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what’sinside feature: advanced technologies available locally
columns: nutrition, personal training, heart health, mind+body, active adult, holistic health, back health, men’s health, women’s health, kids’health, sports med, healthy cooking,yoga, pet health, booking some downtime, vegetarian life, corporate wellness & more
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CyberKnife
Robotic Cancer Surgery Without the Knife
CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System is a non-invasive alternative to surgery. It delivers ablative doses of radiation with robotic accuracy and offers new hope for inoperable or surgically complex tumors. It has been found effective for select cancers and tumors of the: brain, pituitary, spine, bone, lung, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, liver, kidney, adrenal, prostate, pelvis, sarcoma, melanoma and other anatomical regions.
CyberKnife® Patient Benefits— • • • •
Pain-free Non-invasive No anesthesia required Outpatient procedure
• • • •
No recovery time - immediate return to normal activity No invasive head or body frame No breath holding during treatment Fiducial free* – no implanted markers (*for most procedures)
Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center is the only facility in eastern North Carolina offering this revolutionary cancer treatment. The ECU Radiation Oncology team completed extensive training in order to provide this world-class treatment to patients. They are the ONLY radiation oncology center in eastern North Carolina certified by the American College of Radiology (ACR) — one of ONLY three in the state! Their other state-of-the-art cancer treatments options, include: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), High & Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy, Gamma Knife “No-Incision” Radiosurgery, Prostate Seed Implants, 3-D Conformal RadiationTherapy, Photodynamic Therapy, Expert Second Opinions and more. For additional information, call ECU Radiation Oncology at 252-744-2900 or 800-223-9328.
ECU Radiation Oncology 600 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834 252-744-2900 800-223-9328 (800-CA-DX-ECU) www.ecu.edu/radiationoncology
When mom needed back surgery, we told her to call the best.
At ECU Neurosurgical & Spine Center, we’re more than brain surgeons, and our practice is unlike any other in Eastern North Carolina. Our neurosurgeons diagnose and treat surgical diseases of the whole nervous system — brain, spine and peripheral nerves. Our Center approach to care offers a full compliment of related non-surgical treatment and support services. Extensive training and experience allows us to provide comprehensive care, non-surgical and surgical, to all our adult and pediatric patients. We provide treatment for the brain and skull (cranial), cerebrovascular (stroke/aneurysms), neck (cervical spine), mid back (thoracic spine), and low back (lumbar spine). In fact, back and neck pain are common reasons patients visit our Center. Computed tomography (CT) and x-rays are provided on-site, as well as physical therapy (PT) and musculoskeletal services (injury/ pain) provided by certified physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors. Our neurosurgeons utilize such state-of-the-art treatments as Gamma Knife® and CyberKnife®. Call 252-752-5156 for appointments.
ECU Neurosurgical & Spine Center K. Stuart Lee, MD; Keith A. Tucci, MD; Barbara E. Lazio, MD; Michael Sharts, MD; and Robert F. James, MD 2325 Stantonsburg Road, Greenville, NC 27834 252-752-5156 • 800-642-7836 www.ecu.edu/ecuphysicians/surgery
kathryn lee — publisher / creative director john lee — vp / director of sales & marketing Achieve is a quarterly health, wellness and fitness magazine published by Impressions Group, LLC. Its covers, contents and ads are copyright protected and may NOT be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. We’ve made every effort to insure accuracy but assume no liability or responsibility for content, errors or omissions in any articles. We welcome submission of information, articles and photos. We’ll make every effort to include submitted items, however we cannot guarantee inclusion or return. Race Directors, Event Planners: Include your event in Achieve’s calendar! Send dates, times and contact info to: kathryn@ImpressionsGroupLLC.com. To advertise in Achieve Magazine, call 252.355.8345 .
pob 2627 / greenville, nc 27836 / 252.355.8345 ph / 252.355.4224 fx www.ImpressionsGroupLLC.com / kathryn@ImpressionsGroupLLC.com © 2009
Impressions Group, LLC
Since 1991
Steamed Oysters (we shuck ‘em), Shrimp & Crab Legs, Specialty Seafood Entrees, plus Grill Items— Steaks, Chicken, Sandwiches, Burgers & More Monday - Saturday 5pm-until Nightly Specials Live Music Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm Catering Available, Too! 206 Main Street, Winterville 252.355.4220 wimpiescajun.com
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a•chieve (e chev) vb -
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1. to finish: complete: win: succeed 2. to accomplish: obtain with effort 3. to perform by one’s own efforts
table of
contents
3
the basics general exercise guidelines
4
the active adult running your best in your 40s
5
heart health a toast to your health
6
personal training absolute abs
7
corporate wellness health coaching: helping employees help themselves
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booking some downtime pheddipidations
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kids’ health how much should your child sleep & the affect sleep has on learning at school
15 back health scoliosis detection & diagnosis yoga how to become a yogi
10 advanced technologies available locally
16 men’s health male menopause fact or fiction pet health spay today!
12 fiscal fitness
17 women’s health
financial strategies for women investors
13 mind + body use movement to explore the mind-body connection sports med 10 ways to recover faster
14 holistic health getting david’s back on track
18 nutrition brain health 19 healthy cooking winter squash vegetarian life celebrate vegetarianism 20 event calendar (october - december 2009)
thebasics general exercise guidelines for beginners & intermediate level participants Just getting started with an exercise program? Find below an outline for generally recommended guidelines for any age or sex. The health related benefits to a regular exercise program include: reduced risk for heart disease and chronic disease, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, decreased body fat, more energy and vitality, improved emotional health, decreased risk of musculoskeletal injury and an overall improved quality of life regardless of circumstances.
always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. start slowly and increase intensity and duration as you become more physically fit.
two components to exercise Cardiovascular Conditioning Activities that involve sustained rhythmic movements that elevate and maintain an elevated heart rate to 60% to 80% of your predicted maximum heart rate (see chart for calculating) and cause you to breathe harder and cause your heart and lungs to work harder carrying blood and oxygen to the muscles involved. Duration should be 20-60 minutes. Examples of cardio-
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vascular exercise are walking, running, swimming, cycling, hiking, cross country skiing and group cardiovascular classes.
Strength Training Resistance training using free-weights or machines that incorporate training all of your major muscles groups (approx. 12-15 exercises). Resistance training should train your major muscle groups throughout a full range of motion, should push you to a level of muscle failure or fatigue within 12-15 reps. Increase in resistance should be gradual and only after you can perform 12-15 reps in good form and are reaching a point of fatigue. Include some stretching with workouts and remember to warm-up and cool down before and after exercise. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
calculate your exercise heart rate range Estimate your maximum heart rate. Take 220 - age = ____ (this is your maximum); (standard deviation for this equation is 10-12 beats per minute) Determine your lower-limit exercise heart rate by multiplying your maximum heart rate by 0.6 Determine your upper-limit exercise rate heart by multiplying your maximum heart rate by 0.8 Your exercise heart rate range is between your upper and lower limits.
