Get Healthy Nov/Dec 2015 by The Times of NWI

A Publication of The Times

Carly and Haley Calaway of Hammond enjoy a Thanksgiving meal at The Farmhouse at Fair Oaks Farms.

healthy

holidays ALSO

Fitness for the Aging Brain Improve your Mood with Food Weight Loss: Eating vs. Exercise NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

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GET HEALTHY EXECUTIVE PARTNERs Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery LLC

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Methodist Hospitals

Community Hospital Doherty Therapeutic and Sports Medicine Franciscan Hammond Clinic

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Publisher Christopher T. White

North Point Orthopedics

Co-Editors GILES BRUCE, Julia Perla Huisman

Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center

Design Director Mary Garrison

Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana

Franciscan Healthcare-Munster Franciscan Medical Specialists

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Franciscan St. Anthony HealthCrown Point and Michigan City

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VOLUME 10, ISSUE 6

St. Catherine Hospital

Hospice of the Calumet Area

St. Mary Medical Center

Ingalls Health System

Trimboli Chiropractic

Designer April Burford Contributing Editors Jane Ammeson, Ashley Boyer, Christine Bryant, Julie Kessler, Jennifer Pallay, Philip Potempa, Carrie Rodovich, Carrie Steinweg Niche Publication Sales Account Executives MIKE CANE, ANDREA WALCZAK General Manager and Vice President, Sales and Marketing Deb Anselm

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Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 2080 N Main St, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 219.662.5300 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151 Copyright, Reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from Get Healthy magazine. Get Healthy magazine is published six times each year by Lee Enterprises, The Times of Northwest Indiana, Niche Division, 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, IN 46321. Cover photo by Penny Frazier, taken at The Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms

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what’s new Compiled by Times Staff

Porter Regional Hospital’s Center for Orthopedic Medicine recently reinvented the way patients and their families experience joint replacement surgery. The result of their work is Porter’s new Joint Care Program—a comprehensive program that is based on an updated, national, best-practice model for hip and knee replacements and structured Joint replacement patients attend a around the fundamental group therapy class at Porter’s Center for Orthopedic Medicine. principles of wellness. Porter’s orthopedic surgeons, along with the administrative and clinical team at Porter, developed this innovative program to improve outcomes and provide a superior experience for individuals having hip or knee replacement surgery. This fundamental concept of wellness is executed throughout the entire program, which incorporates advanced, minimally invasive, analgesic and rapid-recovery surgical techniques—with an environment that maximizes patient recovery through education, culture of early mobility, family involvement and group interaction, such as group physical therapy and dining.

Ingalls starts IOP program

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression caused by an illness, job loss, divorce or financial difficulties, Ingalls Behavioral Health Services can help. Ingalls recently opened an intensive outpatient program at the Ingalls Family Care Center in Tinley Park, Ill. A short-term behavioral health treatment program for adults, the program treats individuals struggling with depression, stress and anxiety. With afternoon and evening hours for patients who work, the Mondaythrough-Friday treatment program is designed for people with behavioral health conditions, including depression, that prevent them from enjoying daily life.

Nurse pens award-winning article

Bobbi Herron-Foster, of Valparaiso, a medical-surgical clinical nurse specialist at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City, was recently chosen winner of the 2015 MEDSURG Nursing Journal’s Gerontological Nursing Writer’s Award for an article titled, “Special Needs: Caring for the Older Adult with Down Syndrome.” The piece was inspired by Herron-Foster’s care for her late sister, Judith Ann Buchanan, who died in 2013 at HERRON-FOSTER age 48. Since she was 10, Foster was involved with her sister’s care and said she came to realize the need for nurses to be better aware of the special needs of older adults.

4 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

Herron-Foster began writing the article shortly after her sister’s death and submitted it in fall of 2013. After some revisions requested by the journal’s editors, she learned in June 2014 that it would be published in the July/ August 2014 edition. “This is dedicated to Judy,” Herron-Foster says. “She brought a lot of happiness and purpose to our family and was loved by many others. When she laughed, we would giggle and laugh so hard, because when she was happy, she was beyond happy.”

Methodist gets chest pain accreditation

Methodist Hospitals recently received full chest pain center accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. “People tend to wait when they think they might be having a heart attack, and that’s a mistake,” says Dr. Michael McGee, medical director of emergency services at Methodist Hospitals. “The average person arrives in the emergency department more than two hours after the onset of symptoms, but what they don’t realize is that the sooner a heart attack is treated, the less the damage to the heart and the better the outcome for the patient.” The accreditation organization’s goal is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.

