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May 15, 2014
MONTHLY
HealthLine Of Northern Colorado
ALLERGIES:
From Seasonal to Serious
Gluten-free beauty products + Healthy House Cleaning Tips + HIIT without HURT
on . en or op flo w nd No eco s
URGENT CARE
The doctor can see you NOW. Our name has changed, and we've moved upstairs, but the caring providers you have come to know and trust at Loveland Urgent Care are still the same. We're here for all your minor emergencies and unexpected illnesses. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Urgent Care 3850 N. Grant Ave. (Located near 37th St. and U.S. 287 in north Loveland) 970.624.5150
contents
GLUTEN-FREE BEAUTY products in demand among some customers Page 4
HEALTHY HOUSEKEEPING tips offer a fresh approach to spring cleaning Page 10
also inside FITNESS: HIIT without hurt: Get fit with high-intensity interval training ..................... 6 Nutrition: Chicken Stir-Fry in a Spicy Peanut Sauce ................................................. 8 Uncommon Sense ................................................................................................ 14 Health Calendar and Briefs ................................................................................... 16
Health Line of Northern Colorado is a monthly publication produced by the Loveland Daily Reporter-Herald. The information provided in this publication is intended for personal, noncommercial, informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company, product, procedure or activity. You should seek the advice of a professional regarding your particular situation.
For advertising information contact: Linda Story, advertising director: 970-635-3614
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Misty Kaiser, 303-473-1425 kaiserm@reporterherald.com
on the cover WOMEN AND ALCOHOL
Women are often at higher risk for alcohol related issues than men. Find out how alcohol use and abuse might be affecting your life and relationships and learn how to start fixing those problems.
_________ PAGE 12
May 15, 2014
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ALLERGIES
Gluten-free beauty products in demand among some customers By Mary MacVean, Los Angeles Times (MCT)
Amy Soergel’s lip gloss was making her sick. The problem, she realized, was gluten — hydrologized wheat protein, to be exact. Then she went to the hairdresser who used a shampoo that made her neck burn. Again, it contained gluten. “There’s hidden gluten in many places you may not consider,” including stamp and envelope glues, toothpaste
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May 15, 2014
and lip balms, said Soergel, who has a store, Naturally Soergel’s, near Pittsburgh that caters to people with allergies. Indeed, for people with celiac disease, a bit of gluten that might get swallowed from a lipstick or a stream of shampoo in the shower can be enough to cause illness. A slew of gluten-free skin care products have come on the market, including items from well-known companies such as Murad, Dr. Hauschka, EO, MyChelle, Suntegrity, Acure and derma-e. Many are sold in Whole Foods and other health food stores. If they’ve been certified by a third-party agency, an icon usually appears on the packaging. Avalon Organics and Jason — two moderately priced health food store standards from the company Hain Celestial — recently released Avalon Organics Gluten Free Cucumber products and Jason gluten-free lotions, washes and hair products. Emma Froelich-Shea, the company senior vice president of marketing and
May 15, 2014
research and development, says she was skeptical at first that such products were needed, thinking gluten — which is found in wheat, barley and rye — was only a food issue. But wheat protein is used as a binding agent for skin-firming creams and hair products that aim to strengthen hair, she says — and she was won over by customer demand. Bob Zahradnik launched Coldstream Natural from Gainesville, Fla., about six months ago, selling gluten-free tooth creams and mouthwashes. “Any trace materials in oral care products will definitely present a risk to people with a gluten sensitivity,” Zahradnik said. Customers of dermae, a 30-year-old company that started with a vitamin E cream, prompted the company to change, says Jennifer Norman, the vice president for marketing. Most of its products had no gluten, and the company reformulated the rest. “It shows the amount consumers are researching products. In the last year, it’s been almost
an explosion of interest in gluten-free,” Norman says. The Whole Foods 365 house brand recently released a line of gluten-free bubble baths. Tilth Beauty, a year-old line of 14 products that includes anti-aging serums and moisture creams, contains no gluten, and no synthetic coloring or fragrances, genetically modified ingredients or petroleumbased products. Dermatologist Jenny Kim, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles’s David Geffen School of Medicine, says some people thought that gluten-free skin care was simply a trend, in part because gluten molecules are too large to penetrate through skin. But that’s only true for skin that’s healthy and intact, and not necessarily for people with eczema or other skin conditions. “So we don’t really know how the molecule is going through the skin, but certainly that needs to be studied,” Kim said. Reactions, including rashes and
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respiratory problems, have been documented. Claire Duggan, one of the three sisters behind the LifeStinks brand of deodorants, says their motive was to help heal one sister after years of illness. They studied natural healing and eventually came up with a deodorant formula that they offered to share with clients, Duggan said. “No one cared that I could teach them how to make it. They said, ‘If you make it for me, I’ll buy it,’” she adds. That led to LifeStinks, a powder deodorant in lavender or cedar wood scent that is made in their basement and is available online and in some health food stores. “We didn’t go into it to be gluten-free,” Duggan said. “But, boy, have we found it has so mattered to our customers.”
