BEACON - Health & Wellness (January 2012)

Winter 2012

Health &Wellness Winter is for the dogs (... and people too) page 2

Hyperbaric therapy now available page 8

Warning signs of hearing loss

page 11

John Perry racing in Granby, Colorado with his six-dog sled team.

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January 2012

Grand Mesa Challenge to benefit Partners

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nior partners working together and hopefully helping make sled dogging his year’s annual Grand Mesa another popular winter time activity,” Challenge Sled Dog race is not Miltier said. just for the dogs. Both the Colorado There are many different ways to Mountain Mushers and Rocky Mountry sled dogging. Other than various tain Sled Dog Club work together to sized sled dog teams, there’s also host “the highest international sprint skijoring, which is when a person sled dog race on the earth’s biggest on skis is pulled by a dog. This year’s flat top mountain.” But this year, they race will feature sprint races with are looking to raise money to benfour, six and eight dog teams, and a efit Mesa County Partners. The idea junior class for two and three dog came from local sled dog racer Jesse teams on a small track.

Miltier.

There will be “I was at a a benefit symrace in Casper, posium from 7 Wyoming p.m.-8:30 p.m. called ‘K9 for Friday, January Charity’ last 27 at Canyon February, held View Vineto raise money yard Church, for disabled located at 736 children,” 24-1/2 Road in Miltier said.

Grand Junc“It made me tion, where a think, we local icon in Many different dog breeds can be trained to run. should do sled dog racsomething like Photo by Bob Borchardt/Delta County Independent. ing, John Perry this in Grand Junction.” will be the featured speaker.

Since then, Miltier has been workPerry, 70, has been racing sled dogs ing to find a way to use sled dogging for 15 years. He has won 11 Internato help children in the Grand Valley. tional Sled Dog Racing Association Miltier, a senior partner himself, de(ISDRA) medals in a four-year period. cided that raising money for Partners’ He won three gold medals in the Youth Mentoring programs was the four, six and eight dog team competibest place to start. The Grand Mesa tion in 2003 at a race in Ouray, being Challenge, held January 28 and 29, the first to ever achieve such an will be the first race used as a fundaccomplishment. Perry said his work raiser because of the amount of ethic, competitive nature and trainracers involved and the event being ing methods have helped build his local. success in the sled dog world. He has “Both clubs are represented and formed his own breed of sled dog, competing in this race,” Miltier said. which he has dubbed “the Perry rac“This is the only race where this ing hound.” It is part German shorthappens.” haired pointer, a breed of dog Perry This year, the clubs not only want has had since 1949, and a mystery to compete and raise money for Part- dog breed that he has only revealed ners, but they want to promote the to those closest to him. sport of sled dogging to younger genPerry was introduced to sled dogerations. Miltier sees a poor economy ging at a young age. One day, when and not enough exposure as contribPerry was at grammar school, an uting factors to lack of interest in sled Alaskan dogsledder came to his dogging in the Grand Valley. school and gave Perry and his class“We want to see senior and jumates a ride around the playground

By Cameron Jones

January 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

in his sled. of their adrena“It was the line. It doesn’t most fun I ever matter if the had while in dogs are free school,” Perry running or doing said. plyometrics, they But it wasn’t are always havuntil his miding fun. Perry 50s that Perry trains with his entered his first dogs year round, sled dog competiand is currently tion. He took last working toward Perry won the silver medal at the 2005 World place in a fourwinning the Championships in Dawson City, Yukon. He was dog team race. A ISDRA World the only American to medal. couple of years Championships later, he started finishing in the top

in 2013.

20, then the top 10. Perry continued When he is not training his dogs, to persevere until he started winning Perry spends time speaking at medals. schools about sled dogging and his “The last time my wife and I did accomplishments. One thing that has the math, we figured I’d won over surprised him is how kids react when one hundred races,” Perry said. they find he started sled dogging so Perry’s philosophy on training his late in life. dogs is, “Everything should be fun.

