Healthy Living by High Desert Media Group

WINTER 2015

Healthy Living AN EDITION OF THE PRESS DISPATCH

MIND • BODY • SPIRIT

Heart attack risk

Do you have

text neck? Know your health history

Time to detox

PAGE 2

In celebration of American Heart Month Life is Why Desert Valley Goes Red TM

This workshop can save the life of a loved one! Where: Mall of Victor Valley 14400 Bear Valley RoadVictorville, CA 92392 When: Saturday, February 28, 2015 Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

• • • • •

Walking Route Learn about Heart Health How to prevent a Heart Attack & Stroke How to identify the warning signs Go Red Fashion Show

• • • •

DESERT VALLEY HOSPITAL DESERT VALLEY MEDICAL GROUP

Take the Sodium Pledge Learn Hands-Only CPR Ask a Cardiologist Prizes and more!

Fad diets not too effective long-term BY MELISSA ERICKSON

PUBLISHER

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Donnie Welch / 760-955-5345

EDITOR Steve Hunt / 760-951-6270

ADVERTISING Angie Callahan / 760-951-6288

CIRCULATION/ PRODUCTION Todd Bradshaw / 760-951-6218

ONLINE Bryan Kawasaki / 760-951-6235 HEALTHY LIVING is created quarterly by GateHouse Media LLC, parent company of the Daily Press and Desert Dispatch and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication. Cover photo: Big Stock ©2015 GATEHOUSE MEDIA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Table of Contents Do you have text neck?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Namaste Care Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Heart attack risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7 Don’t count calories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A biblical approach to weight loss . . . . . . 9 Seeing clearly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Vision loss takes many forms . . . . . . . . . . 11 Running outside during winter . . . . . . .12-13 Arthritis: Tips to manage pain . . . . . . . . . . 14 New technology Improving outcomes for heart failure patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Surgery survival tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Know your health history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Barstow Community Hospital. . . . . . . . . . .18 Winter reading list. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 9 things to know about vertigo. . . . . . . . 20 Time to detox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Keeping watch: New tech can monitor heart patients at home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Pharm-assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. Whether a diet will be effective is an important question.

Now that the holidays are over, many people are turning to popular diets to Snacking survey shed some of that winter Americans snack a bit weight, but a new differently than the rest study found that the of the world. That’s long-term benefits the conclusion of of these diets can be the Nielsen Global less than spectacular. Survey of Snacking, Popular commerwhich polled more cial diets like Atkins, than 30,000 online South Beach, Weight consumers in 60 counWatchers and Zone can tries to identify which help you lose some weight snacks are most popular in the short-term, but keeparound the world and which freeimages.com ing the weight off after the first health, taste and texture attriyear and the diet’s impact on butes are most important in the selecheart health are unclear, according to a tion criteria. study published in an American Heart Not surprisingly, the study found that Association journal. Americans prefer unhealthy snacks, Nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese — and therefore at reaching most commonly for a bag of higher risk for health problems such as chips or chocolate rather than an apple

PAGE 3

health in brief

or a granola bar. Sixty-three percent of Americans said they had snacked on a bag of chips in the last 30 days. Chocolate ranked second, and cheese finished a close third. Globally, chocolate is the top snack, but that’s followed by fruit in a very close second place, with vegetables taking the third spot.

Best cities for fitness Personal finance social network WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2014’s Best & Worst Cities for an Active Lifestyle. The top 10 cities for an active lifestyle offer the most cost-effective and accessible fitness and sports facilities as well as access to swimming pools and high percentages of parkland. The top 10 cities for an active lifestyle are: Omaha, Nebraska; Portland, Oregon; Pittsburgh; Reno, Nevada; Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Irvine, California; Tucson, Arizona; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Atlanta.

Three easy changes you can make today to meet your long-term diet goals The biggest hurdles to sticking to a new diet are convenience and flavor. Who wants to eat food that doesn't taste good or is hard to make? You and your family are more likely to stick to your commitments if the changes you make suit your schedule and your palate. Here are three easy changes you can make to your diet today:

less over the course of the day. But water doesn't have to be tasteless to bestow benefits. There are many virtually calorie-free ways to dress up water and add a hint of nutritional value: Add slices of strawberry or cucumber, wedges of lemon, lime or orange, chunks of watermelon or several sprigs of fresh mint or basil. Refrigerate until you’re ready to drink. Or get hydrated with green tea, which is loaded with antioxidants.

Hydrate yourself

Snack on bold ﬂavors

Water reigns supreme as the health drink of choice among nutritionists and dieticians. Most diet plans include the following crucial advice: Stay hydrated, but avoid sugary beverages. In addition to all of the critical functions water performs in your body, staying hydrated will help you feel fuller so you eat

Whether you’re on the go or at home, snack time can be a dieter's downfall. Rather than buying full-sized bags of high-fat snacks like chips, which are easy to binge on, opt for single-serving snacks that are wholesome and full of flavor. For example, olives in ready-togo cups are a fuss-free way to punch up the flavor profile of a

STATEPOINT

meal or snack. Pearls Olives to Go! singleserving Black Pitted Olives in a cup can be just as satisfying as a serving of chips, but they're gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, GMO-free and vegan. They're easy to open and stay fresh until you’re ready to eat them, which makes them perfect to stow in a gym bag or desk drawer. Pearls recently added three new flavors to their Olives to Go! portion-controlled cup line, including Kalamata Pitted Greek Olives, Pimiento Stuffed Spanish Green Olives, and Sliced California Black Ripe Olives. Add to salads or sandwiches for bold flavor without a lot of extra calories. Read more about incorporating olives into a healthy Mediterranean diet at www.Olives.com.

Make friends with fat

A major mistake many dieters make is trying to cut all of the fat from their diet. Fat is a necessary component of any healthy diet. Monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and Omega-3 fatty acids should comprise the majority of the fat you eat. Great sources of healthy fat include olive oil, salmon, tuna, avocado, olives, seeds and nuts. Olives and avocados are fruit, so they also boost your fruit intake. Try tossing olives, canned tuna or avocados into a salad; sprinkle almonds or walnuts over oatmeal; swap commercially made salad dressings and marinades with good-quality olive oil and flavorful herbs and spices. To make your commitment to healthy eating a long-lasting one, be sure the changes you make are sensible, sustainable and, above all, delicious.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