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FITNESS
HIIT without HURT:
Get fit with high-intensity interval training By Martha Ross, Contra Costa Times
For months, Heather Deshazer’s boss at a Milpitas solar energy firm had been praising his high-intensity interval (HIIT) workouts. He knew Deshazer, 32, was feeling out of shape since suffering a stress fracture while running, so he invited her to join one of trainer Chris Fernandez’s noontime classes at a Sunnyvale gym. But Deshazer kept putting him off. “It sounded too intense and intimidating,” she said. Besides, she was afraid she might reinjure herself, a reasonable concern considering the flurry of recent news stories that have shown people getting hurt or sick while pushing themselves in CrossFit and Tabata classes, or in at-home programs with names such as Insanity and P90X. But Deshazer’s boss, Pawan Kapur, was persistent. Finally, after she got winded climbing a flight of stairs, Deshazer agreed to join. Yes, the workouts, which alternate bursts of intense cardiovascular and strength-training exercises with moments of less intense exertion, are “really hard,” Deshazer notes. During one recent session, for example, she and her boss had to complete four circuits of quarter-mile runs, “push presses,” abdominal reps and a particularly sinister full-body move called a “Turkish get-up.” But Fernandez, who works with clients that range from
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professional athletes to stay-athome moms, kept an eye on Deshazer’s injury and “intermediate” status, making sure she maintained correct form, wasn’t lifting too much weight and backed off if she felt pain that wasn’t “OK.” Although she’s always tempted to give up halfway through, she doesn’t. She thinks the variety of exercises are working, and she may even start running long distances again. And so far she’s finished each class, which gives her a “great sense of accomplishment.” An experience like this demonstrates why people are flocking to HIIT programs, labeled by the American College of Sports Medicine as the hot fitness trend of 2014. It also demonstrates the importance of a having a conscientious trainer
who makes the class safe and effective for people of all ages and fitness levels. Michael Frederickson, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Stanford Hospital, is among the doctors who have seen an increase in injuries related to CrossFit and similar programs. Still, he says, they offer a great workout, as long as people understand they are mentally and physically challenging even for conditioned athletes. A HIIT session of 30 minutes or less — ideal for people pressed for time — has been shown to accelerate weight loss and boost metabolism, with one HIIT session helping your body burn calories for up to 24 hours after exercise. A HIIT session may also boost levels of the human growth hormone, which has anti-aging benefits,
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Frederickson says. “If people are smart about it and listen to their bodies, CrossFit (and other programs) can be great,” says Brigham Wise, associate director of sports medicine at Kaiser Permanente’s San Ramon offices. Typical HIIT injuries involve doing squats or lifting heavy weights without first perfecting technique. They also can result from taking a class with an instructor whose one-size-fitsall approach has him barking at students to jump or lift at levels for which they are not ready, the doctor says. “The whole idea is you want to have the correct movement patterns in place first before you do intensive exercise,” Frederickson says. Novices ideally should work with experienced teachers who can watch how they move,
May 15, 2014
spot trouble areas and suggest modifications. While CrossFit is famous for its Olympic-style lifts, televised annual games and hard-charging enthusiasts, central to its philosophy is that workouts are accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, says Jamie Lee, assistant head coach at Diablo CrossFit in Pleasant Hill. A 70-year-old grandmother can do dead lifts alongside a Division I college athlete, by using a lightweight PVC pipe instead of a barbell loaded with hundreds of pounds. “She’s still going through the range of the movement and getting the benefit,” he says. Concord-based trainer Terry Joel is wary of HIIT programs that push people to extremes. “Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it can make you strong and healthy,” he says.