“They seem to think you have to If you are not having fun, you are start at a very early age if you want to moving backwards.” be good at something,” Perry said. “I Perry puts an enormous amount tell them you are never too old to try of time and energy into building a something new.” relationship with his dogs as a team, Perry will be speaking at the symas well as individually, which is not a posium on how the appearance and common technique. He believes that performance of sprint sled dogs have a love for the animal is the number changed in the past 10 years. There one key to his success. While any dog will also be a 20-minute clip by ESPN can be trained to run, the German featuring Perry on winning three short hair is a breed that will seek gold medals in 2003. to please its master. Perry uses this Tickets to the symposium can be drive in training his dogs to run, “un- purchased at Mesa County Partners, til running becomes an addiction.” located at 1169 Colorado Ave. Ticket What Perry loves most about the prices are $12 for adults and $7 for sport is the team atmosphere he children under 18. All proceeds go to shares with his dogs. His dogs are Partners Youth Mentoring Programs. fired up by running and he feeds off ■

Jesse Miltier leaves the starting chute with the crowd cheering behind him at the Grand Mesa race. Photo by Bob Borchardt/Delta County Independent.

Health & Wellness 3

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January 2012

The Healthy Geezer

By Fred Cicetti Q. Is cigarette smoke the only cause of lung cancer?

Radon and asbestos are causes, too.

Radon is an invisible, odorless and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks. Asbestos has been used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings and chemical filters.

But cigarette smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer. Before cigarette smoking became popular in the early 20th century, doctors rarely saw patients with lung cancer. Nearly 90 percent of people with lung cancer developed it because they smoked cigarettes.

The good news is that smoking is not as popular as it used to be. In 1965, about 42 percent of all adults smoked, but by 1997 only 25 percent did. Also, there has been a sharp drop in lung cancer deaths among men, mainly because fewer men are smoking.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. It occurs most often between the ages of 55 and 65.

Common symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough that worsens, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, repeated problems with pneumonia or bronchitis, swelling of the neck and face, loss of appetite or weight loss, and fatigue.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to check with a doctor immediately. If tests show that you have cancer, you should make treatment decisions as soon as possible.

Studies show that early treatment leads to better outcomes.

The standard treatments for lung cancer are surgery to remove a tumor, chemotherapy with anti-cancer

drugs, radiation to kill cancer cells and photodynamic therapy, a newer technique that uses a laser with a chemical to kill cancer cells.

There are two major types of lung cancer—non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways, and each is treated differently.

Non-small cell lung cancer is more common. Doctors treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer in several ways. Surgery is a common treatment. Cryosurgery, a treatment that freezes and destroys cancer tissue, may be used to control symptoms in the later stages of non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors may also use radiation therapy and chemotherapy to slow the progress of the disease and to manage symptoms.

Small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body. In many cases, cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body when the disease is diagnosed. In order to reach cancer cells throughout the body, doctors almost always use chemotherapy.

Treatment for small cell lung cancer may also include radiation therapy aimed at the tumor in the lung or tumors in other parts of the body, such as in the brain. Surgery is part of the treatment plan for a small number of patients with small cell lung cancer.

Some patients with small cell lung cancer have radiation therapy to the brain even though no cancer is found there. This treatment is given to prevent tumors from forming in the brain.

If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How To Be A Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer.com. ■

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January 2012

Health & Wellness 5

A chicken in every pot, broth for every day

By Allison St. Claire

R

emember President Hoover’s famous slogan “A chicken in every pot?” (Actually King Henry the IV said it several centuries earlier, so this is definitely a time-honored economical concept.)

In the midst of these dark winter days, miserable flu season, and the even darker times of a sluggish economy, a chicken in your pot and the healthful, delicious broth it creates is one of the brightest foods you can make. Easy: all you really need is a chicken, or its carcass, and water.

Economical: hundreds of recipes call for chicken broth or stock. Only the ratio of bones and meat used differentiates them. I can’t think of a single vegetable or grain I cook that isn’t infinitely more flavorful and nutritious with some added chicken stock. There’s no need to buy storebought which is far more expensive and unhealthy.