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the active adult running your best in your 40s Article by: Dimity McDowell of Runner's World
Michelle Simonaitis couldn’t wait to turn 40. “Looking forward to becoming a masters runner is what kept me going from 37 to 39, when I couldn’t compete as well in the open field,” says the 41-year-old from Utah. “It’s opened a whole new world of racing for me.” In the year since her 40th, she placed in the top three of seven races, including a first at the Carlsbad 5000. Whether your incentive is winning your age group, earning a whole new set of PRs, or being the hottest mom or dad on the PTA, running not only allows you to age gracefully, it enables you to redefine aging. While your friends dread the big “4-oh, no!” you can say, bring it on. Still, if you want to stay healthy and keep accumulating finishers’ medals, you do need to realize that you aren’t the young colt you once were. Watch your mileage, take rest days, and cross-train, strength train, and stretch regularly. Strengths - You can continue to take pride in your Lance-like resting heart rate, which won’t change as you age. Though your heart rate declines a bit (somewhere between .7 and 1 beat a year), its influence on your performance is minimal. As with every decade, VO2 max continues to dictate how effectively you can push the pace. At least one element that determines VO2 max is out of your control—your heart’s pumping ability naturally slows. However, you do have influence over three factors: muscle mass (the more muscle, the higher your max), body composition (the more fat, the lower it is), and training frequency and intensity (the less you push, the more it falls). This means you can offset the drop of your VO2 max with strength training and
speedwork. The payoff? Not only can you reign over your local masters division, but you'll also surpass runners half your age. You also have a secret weapon: your hard-earned savvy. “People underestimate the cognitive part of running, but mental toughness isn’t genetic—it’s honed through experience,” says sports psychologist Bradley Young, PhD. Weaknesses - At 40, your kidneys are less likely to conserve water as you dehydrate. The nerves in your mouth and throat that tell you you’re thirsty don’t function as well. Remember to hit the water stops in races and carry a bottle while training. Bones are deteriorating faster than they’re forming. The loss hits women harder (from 30 until menopause, women lose 1% a year), but men aren’t immune. Researchers found that males had similar bone density losses as females. Those who strength trained had the best density scores. Exercise Rx - Midlife crisis have you reaching for your Asics for the first time in years? Give yourself time. “If you start running too fast or too much, you’re inviting injuries,” says Bill Roberts, MD, medical director for the Twin Cities Marathon, who recommends two to four years of regular running before trying a marathon. “The earlier, the longer, and the more consistently you run, the more resistant you are to injury.” Runners who’ve been faithfully lacing their shoes for decades need to watch out for the I’m-old-so-I’m-slow trap. Throw in intervals to remind muscles and mind that you still have a 4th gear. Nutrition Rx - As you age, every calorie should be as nutrient-dense as possible. Replace white carbs—bread, pasta, etc.—with whole-wheat. If you’re feeling aches and pains, especially in your knees, consider joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies show that consuming 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin daily can ease joint pain.
Don’t suffer in darkness.
Less pain is just a step away. At Eastern Carolina Pain Consultants, we believe that everyone deserves a life that’s free from the suffering of chronic pain. Our team of medical professionals is specifically trained to treat and manage pain. We’re one of Eastern North Carolina’s most advanced pain management practices with a history of providing superior medical care. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, we can help. Call 252.561.8218 today to schedule your appointment.
Lynn R. Johnson, MD • Raymond B. Minard, MD • Melany Furimsky, DO • Christopher T. Grubb, MD Jo Anne Eure, RN, MSN, ANP, FAAPM • Margaret Dudley, RN, MSN, ANP-BC
Administrative Office: 2430 Emerald Place, Suite 201, Greenville, NC 27834 Multiple Clinical Locations in Greenville and Eastern North Carolina • For information or appointments, call 252.561.8218.
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heart health a toast to your health? It’s a popular notion that consuming a moderate amount of alcohol, especially red wine, can help prevent heart attacks. But according to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are other preferred ways to protect your heart. Ira Goldberg, MD, of the AHA’s nutrition committee, says, “Our advice is if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, talk to your doctor about lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, controlling your weight, getting enough exercise, and following a healthy diet. There is no scientific proof that drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage can replace these effective conventional measures.” The hypothesis that drinking wine benefits the heart helps counteract the harmful effects of dietary fat grew out of population surveys showing lower rates of heart disease, despite high-fat diets, in parts of Europe where wine is consumed regularly. This so-called “French paradox” has created wide interest in the U.S.
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However, this hypothesis deserves further investigation, says Goldberg. The notion that alcohol has cardioprotective effects does, however, have some scientific basis, the AHA notes. More than 60 studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption can increase blood levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. One to two drinks per day may increase HDL by about 12%, an increase similar to that seen with exercise programs and cholesterollowering drugs. Another theory attributes the supposed benefits of red wine to antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Yet there is still no proof that consuming antioxidants actually lowers the risk of heart disease. Besides, the same antioxidants can be found in many fruits and vegetables. You should weigh the proposed benefits of alcohol consumption against the negative effects, such as raising your risk of breast cancer, stroke, diabetes complications, and alcohol addiction, the AHA warns. Until alcohol’s protective effect can actually be proven, you would be wiser to place an emphasis on maintaining proper body weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, and not smoking. Article from the American Heart Association.
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personaltraining absoluteabs Article By: Missy Fulmer Jacobson, MA Coordinator of Exercise Programming ViQuest Wellness Center / 252.847.7899
Sample Ab Workout #1: Reverse Crunches Decline Board Twisting Sit-ups Cable Crunches Floor Crunches
1-3 sets 1-3 sets 1-3 sets 1-3 sets
15 repetitions 15 repetitions 15 repetitions 15 repetitions
1-3 sets 1-3 sets 1-3 sets
15 repetitions 15 repetitions 15 repetitions
Sample Ab Workout #2: What’s the one thing EVERYONE wants? Abs of “steel,” a “6-pack,” “washboard” abs, etc… just ask anyone, and the statement is overwhelmingly the same...“I want nice abs!” It is best to work the abdominal muscles at the end of an aerobic or strength training workout. Training the abdominals at the beginning of a workout increases your risk of fatiguing the muscles prematurely and making it difficult to maintain proper technique and possibly increasing your chance of injury.
Hanging Leg Raise w/ Dumbbell Reverse Crunches on Decline Board Reverse Crunches on the Floor
Sample Ab Workout #3: Cable Crunches on the Ball Crunches on ball no added Weight Plank on the Floor
1-3 sets 15 repetitions 1-3 sets 15 repetitions Try to hold for 10 full breathes— focus on contracting transverse abdominals on every exhalation
When training the abdominals, sequence the exercises from the most difficult to the least difficult. This usually means beginning with exercises that target the lower abdomen first, then the obliques and finishing with an upper abdominal focus. If using added weight to load the abdominals, begin with exercises that use added weight and work toward finishing with body weight only exercises. I have listed a few sample workouts you can try... Enjoy!
Che505 fs Healthy Cuisine in a Casual Setting Open Monday-Saturday - 5:30pm until 505 Red Banks Road, Greenville (in the Lynndale Shoppes) Reservations Encouraged,But Not Required 252.355.7505 chefs505.com Special Requests Welcomed Catering and Take Out Available
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corporate wellness health coaching: helping employees help themselves Article By Robin Rager, PhD, Optimum Health Management 252.353.6155 / optimumhm.net.
As most of us realize, simply educating people about the effects of negative lifestyle behaviors –such as lack of exercise, poor eating habits, being overweight, or tobacco use –has little effect on having them change those behaviors, at least not for very long. You can offer health and fitness activities, even fully-equipped fitness facilities, but if the employees are not motivated to make changes in their lives and take advantage of those resources, very little headway will be made in creating a healthier, more productive workforce. Enter health coaching. In health coaching, a professionally trained health coach works collaboratively with an individual to identify personal health risks, determine what changes he or she is ready to make, and define a realistic health/fitness goal that can be accomplished in a set time frame – usually within six months. A multidimensional, highly individualized behavior change plan – which may involve, for example, a health/fitness “cocktail” of diet, exercise, and stress management – is then mapped out for the participant. The health coach then provides consistent follow-up and motivation to help them reach their goal. When that goal has been accomplished, if the participant is ready, they can work on their next goal. Health coaching can be conducted face-to-face, by phone, or over the Internet. Many people prefer the face-to-face approach, since it provides a
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more personal feel to the coaching interaction; but it is very labor- and timeintensive, and can therefore be more costly than the other two methods. Coaching provided by phone is somewhat less expensive than face-to-face sessions, and is generally more convenient to the participant; but some people don’t like to be committed to regularly scheduled phone calls. Web-based health coaching, which can provide passive and real-time interaction between participants and coaches, offers an option that is relatively low-cost and is attractive to individuals who prefer to interact with a coach at their own time discretion. Online health coaching systems also typically provide a host of web-based health/fitness resources, including tracking tools, fitness calculators, and health guides. The best news– it’s accessible at nearly any hour, anywhere in the world where an employee has Internet access. Through any of these modes of delivery, health coaching can be offered as a component of a comprehensive corporate wellness program, or as a standalone program on its own. It is available through a variety of vendors, including health plans and commercial providers. Use of an external third-party vendor may help to alleviate employee concerns that information collected through health coaching could be used against them, which experts have cited as a reason for the relatively low participation in health coaching in the health plans. In any case, participants must be assured that confidentiality of health coaching information will be protected. Research has shown that health coaching is highly effective in helping individuals change their behaviors, and consequently reduce their risks for illness, chronic disease, and injury – all of which affect a company’s bottom line. The participants have also reported improved performance at work and on the job, and an enhanced quality of life.
