health

April 26 2011

Health The Examiner

• TRACEY SHAFFER

Spring cleaning for your diet | Page 4

Mega-fan puts his cancer on ice - Page 6

• LARRY JONES A healthy garden | Page 8

• NUTRITION 4 • WELLNESS 2-3 • CALENDAR 11-12

Page 2 Tuesday, April 26, 2011

wellness

Psoriasis treatments improving all the time Psoriasis affects 7.5 million Americans. Its cause is unknown. More than only a cosmetic issue, psoriasis can cause chronic pain and suffering.

Psoriasis, what do you know?

T or F? 1. Psoriasis only affects the skin.

2. Most are diagnosed at about age 60.

3. Singers LeAnn Rimes and Art Garfunkel have psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system of the body is over-reacting to a stimulus and the result is an overgrowth of skin cells. Basically, the body is being attacked by an out-of-control immune system. The body produces more skin cells than can be sloughed off normally causing the characteristic plaques. These plaques are commonly seen on the “extensor surfaces” of joints, such as the back of the elbow and the front of the knee, but can affect any area of the body. Those with psoriasis are often self-conscious and stigmatized.

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

They frequently find themselves explaining that their condition is not contagious. It is not, and they are no threat to anyone coming in contact with their skin.

The National Psoriasis Foundation (www. psoriasis.org) explains that there are five types

of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. The plaque type is most common, occurring in more than 80 percent of those with psoriasis and presents as raised, red, flaky patches of skin which can be itchy and painful.

The patches often appear scaly and silvery because of the buildup of dead skin.

Some develop painful joint inflammation and swelling in addition to the skin condition. This is called psoriatic arthritis and affects about 30 percent of those with psoriasis. The joint pain can be severely debilitating and disabling.

Diabetes, heart disease, depression and other chronic conditions also may be associated with psoriasis.

Historically, treatments were targeted directly at the skin lesions. Topical and oral therapies are used for milder cases, typically involving steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications. Phototherapy (light therapy) directs UVA and UVB radiation to the affected areas to slow the rapid cell growth. This must be performed

by a physician trained in phototherapy. No, a session at the local tanning salon is not the same. Don’t even think about it.

Newer treatments involve a class of drugs called biologics. These are given by injection or intravenously and target specific lines of immune cells known to be involved in psoriasis. Some of these same biologics are used in the treatment of other autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohns’ disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestine.

The American College of Rheumatology (www.rheumatology.org) and the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org) have information for patients and caregivers.

When I was a kid there was a commercial for a shampoo, Tegrin, which referenced the “heartbreak of psoriasis.” For millions, learning they have psoriasis is heartbreaking. Fortunately, treatments have never been better.

1. F; 2. F, between 30-50 years of age; 3. T

Renew at Carmel Hills 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

Long Term Care Our long term care services are designed for individuals who need 24 hour nursing care. These 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 semi-private 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- the- clock care giving.

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.

Sunset Place

at Carmel Hills 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.

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

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Page 3

wellness

NICU babies get special attention at St. Mary’s Since my first rotation in labor and delivery back in nursing school, there was little question I would be working with children. I love babies and moms having babies.

Since the Birthing Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center opened its doors in 1987, all but a couple of years of my career has been spent with infants. What I didn’t know was just how young some of the patients of my passion would end up being. In the early days, there were few neonatal intensive care units around the city.

Most expectant mothers who anticipated complicated deliveries usually planned to have their babies at the few facilities that did.

That said, we still saw our share of problem deliveries and premature babies. Then, the pediatrician would be called, and we would care for these tiniest of patients until they could be transferred.

When St. Mary’s opened its neonatal intensive care unit some five years ago, I was proud to be a part of bringing neonatal intensive care to residents of our area.

Newborns come into the NICU for several reasons. They’re born premature (less than 37 weeks), they had difficulty during birth, or they show signs of problems shortly after

Pam George GUEST COLUMN Pam George is a registered nurse at The Birthing Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Blue Springs.

birth. They may require feeding tubes, oxygen, or IVs for medicines to help them function until their own little bodies are capable. How long this takes depends on the severity of their conditions.

For parents, this can be an intensive experience as well. Entering the NICU can seem like entering another world, with activity and sounds that are foreign and often intimidating.

Part of our job as nurses is to explain what all of the monitors, tubes and medicines do. Since many of the sounds emitted from the equip-

ment are good signs, we try to get parents to focus on their child – not the monitors.

At the Birthing Center, our moms labor, deliver, recover and have their postpartum period in the same room. For NICU families, we try to maintain this standard and have boarding rooms that allow parents to stay close to their newborns until it’s time to go home. It’s important for preemies to conserve energy and spend time in the incubators getting stronger, but even on a ventilator, or with an IV, there can be opportunities for parental bonding.

