although these events are fun, it is a good time to focus on safety.

Carving pumpkins can be fun, but it’s not really safe for little ones. Use washable markers to draw faces or designs on pumpkins.

Leave the carving to the adults.

Costumes come in various materials sizes and styles. Choose wisely. Dyes and chemicals may cause skin rashes. If the costume is dark in color, add reflective tape so that your child can be seen in the dark. In case it is chilly, make sure the costume is large enough to wear warm clothes underneath. The length should be short enough to avoid tripping and falling.

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department.

Masks should be avoided if they impair vision.

Use makeup instead. Again, choose costumes wisely.

I suggest parents get involved in the fun.

Go with your children no matter what age. It is a chance to walk and get some exercise, see neighbors and bond as a family. Stay close to home and don’t allow children to go into homes unless you are with them. Setting ground rules are important to keep your children safe.

Now you are home. It is time to lay more

ground rules. Inspect the treats carefully.

Discard anything that is not sealed, has a torn package or is questionable. Weed out gum, peanuts, hard candy or other choking hazards if your children are young. Ration the snacks.

Dole out a few pieces at a time. Better yet, swap some for a toy or a book.

There are other considerations for parents.

Clean up your walk area so trick-or treaters don’t trip walking up to your door. Turn your outside lights on for good visibility. If you are driving, watch out for children crossing the street.

Don’t forget your pets. They are an important part of the family. Continuous ringing of the door bell or people at the door can be stressful to your pet. Some pets may experience stress-related diarrhea. It is your responsibility to control and protect your pet. Find a nice quiet place for your pet.

Candies, gums, mints, baked goods and chocolate containing the “sugar free� sweetener xylitol are especially poisonous, causing rapid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure in dogs and possibly other species such

I suggest parents get involved in the fun. Go with your children no matter what age. It is a chance to walk and get some exercise, see neighbors and bond as a family. as ferrets.

Chocolate is toxic to pets. Granted, a 50pound dog would have to eat about 50 ounces of milk chocolate, but only 5 ounces of baking chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Have a safe Halloween evening with your children and use safety precautions for a healthy experience for the whole family.

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Page 3

wellness

Dark chocolate: Halloween candy not just for children Plus health benefits for adults Chocolate, not the milky, waxy, Halloween trick, kid stuff. Rather, the rich, deeply flavored, dark, adult treat stuff. Trick, you get a Milky Way bar. Treat, you get a Ghirardelli dark square. Dark chocolate, what do you know?

Lori Boyajian O'Neill

True or false?

1. It has 8 times more anti-oxidants than strawberries.

2. It may lower blood pressure.

3. It may lower cholesterol.

Women seem to be more passionate about chocolate than men, for reasons left for speculation and research. My sister-in-law has a refrigerator magnet which reads, “Inside me is a thin woman screaming to get out. I can usually calm her with chocolate.” Very funny and with some truth.

Dark chocolate contains serotonin, a natural anti-depressant and caffeine, a mood enhancer. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids, anti-oxidants found in plants. Flavonoids fight free radicals which are substances produced by the normal metabolism of the body. Free radicals contribute to cell aging and have been implicated in vascular disease. There are over 300 types of flavonoids that help protect plants from environmental toxins and aid in cellular repair. When we eat plant products we benefit, too.

My aunt has a pillow which reads, “Chocolate is not a vegetable?” Chocolate is derived from the seeds of the cacao plant, a true gift from nature. Dark chocolate is a more pure, less processed, less adulterated product than its villainous milk chocolate cousin. In order to make milk chocolate, purer dark chocolate (high cocoa content) undergoes several processing steps. These steps reduce the quantities of flavonoids, thereby making the taste less pungent and milder. Higher cocoa content

Sports and wellness Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at lori.boyajian-oneill@hcahealthcare.com. means darker chocolate and more flavonoids. It also means a more bitter or bittersweet flavor.

Unfortunately, the more flavonoids removed, the less healthful the chocolate.

The fat in chocolate is from cocoa butter. The good news is that not all of the fat is bad. One-third of the fat is oleic acid, which is monounsaturated, found in olive oil and known to be heart friendly. The “gotcha” is when healthful dark chocolate is paired with syrupy fruit flavors, caramel, nuts or other high-fat food. Medical science does not know the amount of dark chocolate that should be recommended. Most research into the benefits of dark chocolate is based on 100 grams or 3.5 ounces daily consumption. This information is not a license to consume mass quantities!

