Health matters 12.12.13

Health Matters Observer

EAST COUNTY

DECEMBER 2013

The gift of

HEALTH

Local experts offer suggestions to help you maintain optimal health while tackling a hectic schedule and too many to-do’s this season. PAGE 2

HOLIDAY HELPERS: Many holiday favorites have medical uses, as well. PAGE 4

PICTURE OF HEALTH:

Business coach Marc Simms began coaching himself two years ago — in the area of wellness.

PAGE 6

FLORIDA FRESH: East County offers several farms where you can pick produce yourself. PAGE 9

Health Matters | December 2013

2 YourObserver.com

BY AMANDA SEBASTIANO AND JOSH SIEGEL | OBSERVER STAFF

Watson

The gift

EXERCISE

health OF

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of health. Local experts offer the following suggestions to help you maintain optimal health while tackling a hectic holiday schedule and too many to-do’s.

DIET Gingerbread cookies and holiday hams coated in brown sugar may please the palate, but these foods are filled with calories that can cause weight gain — a lasting Christmas gift that isn’t so nice.

Indulging in seasonal favorites without overdoing it is attainable, though, says LuAnne Howard, a nutritionist and registered dietician in Bradenton.

It takes self-restraint and a regular exercise routine, however.

The first of Howard’s recommendations — eat something before a holiday party.

“Don’t arrive too hungry to an event,” Howard says. “It makes rich, yummy foods become more appealing. Have a

snack before you go to take the edge off; it will help you make wise food choices later.”

Next, it’s OK to splurge a little, Howard promises, as long it’s just that — a little.

Save the calories for the foods you enjoy most, she says.

After the plate contains your desired items, walk away — no grazing. Picking “a little of this” and “a little of that” adds up and makes it nearly impossible to realize how much you have eaten, Howard says.

Above all, keep moving. Exercising and maintaining a fitness routine gives the holiday snacker wiggle room in terms of the amount of sweets one can eat.

“You shouldn’t throw being healthy out the window this time of year,” Howard says.

“Staying active helps you think twice about what you’re going to eat.”

To stay fit during the most tempting time of the year, Stephanie Watson, the group fitness coordinator and personal trainer at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, recommends making the holidays a competition.

“It doesn’t take much to keep fit over the holidays,” Watson says.

“The latest research suggests short workouts with high intensity (are best). Make it fun. Run up and down the stairs. Do a jump-squat competition in the kitchen. Play tag with the family. Walk the golf course.

Working out is contagious.”

To avoid roadblocks to keeping fit, Watson says to set rules.

Keep the television off. Plan what you will eat and how many calories you will consume before you arrive at a holiday party.

She says eating fatty proteins throughout the day, such as macadamia nuts, keeps hunger at bay.

Also, before drinking alcohol, consume water. Water balances a body’s blood sugar and makes a person less tempted to eat sweets.

“Keep a food diary in reverse,” Watson says. “If you know what you want to eat — and can afford to eat — before you get to the party, there are less likely to be surprises.”

Watson says the endorphins that come from working out make for a healthier and happier holiday season.

And get fitness out of the way early in the day.

“That way, you check it off the list, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day and holiday,” Watson says.

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December 2013 | Health Matters

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FINANCES

SLEEP Sleeping in the day after a late-night holiday party won’t help you feel more rested, says Liz Provan, a sleep diagnostics clinical lab manager at Sleep Dream Diagnotistics, located in Manatee Memorial Hospital. In her role, Provan works with people who have difficulty sleeping due to medical conditions or other factors.

To help improve sleep, she recommends keeping a regular snooze schedule and creating a comfortable place to retire — two feats that aren’t always easy during the holiday season.

Although crawling into bed in the early hours of the morning and then sleeping until 2 p.m. to compensate may seem like a balance, it’s the opposite; it throws off the biological clock, she says.

Although family gatherings lasting into the night are holiday traditions, be sure to get back to a regular sleep schedule a few days before heading back to the office, Provan advises.

What if falling asleep is elusive? A warm glass of milk is not going to do the trick.

Although milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can cause sleepiness, one glass

The holiday season isn’t just “the most wonderful time of the year.” In fact, it’s the most critical time of the year — for your wallet.

Rather than rush to fill stockings, Shaun Merriman, president and CEO of Gateway Bank, says spending control is critical during the holidays.

