Health

November 30, 2010

Health The Examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Pomegranates pack a nutrition punch – page 4

Concoct your own antidote

– Page 8

Wellness 2-3 • NUTRITION 4-5 • CaLENDAR 6-7 Larry Jones Pets are good for your health – page 2

Page 2 Tuesday, November 30, 2010

wellness

Pets can improve your health in many ways Studies have shown results aren’t in our collective imagination Most pet owners don’t need reminding – animals make people feel good. But we’re talking about more than feeling glad they’re around. Your favorite animal can make you healthy and help you stay that way. You may be surprised at just how many ways a pet can improve your health Pets are natural mood enhancers It only takes 15 to 30 minutes with a dog or cat or watching fish swim to feel less anxious and less stressed. Your body actually goes through physical changes in that length of time that makes a difference in your mood.

The level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered; and the production of serotonin, an important chemical associated with well-being, is increased. Reducing stress

tests. Another study showed that children with hypertension actually lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog.

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department. saves your body a lot of wear and tear.

Keep blood pressure in check You still have to watch your weight and exercise, but having a pet can help you manage your blood pressure. In one study of 240 married couples, pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who did not own a pet. That held true whether they were at rest or undergoing stress

Help for lowering cholesterol To manage cholesterol, doctors still recommend that you follow guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and medication. But, owning a pet has the potential of making it easier to avoid the dangers of cholesterol. Researchers have noted lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in people who own pets compared to people who don’t. However, this could be attributed to lifestyle factors of pet owners.

Cats and dogs good for the heart Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who never owned a cat were 40 percent more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Another study showed that dog owners had a significantly better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure.

Pet an animal and fight depression Therapists have been known to prescribe a pet as a way of dealing with and recovering from depression. No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet, and a pet will listen to you talk for as long as you want to talk. Petting a cat or dog has a calming effect, and taking care of a pet – walking with it, grooming it, playing with it – takes you out of yourself and helps you feel better about the way you spend your time.

Better physical fitness People who own dogs tend to be more physically active and less obese than people who don’t. Taking your dog for a daily 30-minute walk will keep you moving and ensure that you meet the minimum recommendations for healthy physical activity. Two 15-minute walks, one in the morning and one in the evening, will do the same thing, and after that, just playing fetch in the back yard with your dog will earn you healthful dividends.

Make your pet an exercise buddy If you exercise with your pet, you’ll both benefit. Shine a flashlight on the wall or wave a string while you do a step aerobics routine.

Your cat will get a healthy workout chasing the light, and you’ll be thoroughly entertained.

Some people like to use their cat rather than dumbbells when doing weight training.

Fewer strokes among cat owners Researchers aren’t sure why, but cat owners have fewer strokes than people who don’t own cats. It’s partly due to the effects owning a pet can have on a person’s circulation. Researchers speculate that cats may have a more calming effect on their owners than other animals do.

It may also have something to do with the personality of a cat owner. Cats often become the focus of their owner’s interest, which diverts them from other stressful worries.

More interaction, less isolation One key to a healthy mind is staying engaged with others, and pet owners have a tendency to want to talk with other pet owners. A dog is a conversation waiting to happen.

People, especially other people with dogs, will stop and talk with you when they see you walking your pet. Visiting a dog park lets you socialize with other owners while your dog socializes with their dogs.

Fewer allergies, stronger immunity Researchers have noted that when children grow up in a home with a dog or cat, they are less likely to develop allergies. The same is true for kids who live on a farm with large animals.

In addition, higher levels of certain immune system chemicals indicate a stronger immune system activation, which will help keep them healthy as they get older.

Cats and asthma prevention It sounds counterintuitive, but pet allergies are one of the most common triggers of asthma. Researchers have studied the effects of having cats in the homes of infants at risk for asthma. What they found was that those children were significantly less likely to develop asthma as they got older. There is one exception. Children whose mothers have a cat allergy are three times more likely to develop asthma after early exposure to cats.

Overcoming the limitations of ADHD Children with ADHD can benefit from working with and keeping a pet. Taking charge of the tasks on a pet care schedule helps a child learn to plan and be responsible. Pets need to play, and playing with a pet is an excellent way to release excess energy. That means an easier time falling asleep at bed time, and because the bond between a pet and a child is unconditional love, pets help children with ADHD learn about self-esteem.

