Health

August 24, 2010

Health The Examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Make homemade baby food — Page 5

Ribbon cutting New health care training center opens on Noland — Page 4 • Larry jones

Abuse often starts with animals — Page 2

Wellness 3-4 • NUTRITION 5, 8 • calendar 6-7

Page 2 Tuesday, August 24, 2010

wellness

Animal violence often precursor to abuse Domestic violence often starts with pets Is there a link between domestic abuse of spouses and children and abuse of pets? Yes, there is. If there is one, you will usually find the other. Should they both reported? Yes! Let’s look at the connection.

Domestic, serial and mass criminal violence often includes animals. Often the threat to beloved family pets becomes a tool by the controlling or violent member to keep spouses, the elderly and especially children from communicating with others.

The numbers are staggering. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 88 percent of pets living in households with domestic abuse are either abused or killed.

Further, 57 percent of women who seek shelter from abuse report that they had a pet killed by an abuser. This is no fluke. It is real and it is dangerous and it should be reported. Remember, animals and kids have one thing in common; they are both easily hurt. Abuse of one puts the other at risk.

Abusers report they often used pets and a “rehearsal” tool when they were adolescents

Larry Jones Larry Jones is director of the Independence Health Department. as a lead up for killing people. This has been documented for more than 250 years. Often when animal abuse is reported it stops too early. Humans are not born abusers, but it is passed from parent to children and so on. Let’s look at some pertinent facts. n More American households have pets than children. We spend more money on pet food than on baby food. There are more dogs in the U.S. than people in most countries in

Europe — and more cats than dogs. n A child growing up in the U.S. is more likely to have a pet than a live-at-home father. n Pets live most frequently in homes with children: 64.1 percent of homes with children under age 6, and 74.8 percent of homes with children over age 6, have pets. The woman is the primary caregiver in 72.8 percent of petowning households. n Battered women have been known to live in their cars with their pets for as long as four months until an opening was available at a petfriendly safe house. n Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common forms of violence, including child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of

the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.

The definition of cruelty is the same for any kind of abuse. According to the American Psychiatric Association: n “Abusing an animal is a way for a human to find power/joy/fulfillment through the torture of a victim they know cannot defend itself.” n “Rape is a way for a human to find power/joy/fulfillment through the torture of a victim they know cannot defend themselves.” n “Child abuse is a way for a human to find power/joy/fulfillment through the torture of a victim they know cannot defend themselves.”

There is a common theme.

I am not writing this article to tell you that you need to be a nosy neighbor, but you do need to be observant. We all have a responsibility to be diligent in our observation. There are red flags before a tragic events takes place.

If you suspect animal abuse in or around your neighborhood, report it to Independence Animal Services. A link between the animal shelter, police and family services has been established to investigate family abuse. For more information on this subject or the next spay/neuter clinic, call 816-325-7207.

healthSHORTS Health and spirituality workshop A spirituality workshop will be held Sept.

24 to 25 at the Community of Christ Temple at 201 S. River in Independence.

The eight annual health and spirituality workshop is a non-denominational event that will help individuals, ministers, health professionals, caregivers and friends address and comprehend transitions that happen in everyone’s life.

It’s co-sponsored by Mental Health America of the Heartland and Community of Christ Health Ministries Association.

The event starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 when a keynote address will be given by David Schaal of the church.

Registration will cost $50. After Sept. 10, the cost will jump to $60.

For more information or to register, call Diane at 816-833-1000 ext. 1418 or go to www. hmacofchrist.org.

Walk to benefit lung cancer Registration is open for a fundraising walk and run on Sept. 26 that benefits the National Lung Cancer Partnership, a non-profit group of leading doctors, researchers, patient advo-

cates and lung cancer survivors working to help treatments of lung cancer patients.

It starts at 8:30 a.m. at Zepi’s Pizza and Pub on State Line Road.

Register at www.freetobreathe.org.

Buckner, Lexington clinics merge The Buckner Medical Clinic and the Lexington Medical Clinic will be merging into one clinic.