Eye bank names Community top hospital

Community Hospital has been named the 2014 Hospital of the Year by the Indiana Lions Eye Bank. The nonprofit transplant bank facilitates collection, storage and distribution of human eye tissue and is the leading supplier of corneal donations in the state of Indiana. In 2014, the hospital provided 60 cornea donations. Community Hospital has averaged 40 cornea donations per year the past five years. In addition, at Community and sister facilities St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, the “Donate Life” flag is flown in honor of a donor for 48 hours as a silent salute. Each donor Mike Henderson presents the family receives a card with a gardenHospital of the Year award to Jana sized version of the flag as a keepsake Lacera of Community Hospital. and to honor the generous gift provided by their loved one. Every November, the hospitals also host the Rose Dedication ceremony. Donor families are invited to fill out a message to their loved one on a rose vial, which is sent to Pasadena and placed in the dedication garden on the Donate Life float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

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the body shop

A Smoking Substitute ealth officials are expressing concern at the number of Indiana youth who are using electronic cigarettes—a largely unregulated industry that has nicotine in its products. A survey this year conducted by the Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University’s School of Public Health in Bloomington showed Indiana’s 12th-graders reported using electronic cigarettes at a rate of 24.8 percent— higher than the national rate of 17.1 percent. The survey for the first time included e-cigarettes, and also touched on tobacco use, alcohol use, prescription drug abuse and mental health. Given that these results show e-cigarettes as a potential gateway to regular smoking, Dr. Yazen Joudeh, a pediatrician on staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, says he might need to change his screening protocol when asking teens about smoking. “We may have to start asking, ‘Have you/do you smoke tobacco products or any e-cigarettes?’” he says. “It has become evident that many teens and adults do not see e-cigarettes as the same as smoking, so many users are probably not being detected in the office.” A second survey, released in April of this year, showed similar results—a dramatic increase in the use of e-cigarettes and hookah by youth. Both are unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The study, released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revealed that 1 in 4 high school students uses at least one tobacco product. Meanwhile, e-cigarette use among both high- and middle-school students tripled in just one year, increasing from 4.5 percent in 2013 to 13.4 percent in 2014 among all high-school students, and from 1.1 percent in 2013 to 3.9 percent in 2014 among middle-school students. While Joudeh says he has only come across a few

Flavored liquid containing nicotine to be used in vaporizers.

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teens who have dabbled with e-cigarettes, he has seen many young and older adults who have made the switch to e-cigarettes as part of an attempt to quit smoking. Often that goal of quitting using e-cigarettes as a bridge is unsuccessful, however. “E-cigarette products purportedly only contain nicotine without the other carcinogens and toxins found in regular cigarettes, but nonetheless, they contain nicotine, which is a very addicting substance,” he says.

Tanks that hold the liquid used for vaporizers.

While Joudeh says there is insufficient evidence from outside studies to determine any benefits or harm about e-cigarettes at this time, he says there’s no reason for teens to start using them, especially if they’re not trying to wean off smoking. “It is still a nicotine product, which, from the medical point of view, is a toxic drug,” he says. “I would like teens to understand that nicotine is addicting. Thus, experimenting with e-cigarettes is treading dangerous ground.” —Christine Bryant Find more body shop on page 8

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JONATHAN MIANO PHOTOS, THE TIMES

E-CIGARETTE USE BY TEENS ON THE RISE

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hands

Off If you’re a Tonight Show viewer, you may have heard about Jimmy Fallon’s gruesome hand injury that left him in bandages for several months. Hand injuries are common and often occur performing the most routine, everyday tasks. However, they are anything but simple— often requiring treatment by specialized hand surgeons. In Fallon’s case, he suffered a type of injury called ring avulsion—when as the ring comes off the finger, it peels off the skin and damages some of the underlying structure. “If the blood supply cannot be restored promptly, it may be necessary to amputate the finger,” says Dr. Neal Labana, an orthopedic hand surgeon on staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital. Labana saw a patient with a similar injury that occurred when he went to dunk a basketball. “His ring got caught on the metal loop holding the net,” he says. “His entire body force then nearly amputated his finger as the ring degloved his finger.” While injuries sustained cutting food are common, doctors also see injuries caused by lawn mower mishaps—typically occurring when grass cuttings get caught in the chute and someone tries to unclog the blockage, he says. “The blades oftentimes have some tension, like a spring, and taking the grass lump out makes them spin a bit,” Labana says. “This causes severe injuries to the finger tips.” In the winter, snow blowers can cause similar injuries. “A common mistake is that people think because the snow blower is turned off, it is safe to stick their hands in to unclog snow,” Labana says. While accidents often warrant a trip to the emergency room, it’s also common for injuries to occur by overusing the hand. Dr. Jack Gelman, with Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana, says these often result in tendinitis or nerve injuries. “The most common overuse injuries that I see are carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendinitis and tennis elbow,” he says. Hand injuries occur in all groups, from workers to athletes and people at home of all ages, he says. “The hand is very complex and is both powerful and incredibly delicate,” Gelman says. “The hands are used for heavy work while still being able to perform intricate tasks. It is what makes hands so fascinating.” —Christine Bryant

8 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

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survivor spotlight

A Welcome Reprieve Nurse finds relief after treatment of rare vein condition

hey’re not the words any woman wants to hear, and so it was with Shari Devine, when her doctor described her as having the leg of an 80-year-old woman. “My left leg was totally blue, very painful and hugely swollen,” says Devine, who at the time was in her late twenties. “My doctor said it was a varicose vein and I needed to wear support stockings.” Fast forward three decades and Devine, whose job as a recovery room nurse at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart demanded constant standing during her long shifts, was overwhelmed by the agony she experienced in her left leg despite wearing support hosiery. At 57, Devine worried that she might no longer be able to work in her chosen career. “I love my job; I didn’t want to quit working,” she says. “But the pain was unbearable.” Describing herself as desperate, Devine read an article in the hospital’s in-house magazine about

