Diabetes & Alzheimer’s
Fall Edition 2011
A New Study Finds Diabetics More Likely to Have Dementia
Smart Diet
Where Fads Fail, Smart Dietary Choices Win
The Stress of it All
Find Strategies for Coping with Work Stress
Plus Keep Your Brain Fit Do You Need a Flu Shot? Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
www.nccoast.com
Coastal
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Specializing in Routine Women’s Health Care and In-Office Surgical Procedures including Endometrial Ablation, Hysteroscopy & Sterilization
Now Accepting New Patients! Call for Your Appointment at (252) 222-0660
4251 Arendell Street, Suite C • Morehead City, NC • Visit Our Website at www.girltalkgyn.com
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Health Fair
Friday, October 21st, 2011
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, NC
Choosing Today’s Healthy Options Health Screenings include: Asthma/Pulmonary Function Blood Sugar/Diabetes Checks Bone Density Analysis
Blood Pressure Height, Weight & Body Mass Stroke Screening
Learn more about Medicare Benefits, Living Wills, LapBand Weight Loss Surgery, Arthritis & Joint Pain, Healthy Economical Eating Tips, Medication Review ...and much more...
DOOR PRIZES!
Questions? Call 808-6336 www.carteretgeneral.com
Welcome to a Beautiful Smile Welcoming New Patients
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LAWRENCE
FAMILY DENTISTRY DENARD T. LAWRENCE II, DDS, PA
Emergencies and Vacationers Welcome
Commerce Plaza Suite H • Morehead City
email: info@lawrencefamilydentistry.com
252.247.3922
www.lawrencefamilydentistry.com • • •
Cutting Edge Comprehensive Dental Care Cosmetic Dentistry Zoom II Advanced Power Whitening
Come relax before your next dental visit:
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Root Canals Partials and Dentures Restorative and Preventative Care for the Entire Family
Now offering T herapeutic and Relaxation Massage Massage Services provided by Holly Fisher, LMT 2180
252.808.3100 Moore Orthopedics and Sports Medicine offers orthopedic care for all ages and conditions. Whether your injury is a fracture, sports injury, or arthritic condition. Consider us your Family Orthopedic Physicians And Let us care for you; no referral necessary.
Jeffrey K. Moore, M.D.
David J. Kirby, M.D.
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
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Comprehensive Onsite Physical Therapy "ÀÌ «i` VÊUÊ-« ÀÌÃÊ ÕÀ iÃÊUÊ* ÃÌÊ-ÕÀ}iÀÞÊ,i >L
252.808.3151 East Coast Square 4251 Arendell Street | Morehead City, NC www.MooreSportsMed.com 4
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Agil is like no other hearing device. It’s designed to improve your ability to hear and understand, even in difficult listening situations. No need to turn up the volume on the TV. With Agil, hearing is effortless. Since you won’t have to work hard to hear anymore, you’ll have the energy you need to participate in conversations and your favorite activities. s Spatial Sound 2.0 - This technology supports the brain’s natural process of understanding speech.
At Oticon, we developed Agil for those who choose to move ahead and stay included as a complete person - to confidently engage in conversations, to accept challenges, to feel good about yourself and the contributions you make.
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Agil will navigate you over life’s ever changing soundscape, guiding you along a journey to better hearing with dramatic new standards in sound quality, comfort and convenience. It’s time to experience the Real You with Agil.
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3110 Arendell St. #2 Morehead City
2129 S. Glenburnie Rd. #12 New Bern
252-726-8578
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& WELLNESS
HEALTH
NUTRITION INTENTION
Vol. 4, Issue #3 Fall 2011 Published by
NCCOAST Communications Phone 252.247.7442 800.525.1403
FAD DIETING OR HEALTHY CHOICES? WHICH IS THE BEST WAY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT?
Mail 201 N. 17th Street Morehead City, NC 28557 Advertising Director Jamie Bailey 252.241.9485 Account Executives Jasa Lewis 252.648.1272 Holly Nickell 252.639.8560 Dawn Swindell 252.229.4176 Ashly Willis 252.723.3350 (sales@nccoast.com) Managing Editor Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com) Staff Writer Melissa Jones Creative Director Kim Moore
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Design/Layout Mimi G. Davis Graphic Designers Eddie Boné, Lindsay Parker, Roze Taitingfong Subscriptions 252-247-7442 NCCOAST Health & Wellness is distributed in five counties and other high-traffic sites throughout North Carolina, and is also available by request at nccoast.com. Entire contents, ad and graphic design and nccoast. com copyright 2011 by NCCOAST Communications. Reproduction of any portion of this publication or its website without the publisher’s written consent is strictly prohibited. Information found herein is as accurate as possible at presstime but should be solely used as a guide. For more specific advice, please consult your family physician.
IN THE NEWS Latest insurance stats, info on COPD, support for caregivers and more.
12
MIND MATTERS New study links diabetes to a higher rate of Alzheimer’s disease in aging Americans.
18
OUNCE OF PREVENTION Certain medical conditions put you more at risk during flu season. Who needs a shot?
25
GOLDEN YEARS 6
DOCTOR’S ORDERS In this stressful economic time, find ways to combat work-related stress.
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BUSINESS INDEX LIFESTYLES GENERAL HOSPITAL YOUR WORLD
URGENT CARE
For the dental care your family deserves
PAUL F. GETTY, DDS
%XAMS s #LEANINGS s &ILLINGS s 2OOT #ANALS #ROWN "RIDGE s $ENTURES 0ARTIALS #OSMETIC 7HITENING
Delta & Tri Care Provider
OPEN
No Appointment Needed, Come Right In! • Quality Medical Care
plete Com ily Fam str y i Dent
• Low\No Wait Time • State-of-the-Art Facility • Physicals to minor Emergencies • Affordable, Courteous • X-Ray, Lab
-ONDAY 4HRUSDAY AM PM &RIDAY AM PM
We Welcome New Patients & Emergencies 409 N. 35th St. Morehead City
252.726.1421
Vision problems? Get an eye exam.
Hearing loss? Turn up the TV. Tell people to speak up. Don’t answer the phone. Stay out of restaurants. Don’t go to movies. Avoid socializing.
Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 10am - 4pm 4252 Arendell Street Morehead City, NC 28557
252.222.0204
GET FIT, GET HEALTHY!
Seems silly, doesn’t S ill d ’ i ? it? Don’t let hearing loss control your life. The solution is simple — get a hearing screening!
