Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
WINTER HEALTH CARE
Winter
HEALTH GUIDE JANUARY 13, & 14, 2016
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WINTER HEALTH CARE
Winter
HEALTH GUIDE JANUARY 13, & 14, 2016
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
Published by: St. Peter Herald 311 S. Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, MN 56082 507-931-4520 Le Sueur News - Herald 101B Bridge Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-3332 Le Center Leader 62 East Minnesota Street, Le Center, MN 56057 507-357-2233 www.stpeterherald.com • www.lecenter.com www.lesueurnews-herald.com Regional General Manager: Chad Hjellming Cover Design: Lauren Barber Page Layout: Nikkie Gilmore Ad Design: Lauren Barber, Mary Jo Blanchard, Nikkie Gilmore ©2016
Winter Health Cover 2016 LB
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Urgent Care 1 p.m.—9 p.m. every day except holidays 507-665-3375 ∙ 621 S. Fourth Street, Le Sueur
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
WINTER HEALTH CARE
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Lung cancer hard to catch early, screening helps By JAMIL PAJI
early stage — when it’s more likely to be treated effectively. Studies show lung screening reduces the risk of dying of lung cancer. Screenings start with an initial telephone assessment with a pulmonology specialist. For patients who meet established criteria, a face-to-face visit and a low-dose CT scan will be scheduled. During the face-to-face visit, the patient’s education regarding the process is completed, and all questions and concerns are addressed in person. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled if needed after that. Who qualifies for a lung screening? Lung screening is a test to look for signs of lung cancer in people who are at an increased risk for developing this lifethreatening disease. Typical criteria to qualify for screening are: • Current or past smokers between 55 and 80 years old who smoked an average of one pack per day for 30 years OR
Mayo Clinic Health System
Lung cancer is the No. 1 c au s e o f cancer deaths in American men and women. Paji According to the American Lung Association, more than 158,000 men and women in the United States are expected to die from lung cancer by the end of the year. Catching lung cancer or its initial indicators early can vastly improve outcomes. However, signs and symptoms are often subtle or non-existent until the disease progresses. Lung screening programs, which are becoming more common and increasingly effective, are the best way to discover lung cancer before it advances. What is a lung screening? The goal of lung screening is to detect lung cancer at a very
• Current or past smokers between 50 and 80 years old who have smoked an average of one pack per day for 20 years AND have at least one of the following: o Lung cancer more than five years ago and have been cured o A father, mother, sister or brother with history of lung cancer o Been told they have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema or have had exposure to asbestos While these are the basic criteria, other things are usually also considered when evaluating patients for lung screening. Talk to your health care team for more information. What are the symptoms of lung cancer? In most cases, signs of lung cancer don’t appear until the later stages of the disease. Symptoms may include: • A new cough that doesn’t subside • Changes in a chronic cough
• Coughing up blood, even a small amount • Shortness of breath • Wheezing • Hoarseness • Unexpected weight loss • Bone pain • Headache You should contact your health care provider if you have any concerning symptoms. Lung cancer is serious and deadly in many cases. But catching physical warning signs and traces of cancer early on increases your likelihood of survival. A lung screening program is the best way to detect lung cancer before it becomes too advanced to cure. Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato began its lung screening program in October 2015. For more information, visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org or call 507-385-5965. Jamil Taji is a pulmonologist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.