Healthy Living

PAGE 4

Do you have

text neck? By Melissa Erickson

8-year-old child on your back for two to four hours without expecting back pain, this is how much time most ometimes sending a text of us spend sending text messages message might make you every day. This additional stress on feel as if you have lifted the the spine can lead to early wear and weight of the world off your tear and even degeneration, which shoulders — according to researchmay require surgery in the future. ers, the opposite might be true. “It is an epidemic or, at least, it’s Text neck is a very real thing and very common,” Hansraj, chief of can lead to spinal damage. spine surgery at New A new study published York Spine Surgery Other tips from in the National Library of and Rehabilitation Dr. Hansraj Medicine ﬁnds that our Medicine, told The posture while sending text • Look down at your Washington Post. device with your eyes. messages may be adding “Just look around you, No need to bend your additional weight to our everyone has their neck. backs, leading to damage heads down.” • Exercise: Move your to the spine. Dr. Kenneth It is estimated that head from left to right Hansraj, chief of surgery several times. Use 58 percent of Ameriyour hands to provide at New York Spine Surcan adults bend their resistance and push gery and Rehabilitation necks to look down your head against Medicine, discovered that at their smartphones them, ﬁrst forward when we tilt our head to and text for two to and then backward. just a 15-degree angle, we Stand in a doorway four hours a day, with your arms add 27 pounds of presaccording to the Pew extended and push sure to the spine, Research Center. your chest forward and at a 60On the other hand, to strengthen “the degree angle, proper posture while muscles of good pos60 additional ture,” Hansraj said. texting can reduce the pounds are pressure on our backs. added — that’s Andrew Nowak, a the physical therapist at equivalent of four Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital bowling balls in Downers Grove, Illinois, suggests or having an watching your posture. If you are 8-year-old child sitting while texting, make sure your on your back. ears are over your shoulders and “That’s 60 pounds your pelvis is aligned. of weight stress on “As the pelvis tips back, the spine muscles and nerves that are meant rolls out of proper alignment, causto handle 10 to 12 pounds of stress, ing increased pressure on the discs and that much load can do a lot of of the back. So stand up tall and take damage over time,” Hansraj said. breaks often,” While you would never leave an he says. More Content Now

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

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Care Program

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Namaste

connects with residents

Sterling Commons’ ‘Loving touch’ honors spirit of patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia FOR THE DAILY PRESS

METRO

ful environment surrounded by compassionate staff and the presence of others,” says Sterling Commons Executive Director Debbie Staggs. Residents in the Namaste Care room are welcomed with a warm touch, nestled into comfortable recliners and tucked in with soft quilts for a feeling of security. Soft music is played and aromatherapy scents are used to provide sensory stimulation. Care given to these residents includes massaging the head and feet, gently brushing or combing their hair, moisturizing their skin and providing them with food and

beverages throughout the day. Circulation is improved through motion exercises performed to the soft music. The Namaste Care Program offers families a serene place to bond with their loved one. Family members have joined Namaste and felt the peace that it brings to everyone who experiences it. One family member, Gary Null, comes on a regular basis to help his wife, Marsha. “Sterling Commons’ Namaste program uses a soothing atmosphere, music, touch, comfort food, along with other stimuli,” Null said. “My

wife, who is very restless and sometimes agitated, was scheduled for the program, and I was invited to join. “I had been walking with her that day and she was very restless. After convincing her to sit down, I began massaging her hands with lavender-scented lotion. While working on her second hand, her eyes began to close. By the time I began massaging her second foot, she was sound asleep. I found the experience satisfying and rewarding for myself and for my wife.” Since implementing the Namaste Care Program, Sterling Commons has seen its

residents receiving Namaste be less agitated, less confused, and less combative after each treatment. Namaste also has proved to be a way to comfort residents when they are upset, and in assisting with pain management. Residents are smiling and families are grateful for this special care. The staff who offer this program often say that being in the Namaste Care Program is the best part of the day. For more information, call Sterling Commons Memory Care at 760-245-3300.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

The quality of life of its residents is the priority of memory care communities throughout the world. The Namaste Care Program was developed by Joyce Simard, a social worker and dementia care specialist to offer care that is designed to improve the quality of care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Sterling Commons Memory Care has led the way in the High Desert in embracing the program for its remarkable benefits not only to the residents but also their families. Namaste is a Hindu term which means “to honor the spirit within.” The focus of Namaste Care is to engage patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s with a “loving touch” in an environment that nurtures and stimulates the senses. The environment is carefully created with scents of lavender, soft music, nature scenes, hydration and nurturing for attention to the senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing and vision. “The main goal of Namaste is to keep our residents as comfortable as possible in a peace-

PAGE 6

Heart attack

risk

BY MELISSA ERICKSON

NicolasRaymond/Flickr

New tool helps you measure your risk level

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o determine your risk of heart attack, doctors currently rely on risk calculators that measure blood pressure and elevated cholesterol numbers, but now, an easy-to-use new tool is available as close as your smartphone or tablet that can measure your risk of heart attack in under ﬁve minutes. The Healthy Heart Score developed by researchers at Harvard School of Public Health gives individuals an easy method to estimate their 20-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease based on simple lifestyle habits. The free Webbased survey (found at healthyheartscore.sph. harvard.edu) also gives users practical tips for improving their scores by incorporating hearthealthy habits into their daily lives. Healthy Heart Score was designed to gauge risk for people who are in their 40s and 50s, especially women. Rather than looking at clinical numbers, the online tool focuses on things like diet and exercise that affect heart disease risk. What makes the Healthy Heart Score stand out is that it’s easy to use. To determine if a person is in an ideal, moderate or high risk category, it asks

“Currently recommended risk models for cardiovascular disease are harder for an individual to calculate on their own because they include clinical risk factors such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. These risk scores, which are mostly used in doctors’ ofﬁces, often underestimate the burden of cardiovascular disease among middle-aged adults, and women in particular.” Stephanie Chiuve, of Harvard

speciﬁc questions such as the amount of grains, vegetables, processed meats and sugary drinks you consume as well as taking into account your level of physical activity. The calculator walks users through a series of easy-to-follow questions about their lifestyle, such as “Do you smoke cigarettes?” and “During the past year, how often, on average, do you eat a serving of fruit?” Users receive a risk score of low (green), moderate (yellow) or high (red), and a printable assessment with tips for improvement such as,

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“Instead of sliced deli turkey or chicken in sandwiches, try rotisserie chicken or roasted turkey” and “Try a variety of nuts, including almonds, pistachios and cashews.” “Currently recommended risk models for cardiovascular disease are harder for an individual to calculate on their own because they include clinical risk factors such as elevated cholesterol and

blood pressure. These risk scores, which are mostly used in doctors’ ofﬁces, often underestimate the burden of cardiovascular disease among middle-age adults, and women in particular,” said Stephanie Chiuve, a Harvard research associate in Department of Nutrition and assistant professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “The Healthy Heart Score is

all about modiﬁable lifestyle risks, which may increase awareness of cardiovascular disease prevention through lifestyle interventions earlier in life, prior to the development of clinical risk factors.” The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that making positive lifestyle changes in midlife can reduce the risk of heart disease and early death by 70 to 80 percent.

