Health & Wellness

The Green Smoothie Challenge By Christina Sciarretta

Every March, it feels like I am pulling myself out of a pit of crappy health and way too many months of cold, dark, damp weather, and if you live here at the shore, you know that with the weather we have had, this year is no different! I don’t know about you, but it feels to me like it has been raining for 87 years. I cannot understand how people live in year-round rain, like Seattle or London. We, here in Atlantic County, are beach people. We don’t thrive in gloom and darkness. We come to life in sun, sand, and salty air. As such, I always find myself needing a total recharge in March. That recharge comes in the form of a giant cup full of green awesomeness and good vibes.

I use the month of March to replenish my depleted body with the vitamins and nutrients that it is missing, due to the over-abundance of carbs and sugar and lack of anything green or healthy… anyone else? Come on, somebody! Enter the Green Smoothie. I have found that blending nutrient-rich leafy greens with other veggies, fruit, and liquid (yogurt, coconut water, almond milk, etc.) bring my body and mind back to life. It is a total rejuvenation! For 31 days, I commit to consuming a homemade green smoothie every single day. By the end of the month, I almost don’t even recognize myself. My skin is radiant, my hair is shinier, my energy level is sky-high, my mental clarity is improved, my sleep is deep, my wake is easy, I’m usually a bit more trim, I begin to crave healthier foods, and I feel unbelievably freaking awesome. I decided that I just couldn’t keep this magic to myself, so I created The Sciarretta Collection’s Green Smoothie Challenge! I can’t lie, it is a bit scary to see how much change happens, just from nourishing my body properly.

The Truth About Colon Cancer Screening By David E. Stein, MD

As a practicing colorectal surgeon, March is exciting – not because If you’re a parent like me, you know that healthy eating is just about last on the to-do list for most of the year, winter formally ends and spring so it’s important for us to take time begins – but because it is National Colon to stop and reset. If you go too long Cancer Awareness Month. On February without proper nutrition, it will creep 29, 2000, President William Jefferson back up in awful ways, like chronic Clinton signed a Presidential Proclamation designating March to be the month where we think about everyone’s colons. Those interested can insert commentary here. disease, illness, aches and pains, low energy, moodiness, etc. I’d like to encourage you all to join our com-