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Lung screening is a test to look for signs of lung cancer in people who are at an increased risk for developing this life-threatening disease. (Metro Creative Images)
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WINTER HEALTH CARE
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
Find an exercise routine that’s fun, convenient and consistent By NICOLE BOELTER
River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic
Winter doesn’t have to be a season of sitting, hibernating and decreased physical activity. Winter is a Boelter great time to try new physical activity opportunities, develop a routine, and make healthy lifestyle changes. Although the sidewalks may be filled with snow and ice, this brings many more opportunities to get moving in new and exciting ways. Do you have a winter activity you love? Have you tried snow shoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing? Is there an indoor activity you could incorporate into your daily routine? Join a gym, or walk a track? Love to shop? Maybe you want to try mall walking and window shopping. Or, are you trying to avoid the winter weather altogether? Do you have a piece of exercise equipment col-
lecting dust or clothes that could be cleaned up? How about those old exercise tapes?These are great ways to stay moving during the colder weather. Being physically active has many health benefits including a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, and other chronic diseases. Not only is physical activity great for prevention, but also managing chronic diseases. Exercise has been shown to improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, decrease joint pain and stiffness, improved weight, increase energy, improve sleep, improve stress and mood , decreased depression symptoms, and more! This being said, talk with your doctor to be sure it is safe to start a new exercise routine. Now is the time to jump into a great exercise routine that is fun, convenient, and consistent. Here are some tips to help get you going: • Find something you enjoy doing. If it isn’t enjoyable, you won’t continue long term. Exercising with a friend, during your
favorite show, or listening to your favorite music are a couple ways to make exercise more enjoyable. If walking isn’t pleasing, don’t start a walking program. There are many other options out there to try, and you might just find a new passion. • Set realistic goals. What is a realistic goal for your exercise routine? Are you able to commit 30 minutes, three days a week? If so, start with that. If you jump into goals you can’t attain you only set yourself up for failure. Always set small goals you can achieve and continue making them to reach your long-term goals. • Phone a friend. Having someone to exercise with can make it far more enjoyable. They also help hold you accountable. Instead of social hour at coffee or over lunch, take it to a track or a gym. • Get variety. Make a list of a few exercises you enjoy doing. Have an option where you can get out of the house and one for the days you are stuck inside. Have something that only takes 10 minutes and an option for 30 minutes. Try to avoid the same thing over
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Winter is a great time to try new physical activity opportunities, develop a routine, and make healthy lifestyle changes. (Metro Creative Images)
and over- this leads to boredom. • Lifestyle activity. If you can’t get an exercise routine started, try to remain active throughout the day. Use the stairs verses the elevator, park further away in the parking lot, take an extra lap or two around the store, walk around your house during the commercials of your favorite show, and try
to get up and move at least once an hour. You don’t need to buy a lot of equipment, or use any equipment at all. Try to incorporate some stretching, balance, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise into your weekly schedule. Remember: If you don’t use it, you lose it. Your community has many
resources to help you get started. Seek out your local professionals for guidance and how to develop a safe and healthy routine. Now, is a great time to get started! Nicole Boelter, M.A, CWC is the exercise physiologist at River’s Edge Hospital & Clinic
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Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
WINTER HEALTH CARE
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Minnesota Valley Health Center opens urgent care By KIM LEWIS
including inpatient, emergency diagnostic services including of his medications, so when he Rhode said there is a “truly a ER entrance at the south end of
Minnesota Valley Health Center is excited to announce the addition of Urgent Care to our hospital Lewis services. M V H C ’s Urgent Care opened on Dec. 15, servi ng 2 6 p a tients in the first 10 days Checkerdjiev of operation. In addition to a new Urgent Care department we are also pleased to announce a new team of providers led by Dr. Assen Checkerdjiev. He and his staff have provided quality, experienced care at MVHC since October. The providers are treating patients in all hospital settings
benefit from continuity of care when transferring between departments. Upon arrival at Urgent Care, the registration department will gather your information and notify a nurse to begin your care. The nurse will do a brief assessment and collaborate with one of our in-house medical providers to determine if your condition qualifies as an Urgent Care visit or if emergency department services are more appropriate. Common conditions which may be treated at Urgent Care include allergic reactions, arthritis, allergies, bladder or urinary infections, minor burns, cuts and lacerations, ear infections, eye irritation/infections/sties, fever or flu, flu vaccination, headaches, insect bites/bee stings, laryngitis, sexually transmitted infections, skin conditions/ rashes, sinus infections, minor strains or sprains, strep/sore throat and gastritis. Selective
Minnesota Valley Health Center and urgent care. Patients now lab and X-ray are also available. goes home he will know exactly sense of caring” in the staff who the building at 621 S. Fourth St.,
At MVHC we strive for the best possible patient experience and outcomes in all of our departments. A longtime Le Sueur resident, James Rhode, was one of our most recent MVHC patients. James, who was suffering from pneumonia, was admitted at MVHC for three days before discharging on Christmas Eve. Rhode characterized his experience at MVHC by saying, “I lack the words to tell you how impressed I am with this facility. The nursing staff, doctors, and support staff are incredible. The Le Sueur community is fortunate to have these services available in town.” He described the staff at MVHC as friendly and attentive. He said that he has never experienced this level of detail and communication at any other medical facility. He also said that the doctors and nurses were so helpful in explaining all
what medications he is taking and why. He said that the staff communicated with him about signs and symptoms to watch for in the future to monitor his own health at home and they were happy to discuss any issues and concerns with family members.
