Twin Tiers Health

january 2015

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Healthy Heart Issue

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january 2015

3 Cardiac arrest vs. heart attack 4 Olean Medical Group receives special designation 5 Cold weather causes bodily changes 6 Enhance overall health the easy way

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8 In from the cold 9 Hospice compassionately assists caregivers and their loved ones 10 Cholesterol and its relation to heart disease 11 Is my child eating enough?

13 Cole Memorial, UPMC reach cancer-care affiliation 14 Good and bad diet fads 15 Swim lessons heat up our long, cold winter

january 2015

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Cardiac arrest vs. heart attack Many people mistakenly assume cardiac arrest and heart attack are the same thing. However, sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. In fact, there are distinguishable differences between the two that are best explained by detailing what is actually happening when someone is suffering from either one.

study waited more than 12 hours from the start of symptoms before seeking treatment. Those symptoms can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath and discomfort in other areas of the body that do no improve after five minutes.

What happens during a heart attack?

When a person is experiencing cardiac arrest, their heart’s electrical system is malfunctioning and suddenly becomes irregular. The heart begins to beat very fast while the ventricles may flutter or quiver. Blood is not being delivered to the body during cardiac arrest, and a genuine fear is that blood flow to the brain will be reduced so drastically that a person may lose consciousness.

Unlike a heart attack, cardiac arrest requires immediate treatment. It’s best to seek treatment promptly for both a heart attack and cardiac arrest, but those experiencing cardiac arrest are at much greater risk of death if treatment is not sought immediately.

During a heart attack, blockage occurs in one or more of the heart’s arteries. That blockage subsequently prevents the heart from receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Research indicates that many people with symptoms of a heart attack actually delay seeking treatment for more than two hours.

In a 2010 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers found the average delay in arriving at the hospital after the start of a heart attack was roughly two and a half hours. Eleven percent of the more than 100,000 cases examined in the

Did you Know?

What happens during cardiac arrest?

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, a nonsmoking man is more likely to develop prostate cancer than he is to develop colon, bladder, melanoma, lymphoma, and kidney cancers combined. What’s more, a man is 35 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than a woman is to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Annually, more than 190,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 25,000 men die from the disease each year. However, because roughly 90 percent of all prostate cancers are detected in the local and regional stages, the cure rate for prostate cancer is very high, emphasizing the importance of prostate cancer screenings.

In fact, the American Cancer Society advises that all men over 50 with at least a 10-year life expectancy receive annual prostate cancer screenings, including the PSA blood test as well as the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). These screenings are especially important for African-American men, who are 56 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer and 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. To learn more about prostate cancer, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation Web site at prostatecancerfoundation.org. HM101924

Men and women, young and old, should also keep in mind that heart attack can sometimes lead into cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of seeking treatment as soon as any symptoms of heart attack begin to appear.

How are heart attack and cardiac arrest prevented?

The goal is to keep blood flowing through the body as smoothly as possible. This means avoiding blood clots and the build-up of plaque in the arteries. That might sound simple enough, but plaque build-up and the process of coronary artery disease has been shown to begin as far back as childhood, when diets are not typically tailored to avoid heart disease.

While it’s impossible to go back in time and change certain lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise routines and regimens, there are ways adults can reduce the build-up of plaque, which can help them avoid falling victim to heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Exercise regularly.

At least 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended.

Eat a healthy diet.

A diet low in saturated fat, which almost always equates to eating less red meat, and high in fruits and vegetables is ideal.

Stop smoking.

For those who have never smoked or have quit smoking, keep it up.

Those who have or continue to smoke, stop.

Don’t procrastinate.

These changes can’t wait until tomorrow.

As mentioned above, the process or coronary artery disease doesn’t wait for adulthood, and adults who need to make changes cannot afford to drag their feet. The good news is studies have indicated that even those with heart disease can expect to live longer if they simply commit to the necessary lifestyle changes.

For more information about heart attack and cardiac arrest, visit the American Heart Association Web site at www.heart.org. HM111305

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january 2015

Olean Medical Group receives special designation

By Christopher Michel

Special to Twin Tiers Health OLEAN, N.Y. — Olean Medical Group (OMG) has received special recognition for its work in the fight against a disease that kills millions each year.