“You can still get into shape without getting hurt or throwing up.” Still, getting through all four circuits of his 5:30 a.m. boot camp-style class is no easy feat. The workout includes single-leg squats, medicine ball push-ups and “suicide” sprints. His 20-member class includes people in their 20s and a man in his 70s, who had a triple bypass two years ago who substitutes brisk walks for suicide runs. Like Deshazer, Joel’s student Elizabeth Lambert says doing a HIIT class actually helped her recover from injuries. The 43-year-old Walnut Creek mother of five had tendinitis in her foot from regular running, and lower back pain from carrying her new baby around. Upper body and core work has alleviated Lambert’s back
pain, and the calisthenics and strength training pump up her heart rate and give her the endorphin rush she used to get from running. She also relies on Joel’s guidance. “The first month or two Terry had to help me a lot, watching me closely to get the right form in push-ups,” she says. “I definitely feel strong in a way I’ve never felt before.”
let her know if you’ve never used certain equipment or have an injury. • Listen to teachers who tell you to go at your own pace. • Choose classes or programs that don’t advocate a onesize-fits-all approach to fitness. A teacher or trainer should be able to spot students who are moving in an unsafe way and intervene.
Safety first
• Before doing exercises that
If you want to give highintensity interval training a try, doctors and fitness experts offer these tips for staying safe: • Anyone with a medical or orthopedic condition should get a clearance from their doctor before starting a program. • Take responsibility for your own safety: If you’re joining a large class, introduce yourself to the teacher and
involve lifting weights or other unfamiliar movements, get some one-on-one training to make sure you are using proper form. • Take care with at-home programs that ask you to do weightlifting, yoga and other moves you’re new at. Those are best performed under the guidance of a trained professional.
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NUTRITION
TEST KITCHEN RECIPE:
Chicken Stir-Fry in a Spicy Peanut Sauce
By Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press (MCT)
A stir-fry is an easy go-to dinner. To stir-fry means to cook foods quickly in a small amount of oil over high heat. The only real work and time is in chopping and slicing the ingredients. The spicy peanut sauce is the highlight of in today’s recipe with its mix of crushed red pepper and gingerroot. Adjust the sauce to your own taste. Serving the stir-fry on whole wheat angel hair pasta is a nutrition boost, providing 4 grams of fiber per serving.
CHICKEN STIR-FRY IN A SPICY PEANUT SAUCE Serves: 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes / Total time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cooked whole wheat angel hair pasta, reserving 2 tablespoons pasta cooking water 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided 2 tablespoons dry sherry 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips 3 tablespoons peanut butter 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons grated gingerroot 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon sesame oil or canola oil, divided 1 1/2 cups carrots, julienned 1/2 cups red bell pepper, sliced 1 1/2 cups snow peas, halved 1 1/2 cups onion, sliced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, optional 6 lime wedges, optional
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DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta according to package directions, omitting the salt. In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sherry and chicken strips; toss well to coat. In a small bowl, combine remaining soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, gingerroot, garlic, red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon oil over mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken breast strips and sauté 5 to 8 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned. Remove chicken from pan. Add remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan. Add carrots, red bell pepper, snow peas and onion; sauté vegetables 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture; gently toss. Top mixture with the peanut butter sauce and gently stir to combine. Sprinkle with salt; stir to combine. If desired, top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. —————————————————————— (Created by dietetic intern Elizabeth Zanley for Heart Smart and tested by Susan Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.) (Nutrition information: 274 calories (26% from fat), 8 grams fat (2 grams sat. fat, 0 grams trans fat), 32 grams carbohydrates, 20 grams protein, 364 mg sodium, 36 mg cholesterol, 51 mg calcium, 4 grams fiber. Food exchanges: 1 starch, 3 vegetable, 2 lean meat.)