worked with him, and it’s evident that this “isn’t just a job for these people”. Urgent Care services at MVHC are available 1 to 9 p.m. daily with the exception of major holidays. There is no appointment necessary for Urgent Care services. Patients should use the
Le Sueur. Anyone with questions related to Urgent Care Services should call 507-665-3375. Kim Lewis is Minnesota Valley Health Center Hospital’s director of nursing.
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WINTER HEALTH CARE
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
Mankato Clinic helps community thrive with wellness initiative By ANNA VANGSNESS
Mankato Clinic
Let’s face it: we all tend to feel better when we eat healthy, get more exercise than normal and have a full night’s rest. Everyone is busy with life’s demands, but making small choices, like parking farther away at work, can help lead us to big changes in our lives. Mankato Clinic Daniels Health Center Physician, Dr. Robert Gazzola shares that advice with his patients, and as part of Mankato Clinic Thrive, a region-wide health initiative, community members will now be able to follow the same recommendations. As a member of the Gustavus Adolphus Wellbeing National Advisory Board, Gazzola attended a round table discussion led by New York Times bestseller Tom Rath on his book “Eat Move Sleep.” What Gazzola took away from Rath gave headway to the Mankato Clinic’s Thrive. “Learning how to improve your own health is something everyone can benefit from and it’s right in this book.” Gazzola said. “Eat Move Sleep” chapters are about 10 pages long, with three take home points after each chapter. Gazzola said the book is the perfect tool for just about everyone. “I see my job as a health coach in many different ways,” Gazzola said. “As a physician, I try and help my patients with their over-
all health and wellbeing and find different ways to achieve just that. This book, and health initiative, is a great resource to patients and is just a very easy pill to swallow. It’s something everyone can relate to and it doesn’t matter where you are on the health spectrum.” During the next year, the Mankato Clinic will be taking their own spin on Eat Move Sleep, all while getting the community involved through Thrive. The initiative is in conjunction with the Clinic’s centennial celebration and it is their hope that the program will introduce more people to a healthier way to live. For the past 100 years, the Mankato Clinic has watched the community grow as they have grown and in their centennial year, they look forward rather than backwards. Thrive is a healthy living initiative with real, doable advice, tips, resources and motivation from the Mankato Clinic – information for now and the future. Starting in January, the Mankato Clinic will host community reads, inviting residents of the area to read “Eat Move Sleep” and the children’s version “The Rechargeables” during reading groups and discussions. With books available at schools and libraries, Thrive is the perfect way to help Mankato and the surrounding region start a healthy lifestyle together. Thrive is about feeling awesome inside and out, by mak-
ing small choices and seeing big changes. Coming soon to help you greet life with a healthy mind and body, MankatoClinic.com/ THRIVE will be a great resource for families and individuals to learn how to thrive together while eating better, moving more and getting healthy sleep. “Everything we do affects our overall wellbeing,” Gazzola said. “No matter where one is on the well-being spectrum, we can all use this initiative to push ourselves to be healthier. This book helps emphasize that we can control our health and wellbeing.”
Mankato Clinic Daniels Health Center physician, Dr. Robert Gazzola, left, is helping lead Mankato Clinic Thrive, an initiative designed to help area residents improve their health. (Photo courtesy of Mankato Clinic)
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Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
WINTER HEALTH CARE
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How to shorten the duration of a cold
Few things can be as uncomfortable as the common cold. In their book “Common Cold,” authors Olaf Weber and Ronald Eccles say the common cold has been around since the ancient times. More than 200 virus strains can contribute to colds, but the rhinovirus is the most common. Colds produce a bevy of symptoms, including runny nose, congestion and sore throat, so it should come as no surprise that sufferers want to find relief fast.
