JHN_Health & Fit_072819

HEALTH&fit

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Silver Cross First to Offer PDT | 4 Silver Cross Weight Loss Surgery Transforms Lives | 8 & 9 Latest Blood Pressure Guidelines | 15

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Coal City Services Available…

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HEALTH&fit

index 4..............................................................Silver Cross First to Offer PDT

Shaw Media

6 ..........................................................Choosing a Dementia Caregiver est. 1851

7 ........................................................................... Rehabilatation at OLA

Publisher Steve Vanisko 815-280-4103 svanisko@shawmedia.com Designer Beverly Rogman brogman@shawmedia.com

8&9........................................ Weight Loss Surgerye Transforms Lives st. 1851 10.......................................... Harbor Chase Offers Engaging Lifestyle 12........................Questions to Ask When Prescribed New Medicine 14...... Heart Surgery Program Includes Expertise of Two Surgeons

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

15..................................................... Latest Blood Pressure Guidelines est. 1851

Don’t let Varicose Veins stop you from doing what you love.

We specialize in the treatment of Varicose Veins. Trust an expert!

Call today to schedule your FREE Vein Screening 815-254-8888 www.eternallaser.com SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019 | HEALTH & FIT | 3

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Silver Cross was 1st to Offer Photodynamic Therapy for Cancer of the Esophagus Joliet Man Showed No Sign of Cancer after Procedure at Silver Cross

Director of the Advanced Endoscopy Center at Silver Cross Hospital, to discuss his options.

Dr. Ayub informed Fisher that although surgery wasn’t an option, he was a great candidate for an endoscopic procedure known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), which could be used to cure his cancer.

Salvatore Fisher One morning last May, Joliet resident Salvatore Fisher had the startling and terrifying realization that he had lost his ability to swallow – even water. When home remedies failed, he rushed to the Silver Cross Hospital emergency department.

Doctors there ordered tests, which revealed esophageal cancer, a form of cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus helps move food from the back of the throat to the stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 17,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, with the vast majority occurring in men. Fifty years ago, the survival rate at five years was five percent. Today, about 20 percent of patients survive five years after diagnosis.

Fisher was referred to Kamran Ayub, M.D. a board-certified gastroenterologist and Medical

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For the procedure, the patient is given a photosensitizing drug that is activated with the use of a laser that emits non-thermal light, allowing the physician to target cancer cells in the esophagus. In some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated in order to get rid of all affected areas.

“This type of procedure works really well in patients with early esophageal cancer who are not good candidates for surgery or endoscopic resection.

In patients with obstruction and difficulty swallowing, it can alleviate the symptoms of cancer, making it easier to swallow. The unique ability of PDT to target both seen and unseen cancer cells differentiates it from other endoluminal modalities,” Dr. Ayub said.

The photosensitizing drug is given to the patient 40 to 50 hours before the procedure, and the procedure itself is performed in an outpatient setting, allowing the patient to return home the same day.

Fisher underwent PDT in November, and Dr. Ayub said that Fisher’s most recent endoscopy revealed no remaining evidence of esophageal cancer.

“The entire process was painless,” Fisher said. “Dr. Ayub communicated everything very well with me.”

Dr. Kamran Ayub “We are excited to be the first institution in Illinois to implement PDT for esophageal cancer and provide this novel therapy for our patients.

Salvatore was a great candidate for this type of procedure, and it’s great to see that he’s now cancer free,” Dr. Ayub said.

Dr. Ayub is considered an expert in the field of endoscopic ultrasound, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and advanced endoscopy/ERCP. He specializes in the management of early cancers of the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract and offers endoscopic management for these tumors and other diseases.

For more information, visit www.silvercross.org

Standard use of horizontal logo within co-branding guidelines

Silver Cross Emergency Medical Services System Approved customized use of logo for co-branding to communicate a partnership

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SECONDS C OUNT can determine the rest of our life.

When time is critical, know where to go for 24/7 stroke care: Silver Cross.

The Silver Cross Neuroscience Institute is here for you, with a staff of experienced specialists offering the full continuum of care for preventing strokes and halting them in their path, diagnosing and treating brain tumors and malformations of the cerebral vascular system, and providing treatment and rehabilitation.

For more information or a physician referral, visit silvercross.org/neuro or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

1900 Silver Cross Blvd. New Lenox, Illinois

SM-CL1680423

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How to choose a dementia caregiver

Finding a quality dementia caregiver can provide invaluable peace of mind for families of dementia sufferers.

W

hen a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, a family’s life can turn upside down. In such situations, families may not know much about the disease, including what to expect with treatment and how soon before the dementia patient begins to need care that the family cannot capably provide.

Over time, dementia patients’ loved ones are likely to benefit from the expertise and assistance of qualified dementia caregivers. It can be overwhelming for loved ones to offer the right level of care for someone who is unable to perform the activities of daily living. Bathing, medication management, dressing, and feeding are often very difficult for dementia patients.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that providing good care for someone with dementia goes beyond meeting basic needs.

It also means finding caregivers who treat the whole person and provide an environment that can enable the person to be safe yet independent.

In order to get started, one should first assess the needs of their loved one with dementia. How many services he or she will require depends on whether that person can use the bathroom, walk, eat, or bathe independently. Alz.org says care needs tend to be lesser in the early stages of dementia.

However, during the middle and end stages of dementia, 24-

hour supervision and potentially more intensive medical care may be necessary.

Some families start with a visiting caregiver who can come to the house. For example, a service like Visiting Angels is certified to offer care according to advanced dementia care protocols after working with leading dementia specialists.

Caregivers may offer companionship and helpful reminders.

Others may assist clients with personal tasks. One key aspect of dementia care is preventing wandering. Alz.org indicates that six in 10 people with dementia will wander. A person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address and can become disoriented, even in familiar places. Caregivers can put protocols in place to help reduce wandering. Alert bracelets and GPS tracking devices can help in this regard as well.

At some point, caregivers can help families transition someone with dementia to nursing facilities with memory care divisions. Social workers and other aides may help families navigate the legalities of medical insurance and long-term care insurance as well as government assistance programs that may help offset the costs of more intensive care.

It’s never too soon to develop a care plan for someone with dementia. Qualified and compassionate caregivers can help ease the burden of dementia on patients and their families.

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Senior Rehabilitation is the Path to Full Recovery

Pictured in photo: Leslie Brassard and Jerry Armstrong

W

hen preparing to leave the hospital following surgery or suffering an ailment or accident, most seniors hope to return to their home and regular routines as quickly as possible. Many do not realize the stiffness, weakness and general pain that might follow. This is why a senior living community offering Rehabilitation Services, such as Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) in Joliet, is ideal to assist you through this recovery process, greatly reducing the risk of re-hospitalization.

OLA applies a person-centered approach to the daily recovery of patients. Patients undergo physical and occupational therapy 6-7 days a week and speech therapy 3-5 days a week tailored to their individual recovery plan in OLA’s spacious therapy room. Therapists evaluate patients’ home situations and needs in order to further develop therapies and activities that will help each patient reach their maximum level of independence prior to returning home.

Rehab works on improving strength, mobility, balance and enhancing confidence. “OLA’s nurses, along with physical and occupational therapists closely monitor patients’ pain thresholds and wellbeing, while working towards recovery progress,” states Leslie Brassard, a nurse in OLA’s Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Unit. Therapists encourage open communication while varying the intensity and types of physical, occupational or speech therapy needed.

Rehabilitation patients enjoy private and semi-private rooms along with their own dining room. They can socialize with one another, visit with family and have the options to participate daily in programs in OLA’s activity room as well as attend Mass. OLA’s individualized approach supports the patient’s body, mind and spirit for increased wellbeing and a more enjoyable stay.

Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home’s Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Unit is prepared and equipped to meet all of your recovery needs. For more information please visit our website or speak directly with OLA’s Admissions Coordinator at 815-725-6631 ext.

4113. www.olaretirement.org

2018

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Weight Loss Surgery at Silver Cross: 6,000 Lives Transformed and Counting!

Dr. Joyce and Dr. Lahmann

BMI

Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital has changed the lives of over 6,000 patients through weight-loss procedures that include laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric band systems.

And as thousands of their patients can attest, they immediately start to feel better about themselves as the pounds melt away. Just ask Michael Washlow of Crest Hill and Michelle Vaupel of Romeoville.

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, read their amazing stories:

Michael Washlow of Crest Hill

Crest Hill native Michael Washlow admits a turbulent childhood had a lot to do with his weight gain over the years. It also led to emotional issues, too. And while he was adopted into a loving family at age 11, Washlow’s weight struggles continued.

“I think a lot of it was hereditary,” he said. “I know all my siblings have weight issues, and my biological mother has weight issues, too.”

