Health

January 4, 2011

Health The Examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Almond milk not just for allergies – Page 8

Stopped cold Therapeutic hypothermia can help stop brain damage in cardiac arrest patients – Page 3

GateHouse News Service/JUSTIN L. FOWLER Christa Newman, left, was nursed back to health with the help of her mom, Barbara Newman, right, and family after heart surgery to repair a coronary artery. The teacher, now 34, collapsed at work and was resuscitated on the way to a hospital in Springfield, Ill., and had her body temperature cooled with a form of hypothermia to slow down her brain’s demand for oxygen.

• Larry Jones

Norovirus causes gastroenteritis – Page 2

Wellness 2, 4 • CaLENDAR 6-7 • NUTRITION 8

wellness

Page 2 Tuesday, January 4, 2011

What you need to know about norovirus Good hygiene and hand washing can prevent further norovirus outbreaks The Independence Health Department has seen multiple outbreaks of norovirus within the community. The term outbreak is used when there is an increase in illness beyond what is normally expected. The Independence Health Department encourages people to practice good hygiene and hand washing techniques everyday.

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis in people. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is often incorrectly referred to as the “stomach flu.”

Norovirus is not related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory illness caused by a dif-

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department. ferent virus. Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread easily from person to person.

The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Sometimes people also have a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.

Noroviruses are found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become

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!

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

infected with the virus in several ways: steam oysters before eating them. n By eating food or drinking liquids that n Thoroughly clean and disinfect contamiare contaminated with norovirus; nated surfaces immediately after an episode n By touching surfaces or objects contamiof illness by using a bleach-based household nated with norovirus, and then placing their cleaner. hand in their mouth; or n Immediately remove and wash clothing n By having direct contact with another or linens that may be contaminated with virus person who is infected (for example, when after an episode of illness (use hot water and caring for someone with soap.) illness, or sharing foods or n Flush or discard any eating utensils with somevomitus and/or stool in one who is ill.) the toilet and make sure To prevent the spread Though commonly referred that the surrounding area of the illness, persons is kept clean. to as ‘stomach flu,’ who develop any of these Persons who are infectnorovirus is not caused by symptoms should stay ed with norovirus should the same virus as influenza. not prepare food while home from school, work or gatherings. You can also they have symptoms and It causes gastroenteritis, decrease your chance of for at least 2-3 days after not respiratory problems. coming in contact with they recover from their noroviruses by following illness. these preventive steps: Food that may have n Frequently wash your hands, especially been contaminated by an ill person should be after toilet visits and changing diapers and disposed of properly. before eating or preparing food.

If you have questions about norovirus or n Carefully wash fruits and vegetables and want to report an outbreak, call 325-7185.

Did you know?

cover

Induced hypothermia helps patients survive cardiac arrest

By Todd Smith GateHouse News Service

About one month after the 2009-10 school year began, Christa Newman, an elementary schoolteacher, collapsed at work and was rushed to Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Ill. Newman, now 34, was resuscitated on the way to the center, rushed into the intensive care unit and had her body temperature cooled with a form of hypothermia to slow down her brain’s demand for oxygen.

Two months later, after open-heart surgery to repair a coronary artery, Newman was back at work. Today, she’s enrolled in a master’s degree program at the University of Illinois at Springfield, and she says she’s had no problems with her memory or any memory loss.

The procedure used at Memorial is called therapeutic hypothermia, a procedure that

helps stop brain damage in patients who suffer cardiac arrest. The treatment lowers a patient’s body temperature to slow the brain’s demand for oxygen and prevent damage to cells.

How it works Ordinarily, a person whose body temperature drops significantly risks organ failure and death. But in the controlled conditions of a hospital, dropping a cardiac patient’s body temperature is meant to stave off brain damage.

Dr. Rajagopal Sreedhar, medical director of the adult intensive care unit at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine at Springfield, says therapeutic hypothermia can be used after a cardiac patient is resuscitated.

“A person has a cardiac arrest, and their heart stops beating, and there is no circulation to the brain. The goal is to allow the brain to

healthSHORTS Feel, look healthy in the new year The new year is a great time to make some resolutions to keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. Here are 10 tips to keep you healthy looking from head to toe: 1. Protect yourself from the sun. Help prevent signs of aging, such as age spots and fine lines, and significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when appropriate. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection.

2. Do not use tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product – with sunscreen.

3. Perform a skin self-exam. Examining your skin for suspicious moles and other lesions could save your life. Use the American Academy of Dermatology’s body mole map, located at www.melanomamonday.org, to record your moles and learn how to perform a proper skin exam. If you find a suspicious lesion, see a dermatologist.