They may work well, but they can cause rebound congestion that’s worse than the original stuffiness.
Colds typically last for a week or more. While there’s no cure for the common cold, according to The Mayo Clinic, there are some remedies that can help cold sufferers feel better more quickly.
· Soup and tea: Soup is an easy-to-digest meal that provides many of the necessary remedies for a cold, including warm broth to hydrate and soothe, antioxidant-rich vegetables and protein to help fuel the body’s recovery process. In 2000, Dr. Stephen Rennard of the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha actually tested if chicken soup clinically makes people with colds feel better. He found that chicken soup inhibited neutrophils, immune cells that cause congestion. Decaffeinated tea also may help you stay hydrated and relieve many cold symptoms.
· Rest: One of the best things to do when you have a cold is to get adequate rest. Your body’s immune system is working overtime to combat the cold virus, and restricting activity can help it direct efforts where they’re needed most. Keep away from strenuous activities, and spend more time relaxing or sleeping to let your body do its job. · Hydration: Consuming plenty of clear fluids can reduce congestion and ensure that you do not get dehydrated. Plus, warm beverages can be soothing to an irritated throat. Avoid coffee, caffeinated sodas and alcohol, which can exacerbate dehydration.
· Vitamin C: Vitamin C will not prevent colds, but it could help in other ways. Taking vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms may shorten the duration of symptoms. Vitamin C also may provide benefits for people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure, offers The Mayo Clinic.
· Reinfection: Use cleaning products that are effective at killing viruses around the house to prevent reinfection and cold relapses. Also, avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth between hand-washings to keep germs at bay.
Colds can be a nuisance. Most medicines will help re· Saline rinses: Intra-nasal lieve symptoms but cannot saline sprays, neti pots and similar products can help loosen mucus that is clogging the nose and sinus cavities, allowing it to flow out. This makes blowing your nose more effective and may help prevent post-nasal drip. Avoid prolonged use of medicated decongestant sprays.
make colds go away faster. Natural remedies can help the body’s immune system work at its best and lessen the severity of a cold. HM161780
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WINTER HEALTH CARE
Stay safe and warm during winter workouts
Athletes devoted to outdoor workouts do not abandon their routines when winter rears its chilly head. While it can be difficult to embrace the great outdoors when temperatures hover around the freezing point, maintaining your motivation at such times bodes well for your fitness goals the rest of the year.
idea, as the head is more sensitive to changes in temperature than many other areas of the body. A wool hat you can pull down over your ears can protect them from getting too cold. Athletes may also want to consider ski masks or other facial covers that can protect their faces when winter winds are howling.
Staying warm is a top priority for athletes who exercise outdoors during the winter months. While there’s no guarantee winter winds won’t test your willpower, there are some ways to stay warm when working out in colder climates.
· Layer correctly. Layering has long been a reliable way to beat the cold when temperatures are at their lowest. But layering must be done correctly to be effective. When choosing your workout gear, choose an inner layer that will move moisture away from your skin. Cotton retains moisture, and that means your sweat will cling to your body and make you feel cold. Once you find a shirt made with moisturewicking material to wear against your skin, look for a second layer that also wicks moisture so you can more effectively control your body temperature. Your outer layer should be capable of handling the elements, so look for something that is waterproof and wind-resistant.