“You need to keep impeccable records,” Merriman says. “You need to be diligent. You need to resist temptation, or you will get yourself in a pickle.”

Merriman follows this suggestion even in his own personal life. His wife budgets a specific amount to be spent on gifts during the holidays.

It’s easy for the couple to monitor that budget because of online banking — a blessing during the holidays.

“It’s so much easier to track spend-

of milk does not contain enough tryptophan to actually cause sleepiness, Provan says. If drowsiness is experienced, there’s a greater chance the feeling is from a full stomach.

Grab a sleeping mask and earplugs, instead.

“When your brain senses pure darkness, it causes the production of melatonin — the chemical of sleep,” Provan said.

“When you block out both noise and light, your chances of falling asleep are improved.”

ing now,” Merriman says, noting you should track your bank statement online every day. “Track it often. The last thing you want to do is look at your credit card bill in January and think, ‘What was I thinking?’”

Chris DeLeonardo, a financial adviser with Wells Fargo Advisers LLC, is also a proponent of frugality during the holidays.

He says to especially beware of online shopping, for which record keeping can be difficult. Print your receipts and check your credit card or bank statements after making online purchases.

“There’s no paperwork with online shopping,” DeLeonardo said. “Make sure you’re still keeping records.”

He admits there can be some social stigma with holding back.

But if they truly love you, friends and family will understand.

“You have to know that the best gift you can give people is just your presence,” DeLeonardo says.

STRESS MANAGEMENT The holiday season is a busy time. One might have to rush straight from Christmas shopping to pick up family members at the airport. The chaos can create highstress situations, says Kylee Tuls, a licensed mental-health counselor at Envision Counseling.

Tuls notes trends she believes to be the roots of the stress — lack of self-care, not walking away and pessimism.

Not taking proper care of the body — lack of sleep and exercise and a diet of Christmas cookies and eggnog — shifts a person from their center of balance, she says.

The mind then is vulnerable to an overflow of emotions. Once that happens, step back and take a minute to breathe, she recommends.

“I find a lot of people don’t

want to take that time,” Tuls says.

“They think it’s rude to walk away from who or what is upsetting them.”

To avoid feeling stress in trying situations, a positive outlook is important. With a person having maxed-out credit cards from holiday shopping and having to push through crowds in stores, it’s easy to become disgruntled.

“Try to see the positive aspects of the holiday — the family time and things for which you are grateful,” Tuls says. “Don’t focus so much on the downs and burdens.”

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Health Matters | December 2013

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HOLIDAY

During the holidays each year, households across the country focus on their seasonal favorites. The aromas of fresh gingerbread cookies and cinnamon often fill the house. But did you know many of these holiday favorites have medical uses, as well?

HELPERS NUTMEG

This household spice is said to aid in sleep and help with digestive problems. It also contains a natural organic compound called myristicin, which is known to help protect your brain against degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

In holistic medicine, the spice is used to increase blood circulation and treat kidney infections.

CRANBERRIES

These red berries aren’t just good for stringing together for Christmas-tree decorating.

Although Pilgrims wrongly believed cranberries cured scurvy, they were right to use the fruit for maintaining good health. Cranberries are full of vitamin C and heath-promoting antioxidants.

The National Institutes of Health is funding research on the cranberry’s effect on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions. Drinking cranberry juice can prevent urinary infections; it binds to bacteria and prevents it from binding to cell walls, research shows. A compound in cranberries also prevents plaque from forming on teeth.

Another piece of trivia: Pilgrims gave the name “craneberry” to what we now call cranberries. They chose the name because the fruit’s small pink blossoms, which appear in the spring, resemble the head and bill of a sandhill crane, the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association reports.

CINNAMON

MISTLETOE

This Christmastime plant isn’t just for stealing kisses.

In Europe, herbalists use mistletoe leaves and young twigs to treat circulatory and respiratory problems.

The semi-parasitic plant, which grows on several types of trees, including apple, maple, elm, pine and birch, also has been used to treat conditions such as infertility, arthritis, headaches and epilepsy.

In fact, in certain European countries, extracts made from European mistletoe are among the most prescribed therapies for cancer patients. Iscar, Eurixor, Helixor, Isorel and Lektinol are several products made with the extract, the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health reports.

