healthfocus DECEMBER 2015
BEAT THE COLD this December! Page 2 10 Tips to Prevent the Common Cold
Pages 3-4 8 Winter Tips for Healthy Living
Page 5 December is Safe Toys & Gifts Month!
Pages 7-8 The Flu Vaccine: Get the Facts
Pages 10-11 Finding A Doctor Near You
Where To Donate Your Time This Holiday Season Before we know it, we’ll all be in a mad scramble to finish our last-minute gift shopping and wrap all our presents. There’s no doubt that this time of the year is filled with excitement and cheer. Giving gifts and making loved ones happy is wonderful! However, it’s also important to remember there are many out there who are not able to celebrate the holidays in a similar fashion.
Adopt a Family or Child for the Holidays
The holidays are a perfect time to give back to those less fortunate and/or to give some of our time to a noteworthy cause to show how thankful we are for the blessings we have received throughout the year. There is certainly no shortage of places to donate one’s time to during the holiday season, but just in case, here are some ideas:
Treat a family to a home-cooked meal this holiday season. Put your cooking skills to use and cook a meal. Sign up with a local religious organization through which you can donate a meal. It will mean so much to a family to have a hot meal on a cold winter night.
Soup Kitchens
When people have no shelter and food, they often find solace in visiting a soup kitchen, particularly over the holiday season. A soup kitchen is a wonderful place to give your time, as there are always hungry people in need of a warm, filling meal over the holidays.
Salvation Army
Remember those bright red kettles that you see around shopping centers at holiday time? Well those are from the Salvation Army, and men and women across the country volunteer their time to solicit donations for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. This campaign enables the Salvation Army to provide food, toys and clothing to over 6 million people during the Christmas season and helps more than 34 million Americans recovering from all kinds of personal disasters nationwide. It only takes a moment to throw some spare change into the kettle; if you’re inspired, you could even volunteer for this important fundraising activity.
Give Blood
Every year millions of people in the United States require a blood transfusion. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Although you must meet certain criteria, giving blood is a priceless gift. Check with your local blood center or hospital to see if you are eligible.
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Participate in an adopt-a-family or adopt-a-child program this holiday season. Often, your local mall will support such a program. It only takes a moment to pick a name off a tree, pick up their requested gift and drop it back off. You’ll be giving someone a gift they never thought they would receive.
Cook a Meal for Others
Adopt a Pet
Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue service. There are always cats and dogs that need loving homes. This could be the opportunity to give a wonderful animal a home and find a life-long companion.
Help an Elderly Person
Unfortunately, not all elderly people have close family who are looking out for them. Maybe you have a neighbor that would like a place to spend dinner or someone with whom to talk; or perhaps there is an assisted living facility or nursing home nearby. Some residents never have visitors and spend the holidays alone; one visit can make their holiday a special one.
Go Through Your Closet and Donate Old Clothes
The holiday is a perfect time for new beginnings. This is the perfect time to clean out your closet and give the clothes you no longer use to a charity such as the Salvation Army, or a local homeless shelter. There are bound to be people out there who will find a use for them.
Participate in a Food Drive
Food drives help feed families in your community during the holidays. Food drives are often organized at your place of work and usually involve bringing in canned foods that can be used to feed the hungry. Not only do food drives require food donations, but volunteers to organize the event and help deliver food to needy families. The above are only a few ideas of ways to give back at the holidays. There is certainly no shortage; don’t let the season pass without helping to make a difference, however small it may be. Source: http://www.doughroller.net/personal-finance/where-to-donate-your-time-this-holiday-season/
TEN Tips to
Prevent the Common Cold The common cold is arguably the most common illness in humans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is also one of the most common causes of work and school absenteeism, with up to 22 million school days lost each year in the U.S. Colds are caused by viral infections. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms of varying severity. Viruses that cause colds are spread from person to person through tiny droplets of mucus that enter the air from the nasal passages of infected persons and are inhaled by others. Colds can also be spread by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by contact with infected persons and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. While it is impossible to completely prevent the spread of colds, there are steps you can take to reduce you and your family's chances of becoming infected with a virus that causes colds: WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN This is probably the single best measure to prevent transmission of colds. Especially after shopping, going to the gym or spending time in public places, hand washing is critical. Frequent hand washing can destroy viruses that you have acquired from touching surfaces used by other people. You can also carry a small tube of hand sanitizer or sanitizing hand wipes when visiting public places. Teach your children the importance of hand washing too. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE Especially the nose, mouth, and eye areas, if you are around someone with a cold or have been touching surfaces in a public area. DON'T SMOKE Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to colds and other infections. Even exposure to passive smoke can make you (or your children) more vulnerable to colds.