70 Years of Hearing Excellence
Vision and hearing – we rely on them both constantly. They let us interact confidently with family, friends and colleagues. Everyone gets their eyes checked. Why take your hearing for granted? Thanks to groundbreaking advances in technology, most hearing problems can now be easily treated.
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NEW BERN
MOREHEAD CITY
589 McCarthy Blvd. • 252.633.1003
4119 E Arendell St. • 252.726.0643
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300 TAYLOR NOTION ROAD • CAPE CARTERET, NC
252.393.1000 • www.ccaw.net
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Advertising Directory AFFORDABLE HEARING........................................13 1427 S. Glenburnie Road, New Bern 252-636-2300 BELTONE HEARING AID CENTER ...........................7 589 McCarthy Blvd, New Bern 252-633-1003 4119E Arendell St., Morehead City 252-726-0643 CAPE CARTERET AQUATIC & WELLNESS ...............7 300 Taylor Notion Road, Cape Carteret 252-393-1000 CAROLINA EAST HEALTH SYSTEM .........Back Cover 2000 Neuse Blvd., New Bern 252-633-8111 CAROLINAS CENTER FOR SURGERY ...................15 3714 Guardian Ave., Morehead City 252-247-2101 CAROLINA HEARING .............................................5 3110 Arendell St., No. 8, Morehead City 252-726-8578 CARTERET GENERAL HOSPITAL .............................3 3500 Arendell St., Morehead City 252-808-6641 CARTERET MEDICAL SPECIALIST ...........................11 300 Penny Lane, Morehead City 252-726-4000 CARTERET OB-GYN ASSOCIATES...........................5 3511 John Platt Dr., Morehead City 252-247-4297
COASTAL FOOT CENTER.........................................9 3221 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville 910-938-6000 CHERRYL DAVIS, DDS............................................27 316 Commerce Ave., Morehead City 252-247-4900 EASTERN DERMATOLOGY ....................................13 4251 Arendell St., Suite A, Morehead City 252-240-3531 EKKLESIA................................................................13 405 Barbour Road, Morehead City 252-726-0076 EYE ASSOCIATES OF WILMINGTON ...................21 1729 New Hanover Medical Park Drive, Wilmington – 910-763-3601 FROGLEY CHIROPRACTIC .....................................14 2113 Glenburnie Rd., Suite H, New Bern 252-638-6222 DR. PAUL GETTY ......................................................7 409 N. 35th St., Morehead City 252-726-1421 GIRL TALK & GYNECOLOGY ..................................2 4251 Arendell St., Ste. C, Morehead City 252-222-0660 LAWRENCE FAMILY DENTISTRY .............................4 Commerce Plaza, Suite H, Morehead City 252-247-3922 MCLAUGHLIN CHIROPRACTIC .............................14 5039 Executive Drive, Morehead City 252-808-2888
A Healthy Back will support you ...
For a Lifetime
N E W
B E R N
Chiropractic Care
www.nccoast.com
MOORE ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE......4 4251-B Arendell St., Morehead City 252-808-3100 NEW BERN CHIROPRACTIC CARE CENTER ...........8 2871 Trent Road, New Bern 252-514-2273 NOVA URGENT CARE.............................................7 4252 Arendell St., Morehead City 252-222-0204 ONSLOW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ...........................9 317 Western Blvd., Jacksonville 910-577-2345 SCHILSKY CHIROPRACTIC ....................................14 312 Dolphin Drive, Jacksonville 910-347-4033 SOUNDBANK........................................................27 5039 Executive Drive, Morehead City 252-727-5558 Additional locations: Cape Carteret, Beaufort, New Bern DR. JAMES WELLS, DDS, PA ...................................8 208 Professional Circle, Morehead City 252-247-3010 WILLIS, VANEK, BALL & FISCHER ...........................2 Locations in Morehead City, Havelock & Jacksonville smilesmakersnc.com YOGA FOR YOU......................................................9 2900 Arendell St., #16, Morehead City 252-247-YOGA
J M. W, DDS, PA . . . C R E AT I N G B
E AU T I F U L
S MILES
CYNTHIA L. RILEY D.C., C.C.S.P
Spinal Adjustment Physical Therapy Exercise Counseling If yours is a chiropractic case we will tell you and if not, we will tell you that too.
2871 Trent Rd. | New Bern, NC | 252.514.2273 www.wevegotyourbacknb.com 8
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• O • C F C D C • Z W • N P W P C, M C • ()- ..
COASTAL FOOT CENTER DR. VALENTINE HAMILTON
Robert Metts, M.D.
• Diabetic Foot Care • Children’s Foot Care • Skin & Nail Diseases • Foot Injuries / Fractures • Sports Medicine • Heel Pain
Sean Scully, M.D., PhD
• Bunions, Corns, Calluses • Joint Replacements / Implants • Heel Spurs • Neuromas • Hammertoes • Skin Lesions
JACKSONVILLE
910-938-6000 3221 Henderson Dr. (Ext.)
MOREHEAD CITY
252-726-8040
ALL INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED AND FILED SATURDAY HOURS AVAILABLE
WeÕll Þx it. Your best option for orthopaedic care is right here in Jacksonville, at EC Ortho. Here, you’ll receive personal attention and excellent care from our Board Certified physicians and, thanks to our affiliation with Onslow Memorial, you’ll benefit from the resources of our area’s top medical center. But maybe the most important thing that sets us apart is our local familiarity. We understand military families’ needs, accept TriCare, and we’re efficient, typically seeing you within 24 hours. So when you need care, don’t even give driving out of town a thought. Come see us at EC Ortho.
