Southern Illinois Health & Life by Wainscot Media

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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

July 2010

health&life T h e g o o d

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

f r o m

S O U T H E R N

I L L I N O I S

H E A LT H C A R E

WHAT’S NEW IN CANCER CARE

Quick action saves a stroke victim Sleepaway camps— for grownups YOUR SKIN:

when to worry

Advice to help you • fight stress • pamper your feet • spot health threats early

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Contents

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

health&life

July 2010

Features 3 Clinical update /

A stroke

survivor’s story

Thanks to his wife’s quick action and a hospital’s speedy treatment, a retiree makes a full recovery.

6 Cancer care /

Take the hint · Heed these surprising warnings of possible illness to come.

Sweet feet · Try these tips to keep your piggies healthy and looking their best.

Skin: When to worry · Fear that mole might be

Cells that go wrong

New discoveries about cancer’s dynamics are bringing improved treatment, detection and prevention.

18 Clinical update /

When danger

lies in weight

Bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery can be the start of a healthier new life.

26 Escapes /

12 Your body /

Happy campers

These 3 specialty-themed adult getaways prove you’re never too old to learn something new.

skin cancer? Here’s what to look for.

22 Keeping fit /

Pictures of health

For motivation to get active and shape up, just look what these neighbors are up to.

24 Beating stress /

Give peaceful a chance · These 6 tips can help you be calmer—

and feel better.

30 Glorious food /

Ear no evil

A versatile veggie, corn is a surprisingly healthy summertime treat.

Departments

32 Eat smart /

5 facts food labels don’t tell you · Here’s what’s missing from nutrition

2 Welcome letter

labels—and how to make savvy choices anyway.

10 Healthy living /

Your backyard survival

guide · The great outdoors is alive with potential

threats to your summertime health.

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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

health&life THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE from SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE SIH STAFF president and chief executive officer REX P. BUDDE

corporate director of marketing and communication CHERYL BENN

communications coordinator ROSSLIND RICE

Southern Illinois Healthcare 1239 East Main Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 457-5200 SIH Call Center Physician referrals, information on classes and hospital services: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1-866-SIH-2468 (1-866-744-2468)

WAINSCOT STAFF editor in chief RITA GUARNA

art director SARAH LECKIE

senior editor TIMOTHY KELLEY

managing editor JENNIFER RYAN

assistant editor KRISTIN COLELLA

editorial intern DIANE SZULECKI

Southern Illinois Health & Life is published by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Southern Illinois Healthcare. This is Volume 2, Issue 2. © 2010 by Southern Illinois Healthcare. All rights reserved. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Herrin Hospital Center for Medical Arts Miners Memorial Health Center

Welcome LETTER

Excellence, right here FOR DECADES, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Healthcare has strived to forge alliances to attract and retain specialists and create lifesaving programs in our rural regional community. This involves a fastidious commitment to excellence, because we believe healthcare is best close to home. Today, not only have we restored full-time neurosurgery to southern Illinois, but we also boast the region’s first and only stroke neurologist. On the heels of these accomplishments, it is with pride that I announce yet another regional first: the development of the Stroke Center at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. This rapid-response program and collaboration with other community hospitals will help ensure that patients receive clot-busting medications within the “golden” 3-hour treatment window. Our ultimate goal is to join the ranks of the 600 other fully accredited primary stroke centers in the United States. In this issue, you’ll find information on Herrin Hospital’s bariatric surgery program and we’ll introduce you to Naresh Ahuja, M.D., and the team at New Life Weight Loss and Advanced Laparascopic Surgery. Having these specialists here means southern Illinoisans no longer have to travel great distances to secure the treatment they need to end what is, for some, a lifelong struggle with obesity. Finally, we’ll share stories of inspiration from a handful of patients and friends who have taken the initiative to transform their health. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to adopt a fitness plan that works for you. If you are among the thousands of patients who have entrusted us with your care, thank you. The privilege was ours. If you have a story you would like to share, I would love to hear from you.

Sincerely, REX P. BUDDE President and Chief Executive Officer Southern Illinois Healthcare, Carbondale, Illinois

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Clinical Update

A STROKE SURVIVOR’S STORY THANKS TO HIS WIFE’S QUICK ACTION AND A HOSPITAL’S SPEEDY TREATMENT, A RETIRED SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN MAKES A FULL AND PROMPT RECOVERY

HAROLD STEARNS ENJOYS MANY THINGS about retirement. After working for Prairie Farms for 37 years, he has plenty to do on his 80-acre farm south of Carbondale. If he’s not spending time with his eight grandchildren, Stearns has cows to feed, tractors to fix, yard work to do and a garden to tend. Some days, he just likes to rest by watching television with his wife, Sharon. It was on one of those days when Stearns suddenly got up from his easy chair. “I just had an urge to move,” he says. By the time he made it across the room, his right leg and arm were numb. Sharon looked at her husband

Stroke survivor Harold Stearns and his wife, Sharon

of 47 years and asked if he was all right, but Stearns couldn’t answer. After working in various positions in the health care field for 17 years, including as a nursing assistant, Sharon recognized what was happening: Stearns was having a stroke. “Anything Sharon said, I could hear and understand, but I couldn’t say anything,” he recalls. From that point on, events proceeded rapidly. Within an hour of his initial symptoms, Stearns received a tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, used to dissolve blood clots in the case of heart attack or stroke, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. continued S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S H E A LT H & L I F E

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Clinical Update

Because a clot-busting agent called tPA was administered quickly, stroke patient Harold Stearns is now doing chores and enjoying his grandkids once again. By the next day, Stearns’ speech had come back and he returned home. In no time, he was back to his chores and his grandkids. “I didn’t know what was happening to me, really,” he says. “If it hadn’t been for Sharon, I don’t know what I would have done.”

‘TIME IS BRAIN’ The third largest cause of death, stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. By definition, stroke is a disruption of blood supply to the brain when a vessel is blocked or bursts. If the brain is without oxygen for even a short period of time, its nerve cells begin to die. This can affect parts of the body those cells control, often resulting in paralysis. Stearns is one of almost 800,000 Americans each year who suffer a stroke. Roughly every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in this country, and stroke claims more than 143,000 lives a year. But Stearns was one of the lucky ones: He made a complete recovery. Two major factors contributed to his successful outcome. The first was Sharon’s quick recognition of his symptoms. It led to the second: reaching Memorial Hospital’s emergency department within an hour, where a specialist administered the tPA clot-busting medication.

Know the warning signs of a stroke • Sudden numbness, usually in the face, arm, leg, or especially on one side of the body • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding • Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause If you or someone you’re with experiences any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait.

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“Sometimes patients continue for two to three days at home before they decide to come to the hospital,” says Bhargava Trivedi, M.D., a stroke neurologist with Trinity Neuroscience Institute in Carbondale. “Some patients ignore the symptoms when they begin. They try to sleep it off, thinking they’ll be fine in the morning. The next day they’re staggering until afternoon, when they finally say, ‘Enough is enough, I’m not improving. I should go to the hospital.’ Many of them drive to the hospital on their own, which is scary.” Unlike a heart attack, a stroke doesn’t usually involve pain, one of the reasons the symptoms are difficult to recognize. When a stroke happens, it can physically manifest itself in any number of ways—a sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg; trouble speaking; confusion; trouble walking, with dizziness or loss of coordination; blurred vision; or possibly, a severe headache. The recognition of these indicators is immensely important because time is of the essence. When it comes to a stroke, as Dr. Trivedi says, “time is brain.” If the patient receives the tPA within the “golden window,” three hours from the time of the stroke, it greatly diminishes the chances of lasting major damage to the brain, or even death. Unfortunately, Dr. Trivedi estimates that only 10 to 15 percent of the patients he sees come to the hospital within that crucial time period. “Once we administer the tPA, 30 to 50 percent of patients return to normal within three months,” says Dr. Trivedi. “This underscores the need to recognize the signs of a stroke and act as soon as possible.” Not all patients with stroke-like symptoms are candidates for the tPA. Minimizing the risk factors is the key to stroke prevention. Conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can all increase the likelihood of a stroke. However, the chances decrease if these issues are managed by medication with a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise.