The last appointment date at Buckner Medical Center will be Sept. 17.

After that, Dr. Charles Whetstone will be available to continue care by calling the Lexington Medical Clinic at 660-259-2216.

Medical records will be transferred to the Lexington Medical Clinic unless the patient makes arrangements.

Free health and wellness fair The Lee’s Summit Medical Center is sponsoring the third annual community health and wellness fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the medical center.

The event is free. ­— Michael Glover

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Page 3

wellness

Athlete’s migraines bring attention to chronic headaches Only 1 in 10 who could benefit from migraine prevention are getting treatment Last week Minnesota Vikings’ Percy Harvin returned to his team after battling migraine headaches for more than two weeks. In camp for one day, another severe migraine sent him to the hospital. It was triggered by sunlight moving in and out of clouds when Harvin looked skyward to catch a ball. He will recover from this episode, but his career and life have been plagued by chronic headaches since age 10. He is one of 28 million Americans afflicted by migraines. Migraines, what do you know?

True or false 1. Rates among females are three times higher than males.

2. Fewer than 50 percent with migraines have been diagnosed.

3. Some migraine sufferers do not experi-

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

Migraines are severe chronic headaches, which may last a few hours or a few days.

Blood vessels dilate, nerve cells release chemicals and inflammation develops. Treatment is targeted to blood vessels, brain chemicals and inflammation. About 3 percent do not have headache, but, rather experience only visual disturbances or numbness of the face or hands. These are often called ocular migraines, among other terms.

Migraines can be caused by stress, sleep disturbances, physical exertion, food and other triggers. Harvin’s migraines had worsened since the recent death of his grandmother.

Drawings on cave walls showing stick figures cradling their aching heads trace migraines to the beginning of human history.

Through the ages there have been many remedies including drilling holes into the skull (How’s your headache now?). Thankfully, we have improved therapies today.

There are two basic approaches to migraine relief: prevention and abortive therapy. Prevention is generally targeted at those with 2 or more migraines per month. Unfortunately, it is estimated that only 1 in 10 who might benefit from migraine prevention is actually under such a program.

Some cardiovascular medicines prevent migraines by targeting blood vessels. These include beta blockers (propranolol, for example) and calcium channel blockers, which, in addition to headaches, are often used to treat high blood pressure. Anti-depressants and anti-seizure medications target brain neurochemistry and can be effective in migraine prevention.

Abortive therapy is started at the first sign

Gain weight the right way during pregnancy Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life, and it’s the best time for women to take particular care of their health—for their babies, as well as themselves.

All of us should exercise, pay attention to our diets and get plenty of rest; but it is even more important when you’re pregnant.

The best way to give your baby a healthy start is to see your doctor as soon as you think you might be pregnant. Good, consistent prenatal care is important for monitoring the pregnancy and identifying any potential problems before they become serious.

Your health-care provider can tell you what to expect throughout your pregnancy. I urge my patients to write down questions they have before each visit because in the excitement of hearing the baby’s heartbeat, or seeing how the baby is growing, it’s easy to forget your questions.

Women often joke about “eating for two” while they’re pregnant. While that’s true, that doesn’t mean you should eat anything you want. Eating for two means you should be twice as diligent about what you eat and drink.

Pregnant women should have more protein, less sodium and limited sugar.

What you drink and don’t drink is important as well. Drinking alcohol can cause birth

Uneeda Leverett Dr. Uneeda Leverett is an OB/GYN at St. Mary’s Medical Center. defects and emotional problems in children.

It’s recommend that caffeine be limited. Some healthy beverages include skim milk, 100 percent fruit juice and good, old-fashioned water — a squeeze of lemon or lime adds flavor.

Recently, the Institute of Medicine revised the pregnancy weight guidelines—the first time since 1990. The revisions were necessary because since 1990, pregnant women, like the general population, have been getting heavier.

And the IOM has added a category to its recommendation: one for women who are obese.

Today, only three percent of the U.S. women in childbearing age are considered underweight; two-thirds are overweight and half of those

are obese.

