Fall 2019
A publication of
PREVENTION OF DEAFNESS
Five effective ways to protect against hearing loss Baseline hearing exams, lower volumes, protective gear among experts’ suggestions METRO NEWS SERVICE A certain degree of hearing loss can be a normal part of the aging process. However, people who take steps to protect their hearing long before Father Time takes his toll can prevent the extreme hearing loss suffered by millions of seniors across the globe. John’s Hopkins Medicine states that approximately 15 percent of adults aged 18 years and older report some difficulty hearing, and up to 39 percent of adults in their 60s have hearing problems. Lost hearing cannot be restored, though hearing aids and other devices can help people with hearing loss hear better. Hearing aids are not always an accessory people look forward to needing, so it’s good to know that a few simple strategies can protect people’s hearing over the long haul. 1. Get a baseline hearing exam. Speak with an audiologist, who can test your
Metro News Service
People who take steps to protect their hearing long before Father Time takes his toll can prevent the extreme hearing loss suffered by millions of seniors across the globe. hearing and establish a baseline level against which future tests will be measured. This way it is easier to see if hearing loss is increasing over time. 2. Turn down the volume. Audio
devices can contribute to hearing loss. Earbuds are particularly dangerous because they fit directly next to the eardrum. The World Health Organization says that 1.1 billion teens and
young adults worldwide are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss from unsafe use of audio devices. Set the maximum volume on audio devices below 60 percent and wear headphones for no more than an hour a day. Keeping music low on other devices is also advisable. 3. Wear protective gear. Protective gear includes ear plugs and protective earphones. This gear should be worn whenever you expect to encounter loud noises, such as when you mow the lawn, go hunting or shooting, attend rock concerts or visit construction sites. 4. Limit use of cotton swabs. Ear wax is beneficial to the ears and can stop dust and other particles from entering the ear. Furthermore, using a cotton swab can potentially cause damage to sensitive organs in the ear if they are inserted too far or too roughly, advises the hearing testing service Ear-Q. 5. Avoid loud noises. Steer clear of fireworks, noisy city centers, loud performances and other situations if you do not have hearing protection. Remember, hearing loss often doesn’t produce immediate symptoms or pain. However, over time, hearing loss can become noticeable. A proactive approach can help people avoid significant hearing loss as they age.
EATING HEALTHY
Certain vegetarian-friendly foods can be high in protein Many complete protein foods are available METRO NEWS SERVICE People choose a vegetarian lifestyle for a number of reasons. Some individuals have an aversion to eating meat because they’re concerned about animal welfare, while others find that a low-calorie, vegetarian diet promotes long-term health.
Vegetarianism can certainly be a healthy option, but those who eschew meat and sometimes eggs often have to find alternative sources of protein to meet dietary needs. According to the Dietary Reference Intakes, the average sedentary man should have 56 grams of protein per day, while an average sedentary woman should consume 46 grams per day. The amount of protein needed will increase if a person is more active, advises Healthline.
Protein helps a person feel fuller, longer, and it is crucial for all cells in the body. Protein is used to build and maintain bones, muscles, skin and much more. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also states that protein is very important as one ages because aging men and women don’t absorb or metabolize amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, as well as they did when they were younger. Those adhering to vegetarian diets
will find there are plenty of non-meat protein sources. Meatless protein sources that offer the biggest health bang for one’s buck are “complete proteins,” which have the essential amino acids the body requires. Some complete proteins include eggs, milk, cheese, soy and quinoa. Some other great protein sources may not have all of the amino acids, but they can be paired with other foods to get a fuller nutrient package.
