health

March 15, 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

Find a peanut ...

They’re good for you | Page 6

Screen Saver

Routine colonoscopy revealed cancer in time for successful treatment | Page 4

Special to The Examiner/ STEPHANIE BOOTHE

• LARRY JONES Be ready in 3 | Page 2

• NUTRITION 6 • FITNESS 6 • CALENDAR 7

Renew

at Carmel Hills A truly innovative concept in post-acute care, designed especially for women, doesn’t just meet the needs of those recovering from an acute illness, injury or exacerbation of a disease process.

Renew also offers services to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your spirit with a facial or massage in our Spa. Renew is located in a separate area with a private entrance, and equipped with state of the art equipment and furnishings that are geared towards enhancing each step of your recovery.

Carmel Hills

Sunset Place

Our long term care services are designed for individuals who need 24 hour nursing care. Theses residents may be chronically ill, frail, or experiencing a very slow recovery from an illness or injury. Our long term care units offer private and semiprivate rooms including room furnishings, multiple common areas and dining lounges. We offer respite care or vacation care that allows families an opportunity to take a brief break from the demands of round- theclock care giving.

The dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit offers dedicated, caring and compassionate staff well trained to assist residents in living their lives to the fullest. We offer structured activities designed to maximize interaction with each resident. Personalized behavioral management designed to encourage participation in a calm environment. We provide semi private and private rooms, complimentary cable television, nutritionally balanced meals and rehabilitation services.

safety

Prepare your family for emergencies Emergencies can strike at any time and without warning. Whether the disaster is a tornado, flood, house fire, or terrorist attack, we must be ready. You are responsible for the safety of your family. Being prepared for an emergency can protect yourself and your family.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services have developed a program called Ready in 3. The program includes three steps that can help you and your family prepare for emergencies. The three steps include: 1. Create a plan for you, your family, and your business.

2. Prepare a kit for your home, car and work.

3. Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency.

Create a Plan

Long Term Care at Carmel Hills For those seeking short term medical and or rehabilitative services, we focus our efforts on working closely with patient and family and strive to achieve the most successful functional outcomes. Our nursing team is support by licensed therapists who provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies. This dedicated team works together to design individualized care plans tailored to each patients specific needs.

We believe our best results are achieved when we work together

810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO

816.461.9600

Page 2 Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Develop an emergency plan for you and your family. It is important to have several plans in place for different situations that may occur.

The entire family should know and understand the plans your family has created.

Since emergencies occur without notification, it is important to talk about how the members of your family will reach each other during an emergency. Communication methods you most commonly use may not be available.

Have alternate communication plans in place to reach members of your family.

Your family should be prepared to shelter at home during an emergency or to evacuate depending on the emergency. In some instances, it may not be safe to stay in your home. Plan where family members can meet each other, and know where you will go and how you will get there.

Prepare a Kit During an emergency, you may be unable to get food or water and your electricity may not be working. It is important to have a three-day

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department. supply of food and water for each member of your family. If you have the room available, two weeks’ worth of drinking water should be stored for each person.

Other supplies are also essential to have prepared and ready in case of an emergency.

A battery-powered radio, flashlights, prescription medicines, and a first-aid kit are all things you will need during an emergency. It is also important to keep a small emergency supply kit in your car.

Listen for Information

During an emergency, it is important to stay calm and get as much information about the situation as possible. Many of us rely on television, radio, or internet for the news, but in some emergencies electricity may be off. Having a battery powered radio on hand with extra batteries will ensure you access to the latest news about the emergency.

The purpose of emergency preparedness is to do as much as possible before an emergency happens. By following these three steps, you will be well on your way to preparing yourself and your family for an emergency.

If you would like a copy of Ready in 3 to use for your family please call the Independence Health Department at 816-325-7006.

wellness

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Page 3

Even newborns need hearing screenings

By St. Mary’s Medical Center

While it may seem to many parents that newborn babies primarily use their vocal chords, most children hear, and listen from the time they enter the delivery room. Most respond to sounds, and imitate sounds of voices and noises within their environment, but not all. Nearly three of every 1,000 U.S. children are born hard of hearing, or even deaf. Others lose their hearing later in childhood.

These children will need help with speech and language, making early detection of hearing problems an early priority.

Many hospitals automatically screen all newborns for hearing loss. Some screen only those newborns at high risk for hearing loss, such as babies with a family history of deafness or hearing problems, low birth weight, or certain other medical conditions.