· Wear appropriate headgear. For years, many people subscribed to the conventional wisdom that suggested people lose 40 to 45 percent of their body heat through their heads. But in 2008, researchers at Indiana University debunked that myth, suggesting that if humans lost that much heat through their heads, then they would be just as cold when going outside without a hat on as they would be if they left home without wearing any pants. But wearing headgear when exercising outdoors is still a good
· Don’t forget footwear. Feet
can easily succumb to cold temperatures when exercising outdoors, but you can employ the same strategy with your socks that you do with your layers. When choosing workout socks, avoid cotton socks that don’t wick moisture away from your feet. Acrylic can be more effective at wicking moisture away from your feet than cotton. · Know your weather reports. While it’s admirable to stay on course with your outdoor workouts in the winter, don’t allow your devotion to overtake your common sense. Check the forecast before beginning an outdoor exercise, paying particular attention to the wind chil. According to the Mayo Clinic, frostbite can occur when skin is exposed to wind chill levels below minus 18 F for 30 minutes. If need be, shorten outdoor workout routines and find ways to exercise indoors when wind chills get dangerously low. Exercising outdoors in winter can be exhilarating, but athletes must prioritize staying warm and safe for the duration of their workouts. HM161813
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
Cut the costs of your prescriptions The costs of filling prescriptions is simply too big to bear for many people, even now that the Affordable Care Act has greatly reduced the amount of people who are uninsured. A survey from the Commonwealth Fund found that 35 million people in America failed to fill a prescription in 2014 because of the cost of the medication. That figure represents an improvement from 2010, when 48 million people did not fill their prescriptions due to the costs of those medications, but it still serves to highlight a need many people have to cut the costs of their medicine. Though people who cannot afford to fill their prescriptions often feel helpless, there are a handful of ways they can cut the costs of their medications and start feeling better. · Discuss changes with your physician. Perhaps the simplest
way to cut prescription costs is to discuss medication options with your physician. Brand-name drugs are typically more expensive than generic alternatives, so speak with your physician about generic drugs or less costly brand-name drugs that may treat your condition as well as expensive brand-name drugs do.
· Consider Patient Assistance Programs. Sometimes referred to as "Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs," Patient Assistance Programs, or PAPs, can greatly reduce the burden of prescription drug costs. Sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, PAPs distribute billions of dollars to patients who otherwise could not afford their medications. Eligibility criteria varies depending on the program, but men and women struggling to pay for their prescriptions can speak with their physicians about PAPs.
· Consult your member organizations. If you are a member of the AAA automotive group or the American Association of Retired Persons, you might be eligible for medication discount cards free of charge. These cards provide discounts on your medications, but some come with expensive fees upfront. Look for no-fee cards, such as those offered to AAA and AARP members or others offered by nonprofit organizations, before considering options offered by pharmaceutical companies or other for-profit businesses. · Contact charitable organizations. Some charitable organizations, such as the National Organization for Rare Disorders and maybe even some local nonprofits, offer prescription assistance to people in need. Visit NORD online at www.rarediseases.org. MM15C760
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Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
WINTER HEALTH CARE
PAGE 9
Healthy resolutions for the new year The tradition of making New Year's resolutions can be traced back to the ancient Babylonians, who promised their gods that they would repay their debts and return borrowed items in the new year. While resolutions have changed since then, people still see the dawn of a new year as an opportunity to commit to doing something good in the months ahead.
No rules govern New Year's resolutions, but many people resolve to do something healthy. The following are just a few resolution ideas for people who want to make 2016 as healthy as possible. · Lose weight. A January 2015 survey from Nielsen found that 32 percent of U.S. consumers resolved to lose weight in the new year. That should come as no surprise, as New Year's Day marks an end to the holiday season, when many people pack on pounds thanks to holiday dinners, parties and the baked goods that seem to find their way into homes and offices throughout December. Seventy-six percent of participants in the Nielsen survey said they did not follow a weight loss or diet program in 2014, which might explain why so many felt a need to lose weight in 2015. If you resolve to lose weight in the new year, do so with the assistance of your physician, who can offer useful advice on diet and exercise. · Bike to work. Depending on how close your home is to your office, consider riding a bike to work instead of driving into the office every day. Riding a bicycle is great cardiovascular exercise, which is a critical part of any successful exercise regimen. But riding a bike to work also benefits the environment by making the air you breathe cleaner. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that roughly half of all U.S. residents live within five miles of their workplace, which
provides a great opportunity for commuters to reduce total household emissions, all while having fun on their bicycles. If 50 percent of American workers chose to bike rather than drive to work each day, total household emissions could be cut by as much as 6 percent. Biking to work also saves commuters money on fuel.
