BEACON - Health & Wellness (September 2012)

fall 2012

Health &Wellness

Why do women hurt more?

Pain and gender differences

page 2

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September 2012

Pain: gender differences and complementary approaches to relief

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n old guy named Gus goes to his doctor.

“Doc,” he says, “I’ve got pain everywhere. I touch my head and it hurts.

I touch my knee and it hurts. I touch my back and it hurts.”

The doctor examines him and says, “Gus, the problem is that when you press on various parts of your body, it hurts because you have a broken finger.”

A corny joke, but pain is a serious subject.

Pain experienced when we were young and active was unlikely to be accepted as “normal.” Yet, pain in older people is prevalent and widely accepted as something to be expected in later life. So suffering associated with persistent pain in older people often occurs without the appropriate assessment and treatment to alleviate the pain.

A recent study published in “Scientific American” said that women feel pain more intensely than men do.

For a number of diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, and respiratory infections, women reported feeling more pain than men. The study reportedly was one of the largest to examine gender differences in pain perception. Men, of course, are at an advantage in not having to endure the pain of childbirth.

Yet men tend to be macho about pain. Some just grit their teeth and don’t complain. Women, generally being more verbal, express themselves when they hurt.

The analysis, looking at the medical records of 11,000 patients at Stanford University’s hospital and clinics, reported women suffered more severe pain than men did for the same

disorders. Patients rated their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being excruciating. The researcher looked at ratings before any painkillers or other treatments were given.

According to reports in the study, there was a pain difference of 20 percent or more for women. The results suggested that when doctors prescribe pain medication, they might want to call for a stronger dose for women.

To be sure, there are exceptions. Take my wife. She has a very high tolerance for pain. In fact, she has burned her hand or arm when taking something out of the oven and wasn’t aware of the burn until she noticed a scar afterward. When she slipped on the ice this past winter and fell, she wasn’t planning to get checked out until I insisted she go to the emergency room. X-rays showed two bones in her wrist were broken.

By contrast, I’m a sniveling whiner about my pains. Fortunately, bouts of sciatica have been cured by exercise or physical therapy. I rarely take any analgesic. I restrict pill popping to what my doctor recommends for specific ailments.

The reason for this difference in pain between most men and women is not known, doctors say. Past research suggests a number of factors contribute to perceptions of pain level, including hormones, genetics and psychological factors, which may vary between men and women.

It’s also possible the pain systems work differently in men and women, or women experience more severe forms of disease than men.

Two occupational therapists in New York, Jane Gatanis and Alyssa Frey, say they can cure pain naturally

September 2012 with a plan that combines mind-body techniques and traditional physical rehabilitation. They began developing the program in 1996 while working in the rehabilitation department of Beth Israel Medical Center. There they studied complementary approaches to treating chronic pain.

They say their approach works because they address a factor that many doctors ignore when treating pain, namely, emotions.

“I have come to believe that about 95 percent of chronic pain has an emotional component,” Gatanis said. “Emotions and stress can either initiate the pain or exacerbate it.”

Beth Israel Medical Center’s Dr. Russell Portenoy supports their program.

“There is actually more scientific evidence that mind-body approaches can be useful for pain than there is for most of the drugs we prescribe,” Portenoy said.

Gatanis and Frey have a program they give patients to follow at home.

Exercises are said to take 30-60 minutes a day. Depending on how complex the pain is and its cause, relief, they say, can come in a matter

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of weeks.

Poor posture can be a large factor in chronic pain, they say, causing tension along the spine. It can also restrict breathing, reducing oxygen and blood needed to resolve inflammation and tension.

Gatanis and Frey have their patients use meditation and visualization to think less negatively about their pain. They maintain that those suffering with pain tend to condemn the painful part of their body. This, they say, increases their mental distress and muscular tension.

They recommend sitting in a quiet place and thinking about that part of your body that hurts. Slowly inhale and imagine space and light around your pain. Let the pain float in this space. As you slowly exhale, gently move the painful part of your body in small increments. As you breathe, move the painful area in different directions. Imagine the space around the pain growing larger. Visualize the pain floating in space. Talk to your pain, they advise.

Sounds slightly wacky. But it may be worth a try. Anything to stop severe pain. ■

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September 2012

Unmask geriatric depression

By Sherrie Glassmeyer, Haven Behavioral Senior Care

D

epression is a devastating disease and is projected to be the leading cause of disability by the year 2020. It affects up to 14 million individuals and is expected to double in the next 30 years.