The state of Missouri now mandates such testing. For the past 10 years, the Birthing Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center has typically checked newborns within their first 24 hours of life. This testing is now much more accurate, thanks to a new diagnostic tool acquired last fall from the natus corporation. The Algo 5 can make a sophisticated assessment of an infant’s hearing.

There are two basic types of tests to determine if infants are experiencing difficulty in hearing.

Otoacoustic emissions tests show whether parts of the ear respond properly to sound. During this test, a sponge earphone is placed into the ear canal. The ear is stimulated with sound, and the

“echo” is measured. The echo is found in everyone who hears normally. If there is no echo, it could indicate a hearing loss.

Auditory brain stem response tests check how the brain and the brain stem (the part of the nerve that carries sound from the ear to the brain) respond to sound. During this test, your child will wear earphones, and have electrodes placed on the head and ears. A mild sedative may be given to help keep your child calm and quiet during the test. The nurse or doctor sends sounds through the earphones and measures the electrical activity in your child’s brain.

The Algo 5 at St. Mary’s concentrates on ABR testing, which according to St. Mary’s Birthing Center Nurse, Tricia Coon gives the most accurate results. “We find with ABR, we get a lot less “false positives,” says Coon.

The most important time for language development in children is during their first three years. Children actually begin learning speech and language in their first six months. Studies suggests those who have hearing impairment and get intervention early have better language skills than those who don’t. The earlier you know about deafness or hearing loss, the sooner you can make sure your child benefits from an approach that will help them learn how to communicate.

If your child doesn’t respond consistently to the sounds presented during testing, your doctor may suggest a follow up screening and a referral to an audiologist for a more comprehensive hearing evaluation.

Page 4 Tuesday, March 15, 2011

cover story

A life saved Screening found her colon cancer; treatment worked

By STEPHANIE BOOTHE Special to The Examiner

Chris Knudson went to the doctor in 2007 because of concerns with her arthritis.

While asking about her family medical history, her doctor learned Knudson had a family history of colon cancer.

She went in for a screening – having no other symptoms – and quickly heard that six-letter word that forever changed her life.

Cancer.

Knudson was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in August 2007.

“If he hadn’t had me tested, I wouldn’t be here,” Knudson said from her home on the Independence/Kansas City border.

After her diagnosis, Knudson underwent surgery in June 2008, a surgery that left her with a colostomy and needing an excruciating round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

The chemotherapy made her feel sick and the radiation deteriorated her bones to the point that she has regular pain in her tailbone.

She is now on disability and spends her days maintaining the garden she lovingly plants every spring.

It’s an altered life from the one she used to lead – far from her family in Minnesota, but it makes the 52-year-old happy.

“But I have a life,” she emphasizes.

She doesn’t spend much time dwelling on the side effects of her disease because the important thing for her is getting to spend time with her family and friends and enjoy the things in life that make her happy.

“Things happen and you deal with them,” Knudson said.

Knudson knows there are two things that

FYI Symptoms

There are often no symptoms of colon cancer, which usually begins as a polyp. As a polyp grows, it can bleed or obstruct the intestine. n Bleeding from the rectum n Blood in the stool or in the toilet after having a bowel movement n Dark or black-colored stools n A change in the shape of the stool n Cramping pain in the lower stomach n A feeling of discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one n New onset of constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days n Unintentional weight loss – Source American Cancer Society, www. cancer.org

saved her life – her family and an early screening.

Her siblings all took time off work at different times to help Knudson through her surgery and recovery and individually went in for colon cancer screenings following her ordeal.

“It could save your life,” Knudson said. “I’m sure it saved mine.”

Knudson also found solace in the support of the friends she’s made in 20 years of living in Missouri – away from the harsh Minnesota winters – and Kansas City Cancer Action.

Cancer Action helped Knudson with her medications when she didn’t have insurance and with transportation to her treatments –

Special to The Examiner/STEPHANIE BOOTHE Chris Knudson is a colon cancer survivor who credits early screening and an alert family physician for catching her cancer. every other week for six months for 48-hour, in-hospital chemotherapy.

Cancer Action is a social service organization that provides support for cancer patients through services like medication, supplies, transportation and counseling.

“We help people deal with the impact cancer has,” said Karla Nichols, executive director. “We certainly provide a lot of support for people with colon cancer.”

Knudson said a positive attitude helped her battle cancer and she’s hopeful her success over the disease will motivate others.