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booking some downtime pheddipidations Article By: Tony Parker, a 47-year-old, bicycle commuter and runner. He recently signed up for his first marathon! Parker works with the Bicycle Friendly Task Force to get Greenville certified as a bicycle friendly town.
October is upon us, the air is a bit cooler, and the sweltering pace of August is just a distant memory. For this episode of Booking Some Down Time I thought I’d change things up just a bit and introduce you to Steve Runner, the voice and brilliance behind the podcast Pheddipidations. Our world has evolved technologically at a rapid pace, and the dissemination of information now comes to us through various media. Although there will never be anything that can replace curling up with a good book, I have discovered the world of podcasts. It is amazing how many podcasts are available for runners and, for that matter, virtually any sport. Steve Runner began running in 1998, and has not looked back since. In 2002, he ran his first Boston Marathon and has been back every year after. A few years ago, he took his passion for the sport and created a “goofy little podcast” named Pheddipidations. Runner spends nearly twenty hours a week writing, researching, and producing his podcast. All of this work for no pay. Recently he posted his 200th episode and answered the general question, why? Why would one do all of this work for no return on investment? Steve’s answer is straight from the heart and so very genuine. He believes that if he can inspire one person in this world to get up off of the couch of doom and live a healthier, happier life, then his job is done.
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When I caught Pheddipidations for the first time, I thought “what is this?” And the more episodes I listened to, the more my enjoyment of his goofy little podcast grew. This professionally produced podcast is as good or better than any Saturday morning NPR show. You will hear thoughts and rambling diatribes, music from some of the best new talent around, humor, and more than a few lessons of running history. Let’s see… you will also walk through Steve’s garden, play with his puppy Indiana, witness his family grow, and just bask in the warmth this fellah puts into every episode. I have been accused of being a Luddite at times, or at least technologically challenged. Personally, I would rather be out in the woods running a trail or hiking with our dog Max than running a few miles on asphalt and concrete with people noise surrounding me. After discovering Pheddipidations I trucked on down to our local electronics store and purchased my first iPod. Me. Wired to the new age and loving it. When you have the time, visit steverunner.com and catch an episode of Runner’s Pheddipidations. You will be inspired!
Steve Runner enjoys a break from running with a trip to the ballpark.
achieve magazine
kids’health Smart Child Sleep Habit 2: Limit the electronic stimulants. Don’t let your child use the computer or watch TV at least an hour before bedtime. These activities can be stimulating, and can interfere with falling and staying asleep.
Smart Child Sleep Habit 3: Keep your child’s room comfortable for sleeping. Bedrooms that are quiet, dark and cool are optimal for a good night’s rest.
Smart Child Sleep Habit 4: Set aside extra time for catching up. If your grade-schooler has younger or older siblings, be sure you give each child individual time (you can switch off with your partner and alternate dad and mom time on each night to save some time).
Smart Child Sleep Habit 5:
how much should your child sleep & the affect sleep has on learning at school Article by Katherine Lee from www.About.com
Parents’ busy work schedules, after-school activities and homework can all cut into family time on school nights, and can have a big impact on how much a child sleeps. Given the fact that time together for so many households starts at around 6 or 7 o’clock or even later in the evening on a school night, it can be tough to set an early bedtime.
Curb the sneaky caffeine. You wouldn’t let your grade-schooler down a cup of coffee before bed. But caffeine can also lurk in foods and drinks you may not suspect such as chocolate and sodas.
Smart Child Sleep Habit 6: Watch your child instead of the clock. How much your child needs to sleep can vary depending on his or her individual needs. Some kids may do just fine on 8 hours of sleep while others need a solid 10 or more. Look for signs of sleep deprivation such as hyperactivity, crankiness and memory or concentration problems.
And since experts say school-age children roughly need about ten hours of sleep — which means they need to go to bed around 8 or 9 o’clock — that doesn’t leave much time for anything besides dinner, homework and reading one short book chapter together. But it can be particularly important for grade-schoolers to get enough shut-eye. How much a child sleeps can have a big impact on her growth and development. Research has shown that lack of sleep can affect a child’s temperament, behavior, alertness, and ability to learn. Children who do not get enough sleep have been shown to perform more poorly on memory and attention tests. And an April 2009 study found that sleep problems in the grade-school years were linked to poor scores on mental tests when the children reached adolescence. So what can you do to make sure your child sleeps enough to function at his best? Try these tips to help your child sleep well and build good school-night child sleep habits:
Smart Child Sleep Habit 1: Stick with a routine. A bath, pajamas, brushing teeth and a few pages from a book — whatever your nighttime ritual is, be sure to stick to it consistently so that your child knows what to expect move through every phase efficiently each night.
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Advanced Technologies Available Locally Eastern Urological & ECU Radiation Oncology Offer Hope to Prostate Cancer Patients Article provided by: ECU Physicians Radiation Oncology / 252.744.2900 / www.ecu.edu/radiationoncology
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, other than skin cancer. In 2009, they estimate there will be roughly 192,280 new cases in the U.S. and about 27,360 men will die of this disease. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer. While 1 man in 6 will get prostate cancer during his life, only 1 man in 35 will die of this disease. Over 2 million men in the U.S. who’ve had prostate cancer are alive today. Death rate is going down; disease is being found earlier. New treatments provide promise in outcomes and improved life.
With thousands of cases under their belts, chances for success with low morbidity are better than those published in medical literature, and recovery time is shorter.
State-of-the Art-Treatments
Robotic Prostate Surgery
East Carolina University’s department of radiation oncology has joined forces with Eastern Urological Associates to develop the most advanced prostate cancer treatment program available in the state.
Robotic prostate surgery is a minimally invasive technique to remove the prostate, available in only a few centers in the U.S. The approach is performed through approximately five “ports” created in the lower abdomen, ranging from 5 to 10 mm in diameter, and allowing placement of a camera and laparoscopic instruments to perform surgery. No incision is made. The magnified view helps the surgeon avoid damaging the delicate structures and nerves around the prostate. This surgery increases the chances of the patient regaining erectile function and continence after surgery.
Prostate cancer has multiple treatment options. Some involve surgery, others radiation and for some a combination. The best way for a patient to achieve optimal therapy is through a multidisciplinary discussion of their case by urologic surgeons and radiation oncologists with expertise in the disease. This is the approach used by Eastern Urological Associates and ECU Radiation Oncology.
Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer Salvage Cryotherapy is a treatment for localized recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy. Salvage cryotherapy can result in undetectable serum PSA levels with low morbidity. Cryotherapy is a viable option for patients with biopsy-proven local failure after radiation. This is another procedure available at Eastern Urological.
Their team evaluates each patient, assessing which therapies for best chance of cure with the least side effects. A strong component is the facilities and equipment to offer the therapies patients need.
The procedure with the robotic approach is similar to that done in a standard open fashion. Potential complications may include permanent impotence and/or urinary incontinence. With advances in techniques, consequences are less common. However, any man who’s had his prostate removed will not produce semen.
Through significant effort and investment, these advanced tools are available in Greenville. Current standard curative prostate cancer treatments are prostate seed brachytherapy, surgical resection or external beam radiation therapy. With collaboration between these practices, the most advanced tools are available locally.
While the procedure takes longer than open surgical prostatectomy, recovery times and hospital stays are shorter. Ideal candidate for robotic surgery have a small, early stage tumor. For the appropriate individual, robotic prostatectomy may be a highly successful and minimally morbid option with rapid recovery.
Prostate Surgery
Prostate Seed Brachytherapy
Surgery has been a prostate cancer treatment mainstay since the early 1900s. In 1904, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Hugh Young performed the first prostatectomy with intent for cancer cure. At present, radical prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles, can be performed in different ways. All approaches to surgical removal aim at curing cancer and sparing normal tissue. Surgical removal has led to a marked decrease in surgical morbidity and assured a high rate of cure of this disease.