The goal was to create awareness about munity, take charge of your health, colorectal cancer screening, since at the and consider taking the challenge time less than 25% of people underwent yourself or with your family or team! proper screening every year. Why do we (Of course, as with anything healthcare? Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States and is the third most common cancer in men and women with related, it is always important to discuss the benefits and risks with your physician.) All you have to do peace, approximately 145,600 cases diagnosed love, and good vibes, my friends! every year. The incidence, defined as the What makes a green smoothie? occurrence of new cases diagnosed in a Leafy greens of your choice spingiven year, is slightly higher in men than ach, kale, collards, swiss chard, etc women. For Ashkenazi Jews, there is an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer over the general population. This is Other veggies of choice: carrot, cucumber, beets, etc due to a genetic mutation found in 6% of Fruit of your choice (I almost alAshkenazis. For people with this mutation, ways use bananas and one or more the risk of developing colorectal cancer is of the following: pineapple, mango, two times greater than those who do not berries, cherries, papaya, avocado, have the mutation. Screening, for cancers before they begin to cause symptoms, has been shown to decrease the incidence of cancer when apple, etc Liquid of your choice: yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk, ice, water, etc implemented in a population. In fact, the Extras: chia seed, flax seed, protein incidence of colorectal cancer has been powder, hemp seed, cacao powder, decreasing as more and more people etc get screened for this preventable cancer. Here are just a few of the benefits Effective screening is the product of three critical factors: accuracy, compliance, and access. Compliance rates are still suboptimal; approximately 65% of of green smoothies: • Increased energy • Improved digestion Americans report being screened at least • Improved mental clarity and once on survey questionnaires, but the focus Ad 1/4 participation rates may be lower based on actual record reviews. Fewer still are compliant with the screening frequencies recommended in guidelines. Finally, • • • Supports overall health Improved mood Glowy skin 4.3 x 5.63access (geographic or otherwise) is a barrier to many people. Since early cancers rarely cause symptoms, testing to detect something becomes critically important. So now that we understand why we need to screen for colorectal cancer, who needs to be screened? The American Cancer Society recommends routine colorectal cancer Ad screening for anyone who turns 45 years 1/8 of age. In years past it was age 50, but the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger 4.3 x 2.74 patients has been increasing, so the age to begin screening was reduced in 2018. There are specific guidelines for individuals at higher risk for cancer, but this article will focus on average risk adults. Depending on the choice of screening test, the interval between these tests varies. Screening should continue for healthy individuals through the age of 85. For those over 85, screening is not required. It is important to re-emphasize that these guidelines are for healthy, asymptomatic adults who do not have any family history of cancer. If you have any symptoms, such as change in bowel function or blood in the stool, please tell your physician. Now that we know why we screen and who needs screening, what screening test should you choose? There are three main categories of tests: stool-based tests (gross, but no prep required), imaging tests (radiology and prep required) and endoscopic tests (invasive and prep required). I will briefly highlight what I believe are the most effective tests within each of these categories. Stool based tests include Fecal Immunohistochemical Tests (FIT) and Multi-Target Stool DNA Tests (Cologuard from Exact Sciences). FIT uses antibodies to detect microscopic amounts of human blood in the stool. A single stool sample is probed several times with a sampling stick, placed into a tube and sent to a laboratory where it is tested for blood. It should be done every year. It detects about 80% of colon cancers which is why we do this every year. Cologuard analyzes the stool for altered DNA found in common cancers. A whole stool is deposited into a bucket mounted to a toilet seat, which gets sealed and sent to a central laboratory by a prearranged mail courier service. This test detects 92% of cancers and is done every three years. If either test is positive, one needs to get a colonoscopy to confirm the source of the blood or abnormal DNA. The major advantages for stool-based testing are that it requires no prep, can be done at home, is cheap and noninvasive. Cat Scan (CT) Colonography, often called Virtual Colonoscopy is also an acceptable screening test for colorectal cancer. For this test, the colon needs to be cleaned with bowel prep. The day before the procedure you drink clear liquids only, then take the bowel cleanse medication the evening before. The way the procedure works is a technician inserts a small tube trans-anally and distends the colon with air. Then the CT scan is performed. This test detects 90% of cancers but does have a higher incidence of false positives. It is ideal for someone who cannot have or doesn’t want a colonoscopy as no sedation is required. It needs to be repeated every five years and does deliver a radiation dose. Similar to the stool tests, a positive test will require the person to undergo a colonoscopy. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) colonoscopy which has higher resolution and no radiation is not yet mainstream. Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. In addition to having a high cancer detection rate of up to 93%, it also allows endoscopists to actually remove precancerous growths called polyps – essentially preventing the polyp from growing into cancer. Similar to Virtual Colonoscopy, you need to drink clear liquids the day prior and do a bowel cleanse so the endoscopist can see the inside wall of the colon. Colonoscopy is also usually performed under sedation which means you need someone to accompany you. That being said, I have had patients who refuse sedation and do the procedure awake – it is an option – even if not desirable by 99% of the population. It is repeated every 10 years. Although this is the best test, because it is invasive and uses anesthesia it also has the most risk. Injury to the colon can occur in just under 1 out of a thousand scopes. Anesthesia also carries a small but real risk. Since colonoscopy is both diagnostic and therapeutic, the benefits of finding cancer and removing polyps outweigh the risk. So, what should you do? Let’s face it, drinking copious amounts of fluid that can make you nauseous and will give you diarrhea may not be your idea of fun, but it beats dying of colon cancer. In general, I recommend colonoscopy (and it is what I had) starting at age 45 and then following up at 10-year intervals. If someone really does not want a colonoscopy, then I recommend the Cologuard stool DNA test every three years. The most important take home message is that it does not matter how you get screened for colorectal cancer; it matters that you actually get screened. David E. Stein, MD, serves as the Regional Chief of Surgery for MedStar Health’s Baltimore region and Chair of Surgery for Franklin Square Medical Center. He is boarded in both General and Colon and Rectal Surgery. MIKVEH ISRAEL ASSOCIATION INVITES YOU TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL PURIM CELEBRATION MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2020 6:00 P.M. minha (fast of esther) 6:30 P.M. Puppet show 7:00 P.M. arbit & READING OF THE MEGILLAH Followed by the m.i. association PARTY! $13 per person $36 per family Call in advance or pay at the door! 44 north fourth street Philadelphia pa, 19106 www.mikvehisrael.org PLEASE CALL THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE, 215-922-5446, TO RSVP