“Get screened,” Knudson urges. “People tell me I have a great attitude. Sometimes I don’t see that, but as long as they do, that’s what is important.”

March

is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month n Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer (and the third-leading cause of cancer death) in both men and women in the U.S. n About 141,210 new cases and 49,380 deaths are expected in 2011. n More than 1.1 million Americans with a history of colon cancer were alive in 2007. n 90 percent of new cases and 94 percent of deaths occur in people 50 and older.

Page 6 Tuesday, March 15, 2011

fitness/nutrition

Shamrocks and the luck of the Irish There are many harbingers of spring – daylight saving time, Punxsatawney Phil, March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day. Any day which starts with green eggs and ham has to be fun. No other spring ritual brings cheer and makes us smile more than St. Patrick’s Day. And the Irish are so inclusive, inviting the rest of us to their party, Everyone is Irish for a day. Shamrocks and four-leaf clover are everywhere on March 17.

These symbols of good health on St. Patrick’s Day, what do you know, T or F? 1. The shamrock is a registered trademark of the Government of Ireland.

2. The shamrock is a four-leaf clover.

3. A four-leaf clover will bring good luck.

The traditional shamrock is a three-leaf clover. To the Ancient Celts and Druids three was a sacred number symbolizing birth, life, death and past, present, future. Early Celts used clover as a charm against evil spirits.

The shamrock is often used as a Christian symbol of the Holy Trinity, attributed to St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. However, there are no historical texts confirming St. Patrick used the shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity and this story is likely mythology.

Health watch

Blood drive March 24 in northeast Jackson County The Buckner, Levasy and Sibley communities will sponsor a Community Blood Center blood drive from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.

March 24.

Last year, 28,000 people in our area received a blood transfution. Whole blood and its components are required for many medical procedures, treating patients suffering from traumatic blood loss due to injury, as well as those undergoing surgery or being treated for an illness.

Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh a minimum of 115 pounds, and must provide photo identification at the time of donation.

To schedule your appointment online, visit www.esavealifenow.org and enter sponsor code bslcomm, or contact Dolores Hirst at 816-650-3763.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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

So ingrained in Irish history is the shamrock, that it has come to symbolize all things Irish. The Government of Ireland has trademarked the shamrock. Irish soldiers and citizens would wear shamrocks and green color (the ‘wearin’ of the green’) for solidarity and pride, during skirmishes with Britain, acts that could get them killed. Good health?!

But, it is the four-leaf clover that is prized for its mystical abilities to bring the bearer health

and good fortune. There is legend that Eve carried a four-leaf clover in the Garden of Eden.

The 4-H club shamrock symbolizes head, heart, hands, and health. A four-leaf clover tucked in the bride’s bouquet or placed on the groom’s left lapel may bring a healthy marriage.

Authentic four-leaf clover comes only from the white clover plant, a flowering vine with white blossoms. There are other plants that naturally produce four leaves, but beware of these imposters. They may not bring the health and fortune you seek. Unlike the imposters, the fourth leaf of the white clover plant is almost always a bit smaller than the other three leaves.

An authentic four-leaf clover is estimated to occur in one in 10,000 plants. Geneticists have evidence that this is due to a very rare genetic mutation that also requires certain environmental factors to produce the fourth leaf. As scientists identify the specific gene(s) involved, authentic four-leaf clover may be mass-produced thus providing us with abundant good health!

Clover has long been used for medicinal purposes. It has been chewed for dental hygiene and it has been eaten during times of famine.

Clover has even been used as a remedy for

snake bites. Today, clover is available as lip balm, teas, lotion and other products. As a food product it seems most useful for cows and other grazing animals who universally attest to its sweet taste.

You can scour the meadows for a four-leaf White Clover or purchase on the Internet ($5.99 plus shipping). I actually have no idea whether any claims of fame, wealth, love and health are true, but I’d rather not chance being cynical nor risk offending my husband.

Come this March 17 I will join thousands in the ‘wearin’ of the green’ complete with a fourleaf clover plastic pin. I’m doomed! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! For ‘tis green, green, green, where the ruined towers are gray, And it’s green, green, green, all the happy night and day; Green of leaf and green of sod, green of ivy on the wall, And the blessed Irish shamrock with the fairest green of all.

– Mary Elizabeth Blake, poet, written in “The Dawning o’ the Year” Answers: 1. T 2. F 3. T Always!!

March is Peanut Month March is National Peanut Month. Do you know your p’s and q’s about peanuts?