Prostate seed brachytherapy is an implantation treatment. “The entire procedure, done by Eastern Urological and ECU Radiation Oncology, takes about an hour,” explained ECU’s Ron Allison, MD. “Under anesthesia, radioactive seeds, the size of rice, are placed in the prostate. Depending on prostate size and activity of the individual seed, between 40–100 seeds are placed. After recovery, the patient is generally discharged to go home the same day. Usually within 48 hours patients return to their daily routines,” he explained.
At Eastern Urological, board-certified surgeons assist one another in performing the procedure. The procedure lasts about an hour, and patients are normally discharged within 36–48 hours. A pathologist examines the prostate, checks the cancer status and reviews for any spread. Scrutiny provides better understanding of the cancer. Depending on extent, a course of therapy is initiated. If a patient has an aggressive cancer, treatment with external beam radiation and possibly hormonal therapy may be recommended.
To obtain the most advanced equipment available, the physicians at Eastern Urological Associates and ECU Radiation Oncology examined all the currently available equipment for prostate brachytherapy. After extensive clinical research, a real-time ultrasound-guided system was chosen. This Bard® brachytherapy system ensures that the prostate, as seen during the implant procedure, is optimally implanted. This is the most technically sophisticated form of brachytherapy and offers the greatest chance of a success.
“Every patient with prostate cancer must be treated individually,” explained Dr. Greg Murphy, a urologist with Eastern Urological. “Their total PSA, Gleason score and core biopsy status must be examined. Then one must step back and evaluate each person with this diagnosis in regards to their overall health, life expectancy and expectations of treatment. Only then can one embark on a course of therapy that is correct for that individual,” he concluded.
Unlike other similar procedures, the Bard® ProSeed technique is based on the prostate shape during implantation. If implantation changes the prostate’s shape, as is often the case, this Bard ProSeed technique accounts for this change, in real time. Unlike other types of prostate brachytherapy, the patient has the highest chance to have a technically successful implantation.
Prostatectomy is a surgical approach to eliminate prostate cancer confined to the gland. Prostatectomies in Greenville are done by Eastern Urological’s physicians. page 10
This particular technique, requires special training for the urologist, radiation oncologist and medical physicist, is not widely available. It was chosen specifically for its enhanced flexibility. In certain cases, prostate brachytherapy is used achieve magazine
in conjunction with external beam treatment to hopefully improve outcomes. However, many patients do not routinely need a combined approach. Combining treatment does not always improve outcomes and can increase morbidity. The experts at Eastern Urological Associates and ECU Radiation Oncology can assist in this important decision.
External Beam Radiation External beam radiation for prostate cancer has changed dramatically. So, ECU brought in the most advanced external beam treatment devices available to patients in Eastern North Carolina. CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery is a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors located anywhere in the body, including the prostate, lung, brain, spine, liver, pancreas and kidney. The treatment, which delivers beams of high dose radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy, offers new hope to patients. Though its name may conjure images of scalpels and surgery, the CyberKnife treatment involves no cutting. In fact, the CyberKnife System is the world's first and only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors throughout the body non-invasively. It provides a pain-free, non-surgical option for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or who may be looking for an alternative to surgery. In addition to the CyberKnife, ECU also offers the ultra-precise Siemen’s Linear Accelerators which combine with a CT scanner (CT-on-rails) for stateof-the-art intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). IMRT therapy allows for precise dose delivery while restricting dose to normal tissue. Doses conform to the shape of the tumor and can be targeted more accurately than ever before. Higher doses can be given, often improving probability of eradication. ECU’s advanced technology is credentialed by the Radiological Physics Center. IGRT corrects for movement in patients, organs and their tumors. CT-on-rails provides crystal-clear images which eliminates uncertainty often found on limited ultrasound-based IGRT systems. It can be used on any part of the body. ECU also offers the Cone Beam CT on the ultra precise Siemens’ STX Linac. Unlike other forms of IGRT, CT-on-rails IGRT gives physician and therapist the most detailed picture of the tumor bed location, the key to the most accurate and reproducible treatment localization. In prostate cancer, prostate and tumor bed can move dramatically due to motion from bladder and rectum. This motion is enough to cause the radiation beam to miss the prostate and dose normal tissue. Daily diagnostic CT scans, make treatment fields extremely accurate and diminish side effects by minimizing radiation dose to the sensitive bladder and rectum. ECU Radiation Oncology is recognized nationally and internationally for its work in IGRT.
Diet and Prostate Cancer Harvard researchers found that men who ate over 10 servings of tomato-based foods weekly were 45% less likely to develop prostate cancer. Those eating four to seven were 20% less likely. Studies have shown lower prostate cancer in Italy and Greece where tomato consumption is high. fall ‘09
ECU Radiation Oncology’s state-of-the-art “CT-on-Rails” Scanner and Siemen’s Linear Accelerator.
Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and tomato products, may be the ingredient for prostate cancer protection. Benefits were more pronounced with advanced stages of prostate cancer. Combining tomatoes and olive oil, as in Mediterranean foods, enhances absorption of the antioxidants. Eating real foods is more protective than taking supplements. It may be a combination of antioxidants that have the protective effect. Studies also show soy is beneficial in treating prostate cancer and slowing progression. One study showed that men who drank soymilk once a day had a 70% less chance of getting prostate cancer. Fried foods and a meat-centered diet are risk factors in developing prostate cancer. Low-fat foods and a more vegetarian-based diet have been shown to give better results and may also help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Prostate Cancer Treatment at its Best “We’ve done extensive research and found the best equipment for patients in Eastern North Carolina,” said Ron Allison, MD. “Our team has extensive training and experience in the latest treatments and technologies. Our goal is to provide the best treatment that offers the best possible outcome.”
ECU Physicians Radiation Oncology Ron R. Allison, MD • Hyder H. Arastu, MD • Gloria Frelix, MD, MHA Roger Ove, MD, PhD • Suzanne Russo, MD 600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27834 • 252.744.2900
Eastern Urological Associates, PA Gregory Murphy, MD • Hugh M Reeves, MD Caroline Ryan, MD • Jonathan Taylor, MD 275 Bethesda Drive, Greenville, NC 27834 • 252.752.5077 Provided by ECU Physicians Radiation Oncology. To schedule an appointment, call 252.744.2900 / www.ecu.edu/radiationoncology page 11
fiscalfitness financial strategies for women investors Article written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided by David M. Brown, Jr., Vice President - Investments (left), J. Robert Buie, Jr., Vice President - Investments (right), and Rebecca L. Breedlove, Registered Client Associate (center) of Brown & Buie Wealth Management Group in Greenville, NC at 252-756-6900.
Today, women are playing an ever-increasing role in making important financial decisions – whether for themselves or for their families. While many of the basic rules of investing hold true for all investors, some life events will affect women differently than they will men, and these can also have an impact on investment decisions. Following are a few areas of special consideration for women investors: Longer life expectancy. People in general are living longer these days, and conventional wisdom will tell you that women tend to outlive men. Studies have, in fact, confirmed that this is the case. According to CDC statistics from 2003, women outlive men by an average of more than five years.* So women in particular often end up facing more years in retirement. To be prepared for such a situation, women need to take special care to implement select strategies catered to their possible long-term needs. Being on your own. Statistics also show that women have a very high probability of being on their own at some point in their financial lives, not only as a result of a spouse’s death, but also because of divorce or simply remaining single. Dropping from two incomes down to one would obviously require making some adjustments, so it’s important to think about alternatives and options in the event you should be faced with a similar situation. Time spent out of the work force. When caring for children, or even an elderly parent, women tend to spend more time away from work than men. Some surveys have shown that, on average, women spend more than a decade out of the work force. The implications for women with regards to investments are clear: they will have less time than their male counterparts to contribute to their retirement nest eggs. While these are just some of the many important considerations for women investors, there are also several simple steps women can take to come up with an effective financial strategy. For starters, you should look for ways to educate yourself about investments. The financial press and financial web sites are loaded with information about investments and alternatives. It’s important to remember that not every source is the most reliable, but the bottom line is that there is plenty of information out there. You may also want to seek advice from a professional. The act of enlisting a Financial Advisor to help with your investments does not take away from your ability to make the final decisions. It does, however, provide you with someone you can turn to for guidance as you make important decisions. One of the most important things you can do is make a list of your financial goals and then develop strategies to meet those goals. Taking time to assess your current financial situation will help you get a clear picture of where you are, and then you can envision where you want to go. Keeping in mind the special circumstances we mentioned earlier, you can chart a course of action that will enable you to meet any challenges that may arise in the future.