At the end of December, the American College of Radiology (ACR) named OMG as one of its Lung Cancer Screening Centers. The local healthcare provider is now one of 34 in New York to have such a designation.

The closest facilities that also have the ACR designation are in the Buffalo and Rochester areas.

“We’re very proud to get this designation,” said Walt Keim, a registered nurse at OMG who manages its radiology department.

“We are very fortunate to have the radiologists and staff here who are committed to this program that is beneficial to our patients.”

Olean Medical Group officials applied for the designation in early November, having its lung cancer detection and post-screening care services, like counseling and smoking cessation programs, evaluated by ACR. The healthcare provider received its classification as an ACR-recognised toward the end of last month.

The classification does not change OMG’s day-to-day operations. What it means is OMG’s existing lung cancer screening services meet ACR’s standards for preventative care.

“We’ll still be providing the same level of care for our patients,” Keim said. “What we’re hoping is that with this designation we’ll be able to see more people who are at risk for lung cancer and provide the appropriate screenings and follow-up services long before they would get a chest X-ray after developing a cough or pain.”

Early lung cancer screenings are becoming a more common practice at healthcare providers across the country, Keim noted.

“The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force actually recommends that people who are considered to be at high risk for lung cancer have lowdose CT lung cancer screenings in the attempt to get earlier detection of

possible cancers,” he said.

Those considered at high risk for lung cancer include smokers ages 55 to 74 or those who have smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15. Individuals who quit smoking but have a 30-year or 15-year history with cigarettes are also at high risk for lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

(Contact reporter Christopher Michel at cmichel@oleantimesherald. com. Follow him on Twitter, OTHChris.)

january 2015

Cold weather causes bodily changes Goosebumps, shivering and frostbite aren’t the only things that cold weather can do to the body. When the temperature drops there are many physiological factors that come into play.

1. Sensory slow down: Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on bodily functions, including nerve impulses. Consider how it can be more difficult to handle fine motor skills out in the cold, such as lacing up a boot or grabbing a fallen coin from the floor.

The cold temperatures slow down muscle reactions and nerve signals, which makes it harder to move the body.

2. Goosebumps: Goosebumps, or goose pimples as they’re sometimes called, is the formation of small bumps on the skin when muscles tighten and pull on the skin and cause hairs to rise into an erect position. Goosebumps can occur when a person is cold or scared. In terms of being cold, in most mammals with a lot of fur or hair, the formation of goosebumps can help trap in air between the fur and generate heat. This isn’t as easily achieved for humans, simply because humans are not as hairy.

3. Shivering: When it is cold outside the body does what it can to maintain warmth. The body may start to quiver and shake and the teeth rattle in autonomic activity aimed at generating heat as quickly as possible.

4. Excess urination: Cold weather seems to make individuals more prone to visiting the bathroom. When the body is cold there is eventual constriction of blood vessels. This constriction can cause overall blood

pressure to rise. The body makes attempts to reduce blood pressure by reducing fluid volume. The easiest way to do this is to have the body excrete fluid in the form of urine.

5. Frostbite: The body will make great strides toward keeping itself warm, even dilating blood vessels on the surface of the skin to produce more heat. This is why a person will notice rosy cheeks, nose and other parts of the body when it is chilly outside. However, eventually this dilation will cease and the surface skin will be susceptible to the surrounding temperatures. When the skin becomes too cold, ice crystals can actually form in the cells of the body and causes them to die. If frostbite is superficial, the dead, blackened cells will slough off and new cells will be in their place.

In more severe frostbite, the damage is too great and people have been known to lose parts of their extremities.

Experts say women are generally better able to handle cold weather because of a greater amount of subcutaneous fat. They also have a broader gradient of temperature from the skin to the body core, which enables them to regulate their body temperatures more easily. Elderly people and small children are the least able to regulate body temperature and could feel the effects of the cold in a more pronounced way.

Considering humans are generally tropical animals and are most comfortable in temperatures around 75 F, layering of clothing is essential to maintaining personal comfort during the cold-weather season. TF10C164

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january 2015

Enhance overall health the easy way Whether it’s a byproduct of elevated stress or increasingly busy lifestyles that lead to poor dietary choices, more than 65 million Americans are currently battling digestive health issues. Such issues can make it difficult to break down food while robbing the body of valuable nutrients it needs to stay healthy and fight disease.