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Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

President Since 1976

PAGE 8

Don’t count

Nicola/ﬂickr

calories

Not all calories are created equal, experts say, so look at the quality of your food instead

BY MELISSA ERICKSON

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Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

hile a calorie from a soda is equivalent to a calorie from an apple, some researchers are challenging the idea that regardless of what foods you eat, as long as you eat fewer calories you will lose weight. They say different foods impact the body in different ways. “While some calories send messages to the brain and body that say ‘I’m full and ready to move,’ other calories send messages that say ‘I’m still hungry and just want to lie down on the couch,’” said James DiNicolantonio, a cardiovascular research scientist at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. “Not all calories are the same and in order to promote healthy weight and better health, we need to take special note of the calories we are choosing to consume.” DiNicolantonio encourages individuals to look at the nutrient value of the food. For example, while rice, sugar or products made from white ﬂour are low in calories and fat, they cause a spike blood sugar causing insulin levels to rise and then drop which triggers carb cravings. However foods that are higher in fats and calories such as nuts, ﬁsh and olive oil do not do this so the researchers consider them to be more metabolically healthy. Not all calories are created equal. Some calories will squelch a person’s appetite and promote

energy, while other calories promote hunger and energy storage, DiNicolantonio said. To promote healthy weight and better health, a person must be aware of what type of calories are consumed. The study review published in Public Health Nutrition identiﬁed ﬁve ideas contrary to the traditional way of thinking about calories. These include: ■ Calories from protein, fat, carbohydrates and alcohol each stimulate different physiological pathways to affect the metabolism. ■ Trying to under consume calories will result in hunger and fatigue with little weight loss in the short term and rebound weight gain in the long term. ■ Calories consumed and calories burned are

300

ES ... I R O CAL

linked so consuming more calories than needed causes reduced metabolic efﬁciency and reduced appetite. However, if this continues, the imbalance is a result not the cause of developing obesity. ■ Many foods that are higher in fat protect against obesity, boost the metabolism, protect against chronic disease and early death. Even if foods have plenty of vitamins, minerals and ﬁber if they are concentrated sources of sugar and starch they are likely to cause metabolic dysfunction. “The quality of one’s diet is very important. High quality diets along with a healthy weight can protect one from many chronic diseases including multiple cancers, heart disease and diabetes,” said Dr. Jeffrey Rosen, a bariatric surgeon at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois. “It is important to understand the calorie contribution of foods but the nutritional impact of one’s choices as well.” According to Rosen, a diet high in plant foods can reduce the risk of many different cancers. Plant foods provide important vitamins and minerals but also phytochemicals which give them their bright colors and help in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. If you are eating the right calorie level to maintain a healthy weight but your intake of fruits and vegetables is inadequate, you are still at risk for many chronic diseases.

BIBLICAL approach

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to weight loss

Area church holding health, well-being workshop BY L.J. GAMBONE FOR THE DAILY PRESS

METRO

most people come to her classes for the purpose of learning how to lose weight, the focus of the curriculum is not just on the body. The program’s success has been built on applying positive principles that affect the mind, body, heart and spirit, which leads to long-lasting, vibrant health. “Your health and wellbeing really begins with your thoughts,” said Gaines, who admits she struggled with weight issues in the past. “It’s amazing how much happier

selves up when they’ve made a wrong food choice and then get and successful we become very discouraged,” said Gaines. when we get our minds “So that’s why it’s good to have aligned with Christ-centered a support group to turn to for thoughts.” encouragement and accountIn addition to nutritional ability. We also pray for one advice, motivational tips and another, which really creates a spiritual instruction, First bond between everyone in the Place 4 Health also offers com- classes.” munity and church members Those who attend Gaines’ the opportunity to become a workshop will be required to support system for one anoth- purchase a Bible study guide er. Gaines said having someone for $16. She said an optional to be accountable to when First Place 4 Health member’s working on a goal can help you kit can be purchased for $80. stay on track. Along with a reference guide “I’ve seen people beat them- for the program, the kit also

contains two instructional DVDs, a prayer journal and other helpful guides and information. “The kit has everything necessary to help people begin a new way of thinking about every aspect of the health,” said Gaines. “Although I sell them at the class, they also can be purchased online at First Place 4 Health or other retailers.” For more information, call 760-2532854 or visit www.fbcbarstow.com. Visit the First Place 4 Health website at www.firstplace4health.com

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

When mind, body, heart and spirit are in balance, Barstow resident/health instructor Brenda Gaines says there’s almost no challenge a person can’t conquer. Aiming to help local residents live victoriously in all areas, Gaines teaches a 12week health and well-being workshop titled First Place 4 Health. She is now holding classes on Monday evenings through March 30 at First Baptist Church of Barstow, 1320 Barstow Road. According to Gaines, her program is based on the First Place 4 Health action plan that has been taught in over 12,000 churches across the United States. She says it offers a biblical approach to weight loss and health management through nutritional instruction, prayer and Bible study. “Before starting this program at the church, I had gone through it by myself and had a lot of success,” said Gaines, a longtime Barstow resident. “I really wanted to help other people who were struggling with weight issues, so I asked our pastor if I could start up some classes and he told me to go for it. “We’ve done this a few times and people who have attended have had great results. I’ve heard from so many of them that they intend to stay on the plan forever.” Gaines said that although

PAGE 10

CLEARLY

Cataracts are inevitable, but they can be corrected BY MELISSA ERICKSON MORE CONTENT NOW

ataract surgery is one of the most prevalent surgeries performed in the United States. Very common in older adults, cataracts will affect about half of all Americans by the time they reach 80, and nearly 22 million Americans over 40, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

“In addition to glaucoma and macular degeneration, all ophthalmologists do see a lot of cataracts,” said Dr. Rachel Bishop, an ophthalmologist and chief of consult services at the National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. “A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. People with cataracts may notice cloudy vision or halos around lights when driving at night. If left untreated, cataracts can greatly limit vision. Some people with severe cataracts may only be able to tell the difference between light and dark.” Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes and are caused by changes in the tissues that make up the lens of the eye, whether due to aging, genetics or eye trauma. Cataracts cause light to scatter as it passes through the eye, preventing

COURTESY: NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NEI/NIH)

A scene as it may be viewed by someone with cataracts.

sharply focused images from reaching the retina, so vision appears foggy or clouded. A correctable problem People should not be scared by the word “cataract,” Bishop said: “I don’t consider a cataract as an eye disease — it’s a surgical problem that can be corrected.” As well as being a natural part of the aging process, cataracts are also a bullet that

can’t be dodged. If you live long enough, nearly everyone will develop cataracts, she said. Early symptoms of cataracts may be improved with eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses, but if these steps don’t work surgery is the only effective option for treatment, Bishop said. “The cloudy lens needs to be removed and replaced with a clear, plastic lens,” she said.

What to expect Cataract surgery and the proﬁle of the average cataract patient has changed over time. Years ago, it was common for a person to wait for a cataract to become “ripe” before it was removed, typically around the age of 75-85, but now younger patients are seeking surgery, according to a study from the Mayo Clinic. The reasons for that could be because of the increasing demands of tech-

nology or because boomers simply don’t want to live with decreased quality of vision. The volume of cataract surgery has increased steadily over the past three decades and has tripled in the past 15 years from about 1 million performed in 2000 to over 3.5 million today, according to the study. Replaced lenses are now made of high-quality materials such as acrylic, and lenses can be tailored to reduce the need for eyeglasses after the procedure, Bishop said. Surgeries can now be done in a doctor’s ofﬁce, patients recover in just a few weeks and have improved eyesight in just a few days, she added. Traditionally, cataract surgery was only able to be done by hand, but now some eye doctors are using lasers for precise or tricky procedures. The decision to have cataract surgery is a personal one a patient should make with his or her doctor, Bishop said. Many experts believe surgery should be an option when the cataract interferes with everyday activities such as driving, reading or watching TV, Bishop said. “Some people think reduced vision is just a part of growing older and something they have to live with, but it isn’t,” Bishop said. “If your vision isn’t what it used to be, visit your eye doctor.”

