Health 1.11.11

January 11, 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

Don’t be fooled by diet fads | Page 7

A place of peace Garden honors beloved cancer center oncology nurse | Page 6

• LARRY JONES

DTAP vaccine is important | Page 2

The Examiner/adam vogler

A memorial garden dedicated in honor of Kim Henry McKay at Kansas City Cancer Center in Lee’s Summit where the Independence woman worked as an oncology nurse. The 56-year-old was killed in a car accident on Interstate 470 in Kansas City on Dec. 3, 2009, a month after she defeated breast cancer.

Wellness 2-4 • CaLENDAR 5 • NUTRITION 7

Page 2 Tuesday, January 11, 2011

wellness

Help prevent the spread of whooping cough Tdap is a “booster� vaccine used for preventing pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, and tetanus in both adolescents and adults. The vaccine is given as a single, one-time injection into the upper arm.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious disease that can be passed easily from person to person. It is very serious for babies and can cause them to cough so much that they cannot breathe. Hundreds of babies are hospitalized each year for pertussis, and some die from it.

Pertussis is the only infectious disease for which children are immunized that is on the rise. In 2004, more than 25,000 cases were reported, up from 1,010 in 1976. Often mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, pertussis is frequently misdiagnosed and underreported.

The best way to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with new infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for pertussis death or severe pertussis is highest among infants in the first six months of life and remains elevated until they have received one to two doses of pediatric DTaP. Pertussis can cause adults or teens to have severe coughing that leads to vomiting or broken ribs. They can be hospitalized for pneumonia and miss weeks of work or school. Even worse, they can spread pertussis to babies at home.

The CDC recommends adult immunization as the best way to prevent the spread of pertussis among young children before they are old enough to be fully vaccinated. While most adults and teens are vaccinated against pertussis as children, immunity decreases over time.

The CDC recommends that anyone aged 1164, particularly those who have close contact with a young baby, should be immunized with a single Tdap booster vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

Additionally, in response to an increased incidence of pertussis in the U.S., vaccination has expanded. Adults age 65 years and older who have not previously received a dose of Tdap,

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

and who have or anticipate having close contact with children younger than 12 months of age (e.g., grandparents, other relatives, child care providers, and healthcare personnel), should receive a one-time dose to protect infants.

Adults 65 years and older who are not in contact with an infant, and who have not previously received a dose of Tdap, may receive a single dose of Tdap in place of a dose of tetanus (Td).

Tdap can be given regardless of the interval since the last Td was given.

Everybody in the family should be immunized against pertussis to protect themselves and the baby at home. Parents should ask their doctor for the new Tdap vaccine that includes a tetanus and diphtheria booster and also protects against pertussis. Tdap should replace one routine tetanus (Td) shot.

Take precautions Whooping cough is spread by coughing and sneezing. Protect yourself and others from whooping cough: n Cough and sneeze into your sleeve instead of your bare hands; n Wash your hands often with soap and water; and n Get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.

Remember that getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also protects those in our community who cannot get vaccinated because of age or other factors.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Page 3

wellness Health watch senior health

Epilepsy risk higher in the elderly Epilepsy, a common and serious neurologic disorder that affects millions of people, is not getting the public attention and research funding it deserves, according to an editorial on a study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Scientists aimed to discover the lifetime risk of developing epilepsy. They analyzed data on 412 people from Rochester, Minn., diagnosed with epilepsy between 1960 and 1979. The study found that at least one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. The risk was higher in the elderly, with a risk of 1.6 percent in people under age 50 and a 3.0 percent risk for people up to age 80.

The study was supported by the National Institute for Neurologic Disorders and Stroke and the National Institutes of Health.

Finding relief from pain

By Jim Johnson, DO The Pain Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center

Pain is a part of life. We all experience some pain – a headache, an injury or illness. But an estimated 50 million Americans suffer with chronic pain – a pain that persists weeks, months or even years. In fact about two thirds of the people in chronic pain have been living with it for more than five years. That’s devastating because most of them could get relief with treatment.