Shari Devine

Dr. Anas Safadi, an interventional cardiologist at St. Mary who treats venous disease. After years of looking for help, Devine was less than optimistic, but she made an appointment anyway. “I told him I didn’t think there was anything he could do, but I wanted to keep working,” she recalls. After having an ultrasound, “I got a call back right away from the technologist saying that he needed to do reimaging, because what he was seeing was extreme and he wanted to recheck the results.” Ultimately, Safadi would diagnosis Devine as having May-Thurner syndrome, a rare condition (only discovered in 1999) that is three times more common in women than in men. SHARI DEVINE “MTS is often unrecognized and undiagnosed by both physicians and patients,” Safadi says. “Sixty percent of doctors wouldn’t recognize it, and that’s where one of the main problems is. Doctors don’t know about it and so it goes untreated. This is a nurse who is around physicians and other medical personnel day after day, year after year, complaining about the same symptoms and no one diagnosed it.” Safadi describes MTS as a condition often caused by a genetic anatomical condition that doesn’t manifest itself until a woman is in her twenties. The left iliac vein becomes compressed by the right iliac artery, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot. Symptoms include swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg, feeling of increased warmth in the leg, discoloration of the skin and enlargement of the veins in the leg. Though the thrombosis itself is not life-threatening, if the blood clot breaks free and travels through the bloodstream, it can lodge in the blood vessels of the lung, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Over the last five years, Safadi has seen a tremendous growth in the recognition of MTS. “Before that, no one was looking into it and instead were looking at other things like varicose veins,” he says. “Women were very typically put on blood thinners, but that didn’t work, or they might

“

I love my job; I didn’t want to quit working. But the pain was unbearable.

Dr. Anas Safadi at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart TONY V. MARTIN PHOTOS, THE TIMES

get diagnosed as having restless leg syndrome and they’d get thrown on meds they didn’t need and have unnecessary side effects.”

hen physicians know what they’re looking for, the diagnosis isn’t necessarily complicated. Safadi says they start with a vein mapping ultrasound looking for leakage. “If the vein mapping is abnormal, then we do a more invasive procedure like a venogram,” he says. “If that’s abnormal, we put in a stent to open the vein.” Devine remembers the ease of the procedure and

the welcome relief after years of unrelenting pain. “Dr. Safadi pinched off the artery and put in a stent,” she says. “Because of my age, my veins don’t regenerate, but I want younger women to know about this because their veins can.” Without the ability to regenerate, Devine still experiences pain from the damage to her veins over all the years. “But after 57 years the severe pain is gone,” she says. “I am able to work without discomfort. It’s a life saver for me. I can work for another five or seven years.” Safadi chuckles as he recounts how his patients react after the procedure. “I open up arteries and unblock them all the time and the next day my patients don’t give me the time of day,” he says. “But with MTS they give boxes of chocolates. It’s such a life changer.” —Jane Ammeson november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 11

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food & fitness The

Dirty

After Before

Jenna Sluiter

Eating vs. Exercise

ou know how it goes… you finally start going to the gym again and begin exercising four or five days a week. You feel stronger, but the weight just isn’t coming off. What gives? While exercise plays a vital role, it’s unlikely to result in weight loss without proper nutrition, according to Joe Mishlove, clinical dietitian at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point. “You want to do a little bit of both,” Mishlove says. “Improve your diet and stay active.” Mishlove explains that when someone relies on exercise alone, “they build muscle mass but don’t lose the fat layer.” While increased muscle helps boost energy and improve metabolism, it doesn’t necessarily lead to weight loss. He cautions, however, that relying on nutrition alone is not the answer, either. “You can lose weight by eating a healthier diet, but it goes hand in hand. What you burn off is important, too.”

Jenna Sluiter of Crete began working out regularly to lose baby weight after the birth of her son, but to no avail. “My mentality was, I worked out today, I can eat anything I want, and I did.” She then started counting calories, which helped her “easily” lose a pound a week. Those calories came primarily from lowfat or fat-free products, however, which Sluiter learned were not healthy, despite being low in calories. She then started eating “real food instead of processed, low-fat junk.” Doing so resulted in a 26-pound weight loss overall. Sluiter still is an advocate for exercise. “It keeps your body running the way it was intended to run,” she says. “It improves your mood, boosts your energy, helps you sleep better… but if you aren’t eating right, you aren’t going to see the best results and the best benefits for your health.” —Julia Perla Huisman

EATING TO LOSE WEIGHT • Eat smaller meals more frequently to keep metabolism going. • Don’t skip meals. • Include protein at breakfast so you don’t get hungry right away.