See PROTEIN, Page 4
Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
| HEALTH MATTERS
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CANCER PREVENTION
How to look for signs of sun-damaged skin Experts say it should not be taken lightly METRO NEWS SERVICE The summer sun beckons many people outdoors. Soaking up some rays on a warm summer day can be a great way to unwind and get a little color. It’s not always easy to recognize signs of sun damage when spending time outdoors in the summer, especially for people who lay out in the sun hoping to get a tan. Such damage may be overlooked or more evident in the fall, when people begin spending more time indoors. But sun-damaged skin should not be taken lightly. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that the vast majority of melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, are caused by the sun. The SCF even notes that one study from researchers in the United Kingdom found that 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to the ultraviolet, or UV, radiation from the sun. Sun-damaged skin will not necessarily lead to skin cancer. However, the American Academy of Derma-
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Learning to recognize three of the more common types of sun damage may compel people visit their physicians and take potentially life-saving steps to prevent future damage. tology notes that sun damage can lead to skin cancer. Going outdoors without adequate protection makes skin vulnerable to sun-related damage. Learning to recognize three of the
more common types of sun damage may compel people visit their physicians and take potentially life-saving steps to prevent future damage. 1. Wrinkles. Wrinkles aren’t always a byproduct of aging. While the
Mayo Clinic notes that skin becomes less elastic and more fragile as it ages, increasing the likelihood that wrinkles will develop, wrinkles also can indicate sun-damaged skin. 2. Age spots. According to the AAD, age spots, which are flat brown, gray or black spots on the skin, appear on areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun, including the face and hands. The AAD notes that what looks like an age spot could actually be skin cancer. If any such spots are detected, men and women should see a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin exam. 3. Loose skin. Loose skin is sometimes a byproduct of aging, but it also can be indicative of sun damage. Various products claim to treat loose skin, but the AAD notes that facelift-like results likely won’t come from any product sold in a jar. For example, the AAD says results from skin-firming creams will be subtle at best. Products that contain a retinoid like retinol, which can help the body make more collagen, might produce minor results. Sun-related skin damage can affect peoples’ appearance and even suggest the presence of something more serious, such as skin cancer. Learn more by visiting the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org.
HEALTHY EATING
A look at some of the foods that have ample antioxidants What people eat can help fight free radicals METRO NEWS SERVICE The term “antioxidants” is frequently associated with cancer prevention. Antioxidants are helpful, but many people may not fully comprehend the role antioxidants play in fighting cancer. Antioxidants are chemicals that interact with and neutralize free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage, offers the National Cancer Institute. Free radicals are formed in the body by exposure to ionizing radiation and other radiation. An excessive amount of free radicals in the body can negatively affect cells and potentially lead to the formation of various types of cancer and other diseases. While the body makes some of the
Metro News Service
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly berries, can provide many of the antioxidants the human body needs to neutralize the potential damage caused by free radicals. antioxidants it uses to scavenge free radicals and render them ineffective, it also relies on antioxidants from food sources. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute says that, to date, nine randomized
controlled clinical trials of dietary antioxidant supplements for cancer prevention have been conducted worldwide. Some studies have pointed to the benefits of antioxidant supplements, while others found that these supplements can actually elevate cancer risk or diminish the efficacy of cancer treatments. Increasing antioxidant intake may be best accomplished by eating a variety of plant-based foods that contain high levels of naturally occurring antioxidants, rather than through supplementation. So, what foods offer the highest levels of potentially cancer-fighting antioxidants? The largest and most comprehensive study to date into antioxidant levels was published in 2004 in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Researchers analyzed antioxidant levels in more
than 100 foods. In addition to pointing out many foods people already knew to be antioxidant-rich, researchers uncovered some surprises. Here’s a look at some of the best bets for beneficial foods that may be part of a cancer-fighting diet: • Small red bean (dried). • Wild blueberry. • Red kidney bean (dried). • Pinto bean. • Cultivated blueberry. • Cranberry. • Cooked artichoke. • Blackberry. • Prune. • Raspberry. These foods rank high among those with the most antioxidants per serving, according to the USDA. However, many other foods also are great sources of antioxidants. These include russet potatoes, pecans, gala apples, walnuts, Indian gooseberries, cloves and mint.
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Real solutions.
Better health.
Working together, more than a dozen providers offer experienced care spanning Bureau, Putnam, and Marshall counties. From pediatrics to geriatrics, Perry’s Rural Health Clinics give people in rural Illinois an opportunity to be proactive about their health and wellness, and access to care in times of need.
• • • • • • • •
Annual wellness visits School and work physicals, including DOT Health screenings and disease prevention Immunizations Mental health services Walk-in appointments Women’s health services Urgent care
*Certified Rural Health Clinics
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Family Health Clinic* 530 Park Ave. East, Suite 303 Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-4531
Perry Memorial Henry Clinic 327 Edward St. Henry, IL 61537 309-364-2002
Perry Memorial Prompt Care* 2128 N. Main St. Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-2273
Perry Memorial Walnut Clinic 101 N. Main St. Walnut, IL 61376 815-379-2020
HEALTH MATTERS| Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
New facility coming to Princeton in 2020
Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
| HEALTH MATTERS
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DEALING WITH PAIN
Chiropractors can help with various ailments Such care may be viable alternative to pain meds METRO NEWS SERVICE Anyone who has experienced pain understands that it can be debilitating. Pain can make it challenging to manage everyday tasks and can affect relationships and physical and mental health in many ways. Pain medications were once the norm, but with the rise of the opioid epidemic, it may be wise to take a different approach to pain treatment. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services reveal that as many as one in five people received prescription opioids long-term for noncancer pain in primary care settings in 2016. While opioid use for pain does not always lead to abuse of these medications, opioid addiction has become a widespread problem across North America.
Metro News Service
Chiropractic care may be an asset for pain management, as well as a way to improve overall health. These same agencies report that approximately 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments in the United States each day for misuse of prescription opioids. Chiropractic care may be one avenue to pursue as a viable alternative to pain medications. While chiropractic manipulations are most
often associated with back and neck pain, there are many different benefits — some of which may surprise those unfamiliar with chiropractic care — for this type of care. • Mig raines and headaches: Research shows that spinal manipulation can be an effective way to treat migraines, tension headaches
and headaches that begin in the neck. In clinical trials conducted at Macquarie University, 72 percent of migraine sufferers had noticeable or substantial improvement after a period of chiropractic treatment. • Accident injuries: Chiropractors can assess musculoskeletal anomalies caused by motor vehicle accidents as well as slips and falls. Whiplash is a common issue in car crashes, and this may be addressed by a chiropractor. • Anxiety and stress: The fight-orflight mechanism that is activated when a person experiences stress and anxiety can take its toll on various parts of the body. Because stress involves nerve impulses, chiropractors may be able to work primarily with the spine where these impulses originate to help release tension and nerve irritation. In addition, adjustments can improve blood circulation, which may help signal the brain to turn off its “rally to action” response to stressful situations. Chiropractic care may be an asset for pain management, as well as a way to improve overall health.
Meatless protein sources that offer the biggest health bang for one’s buck are “complete proteins,” which have the essential amino acids the body requires. Metro News Service
• PROTEIN Continued from Page 1 • Seitan: This is a meat alternative made from wheat gluten. • Lentils: Lentils pack 18 grams of protein per cooked cup. • Beans: Many forms of beans contain a high amount of protein per serving. • Nutritional yeast: This is a strain of yeast that has a cheesy flavor. It can be sprinkled on foods to add a protein punch. • Ancient grains: Ancient grains include spelt, teff, barley, sorghum, farro and einkorn. These ancient grains are higher in protein than common grains. • Hemp seeds: These seeds come
from hemp, which is in the same family as marijuana. However, hemp will not cause a high because it only has trace amounts of the THC compound that produces that effect. Hemp seeds contain 50 percent more protein than chia seeds and flax seeds, offers Healthline. In addition to these foods, peanuts and other legumes, almonds, peas, oatmeal, spirulina, broccoli, brussel sprouts and sweet corn also are good protein sources for vegetarians. Even though it may seem like skipping meat products would leave vegetarians lacking for protein, there really are quite a number of alternative protein sources out there.
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HEALTH MATTERS| Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
Let us help you get back into the swing of things!
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Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
| HEALTH MATTERS
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DETECTING CANCER
Prostate exams can detect cancer in early stages That’s when the disease is most treatable METRO NEWS SERVICE Every three minutes, a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer. In fact, the disease is so common that one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Fortunately, men have lots of tools at their disposal, including prostate cancer screenings, that can help them find prostate cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. The discussion surrounding prostate cancer screenings has changed in recent years. Whereas such screenings were once recommended for all men once they reached a certain age, the American Cancer Society now advises men to gather as much information as they can, including speaking with their physicians about the uncertainties and risks as well as the potential benefits of screenings, before making their decisions on their own. There are two types of prostate exams that men can discuss with
their physicians. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends men begin these discussions around the time they turn 50, or earlier for men with a family history of prostate cancer. • DRE: During a digital rectal exam, or DRE, a doctor will lubricate a gloved finger and insert it into a patient’s rectum. The prostate is just in front of the rectum, and the DRE will let a doctor know if the prostate is enlarged or in irregular shape. Many men find the DRE uncomfortable, but the exam is brief and should not be painful. • PSA test: The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in the blood. PSA is a protein that’s naturally produced by the prostate. Rising PSA levels are often one of the first signs of prostate cancer. However, the Prostate Cancer Foundation notes that abnormally high PSA levels are not necessarily indicative of prostate cancer. So in order to fully evaluate the results
There are two types of prostate exams that men can discuss with their physicians. The Prostate Cancer Foundation recommends men begin these discussions around the time they turn 50. Metro News Service of a PSA test, doctors will consider a patient’s age, the size of his prostate, previous PSA test results, and the patient’s medical history, including past and current medication use. If test results show an irregularity or indicate an enlarged prostate, doctors may recommend repeating the tests after an interval of time. That’s because an enlarged prostate is not always indicative of prostate cancer, and sometimes it may just be symp-
tomatic of a temporary condition that goes away before the next exam. If there are no causes for concern after an exam, doctors may advise repeating the tests at regular intervals of one to two years. There are risks associated with prostate cancer screenings, and men should discuss these risks with their physicians and their families. More information is available at www.pcf.org.
FARRELL
CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Missi Armstrong, APN, FNP-BC
Call (815) 379-2161 to schedule your appointment today!
Dr. Lori Schultz, Dr. Dennis Farrell, Dr. Jarred Farrell
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Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm Closed for lunch: Noon-1:30pm
131 Jackson St, Walnut, IL 61376
(815) 379-2161
www.cghmc.com
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BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTS
METRO NEWS SERVICE Each year, thousands of people across the globe receive bone marrow transplants. While that might make donating bone marrow seem like an ordinary act, it’s anything but. Donors are genuine heroes who help save the lives of both their own loved ones and complete strangers. The global transplantation organization Be the Match notes that the likelihood of finding a fully matched marrow donor depends on a host of factors, including ethnic background. Patients in need of a bone marrow transplant are most likely to match with donors who share their ethnic ancestry. Unfortunately, Be the Match notes that some groups are underrepresented on the donor registry. For example, black or African-American patients in need of a bone marrow transplant have only a 23 percent chance of finding a match because there simply aren’t enough people who share their ethnic background on the registry. By choosing to become donors,
Once people make the selfless, potentially life-saving decision to become bone marrow donors, they are encouraged to follow five steps. Metro News Service people from all backgrounds greatly increase the chances that people in need will receive the transplants they desperately need and ultimately overcome their diseases. Individuals who want to learn more about what it takes to become bone marrow donors can visit Be the Match at BeTheMatch.org. Once people make the selfless, potentially life-saving decision to become donors, they can follow the following five steps. 1. Join the registry. Joining the registry is as simple as spending five minutes to complete a cheek swabbing kit and returning it in a prepaid
envelope. The donor organization Gift of Life makes it easy to order a donation kit via their website at www.GiftOfLife.org. 2. Confirmatory typing: Once a swab kit has been submitted, donors may be contacted and told they are a potential match for a patient in need. Confirmatory typing is a test to confirm the results of a swab kit and identify just how closely a donor and patient match up. This step involves a blood test. 3. Work-up: If the blood test confirms a match, donors will be given the option to proceed. Those who choose to do so will participate in an infor-
mation session about the donation process. Donors can ask any questions they have, as the goal of the work-up is to provide as much detailed information to donors as possible. Donors are encouraged to bring a family member with them to the information session as an extra set of ears and to provide support. The work-up stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, and during this stage, donors will be given a physical exam to protect their own health and the health of the transplant recipient. 4. The donation: Bone marrow is donated through a surgical procedure, which will take place at the same location as the physical exam. 5. The transplant: The final step, and arguably the most rewarding, is the transplant itself. Unless they’re donating to a family member, donors will not be present for the transplant, but they can rest easy knowing they saved a life. Gift of Life receives periodic updates on recipients’ recovery, and may share this information with donors. Learn more about bone marrow donation at www.GiftOfLife.org.
HEALTH MATTERS | Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
Five steps toward becoming a bone marrow donor
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Bureau County Republican / bcrnews.com • Saturday, September 14, 2019
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Sinus Problems Solved. Breathe Easier
Dr. Maher Younes and the staff at the IVCH ENT and Allergy Center offer expert help for chronic sinusitis, including in-office balloon sinus dilation.
ENT and Allergy Center
920 West St. Bldg. B (lower level) Peru 815.223.4400 IVCH.org/ENT