Unfortunately, homemade broth has been replaced with bouillon, which is perhaps the worst item in the market as it is full of sodium and MSG. After World War II, the food in-

dustry figured out how to hydrolyze proteins to a base containing free glutamic acid (MSG), a neurotoxin.

Some pre-made liquid broths also have added MSG and “natural flavorings,” which are a negative. They are certainly not cooked in the traditional way to gently extract the minerals, collagen and gelatin from real bones and have very little nutritional value.

Plus, soup cans, as well as other food cans, are lined with an estrogenlike chemical called bisphenol (BPA) to help prevent rust and keep your canned goods from having too much metallic taste. But this chemical doesn’t just sit there in the can lining, it breaks free and leaches out into the soup. That means you’re getting a secret burst of hormones with every spoonful. Mmm? Yuck!

Starting simple Use a whole chicken (preferably organic, pasture-fed or from a reputable supplier) or parts such as backs, necks, wings and especially feet. Yes, the feet are an extremely nutritious gelatin provider. Note: every meat purchase does at least double duty if you buy it bone-in. Meat closest to

the bone is more flavorful, and those bones will make excellent soups and stocks.

Really basic: Put chicken and a splash of vinegar or other acid (to help extract minerals from the bones) in a large pot and cover with water. Cook on the stove top at a low simmer (liquid not visibly moving, but pan is too hot to touch), or uncovered in the oven at 170-180 degrees for six to 24 hours. Especially with factory-farmed chickens, you may want to quickly boil first to release scum that you will skim off.

Stock 1.0: Add a large onion, chopped, at the beginning.

Stock 2.0: Additional vegetables.

If you plan to toss mushy vegetables away or blend them as a base for soup and gravy thickeners, add two carrots peeled and chopped, and three celery ribs chopped, at the start. If you plan to include them in a bowl of chicken soup or casserole later, add during the last hour.

Stock 3.0 and more: If you have them, and like additional layers of flavor, at the start add peppercorns for spiciness, garlic for added sweetness,

two bay leaves for savory depth, and parsley and/or thyme at the very end for floral, herbal notes.

Store broth in your refrigerator for several days, or save space by freezing in an ice cube tray. Each cube would nicely flavor a couple of servings of cooked vegetables, provide a steaming cup of drinking broth, or provide a rich base for rice, quinoa, couscous, wild rice or other grain.

Building health Almost 1,000 years ago (remember our “time-honored concept” above), physician Moses Maimonides prescribed chicken broth as a treatment for colds and asthma, thus the name “Jewish penicillin.” Recent scientific studies confirm what we’ve known all along. Meat stocks contain the minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and potassium, of bone, cartilage, marrow and vegetables as electrolytes that are easy to assimilate. The gelatin produced allows the body to use the complete proteins you consume. Gelatin also helps in treating many chronic disorders such as diabetes, muscular dystrophy, gut problems and even cancer. ■

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January 2012

Uranium workers may qualify for benefits

By Noel McDonnell, Professional Case Management

F

1.877.412.4517 WESTERN SLOPE DENTAL CENTER BRANDON S. BERGUIN D.D.S. AND ASSOCIATES 514 28 Road • Grand Junction, CO 81501

241-3483

or local in-home nursing company Professional Case Management, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of providing care to beneficiaries of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP) and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) programs. Over the past decade, PCM has specialized in providing no-cost home care to former uranium miners, millers and haulers, and nuclear weapons workers. For those who worked in the uranium industry and qualify for benefits, PCM can provide no-cost in-home care.

Uranium mining in Colorado played a large role in the development of the United States nuclear defense arsenal. During World War II and the Manhattan Project, Uravan, Colorado provided part of the uranium used in developing the first atomic bomb.

Naturally, mining, milling and transporting uranium ore had long-term impacts on industry, environment and the health of the workers themselves.

The safety and protection for uranium workers varied from mine to mine, and the long-term impacts of exposure were not known. In 1990, congress passed the RECA legislation to provide monetary compensation for uranium workers whose health was affected by their employment. In 2000, congress passed the EEOCIP, which was amended to include medical benefits for uranium workers.