Dozen The following fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide loads in 2015, according to the Environmental Working Group. It is recommended that you purchase the organic varieties of the following produce: 1. Apples 2. Peaches 3. Nectarines 4. Strawberries 5. Grapes 6. Celery 7. Spinach 8. Sweet bell peppers 9. Cucumbers 10. Cherry tomatoes 11. Imported snap peas 12. Potatoes Source: ewg.org

• Stay hydrated with non-caloric beverages (water or unsweetened tea). • If you have a sedentary job, avoid carbohydrates.You won’t be able to burn them off as quickly as if you were in an active job. Source: Joe Mishlove of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point

Find more food & fitness on page 14 november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 13

Why deadlifts are essential for the back

he most effective exercise you likely are not doing is the deadlift. The deadlift, executed by properly lifting a barbell or free weights from the ground (see sidebar), strengthens both the core and back muscles, which is vital for your overall health. A deconditioned or weakened core leads to increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, according to Scott Braun, chiropractic doctor and sports physician at Kostidis Chiropractic in Valparaiso. This is in addition to back problems, of course. “Back pain is the number two reason for ER visits and missed time at work,” Braun says. “Having a strong back and core can help prevent possible injuries,” which include muscle strains, bulging or herniated discs, and stress fractures. So why not just do a bunch of sit-ups and Supermans? David Knoerzer, a personal trainer at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, offers two reasons why the deadlift is more effective. “First, the core muscles are asked to stabilize the spine and maintain alignment against a much greater external load than they are for isolation exercises,” Knoerzer says. “Second, the core muscles are asked to do this while the body and load are in motion.” He adds that extension exercises such as deadlifts are important for remaining in balance, which leads to countless positive results. “Deadlifts, when done properly, will offer a host of benefits, including

STEP 2

HOW TO DO A DEADLIFT

4. 5.

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5 TONY V. MARTIN PHOTOS, THE TIMES

STEP 1

improved posture, improved bone density because they load the entire body, increased absolute Stand with your feet and functional shoulder-width apart and under the bar. strength, improved power and athletic Grab the bar, arms straight performance, and and just outside your elevated metabolism,” legs, and straighten your back. Knoerzer recommends pulling Knoerzer says. on the bar without actually Proper form is lifting it to build tension crucial, however. and preload the muscles. When lifting, “make Lift the bar and begin a conscious effort standing up, with core to first begin with engaged and back straight. proper positioning, Stand all the way up, keeping but also activate the the bar against your legs. muscles of the core Personal with maximal effort Return the weight to the trainer David floor by pushing your hips to stabilize the spine Knoerzer of back and bending your legs once like a compression Fitness Pointe the bar reaches your knees. in Munster brace,” Knoerzer says. A lifting belt can help ensure proper form. And while there are many varieties of deadlifts, Knoerzer those deadlifts because I have a bad back.’ No, you recommends that the lift begin from the floor in have a bad back because you don’t work out or do order to avoid injury. deadlifts.” When DeVries started doing deadlifts, Garry DeVries of Hammond incorporates deadlifts he used a very light weight to ensure proper form. into his workouts whenever possible. “You will Now, he can lift 315 pounds. “My back has never hear a lot of people say, ‘I can’t work out or do felt better.” —Julia Perla Huisman

14 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

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World class orthopaedic treatment right here in the neighborhood By Bob Moulesong

Times Correspondent

Northwest Indiana residents who are suffering from any orthopaedic problem – knee, foot, spine, shoulder, hip, or hand – don’t have to travel to Chicago to find the world-class treatment they need. minimally invasive surgery, or MIS. The benefits of MIS are less tissue disruption during surgery, which leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.

state of the art,World-class treatment Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana (OSNI), the largest fully integrated orthopaedic group in Lake County, has been providing world-class care to the patients of Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area for twenty years. “Our physicians and surgeons have trained at the most prestigious institutions from around the country and have been continuously recognized for their research and patient excellence awards,” said Dr. Dwight Tyndall, the Stanford and Hospital for Special Surgery trained spine care specialist. Dr. Khanna, who trained at Washington University and Rush Medical Center, remarked, “The list of nationally recognized universities included Duke, Northwestern, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, The Cleveland Clinic, Loyola University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania and New York University.” He added, “We are especially proud to have such a collection of well trained and highly regarded surgeons.” Dr. Tyndall and Dr. Nitin Khanna have both developed new minimally invasive spine surgical techniques and instrumentations that allow patients to go home the same day of surgery. In fact, when surgery is needed, the focus of the entire group is

Jack Gelman M.D., FAAPS

Hand, Wrist and Elbow

Dwight Tyndall, M.D., FAAOS

Spine Care, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Disc Regenerative Therapy

Sunil Dedhia M.D., FAAOS

Sports Medicine, General Orthopedics, Arthroscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Upper/Lower Extremity, Knee Replacement, Work-Related Injuries/Conditions

“Surgeries that used to take six or seven hours can now be completed in much less time,” Dr. Tyndall said. “Many of these new, state-of-the-art spine procedures can be done on an outpatient basis.” OSNI physicians have taught surgeons from around the world their minimally invasive techniques and hold clinical academic appointments at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Spinal treatment is not the only specialty offered by OSNI. They also offer joint replacement, foot and ankle surgery, hand surgery, and sports medicine.