One square of Ghirardelli Intense Dark Twilight Delight (72 percent cocoa) has 67 calories.

Instead, partake in moderation without guilt.

Dark chocolate is not for chomping and devouring. It is for savoring. When your kids return from a night of trick or treating, check their cache. Maybe you will find a dark little treat for you! Happy Halloween!

Answers 1. T. 2. T. 3. T.

Follow Executive Editor Sheila Davis’ journey back into the land of chemotherapy in her blog “Fighting Lymphoma - Round 2” at examiner.net

HEALTH

Sheila Davis

Page 4 Tuesday, October 26, 2010

wellness

healthSHORTS Health Watch: No remedy like home remedies Many home remedies can help save money – and preserve your health – when used wisely to supplement care from your doctor.

“While patients should always see their doctors for regular checkups and treatment for significant medical issues, it is possible to supplement that care with cost-effective home remedies,” said Dr. Philip Hagen, a preventive medicine expert at Mayo Clinic and editor-inchief of the new “Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies.”

“Common ailments often have simple treatments that could save families hundreds of dollars in medical costs each year.”

A host of ailments can be addressed with home remedies, including ear pain, minor eye ailments and varicose veins.

“Home remedies may not be appropriate for treating every situation all the time; when in doubt, it is always best to consult a medical professional,” Hagen said.

“But it may be possible to care for minor health issues at home, or to use home remedies to enhance the care you’re already receiving from your doctor.”

Here are some home remedies to try from the Mayo Clinic experts: n Chili pepper seed, when used as a rub applied directly to the skin, may ease aching joints. n Ginger is thought to relieve nausea, and many Asian cultures incorporate it into their diets as a digestive aid. n Insomniacs may find relief by inhaling the fragrance of lavender. n Plant-derived compounds like soy have estrogen-like effects that may help ease hot flashes for menopausal women. n A humidifier may help ward off colds by increasing the moisture in the air of your home. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions. n Vinegar is thought to reduce nail fungus.

Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes in a mixture of one-part vinegar and two-parts warm water.

Rinse your feet well and pat dry when done.

Experts also recommend you keep certain items on hand for general care and minor firstaid issues: n Bandages of various sizes, gauze, paper or cloth tape, antibacterial ointment and antiseptic solution to deal with cuts. n Cold packs, gauze, burn spray and an antiseptic cream to treat burns. n Aids like a thermometer, aspirin (for adults only) and acetaminophen (for children) to treat aches, pain and fever. n Cold packs, elastic wraps and finger splints for sprains, strains and fractures.

Remember, however, that serious injuries require treatment from a medical professional.

New research: Love is a drug Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center in California have found that romantic love (in this case, the wildly passionate kind experienced in the first few months of a new relationship) affects the feel-good area of the brain in much the same manner as cocaine and powerful pain relievers. So, in a neuroscience perspective, love can be considered a drug.

Did you know?

The Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center performed its 5,000th liver transplant on Sept. 26 and is only the second program in the world to ever reach this goal.

Diets restrict vital nutrition Dieting may sound like a healthy option, but many simply restrict the important nutrition your body needs, and they often fail in the long run. In the end, the key is to make a lifestyle change: eat healthy, exercise regularly and balance the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body expels.

multiple CNVs that occur in both groups of obese children but not in the groups of lean children.

Since most obesity-related research is based on adults, this study is a welcomed piece of the puzzle for childhood obesity. When scientists and doctors fully understand childhood obesity is when preventive measures and treatments can start taking place.

FDA implements disclaimers for osteoporosis medication The Food and Drug Administration is warning that there is a possible risk of two rare types of bone fractures in people who take drugs known as bisphosphonates, which slows the loss of bone mass, to treat osteoporosis.

The agency issued the warning because the rare types of fractures (subtrochanteric femur fractures and diaphyseal femur fractures) have been predominantly reported in patients taking these prescription medications, though it is unclear whether bisphosphonatesare is the sole cause of these reported fractures.

“In the interim, it’s important for patients and health care professionals to have all the safety information available when determining

the best course of treatment for osteoporosis,” said FDA medical officer Dr. Theresa Kehoe.