That’s why Washlow tried nearly every diet he could think of – including the most popular commercial weight-loss programs advertised on TV; he even went to a nutritionist. Then one day his mom was looking online and found BMI Surgery at Silver Cross.

He signed up for one of the weekly informational meetings in early 2017. Though encouraged he’d lose the weight, Washlow knew it wasn’t a quick fix either.

“The way Dr. (Christopher) Joyce explained everything, I thought it was going to be really hard. It’s a totally different lifestyle, but I knew it would be worth it in the end,” he said.

In July of the same year, Washlow had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy 8 | HEALTH & FIT | SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2019

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surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. The surgery changes the shape of the stomach, creating a “sleeve” to allow food to go from the sleeve to the intestine. This process helps to increase feelings of fullness and allows the person to eat less during one setting.

Before surgery, Washlow weighed 415 pounds; the first few days after surgery were challenging, but the more he stretched and moved around, the easier it became to do so.

With diet restrictions, the weight came off fast at the beginning; Washlow’s real challenge was finding the motivation to work out.

“I actually paid for a personal trainer for a while,” he said. “She would Skype with me once a week and give me workout plans.”

At his lowest, Washlow weighed 230 pounds. Since he started strength training he’s put on more muscle and is now at 239 pounds. The little things he’s able to do now are what stand out to him the most.

“I’m able to crouch and bend my knees and put weight on them,” he said. “I can run now, which is awesome. I can also tie my shoes and breathe at the same time.”

Washlow said the hardest part wasn’t getting used to the diet after surgery – many of the higher protein foods are ones he actually likes.

Giving up his favorite foods and sugary drinks before surgery proved most difficult. But, since surgery, he’s stuck with his food – and exercise plan.

“Now that I’m putting on muscle, my goal weight is changing. I’m more fit and active than I’ve ever been in my life so that’s really what I’m focusing on.” In fact, Washlow’s amazing transformation recently was featured in Men’s Health magazine.

Michelle Vaupel of Romeoville

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’s taken up running…something she never could have done before weight-loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital.

“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.

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.

She’s also a regular exerciser 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 fast-paced walking on the treadmill. One other activity I look forward to now – shopping for clothes!”

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.

Michael Washlow

About BMI Surgery

Board-certified 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 the Silver Cross Hospital 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.

Free Lecture

To find out more about the bariatric surgery program at Silver Cross Hospital, attend a free informational session on both traditional and laparoscopic surgery any Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at BMI Surgery at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 260, New Lenox. Register to attend at www.bmisurgery.org.

Michelle Vaupel

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HarborChase of Plainfield Offers Unsurpassed Hospitality and Endless Possibilities Located at 12446 S. Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, HarborChase of Plainfield Assisted Living and Memory Care offers an active and engaging retirement lifestyle, full of new friends, awardwinning cuisine, generous amenities, superior concierge services and energizing social events. To help cultivate its emphasis on hospitality, the community is staffed 24 hours a day with associates and concierge.

“At HarborChase of Plainfield, we want residents to enjoy life, make friends, and experience a high level of independence and freedom,” said Leonard Gibson, Executive Director at HarborChase of Plainfield. “Every inch of our community has been thoughtfully designed and created to cater to the wants, needs and desires of our residents. We take care the little things so you’ll have more time to indulge your interests.”

HarborChase has a variety of upscale features for residents to enjoy. Luxury parlors and seating areas are also conveniently spread across the community. The community also offers a true all-day dining experience for residents and their loved ones to enjoy. HarborChase’s culinary team is committed to creating dining experiences that residents will find extraordinary and irresistible.

“We pride ourselves in providing farm-to-table, from scratch meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients,” said Gibson. “Our culinary team is focused on both surprising and delighting our residents. Our chef-developed menu is focused on healthy, nutritious, flavorful and regionalized cuisine. Our chef creates meals that keep our residents excited. Menus consist of resident requests, local favorites and creative creations.”

The Life Enrichment program at HarborChase helps to enhance independence and choice for residents. It was created to provide a wide and pleasing variety of fitness classes, cultural events, learning opportunities, entertainment options, religious programs and group

events. To help maximize participation, residents are encouraged to request specific classes and experiences.

“We work hard to ensure that residents have fun and energizing things to look forward to every day,” said Gibson. “Whether its live entertainment, an educational class, a movie, a shopping excursion or an organized fitness class, our associates strive to make sure that there is truly something for everyone to look forward to and enjoy every day.”