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May 15, 2014
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When it comes to minimally invasive surgery, a smaller scar is just the start. For our patients it typically also means shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery time. If you’ve been told you need surgery, there may be a minimally-invasive option available right here in the convenience of your hometown. Learn more and find a Banner Health Minimally Invasive Surgeon: www.BannerHealth.com/SmallScar
May 15, 2014
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North Colorado Medical Center McKee Medical Center
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ALLERGIES
Healthy housekeeping tips offer a fresh approach to spring cleaning (BPT) - After the long and cold winter experienced across the United States, families will be tackling spring cleaning with a passion this year. But for more than 40 million Americans living with allergies and 25 million with asthma, housekeeping comes with extra concerns and responsibilities. More than half of all homes in the U.S. have at least one person dealing with allergies or asthma, so spring cleaning needs to focus on removing common household allergens and irritants, and avoiding problems that some cleaning supplies could actually create. “Allergen avoidance and
environmental control are important parts of any asthma and allergy management plan,” say Dr. Beth Corn, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital
and Medical Director of the Division of Immunology Faculty Practice Associates, “that means a patient should try and avoid contact with allergens like dust mite particles and pet dander that can be found in
the dust of most homes. Exposure to irritants, like strong scents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be found in some common household cleaners should also be avoided by patients with respiratory issues.” If your cleaning routine doesn’t specifically focus on allergen control and removal, you may be only moving dust around, sending allergens and irritating cleaning chemicals into the air that could aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms. To create a “healthy home” this season, consider these simple tips from the asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program,
R ecovery in mind, body and spirit. To learn more, call (970) 624-5458.
All faiths or beliefs are welcome.
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May 15, 2014
a healthy home initiative of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA): • Use a certified vacuum that has a high efficiency filter with tight seams and seals to prevent particles from leaking out while you vacuum. Also, choose a style that requires minimal exposure during canister emptying or bag changes. • Use moist cloths or special dry dusters designed to trap and lock dust from hard or flat surfaces that rarely get cleaned, such as baseboards, door jambs, air duct vents, ceiling fan blades and window blinds and shades. • Certain cleaning products can contribute to airborne irritants, especially if they contain harsh chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or have strong odors. Also avoid “green” products with natural allergenic ingredients, such as lemon, coconut or tea-tree oils. • Place certified allergen barrier covers on your mattresses and pillows. Wash your bedding at least once a week in 130 degree hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs. • Mold, a common allergy trigger, can grow anywhere in your home where moisture is present. Look for cleaning products that help kill and prevent mold from returning. Also, keep your household humidity below 50 percent and fix leaky pipes and cracks to reduce standing puddles of moisture where mold can prosper. • If you are unable to remove carpets and heavy rugs from your home, have a certified professional steam cleaning service care for them three to four times a year. The
May 15, 2014
asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program has recently adopted a new standard for Professional Carpet Steam Cleaning Services. • If children live in your home, look for certified plush toys. Dust mites, mold and pet dander can accumulate on plush toys over time. Certified toys can be machinewashed and dried, or placed in the freezer for 24 hours then rinsed in cold water to remove dead mites. Dry completely. Do this monthly. • Lots of air passes through window areas and airborne dust and allergens accumulate on all types of window treatments - which are rarely cleaned. In the family room and throughout the home, replace big, heavy linen drapes with more sensible window treatments such as wood blinds or flat screens that are easy to wipe and keep clean. • If your home uses central air conditioning or heat, replace the filter in the machine regularly, typically every 30 to 90 days. Choose an HVAC filter that has been certified to effectively capture fine airborne particles like pollen, dust and dander. AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly certification program helps consumers evaluate and verify the allergen-reducing effectiveness of a variety of products, from cleaning supplies, air cleaning devices and vacuums to toys, bedding, home improvement products, paints, clothes washers and more. You can learn more at www.AAFA.org/certified.
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HEALTHLINE 11
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ON THE COVER
ALLERGIES:
From Seasonal to Serious Allergies can range from a minor annoyance to a major emergency. Can you tell the difference when it matters?
to neutralize the pollen, it releases histamines and other substances that can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life threatening situation.
By Kristine Smith, Healthline Magazine
TYPES
If spring’s blossoming trees and growing grasses bring on nonstop sneezing and sniffling, you may wish you could stay inside until summer. About 20 percent of Americans suffer from hay fever, which occurs when your immune system overreacts to pollen, a foreign substance, and then creates antibodies to protect you from these unwanted visitors. As the body attempts
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There are multiple types of allergies to watch for here in Colorado, according to the Poudre Valley Health System Allergy and Immunology Department: Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, may cause congestion, runny or itchy nose and itchy and watery eyes. • An allergic skin condition called eczema may cause red, flaking and itchy skin. • A food allergy shows itself through a tingling mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue
or throat, and hives. • An insect sting allergy can cause swelling, itching or hives, cough and chest tightness. • A drug allergy can cause hives, itchy skin, rash, and facial swelling. Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods, drugs and insect stings, have the potential to trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. A life-threatening medical emergency, this reaction can cause you to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include a loss of consciousness, lightheadness, severe shortness of breath, a rapid or weak pulse, a skin rash, nausea or vomiting, and swelling airways, which can block airways. You may want to see a doctor if you have symptoms you think may be caused by an allergy, especially if you notice
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something in your environment that seems to trigger your allergies. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the doctor who prescribed it right away. Needless to say, for any severe reaction, call 911 or your local emergency number to seek emergency assistance.
TREATMENTS How does one get relief from an allergy and how does a person know if the reaction is considered a mild versus a severe reaction? A mild reaction can be considered a short term inconvenience to your lifestyle. A severe reaction can be classified as life threatening. However, just because an allergy may be inconvenient for a season, for example, it does not mean you should ignore the symptoms in the hopes they will simply “go away”. As
May 15, 2014
we age, our immune system does go through changes and a physical may be necessary to explore ways of treatment, be it short or longer term. Getting relief does not have to cost a fortune or even require a prescription. The best treatment for you depends on the severity of your allergies. Steer clear of pollen as much as possible. It can collect on your hair and clothing, so after spending time outdoors, take off your shoes and change when you get home to avoid tracking pollen through your house. • Consider showering at night so that you don’t transfer pollen to your bedding. • Using a saline nasal rinse at the end of the day will help wash pollen out of
your nose. • On days with really high pollen, you might consider staying inside as much as possible. You can check pollen counts in your area on the National Allergy Bureau’s Web site, at aaaai. org/global/nab-pollencounts.aspx. • Over-the-counter drugs can provide relief but treat the symptoms on a short term basis. That’s where antihistamine prescription nasal sprays through a physician can be useful. The sprays take up to 12 hours to work, and you may not experience the full effect for a week. Some doctors are concerned that using a steroid spray on your own can increase the chance of side effects or mask a more serious
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condition, such as asthma. This is another reason why a visit to the physician prior to starting allergy medication is necessary. • If all else fails, consider immunotherapy or allergy shots. They can eliminate the need for medication in some people, but they require a major time commitment. A standard course of immunotherapy, which is customized by the type of allergies you have, involves getting regular injections at a doctor’s office, such as the PVH Allergy and Immunology Department. Also ask them about the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of three new allergen extracts: Oralair (a mixture of five grasses) for the
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treatment of certain pollen allergies in people age ten through 65; Grastek (timothy grass) for grass pollen allergies in people age five through 65; and Ragwitek (short ragweed) for pollen-induced allergy in people 18 through 65 years of age. Allergies can be more than a simple inconvenience to your lifestyle. They can be mildly annoying to down right dangerous and the more information you gather on what exactly triggers them, the better off you are prior to a physician visit. Do not take them lightly and seek treatment for them today. You will find you feel better once you take allergies seriously and your quality of life will soon improve.