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* CDC, NCHS, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus05.pdf#027. Table 27. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. The accuracy and completeness of this article are not guaranteed. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Wells Fargo Advisors or its affiliates. The material is distributed solely for information purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
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mind+body use movement to explore the mind-body connection
Develop an exercise plan that fits your lifestyle and your desires. Long-term weight loss is linked to whether a person sticks to a fitness routine than to what the routine is. A gentle, pleasurable routine leads to long-term gains.
Article by Shannon James, WebMD Weight Loss Clinic, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
All-or-nothing exercise leads us to first bite off more than we can chew and then give up. Just walk into a gym in January and try to get on a machine. There’s a good chance you’ll wait. By March or April, there are plenty free.
Mind and body fitness? Many people who want to get into shape don’t realize there’s more to fitness than well-toned muscles. There’s no lack of exercise regimes that just promote the perfection of the body, or the idea of fitness as a part of a weight loss plan. Centuries ago, Western culture lost its focus on the interconnectedness between body and mind/spirit, and how each has the power to affect the other. Cultivating a love of movement can help you get beyond the concept of physical fitness as separate from mental fitness — and toward a lifelong program of good health through mind and body fitness. Bodies are made to move to feel good. When you incorporate regular activity, you’re moving closer to overall mind/body fitness. If you’re overweight, this can be more difficult. Improve your mind-body connection for better fitness. You might consider redefining exercise as any activity that unites your mind and body and reduces your stress. High levels of stress have been linked to weight gain, and certainly to emotional eating. Finding activities that are enjoyable and easy to do is important when developing any exercise plan. Be realistic about what you expect from yourself. Consider goals. Is 30 to 60 minutes on a treadmill a reasonable time frame at this point in your life? Are you setting yourself up for failure or success when you create this expectation? Would it be more enjoyable to you to do some stretching and a shorter time on the treadmill?
Tailor your fitness goals to your preferences. Some like the idea of getting out of the house at night and going to the gym. Others prefer staying home and doing a quieter exercise routine after the demands of a stressful day. Either way, or a combination, can result in improved mind/body fitness. Get to know yourself and take yourself seriously. If you like to be home in the evenings, find things to do in your home or consider an occasional walk with friends or family. If you crave the company of others, head for the gym. Many people who are preoccupied with food and body issues tend to pay too much attention to other’s needs, while paying too little to their own. Take a look at your schedule (or your family’s) and schedule some time for yourself. Long-term weight loss can take time. We can get down when we don’t see immediate results. Remember... maintaining an exercise routine is associated with physical as well as mental well-being. Focus on how you’re feeling with your exercise routine. Is it something you enjoy and can maintain? Is it reducing your stress level and allowing a connection between your mind and body? If so, you’ll probably keep it up, and fitness of mind and body and spirit will be yours. See your physician before starting any exercise routine. Be gentle with yourself and be realistic about how to proceed. Good Luck!
sportsmed 10 waysto recover faster Article by Elizabeth Quinn, www.About.com
Recovery after exercise is essential to muscle and tissue repair and strength building, and more critical after heavy weight training. A muscle needs 2448 hours to repair and rebuild. Working it too soon leads to tissue breakdown, not building. Never work the same muscles groups two days in a row. Rest. Time is one of the best ways to recover (or heal) from just about any illness, injury and after a hard workout. Your body has an amazing capacity to take heal itself if you give it time. Resting and waiting after a hard workout allows the repair and recovery process to happen at a natural pace. Stretch. If you only do one thing after a tough workout, make it stretching. Cool Down. Cooling down simply means slowing down (not stopping completely) after exercise. Continuing to move around at a very low intensity for 5-10 minutes after a workout helps remove lactic acid from your muscles and may reduce muscles stiffness. Eat Properly. After depleting energy stores with exercise, refuel if you expect your body to recover, repair tissues, get stronger and be ready for the next challenge. You should try to eat within 60 minutes of the end of your workout and include high-quality protein and complex carbohydrate. Replace Fluids. You lose a lot of fluid during exercise and should replace it during exercise, but filling up after exercise is an easy way to boost your recovery. Water supports every metabolic function and nutrient transfer in
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the body and having plenty of water will improve every bodily function. Try Active Recovery. Easy, gentle movement improves circulation and helps promote nutrient and waste product transport throughout the body. Get a Massage. Massage feels good and improves circulation while allowing you to fully relax. Alternate Hot and Cold Baths or Showers. Some swear by ice baths, ice massage or alternating hot and cold showers to recover faster, reduce muscle soreness and prevent injury. The theory is called contract water therapy. By repeatedly constricting and dilating blood vessels it helps flush out waste products in the tissues. Research has found benefits of reducing delayed onset muscle soreness. While taking your post-exercise shower, alternate 2 minutes of hot water with 30 seconds of cold water. Repeat four times with a minute of moderate temperatures between each hot-cold spray. Get Lots of Sleep. While you sleep, amazing things take place in your body. Optimal sleep is essential for anyone who exercises. During sleep, your body produces growth hormone, largely responsible for tissue growth and repair. Avoid Overtraining. Design a smart workout routine. Excessive exercise, heavy training at every session or a lack of rest days will limit your fitness gains from exercise and undermine your recovery efforts. If you feel tired, sore or notice decreased performance you may need more recovery time or a break from training. If you feel strong the day after a hard workout, don’t force yourself to go slow. If you pay attention, in most cases, your body will let you know what it needs, when it needs it.
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holistic health getting david’s back on track Article by Rosalie Jacobi Hutchens, BFA, LMBT, Structural Integration and Therapeutic Massage, Touch Matters Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork / touchmatters1@suddenlink.net / 252.717.0012
David, a 39-year-old accountant, spends countless hours at his desk. His work station is fairly ergonomic, yet his posture features rounded shoulders and a head resting forward of his torso. He’s too busy to stretch or exercise, and carries a heavy backpack to the office daily. At 29, David could get away with his posture and his less-than-stellar daily routines and yet recover easily with a bit of stretching. At 39, David has an all-too-common complaint: back pain. He considers pharmaceutical drugs to dull his persistent pain, then researches holistic therapies to address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal discomfort. He finds promise in structural integration and massage therapy. Structural integration is a bodywork system that releases postural and soft tissue compensations that have become engrained. The entire body is addressed, not just the crankiest areas. Working on David’s feet to make sure they support him might alleviate his pain. Bringing David’s awareness to the muscle tone at his mid-rib cage will relax his over-worked trapezius muscles and set up a more functional lifetime pattern. Get the idea? During structural integration, clients stay mentally and physically present. If they enter a sleep state and zone out, they can’t actively participate. They use the breath or directed joint movements during each contact with the body. Some work is done seated on a special bench. Structural integration
can complement other modalities that’ll support and extend its results: massage, psychotherapy, reflexology, biofeedback/neurofeedback, exercise, etc. David has the energy needed to participate in structural integration and is an excellent candidate for receiving a series of sessions that will carry over into the workplace and his daily activities. Massage therapy to relieve David’s back pain would address many different muscles. The massage therapist might use the gentle Swedish style, painfree range-of-motion, light traction, or deep tissue techniques. She would work out those clinically important “muscle knots” that account for a surprisingly high number of common pain complaints. Muscles at some distance from the pain, such as the deep abdominal muscles, may be treated to release their pull on David’s pelvis and low back. The value of relaxation-oriented massage therapy should also not be underrated. Its general benefits for well-being are well-documented. Ultimately, David chooses structural integration and a moderate exercise program. He reads, The New Rules of Posture, by Mary Bond, and uses the “explorations” in the book to help him become aware of what healthy posture feels like. David begins to have pain-free days. He starts receiving monthly massages to assist with muscle balance, relaxation, and overall wellbeing. He now has a health care plan that works for him. If you, like David, suffer from back pain, it can be overcome. Base your decision to receive bodywork on your schedule, budget and comfort level. References: 1) The New Rules of Posture, by Mary Bond. See an excellent example of her “explorations” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-57zUtfR10g, Shoulder Exercise for Healthy Posture. 2) Back on Track, by Debra Bokur, in http://deliciouslivingmag.com/beauty/dl_article_468/.