Peanuts are not actually nuts; they are legumes, like beans, peas and lentils. Americans eat more than 6 pounds of peanuts or peanut products each year. Peanuts are one of America’s favorite foods. Whether eaten at the ballpark, tossed on a green salad or made into peanut butter, they enhance any meal or make a satisfying snack.

For a long time, peanuts and peanut butter were considered a “fattening” food. While these products are both high in fat, 80 percent of the fat is unsaturated fat, the “good fat” that may actually lower LDL or bad cholesterol.

Peanuts are an extremely versatile source of nutrition. They are a powerful protein source, providing more than 10 percent of the U.S. recommended daily intake per one-ounce serving of peanuts.

Peanuts also fill us up with fiber, offering about as much fiber as one-half cup of broccoli.

Indeed, peanuts can fit into a heart-healthy diet.

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.

In fact, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet recommends eating nuts

and legumes 4 to 5 times per week as part of a low-fat diet high in fruits and vegetables. Just choose the unsalted varieties.

Try one of these peanut pairings to add protein, fiber and heart-healthy fat to your diet.

■ Serve multi-grain waffles with one tablespoon of peanut butter ■ Munch on apple slices and peanut butter ■ Sprinkle one ounce of peanuts on a mixed green salad ■ Add peanuts to stir-fry dishes ■ Dish up this pleasing peanut butter-andjelly oatmeal to start the day

PB and J Oatmeal 1 cup cooked oatmeal 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1 tablespoon strawberry jam Fresh strawberries, optional Stir peanut butter and jelly into hot oatmeal.

Top with fresh sliced strawberries if desired.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Page 7

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 March 16 through 22, unless otherwise stated.

Spotlights

Blue Springs FREE HYPNOSIS SEMINARS – Stop Smoking from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 22; Weight Loss Management from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 23, A Healthy Change Hypnotherapy, 1133 W. Main St., suite 203. To register, call Mike at 560-6903.

Independence GRIEF & RECOVERY OUTREACH PROGRAM, beginning today, St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Program is for those who have lost a loved one, divorce, end of a relationship, and loss of cancer, substance dependency, trust, dreams, security and health. To register for this 12-week program, call Lee Ward at 373-2600, ext. 226.

KIDS COOKING CLASS, 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, or 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, 23rd Street Hy-Vee. They’ll be preparing a lucky clover snack, green pinwheels and green smoothies. Registration deadline: March 15.

Cost, $3. To register, call 500-6778.

NUVAL NUTRITION STORE TOUR, 5 to 6 p.m.

March 23, 23rd Street Hy-Vee. Learn about the NuVal Nutritional Scoring System as you tour the aisles.

Tour begins a customer service desk. No registration required. 500-6778.

Other THE SHARED CARE FREE CLINIC, (formerly Jackson County Free Clinic), is looking for volunteer nurses and phlebotomists for Wednesday and Thursday daytime hours, as well as Tuesday evenings. Contact Jayne at 404-6455 or www.jcfhc.org.

8303.

The Compassionate Friends, for those dealing with the death of a child, 7:30 p.m., Walnut Gardens Community of Christ. Call Barbara Starr, 2292640, or the hot line: 531-6464.

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

Prenatal/Infant/Child programs

Independence Natural family planning session, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nativity of Mary Parish. Fee. For reservations, 913-384-1000.

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. 2249620.

Support groups

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

County. 373-7577.

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.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Christ United Methodist Church. 461-1101.

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

Blue Springs Overcomer’s Outreach 12-step, 7 to 8 p.m.

Monday, Blue Springs Assembly. 229-3298.

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room 100. Call 229-8108.

Alzheimer’s, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Manor. 228-5655.

PARENTS OF NICU BABIES, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, St. Mary’s Birthing Center. Moms delivering at other facilities are welcome. 655-5574, option 5.

Breastfeeding, offered by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 10 a.m. Thursday, 206 Mock Ave., suite 101.

655-5574.

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

Kansas City EMPOWER KIDNEY DISEASE CLASSES, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through 2011, at several area hospitals.

Call 842-0076 to register.

Yourtake What activities are you planning to do now that the weather is warming up?

Jan Trewhitt Independence "I walked on the Little Blue Trace Trail on Friday. I also garden and go to the Y three days a week. I lift weights twice a week, and I walk on the treadmill one day a week."

– Jillayne Ritchie

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.

Marella Armstead, 9 Independence "Ride my bike. I also like to play with my brother."

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.