From now on, bisphosphonates that are approved for osteoporosis treatment, such as Actonel, Atelvia, Boniva, Fosamax and their generic products, will implement a change of labeling to reflect the possible risk of thigh and hip fractures. In addition, a medication guide will be included with prescriptions to explain the risk and symptoms in more depth.

If you are taking bisphosphonates for your osteoporosis, continue to do so unless you are told to stop by your health care professional.

Read the medication guide to learn what symptoms to watch out for and tell your doctor if you experience any thigh or hip pain. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your medication, contact your doctor.

–GateHouse News Service

Number to know: 65 The number of hospitalizations for diabetes in the U.S. rose 65 percent from 1993 to 2006, according to a study at the University of Michigan.

Children’s health: Genetic link found in childhood obesity Studies at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania have revealed that individuals who have certain copy number variations (deletions or duplications of DNA sequences) are at a very high risk of obesity.

“Our study is the first large-scale, unbiased genome-wide scan of CNVs in common pediatric obesity,” said study leader Dr. Struan F.A. Grant. “We found CNVs that were exclusive to obese children across two ethnicities: European-Americans and African-Americans.”

Health officials have implicated the dramatic influx of obesity cases in the last decade to environmental factors, like a sedentary lifestyle. This study, in conjunction with other research, has given ground for scientists to recognize the genetic component of obesity, as well.

The study examined 1,080 obese children (ages 2 to 18) of European-American decent and 1,479 obese children of African-American decent against a group of lean children from the same decent. Researchers then identified

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wellness

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Page 5

Team sports not only way to keep family fit

By Sue Van Fleet | GateHouse News Service

t’s a hot August night, and Kristin Horky has the house to herself.

The reason? Her husband has taken their kids swimming. Kristin and Chad Horky’s two sons, Zack, 8, and Spencer, 9, enjoy physical activities.

In the summer they swim, bike and skate. Then, when school gets back in session, their attention turns to sports. Both play on football, basketball and baseball teams.

Chad and Kristin Horky are raising their children, Spen“They’ve always been interested in sports,” says cer and Zack, to be active. The Horky boys are both into Horky, of Blissfield, Mich. sports, but even children who aren’t athletically inclined can be motivated to stay active. Photo by vicki “Every sport, every seaSchmucker/GHNS son.”

But what if your elprofessor of kinesiology at Michigan State ementary-age child has no interest in University whose research focus is on sports? Childhood obesity has more than physical activity in children and adolestripled in the last 30 years, according cents. She also stresses everyday activities to the Centers for Disease Control and as a path to fitness.

Prevention, and physical activity is a key “Focus on lifestyle activities. Biking, component in addressing this issue. Fitness can still be achieved without being on hiking, kayaking and swimming are all things people can do over the course of some kind of team. their lives,” Pfeiffer said. “If you have a dog, “I always ask this question of my college and you’re going to walk the dog, get your students: How many of you have ever gotkid to go with you. My take-home message ten a bicycle for Christmas or your birthwould be, not only should people be doday?” says Dr. Adam Coughlin, assistant professor and department chair of exercise ing these things with their kids, but they should make them a habit.” science and physical education at Adrian Both professors suggested finding fun College. “And half the kids raise their ways to almost “trick” children into exhands. But when I was growing up — I’m ercising: things like giving them a soccer 35 — everybody got bikes.” ball to kick around the yard or combining Today, he says, it’s video games that hiking with nature-based activities like show up on Christmas and birthday wish looking for bugs, birds and leaves. lists. Common activities like biking, walkDr. Gretchen Warwick, a clinical psying, swimming and helping with housechologist at Warwick Associates in Adrian, work and the yard can be excellent ways Mich., says many children also enjoy more for children to be active. organized activities like dancing or playFor both children and adults, at least ing kickball and shooting hoops in the 30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week is recommended to see health ben- backyard.

“In this day and age, the greatest obstaefits, Coughlin says. But those 30 minutes cle to children being active is their addiccan be broken up throughout the day. tion to electronic media,” Warwick said.

Dr. Karin Allor Pfeiffer is an assistant

I

My Breast Story

A Birthday Shock No one pictured me as a person who would have breast cancer. I’m one of the healthiest people I know. I take all the preventive measures I can.