Pain can be a lifesaver, warning us of risks and prompting a response. If you didn’t have pain receptors, you wouldn’t feel it when your hand touched a hot burner and would have extensive damage. Pain is a symptom; it’s our body’s way of telling us there is something wrong. That’s why it’s important not to try to “tough

it out” or ignore pain.

There are many reasons why we feel pain, and ignoring it could make the disJOHNSON ease or injury worse, which is why it’s important to identify the source of the pain. Some pain sources can be corrected but many can’t and doctors can only treat the symptoms.

However, physicians specializing in pain management can offer many treatments to help patients live as pain free as possible.

It’s just been in the past few decades that pain was recognized as an area worthy of expertise and today, pain management is a growing medical field. Pain is subjective – you can’t measure it with a blood test or X-ray. No one treatment works for everyone so

Youth increasingly exposed to noises Could prolonged use of headphones eventually cause hearing damage? To learn the answer, the authors of a study in the January print issue of Pediatrics examined the results of hearing tests of 4,310 adolescents ages 12 to 19. The study found that exposure to loud noise or music through headphones increased from 19.8 percent in 1988 through 1994 to 34.8 percent in 2005 through 2006. Overall rates of hearing loss did not change significantly between the two time periods, except for one type of hearing loss among adolescent females caused by exposure to loud noise.

— American Academy of Pediatrics

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00

Alexandria J. Strong, M.D. Alexandria J. Strong obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

She then went on to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, where she finished an internship in general surgery. Dr. Strong’s special interests lie in treatment of the shoulder and knee with an emphasis in sports medicine.

816.303.2400

Centerpoint Medical Center Campus 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 410 Independence, MO 64057

under the skin, we physicians can deliver medications to precisely the area they are needed so less medication goes through the body.

We physicians can also implant a stimulator to deliver mild electrical pulses to a specific nerve to control pain. Ultimately, surgery may be used to relieve pain.

If you live with chronic pain, you know the toll it can take.

Prolonged pain can lead to depression and anxiety. It can also suppress the immune system and damage cardiovascular health.

The bottom line is simple. If you’re living with pain because you think you have to – don’t.

While not everyone can live absolutely pain free, there is an excellent chance pain can be managed well enough for patients to regain their quality of life.

For more information, call the Pain Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center, 816-655-5270.

Each January, millions of us make some sort of New Year’s resolution. … Save money, lose weight, spend more time with family, quit smoking, get healthy!

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kids’ health

treatment must be individualized.

While someone might be fine with occasional over-the-counter medication, others with the same condition may need more. A pain specialist recognizes the complex nature of pain and has many treatment tools available.

Pain treatment starts by using the simplest treatments first.

Exercise, relaxation, heat and cold therapy, physical therapy and of course, over-the-counter pain medications are good places to start. Steroid injections have been used in pain management very effectively for decades.

Some people mistakenly believe that if the simple treatments don’t work, the only option is narcotic medications. That is untrue. Over the past several years, there have been many advances in pain management. With the use of fluoroscopy, or real-time X-ray, or small pumps implanted

816.561.3003

North Kansas City Hospital Campus 2790 Clay Edwards Drive, Suite 600 Kansas City, MO 64116

Make 2011 the year you stop fighting your hearing loss!

Call TODAY and schedule your complimentary hearing evaluation!

Hearing is our most important sense because it affects our ability to communicate with others, and communication shapes every facet of our lives.

When we are able to communicate successfully, we are able to have meaningful relationships, learn from one another, express our thoughts and actively participate in our community.

Although not everyone has the ability to hear, every person deserves to be able to communicate! Make this year YOUR year!

Jackson county audiology 816-373-7900

The ScoTTSdale cenTer 17020 e. 40 hwy., SuiTe 9 independence, Mo 64055 www.JackSoncounTyaudiology.coM

Page 4 Tuesday, January 11, 2011

wellness

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

Blue Springs

■ Courtyard By Marriott, 1500 N.E. Coronado Drive – On Dec. 17, inspectors found hot food items on buffet out of temperature. Dishwasher was not hot enough to sanitize, and sanitizer on the dispenser at the 3-compartment sink was not registering on the test strip.