AFTER A STROKE Terrence Glennon, M.D., a physiatrist (a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation) with the nationally

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renowned Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at Herrin Hospital, says that if a patient receives a tPA, the difference in recovery is dramatic. “If you can prevent damage, you’re way ahead,” says Dr. Glennon. “Once brain cells are killed by a stroke, they may be lost forever, leading to paralysis or a speech deficit that will never completely return to normal again.” He says new research shows the brain is a more adaptive organ than once thought. The rehabilitation process can restore some function by helping to ensure maximum recovery of the brain cells harmed in a stroke. “The brain does seem to have a capacity to recover, to get better than it was at its worst,” Dr. Glennon says. “But as good as some rehabilitation outcomes can be, the prevention of cell damage or death with medicines such as tPA, administered in a timely fashion, is clearly the best option for the patient.”

THE STROKE CENTER Since, as Dr. Trivedi asserts, time is brain, the goal is to treat a stroke as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage that is caused. To achieve this purpose, Memorial Hospital of Carbondale is taking a giant step forward by establishing the Stroke Center with an ultimate goal of becoming one of 600 primary stroke care centers in the nation. This Joint Commission designation recognizes hospitals that follow national standards and guidelines to significantly improve outcomes for patients. The Stroke Center brings together a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons and cardiologists. It also includes advanced training for emergency department staff and a number of dedicated hospital beds to better facilitate stroke care. “Statistically, patients receive better care and experience better outcomes at primary stroke centers,” says nurse Lesley Cranick, stroke program coordinator at Memorial Hospital. “The designation as a Joint Commission certified primary stroke center will create a recognizable facility that will get patients the fastest stroke care possible.” The Stroke Center will serve all counties within a two-hour radius. The goal is to have a network of STAT Brain partners—local hospitals trained to respond to stroke symptoms quickly and administer the tPA—so that more patients arrive within the “golden window” three-hour time frame. As a result, families will be closer

to their loved ones for the initial treatment and in cases where rehabilitation is necessary. “The first step is for people to recognize the symptoms and call 911 immediately,” Cranick says. “And when they do, we’ll be ready.” I

To find out more about the Stroke Center at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, please call 866-744-2468 or visit www.sih.net. Treatment is provided by stroke neurologist Bhargava Trivedi, M.D., and neurosurgeons Jeff Jones, D.O., and Jon Taveau, D.O.

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Cancer Care

Cells that go WRONG NEW DISCOVERIES ABOUT CANCER’S DYNAMICS ARE BRINGING IMPROVED TREATMENT, DETECTION AND PREVENTION

OPPOSITE PAGE: ART BOX IMAGES; THIS PAGE: ALAMY

by Francesca Moisin

“WE HAVE A WHOLE NEW WAY OF THINKING ABOUT cancer care,” says Michael Fisch, M.D., director of the general oncology program at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, recently ranked the No. 1 cancer hospital in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Today, he explains, that focus is not on killing malignant cells alone. It’s also on blocking the “pathways” that permit them to grow, thrive and travel from one organ to another. “Imagine cancer as water filling a tub through many different faucets,” says Dr. Fisch. “These faucets are the molecular pathways that trigger cancer cell activation and make cells survive longer, divide and spread to different places.” While traditional chemotherapy is akin to bailing water out of the tub, he says, new targeted gene therapies blunt the malignancy’s growth in a way that’s like turning off the faucets. “We must determine, say, for a woman with breast cancer, which of these faucets is filling the tub?” says Dr. Fisch. “How many do we turn and which ones, and how hard do we tighten them?” The new approach owes much, he explains, to “advances in molecular diagnostics—for example, our ability to clone genes, see what their products are and study Radiation oncologists these pathways so that scientists can work on a moleuse highly cule that can block them.” charged Arnold Baskies, M.D., chief medical officer and protons to president of the American Cancer Society’s Eastern attack Division, agrees. “The mapping of the human genome cancer cells’ has allowed us to study how certain cells become canDNA. cerous,” he says. In 2008, for example, researchers at S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S H E A LT H & L I F E

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Cancer Care

The most dangerous cancers Here are the malignancies that claim the most lives of each gender, and the percentage of total cancer deaths they cause:

MEN

WOMEN

Lung and bronchus: 31%

Lung and bronchus: 26%

Prostate: 10%

Breast: 15%

Colon and rectum: 8%

Colon and rectum: 9%

Pancreas: 6%

Liver and intrahepatic bile duct: 4%

Ovary: 6%

Leukemia: 4%

Uterus, including endometrium: 3%

Esophagus: 4%

Leukemia: 3%

Urinary bladder: 3%

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: 3%

Liver and intrahepatic bile duct: 2%

Kidney and renal pelvis: 3% All other sites: 24% Source: American Cancer Society

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All other sites: 25%

toxic. For instance, drugs called anti-angiogenesis agents are being used successfully against some of the most stubborn cancers—including malignant glioma (the kind of brain tumor the late Sen. Edward Kennedy had), hepatocellular carcinoma (the liver cancer that killed baseball star Mickey Mantle) and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). These targeted drugs prevent tumors from generating new blood vessels; without a blood supply, a tumor can’t grow. “Historically, these cancers have been difficult to destroy,” says Dr. Fisch. But now, three drugs—Avastin (bevacizumab) for brain tumors, Nexavar (sorafenib) for liver cancer and Sutent (sunitinib malate) for kidney cancer—work well against them. Significant progress has also been made in radiation treatment—notably with proton beam therapy, which is used on cancers that have not yet metastasized, or spread to other organs. With a special particle accelerator, radiation oncologists beam a ray of protons onto the tumor site. The highly charged particles damage cells’ DNA, disrupting their ability to function and

NORBER SCHAFER

the University of California, Los Angeles, uncovered a genetic molecular mechanism that causes normal blood cells to turn into the cells of T-lymphoblastic leukemia, an aggressive cancer. Using this genetic map as a guide, oncologists are developing cancer treatments and prevention strategies that are highly personalized. “Since we’re all genetically different, doctors are getting away from the one-sizefits-all approach,” says Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at M.D. Anderson. “By studying a patient’s unique genomics and proteomics [genes and proteins], we’re starting to understand the specific cancer risks that individual may have, and what kind of medication he or she would best respond to.” In the not-too-distant future, a doctor may be able to draw a sample of our blood and predict what type of cancer we may be at risk for. Then, says Dr. Baskies, mortality rates will drastically decline. The new understanding of cancer has helped to usher in new therapies that are more effective and less

Brain and other nervous system: 2%

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CANCER BELIEFS: true or false?

spread. And because protons’ relatively large size keeps them from scattering easily, surrounding healthy tissue is left unharmed. Today there are only a few of these particle accelerators; as they proliferate, treatment will continue to improve.