“Everything related to the treatment of orthopaedic care is offered in one easily accessible modern state of the art facility,” said Dr. Hecht, who is a University of Chicago trained joint surgeon. He further added, “We, the doctors, felt that we should have a modern and welcoming environment for our patients as well as our staff who do a tremendous job taking care of our patients.” The OSNI office offers easy access to parking as Nitin Khanna Arshad A. Khan Robert W. Coats II Joseph D. Hecht well as all needed diagnostics M.D., FAAOS DPM M.D., FAAOS M.D., FAAOS Spine Care, Foot and Ankle Surgery Hand and Upper Hip and Knee Joint Replacement, (X-rays, Open MRI) and physical Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Extremity Conditions General Orthopedics therapy, all under one roof.

spinal conditions

Joint replacement

OSNI offers treatment for many spinal conditions including disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, cervical disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal compression fractures, and spondylolisthesis. Surgical procedures are considered only after all conservative treatment options have been exhausted, according to Dr. Tyndall. “We conduct a thorough examination of the patient to determine the best course of action,” Dr. Khanna said. “This examination includes digital X-rays and an open MRI to assist us in a correct diagnosis.” Alternative options to surgery include physical therapy; exercise, medication, and manipulation are explored and exhausted before surgery is considered. “Many patients can find lasting relief from their painful condition without surgery,” Dr. Tyndall said. “Some patients do not search out help because of their fear of surgery. However, the truth is, there are several alternatives to surgery and when surgery is needed, many procedures are minimally invasive.”

OSNI offers minimally invasive hip replacement surgery that can have the patient home the day after surgery. Our joint specialist, Dr. Hecht, has helped champion new procedures including anterior hip replacement, which results in less tissue trauma as the technique goes between muscle planes during hip replacement, Dr. Tyndall explained. “The artificial implants used include enhanced polyethylene plastic and metal with ceramic properties as well as permitting porous bone ingrowth rather than bone cement. This leads to longer lasting joint replacements compared to earlier designs. Specially designed surgical instruments are used to prepare the joint to get the implants in place through very small incisions.” Because the new techniques are minimally invasive, patients can return home sooner, even overnight, and return to normal activities faster than ever before. Joint specialists at OSNI also offer replacement surgeries for the knee, shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist that allow patients to regain mobility and alleviate pain. Drs. Coats and Dedhia specialize in reverse shoulder arthroplasty for patients suffering from severe rotator cuff deficiency

16 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

or proximal humerus fractures. “Our physicians employ state-of-the-art techniques to get our patients back on their feet – literally – as quickly as possible,” added Dr. Hecht. OSNI is one of the very few facilities in the greater Chicago area to offer ankle replacement surgery with Dr. Khan being the only local surgeon to offer it. Dr. Khan, the most recent member of OSNI and a graduate of Loyola, was recently in solo practice. He stated that he joined OSNI because he felt it was the best orthopaedic group in the area and felt that it provided the best environment for his patients. “Successful ankle replacement surgery is very sophisticated, therefore very few medical facilities can offer this option to patients,” Dr. Khan said. Besides ankle replacement, Dr. Khan also performs other advanced foot and ankle surgeries including complex traumatic and reconstructive surgeries of the ankle and foot such as micro nerve surgery and grafting of peripheral nerves of the lower extremities.

Patients can see our commitment to future growth by how we continue to bring the best physicians from top programs across the country to our area,” Dr. Khanna summarized. “By being able to attract many top medical professionals to OSNI we avoid group think. We believe in new ideas and innovation in the field of orthopaedic care. We are committed to bringing these advancements to our community and our patients.

sports surgery

Dr. Sunil Dedhia, a Northwestern Medical School and Orthopaedic residency graduate, who specializes in sports medicine and is the team doctor for Andrean and Purdue Calumet College, explained that the culture of OSNI is to put the patients’ needs first. To that end the entire practice is structured to focus on the patients, from their first check-in to their rehab after surgery. He further explained that by focusing on just sports medicine and sports surgery he is able to offer the specialized care that sports related injuries such as ACL tears and shoulder rotator cuff tears require. To speed patients’ recovery and return to active sports as soon as possible Dr. Dedhia utilizes the latest arthroscopy technology in treating these injuries.

Hand surgery and upper extremity surgery Dr. Jack Gelman, who trained at Duke and The Cleveland Clinic and is both a hand and plastics surgeon, believes that OSNI’s philosophy of offering sub specialized care is good for patient care since it allows patients to be seen by surgeons who are specialists in their field. He added, “This sub specialization allows the very best and most advanced care.” Dr. Robert Coats is an orthopaedic hand surgeon in the group, who completed his Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at the University of Chicago. Having both plastic and orthopaedic surgeons specializing in hand surgery allows comprehensive care of the bones, joints, nerves and soft tissues affecting the hand. Dr. Coats noted that it is a rarity to have such high caliber hand surgeons in one private practice.