Lee’s Summit

■ Mr. Sushi, 995 N.E. Rice Road – On Dec. 28, inspectors observed open containers of mayonnaise stored on a prep counter, and had a temperature of 65 degrees. Since they were out of temperature for more than 2 hours, they were discarded.

■ B:2 Burger Boutique, 860-W N.W. Blue Parkway – On Dec. 29, open employee beverages were observed on a table at the end of the cook’s line, corrected. Employee beverages in food prep areas must be covered with a lid and a straw.

Oak Grove

■ Country Pride Restaurant, 100 N. Broadway – On Dec. 27, inspectors found ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods not date labeled in the tall reach-in refrigerator at the end of the cook’s line and in the walk-in cooler. The dish machine provided no detectable chemical sanitizer, and cleaning chemicals were stored beside food on a shelf on the cook’s line. All were corrected.

■ El Maguey, 1908 S. Broadway St. – On Dec. 30, inspectors observed raw chicken and beef stored above green pepper slices, and a carton of eggs was stored above containers of salsa in the walk-in, corrected. In the rear storeroom, there were prescription medicine and vitamins stored in a basket of silverware, and isopropyl alcohol and Solarcane brand antiseptic stored next to covered containers of various foods, corrected.

■ Patricia’s Foods, 503 S. Broadway St. – On Dec. 28, deli meats with expired date labels were observed in the deli display cooler, and cleaning chemicals were stored beside food handling gloves on a shelf in the meat cutting room. Both were corrected.

Sugar Creek

■ Kross Lounge Inc., 605 N. Sterling Ave. – On Dec. 13, inspectors found no detectable sanitizer in the final rinse of the dishwashing machine.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Macular degeneration symptoms can be slow to develop Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in those over age 60. At first the symptoms may be subtle. But, as the disease progresses, blind spots in vision become noticeable.

AMD, what do you know? T or F? 1. AMD only affects both eyes.

2. AMD causes loss of peripheral vision.

3. AMD has two forms, dry and wet.

AMD can progress very slowly in some and quickly in others. At first, there may be only the slightest change in vision like needing brighter lights for reading. Occasional blurred or wavy vision may be present. Objects may appear closer or farther away than they really are, causing a distorted sense of distance.

Doorways or floors may appear crooked. There is a significant increase in risk of falling especially for those who already have difficulty walking due to balance problems or arthritic hips or knees.

We have central and peripheral (side) vision.

AMD affects central vision. The macula is an area of specialized cells less than 1/4 inch in diameter located at the central portion of the retina, the back of the eye. It is critical for high resolution and color vision. As the specialized cells of the macula die, central vision deteriorates leaving the victim, in some cases, with peripheral vision only.

There are two different forms of AMD, wet and dry. Wet AMD is characterized by swelling of the macula and leaking blood vessels. It may lead to permanent central vision loss. Dry AMD is more common than wet AMD and has no macular swelling. This form does not lead to permanent central vision loss but the chronic alteration of vision adversely affects quality of life. Dry AMD can develop into wet AMD for

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

reasons that are not known.

The risk factors for AMD are varied. Age (over 60), race (Caucasion) gender (female) and family history are risk factors for which we have no control. Obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors we can control. These conditions may decrease blood flow to the eye which is may contribute to the development of AMD. Retina specialists, opthalmologists who have special education in retinal diseases and injuries, treat AMD. Treatment can slow disease progression but cannot restore lost vision.

Antioxidants, vitamins, injectable drugs and surgery are options. In advanced cases surgery to insert a telescopic lens may be considered.

Older adults may dismiss minor changes in vision as, “I’m just getting old.” However, a comprehensive eye examination should be performed for even the slightest vision problem. As my mom says, “The eyes are nothing to mess with.”

Answers: 1. F 2. F 3. T

Food service 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.

■ Hardee’s, 16800 E. Gudgell – On Jan. 3, inspectors noted the hand sink on the east side of the 3compartment sink had ketchup on it. Push lever on soap and towel dispensers at both hand sinks were not clean.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Page 5

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 Jan. 12 through 18, unless otherwise stated.

Thursday, Lee’s Summit Christian Church.

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

Spotlights

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., Monday-Friday, 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

Blue Springs BLUE SPRINGS PARKS & RECREATION SPONSOR EXERCISE CLASSES. The following classes will be held at Club 7 Fitness, 1241 S. Missouri 7. Call 228-0137 to register.

BODYPUMP, 6:35 to 7:35 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 13March 3; 8 to 9 a.m. Saturdays Jan. 15-March 5; or 9 to 10 a.m. Sundays Jan. 16-March 6. $40.

BODYVIVE, 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesdays Jan. 12March 3; or 9:05 to 10 a.m. Saturdays Jan. 15-March 5. $40.

YOGA FLOW, 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 12March 2; or 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Sundays Jan. 16-March 6. $40.

Independence FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS for those 50 and older, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St. Call 325-6200.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE AND BLOOD SUGAR CHECKS for those 50 and older, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18, Palmer Center, 218A N. Pleasant St. Call 325-6200.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays beginning Jan. 20, Sermon Center, Truman and Noland roads, Independence. Get ready to drop pounds, create healthy habits and maintain your motivation. Cost, $10 per session. Call 325-7370 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.

Fitness

Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccines Now Available at Fifty Plus Pharmacy (While Supplies Last)

Influenza Vaccine for cash paying customer - $33.90

Pharmacy Savings Club -

$25.00

Fully certified pharmacist immunizer on staff most days.

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.

Lee’s Summit Grief discussion group, 7 to 8 p.m.

8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $35 for a four-week session; $40 for a 5-week session. 3257370.

WALK TO THE BEAT, 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

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.

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. 228-0181.

YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $8 per visit, $48 for six classes. 2280181.

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.

Join Today!

Call for details or appointment

816.461.6546

Healthy U

Get Educated About Your Health.

50 PLUS PRESCRIPTIONS 211 W. Lexington • Independence, MO 64050

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.

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 Center-Lakewood. 373-4415, Ext. 1175.

Miscellaneous

Independence 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.

Salvation Army Seeing Help (SASH), 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, The Salvation Army building. There will be games, speakers or descriptive video movies, plus a meal. 461-4869 or 373-3363.

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

Blue Springs/Lee’s Summit Tough Love support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m.

Tuesday, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

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

Natural family planning session, 7 p.m. Thursday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Fee. For reservations, 913-384-1000.

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 Blood pressure for those 50 and older, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Palmer Center. Free. 3256200.

Blood pressure checks for those 50 and older, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

Page 6 Tuesday, January 11, 2011

cover

A garden for Kim

Cancer honors oncology nurse’s memory honored through place of peace for cancer patients

By Michael Glover michael.glover@examiner.net

Kim McKay wanted a peaceful garden, a place where people can retreat from deep pain.

Tragically, McKay never got to enjoy the garden. But many will.

A memorial garden has been dedicated in honor of Kim Henry McKay, an Independence woman who was an oncology nurse at Kansas City Cancer Center. The rock garden is at the Lee’s Summit facility where McKay worked.

“I think she would love the idea of having a place where patients can come and not to honor her but to have a quiet moment in a beautiful setting. It’s a little garden where we hope visitors and patients will be able to enjoy and find a few moments of peace.”

On Dec. 27, the center held a dedication that McKay’s family, friends and co-workers attended.

McKay was the “heart and soul” of the practice and it hasn’t been the same since she died, said the center’s practice manager Mindy Swayne.

The 56-year-old died on Dec. 3, 2009, in an traffic accident on Interstate 470 in Kansas City.

McKay had defeated breast cancer a month before her death.

The center has had a rough time since McKay has been gone. “It’s been difficult,” Swayne said. The employees she loved wanted a memorial for McKay at the facility.

“Kim always wanted to have a little garden area outside,” Swanye said. “A place where people could think and spend time with nature.”