Friday, October 23, 2009 Greenville, NC Brook Valley Country Club & Baywood Racquet Club Open to the Public ~ We Invite You To Join Us! Call 252-931-0760 for Team and Sponsor Information or visit: www.theoakwoodschool.org Proceeds will be used to help provide financial assistance to qualified students and families.
THE OAKWOOD SCHOOL 4000 MacGregor Downs Road, Greenville, NC 27834 252-931-0760 • www.theoakwoodschool.org
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yoga
back health scoliosis detection & diagnosis
how to become a yogi
Article by: Dr. Brian M. Kean / Kean Chiropractic Center, Greenville / 252-321-3579 / KeanChiropractic.com / ScoliosisRehabiliationCenter.com
Don’t let yoga intimidate you. Use these tips to get started.
Often, the first sign of scoliosis is abnormal posture detected by postural screenings. Common abnormalities are a right head tilt; a high, forward right shoulder; and a high right hip that’s rotated forward. When viewed from the back, the right scapula is often elevated and there’s a pronounced rib hump on the right side. The crease for the waistline is asymmetrical. From a side view, the head and neck is jutted forward instead of normal position with the middle of the ear centered over the shoulder that’s centered over the pelvis, knee, and ankle. Head jutting forward is called forward head posture, and it’s due to loss of neck curvature. The average adult skull (and contents) weighs about 10 lbs. For every inch of forward head posture, the skull feels as if it weighs an additional 10 lbs. Someone with a straight or reverse curve might feel as if his head weighed 30 lbs. Loss of neck curvature causes the spine to lose its ability to function in properly supporting the weight of the head and the body against gravity. The body reacts and adapts to loss of neck curvature by buckling. Then, it creates a curve in the lateral dimension to support the upper body weight. In addition to posture analysis, scoliosis is diagnosed through x-ray study and mathematical measurement of angles, called Cobb’s angle. A Cobb’s angle 10º or greater is indicative of this neuro-musculoskeletal condition. Scoliosis is most commonly found in children ages 10 - 16. Its progression is marked by hormonal changes in the body; so during puberty and menopause, scoliosis has a tendency to increase in severity. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, symptoms may include back pain, neck pain, hip and knee pain, headaches, fatigue and, in severe cases, difficulty walking or breathing. Of greatest concern are the affects on heart and lungs that can lead to an early death by as many as 14 years. No one knows what causes scoliosis, and there’s no cure. Doctors are finding a correlation in patients with scoliosis and those who had a traumatic birth event that resulted in a pulling and twisting of the baby’s head. This may have lead to ligament damage around vertebral bones of the upper part of the neck. Ligament laxity or damage in the upper neck is found more frequently in idiopathic scoliosis. Studies indicate the prevalence of scoliosis is anywhere from 4.5% - 15% of the general population. In 1988, a study was published by Brigham Young University finding that 12% of college-aged women had scoliosis.
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Article by: Kristin Harrison / www.active.com
Find the right fit. To find the right class for you, call the studio or gym in advance and talk to an instructor. Ask if they offer a class designed for athletes, often challenging, but gentle on tight hips and hamstrings. Know the etiquette. Arrive five to 10 minutes before class to get floor space where you feel most comfortable. Borrow a mat from the studio or bring your own and unroll it facing the instructor. Take off your shoes and socks and place them out of the way. Ask classmates what props (straps, blocks) you may need to grab. Communicate. Before class starts, introduce yourself to the instructor and share your background and goals. Don’t try to outstretch your neighbor. Aim to take a pose to where you feel it, but it doesn’t hurt. If you push through pain in yoga, you won’t win anything but an injury. Breathe. Newbies tend to hold their breath during yoga poses they find challenging. Breathing deeply can help you relax and be efficient in a pose. In the beginning don’t worry about matching the instructor’s breathing instructions exactly; just find your own rhythm. Practice a basic pose. Downward-facing dog is a staple of any beginner yoga class. The pose is designed to stretch many muscle groups in your body and maintain neutral alignment of your spine. While keeping your hands on the floor about shoulder-width apart and fingers spread wide, gradually straighten your legs until you’re in the position of an inverted “V.” Your feet should be hip-distance apart, back straight with your head hanging down. Hold for 45 seconds. Enjoy being a “corpse.” Most yoga classes end with a pose called savasana (pronounced sha-vass-ahnah), corpse pose, where you lie flat on your back, close your eyes and relax. This pose counterbalances the physical strain of the rest of the class. Consider it your cool-down. Don’t be scared off when your instructor bows and says “namaste” (pronounced nah-mas-tay). This ancient Sanskrit word translates loosely to mean, “I honor you” and is an expression of gratitude and respect. Wear quick-dry, closefitting tops cut long. Capri or full-length fitted pants to protect your knees and help instructors check your alignment. Lastly, consider purchasing a yoga mat, that way, you’ll know when it was last cleaned (or not).
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men’s health male menopause fact or fiction?
Article by Jerry Kennard for About.com
should be made with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is not often the case however and there are significant risks in HRT such as noncancerous growth of the prostate and excessive blood production. HRT in men has also been linked to prostate cancer and can exacerbate sleep apnea.
Are you over 40 and feeling fat, tired, irritable, depressed and undervalued? Is it a midlife crisis or could you be suffering from the male menopause?
Medical opinion is divided. Treatment for men might be offered following investigation of symptoms and the doctor consulted.
Sometimes known as the male climacteric (Greek klimacter meaning the rung of a ladder), there is a lot of discussion as to whether or not the male menopause exists in any real medical sense. We know for sure that women go through very definite physical changes in their mid life. Ovulation stops, hormone levels drop quickly. Within a few short years they become unable to have children any more. Of course these features don't apply to men.
Male Menopause as a Psychological Event
Older Men & the Menopause In contrast to women, male hormone levels remain pretty constant and most men can father children into their seventies. There is a gradual decline in hormone levels and, by the age of 80 years, serum testosterone concentrations fall to about 75% and free testosterone to about 50% of what they were at age 20. So where does the idea of men suffering a menopause come from?
Disease, Hormone Levels and HRT Testosterone levels gradually reduce over time and that process may be naturally protective to the male body. For some men more dramatic hormonal changes signal the presence of diseases such as hypogonadism. If testosterone is linked with to decrease in sexual activity, declining muscle bulk, and reduction in minerals in bones, then in theory improvements
The term male menopause has come about because so many men experience mid-life dissatisfaction and difficulties. For some men these issues become all consuming, hence the term midlife crisis. Menopause is a word some people are using to express, amongst other things, unfulfilled desires and expectations, work dissatisfaction, the loss of passion in personal relationships and the loss of a positive body image as the ravages of time and abuse become glaringly obvious. The signs and symptoms signify menopause either as a disease or as a state of being: depression, nervousness, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased bone and muscle mass, flushes and sweats, tiredness and fatigue, poor concentration, increased body mass, fat. Men, like women, have to face change as they age and this is harder for some than others. Symptoms of possible disease do have to be investigated but be aware that the medicalization of life is leading to us becoming a society of ‘pill poppers’. Feel down, take a pill, unable to get a long and sustained erection, take a pill, feeling tired, take a pill. But at the end of the day a pill is just a pill and it won't solve anything. Mid life is certainly a time for reflection, but be careful not to throw away the good things in your search for novelty, change, or the quest for youth.
pet health spay today! Last year over 2,600 dogs and cats were euthanized at the Pitt County Animal Shelter. Thousands more were killed at shelters in eastern North Carolina. Last year Pitt County spent over $400,000 of tax-payer money to capture, transport, house and ultimately kill these animals. Pet population control by euthanasia manages but DOES NOT solve the problem.