That’s why I helped with arrangements for Saint Luke’s SOPHIE, the only mobile mammography van in the area, at our work place. I wanted to make it easy for others to have this life-saving test. You had to be at least 35 to sign up. My 35th birthday was on the last day. So I decided to spend the $20. I saw it as a little insurance to know everything is OK. We l l , t h e r a d i o l o g i s t , R u b y Meierotto, M.D., found something abnormal, a tiny spot smaller than a pea. She did a needle biopsy. Waiting for the results was the hardest time of my life, more stressful than the treatment.

Being able to get my chemo at Saint Luke’s East-Lee’s Summit

close to home was a huge help. And the way my team of experts managed side effects was phenomenal. I have two autistic children, a husband and a full-time job and am a PTA vice president — a lot on my plate. I never got sick or even tired. I kept exercising. I made all the baseball games, piano lessons and bowling leagues.

I feel so blessed that Saint Luke’s provides this mobile service. Doctors don’t usually catch this ty pe of cancer until it has spread. That $20 mammogram saved my life. This year, the mobile unit has already detected five breast cancers. That’s five more lives Saint Luke’s has saved.

— Christina Faris, human resources technician at GEHA

World-class breast care Saint Luke’s Health System brings you the highest quality of care in the most compassionate way. You’ll benefit from the most advanced technologies for diagnosing and treating breast cancer, some only available at Saint Luke’s. You’ll get radiologists with fellowship training in breast imaging; surgeons who only operate on breasts; oncologists who specialize in breast cancer; nurse navigators to guide you through your care — a dream team of experts focused on you.

Call 816-347-5700 to schedule your next mammogram, or just walk in.

The Region’s Quality Leader Saint Luke’s East - Lee’s Summit Center for Breast Care 100 N.E. Saint Luke’s Blvd.

Lee’s Summit, MO 64086

Page 6 Tuesday, October 26, 2010

calendar

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 Oct. 27 through Nov. 2, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlights

Blue Springs TAI CHI classes, sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, advanced 8:05 to 9:05 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 2-Dec. 21; or beginners Thursdays Nov. 4-Dec. 30, Vesper Hall. Cost for either class, $49. Call 228-0137 to register.

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 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.

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.

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’s 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.

Kansas City hospice volunteers needed, Continua Hospice is looking for volunteers for evenings and weekends. Call Rosalea DeMott, volunteer coordinator, 444-2273.

Prenatal/Infant/Child programs

Blue Springs 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 Truman Medical Center-Lakewood WIC Nutrition Program, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago. 404-4WIC.

Screenings/Immunizations

Independence Evening immunization clinics, 1:30 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Jackson County Health Department, 313 S. Liberty St. 404-6415.

Support groups Independence

| Yourtake |

What does the 2010 Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech mean to you?

Heather Bersuch a Blue Springs speech pathologist

“It’s becoming a prevalent disorder and there’s not a lot of awareness. This event is a good way to spread that awareness.”

Christina Benson Independence

“My daughter, Mia, has apraxia. It’s been frustrating. I’m so glad this event is letting the public know about this disorder. Also, money from this will be helping parents who have to fight this.”

Kim Stevens Overland Park

“Raising awareness is key.

This is something that not a lot of people know about.”

–Michael Glover

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

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.

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.

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

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room 100. Call 2298108.

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. 228-5900.

PARENTS OF NICU BABIES, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, St. Mary’s Birthing Center. Moms delivering at other facilities are welcome. 655-5574, 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 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.

Kansas City Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City, 7 p.m. Thursday, St. Joseph Medical Center, Building D. 913-438-5963.

Other Agoraphobia, 7 p.m. 649-9863.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, daily meetings, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. 931-4527.

Groups sponsored by Carondelet Health. For the BreathEasy group call 655-5236; and for cancer group call 224-3489.

National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Center, 913-652-1542 or visit www.nocirc.org.

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, Northeast Baptist Church. 254-9455.

Continued on page 7

calendar

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Page 7

Continued from Page 6 TOPS Mo. 892, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. 356-9219.

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 AnonymousH.O.W.), 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Unity Church of Independence, 14304 E. 39th St. 1-800-672-6715.

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.

Women’s Issues

Blue Springs Mom to Mom Lunch Club, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. 6555585.

Independence Women’s Empowerment Groups, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), 6:30 to 8:30 Monday. For locations, call Karen Costa, 2528388, 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.