While HarborChase has upscale amenities and an emphasis on enjoying life, residents also enjoy a perfect combination of convenience and care. The community offers a variety of care levels, including: assisted living, memory care, respite care and day retreats. Residents receive the appropriate level of support needed to nurture and maintain independence for as long as possible.

“We truly believe in making every moment count for our residents and their loved ones,” said Gibson. “We want to compassionately focus on each person’s interests, abilities and strengths.”

In addition to their levels of attention and care, HarborChase offers a number of additional care services. Available services include: MD, therapy, support groups, auditory clinics, psychology and podiatry.

“At HarborChase, all care partners and associates are carefully selected, not only for their caregiving knowledge and expertise, but also for their warm and caring hearts,” said Gibson. “Our paramount desire is to create an exceptional day for each resident which surpasses both resident and family expectations. Our associates are truly dedicated to our core values of respect, attentiveness, integrity, stewardship and excellence.”

For more information or to schedule a personalized tour and complimentary chef-prepared lunch, call (815) 267-3510.

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Find us on

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Questions

to ask when your doctor prescribes a new medicine

T

hough few people may want to take medicine each day, prescription drugs prolong lives and help people manage conditions that might otherwise make it difficult to live life to the fullest.

A 2017 survey from Consumer Reports found that 55 percent of people living in the United States take a prescription medicine.

The survey also found that those who take prescription drugs use an average of four such medications. That figure might alarm some people, especially aging men and women whose bodies might be more susceptible to conditions that are often treated with medication.

that men and women be forthcoming about any other medicines they might be taking under the guidance of other doctors. In addition, men and women should tell their physicians about any over-the-counter medicines or vitamins and supplements they are taking. Sharing such information can prevent potentially serious complications from arising.

Medicine saves lives every day. Smart patients can help medicine do its job by learning about their medications and discussing them openly and honestly with their physicians.

There’s no denying that prescription drugs can save lives.

But men and women have a right to explore their options when doctors prescribe them medications, and asking the right questions when doctors suggest medication can help men and women decide if prescription medicine is their best option.

To help men and women make the best decisions regarding their healthcare, the National Institute on Aging advises people to ask their physicians these questions when being prescribed a new medicine.

• What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it?

• Which medical condition does this medicine treat?

• How many times a day should I take the medicine, and at what times should I take it?

• If the prescription instructions say the medicine must be taken “four times a day,” does that mean four times in 24 hours or four times during the daytime?

• How much medicine should I take?

• Should I take the medicine on its own or with food?

Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking this medicine?

• How long will it take this medicine to work?

• Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking other medicines?

• Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication?

• What does “as needed” mean?

• When should I stop taking the medicine?

• What should I do if I forget to take my medicine?

• Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if I have a problem?

• Will I need a refill, and how do I arrange that?

When discussing medications with a physician, it’s imperative

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Professional Medical Profile

Unique individuals who provide specialized medical services

S

Silver Cross Heart Surgery Program Includes Expertise of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgical Associates

ilver Cross Hospital’s open heart surgery program officially debuted in May and includes the expertise of two seasoned and well-known cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons: Dr. Patroklos Pappas and Dr. Philip Alexander.

Patroklos (Pat) Pappas, M.D., is President of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates and has been a practicing cardiovascular thoracic surgeon for over 25 years.

He has performed more than 25,000 cardiac surgery procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Dr. Pappas is a highly respected surgeon throughout the Chicagoland area and has been involved in numerous research presentations and publications.

He is board-certified in cardiac, thoracic and general surgery and completed his general surgery residency and cardiothoracic surgery residency at Northwestern University.

Philip Alexander, M.D., is skilled at endovascular aneurysm repair, thoracic endovascular aortic/aneurysm repair, minimally invasive valve surgery and robotic cardiac surgery. He is boardcertified in cardiovascular/thoracic and general surgery. Dr. Alexander attended medical school at St. John’s Medical College Bangalore University in Karnataka, India. He completed his general surgery residency and cardiovascular and thoracic surgery fellowship at New York University Medical Center.

Structural Heart Program

The hospital’s new 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 life-threatening 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), shortens hospital stays and leads to a faster recovery.

“My partners and I are excited and committed to working with Silver Cross Hospital to develop a structural heart program in New Lenox. Silver Cross has the facility, staff and quality to not only support a structural heart program, but to thrive,” Dr. Pappas said.