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Days, Evenings, Weekends Thomas J. Allen, M.D. ThomasJ.Al len,M.D. Weekdays 9AM to 9PM Thomas P. Kasenberg, D.O. ThomasP.Kasenberg,D.O. Saturday 9AM to 6PM Edwin M.D. EdwiD.n Risenhoover, D.Risenhoover,M.D. Sunday Noon to 6PM Walk-ins welcome. Appointments available.
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Kasenberg, Dr.Edwin ThomasRisenhoover, P. Kristi HousleyThomas Dr. Edwin D. Kasenberg, D.O. PA-C Risenhoover, M.D. D.O. M.D.
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UNCOMMON SENSE
Meeting physical needs after divorce
Dear Dr. Beth, I am a single woman in my 40s. I was married for 16 years, but now I am divorced. Even though my exhusband and I didn’t get along in a lot of ways and grew apart, for the most part the physical side of our relationship was really good. I am a very physical person and I miss having touch and sex in my life. I don’t have any good relationship prospects in my life and I wouldn’t be ready for one right now anyway. How can I meet these needs in a healthy way without jumping into the wrong relationship? This is a really good question. It is a question that many single women (and single men) are asking themselves. Whether always single, divorced or widowed, many adults feel lonely for companionship, but also for touch. No one really addresses how long-time single or divorced adults can meet those needs in a healthy way. In counseling a number of clients over 20+ years, I have seen and heard about a variety of solutions single women and men have created to meet these needs-some with positive outcomes and some with negative outcomes. Let me share with you some of what I have seen work and not work for people who really miss having sex and non-sexual touch in their lives.
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Some people just miss touch and affection but are not missing sex per se. Some women have the good fortune to have one or two close female friends with whom they share a natural, non-sexual affection. Some women friends are comfortable sitting on the couch and rubbing each others’ feet or holding hands in a friendly way when out and about. Other people have found it very helpful to get relaxing and therapeutic massages once or twice a month. This is one way to meet some oaf those needs for nurturing, non-threatening touch without the complications of a relationship involvement. When non-sexual touch just isn’t enough there is the question of how to meet one’s partner sexual needs when not in a steady or serious relationship. I use the term “partner sexual needs” deliberately. Some women are comfortable with pleasuring themselves through masturbation and fantasy and this is satisfying enough to meet their short-term sexual needs. Other women just miss the affection and sexual intimacy that can only be shared with another adult. Casual sexual liaisons are an option but you should be really clear about whether or not it is really possible for you to have sex without expecting a sexual encounter to turn into a relationship. In most cases it will not become anything more. Culturally, men are more psychologically able to
have sex without needing it to lead to emotional involvement. (Of course, this is not true of all men.) Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can have sex without emotional involvement unless you know that this is something you can handle. In this type of situation or any sexual relationship be sure that you know what safe sex is and that you insist on it with each and every partner. Single adults have also found that it is sometimes possible to have a physical (sexual or sensual) relationship with a person they know as either an acquaintance or a friend when both of you are in the same boat with respect to missing touch and intimacy. This type of relationship is usually referred to as “friends with benefits”. These relationships are also tricky but often work well, at least for a time. It’s important to talk with your friend about how you will handle ending the arrangement if either of you no longer feels right
about continuing it. Try to handle such an ending with honesty, tact and gentleness. After all, this person has been a special friend to you at a lonely time in your life. Of course, you can always have sex as part of a dating relationship that you hope may lead to a deep, committed relationship. Most adults these days do have sex as part of exploring the potential of a relationship. Just make sure and take care of yourself physically and emotionally. When in doubt about whether to do something, wait. It is much better to reflect and consider your options and the potential consequences of an action rather than act impulsively and regret it later. Take your time, look into your heart and let yourself know what your real truth is about this particular option; and know that we all have lonely times. This one too shall pass.