4. Don’t skip the hair conditioner. Dermatologists recommend using a conditioner after every shampoo. While a conditioner can-

not repair hair, it can increase shine, decrease static electricity, improve strength and offer some protection from harmful UV rays.

5. Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other healthy foods can lead to healthier skin.

Because our skin is made of protein, it is necessary for healthy skin. Be sure to include some lean protein in your diet.

6. If your skin feels dry, moisturize.

After bathing is the best time to moisturize so that you can trap water in the skin. If your skin still feels dry, apply moisturizer a few times throughout the day.

7. Stop smoking. People who smoke expose their skin to toxins that accelerate the aging of their skin. Plus, the repeat puckering to inhale can cause deep lines around the lips.

8. Manage stress. To keep your skin looking its best, it is important to effectively manage stress. Chronic stress can worsen skin conditions, including psoriasis, acne and rosacea.

9. Don’t bite your fingernails. You can transfer infectious organisms between your fingers and mouth.

10. If you have acne, do not pick, pop or squeeze the blemishes. Doing any of these can irritate the skin, make acne worse and increase the risk of scarring.

– GateHouse News Service

tolerate blood reperfusion following oxygen deprivation,” Sreedhar said.

Use for strokes?

At St. John’s, this involves using the Artic Sun cooling machine, which circulates cold water to pads that are placed on the patient at the torso, thighs and abdomen. The patient’s core body temperature drops down to between 91 and 92 degrees, which induces a therapeutic hypothermia. Patients are cooled for about 24 hours, and then the body is slowly re-warmed for another 24 hours.

Sreedhar also said St. John’s is researching whether the treatment could be used to help patients with brain injuries and strokes.

Studies have shown that cardiac patients who have had the procedure are less likely to suffer brain damage than people who receive standard care, but the disruption of blood flow to the brain can have some lingering effects.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 Page 3

Page 4 Tuesday, January 4, 2011

wellness

Five diet fads that didn’t work

By GateHouse News Service

Losing weight has been at the top of everyone’s New Year’s Resolution list for at least a couple of hundred years.

Best advice? Eat less and exercise more and forget about the fad diets and gimmicks – like these – we already know don’t work.

1

Caveman diet If you like meat, fish and nuts, the Caveman Diet would have been for you. Also called the Paleolithic diet, it was introduced in 2004 and mainly includes meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots and nuts. Nutritionists say it probably can’t hurt, but there’s no evidence that it helps you lose weight.

Drinking Man’s Diet The Drinking Man’s Diet was published as a $1 pamphlet in 1964, offering menus low in carbs and high in protein and cocktails. Among the suggestions: steak and whiskey, chicken and gin, rum and roast pheasant, veal cutlets and vodka.

2

3

Calories Don’t Count diet “Calories Don’t Count” sold 2 million copies when it was published in 1961. Dr. Herman Taller, an obstetrician, claimed you could eat all you wanted of a high-protein diet if you took it with a vegetable oil pill he provided. The book remained a big seller until its author was accused and convicted of mail fraud.

Cabbage soup diet Cabbage soup anyone? This diet, popular in the 1950s, had people eating the stuff three times a day for seven days, with little else. It was a quick way to lose a few pounds that went right back on as soon as you returned to a normal diet.

Grapefruit Diet Even people who love grapefruit probably got tired of the amount required by the Grapefruit Diet. This 18-day plan, also called The Hollywood Diet, was introduced in the 1920s. The plan was low in calories, high in vitamin C and pretty monotonous after the first two days.

4 5

Turn 50 gracefully – and with good health Happy new year! Welcome 2011. Hello 50th birth year. For those of you, like me, who will move gracefully (I hope) to 50 this year, 2011 is to be celebrated. At 50 there is much of which to take stock, to reflect upon and to anticipate.

Some health housekeeping should probably be on the docket. Take this short T or F quiz. See what you know and compare with what you do.

Then, talk with your physician about specific recommendations for you.

True or false Most 50 year olds with no contraindications should….

1. Take an aspirin a day 2. Get a routine eye exam 3. Get a cardiac stress test 4. Get checked for glaucoma 5. Get checked for lipid levels 6. Get checked for high blood pressure 7. Be screened for colorectal cancer 8. Get a mammogram 9. Get checked for diabetes 10. Get a chest xray 11. Take vitamins A, C, E for cancer prevention 12. Get tested for osteoporosis 13. Get checked for dementia The United States Preventive Services Task Force makes recommendations on screening

Lori Boyajian O'Neill Sports and wellness Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at lori.boyajian-oneill@hcahealthcare.com. examinations based on scientifically proven benefits and risks. For more information about screening examinations at any age access www.uspstf.gov.