Oncologist Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of the Cancer Prevention Center at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer

ON THE HORIZON

Center, gives the real story about six widely

THESE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE GENERATING EXCITEMENT WITH OUR EXPERTS:

BETTER CANCER DETECTION VIA POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET). This powerful imaging technique is already employed to pinpoint disease, but the expense of the large machines limits their use. Oncologists believe that PET scanners will soon become economical enough to be used for mammograms. “Within a decade they may be used for all types of cancer detection,” says Dr. Baskies. “That’s important, because if cancer is found early, it can often be cured.” WIDER USE OF DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY. Traditional mammography records an image of a woman’s breast on film. Digital mammography takes an electronic picture and stores it directly on a computer. This process uses less radiation and creates a higherquality image that can be manipulated, magnified for clarity and sent by computer for consultation among doctors in various places. Digital mammography is now performed at top centers such as the Breast Center in Carbondale, an American College of Radiologists’ Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and at the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Herrin Hospital. “The improved clarity in the digital images is amazing and has shown better cancer detection in women with dense breasts,” says Mary Rosenow, M.D., medical director of the cancer program for Southern Illinois Healthcare. “I recommend digital mammography to all women, especially those with dense breasts.” MORE OPTIONS FOR CANCER PREVENTION. “When you think about it, it’s incredible,” says Dr. Bevers. “We can now prevent certain types of cancer with a shot.” One example is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which guards against cervical cancer. Studies have also shown that a woman at high risk for breast cancer can reduce her risk by 90 percent by taking tamoxifen, a drug that blocks the action of estrogen, for five years. And the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the osteoporosis drug Evista for preventing some breast cancers in postmenopausal women. I

held notions:

“Using antiperspirants causes breast cancer.” FALSE. Though past studies appeared

at one time to link cancer with substances found in antiperspirants, no relationship has been established, says Dr. Bevers. “So please, use your deodorant!”

“Regularly eating charcoal-cooked meat could increase your risk of cancer.” TRUE.

Searing meat at high temperatures creates heterocyclic amines, chemicals that have been linked to cancer, says Dr. Bevers. And when fat from the meat drips onto coals, it produces harmful chemical-rich smoke.

“Surgery for cancer could spread the disease through the body.” FALSE. “People

often fear that inserting a needle in a tumor will cause the cancer cells to spread, but this is not true,” says Dr. Bevers. “In many cases, surgery is a lifesaving cancer treatment option.”

“Having kids and breastfeeding are guaranteed protection against breast cancer.“ FALSE. “Evidence suggests these two factors may lessen a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer, but there is no guaranteed protection,” says Dr. Bevers.

“Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day is a greater cancer risk than living in a polluted

city.” TRUE. “While pollution is certainly an irritant,” says Dr. Bevers, “smoking is by far the biggest hazard for lung cancer.”

“Sunscreen can’t fully prevent skin cancer.” TRUE. “You can’t completely prevent it, but

you can radically reduce the risk of melanoma by wearing sunscreen daily,” says the doctor.

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Healthy Living by Mark Dowden

Your backyard

survival guide

THE GREAT OUTDOORS IS ALIVE WITH POTENTIAL THREATS TO YOUR SUMMERTIME HEALTH. HERE’S WHAT TO DO IF INJURY COMES YOUR WAY

THERE ARE A THOUSAND GREAT THINGS about summertime—and a few that aren’t so great. As we all spend more hours outdoors, we face a number of potential hazards, ranging from the merely annoying to the life-threatening. But don’t hide inside; just keep this guide handy so you’ll be sure to know what to do if these backyard misfortunes strike (or better yet, what you can do—or refrain from doing—to prevent them).

What happened: YOU’VE DISCOVERED A

Squirrels (a chipmunk is a ground squirrel), rabbits and other rodents rarely carry rabies. The more common carriers are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. If the bite barely broke the skin, wash it with soap and water, apply an antibiotic cream and cover with a bandage. If the wound is deep or the skin is torn and bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth and see a doctor. If only you had … not tried to feed the chipmunk. Wild animals, no matter how cute, are still wild.

TICK ATTACHED TO YOUR LEG.

Why you’re worried: You may get Lyme disease.

What happened: YOU’VE BEEN STUNG BY

to do: The sooner you remove the tick, the +lessWhat chance it has to transmit Lyme or another disease.

Why you’re worried: This is your first sting, and

Using fine tweezers, grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull it straight up. Disinfect the bite site and tweezers. Save the tick in a plastic bag or jar to be tested in the event you get sick.

If only you had … checked yourself for ticks when you came inside. The insects take up to several hours to attach themselves, giving you time to get rid of them. If in the future you want to be utterly thorough, shower and change your clothes.

What happened:

Why you’re worried: Rabies! What to do: Don’t panic— +your risk of rabies is low.

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you fear a life-threatening allergic reaction.

+ What

to do: The chances you’re allergic are remote: Hypersensitivity develops as a result of being stung, so future stings are the ones to worry about. But just to be safe, tell someone you’ve been stung, so if your airway begins to close or other serious symptoms develop, he or she will be ready to call an ambulance; you could also call the National Poison Control Center hotline at 1-800222-1222. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and slow the spread of venom. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may reduce pain, as may a topical anesthetic cream.

ALAMY; SHUTTERSTOCK

YOU’VE BEEN BITTEN BY A CHIPMUNK.

A YELLOW JACKET.

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If only you had … called an exterminator to remove the nest, and laid off the perfume, which can attract wasps.

What happened: YOU STEPPED ON A RUSTY NAIL.

Why you’re worried: You can’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot.

+ What

to do: Wash the wound with soap and water, scrubbing it to remove any dirt and debris. Apply antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid. If the wound won’t scrub clean or begins to look infected, call your doctor. Also consider a tetanus shot. You need one every 10 years. And if it’s been more than five years, your doctor may want you to have a booster. Get the shot within 48 hours. If only you had … cleaned up that construction debris—and not decided to recapture the Huck Finn– like feeling of going barefoot. What happened: YOU FELL ASLEEP IN THE SUN, AND NOW YOU’RE TURNING THE COLOR OF A BOILED LOBSTER.

Why you’re worried: You face the prospect of a sleepless night, fever-like chills, general ridicule and, down the road, an increased risk of skin cancer.

+ What to do: Keep the burned skin cool and moist. It’s OK to apply aloe, moisturizing lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication may help. Don’t break any blisters that form. If you develop fever or severe pain, see a doctor.

If only you had … applied sunscreen before going outdoors, not laid down in a chaise after drinking two margaritas, sworn off sunbathing forever and used the patio umbrella for its intended purpose.

What happened: YOU’VE BEEN BITTEN BY A SNAKE.

Why you’re worried: You’ve been bitten by a snake!

What to do: Stay calm. Most of these slithery rep+tiles are not poisonous. Illinois has four venomous snakes: copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake and Eastern Massasauga rattler. Each has a large opening on either side of the head between eye and nostril. But don’t spend a lot of time on identification. If the bite punctured the skin, get medical attention quickly. While waiting to be treated, keep the affected limb immobile and lower than your heart. Don’t apply ice or a tourniquet, and don’t cut the wound to try to remove possible venom. If only you had … steered clear. Unless you’re a herpetologist, stay away from serpents. And don’t sit on stone walls, a likely habitat for rattlers.

What happened: THOSE WEEDS YOU PULLED MUST HAVE INCLUDED SOME POISON IVY.