With training, and assistance from nurse practitioners from Children’s Mercy Hospital, and a lot of time on the job, we’ve built and maintained an experienced staff of committed professionals. We’ve helped train some of the next generation of NICU nurses, as well.

A recent grad came to work with us at a time when we had many babies in the unit. It was a concentrated, but very rewarding, time for her.

Our family-centered approach to obstetrics starts with our nursing staff. A staff with which I’m proud to be part of has earned the Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s leading credentialing organization.

And, did I mention, we love babies?

Young parents’ health at risk Researchers found that parenthood was associated with a number of negative outcomes, especially for mothers. Young adult mothers had a higher body mass index and poorer dietary intake compared with young adult women without children. Young mothers had higher daily intake of sugar-sweetened drinks, total calories and saturated fats. Both mothers and fathers participated in less physical activities than non-parents, but no difference was found in BMIs between fathers and men without children.

– American Academy of Pediatrics

because of a critical teen-driver error, with three common errors accounting for nearly half of all serious crashes: n 21 percent occurred because of lack of scanning that is needed to detect and respond to hazards. n 21 percent occurred because of going too fast for road conditions, such as driving too fast to respond to others or to successfully navigate a curve. n 20 percent occurred because of being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle.

– Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

HEALTH TIP

children’s health

Store Easter leftovers properly

Critical errors in teen car crashes

If you are eating ham for Easter, remember that the leftover cooked ham is safe in the refrigerator for only about five days. Reheat leftovers of a spiral-cut ham to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, and reheat ready-to-eat hams to an internal temperature of 140 degrees.

Researchers analyzed a nationally representative federal database of more than 800 crashes involving teen drivers and identified a few common “critical errors” that are often one of the last in a chain of events leading up to a crash. Of these crashes, 75 percent occurred

Alexandra J. Strong, M.D. Alexandra 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

816.561.3003

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

Creating Beautiful Smiles Non-Precious Crowns

(porcelain fused to base metal)

$599 (regularly $855)

Health watch NEW RESEARCH

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

– FoodSafety.gov

Dental Centers of Missouri Dr. Dianne Caprio DDS

16641 E. 23rd St. • Independence, MO 64055 816.833.2700 • www.modentistry.com

Page 4 Tuesday, April 26, 2011

nutrition

Spring cleaning for your health With spring finally here, it’s time to think about spring cleaning. When most of us think of spring cleaning, we think of the traditional cleaning and organizing, but what about spring cleaning for your health?

Here are a few tips for spring cleaning, the healthy way: ■ Change your workout and reduce stress – All winter long we have been doing the same routine. Enjoy the nice weather and move your routine outside! Take a brisk walk or go for a bike ride. Cool down after the workout by slowing down to listen to the birds and observe plant and wildlife along the way. Look to see what flowers, grasses and other plants are along your route. Use these cool-down times to plan your next workouts, home activities and best of all, relax to help reduce stress.

■ In with the new and out with the old – This is a good time to go through the refrigerator and throw away all the expired foods. Check the expiration dates on jars, cans and staples such as condiments and salad dressings to make sure you are not exceeding the expiration

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. Email her at 1033dietitian@hy-vee.com.

dates. Outdated food items are not always safe to eat, even if they do not appear to be spoiled.

Spices and other shelf items also expire, due

to the natural oils in the products becoming unstable in changing room temperatures from summer to winter and back to summer.

■ The truly natural cleansing tool – Drinking water is absolutely vital to good health. It is important that you drink water before you actually feel thirsty. Try adding fruit or even cucumbers to the water. This will help give it some flavor without a ton of calories. Your goal should be drinking at least half of your body’s pound weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 150 pounds, then 75 ounces of water should be your goal. If you have trouble drinking 8 ounces of water at a time, try drinking water in 4- to 6-ounce quantities more often.

■ More matters – It’s not often we say the more the better; however, when it comes to fruit and vegetable intake, more matters. Plus, it’s also the perfect time of the year for fresh produce. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new products along with new combinations.

Below is a wonderful fruit salsa recipe, a sweetand-spicy favorite.

Clementine Salsa Serves 6 All you need: 3 Clementines, peeled, sectioned, seeded and chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp seeded, chopped jalapeno 1/2 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped 2 tbsp fresh lime juice Salt and pepper to taste Tortilla chips All you do: In a small bowl combine clementines, bell pepper, garlic, jalapeño, cucumber and lime juice.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill 30 minutes. Let come to room temperature, and serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition facts per serving: Calories: 30, Carbohydrate: 8g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Fat: <1g, Protein: <1g, Saturated Fat: <1g, Sodium: <1mg, Trans Fat: 0gms

Labels not as informative as reader desires DEAR DR. BLONZ: I need to watch my potassium and make sure I get a specific amount, but many foods do not list how much is in a serving. For example, how much potassium is in milk? Why is potassium listed only on some foods, and is there a way to get all the facts on what we eat? – O.Q., San Carlos, Calif.

