Health

November 23, 2010

Health The Examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Holidays can hurt waistline – Page 7

Out and active Winter weather no excuse not to stay active – Page 5

Noel and Jeff Clevenger make sure their two boys, Luke, left, and Matt, get plenty of outdoor play time, even when the weather turns cold.

Ted Schurter/GHNS

• Larry Jones

Eye health is an asset – Page 3

Wellness 2-5 • CaLENDAR 6-7 • NUTRITION 7

health

Page 2 Tuesday, November 23, 2010

For diabetics, moderation is key to enjoying holidays Take the focus off food and concentrate on family and friends Do you ever wonder if you’ll get diabetes?

It’s a good question and the answer might surprise you. There are nearly 6 million people in the United States right now who have diabetes and don’t know it. November is American Diabetes Month, dedicated to drawing attention to this growing problem.

Diabetes is a major health problem. The American Diabetes Association recommends testing for type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes in all adults with a body mass index greater than 25 and one or more additional risk factors.

These include being overweight, having a family member with diabetes, a lack of physical activity, abnormal cholesterol or high blood pressure. In those who don’t have risk factors, testing is suggested to begin at 45 years of age.

As common as diabetes is, the disease is still largely misunderstood. In fact, many people don’t believe that it is a serious disease,

Maria Gomez Maria Gomes is an endocrinologist with St. Mary’s Medical Center.

worthy of their attention, but it’s a disease that has devastating consequences and can shorten life. The great and alarming increase of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is associated with an increase in childhood obesity. It is important to know your risk and take steps to control it.

With the holiday season approaching there are a variety of ways to offset diabetes and still enjoy yourself. We all know with all the festivities during the holidays our food intake tends to increase while our physical activity decreases. There are several tips to keep the

holiday healthy whether you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or if you just want to take extra precautions.

It’s important to remember that all foods can fit into a healthy meal plan, but it can help to take the focus OFF food over the holidays.

Concentrate on family and friends instead of food. It’s important to plan ahead for festivities. Make a conscious decision not to indulge on days where you don’t have a special event planned and save any “splurges� for the parties. To be sure there is something healthful for you to eat, offer to bring a dish. You can make it delicious and still fit into your plan.

Physical activity is the best way to stay healthy whether you have diabetes or want to fight to prevent the disease. Benefits of exercise include controlling your blood glucose, weight and blood pressure. Also, it can prevent heart disease by raising your good cholesterol and lowering your bad cholesterol. You don’t have to go to the gym, take a brisk, 30 minutes walk – in addition to all the benefits already mentioned, it can help relieve the stress that seems to come with the season. You can enjoy the holiday lights put up around the neighborhood. Make it a goal to do some form of physical activity five days a week.

It’s important to plan ahead for festivities.

Make a conscious decision not to indulge on days where you don’t have a special event planned and save any “splurges� for the parties.

During the holidays, try to stay focused on your goals. Don’t get caught up in the hype.

Writing your goals and keeping them where you can see them can help with accountability.

Check your blood sugar more often to make sure you’re staying in your target range. While you can’t deny yourself every treat, moderation can help you enjoy the holidays and start the new year without regrets.

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The guest speaker will be from the Alzheimer’s Association.

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health

Eyes age with us So protect the pair you have I have just returned from my annual eye exam. As we age, changes in our eyes occur.

You do not have to be an older adult for eye changes to occur. Ask any middle school student if they like to wear glasses. Our eyes change shape, we can’t see far, we can’t see near, and we need glasses. Our eyes go through many changes whether we are young or old, but everyone will experience one phenomenon: What is that floating in my eyes?

Eye floaters occur in everyone. They appear as black or gray specks, strings or cobwebs that drift about when you move your eyes. One of the substances in your eye is a jelly-like substance called the vitreous humor. As we age, this jelly begins to liquefy or shrink, which causes clumps. These clumps float through the eye and can be seen when light passes through the eye to the retina. Eye floaters can be annoying, but they are very common and you should not be alarmed if you have them.

However, there are some instances where you should be concerned. Since the vitreous humor is attached to the retina, changes in the number of floaters should be taken seriously. If a section of the vitreous humor suddenly pulls away from the retina, you may see an abundance of floaters with flashes of light. This could be a sign of trouble. When these fibers pull away with force, it could cause the retina to tear. While a vitreous detachment does not affect your sight, a retinal tear is a medical emergency and requires treatment.

There are several risk factors you need to know about. If you are older than 50, are nearsighted, have had an eye trauma, cataract surgery, inflammation of the eye or are a diabetic, pay attention to your floaters. Again, they are normal, but if the number of floaters suddenly increase and are accompanied by flashes of

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

light, see an eye specialist right away.

Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. n Protect your eyes when playing sports.

Wear the appropriate eye gear. n Turn on the lights when it is getting dark. n Wear sunglasses and hats on bright days and keep sunscreens away from the eyes. n Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages. n Know your family’s eye health history.

It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. n Eat right to protect your sight. You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale or collard greens, is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too. n Maintaining a healthy weight will decrease your risk of developing diabetes or other systemic conditions that lead to vision loss.

Your eyes are the window to your health.

Take care of them and enjoy your vision into your golden years.

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

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Page 3

Page 4 Tuesday, November 23, 2010

health

Fall is time to enjoy pumpkins Pumpkins!

Big, bright globes of goodness. There are few fruits more nutritious. Celebrated by the Peanuts gang and hordes of kids in search of their own Great Pumpkin, they welcome us to Fall.

Pumpkins, what do you know: T or F? 1. Iowa is the leading pumpkin producer.

2. Pumpkins are fat free.

3. Pumpkins are 90 percent water.

“Pumpkin” comes from the Greek word, “pepon” literally translated, “large melon.”

The fruit is native to America and became widely popular among English colonists through their interaction with Native Americans. Illinois produces 90-95 percent of pumpkins grown in the U.S. Pumpkin pie originated when colonists removed the seeds and filled the inside with milk, honey and spices. The pumpkin was baked in hot ashes and, voila, pumpkin pie was

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

Annually, 1.1 billion pounds of pumpkin are grown, with over 95 percent used for food. The rest are used for decoration and to frighten evil spirits.

Historians report that the original “Jack of

the Lantern” comes from the Irish myth about a man named, “Stingy Jack.” Jack, a rather unsavory character, had tricked the Devil on a few occasions when their paths crossed. Each time Stingy Jack vexed the Devil by placing a cross nearby. At the time of Jack’s death he had succeeded in angering both the Devil and God, presumably for different reasons. Consequently, neither would permit entry into their respective domains.

Jack was left to roam the earth with nothing but a piece of burning coal to light his way, which he placed in a turnip. Thus, the Irish myth of “Jack of the Lantern” was born. The carving of scary visages into potatoes, gourds and pumpkins was intended to ward off evil spirits. When Irish colonists arrived they brought this tradition with them and found pumpkins to be the perfect lantern.

The rich orange color of pumpkins means they are packed with beta-carotenes. Eat enough beta-carotenes and you, too, will be

orange! Many parents of infants have discovered this after too many feedings of pureed carrots. Beta-carotenes are converted to vitamin A which is believed to prevent heart disease and decrease risk of certain cancers.

Some researchers believe that aging is slowed with a diet rich in beta-carotenes. Pumpkins are also rich in vitamin C and potassium.

Pumpkin seeds contain essential amino acids, zinc, protein and fiber.

Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater may have had marital problems but with all of that betacarotene he probably lived a long life. Linus van Pelt said, “There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin!”

I found my Great Pumpkin in the form of a Tippin’s pie, which I ordered for Thanksgiving. I’ll take my beta-carotenes with a dollop of whipped cream, thank you. Happy Thanksgiving.

Answers: 1. F, 2. T, 3. T

Antibacterial overload

Green cleaning can fight germs without upsetting nature’s system

By GateHouse News Service Antibacterial hand soaps, glass cleaners and counter sprays seem like a no-brainer.

But scientists and doctors continue to raise concerns about Americans’ overzealous use of bacteria-killing products. These are also known as antimicrobial products, or disinfectants, and often carry labels like “industrial strength.”

The agent used to make antibacterial products is called triclosan. Lately, scientists have been tracking the rise of a new “super resistant” strain of bacteria that triclosan can’t kill. Researchers believe our frequent use of antibacterial cleaning products play a role in the development of these super germs, which are strong enough to withstand antibiotics.

According to the Environmental Working Group, most of the powerful antimicrobial chemicals used in household products were initially developed for hospital settings where disinfected surfaces are critical to the health of patients. However, the average American home doesn’t need to be as sterile as an operating room-and, in fact, shouldn’t be as sterile.

New research also suggests that the chemical may have some health effects, including altered

hormone regulation.

In April, the Food and Drug Administration published a consumer fact sheet that said triclosan “is not known to be hazardous to humans,” but the agency also “does not have evidence that triclosan, added to antibacterial soaps and body washes, provides extra health benefits over soap and water.”