Vision loss takes many forms BY MELISSA ERICKSON MORE CONTENT NOW

s we age, we have to live with some not-so-pleasant changes. Maybe you don’t sleep through the night or have a few more aches and pains. Certainly one of the most common changes is learning to live with a change in vision. Many people have to squint or reach for reading glasses as they get older to decipher tiny print on labels or in darkened restaurants. This is most often caused by a condition called presbyopia and reading glasses usually do the trick. Others, however, are affected by more severe eye ailments that can cause vision loss that cannot be corESHENBACH OPTIK OF AMERICA rected by ordinary means, a condition called low vision. many ways,” said Marc Stenzel, vice president of sales, Enhanced Vision, Types of vision loss a developer of products designed specifically for people who are legally The American Foundation for the Blind reports that one in six Americans blind and have macular degeneration older than 65 is affected by age-related and other low-vision conditions. “The most common is ‘legal blindness.’ … vision loss and blindness, but even It is important to note that a person younger people can struggle with low who is legally blind is not totally blind vision, said Timothy Gels, marketand with the proper training and tools ing manager, Eschenbach Optik of America, which provides eye care pro- can function well and continue to be fessionals with advanced magnification independent.” On the other hand, “low vision is a devices called low vision aids. One in six Americans (17 percent) 45 or older, term that defines vision that cannot be fully corrected by glasses or contacts, representing almost 20 million adults, surgery or pharmaceuticals. A person report some form of vision impairwith low vision is often referred to as ment even when wearing glasses or contact lenses, according to Lighthouse having vision loss or as being visually impaired,” Gels said. International, a worldwide organiza“The risk of vision loss increases as tion dedicated to overcoming vision people age,” Stenzel said. “The most impairment. common cause of moderate to severe “Vision loss can be defined in

what kind of help there is for them, Gels said. “Low vision devices are magnification products that help those with vision loss see better as they enlarge an image around the dark spots so they can see most of the image and can make out the object they are trying to see,” Gels said. “The marketplace now offers many choices of specialized devices to help people with vision loss. These devices are readily available. Prices for these devices range from as little as a few dollars for a smartphone app to a range of $300 to $3,000 for a more specialized and dedicated device,” Stenzel said. “There are a number of low vision devices available, but the one that is needed for a particular person depends on the type and severity of the eye disease they have as well as the distance and duration of the task they are trying to accomplish. A person with tremors trying to read a Bible vision loss is a condition called macular (which is a long-term short distance degeneration that affects many millions task) probably wouldn’t do well with a of people every year,” he added. hand-held magnifier; a stand or video The other major underlying eye dismagnifier might be more appropriate. eases that cause vision loss are diabetic A person trying to see a bus number retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. or restaurant menu board (which is a “Most of them are age-related so short-term long distance task) would they appear later in life. These eye do well with a monocular telescope,” diseases typically cause a dark spot (or said Gels. “There isn’t one magnificaspots) that remain in the center of view tion device used by all patients. Just or they cause a narrowing or clouding like a carpenter needs a variety of tools of the field of view. Some of these disto do his work, a person with vision eases have surgical or pharmaceutical loss may need a number of devices to treatments that can help, but someaccomplish their tasks.” times they don’t help patients enough Visit your eye doctor if it becomes to allow them to get the vision they difficult to accomplish daily tasks and need to meet their needs and function ask about magnification devices that normally,” Gels said. can help. If the eye doctor doesn’t offer the devices, ask if they can recommend Kinds of corrective aids someone who does or contact low While a great number of people have vision device companies like Eschenproblems seeing, many don’t know bach Optik at eschenbach.com.

PAGE 11 Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

SHADES OF gray

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

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PAGE 12

up LAYER

Tips for running outside during winter By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

hen temperatures drop and snowďŹ&#x201A;akes fall, many runners leave behind the roads, trails and tracks for the treadmill, elliptical and other indoor workout activities. However, for those who do not want to give up running outdoors, being properly prepared can make a cold weather run both safe and enjoyable.

PAGE 13 Runners need to make sure they have appropriate clothing to avoid frostbite or hypothermia. Frostbite can occur when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, usually affecting appendages like fingers, ears and toes first. Hypothermia often is caused by overdressing, which makes athletes sweat more so they become wet and cold. “Water transfers heat more effectively than air, so hypothermia begins to set in when the body’s core temperature falls to 95 degrees,” explains Dr. Steven Chudik, a sports medicine physician and orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois. “The trick to avoiding hypothermia is to keep moving and wear appropriate layers of clothing so

you do not sweat profusely.” To stay warm and dry, Chudik recommends that runners follow the layering rule of three: ■ Layer 1: A wicking layer to absorb sweat off the skin and keep the body dry ■ Layer 2: An insulating layer to provide warmth ■ Layer 3: A protective layer to resist the wind It is also important to keep the face, ears, fingers and toes properly covered.

Wear gloves and a hat or ski mask. To keep feet warm and dry, do not wear cotton socks since they will absorb sweat. Instead wear socks made of neoprene or wool, which wick away sweat. Many runners make the mistake of not drinking enough water before and during their run, which can lead to dehydration. “Cold temperature diminishes thirst, so athletes do not feel an urge to drink while running,” Dr. Chudik says. “We actually need more fluid for the process of respiration when it is cold so athletes need to plan ahead so they have accessible locations with water along their run.” After a long run outdoors, runners who are dressed appropriately should not feel cold. For those who are feeling extremely cold, Chudik recommends these steps: ■ Get out of the cold, remove wet clothes and redress. ■ Cover with warm blankets, hot water bottle or heating pad to raise body temperature. ■ Take a pain reliever because warming can cause pain. ■ Refuel with food containing carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and make sure to drink. Food and nutrients are required to make heat and will provide the body with short- and long-term energy. ■ Seek medical attention as soon as possible for frostbite or hypothermia. While running in the cold may not be the most popular exercise this winter, for those who don’t want to interrupt their outdoor routine, a little preparation can keep you running safely year-round.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

“The trick to avoiding hypothermia is to keep moving and wear appropriate layers of clothing so you do not sweat profusely.”

PAGE 14

Arthritis

TIPS TO MANAGE PAIN NATURALLY

STATEPOINT

ne in five adults in the United States now reports having doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For those living with the chronic pain of this disease, learning how to manage arthritis is crucial to the health and happiness of millions of Americans.