Geriatric depression is an illness that needs to be recognized. Depression in the geriatric population is a challenge to recognize due to other medical illnesses that often mask it and the fact that the elderly downplay any emotion or symptoms they may have.

George, 74, is always complaining that his muscles hurt, he feels dizzy, and that he is constipated. He goes to his doctor’s office multiple times a month for vague reasons. He recently had to move in with his daughter after a fall three months ago. He has frequent anger outbursts and has a hard time sleeping at night. His daughter reports that he is uncooperative and is hard to deal with. Does George sound like someone you know? Does his life sound at all like yours?

Depression in the elderly is often missed, as the elderly often do not talk about emotional issues. They will usually deny being depressed and often obsess about physical symptoms such as constipation. It is hypothesized that 6-9 percent of the elderly over 60 who are seen in the primary care setting, have depression. It is thought that 17-37 percent of the elderly have minor depression. These statistics do not even include those that do not visit their doctors perhaps due to lack of finances or transportation problems.

It is believed that 65 percent of geriatric patients who have depression present other symptoms that

they believe they have or obsess about. Other symptoms may include exaggerated gastrointestinal symptoms or arthritic symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, a decrease in cognition, weight loss, or just overall increased tiredness.

Of concern, suicide among the elderly is important to think about as the incidence of overall suicide increases with age. It is believed that 25 percent of all suicides occur within the geriatric population. Depression is the most important risk factor for suicide. Of all suicide, 20 percent of those completed by the geriatric population saw their medical provider that day.

Below is a list of common symptoms in geriatric depression.

Aches and pains (frequent doctor visits) Depressed mood Disturbance in sleep or eating patterns Loss of interest in enjoyable activities Withdrawal from social situations Fixated on planning the end of their life Verbalization that they are a burden to their family Preoccupation with health Poor appetite and weight loss Increased fatigue Increased agitation and anger If depression is suspected by yourself, your loved one, or someone you know, visit your medical provider and discuss your concerns or questions as soon as possible. Depression is treatable and is not a normal part of aging.

For more information, visit Haven Behavioral Healthcare on the web at www.havenbehavioral. com, or call 303-288-7800. ■

September 2012

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health & wellness 5

Friendship leads to better health

By Sarah Johnson, Home Care of the Grand Valley

W

hen Jan returned home last spring following rehab for a hip fracture, she was faced with more than just the challenge of continued recovery. Her husband had passed away only a few weeks before and she was now both grieving and living on her own.

Home Care of the Grand Valley has been supporting Jan at home since it opened for business 10 years ago. Today, Wendy Schimek, RN, is part of the team of therapists, nurses and aides that continues to help Jan remain as independent as possible.

“These days, I only see Jan every three weeks,” Schimek said, who notes that Jan has become more independent with her medications, has not fallen, and has not been rehospitalized since coming home from rehab. “But I always look forward to these visits, because she is more than my patient, she is my friend.”

That personal connection is one of the hallmarks of Home Care of the Grand Valley’s decade-long approach to serving its clients, who range from premature babies to older adults with acute and chronic conditions.

“They talk to me and find out exactly how I’m thinking and feeling about things,” Jan, 76, said. “They just make me feel better.”

Home Care of the Grand Valley was founded in 2002, when some members of the health

care community were concerned that the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital’s nonprofit home care agency would leave an unfilled need. The agency’s success has been apparent ever since.

“There’s definitely a culture of trying to be the very best quality that we can be,” Judi DeVore, RN, said.

Home Care of the Grand Valley has been named one of the top 100 or top 500 home care agencies in the country every year since the Home Care Elite rankings began six years ago, and it had the honor of being the top agency in Colorado in 2006.

The organization also continues its proud tradition of community partnerships, which currently include the evidence-based Matter of Balance and Care Transitions Intervention programs.

Shirley Thompson, a registered nurse who has been with Home Care of the Grand Valley since the beginning, thinks the secret to the agency’s success is its staff.

“They are good at what they do, knowledgeable about what they do, and they like what they do,” she said. And that is a winning combination for any home care client.