While pregnancy is generally not the time to lose weight, most women gain too much.

Many are not even aware there are recommended ranges. Based on a woman’s body mass index before pregnancy, the ranges are: n Underweight: Gain 28-40 pounds n Normal weight: Gain 25-35 pounds n Overweight: Gain 15-25 pounds n Obese: Gain 11-20 pounds (The range is higher for women carrying more than one baby.)

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy has short-term and long-term consequences.

For starters, women gaining excessive weight tend to have bigger babies, which could lead to an injury to the baby during birth or may require a cesarean section for the mother.

The risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure increases with excessive weight gang and often times, women don’t lose the weight they put on during pregnancy which could lead to long-term health problems including diabetes, osteoarthritis and heart disease.

As with most things in life, attitude makes all the difference. Being pregnant is great motivation to make some healthy changes in your lifestyle, changes you can keep to set a good example for your children.

of migraine.

About 20 percent have an aura, or advanced warning, that a migraine is developing. Triptans (Imitrex or Zomig, for example) constrict blood vessels and are the most commonly prescribed abortive therapy. Ergot derivatives found in Migranal, Migergot and Cafergot are less expensive than triptans, but are generally less effective.

Opiates can be habit forming and prescribed for those who cannot take triptans or ergot derivatives or when other treatments have failed.

The International Headache Society and the American Academy of Neurology are expert resources for education. Many of his teammates remarked that they had not previously witnessed a migraine and were struck by its severity, literally causing Harvin to collapse. With migraines there is no bleeding, no swelling, nothing to bandage or brace. Often those close to a migrainer wonder, “Is it really that bad?” In Minnesota, they don’t wonder anymore.

Answers 1. T 2. T 3. T

Page 4 Tuesday, August 24, 2010

cover

MEDS offers health-care training in new location Independence chosen for strong student base, close proximity to Metro bus line

By MICHAEL GLOVER michael.glover@examiner.net

A health care training center opened on Noland Road, allowing students to enter a growing health care field.

The Medical Education Development & Support, Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday at its renovated office at 1425 S. Noland Road.

MEDS moved to Independence after outgrowing its former building in Kansas City.

MEDS trains student certified nursing assistants and certified medical technicians. CNA students learn skills like learning vital signs, infection control, restorative care, bathing and grooming, transfers, feeding and nutrition and medical record documentation.

After the state of Missouri established the certified nurse assistant certification program, the training was to be done on-site at long-term care facilities.

MEDS also offers pre-nursing programs, giving people a chance to experience what nursing is like before entering a college nursing program.

“Our entry level CNA program gives them that experience they would not otherwise have,” said Deb Kassien, administrative director of MEDS. Administrators chose Independence over several different cities because of a strong base

of students and the proximity of the facility on the Metro bus line, Kassien said.

“I can’t tell you how delighted we are to be in Independence,” Kassien said.

MEDS has four to five classroom instructors and seven clinical supervisors who go with the student to a clinical facility and “help them practice and learn the hands-on skills,” Kassien said.

The staff has more than 300 years of nursing experience to share.

One instructor has been an active nurse for more than 50 years.

Every eight weeks, MEDS graduates 125 students, Kassien said.

That’s good news for a health care field that is expected to grow in the next 10 years. “They come in here because they’ve heard that’s where the jobs are,” Kassien said.

Ages of students range from 18 to the oldest student, a 72-year-old man “who graduated with honors,” Kassien said.

Jim Schultz, mayor pro tem, said the building at 1425 S. Noland Road used to be the home of a title company and a law office. His wife worked as an assistant in the building. “It looks totally different,” Schultz said. “It looks fabulous.”

He thanked administrators for choosing Independence. Schultz said MEDS is going to be a “big part of Noland Road as it defines itself” in the future.

The Examiner/MICHAEL GLOVER MEDS staff has more than 300 combined years of nursing experience.

healthSHORTS Health Watch: Be prepared for emergencies

New Research: Marrow cells may be stem cell alternative

September is National Preparedness Month, designed to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.