Uncommon Sense with Beth Firestein Dr. Beth Firestein is a licensed psychologist. She has 27 years of therapy experience and has practiced in Loveland for more than 16 years. She may be reached by calling her office at 970-635-9116, via email at firewom@webaccess.net or by visiting www.bethfirestein.com.
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May 15, 2014
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Health Calendar and Health Briefs
MCKEE RECOGNIZED FOR PATIENT EXPERIENCE
McKee Medical Center today announced that it has achieved the Healthgrades 2014 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™. McKee was identified as providing outstanding performance in the delivery of positive experiences for patients during their hospital stay, according to Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. To be eligible for the Healthgrades 2014 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, Healthgrades evaluated 3,582 hospitals that submitted patient surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), covering admissions from March 2012 – April
2013. Of these hospitals, 3,000 hospitals met additional clinical quality requirements to be considered for this Healthgrades distinction. The top 15 percent of this group or 447 hospitals achieved the award. McKee is in the top 5 percent in the nation. “This award is a testament to our staff, providers, and volunteers for the tremendous care they provide to our community every day,” said Rick Sutton, CEO of Banner Health in Northern Colorado. “Our caregivers chose their profession because they want to help patients. To receive this award just two months after being named among America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades is an amazing accomplishment. I am so proud of our entire team.”
Healthgrades evaluated McKee’s performance as assessed by the hospital’s patients across 27 different questions that roll up to ten distinct measures. Ranging from cleanliness and noise levels in a patient room to factors such as pain management and responsiveness to patient’s needs, the measures also include whether a patient would recommend this hospital to friends or family. “As consumers are becoming more active participants in their healthcare, measured performance surrounding the patient experience at a hospital is an increasingly important consideration for patients in choosing where to receive their care,” said Evan Marks, EVP Informatics and Strategy. “Consumers can rest as-
sured that those hospitals that have achieved the Healthgrades 2014 Patient Experience Award demonstrate a commitment to exceptional focus on the needs of the patient during their stay at the hospital.” To download a full copy of the report or to get information about hospital and physician quality, visit the Healthgrades website. McKee Medical Center, opened in 1976, is a fully accredited, private nonprofit facility in Loveland, Colo. McKee is owned by Banner Health, a nonprofit healthcare system with 24 hospitals in seven states. It offers Emergency care, cancer care, heart care, orthopedics, inpatient and outpatient surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, rehabilita-
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16 HEALTHLINE
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If you have a back or neck problem, we can help you get back to what you love. Drs. Robert Benz and Bill Biggs have years of experience and board certification in spine care. They specialize in the care that’s right for you—helping people like you feel better and get going again. We offer a complete spine program, whether you need surgery or conservative care. Surgery options include: • Computer guided surgery
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If we can help you with a back or neck problem, call us today at (970) 663-3975. Serving the people of northern Colorado, Wyoming, and western Nebraska.
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Nancy McRae, PA-C
May 15, 2014
tion, intensive care, lab and medical imaging. For more information, please visit www.BannerHealth.com/ McKee.
STERLING REGIONAL MEDCENTER HONORS AREA NURSES Annual National Nurses Week celebrated May 6-12 Sterling Regional MedCenter invites nurses from the community to join hospital nursing staff for tea to celebrate National Nurses Day. The event is Wednesday, May 7, at 9 a.m. in the main lobby of the hospital. The Community Tea is a chance for current and retired nurses from all of the different agencies in the community to meet with nurses from the hospital. No RSVP is required and all nurses are invited. “We don’t want to leave anyone out,” said nursing administrative assistant Terry Brigham. “We want former, current, and retired nurses in the community to come together, meet our staff, and be recognized for their contributions to the nursing profession.” About 30 people attended the event in 2013. National Nurses Week is celebrated May 6-12 this year. The recognition is celebrated around the world to mark the contributions nurses make to their communities. The week typically falls around May 12, which is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, widely thought of as the founder of modern nursing.