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PCM President Greg Austin said providing skilled care in the comfort of home is a top priority.

“Unfortunately, many uranium workers have developed complex medical conditions and need the trained care of a skilled nurse,” Austin said. “PCM nurses are trained to assist and care for the needs of the client and can often provide relief for overworked family caregivers.”

PCM works with clients, family members and treating physicians to determine the best level of care for each individual. In-home care works best when it is custom tailored to the needs of the individual.

PCM has an office in Grand Junction and serves clients all over the Western Slope. Regional Director of Clinical Operations Jessica Shreve said it is important to have a local presence and be part of the community.

“I love being able to facilitate care for the people who put their lives on the line to keep our country safe,” Shreve said.

PCM serves clients from all areas of the western slope including Durango, Cortez, Montrose and Grand Junction. For the past decade, they have been the industry leader in local and licensed home care and look forward to providing nursing services for the next 10 years. For questions, or to see if you or a loved one qualifies for no-cost nursing services, please call 888-886-2281 or visit www.procasemanagement.com. ■

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January 2012

Health & Wellness 7

Hilltop helps navigate the confusion surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s

F

or over 60 years, Hilltop has been the name western Colorado trusts for compassionate and comprehensive care for people of all ages. As the numbers of seniors affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s continue to grow, Hilltop is committed to providing critical information and care services. Hilltop’s unsurpassed continuum of care gives seniors a full range of services to help them navigate the confusion and fear surrounding dementia.

and stimulation they need, while the caregiver gets the respite and the flexibility to manage their lives.

Senior Daybreak offers activities customized to the individual’s interests and abilities, nutritious snacks and noon meal, and a caring staff dedicated to the needs of the seniors.

For more information call 241-7798 or visit www.seniordaybreak.org.

Senior Daybreak dementia and Alzheimer’s care

The Commons of Hilltop is celebrating the grand opening of their new Memory Care Wing. The Memory Care Wing is a secure and comfortable environment specially designed for seniors experiencing memory loss. Private and semi-private apartments provide a home-like setting with maximum comfort and ease of movement. Warm and cozy common areas offer companionship and socialization including a family room, dining room and two sitting rooms.

The beautiful garden area allows residents secured access to the outdoors.

Delicious meals are served from The Commons’ extensive menu. Stimulating and creative activities, outings and support services ensure an enriching living experience. The caring and patient staff are well trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s issues and work with both the residents and their families. For more information call 243-3333 or visit www.TheCommonsGJ.org. ■

Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak dementia and Alzheimer’s care program offers comprehensive support and education classes for anyone caring for those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. You can get the support and information you need, plus free referrals to community services and programs. The next education classes are scheduled for February 9, 16 and 21. Cost is $10 per class module, or $150 for the full course. For more information call 241-7798 or email laurief@htop.org.

Senior Daybreak Adult Day Care Program Senior Daybreak provides a safe and stimulating day care program for seniors and a break for the caregiver.

This unique and affordable program is ideal for partners and family members who are caring for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s at home.

The seniors receive the socialization

New memory care wing at the Commons of Hilltop

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January 2012

Mild hyperbaric therapy available on the Western Slope

By L. Darin Dunnagan, DC and Lesley Hoops, Dunnagan Chiropractic

D

r. Darin Dunnagan, DC has two hyperbaric chambers in Montrose and residents across the region are seeing positive results with this noninvasive mild hyperbaric therapy.

Here’s a little information about the therapy that has been beneficial to so many.

What is mild hyperbaric therapy?