Citizen Corps is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s grassroots strategy involve communities in all-hazards emergency preparedness and resilience. Local Citizen Corps councils enable planning between government and civic leaders and provide localized support for outreach and educational efforts to the public. For more information about, visit www.citizencorps.gov.

More free information can also be found at ready.gov, listo.gov,1-800-BE-READY, TTY 1-800462-7585, and 1-888-SE-LISTO.

Isolating cells from a patient’s blood or bone marrow that nourish blood vessels may be a safer and less arduous route to treatment of cardiovascular disease than obtaining rare stem cells, according to research from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

In recent clinical trials, doctors in several countries have tested the ability of a patient’s bone marrow cells to repair damage, such as heart attacks and peripheral artery disease, created by problems of blood flow.

“The focus has been on stem cells, but it looks like the main beneficial effects come from transplanted cells’ ability to support the growth of nearby blood vessels,” says senior author Young-sup Yoon, MD, Ph.D., associate

professor of medicine (cardiology) at Emory University School of Medicine. “Based on this idea, we wanted to identify a population of cells enriched with the capacity to regenerate blood vessels.”

Health tip: Study suggests beer-psoriasis link Women who drink regular beer may be increasing their risk of developing psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder affecting the skin, new findings suggest.

Other options, such as light beer and wine, were not linked to such a risk.

Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Boston University tracked 82,869 women who had not initially been diagnosed with psoriasis from

1991 through 2005. The participants, from the Nurses’ Health Study II, reported their alcohol consumption and whether a doctor had diagnosed psoriasis.

The researchers found that even relatively moderate amounts of beer seemed to increase the risk of psoriasis, with 2.3 drinks a week driving up the risk almost 80 percent.

Did you know?

Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the U.S. Each year, an estimated 443,000 people die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and an additional 8.6 millionhave a serious illness caused by smoking.

—GateHouse News Service

nutrition

Healthy babies need proper nutrition Making homemade baby food is easy Introducing solid foods is a very important step in your baby’s development and wellbeing. Studies show that babies who are fed nutritious, healthy diets grow into stronger kids and better-adjusted eaters. There are many healthy premade options, including organic baby food. Another option growing in popularity includes making homemade baby food. You can utilize produce, grains and meat straight from Hy-Vee’s fresh departments.

Many parents don’t realize that making baby food at home is a simple and economical plan to provide your baby with food that is high in quality, nutrition and taste. In addition, it gets your baby used to eating the same food the rest of the family does, a strategy that may pay off during the picky toddler years. n Wash/rinse your hands and equipment n Scrub and peel fruits and vegetables n Steam, bake, roast or microwave until tender (steaming and microwaving will preserve the most nutrients) n Puree In a food processor with a little liquid (breast milk, water or formula are all appropriate choices), or MASH if your baby can handle more texture n Store in the refrigerator or freezer, in airtight containers. One to three extra servings may be stored in the refrigerator. Use cooked vegetables or fruit within three days. Raw fruits and meats should be used the next day. n Rewarm to eat and allow time to Cool Fresh fruits and vegetables are always best, but you can also use frozen or canned. Look for items that contain very few additives such as salt, sugar or preservatives. Recommended fruits and vegetables to soft-cook and puree include apples, plums, pears, apricots, peaches, bananas, carrots, peas, green beans, butternut squash and sweet potatoes. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can also puree foods such as cooked meats. Make sure that the meat is fully cooked, with no pink, and has the fat, skin and connective tissue removed.

When your baby is just beginning to eat solids, remember to introduce only one food at a time to identify possible allergies. As your child gets older and you know which foods have been tolerated well, you can start to blend two or three different fruits or vegetables together. Try the following recipes and see how simple it is to offer your baby fresh and nutri-

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. tious homemade baby foods.

Stage I: 6-8 months Mango Madness All you need: 1 ripe mango Liquid of choice (Formula, breast milk or water) All you do: 1. Peel, de-seed and chunk the mango.

2. Place mango chunks in a blender or food processor.

3. Add formula, breast milk or water and blend or mash until the proper consistency.

Stage II: 8-10 months Baby Beef Stew All you need: 1 peeled potato ¼ cup shelled fresh or frozen peas 1 peeled carrot 1 stalk celery 1/4 cup uncooked macaroni 4 cups water ½ cup cubed cooked beef All you do: 1. Wash vegetables thoroughly and chop very fine.

2. Simmer the veggies for 20 minutes.

3. Add the macaroni and water; cook for 10 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

4 Drain.

5. Add cooked beef cubes.

6. Mash or puree the mix until consistency is adequate for baby.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Page 5

New news on fish and pregnancy Contrary to what you may have heard, eating two to three servings of seafood a week during pregnancy is healthy and safe for you and your baby. A fish-rich diet not only protects your heart but may prevent pre-term labor and depression during and after pregnancy. A single serving of seafood provides almost one-third of the daily protein momsto-be need in just 100 calories.

The nutrients in seafood are also important for your little one. Fish is full of the healthy fat omega-3 DHA which helps babies’ eyes and brains develop. In fact, seafood, such as salmon and canned tuna, is the only naturally-rich source of omega-3 DHA. Unfortunately, pregnant women do not eat as much seafood as they should. On average, expecting moms in the U.S. only eat two ounces of seafood a week. Most women should not only double or triple but quadruple the amount of fish they eat to meet the recommendation. During your pregnancy: n Eat seafood two to three times each week. n Eat a variety of fish. As much as half (6 ounces) of fish consumed each week can be albacore tuna. n The only fish to avoid during pregnancy are four uncommon species: shark, sword-

fish, king mackerel and tilefish.

Hickory smoked tuna quesadilla This quick and easy recipe combines smoky hickory flavors and crisp peppers and onions for a delicious dinner or family appetizer. Quesadillas are easy to reheat.

Ingredients: 1 pouch StarKist Hickory Smoked Tuna 1/2 cup Colby-jack cheese blend, shredded 1/8 cup green onions, thinly slice 1 1/2 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/8 cup roasted red pepper cut into small strips 2 flour tortillas, burrito size Directions: In a small bowl, mix tuna, cream cheese, shredded cheese, pepper strips and sliced onions until blended. Spread tuna mixture on one tortilla shell, to the edges. Top with the other tortilla shell. Spray a large skillet, lightly, with vegetable spray and heat. Brown the shell in the skillet until golden brown on each side, approximately two to three minutes each side. Cut shell into eight wedges and serve.

—ARA

Page 6 Tuesday, August 24, 2010

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 Aug. 25 through 31.

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 471-7229.

CHAPEL HILL AL-ANON, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m. Saturday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

BLUE SPRINGS ALATEEN, 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

Raytown NEW DAY AL-ANON, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Blue Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church. 353-5446.

Bereavement groups

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

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.

Interval training/step aerobics class, 4 to 4:50 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $25 for six week session. To register, 325-7370.

LOW IMPACT EXERCISE, 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center.

254-8334.

Wake Up Workout, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. Cost, $2. 325-6200.

Walk to the Beat, 8 a.m., Monday-Friday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

PEPPI exercise classes, 10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. To register, 325-6200.

PEPPI exercise classes, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. To register, 254-8334.

Move to the Beat for ages 12 to 16, 7:10 to 7:50 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Sermon Center. Each six-week session costs $25 for a teen; $35 if you bring a parent. 325-7370.

Parent Tot-ercise for ages 3 to 5, 9:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $15 for each

parent/child unit per month; $17.50 if there are five Tuesdays. 325-7370.

PAVEMENT POUNDERS 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

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

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

ZUMBA GOLD, dynamic workout to Latin and international rhythms, 10 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 fourweek session; $40 for a 5-week session. 325-7370.

FIT FRIENDS CLASS for ages 18 and older, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sermon Center. Cost, $25 per each 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. and 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday; 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0188.

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

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

228-0181.

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

Weight room, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday,

| Yourtake | How do you stay in shape?

Nathan Caughron Blue Springs

“Exercise and eating right is important.

Haley Albers Blue Springs

“Lots and lots of fruits and vegetables.”

Amanda sell Blue Springs

“Making good choices at meals and exercising.”

– Kelly Evenson

Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $10 per month; $2 per visit; $96 for a year. 228-0181.

Yoga — For beginners and beyond, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per session. 228-0181.

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

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

Stretching exercise, 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1.50. 228-0181. weight room orientation, 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Vesper Hall. To register, 228-0181.

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

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

Kansas City WALK AND TALK, 7 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday, Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd.

358-1919.

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

Miscellaneous

Independence MATERNITY UNIT TOURS, Centerpoint Medical Center. Call 751-3000 for dates and to register.

VISITING NURSE, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. They will check blood pressure, glucose levels and answer general health questions for seniors. 2548334.

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

Blue Springs 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.

Support groups

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

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.

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.

Continued on Page 7

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 Page 7

calendar

healthCALENDAR Continued from Page 8 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, Ext. 243.

Lee’s Summit Cancer, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Lee’s Summit Hospital meeting room. 751-2929.

Parkinson’s Disease, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Places Restaurant and Cafe Banquet Room. 347-2845.

Kansas City Prozac survivors, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Unity Temple on the Plaza. Call A. Bruce Bradshaw, 924-0609.

Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City, 7 p.m. Thursday, St. Joseph Medical Center, Building D. 913-438-5963.

National Psoriasis Foundation, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Research Medical Center cafeteria, room one. Contact, Deborah Kirmse, 254-5850 or 254-4238.

Head Injury Survivors, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Transitions of Kansas City. 531-4938 daytime or 252-5645 evenings.

Abused teen-agers, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Rose Brooks Center. 861-3460.

Other Agoraphobia, 7 p.m. 649-9863.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, daily meetings, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. 931-4527.

Groups sponsored by Carondelet Health. For the BreathEasy group call 655-5236; and for cancer group call 224-3489.

National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Center, 913-652-1542 or visit www.nocirc.org.

Weight Management

Independence T.O.P.S. Mo. 291, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Monday, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. 461-0811.

T.O.P.S. Mo. 251, 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Maywood Baptist Church. 478-0723 or 252-2392.

T.O.P.S. Mo. 331, 5 p.m. Tuesday, College Park Community of Christ. 254-7075.

T.O.P.S. Mo. 24, 9 a.m. Thursday, New Walnut Park Church. 373-6146 or 650-5262.

T.O.P.S. Mo. 100, 9 a.m. Thursday, Farview Resto-

ration Branch. 356-5278.

T.O.P.S., 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

T.O.P.S. Mo. 892, 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. 356-9219.

T.O.P.S. 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 AnonymousHOW Concept), 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Unity Church of Independence, 14304 E. 39th St. Call Lisa at 679-7009 or visit www.ceahow.org.

Blue Springs T.O.P.S. 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.

Kansas City Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Monday, Ascension Lutheran Church. Shawna, 836-8466.

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.

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, 252-8388, Ext. 16.

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

— Compiled by Jillayne Ritchie

healthSHORTS Number to know: $10,000 Results of a large national study show that nearly three-quarters of obese patients with type 2 diabetes who undergo weight-loss surgery are able to stop insulin and other antidiabetes drugs within six months.

“The cost to care for the average obese diabetic person in America is $10,000 a year, which could be cut to $1,800 with a very safe operation that eliminates more than 80 percent of the medications these individuals have depended on,” says Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the study’s leader.

Children’s Health: Disparity in abuse evaluations Black children are more likely to be evaluated for abuse than white children with comparable injuries, according to a new study from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, raising concerns some children are being subjected to unnecessary testing while other cases of abuse go undiagnosed.

The study, which appears in the journal

Pediatrics, looked at 3,063 infants admitted to 39 pediatric hospitals with traumatic brain injuries not related to car accidents. Black families and families with governmental insurance were more likely to come under scrutiny for abuse than white families and families with private insurance.