USE DISPOSABLE ITEMS IF SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY IS SICK Disposable cups can be thrown away after each use and prevent accidental spread of the virus from sharing of cups or glasses. This is particularly important if you have young children who may try to drink from others' cups. KEEP HOUSEHOLD SURFACES CLEAN Door knobs, drawer pulls, keyboards, light switches, telephones, remote controls, counter tops, and sinks can all harbor viruses for hours after their use by an infected person. Wipe these surfaces frequently with soap and water or a disinfectant solution. IF YOUR CHILD HAS A COLD, WASH HIS OR HER TOYS When you are cleaning household surfaces and commonly-used items, wash your child's toys too to prevent the spread of illness. USE PAPER TOWELS In the kitchen and bathroom for hand washing, use paper towels because germs can live for several hours on cloth towels. Alternatively, have separate towels for each family member and provide a clean one for guests. THROW TISSUES AWAY AFTER USE Used tissues are sources of virus that can contaminate any surface where they are left. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE While there isn't direct evidence to show that eating well or exercising can prevent colds, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, with adequate sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs. CONTROL STRESS Studies have shown that people experiencing emotional stress have weakened immune systems and are more likely to catch a cold than their calmer counterparts. Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=53472
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Winter Tips for Healthy Living
Holidays, stress, post-holidays, even more stress -- who has time for taking care of ourselves? You do! Resolve to follow these eight diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips, and you can be good to yourself this winter - and all year long.
1 ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF YOGURT
It's creamy, smooth, packed with flavor -- and just may be the wonder food you've been craving. Research suggests that humble carton of yogurt may: • Help prevent osteoporosis. • Reduce your risk of high blood pressure. • Aid gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and constipation. Ready to take home a few cartons of yummy yogurt? When buying think low-fat, make sure the yogurt contains active cultures and vitamin D, and keep tabs on sugar content.
2 HELP HOLIDAY HEARTBURN
Getting hit with heartburn over the holidays? Help is at hand! Try these hints and you can stop the burn before it starts: • Nibble: Enjoy your favorite foods -- but in moderation. No need to heap on the goodies (or go back for seconds and thirds!). Packing your stomach with food makes heartburn much more likely.
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• Know Your Triggers: Certain foods feed heartburn’s flame. Typical triggers include foods full of sugar and fat -- think pumpkin pie slathered with whipped cream. Instead reach for complex carbs like veggies and whole wheat breads -- or at least share that dessert! • Get Up: Stretching out for a nap post-meal is a great way to guarantee you'll get reflux. Instead, keep your head higher than your stomach -- or keep right on walking, away from the dinner table and out the door. Light exercise is a great way to prevent heartburn.
3 KISS COLD SORES GOODBYE
Holidays: That busy time for toasting the coming year, savoring seasonal sweets, staying up late -- and cold sores? If you find you're more prone to cold sores (also called fever blisters) during the hectic holiday season, you may be your own worst enemy. That's because lack of sleep, too much alcohol or sugar, stress, and close physical contact (think auntie's smooches) can all contribute to outbreaks. So, to help keep your kisser cold-sore-free this year -- or to keep from passing your cold sores to others -- try these tips: • Don't overdo the holiday goodies -- maintain a healthy diet. • Get plenty of rest. • Wash your hands. • Don't share food or drink containers. • Discard used tissues. • Don't kiss on or near anyone's cold sore -- and don't let them near yours!
4 DE-STRESS WITH MEDITATION
The bad weather, the seasonal pace, work: If this time of year has your stress meter spiking, it may be time to close your eyes, breathe ... and get a little repetitive. Repetition is at the heart of meditation's soothing power. The act of banishing thoughts, focusing on your breathing, and repeating a single word or phrase, fires up your body's natural relaxation response. And meditation can do more than soothe away stress. Research shows it may help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, reduce PMS symptoms, even aid in fertility and the delivery of a new mom's milk.
5 START A WINTER TRADITION: FAMILY WORKOUTS
Grandparents are in town, a flurry of kids is underfoot, and you're wondering where you'll find time for a quick winter workout. Here's a thought: Why not get everyone involved with these simple workouts? Walking: It's suitable for young or old, with a pace that's sedate or speedy. Try these ideas to get the gang on their feet: • Do laps at the mall. If you shop, cart your own packages and then unload them in the car after every store. • Disguise the walk as something else. Toss a ball as you stroll, fling a Frisbee, or take the dog to the park. • Instead of driving, walk over to your favorite local restaurant. • Take part in a holiday fund-raiser, like the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run/Walk Make the Living Room Your Gym When everyone's on the couch chatting, or watching TV -- why not sneak in a little calorie burn, too? • Do crunches: Sit on the edge of the couch, hands gripping the edge at your side, then bend knees, lifting them toward your chest. • Leg lifts: Use the same position as above, but lift your legs straight up, instead of bending them. • Trim those triceps by doing dips off the couch edge. • Build your biceps: Grab a bottle of water or a can of soda and do curls.
6 EAT LOCALLY
Organic may be today's healthy-eating watchword, but don't forget this phrase too: eat locally. Some nutritionists think eating locally may be even more important than eating organically. That's because a vital factor in a food's nutrient profile is how long it took to get from farm to table: A head of locally grown lettuce, for example, may be more nutrient-dense than one shipped coast to coast. Does this mean you should forgo pesticide-free foods when they're available? No, but it's a great idea to make room on your plate for locally-grown goods too, even if they haven't been grown the organic way. Better yet: Eat locally and organic, when you can. An easy way to get local -- and often organic -- food on the table: Join a CSA (community-supported agriculture). CSAs help you form a relationship with a local farm, which then provides you with fresh, local produce, even milk, eggs, or cheese. Some also function twelve months a year. Find a CSA near you at
www.LocalHarvest.org.
7 TRY THESE 3 SIMPLE DIET & EXERCISE TIPS
• Go Slow: You don't need to do a diet slash-and-burn. If you cut just 200 calories a day you'll see slow (and easy) weight loss. Skip a pat of butter here, a cookie there and you're on your way! • Start Small: Banning junk food from the cupboards or boosting fiber may be your goal, but think baby steps. Switch from potato chips to low-fat popcorn, for example, or toss a carrot into your brown bag lunch. • Just Show Up: Don't feel like working out today? Don those exercise clothes anyway. Still not in the mood? Fine. But chances are good that once you're dressed, you're also motivated and ready to go!
8 INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH - LITERALLY
If you have a high-deductible insurance plan, you're probably eligible to deposit tax-free cash into a health savings account (HSA). HSAs help you sock away savings now for medical expenses later. Open an HSA and each year you can stash $3,050 for yourself ($6,150 for a family) -- tax-free. And if you don't use up the balance in your HSA this year, it simply rolls over into the next year, and the next -- and continues to grow tax-deferred. Intrigued? Talk to your human resources department to find out if you're eligible. Whichever healthy steps you take this year -- eating better, exercising more, saving -- remember they're an investment in you and your future. So follow these steps toward better health -- or take your own. Bank a little more sleep this year. Set aside stressful differences. Stock a healthier pantry. Salt away ... a little less salt. It's your body -- and your future! Source: http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/8-winter-tips-healthy-living?page=3
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December is...
Safe Toys & Gifts Month! According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries in 2010 throughout the United States. 72% were to people less than 15 years of age. Additionally, in 2007 alone, toy makers recalled over 19 million toys worldwide because of safety concerns such as lead paint and small magnets. When it comes to toys and gifts, the excitement and desire to get your children their favorite toys may cause shoppers to forget about safety factors associated with them. Before you make these purchases, it is critical to remember to consider the safety and age range of the toys. Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. The group encourages everyone to consider if the toys they wish to give suits the age and individual skills and abilities of the individual child who will receive it, especially for infants and children under age three. This holiday season (and beyond), please consider the following guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages: • Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily. • When purchasing toys for children with special needs try to: Choose toys that may appeal to different senses such as sound, movement, and texture; consider interactive toys to allow the child to play with others; and think about the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it. Consult the “AblePlay” website at www.ableplay.org for more information.
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• Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check them for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness before allowing them to be played with. • Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection – “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards. • Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard). • Keep kids safe from lead in toys by: Educating yourself about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and what kinds of toys have been recalled; being aware that old toys may be more likely to contain lead in the paint; having your children wash their hands frequently and calling your doctor if you suspect your child has been exposed to lead. • Do NOT give toys with small parts (including magnets and “button” batteries which can cause serious injury or death if ingested) to young children as they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three. • Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements. • Do NOT give crayons and markers unless they are labeled “nontoxic”. Source: https://www.healthtradition.com/december-is-safe-toysand-gifts-month/
How to
DESTRESS Before & After the Holidays
In “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” when extended family rings the doorbell, the doorbell tone changes from jovial to menacing. If you hear the same sound in your head when family arrives – or just when you think about being around them – it’s a sign you should try to relax before and after the holidays. Here’s a quick list of ways to relax, followed by more detailed explanations of ways you can reduce your holiday stress: • Send yourself flowers - Or pick up a bouquet from the market on the way home from work, and put them in a room where you’ll see them every day. Refresh them as necessary. • Exercise - Go for a short jog or a long walk to gain perspective and decompress. • Sit in the sun for 10 minutes - Sunlight provides us with Vitamin D and may reduce your chances of having Seasonal Affective Disorder, often brought on by the long, dark winter evenings. • Learn something - Whether you visit cooking school, language school or actually go back to school, you’ll preoccupy yourself with the new activity instead of stress. • Consume more Omega-3 - Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and sardines, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds and enriched eggs combat the stress hormone cortisol. • Have a good cry - Whether you watch that sad pet-adoption commercial over and over or immerse yourself in a tearjerker novel, you’ll let out negative feelings and make room for positive ones. • Retreat - Go into your bedroom, shut the door, sit on the bed and breathe deeply for 10 to 15 minutes. Sitting in the quiet for a short time can renew your sense of peace and calm. • Get traditional - Few things relax a person like a routine, so turn on your favorite holiday songs, watch your favorite holiday movie and pour yourself a mug of your favorite holiday drink while you decorate your home with traditional ornaments and mementoes. SHOP ONLINE Before: Family isn’t the only stressor; traveling through traffic to shop in pushy crowds for overpriced items is enough to make anyone want to hibernate. Instead of losing your cool in public, shop from the comfort of your pajamas with a cup of coffee, and save money in the long run. Sign up for an Amazon Prime trial membership and receive free two-day shipping for your first three months of membership, which is perfect timing for the holidays and postholiday budget recovery. With the Add it Up program from Bank of America, use your Bank of America card that you’ve registered to shop your favorite
online stores using their site links to earn up to 20 percent cash back on items you would have purchased anyway. Sites such as www.RetailMeNot.com offer promotional codes for your favorite stores. After: If you’re not seeing some family and friends until after the holidays, wait until January or February to purchase certain items, such as electronics, which will plummet in price after that time. Or, sell the random gift cards you received to sites such as Plastic Jungle or Gift Card Granny, where you’ll get a www.Amazon.com gift card, PayPal credit or cash in return. TREAT YOURSELF – A LITTLE Before: Attend a yoga class a few days a week in the weeks leading up to the holidays to stretch, meditate and think positively. After: Treat yourself to an hour-long foot massage (about $30 at spas specializing in it) or a 30-minute full-body massage. Indulge in hot bubble baths with candles surrounding you (and a glass of wine in hand) whenever you feel the need. BUDGET, THEN BUY NOTHING Before: Few topics stress people out like finances. Fill out a Holiday Gift Spending Worksheet to determine who you need to buy gifts for and how much you’ll spend on them, and track your spending throughout the season. Buy gifts for your immediate family members first, so if you run out of money, you can make gifts for those remaining on your list. After: If you overspent this holiday season, vow to have a “Buy Nothing” month in January – and maybe even February. “Buy Nothing” means you only buy your basic necessities and even try to make do with what you have if you run out. Cook all meals from scratch (it will help to buy cheap or ground cuts of meat and produce in season), walk instead of drive and pay all bills, but cut out entertainment, dining out (including that daily coffee shop drink) and clothing purchases for 30 days. If you run out of toiletries, use your travel ones or search for forgotten bottles of shampoo and lotion in your cabinets. To further your frugality, rely on pantry staples, such as grains, dried pasta and dried beans bought in bulk, and cut your meat consumption in half – or go vegetarian for a month. You’ll save from $200 to $400 each month, depending on what you do without, which can go a long way in paying down those holiday bills or reaching your savings goals. Source: http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-de-stress-before-andafter-the-holidays/
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THE FLU VACCINE
Get The Facts
“Flu” is a little word that gets passed around a lot these days. It’s also a big disease that you should take seriously. In 2013, more than 3,600 people died from it. To protect yourself and stop the spread, you need a flu vaccine. Learn what it is and when to get it to help keep your family flu-free. The Flu Vaccine: What Is It? It’s a shot that protects you from the flu virus. You normally get it in your arm, but you can also get it as a nasal spray. It’s made from the three or four flu viruses that are most likely to make you sick during the upcoming year. “Flu” is a little word that gets passed around a lot these days. It’s also a big disease that you should take seriously. In 2013, more than 3,600 people died from it. To protect yourself and stop the spread, you need a flu vaccine. Learn what it is and when to get it to help keep your family flu-free.
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Who Should Get It? Almost everyone 6 months of age and older. Some people are more at risk of getting very sick from complications of the flu than others. These groups should be sure to get a flu shot each year: • Children, especially from 6 months of age to the age of 5. • Pregnant women. • Seniors over age 65. • People with existing health conditions. • Travelers and people living abroad. The following people should not get a flu shot: • Children under 6 months old. • People who are very allergic to the flu shot or any of its ingredients. Talk to your doctor before you get the shot if you have any of these symptoms: • An allergy to eggs or any of the other ingredients in the vaccine. • A history of Guillian-Barre syndrome. • If you’re just not feeling well.
When Should I Get It? As soon as they become available, by October, if possible. It’s best to get the vaccine before the flu season starts. But you can still get it in January or even later. Types of Flu Vaccine There are many. Ask your doctor which one will work best for you. The standard flu vaccine protects you from three different flu viruses. You get this shot in your muscle. If you don’t like needles, your doctor may be able to use a jet injector to give it to you. It’s a high-pressure tool that squirts the medicine into your skin. If you’re age 65 or older, you can get a high-dose flu vaccine. It’s four times stronger than the regular flu shot. Another type of flu vaccine protects against four different viruses. You can get it as a shot. It also comes as a nasal spray. Healthy people ages 2 through 49 can get take the spray. The intradermal flu shot is a very small needle that goes into your skin. You can get this if you’re between ages 18 and 64. Talk to your doctor to see which vaccine is best for you.
The nasal spray can also cause runny nose, headache, vomiting, fever, wheezing, and muscle aches. Call 911 if you have any of the following symptoms. They can be a sign of a severe reaction: • High fever. • Hoarseness. • Weakness. • Paleness. • Dizziness. • Racing heart. • Trouble breathing. • Hives. • Swelling around the lips or eyes. • Changes in behavior.
Does It Work? Yes. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to kick in. There’s still a chance you could get the flu after you get vaccinated. That depends on many things, like your age and how healthy you are before you get a shot. It also depends on how closely the vaccine “matches” the flu strain that is going around. Even if you do get sick, there’s a good chance your illness will be milder. You can’t get the flu from the flu vaccine. But you may have side effects that mimic cold or flu symptoms. Some of these are: • Soreness or swelling at the point of injection. • Aching. • Nausea. • Slight fever.
For more information, please turn to pages 10-11 and look under: Family Medicine Immediate Care Internal Medicine Pediatrics Source: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/fact-sheet-vaccines
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Healthy Recipes Cherry Tomatoes Filled with Creamy Pesto Cheese 16 servings | Active Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes INGREDIENTS: • 3 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and dried • 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste • Freshly ground black pepper to taste • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • 1 package (8 oz) reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks • 2 pints (4 cups) cheery tomatoes, washed and dried DIRECTIONS: • Combine the basil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the pine nuts and add the rest to the basil. Process until the pine nuts are ground. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Add the soft cheese and pulse until smooth and creamy. • Shortly before serving, make an X on the bottom side (opposite the stalk) of each cherry tomato with a serrated or sharp paring knife. Scoop out the seeds with a grapefruit spoon or your fingertips, taking care to keep the tomatoes intact. • Scrape the pesto cheese filling into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, or small plastic food bag with a 1cm hole snipped in one corner. Pipe a rosette of filling into each cherry tomato cavity. Garnish the cherry tomatoes with the remaining pine nuts. One serving is about three filled cherry tomatoes. http://www.rd.com/food/recipes-cooking/cherry-tomatoes-filled-with-creamy-pesto-cheese-recipe/
Instant Tiramisu 10 servings | Active Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese • 3/4 cup (6 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese • 1/2 cup sugar • 24 ladyfingers (2 [3-ounce] packages) • 1/2 cup Kahlúa (coffee-flavored liqueur) • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa DIRECTIONS: • Combine the ricotta, cream cheese, and sugar in a food processor; process until smooth. • Split the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Arrange 24 halves in a single layer in an 11" x 7" baking dish. Drizzle with half the Kahlúa, and let stand 5 minutes. Spread half of cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat procedure with the remaining ladyfingers, Kahlúa, and cheese mixture. • Sprinkle with cocoa.
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Source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/instant-tiramisu
Choosing A Primary Care Physician - The Smart Way Choosing a new physician can be a difficult task. Asking for recommendations is a good way to start, but ultimately you will have to decide which physician is best suited to your individual needs and situation. It is important to establish a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP), especially before you ever get sick. Primary care doctors should be the first line of defense in protecting your health, but millions of Americans don’t have a PCP. Even patients who regularly visit specialists don’t always have a PCP, leaving them unprepared when the flu or an infection strikes. Everyone gets sick at some point, so selecting a PCP ahead of time means you don’t have to scramble around when you need medical care. Here are some questions and answers that can help you select a PCP who understands your particular needs. What information should I find out about the doctor? It may help to ask the doctor’s office these questions: • At which hospitals does the doctor have privileges? • How long does it take to get in to see the doctor for a routine visit and for urgently needed care? • Who covers for the doctor when the need arises? • Is the doctor board certified? (This means he or she has had training after medical school and has passed an exam to be certified as a specialist in a certain field.) What personal qualities should I look for in a doctor? Find a doctor who listens carefully, explains things clearly, anticipates your health problems and allows you to ask questions. What information should I bring to my appointment? It is important to provide your doctor with the following: • Your health history. • A list of medications you’re taking. • Any vitamins or supplements you take. • A description of any current health problems you’re having. If you have symptoms, the doctor will want to know when they first appeared and how often. • A list of questions. Ask your doctor to explain any answers you don’t understand.
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Find A Doctor...Near You. Allergy & Asthma
Lafayette Gastroenterology
Ketan Sheth, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 145 A Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5040 | FX: 765.446.5041
PH: 765.807.0531 | FX: 765.807.0534
Lafayette Allergy and Asthma Clinic
Anesthesiology
Lafayette Anesthesiologists
Barbara Conard, M.D. J. Joseph Farrell, M.D. David Gray, M.D. Robert Lempke, M.D. Cynthia Meyer, M.D. 1411 South Creasy Lane, Suite 200 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5000
Audiology
Innovative Hearing Solutions 3930 Mezzanine Drive, Suite D Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.250.3279
Family Medicine Diane Begley, M.D.
3801 Amelia Avenue, Suite C Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5161 | FX: 765.446.5160
Clinic of Family Medicine
Robert E. Darnaby, M.D. 1103 East Grace Street Rensselaer, IN 47978 PH: 219.866.4135 | FX: 219.866.0803
Louck Family Medicine
Christopher Louck, M.D. 118 West Drexel Parkway Rensselaer, IN 47978 PH: 219.866.4300 | FX: 219.866.7591
Pickerill, Adler, Reed & Williams Family Medicine Jeremy Adler, M.D. Casey Pickerill, M.D. Darren Reed, D.O. Mark Williams, M.D. 2525 South Street Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.807.2320 | FX: 765.807.2330
Rossville Family Medicine
Duane Estep, M.D. Wanda Estep, M.D. 5450 West State Road 26, Suite 300 Rossville, IN 46065 PH: 765.379.2222 | FX: 765.379.3222
Southside Family Practice
John Cusack, M.D. Shadi Resheidat, M.D. 3554 Promenade Parkway, Suite F Lafayette, IN 47909 PH: 765.471.9146 | FX: 765.477.0277
Gastroenterology
Gannamaneni Gastroenterology Krishna Gannamaneni, M.D. 3930 Mezzanine Drive, Suite D Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.807.2787 | FX: 765.807.2786
Ravish Mahajan, M.D. 5 Executive Drive, Suite B1 Lafayette, IN 47905
General Surgery Lafayette Surgical Clinic
John Francis, M.D. Jerry Jefson, M.D. Nathan Huber, M.D. Gerritt Smith, M.D. Thomas Summer, M.D. Eben True, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 235 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5065 | FX: 765.446.5170
Immediate Care / Lab Unity Immediate Care Center
Elizabeth Riggs, M.D. 1321 Unity Place, Suite B Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.1362 | FX: 765.446.1007
Internal Medicine Abramovitz Internal Medicine
Ruth Abramovitz, M.D. 500 West Navajo Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.742.6774 | FX: 765.742.6914
Gagan Chadha, M.D.
166 Sagamore Pkwy W West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.497.2428 | FX: 765.497.4251
Gary Prah, M.D.
1318 Main Street Lafayette, IN 47901 PH: 765.742.5254 | FX: 765.742.4991
West Lafayette Internal Medicine Carlos Gambirazio, M.D. 152 Sagamore Parkway West West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.423.6556 | FX: 765.423.6024
Medical Oncology / Hematology Horizon Oncology Center
Wael Harb, M.D. Ajita Narayan, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 365 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5111 | FX: 765.838.5119
Lafayette Cancer Care
Nancy A. DiMartino, M.D. Glen Papaioannou, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 135 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5050 | FX: 765.446.5119
Nephrology
Lafayette Kidney Care
Sudha Rani. M.D. Paul Shin, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 145 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5185 | FX: 765.446.5186
Neurology
Lafayette Neurology
Khaled Hammoud, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 310B Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5220 | FX: 765.446.5221
Occupational Medicine Regional Occupational Care Center Elizabeth Riggs, M.D. 1321 Unity Place, Suite A Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.2450 | FX: 765.446.1083
Ophthalmology
Burgett Kresovsky Eye Care
Jason Burgett, M.D. Seth Kresovsky, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 245 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5130 | FX: 765.446.5131
Magnante Eye Care
David Magnante, M.D. 975 Mezzanine Drive, Suite B Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.449.7564 | FX: 765.807.7943
Orthopaedics
Lafayette Orthopaedic Clinic
John T. Bauman, M.D. Daniel J. Daluga, M.D. Robert J. Hagen, M.D. Michael E. Highhouse, M.D. Michael D. Krauss, M.D. Mark C. Page, M.D. Peter J. Torok, M.D. Joel A. Virkler, D.O. 1411 South Creasy Lane, Suite 120 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.447.4165 | FX: 765.447.4168
Orthopaedics Spinal Surgery Indiana Spine Center
John Gorup, M.D. Mario Brkaric, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 310 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5210 | FX: 765.446.5211
Otolaryngology
Ear Nose & Throat of Lafayette Samuel Davis, III, M.D. 3930 Mezzanine Drive, Suite D Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.807.2784 | FX: 765.807.2786
Outpatient Physical / Occupational Therapy Lafayette Rehabilitation Services 1411 S. Creasy Lane, Suite 100 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.447.5552 | FX: 765.449.1054 3451 Wyndham Way, Suite D West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.446.5250
Miracles Rehabilitation Lafayette / West Lafayette 3806 Amelia Avenue Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.807.2773 | FX: 765.807.2774 257 Sagamore Parkway West West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.463.2200 | FX: 765.463.3625
Outpatient Surgical Center Unity Surgical Center
1411 S. Creasy Lane, Suite 200 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5000 | FX: 765.446.5011
Pain Management
Innovations Pain Management Group Tonia Kusumi, M.D. 3738 Landmark Drive, Suite A Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.807.2780 | FX: 765.807.2781
Pain Care Center
Robert Bigler, M.D. Ferdinand Ramos, M.D. 975 Mezzanine Drive, Suite C Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.807.7988 | FX: 765.807.7989
Pediatrics
Froberg Pediatric Center
Melanie Hayes. M.D. Lara Weeks, M.D. Anna Wildermuth, M.D. 324 N. 25th Street Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.447.6936 | FX: 765.447.2536
Preferred Pediatrics of Lafayette Ann Jonkman, M.D. Jewel Marino, M.D. 3774 Bayley Drive, Suite A Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.807.8180 | FX: 765.807.8181
Plastic Surgery
Christopher Moon, D.P.M.
750 Park East Boulevard, Unit #4 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.449.4700 1256 S. Jackson Street Frankfort, IN 46041 PH: 765.659.1843 | FX: 765.654.5380
Psychology
Sycamore Associates
Patricia Moisan-Thomas, Ph.D. Ryan Oetting, Ph.D. Norman Phillion, Ph.D. 2020 Union Street, Suite 101 Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.449.8286 | FX: 765.449.0445
Radiation Oncology Lafayette Radiation Oncology
Mark Lobo. M.D. Mary Margaret Rhees, M.D. Bedatri Sinha, M.D. Faith, Hope & Love Cancer Center 1425 Unity Place Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.447.7460 | FX: 765.447.8396
Radiology Unity Radiology
Nicholas Costidakis, D.P.M. 975 Mezzanine Drive, Suite B Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.447.4776 | FX: 765.447.4809
John Fiederlein, M.D. Kent Lancaster, M.D. Peter Simmons, M.D. InnerVision Advanced Medical Imaging 1411 S. Creasy Lane, Suite 130 Lafayette, IN 47905 3801 Amelia Avenue, Suite A Lafayette, IN 47905 3750 Landmark Drive, Suite A Lafayette, IN 47905 InnerVision West 3482 McClure Avenue, Suite 100 West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.447.7447 | FX: 765.447.1767
Greater Lafayette Foot Care
Urology
Lai Plastic Surgery
Khoa Lai, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 210 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5432 | FX: 765.446.5431
Podiatry
Family Foot Clinic
William Oliver III, D.P.M. David Sullivan, D.P.M. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 225 Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.449.2436 | FX: 765.449.1817
Lafayette Clinic of Urology
Richard Selo, M.D. 1345 Unity Place, Suite 110 Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.447.9308 | FX: 765.447.2387
Hoover Foot Clinic
James Hoover, D.P.M. 2020 Union Street, Suite 100 Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.447.7644 | FX: 765.448.9009
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1250 South Creasy Lane Lafayette, IN 47905 765.447.8133 | www.unityhc.com
Jamie Gordon | Marketing Director Katelyn Hopman | Marketing Coordinator
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Unity Immediate Care Center No Appointment Necessary
When you, your family or employee needs immediate medical attention, you want quality care that’s close to home. That’s why Unity Immediate Care Center is open daily, to get you the care you deserve. Our experienced physicians see patients on a walk-in basis when your primary care physician may not be available. The Unity Immediate Care Center provides prompt medical attention for many of your health care needs while bridging the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency room. Some of the many advantages of using the Unity Immediate Care Center include: • Extended hours. • No appointments are necessary. • Walk-ins are always welcome. • Less costly than most emergency room visits. • Convenient and easy access. • Patient-friendly environment. • Less intrusive than a hospital emergency room environment.
No Appointment Needed. Open 8AM to 8PM 7 days a week, except Holidays.
765.446.1DOC (1362) 1321 Unity Place | Lafayette