–Jillayne Ritchie

Food inspections l Jackson County 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.

■ China Town Super Buffet, 3681 S. Noland Road – On Sept. 30, inspectors found no soap dispensers at the east hand sink by the back door, and the

paper towels were on top of the towel dispenser by the walk-in freezer.

■ Jim’s Hot Tamales, 9517 E. U.S. 24 – On Oct. 12, inspectors observed the back door and screen door hanging open, allowing entrance of flies. Doors must be closed to prevent admittance of flies, insects and rodents.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Food 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.

Lee’s Summit

■ Sorano’s, 419 Ward Road – On Oct. 11, several drain flies were observed under the dish washing machine and around the draft dispensers in the back corner of the bar.

■ Summit Hickory Pit BBQ, 1012 S.E. Blue Parkway – On Oct. 12, numerous drain/fruit flies were observed around a dirty dishes cart and the soda fountain next to the restrooms. Fly activity was also observed in the drink gun holster and under the threecompartment sink behind the bar.

■ Fireside Dining, 400 N.W. Murray – On Oct. 13, a beverage container with a lid, but without a straw, was found on the cook’s line, corrected.

Raytown

■ The Store, 6624 Raytown Road – On Oct.

Photo by Viva Luma Photog rap hy

healthCALENDAR

11, inspectors observed the sliced raw beef on meat prep table had an internal temperature of 51 degrees.

Operator reported that it had been at this location for less than 2 hours , so it was allowed to be salvaged by placing it in walk-in. Containers of hydrogen peroxide and lighter fluid were stored on shelves above a food wrapping machine, and prep knives (in vegetable prep room). Store toxics away from possible contamination of food contact utensils.

■ Herndon Career Center Culinary School, 11501 E. Missouri 350 – On Oct. 13, inspectors observed students peeling hard-boiled eggs, and applying spread to bread with bare hands. Provide barrier when handling ready-to-eat foods.

■ Sonic Drive-in, 6525 Raytown Road – On Oct. 14, inspectors found the tea machine drain line was not able to be positively shut off, and waste water empties into flood some distance from drain. Repair so that waste water does not drain onto a food prep floor.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Not Even a Stroke Could Stop Terri Gardner From Dancing at Her Daughter’s Wedding J ust two weeks remained before Terri Gardner’s oldest daughter, Amber, was to be married. It was a joyful time, but also stressful as Terri worked to ensure that the wedding would be perfect. Terri’s youngest daughter, Carrody, stepped in to help. But as mother and daughter chatted one Sunday morning, it quickly became apparent that something was terribly wrong: Terri could not finish her sentences.

Although she could see the words in her head, her efforts at speech were futile.

Without missing a beat, Carrody, an emergency department nurse at Saint Luke’s East-Lee’s Summit, called the hospital and told them that she was bringing her mother in with a possible stroke. Upon arrival, a CAT scan was done. But the results were inconclusive.

With effort, Terri managed to convey to the attending physician that she’d been experiencing some tingling in her hand for a few days but hadn’t thought much of it.

A quick decision was made to transport Terri to Saint Luke’s Hospital near the Country Club Plaza. A stroke team was waiting, and a higher-resolution CAT scan soon confirmed that she had, indeed, suffered a stroke. Unfortunately, the blood clots were too far back in the brain to address through mechanical intervention. Instead, Terri was given

powerful medications to improve the blood flow to her brain.

The medications worked, and by the following evening, Terri was talking normally. Within four days, she was heading home. And not too long after that, she was dancing at her daughter’s wedding.

“The care I received was just wonderful,” Terri said. “I really don’t know how it could have been any better.

They kept me informed and explained to me what they were doing and why. And they were always very kind and courteous and professional. Nobody wants to go through something like that, but all things considered, it was a pretty awesome experience.”

Hundreds of people across western Missouri and eastern Kansas have been given a second chance in life, thanks to the advanced stroke intervention capabilities of Saint Luke’s Health System. A national leader in acute stroke reversal, Saint Luke’s and its 11 regional partner hospitals bring the latest technology, medications and techniques to bear in the fight against strokes. So wherever you are in the area, remember that you’re never far from the region’s quality leader.

And if you need proof, just talk to Terri Gardner. Because she’s speaking just fine these days.

The Region’s Quality Leader To find a doctor who’s part of Saint Luke’s, call NurseLine at 816-932-6220 or go to saintlukeshealthsystem.org.