Why you’re worried: The itching is heinous, and the rash is spreading. How bad is this going to get? What to do: Options for relief include calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl and an Aveeno oatmeal bath. If the itching becomes unbearable or your eyes, throat or other sensitive areas are affected, see a physician. A prescription corticosteroid can do wonders. If only you had … worn gardening gloves or used Ivy Block, an over-the-counter skin barrier. I

FAST FACTS • Hawaii is the only state that has not had a single native case of rabies in animals or humans. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• More than a third of all adult women (36.3%) and nearly half of all adult men (46.4%) experience a sunburn each year. Source: American Cancer Society

• The record for the most bee stings sustained by a surviving human is 2,443 by Johannes Relleke in Zimbabwe in 1962. Source: www.guinnessworldrecords.com

S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S H E A LT H & L I F E

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Take the

HINT YOUR BODY MAY BE WARNING YOU OF ILLNESS. HERE’S WHAT TO DO

Give yourself a good once-over—notice any quirks? Doctors say small imperfections could signal an underlying issue. But which oddities call for professional attention? Experts offer guidance on becoming your own diagnostic sleuth.

Clue: EARLOBE CREASES It could mean: Heart disease Back in 1991, a study in The American Journal of Medicine found that participants with a diagonal crease in at least one earlobe were more likely to die from heart disease than those whose earlobes did not bear creases. The report caught national attention at the time, but studies reported since then have produced mixed results. One possible explanation for the link is a lack of elastin, which contributes to hardening of the arteries, but the connection may simply be due to the fact that earlobe creases are more common later in life, says Andres Mesa, M.D., a cardiologist at the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston. “Whenever you age you’re prone to have more hypertension, hyperlipidemia and other complications,” he adds. What to do: Get regular checkups. “Earlobe creases can serve as a reminder that you’re getting older and you should pay more attention to heart-disease risk factors,” says Dr. Mesa.

Clue: DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES It could mean: Allergies “When you have significant hay fever you experience a change in blood flow to the nose and sinuses,” says James Li, M.D., allergist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “As the blood expands in some of the veins in the face, it can appear as a dark or bluish tint under the eyes.”

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MASTERFILE

What to do: If your dark circles are accompanied by other hay-fever symptoms (sneezing, coughing, congestion), consider purchasing an over-the-counter antihistamine or seeing your doctor for an allergy test.

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Your Body by Kristin Colella

Clue: THIN THIGHS or A THICK NECK It could mean: Heart disease

What to do: “If you see a marked color change in all

A study in the British Medical Journal found that subjects with a thigh circumference of less than 60 centimeters had a greatly increased risk of developing heart disease and dying prematurely. “The link may be due to these patients having low muscle mass,” says Dr. Mesa, which may lead to insulin sensitivity and a risk of metabolic syndrome. Meanwhile, research from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study found that a wider neck—a circumference of more than 34.2 centimeters in women or 40.5 centimeters in men— increased heart-disease risk factors. “The theory is that wide necks have more deposits of fat,” says Dr. Mesa.

a physician,” says Dr. McDonald. But don’t panic—

What to do: Data are still too preliminary to prompt a response, says Dr. Mesa. “More research is needed, but I think measuring waist circumference has really proven itself.” A waist circumference greater than 88 centimeters in women and 102 centimeters in men has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. If you exceed these limits, see your doctor about healthy ways to slim down.

Clue: DISCOLORED NAILS It could mean: Diabetes Yellow nails can be a symptom of this disease, says dermatologist Michel McDonald, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, though the reason for this is not yet confirmed.

of your nails, it’s a good idea to get checked out by this discoloration may be due to fungus or aging.

Clue: PALE NAILS It could mean: Anemia Press on your nails and take note of their color: While most people’s nails will turn immediately back to pink, an anemic’s may remain white for a moment or two. “When you are anemic you don’t have the blood rushing back as quickly into the capillaries,” says Rebecca Kazin, M.D., head of the Johns Hopkins Dermatology and Cosmetic Center at Green Spring Station in Lutherville, Maryland. “But if you are this anemic you would likely have other symptoms, such as fatigue and a tendency to bruise easily.” What to do: Speak to your doctor, says Dr. Kazin.

Clue: MALE BALDNESS It could mean: Heart disease In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found a link between male baldness and an increased risk of this condition. Risk was greatest in men with extensive vertex baldness (on the crown of the head). What to do: “If you have baldness, it doesn’t mean you’ll have heart disease,” says Dr. Mesa. “But it might be a good idea to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.” I

4 well-known body warnings: TRUTH OR HYPE? PHYSICIANS ASSESS THE VALIDITY OF THESE “TROUBLE SIGNS” Apple-shaped bodies are linked with greater heart-disease risks than pear-shaped bodies. “Excess fat around the waist is a different kind of fat than that around the hips, and is associated with greater heartdisease risk factors,” says Andy Kates, M.D., director of the Heart Disease Prevention Program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. TRUE

Skin tags can signal colon polyps. “There’s been insufficient evidence to extrapolate a link,” says gastroenterologist Eric Esrailian, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles. HYPE

Too much vitamin A can cause excessively dry lips. “An excess of vitamin A can shut down your oil glands, so monitor your intake and don’t have more than 5,000 IUs a day,” says dermatologist Michel McDonald, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. TRUE

White mouth corners can indicate a yeast infection. Yeast infections don’t just occur in your intimate regions; your mouth can be infected by a pesky yeast called Candida, says Dr. McDonald. Because this sort of infection will not likely affect other areas of the body, you can treat it with a topical medication from your dermatologist. TRUE

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Your Body

SWEET

feet

TRY THESE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PIGGIES WELL AND PRETTY

CORBIS; MASTERFILE

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MASSAGE! • Get your foot’s circulation going with this trick: Prop one foot on your lap, grasp it with both hands, then slowly move your thumbs from the top of your toes to the bottom of your heel and back. Repeat for as long as you like! • For added relief—and relaxation—while moisturizing, use your thumbs to apply extra pressure to your foot’s ball and arch. Then squeeze your Achilles tendon with your hand, one leg at a time, for five seconds. You can repeat this technique up to three times.

SOURCE: AMERICAN PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

MOISTURIZE! • Want supple soles? Use an emollient-enriched skin lotion daily. The American Podiatric Medical Association’s choice: Ureacin-10 Lotion ($18.89 on www.drugsdepot.com). Just make sure to get rid of excess lotion in nails or between toes—leaving it could encourage a foot infection. • Another APMA tip: Before bed, lightly wrap cellophane around your entire foot to lock in moisture. By morning your feet will feel superbly soft!

PROTECT! Those “barely there” sandals may look sexy, but they don’t

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offer your feet much covering. Avoid that pesky top-of-thefoot burn by applying a waterproof, oil-free sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you step out in the sunshine.

SOAK! • Wash your feet daily with soap and lukewarm water, but also try an occasional foot bath to soften the soles and rejuvenate the soul! Fill a basin with warm water, and place it in front of a comfy chair. Then to add a little “something special,” put in three to six drops of essential oils: For a relaxing soak, try lavender or rosewood oil; for an invigorating one, opt for tea tree, lemon or peppermint oil—or mix different oils to create your own personalized concoction. • Soak your feet for at least five minutes—but feel free to relax for even longer!

SMOOTH! • Slough away dead skin with a damp pumice stone or foot file (the APMA likes Dr. Scholl’s Dual-Action Swedish Foot File, $23.04 for a six-pack on www.amazon.com). • For extra softening, you can rub an exfoliating scrub over your entire foot and lower leg,

then remove the scrub with a damp towel.

PAINT! • Remove old polish with non-acetone polish remover. • Gently push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher or manicure stick, but never cut them! Cuticles provide a protective barrier against infection. • Use a nail clipper to cut toenails straight across, then smooth the edges with an emery board. Don’t round the edges too much, though, as this can lead to ingrown nails. • Because polish locks out moisture, apply nail color only if your nails are healthy. I

THE PED-EGG: ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE? Chances are you’ve seen these small white orbs dotting the aisles of your local pharmacies—and their sheer ubiquity may have you wondering, “Do they really work?” For about $10, the Ped-Egg foot file promises to remove dead skin, giving you “that baby-soft look and feel.” Consumer Reports set out to discover if that was true, giving 29 people a Ped-Egg to use on one foot, a pumice stone for the other. The findings? The Egg did indeed do a better overall job than the pumice stone.

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by Francesca Moisin

Your skin: When to worry FEAR THAT MOLE MIGHT BE SKIN CANCER? HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR

FIRST, THE GOOD NEWS: THE MAJORITY OF THE SCARYlooking skin conditions that people fear may be cancerous turn out to be benign, noncancerous growths—moles, freckles or seborrheic keratoses, according to Sean Burke, M.D., a dermatologist affiliated with the Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute. Chances are high, then, that mole or growth you’ve been concerned about is no cause for alarm. Still, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States—10 times more prevalent than breast cancer. So when in doubt about a particular patch of skin, always consult a doctor. After all, prompt detection is vital. “Fortunately, melanoma has a very high rate of cure when it is discoverd early,” says Dr. Burke. In this illustrated guide, the dermatologist explains when a growth is harmless and when it needs to be checked out.

WORRY WARTS: 5 reasons to see a doctor If your mole shows one of the characteristics illustrated in the ‘A to E’ guide below, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist for evaluation as soon as possible, says Sean Burke, M.D., a dermatologist affiliated with the Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute. Not every growth with one of these traits will be cancerous, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Border: Your mole

Color: Your pigment

half of your mole

has a border that is

patch varies in hue

Diameter: Your

Evolving: Your mole changes over

looks larger, darker,

irregular, scalloped

from one area to the

mole is greater

time in shape, size

more textured or

or poorly defined.

or color.

other. Some sides may

than 6 millimeters

in any other way

be tan and brown or

across.

different from the

tan and black, while

other half.

other areas are shaded red, white or blue.

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SHUTTERSTOCK; THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY

Asymmetry: One

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Your Body TROUBLE-FREE THESE SKIN GROWTHS AREN’T PRETTY, BUT THEY’RE HARMLESS This mole, notes Dr. Burke, is small in diameter and even in pigmentation and does not have irregular borders. “Examining it with the ‘A to E’ characteristics in mind leads me to believe it’s not cancerous,” he reports. These freckly red and tan splotches are often hard to distinguish from growths that indicate damage from the sun, the dermatologist says. “One way to determine which is which is to watch them over

BE SKIN-SMART

time,” he adds. “Freckles tend to fade during the winter, while sun-damage growths remain present on the body.”

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY EPIDERMIS • Try to stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when

“This is a seborrheic keratosis, a noncancer-

its rays are at their strongest, or wear protective cloth-

ous growth—tan to black in color—that

ing such as a long-sleeved shirt and wide-brimmed hat.

sometimes develops on the skin’s outer

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all

surface,” says Dr. Burke. “It’s easy to mistake

areas of exposed skin daily, with extra attention to

it for a wart or mole—or even a melanoma.

chronically sun-damaged spots.

But even though it has an irregular border, usually

• Make sure kids don’t get sunburned. One blister-

a danger sign, its brittle and crumbly look often marks

ing burn in childhood or adolescence more than dou-

it as something more innocent.” A seborrheic keratosis

bles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later.

can resemble a clump of dirt that is attached to the skin,

• Don’t use tanning beds—they emit UV radiation.

he adds—and indeed, it’s often easy to rub or scrape

Actually, there’s no such thing as a safe suntan.

away. That’s not the case with a mole, which extends

• See your dermatologist for a skin checkup annually

into the skin’s deeper layers. Still, it sometimes takes a

—or every six months if you have sun-damaged skin

dermatologist with a special scope to distinguish

or a family history of skin cancer.

between seborrheic keratosis and melanoma.

SOURCE: Sean Burke, M.D., Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute

Seborrheic keratoses growths are often found in clusters, the dermatologist explains. “It’s easy to confuse this arrangement with freckles, but again, these won’t fade as freckles do when away from the sun.” “Here again, looks can be deceiving, and even the ‘A to E’ checklist isn’t a perfect guide,” says Dr. Burke. Both asymmetry and color variation are present—but the flaky, pasted-on look is different from that of a mole, and this ominous-looking but harmless growth often develops later in life—as opposed to moles, which usually make their appearance in childhood.

Fast skin-cancer facts • Melanoma accounts for approximately 3 percent of skin cancer cases, but causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. • People who use tanning beds are 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer) and 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma (the second most common form) than others. • About 65 percent of melanoma cases can be attributed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. • Caucasians and men 50 or older are at a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population. Sources: The Skin Cancer Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology

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Clinical Update

WHEN DANGER LIES IN WEIGHT BARIATRIC, OR WEIGHT-LOSS, SURGERY CAN BE THE START OF A HEALTHIER NEW LIFE

WEIGHT LOSS IS DIFFICULT, NO MATTER surgery isn’t required for most of us. But for people who your age, gender or body type. Year after year, an apparare morbidly obese, it may be a life-changing answer. ently endless number of fad diets enter the marketplace Morbid obesity is a condition that affects people to capitalize on the public’s desire to slim down quickly whose body mass index is 40 or more. (The body mass and easily. But for a few of us, neither diets nor exercise index is based on comparing weight to height; see can bring weight under control. Fortunately, there’s “Figure Your BMI,” on page 20.) That translates to being another answer: Bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery can be about 100 pounds over one’s ideal weight. And unfortuthe key to a trimmer, healthier body. nately, morbid obesity is on the increase. According to a According to the study by an economist at the American Society for Meta“Bariatric surgery can make nonprofit think tank the bolic and Bariatric Surgery, RAND Corporation, the numa huge difference in one’s nearly 67 percent of adults ber of Americans who were in the U.S. are either overmorbidly obese rose from 4.2 health for years to come.” weight or obese, and as a million (2 percent) in 2000 to —Naresh Ahuja, M.D. result of this condition they 6.8 million (3 percent) just face an increased risk of half a decade later. untimely death that ranges from 10 percent up to 50 perMore than 30 illnesses and medical conditions are cent. While a majority of the U.S. population may strugassociated with morbid obesity, including serious condigle with the scales and try to shed a few pounds, bariatric tions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 18

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3 kinds of weight-loss surgery THESE TYPES OF BARIATRIC, OR WEIGHT-LOSS, PROCEDURES ARE OFFERED AT HERRIN HOSPITAL:

LAPAROSCOPIC

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY cre-

GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY is

ADJUSTABLE

the most frequently performed

BANDING reduces the amount of

ates

bariatric surgery in the United

food you can eat at one time. A

stomach

States. In this procedure, Naresh

silicone band is wrapped around

removes the remaining stom-

Ahuja, M.D., medical director of

the upper part of the stomach,

ach. This sleeve about the size

bariatrics, creates a small stom-

dividing it into a small upper

of a banana is larger than the

ach pouch and attaches a section

pouch that holds about a cup of

stomach pouch created during

of the small intestine directly to

food and a larger lower stomach.

gastric bypass. Because sleeve

it, allowing food to bypass a por-

As a result, the patient feels full

gastrectomy does not alter the

tion of the intestine during

sooner and for a longer period.

digestive

digestion. The reduced stomach

The band does not alter the intes-

experiences regular digestion

helps the patient eat less by feel-

tine, or affect digestion and

and absorption.

ing full sooner, and bypassing

absorption.

thin, and

tract,

sleeve-shaped the

the

surgeon

patient

part of the intestine helps the body absorb fewer calories.

Surprisingly, other debilitating conditions, like infertility or chronic headaches, can also be linked to obesity. The struggle with obesity is often a roller-coaster of loss and gain. Excess weight may restrict the level of activity so that vigorous exercise is not a realistic option, making it hard to shed pounds. Similarly, if you lack information about healthy diets, adjusting your eating habits may not make enough difference. Yet diet and exercise alone are not the only roadblocks people encounter as they strive to maintain a healthy weight. Many different factors contribute to obesity, says Naresh Ahuja, M.D., bariatric surgeon and medical director of bariatrics at Herrin Hospital. “It’s not just a

matter of poor eating habits or sedentary activity levels,” the doctor says. “Genetic and hormonal factors can also predispose a person to obesity. To think of obesity as just a problem for people with poor habits excludes a segment of the population for whom it’s much more complicated.” Most of the patients seen by Dr. Ahuja have already attempted a number of solutions and are looking for lasting help. “Patients keep losing weight, but they regain it,” says Dr. Ahuja. “In these cases, they are potential candidates for bariatric surgery, which is a proven option to prevent a relapse.”

continued

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Clinical Update

Bariatric surgeon Naresh Ahuja, M.D., is shown surrounded by fellow members of the surgical staff at Herrin Hospital.

Bariatric surgery is the general term for several different procedures that aid weight loss by reducing food intake and altering digestion and the absorption of ingested food. Dr. Ahuja performs gastric bypass, adjustable laparoscopic banding and sleeve gastrectomy. Although surgery is a major component of his patients’ weight loss, Dr. Ahuja points out that it is not a quick fix. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery requires a strong and lasting commitment to the process. Three to six months prior to surgery, the patient must begin a rigorous program of physical, nutritional and psychological evaluations to ensure that he or she is healthy enough for the procedure. Patients regularly meet with a dietitian and begin a medically supervised weight-loss program that aims to reduce their weight by at least 10 percent before surgery. “Dr. Ahuja wants to see a dedication before surgery that leads him to believe patients will be successful afterward,” says Heather Meyers, bariatric program coordinator at Herrin Hospital. “The risks with bariatric surgery are significant, and patients need to maintain their level of commitment for life to ensure the best outcome.” Over the course of several weeks after surgery, the patient’s diet will progressively change as the stomach heals. The first phase only allows clear substances such as broth, or water. In the second phase, patients can add full liquids and blended proteins. Eventually, the stomach can handle foods in small portions, but patients will be required to remain on some sort of restricted diet indefinitely. “They have to modify their diet, not only in quantity, but in quality as well,” says Dr. Ahuja. “Because they 20

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are restricted in the amount of food their stomach can hold, they have to make every calorie count. Getting adequate amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals is crucial. “And they have to exercise,” Dr. Ahuja adds with emphasis. “Exercise contributes to long-term health by protecting muscle during weight loss and improving the cardiovascular system. Patients who are not motivated to exercise will not see the weight reduction they hope for.” In addition to physical issues, a number of psychological issues remain from years of failed diets and low self-esteem. “You have a lifetime of thought patterns that don’t just go away overnight,” Meyers says. To help patients overcome these challenges following surgery, each month Herrin Hospital hosts several monthly support meetings. Meyers and program dietitian Jeannine Hutchcraft are always on hand to answer questions, and guest speakers such as executive chefs, personal trainers and mental health professionals educate the group on healthy living. Patients are able to talk with each other about different aspects of postsurgery life and bond over their experiences. Hopefully, they will share the joy of their new life. “When all the tools in the process are practiced, bariatric surgery will make a huge difference in the health of the patient for many years to come,” says Dr. Ahuja. “It really will have an effect on who they are and how they live.” I

Figure your BMI Body mass index (BMI) is a rough indication of total body fat. The easiest way to calculate yours is to log onto the website of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi, enter your height and weight and click on “Compute BMI.” If no computer is handy, take your height in inches, square it, divide that figure into your weight in pounds and multiply the result by 703.

To learn more about bariatric (weight-loss) surgical procedures,

please

call

www.sih.net/weight loss.

618-988-6171

visit

021.indd 9

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Keeping Fit

Pictures of HEALTH Ken Robinson has energy to spare after treatment for a common sleep disorder, obstructive sleep apnea. He and his wife, Debi, enjoy biking, hiking, dancing and more!

With encouragement from their pastor, SIH Health Ministry led a group of dedicated parishioners on a mission to slim down. Pam Mabry and Robert Campbell of the First United Methodist Church in Marion have each lost more than 70 pounds.

SIH’s Filo the Fox helps Gold’s Gym warm up the walkers at the American Heart

Association “Start! Heart Walk.” /

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Keokaysone Sabengsy works out regularly at John A. Logan Community Health Center. Weight lifting is a routine, toning different muscle groups.

Seventy-six-year-old Loretta Manis, a 30-year cancer survivor, puts water exercise into her schedule three days a week. She’s an inspiration to those around her to stay active.

Could YOU be our next “Picture of Health”? Send stories that showcase sucChristine Fine ran her first 5K in 2008. Now she’s in

cessful lifestyle changes to info@sih.net.

training for her first half marathon. New to running, Christine has found that her body craves the exercise. She’s even been able to do away with her bloodpressure medicine. S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S H E A LT H & L I F E

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Beating Stress by Jennifer Ryan

Give ‘PEACEFUL’ a chance CAN’T PICTURE YOUR LIFE WITHOUT CONTINUAL STRESS? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN—AND WHY YOU SHOULD

A pressure-filled life is about as American as apple pie and Friends reruns—so much so that many of us wear our stress as a badge of honor, accepting the cranky impatience, throbbing headaches and sleepless nights as the price we pay for how in-demand our time is. But the possible long-term effects of stress (a weakened immune system, blood clots, high blood pressure and heart disease among them) are nothing to boast about—or flirt with. So in the interests of your good health, we offer 6 ways to ease your troubled mind—and, in the process, do your body good.

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quieting the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for our “fight-or-flight” response) and amping up the parasympathetic nervous system (which slows heart rate and breathing and improves blood flow), notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health. The result: more day-to-day serenity. Techniques vary widely, but most involve finding a comfortable position in a quiet spot, then either focusing on your breathing or repeating a mantra. You might begin with just five minutes a day, gradually working up to 20 minutes or more. A wide variety of getstarted manuals can be found at your local bookstore.

SHUTTERSTOCK

TAKE A MEDITATION BREAK. Whether or not you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, a few calming moments of silence can have a wonderful soothing effect. The jury’s still out on just how health-promoting meditation is, but some studies have found it reduces blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels. A recent report published in the American Journal of Hypertension, for instance, found that people at risk for hypertension who practiced 20 minutes of meditation daily lowered their blood pressure significantly and reduced by 52 percent their risk of developing hypertension in the future. Experts suspect that meditation brings benefits by

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SMELL THE ROSES. It’s not just their pretty petals that cause flowers to brighten your mood—their fragrance may actually calm tensed-out nerves. In Japanese research published last year, mice exposed to stress-inducing situations had lower levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes—two types of stress-related immune cells—when they sniffed linalool, a scented compound found in blooms. They also showed reduced activity in more than 100 genes linked to the stress response. With additional research, this demonstrated physiological reaction may add credence to the therapeutic claims long made by proponents of aromatherapy.

PUT THE KETTLE ON. You’ve probably heard that a spot of hot tea can soothe frazzled nerves—now there’s research to support the claim. British investigators (of course) divided 75 men into two groups, one of which sipped black tea daily for six weeks, while the other drank a caffeinated placebo. After this period, the men were asked to complete a stressful task. Researchers took blood samples an hour later and found that the tea drinkers had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, indicating that they recovered from the stress more quickly than did the teafree group.

GET SOME EXERCISE. It’s welldocumented that physical exertion can help alleviate stress, so why not try something new? Setting a goal for yourself can help you stay motivated, and Cool Running’s “Couch to 5K” plan (go to www.c25k.com and click “Cool Running”) is a great place to start. Designed for the nonrunner, this nine-week program eases you in (you’ll do

no more than 60 seconds of jogging at first), but gradually gets you race-ready for a 5K competition. Those with more of a techie leaning might opt for iFitness, a $1.99 iPhone app that offers detailed instructions (in pictures, text and video) on some 230 exercises. Choose the area of the body you want to target, and pick the move you like best; design your own workouts by combining individual exercises into different routines. Just slip your phone into your gym bag and you’re ready to go! (Be sure to consult with your doctor or other healthcare professional before embarking on a new exercise program.) CHUCKLE. There’s good reason why your mood improves when you’ve been giggling over 30 Rock or scanning The Onion’s headlines. The Mayo Clinic reports that laughter has a positive impact on your stress response, leading to a more relaxed feeling. Chuckles can also stimulate your heart, lungs and muscles and even ease stomachaches, thanks to their positive effects on digestion. Personally, we love any medical advice that deems watching Animal House (Bravo’s top pick on its “100 Funniest Movies of All Time” list) time judiciously spent.

GO HIGH-TECH. Sure, venting on your cell phone or zoning out to your iPod might make you feel better, but what about a handheld device designed to help you chill? HeartMath’s emWave Personal Stress Reliever ($199) has a sensor that measures your stress levels based on breathing and changes in heart rhythm. The device then guides you through reducing your stress via breathing exercises and other techniques. A colorful display shows your progress as you go so you can adjust as needed. I

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ESCAPES

UNDERWATER EXPLORATION: L a S o u rc e i n G re n a d a

Happy campers WHO SAID SLEEPAWAY CAMP WAS JUST FOR KIDS? THESE 3 SPECIALTY-THEMED ADULT GETAWAYS PROVE YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW

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A SILENT, ETHEREAL BEAUTY AWAITS UNDER the sea—one revealed only to those skilled in scuba, as you’ll discover at the renowned scuba diving program at LaSource (1-888-527-0044, www.theamazingholiday.com), an all-inclusive luxury resort situated on Grenada’s Pink Gin Beach. Surrounded on three sides by the sparkling blue Caribbean, the resort offers scuba instruction for all experience levels, plus top-notch accommodations and a host of other land and sea activities. Before getting in on the action, you’ll first want to perch in your luxe guest room or suite, each equipped with a four-poster king-sized bed or two double beds (special summer rates start at $235 nightly). Hand-carved mahogany furniture and Italian marble bathrooms add a touch of elegance, while a private balcony or terrace offers breathtaking water views. A stroll outside reveals 40 acres of tropical gardens, a pool area with a Jacuzzi and an expanded deck for lounging in the tropical sun. Of course, you don’t want to miss out on the

COURTESY OF L A SOURCE RESORT

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hotel’s signature sport, and even inexperienced divers can give it a whirl with the one-day “Discover Scuba Diving” introductory program, which culminates with a 40-foot open water dive. Got the diving skills but no certification to prove it? Not to worry: You can become fully certified through LaSource’s Professional Association of Diving Instructors fast-track option. Just start your course work at home with a CD-ROM, then complete your training at the resort in a mere three days. Once certified, you can enjoy a complimentary dive each day of your stay. Nearby dive sites include Bianca C, a spectacular cruise ship lying 90 to 120 feet below the surface that sank in 1961, and the Lower Boss Reef, a home to green moray, barracuda and sheet coral. This sumptuous sanctuary also offers adults the chance to enjoy a host of land activities reminiscent of those fun-filled summers at camp. Professional instructors can teach you to shoot a bow and arrow, spike a vol-

leyball on the beach, achieve that perfect swing on the tennis courts—even joust during fencing lessons (equipment included). Golfers can also hit the greens on the resort’s nine-hole course, and all can unwind from this flurry of activity each day with a complimentary spa treatment at the Oasis Spa. Among our favorites are the Arawak, an intensive head, neck and shoulders massage, and the Point Salines Wrap, where you’re cocooned in seaweed to draw out toxins. continued

A TABLE TO TRY The Great House (1-888-5270044) Enjoy a romantic dinner of fine globally inspired cuisine at this premier LaSource restaurant. Featuring hardwood vaulted ceilings and an outdoor verandah providing breathtaking views of the capital city, St. George’s, the restaurant serves à la carte specialties such as prime sirloin steak and Marrakech Scottish salmon.

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ESCAPES

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ASTRONAUT PREP: Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama YOU COULD SHELL OUT $30 MILLION TO BE an actual space tourist—or get the next best thing, minus that pesky reentry, as a trainee at Space Camp (1-800-63-SPACE, www.spacecamp.com), held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. Programs for kids are offered throughout the year, but wannabe

rocket men and women can take three-day ($449) and six-day ($899) adult-only programs in late August and September. (There’s also a $50 registration fee.) Trainees stay in either the Space Habitat, a futuristic space station mock-up containing both individual rooms and bays of 20 to 40 beds, or the Aviation Challenge Hangar, which houses up to 300 trainees in military-style bays. Three daily meals at the center’s cafeteria are also included. The three-day beginner offering, Space Academy for Adults, lets you experience some of the actual training astronauts go through prior to a space mission. You’ll prepare for a walk on the moon—where you only weigh one-sixth of what you do on Earth—in a special gravity trainer, and practice mission control and shuttle crew positions in two simulated space-shuttle missions. On the Space Shot ride, which blasts campers 140 feet straight up in 2.5 seconds, you’ll learn how a rocket launch really feels—including two to three seconds of weightlessness and all four Gs of force. Looking for an even bigger challenge? The six-day Advanced Space Academy provides more daring activities, such as scuba diving in an on-site underwater astronaut trainer, rotating through orbiters and riding in high-performance jet simulators. For shuttle mission simulations, advanced trainees can choose their field of interest and pursue it as either a pilot or mission specialist. Whichever program you choose, you can bet your experience will be out of this world.

DON’T MISS THIS The Space Museum at the

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CORBIS

U.S. Space & Rocket Center contains America’s largest collection of space artifacts, and campers are granted full access. Highlights include a mighty Saturn V—the largest (more than 360 feet tall) and most powerful rocket ever launched, used by NASA in the late ’60s and early ’70s; and a life-size World War II German V-2 rocket, the first man-made object capable of leaving the earth’s atmosphere.