Workers compensation

Given the complexity of treating the injured worker, OSNI has a dedicated team of work comp professionals to ensure a seamless process throughout the entire plan of care. If surgical intervention is needed after failure of nonsurgical conservative treatment, all efforts are made to restore function in a minimally invasive, tissue sparing approach and to get the injured worker back on their feet. The team of professionals is well versed in both Indiana and Illinois cases. The OSNI physicians understand that dealing with pain and injuries can negatively affect not only a patient’s performance at work but also a patient’s personal life. Therefore, a team approach involving the physicians, staff, case managers and patients is used to assure timely treatment and return to work.

innovative diagnostic testing ONSI offers innovative diagnostic testing such as an open MRI and digital X-rays. “Frequently, pain forces patients to seek medical help,” Dr. Tyndall explained. “Our focus is to make our patients as comfortable as possible and that begins with having state-of-the-art diagnostic testing right here in our building so patients don’t need to go to multiple places to get their testing done.” Since many people have a fear of enclosed places such as a traditional MRI, OSNI offers patients an open MRI machine for their test. “We see many patients who are full figured and have difficulty fitting into a regular MRI. Being able to offer these patients an open MRI is a wonderful opportunity to ease their discomfort. They are already suffering; we don’t want to add to their discomfort.” Dr. Tyndall said OSNI also offers state-of-the-art digital X-rays. “Digital X-rays allow the physician to see the results by the time the patient returns to the examination room,” Dr. Dedhia said. “This allows us to shorten the wait time that is often experienced by patients in more traditional type offices.” The friendly and inviting atmosphere and staff, as well as the recently completed remodeling, both serve to improve the patient experience.

pHysical/occupational tHerapy

Another significant advantage offered by OSNI is on-site physical and occupational therapy. The physical therapists at OSNI are experts in motion-range exercises to reduce pain and restore mobility and function. The therapists create personal treatment plans that meet the patient’s healthcare and post-operative rehabilitation needs. “We have a seamless process between physician and therapist,” Dr. Coats said. “Being in close proximity allows our staff to communicate as often as needed to ensure that the patient is receiving the best care possible.” Both Dr. Gelman and Dr. Coats agreed, adding that being able to directly speak to the hand therapists about difficult hand rehab cases helps to speed the patients’ recovery and helps to engage the patients in their rehabilitation. The physical therapy staff has advanced training in joint mobilization and manipulation as well as orthopaedic non-surgical and post-surgical care. Staff members are certified in a variety of rehabilitations including sports, joints, hand, spinal and pain centralization. Occupational therapy focuses on hand and arm therapy to increase skill and strength. OSNI employs certified hand specialists to work with patients with hand injuries.

call today to schedule an evaluation with one of osni's physicians (219) 924-3300

a state-of-the-art facility,excellent staff and well-trained surgeons make osni a winning combination and a great resource for patients in the chicago area and northwest indiana.

orthopaedic specialists of northWest indiana 730 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321 • (219) 924-3300 • www.osni.org november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 17

senior scope

DON’T DELAY If you fall asleep watching TV, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, which causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start, is becoming an epidemic in this country with an estimated one in four middle age to elderly patients who visit a doctor suffering from it, says Dr. John Dolatowski, a Hobart internist who is part of the Community Care Network. Dolatowski says many patients suffer for years because they put off going to the doctor. “A lot of people really try to minimize this and neglect it,” he says. “They don’t want to have sleep apnea. They don’t want the testing. They don’t want to get it treated.” He encourages them not to ignore it because of other health complications such as heart damage and increased risk of stroke and

18 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

heart attack. “It can do real harm to your health. Also, if it’s not diagnosed and treated, you’re always presenting with symptoms of other problems to your doctor, and we never have the underlying diagnosis contributing to it.” Dolatowski diagnoses patients with sleep apnea often and says most come in saying, “Doc, I’m just so tired. I don’t know why I’m so tired all the time.” While patients will report sleeping well, follow-up sleep tests reveal they are not getting into deep levels of sleep needed to refresh their brains and allow them to function normally. Gary resident W. Dennis Hodges, a patient of Dolatowski’s, says receiving a sleep apnea diagnosis and learning how to manage the disorder helped him get back to leading a productive life.

Hodges says he had fatigue for a long time but did not pay much attention to it. When he finally decided to talk to Dolatowski about it, the doctor recommended a sleep study. An overnight test indicated Hodges was not getting enough oxygen to his brain and the solution would be for him to use a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, device, a small machine that oxygenates the brain during sleep. “Since that has happened, I have felt more alert and more progressive in the things that I do,” Hodges says. “I’m so glad it came up in the evaluation.” While there may be a stigma attached to sleep apnea because patients have to use a CPAP machine, Hodges says his mask is comfortable and his machine is relatively quiet. —Jennifer Pallay

Sleep Apnea Facts • Sleep apnea can affect all ages. It is especially prevalent in people who are obese and the elderly. • Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder. • Symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue; difficulty keeping eyes open; snoring; involuntarily falling asleep during the day, such as while watching TV; and morning headaches. • Sleep apnea can cause health issues such as sleep deprivation, congestive heart failure, heart damage, increased risk of stroke, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, pulmonary hypertension, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus.The condition can also contribute to confusion, poor concentration, depression and even dementia.

EXERCISE AND THE

AGING BRAIN

ost of us know about the physical benefits of exercise, but researchers are now learning more about its positive effects on cognitive abilities. In a study published in the July issue of the scientific journal PLOS One, researchers evaluated how the dose of aerobic exercise (0, 75, 150 or 225 minutes) affected cognition in seniors 65 and older. The study lasted 26 weeks, during which time the control group did not change its lifestyle and the three other groups participated in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for the allotted minutes per week. Researchers found that while a relationship did exist between cognitive benefits and exercise, the actual amount of exercise did not matter as much. Most of the exercisers showed improvement in general thinking skills and also cognitive skills known to decline as people age. But the differences in test scores between those who exercised the most and those who exercised less were barely significant. Susan Hynek, wellness director at Hartsfield Village in Munster, has seen firsthand how much exercise can benefit seniors, helping them stay sharper and improving their attitude. “Any time you’re breathing and exercising, allowing oxygen to go to the brain, that will always improve that cognitive area of the brain,” she says. “There are so many health benefits to exercise that it’s almost a shame that every single human being is not doing some form of exercise in their life.” Anytime the brain is deprived of oxygen, it goes into distress and changes your thought process, she says. “You’re starving it from what it needs. Your memory is horrible. You’re foggy.” Exercise oxygenates the brain to help it function. She says that while the study provided specific time amounts to exercise, the amount of exercise a senior needs will depend on individual characteristics, such as health issues, age and previous exercise experience. “We have to tweak and adapt,” she says. “We can’t do the things we used to and can become more attuned to the things we can do. ... I think sometimes they are even surprised by what they can accomplish.” —Jennifer Pallay

NWI Alzheimer’s Support Groups The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter offers education for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Visit alz.org/indiana or call 800.272.3900.

Third Tuesday of the month, 6pm St. Mary Medical Center Auditorium 1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart Fourth Thursday of the month, 6pm Franciscan Hammond Clinic Third Floor 7905 Calumet Ave, Munster Second Thursday of the month, 6:30pm St. John’s United Church of Christ 101 St. John’s Rd, Michigan City Community Healthcare System offers free Alzheimer’s support groups.

JOHN LUKE, TIMES FILE PHOTO

Seniors participate in the Silver Sneakers Yoga class at Valparaiso’s YMCA.

A GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED Many seniors want to enjoy the physical and cognitive benefits of exercise but may not know where to start. Susan Hynek, wellness director at Hartsfield Village in Munster, offers these tips: • Know the benefits of exercise. It can create an atmosphere of health and wellness in the brain and give you more focus. It can also help calm you down, which helps with depression. • Even a 5- to 10-minute daily exercise program is better than sitting still. • Yoga is a great exercise for almost anyone. • Before beginning an exercise program,

assess and test to see what is working. Start small and make improvements as you go. • For those without gym access, starting a walking program with their doctor’s permission is a great way to start. • Create a goal to work toward.

Second Wednesday of the month, 6pm Hartsfield Village 10000 Columbia Ave, Munster For more information and to register, call 219.934.0750. Third Tuesday of the month, 6pm St. Mary Medical Center Auditorium Patient Tower 1500 S Lake Park Ave, Hobart To register, call 219.836.3477. Franciscan Alliance offers a caregiver support group, which includes those caring for patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, cancer, stroke or other adult care.

Fourth Sunday of the month, 2pm Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer Blessed Mother Conference Room, West Entrance 24 Joliet St Call 219.365.3898.

• Your work is never finished—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 19

Rest Assured

Sleep is essential to our well-being. Lack of sleep affects productivity, is linked to serious health conditions and can affect quality of life. Knowing the facts about sleep can be lifesaving. Once correctly diagnosed, most of the 70 identified sleep disorders can be effectively treated.

H a r t s f i e l d Vi l l ag e

Rehab

From hospital to home with Hartsﬁeld Your bridge to better health

The hospitals of Community Healthcare System offer advanced medical equipment and expert staff to assist with the proper diagnosis and treatment of various sleep disorders. Our staff of experts will work with you, and your primary care physician, to treat and improve the quality of both your sleeping and waking hours.