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

With that in mind, here are several natural ways to reduce complications and pain associated with arthritis: • Those who are overweight or obese are diagnosed with an arthritis symptom more often than those with a lower body mass index, according to CDC statistics. Take a load off your joints by maintaining a healthy weight. Weight loss has also been linked to less pain from arthritis, especially in the knees, which bear the brunt of excess pounds. • Evidence indicates that both endurance and resistance exercise can provide significant benefits to those with osteoarthritis, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. However, arthritis patients should typically avoid placing too much pressure on joints. Low-impact exercises such as biking, swimming and walking are recommended treatments for arthritis. A doctor or physical therapist is a good resource for helping you make a fitness game plan. • No matter what precautions you take, pain from your condition is sometimes inevi-

NEBARI, FOTOLIA.COM

Arthritis can be painful, but there are many natural ways to manage symptoms. One in five adults in the United States now reports having doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

table. And when it’s severe, it can be debilitating. Some arthritis medications mask pain, which may make it harder to gauge the status of your condition. A homeopathic medicine, however, works naturally with your body to ease suffering from arthritis pain. "Joint pains are common in my practice so I often recommend Arnicare Arthritis

Tablets," says Dr. Albert Levy of Manhattan Family Practice in New York City (Manhattanfamilypractice.com). "I feel confident in recommending it because it won’t interfere with other medications and homeopathic medicines, such as this, are one of the safest classes of drugs." Arnicare Arthritis Tablets are quick-dissolving homeo-

pathic tablets that relieve minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, specifically from stiff or swollen joints and flare-ups caused by changes in weather. They can be a good option for those with multiple conditions. More information can be found at www.Arnicare. com. • Stiff joints can be painful. Stretch regularly to prevent

stiffness. Full range of motion exercises can help you stay limber and maintain function. Arthritis actually refers to more than 100 different kinds of musculoskeletal disorders that affect people of all ages. If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from arthritis, take natural steps to prevent and manage the pain associated with your condition.

PAGE 15

New technology Improving outcomes for heart failure patients STATEPOINT

BARABAS ATTILA, FOTOLIA.COM

Heart failure is costing Americans a fortune. The estimated cost of the disease in the U.S. was $31 billion in 2012. That number is estimated to swell to $70 billion by 2030, according to the American Heart Association — which means that by 2020, every U.S. taxpayer could pay $244 each year for heart failure expenses.

pressure and transmits the data from a patient’s home to his or her health care provider. These measurements then allow for real-time, personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. “Since heart failure is a chronic disease, most days are spent outside the hospital,” says William Abraham, MD, chief of cardiovascular medicine at The Ohio State Univer-

sity Wexner Medical Center and primary investigator for a clinical study investigating the technology’s efficacy. “Accurately monitoring heart failure from home gives physicians the information they need to significantly improve a patient’s heart failure treatment.” Results from the CHAMPION clinical trial found that those managed with pulmonary artery pressure monitoring showed a significant

reduction in 30-day hospital readmission rates for patients age 65 and older, as well as a significant improvement in quality of life as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Potential adverse events associated with the implantation procedure include, but are not limited to infection, arrhythmias, bleeding, hematoma, thrombus, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic

attack, stroke, death, and device embolization. To learn more about this technology and for heart failure information resources, visit www.heartfailureanswers.com. Thanks to treatment advances and technological breakthroughs, heart failure patients are living longer and enjoying an improved quality of life.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

eart failure is costing Americans a fortune. The estimated cost of the disease in the U.S. was $31 billion in 2012. That number is estimated to swell to $70 billion by 2030, according to the American Heart Association — which means that by 2020, every U.S. taxpayer could pay $244 each year for heart failure expenses. Heart failure is not only a financial burden, but the condition reduces the quality of life for patients and can increase their risk of serious and sometimes fatal medical emergencies. Counter to these sobering facts are the results of a recent study, which found that a new medical technology can successfully reduce heart failure hospital admissions when managed by a physician, and improve the quality of life among patients experiencing limitations of physical activity due to their cardiac disease. This new technology, called the CardioMEMS HF System, directly measures pulmonary artery pressure. Data shows this is a much more effective measure than the indirect markers patients have traditionally used to monitor heart failure at home, such as taking and tracking their own blood pressure or weight on a home scale. Using a miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor implanted in the pulmonary artery during a minimally invasive procedure, the CardioMEMS HF system directly measures pulmonary artery

PAGE 16

survival tips

Surgery

Children facing operations can benefit from advance planning, positive attitude FOR THE DAILY PRESS

any people see the New Year as a time to reflect, restore and revitalize. But for children who are scheduled to have surgery, it's a time for fear and anxiety. Allied Anesthesia doctors, who provide anesthesia and pain management services at St. Joseph Health, St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley and other hospitals around the Southland, are committed to ensuring that every pediatric patient they encounter is as comfortable and unafraid as possible, no matter how difficult and dangerous the procedure. With that in mind, they have compiled some tips for parents to help make their child’s experience less mysterious and miserable and more positive and productive:

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

1) Whether the child is undergoing a minor outpatient procedure or major surgery, it’s important for parents to remain calm and reassuring. Children take their cues from their parents. If their parents are worried and anxious, they will be worried and anxious as well. 2) It’s best if children and parents have an idea what to expect. There are many ageappropriate books on the market featuring familiar characters such as “A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital” and “Curious George Goes to the Hospital.” Sit down with your child and read it together.

METRO

3) Many children are afraid of being alone either before or after the procedure. Hospitals are much more family friendly today than they were in the past. Parents should assure their children that they will stay with them up until time for the operation and be there waiting for them when they move into recovery.

4) Younger children might enjoy playing “doctor” with a doll or stuffed animal. Parents can purchase a kit with toy instruments and show them how to take the doll’s temperature or listen to its heartbeat. Older children might benefit from a pre-operative tour of the hospital where they will meet members of the hospital

staff and become familiar with the rooms, equipment and procedures. 5) When talking about medical procedures, avoid using alarming language such as “the doctor will cut you open” or “you’ll be put to sleep,” which young children might equate to what happens when their pets get sick.

6) Instead of focusing on what the doctor is going to do, focus on the outcome such as “after your knee surgery, you will be able to play baseball again.” Above all, be honest and reassuring. With over 100 highly qualified physician anesthesiologists on staff, Allied Anesthesia provides adult and pediatric anesthesia services to St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, CHOC Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, St. Mary’s Medical Center in Apple Valley and many other Southern California health care facilities. In 2014, Allied Anesthesia joined with Fullerton Anesthesia Associates and Upland Anesthesia Medical Group to consolidate best practices in more than six hospitals and more than a dozen ambulatory surgery centers. The expanded medical practice is dedicated to offering the highest comprehensive quality of care and the most cost-effective procedures in all facilities they serve. All Allied physician anesthesiologists are board certified in Anesthesiology and they staff and manage the most efficient operating rooms in Southern California. Allied is a member of the California Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Anesthesia Quality Institute. For more information, visit: http://www.alliedanesthesia.com