"/Ê9" ÊUÊ / Ê9" ÊUÊ -- ÊUÊ /"8Ê- 1 Private yoga sessions available Eco-friendly fitness wear made in the USA Check out our website for current workshops and classes ♥ NC Coast Health & Wellness Special ♥
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2900 Arendell Street, Suite 16 ~ Morehead City Lowe’s Foods Plaza next to Tuesday Morning (9642) (252) 247-YOGA (9642) www.YogaforYouandMe.com w w w . N C C O A S T. c o m
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In the News Did you Know That …
Learning about COPD
According to the 2009 National Health Interview Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million persons under the age of 65 are uninsured in the US, an increase of nearly 2.5 million persons from the preceding year. The same survey found that 6.1 million children under the age of 18 were uninsured at the time of interview, which marked a decrease of roughly half a million uninsured children from the year prior. While the number of uninsured children under the age of 18 has decreased dramatically since 1997, the same cannot be said for the overall number of uninsured persons in the United States. In 1997, that figure stood at 41 million. While during the ensuing decade the number of uninsured Americans remain relatively close to 41 million, the increase of roughly 2.5 million uninsured U.S. residents between 2008 and 2009 marked the largest such year-to-year increase since a nearly identical increase from 1999 to 2000.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease affects thousands of people each and every year. The condition is largely caused by smoking or prolonged inhalation of lung irritants. There currently is no cure, but there are treatments available that can slow the progression of the disease. COPD is a term used to categorize many different ailments of the lungs, most especially emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It occurs when there is airway obstruction or simply when a person has trouble breathing. There are certain contributors to COPD. These may include: * Inflammation of the air passages that restricts airflow. * Excessive mucous that restricts airflow. * Air sacs, called alveoli, lose elasticity and cannot properly inflate with air. * Damaged walls between air sacs that compromise breathing. According to the pharmaceutical company Merck, about 12 million people in the US suffer from COPD. It is second only to heart disease as a cause of disability that forces people to stop working. COPD is the fourth most common cause of death, accounting for more than 120,000 deaths per year in the US, and those death rates are on the rise, with 60 percent more deaths now attributed to COPD than there were 20 years ago. Men and women have equal death rates, though men are at a heightened risk for the disease. In terms of treating COPD, treatment options generally hope to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Quitting smoking is the singlemost effective way to reduce the progression of the disease. Since COPD is a progressive disorder, it will only get worse over time and could lead to death. Doctors may prescribe medications for individuals with trouble breathing. Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways, helping to open them up and make breathing easier. Inhaled glucocorticosteroids also may be prescribed. These reduce inflammation in the airways to help improve airflow. There are a number of programs and medications available that can help smokers quit. Talking to a doctor or support group could be the first step needed to quit smoking and reduce the risk or progression of COPD.
Communication is Key For patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain is a part of life. Nearly 70 percent of people being treated for RA, experience pain, stiffness or fatigue on a daily basis. However, many patients don’t realize that better communication with their rheumatologist could lead to improved care. Studies have shown that earlier treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which can limit loss of movement. “Talking to your doctor and effectively communicating how RA affects your life are keys to improving the management of your 10
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work before visiting their doctor by “Taking P.A.R.T.�: * Prepare: You should keep a journal of symptoms and compile a list of questions for your doctor. List all of your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies and even herbal supplements. * Ask questions: You should ask questions whenever something doesn’t seem clear. This will help to ensure you understand what’s going on and how to best manage your condition. Keep it simple, specific and direct. * Repeat: Take notes and repeat the instructions and information you receive from your doctor to make sure you heard and understand it. Ask for written handouts and instructions. * Take action: Be part of the solution. Let your doctor know about your lifestyle, concerns, and preferences so a treatment plan can be customized to your specific needs. disease,� said Dr. John H. Klippel, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “Patients need to recognize that the rheumatologist has the very same goal as they do - to understand how RA affects their life and to develop a plan to manage their disease.� RA is a serious form of arthritis that impacts more than 1.3 million people in the United States alone. The chronic inflammation in the lining of joints that defines RA can lead to decreased range of motion and permanent joint damage. The Arthritis Foundation suggests RA patients do some home-
The Arthritis Foundation has launched a national campaign called “Let’s Talk RA� to educate RA patients on how to better communicate with their rheumatologists and to highlight how important a doctorpatient relationship is to improving patient care. Bristol-Myers Squibb sponsors the “Let’s Talk RA� campaign. A free “Let’s Talk RA� communication kit that can help patients take a more active role in their care is available from the Arthritis Foundation at www.letstalkra.org, or by calling 800-568-4045.
(cont. on page 22)
Get back to life with Dr. Vettichira’s customized SPINE-CORE Program s Degenerative Discs s Herniated Disc s Posterior Facet Syndrome
s Acute Back Pain s Neck Pain s Sciatica
C Consultation & Diagnostic Tests O Optimization of Medical Management Medications and other modalities. Epidurals, Nerve Blocks, Facet joint & trigger point injections.
ENJOY LIFE ...
R Rehabilitation of the Spine
Free from neck & lower back pain.
Carteret Medical Specialists, PLLC
- NON SURGICAL SPINAL DECOMPRESSION - Stabilization and strengthening of the Cervical & Lumbar spine, Electrical Stimulation, Ultrasound techniques, Bracing, other Modalities etc.
E Education and Maintenance Phase Education, Life-style modiďŹ cation, Home Exercise program.
147 Hestron Plaza Suite 102, Hwy s -Orehead City
Call today for a Consultation with Susan Vettichira MD
252.726.4000
(Board CertiďŹ ed Physical Medicine and Rehab Specialist, with additional fellowship training in INTERVENTIONAL SPINE CARE)
w w w . N C C O A S T. c o m
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Mind Matters
Diabetes Can Lead to Alzheimer’s
P
eople with diabetes are at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke at an early age, but that’s not the only worry. Diabetes appears to dramatically increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia later in life, according to a new study conducted in Japan. In the study, which included more than 1,000 men and women over age 60, researchers found that people with diabetes were twice as likely as the other study participants to develop Alzheimer’s disease within 15 years. They were also 1.75 times more likely to develop dementia of any kind. “It’s really important for the public to understand that diabetes is a significant risk factor for all of these types of dementia,” said Rachel Whitmer, PhD, an epidemiologist in the research division of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a nonprofit health-care organization based in Oakland, Calif. Whitmer, who studies risk factors for Alzheimer’s but wasn’t involved in the new research, stresses that many questions remain about the link between diabetes and dementia. The new study was “well done” and provides “really good evidence that people with diabetes are at greater risk,” she said, “but we really need to look at other studies to find out why.” Diabetes could contribute to dementia in several ways, which researchers are still sorting out. Insulin resistance, which causes high blood sugar and in some cases leads to type 2 diabetes, may 12
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interfere with the body’s ability to break down a protein (amyloid) that forms brain plaques that have been linked to Alzheimer’s. High blood sugar (glucose) also produces certain oxygencontaining molecules that can damage cells, in a process known as oxidative stress. In addition, high blood sugar – along with high cholesterol – plays a role in the hardening and narrowing of arteries in the brain. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, can bring about vascular dementia, which occurs when artery blockages (including strokes) kill brain tissue. “Having high glucose is a stressor to the nervous system and to the blood vessels,” said David Geldmacher, MD, a professor of neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “The emerging information on Alzheimer’s disease and glucose shows us that we do need to remain vigilant on blood sugar levels as we get older.” Studies dating back to the late 1990s have suggested that people with diabetes are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, but the research has been marred by inconsistent definitions of both diabetes and dementia. The authors of the new study, led by Yutaka Kiyohara, MD, an environmental medicine researcher at Kyushu University, in Fukuoka, sought to address this weakness by using the gold standard of diabetes diagnosis, an oral glucose tolerance test. This involves giving a person a sugar-loaded drink after they have fasted for at least 12 hours, and then measuring how much glucose remains in their blood two hours later. At the beginning of the study, the tests showed that 15 percent of the participants had full-fledged diabetes, while 23 percent had prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance. The participants were all dementia-free when the tests were done, but over the next 15 years, 23 percent received a diagnosis of dementia. Slightly less than half of those cases were deemed to be Alzheimer’s disease, with the remainder roughly split between vascular dementia and dementia due to other causes. (The diagnoses were confirmed with brain scans of living patients and brain autopsies in deceased patients.) Both diabetes and prediabetes were associated with an increased risk of dementia diagnosis, although the association was weaker for prediabetes. And the link persisted even after the researchers took into account several factors associated with both diabetes and dementia risk, such as age, sex, blood pressure, and body mass index. The results were published in the journal Neurology. The next step, Whitmer said, will be to understand whether controlling blood sugar and reducing risk factors for type 2 diabetes also reduces dementia risk. She and her colleagues have several studies underway investigating these questions.