Health concerns and suspicion of triclosan’s role in creating super-resistant bacteria has caused the FDA to launch an in-depth scientific and regulatory review of the chemical.

The evidence surrounding triclosan gives “green cleaning” advocates another reason to swap out traditional cleaning products that use chemicals with natural or organic versions.

Here are some ways to keep bacteria in balance at home.

Instead of: Antibacterial hand soap Consider: Good, old soap and water The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA and the American Medical Association have all stated that antibacterial soaps aren’t necessary for regular home use.

However, you should still wash hands frequently

to avoid the spread of germs, especially as we enter flu season.

Instead of: Kitchen countertop sprays and other antibacterial cleaners Consider: Vinegar and baking soda mixtures Equal parts white vinegar and water make an affective solution to clean countertops daily.

Baking soda and water (or vinegar) can form a useful paste for scrubbing sinks and toilets.

To sanitize cutting boards, professional “green cleaning” coach Leslie Reichert recommends scrubbing a wood board with a half lemon and salt, or soaking plastic boards for 15 minutes in a mixture of lemon juice and water.

If you prefer commercial products, Seventh Generation offers a line of botanically-based disinfectants, including bathroom and surface cleaners and wipes.

Did you know?

■ Seven years ago, only a few dozen products containing antibacterial agents were being marketed for the home, according to the CDC. Now, more than 700 are available.

■ Triclosan is heavily restricted in the European Union.

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cover

Fit as a family Think now about staying active during the winter

By Carol Sponagle GateHouse News Service

rain, clouds, sleet and snow make you go “blah,” there’s good reason.

According to medical research, the “winter blues,” or depression associated with cold weather, occurs when daylight hours are shorter and people hunker down indoors. Symptoms associated with seasonal depression (known as seasonal affective disorder) include fatigue, lack of enjoyment, change in eating habits, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Put simply, seasonal depression, or SAD, can be brought on by how your brain reacts to the decrease in sunlight, according to the Mayo Clinic. Roughly midway through autumn, the days feel shorter, and the amount of sunlight per day will continue decreasing until winter begins Dec. 21.

One way to stay healthy and avoid winter blues and SAD is to get a sufficient amount of natural sunlight. Combining exercise with a healthy diet can also help.

Noel Clevenger of Springfield, Ill., makes a point to keep her family healthy by getting plenty of outdoor exercise during the colder months of the year.

“My two boys (ages 9 and 7) are very active, so we try to do as much as we can outside,” she says.

If

Before you play outside n Wear shoes with traction or use slip-

on grips. n Choose shoveled or plowed paths for walking and running. n Layer clothing to protect against wind and cold. n Look for waterproof and insulated boots and gloves to keep fingers and toes warm. n Wear a hat and cover your face in extreme temperatures.

Indoor activities n Join a local health club. The YMCA

has programs to keep the entire family fit in winter. n Take a stroll at the mall. n Strike out winter blahs at the local bowling alley. n Go roller skating or ice skating. n Go to a museum. n If you can’t exercise, keep your mind active. Libraries offer children’s areas and story times throughout the week.

“We walk the trails ... go to the playground, and when it snows, my husband takes them sledding.”

You don’t have to hide from cold weather. There are many ways to enjoy it — go for a family hike, strap on some skis, go sledding at the park or build a snowman.

healthSHORTS

New Research: Military parents and kids' health Researchers from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences published a study that says parental military deployment is associated with an 11 percent increase in childhood outpatient visits for mental and behavioral health issues.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Number to Know

90

According to the American Heart Association, women with high levels of on-the-job stress are 90 percent more likely to have a heart attack than women with less stressful jobs.

Did You Know?

Registered dieticians Jennifer Nelson and Katherine Zeratsky say that, for the average person, occasionally eating seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is OK. But pregnant or lactating women, young children and those with weak immune systems should avoid it.

-- MayoClinic.com

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 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.

■ McDonald’s, 11801 E. U.S. 40 – On Nov. 8, inspectors observed a pitcher from the Frappe machine in front hand sink beside fry warmer. Hand sinks are to be used for one purpose, hand washing. Front drive-thru window was open with no one attending window and air curtain not in use. Close windows between customers and use air curtains to cut down on insects entering.