Mild Hyperbaric Therapy is now available on the Western Slope Non-Invasive Treatment for: Anti-aging, Asthma, Autism, Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy,

Mild hyperbaric therapy (HBT) is a safe method of delivering more oxygen to the body. Having more oxygen in the blood stream and other body fluids allows the body to heal itself faster than it would without the extra oxygen. HBT uses filtered pressurized air to dissolve oxygen directly into body fluids, flooding tissues and vital organs with oxygen. Mild hyperbaric therapy allows for healing at the cellular level, which is critical for changes to be made, which in turn affect healthy tissue formation, making it possible for healthier organs and ultimately a healthier body. The sessions lasts around 60 minutes, and while inside the chamber, you can

talk on the phone, watch a movie, take a nap, or even read a book.

What are the risks?

Though no dangerous side effects have been reported with mHBT, you should not go into the chamber if you are inebriated (drunk), if you have ear canal problems or an ear infection, or if you have flu or cold symptoms.

How can it help me?

With regular mild hyperbaric therapy sessions, patients with the following conditions have seen positive results and are feeling better today: Anti-aging, asthma, autism, brain injury, cerebral palsy, Crohn’s disease, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, fibromyalgia syndrome, lupus, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, stroke and surgery. The hyperbaric chamber is great for everyday use for those with no serious ailments who just want to feel better. For more information about mild hyperbaric therapy and our hyperbaric chambers, please call Team DC at 252-3360 or visit www.teamDC montrose.com. ■

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Hyperbaric chambers have been used to treat conditions such as asthma, cancer and more.

January 2012

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Health & Wellness 9

Confidence and youth regained in a healthy smile

By Heather Zeilman

Why have healthy teeth?

Well for one, teeth are for eating!

Few things are better than a marvelous meal and fine-wine pairing, or a quality stout beer, to savor with others. We eat for sustenance and pleasure. The psychological happiness between food’s tastes and textures is well-documented. Think of the last time you had a smooth, dark piece of chocolate followed by a fresh cup of coffee... psychological happiness indeed!

You’re now in your golden years: Done working or nearing retirement, and reaping the rewards of hard work. However, you meet your friends for lunch or family for a festive dinner, and can’t truly enjoy it because: • You don’t have enough teeth to chew with, or • Your teeth won’t stay in, or • Your teeth hurt too much to chew with, or • Your bite is so “off” it’s painful to eat even normal foods Thanks to technology, shakes and pre-made soft foods, we can survive without teeth, but strong and healthy teeth provide a better quality of life.

The confidence to eat out socially,

and the ability to enjoy a meal’s tastes, textures and flavors is priceless.

Additionally, we all know how a dazzling smile can light up a room, connect us with others, or help us land a job. The self-assurance we have when we like how we look empowers us. Undeniably, significant changes in life can be seen in those who improve their smiles.

So, why have healthy teeth?

Simple! It will improve your confidence and your quality of life.

Montrose dentist Dr. Dan Clader began his practice 28 years ago and considers his personal relationships to be just as important as his clinical work. His patients love the warmth and welcome they feel from the building’s comfortable, old-home ambiance and the interactions they have with the Colorado Smiles staff.

“Our entire team is committed to providing an avenue for ideal health through caring experiences for each person that comes through the door,” Dr. Clader said. “If you weren’t smiling when you walked in, we’re pretty sure you will be on your way out.”

Dr. Clader has completed advanced education for surgical placement of implants and is a KOIS. ■

Montrose Dentist Dr. Dan Clader helps patients improve their quality of life with a healthy smile.

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10 Health & Wellness

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New evidence found regarding Pap tests

By Stacy Simon, American Cancer Society

S

ince 2002, the American Cancer Society has recommended that women have Pap tests to screen for cancer.

ACS Director of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Debbie Saslow said the main issue in cancer screening is to weigh benefits versus potential harms from overtreatment.

The ACS is reviewing its cervical cancer screening guidelines as part of a periodic update. They review new evidence on an ongoing basis and updates screening recommendations when new evidence suggests that a change may be needed. A draft will soon be available with the opportunity for public comment by health professionals and researchers.

Until 1987, the ACS recommended that women get a Pap test every year.

Since then, guidelines have said it’s safe for most women to get tested every three years because it generally Let the family at Larchwood Inns care for the ones you love with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

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takes 10-20 years for cervical cancer to develop.