GINGER

Although ginger is the star ingredient in a holiday favorite — gingerbread cookies — it also has several therapeutic properties. The National Library of Medicine reports ginger is best known for its use of soothing stomachs — loss of appetite, nausea, colic, morning sickness and motion sickness.

Some individuals even find ginger helps with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis and arthritis, among others.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that cassia cinnamon is sometimes used to treat muscle and stomach spasms, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and the common cold, among other conditions.

Cassia cinnamon also is used in nasal spray, mouthwash, toothpaste and suntan lotion.

HORSE CHESTNUT

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark and flowers have historically been used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, a condition associated with varicose veins, ankle swelling and nighttime leg cramping.

Preliminary evidence even shows the use of horse chestnut seed extract may be as effective as wearing compression stockings.

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FEEL

The Anchin Pavilion of the Kobernick House in Sarasota has unveiled a multi-sensory room — a playpen for the elderly meant to revive activity.

Photos by Josh Siegel

Pearl Goodman’s mood changes immediately upon entering the multi-sensory room.

She reaches out to touch strands of fiber-optic tails that trigger her tactile senses.

Pearl Goodman had barely spoken in weeks.

But when she was wheeled into the new multi-sensory room at Anchin Pavilion, on the campus of Kobernick-AnchinBenderson, a senior living community, Goodman began extending invites to her 95th birthday party.

Goodman twisted her torso to look at the colorful LED lights above and around her. She reached both arms forward to touch strands of fiber-optic tails meant to trigger her tactile senses.

“It’s beautiful,” said Goodman, who suffers from dementia.

“She might not do that again this week,” said Elyse Gordon, the director of rehab for Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson.

Last month, Kobernick unveiled the multi-sensory room, designed to soothe anxiety and lift depression by stimulating the senses.

April Moschini, the activity director for Kobernick, conducted research that shows the room can lift moods, improve sleep and trigger memories for adults with dementia and other cognitive dysfunction.

The science behind the room — the first of its kind in the area — is based on therapy developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s for children with disabilities.

Darlene Arbeit, Kobernick’s CEO, learned about the therapy — called Snoezelen — in an article.

After two years of research, Moschini learned the same science could be applied to the elderly — and to anyone. The room is open to the public by appointment. Medicare covers the cost of therapy.

DID YOU KNOW? Projected lights change “Everyone can a sense of the color of the walls in benefit,” Moschini balance), the multi-sensory room. said. “We all have rather than sensory systems. a recliner Colors heavily influence But for our residents with soft a person’s mood. here, a lot live sedpillows. entary lifestyles. They Colored light need help eating, walking is projected onto and going to the bathroom. This the walls. Blue calms. Red alerts. therapy triggers the brain and A person can pick the color of the maybe wakens a memory to room himself. relearn those skills.”

Staff plans to measure the It took a year to buy the therapies’ effects on residents various toys and equipment — by comparing each behavior gooey sand that doesn’t a make before and after therapy, includmess, squishy balls, blocks with ing: how many times a resident different textures, lava lamps, “calls out,” or abruptly yells, a television that shows nature during a day; the percentage of clips and weighted blankets that a meal consumed; and the time give a sense of security. between taking medication.

Staff members gutted a former One goal is to decrease resistorage room and transformed it dents’ dependence on mediinto a colorful playroom. cine.

Grants funded the project.

Gordon and Moschini are Each person who uses the training five staff members to room — always in the company administer the screening, create of a therapist — receives a sena treatment plan and measure sory diet, or personal screening, its effects. based on his or her needs.

For Goodman, the results Some may prefer the scent were not difficult to decipher. of lavender to cedar. Others As she was wheeled away may gravitate toward a swing (a to her first-floor room in the device that strengthens the vesmemory unit, she sang a song tibular system, which provides from her childhood.

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BY JOSH SIEGEL | STAFF WRITER

Health Matters | December 2013

6 YourObserver.com NAME: Marc Simms AGE: 49 NEIGHBORHOOD: Whisper Bend HIS REGIMEN: Daily routine includes abdominal workout consisting of crunches and leg lifts, as well as plenty of leg stretches and resistance training. He takes his dog, Kirra, on

+Picture of Health:

BY PAM EUBANKS | MANAGING EDITOR usiness owner Marc Simms has spent the bulk of his career coaching businesses on how to hire better and manage employees more efficiently.

About two years ago, however, he began coaching himself — this time, in the area of wellness.

Simms says even though he was a member of the gym, it didn’t mean he was fit.

Busyness at work meant less dedication at the gym, and he was only maintaining his weight, not improving it.

He could hire a personal trainer to teach him things he already knew, he says, or he could make changes on his own. He opted for the latter.

“I dropped my gym membership and 14 pounds at the same time,” says Simms, owner of Right Performance Management, a business- and performance-coaching business. “I started working out at home. The intensity was much more than I was doing at the gym.”

A change in his diet allowed him to drop more weight over the last year.

“I wanted to do it so I felt better about myself,” he says.

MARC SIMMS

B

two-mile walks twice a day, and he also bicycles 45 to 60 miles per week.

DIET: Green smoothie for breakfast; cut back on lean meat proteins and added lentils and quinoa in their place. He also eats smaller portions and avoids sugar and processed foods.

CHANGE OF PACE Although Simms has seen results by changing his exercise routine, changes in his diet have had an impact, as well.

He didn’t eat poorly before, but he now pays more attention to his diet.

He feasts on green smoothies, lean proteins, fruit and plenty of vegetables. He also has eliminated processed foods and eats smaller portions.

The results: He dropped three inches from his waistline — going from a size 33 to a size 30.

At 5 feet, 6 inches, he’s now 148 pounds.

Says Simms: “I feel I can accomplish goals I didn’t have the energy to (before). It makes you feel good about yourself and what you can achieve.”

TURNAROUND TIME When Simms and his wife, Lynn, brought home their high-energy dog, Kirra, for the first time, they quickly realized she would need a rigorous exercise schedule.

Simms did not enjoy running but liked the benefits he saw from doing it, and he began taking her out twice daily.

It was during one of those walks that Simms suffered a knee injury he still deals with today.

“She thought she saw a squirrel, gave me a twist, and (it) tore my meniscus (in my knee),” Simms says.

Simms underwent surgery to repair his knee, and, at that time, surgeons discovered his knee had advanced degen-

eration that would eventually require at least a partial-knee replacement.

“It took about a year before the pain got so bad I opted for the (partial-knee) replacement,” Simms says.

“It was painful just to walk.”

ROAD TO RECOVERY To prepare for the surgery, Simms began bicycling about 60 miles a week, to drop weight and improve his overall health.

He underwent knee-replacement surgery Sept. 9.

“The recovery has not been easy — getting the muscles to where they were has been (challenging),” Simms says. “I have to hold myself back a lot of times and not push it.”

+Power tools Kettlebells are cast-iron weights resembling cannonballs. They are used to perform ballistic exercises, a form of strength training in which an athlete lifts, accelerates and then releases a weight to combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training.

Exercise movements include the swing, during which an individual squats and lifts the kettleball upward from between the knees to about shoulder level.

NEW ATTITUDE When Simms’ doctors said he’d have to stop running after his surgery, he countered: “My life at 50 is not over.”

He was committed to getting back to his routine as much as possible.

“I’ve missed my goal of finishing the Tough Mudder (adventure race) by the time I’m 50,” Simms says. “I’ve given myself until I’m 55 now. I have to manage impact exercise.

“I’m a goal-oriSimms ented person,” he did not ensays. “My goals are joy running to live life to the but liked the fullest, and I’m not benefits he saw letting the rehab setback hold from doing it me back.”

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+ Manatee Medical Reserve seeks volunteers

Manatee County’s Medical Reserve Corps is looking for new members.

The team is comprised of trained and credentialed volunteers who assist local health and medical services during disasters and other large events.

Volunteers can be from a broad spectrum of professional fields, both medical and non-medical, whether physicians, nurses, veterinarians or pharmacists, or logistics and administrative specialists.

MRC volunteers receive free training and participate in exercises year-round in preparation for disaster response, under the guidance of the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.

Deborah Liberatoscioli, Manatee County MRC volunteer coordinator, says MRC members train by operating the Mobile Medical Aid Station at large planned events, such as parades and concerts, throughout the year, as well as by assisting with immunization clinics, helping with disease investigations and supporting other health and medical needs.

For more information, contact Liberatoscioli at Deborah.Liberatoscioli@flhealth.gov or at (941) 748-0747, Ext. 1366.