PAGE 17

CharliChoppa/Flickr

Know your

BY MELISSA ERICKSON

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air and eye color runs in the family, but so do common diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as uncommon ones like cystic ﬁbrosis. Do you know your family’s health

history? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 96 percent of Americans think it is important to know their family history, but less than one-third of Americans have even attempted to compile a written family health history. Family members share their genes, as well as their environment, lifestyles and habits. A family history helps identify people at increased risk for disease because it reflects both a person’s genes and these other shared risk factors. The best way to learn about your family history is to ask questions, talk at family gatherings, write this information down and update it from time to time. This way, family members will have organized and accurate information ready to share with a healthcare provider. “Tracing the illnesses that run in your family can help a person take action and make lifestyle choices to be healthier,” said Lenore Janecek, health care expert and founder and president of Save the Patient. “People think it’s difficult to find out, but it’s simple. You have to start by asking questions. Sit down and talk about it. Have a conversation,” said Janecek, author of “A Thousand Sparks of Light.” “We all know that heart disease is driven by

exposure to the well-known risk factors — smoking, inactivity, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diets — but there’s more; many of us also have inherent tendencies to develop diseases driven by family history and/or genetics,” said Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief, Division of Cardiology Northwestern University. “Understanding the totality of risk is a key first step in better managing or lessening the impact of expected heart diseases. Knowing only your risk factors is a one-arm fight; knowing your risk factors plus your family history gives you a fighting chance,” Yancy said. For parents, knowing their health history is exponentially important. “We and our children are predisposed to certain diseases. Cultural groups are also predisposed. People of Hispanic descent are more likely to develop diabetes; African-Americans are more at risk for high blood pressure. You want to be sure you and your doctor are looking at these factors as your child grows up. My motto is ‘Be prepared, not scared.’” Janecek said. Often people are asked about their health history when they’re in a vulnerable state: while waiting to be treated in a doctor’s office or emergency room, Janecek said. “You don’t want to be answering these

“People think it’s difﬁcult to ﬁnd out, but it’s simple. You have to start by asking questions. Sit down and talk about it. Have a conversation,” said Lenore Janecek, author of “A Thousand Sparks of Light.”

questions when you’re not feeling well,” she said. Instead, use one of the free online tools to compose a family health history. The surgeon general’s My Family Health Portrait (https://familyhistory.hhs.gov) is a free Web-based tool that can help you and your family collect and organize family health history information, print, update and share with your doctor. Janecek also likes the American Heart Association’s My Family Health Tree, which is an easy-to-use diagram to ﬁnd out which conditions are in your family. “It’s a one-page printout that you can keep in your wallet,” she said. Even though some diseases can be passed down genetically, by making healthy food and lifestyle choices you can decrease the chances of developing the conditions, Janecek said. Start the conversation by asking questions of siblings, aunts, uncles and other generations within the family. Some questions to ask include: ■ Do you have any chronic diseases, such heart disease or diabetes, or health conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol? ■ Have you had any other serious diseases, such as cancer or stroke? ■ How old were you when you developed these diseases? ■ What are your lifestyle habits (such as exercise or smoking)? ■ Have you had surgeries or been hospitalized? ■ Do you take medications regularly? ■ What diseases did your deceased relatives have? ■ How old were they when they died?

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

health history

PAGE 18

Barstow

Community Hospital BCH becomes first High Desert hospital to receive NICHE designation

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ARSTOW — Barstow Community Hospital announced it has become the first High Desert hospital to receive a Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders designation. According to BCH spokesman John Rader, the hospital’s goal is to achieve systematic nursing changes that benefit older patients who are hospitalized, including prevention and management of pain, pressure ulcers, adverse medication events, delirium, urinary incontinence and fall prevention. The hospital is undergoing a hospital-wide effort led by nurses who completed the NICHE Leadership Training Program and worked with the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer Donna Smith to establish best practices in geriatric nursing, according to Rader. “To achieve this recognition, the hospital had to go through extensive training and evaluation,” hospital CEO Steven Foster said. “The main reason for this interest, of course, is quality of care and responding to the special needs of a rapidly growing population segment like Baby Boomers. Whether in the Emergency Department or inpatients, seniors often have more complex

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Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

health issues. “We are proud to pioneer this important effort as the first High Desert area hospital to be sodesignated and remain eager and ready to provide excellent care for the growing elderly population in our community.” BCH has offered Senior Circle Association, dedicated to making life after 50 more active, since 1999 to area seniors. According to

Rader, the chapter plans events and activities, including educational and fitness opportunities for seniors to live healthier and active lifestyles. Several changes to the emergency room are in the BCH’s plans to make elder patients more comfortable in a “user friendly” environment, including thicker stretcher mattresses, thermal reflective sheets, oversized amplified pil-

low speakers, larger clocks, step stools and larger fonts on discharge instructions, according to Rader. Age-related studies by the Federal Interagency Forum show that the senior population, 65 and over, will double from 35 million in 2000 to approximately 72 million in 2030. By 2016, the ESRI 2011 Business Information Solutions projects Barstow area seniors will

increase 13 percent from the senior population in 2011. According to Rader, seniors made up 12.2 percent of BCH’s patients in 2014. “Given the growing elder population in our county, participating in the NICHE initiative is essential to our aim of serving our community with the best healthcare possible,” Smith said. “Those who are 65 and older have very differ-

ent needs than younger patients and this designation shows our senior patients and their families that we have undergone special training to look out for specific issues facing the aging population, such as hearing and vision loss and problems with balance, falling and gait, and have best practices in place to actively care for their health and dignity.”

reading list MORE CONTENT NOW

hile the weather is still cold outside, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a good book. With the help of Food Tank, a global community for safe, healthy and nourished eaters, here’s a winter reading list of books that entertain, inform and reafﬁrm the importance of food and agriculture. “From sustainable seafood to ethical eating to ﬁeld guides for food activists, these books highlight innovative and creative methods that are creating a better, more sustainable food system while educating and informing eaters and consumers,” said Danielle Nierenberg, president of Food Tank. “American Catch,” by Paul Greenberg In 2005, 5 billion pounds of seafood were imported into the United States. Greenberg takes a deep look into the seafood hubs of the U.S. and attempts to explain why 91 percent of the seafood North Americans eat is, in fact, imported. Through analyzing current crises, oil spills and mining projects, Greenberg present solutions for a more sustainable future.

www.amazon.com

“Eat Up: The Inside Scoop on Rooftop Agriculture,” by Lauren Mandel This book has compiled case studies, resource checklists and interviews with experts in order to help readers transform their rooftops into a fully functioning green space and a way to feed their family. There are three sections covering rooftop gardens, rooftop farms and the rooftop agriculture industry that cater to various scales, goals and skill levels. If you have ever dreamed of transforming your roof into a green space, this is the expert guide for you. “Ethical Eating in the Postsocialist and Socialist World,” by Yuson Jung, Jakob Klein, Melissa Caldwell Buzzwords like organic, free range and local have gained popularity, and eaters are focusing more on how food is produced and cultivated. This book explores the concept of “ethical food” and how the movement started in postsocialist

and socialist societies. More specifically, it covers food systems and consumption of food in Bulgaria, China, Lithuania, Russia, Vietnam and Cuba. “Green Chefs: The Culinary Creatives Changing How We Eat,” by Brooke Jonsson This three-volume electronic book was compiled by chefs who are using innovative methods to integrate new and exciting local foods into their established cuisines. Jonsson pairs personal recipes with in-depth interviews with expert chefs. Readers can begin to understand the passion and intrigue behind the dishes they will soon create. “The Carnivore’s Manifesto: Eating Well, Eating Responsibly, and Eating Meat,” by Patrick Martins with Mike Edison It can be difficult for meat-eaters to find ethically produced meat. Factory farms and fast food restaurants offer quick meals, but at what cost? Patrick Martins, founder of Slow Food USA and Heritage Foods USA, has much to say about sifting through all the packaging nonsense and determining whether or not meat is sustainably produced. With this knowledge, Martins encourages readers to engage in more sustainable consumption. “Green Kitchen Travels: Vegetarian Food Inspired by Our Adventures,” by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl Frenkiel and Vindahl journeyed around the world with their daughter Elsa in search of delicious, nutritious vegetarian and vegan food. From hunting for vegetarian restaurants in Beijing to bean sprout pad Thai for lunch in Thailand, this book is a compilation of their experiences with easy-to-find ingredients and simple recipes. “In Search of the Perfect Loaf: A Home Baker’s Odyssey,” by Samuel Fromartz From Berlin to Kansas, Fromartz searches for the perfect loaf and shares his love for bread. He chronicles his experience in France working at a boulangerie, where he created a deeper understanding of bread from seed to table. During his travels he met with historians, farmers, sourdough biochemists, millers and more. This book is a result of his journey and takes a deep look into the story of handmade bread.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