Remember dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Independence Animal Shelter at 875 Vista Ave. in Independence.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Page 3

wellness

Actor’s diagnosis puts throat cancer in spotlight When Michael Douglas announced that he had throat cancer, he cast a spotlight on a disease that is often advanced before detected.

What do you know about throat cancer? T or F: 1 Bob Denver (“Gilligan”) died of throat cancer.

2. Alcohol use is a risk factor.

3. Tobacco use is a risk factor.

According to the American Cancer Society, 24,000 people are diagnosed with throat cancer annually. At first, symptoms are often very mild such as slight sore throat or discomfort when swallowing. Michael Douglas reports that he initially had mild ear pain and sore throat but when the symptoms persisted he sought help.

Alcohol and tobacco are significant risk factors for head and neck cancers. Seventy-five percent of those diagnosed with throat cancer have a history of heavy alcohol or tobacco use or both. The ACS estimates that avoiding both tobacco and alcohol can prevent 80 percent of head and neck cancers. However, 25 percent with head and neck cancers have no known

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

Throat cancers are located in the area from behind the nose to the larynx or voice box.

Oral cancers are diagnosed more easily than throat cancers. Red or white areas on the lips, in the mouth or tongue should be immediately investigated by a physician or dentist. These areas may be precancer or cancer and should be evaluated by biopsy.

Michael Douglas’ tumor is reported to be

at the base of his tongue, and his wife has expressed frustration that the cancer was not detected sooner. These cancers cannot be seen directly and are usually detected by imaging or through the use of a lighted scope to visualize and biopsy the tumor.

Once diagnosed, the cancer must be “staged” to determine the best treatment option. Each type of cancer has its own particular staging criteria. Staging is based on tumor size and whether and where the cancer has spread. In throat cancer stage I has the best and stage IV the worst prognosis. Stages I through III are considered “early” and are treated with surgery or radiation. Those with stage I have a 90 percent rate of cure. Michael Douglas has stage IV throat cancer which has about a 30 percent 5-year survival rate. He is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Those with a history of tobacco use of any type or excessive alcohol intake should discuss risks with their physicians. A physician or dentist should evaluate persistent discomfort in the head or neck area, difficulty swallowing

Those with a history of tobacco use of any type or excessive alcohol intake should discuss risks with their physicians. or hoarseness. Michael Douglas has disclosed his history of tobacco and alcohol use which very likely led to his throat cancer. His persistence in seeking a diagnosis for his chronic sore throat may very likely have saved his life.

Answers: 1.T 2. T 3. T

healthSHORTS Do you want to quit smoking?

The Independence Health Department is offering Freedom from Smoking cessation classes for the public. Classes will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks beginning Jan. 4 at the Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple Ave., Independence.

Freedom from Smoking is a quit-smoking program focusing on triggers, strategies to change behavior and techniques to manage stress related to quitting tobacco.

There is no cost for the program. To register for the class go to www. independencemo.org/health/ or call 816-325-7185.

– Submitted to The Examiner

health tip

Achieve balance, and strengthen your core You can strengthen your core with balance exercises, such as standing on one foot for 10 seconds without falling. Try this while washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. For more of a challenge, try a stability ball and weights, or join a yoga class.

– Life Fitness

43

According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the risk of Americans dying from heart disease fell by 43 percent between 1980 and 2000. The study credits preventive measures such as quitting smoking and lowering cholesterol.

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Page 4 Tuesday, November 30, 2010

healthSHORTS senior health

New flu vaccine for seniors The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a special form of the flu shot late last year that was designed specifically for people age 65 and older. For the first time, this alternative vaccine, Fluzone High-Dose, is now being offered.

Fluzone High-Dose contains four times the amount of dead virus as the regular option because the body’s immune response is much weaker in older people.

In studies, the new vaccine produced an 80 percent stronger antibody response than the original vaccine.

Although it is more expensive than the original, Medicare Part B covers the new vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not pushed for or against the new vaccine.

— AARP.org

nutrition

The antioxidant power of pomegranates Have you eaten your fair share of apples and oranges and you are looking for a fresh way to get your 5-A-Day? This season, experience the treasure of taste and nutrition found in pomegranate.

This brilliantly red fruit is rich in antioxidants – the body’s rust-proofers. A recent study found that pomegranate juice exhibits three times greater antioxidant activity than other antioxidant food sources, such as wine and green tea. Medical research shows that antioxidants may promote heart health by decreasing factors that cause plaque buildup in the arteries.

Pomegranates are in season approximately September through December. They are picked ripe and can be eaten as soon as you get them home. The juice inside pomegranates can stain badly. To avoid stains, fill a bowl with water, hold the pomegranate in the water and cut off the crown. Lightly cut through the skin and break it open. Inside you will find the aril seeds, delicious sacks of juice. Remove the white pith and eat the juicy arils, seed and all.

salads, desserts, ice cream, salmon and chicken or just be eaten by themselves.

Chicken Pomegranate Salad 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.

Pomegranate seeds can be used to enhance

1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained, reserving juice 3 cups diced cooked chicken 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced red apple 1 cup diced red grapes 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup light mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup pineapple juice Directions: Toss the pineapple in a large bowl with the chicken, celery, apple, grapes, pomegranate seeds and walnuts. In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream and reserved pineapple juice. Toss dressing with chicken mixture in larger bowl.

Food service inspections l Jackson County

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kids’ health

Avoiding the flu virus This time of year has people dodging influenza, which is a virus that infects the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs.

People spread the virus by coughing, sneezing or touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth with contaminated hands. Children may be contagious one day before showing symptoms and for more than seven days after getting sick.

Some things to do to avoid the flu: n Get the flu vaccine every year. n Stay home if you are sick, and avoid people who are sick. n Wash hands thoroughly and often.

Put a reminder sign by the sink at eye level for children. n Buy soap in fun shapes and colors for kids. n If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into your elbow. n Use antibacterial hand sanitizer for times when you don’t have soap and water.

– Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

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

Grain Valley ■ El Maguey, 102 Buckner/Tarsney Road – On Nov. 15 , an employee had a cup of coffee in kitchen area without a lid and straw, corrected.

■ Patricia’s Foods, 201 S.W. Eagles Parkway – On Nov. 15, inspectors found chicken strips in deli case at 120 degrees, discarded.

Blue Springs ■ Rancho Grande Cantina, 501 N.W. Jefferson St. – On Nov. 15, an open employee beverage was observed on a shelf on the cook’s line, corrected. Beans, shredded beef and noodles in one section of the steam tables were 105-120 degrees. These foods had been in this location for less than one hour and were reheated to 165 degrees. Shredded cheese and chicken in the west cook’s line prep cooler were 47-54 degrees. These foods had been in this location for less than two hours and were moved to ice baths.

■ The Getaway-N, 1331 S.W. U.S. 40 – On Nov. 15, an open employee beverage was observed in a food prep area, corrected. Raw

meat and eggs were stored above ready-to-eat foods in the cook’s line reach-in refrigerator and in the walk-in cooler. The pipes under the three compartment sink were disconnected from the sink.

■ Adams Pointe Conference Center, 1400 N.E. Coronado Drive – On Nov. 17, inspectors found several items in the walk in cooler were dated with a discard date of Nov. 13.

Lee’s Summit ■ Hy-Vee, 301 N.E. Rice Road – On Nov. 16, inspectors observed numerous pans of cooked, refrigerated, ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods were not date marked in the Chinese kitchen. Last entry in log book for ready-to-eat cold items in kitchen was from October. These violations were corrected. Raw meats were found above cooked noodles in Chinese kitchen reach-in cooler. French toast batter, which contains raw eggs, was found above milk and other ready-to-eat foods in the kitchen reach-in cooler. Raw, frozen, packaged pork ribs were found store above and in contact with cake boxes in the bakery walk-in freezer. All were corrected. A re-inspection will be made to insure continued compliance.

■ Jason’s Deli, 1690 N.W. Chipman Road – On Nov. 18, no sanitizer was detected in dish machine final rinse (0 ppm available chlorine).

– Jillayne Ritchie

Specializing in trauma, reconstructions and disorders of the hand, elbow and shoulder.

816.303.2400

Centerpoint Medical Center 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 410 Independence, MO 64057 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-5:00

Paul F Nassab, MD

Look to a food source before a supplement Both wild and farmed fish could contain contaminants, so read the labels carefully DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am taking fish oil capsules to the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, but I need more information about potential pollutants. Is there a danger that PCBs, mercury and other toxins are present in these capsules? Are there any other things to be worried about? Your input on this subject would be greatly appreciated. – R.B., Beaver Dam, Wis. DEAR R.B.: The primary form of energy storage in animals is fat in the form of triglycerides. The tissue that contains this fat is known as adipose tissue. In addition to being an energy storage depot, the adipose serves as a holding area for fat-soluble compounds that are in queue for excretion.

Fish oil supplements come from a number of varieties, notably menhaden, sardines, anchovies and salmon, the triglycerides in these fish having higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids that go by the initials EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Your concerns are reasonable when you consider that EPA and DHA come from the fats in fish. If the fish chosen to make supplements have been exposed to contaminants, such as PCBs, pesticide residues, and/or mercury, which is often present as a contaminant in the form of the fat-soluble methyl mercury, it follows that there would be levels of these contaminants in their body fat.

Such a risk would be present for both farmed and wild fish oils, but it would be expected to be greater in farmed varieties that are raised near industrial areas. Note that farmed fish raised in clean waters might have lower levels than wild fish.

Given the uncertainties, there is a solution, and that would be to rely on products that have gone through some sort of molecular distillation to remove potential contaminants.

I favor opting for food sources before turning to supplements, but if you want your

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Page 5

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Ed Blonz, c/o Newspaper Enterprise Association, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. E-mail him at ed@blonz.com. omega-3 fats as a fish-oil based dietary supplement, seek out a brand that has taken steps to remove impurities. Check the label or the advertising literature for statements to this effect, or call the company to confirm that their product is free of contaminants.

One final word: The omega-3 fats are essential for good health, but they can affect the way that your blood clots. It is easier to take higher amounts when you take it in the form of a dietary supplement, and this may be a poor idea for people at risk for blood coagulation disorders or those taking anticoagulation medications. Check with your physician if you have any questions.

Oven cleaners on cast iron DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have been advised to use oven cleaners on old, encrusted cast-iron cookware. Will the oven-cleaner affect food cooked in these pans? – M.J.N., via e-mail.

DEAR M.J.N: Oven cleaners are often based on lye (sodium hydroxide), a substance that can help get all the rust and gunk off your cast iron cookware. It is quite caustic, so be sure to use it with extreme care, including gloves and protected surfaces, and use only in a well-ventilated area. Such a cleaning will also strip off any seasoning, so it is not recommended for regular use. Once it’s cleaned, be sure to rinse, dry and season your cookware before using it again. When this is done properly, there will be no trace of the oven cleaner left, and the pans will be safe to use. Find instructions at tinyurl. com/24zvaxc.

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health

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 Dec. 1 through 8, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlights Independence ENROLLMENT HELP FOR MEDICARE’S PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM, 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Sterling Plaza, 2855 S. Harvard Ave. Residents eligible for Medicare’s drug program can get expert help during a free discussion.

Reservations are required. Call 800-3903330.

KANSAS CITY PSORIASIS CONNECTION, 9 a.m. Dec. 11, Panera Bread, 18800 E. U.S. 40. Join in the informal discussion about psoriasis.

Addiction groups Independence Straight Talk, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, First Baptist Church.

Narcotics Anonymous Help Line: 5312250.

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 2287921.

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.

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

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

LOW IMPACT EXERCISE, 9 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

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

325-6200.

Walk to the Beat, 8 a.m., MondayFriday, Fairmount Community Center.

254-8334.

PEPPI exercise classes, 10:15 a.m.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. To register, 325-6200.

PEPPI exercise classes, 9 to 10 a.m.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. To register, 254-8334.

PAVEMENT POUNDERS 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Friday, The Palmer Center.

325-6200.

SITTIN’ FIT chair exercises class, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

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

325-6200.

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

Cost, $2. 325-6200.

TAI CHI by the Three Dragons Way, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $35 for a four-week session; $40 for a 5-week session. 325-7370.

WALK TO THE BEAT, 2 to 3 p.m.

Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. 3256200.

Blue Springs Swimnastics, 9 to 10 a.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday; 9 to 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex.

Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0188.

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Therapeutic swim, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0188.

