Health Tab 10-21-17 by The Vindicator

Fitting in Fitness How to find time for fitness: E2

Happy and Healthy Trails

Why You Need to Quit Smoking

Easy ways to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling: E6

The benefits to quitting smoking: E8

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Did You Know? Numerous studies have found that vacationing produces a host of health benefits. The ongoing Framingham Heart Study, which began in 1948 and is currently studying its third generation of participants, found that men who did not take a vacation for several years were 30 percent more likely to have heart attacks than men who took time off. In addition, the FHS found women who take a vacation only once every six years or less were nearly eight times as likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack as women who vaca-

tion at least twice per year. Vacations also have been linked to lower stress levels, as a study from the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations reduce stress by removing people from activities and environments that are the sources of their stress. Vacations can even benefit employers, as an internal study from the professional services firm Ernst & Young found that employees’ yearend performance ratings improved by 8 percent for each additional 10 hours of vacation time they took. Courtesy of MetroServices

How to find time for fitness Finding time to exercise can be difficult for busy adults. But those committed to getting healthier can find ways to do so even when their schedules are booked.

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Many adults admit to having little or no time to exercise, and statistics support the notion that men and women simply aren’t exercising enough. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, only 21 percent of adults ages 18 and older met the physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity (Note: The World Health Organization recommends that healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, while also performing muscle-strengthening activities involving the major muscle groups at least two days per week.) Commitments to work and family can make it hard to find time to visit the gym or exercise at home. But the benefits of regular exercise are so substantial that even the busiest adults should make concerted efforts to find time to exercise. The following are a handful of ways to do just that. Embrace multitasking. Many professionals are adept at multtasking in the office, and those same skills can be applied when trying to find time for exercise. Instead of plopping down on the couch to watch television, bring a tablet to the gym or the basement and stream a favorite show while on the treadmill or the elliptical. When running errands around town, ride a bicycle or walk instead of driving.

Cut down on screen time. A 2016 report from The Nielsen Company revealed that the average adult in the United States spent more than 10 hours each day consuming media. That includes time spent using smartphones, tablets, personal computers, and other devices. By reducing that screen time by just one hour per day, adults can create enough free time to meet the WHO-recommended exercise requirements. Make it a group effort. Involving others can make it easier for adults to find time to exercise. Instead of hosting work meetings in a conference room, take the meeting outside, walking around the office complex while discussing projects rather than sitting stationary around a conference table. At home, take the family along to the gym or go for nightly post-dinner walks around the neighborhood instead of retiring to the living room to watch television. Redefine date night. Adults who can’t find time for exercise during the week can redefine date night with their significant others. Instead of patronizing a local restaurant on Friday or Saturday night, enroll in a fitness class together. Parents can still hire babysitters to look after their youngsters while they go burn calories instead of packing them on at local eateries. Metro Creative Services

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Healthy lifestyles at Ohio Living Park Vista At Ohio Living Park Vista, a healthy lifestyle includes body, mind and soul. With a jam-packed activity calendar of classes, groups, entertainment, movies, events, and services, our residents and patients have the ability to nurture all three. To keep their bodies moving or to recover from surgery or an injury, The Rehab Center at Ohio Living Park Vista includes physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapies. From out-patient to in-patient care, the treatment opportunities are endless to get patients back on their feet. Physical therapy is customized for each individual’s needs. The team of licensed therapists helps patients build strength, increase movement, manage pain, improve balance issues, and more. Occupational therapy assists patients in doing the everyday activities that so many of us take for granted. This program benefits patients who’ve had a stroke, spinal cord injury, neurological disorder, orthopedic injury, or traumatic brain injury. Speech therapy helps patients with difficulty swallowing or communicating as well as memory loss. Aquatic therapy can ease chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint replacements, problems with balance and strength, and more. Water reduces the effects of gravity which provide a low or no impact environment which reduces joint stress but adds resistance. Park Vista will also offer a fitness program called Delay the Disease which is a series of classes designed for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Participants are empowered to move with ease and confidence in a crowd, get out of bed and chairs independently, improve handwriting, dress independently, diminish worries about symptoms, and regain a sense of normalcy. To nurture the mind, we have a dedicated program of classes because we

also believe you are never too old to learn. The Mahoning Valley Lifelong Learning Institute (MVLLI) began from the idea that as we age, it’s as important to keep our minds engaged as it is our bodies. With two semesters of classes (fall and spring), topics are available in predominantly five categories: arts and culture, history and political science, wellness and rehabilitation, religion and spirituality, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). These classes are available to the public as well, though some require a small fee to attend. For the complete list of classes and more information on MVLLI, visit MVLLI.org. There are many ways to nourish the soul from the fellowship in being a part of a community to the weekly church services offered to our residents. Worship services are held every Sunday in the Chapel and transportation to several local churches is also available. Residents can be as involved as they choose. There are always activities for large or small groups or individuals. The residents travel locally to restaurants, wineries, YSU football games, and other events. They have a monthly support group for Parkinson’s disease. The group is for those diagnosed with the disease as well as their loved ones and caregivers. Ohio Living Park Vista encourages all of their residents to live life their way. They are a life plan community providing services as needed all while providing peace of mind for active aging. You have the right to choose where you go for therapy and where you go when it’s time to downsize. They invite you to come for a tour and see everything Ohio Living Park Vista has to offer. Visit them at ohioliving.org/parkvista or call 330746-2944 for more information. Submitted by Ohio Living Park Vista

Your Choice. Your Terms. Your New Home.

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Surgery Center of Canfield offers direct screen colonoscopy program Colon cancer screening is one of Dr. Madison will spend time with the most important thing you can do you prior to your procedure on the for yourself. day of your procedure at their center. The evidence is clear This will save you the – screening for colon cost and time it takes cancer saves lives. to visit the doctor, and Colorectal cancer is most insurance plans Colorectal cancer highly preventable and will cover this service at is highly has a high cure rate if 100%. caught early. If you’ve been putting preventable and Screening Colonosoff this life-saving procopies save lives and cedure, please let them has a high cure are highly recomhelp. Call their office rate if caught early. at 330-702-1489 and mended after the age of 50. If a family history ask for the endoscopy of colon cancer is presdepartment. ent, it is recommended The Surgery Center after the age of 40. of Canfield is conveThe Surgery Center of Canfield is niently located in Westford Place in proud to introduce a newly instituted Canfield just off of route 224 and ½ program geared toward saving time mile east of Rt. 11. for those who contact them. To learn more about the Surgery Together with Dr. Michael MadiCenter of Canfield, please visit their son, a board certified general surwebsite at www.canfieldsc.com. geon from Salem, they are offering to schedule your procedure without a Submitted by The Surgery visit to the doctor’s office. Center of Canfield

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Easy ways to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling Travel and tourism is big business. According to research from the World Travel & Tourism Council in conjunction with Oxford Economics, the travel and tourism industry outpaced the global economy for the sixth consecutive year in 2016. With so many people traveling for business or pleasure, it can be easy for illness to spread. Travelers concerned about their vulnerability to colds or other ailments may be unable to avoid cramped airline cabins or crowded restaurants, but there are ways for both business travelers and vacationers to reduce their risk of getting sick while on the road. Stay hydrated. People may remember to drink water when sitting at their desks in the office or lounging around at home, but travelers who are busy seeing the sights or attending seminars may forget to stay hydrated throughout the day. That can increase one’s susceptibility to illness, as fluids carry nutrients to the cells and flush bacteria from the bladder. Older travelers should be especially vigilant about staying hydrated while traveling, as the Harvard Medical School notes that older men and women do not sense thirst as much as they did when they were younger. Continue exercising. Even vacationers whose primary goal when traveling is to relax and unwind may want to squeeze in a little physical activity during their travels. The U.S.

National Library of Medicine notes that physical activity can flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, potentially reducing one’s chances of getting a cold, the flu or another illness. In addition, exercise causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells that could help the immune systems of physically active people detect illnesses earlier than the immune systems of sedentary men and women. Purchase hand sanitizer. One of the easiest ways to get sick while traveling is to come into contact with germs. Travelers tend to be out and about instead of locked inside hotel rooms, so their exposure to germs is likely greater while traveling than it is at home. Airport security agents may discard hand sanitizer at security checkpoints, so it may be unwise for travelers to bring sanitizer with them on their trips. Instead, travelers can purchase some at their destinations, carrying it with them and routinely applying it to combat germs. Get sufficient sleep. Traveling alters routines, and some travelers may find themselves getting inadequate sleep on the road. Studies have indicated that sleep helps sustain a fully functioning immune system, and that chronic sleep loss, which may be a greater concern for business travelers than vacationers, can impair the immune system. When traveling, men and women should make a concerted effort to get adequate sleep each night. Metro Creative Services

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Woodlands serves the tri-county area

Strategies to keep weight off once it’s gone Losing weight requires hard work and determination. Oftentimes, men and women hoping to lose weight must commit to healthier lifestyles than the ones they’ve grown accustomed to. That can be a big adjustment, and it’s important that men and women about to embark on their weight loss journeys recognize that keeping lost weight off can sometimes be as challenging as losing the weight. Some people are inspired to lose weight before their weddings, while others may want to shed some pounds before beach season. While there’s no wrong reason for people who are overweight or obese to lose weight, people who tie their weight loss efforts to something as temporary as beach season may overlook the longterm benefits of maintaining healthy weights, unknowingly increasing their risk of putting weight back on after reaching their short-term goals. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, maintaining a healthy weight lowers a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and various cancers. Maintaining weight loss can be an uphill battle, but men and women can employ various strategies to ensure the weight they lose stays lost for years to come. Continue your weigh-ins. Weighins may seem like the enemy as men and women make their initial efforts toward losing weight. However, weighins gradually become something to look forward to as pounds start to drop off. Routinely weigh yourself even after reaching your weight loss goals, as the scale can be just as motivational

for people trying to maintain healthy weights as it is for people trying to lose weight. Stick to your diet. When trying to lose weight, adults often combine diet and exercise. That’s a great weight loss strategy, and it’s also a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Recognize that weight won’t stay off if you exercise but don’t eat right. Rather, maintaining a healthy weight over the long haul requires both a healthy diet and regular exercise. Eat slowly. While it might not work for everyone, eating slowly has been linked to lower calorie consumption. A study from researchers at Texas Christian University found that participants who were instructed to take small bites, chew thoroughly and pause and put their spoons down between bites consumed, on average, 88 fewer calories per meal than participants who were told to take large bites, chew quickly and continue eating without putting their spoons down. Study participants who were overweight, however, ate just 58 fewer calories on average. Document your efforts. Whether it’s in a journal, on a blog or by emailing a loved one, documenting your efforts to maintain a healthy weight may provide the motivation you need to stay on course. Maintaining a healthy weight after substantial weight loss is a challenge that men and women can overcome by staying as vigilant in their efforts to keep weight off as they were while working to lose weight. Courtesy of MetroServices

For more than 20 years, Woodlands has provided quality health care services to valley residents. What began in 1996 as a single skilled nursing facility, AustinWoods, has expanded into the corporately known organization “Woodlands,” a group of senior health care facilities serving Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Woodlands, as the organization is known today, did not evolve until 2006, when owner, Kathy Prasad, expanded and built HamptonWoods in Poland, Ohio. Woodlands provides health care services to those recovering from surgery, illness, injury and medical procedure specializing in short stay rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient therapy, home care, assisted living, long term care and respite care. Woodlands customer service sets it apart. With ownership and management living locally, quality care and resident satisfaction matter most. Woodlands specializes in short stay rehabilitation: helping people regain mobility and independence, to get back home to do the things they love.

When living at home is no longer an option, Woodlands offers assisted living suites that allow residents to live as independent as possible, yet provides the knowledge that further support is always here if and when you need it. Woodlands Center for Rehabilitation, Mahoning County’s first free standing short stay rehab center, earned a 5-STAR facility rating from Medicare. The Center for Rehabilitation offers patients the utmost privacy as they recover, featuring spacious private rooms with private bath and shower. AustinWoods recently opened a special ventilator/respiratory unit, that is dedicated to caring for residents with various respiratory conditions and illnesses. AustinWoods earned a 5-STAR facility rating from Medicare, including 5 STARS in quality measures. Woodlands is continually expanding to meet the needs and expectations of Valley residents. For more information on Woodlands’ services, please visit their website: woodlandsllc.com. Submitted by Woodlands

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ETI Technical College offers several medical courses ETI Nursing staff work diligently in preparing our students to pass the NCLEX exam from day one. ETI recognizes that all students are individuETI Technical College offers a als and have different learning needs; variety of medical courses offered therefore, we offer test-taking strateyear-round: Practical Nursing, Medigies, study tips, tutoring, and online cal Assistant, (STNA) Nurse Aide practice. We encourage student Training, Phlebotomy and Pharmacy group studies. We provide specialty Technician. The Practical Nursing classes begin examinations in some of our courses and will set up remediation for those each January, May and September, and classes are available both day and students that score below average in those areas. ETI’s NCLEX-PN Pass rate evenings. Licensed Practical Nurses for 2016 is 94.12%. In November 2014 care for the ill, injured, or convalescthe Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) ing patients or persons with disgranted ETI Technical College full apabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, and similar institutions. proval for five years. The Medical Assistant classes begin LPNs administer prescribed medicaeach January, May and September, tions or start intravenous fluids, notand classes are available both day and ing times and amounts on patients’ charts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics evenings and can be completed in 12employment projections show 2012- 16 months. The Medical Assistant performs 2022 as much faster than average administrative and certain clinical growth (22 % or higher). duties under the direction of a physiGraduates take the National cian. Administrative duties may include Council Licensure Examination for scheduling appointments, maintaining Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Passing the exam qualifies the graduate See MEDICAL, Page E10 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). by Diane Marsteller Director of Admissions, ETI Technical College

2076 Youngstown-Warren Rd. Nile Ni les s, O Ohi hio o 44 4444 446 6 330 33 0-65 652 2-99 9919 19 Email: Ema il: DI DIANE ANEMAR MARSTE STELLE LLER@E R@ETIC TICOLL OLLEGE EGE.EDU EDU W b: W Web WWW WW.ETI WW. ETICOL ETI COLLEG COL LEGE LEG E.EDU E.E EDU The LPN provides care under the direction of an RN, physician or other legally recognized medical practitioner that is consistent with his/her scope of practice, education, and skills. ETI offers both full-time and part-time practical nursing programs. Upon completion of all course requirements, the graduate is issued a diploma and is prepared to take the (NCLEX) National Council License Examination, which leads to a licensure as an LPN Selection for all applicants is based on: • Graduation from an accredited H.S or GED • Ofﬁcial H.S. or GED Transcript sent to college • HESI Pre-Entrance Exam • Results of a criminal background check

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The benefits to quitting smoking Smoking has been linked to a number of negative side effects, including raising smokers’ risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the likelihood of both of those outcomes, but the additional benefits of kicking tobacco to the curb may surprise smokers. According to the American Lung Association, smokers’ heart rates drop to normal levels within 20 minutes of quitting smoking. While not all side effects of quitting smoking are so immediate, many are just as impactful. The health benefits of quitting smoking are seemingly endless. The Office of the U.S. Surgeon General says quitting smoking is the single most important step smokers can take to improve the length and quality of their lives. The health benefits of quitting smoking are too numerous to list them all, but the following are some of the ways that quitting can improve smokers’ overall health. Quitting benefits blood pressure. Smokers’ blood pressure levels can return to normal levels within two hours of quitting. Smokers may also notice their fingers and toes starting to feel warm shortly after they quit. That sensation occurs because quitting smoking also improves circulation. Quitting decreases levels of carbon monoxide in the body. When smoked, lit cigarettes release carbon monoxide, which compromises smokers’ ability to absorb oxygen into the bloodstream. That makes it difficult for red blood cells to carry oxygen. Body

tissue that does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen can cease to function. But according to the American Heart Association, after 12 hours of smoke-free living, the carbon monoxide levels in smokers’ blood return to normal. Quitting reduces risk of stroke. Stroke is another of the myriad of cardiovascular diseases that has a connection to smoking. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when blood vessels in the brain burst and cause brain tissue to die. Smoking increases the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, which can block blood from getting to the brain. Smoking also causes blood vessels to thicken and narrow, again compromising the body’s ability to get blood to the brain. Within five to 15 years of quitting smoking, smokers’ risk of having a stroke is the same as that of nonsmokers. Quitting can make it easier to exercise. Many smokers experience shortness of breath, which can make it difficult to commit to the kind of exercise that promotes short- and long-term health. Smoking damages the cilia, which are tiny structures that push mucus out of the lungs. Cilia damaged by smoking begin to repair within one month of quitting smoking, resulting in fewer coughing fits and instances of shortness of breath. Smokers interested in quitting can visit www.smokefree.gov for more information and support. Metro Creative Services

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Putting your loved one’s affairs in order There are several legal papers and documents that should be addressed by your loved one before a life-threatening situation arises. Once a healthcare emergency strikes, it may be too late to prepare these documents. That’s why you should talk to your loved one about getting his or her affairs in order and to put their wishes regarding healthcare in writing while they are still healthy and able. Selecting a Healthcare Proxy If you have siblings or other relatives, you and your loved one should determine together who will be the proxy. Think about who shares the same views and values about life and medical decisions as your loved one. It can be a family member, a friend, a lawyer, or someone who shares the same religious faith. It’s a good idea to also name an alternate proxy. It is especially important to have a detailed living will if your loved one chooses not to name a proxy. Your loved one can decide how much authority the proxy has over his or her medical care, and if he or she is entitled to make much of the crucial decisions, or only a few specific ones. Check with the chosen proxy and the alternate before they are officially named to make sure they are comfortable with this responsibility. Making It Official Your loved should talk with the doctor and have an idea of the types of decisions that could come up in the future, especially if certain health problems are present. The next step is to fill out the legal forms detailing your loved one’s wishes. A lawyer can help, but is not required. If your senior wants one, don’t depend on the lawyer to help him or her understand different medical treatments. That’s why it is wise to start the planning process by talking with the doctor. If your loved one wants a lawyer, find an elder law attorney. Not planning in advance means that you might not be able to gain access to the information you need, or act on your loved one’s behalf if he or she is unable to do so. In a worst-case scenario, you might be forced to fight in court for guardianship, a time-consuming and costly process. You can avoid this scenario by working with your loved one to prepare these documents. Important health care documents include: VA medical directive: Also known as a living will or advance health care directive, this document specifies the kind of care your loved one wants to receive if and when he or she becomes ill or incapacitated. This must be handled while your loved one is able. It is crucial that the

person who is named health care proxy knows the senior’s wishes in the event that he or she needs life support, a feeding tube, or intravenous fluids to survive. That is why this is a very important document for family caregivers to have. You can also have an VAdvance Directive Wallet Card for your loved one to carry in his or her wallet, indicating that an advance directive exists, and where it is kept. VA durable power of attorney for healthcare: This document allows you to make healthcare decisions for your loved one. VA durable power of attorney for finances and HIPAA release: This gives you permission to manage your loved one’s financial affairs, pay bills, sell property, and so on. A HIPAA release gives you access to his or her health records and physicians. VA revocable living trust: This allows your loved one to retain control over his or her estate while making transfers of assets to beneficiaries. They designate what property (home, investments, jewelry, and so on) goes into the trust and to whom it will be granted. During their lifetimes, they act as executors of their own living trust. The most important advantage: it allows the estate to avoid probate at the time of death. VA will: A will makes clear who will receive your loved one’s assets and personal property. A properly written will helps to avoid disagreements over the estate after his or her death. VAdditional documents: These can include life insurance and long-term care policies; an end-of-life instructions letter (regarding wishes or items not covered in the will); or an existing organ donor card. It’s not enough to merely have these documents – they must be accessible. Experts recommend that seniors or their loved ones keep all of these important documents in one master folder or box. It should be placed in a safe place at home such as a safe deposit box or fire safe. Nobody can predict the future. Your loved ones may never face a medical situation where they are unable to speak and make their wishes known. But having an advance directive may give your loved one and those close to you some added peace of mind. Comfort Keepers® also provides peace of mind. Our trained and carefully screened caregivers will provide quality, in-home care for your loved one, so you can relax and not have to worry. Caregivers can perform household tasks, prepare meals, make sure your loved one is safe and taking his or her medications, get him or her to appointments, and more. Call your local office today! Submitted by Comfort Keepers

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will be prepared to take the Ohio State Test for Nurse Aides to become an Continued from Page E8 STNA. This class can be completed in as little as 12 days. medical records, billing, and coding The Phlebotomy class is an accelerinformation for insurance purposes. ated course to prepare students in Clinical duties may include taking and Medical Terminology, Venipunctures recording vital signs and medical histousing vacutainer, butterfly, syringe ries, preparing patients for examination, and dermal methods, recording, how drawing blood, giving shots, EKG’s and to process blood samples and OSHA administering medications as directed safety requirements. Students successby physician. fully completing this eight- week class The Bureau of Labor Statistics employ- will take the National Association for ment projections for Medical Assistants Health Professionals (NAHP) Phlebotshow 2012-2022 as much faster than omy Certification Test. average growth (22% or higher). The Pharmacy Technician class will Financial aid is available for both the prepare students with the skills needed Practical Nursing and Medical Assistant to work in a professional pharmacy, programs for those who qualify. retail pharmacy or hospital pharmacy. To find out if you qualify, you will need Students successfully completing this to apply for the 2017-2018 FAFSA, www. 12-week class will take the pre-test to fafsa.ed.gov. ETI offers a tuition guaranthe National Pharmacy Certification tee for all of our programs, tuition and Examination (PTCE). The official exam institutional fees will remain the same for is administered by the Pharmacy Techthe entire program without interruption. nician Certification Board, with several ETI Technical College also offers locations in North East Ohio; the cost Adult Education classes in the Medical of the test is not included in this class. Field. The Adult Education classes are The Adult Education Classes do not designed to give the student a specific qualify for financial aid; ETI offers conskill. (STNA) Nurse Aide Training classes venient payment plans for students. prepare students to preform assigned Classes start several times a year, so you functions of personal care to patients in will need to contact the Admissions Oftheir residents, long-term care facility, fice at 330-652-9919 x 170 or check out hospitals, assisted living and hospice. At our website: eticollege.edu. successful completion of this class you Submitted by ETI

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Giving hemodialysis patients the opportunity to treat at home At the Renal Group Ohio, they provide a variety of dialysis treatment options to patients with kidney failure and end-stage renal disease to find the therapy that will work best for them. They are constantly looking for new technology to give patients the best quality of life and care they can offer. One of the treatment options they prescribe is hemodialysis. Hemodialysis treatments are usually performed at a clinic, typically called in-center treatments, three times a week for three to four hours. However, in addition to scheduling conflicts there are some health concerns for patients on traditional in-center dialysis including: stress on the heart, fluid and diet restrictions, and low energy. Home hemodialysis is a different way of doing hemodialysis. Instead of visiting a dialysis center, home hemodialysis offers the convenience of treatments in the comfort of your home. These home hemodialysis treatments are typically shorter, between two to three hours and can range from three to six times a week. By performing treatments more often many patients experience fewer side effects. In 2008 after researching information about the NxStage ® System Onetm and the benefits of home hemodialysis, we made the decision to initiate a home hemodialysis program. They started their home hemodialysis program with one patient and over the last seven years have grown to 32 home hemodialysis patients, the largest home hemodialysis program in Ohio. It has been incredible to see the patients play an active role in their health care and teach them about all the options available to them. Many patients don’t know that home hemodialysis is an option for them but with proper training any interested patient can be successful on a home program. In addition, they have obser ved some fantastic outcomes in their patients. One particular patient was not doing well on in-center therapy, and was so weak he was having trouble walking. After switching him to home hemodialysis, he is walking again and back to his normal daily routine. “Home dialysis has been very good for me. I was in bad shape. I was in severe pain. The pain that I had has sub-

“Home dialysis has been very good for me. I was in bad shape. I was in severe pain. The pain that I had has subsided and [is] almost completely gone. Now I have the convenience of being at home. I don’t have to go out five days a week. I can set my own times. I feel so much better now.” - Alfred Sykes, patient sided and [is] almost completely gone. Now I have the convenience of being at home. I don’t have to go out five days a week. I can set my own times. I feel so much better now,” said Alfred Sykes, patient. The striking improvements in their patients’ quality of life have been incredible. With their home hemodialysis program they are giving patients the opportunity to take control of their life and not just survive, but thrive. Their hope for the future is that they are able to continue to educate patients about all of their therapy options including home hemodialysis with the NxStage System One. So many patients believe in-center treatments are the only solution and we want to educate them that there is a better way that could drastically improve their quality of life. They want to continue to invite their patients and even their family members to also be part of their health care team and help us select the therapy and treatment that is going to work best for them. They continue to look for new technology advancements and strive to provide the community with the best renal care possible. For more information on Rena l Group Ohio or their home hemodialysis program visit, www.renalgroupohio.com or call 330-729-0059. This article written in partnership with NxStage Medical, Inc. Submitted by Renal Group Ohio

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Want healthier kids? Get a pet Pets can contribute to cognitive, physical and emotional wellness in children. If youngsters have been eyeing fuzzy kittens or boisterous puppies at nearby shelters or pet stores, parents may want to give in to those cries for a family pet. Pets are added responsibilities, but the health b e ne f it s a s s o c i a t e d w it h pet ownership may be well worth the investment of time and effort. Caring for a pet is sometimes viewed as a childhood rite of passage, but there’s much more to the experience than just learning responsibility. Experts say a child’s emotiona l, cognitive, physica l, and social development can be enhanced through interaction with a family pet. Studies continue, but the effects of family pets on children was heavily researched by developmental psychologist Gail F. Melson in 2003. Melson looked at literature on child-animal relationships and found that children who had pets were better able to understand biology and children who could turn to pets for unconditional emotional support were less anxious and withdrawn than their peers without family pets to turn to. Data f rom a sma l l study conducted by researchers at the Cummings School of Veter i na r y Med ici ne at Tu f ts University reported that adolescents who had animal experience were more likely to see themselves as important cont r ibutors to com mu n ities and more likely to take on leadership roles. Pets also can help children develop into well-rounded individuals. Playing with a pet requires children to engage in physical activity and can help stimulate motor skills. An English study conducted in 2010 and published in the American Journal of Public Health found that children from dog-owning families spent more time in light or moderate to vigorous physical activity and recorded higher levels of activity counts

Six things to share with your doctor

per minute than kids whose families did not own a dog. Pets may help with allergies and respiratory ailments as well. A 2012 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics discovered that children who have early contact with cats and dogs have fewer respiratory infections and ear infections and need shorter courses of antibiotics than children who have not had contact with pets. A study from Dennis Ownby, MD, a pediatrician and head of the allergy and immunology department of the Medical College of Georgia, found that having multiple pets decreases a child’s risk of developing certain allergies. He found that the children who were ex-

posed to two or more dogs or cats as babies were less than half as likely to develop common allergies as kids who had no pets in the home. Pets also may foster social interactions, which can benefit children who are shy. Inviting others over to meet pets can help children make friends and find others with similar interests. Children may also confide in pets and develop their self-esteem. Studies have indicated that the type of pet a family has, whet her it’s horses, dogs, snakes, etc., does not matter, as all companion animals have the potential to benefit children. Metro Creative Services

It is important to be honest with a doctor about certain health habits, but sometimes it isn’t so easy to be forthcoming. Fear of being judged or discussing embarrassing situations may prevent some patients from telling medical professionals the whole story. However, the things people do not share could end up compromising their treatment or prevent doctors from discovering certain ailments. Rather than omitting information, people need to be frank with their doctors. Honesty is important when speaking with a physician, even when the discussion turns to the following potentially sensitive topics. 1. Smoking Even if you aren’t a daily smoker, mention if you smoke in social situations or grab a drag once in a while. Smoking increases the risk for many illnesses and can compromise how effective some medications can be.

herbs and other supplements can affect overall health. A doctor needs to know the entire picture before prescribing treatment. 4. Exercise habits Don’t claim to be a gym rat if you’re more of a couch potato. An accurate idea of their patients’ fitness levels and habits is a key diagnostic tool for physicians. 5. Unusual issues Be forthright with any issues, even those that occur in embarrassing areas of the body. Remember, if you’re uncomfortable with your doctor, you can always get a referral for a specialist who treats those areas of the body daily.

6. Drug use Prescriptions are written in dosages for the intended recipient. Taking drugs that are not prescribed to you, whether it’s a loved one’s prescription or an illicit drug, affects your body. If you have a medical issue, consult with your doctor so you can 2. Alcohol consumption get your own legal prescription Be honest about how much or begin working toward adyou drink, as alcohol can inter- dressing your addiction. fere with medications. 3. Supplement usage Over-the-counter medicines,

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e12 THE VINDICATOR | saturday, october 21, 2017

HEALTH