+ Sarasota doctor earns top award

+ Foundation helps fund online initiative

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has provided $25,000 in grant funding to Center for Building Hope, a non-profit center that assists cancer patients and their caretakers, for its Network for Building Hope online initiative.

Moffitt Cancer Center and Ringling College of Arts and Design also have partnered with CBH for the project.

“Through this new national initiative, CBH and its partners will offer high-quality videos on demand on cancer education, nutrition, exercise and mind-body interactions, as well as other topics that have proven helpful to those battling cancer,” said Andrea Feldmar, program director.

At least 50 programs each year will be delivered via the Internet through more than 100 affiliated online support groups already in operation.

Feldmar said the new online initiative will facilitate building connections among patients, caregivers and family members.

Feldmar said the online network will draw on CBH’s years of experience in supporting cancer patients and empowering them to make educated decisions about their treatment and other aspects of dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

“In Sarasota, we bring like-minded individuals together and provide a safe place at our Lakewood Ranch campus to share things with others who are dealing with the same issues,” she said. “Now, we are extending that approach to reach out to people regionally and across the country, creating an online community for providing support addressing the many issues related to battling cancer.”

The Network for Building Hope website will go live in June.

+ The Eye Associates earns dry-eye center designation

A local optometry practice is taking its battle against dry eyes seriously.

The Eye Associates, in Bradenton, recently was accredited as a “Dry Eye Center,” a designation that allows The Eye Associates to customize dry-eye treatments for each patient.

Dry-eye disease is a multi-factorial eye disease that affects an estimated 25 million people in the United States.

One of the latest devices in dry-eye technology is the TearLab Osmolarity System, which allows doctors to painlessly sample a patient’s tears to determine how dry the eyes are and to treat the patient accordingly.

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Sarasota’s Dr. Alexander DeJesus was named the 2013 Medical Director of the Year at HealthSouth’s annual Medical Directors Conference, held in Nashville, Tenn.

DeJesus is the medical director at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota.

The award — given to one of 103 HealthSouth medical directors across the country — recognizes DeJesus’ clinical knowledge, performance in the development of quality clinical programs and overall excellence in leadership.

“Dr. DeJesus leads a highly qualified team of nurses and therapists at HealthSouth Sarasota,” HealthSouth Chief Medical Officer Dexanne B. Clohan said. “His expertise in physical medicine and rehabilitation allows the hospital to offer the latest in rehabilitative treatment. His role is crucial to provide high-quality health care to the Southwest Florida area.”

Health Matters | December 2013

8 YourObserver.com

+ Healthy Holiday mealtimes can translate into unhealthy eating habits, but Pam Mathis, a registered dietician and licensed wellness coach, shares a healthy kale-based recipe that will help you enjoy holiday foods without adding pounds to the scale.

This wheat berry, kale and cranberry salad recipe

dish

is brimming with nutritional benefits.

Kale’s fiber content serves as a bile-acid binder that helps excrete cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.

And wheat berries are loaded with nutrition, too, she says.

“Just a half-cup cooked provides six grams protein, six grams fiber and 150 calories,” Mathis says.

“They are loaded with B vitamins for a healthy nervous

system and to boost your energy and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorous, copper, manganese and selenium.”

For another star ingredient — cranberries — Mathis suggests looking for organic berries, either unsweetened or sweetened with organic sugar rather than corn syrup.

“They add a sweet and tangy zip to this very healthy salad,” she says.

— Pam Mathis, MEd, RD, LD, CWC is a dietitian and wellness coach in Lakewood Ranch and can be reached at 941-907-3757.

WHEAT BERRY, KALE AND CRANBERRY SALAD MAKES: 2 SERVINGS | START TO FINISH: 1 HOUR

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1/2

1. Place wheat berries in a medium saucepan. Cover

cup uncooked wheat berries 2 cups shredded baby kale 1/2 cup diced celery 1/4 cup minced red onion 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 11/2 teaspoons olive oil 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground

black pepper

with water to 2 inches above wheat berries; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook 50 minutes or until chewy-tender.

2. Drain wheat berries and rinse with cold water; drain again.

3. Place wheat berries and remaining ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently.

— Recipe by Christine Burns Rudalevige, “Cooking Light” (September 2013)

RECIPE SUPER STARS

CRANBERRIES

Cranberries are a great source of antioxidants and are available fresh, dried and frozen.