The Green Smoothie Challenge By Christina Sciarretta

Every March, it feels like I am pulling myself out of a pit of crappy health and way too many months of cold, dark, damp weather, and if you live here at the shore, you know that with the weather we have had, this year is no different! I don’t know about you, but it feels to me like it has been raining for 87 years. I cannot understand how people live in year-round rain, like Seattle or London. We, here in Atlantic County, are beach people. We don’t thrive in gloom and darkness. We come to life in sun, sand, and salty air. As such, I always find myself needing a total recharge in March. That recharge comes in the form of a giant cup full of green awesomeness and good vibes.

I use the month of March to replenish my depleted body with the vitamins and nutrients that it is missing, due to the over-abundance of carbs and sugar and lack of anything green or healthy… anyone else? Come on, somebody! Enter the Green Smoothie. I have found that blending nutrient-rich leafy greens with other veggies, fruit, and liquid (yogurt, coconut water, almond milk, etc.) bring my body and mind back to life. It is a total rejuvenation! For 31 days, I commit to consuming a homemade green smoothie every single day. By the end of the month, I almost don’t even recognize myself. My skin is radiant, my hair is shinier, my energy level is sky-high, my mental clarity is improved, my sleep is deep, my wake is easy, I’m usually a bit more trim, I begin to crave healthier foods, and I feel unbelievably freaking awesome. I decided that I just couldn’t keep this magic to myself, so I created The Sciarretta Collection’s Green Smoothie Challenge! I can’t lie, it is a bit scary to see how much change happens, just from nourishing my body properly.

Food Allergy Awareness: The Real Deal By Jenny Sved

We’ve all been there. When the school sends that letter home reminding us to be mindful of If you’re a parent like me, you know that healthy eating is just about last on the to-do list for most of the year, nuts, it’s an added complexity to the “fun” so it’s important for us to take time that is making lunches for our children. to stop and reset. If you go too long However, as a mother of a child with without proper nutrition, it will creep multiple food allergies as well as two back up in awful ways, like chronic children with none, I understand the need to play it safe. Food allergies – whether you have one, are related to someone who has one, or know someone who has disease, illness, aches and pains, low energy, moodiness, etc. I’d like to encourage you all to join our coman allergy, chances are you are somewhat munity, take charge of your health, familiar with them. Most people think they and consider taking the challenge are pretty straightforward. “Do they carry yourself or with your family or team! an EpiPen?” or “Is it airborne?” are the (Of course, as with anything healthmost common questions we get when we check the allergy box on our paperwork. Sometimes though, it’s not as simple as an airborne peanut allergy. Sometimes related, it is always important to discuss the benefits and risks with your physician.) All you have to do peace, it’s as complex as my son breaking out love, and good vibes, my friends! in hives when his friend decides to stroke What makes a green smoothie? his face after eating her string cheese Leafy greens of your choice spinat the playground. The reality is, some ach, kale, collards, swiss chard, etc allergies are more severe, and some are less, but we need to keep everyone safe regardless. Other veggies of choice: carrot, cucumber, beets, etc

According to FARE (Food Fruit of your choice (I almost alAllergy Research and Education), ways use bananas and one or more of the following: pineapple, mango, berries, cherries, papaya, avocado, apple, etc Liquid of your choice: yogurt, coconut milk, almond milk, ice, water, etc Extras: chia seed, flax seed, protein powder, hemp seed, cacao powder, etc Here are just a few of the benefits of green smoothies: • Increased energy • Improved digestion • Improved mental clarity and focus Ad • • Supports overall health Improved mood 1/4 • Glowy skin 4.3 x 5.63 Ad 1/8 4.3 x 2.74