Are you one of the 37 million Americans with sinus problems?

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Do you worry that you’ll have to live with sinus pain forever? Breathe a sigh of relief.

Learn about common sinus problems and treatment at a FREE presentation with Kelvin Walls, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist with St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Thursday, October 28 6:30-8 p.m.

St. Mary’s Medical Center Education Center 201 NW R.D. Mize Rd. Blue Springs, MO 64014

(Hors d’oeuvres will be provided)

This event is free and open to the public.

Seating is limited; call 816-228-3335 to make your reservation.

Tuesday, October 26 2010 Page 9

nutrition

‘Expeller pressed’ often means ‘cold-pressed’ Plus slow cooker food safety questions and honey crackers for babies, toddlers DEAR DR. BLONZ: Since my heart attack last year, I have limited my fat intake to olive oil and canola oil, avoiding partially hydrogenated fats zealously. I find many foods contain expeller-pressed canola oil. What is that? – J.K., Baton Rouge, La. DEAR J.K.: Expeller pressing utilizes mechanical pressure rather than a chemical solvent to extract oil from a seed. If there is no heat added during the process, expeller pressed can also be referred to as “cold pressed.”

Keep in mind that even if there no heat added, there is some heat generated as a side effect of the mechanical pressure needed for extraction.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Which numbers are on the nutrition facts label of bacon? Is it the levels before or after cooking? I am wondering because bacon loses a lot of fat when it is cooked, so I want to know how to get the correct information for my diet.

– B.B., San Mateo, Calif.

DEAR B.B.: The nutrition facts panel on bacon usually displays information from bacon that’s been cooked.

It can differ from brand to brand, but for standard bacon you can expect about 20 slices in 1 pound. Thick bacon will provide about 12 slices per pound.

A serving of standard bacon will usually be two slices (16 grams) and contain 87 calories from 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of which is saturated, and 18 milligrams of cholesterol.

Those same two slices prior to cooking will weigh about 45 grams and contain 208 calories from 20 grams of fat, 7 of which are saturated, and 31 milligrams of cholesterol. You can see how much is lost during cooking.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: It is my understanding that foods of animal origin have no fiber. If you ate only animal foods and no plant foods, would you form stool? And if you did, where would it come from? I look forward to reading your response. – K.M., Mountainside, N.J. DEAR K.M.: The word “fiber” doesn’t refer to one substance. Rather, it stands for a variety of indigestible materials that are found in plant foods. You are therefore correct in your statement that animal foods have no fiber.

It doesn’t follow, however, that foods containing no fiber are 100 percent digestible. Stool would

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. consist of that which cannot be broken down or absorbed, sloughed cells from the digestive system and any secreted and unreabsorbed digestive fluids.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I know there are issues with feeding honey to infants. Is there any problem with feeding honey crackers to our 1-year-old grandson? – LP, Chicago, Ill. DEAR L.P.: Honey is not recommended for infants under a year old due to the potential risk that very small amounts of botulism spores from dirt or dust might have been picked up by the honeybees.

This small amount doesn’t represent a hazard to older children or adults, but it represents a risk for an infant’s immature immune system.

Honey crackers and honey in products such as cereals are processed using a heat treatment designed to eliminate viable botulism spores.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: How safe is it to prepare meats in a slow cooker? I know of recipes that call for starting with raw meats and cooking them at low temperatures for up to eight hours. As the cooker starts at room temperature, the meat will spend plenty of time at what is considered prime breeding temperature for harmful bugs. How risky a way is this to prepare foods, especially for seniors? – O.L., Sun City, Ariz.

DEAR O.L.: Bacteria grow more rapidly between 40 F and 140 F, which is often referred to as the “danger zone.” This explains why it is essential that refrigerators remain at or below 40 F. The slow cooker starts out at room temperature, but it makes its way up to between 170 F and 280 F, which is sufficient to kill bacteria.

If the cooker is kept clean and the food has been handled properly, slow cooking is a safe and convenient way cook.

It is essential to test any cooker to make

sure it gets up to the appropriate temperature at a fast enough rate. The idea is that you don’t want susceptible foods hanging out in that danger zone for more than a couple of hours. This includes all animal products, cooked fruits, vegetables and grains.

Defrost any frozen ingredients in the refrigerator, or microwave before they go into the pot, and follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much to put in at any one time. A good rule of thumb is no less than half and no more than two-thirds full.

Larger pieces of meat or poultry need to be cut into small chunks to minimize time at an unsafe temperature, and cook thoroughly.

Steam helps the process, so keep the lid in place.

If you will be around during the initial stages, you might consider setting the cooker on the highest setting for the first hour, then lowering to the temperature called for in the recipe. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has an information page on slow cookers and food safety at tinyurl.com/25vuyyj.

Think of what goes on when you purchase a refrigerated meat product and the time it takes to get to the safety of your refrigerator

at home. As long as the meat is in good shape when it leaves the store and it is cooked properly, the risk of food spoilage is insignificant.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: What causes the foaming when I cook, or even soak, peas and other legumes? What is it composed of, and is it dangerous to eat? If allowed to dry on a cooking vessel, it forms a tough soap scum-like deposit that I have to scrub to get off. – W.N., Nashville, Tenn.

DEAR W.N.: The starch carbohydrate is relatively insoluble in water. Legumes contain small amounts of short-chain carbohydrates that are semisoluble, and these can produce a bubble/foam appearance.

The human body doesn’t have enzymes to digest these short-chain carbohydrates, referred to as oligosaccharides. The flora that live in your large intestine are able to use these as food. As such, the short chain carbs that make it down to the large intestines are responsible for the gassy proclivities of peas and other legumes.

The foaming indicates the presence the oligosaccharides and it isn’t a soap as much as a primitive glue, similar to the way that flour and water forms a glue-like paste.

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Page 10 Tuesday, October 26, 2010

cover

Walk benefits children with speech disorder Because main symptom is lack of verbal communication, apraxia is often misdiagnosed “You never want to see your kid struggle. We’re confident Brett is going to make it through this and be a good communicator.”

Sarah Boyle

son Brett, 3, was diagnosed with apraxia of speech last year

By Michael Glover michael.glover@examiner.net

Wearing yellow T-shirts, the crowd gathered at the picnic area of Waterfall Park. Soon, they embarked on a 1-mile walk around the park.

The inaugural “Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech” was held on Saturday in Independence. The event had two goals: to raise money for an organization that helps families and to raise awareness about childhood apraxia of speech.

Sarah Boyle, of Grain Valley, helped organize the walk.

Her 3-year-old son, Brett, has childhood apraxia of speech.

“I had no idea what it was,” Boyle said after her son’s diagnosis.

The general public, for that matter, has little knowledge of the condition either.

A child with apraxia cannot communicate words.

The transmission of words from the brain to the mouth is disrupted, causing speech and language barriers.

“They know what they want to say, but they just can’t say it,” said April Kempton, who organized the walk.

Brett could not talk as he grew from an infant to toddler.

“He wouldn’t even say daddy or mommy,” Boyle said.

He did finally talk and would “talk up a storm,” much of that being unintelligible.

They took him to a doctor, who ran a battery of tests and determined he had apraxia of speech. He started working with Heather Bersuch, a speech pathologist in Blue Springs.

Soon, Brett was being taught basically how to talk. Bersuch’s therapy included picture cards that were shown in sequence so Brett could make sentences.

The Examiner/MICHAEL GLOVER About 300 people participated in the first ‘Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech,’ Saturday at Waterfall Park, 4501 South Bass Pro Drive. The walk raised more than $20,000 to benefit kids living with apraxia, which disrupts the transmission of words to the mouth from the brain.

What is apraxia of speech?

Apraxia of speech is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to translate conscious speech plans into motor plans. In other words, a child knows what he or she wants to say but cannot speak it. The disorder causes their speech to be slow and segmented, often described as ‘robotic.’They have a hard time putting sounds and syllables together in the correct order to form words.

Kids with the disorder can understand language much better than they are able to use language to express themselves.

Parents of children with the disorder find it highly

frustrating that their child, who doesn’t have a mental disability, cannot communicate effectively.

The child has difficulty programming and planning speech movements. It’s not due to weakness or paralysis of the speech muscles (face, tongue, lips).

Treating children with the disorder is tailored on an individual basis and each person responds differently to treatment.

Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America(CASANA).

He’s progressing well, Bersuch said.

“You never want to see your kid struggle,” Boyle said. “We’re confident Brett is going to make it through this and be a good communicator.”

Apraxia, when treated early, will not affect the child’s ability to communicate as an adult.

Janelle Stevens, a speech pathologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital and an expert in apraxia treatment, said the majority of children with the disorder will become “verbally competent communicators” as adults.

However, the child could struggle academically and experience minor articulations of speech during their teenage years.

The therapy is a long-term commitment, Stevens said. Therapists must rely on parents to help them practice language with their child.

“That’s so important,” she said.

Research on apraxia was dormant a decade ago, but recently more studies on the condition have helped raise awareness of the problem.

Many times, the child is misdiagnosed because the main symptom of apraxia, lack of verbal communication, is similar to the wellknown condition of autism.

Kempton hopes Saturday’s walk, which she hopes to hold each year, will give parents the opportunity to talk to other parents about their child’s experience with apraxia.

“Awareness and sharing information can be so helpful for parents so they know they’re not alone in this fight,” she said.

Kempton’s son, Brock, lives with apraxia.

Kempton, like Boyle, never heard of apraxia.

When she started researching, Kempton found that the speech disorder flew under the radar of other conditions, namely autism.

Brock has responded well to speech therapy.

He could only make 10 sounds in July 2009.

Now, Brock can speak four- or five-word sentences.

The walk, she said, has raised about $20,000.

There were 24 teams that participated, and about 300 people walked in the morning when the rain held off. Kempton had expected 150 when organizing the event. Families from as far away as Iowa and Illinois walked.

Boyle, the Grain Valley mother of Brett, raised $2,175 through family and friends.

“Facebook rocks,” she said with a laugh.

The money will go to Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America.

Its mission is to provide information to families and professionals, create a support network, facilitate better public policy for children with apraxia and fund research for the disorder.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Page 11

nutrition

Moderation is key for healthy Halloween

Instead of denying kids fun, use trick-or-treating as a teaching example Halloween means bags filled with sugary, sticky, chocolaty candy. This can be frightening for many parents who worry about their kids’ eating habits.

Instead of denying kids their annual quest for candy and treats, parents can make the Halloween season a learning opportunity about healthy eating.

Let’s face it, children should be allowed to enjoy Halloween. The most important thing is not what they do on one day; it’s what they do every day of the year. Healthy eating is about balance and encouraging good eating habits now so your child can eat better throughout their life.

Help your child build a lifetime of healthy eating habits by trying some of these healthy Halloween tricks: n Eat treats sparingly. All foods can fit into eating habits. Teach your children that they can have a treat after they have eaten foods from all the five food groups, including breads, fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat.

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. n Eat before you trick-or-treat. Serve

healthSHORTS kids’ health

Preemies face dangers in daycare Exposure to common viruses in daycare puts children with a chronic lung condition caused by premature birth at risk for serious respiratory infections, according to a study from Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Researchers say their findings should prompt pediatricians to monitor their prematurely born patients, regardless of age, for signs of lung disease and to discuss the risks of daycare-acquired infections with the children’s parents. These risks, the researchers found, include increased emergency room visits, medication use and breathing problems.

–GateHouse News Service

number to know

111

Toasted skin syndrome, a brownish discoloration of the skin caused by prolonged exposure to heat from a computer, can occur when the heat from your laptop reaches 111 degrees. — WebMD.com

your child a nutritious meal or snack before raisins, cheese crackers, sugar-free gum, coins, going trick-or-treating so they won’t dig into pencils or stickers. their bag of candy before they get home.

Serve this tasty appetizer at your Halloween n Set limits. Set limits on how much candy party and the ghouls and goblins are sure to can be eaten each day and how long the candy gobble it up. can stay in the house. Parents are in charge of what kids All you need: eat. Be creative ½ cup grape jam or jelly in teaching ½ cup seedless raspberry jam children that ½ cup apple butter anything in 1 (16 oz.) can dark sweet cherries, drained excess can Apple slices cause probPear slices lems. n Think All you do: beyond tradiIn a blender, mix grape jam, raspberry jam and apple butter together tional candy. until well-blended, but not liquefied. Slowly pour dip into saucepan, and Offer kids nonwarm mixture over medium heat, stirring just until jams are melted. sweet alternaRefrigerate dip until chilled and serve with apple and pear slices. tives like boxes of Sun-Maid

Ghoul Dip

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