■ Zio’s Italian Kitchen, 3901 Bolger Road – On Nov. 9, a female employee was observed eating while carrying food to a customer, and an employee drink was found sitting on top of food storage bucket under pizza prep table. Standing and pooling stagnant water was found in the bar area and in the wait-staff area, repeat violation. The stagnant water is creating a pungent odor and it is mak-

ing it impossible to keep clean and safe. Must be addressed within 30 days. The floors, throughout the entire facility, were found black with food, trash and debris under equipment, shelving and around the baseboards. Particularly dirty is the black wall and baseboard by the wait-staff area, and the bar area was black with build-up. The walls, throughout the facility, found with food splashes and stains. Floors and walls must be scrubbed within 48 hours.

■ Taco Bell, 1300 S. Noland Road – On Nov. 10, inspectors observed bags of meat being stored in walk-in above tubes of sauce, rearrange. Note: Evening shift must clean store before leaving for the night.

■ Olive Garden, 13910 E. U.S. 40 – On Nov. 15, inspectors noted the back delivery door had daylight showing at the bottom. Repair/replace sweep or door jam as necessary.

■ Fazoli’s, 19008 E. 39th St. – On Nov. 15, inspectors found daylight at the top of the back door, repair.

– 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.

Raytown

■ Hy-Vee Food Store, 9400 E. Missouri 350 – On Nov. 9, inspectors found rotisserie chicken in hot holder were at 120-128 degrees, hold all hot

potentially hazardous foods at 135 degrees, Product was discarded. Eggs in lowest rack of self-service cooler were at 48-49 degrees, hold all cold potentially hazardous foods at 41 degrees or below. Eggs in higher racks at the same location were at proper temperature. Produce/salad bar prep hand sink was inoperable, repair.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Page 6 Tuesday, November 23, 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 Nov. 24 through 30.

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. 224-0677 or 229-8093.

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

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

To register, 655-5490.

Grief support group for children, 7 p.m.

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

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

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, 3257803.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Parkinson’s Recovery information group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, 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.

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. 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. 3472845.

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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.

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 AnonymousHOW 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.

Women’s Issues

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

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

–Compiled by Jillayne Ritchie

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 Page 7

nutrition

Iron not needed if you’re feeling fine 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.

DEAR DR BLONZ: In my latest physical, my iron and iron storage was low. I am postmenopausal and eat well, with a meat meal every week or so. Most of my protein comes from poultry and fish, but I also have pork every now and then. I also take a daily multivitamin, but it contains no iron. I feel absolutely fine, and my doctor had no real concerns, but I wanted to know any consequences to low iron storage. – T.R., Phoenix, Ariz.

DEAR T.R.: Iron is an essential nutrient

throughout life, especially during periods of increased demand, such as during growth or after blood loss. Women tend to require more, this requirement decreasing at the cessation of menstruation. There is a detailed fact sheet on iron at tinyurl.com/32qlajs. The recommended dietary allowance for adults over age 51 is 8 milligrams per day. The nutrition label on food products is based on a Daily Value (DV) for iron of 18 milligrams per day. This reference reflects the highest adult requirement.

(Women between 19 and 50 have an RDA of 18 milligrams per day.) It is unusual for anyone to need over the RDA. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound in the blood; and myoglobin, a related compound that handles oxygen in our muscles. When we don’t absorb sufficient iron from the foods we eat, it can hampers our ability to produce energy. What can result is an iron-deficiency anemia, marked by fatigue, dizziness and a general “run down” feeling. These symptoms can mistakenly be dismissed as a normal side effect of aging. In your case, it is great that you feel fine. You didn’t state whether your values are borderline or low. Your physician will have the most complete picture, and I would rely on her/his interpretation of the results in light of your complete health profile.

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Feast sensibly on Thursday as you celebrate holiday 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.

Thanksgiving is a seasonal feast filled with favorite family foods. Feasting may add a whopping 2,000 to 4,500 calories to your daily intake.

For an average-sized person, who engages in moderate activity and consumes between 1,600 and 2,200 calories per day to maintain weight, the calories from one feast meal, by any standards, constitute a hefty intake.

Research suggests that Americans probably gain about a pound during the winter holiday season, but an accumulation of weight over the years may contribute to obesity and other health problems later in life. This finding runs contrary to the popular belief that most people gain from five to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. You can enhance the flavor and nutrition, yet decrease the fat and calories of your delectable dishes using strategies and food ingredient substitutions: n Use a salad plate because less looks like more. n To monitor your portion sizes, eat from a plate, not the platter or package. n Serve fresh, high-fiber fruit and vegetables as appetizers. Fiber creates a feeling of fullness and helps us eat a certain volume of foods rather a certain amount of calories. n Baste the bird with fat-free broth or remove the solidified fat before using regular

broth. n Enjoy the turkey without the skin.