While it’s easy to identify a digestive problem, many people find such problems far more difficult to address, especially for today’s busy, “on the go” lifestyle. But as scientists learn more and more about the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, they’re learning that a healthy GI tract is crucial to overall well being. And as hard as it might be for some to believe, improving digestive wellness isn’t all that difficult.

“As a health and wellness practitioner, my job is to help people prevent disease and promote a healthy

lifestyle,” says Doug Holt, CSCS, MFS, founder of Conditioning Specialists (www.conditioningspecialists.com).

“Prebiotics stimulate the growth and/ or activity of bacteria in the digestive system which are beneficial to the health of the body and are one tool we use to help people restore their health.

The introduction of prebiotics and probiotics into the diet helps fuel the healthy bacteria that aid in digestion and absorption.”

Developed to conveniently deliver a healthy digestive boost at any time of the day, PRE Probiotic Enhancer fuses organic juice with a proprietary prebiotic blend developed by Jarrow Formulas. The result is a low-calorie beverage alternative that supports digestive health and a stronger immune system.

“The PRE prebiotic beverage was developed to conveniently deliver a healthy digestive boost for everyone

from kids to boomers,” says Scot De Lorme, Brand Creator. “PRE actively works with the body to promote healthy digestive balance by triggering the growth of beneficial bacteria called probiotics already present in the digestive tract. As the good bacteria increase, so does resistance to harmful bacteria, causing a boost to one’s immune system.”

Busy, always on-the-go professionals, athletes, and moms alike will also love the PRE Powder Synbiotic Drink mix. Each .25-ounce packet can fit easily into a pocket or pocketbook, and is conveniently designed to be added to water or a favorite cold beverage, making it an ideal way to improve digestive health no matter where you are, be it the office, the kids’ soccer game, or on the way to an important meeting.

What’s more, because it’s available in a host of delicious flavors, including Pomegranate Yumberry, Pomegranate Blueberry, Acai Acerola and Passion Orange Guava, it can make a refreshing, not to mention healthy, addition to your workday.

“Introducing prebiotics into the diet can feed good bacteria that protect the

body from attack, thus allowing your system to recover quicker and enabling you to enhance your wellbeing,” explains Holt. “PRE makes integrating prebiotics and probiotics an easy and delicious part of a lifestyle of wellness.”

In addition to the great taste of PRE Regular’s Pomegranate Blueberry, Passion Orange Guava or Acai Acerola flavors, PRE Regular is only 50 calories and sweetened with organic cane sugar making it a delectable low-calorie alternative to sugary sports drinks for those on their way to the gym or even for moms en route to a play date or soccer game.

In addition to PRE Regular, PRE 10 is only 10 calories per serving and sweetened with organic cane sugar and stevia, a blessing to those who find it difficult to get their healthy boost from pills.

“I’m vegan and I have a tough time taking pills,” says Paulina of Phoenix, AZ. “I end up wasting bottles of supplements because I just can’t do pill form. It’s great to finally find a probiotic that’s so delicious and easy to enjoy.”

For more information on PRE products, visit www.preusa.com.

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january 2015

Cardiovascular disease

Did you know?

According to the 2009 National Health Interview Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million persons under the age of 65 are uninsured in the United States, an increase of nearly 2.5 million persons from the preceding year. The same survey found that 6.1 million children under the age of 18 were uninsured at the time of interview, which marked a decrease of roughly half a million uninsured children from the year prior. While the number of uninsured children under the age of 18 has decreased dramatically since 1997, the same cannot be said for the overall number of uninsured persons in the United States. In 1997, that figure stood at 41 million. While during the ensuing decade the number of uninsured Americans remain relatively close to 41 million, the increase of roughly 2.5 million uninsured U.S. residents between 2008 and 2009 marked the largest such year-to-year increase since a nearly identical increase from 1999 to 2000. HM111292

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january 2015

In from the cold Experts offer tips to keep pets warm during cold snap

By Ruth Bogdan

Special to Twin Tiers Health When the weather gets chilly, it’s common to hear people gripe about the cold. However, there is one group of residents that cannot tell when they are injured due to the cold weather — pets.

Three animal experts shared advice recently on how to keep pets safe from the frigid weather that’s hitting the area.