Over the next year and a half, Silver Cross Hospital will add two state-ofthe-art operating rooms, a “hybrid room” equipped with advanced medical imaging devices to support minimally invasive surgery, and two recovery rooms. It will be housed in the hospital’s soon-to-be-expanded Procedural Care Unit (PCU) on the second floor. In addition, a cardiac care unit will open on the first floor directly below the PCU to care for patients after heart surgery, and will be serviced with a dedicated elevator between the two units.

Silver Cross currently has the eighth largest cardiac catheterization program in the State of Illinois and 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. And between 2015 and 2016, diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterizations performed at Silver Cross Hospital increased by 13%.

Patroklos Pappas, MD

Philip Alexander, MD “This project is about innovation,” said Silver Cross President/CEO Ruth Colby. “It’s about the least invasive way to repair hearts. We are partnering with Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Associates, a group of highly skilled surgeons that are known for innovation, outstanding outcomes and very high patient satisfaction scores. Just like we have done with our other partnerships in oncology, pediatrics, neurosciences, and rehabilitation, we are bringing the best of the best to Silver Cross.”

For more information, visit www.silvercross.org

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Know the latest blood pressure guidelines Mary Gordon, D.O.

If you thought your blood pressure was in the acceptable range, make sure you are using the latest standards as your guide. Not long ago, the American Heart Association lowered Stage 1 hypertension to 130/80, with anything in the range of 120-129/80 considered elevated blood pressure. Previously, 140/90 mm Hg and above was considered high.

can cause the heart muscle to thicken and become less efficient at pumping.”

The new definition of high blood pressure was made after analysis of more than one thousand different studies. The consensus was that people with blood pressures previously considered “pre-hypertensive” were developing serious consequences of hypertension.

Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido are other common side effects of high blood pressure.

Board-Certified Cardiologist Mary Gordon, D.O., with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists, says doctors now know that even small increases in blood pressure can cause considerable ill effects on the body.

“What they were finding is that when we allowed people to continue in this ‘pre-hypertensive’ state, they were having a larger incidence of heart attacks and strokes than we thought,” says Dr. Gordon. “They found that a lower blood pressure is healthier for many of the body’s organ systems.”

What exactly is blood pressure, anyway?

Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure inside the arteries. A normal, healthy blood pressure is 120/80.

When that number rises, arteries throughout the body may develop microfractures, which can trap cholesterol. This can cause a narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, vision loss and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High blood pressure can also cause arteries to rupture or leak.

Heart failure can also result.

“The heart is a pump,” Dr. Gordon says, “but there’s no pressure-release valve for it. Over time, high blood pressure

The kidney is particularly susceptible to high blood pressure, with its network of tiny, fragile arteries that filter blood.

Effective blood pressure management Dr. Gordon says physicians used to begin treating their patients with blood pressure-lowering medication at 140/90.

With the new guidelines, treatment might begin with a pressure of 130/80, and sometimes even lower. However, lifestyle modifications can also reduce blood pressure in some pretty significant ways.

For example, if a person is overweight, every 2.2 pounds of weight loss can result in a 1 mm drop in blood pressure. Dr. Gordon says decreasing the amount of saturated fats in the diet while upping fruits and vegetables can result in as much as an 11 mm drop in blood pressure. Doing 90 minutes of aerobic activity a week can lead to a 10 mm drop.

Measuring your blood pressure at home, in addition to having it checked in the doctor’s office, is necessary as well, she says.

“It’s really important to educate yourself,” Dr. Gordon says.

“Understand what high blood pressure is and what it means to your body. Think about your future. How long do you want to be here, and how well do you want to live? That’s really the question.”

Dr. Gordon sees patients at the Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists offices in Channahon, Morris and Ottawa. For more information, call 815-705-1000.

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Take another step toward living alonger, healthier life.

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Call 815-416-6089!

Easy to understand results available within one week.

Payment required at time of service.

• $75 Hepatitis C Screening - recommended for everyone born between 1945-1965 who has never been screened.

• $125 General Health Screening - blood test including a comprehensive

chemistry panel, complete blood count, thyroid stimulating hormone, and lipid panel.

• $40 Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Screening - ultrasound test to check for blockages in the arm and leg arteries.

• $40 Carotid Artery Screening - ultrasound test to check for blockages in the carotid arteries in your neck which can lean to stroke.

• $40 Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening - ultrasound test to

check for enlargement of the abdominal aorta at the center of your chest and abdomen.

• $100 Artery Screening Bundle - have all three artery screenings above at a discounted price.

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www.morrishospital.org

7/16/19 10:42 AM