Crosstrainer aerobics, 9 to 10 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Vesper Hall.

Cost, $2.50 per class. 228-0181.

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

Weight room for ages 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $10 per month; $2 per visit; $96 for a year.

228-0181.

Yoga — For beginners and beyond, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per class. 2280181.

YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $8 per visit, $48 for six classes. 228-0181.

Tai Chi, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

Swimnastics, 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday and Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0188.

Stretching exercise, 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall.

Cost, $1.50. 228-0181.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE PROGRAM for older adults, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1 per session. 228-0181. weight room orientation, 6 p.m. Thursday, Vesper Hall. Free. 2280181.

Stretch AND TONE, 9 to 10 a.m.

Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

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

Kansas City WALK AND TALK, 7 to 10 a.m.

Monday-Friday, Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd. 358-1919.

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

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

325-6200.

MATERNITY UNIT TOURS,

MORE ON PAGE 7

health

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Page 7

healthCALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Centerpoint Medical Center. Call 7513000 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. 913-4921200.

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

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

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 DIABETIC FOOT SCREENINGS, sponsored by St. Mary’s Medical Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Vesper Hall. Free. 228-0181.

Support groups Independence 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.

Moms Off Meth, 7 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, First Christian Church, Room 206. Free. Terri, 210-9574.

CARETAKER’S OF PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER’S, 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Comprehensive Mental Health Services.

Call Pat Aldridge, 254-3652, Ext. 222.

SARCOIDOSIS support group, 7 p.m. Thursday, Trinity Episcopal Church.

Call Jon Egger, 309-0381.

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

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

Blue Springs Overcomer’s Outreach 12step, 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-

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5687.

Arthritis lecture series, 10 a.m. Thursday, Family YMCA. Topics: Fibromyalgia, living with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and more. 224-9620.

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room 100. Call 229-8108.

Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue, Blue Springs Wellness Group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, James Walker Elementary.

220-7356.

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.

CARDIAC REHABILITATION support group, Thursday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Time varies, call 655-5433.

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

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

Lee’s Summit Self-help group for people with Multiple Sclerosis, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Cass Browning Community Center. Call Pauline Felkins, 524-7702.

Raytown Autism and ADHD, 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, First Baptist Church. Call Johnna, 525-2931 or Janet, 478-8117.

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, 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.

– Jillayne Ritchie

cover story

Page 8 Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Remedies without a trip to the pharmacy

M

any 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 editorin-chief 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 first-aid issues n Bandages of various sizes, gauze, paper or cloth tape, antibacterial ointment and anti-

septic 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. Remem-

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

— ARA

Study says anger can sometimes be a good thing Anger is usually not considered a positive emotion.

However, a recent study promulgated that anger is not all that bad and, when used properly, it can even have a positive effect.

The study showed that when a person is angry about something — for example, not accomplishing a certain goal — the anger can motivate or stimulate the person to work harder to ultimately obtain the goal.

This is in contrast to the person who is more nonchalant about not obtaining a goal and, as a result, is less likely to work hard enough to accomplish it.

Researchers believe that anger as a stimulus is not new and has been a part of our evolutionary process.

At one time, in order to survive, it was essential to obtain food by hunting. Individuals who associated food with anger, for whatever reason, became better hunters and were more aggressive in obtaining food. They were more

Dr. Murray Feingold guest column Massachusetts-based Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of The Feingold Center for Children. likely to survive, in contrast to those who did not associate anger with food.

When the participants in the present study were asked why they worked harder to obtain the object associated with anger, they were

really not aware, at least on a conscious level, why they acted in a more aggressive manner.

But let’s not go overboard about the benefits of anger.

There is an obvious negative side to anger.

Like any emotion, it needs to be controlled.

If not, the ramifications can be very serious.

Road rage is one example.

Studies have also shown that an angry person has a greater risk of having high blood pressure. And a chronic angry person is usually not a happy person.

The first thing one needs to do is control his or her anger, or for that matter, any emotion.

If you have your anger under control, you are then better able to direct the anger in a positive way and reap the benefits.

However, if you are unable to control your anger, you should seek help to accomplish this.

Anger management programs are one way this can be done.

Individuals who associated food with anger, for whatever reason, became better hunters and were more aggressive in obtaining food.