BY MELISSA ERICKSON

PAGE 19

Winter

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PAGE 20

throat doctor,” says Showalter. Some medications can cause vertigo. “Any medication that affects the central nervous system” — brain, spinal cord, and nerves — “can cause dizziness,” says Showalter. Possible culprits may include sleep, anti-anxiety, and anti-psychotic medications. Mixing drugs with alcohol can also cause dizziness. “And severe use of alcohol can affect balance permanently,” she says. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women face greater health risks if they drink three or more drinks daily, and men if they drink four or more. Treatments vary. You will likely receive diazepam (Valium) intravenously or in pill form, or meclizine (Antivert) in pill form to control the feeling that you are moving, says Showalter. If you are nauseated and/or vomiting, your doctor may give you an anti-nausea medication such as ondansetron (Zofran) or prochlorperazine (Compazine), both available in tablet form. Other treatments will depend on the cause of your vertigo, says Showalter. For instance, if you have a BY DOROTHY FOLTZ-GRAY That is also growth on the vestibular nerve, ing act. “If you have hip problems and your inner ear doesn’t SPRYLIVING.COM Vertigo is true if you function as well as it used to, both those can cause which connects inner ear balance a symptom. izzy, unsteady, nausebalance problems,” said Ileana Showalter, MD, an ear have symp- and movement sensors to your Vertigo is not ated? You may have nose and throat physician at Mercy Medical Center in toms such brain, you may need surgery or a diagnosis, as double vertigo, a false sensation radiation. If you have Meniere’s Baltimore. says Showvision, of movement disease, you may be given that controls balance. alter. Other slurred that affects more than Age and vertigo are linked. “As speech, and lack of coordination. diuretics — drugs that increase 40 percent of people over age 40. conditions cause it. So you have urination– and placed on a lowwe age, the connection between to figure out what lies behind Says Showalter, “Those sympThe condition stems from sodium diet to reduce fluid in the inner ear and the parts of the toms could point to a stroke.” yours. Possibilities include problems in the inner ear or in your inner ear. migraines; an inner ear tumor or brain that regulate that connecIf you have mild to moderate the brain or spinal cord. “Some You can tamp down symption become less efficient,” says inflammation; a stroke; multiple vertigo that doesn’t clear up after toms. Before you can get to a people feel like they’re sclerosis; or Meniere’s disease, an Showalter. “So, a huge propora week or two, see your primary spinning,” says Ileana Showalter, inner ear disorder. doctor, avoid bright lights and tion of [older] people suffer from care doctor, recommends Show- loud sounds, and stay still, if you MD, an ear, nose and throat phyVertigo has two types. Periph- dizziness.” Vision, muscles and sician at Mercy Medical Center can. “If you rise from sitting to bones — all of which help us stay alter. Your doctor will likely give eral vertigo, which affects about you an electrocardiogram (EKG) in Baltimore. “Others feel like standing, wait several seconds 60 percent of people with vertigo, in balance — also weaken. “If you to rule out a heart condition, and they’re moving in a boat. Most before you walk,” says Showalter. stems from problems in the parts have hip problems and your inner a blood test to check for anemia people describe vertigo as feeling of the inner ear that control “That lets your system regain its ear doesn’t function as well as it or electrolyte imbalance. Electrobalance.” dizzy, light-headed, and used to, both those can cause balbalance. It may also involve the lytes like sodium and potassium Some vertigo can resolve on its off-balance.” Fortunately, you vestibular nerve, which connects ance problems,” she explains. help regulate body systems that own. Although sometimes vertigo don’t have to live with vertigo. Vertigo ranges in severity. the inner ear to the brain stem. could affect balance. vanishes without treatment, don’t And the more you know about it, “Some vertigos are incapacitatThe other type is central ver“If the doctor finds those tests just live with it, says Showalter: the better you can battle it. Here tigo caused by a brain problem ing” says Showalter. “If you are negative, he will refer you to a “It’s not normal to be out of are surprising vertigo facts that falling and vomiting, you should usually in the brain stem or the balance.” neurologist or an ear, nose, and cerebellum, the part of the brain get medical help right away.” may help you right your balanc-

things to know about

VERTIGO

Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

PAGE 21

Time to

detox

Start off 2015 with a cleansing routine

t’s a new year and a good time to think about detoxing and cleansing after December’s excesses.

While many people view detoxing as a way to lose weight, “a detox should not be viewed as a crash diet or get-skinny-quick option. Instead, it should be viewed as a jump-start to longterm healthy habits,” said health coach and nutritionist Justine SanFilippo. “Any weight that is usually lost during a detox is water weight, so once a person eats food again, the weight comes back. Instead, if a person begins a detox with the mindset of wanting to start on

Other ways to naturally detox One of SanFilippo’s favorite ways to naturally detox is to make a fresh juice drink each morning. This recipe starts off the day right and get a super boost of vitamins and minerals. 1 apple 1-2 carrots ½ cucumber Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach or Swiss chard Parsley Wedge of lemon Place the ingredients in a juicer, juice and enjoy! Then eat breakfast. greenspinach/ﬂirck

Drink enough water – aim for at least 64 ounces a day (8 cups). And eliminate or reduce beverages like sodas (both regular and diet) and alcohol. Reduce caffeine consumption – caffeine can cause dehydration, which can lead to water retention. Add a wedge of lemon or lime to your water. Have a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar a day (improves digestion and promotes alkalinity – get the apple cider vinegar with the “mother,” strands of proteins and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky, cobweb appearance). Eat enough ﬁber (28 grams a day for women and 35 grams a day for men). Add more dark, leafy greens to your diet such as kale, Swiss chard and spinach. Drink herbal teas or decaf green tea. Watch the sodium – too much sodium can cause water retention and bloating.

junk food or too much alcohol, you’ll feel it. Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs (and doesn’t need!),” SanFilippo said. Some people will go to extreme lengths to detox the body in a short period of time. Toxins are stored in the fat cells, so when a person detoxes, the fat cells can shrink. There could be many unpleasant side effects to detoxing such as headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, feeling irritable, fatigue, dizziness and rashes, SanFilippo said. “I’ve tried several, and I must tell you that fad gimmicks don’t work in the long run,” she added. Rather than going on a crazy detox, consider helping your body detox naturally by making smart food and beverage choices. “Every single day, the body detoxes naturally through the liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs and skin. Eating organic and natural fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins and unprocessed foods helps the body be more efﬁcient. Sweating through exercise helps the detox process as well,” she said.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