Their antioxidant score, or ORAC value, is actually higher than blueberries’ at 9,584 (compared to 6,552 per 100 grams for blueberries), Mathis says.

“The antioxidants in cranberries include ellagic acid, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanin and flavonoids, all of which boost the immune system and protect against oxidation and cell changes consistent with cancer,” Mathis says.

KALE

Kale is perhaps one of the most versatile leafy greens. It can be eaten raw in salads, blended into smoothies or cooked as a side dish.

“Kale packs a nutritional punch with high levels of antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorous,” Mathis says, noting several of those antioxidants are known to prevent cancer.

It also is a great source of the eyeprotective antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

WHEAT BERRIES

Available at local health-food stores, wheat berries are the grain from which wheat flour is made. They contain the germ, bran and endosperm of the wheat kernel and have a nutty, chewy texture.

The minerals they contain are essential for your bones and connective tissues, as well as for immune system function, Mathis says.

The grain also is high in fiber, containing about one-third of your daily need. Fiber, Mathis says, is a natural detoxifier.

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December 2013 | Health Matters

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U-PicK

With winter crops coming into season, the East County area offers several farm locations at which you can pick produce yourself.

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Eden Farm & Market ADDRESS: 11608 Upper Manatee River Road, Bradenton HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday CROPS: Strawberries CONTACT: 405-5207

2

Hunsader Farms ADDRESS: 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton HOURS: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday CROPS: White and purple eggplant and tomatoes CONTACT: U-pick hotline: 3311212; farm market: 322-2168; or hundsaderfarms.com

3

O’Brien Family Farms ADDRESS: 16505 E. State Road 64, Bradenton HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.

CROPS: Strawberries, leaf lettuce, spinach, broccoli, tomato, bell pepper, cauliflower and more.

CONTACT: obrienfamilyfarms.com/farm-stand. aspx or 896-4811

64

WINTER SHOPPING LIST Carambola Cauliflower Celery Eggplant Grapefruit Kale Lettuce Mushroom Oranges Radish Snap bean Squash Strawberries Sweet corn Tomato — freshfromflorida.com

4

Plesscher Groves ADDRESS: 3350 County Road 675, Bradenton HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Sunday CROPS: Navel oranges, tangelos and lemons CONTACT: 322-2030

RE-IMAGINE HEALTHCARE

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Marketing@HawthorneVillageofSarasota.com • www.HawthorneVillageofSarasota.com License #SNF130471051 EOE

128287 128287

5381 Desoto Road, Sarasota, FL 34235 (Just East of Honore on Desoto Road)

Health Matters | December 2013

10 YourObserver.com

Of Florida’s almost 16 million drivers, more than 3 million — or about 17% — are 65 years or older.

With such a large population of senior drivers, Florida observed Older Driver Safety Awareness Week Dec. 1 through Dec. 7, to help ensure seniors can continue to enjoy their freedom while doing so in a safe manner.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers several tips to help older drivers: • Plan your day so most of your driving is completed when visibility is greatest and traffic is lightest.

• Plan the route to your destination to minimize left turns.

• Minimize lane changes. When you change lanes, be sure to use your signals.

• Turn the volume on your radio down, or turn off the radio completely.

• Have your vision and hearing tested annually.

• Heed warning labels on medications. Even prescription drugs can impair driving and judgment.

• Consider alternative transportation options. Ò For more information and additional resources, visit the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition’s website at safeandmobileseniors.org.

HEALTH DEFINED

ORAC value

ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a scale that rates foods according to their antioxidant content, or the food’s ability to combat free radicals. The higher the ORAC value, the stronger the antioxidant qualities.

Generally, the darker a fruit’s color, the higher the ORAC value, due to the food’s anthocyanins, which give the food its pigmentation.

ORAC FRUIT VALUE Chokeberries 16,062 Elderberries 14,697 Cranberries 9,584 Blueberries 6,552 Blackberries 5,347 Raspberries 4,882 Red delicious apples 4,275 Strawberries 3,577 Cherries 3,365 *Values from phytochemicals.info

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Children and Families announced a new campaign to educate new parents about proper sleeping environments for infants Dec. 4.

So far this year, DCF has investigated nearly 150 infant deaths, attributed to unsafe sleeping environments, in Florida.

Two of those incidents occurred in Sarasota.