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Cameron L. Smith, M.D., FAAD W. Ray Gammon, M.D., FACP, FAAD Richard J. Murphy, M.D., FAAD Mary Helen Allen Hutchinson, M.D., FAAD Richard S. Lewis, M.D., FAAD Christopher B. Mizelle, M.D., FAAD H. Kim Park, M.D., Dermatopathologist Matt Brentjens, M.D. FAAD Eric R. Howell, M.D., FAAD Todd B. Nelson, M.D. Kirsten Schneider, PA-C Valerie Knight, PA-C John Riggs, PA-C Cheryl Jaros, PA-C
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4251 Arendell Street | Suite A | 252-240-3531 | Morehead City, NC
Greenville 252-752-4124 | Edenton 252-482-5661 | Elizabeth City 252-331-1780 New Bern 252-634-2885
Ekklesia
www.easternderm.com
Eastern Dermatology & Pathology
AN APARTMENT COMMUNITY FOR SENIORS
Formerly Beltone
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Ekklesia II - One Bedroom Apartments with Elevator Accessibility include: ,AUNDRY &ACILITY s #RAFT 2OOM #OMMONS 2OOM s -AILBOXES
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252-636-2300
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Improve your hearing ... improve your life! w w w . N C C O A S T. c o m
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yOur eastern Carolina Chiropractic alliance Serving Carteret, Craven & Onslow Counties
M
cLaughlin Chiropractic Center
5039 Executive Dr. Suite 300 | Morehead City
(252) 808-2888 www.mclaughlinchiropractic.com Dr. Patrick McLaughlin, DC
Dr. Nathan Sprague, DC
Monday-Friday 7-12 / 2-6 | Saturday 8-11
2113 S Glenburnie Road, Suite H | New Bern
(252) 638-6222 www.frogleychiro.com Monday-Thursday 8:30-12 / 2-6 | Friday 8:30-12
Dr. Curt Frogley
Dr. Anthony Montero
Western Blvd Ext 312 Dolphin Drive | Jacksonville DR. BODIE DORRANCE DR. CHAD ANDERSON
DR. NATHAN WEAVER DR. ROGER ROFF JR.
(910) 347-4033 www.schilskychiropractic.com
Trauma Related
Condition Related
Wellness Related
Focusing on auto accident, work related and sports injuires
Excelling in the treatment of common problems such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica and arm pain
Offering a wellness plan that caters to families and individuals interested in the chiropractic lifestyle
The New Name for Carteret Surgical Associates
Rebuilding Lives With Quality Healthcare
services provided: Urological Services Front row, left to right: Dr. Guirgues, Dr. Marshall, Dr. Marson, Dr. Wertman, Dr. Drury Back row, left to right: Dr. Klose, Dr. Bell, Dr. Bates, Dr. Coles, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Brockman
our providers: Michael A Bell, MD FACS - General & Bariatric Surgery John T. Johnson, MD FACS - General & Bariatric Surgery Dean Marson, MD - General & Vascular Surgery Robert Brockman, MD FACS - General & Vascular Surgery
Total Joint Replacement Fracture Care Kyphoplasty Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Interventional Pain Injections Arthoscopic Surgery Gastric Bypass/Lapband Vascular Surgery
Bradford Drury, MD FACS - General & Thoracic Surgery Robert Coles, MD FACS - Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Thomas Bates, MD FACS - Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Gary Wertman, DO - Orthopedics & Sports Medicine John Marshall, MD - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Ashraf Guirgues, MD - Orthopedics & Spine Surgery Arthur Klose, MD FACS - Urology
General Surgery Colonoscopy/Endoscopy Thoracic Surgery Colorectal Surgery Physical Therapy Personalized Recovery Programs Strength Training
Taking Care of Our Community for Over 40 Years CONVENIENTLY OFFERING TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:
UROLOGY CENTER:
3714 Guardian Ave. Suite E Morehead City, NC 28557
775-2 Corbett Ave. Swansboro, NC 28584
221-B Professional Circle Morehead City, NC 28557
252.247.2101
910.325.0211
252.247.2101
www.carolinascenterforsurgery.com | Find us Facebook
Nutrition Intention
The Smart Approach
Advice from Sports Dietician Leslie Bonci
A
healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean nibbling on bland fare. With strategic substitutions and smart snacking tips, you can still enjoy some favorite foods without compromising your nutritional goals. “Eating healthy means enjoying a broad variety of foods and including carbs, protein and fat in your diet,” says one of the country’s most recognized sports dietitians, Leslie Bonci, who consults for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Milwaukee Brewers and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. With smart food swaps and tricks that add nutrients and flavor, Bonci can help you enjoy eating well without the extra pounds. Stay hydrated. If you are on the go, drink cold water - it leaves your stomach and gets to the muscles faster, thus doing a better job of hydrating your body. Also, try swapping some of the foods on your menu for ones with liquid: Foods such as cold soups, many fruits, vegetables and applesauce take up more room in the stomach 16
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and can help keep you full longer. Consider making satisfying salads with grains like bulgur or brown rice, which also absorb a lot of liquid. Allow yourself some indulgences. Enjoying foods you love is important to long-term success, and making smart choices doesn’t mean sacrificing treats. Just opt for products that provide portion control and good calorie count. A pre-packaged better-for-you option like the ones from Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods is a great choice. All of the Weight Watchers sweet baked treats have 4 to 5 grams of fiber, contributing to your daily fiber requirements; and few people actually get the daily fiber requirement of 20 to 35 grams. Also, the Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods have no trans fat and are good on the go. Taste the rainbow. Eating a variety of colorful foods increases the nutrient richness of your diet, contributes to your daily fluid requirements and provides carbohydrates for fuel. Here’s a quick rundown of the colors you should look for: Dark green: Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and romaine are great sources of vitamin K for bone and eye health. Orange: Peaches, nectarines and cantaloupe contain natural carotenoid pigments for lung and skin health. Yellow: This is corn time, folks, and corn is a great source of lutein for eye health. Red: Tomatoes offer vitamin C and lycopene. Deep red or purple: Plums, cherries and berries all boost heart health. Get creative with nature’s bounty. When you grill, think beyond protein. Grill vegetables and fruit, or add chopped pineapple or mango to salsa to top fish or chicken. Seek balance. Fuel your body on a regular basis and include foods from each macronutrient group every time
you sit down to eat. That means carbohydrate-, protein- and fat-containing foods. Try to divide your plate this way: a bit less than half of your plate for fruit and vegetables, one third for lean protein (beef, pork, poultry, fish, low-fat dairy, eggs or soy foods) and the remainder for grains (pasta, rice or bulgur). Don’t omit fat - just use a little to enhance flavor. Olive oil, nuts or a thin spread of nut butter are all good choices. If you really want that ice cream or that glass of wine, have it instead of the grain, not in addition. Forget bland condiments. If you want to eat better, spice things up. Healthful spices include cinnamon, turmeric, ginger and oregano. You can use spices to add flavor to your dishes or drinks while cutting the amount of calorie-rich ingredients such as oil and sugar. Try mixing spices, citrus and fresh herbs to perk up any vegetarian fare. Be prepared with portable snacks. It can be hard to eat better when you travel, so keep handy a survival kit that includes non-perishable protein and carbohydratecontaining foods. If you are a busy parent on-the-go or work long hours, throw some of these snacks in your bag to avoid fast-food restaurants and vending machines. A few good options: Foods with protein – jerky, packs of tuna or salmon requiring no can opener, roasted soy nuts, seeds and small cans of bean dip with a pop-top for easy opening.
Carbohydrate-containing foods – packs of oatmeal, prepackaged cereal and homemade trail mix. Put your fork down between bites and chew. Feel the texture, notice the flavors, and savor the food. Preparing foods that require chewing harder will give you more time to eat and allow your brain to register you are full. It takes at least 20 minutes after eating for your stomach to tell your brain that it is full, but most of us finish a meal in 10 minutes. Give your stomach time to catch up to your brain by slowing down your eating. It will take longer to finish a meal, leaving less time for a second helping. Enjoying a portioncontrolled treat is a good way to indulge without overdoing it.
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Ounce of Prevention
Health Conditions Bring Greater Flu Risks CDC Urges People with Chronic Health Conditions to Get a Flu Vaccine
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f you are one of the millions of Americans with a long-term health condition like asthma, diabetes, stroke, heart or lung disease, this important information about flu applies to you. When combined with your existing health condition, the flu increases your risk of becoming seriously sick, which could result in an unexpected and expensive trip to the hospital — or even death. “We have known for years that flu is a serious disease, especially for people with certain chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the US Public Health Service and CDC’s Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. These health conditions include asthma (even if controlled by medication), lung disease, heart disease, neurologic conditions (like stroke and other conditions related to the nervous system, brain or spinal cord), blood disorders, endocrine disorders (like diabetes, both type 1 and type 2), kidney disorders, liver disorders, or weakened immune systems. The burden of flu on people with these conditions was demonstrated last flu season, as the world faced its first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. Most of the deaths from 2009 H1N1 were in people who had at least one health condition. People with long-term health conditions also were more likely to be hospitalized. CDC estimates that nearly 60 percent of children and more than 85 percent of adults hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 had one or more long-term health conditions or were pregnant. Of those admitted to the hospital with 2009 H1N1 illness, asthma was the most common long-term health condition, followed by diabetes, chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pregnancy, neurological 18
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disorders (including stroke or seizure disorders in adults), and neuromuscular disorders. People who were morbidly obese (extremely overweight) also appeared to be at higher risk for severe 2009 H1N1 in some studies. Experts expect that 2009 H1N1 will be back next season along with other, regular flu viruses. The message is clear: people with long-term health conditions should take action to protect themselves against the flu by getting a flu vaccine. This season’s vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other flu viruses. Safe, reliable flu vaccines have been made for decades, and you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Millions of Americans are impacted by these conditions, although many people don’t know that they have a long-term health condition. For example, diabetes impacts an estimated 23.6 million Americans, but 5.7 million people (24 percent of those who have the disease in the United States) don’t even know they have it. Heart disease affects an estimated 26.6 million Americans. And asthma affects 23.4 million Americans. Ask your doctor whether you have a health condition that makes you more vulnerable to flu. If you do, be sure you get a flu vaccine. Symptoms of flu include fever (though not everyone with flu will have a fever), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through the coughing, sneezing, or talking of someone with the flu. Flu viruses may also spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways, too. For more information, visit www.flu.gov, www.cdc.gov/flu, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).
Five Things You Should Know About the Flu Flu season is just on the horizon, and there are simple, everyday actions you can take to help you and your family stay healthy. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you sneeze, and avoid contact with those who are sick. But the most important thing you can do to prevent the flu is get vaccinated each year. CVS pharmacist Shirley Scott offers five things you may not know about flu vaccination.
1. Even if you were vaccinated last year or early in 2011, you still need to get a flu shot this year. The CDC recommends that anyone age 6 months or older should get a flu shot, including those who were vaccinated last season. The flu vaccine’s ability to help protect you declines from one year to the next. So even though the vaccine has the same ingredients as last season, you still need to get a flu shot. Remember that vaccination is your first line of defense against the flu.
2. You should get a flu shot as early as possible. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop full protection against flu symptoms. Seasonal flu can be unpredictable, and even healthy people can get seriously ill from the flu. For best protection, it’s important to get a flu shot as soon as it is available.
3. Flu vaccinations are easier than ever to obtain. A CDC report released in June 2011 shows that retail pharmacies are becoming an increasingly popular destination for flu vaccines. Flu shots are available from immunizing pharmacists at more than 7,200 CVS/pharmacy stores and by nurse practitioners and physician assistants at more than 500 MinuteClinic locations nationwide. Flu vaccinations
are available every day with no appointment necessary, including evenings and weekends.
4.
You may be able to get a flu shot at no cost. Many insurance plans cover flu vaccinations. With the expansion of health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, many preventive health care services, including the seasonal flu vaccine, are available to even more individuals at no cost than ever before. Most seniors are covered by Medicare Part B.
5.
There’s a new vaccine that offers seniors another choice to protect themselves against the flu. This year, Fluzone High-Dose, a new vaccine designed specifically for people 65 years and older, is available. This higher dose vaccine provides stronger protection to this age group, which is at greater risk of severe illness from the flu. Fluzone High-Dose is comprised of the same ingredients as the standard flu shot, but causes the body to produce more of the disease fighting substances that provide protection against the flu. w w w . N C C O A S T. c o m
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Lifestyles Do nonsmokers take in nicotine from secondhand smoke? Nonsmokers who inhale secondhand smoke do take in nicotine in the process. A 1988 report from the US Surgeon General concluded that nicotine is a drug that causes addiction and can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure, heart rate and the flow of blood from the heart. Because nonsmokers who take in secondhand smoke are taking in nicotine, they, too, are susceptible to the aforementioned side effects. In addition to taking in nicotine, nonsmokers around secondhand smoke are also taking in the thousands of other chemicals secondhand smoke contains. These chemicals include carbon monoxide, which is also found in automobile exhaust, and cadmium, a chemical element commonly used in batteries.
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke Most men and women who smoke tobacco are fully aware of the damage they might be doing to their bodies. In addition to increasing their risk for lung cancer, smoking can also increase a person’s risk for heart disease and other potentially deadly ailments. What those men and women might not know is the extent of the damage their smoking is doing to those around them. According to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke is responsible for 3,400 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers each year. Gaining a better understanding of secondhand smoke might help smokers quit once and for all.
What exactly is secondhand smoke?
Does secondhand smoke cause other kinds of diseases? Secondhand smoke is responsible for thousands of deaths each year in the US alone. But secondhand smoke does not only contribute to cancer. In fact, the ACS notes that secondhand smoke is responsible for an estimated 46,000 deaths from heart disease in nonsmokers who live with smokers. What many people find the most troubling figures associated with secondhand smoke is its impact on children, especially those younger than 18 months of age. The ACS estimates that each year secondhand smoke is responsible for 50,000 to
Also known as environmental tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke is actually a mixture of two forms of smoke that comes (cont. on page 22) from burning tobacco. Smoke that comes from the end of a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe is known as sidestream smoke, while the smoke Need Help to Quit Smoking? a smoker exhales is called mainstream smoke. Compared to mainstream Anyone who has ever attempted to quit smoking knows full well how difficult it smoke, sidestream smoke has higher can be. For those who need help, there are numerous resources that can help smokers concentrations of cancer-causing agents quit this potentially deadly habit once and for all. Those resources include: known as carcinogens. Sidestream * The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/tobacco) smoke also contains smaller particles * The American Lung Association (www.lungusa.org) than mainstream smoke, making it * Nicotine Anonymous (www.nicotine-anonymous.org) easier for sidestream smoke to enter the * Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/smokefree) body’s cells. 20
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They can inherit more than just your smile.
Relatives of glaucoma patients are 5 times as likely to have glaucoma as well. Early detection can prevent blindness. If you are over 60, have a family history of glaucoma, are diabetic, or of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent, you have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
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(cont. from page 20) 300,000 lung infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis, in children younger than 18. An additional 750,000 middle ear infections in children can be linked to secondhand smoke. Studies are ongoing into a possible link between secondhand smoke and breast cancer. Though research is ongoing, the ACS notes that chemicals from tobacco smoke reach breast tissue and have been found in breast milk. However, debate over a possible link between breast cancer and secondhand smoke continues for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that breast cancer risk has not been shown to increase among active smokers.
Where does secondhand smoke pose a problem? Secondhand smoke is problematic anywhere someone is smoking or has smoked. In fact, the Canadian Cancer Society points out that cigarettes produce roughly 12 minutes of smoke, even though a smoker might only inhale 30 seconds of
smoke from the cigarette. As the smoke lingers, even long after a smoker has disappeared, nonsmokers are left to breathe in that smoke. Smokers who recognize the potentially deadly side effects of their habit should be especially mindful of those side effects when lighting up. Smoking inside a home, for instance, is putting everyone in the home at heightened risk of a host of ailments. Children are especially sensitive to secondhand smoke, and the ACS notes that between 50 to 75 percent of children in the U.S. have detectable levels of cotinine, the breakdown product of nicotine, in their blood. Many public places, including New York City’s famed Central Park, have banned smoking, and smoking in the workplace is illegal in many countries. More information on secondhand smoke is available at www.cancer.org.
(cont. from page 11) * Enrolling in Medicare and comparing prescription drug plans. * Coping with chronic illnesses and understanding the ways Medicare can support care and treatment. * Finding the best nursing home or assisted living arrangement. * Managing health care transitions, such as when someone is discharged from the hospital. * Finding local organizations that can provide additional support for caregivers and their loved ones.
Support for Caregivers If you’re one of the 66 million Americans who care for an aging, disabled or seriously-ill family member or friend, you’re probably doing everything from running errands, to coordinating doctors’ appointments, to helping find long-term care. Fortunately, caregivers have resources they can turn to for help and support. And they can find out about them through Ask Medicare, a service developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Ask Medicare offers tips online at www.medicare. gov/caregivers to help caregivers address numerous challenges, including: 22
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“Caregivers are part of a nationwide community of people who sacrifice a lot for others,” says Susie Butler, acting deputy director, Partner Relations Group, Office of Public Engagement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “We want caregivers to know they’re not alone.” The Ask Medicare site highlights the challenges caregivers face each day; offers a free quarterly e-newsletter with Medicare program updates, and links to state and local organizations that help with meals, transportation, and caregiver training. “Ask Medicare is an online one-stop shop where caregivers can get all the support they need,” says Ms. Butler, “It has interactive tools that help caregivers compare doctors, hospitals and nursing homes, find local home health agencies and dialysis facilities, and learn which services are covered by Medicare.” Caregivers for older Americans can also link to additional resources through CMS’s sister agency, the Administration on Aging (AoA). On the AoA site they’ll find the Eldercare Locator, which can point them to services in their own communities as well as national organizations, such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Family Caregiver Alliance. Ask Medicare has links to their caregiving resources, too. To find out more about Ask Medicare visit www.medicare. gov/caregivers.