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EPICUREAN ENCHANTMENT:

COURTESY OF THE INTERNATIONAL KITCHEN

T h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l K i t c h e n i n Tu s c a n y THE VINEYARDS, WOODED HILLS AND OLIVE groves of celebrated Tuscany aren’t only a feast for the eyes; they can yield an impressive literal feast too if you’ve got the know-how. And where better to learn the secrets of classic Tuscan cooking than within this enchanting Italian region itself? “A Classic Tuscan Table With Chef Claudio” is a four- or six-night culinary program and tour offered by The International Kitchen (312-467-0560, www.theinter nationalkitchen.com). Students stay near the charming medieval village of Figline Valdarno and receive four hands-on cooking lessons, taught by the passionate Chef Claudio Piantini, owner of the famous Torre Guelfa Restaurant located in the town square. You’ll be housed in a charming cottage at Chef Claudio’s quaint bed and breakfast, located just five minutes outside of town (from $2,325/person for four nights and $2,995/person for six nights). Conducted at either Torre Guelfa or Chef Claudio’s own teaching kitchen at his bed and breakfast (transportation provided to both locales), classes show you how to whip up such tantalizing Tuscan dishes as ribollita, a hearty bean soup; crostini, thin slices of lightly toasted bread with various toppings; and castagnaccio, a chestnut flour cake. Because practicing recipes is just one part of the Tuscan culinary experience, the program also lets students soak up the culture of Tuscany through daily excursions. For instance, you’ll sample Italy’s famous red wine

during a half-day tour of the renowned Chianti region; meander through an authentic outdoor food market in Figline and enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the historic town of Arezzo, the birthplace of Renaissance master Giorgio Vasari, a painter, architect and biographer who is considered the original Italian art historian. But rest assured, while you learn about this lush region, you’ll be eating well too! You’ll enjoy a daily breakfast buffet, sumptuous nightly dinners at various restaurants in the vicinity and four very special lunches: the enticing creations you yourself have prepared after each cooking class. Buon appetito! I

DON’T MISS THIS During your excursion to the charming village of Greve in the Chianti region, discover tantalizing prosciutto, salami, guanciale and capocollo made with centuries-old techniques at Antica Macelleria Falorni (+39 055 854363, www.falorni.it), a famous family-owned butcher shop dating back to 1729. These prime cuts mixed with the smells of fresh fennel, parsley, garlic and sage are sure to delight the senses.

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Glorious Food

Ear no evil

by Jennifer Math

Black bean, corn & shrimp quesadillas MAKES 12 SERVINGS

A VERSATILE VEGGIE, CORN IS A SURPRISINGLY HEALTHY SUMMERTIME TREAT

1 tablespoon olive oil 6 medium shrimp, shelled 1 and cut into ⁄4 -inch dice

3 green onions, thinly sliced 1

⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 1 ⁄2 cups fresh or thawed corn kernels

6 flour tortillas, 8 inches in diameter

2 cups cooked black beans

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 plum tomatoes, diced 1 cup chicken stock • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In a medium sauté pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté shrimp for 3 minutes or until pink on both sides. • Add corn, beans and tomatoes. Stir in chicken stock, green onions and cumin. Stir and set aside. • Arrange tortillas on a work surface. Divide cheese evenly over them. Add shrimp mixture and fold tortillas into a halfmoon shape.

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• Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese melts. Cut each in half and serve immediately.

place over medium heat for about 10 minues, turning every 2 minutes. Then, for a flavor boost, mix some chipotle purée or lime zest with butter and spread it on! Whether the ears are served at a July 4th celebration or just another Sunday gathering, your family—and your taste buds—will thank you. I

RECIPE SOURCE: WWW.EPICUREAN.COM; IMAGES, TOP: DIETER HEINEMANN/ALAMY; BOTTOM: KATHRYN RUSSELL/STOCKFOOD

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER QUITE LIKE THE sweet crunch of corn. But these enjoyable ears are much more than mere barbecue side dish—along with that trademark crunch comes a host of health benefits. As a wholegrain food, corn helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and studies have shown it to have the highest antioxidant level of any grain or vegetable. In addition, with about 100 calories for a small ear, corn is far more figurefriendly than the potato salad or coleslaw alongside it on your picnic table. Of course, our love affair with corn goes well beyond the cob: From bread to flakes to chips to chowder, we’ve found a multitude of ways to consume these kernels. Indeed, the average American eats nearly 10 pounds of corn each year, and more than 17 percent of U.S. corn production comes from here in Illinois, the second-biggest producing state after Iowa. First cultivated in Mexico some 7,000 years ago, corn was a staple for natives by the time Columbus hit the New World. And while sweet-potato pie and cranberry sauce were likely absent from the first Thanksgiving in 1621, corn was undoubtedly on the menu. When buying corn, don’t be swayed by the color, as the yellow and white varieties are equally scrumptious: The beta-carotene that makes certain kernels yellow has no taste of its own and thus no influence on the ear’s flavor. To prepare traditional corn on the cob, put the peeled ear in a pot of cold water; cover and bring the water to a boil. Cook until the kernels darken slightly—about 5 minutes. To grill, peel off only the outer layers of husks and

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HEALTH WATCH

5 facts labels don’t tell you HERE’S WHAT’S MISSING FROM PACKAGE NUTRITION DATA— AND HOW TO MAKE SMART CHOICES ANYWAY Savvy shoppers know that checking food labels is a key to helping your family eat healthy. The bad news? “They’re incomplete,” says Bruce Silverglade, director of legal affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). He helped Southern

Illinois Health & Life identify five important points food packages fail to reveal:

How much sugar. “If a cookie uses different types of sugars—high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, etc.—the label can show these as individual ingredients,” says Silverglade. “If they were grouped together, ‘sugar’ could very well be first.” Labels also do not separate out added sugars from natural ones (think of the innate sweetness of applesauce), and offer no guidance on how much to consume: For fat, sodium, etc., labels show a clear “% daily value” based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet—but not for sugar. “There should be one,” Silverglade says. What to do: The CSPI suggests limiting sugar to 40 grams per day and scanning ingredients for sugar’s aliases.

The whole story on whole grains. “The gov-

ernment recommends we eat more whole grains, but sets no rules on how much whole grain a food must have to be described as ‘made with whole grain,’” says Silverglade. “It could be a dusting.” CSPI favors labels that show clearly what percentage of grains are whole. What to do: For now, look for products for which the first listed ingredient begins with the word “whole.”

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Where the ‘trans fats’ have gone. Many food

packages today boast “0 trans fats.” But in some cases, says Silverglade, “the company has added plain old saturated fat to replace the trans fat, making the product just as bad as, or worse than, the original.” CSPI says a redesigned label should categorize these fat levels as “High,” “Medium” or “Low,” with red ink calling attention to “High” levels. What to do: Don’t be swayed by “trans fat” claims alone—judge each product after examining “saturated fats” too.

The ‘true’ fiber content.

The CSPI says “dietary fiber” should be termed simply “fiber” and include “only intact fiber from whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruit and other foods.” Today the FDA also permits the inclusion of such “faux-fiber” additives as maltodextrin and polydextrose. “It’s unlikely that they lower blood cholesterol or blood sugar,” says Silverglade. “Companies are basically padding the product to up the numbers.” What to do: Keep an eye out for fiber additives and try to get most of your fiber from natural sources. I

ROBIN G. LONDON 2008

Caffeine quantities. The CSPI says these should be required. “A bottle of Starbucks vanilla Frappuccino contains 96 milligrams, more than many brands of coffee have in

a 6-ounce cup,” says Silverglade. Even Dannon’s coffee yogurt packs in 30 milligrams. What to do: Exercise moderation until labeling information improves.

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