May 15, 2014
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
Where: McKee Wellness Services, 1805 E. 18th St. Suite 6 When: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 669-9355
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Where: McKee Cancer Center lobby When: 2nd Thursday of every month, 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 622-1961
BREAST-FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays), 10-11 a.m. Cost: FREE. No need to register Call: (970) 669-9355
CAREGIVER CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Where: Call for locations and dates. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 635-4129
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT
For caregivers of elderly adults. The group focuses on providing support and education about community resources and behavior issues, particularly for people with Alzheimer’s and memory impairment. Where: 302 3rd St. SE STE. 100, Loveland When: 3rd Thursday of the month, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Cost: FREE. Care of elderly adult family members or friends is available through Stepping Stones Adult Day Program during meeting times at no charge. Call: (970) 669-7069
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
When: Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 2000 Boise. Ave., Loveland Cost: Free Call: (970) 635-4015
DIABETES INFORMATION GROUP
When: 4th Thursday of every other month, 7- 8:30 p.m. Where: McKee Wellness Center, Kodak Room Cost: FREE
GENERAL CANCER SUPPORT
Where: McKee Cancer Center lobby When: Tuesdays (except holidays), 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 635-4129
MAN TO MAN SUPPORT GROUP FOR PROSTATE CANCER
When: 4th Thurs. of each month, 5:30 -7 p.m. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center Cost: Free Call: (970) 622-1961
SCLERODERMA SUPPORT GROUP
Open to all scleroderma patients, family, caregivers, and friends looking for a forum to share feelings, concerns, and information about scleroderma. Saturday, June 28 - Sandee Maas, will present on her journey with scleroderma, renal failure and a kidney transplant. When: 4th Sat. of even numbered months, 10am-12pm Where: Medical Center of the Rockies, Poudre Canyon Room, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave. scleroderma.org/ colorado Contact:Judy Laible, (970) 622-9498, jlaible@frii.com
SOULPLAY ART THERAPY
touched by cancer express themselves through art. No art experience needed. When: Wednesdays, 1-3:30 p.m. Where: McKee Cancer Center Conference Room Cost: Free Call: (970) 635-4129
TOTAL JOINT EDUCATION
Physical therapists and occupational therapists prepare patients for surgery. This program is coordinated through your physician’s office as part of the surgery scheduling process. Where: McKee Conference and Wellness Center When: Thursdays, 3 p.m. Cost: FREE Call: (970) 635-4172 to register
WISE WOMEN SUPPORT GROUP
A free, community group for women 55-100 who would like to connect with other women sharing similar life challenges. There is a discussion topic for each group and time for personal sharing. Facilitated by psychologist Dr. Beth Firestein. Where: Perkins, 2222 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland When: Thursday, 5/22 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Come early if you would like to get coffee or a snack). Call: Dr. Beth Firestein at (970) 635-9116. t
YOGA SUPPORT GROUP
for anyone touched by cancer Where: McKee Medical Center Cancer Center Lobby When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 5:306:30 pm. Cost: Free Call: (970) 635-4054 to register
People whose lives are
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HEALTHLINE 17
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FOR A CITY THAT KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT
HEARTS, offer erts of exper leading ex oouur le
THEBEST
TRE REA ATMENT FOR YOURS. Leading edge care for your heart is right here at McKee Medical Center. Our specialists at the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado treat everything from chest pain and heart failure to vascular disease and heart rhythm disorders.They explain each diagnosis in detail and thoroughly review treatment options so you can take comfort in knowing your heart is receiving exceptional care. It’s the right care for your heart. Right here at home.
Find out your heart age at www.BannerHealth.com/Heart. Find a CardioVascular Institute physician at BannerHealth.com/CVI or (970) 203-2400.