“Healthy activity outdoors can be a real joy but, as in other things, it is important to be aware of animals and people with you, to make sure the joy is shared,” said veterinarian Ronnie Schenkein of the Coudersport (Pa.) Animal Health Center. “One of the real pleasures in living with animals is understanding what they are thinking.

Be mindful of their needs. Parents who have assigned animal care to their children, please monitor that tasks are actually being done.”

Elk County humane officer Karen Cappiello stressed the importance of keeping pets where it’s warm. For someone with an outside dog, she said, “You’re really supposed to bring them in if the temperature drops below 20 (degrees).” She suggested even keeping an outside dog in a basement during chilly weather to keep it safe.”

The same goes for cats, she said, explaining they should also be brought indoors when the mercury dips below 20.

Nicole Proctor, manager and humane officer at the McKean County SPCA, said that while it’s “always the best choice to keep dogs and cats inside,” if pets are kept outside it’s important to provide adequate shelter and fresh, unfrozen water.

Cappiello said pet sweaters “probably help a little bit,” but indicated it can only help so much. When gauging how pets might feel, she said, “Just think about how you feel when you’re out in the weather. I’m sure the animals feel the same way.”

“I would only take them out for short periods of time, just until they do their business,” said Cappiello, who suggested around five minutes.

Schenkein said indicators such as a dog shivering or lifting up its feet are signs a dog is feeling discomfort. “For dogs that seem uncomfortable, walks should be shortened in response to their cue,” she said. “Some dogs will cheerfully accompany you even though they are miserable, so watch for signs of distress.”

All dogs have a different tolerance for cold, too, Schenkein indicated, explaining the size of the dog, the thickness of its fur and whether it is used to spending time outdoors can change what is tolerable.

Monitoring pets for outdoor hazards is important as well.

“You always should be checking their paws,” Proctor said. She explained they get caught on the ice and snow and get damaged.

Additionally, Proctor said pets get chemicals such as antifreeze or ingredients in rock salt on their bodies. “You should always be wiping them down,” she said, especially their feet and bellies. This way, they don’t accidentally ingest something they shouldn’t while cleaning themselves.

“For cats, the biggest thing is warm vehicle engines,” which are “always appealing” to cats in the cold, said Proctor. Unfortunately, what happens sometimes is cats crawl up in warm spaces such as wheel wells when people leave their cars on to warm up.

Proctor recommends making noise, such as knocking a little on the wheel wells, before driving away.

Schenkein provided more tips on cats. “Cats that are used to living indoors are quite capable of letting you know if they want to go out and for how long, as long as you are paying attention,” she said.

Regarding outdoor cats, Schenkein said, “Some cats who live outdoors become acclimated to colder temperatures, just as squirrels and other wildlife do. They still need shelter from wind and sleet. A small wooden house or a plastic tub with perhaps some styrofoam and blankets can be created with some windbreak at the door. It’s best if this is up off the ground a bit. A cat door into a building where there is some bedding is also a good

Francie Long

Cocoa, an 8-year old male poodle mix, is all bundled up in a warm coat. As the temperatures dip into the single digits — with wind chills of well below zero — it’s important to take extra steps to keep pets safe. Cocoa resides at the McKean County SPCA and is looking for a good home. idea.”

While Cappiello indicated there’s few laws regarding the raising of animals, she recommended that people with horses or farm animals bring them in a barn at night. “It’s too cold for them, too.”

Cappiello recommended keeping animals on their normal diets in the cold months. “Their stomachs get upset. That would be worse,” she said.

Schenkein offered this advice to decide whether a pet is eating the right amount. “Adjust the amount of food you give according to how the pet is doing, so that the ribs are just covered but there is not a thick padding over them, nor should there be sharp spines sticking up on the back or hollows around the hips.”

Proctor provided a safety checklist to go through with pets. The list includes additional tips such as: using a dog sweater, coat or booties; getting pets microchips or collars with up-todate identification in case they get lost; don’t leave pets in cold vehicles; cleaning up anti-freeze spills and keeping household pills, chemicals and toxic foods out of reach of animals; pet-proof homes by being cautious with space heaters, installing carbon monoxide detectors and ensuring homes are properly heated; don’t

let pets near frozen bodies of water; protect outdoor pets from wind and the cold ground; have a disaster kit that will get pets through at least five days in the event of an emergency; and have pets checked out by a veterinarian annually.