· Work less. Work is good for the mind and body, but too much work can lead to elevated levels of stress. Stress can produce a host of negative consequences, including an increased risk for depression, obesity and heart disease. Long hours at the office is one of the leading causes of work-related stress, and many professionals find themselves taking on more than they can reasonably handle. Make an effort to scale back your responsibilities and spend less time at the office. · Reduce alcohol consumption. Reducing alcohol consumption is another healthy resolution for the new year. Excessive alcohol consumption can do a number on the human body. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that overconsumption of alcohol can affect the heart (increasing the risk for cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, stroke, and high blood pressure), liver (fibrosis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis), pancreas (pancreatitis), and immune sys-
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tem (weakening it and making you a much easier target for disease). Reducing consumption can have a considerable impact on your overall health. Men and women resolving to get healthier in the new year can do so in various ways.
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WINTER HEALTH CARE
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
Exercise tips for beginners The right combination of diet and exercise is one of the keys to a long and healthy life. While many people find adapting to a healthier diet challenging, that challenge often pales in comparison to the intimidation felt when working out for the first time in years.
Exercising after an extended period of inactivity may intimidate people who choose to workout at gyms, where fellow gym members may appear to be in tip-top shape. Overcoming that intimidation factor can be as simple as working out with a friend or working with a personal trainer, each of whom can offer the support and guidance beginners need when reacclimating themselves to more active lifestyles. In addition to the buddy system, beginners can employ the following strategies to make their return to exercise go as smoothly as possible. · Gradually build up your exercise tolerance. When you exercise, your body releases neurotransmitters known as endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body. Those positive feelings can be addictive, but it's important that beginners do not go too hard too quickly when beginning a new exercise regimen. Gradually build up your ex-
ercise tolerance, exercising two or three days per week and taking a day off between workouts when you start. As your body becomes more acclimated to exercise, you can start to workout more and with more intensity.
· Stretch after working out. Stretching can improve flexibility, and that may decrease your risk of future injury. In addition, improved flexibility may improve your exercise performance by improving your range of motion and helping your muscles work more effectively. Muscles contract during a workout, and stretching after workouts can help reset those muscles to their natural position. Include both static stretching and foam rolling in your post-workout stretching routine. able. If the gym is not for you, try to find a routine that still · Find a routine that works includes both strength training for you. Many men and wom- and cardiovascular exercise. en feel they must sign up for Strength training can make a gym membership upon re- your body more durable, and solving to adopt a more ac- cardiovascular exercise can tive lifestyle. While gyms af- reduce your risk for various ford you the opportunity to health problems, including strength train and get in your heart disease. cardiovascular exercise, they're not for everyone. The best approach and the one that's likely to be most successful over the long haul is to find an exercise routine that engages you and that you find enjoy-
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· Track your progress. One way to stay motivated is to keep track of your progress. If you're working out but not monitoring your results, you may not feel like you're getting anywhere. Keep a workout diary, tracking both your successes and failures, so you can see what's working and what's not. The longer you stay com-
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Michelle Lund, D.D.S. Bethany Kjellgren, D.D.S. 217 Nassau Street • St. Peter • (507) 931-5646
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
WINTER HEALTH CARE
PAGE 11
Heart-healthy foods for the year ahead · Whole grains: Whole grains help men and women maintain healthy weights while lowering their risk for heart disease, making them perfect dietary additions for anyone who resolves to lose weight and protect their heart in the year ahead. According to the American Heart Association, whole grains, such as whole wheat, oats/oatmeal, rye, barley, and brown rice, are great sources of dietary fiber, while refined grains like white rice and enriched bread contain little fiber. That’s an important distinction, as dietary fiber can improve blood cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
700 Knight Street, St. Peter, MN 56082
· Salmon: Though its label as a fatty fish may lead some to question its nutritional properties, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can decrease a person’s risk of developing an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), slightly lower blood pressure and slow the growth of atherosclerotic plaque, the buildup of which can contribute to heart attack, stroke or even death. Albacore tuna, herring and lake trout are additional examples of heart-healthy fatty fish.