Golden Years co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Posit Science. “Although this helps in the immediate situation, it doesn’t improve the quality of the memory. As the years pass, the gaps can become too big for context to fill in. When this occurs, it can be hard to catch and respond to the information even at the moment.”
Brain Fitness
Keep Your Brain Fit
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f you find yourself wondering where you left your glasses – again – or struggling to recall a name or a word you’ve used a million times, you’re not alone. Many people over 40 get frustrated by the occasional “senior moment.” But if you’re worried that your lapses are destined to be a permanent part of old age, take heart. It’s never too late to improve brain function.
The Aging Brain Cognition includes the ability to learn new things, judgment, intuition, language and remembering. As people age, three basic trends begin to affect cognition, and over time they have a noticeable impact on memory, thinking and focus: • Speed: The brain gradually slows down – but the speed of information coming in from the senses doesn’t. Over time, the brain begins to miss details, making it more difficult to react to and remember what was seen or heard. • Accuracy: Like the grooves of an old record, the brain’s neural pathways often get fuzzier, scratchier, or even distorted. When the brain records the static along with the important sensory information, memories are fuzzier and more difficult to process. • Recording: The brain uses chemicals called neuromodulators to determine what information is important to record and process. With each passing decade, the brain produces fewer neuromodulators. This hinders the ability to record new information—in other words, to learn and remember. “At first, people don’t notice problems because they automatically use context to fill in what they missed,” said Michael Merzenich,
The good news is that physical brain change occurs every time something new is learned. This continuous physical, chemical and functional process is called brain plasticity. And it can be strengthened, even in an aging brain. “We need to use and develop our brain’s machinery through learning,” said Merzenich. “This doesn’t mean just academic learning. It means practicing targeted activities that engage the senses and our memories, and that involve the production of refined movements. By applying these types of activities, it’s possible to maintain—and possibly restore—cognitive abilities.” Here are some simple exercises you can do to keep your brain fit. • Take a guided tour of a museum or another site of interest. Pay careful attention to what the guide says. When you get home, reconstruct the tour by writing an outline that includes everything you remember. Memory activities that engage all levels of brain operation, such as receiving, remembering and thinking, help to improve the function of the brain. • Choose a song with lyrics you enjoy but don't have memorized. Listen to the song as many times as necessary to write down all the lyrics. Then learn to sing along. Once you've mastered one song, move on to another. Developing better habits of careful listening will help you in your understanding, thinking and remembering. Reconstructing the song requires close, intentional focus and an active memory. In addition to exercises like these, you can take advantage of brain training software, such as the brain fitness programs offered by Posit Science. These scientifically tested programs target the brain’s ability to absorb information from all the senses. “Using a program in which you practice remembering a grocery list may help you get better at remembering grocery lists,” said Merzenich. “But when you exercise the roots of memory, you’ll likely find that not only can you remember grocery lists better, you can also remember conversations, tasks and even that word that is just on the tip of your tongue.” To get more tips and test your own brain fitness, visit www. positscience.com. w w w . N C C O A S T. c o m
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General Hospital “Fred has made a tremendous contribution to this community and we are extremely grateful,” said Joyce. “The search process worked very well and I am extremely grateful to the Search Committee for their support and commitment.”
Health Fair Slated for Oct. 21 Carteret General Hospital is hosting a free Health Fair from 10am4pm on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Health screenings include asthma/pulmonary function, blood sugar, bone density, blood pressure, body mass and more. In addition, guests will be able to gain information about Medicare benefits, living wills, arthritis and joint pain, healthy diets as well as other medically pertinent material. Door prizes will be offered throughout the day. To learn more, call 252-808-6336.
New President for CGH Carteret General Hospital Board Chairman Pat Joyce has announced that Richard A. Brvenik, MHA, has been selected as president and CEO of Carteret County General Hospital. “We are pleased to have Dick join our Hospital team. He is a seasoned professional with many years of senior leadership experience. During his career Dick has illustrated his ability to lead hospital teams to high performance and exceptional patient care,” said Mr. Joyce. Mr. Brvenik currently serves as the senior vice president with Hartford HealthCare system and President and CEO of Windham Hospital in Willimantic Connecticut where he has been since 1999. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox, Va. Other past roles include administrator of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center in Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC and COO of St. Anthony’s Health center in Alton, Ill. He completed his bachelor’s degree Magna Cum Laude at Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass., and his graduate degree in Healthcare Administration at George Washington University, Washington, DC. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the family at Carteret General Hospital and look forward to working with the board, hospital staff and medical staff along with the greater community to continue the organization’s tradition of success.” Mr. Brvenik said. “Carteret General Hospital is clearly devoted to high quality patient care and to service excellence. All those who I met, from the search committee, to senior leaders, medical staff, hospital managers and staff possess a great energy and spirit of devotion to the hospital’s mission, to its patients and to the community. They recognize their role in assuring that the hospital serve as a healthcare safety net, as a provider committed to elevating the region’s health status and as a driver in the local economy.” Brvenik succeeds Fred A. Odell, III who retired July 25 after a career spanning 30 years at Carteret General. During that time the hospital has grown from 117 to 135 beds, added many services and medical specialties, and quadrupled the physical facilities. Upon his arrival in 1981 the hospital was in dire financial condition with no monetary reserves. Today the hospital has sound financial standing and can face the uncertain future of healthcare with confidence and security. 24
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Committee members included Joan Lamson, Doug Brady, Doug Harris, Dr. Terry Goodman, Dr. Nicole D’Andrea, Charles Royal and Joyce.
CarolinaEast Creates a Bridge CarolinaEast Health System announces a partnership with CaringBridge, a nonprofit providing free websites that connect families and friends during a significant health challenge. A CaringBridge website gives patients and caregivers a place to provide health updates, post photos and receive messages of hope and encouragement in a guestbook. “By establishing this partnership, CarolinaEast hopes not only to bring awareness of this valuable tool to our patients and their families, but also to further our mission of delivering compassionate, quality care. Partnering with CaringBridge adds an important benefit to our patient and family support system,” said Megan McGarvey, director of public relations. “We strive to provide the best resources and information for patients and their families, and CaringBridge fits perfectly with that mission.” Since the founding of CaringBridge in 1997, more than 254,000 CaringBridge sites have been created which generate over half-a-million visits each day. The CaringBridge community includes authors, visitors and donors in all 50 states and more than 225 countries and territories. The free service is funded by individual donations and hospital and collaborative partnerships. “Patients and their families greatly benefit from the ease of communication that CaringBridge provides,” said Sona Mehring, founder and CEO, CaringBridge. “Instead of spending time making phone calls and sending e-mails to keep everyone updated, their energy can be focused on caring for the patient.” For more information, please visit www. caringbridge.org/carolinaeasthealth or www. carolinaeasthealth.com/ patients.