One unspayed cat and her kittens can produce up to 420,000 cats in seven years! One unspayed dog and her puppies can produce up to 67,000 dogs in six years! Spay and neuter is the solution to pet overpopulation. In a few years, planned and implemented sterilization programs can produce a dramatic reduction in the number of unwanted animals.
Spaying and neutering is GOOD for your pet. It... • Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. • Eliminates or reduces incidence of health problems, i.e. cancer and infections which can be difficult and expensive to treat. • Makes companion pets more affectionate. • Decreases biting, barking and aggression in dogs. • Decreases scratching and spraying in cats. • Eliminates female heat cycles and reduces roaming urge in males.
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Spay Today, Inc. was created by Saving Graces 4 Felines, with assistance from the Friends of the Pitt County Animal Shelter and the SPCA of Pitt County. They offer high quality spay/neuter surgery at low cost to pets and rescue animals in eastern NC and target low income families who cannot afford routine surgical fees. Spay Today also assists animal rescue groups. They can alter animals adopted from the Pitt County Animal Shelter, and they offer a program to Trap-Neuter-Release feral cats. Spay Today, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, is staffed and operated by skilled, compassionate and dedicated veterinarians, including Dr. Betty Williams, DVM and Dr. Meghan MacKay, DVM, as well as many assistants and volunteers. Surgeries are done by highly qualified licensed veterinarians. Since May, 2006 they have spayed or neutered more than 5,000 dogs, pet and feral cats and are now in the process of expanding, so they can increase surgery numbers to 6,000 per year. Spay Today is located at 4550-B County Home Road in Greenville. Its hours are Monday Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For additional information, visit www.spaytoday.net or call 252.321.8839.
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women’s health Article by Andrew E. Haven, MD, FACOG, Greenville Women's Clinic, A Division of Physicians East, PA.
Osteoporosis is a disease which weakens the bones, and if not prevented or treated, can cause them to become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a health threat for millions of Americans. It is estimated that 10 million people have the disease and over 30 million others have low bone mass, placing them at risk for osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis is more common in older people, and is thought of as an older person’s disease; it can strike at any age. Everyone loses some bone density (mass) as they age, however some will lose more, or lose it faster, than others. Approximately 80% of people affected by osteoporosis are women because they have lighter, thinner bones and can lose up to 20% of their bone after menopause, which makes them more predisposed to the disease. A woman’s risk of osteoporosis is actually equal to her combined risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include: older age, a family history, being petite and thin, certain ethnicities, such as Caucasian and Asian, a history of broken bones, a poor diet, low estrogen levels, an inactive lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol use and certain medications, conditions and diseases. Since you cannot feel your bones getting weaker, you probably will not know you have osteoporosis until you break a bone. If you have osteoporosis, you can fracture a bone from a minor fall, or in extreme cases, from a simple sneeze. Spinal fractures may first be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities. In many cases, a spinal fracture can even occur with no pain. Because 85-90% of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and 20 in boys, building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can help to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Several steps that you can take to optimize bone health and prevent osteoporosis are: (1) Get your recommended daily amounts of calcium and vitamin D (2) Participate in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise (3) Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol (4) Talk to your physician about bone health (5) If appropriate, have a bone density test and take medication. Research has demonstrated that a preventive program can help reduce hip fractures and save money. Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are many drugs which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The only way to diagnose and determine your risk for osteoporosis is a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test. A BMD measures bone mass and is necessary to determine whether you need medication to help maintain your bone mass, prevent further bone loss and reduce fracture risk. A BMD is accurate, painless and noninvasive. Since osteoporosis can be undetected for decades, sometimes not until a fracture occurs, early diagnosis is important. It is never too early or too late to start your prevention program, so consult your physician and learn more about the prevention and detection of osteoporosis.
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nutrition Article By: Kathryn M. Kolasa, PhD, RD, LDN Professor, ECU Family Medicine and Pediatrics, UHS Nutrition Initiative Consultant / 252.744.5462 kolasaka@mail.ecu.edu / http://personal.ecu.edu/kolasaka/
I am teaching an “Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less” class this fall. On the first day, we talk about eating mindfully or eating with awareness. We also talked about planning for difficult situations. When I asked participants to share their difficult situations or barriers to maintaining a healthy weight, one gentleman smiled and said “being Baptist”. I looked puzzled and he quickly followed with “we eat all the time.” And yes, eating is for many people one of life’s greatest pleasures. This fall, as we gather for potluck dinners, receptions, football games, the holidays and more, I would challenge each of us to be mindful of what foods and beverages we provide to our friends, neighbors, and family. For a tailgate or picnic or church supper, plan only the amount of food and beverages you need to reasonably feed everyone coming. Doing so not only keeps people from overeating but also reduces waste (Go Green) and saves money. Have water, unsweetened tea and lower calorie beverages like fat-free milk and diet sodas at events. Go green again, and use re-usable glasses and containers. Make sure you recycle bottles and aluminum cans. And here is a word to the Baptist... or really any of faith who gather regularly to pray... encourage your church to get on the bandwagon of eating smart and moving more. If your church doesn’t have a wellness committee, take the lead in creating a “Faithful Families Eating Smart and Moving More” committee. There is a great ten step resource guide called “Faithful Families” that’s available free of charge at www.eatsmartmovenc.com to show you how. If that’s a bigger task than you are ready for, take the lead in getting a “healthy foods policy” adopted for your church. There is a great handout called “Guidelines for Healthy Foods and Beverages at Meetings, Gatherings and Events (www.eatsmartmovemorenc.com). If that takes more time than you have this fall, then, lead by example. Role model healthy eating and physical activity where you work play and pray. If you are asked to provide an item for bake sale or pot luck, bring a lower fat, lower sugar containing cookie, brownie or fruit or vegetable containing dessert that is cut in small portions. Super-size isn’t always better. Help your friends relearn the enjoyment of savoring every bite of a 2 inch square piece of cake rather than gobbling, almost without tasting, a large piece. Volunteer to bring fall fruits like apples, pears or grapes, to the bake sale or event. This will help your friends and family meet their goals for eating more fruits and vegetables. To be sure, “Eating Smart” doesn’t mean that every single food you eat or serve has to be low in fat or high in fiber. But, if we are mindful about the foods and drinks we bring to picnics, church meetings, office parties, and tailgate parties, we can make it easier for those trying to achieve a healthy weight and improve their quality of life.
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healthycooking winter squash Article by: Chef On Thyme - Mark Davies / 252.756.9778 Email: mark@chefonthyme.com / www.chefonthyme.com Member - American Personal and Private Chef Association
Now that the summer growing season is coming to a close, all those fresh local vegetables will become more scarce at the local farmer’s market. Now you can find “winter” squashes that represent the flavors of the Fall season. We all know the “carving” pumpkin which can be cooked, but it doesn’t have that much flavor and is best served cut into a jack-o-lantern. The term “winter” for squash is based on current usage, not actuality. The term “winter” can be deceptive and confusing, because these squash aren’t actually grown in winter. This description isn’t intended to confuse, it just comes from a time not long ago when seasons were more crucial in man’s survival. It comes about because these varieties of squash were good keepers and could be kept at room temperature, in some cases up to six months. Winter squash comes in all shapes and sizes. They are round, elongated, scalloped, or pear shaped. Their flesh ranges in color from golden yellow to brilliant orange. Most winter squash are vine type plants whose fruit are harvested when they are fully mature. They take much longer to mature than summer squash and are best harvested during cool Fall months. Here are a couple of varieties that you can find in your local supermarket on a regular basis and what you should look for when purchasing. First is my personal favorite, Butternut Squash. Butternut Squash is beige-colored and shaped like a vase. This is a more watery squash and tastes somewhat similar to sweet potatoes. It has a bulbous end and pale, creamy skin, with a choice, fine-textured, deep-orange flesh with a sweet, nutty flavor. Some people say it’s like butterscotch. It weighs from 2 -5 lbs. The oranger the color, the riper, drier, and sweeter the squash. Another widely found winter squash is the Acorn Squash. As its name suggests, this winter squash is shaped like an acorn. It’s one of my favorite baking squashes, and it’s easy to slice into halves and fill with butter. A small acorn squash weighs from 1-3 lbs., and has sweet, slightly fibrous flesh. Its distinct ribs run the length of its hard, blackish-green or goldenyellow skin. In addition to the dark green acorn, there are also in golden and multi-colored varieties. All varieties are great for puréeing, roasting and baking. Once squash is cooked and mashed, it can be used in soups, main dishes, vegetable side dishes, even breads, muffins, custards and pies.