DEAR O.Q.: Unlike the ingredients statement, which has to list every ingredient in order of prevalence, the Nutritional Facts panel does not need to indicate every nutrient present.

The minimum information on the nutrition statement includes serving size, number of servings per container and the amounts of calories, total fat, sodium total carbohydrates and sugars, and protein in one serving. There should also be a list of the percent of the daily value of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron, usually based on a 2,000-calorie diet. There is a simplified format if a serving is not a significant source of certain nutrients, and there will be a statement to this effect. Additional nutrients can be listed, but unless there is a specific reason to do so, manufacturers are reluctant to post more because it takes away valuable label

Ed Blonz ON NUTRITION Ed Blonz is a nutrition scientist and an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Newspaper Enterprise Association, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. For email, address inquiries to: ed@blonz.com. space.

Making a specific health claim, such as “good source of fiber,” triggers additional requirements, in this case, a listing of the fiber content on the Nutrition Facts panel.

A more complete explanation of the

Nutrition Facts label can be found at tinyurl. com/3yz34zy.

Potassium plays an important role in kidney function, muscular contraction and nervesignal transmission. It also helps to regulate the amount of water in the body’s cells. People taking diuretics or those with high blood pressure or heart disease will need to make sure their potassium intake is adequate.

An adequate intake, or AI, for potassium is 4,700 milligrams per day for adults. Milk contains about 400 milligrams of potassium per 8 ounce (1 cup) serving. Some high-potassium foods include potatoes (with skin), bananas, raisins, legumes, orange juice, dried apricots, avocado and green, leafy vegetables. If you want to know the levels of the nutrients in a particular food, combination of foods or a recipe, visit the nutritiondata.com website.

Do store misters keep produce clean enough, or should I rewash?

DEAR DR. BLONZ: Please help settle a debate at our house. I am always seeing the clerks in the produce department watering and misting the produce as it sits

on the rack. With all this, is it important to rewash all produce before it’s served?

– M.D., Berkeley, Calif.

DEAR M.D.: Yes. Although the colors of fresh produce lend an aura of healthfulness and vitality, it still needs to be washed before it is eaten.

Consider that these products began in a field and may have been exposed to pesticides or fungicides at some time during their life. At harvest, the product is picked either by hand or machine, and then separated according to size and grade, washed, packed, trucked and eventually delivered to your local market.

At the store, the product goes through final preparation, which may include a final trim and rinse. In the display case, though, the food is usually handled by store employees as well as the unwashed hands of customers.

There may be mistings given to leafy vegetables, but this is not a substitute for a good home rinsing. Given the number of unknowns along this path from field to plate, it makes sense for us to wash all produce – vegetables and fruits alike – before serving them.

The only exceptions are foods like citrus or bananas, which are protected by their skins.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Page 5

cover

Page 6 Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Ice therapy

By BILL ALTHAUS bill.althaus@examiner.net

L

ike they have done following every home game in the two years the Missouri Mavericks have called the Independence Events Center home, Garland and Judy Strickland stand outside the double doors that lead to the Central Hockey League team’s dressing room.

One by one, the Mavericks exit their locker room and enter the hallway that leads to the Event Center’s south doors. Several hundred fans stand and cheer following an emotioncharged 4-3 victory over the Colorado Eagles in the Turner Conference semifinals.

The Mavs entered the game trailing the bestof-five series down two games to none, but a heroic effort by Simon Watson – who scored the first goal of the big win – and his teammates breathe life into a team the Eagles had hoped to leave for dead.

With fans screaming his name and clapping, Watson exits the locker room area and approaches the 75-year-old Strickland and his wife.

As Garland reaches out for his post-game handshake, Watson places the puck he blasted into the back of the net into his No. 1 fan’s trembling hands.

“I’ve never met fans like Garland and Judy,” Watson said. “He’s one of the best men I’ve ever met in my life. I know how much he loves this team, and that’s how much we love him and Judy. We all know what he’s been through this season – and he hasn’t missed a game. We look up to make sure he and Judy are in their seats. We just feel better when we know they’re there.”

As Watson gives Garland his usually postgame hug, tears well up in the eyes of a man who stands tall – a man who never shed a tear over the fact that he’s facing a daily battle against leukemia and prostrate cancer.

“I told Garland, he better not cry when he’s around me,” an emotional Watson said, “because hockey players aren’t supposed to cry.”

––– On his 75th birthday, longtime Independence resident and big-time Missouri Mavericks fan Garland Strickland went to visit his doctor fol-

“

Heck, leukemia and cancer? Do you think I’m going to let something like that keep me from watching my boys? No way – no way on earth. As long as this old man can walk, he’s going to be here cheering and celebrating and loving every minute of life.

”

lowing his annual checkup.

“I’d had leukemia for a couple of years, and it kind of gets me down, but nothing like the news I got from my doctor on my birthday,” said Strickland, who sat alongside Judy at a Mavericks morning practice session.