Soft bedding, fluffy pillows and plush stuffed animals all can be dangerous to infants, who are not old enough to move their heads to ensure a clear airway.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies sleep alone, on their backs and in a bassinet that is free of other items.

Members of the public can donate new portable cribs, pack ’n’ plays and bassinets to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office locations at 2071 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, and at 4531 State Road 776, in Venice.

Test your mental health with these brainteasers

—Courtesy of Sci Brain

KAYAK Working with palindromes can really boost your brain workout. A palindrome is a word — such as kayak — that reads the same forward or backward.

When a palindrome is paired with a riddle, it can become a fun game for you and your family.

1.

The first name of a Disney TV show that is now a controversial pop star.

2. + State starts ‘healthy weight’ program

Moves very fast and often travels for hours but never reaches a destination.

Rates of obesity have risen so drastically in the last 30 years that obesity now is considered an epidemic. In fact, in Florida, only 35% of adults are considered to be a healthy weight, and six of 10 children born will be obese by the time they graduate from high school, the Florida Department of Health reports.

The cost of care for chronic diseases from obesity — diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis — is unsustainable. Treatment costs are estimated to be $34 billion over the next 17 years.

To combat the problem, the Department of Health recently launched the Healthy Weight Community Champion Recognition Program, which recognizes local Florida governments for their efforts to increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

The effort is part of Healthiest Weight Florida, a public-private partnership to help the public make wise, health-related choic-

3.

Donned in black and white and often live in groups.

4.

A word to describe a doctor or nurse but more commonly used to describe coffee.

5.

“The Hunger Game” books, the Vikings’ manuscripts and “The Lord of the Rings” are all examples of this palindrome.

1. Hannah (Montana); 2. Racecar; 3. Nun; 4. Reviver; 5. Sagas

+ Sarasota launches infantsafety campaign

+Mental MAKEOVER

ANSWERS:

+ Vital stats

+ Awareness week targets older drivers

John V. Dunne, MD, FACS Board Certified Surgeon

Relaxation

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School, Sports & Wellness Physicals Accepting New Patients (most insurances accepted)

Mary J. Mott, MPAS, PA-C Adult & Family Care Physician Assistant Specializing in Allergy & Asthma Open: Monday- Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 10am-2pm

10910 State Road 70 E. Suite 102 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 126232

Offer valid only at participating Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota, and Lakeland locations through December 31, 2013. All 3 gift cards must be purchased in the same transaction and equal or exceed $180 to receive the complimentary 1-hour massage session gift card. Offer not valid online or for previous purchases, or membership dues. Cannot be combined with other offers. Other rules may apply. See clinic for details.

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December 2013 | Health Matters

YourObserver.com 11

Health + Fitness

month, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. For more information, call 917-7000.

CA LENDA R

CLASSES & SEMINARS Medicare Enrollment Help — runs from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. Sarasota Memorial and Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) are providing a place to obtain free consultations comparing Medicare plans and prescription coverage to fit participants’ needs. The class will be held at the same time every Friday. For information, call 1-800963-5337 and ask for a SHINE counselor.

Surgical Options for Weight Loss — runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, at Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Executive Boardroom, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton. Dr. Stelios Rekkas offers the free seminar that includes information about weight-loss surgery that can reduce diabetes, high blood pressure and other obesityrelated conditions. The event is free, with light refreshments included. For reservations, call 708-8100.

EVENTS Jingle Bell Walk for the Arthritis Foundation — starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 13, at Old Main Street, in Bradenton. Registration for the 5K and one-mile event runs from 5 to 6:50 p.m. For more information, email mbass@ arthritis.org.

Jingle 5K Run/Walk — starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 20, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood

Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Registration ends Dec. 19. Proceeds will help Lakewood Ranch Medical Center fund the Children’s Pediatric Unit. For more information, visit active.com.

FITNESS Belly Dancing for Oncology Patients — runs from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, at Blake Medical Center, 2010 59th St. W., Bradenton. Belly dancing improves circulation, complexion and reflexes. It also helps combat fatigue by boosting energy levels, which

could also lead to stress relief. For information, visit blakemedicalcenter.com.

Yoga Class for Those Impacted By Cancer — runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon Fridays, in Medical Office Building, Suite 3-F, of Manatee Memorial Hospital, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton. Cancer caregivers and individuals with cancer are invited to attend.