approximately 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. That is 1 in every 13, or about 2 in every classroom. (My son with allergies told me that there are two children with food allergies in his class at CTA, so this hits the nail on the head.) Additionally, about 40 percent of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food. Food allergies have become so prevalent that, in April of last year, a bill was passed allowing universities to keep EpiPens in their cafeterias in order to keep students safe. The University of Maryland is currently doing this. The hope is that science will move faster than the prevalence of food allergies but, in case it does not, it’s important that we do our best to educate ourselves and others as to how to keep those with food allergies safe, especially our children. 1. Know the signs. People tend to think that the only sign to look out for is if someone cannot breathe. This is not accurate. Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAKsis) is a serious allergic response that often involves swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure and, in severe cases, shock. If anaphylactic shock isn’t treated immediately, it can be fatal. In reality, allergists instruct us to use epinephrine (aka an EpiPen or AuviQ auto-injector) when someone looks as though they are having a life threatening reaction: throat swelling, difficulty breathing, etc., but not ONLY in those circumstances. When we see TWO signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives AND vomiting, it is time for epi. 2. Be sensitive. If you know someone with allergies, try to be sensitive and do your best to keep them safe. This might mean missing out on some foods, or it might mean good handwashing when you are around them or in public spaces. Try to have a good attitude about it as well. It’s not a great feeling when people make rude comments about having to put away certain foods or make special accommodations for my son’s safety. 3. Learn how to use an EpiPen. Just as CPR is an important thing to learn to save others, EpiPens, AuviQ’s and other epinephrine auto-injectors out there are crucial too. You never know when you might be in a position to use one on someone. As a parent of a child with a food allergy, I always make sure to bring

along EpiPens or send them on playdates, but I should be training others on how to use them in case of emergency. Always ask about allergies and these items when you will have a child in your care. 4. Educate your children. You being mindful and sensitive yourself is only part of your job. It is your job to educate your children about food allergies, especially if you know that they have peers with allergies. Explain to your child(ren) what food allergies are and how we need to make sure we help keep their friend safe. Maybe even check out a book from the library on the topic if that will help you explain. While there are new therapies constantly being worked on, and we hope that food allergies will become an issue of the past, for now we have to ensure that we do whatever we can to keep those around us with food allergies safe. As a mother of a child who is allergic to peanuts, sesame and milk, I ask for your help in this, but more importantly your positive attitude. Jenny Sved, a resident of Bala Cynwyd, is a mother of three, one of whom has severe food allergies. She and her husband Mati attend Lower Merion Synagogue.

Life-Saving Machine: The Easy-To-Use AED By Shirin Kaye

One can find them everywhere, but few people know what they are or how to use them. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are in schools, restaurants, stores, hospitals, police cars, etc. – basically in every public facility. An AED is a life-saving machine that delivers a shock from outside of one’s body to startle the heart back into a regular rhythm after a person has experienced cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops beating regularly. If you are ever in a situation where a person becomes unconscious, first check whether he is breathing and has a pulse. If not, call 911 (or the designated emergency number) immediately and stay until the ambulance arrives; you can provide the EMS personnel with vital information about the person and what led to the incident.

You need not be a medical professional nor certified in first aid to save a life with the help of an AED. (Though Good Samaritan Laws only protect people who are certified, it is best for lay people to know that AEDs are extremely easy to use and have a basic understanding of how to use them; it is better to be confident enough to take action than to let the person die.)

Once having determined that the person has no pulse nor breath, remove the AED from its bag and turn it on so it has time to load. The machine will narrate each step and light up to indicate the correct button to press. Next, push or cut the person’s clothing off his chest. Place the two pads that come with the machine on the person’s chest: on his upper right and middle left (alongside the bottom of the ribcage) – to surround the heart, as shown in the illustrations on the pads themselves. If the person has an implanted pacemaker, avoid covering its area. Plug the wires coming from the pads into the machine and step away; if someone is touching the unconscious person, the AED will read his pulse inaccurately. If the machine says a shock is advised, remain unattached from the person and press the button to deliver a shock. (If you click the button without the machine having instructed you to do so, it will not shock.)

For a child or baby, there are smallersized pads in the kit, but otherwise the routine is the same. If the person’s chest is too small for the pads to not touch each other while stuck on, put one on the center of his chest and the other on the center of his back.

Recheck the person’s breathing and pulse. The desired effect is that his heart will have resumed beating. If that did not occur, and you are not trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), you have completely fulfilled a critical step in contributing to the patient’s chance of survival.

By knowing how to use an AED even if you are not certified, you have the potential to save a person’s life in the face of a cardiac emergency. Spread the message!

Shirin Kaye is a student at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy.