JHN_Health & Fit Magazine_021019

HEALTH&fit SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019

Weight Loss Surgery at Silver Cross | 4 Silver Cross to Open Heart Surgery Program | 8 & 9 Is Heart Disease in your Genes? | 15

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ANDREW TOFTOY, MD ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

CHOOSE

FLEXIBILITY

INTRODUCING THE REGION’S ONLY COMPLETE ORTHOPEDIC CARE. An injury can make it tough to stay active. Riverside Healthcare’s new orthopedic team includes sports medicine specialists to make sure you can recover and stay flexible. Whether you need surgery or nonsurgical treatment, our orthopedic team offers complete orthopedic care, close to home. Choose flexibility. Choose Riverside.

Learn more at ChooseRiversideOrtho.com.

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index

HEALTH&fit

4...................................................Weight Loss Surgery at Silver Cross 6............... Understanding, preventing and managing osteoarthritis 7...................Joliet Oncology-cancer treatment options for patients

Shaw Media

est. 1851 8 & 9........................... Silver Cross to open Heart Surgery Program

Publisher Steve Vanisko 815-280-4103 svanisko@shawmedia.com Designer Teresa Spence 815-526-4486 tspence@shawmedia.com

10............................................ Daily steps to keep your heart healthy est. 1851

11.................................................Rehabilitation at Our Lady of Angels 12........................................................... Eat healthy at 50 and beyond 13................................................................How to improve circulation

Published by Shaw Media 2175 Oneida Street, Joliet, IL 60435 Phone: 815-280-4100 Fax: 815-729-2019 www.theherald-news.com

14..................... Professional Medical Profile - Dr. Kamran Khan and Dr. Matthew Reynolds

est. 1851

15......................................................... Is heart disease in your genes?

Spider Veins May Be A Sign Of Varicose Veins.

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Eterna MedSpa & Laser Vein Center • 815-254-8888 • www.eternalaser.com SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 3

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No Slowing Down Romeoville Woman After Weight-Loss Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital There’s no slowing down Michelle Vaupel of Romeoville! After losing more than half her body weight, this 41-year-old is always on the go. In fact, she’s got so much energy she even runs…something she never could have done before weight-loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.

“I can’t believe after losing 182 pounds I can run a 5K now!” Vaupel explains. Her weight before surgery was 350 pounds; now over a year later, she’s running 5K’s and feeling better than ever at 168 pounds.

“Two years ago, a doctor recommended gastric bypass surgery to me, and I have to admit I was a little offended when they first discussed it with me,” said Vaupel. “But after I really thought about it and did my research about the surgery, I decided I was tired of being fatigued and out of breath all of the time.”

That’s when she attended a free seminar with BMI Surgery at Silver Cross and officially began her weight-loss journey.

Every Wednesday, the BMI team hosts an informational group meeting called Obesity & Your Health for individuals considering weight-loss surgery. Surgeons Christopher Joyce, M.D., and Brian Lahmann, M.D. speak to patients and family members, answering questions about weight loss surgical options.

MAKING THE DECISION Before surgery, Vaupel’s health risk factors included a high BMI (body mass index) and sleep apnea. In fact, the sleep apnea was so severe, she relied on a special machine to help her breathe easier at night. Not anymore since she’s at a healthy weight!

“Not only was the sleep apnea a concern of mine, but there is a history of diabetes in my family,” she added. “I had tried different ways to lose weight in the past that just weren’t successful, it was time to consider other options.”

Vaupel had a consultation with Dr. Lahmann, a board-certified surgeon with BMI Surgery, where he addressed her concerns and thoroughly explained what to expect pre- and post-surgery. She was impressed with his knowledge and experience with gastric bypass surgery, helping her make the decision to move forward with the procedure in November 2017.

“Before my weight-loss surgery, I was eating a high-fat diet, dining out a lot and drinking sugary soda. Now after surgery, I cook low-

carb healthy meals and enjoy cooking and finding new healthy recipes on Pinterest,” said Vaupel.

Just a year later, she’s exercising regularly and meets with a personal exercise trainer once a week.

“I am really enjoying exercise,” she added.

“My trainer has me doing exercises that use my body weight as resistance and integrates stretching. Throughout the week I do fastpaced walking on the treadmill.”

One other activity I look forward to now – I love shopping for clothes again!” she exclaimed.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY? The American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery defines the morbidly obese as those with a body mass index of 35 or above with comorbidities, or for a normal height woman, being more than 100 pounds overweight. Patients with a BMI of 35 and higher, who are suffering the medical consequences of obesity, are often best treated with bariatric surgery as opposed to nonsurgical weight loss. Those who are morbidly obese are at a higher risk of mortality and such extreme obesity puts people at risk for life threatening disease, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.

BMI Surgery has improved the lives of over 6,000 patients with life-changing surgeries including laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, ReShape, and Lap-Band and REALIZE gastric band systems at Silver Cross Hospital. Boardcertified laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons Brian Lahmann, M.D., and Christopher Joyce, M.D., are dedicated to helping patients win their personal battles with obesity and enjoy healthier lives. Their office is located on Silver Cross Hospital’s campus at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. BMI Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital has been named a MBSAQIP accredited center – Comprehensive. BMI Surgery is also a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery.

To find out more about the bariatric surgery program at Silver Cross Hospital, attend a free informational session on both traditional and laparoscopic surgery on any Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at BMI Surgery at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 260, New Lenox. To register, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Following weight loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, Michelle Vaupel has lost more than half her body weight and has taken up running!

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8 Straight A’s for Patient Safety

Keeping patients safe is our No. 1 priority, which is why Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox has been recognized as one of the safest hospitals in America by the Leapfrog Group.

Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data so consumers can see how well their hospital protects patients from errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. More than 2,600 U.S. hospitals are graded twice per year. It’s calculated by top safety experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

To see Silver Cross Hospital’s full grade and tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org

1900 Silver Cross Blvd. • New Lenox • (815) 300-1100 • www.silvercross.org

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Understanding, preventing and managing osteoarthritis

The most common chronic condition of the joints in both the United States and Canada, osteoarthritis affects roughly 30 million people in just those two countries alone.

While osteoarthritis, or OA, can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in men and women over the age of 65.

Understanding osteoarthritis and how to prevent and manage the disease can help men and women over the age of 50 reduce their risk and live more comfortably even if they develop OA.

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, healthy joints are covered by cartilage, a flexible connective tissue that covers the end of each bone. Cartilage facilitates motion of the joints and serves as a cushion between the bones. When a person has OA, cartilage breaks down, causing swelling and pain and affecting the mobility of the joint. Over time, OA can worsen and cause bones to break down and develop bone spurs, which form when bones meet each other in the joints. OA can even advance to a point where cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, creating even more pain while damaging the joints even further.

WHAT CAUSES OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Once considered a byproduct of the wear and tear the human body naturally endures over a lifetime, OA is now viewed as a disease, notes the AF. The following are some potential causes of OA. • Genes: The AF notes that certain genetic traits can increase a person’s likelihood of developing OA. Collagen is a protein that makes up cartilage, and, while rare, a genetic defect that affects the body’s production of cartilage can lead to OA occurring in people as young as 20 years old. Researchers have also noted that the gene FAAH is more commonly found in people with OA of the knee than in people who don’t have the disease. FAAH has been previously linked with pain sensitivity.

• Weight: Being overweight increases a person’s risk for a

host of ailments and diseases, and OA can be counted among them. Extra weight puts additional pressure on hips and joints, and over time those extra pounds can cause cartilage to break down more quickly than it would if the body was not carrying extra weight.

• Injury: Men and women who have suffered injuries to their joints may be at greater risk of developing OA than those with no such injury history.

• Overuse: Overuse of joints, tendons and ligaments can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and increase a person’s risk of developing OA. Cartilage also can break down more quickly in the bodies of athletes and people whose careers require them to stand for extended periods of time, bend over frequently and/or lift heavy items.

• Preexisting conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemochromatosis and acromegaly may also contribute to the development of OA among people diagnosed with such disorders.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF OA

Men and women who maintain healthy weights and exercise regularly and appropriately may be able to prevent the onset of OA. Appropriate exercises include strength training that focuses on building muscles around the joints, even if those joints are already affected by OA. Strong muscles around the joints can reduce the pain associated with OA, while range-ofmotion exercises can improve flexibility of the joints and reduce stiffness. Aerobic exercise also helps men and women maintain healthy weights while facilitating weight loss for those who are already overweight.

Those already diagnosed with OA should speak with their physicians before beginning an exercise regimen, and such conversations can also include discussions about the various medications that can be used to reduce symptoms of OA. More information about OA is available at www.arthritis.org.

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JOHA offers variety of cancer treatment options for patients

by Allison Selk Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates not only offers conventional chemotherapy treatment to its cancer patients, but also keeps up with current research and has expanded treatment to include targeted therapy, clinical trials and immunotherapy.

Dr. Ellen Gustafson said targeted therapy is tailored more to the patient, whereas during chemotherapy, the medicine goes into the body with the hopes it will attack the correct cancer cells. However, chemo can cause damage to other healthy cells, as well.

Targeted therapy can zero in on some of the abnormalities that make cancer cells different, reducing the possibility that the drugs will attack normal cells, according to the American Cancer Society.

Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer without chemotherapy. Gustafson said the unique aspect of immunotherapy is that if a cancer patient responded to the treatment, even after the treatment stopped his or her body keeps working to fight off cancer cells. She said patients have gone into remission and stayed in remission for years longer than they might have using regular chemotherapy treatments.

Lung cancer was the first cancer that responded well to immunotherapy treatments, and it now has been used on cancer of the bladder, head and neck, anus and colon.

Gustafson said patients who respond to the targeted and immunotherapy treatments tend to see fewer side effects, keep a normal work routine and have a good quality of life during treatment. She said one main fear patients have during treatment is how to maintain a job and keep insurance.

Gustafson added that even though the side effects of these therapies are much fewer, patients should not turn down treatment because they need chemotherapy. Patients need to keep open minds about what is being offered and how to treat the cancer.

JOHA also offers clinical trails. Doctors in the practice can keep patients notified when new trials open and close. Gustafson said the treatments are usually paid for by the pharmaceutical company or the research group that hosts the trial.

Gustafson said one unique aspect of JOHA is its Women’s Center in New Lenox, where patients will receive a combined approach to care. Gustafson said women can undergo ultrasounds, mammograms and biopsies the same day.

The center provides on-site planning of care instead of calls back within multiple days or weeks. The care team meets together with each woman to compose a personal care plan so she knows the sequence of future events. Gustafson said this approach alleviates the stress of the cancer patient being diagnosed and then left on her own to research doctors and make appointments, which could be at different offices and practices.

JOHA has multiple offices in Will and Grundy counties. The main office is located in Joliet, and branch offices are in New Lenox and Morris.

For more information, visit jolietoncology.com or call 815-7251355.

Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates, Ltd.

Dr. Ellen Gustafson

Dr. Ali Lakhani

Dr. Arvind Kumar

Dr. Worood Abboud

Providing Dignified Care in the Heart of Your Community Joliet Oncology-Hematology Associates (JOHA) has been providing quality cancer treatment since 1981. With a combined physician experience of more than 150 years, we offer the most innovative and comprehensive care under one roof. Three convenient locations: Joliet (West), Morris and New Lenox.

JOHA Provides Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Related Services including: • Radiation Therapy • Medical Oncology/Hematology >Tomo Therapy • Clinical Laboratory >Linear Accelerator JOHA >High Dose Radiation • Retail Pharmacy A ccepting N • Clinical Trials • Radiology Services >Pet CT >CT >X-ray

ew Patients!

Consults w ithi 24 hours! n

668 Cedar Crossings Drive New Lenox, IL

815-320-3896

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Silver Cross to Open Heart Surgery Program in Spring 2019

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ebruary is American Heart Month, the perfect time to remind the community that Silver Cross Hospital will establish an open heart surgery program on its New Lenox campus. The new program will be operational in late spring.

“Silver Cross will now be able to offer the full spectrum of heart care services that our community needs,” said Silver Cross President/CEO Ruth Colby. “It also means heart patients will no longer have to experience the stress and anxiety of having to leave their preferred hospital and travel for advanced heart care.”

The hospital will add two state-of-the-art operating rooms, a “hybrid room” equipped with advanced medical imaging devices to support minimally invasive surgery, and two recovery rooms.

In addition, a 14-bed cardiac care unit will open on the first floor directly below the Procedural Care Unit (PCU) to care for patients after heart surgery, and will be serviced with a dedicated elevator between the two units.

With the eighth largest cardiac catheterization program in the State of Illinois, Silver Cross leads the local market for outpatient cardiac procedures performed annually. In 2017 alone, Silver Cross performed more than 3,500 diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations, an 11 percent increase over the previous year.

“Offering open heart surgery was the next logical step for Silver Cross,” Colby added. “We are a hospital well-positioned to expand cardiac services, and we have a safety record that proves it.”

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Standard use of horizontal logo within co-br FUTURE STRUCTURAL HEART PROGRAM In addition, the open heart surgery program paves the way for Silver Cross to develop a structural heart program, which uses minimally invasive catheter-based technology to treat lifethreatening valve disorders and structural heart defects. This approach lowers the risk of infection and complications, reduces trauma to the chest (since the chest doesn’t have to be opened), customized use of logo for co-branding to c shortens hospital stays and leads to a Approved faster recovery.

Silver Cross is partnering with Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates, a group of highly skilled surgeons known for innovation, outstanding outcomes and very high patient satisfaction scores, that have pioneered minimally invasive valve surgery.

“Patients deserve to have options when considering where to go for services, especially ones as seriousApproved as cardiac services,” adds customized use of logo for co-branding to c Dr. Pat Pappas, cardiothoracic surgeon and President of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates. “Silver Cross has the facility, staff and quality to not only support a structural heart program, but to thrive.”

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ADDRESSING THE DIRE NEED FOR ADVANCED HEART CARE Standard use of horizontal logo within coAccording to the Will County Community Health Needs Assessment for 2017, heart disease is the leading cause of death SILVER CROSS HOSPITAL CO-BRANDING in Will County and the second-highest cause for hospitalization.

In addition, residents have one or more risk factors that lead to heart Partnerships and programs united with Silver Cross Hos

the hospital at large. Therefore, these graphics should be with the overall brand identity. The use of combined log our image system with the horizontal Silver Cross logo a horizontal version of the partner logo and separated by a standard for all co-branding uses, unless otherwise show 1/31/19 1:41 PM

Dr. Pat Pappas

disease, including high blood pressure (50 percent), high cholesterol (37 percent), and obesity (24 percent). Fifteen percent of families in Will County report some type of heart condition that may require minimally invasive or open surgical intervention.

Currently, patients presenting with life-threatening heart emergencies such as aneurysms, aortic dissections, acute heart attack and cardiogenic shock require transfer or referral to other facilities for treatment. This increases the potential for adverse outcomes in these acutely ill patients, and is unsettling to the patient and their family.

“As an interventional cardiologist who primarily works at Silver Cross, I see the need for this service on a daily basis,” added Dr. Abdul Sankari, Silver Cross Chief of Staff and Medical Director of the hospital’s cardiac catheterization program. “Telling a patient they need open heart surgery is difficult enough; but explaining to the patient and their family they have to seek these services at a hospital other that Silver Cross is even more difficult.”

Braidwood resident Dedria Galik knows that firsthand. Galik, who needed open heart surgery last March, had to be transferred from Silver Cross to a neighboring hospital.

“This was stressful to have multiple physicians, surgeons, home health, and rehab staff try to piece together my whole medical record and history to create the best plan of care for my recovery and cardiac rehabilitation,” she said. “Having open heart surgery at Silver Cross would have been less stressful, more cost effective and would have provided the best continuity of care.”

“Many of our patients choose Silver Cross because of their incontestable reputation,” added Dr. Joseph Stella, Chairman of the hospital’s Cardiology Committee and practicing interventional cardiologist. “Silver Cross patients deserve access to these procedures at a hospital that has continually progressed to provide the best possible care for their patients.”

For more information, visit www.silvercross.org

Rehabilitation program helps heart patients return to everyday activities Having a heart attack or being diagnosed with a heart condition can be life-changing and frightening. The goal of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Silver Cross Hospital is to help you recover from the cardiovascular event and prevent future heart problems. Our program is designed to improve the functioning of your heart and lungs, strengthen your muscles, and help you gain the confidence you need to return to living a highquality life.

Our trained cardiac rehab nurses and exercise physiologists will review risk factors and discuss lifestyle changes and choices to help improve the success of your treatment. With the support and guidance of your Cardiac Rehab Team, you can return to your everyday life with a renewed, healthy outlook and strong heart.

Highlights include: • Individual progressive exercise plan monitored closely by telemetry • Patient and family education of cardiovascular disease, risk factor modification, heart healthy nutrition and stress management • Emotional support For more information, visit www.silvercross.org or call 815-300-7053.

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Daily steps to keep your heart healthy Heart disease is a formidable foe. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for nearly 25 percent of all deaths in the United States each year.

Issues relating to the heart affect both men and women, and an estimated 15 million adults in the U.S. have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. And heart disease is not exclusive to the United States, as the Heart Research Institute says that every seven minutes in Canada someone dies from heart disease or stroke.

Such statistics are disconcerting, but they can serve as a wakeup call that compels people to prioritize heart health. Fortunately, heart disease is often preventable and people can employ various strategies to reduce their risk.

• Stop smoking right now. One of the best things to do to protect the heart is to stop smoking. The Heart Foundation indicates that smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and damages blood vessel walls. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, or a narrowing and clogging of the arteries.

• Eat healthy fats. When eating, choose polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats and avoid trans fats as much as possible. Trans fats increase one’s risk of developing heart disease by clogging arteries

and raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Read food labels before buying anything at the store.

• Keep your mouth clean. Studies show that bacteria in the mouth involved in the development of gum disease can travel to the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for blood vessel inflammation. Brush and floss twice daily, and be sure to schedule routine dental cleanings.

• Get adequate shut-eye. Ensuring adequate sleep can improve heart health. One study found that young and middle-age adults who regularly slept seven hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (a sign of early heart disease) compared to those who slept five hours or less or those who slept nine hours or more.

• Adopt healthy eating habits. Changes to diet, including eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure — leading to a healthier heart.

• Embrace physical activity. Regular moderate exercise is great for the heart. It can occur at the gym, playing with the kids or even taking the stairs at work.

A healthy heart begins with daily habits that promote long-term heart health.

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A Day of Rehabilitation at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home You or a family member have recently had surgery, or suffered an injury requiring in-patient care. What should you expect? How does recovery work and what does a day of rehabilitation include?

At Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, the day of your arrival begins your physical therapy (PT), speech therapy and occupational therapy (OT) assessments from which your individualized care plans are built. Therapy typically begins promptly the following day. Over the course of a week, patients will receive 6-7 days of physical and occupational therapy as well as 3-5 days of speech therapy, as needed.

Each morning, nurses check patients’ vitals and assist them with any needed dressing, grooming, and bathing. All rehabilitation patients are encouraged to attend meals in the dining room and, after breakfast, their therapy schedules begin. Patients head to the rehabilitation room, at their scheduled time, where they use various exercise and occupational equipment. Therapists, both PT and OT, closely monitor and guide patients through their exercises. They will vary intensity, monitor pain thresholds, educate about exercises patients can do on their own time or when returning home and offer support. Speech pathologists work with patients on needed

improvements with swallowing and/or clearer communication. Just like improving leg strength requires exercise; improving speech requires talking, so talking with family and friends is a must.

At the conclusion of the therapy, patients have time to rest, participate in regularly scheduled OLA activities or visit with family.

Families are welcome at all times of day and can join a loved one for meals, if desired. After lunch, depending on one’s personalized therapy schedule, some patients will move on to speech therapy or afternoon PT/OT. Dinner, followed by a relaxing evening, closes out one’s day.

Between daily therapies, meals, activities, mass for those interested and socialization, patients can expect a productive, yet enjoyable rehabilitation experience! Call and learn more about Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home’s rehabilitation services today - 815-7256631 ext. 4113.

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Eat healthy at 50 and beyond A

balanced diet is an integral element of a healthy lifestyle for men, women and children alike. But while kids and young adults might be able to get away with an extra cheeseburger here or there, men and women approaching 50 have less leeway.

According to the National Institute on Aging, simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for men and women 50 and older to maintain their long-term health.

Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods that have a lot of the nutrients the body needs.

But counting calories can be an effective and simple way to maintain a healthy weight, provided those calories are coming from nutrient-rich foods. The NIA advises men and women over 50 adhere to the following daily calorie intake recommendations as they attempt to stay healthy into their golden years.

WOMEN • Not physically active: 1,600 calories • Somewhat active: 1,800 calories • Active lifestyle: between 2,000 and 2,200 calories MEN • Not physically active: 2,000 calories • Somewhat active: between 2,200 and 2,400 calories • Active lifestyle: between 2,400 and 2,800 calories When choosing foods to eat, the NIA recommends eating many different colors and types of vegetables and fruits. Phytochemicals

are substances that occur naturally in plants, and there are thousands of these substances offering various benefits. The Produce for Better Health Foundation notes that a varied, colorful diet incorporates lots of different types of phytochemicals, which the PBH says have disease-preventing properties.

The NIA also advises that men and women over 50 make sure at least half the grains in their diets are whole grains. Numerous studies have discovered the various benefits of whole grains, which are loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients.

Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

Another potential hurdle men and women over 50 may encounter is a change in their sense of smell and taste. A person’s sense of smell may fade with age, and because smell and taste are so closely related, foods enjoyed for years may no longer tantalize the taste buds. That can be problematic, as many people instinctually add more salt to foods they find bland. According to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, older adults should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That equates to roughly 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt. Older men and women should resist the temptation to use salt to add flavor to foods, instead opting for healthy foods that they can still smell and taste. In addition, men and women should mention any loss of their sense of smell to their physicians, as such a loss may indicate the presence of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintaining a healthy diet after 50 may require some hard work and discipline. But the long-term benefits of a healthy diet make the extra effort well worth it.

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How to improve circulation The human body is a complex, efficient machine. One highly important component of that machine is the circulatory system, which sends blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

In perfectly healthy bodies, blood, oxygen and nutrients circulate throughout the body without issue. However, several conditions, including obesity and diabetes, can contribute to poor circulation, which is not a standalone condition but rather a byproduct of another serious health issue.

According to the health information site Healthline, when the circulatory system is not working at optimal capacity, people may experience tingling, numbness and throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs. Pain and muscle cramps also may result from poor circulation, the symptoms of which vary depending on the causes. For example, someone whose circulation issues are a result of peripheral artery disease may experience different symptoms than someone whose circulation has been compromised by diabetes.

Because issues affecting the circulatory system are complex, it’s important for men and women to learn how to address such issues if they suspect their systems have been compromised.

• Visit your physician. Poor circulation results from various health issues, so people who think they are dealing with poor circulation should not try to address the issue on their own. Rather, the best way to improve circulation is to visit a physician the moment you

note a symptom. Doctors will confirm if patients are experiencing circulation issues and diagnose what’s causing those issues. Doctors also will work with their patients to devise a course of treatment for the issue that’s causing their poor circulation.

• If necessary, lose weight and keep it off. Obesity is one of the conditions that can contribute to poor circulation. So many people who are diagnosed with poor circulation may be advised to lose weight and keep the weight off once it’s been lost. A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that losing weight helped obese women improve their circulation.

A healthy diet that includes fish like salmon that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve circulation, can help people lose weight and maintain healthy weights going forward.

• Consider yoga. A 2014 review of an assortment of peerreviewed studies found that yoga can have a positive impact on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A low-impact exercise, yoga can compress and decompress veins, potentially improving circulation. It takes time to master yoga positions, but even beginners who cannot fully perform poses during a yoga regimen can benefit from doing the exercises to the best of their abilities.

Poor circulation is a byproduct of various conditions. Once a condition has been diagnosed, patients can help themselves by taking various steps to improve their circulation.

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Professional Medical PROFILE UNIQUE INDIVIDUALS WHO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED MEDICAL SERVICES

Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute offers care for stroke, brain tumors, spine disorders and more From diagnosis of a stroke, brain tumor, or affliction of the brain, spine and vascular system, the experts at the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute are with you every step of the way, through treatment and into recovery.

The comprehensive care at the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute is unique. Highly skilled neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroendovascular specialists collaborate with emergency medicine physicians and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists to provide 24/7 comprehensive care.

These dedicated physicians work alongside caregivers from multiple disciplines, including the emergency department, the procedural care unit, and the intensive care unit. Together, they have the knowledge to diagnose, stabilize, treat, and rehabilitate with the utmost speed and skill.

You can feel confident knowing you or your loved one is receiving quality care at the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute, where both the physicians and the program are nationally recognized.

Silver Cross is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. Our stroke program received the American Heart/ American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, and our partnership with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – ranked the best rehabilitation hospital in the U.S.

by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991 – allows patients to recover close to home at Silver Cross Hospital.

Kamran Khan, D.O., board-certified neurosurgeon, serves as Director of Neurosurgery at the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute. He specializes in complex surgeries of the brain and spine. Dr. Khan earned his degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship at Loyola Medicine, Chicago. He went on to perform his residency at John Stroger Hospital/Cook County Hospital in Chicago and fellowship in neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

Matthew Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon, serves as Director of Neuroendovascular Surgery at the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute. He specializes in the treatment of vascular disorders of the brain and spine, including ischemic strokes and aneurysms. He is trained in endovascular surgery and microsurgery. Dr. Reynolds earned his medical degree at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Medical School, and completed an internship and residency at Washington University. Dr. Reynolds also performed fellowships at Emory University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.

For more information about the Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute, visit www.silvercross.org

Kamran Khan, D.O

Matthew Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D Standard use of horizontal logo within co-branding guidelines

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Silver Cross Emergency Medical Services System

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Is heart disease in your genes?

Morris Hospital cardiologist explains why it’s important to know

Dr. Mary Gordon

Did your father have a heart attack or stroke? Does your mother have high blood pressure, or do your siblings have cardiac stents or coronary artery disease?

Knowing the cardiovascular history of your family is crucial for you – and your physician – to understand what your cardiovascular future may hold.

Even if you are living a healthy lifestyle and have no signs of problems, you live with the genetic makeup of your parents, for better or worse.

Board-Certified Cardiologist Dr. Mary Gordon with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists says having a family history of cardiovascular disease plays a big role as to whether you will, too.

“If you have two parents who have heart disease,” Dr. Gordon explains, “your chances of having heart disease are pretty high, especially if they were diagnosed at an early age.”

It might not always be easy to talk to your parents about their health, and some people are reluctant to discuss their medical issues. Dr. Gordon recommends approaching the subject from an angle of wanting to work with your physician to keep yourself healthy.

Physicians need to know what conditions their patients’ first-degree family members have been diagnosed with, what cardiovascular incidents they have had, and at what ages. The information is useful in assessing the chance that a patient might also develop heart disease.

“If they have two or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Gordon says, “their physician might talk to them about seeing a cardiologist for an evaluation.”

Those who have a family history of heart disease shouldn’t

panic, however. There are treatments available for many risk factors, such as high blood pressure, and there are also ways they can change their lifestyles to reduce their risk of developing heard disease.

Not smoking, eating a healthy diet high in fresh vegetables and low in fats and cholesterol, reducing salt in the diet, limiting alcohol and keeping a healthy weight are some of them. Exercising regularly, for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is another.

Physical activity is extremely important,” Dr. Gordon says.

“Regular exercise significantly lowers your risk for heart disease.”

Exercise is also a great way to manage stress, which is another risk factor for heart disease.

“Especially if you have a family history of early cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Gordon says, “these recommendations can certainly slow down the process of heart disease and add good, healthy years to your life.”

Dr. Gordon sees patients at the Morris Hospital Ridge Road Campus in Channahon and at the Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists’ offices in Morris and Ottawa. To request a free heart attack warning signs refrigerator magnet, go to morrishospital.org/cvspecialists.

150 West High Street

Morris, IL 60450 815.942.2932 www.morrishospital.org

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Do Something Good for Your Heart this February!

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Tuesday, February 1 , 3-4 p.m.

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day, February 2 , 6-7 p.m.

Morris Hospital Presented by Cardiologist

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Cardiovascular Screenings Heart Healthy Screening  - blood test to check total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose for type 2 diabetes.

Peripheral Artery Disease Screening Â? Â ultrasound test to check for blockages in the arm and leg arteries.

Carotid Artery Screening Â? Â - ultrasound test to check for blockages in the carotid arteries in the neck which can lead to stroke.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Â? Â - ultrasound test to check for enlargement of the abdominal aorta at the center of the chest and abdomen.

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150 W. High St. Morris morrishospital.org

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