Independence Bereavement support group, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Columbian Adult Day Care Center. 836-

Mary Puhr Sugar Creek "My husband and I walk about two miles a day, even in the winter."

– Adrianne DeWeese

Page 8 Tuesday, March 15, 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

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

Ann Y. Lee, M.D. Ann Y. Lee, M.D., completed her fellowship from Stanford University and is Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist.

She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, her medical degree from University of Texas Health Science Center, and her residency from Loma Linda University. She has also completed inpatient training in stroke, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injury, pediatric and general rehabilitation. Outpatient training has been completed in spina bifida, pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

816.303.2400

816.561.3003

Centerpoint Medical North Kansas City Center Campus Hospital Campus 19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 410 2790 Clay Edwards Drive, Suite 600 Independence, MO 64057 Kansas City, MO 64116

All the latest hearing aids with expert fitting and advice by experienced licensed audiologists Providing comprehensive, compassionate and superior hearing care!

We can help you hear your best.

■ Panera Bread, 605 N.E. Coronado Drive – On Feb. 17, a chemical spray bottle was found on a shelf above slicer; corrected.

■ Bua Thai, 732 N. Missouri 7 – On Feb. 22, inspectors found no detectable sanitizer in the dish machine final rinse cycle, and bottles of bleach were stored above food containers on a shelf in the kitchen; both were corrected.

■ Mr. Hibachi, 726 N. Missouri 7 – On Feb. 22, when asked to describe the correct procedure to clean food utensils and equipment, person in charge stated that soap is combined with bleach in one container when warewashing; corrected. Proper procedure to wash, rinse, and sanitize food contact items was demonstrated by inspector the person in charge.

■ Pizza Shoppe, 1402 N.W. Missouri 7 – On Feb. 22, inspectors found cooked pasta in pizza topping reach-in cooler was not date marked; corrected.

■ Super 8, 3120 N.W. Jefferson – On Feb. 23, numerous containers of spoiled employee food were found in the reach-in cooler; discarded.

■ Hy-Vee, 601 W. U.S. 40 – On Feb. 23, mold was observed on a number of pieces of cheddar cheese in the sandwich meat/cheese display cooler, and boxes of raw chicken were found stored next to ready-to-eat vegetables in kitchen walk-in cooler, both were corrected. No sanitizer was detected in kitchen three compartment sink final rinse, the bulk sanitizer container was empty; corrected.

■ Dos Amigos, 214 N.E. Missouri 7 – On Feb. 24, an open employee beverage was observed on a shelf on the cook’s line, corrected. A container of raw steak was stored above ready to eat foods in the walk-in cooler, and containers of cooked meats, beans and rice in the kitchen refrigerators were not date labeled; both were corrected. There was no detectable sanitizer provided in the dish machine final rinse cycle.

■ Las Playas, 1016 N.W. Woods Chapel Road – On Feb. 24, raw chicken and beef were found

above avocados and sour cream in reach-in cooler, and a number of ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods in the reach-in coolers were not date marked, both were corrected. A chemical spray bottle next to dish the machine was not labeled, and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and a medicine bottle were found on shelf above meat slicer; all were corrected.

■ Sake, 1245 S.W. Missouri 7 – On Feb. 24, the walk-in cooler was not 41 degrees or below.

According to an ambient air thermometer, the air temperature was 50 degrees. A number of internal food temperatures were taken; two pans of rice were discarded, and other foods were moved to another cooler. Quat sanitizer tablets were stored on top shelf of clean equipment rack; corrected.

■ Subway, 1240 Woods Chapel Road – On Feb. 25, no sanitizer was detected in three compartment sink final rinse; corrected.

■ Olive Garden, 801 N.E. Coronado – On Feb. 28, a personal beverage container without lid or straw was found in the kitchen; corrected.

■ St. Mary’s Medical Center, 201 W. R.D. Mize Road – On Feb. 28, an employee was observed touching his face and nose, then touching chip bags, corrected through discussion.

■ Taco John’s, 811 N. Woods Chapel Road – On March 4, inspectors found a chemical spray bottle without a label; corrected.

Lake Lotawana

■ Canoe Club, 27905 E. Colbern Road – On March 4, inspectors observed rain water leaking out of the ceiling and splashing on the cutting board, cleaned plates, and other food contact surfaces on the cook’s line. The leak was sealed and the equipment was washed, rinsed and sanitized. Soups in the steam table were 116-122 degrees; discarded.

Various containers of ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods in the walk-in cooler were not date labeled; corrected.