1305 Marshall Street, St. Peter, MN 56082
Diet can be a friend or foe with regard to heart disease. A bad diet may elevate a person’s risk for high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke, while a diet rich in heart-healthy foods can lower that risk. The following are a handful of hearthealthy foods for men and women who want to begin the new year on a nourishing foot.
significantly lower blood pressure among individuals with mild increases in blood pressure. Raisins can help combat the growth of a type of bacteria that causes gum disease, which few people may know is linked to heart disease. In lieu of reaching for cookies or potato chips come snack time, opt for heart-healthy raisins instead.
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According to the National Center for Health Statistics, heart disease is the leading causing of death in both men and women. Certain factors beyond an individual’s control, such as family history and age, affect his or her risk of developing heart disease, but men and women are not helpless against heart disease.
The Ecumen St. Peter team is proud to provide local seniors dignified living and engaging lifestyles at two distinct communities: Ecumen Prairie Hill of fers independent living, assisted living, memor y and respite care; Ecumen Sand Prairie provides assisted living.
· Raisins: Researchers from the Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center found that consuming raisins three times a day may
· Tomatoes: Researchers at Boston’s Tufts University analyzed more than a decade’s worth of data in an effort to discover the effects of lycopene, which is the antioxidant responsible for giving toma-
toes their familiar red color, on the cardiovascular system. They ultimately discovered that people who regularly consumed foods with lycopene over an 11-year period reduced their risk of coronary
heart disease by 26 percent. The lycopene found in tomatoes may be even more accessible when they are cooked.
the dawn of a new year. For more information about hearthealthy foods, visit www.heart. org.
Aspiring to eat healthier is a goal for many people come
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We create home for older adults, We create home forwherever older they choose to live. adults, wherever they
choose to live.
The Ecumen St. Peter team is proud to provide Independent living, assisted living, memory and respite at Ecumen Hill, independent and assisted livingliving, at Ecumen The Ecumen St. Peter team care is proud to Prairie provide Prairie. We’dat loveEcumen to meet you. Please Hill, call Lisa at assisted living, memory and Sand respite care Prairie 507-484-2203 for a tour or more and assisted living at Ecumen Sand Prairie. We’d loveinformation. to meet you.
Please call Lisa at 507-484-2203 for a tour or more information.
Ecumen St. Peter Team
Ecumen Prairie Hill 1305 Marshall Street St. Peter, MN 56082
Ecumen Sand Prairie 700 Knight Street St Peter, MN 56082
www.ecumenstpeter.org
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WINTER HEALTH CARE
Wednesday, January 13 - Thursday, January 14, 2016
Lager’s St. Peter
NEW YEAR, NEW CAR! 2015 DODGE DART RALLYE Heated seats, remote start, back up camera, satellite radio MSRP: $23,125 Lager’s Sale Price: $22,490 Rebate: $2,500 Bonus Cash: $1,500 Finance Cash: $500*
sale price
$
17,990
2015 DODGE CHALLENGER SS V6, heated seats & steering wheel, NAV, 8.4” touch screen, remote start MSRP: $32,665 Lager’s Sale Price: $30,915 Rebate: $500 Bonus Cash: $2,500 Finance Cash: $1,000*
sale $ price
26,915
2015 CHRYSLER 200C V6, heated leather, remote start, NAV, Alpine sound system MSRP: $32,200 Lager’s Sale Price: $30,415 Incentive: $4,500 Finance Cash: $1,000*
sale $ price
24,915
2016 RAM 1500 CREW SLT 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, Big Horn, heated seats & steering wheel, remote start, tow pkg MSRP: $51,020 Package Savings: $3,000 Lager’s Sale Price: $44,428
Rebate: $1,500 Bonus Cash: $3,500 Chrysler Capital: $500**
38,928
sale $ price
*Must finance thru Lager's Inc to qualify, WAC. See dealer for details ** Must finance thru Chrysler Capital to qualify, WAC. See dealer for details.
www.lagerschryslerdodgejeep.com
910 Old Minnesota Ave.
507-931-4070 • 800-657-4802