Fifty is not only a milestone but a jumping stone. In the spirit of the season, make your list and check it twice. Meet with your physician. Take stock of your health and your future. Develop your own health plan. Salud for the next 50!

Answers 1. T for men F for women. Men beginning age 45, women at age 55, 2. T, 3. F, 4. F, 5. T, 6. T, 7. T, 8. T, 9. T, 10. F, 11. F, 12. F age 65, 13. F

healthSHORTS Children’s Health: 2008 birth rates Don’t drive with right foot braces Rates of cesarean deliveries, or C-sections, rose to 32.3 percent in 2008, marking its 12th consecutive increase, according to the Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2008, a report from the National Center for Health Statistics and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Here are some highlights: n There were 4,251,095 births in 2008, about 2 percent less than in 2007, which was a year that saw the highest number of births ever registered for the United States. n Teens giving birth decreased 2 percent, in contrast to increased rates in 2006 and 2007. n Birth rates decreased for women ages 20 to 39, and they increased for women ages 40 to 49. The 1 percent decline in ages 35 to 39 was the first since 1978.

Patients recovering from a right foot injury or surgery should think twice about how soon they want to begin driving again.

According to a new study from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, it takes much longer to brake when the driver is wearing an immobilization device like a splint or brace, than it does when wearing normal footwear.

Researchers measured emergency braking time in people using a brake adapted for use by the left foot, when wearing a short leg cast, a controlled ankle-motion boot or normal footwear.

The results showed that all of the devices, except for normal footwear, impaired the drivers’ ability to brake quickly.

–GateHouse News Service

Page 6 Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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. 5 through 11, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlights

Blue Springs FITNESS AND WELLNESS WEEK, Jan. 10 through 14, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper St. New participants to the weight room will receive a free pass for the week, plus free drop-in exercise classes with canned food donation for the Midwest Foster Care Food Pantry. 228-0181.

TAI CHI CLASSES, 8:05 to 9:05 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 11-March 1, or Thursdays Jan. 13-March 3, Vesper Hall.

Cost, $49. Call 228-0181 to register.

BLUE SPRINGS PARKS & RECREATION SPONSOR EXERCISE CLASSES. The following classes will be held at Club 7 Fitness, 1241 S. Missouri 7. Call 2280137 to register.

BODYPUMP, 5:35 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays Jan. 11March 1; or 6:35 to 7:35 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 13-March 3. $40.

BODYVIVE, 8 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 12-March 2; or 9:05 to 10 a.m. Saturdays Jan. 15-March 5. $40.

YOGA FLOW, 6:35 to 7:50 p.m. Mondays Jan. 10Feb. 28; or 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Jan. 12-March 2. $40.

ZUMBA DANCE, 5:45 to 6:35 p.m. Mondays Jan. 10-Feb. 28; or 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays Jan. 11March 1. $40.

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; manager class, 9 a.m. 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 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.

Yourtake 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.

Do you have any healthrelated resolutions for the upcoming year?

Screenings/Immunizations

Independence 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.

Grain Valley IMMUNIZATION AND BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC, sponsored by the Jackson County Health Department, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Grain Valley Community Center. Blood pressure checks and childhood immunizations are free. TB tests and payable vaccines by appointment only. 404-6443.

Support groups

Deborah Kirkendall Independence “I’m doing OK. I stopped making resolutions because I always gave up on them.”

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

Caring Communities Kinship, 7 p.m. Mon-

MORE ON PAGE 7

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.

Community Substance Abuse Committee, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Independence Police Building.

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.

Frank Hubbard Independence “I want to take better care of my life. I’d like to win a million dollars.”

Bereavement groups

Blue Springs Widowed Persons support group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex A. 2240677 or 229-8093.

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

Adult Bereavement support group, sponsored by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. several times throughout the year, Vesper Hall. To register, 655-5490.

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

Dennis Johnson Independence “Trying to get healthier, but my problem is my lungs. Maybe I’ll start walking more if I can.”

– Jeff Martin

calendar

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 Page 7

healthCALENDAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 day, Cler-Mont Community School. LiLi Moe, 796-6041.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Villages of Jackson Creek-Memory Care. Free and open to the public. Call Monica Benson, 478-5689.

Multiple Sclerosis, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Red Lobster. 833-4151.

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.

ALZHEIMER’S support group, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

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.