But most women are still getting Paps every year. Even though the ACS has recommended less frequent screening, this has been a difficult message for women and health care providers to accept. Screening too often can lead to unnecessary procedures. Sometimes Paps find cervical changes that lead to additional testing and treatment, but turn out to be harmless. The more women are screened, the more likely they are to be subjected to these unnecessary procedures, some of which carry risk factors of their own. The difference between the recommendation for liquid-based Pap test screening and the recommendation for Pap plus HPV testing is that in the latter case, more cancers are detected. In the case of annual Paps compared to screening every three years, the benefit is extremely low while the potential harms are much higher in comparison. ■

January 2012

Rehabilitation key to recovery

By Melissa Wood, Larchwood Inns

T

he PARC at Larchwood Inns offers post-acute rehabilitation in a comfortable and warm environment.

The PARC provides physical, occupational and speech therapy services to help you with the road to recovery. Private rooms, Wi-Fi and home cooked meals are only the beginning.

Larchwood Inns provides skilled nursing and long-term care services at our bright and cheerful home. We provide 24-hour nursing care to help residents achieve their goals with dignity.

Our culinary department prepares home cooked, delicious meals and snacks to meet the individualized nutritional requirements and preferences of each resident.

Our activities department provides an array of activities to stimulate the interests of each resident. Our wide selection of activities includes bingo,

painting, cooking, games, music, movies, manicures, scenic drives, outings and more. We help them remain active in our community by participating with local charities and events.

Our financial office is available to answer questions and help you to navigate through the confusing world of insurance, private pay, Medicare and Medicaid.

It is often overwhelming and confusing when you or your loved one may need rehabilitation or skilled nursing care. Come for a visit and allow us to help guide you through those tough choices. Our admissions and discharge planning offices will work with you and your health care team to make the admissions process as smooth as possible and when it is time to leave, our discharge planner will help put all the pieces in place for you to make a smooth transition to your next destination and continue your recovery. ■

Larchwood Inns Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Facility listened to families, physicians and our community to design a program that provides skilled therapies for your post surgical and post hospital rehabilitation needs.

Our post surgical/post acute care units provide private rooms that include a television, telephone and WIFI to aid you in a more comfortable stay while you’re here.

Larchwood Inns continues to provide a loving long term care environment for those who need 24 hour skilled nursing care.

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Insurance and Private pay to help you with your financial needs.

We invite you to come visit us and take a tour of our facility and you will feel the difference the moment you walk through our doors. For your convenience you can visit us at www.larchwoodinns.com

January 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Warning signs of hearing loss

By Dr. Ryan Crawford, Bookcliff Hearing Rehab Center

A

pproximately one in four people over the age of 50 has some degree of hearing loss. By nature, hearing loss is gradual and progressive. The longer you wait to identify or rehabilitate a hearing loss, the more likely it is for the problem to advance. When the hearing nerves and areas of the brain responsible for hearing are deprived of sound, they atrophy, making the recovery from hearing loss more difficult. Here are key warning signs of hearing loss:

1. Difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments: People with normal hearing can usually tune out background noise and still follow conversation.

Because hearing loss is often a gradual process, we do not recognize this warning sign because we assume everyone struggles in noisy environments.

2. Asking people to repeat themselves: Take time to examine why you are asking people to repeat themselves. Although excessive environmental noise can cause difficulty in understanding, this is often an indication of hearing loss.

3. Answering inappropriately: Often times a hearing-impaired individual knows that someone is speaking to them, yet does not understand what is being said. People try to compensate for this by guessing

what was said, which often leads to an embarrassing or inappropriate response.

4. Relying on facial cues: Do you find that you are better able to hear and understand conversation one on one? Do you find yourself exerting extra effort to maintain visual contact in difficult listening environments? Whenever possible, individuals with some degree of hearing loss rely on contextual and visual cues to help understand and follow the conversation.

5. Your hearing loss is affecting others: Do you turn up the radio or television to hear better, but have others complain that it is too loud?

Do you have difficulty hearing or following telephone conversations?