To schedule a visit with their friendly staff, contact Home Care of the Grand Valley at 263-0202 or visit www.homecareofthe grandvalley.org. ■

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September 2012

Fitness equals freedom

By Paula Reece, Crossroads Fitness

F

reedom means different things to different people. Freedom in our country allows us to have freedom to learn, work, speak and enjoy life. If you enjoy a healthy and fit lifestyle, you also have freedom. This freedom allows you to perform things in life, from daily chores to your favorite activities. Without it, you may lose your freedom to do such things.

It’s never too late and no one is ever too old to improve their fitness level. Start with the basic four areas of fitness: flexibility, cardio, strength and nutrition. When you combine these four areas you are on the right path.

Flexibility is more than just touching your toes. Daily chores such as getting in and out of a vehicle, walking through the grocery store, and housework all take movement from your body and muscles. Exer-

cises such as yoga work on strengthening the core and improving posture. Your core muscles consist of the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen.

Think of the small movements you do every day using these muscles—such as reaching for a glass from the cabinet or making your bed. Another major benefit of core strength is better balance, which can help reduce the risk of injury from falls.

Cardio fitness keeps your heart strong and cardiovascular system working properly. Starting slowly will allow you to enjoy simple pleasures such as playing with your grandchildren or

traveling. Walking, hiking and dancing are all forms of cardio exercise.

Choose an activity that you enjoy. It will make you more apt to want to do it.

Strength training for seniors has become more popular in recent years and for good reason. The benefits are numerous.

There have been studies that show lifting weights two or three times a week increases strength by building muscle mass and bone density. It can also help reduce the signs and symptoms of many diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis and depression.

Nutrition is also a key component in total health. Feeding your body the nutrients that it needs will provide the fuel for you to not only feel better, but look better.

The first step toward freedom is to get started. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you and then, get moving! Crossroads Fitness has two convenient locations in Grand Junction where you can get started.

To join our Airport Location at 2768 Compass Drive, call 242-8746. To join our Downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St., call 241-7800.

Choose from over 300 fitness classes. We have many beginner classes and classes aimed directly towards seniors, such as gentle yoga.

Ask a friend to join you. Whether you are already on this fitness path or just starting, you will reap the freedom that comes from being healthy and fit. ■

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September 2012

What benefits come with a healthy smile?

By Heather Zeilman, Colorado Smiles

A

healthy smile carries a lot of fringe benefits. We all know that some heart problems may be associated with teeth and gum issues, which means the health found in your mouth can mean improved overall health as well.

But a healthy smile means more than that.

Our smile sends a message about us, often beyond how we are dressed or what we say. A first impression leaves a lasting impression. That could mean landing that job, finding a life-long mate or simply making a new friend.

In addition, missing teeth can impair our ability to eat what we want to eat, when we want to eat it. Not only do permanent teeth, including dental implants or dentures with implants, allow us to eat the foods we want, but we can be confident

our teeth will look great and stay in place no matter what. That means we do not have to be anxious about scheduling a lunch or dinner date with friends, family or our significant other. It also means we can look forward to that juicy hamburger or tender steak without worry. We can also travel lighter without needing denture supplies that can add so much bulk.

A healthy, beautiful, permanent smile delivers a confident spirit that empowers us from the start to the finish of each day. Although many circumstances can change without notice, our smile can remain constant.

It is especially important during our many seasons of life that we find security in the everyday, and that can definitely begin with our smile To contact Dr. Clader at Colorado Smiles, call 249-6955. ■

health & wellness 7

Feel attractive eaT what you want Smile freely

At Colorado Smiles, we believe your smile determines your quality of life. A beautiful smile makes us attractive to others and improves our confidence. A permanent smile means eating the foods we want to eat, when and where we want to eat them. A healthy smile means overall good health, with less likelihood for heart problems related to tooth and gum issues.

Dr. Dan Clader has spent years training to make all dentistry predictable, long lasting and aesthetically brilliant. He’s now taking new patients.

Call us today to schedule your exam and consultation at 970-249-6955.

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September 2012

Depression is not a normal part of aging

By Janey Sorensen, The Center for Mental Health

W

e all look forward to the golden years—when our children are raised, the hectic pace of our careers has ended, and we have time to do those things that we have been putting off. Nevertheless, for some, the joy of the golden years promise is elusive. One reason for the missing joy might be older adult depression.

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition and is not a normal part of aging. Yet older adults are at an increased risk of depression. Why? • About 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic health condition with 50 percent having two or more. Depression is a common companion to many chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

• As our function becomes more limited, depression often

accompanies those limitations.