For more information, call Andrea Feldmar at 921-5539, Ext. 2213.

Zumba Class — runs from 5 to 6 p.m.

Tuesdays, at Waldemere Medical Plaza, in the Magnolia Room, 1921 Waldemere St., Sarasota. The class incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements to offer cardio and muscle-toning benefits. Cost is $5. For more information, email zumbafitnesslena@ gmail.com.

ONGOING & SUPPORT Alienated Grandparents Anonymous — meets at 1 p.m. the second Thursday of each month, at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 11107 Palmbush Trail, Lakewood Ranch. Provides information and support to grandparents who feel estranged from their families.

For more information, visit agabradenton-sarasota.org.

Bone Builders Osteoporosis Support Group — meets from 11 a.m. to noon every third Tuesday of the

Caring Friends — runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Blake Medical Center in the Pelican Room, 2010 29th St. W., Bradenton. Cancer patients, their families and friends are invited. For more information, call 798-6262.

Craniofacial Disorders Support Group — meets from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month, October to May, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Room 2-D, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit 504-8223.

Diabetes Support Group — meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month, at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Classroom A, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton. This meeting is open to adults who have pre-diabetes or Type II diabetes.

For more information, call 7465111, Ext. 57756.

Early Stage Memory Loss Support Group — meets at 9:30 a.m. the third Thursday of each month, at Center for Healthy Aging on the Senior Friendship Campus, 1900 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. For more information, call 917-7197.

MS Friends of Hope — meets from 6 to 8 p.m. the third Thursday of

each month, at Institute for Advanced Medicine Education and Resource Center, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota. The program is free and includes a buffet. For more information, visit smh.com.

Pregnancy Loss Support Group — meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month, in the Meditation Room in the Patient Tower at Manatee Memorial Hospital, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton. The meeting is open to anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or a newborn loss. For more information, call 745-6925.

Stroke Support Group — runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every second Wednesday of the month, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Room 4 A-B, 1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The meeting provides education and support for stoke survivors and their families. Families and survivors will separate into two groups, which allows families to speak with other families about their challenges. The event is free. For more information, call 917-7048.

Women Living with Cancer — meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month, in the Medical Office Building, Suite 3-F, of Manatee Memorial Hospital, 206 Second St. E., Bradenton. This group is open to women who have experienced any type of cancer. For more information, call 745-6925.

Childbirth and Parenting Classes — times and dates vary for the classes held at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. They are designed for families before, during and after childbirth. Visit lakewoodranchmedicalcenter. com for more info. Ò

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IT’S TIME TAKE HEART IT’S TIME TOTO TAKE HEART Erick E. Calderon Cynthia Bosch Jason Okuhara, D.O. M.D., FACC, to FSCAI ARNP A checklist a healthy heart A checklist atohealthy heart

E

Do have you have a family history of heart disease?

Do you a family history of heart disease?

IT’S TIME TOTIME TAKE HEART IT’S TO TAKE H Diagnosis & Treatment of A Cardiovascular Diseases checklist to a healthy he

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Health Matters | December 2013

12 YourObserver.com

Robotic SuRgeRy MAKOplasty® with Robotic Arm technology eliminates guesswork in hip and knee surgeries

Are you living with knee or hip pain? Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers MAKOplasty® with Robotic Arm technology for Partial Knee Resurfacing, an innovative new treatment option for people with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. And …

MAKO-trained orthopaedic surgeons:

For the many people who suffer from degenerative joint disease of the hip, we also offer MAKOplasty with Robotic Arm technology for Total Hip Replacement.

Using a computer-assisted visualization guide, a robotic arm gently directs the surgeon’s hand, ensuring precision and quality results.

Daniel S. Lamar, Jr., MD

John R. Ayres, MD David Cashen, MD

Randall Morgan, MD Jeffrey Silverstein, MD Alan Valadie, MD

The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center at Lakewood Ranch is committed to providing the latest advances in orthopedic surgery – and dedicated to helping our patients return to daily activities with relief from pain.

Help reduce your pain and restore your lifestyle with MAKOplasty.

For more information please call 941.782.BONE (2663).

The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center at Lakewood Ranch *Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any knee or hip surgical procedure, including MAKOplasty.® Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if MAKOplasty® is right for you. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

115920

8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. | Bradenton, FL 34202 | www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com