Swanye and McKay talked about locations for the garden. But there wasn’t money.

After McKay died, the staff knew they had to build a memorial garden for her.

The memorial garden has a signature marking, a stone cairn. The cairns, which are stacks

“Kim always wanted to have a little garden area outside. A place where people could think and spend time with nature.”

MINDY SWAYNE

Kansas City Cancer Center

McKAY

of rocks, are used to mark special places. Also, cairns are used to mark one point to another along a journey, Swayne said.

“Over the years we talked and developed this philosophy that cancer is a journey,” she said. ‘The cairn fits right in with this philosophy. There’s cycles along the way and we help people get from one place to another. She loved the meaning behind that.”

The cancer center adopted the symbol, using it in marketing and the center’s Seven Levels of Healing program, a cancer support program McKay started at the center.

Swayne discussed the memorial garden plan with Steve Goodwin, the facility’s landscaper.

“I asked him to give me a bid on what it would cost to build a small memorial,” she said.

The landscaper said it wouldn’t cost a dime.

Goodwin and his staff donated the materials and time to create the small garden.

It was nearly finished at the end of last summer.

McKay left a lasting legacy at the facility by focusing on a deep caring for the patient. “She was so patient-focused,” Swayne said. “She was wonderful, caring spirit.”

nutrition

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 Page 7

Healthy eating, exercise Both are key to successful weight loss

Find out the latest news as Executive Editor Sheila Davis’ shares her cancer experience in “Fighting Lymphoma Round 2” at examiner.net

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. is to be patient and do some research before jumping into the latest fad. Healthy eating and exercise are the only tried and true strategies for losing weight and keeping it off.

A healthy diet begins with breakfast. Get out your slow cooker and have a healthy breakfast waiting for you in the morning.

Overnight Oatmeal Serves 8 (1/2 cup each).

Non-stick cooking spray 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats 4 cups water or skim milk 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional All You Do: 1. Coat 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Stir together oats, water and salt, if desired, in slow cooker.* Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or overnight or until nearly all water or milk is absorbed 3. Stir well before serving. Serve with assorted toppings, if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. *Some slow cookers have a LOW setting that is too high and may burn the oatmeal if left overnight. Check your slow cooker to make sure that the LOW setting doesn’t boil the oatmeal.

Sheila Davis

HEALTH BLOG

We have all seen that friend, co-worker or relative who has recently dropped a lot of weight and fast. When we ask what they did to lose the weight they tell us the latest fad diet and we begin to wonder if that isn’t the way to go. It’s easy to get caught up in the promise of popular diets but it’s also easy to get confused. Unfortunately, nearly all of those who follow a fad diet with quick weight loss gain all, and sometimes more, of the weight back. The worst part is that because quick weight loss plans tend to cause you to lose muscle, the weight gained back is fat, not muscle, and you end up worse off than when you started.

Fad diets are flashy and they sound easy. But unfortunately weight loss is not easy and most fad diets fizzle. If you want to be a successful loser, evaluate weight loss plans carefully and look for these red flags.

1. Magic or miracle diet – There are no magic foods or miracle diets that magically melt away fat. What works for one person is not guaranteed to work for another.

2. No need to exercise – The key to successful long-term weight loss is regular exercise.

Simple activities like walking or biking are important for healthy weight and for overall good health.

3. Easy – Weight loss is not easy. Successful weight loss requires making positive changes to both eating habits and physical activity patterns.

4. Eat specific foods – No individual food can cause weight loss. Weight loss means sticking to healthful eating habits that include a variety of foods.

5. Quick weight loss – Studies show that gradual, steady weight loss increases your chances of maintaining a healthy weight. Aim to lose one to two pounds per week.

6. Lists of good and bad foods – There are no good foods or bad foods, just good diets and bad diets. All foods can fit into your weight loss plan in moderation. Look for a plan that you can realistically follow for the rest of your life.

7. Ultra low calories – Diets with less than 1,200 calories don’t have enough nutrients to be healthy. And, a diet very low in calories leads to binge eating and muscle wasting.

You can succeed at losing weight. The key