• Older adults are often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Health care providers may mistake depressive symptoms with a natural reaction to an illness or life change as we age.

How do you know if it’s depression?

• Feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time • Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness • Irritability, restlessness • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable • Fatigue and decreased energy • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping • Overeating or appetite loss • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment The good news is that, no matter your age, people do recover from depression. Medication and therapy helps. If you are concerned about your own feelings or the behavior of someone you know, please get help.

Call the Center for Mental Health at 252-3200, or visit your health care provider and talk to them earnestly about your symptoms. For crisis care 24-hours a day at no cost, call the Center for Mental Health emergency services number, 252-6220, and talk to the on-call therapist. ■

How Paonia Care delivers health and wellness to our residents

A

t Paonia Care and Rehabilitation Center, our residents’ health and wellness is paramount to us.

Part of what makes for improved wellness is that our facility is surrounded by beautiful mountains. We have wonderful views out of every window. We have small town values and provide the highest of care. As a nationally recognized 5-star facility, we take patient health seriously.

We provide respite stays up to seven days for caregivers that need some rest. We have equipment to provide diathermy, ultrasound, e-stim, and other state-of-the-art therapy modalities. We employ full-time physical and occupational therapists in house, seven days a week. Speech therapy is called in as needed and ordered by a physician. Our therapists are trained to provide skilled services for any rehabilitation needs post-surgical, stroke, heart attack, etc.

We have registered nurses every day of the week to oversee our clinical provision of care. Our medical director is Dr. Timothy Meilner of the North Fork Medical Clinic. He spends at least one day a week in house with us to assess and maintain quality of care for all of our residents. Dr. Michelle Hundley is our quality assurance and co-medical director.

Our latest announcement is the installation of a new Special Care Unit for dementia residents. We have a wander guard system to re-direct exit seeking behavior out of the facility. Our facility is secured by keypad entry from all outside doors. We also have security cameras on all public areas.

We love all of our residents and their families. Drop in and visit us anytime, or call 527-4837 and we will answer any questions you may have.

■

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September 2012

Supporting healthy independence is our mission

By Sheri LaPlante & Marilee Langfitt, Mesa Developmental Services

W

e’ve all known people who struggle, due to the natural aging process, to perform the dayto-day activities necessary to live on their own. In many cases, with just a little help, elderly individuals can remain in their home, rather than moving to “a home.”

With appropriate home care, people can prolong their independence, have greater control over their lives, and avoid the higher cost of residential nursing services.

Mesa Developmental Services is proud to announce Trusted Care, licensed personal care and home care services for any individual with special needs—elderly individuals, individuals with chronic medical conditions, or those recovering from an injury or illness. Certified staff provide assistance with personal care needs such as bathing, skin care, nail care, dressing and grooming; household tasks such as light house cleaning, meal preparation, laundry, shopping and errands; and they can offer companionship, which provides a level of security knowing someone is visiting on a regular basis.

We also provide respite care services for those who are primary caregivers for aging relatives. For more information about Trusted Care, call 256-8687.

health & wellness 9

PEOPLE SUPPORTING PEOPLE

Autism facts and myths When you hear the staggering numbers of children diagnosed with autism annually (one in 88, which is up 78 percent from 10 years ago), you may wonder why the sudden epidemic and what causes it. It’s not really new and it’s not just children who are affected. What is new is the ability to diagnose the condition.

Today, with greater knowledge and focus, autism is identified earlier, which results in beneficial intervention to teach coping mechanisms.

Autism spectrum disorder represents a wide range of behaviors.

Through the years, many people have gone undiagnosed and in adulthood, they have problems with social skills, depression, communication and maintaining employment. Often times they are isolated.

Audyssey is a new community collaboration assessment and service option for individuals with autism and their families, operated through Mesa Developmental Services. We’ve provided services to young children diagnosed with autism for several years and are now offering services to teens and adults with autism.

Audyssey combines psychologists, board-certified behavior analysts, occupational and speech-language therapy, as well as medical professionals. For more information about Audyssey, call 256-8656. ■

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10 health & wellness

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Boomers benefit from hearing aids as they stay in the workforce longer

T

!