Lee’s Summit

■ Jason’s Deli, 1690 N.W. Chipman Road – On Feb. 14, sliced and shredded cheeses in an ice bath were found to be 59 degrees, and various potentially hazardous foods in the salad bar were 4648 degrees. All items were there for less than 2 hours

so they were allowed to be brought down to proper temperature.

■ Price Chopper, 251 S.W. Greenwich – On Feb. 14, sliced melons were 50-54 degrees in a produce display cooler, discarded. Establishment has decided to stop holding potentially hazardous foods in this cooler.

■ Jose Peppers, 1663 N.E. Douglas St. – On Feb. 15, inspectors found various potentially hazardous foods, including goat cheese, black bean salsa, and heavy cream, in the top of the left prep cooler on the cook’s line were 54-59 degrees, discarded. The soft-serve mix in the soft-serve machine was 49 degrees; discarded.

■ Lee’s Summit West High School indoor concession stand, 2600 S.W. Ward Road – On Feb. 17, inspectors found no person in charge at the establishment; corrected. There was no food contact surface sanitizer available for use; corrected.

■ Culver’s, 1701 N.E. Douglas St. – On Feb. 24, inspectors found no detectable sanitizer in the final rinse of the dish washing machine.

■ Small Cakes, 880 N.W. Blue Parkway – On Feb. 24, inspectors noted the quat sanitizer at 3 compartment sink was 0 ppm; corrected.

■ 54th Street Bar & Grill, 815 S.E. Third St. – On Feb. 25, inspectors found sour cream in an ice bath had a temperature of 53 degrees. It had been there for less than 2 hours, so they were allowed to place it in ice to bring the temperature down below 45 degrees. Soft-serve mix in the soft-serve machine was 49 degrees; discarded.

■ Circle K, 300 S. Missouri 291 – On Feb. 28, inspectors found containers of milk in the open display cooler were 51-54 degrees; discarded.

■ Longhorn Steakhouse, 1676 N.W. Chipman Road – On Feb. 28, inspectors found no detectable sanitizer in the final rinse of the dishwashing machine; corrected.

■ Price Chopper, 937 N.E. Woods Chapel Road – On March 3, sliced ham and bacon in a bunker display cooler were 48-52 degrees, discarded.

Chicken, chili and hot dogs in the deli hot case were 116-122 degrees. Since they had been there for less than 2 hours, the establishment was allowed to reheat to 165 degrees and serve.

– Jillayne Ritchie

Food service inspections l Independence Charles E. Hare, M.S., CCC/A Roberta Beile, M.A., CCC/A Tawna Noftzger, Receptionist

www.JacksonCountyAudiology.com

816-373-7900

The ScoTTSdale cenTer

17020 e. 40 hwy., SuiTe 9 independence, Mo 64055

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.

■ On The Border, 19921 E. Jackson Drive – On Feb. 15, inspectors found the walk-in freezer not working properly; corrected.

■ Hereford House, 19721 E. Jackson Drive – On Feb. 7, inspectors observed moist red cloths being used under cutting boards, remove and use cutting board mats. Front prep line cook used tongs on the grill after turning meat products on grill kept wiping tongs with red cloth, and an employee on the front

cooking line was handling raw meat, then changing his gloves without washing his hands. All violations were corrected.

■ Golden Rice Chinese Restaurant, 1435 S. Noland Road – On Feb. 18, inspectors found food in the cook’s line cooler at 46 degrees, and egg rolls were found sitting on a shelf at room temperature; all items were discarded. The cook’s line cooler was not turned to the proper temperature to keep food at 41 degrees or below; corrected. Soy sauce buckets were found sitting on the floor under the cutting boards for raw meat; items were discarded.

Hot water was found to be 96 degrees at the hand sink and the dish machine; after turning up the hot water tank, the water came up to 125 degrees. The hand sink in the kitchen is not conveniently located;

an employee was seen washing their hands in the three-compartment sink and not using pump soap or paper towels; corrected.

■ Carrabba’s, 19900 Valley View Parkway – On Feb. 22, inspectors noted the hand washing sink in the servers area was not working. Paper towels were missing at the hand sink near the pizza oven (towel dispenser looked as if it was in a fire). Remove and obtain paper towels at this area.

■ Church’s Chicken, 701 N. Noland Road – On March 2, inspectors observed the door to the food storage room was not shut or locked. Must be locked to prevent public access to unmonitored food.

– Jillayne Ritchie