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a path of eating healthy again, then the weight will slowly come off in the long term because of the new healthy habits they have implemented,” she said. Practices for centuries in cultures around the world, detoxing is a way to clean the body from the inside out. People detox with methods such as juice fasts, master cleanses, detoxing supplements and juicing retreats to protect the body from illness and maintain optimum health. “Detoxing helps the body remove excess toxins. Toxins can come from the environment, from chemicals in foods and beverages, smoking, alcohol and other unhealthy habits,” SanFilippo said. After a detox, “you’ll have more energy, you’ll sleep better, your stomach won’t be as bloated, and you’ll crave healthier foods rather than junk food. As an added bonus, your skin will be clearer and brighter, your hair will be silkier, and you’ll just feel really good. When you start to follow a healthier lifestyle, you’ll ﬁnd that when you do fall off the bandwagon and have some sweets,

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BY MELISSA ERICKSON

PAGE 22 HEALTH

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KEEPING WATCH

New tech can monitor heart patients at home, limiting hospitalization BY MELISSA ERICKSON MORE CONTENT NOW

A Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living

n estimated 5 million Americans suffer from heart failure, and a new device, which enables patients to be monitored daily in their home, can successfully reduce heart failure hospital admissions when managed by a physician, said Kristi Warner, spokeswoman for St. Jude Medical Inc., a global medical device company that is responsible for developing the CardioMEMS HF System. (St. Jude Medical is not afﬁliated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.) The new technology also can also improve the quality of life among patients experiencing limitations of physical activity due to their cardiac disease. “According to the American Heart Association, the estimated direct and indirect cost of heart failure in the U.S. for 2012 was $31 billion, and that

number is expected to more than real time and monitored daily by a double by 2030,” Warner said. “More portable electronic unit and a special than half of heart failure costs are due pillow that contains an antenna. to hospitalization, and there are more For select patients with heart failure, than 1 million heart failure hospital data shows this new technology can admissions each year. By 2030, every reduce the hospital readmittance rate U.S. taxpayer could pay $244 each year by 37 percent. “It also allows doctors to proactively for expenses related to heart failure.” The CardioMEMS HF helps doctors monitor these symptoms for their keep tabs on people with serious heart heart failure patients. Additionally, recently published data also found failure from their home by measurpatients 65 older ing pressure in the whose heart failure pulmonary artery, was managed by which transports “I believe this pulmonary artery blood from the technology will heart to the lungs. A pressure monitoropen a new era in battery-free sensor ing had reduced the management of wirelessly sends data all-cause 30-day heart failure patients to the physician, who hospital readmiswhere we will can adjust treatment sions by 58 percent deliver more precise as needed to prevent and heart failure recommendations.” future hospitalizareadmissions by 78 tions. Heart rates Dr. Liviu Klein percent,” Warner and artery pressure said. are transmitted in This new medical

technology also reduces the burden on the caregivers of heart failure patients because they are spending less time driving to and from the hospital and doctors’ appointments, Warner said. “I believe this technology will open a new era in the management of heart failure patients where we will deliver more precise recommendations for their treatment based on hemodynamic data obtained in the comfort of their home,” Dr. Liviu Klein — assistant professor of cardiology and director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support and Heart Failure Device Program at the University of California, San Francisco — told Medical Press. “We know that most hospitalizations for heart failure occur as a result of elevated pulmonary artery pressures,” Klein said. “Being able to monitor and assess these pressures daily, in the patient’s home, will help in decreasing the chance of being admitted to the hospital with heart failure.”

PAGE 23

PHOTO ADAPTED FROM EPSOS .DE/ FLICKR COMMONS

Pharm-assistance Important questions for your pharmacist BY MELISSA ERICKSON MORE CONTENT NOW

visit to the pharmacy can be more than just a quick stop to pick up a prescription or supplies for the medicine cabinet. It’s also a convenient time to have an important medical conversation with your pharmacist. “Pharmacists are a great first resource for patients,” said Pat Person, immediate past president of the California Pharmacists Association. “Pharmacists are trained to help patients manage their medications and hopefully will be their first avenue of information — and not the Internet,” Person said. In Bakersfield, California, where Person practices as a community pharmacist in an independent pharmacy, all pharmacies are required to hang a poster advising patients of their rights as far as their medications go. There is mandatory patient counseling on any new prescription or dose change of a currently prescribed medication, but of course the patient has a right to decline, said Person. Too often people skip the chance to have a one-on-one conversation with a knowledgeable pharmacist. “People are often intimidated when they look behind the counter. They see us and we look busy. We are busy but never too busy. Or they don’t want to bother the pharmacist or think they know all they need to already. Contrary to what people may think, pharmacists like to talk. We want to make sure patients take the right medications and get the optimal results,” Person said. Here are five questions you should be asking your pharmacist:

What is the name of the medication, and what is it supposed to do? A patient should know the names and uses of all the medications being taken. Additionally, prescription error does occur. “Drug X might be used to treat high blood pressure, but a patient may say ‘I don’t have high blood pressure.’ The pharmacist can contact the doctor and ﬁx the error,” Person said.

2. When and how do I take it?

Taking medication correctly is important so that it can give you the help you expect. Do you take the medication for the next week or for the rest of your life? This is an opportunity to ask the pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose. A good question, Person said, is “If you forgot to take the medicine in the morning, is it allowable to double up in the evening?” Also, should the medication be taken with food? Should it be taken at the same time each day? In the case of antibiotics, many people begin to feel better after a few day of treatment and do not complete the full prescription regiment. Instead they tuck the bottle away for

later use, which has led to antibiotic resistance, Person said. The antibiotic was able to get rid of most, but not all, of the bacteria that was causing the illness. When you stop taking the antibiotic, those leftover bacteria eventually reproduce and multiply, which will lead to your doctor needing to prescribe an even stronger antibiotic in the future.

What are the possible side effects, and what should I do if they occur? All medications can cause side effects that may interfere with therapy, Person said. “If the side effects make a person feel poorly, he may want to stop taking the medication,” he said. A pharmacist can switch the medication to a different drug class that may relieve the side effects or to an extended-dose medication. Instead of taking a medicine three or four times a day, you’ll just take it once a day.

Will the new medicine work safely with other medicines and supplements I’m already taking? Other prescriptions or vitamin supplements can interact with a new medication, resulting in increased or decreased effects of the drug, Person said. Never take a new medication without speaking to your pharmacist about how it will react with your other medicines.

5. What foods, drink or activities should be avoided while taking a new medication?

Some medications can’t be taken with certain foods and beverages. For example, cholesterol-lowering drugs should not be taken with grapefruit juice, and people with high blood pressure should be careful with salt substitutes or alcohol, among other things. In some cases the interaction can be harmful, Person said. Central nervous system depressants, such as prescription pain medications and some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, should never be taken with alcohol.

Healthy Living | Sunday, February 1, 2015

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Sunday, February 1, 2015 | Healthy Living