Oxygen therapy: treatment for cancer and chemo recovery

F

or 50 years, patients, doctors tis, chemo treatand scientists have been fighting ment recovery cancer. In that time, researchers and and many more. scientists have found that cancer deEssentially, it velops in low oxygen environments. decreases inflamIn his book, “Oxygen to the Resmation in the body, cue,� Dr. Pavel Yutsis said that by therefore decreasincreasing oxygen to the cancer cells, ing pain.� it changes the cell structure, revitalHaving more izing the human body and making oxygen in the blood the diseased cells less virulent. In stream under mild pressure allows many instances, the diseased cells the body to heal itself faster than it are destroyed. would without Many controthe pressurized versial treatments oxygen. for cancer have “Having adproduced dangerequate oxygen in ous side effects. the body helps Hyperbaric oxygen everything from therapy (HBOT) your muscles is a safe method to your organs of delivering more and your brain, oxygen to the Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe way to function better,� body. It is not toxic treat many medical conditions.

Dunnagan said. and has few, if any, “Having adequate side effects. oxygen also promotes healing, “Mild hyperbaric therapy can helping to accelerate the recovery benefit patients with many different process.â€? conditions,â€? Montrose chiropractor For more information on how mild Dr. Darin Dunnagan said. “It can help hyperbaric therapy might help your with things such as altitude sickness, condition, contact Dunnagan at poor sleep, sports injuries, pre/post DC Hyperbaric Therapy Center at surgery all the way to Parkinson’s, 252-3360 or email drd@teamdcmon MS, stroke, autism, restless leg, arthri- trose.com. â–

September 2012

he Great Recession put a kink in many American’s retirement plans. Combine that financial blow with the general uncertainty regarding Medicare and the future cost of private health insurance.

As a result, more boomers are staying in the workforce longer.

In fact, between 2006 and 2016 the number of older people in the workforce is expected to soar, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers between the ages of 55 and 64 are expected to increase by 36.5 percent, the number of workers between 65 and 74 is expected to climb by 83.4 percent, and even the number of workers who are 75 and older is expected to grow by 84.3 percent. By 2016, the BLS says, workers age 65 and over are expected to make up 6.1 percent of the total labor force—a steep jump from their 3.6 percent share in 2006.

So what does this mean for individuals? It means people need to do what they can to age productively.

It means they need to take charge of their health, including their hearing health, so they can maximize their chances for success on the job. Along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s important that boomers routinely get their hearing checked and that they address any hearing loss so it doesn’t undermine their efforts on the job or their quality of life.

Gone are the days of ignoring hearing difficulties. There are no more excuses. Given the technological advances of modern hearing aids and the compelling data that illustrate the downside of leaving hearing loss unaddressed, there’s only one reasonable course of action. Maturing workers should be getting their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, they should discuss with their hearing health care provider whether or not

hearing aids could help. “Never before has good hearing been so important or so attainable,� Better Hearing Institute Executive Director Dr. Sergei Kochkin said.

Consider this: More than 34 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, which is about 11 percent of the U.S. population, and 60 percent of them are below retirement age, according to the Better Hearing Institute (www.betterhearing. org). Research shows that the use of hearing aids reduces the risk of income loss by 90–100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65–77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. Those with moderate to severe hearing loss who use hearing aids are twice as likely to be employed as their peers who do not use hearing aids. Three out of four hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life due to wearing hearing aids. The vast majority of people with hearing loss, in fact, could benefit from hearing aids. “Hearing health care is essential to older adults’ overall well being,�

Hearing Rehab Center Vice President Matt Wilken said. “Even those experiencing mild hearing loss can improve both their work and social lives with the help of hearing aids. We encourage everyone to have their hearing checked annually.�

Hearing Rehab Center is Colorado’s premier Audiology and hearing aid provider. We provide customized solutions to help people hear better.

Call 464-3066 today to schedule your free consultation and hearing device demonstration at our Grand Junction office, Bookcliff Hearing Rehab Center, located at 120 West Park Drive, Suite 111. Call or visit www. hearingrehabcenter.com for more information. â–

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September 2012

health & wellness 11

The Healthy Geezer

By Fred Cicetti

Q. What are the benefits of vitamins?

It’s very important to talk with your doctor before you take any vitamin and mineral pills, especially if you take prescription medicines, or have any health problems. Taking too much of a vitamin or mineral can cause problems with some medical tests or interfere with drugs you’re taking.

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients your body needs in small, but steady amounts. Your body can’t make most micronutrients, so you must get them elsewhere.