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

Diabetes, 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center Birthing Center Conference Room. 655-5244.

CHADD (Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Disorder), 7 p.m. Tuesday, Care Net Clinic. Call Jessie Roggenbach, 228-6222.

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

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 Dealing with loss, 1 p.m. Monday, John Knox Village, Ambassador meeting room. Call Darlene Gutshall, 347-2310.

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. Johnna, 525-2931 or Janet, 478-8117.

Dietary Intervention Network for Autism (D.I.N.A.) meeting, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, First Baptist Church. 419-3705.

Cancer, 7 p.m. Tuesday, First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. 525-9876.

Kansas City EMPOWER KIDNEY DISEASE CLASSES, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through 2011, Truman Medical CenterLakewood. Call 842-0076 to register.

Weight management

Independence TOPS Mo. 291, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, St.

The examiner

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This feature is available ONLY to our print subscribers.

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, 2528388, Ext. 16.

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

–Jillayne Ritchie

Quality Orthopedic Care Providers

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

Seated (L-R): Craig Satterlee, MD

Knees & Hips Trauma, Total Joint Replacement

Subspecialty Shoulder

Robert M. Drisko, II, MD

Alexandra Strong, MD

Sports Medicine, Knees, Shoulders

Paul Nassab, MD

Subspecialty Hand, Upper Extremity, Shoulder & Elbow

Raymond Rizzi, DPM

Podiatry, Foot & Ankle Surgery

Subspecialty Spine, Total Joint Replacement

Not Shown: Ann Lee, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehab

Christopher Wise, MD Subspecialty Trauma, Acetabular Hip Fracture

Page 8 Tuesday, January 4, 2011

nutrition

A nutritiously nutty beverage Did you know? Almond milk is a nondairy beverage made from real almonds. This smooth and creamy beverage offers a hint of almond flavor and contains a starting lineup of powerful nutrients and nutritional benefits. n Trim the Waist Line. At only 40 calories per eight-ounce serving and low in fat, unsweetened almond milk offers a low-calorie beverage option to enhance any meal or snack. n Bone-Building Beverage. Almond milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which work together to build and maintain strong bones in men, women and children. n Healthy Glow. One serving of almond milk contains 50 percent of the daily recommendation of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that plays a role in healthy skin and hair. n Heart Health Benefits. Almond milk is free of cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat, and filled with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. n Allergen-Friendly. You don’t have to have a food allergy or intolerance, such as lactose intolerance, to enjoy this beverage; but if you do, you’re in for a treat. Most almond milk does not contain lactose or casein and is free of eggs, wheat, gluten and peanuts.

Commercial almond milk products come in plain, vanilla, chocolate or unsweetened varieties. Look for almond milk in cartons, either on the shelves or in the refrigerated section of your local grocer. Refrigerated almond milk should be stored at a temperature of 35 to 45 degrees F up until the “sell by” date printed on the carton, and should be used within 7 days after opening. Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can be stored in your pantry unrefrigerated up until the “best before” date printed on the carton and should be used within 7 to 10 days of opening. For optimal taste, it is recommended to refrigerate shelf-stable almond milk overnight before opening.

Enjoy almond milk chilled by the glass and on your cereals. You can also puree almond milk with frozen berries or bananas for a

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. refreshing smoothie, or add as a non-dairy creamer to coffee. With the exception of instant pudding, almond milk may also be substituted cup-for-cup in your favorite recipe.

Strawberry-Banana Frosty Serves 3 All you need: 2 cups original or vanilla almond milk 1 ripe banana, broken into chunks 1 cup (about 6) frozen whole strawberries 1 tbsp agave nectar All you do: 1. Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

2. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 160 calories, 2 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 30 g sugar, 2 g protein.

Daily Values: 8 percent vitamin A, 60 percent vitamin C, 2 percent calcium, 2 percent iron.

healthSHORTS 816-303-2400 19550 E. 39th Street, Ste. 410 Independence, Missouri 64057

816-561-3003 2790 Clay Edwards Dr., Ste 600 North Kansas City, Missouri 64116

New Research: Fried fish linked to high stroke rates People living in the “stroke belt” states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana) eat more fried fish than people living in the rest of the country, which may contribute to the high rate of death from stroke in those states. Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish, especially fatty fish, may reduce the risk of stroke. But research

has also shown that frying fish leads to the loss of the natural fatty acids.

What to do after holiday vacation When you return from a holiday trip, especially if you traveled abroad, it is important to continue to monitor your health. If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention your recent trip. Note that infectious diseases physicians specialize in diseases of travel.

–GateHouse News Service