Almost half the fat resides in the skin. n Use nonfat milk, water or chicken broth and skip the butter as you mash potatoes. n Prepare sweet potatoes with little or no marshmallow cream, butter or brown sugar.

Or bake sweet potatoes with diced apples and raisins, using butter spray for flavor. n Make your own cranberry relish or “salsa” instead of serving the high-sugar variety. n Reduce calories in pumpkin pie by using non-fat evaporated milk instead of cream in your recipe. Pumpkin pie typically has fewer calories than pecan and fruit pies.

Turkey with cranberry compote Serves 10

Cranberry Compote: 1/2 cup fresh orange juice 1/2 cup sugar 1 tbsp. powdered stevia extract 2 tsp. finely grated orange zest 1 (12 oz.) pkg. fresh cranberries 1/4 tsp. cinnamon Turkey Breast: 1 (4 1/2 to 5-lb.) fresh bone-in turkey breast 2 tbsp. butter, melted 1. For the cranberry compote: In a saucepan bring 1/4 cup water, orange juice, sugar, stevia extract and orange zest to boiling. Stir in cranberries and cinnamon; return to boiling.

Reduce heat and cook 12 to 15 minutes or until cranberries burst.

2. Transfer compote to a bowl; let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. For the turkey breast: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place turkey breast in a roasting pan.

Brush turkey with butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 45 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165ºF. 4. Remove from oven. Loosely cover with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Slice turkey and serve with cranberry compote.

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Are you missing out on life’s important moments?

A MESSAGE FROM DR. BARY WILLIAMS

Sienna Grace

As we enter the holiday season and I spend more time with my two-year-old granddaughter, Sienna, my hearing is getting quite the work out. As her vocabulary grows and she starts stringing together ever longer sentences, I can’t imagine not having the ability to hear and communicate with her. I take Bary E. Williams, Au.D. this luxury for granted now, but it is something I would have struggled with greatly even a few years ago. I was born hard of hearing and even with a hearing aid, I used to have difficulty with hearing voices, especially small, high-pitched voices like Sienna’s. With the advancements in hearing technology over the past 5 years, I can finally relax and enjoy my time with my family, without having to worry about missing out on the conversation around the dinner table. Living with hearing loss isn’t easy. It can be isolating, cause depression, and even mental deterioration.

Hearing Associates is proud to be family owned and operated and it is important to us that our patients be able to communicate and connect fully with their loved ones. I am sometimes saddened to think of the millions of Americans who miss out on their families’ lives because they ignore their hearing loss. This holiday season, I want everyone who suffers from hearing loss to be able to enjoy their family as much as I enjoy mine.

If you’ve been putting off getting your hearing checked, come in today for a complimentary hearing screening and start the journey to reconnecting with your loved ones through better hearing. It could just be wax! And if you do need a hearing aid, our expert staff, tailored rehabilitation process, and competitive pricing will help you regain your quality of life.

And to really make the holidays special, we are giving every family who buys a pair of hearing instruments during the next couple of months, a free hour long photo shoot courtesy of KayRae Photo (photo credit above) and 25 personalized photo greeting cards to send to friends and family. (www.KayRaePhoto.com)

GET YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE BACK. CALL (800) 227-9440 today! t 'BNJMZ PXOFE GBNJMZ PQFSBUFE t 5IPSPVHI BDDVSBUF IFBSJOH TDSFFOJOHT CZ GSJFOEMZ FYQFSJFODFE IFBSJOH IFBMUIDBSF QSPGFTTJPOBMT t 4UBòFE EBZT B XFFL t $PNQMJNFOUBSZ IFBSJOH TDSFFOJOHT BOE MJTUFOJOH EFNPOTUSBUJPOT t "MM BJET DPNF XJUI /0 3*4, EBZ TBUJTGBDUJPO HVBSBOUFF t $PNQFUJUJWF QSJDFT &7&3:%": t NPOUI JOUFSFTU GSFF ÜOBODJOH PQUJPOT BWBJMBCMF 8"$

Bary Williams, Au.D. James Powell, Au.D. Dustin Spaulding, BC-HIS New Blue Ridge Bank Towers 4200 Little Blue Pkwy, Suite 560 Independence, MO 64057 p: (816) 994-2401

THIS WEEK ONLY Hearing Instrument Special

$1,000

off a pair of premium digital hearing instruments

offer expires 11/15/10

WHY HEARING ASSOCIATES?

web: hearingassociates.com e: hearing.associateskc@gmail Georgetown Medical Bldg.

8901 W. 74th St., Suite 150 Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 p: (913) 384-5880