vegetarian life celebrate vegetarianism Article by: Melissa Breyer / www.care2.org
World Vegetarian Day (October 1) was established as a celebration to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism, according to the North American Vegetarian Society, which founded the day in 1977. The holiday was then endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. World Vegetarian Day kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month, so if you can’t celebrate on the first of October, rest assured, you have the whole month. Of course, there’s no reason to stop with just October. Recognizing and celebrating the Day and the Month is a fine way to help others learn about the benefits of vegetarianism, and NAVS points out the importance of a vegetarian diet with these benefits: • Reduction of the risk of major killers like heart disease, stroke and cancers while cutting exposure to food-borne pathogens. • Offers a viable answer to feeding the world’s hungry, through more efficient use of grains and other crops. • Saves animals from suffering factory farm conditions and slaughter. • Conservation of limited freshwater, fertile topsoil and other resources. • Preservation of irreplaceable ecosystems. • Mitigation of the environmental pollution of animal agriculture. To get started, or to enhance your vegetarian repertory, see more than 380 vegetarian main meal recipes at www.care2.com/greenliving/ food-recipes/main-meal-recipes.
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Baked Whole Butternut Squash (makes 2-4 servings) 1 (2-3 lbs) butternut squash Salt to taste
1-2 tablespoons lime juice Coarse ground pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place whole squash onto an ungreased baking sheet, and prick in a few places with a sharp knife. Bake, uncovered, 1 hour or until tender. Remove from oven. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove fibers and seeds. Season each half with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cut each half in half again and serve. Variation: In a small frying pan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter or margarine; stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar; stir until well blended. Brush the butter mixture over each portion of squash before servings.
fall ‘09
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oct-dec 2009 events Oct 3rd - Edenton Peanut Festival 5K 8:00 AM - Edenton, NC – Contact www.ecrun.org
Oct 3rd - Stop Human Trafficking Now Walk 9:00 AM - Greenville, NC – Contact www.sctnow.org or 252-814-6357 or encstophumantrafficking@gmail.com
Oct 4th - 1st Ann. Leo Jenkins Cancer Center Pink Ribbon 5K/1 Mile 1:30 PM - Greenville, NC - Contact ecrun.org
Oct 10th - 3rd Annual "Ride for the Cure" Motorcycle Benefit Run 9:00 AM - Greenville, NC - Contact ribbonriders@gmail.com or 252.747.5406
Oct 11th - 1st Annual Run for the Booty Half Marathon and 5K 7:00 AM - Greenville, NC - Contact ecrun.org
Oct 23rd - Oakwood School Eagle Classic (Golf, Tennis & Family Fest) Greenville, NC - Contact 252.931.0760 theoakwoodschool.org
Oct 24th - 2nd Annual 2 Hot 2 Trot 5K and 1 Mile Goldsboro, NC - Contact ecrun.org
Oct 24th - 2nd Annual Sam's Run 5K 8:30 AM - Greenville, NC contact ecrun.org
Oct 24th - 3rd Annual Good Samaritan 5K Run & 1M Family Walk 8:00 AM - Greenville, NC - Contact 252.321.6857 or prayer@hope-of-glory.org
Nov 14th - ECU Army ROTC 2009 Wounded Warrior Run 8:30 AM Greenville, NC contact ecrun.org
Nov 15th - Old Reliable 10K and 5K 1:00 PM - Raleigh, NC
Nov 26th - Woodmen YMCA Turkey Trot 8:00 AM - Goldsboro, NC - contact ecrun.org
Nov 26th - New Bern YMCA Turkey Trot 5K 8:00 AM - New Bern, NC contact -ecrun.org
Dec 6th - Reindeer Dash for Cash Charity 5K & 10-Mile Run 11:00 AM - Greenville, NC - Contact - reindeerdashforcash.org or 252.531.4241
For more, visit: active.com, runnc.com & ncroadrunners.org.
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The Captain Christopher Cash Memorial Foundation of NC, Inc.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009 - 1:00pm Town Commons, Greenville, NC 11am-12:30pm Registration • 1pm Start • Awards / Refreshments Run or walk this flat, fast course, certified by USATF. It travels along ECU’s campus, residential areas, country roads and Uptown Greenville. Register at active.com. Preregistered runners can pick up packets and late entrants can register at Omega Sports on Sat., Dec. 5 (1-4 pm) or race day at start/finish area at 11am. CASH awards for top 3 overall finishers. Awards for top 3 male and female in each age group; token for all finishers. For info or registration: Dawn Cash-Salau 252.531.4241 or dawn@reindeerdashforcash.org • www.ReindeerDashForCash.org The 2008 race drew 504 entries, making it Greenville’s largest. Nicholas Kurgat won the 10-Miler in a course-record (51:20). Divinia Jepkogei won the women’s title (59:51) in a women’s course record. Jason Pfruender won the 5K (17:42). Abby Fuquay won the women’s 5K (21:28). To donate (via check) mail to: CPT Cash Foundation of NC, 508 Holland Mill Lane, Stella, NC 28582 or (via credit card) at: www.active.com/donate/reindeerdashforcash
OurHometownHero On June 24, 2004, Christopher S. Cash, Company Commander of A CO 1-120th Infantry, N.C. Army National Guard, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country in Iraq. During his lifetime, Chris was committed to helping others— his family, his friends, his co-workers, his community and his country. His memory remains ever present in the hearts and minds of those he touched and inspired with his care and generosity. It is his legacy of giving to others that we strive to carry on in honor of his memory.
Capt. Christopher S. Cash, Sr. October 2, 1967 June 24, 2004
achieve magazine
Fight breast cancer with a team approach.
Left to right: Lisa Bellin, MD Hyder Arastu, MD Cynthia Lynch, MD Timothy Fitzgerald, MD Rachel Raab, MD Not pictured: Gloria Frelix, MD
The Breast Wellness Center at the Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Center (LJCC) features the multidisciplinary team of ECU Physicians breast cancer specialists—breast surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, nutritionists and holistic professionals. The ECU team offers world-class treatments, including partial breast irradiation, with stateof-the-art multi-position dwell catheters, such as the SenoRx Contura™, for better outcomes and fewer side effects. In addition to world-class treatments, the LJCC provides patient-focused compassionate care, expert second opinions, support services, and free parking. The team works aggressively to open new clinical trials, giving access to treatments otherwise unavailable, and works closely with each patient’s primary care physician to ensure the best care possible. The LJCC is certified by the American College of Surgeons; its radiation oncology department is certified by the American College of Radiology. For more information or for an appointment, call 252-744-1888.
600 Moye Boulevard, Greenville 252-744-1888 • 800-223-9328 www.ecu.edu/leojenkinscancercenter www.ecu.edu/ecuphysicians
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Reach your fitness goals, improve your performance and enjoy your favorite activities even more.With our game plan, athletes of all levels will find the right program of nutrition, training and recovery for injury or sports-related pain. We can help you find success in any team or individual sport. That’s smart medicine. ECU Sports Medicine
Joseph Garry, MD ECU Family Medicine at Firetower
Tommy Ellis, MD; Angela Mebane, MD; Midesha Pillay, MD; Kelly Philpot, MD; Steve Boyd, PA and Teresa Winslow, FNP ECU Nutrition Coaching
Kathryn Kolasa, PhD, RD, LDN and Kay Craven RD, LDN, CDE
Firetower Medical Office 1204 East Firetower Road, Greenville Sports Medicine Appts. 252.744.3977 Family Medicine Appts. 252.744.1 12 2 Nutrition Coaching Appts. 252.744.5483 www.ecu.edu/ecuphysicians