“He said he had to talk to me about something – you know, then they do the jabbing and stabbing – and then he told me I had prostrate cancer. The first thing that came to my mind was, ‘What if I have to miss the Mavericks this season?’ Now, isn’t that silly? But I tell you the truth – that’s how much I love my boys. And I call them my boys because I’d take anyone of them home with me and Judy. I feel like they are members of our family.”

While he cheered for his boys, Garland had to undergo 45 rounds of chemotherapy, and it knocked him for a loop.

“You know how hard Lewie (team captain Carlyle Lewis, who has earned the nickname “The Grim Sleeper” because of his toughness on the ice) hits? Well, that’s how I felt every day for about the past nine months.”

As Garland talks about his battle with cancer, his wife of 49 years grabs his hand.

“No one will ever know how sick he’s been, and he doesn’t want anyone to know,” Judy said. “There was a game where he couldn’t make it up to our seats and the Mavericks – bless their hearts – let us sit down by the glass.

But as sick as he is before he gets to the games, once he gets here I see a different person. When he comes into the Events Center for a game, he comes alive.”

Garland nods in agreement. With a voice

– Garland Strickland

nearly choked by emotion, he says, “These boys are the best medicine in the world. I know the doctors are doing a lot for me, but the boys on this team are keeping this old man alive.”

––– When Mavericks president and general manager Brent Thiessen found out about Garland’s illness, he made a phone call to the man who was the fourth person in Eastern Jackson County to buy season tickets to this new team that had no name, no coach and no identity.

“I got a call from Brent, and he told me he had a jersey for me,” Garland said, his voice gaining strength and a huge smile appearing on his face. “Now, let me tell you – we have every jersey and I think we have every hat this team has ever sold. Judy and I spend so much time in that team store, it’s like our second home. And Brent told me he was going to give me a new jersey that was coming into the store, and that’s what I thought the phone call was all about.”

Garland and Judy met Thiessen at the Events Center, and the most fan-friendly CHL executive in the league escorted them into the locker room.

“I thought Brent had made a mistake, because all the boys were in there, sitting in front of their lockers,” Garland said. “I thought there was a team meeting and Judy and I turned to walk out. That’s when Simon came up and gave me my jersey – and it was signed by the entire team and had his No. 18 on it.”

A tidal wave of emotions struck Garland, and once again, he had to hold back the tears.

“Do you think the Hunts (who own the

Kansas City Chiefs) or the Glass family (the owners of the Kansas City Royals) have ever done anything like that to a little ol’ fan like me? Sure, I’m a season ticket holder, but I don’t advertise with the team. Heck, I can’t even afford a real player’s jersey because they go for so darned much in those auctions. But no one on the planet loves those boys as much as Judy and I do and I think Brent and the boys appreciate that.”

Garland maintained his composure and went around the room and thanked each player by name.

“Well, all but one,” Garland said, chuckling.

“I hadn’t see Walker Wintoneak (who left the team to return to college after Garland’s locker room visit) and I had to ask him for his number.

He said, “Sir, would you like my cell phone or home number.’ I told him I wanted his jersey number. He told me No. 27 and I said, ‘Walker, it’s nice to meet you.’”

As he left the locker room, he was approached by Lewis, who said, “How’d you know all the guys’ names? There are guys in here that I don’t even know their names and I play with them.”

Garland simply said, “Lewie, they’re my boys. And you know the names of the members of your family.”

He then got close to Lewis’ ear and whispered, “I almost started crying in there.”

And Lewis replied, “It’s a good thing you didn’t, or we’d have had a locker room full of crying hockey players.”

––– Garland and Judy have formed a special bond with many of their boys. When Bill Vandermeer, the hot-shooting forward who was released by the Mavericks because he never fully recovered from a tree-pruning accident fall last summer – moved back to Canada, Garland and Judy were there to help with the move.

And before he left, they presented one of their boys with an envelope. The card told him how much they loved him and how much they would miss him and his wife Janna, and there were a “few bucks” inside to help with gas along the way.

“I fought back the tears because I didn’t want Billy to see me cry the last time I knew I’d probably see him, but boy, did I cry on my way

cover

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Page 7

Submitted to The Examiner/JEFF BARGE Judy and Garland Strickland, center, pose with members of the Missouri Mavericks hockey team at the Independence Events Center, where the Independence fan attends every game, despite his battle with leukemia and prostate cancer.

Mavericks mega-fan finds strength in ‘his boys’ home,” Garland said. “That’s what happens when you become so attached to these kids.

“I remember one night we went over to Rib Crib for the Saturday night post-game party, and we were late because we always wait outside of the locker room for the boys to come out, and there wasn’t any place to sit.

“All of a sudden, we see (all-star forward) Nick Sirota standing up and waving us over to his table. He’d saved us a couple of seats. Can you believe that?”