Vitamins are natural substances found in plants and animals. There are two types of vitamins: watersoluble and fat-soluble.

Your body easily absorbs water-soluble vitamins. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, they don’t have to be absorbed using bile acids (fluids used to digest fats). Your body doesn’t store large amounts of water-soluble vitamins.

The water-soluble vitamins you don’t need are removed by your kidneys and come out in your urine.

Your body has to use bile acids to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Once these vitamins are absorbed, your body stores them in body fat. When you need them, your body takes them out of storage to be used.

Some examples of water-soluble vitamins are Vitamin C, biotin and the seven B vitamins, thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin (B-3), pantothenic acid (B-5), pyridoxine (B-6), folic acid (B-9) and cobalamin (B-12).

Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E or K. Minerals come from the earth or from water. Plants and animals absorb them to get nutrients. The major minerals are calcium, phosphorus,

magnesium, sodium, potassium, sulfur and chloride. They are considered major minerals because adults need them in large amounts.

Trace minerals are chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. Your body needs them in smaller amounts.

It would be hard to overdose on vitamins or minerals that you get from the foods you eat. But if you take supplements, you can easily take too much. This is even more of a risk if you take fat-soluble vitamins.

Whole foods are your best sources of vitamins and minerals. They offer three main benefits over supplements:

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1. They contain a variety of the micronutrients your body needs. An orange, for example, provides vitamin C, but also beta-carotene, calcium and other nutrients. A vitamin C supplement lacks these other micronutrients.

2. They provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and can help prevent certain diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Adequate fiber intake can also help prevent constipation.

3. They contain other substances such as antioxidants, which slow down the natural process that leads to cell and tissue damage.

If you depend on supplements rather than eating a variety of whole foods, you miss the potential benefits of these substances.

For some people, including those on restrictive diets, multivitaminmineral supplements can provide vitamins and minerals that their diets often don’t. Older people and pregnant women have altered nutrient needs and may also benefit from a supplement. ■

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12 health & wellness

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

September 2012

Dental implants are changing the A spa-like dental experience ment for her clients, with no drilling way people live

By Liesl Greathouse sounds or the odd smells that normally

I

f you are self-conscious about your smile, dental implants might be the solution for you.

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.

Montrose Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, located at 600 S. Park Ave. in Montrose has served the Uncompahgre Valley for over 13 years. In addition to implants, our experienced doctors, Dr. Craig Cayo and Dr. Dorcha Boisen, are highly trained, and practice full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery.

They provide implant treatment

plans for individual teeth, multiple tooth replacement, dentures, and full mouth implant rehabilitation. Other services include wisdom teeth removal, tooth extractions, oral pathology and biopsy, Botox and cosmetic fillers, and treatment of facial injuries.

Dr. Cayo and Dr. Boisen want their patients to feel confident about the investment they make in their oral health by providing the highest level of care with integrity and a personalized touch.

Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. For more information about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, call Montrose Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 240-4485. ■

“I

f you ignore your teeth, they will go away.” That is the personal philosophy of independent dental hygienist Elizabeth Scully. Scully, 46, owns Mountain Oasis Dental Hygiene, located at 314 S. Sixth St. in Montrose.

“I have worked in every area of dentistry that exists,” Scully said.

Scully has over 30 years experience.

She started her business 6 years ago, operating out of a local day spa, but now she has her own office.

Scully started her “dental spa” to help people who normally would not go to a dentist. A good portion of her clients are retirees, with no insurance and on a fixed income.

She offers the normal array of dental procedures, such as teeth cleaning, whitening, sealants and periodontal maintenance. She refers her clients to a dentist or specialist if the need arises, and encourages them to get a yearly dental examination by a dentist.

Scully creates a comfortable environ-

inhabit a dental office. Her dental chair is a Tempur-Pedic massage chair and she gives each client a fresh eye pillow and warm towels. She only uses equipment that emits limited radiation and uses fluoride only if necessary.

Her office also has handicap access.

Because gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss and is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, Scully believes that dental education and prevention are important for anyone’s general health.

“Overall health is directly related to the health of your mouth,” Scully said. “I spend as much time as needed educating people on how to take care of their mouth and personalizing their dental care.”

New clients receive a complimentary in-office whitening session. For more information about Mountain Oasis Dental Hygiene, call Scully at 249-5616. ■