Cappiello said she’s only received a couple of calls so far this winter regarding pets not being properly kept in the elements, but each one is difficult. She explained she’s “just seized a puppy in Ridgway (Pa.) that had been outside for three nights and three days.” She’d been trying to reach the owner with no success, and the dog did not have so much as a dog house to shelter it from the weather.

Schenkein deals with similar calls each year. “Every year we get calls about dogs suffering from hypothermia,” she said. “Usually, they are short-coated dogs that are being kept tied outdoors. There are times where this situation becomes intolerable. Imagine what it would be like if you were tied to a school-bus shelter as it got colder and colder, without being able to get in your house for a warm drink, or to put on an extra sweater, a hat and mittens.”

(Contact reporter Ruth Bogdan at r.bogdan@bradfordera.com)

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Hospice compassionately assists caregivers and their loved ones The role of family caregiver is being taken on by more husbands and wives, and sons and daughters than ever before.

Consider that 29 percent of the U.S. population identifies as family caregivers, and 17 percent of employed Americans provide care to a disabled or elderly family member, according to a Gallup poll.

Caregiving can be daunting even without the responsibilities of a job.

HomeCare & Hospice is there to assist area families, providing services that help alleviate the stresses of caregiving, as well as delivering compassionate care to patients.

A staple of HomeCare & Hospice’s care services is its hospice care, which combines the highest level of quality

medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life.

“Hospice took a lot of the pressures away and gave me time to put my head on straight,” said Olean’s Ronald Dutkiewicz, whose family was assisted by HomeCare & Hospice when his father became terminally ill.

The benefits of hospice care: The focus of HomeCare & Hospice services is quality of life for patients and families.

“Hospice can help a patient achieve a dignified, meaningful life in the company of loved ones for as long as possible, while controlling pain and symptoms, and addressing innermost spiritual and emotional needs,” said

Carol Mahoney, HomeCare & Hospice CEO. “It can also give a patient’s family the support and information needed to confidently comfort and care for their loved one in their home.”

HomeCare & Hospice services include skilled nursing available around the clock, physician oversight, social work, spiritual care, hospice aides and trained volunteers. Medical equipment, medicine and supplies are also provided.

Following the death of a loved one, HomeCare & Hospice also offers emotional support and bereavement care to family members.

Making a choice for hospice Seven in 10 Americans would prefer to die in their home, according to a Time/CNN poll. The reality is that only one in four actually do.

Additionally, evidence from HomeCare & Hospice survey data suggests that families and caregivers often wish they would have sought hospice care sooner for their loved one, rather than delaying their call and missing out on the full scope of benefits from the services that the

agency provides.

“We couldn’t have asked for more,” said one caregiver whose family received HomeCare & Hospice assistance. “It made Dad’s wishes to remain at home at the end of his life more doable and let us feel that we, with hospice, were doing our best for him.”

Where is hospice provided?

HomeCare & Hospice, a nonprofit United Way supported agency, provides care services to patients and families in Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming and Genesee counties.

Care can be provided in the patient’s home, as well as in nursing homes and hospitals. Cost of care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.

Anyone can make the first call to hospice - a doctor, nurse, hospital discharge planner, friend or family member.

Contact HomeCare & Hospice at 1-800-339-7011 or visit www.

HomeCare-Hospice.org for more information.

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january 2015

Cholesterol and its relation to heart disease High cholesterol levels have long been directly linked to heart disease.

But as more research into cholesterol and its relation to heart disease is conducted, some doctors are shifting their views on the relationship between the two.

Statistics from the American Heart Association indicate that 75 million Americans currently suffer from heart disease. And even though one-quarter of the population takes cholesterollowering medication and have reduced the fat content of their diets, the AHA estimates that more Americans will die of heart disease than ever before.

More revelations are coming to the forefront regarding cholesterol and heart disease. New research has shown that statin drugs are ineffective at reducing mortality rates in most populations. Furthermore, according to the Framingham Heart Study, which is the longest-running and

most comprehensive study on heart disease to date, it was demonstrated that cholesterol intake in the diet had no correlation with heart disease. The study found that men and women with above average cholesterol levels had nearly identical rates of heart disease compared to those with below average cholesterol rates.

Another potential eye opener is that, in addition to cholesterol not affecting heart disease risk, eating high-cholesterol foods does not elevate blood-cholesterol levels as doctors once thought. Ancel Keys, who is considered the “father” of the theory that cholesterol contributes to heart disease, now says that there’s no connection between cholesterol in food and cholesterol in the blood.

If not cholesterol levels and the foods one eats, what, then is responsible for heart disease? Many medical professionals and researchers

Cholesterol levels may not have the same relationship to heart disease as once believed. now believe the primary causes of heart disease are inflammation and oxidative stress.

According to Dr. Dwight Lundell, a heart surgeon and author of the book, “The Great Cholesterol Lie,” foods like refined sugars and vegetable oils used to preserve processed foods may lead to the inflammation that ultimately causes heart disease. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to a foreign invader. Foods high in sugar and saturated fat can exacerbate inflammation. Bacteria and other unwanted substances in the body also contribute to inflammation.

To combat inflammation, people can adopt a healthy eating style.

Fatty fish, whole grains, leafy greens, fiber, and nuts can help reduce inflammation.

Exercise also can reduce inflammation. Research from Mark

Hamer, PhD, an epidemiologist at University College London, found that, regardless of BMI or weight, study participants who completed 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week about 20 minutes a day - lowered their markers of inflammation by at least 12 percent.

When a person exercises, muscle tissue releases a protein molecule called cytokine, which likely prompts an inflammation drop. Just about any type of workout that raises heart rate is effective in helping with inflammation.

The public may have been misinformed about just how vital it is to reduce cholesterol levels. Contrary to popular belief, high cholesterol may not have the same connection to heart disease as doctors once thought. In fact, inflammation may be the bigger component in heart disease risk.

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Is my child eating enough? foods together with something he already enjoys eating.

It’s also common for kids to only eat one type of food over and over again.

Don’t worry that the child is not getting enough nutrition. Chances are he will grow out of this stage and soon enjoy a variety of foods.

Threats or punishments to eat will only serve to cause a poor relationship with food, advise childhood experts.

Also, don’t bribe a child to eat with the reward of a snack or dessert later on.

This sets a poor example of eating and could lead to behavioral problems.

Many children develop finicky eating habits. However, as long as a youngster is growing regularly and has plenty of energy for daily activities, there’s a good chance that the foods being eaten are not interfering with health. HM111306

With childhood obesity epidemics on the rise, many parents and healthcare providers are concerned about the dietary habits of children.

However, many parents to toddlers or even school-aged children may wonder if their children are eating enough.

Children often go through periods of finicky eating or disinterest in food. It is not uncommon to have a child who eats a wide variety of foods when he is younger only to dislike the same foods a year or two later.

Most doctors say that if a child is growing and active, chances are that he is healthy and getting enough food. If the opposite is true, there may be some cause for concern. Parents should consult the child’s pediatrician if eating habits seem to be compromising their child’s growth or energy levels.

There are estimates that a young child should eat about a tablespoon of food for each year of the child’s age.

Therefore, a 3-year-old should be getting at least 3 tablespoons of food.

If the child is interested in more food, certainly offer it. If he pushes food away after eating, don’t force more on him. Most children should have 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. Toddlers may not eat enough in one meal to remain full until the next meal. Small, healthy snacks of vegetables, wholegrain crackers or low-fat dairy products can help take the edge off of hunger.

Health experts say that it can take several introductions to a new food before the child becomes accustomed to its taste and texture. It may be a good idea to offer a variety of new

Did you know?

Gluten is a type of protein that is found in many types of grains. Therefore, most breads and cereals will contain gluten.

There are some grains that do not have gluten. These include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, and oats. Individuals with celiac disease experience serious immune system reactions to gluten. These people must avoid gluten at all costs.

Other people can have an intolerance to gluten or trouble digesting it. That doesn’t make gluten life-threatening for these people, though. Because of the growing awareness of gluten and individuals who need to steer clear of it, many food packages now list if gluten is present in the product. TF10C155

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january 2015

january 2015

Cole Memorial, UPMC reach cancer-care affiliation COUDERSPORT, Pa. — Cole Memorial officials say residents of the Twin Tiers won’t have to go far to receive world- renowned cancer care. They have access to UPMC CancerCenter’s advanced clinical care and the latest research, close to home, under a new affiliation agreement with the Patterson Cancer Center located on Cole Memorial’s campus in Coudersport.

“The staff of the Patterson Cancer Center at Cole Memorial has a long history of providing evidenced- based cancer care for residents of north central Pennsylvania,” said Cole Memorial’s president and chief executive officer Ed Pitchford. “This new affiliation will link Cole with UPMC, an international research based organization. By doing so, we will deploy the same support programs and use the same researched based protocols afforded cancer patients at other UPMC CancerCenter locations.”

The local management, physicians and staff will remain at Cole Memorial, however, they will now have a professional, formal collaborative relationship with oncology colleagues at UPMC CancerCenter, a partner with the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the only National Cancer Institutedesignated comprehensive cancer center in western Pennsylvania.

For nearly 15 years, Cole Memorial’s cancer services team has provided highquality care to patients in northcentral Pennsylvania. By teaming up, officials said the Patterson Cancer Center will become the 43rd member of the UPMC CancerCenter global network which leads the way in the prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

“Patients who are undergoing cancer treatments shouldn’t have to travel far away from home. Affiliations like the one with the Patterson CancerCenter at Cole Memorial ensure that patients have access to the best possible care while they stay in the communities where they live,” said Dr. Stanley Marks, chairman of UPMC Cancer Center.

Dr. Hans Baerwald, a board-certified radiation oncologist at the Patterson Cancer Center in Coudersport, said, “Our affiliation with UPMC is a great opportunity for patients and our staff can continue expanding their knowledge base.”

In addition to Baerwald, the Patterson Center’s providers include Dr. Serge Dauphin, Dr. David Moylan III and Dr. William Muuse.

The Patterson Cancer Center in affiliation with UPMC CancerCenter offers comprehensive cancer care

including a variety of services, such as chemotherapy, biotherapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, blood transfusions, IV therapy infusions, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image- guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Support services for patients include: Free cancer screenings, support groups, the American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program and

lending library with health education resources.

For more information about the Patterson Cancer Center, call (814) 260- 5208 or visit the website www. colememorial.org. To learn more about UPMC CancerCenters, visit the network’s website at www. upmccancercenter.com.

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january 2015

Good and bad diet fads As anyone who’s ever attempted dieting knows, advice on weight loss comes from every corner. Friends might swear by the latest dieting trend while family members may be just as adamantly convinced the trend doesn’t have merit.

So what’s true and what’s false?

Simply put, combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep that weight off. While most adults are fully aware of that fact, that doesn’t stop them from finding the latest fad and letting it dictate their eating habits for days or even weeks. For those about to diet, consider the following good and bad diet fads.

The Good

Portion control: Many diets emphasize the importance of portion

control. Research has indicated it’s not just what we eat that causes weight gain, but how much we’re eating as well. In a study in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers found that cookies are 700 percent bigger than the suggested USDA standards.

And it’s not just cookies that are much bigger than recommended, as our servings of pasta (480 percent), muffins (333 percent) and bagels (195 percent) are much bigger than they should be. While not all diets that promote portion control are necessarily healthy, portion control on its own is a healthy way for everyone to approach their daily diet.

Lifestyle change: Individuals who want to lose weight should look for dietary tips that promote a change in lifestyle and not just changes in diet. Look for diets that don’t have a

timeline, promoting fast weight loss in ‘X’ amount of weeks. A diet that promotes a longterm commitment to eating healthy foods while also encouraging daily exercise is one that’s likely going to be more successful and beneficial than one that promises significant weight loss in a short period of time.

The Bad

One food can do it all: Nearly every dieter has heard of a diet that promises you can eat all you want of a specific food and still lose weight so long as that’s all you’re eating. However, focusing on a specific food is certain to deprive dieters of nutrients they sorely need. Cutting out entire food groups means dieters won’t be enjoyed a balanced diet. Also, dieters will begin to crave the foods they’re not getting, which could lead to bingeing.

Another side effect to onefood diets is that certain foods can cause some unenjoyable side effects, including dehydration or gastrointestinal problems. Look for balance in a diet, which should eliminate one-food diets from consideration.

Misguided vegetarianism: While vegetarianism isn’t bad, dieters often apply it incorrectly. When applied correctly, a vegetarian diet has been linked to all sorts of benefits, including lower rates of obesity and

heart disease. However, dieters often mistakenly eat a vegetarian diet with a foundation of cheese and pasta, which can actually cause weight gain.

Carbohydrate-rich foods, while they might be vegetarian, will likely result in weight added as opposed to lost.

When adopting a vegetarian diet, be sure to include whole grains and fruit and eat foods like nuts, beans or even tofu to ensure you’re getting enough protein.

Bye-bye, carbohydrates: Arguably no diet is more popular than the one that advocates eliminating carbohydrates. This is problematic, especially for those who want to combine their healthy diet with exercise. Carbohydrates are ideal foods for boosting energy, which dieters will need if they want to exercise regularly. Whole-grain breads, oatmeal and brown rice are all beneficial carbohydrate sources. For those desiring to eliminate some forms of carbs from their diets, eliminate white bread and white rice, as those are low in nutrients.

When it comes to dieting, there are certainly plenty of options touting incredible weight loss in short periods of time. But dieters should always look for healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off, which often includes some combination of a well-balanced diet that promotes moderation. HM111295

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Swim lessons heat up our long, cold winter Swim lessons at the Olean Family YMCA are a great way to stay fit in the winter while improving your skill in the water

Olean YMCA swim instructor Natalie Hockhousen takes joy in helping children of all ages progress in the swimming abilities through Y lessons.

Here, she is teaching the flutter kick to a preschool child.

OLEAN, N.Y. — As arctic air reigns over the Southern Tier in these cold winter months, children and adults alike may be searching for ways to stay active, fit and warm.

While most individuals think of cardio workouts and pumping some iron to get healthy in the New Year, there are certainly alternative methods for those who aren’t entirely comfortable in the gym setting. One of those methods includes taking up swim lessons in the Olean Family YMCA’s state-of-the-art aquatic facility.

Whether you’re an infant or a full-grown adult, the Olean Family YMCA offers an easy way for you to hone your skills in the water. The aquatics department, led by first-year director Jordan Moore, offers a wide array of swim lessons for children 6 months and older, their families, or independent adults.

“Swim lessons are a great tool for new swimmers to get acclimated and comfortable in the water,” said Moore. “They’re also a resource for intermediate and advanced swimmers to hone their skills. We offer group or personal swim lessons at various skill levels in every age group.”

The YMCA offers the following levels of lessons: SKIP — Infant/Toddler (age 6-36 months) with a parent accompanying them in the water;

Pike — (with parent): 3- to 5-yearolds with a parent accompanying them in the water; Pike — 3- to 5-year-olds without a parent accompanying them in the water; Eel Ray Starfish — 3- to 5-yearolds advanced lessons without a parent in the water;

The Olean YMCA Seahawk Swim Team teaches more than just great swim skills, it develops champions who have character. The Y prides itself on teaching the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Here, Seahawks coach Meghan Hollenbeck teaches team members how to dive off of starting blocks.

Polliwog — Basic lessons for 5- to 12-year-olds; Guppy — Intermediate lessons for 5- to 12-year-olds; Minnow — Advanced lessons for 5to 12-year-olds; Fish/Flying Fish/Shark — Highest level of advanced lessons for 5- to 12-year-olds; Youth Private Lessons — One-onone personal lessons for youth; Adult Private Lessons — One-onone personal lessons for adults; and Adult Group Lessons — Every Thursday night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in a group setting.

The YMCA also plays host to the Seahawks Swim Team, which comprises of 5- to 18-year-olds who are able to swim at least 25 yards on

their front or back.

The swim team, coached by veteran swimmer Meghan Hollenbeck, competes against other YMCA swim teams in New York state.

“The swim team introduces children to friendly competition and team building,” Moore explained. “It’s a great way to make friends and stay active while representing our community and this YMCA around the state.”

Swim team participants are limited to members of the Olean Family YMCA, while swim lessons are open to the general public.

For more information on YMCA swim lessons, visit www.yourymca. org or contact aquatics director Jordan Moore at (716) 701-1324 or jordanm@ yourymca.org.

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january 2015