Doctor’s Orders
Coping with stress at the office T
he workers of the world are working more. So says an annual study of employee benefit trends from MetLife. In 2010, 40 percent of employees admitted their workload had increased compared with the previous year. While there are many reasons that can account for a heavier workload at the office, heavy layoffs in countries across the globe has, in many instances, left those who weren’t laid off with extra work. And companies might be surprised to know just how much this approach isn’t working. The MetLife study also found that 68 percent of employees surveyed reported that the quality of their work had suffered and that fear of losing their jobs played a significant role in how well they did their jobs. While employees might not be able to quell their fears of one day being laid off, there are things they can do to reduce the stress that often accompanies such fears. Stress is a part of most professions and can even be a good motivator. However, when stress is prolonged or excessive, the results can be very unhealthy. Men and women with high stress levels are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease. When faced with prolonged or excessive stress at the office, men and women can take the following approaches to avoid succumbing to stress. Determine what is causing the stress. Stress triggers vary depending on the individual, so men and women who are coping with excessive stress should write down anything that causes them a negative response, whether that response is physical, emotional or mental. After a week, sit down and look at the various things that triggered these negative responses. Choose one and work to resolve it. Determine if there is a way this trigger can be avoided. Do this with each trigger one by one. It might not be possible to successfully address each trigger, but it’s worth the try and it is likely that certain triggers can be successfully avoided. Manage time effectively. One of the problems with an increased workload is the time in the day to complete that work does not simultaneously increase. This reality makes it easy to become overwhelmed with stress. But a few time management techniques can help. Prioritize certain tasks, ensuring projects that are time-sensitive get done ahead of those that aren’t. When setting a schedule for work, be realistic. If a schedule isn’t realistic, that will only cause more stress. Maintain a personal life. Effectively managing stress at work involves having a personal life away from the office. All work and no play is a recipe for stress. No matter how big a workload awaits you at the office, be sure to make time for enjoyable activities away from work.
Spend time with friends and family, plan a weekend getaway or simply relax at home. Such time, even if it’s not as often as you might like, makes dealing with stress at the office that much easier to handle. Remain physically active. Exercise is a great remedy for stress. In fact, the American Psychological Association notes that studies have suggested physically active people have lower rates of anxiety and depression than sedentary people. While research is ongoing, some researchers feel exercise enhances the body’s ability to respond to stress. In addition, exercise seems to give the body practice at dealing with stress. While exercising, the body’s physiological systems are forced to communicate with one another. These same systems must also communicate with one another when responding to stress. Regular exercise helps the body communicate more efficiently, something that helps when the time comes to respond to stress. Stress at the office is likely always going to be a concern for working men and women. However, there are ways to effectively cope with stress no matter how daunting a workload might be. w w w . N C C O A S T. c o m
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Your World
Good and Bad Diet Fads As anyone who has ever attempted dieting knows, advice on weight loss comes from every corner. Friends might swear by the latest dieting trend while family members may be just as adamantly convinced the trend doesn’t have merit. So what’s true and what’s false? Simply put, combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep that weight off. While most adults are fully aware of that fact, that doesn’t stop them from finding the latest fad and letting it dictate their eating habits for days or even weeks. For those about to diet, consider the following good and bad diet fads.
The Good Portion control: Many diets emphasize the importance of portion control. Research has indicated it’s not just what we eat that causes weight gain, but how much we’re eating as well. In a study in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers found that cookies are 700 percent bigger than the suggested USDA standards. And it’s not just cookies that are much bigger than recommended, as our servings of pasta (480 percent), muffins (333 percent) and bagels (195 percent) are much bigger than they should be. While not all diets that promote portion control are necessarily healthy, portion control on its own is a healthy way for everyone to approach their daily diet.
Lifestyle change: Individuals who want to lose weight should look for dietary tips that promote a change in lifestyle and not just changes in diet. Look for diets that don’t have a timeline, promoting fast weight loss in ‘X’ amount of weeks. A diet that promotes a longterm commitment to eating healthy foods while also encouraging daily exercise is one that’s likely going to be more successful and beneficial than one that promises significant weight loss in a short period of time.
The Bad One food can do it all: Nearly every dieter has heard of a diet that promises you can eat all you want of a specific food and still lose weight so long as that’s all you’re eating. However, focusing on a specific food is certain to deprive dieters of nutrients they sorely need. Cutting out entire food groups means dieters won’t be enjoyed a balanced diet. Also, dieters will begin to crave the foods they’re not getting, which could lead to bingeing. Another side effect to one-food diets is that certain foods can cause some unenjoyable side effects, including dehydration or gastrointestinal problems. Look for balance in a diet, which should eliminate one-food diets from consideration.
Misguided vegetarianism: While vegetarianism isn’t bad, dieters often apply it incorrectly. When applied correctly, a vegetarian diet has been linked to all sorts of benefits, including lower rates of obesity and heart disease. However, dieters often mistakenly eat a vegetarian diet with a foundation of cheese and pasta, which can actually cause weight gain. Carbohydrate-rich foods, while they might be vegetarian, will likely result in weight added as opposed to lost. When adopting a vegetarian diet, be sure to include whole grains and fruit and eat foods like nuts, beans or even tofu to ensure you’re getting enough protein. Bye-bye, carbohydrates: Arguably no diet is more popular than the one that advocates eliminating carbohydrates. This is problematic, especially for those who want to combine their healthy diet with exercise. Carbohydrates are ideal foods for boosting energy, which dieters will need if they want to exercise regularly. Whole-grain breads, oatmeal and brown rice are all beneficial carbohydrate sources. For those desiring to eliminate some forms of carbs from their diets, eliminate white bread and white rice, as those are low in nutrients. When it comes to dieting, there are certainly plenty of options touting incredible weight loss in short periods of time. But dieters should always look for healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off, which often includes some combination of a wellbalanced diet that promotes moderation.
D. C A. D S
Creating a more esthetically pleasing smile is an exciting way for patients to enhance their overall appearance. These amazing results can be created in one to three dental visits. To schedule an esthetic consultation, please call
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