Is the sound system at church inadequate? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it could be a sign of hearing loss. Every level of hearing loss should be evaluated and appropriately treated.

Better hearing can improve every aspect of our lives. Don’t let hearing loss dominate your life. Take action today! If you or someone you know suspects hearing loss, we can help.

Dr. Ryan Crawford and Bookcliff Hearing Rehab Center provide complimentary hearing screenings and more information about hearing loss.

For more information, please call 241-8255 or visit our website at www.hearingrehabcenter.com. ■

Health & Wellness 11

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12 Health & Wellness

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Find TMD relief with TempOrthotics

By Jeanette Kiphart

T

he Stabilizer and Immobilizer braces by TempOrthotics reduce stress in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for sufferers of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) who

have recently undergone oral surgery as well as those experiencing mandibular joint pain symptoms.

In the past, TMD sufferers like Cinde Waller looked for a medical device to help with pain relief, only to be told that no such device was avail-

“...TMJ orthotic brace allows the patient to feel much more relaxed – a big plus during the healing process...”

–Dr. K. E. Perino, Oral and

Reduce pain from: Oral Surgery Headaches TMJ

able. Desperate for relief when her jaw would fall open during the night, Waller had a seamstress sew together materials following the design that proved to be comfortable and effective in her recovery. She continues to use the Stabilizer to relieve tension headaches caused by muscle spasms and to hold her jaw in place.

The design of the Stabilizer orthotic brace allows for movement of the temporomandibular joint while gently supporting the mandible. This relaxes the temporalis and masseter muscle groups relieving stress on healing tissues, also assisting in the relief of jaw pain, headache and other symptoms of TMJ. The Stabilizer is also comfortable enough to wear in conjunction with dental sleep appliances as a nighttime orthotic,

S “...especially useful during sleep when it is important for the jaw to be supported...” –Dr. M. D. Doherty, Craniofacial Pain/Sleep Disorders

Made in Colorado

201-1074 TempOrthotics.com

assisting in maintaining the jaw in the desired closed, forward position during sleep.

The sturdier design of the Immobilizer orthotic brace limits movement of the jaw. This provides firm support of the temporalis and masseter muscle groups during post-surgical recovery where immobilization or very limited movement of the patient’s jaw is desired.

The braces are recommended by several local TMJ doctors and oral surgeons who specialize in TMD including Dr. K. E. Perino and Dr. M. D. Doherty. As always, please consult with your physician or dental professional before using these products.

For more information, call 201-1074 or visit www.temporthotics.com. You can also visit them on Facebook. ■

Competent and friendly dentist

Maxillofacial Surgeon

Made in the US A

January 2012

Like us on Facebook

cott VanDusen, D.D.S. provides solutions for your dental needs.

Our services are comprehensive and focus on the entire family.

Our services include cosmetic dentistry, dentures, crowns, bridges, bonding, partials and more.

You will find our office and staff professional, competent, warm and friendly. Our office manager Becky, and Cindi will answer any and all questions you may have regarding insurance coverage and payment options. Our office is a provider for most insurance companies.

Our oral hygienists, Katherine and Diane, will likely provide you with the best cleaning you have ever experienced. At least, that’s what our patients tell us.

Dr. VanDusen is happy to answer any questions regarding treatment needs, specific procedures and other options. When unusual cases arise,

Patient needed crowns, bridges and partials.

you will be referred to the finest local specialists available.

A little about Dr. VanDusen Dr. VanDusen was born right here in Grand Junction and was raised on the Western Slope. After high school, he served a tour in the U.S. Navy before returning to Grand Junction.

After receiving an associate’s degree in science at Mesa Junior College, he completed his degree in microbiology at Colorado State University.

His next stop was Colorado State Hospital for his degree in medical technology and then on to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for his dental degree. After practicing in Iowa for a number of years, he chose to return to Grand Junction.

Dr. VanDusen’s office is conveniently located about one and a half blocks north of North Avenue on the west side of Seventh Street. For more information, call 255-7070. ■

With skill and patience... a new smile.