Garland and Judy are the unofficial mom and pop to every player on this team. When there is a Mavericks event, the players anticipate their arrival, as much as most fans antici-

pate the arrival of the players.

“We always look around to make sure Garland and Judy are there,” Watson said. “People talk about what we go through during a season, and it’s nothing compared to what Garland has gone through. He’s the toughest guy I know.

And all the guys on the team feel the same way.”

Soon, Garland hopes to jump on his riding lawn mower and do a little yard work. He knows that next season, the climb up to his seat won’t be as exhausting and he’s hoping to be there when his boys raise a championship cup.

“I’ve got to stick around for a long time, because the boys are going to keep getting better

and better and I want to be there to share their success,” Garland said, as players come off the ice and high five him and Judy. “I haven’t missed a home game in two years. Heck, leukemia and cancer? Do you think I’m going to let something like that keep me from watching my boys? No way – no way on earth. As long as this old man can walk, he’s going to be here cheering and celebrating and loving every minute of life.

“The boys have given me a new lease on life.

And my Judy has been there with me every step of the way. She pushes me, she loves me, she puts up with me. I love her so much – and I don’t know if I’d still be here if it wasn’t for her

and this team. I know that might sound corny, but it’s true. And I think Brent and my boys should know what they mean to me.”

A special trip to the locker room to receive a custom jersey.

A postgame puck following the biggest goal of Watson’s career.

A special seat at the Rib Crib next to the Mavericks all-star forward.

A high five from every player as they exit the ice.

Garland, these Mavericks know what they mean to you, and they want you to know what you and Judy mean to them. And they try their best to express it every time they see you.

Page 8 Tuesday, April 26, 2011

health

April showers bring out May gardeners April showers bring May flowers and more vegetables. In your garden you should see lettuce, carrots, onions, cabbage, spinach and all sorts of vegetables thriving in this cool weather. Soon, it will be time to plant summer vegetables.

Gardening is the No. 1 hobby in the United States, and Missouri has an ideal climate for growing vegetables in a home garden.

Keeping a healthy and attractive garden requires attention. Good environmental conditions keep plant disease down, so pay attention to water availability, location, size and weeds.

To avoid loss of plants due to disease, prevention is required.

Select disease-resistant varieties of plants and your transplants should be free from disease. Remove all diseased plants from the garden. Rotate your vegetables from one area to another or from one raised bed to another. If you plan a landscaping project, you can plant colorful kale, cabbage and lettuce among your flowers. They add color to any garden. Many diseases are transferred from dirty tools, so

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

clean your tools after every use. Mostly, maintain your soil. Preparation at the end of the growing season is very important for the next spring.

As May gets closer, you will be planting your summer crops such as peppers, squash, cucumbers and tomatoes. You can continue to harvest lettuce, carrots and onions. The ground needs to be warm for summer vegetables so monitor the weather for frost. As hardy as tomatoes are,

they do not like the cold.

As you transplant your seedlings or new plants, protect them against cutworms. You can do this using a small paper cup or a piece of cardboard. If you use a paper cup, cut the bottom out and cut the cup open. Wrap it around the base of the plant and push it about an inch into the ground, then staple or tape the top of the cup to hold it together. Cut strips of cardboard about two inches wide and eight inches long. Staple ends and place around the base of the plant. Press the cardboard about an inch into the ground.

When you are sure the soil is thawed and at least 60 degrees you know it is safe to plant your summer crops. Crops have other crop friends. Celery and cucumbers like beans.

Beans also get along with peas, corn and potatoes. Carrots, tomatoes and lettuce like each, but avoid planting dill close to these crops.

May is a very busy month for gardening, but after you get the plants in the ground give them a little tender loving care and sit back to watch them grow.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good environmen-

tal conditions keep plant disease down, so pay attention to water availability, location, size and weeds. To avoid loss of plants due to disease, prevention is required.â&#x20AC;?

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Page 9

nutrition

healthSHORTS Independence Health Resource Fair coming up this Saturday

of those living with the disease continues to climb. We must Step 2 Stop the spread of HIV/ AIDS in our hometown. We must Step 2 Stop suffering, ignorance and discrimination.

The Independence Community Health All money raised by remains in Kansas City Resource Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to support local AIDS service organizations, Saturday at The Salvation Army, 14700 E. Tru- which provide shelter, medical care and emerman Road, Independence. gency assistance to those affected by HIV/AIDS The fair includes vaccinations (bring shot in our community. For more information, please record), massages, health care resources, bone visit www.aidswalkkansascity.org or call 816density, hearing tests, vision screenings, Hands 931-0959. of CPR, Medicaid applications, health information, cholesterol, legal aid, blood pressure, glucose and much more.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 816-325-7192.

The 2011 Infertility Awareness Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 30 at North Kansas City Hospital in the Lewis & Clark Room, 2800 Clay Edward Drive.

The 23rd annual AIDS Walk, presented by Conference Schedule: 8:30 check-in and conthe AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas tinental breakfast provided; 9 a.m. welcome; 9:15 City, will be held Saturday at Theis Park, just a.m. Dan Gehlbach, M.D., from Midwest Reprosouth of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art at ductive Center, Pa.; 9:30 a.m. Ryan Riggs, M.D. Oak and Emanuel Cleaver Boulevard. Registra- from Reproductive Resource Center; 10:15 a.m. tion opens at 8 a.m., welcoming ceremonies are break; 10:30 a.m. Kerry Christifano, M.A., L.P.C. at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. from Complementary Care Group; 11 a.m. ColThis year’s theme, Step 2 Stop HIV/AIDS, leen Milroy, M.D. from Reproductive Medicine reminds us that in spite of the medical advances and Infertility; 11:45 a.m. break; noon success to help those living with HIV/AIDS, the number story panel; 12:45 p.m. concluding remarks.

Learn about infertility and ways to overcome it yourself

AIDS Walk Saturday in KC

This event, held for the first time in Kansas City, is free. To register, visit www.kansascityinfertilityawareness.com or email kcinfertilityawareness@hotmail.com.

Donate Life America encourages Missourians to consider donation As the wait list for an organ or tissue transplant grows, an increasing number of Missourians plan to be donors. Currently, more than 2.8 million Missouri residents are registered organ donors, compared to 2.3 million in 2009.

According to Donate Life America, more than 100,000 people across the country are currently waiting for an organ transplant, including more than 1,300 Missourians. Last year, 563 Missourians received an organ transplant.

Kidney transplants were the most common, followed by liver, heart, lung, kidney-pancreas, intestine and heart-lung transplants.

April is National Donate Life Month, and health officials encourage Missourians who are not on the organ donor registry to consider giving the gift of life. Missourians can sign up for the registry online at www.MissouriOrganDonor.com or at their local driver’s license office.

– Staff reports

Food service inspections 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.

■ Ryan’s Family Steak House, 1511 E. 23rd St. – On April 13, inspectors found ceiling tiles in the meat cutting room with paint severely peeling, with potential to fall into food product; corrected. Hand sink in meat cutting room had no soap dispenser, hand sink in food prep area was draining very slowly, and hand sink in the dessert area was found with paper towels not dispensing, all were corrected.

One roach was seen around the threecompartment sink, no other living roaches were observed.

■ Chili’s Grill & Bar, 18900 E. 39th St. – On April 14, inspectors observed an employee in the dish machine area going from the dirty dish side to the clean dishes without washing their hands, manager spoke with employee during the inspection; corrected.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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 ■ Mr. Goodcents Subs & Pastas, 1618 S. Missouri 7 – On April 11, there was no sanitizer detected in wiping cloth buckets. Insufficient sanitizer level detected in three compartment sink final rinse; corrected.

■ QuikTrip, 1128 Woods Chapel Road – On April 12, a case of motor oil was found stored on a box of Gatorade; corrected.

■ Blue Springs Food Mart, 280 N.W. Woods Chapel Road – On April 15, inspectors found a number of boxes of baby cereal that were past the expiration dates. A canned good on the shelf was badly dented; discarded.

■ Meiner’s Phillips 66, 1005 N.E. Coronado Drive – On April 15, the person in charge did not demonstrate proper ware washing procedures using a three compartment sink, corrected. Spray bottles containing cleaning chemicals were not labeled with the common name of the contents; corrected.

Buckner ■ Misty’s Restaurant, 30 Monroe – On April 15, containers of various ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous foods in the reach-in coolers were not date labeled, corrected.

Lee’s Summit ■ Applebee’s, 701 Melody Lane – On April 11, inspectors found no detectable sanitizer in the final rinse of the bar dishwashing machine.

■ Jerry’s Bait Shop, 302 Main St. – On April 11, inspectors found no detectable sanitizer in the final rinse of the dish washing machine; corrected. Chemicals were observed on a shelf next to foil and other food related products; corrected.

■ Torero’s, 508 S. Missouri 291 – On April 11, inspectors found two chemical spray bottles without a label; corrected.

■ Chili’s Grill & Bar, 1688 N.E. Chipman Road – On April 12, no detectable sanitizer was found in the final rinse of the dishwashing machine.

■ Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, 1806 N.W. Chipman Road – On April 13, no detectable sanitizer was found in the final rinse

of the bar dish washing machine, corrected.

■ Side Pockets, 224 N.W. Oldham Road – On April 14, inspectors observed a number of chemical spray bottles without labels; corrected.

■ Sonic, 3740 Ralph Powell Road – On April 14, an uncovered, open wound was observed on a cook’s arm; corrected.

Raytown ■ Church’s Chicken, 9310 E. Missouri 350 – On April 11, inspectors observed a personal beverage without a lid or straw was stored on ice machine; discarded.

■ Popeye’s 7601 Raytown Road – On April 11, inspectors found the sanitizer concentration in wiping cloth bucket was weak; corrected.

■ QuikTrip, 9323 E. Missouri 350 – On April 13, two sandwiches on the warmer were not marked with a discard time; discarded.

■ Wendy’s, 9708 E. 63rd St. – On April 13, inspectors observed the pre-made breakfast sandwiches were 110 to 127 degrees in hot holding unit, discarded. Shell eggs in cold holding unit were 55 degrees; discarded.

■ Circle K, 6903 Blue Ridge Blvd. – On April 13, according to the manager, the foodcontact equipment and surfaces were not being

sanitized, corrected through demonstration and discussion. Operator did not have any sanitizer for ware washing; corrected.

■ Classic Catering, 6631 Raytown Road – On April 13, inspectors observed flour and sugar stored in plastic buckets, which previously held detergent according to the labeling on the bucket; corrected.

■ Cuzzins, 9319 E. Missouri 350 – On April 13, raw meat was found above salad dressings in the walk-in cooler; corrected.

■ McDonalds, 8909 E. Missouri 350 – On April 13, inspectors found the burrito mix on counter was 57 degrees, discarded. Liquid egg product left sitting beside grill was 57 degrees, discarded. Shell eggs are procedurally left sitting on counter without temperature control. Eggs had a temperature of 41 degrees, so they were moved to the cooler. A spray bottle of butter was hanging on the shelf where chemicals are stored; corrected.

■ Los Compas, 9055 E. Missouri 350 – On April 14, inspectors found the reach-in cooler was 57 degrees. All potentially hazardous foods were discarded. Two chemical spray bottles were not labeled; corrected.

– Jillayne Ritchie

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wellness

Page 10 Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Arthritis a very common ailment As America ages, it may become even more so Perhaps because it is not as deadly as cancer or heart disease, arthritis does not get the attention it deserves.

Arthritis is a very common condition affecting almost 50 million people. It is the most common cause of disability, and the numbers are increasing.

The cost of caring for people with arthritis has been estimated to be approximately $128 billion a year. There are various forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis,

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Dr. Murray Feingold Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of The Feingold Center for Children, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases.

lupus arthritis, septic arthritis and traumatic arthritis.

The two most common types of arthritis are

osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the more common.

Osteoarthritis is usually due to the chronic wear and tear of the bones and cartilage. As cartilage wears away, the bones rub against each other, and this can be painful. The joints most commonly affected are hips, knees, neck, back and shoulders.

Rheumatoid arthritis is mainly because of inflammation and affects people of all ages. It also can be very debilitating.

It is predicted that the number of people with osteoarthritis will significantly increase in the future. By 2030, it is estimated that there will be 15 million more people diagnosed with arthritis. There are two main reasons for this.

One, people are living longer, exposing their bones and cartilage to more years of trauma.

Secondly, the increase in obesity: Being overweight causes even more stress and strain on the joints.

In one study, 34 percent of obese women and

25 percent of obese men were diagnosed with arthritis. This is twice the number of people affected with arthritis compared to individuals who were underweight or of normal weight.

Reduction of obesity can reduce the risk of arthritis. One study showed that obese women, just by losing 11 pounds, can reduce their risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent.

Although arthritis is associated with stiffness, pain and fatigue, newer forms of drug and surgical treatments have helped limit many of these symptoms.

One of the major advancements has been joint replacements. Knee and hip replacements are now very common and have allowed people who previously had difficulty ambulating to subsequently lead normal lives.

A price we pay for living longer is the development of arthritis and other medical maladies. It is a challenge to medical science to find ways to make these extra years as comfortable and healthy as possible.

Health watch senior health

Antibiotics continue to build resistance Millions of Americans take antimicrobial drugs each year to fight illness. However, the bacteria, viruses and other pathogens are fighting back.

“People assume that antibiotics will always be there to fight the worst infections, but antimicrobial resistance is robbing us of that certainty and new drug-resistant pathogens are emerging,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We must all act now to safeguard this important resource,” Frieden said.

– CDC.gov

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health

healthCALENDAR Items for the Health Calendar may be e-mailed to jill.ritchie@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051, attention Jill Ritchie. The following items are for April 27 through May 3, unless otherwise stated.

Independence GREATER KANSAS CITY ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL NURSES host presentation, 5:30 today, Centerpoint Medical Center auditorium, 39th Street and Jackson Drive. Dr. Gregory Hummel will discuss knee injuries in female athletes. A short business meeting will follow; bring a sack dinner.

DIABETES STORE TOUR, 10 to 11 a.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Noland Road Hy-Vee, U.S. 40 and Noland Road. Stop by if your interested in managing your blood sugars through food and nutrition. Starts at customer service desk. No registration required.

Blue Springs FREE HYPNOSIS SEMINARS – Stop Smoking from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight; Weight Loss Management from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, A Healthy Change Hypnotherapy, 1133 W. Main St., Suite 203. To register, call Mike at 816-560-6903.

ADVANCED TAI CHI, 8:05 to 9:05 p.m. Tuesdays, May 3-June 21, Vesper Hall. $49. Register: 228-0181.

YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, May 3-Aug. 30, Vesper Hall. Cost, $48. Call to register.

BEGINNER TAI CHI, 8:05 to 9:05 p.m. Thursdays, May 5-June 23, Vesper Hall. Cost, $49. Call to register.

STRETCH & MOVEMENT – geared for teens with special needs, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, May 5-26, Vesper Hall. For ages 15 and older. Cost, $30. Call to register.

FITNESS CLASSES, sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation. The following classes will be held at Club 7 Fitness, 1241 S. Missouri 7. All classes are $40. To register, call 228-0137: Yoga Flow, 6:35 to 7:35 p.m. Mondays, May 2-June 27; or 7 to 8 p.m.

Wednesdays, May 4-June 22; Zumba Dance, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, May 2-June 27; or 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, May 3-June 21; Bodypump, 5:35 to 6:35 p.m. Tuesdays, May 3-June 21; or 6:35 to 7:35 p.m. Thursdays, May 5-June 23.

Lee’s Summit WomenHeart meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Panera Bread, 1686 N.W. Chipman Road. Join women who have heart disease or who are interested in preventing heart disease. Nancy Payne, 816-550-5552.

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).

Bereavement groups

Blue Springs Widowed Persons support group, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex A. 224-0677 or 229-8093.

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

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

To register, 655-5490.

Grief support group for children, 7 p.m.

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

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

Fitness

Independence Gentle Tai Chi for those 50 and older, 6 p.m.

Monday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

LOW IMPACT EXERCISE, 9 a.m. Monday, 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.

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.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Page 11

Yourtake STRETCH AND TONE, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Cost, $1. 325-6200.

ZUMBA GOLD, dynamic workout to Latin and international rhythms, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Palmer Center. Cost, $2. 325-6200.

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

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

Blue Springs Swimnastics, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Therapeutic swim, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex.

Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Crosstrainer aerobics, 9 to 10 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Vesper Hall. 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. $2.50 per class.

228-0181.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

What will you do to improve your health after eating Easter sweets?

(Parents and guardians helped the children with their answers.)

Sarina Holland, 9-1/2 Independence “I’m not going to eat all of the candy because I don’t eat candy that much anyway. I also walk a lot.”

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Corban Wehmeyer, 6 Independence “Play. I also eat parfaits with coconut and strawberries, as well as eating apples, bananas and grapes.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

Page 12 Tuesday, April 26, 2011

health

healthCALENDAR from page 11 YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. $8 per visit, $48 for six classes. 228-0181.

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

Stretching exercise, 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1.50. 228-0181.

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

Wednesday, Vesper Hall. Free. 228-0181.

Stretch AND TONE, 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

AQUA-AEROBICS, noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

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 HEALTH AWARENESS PRESENTATION, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Palmer Center. Presenter, Susan Laitner, RN, Independence Health Department. Free. 325-6200.

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.

Blue Springs EYE GLASSES ADJUSTMENTS, sponsored by Blue Springs Optical, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall.

Break Time Club, sponsored by Shepherd Center of Blue Springs, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Timothy Lutheran Church. For older adults with some physical and/or mental limitations.

A donation of $10 to the cost of the program is suggested. 228-5300.

Prenatal/Infant/Child programs

Independence WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

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

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

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

Moms & Moms-to-be prenatal and

postnatal class, 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Family YMCA. 224-9620.

Screenings/Immunizations

Independence Evening immunization clinics, 1:30 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Jackson County Health Department, 313 S. Liberty St. 404-6415.

Support groups

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

GRAY MATTER: Traumatic Brain Injury support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Comprehensive Mental Health, Independence. Call Dawn Tish, 2543652, ext. 746.

Parkinson’s Recovery information group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, The Salvation Army Center.

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

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

Monday, Blue Springs Assembly. 229-3298.

St. Mary’s Medical Center Stroke, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Ponderosa. Debbi Riess Roam, 655-5687.

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

Eastern Jackson County Lupus, 7 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Call Maureen Flanagan at 350-0913.

BreathEasy, Respiratory Disease, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. 228-5900.

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

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

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

655-5574.

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

Women’s Issues

Blue Springs Mom to Mom Lunch Club, a support group for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. 655-5585.

Independence Women’s Empowerment Groups, sponsored by the Child Abuse Prevention Association, 6:30 to 8:30 Monday. Karen Costa, 252-8388, ext. 16.

Other Hope House Inc. weekly support groups, open to any female now or ever involved in an abusive relationship. For info, call hotline at 461-4673.

– Jillayne Ritchie