Senior Health: Prevent falls Approximately 66 million Americans care for their aging parents and, each year, one in three older Americans fall in their home.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these fall-prevention guidelines for older Americans and their caregivers: n Eliminate all tripping hazards, such as loose rugs. n Install grab bars or handrails on both sides of the stairway and other safety devices near bathtubs and beds. n Place a lamp or flashlight near the bed. n Keep clutter, like pets’ toys or papers, off the bedroom floor. n Replace satiny bedsheets with products made of non-slippery material, such as wool or cotton.

— GateHouse News Service

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.

Charles E. Hare, M.S., CCC/A Roberta Beile, M.A., CCC/A

Follow Executive Editor Sheila Davis’ journey back into the land of chemotherapy in her blog “Fighting Lymphoma - Round 2” at examiner.net

HEALTH

Tawna Noftzger, Receptionist

Sheila Davis

Jackson county audiology 816-373-7900

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

Page 8 Tuesday, August 24, 2010

nutrition

Can new food allergy emerge as adult?

Learn difference between allergy and adverse reaction DEAR DR. BLONZ: Can you develop a food allergy as an adult that you never had before? This seems to be what has happened to me, and all my doctor has been able to offer in the way of an explanation is a shrug and an “it happens.” -- W.S., Berkeley, Calif.

DEAR W.S.: A true food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system believes that a normally harmless food is an invader out to cause harm. The first step in the development of a classic food allergy is called sensitization.

This occurs when part of a food, usually a fragment of protein, is absorbed before it’s completely digested. It’s an uncommon event when you consider the vast number of foods we eat, but there is a greater risk of this happening during the first six months of life, before the digestive system has fully matured.

The errant food fragment runs into the immune system soon after it enters the body.

Because the protein is where it doesn’t belong,

Ed Blonz On Nutrition Ed Blonz, Ph.D., is a nutrition scientist and author. Send questions to: “On Nutrition,” Ed Blonz, c/o Newspaper Enterprise Association, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. E-mail him at ed@blonz.com. the immune system, our body’s security force, carries out its primary mission to attack and eliminate trespassers. A conceptual “wanted poster” gets put up, and the immune system is prepared for any future encounters. At this point, the body is said to have been sensitized.

The immune system can respond the next time the food is eaten. This time, there will

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be allergy symptoms ranging from G.I. upset, sneezing, runny nose, asthma, skin rashes, swelling and headache, to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. The most common food allergies involve nuts, eggs, shellfish, wheat, milk and soy. It’s thought that the proteins in these foods may have the peculiar ability to slip through the intestinal wall. People can outgrow some types of food allergies, but there are those that persist into adulthood.

There is a difference between food allergy and an adverse reaction, the latter being a general term for any time you react in an undesirable way. All allergies are adverse reactions, but not all adverse reactions are allergies.

Adverse reactions to food often get mislabeled as allergies. Lactose intolerance, a reduced ability to digest the carbohydrate found in milk products, is a classic example of an adverse reaction. People sensitive to preservatives, the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG), food coloring and sulfites in wine often react in a way that resembles a food allergy.

The only practical remedy is to switch to foods that don’t contain these additives.

Situations that affect the immune system, including stress, infection, alcohol consump-

tion or certain medications, can bring about an adverse reaction (true food allergy or otherwise) that might not otherwise take place. The mystery is further complicated in that some reactions can have a delayed onset of hours, or even days. With such an array of puzzling possibilities, it’s no wonder there’s often confusion over what’s causing what and how to proceed.

For some, it helps to keep a food diary. By recording meals and then comparing this with reactions, a pattern may begin to emerge. (See the discussion at tinyurl.com/267pgdy.)

That being said, it’s unclear why an allergy might have developed later in life. There is always the possibility that an illness, particularly one affecting your digestive or immune systems, might have created a situation during which you became sensitized to a food that you had previously tolerated. Another possibility is that you have always been sensitized to a particular food, but the threshold at which you react changed.

Finally, always seek qualified help. Find a physician certified through the American College of ‘Allergy and Immunology. There is also good information online at tinyurl. com/3dyepw.

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