For more information or to schedule a sleep evaluation, please call one of our sleep centers: COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: 219-934-2873 ST. CATHERINE HOSPITAL: 219-392-7666 ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER: 219-947-6790 Or visit us online at www.comhs.org Community Healthcare System ®

Community Hospital St. Catherine Hospital St. Mary Medical Center

Our team of experienced professionals, affiliated with Community Healthcare System®, helps rehabilitation patients recover from surgery, injury or serious illness. Although transitions can be challenging, we strive to facilitate the process smoothly in a warm and encouraging environment where our patients and guests feel well-informed, cared for and welcome. Rehabilitation featuring: • State-of-the-art therapy gym • Virtual reality therapy • Therapeutic modalities - Electrical stimulation - Shortwave diathermy - Therapeutic ultrasound • Orthotic and splinting therapy • Mobility and balancing training

Re hab i l i t a t i o n Ce n te r

Schedule a tour today. Call 219-934-0590. 503 Otis Bowen Drive | Munster, IN 46321 www.hartsﬁeldvillage.com 20 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

on your mind

Virtual Support

hen it comes to the tragic issue of suicide, awareness plays a big part in prevention. Although social media has been blamed for contributing to suicides due to the introduction of something that has only come to exist in recent years—cyberbullying—social media and the Internet also provide some positives. Online resources, chat rooms, virtual support groups and social media can sometimes fill the gaps for someone who feels isolated and doesn’t have a real-life social network to help them connect to others. Technology also can provide resources for families left behind by suicide. Tina Kottka, of Griffith, is a teen facilitator with the Wounded Healers, a support group for those who have lost someone close to them to suicide. The group meets at St. James Church in Highland. Kottka lost her own son, Steve, to suicide five years ago. He was 21. Kottka says the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org) is a good resource for those who are contemplating suicide and those who know someone who may be thinking about it.

“It’s a place we refer a lot of people to,” she says. The website covers everything from warning signs of suicide to risk factors to research findings. It includes prevention tools, like an anonymous interactive screening guide for employers and schools. There’s also support for those who have experienced a loss to suicide and links to finding a local chapter. A national hotline (800.273.TALK) is also available through the AFSP. Kottka says that online resources are especially valuable in places where local chapters and support groups are missing. “There are a lot of support groups on Facebook,” she says. “You can get on there and know that everyone has gone through it and they understand what you’re going through. If it’s an anniversary, they won’t forget, where people you know might forget it over time.” Websites related to suicide can also lead you to local resources or awareness walks, like the annual walk Kottka organizes each September in honor of her son at Centennial Park in Munster. This year’s walk took place Sept. 26.

—Carrie Steinweg

Find more on your mind on page 22

november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 21

orthopaedic specialists

of Northwest Indiana

“Visionaire Instrumentation” Custom Alignment for Knee Replacement Here the imaging is used to precisely measure how much bone and cartilage is removed so that the knee replacement components have the ideal fit for each individual patient. One orthopedic manufacturer, SmithNephew, uses a preoperative MRI, which is used for the measurements. That data is reviewed by the company engineers and the patients surgeon and when all that information appears correct, custom-made cutting blocks are created for component placement during surgery. Branded “Visionaire” technique, the cutting blocks are made of a hard nylon material, come sterilized for use in the operating room and fit exactly over the bone. Once secured to the bone, they have a cutting slot where the bone cuts are completed.

New Techniques in Joint Replacement Computer modeled cutting blocks, custom designed for each patient and based on their own X-Ray and MRI imaging helps the surgery become even less invasive, faster and with less blood loss. There are several advantages to this. One, as already mentioned, is precision and customized component placement. Additionally these blocks are smaller than even the minimally invasive instruments, so the surgery can be less invasive. Since they come “pre-aligned,” there are no larger alignment instruments needed, so the surgery is often done in significantly less time. Finally, there is no rod placement down the central bone canal as in traditional techniques, which can lead to extra post-op blood loss.

ARTHRITIS UPDATE:

ADVANCES IN JOINT REPLACEMENT ♦ Residency/Training: Univ. of Chicago ♦ Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons (ABOS) ♦ Member American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

For more information about Visionaire Custom Alignment Knee, I can be contacted at:

Joseph Hecht, M.D

Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana 730-45th Street, Munster, IN 46321

www.josephhechtmd.com Phone 219-924-3300 Fax (219) 922-5424 22 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

Improve Your Mood with Food What you eat can affect your mood. That’s according to recent studies of the so-called gut-brain connection. Terri Sakaleris, registered dietitian and nutritionist at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe in Munster, recalls a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry that found a 40- to 50-percent decrease in depression of patients studied who ate whole foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and very little processed foods. “The carbohydrates, fats and protein made the body and brain work better,” Sakaleris says. “Patients noted an overall feeling of improved wellness, less anxiety and depression. Researchers are noting that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system that trigger mood changes.” Kyla Kethcart has learned a lot about gut health in dealing with dietary changes for her children, and has recently given presentations on the subject at Locavore Farm in Grant Park, Ill. “We pretty much started this journey with changes in our diet due to food allergies,” Kethcart says. “Your digestion does affect the rest of your body. There are a lot of studies out about gutbrain link. There are toxins that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier.” “My daughter with the most severe food allergies had a lot of really impulsive behaviors. I CARRIE STEINWEG Locavore Farm in Grant Park serves know she’s a kid, but there were whole, unprocessed foods and some things I felt like she really teaches on the topic of gut health. could grasp,” Kethcart says. “That was something I noticed changed almost overnight when we changed her diet. I think once some of that pathogenic material started to die and got replaced with good bacteria it helped to heal her.” She says her family’s diet is rich in probiotics, including yogurt, kefir and lacto-fermented vegetables like sauerkraut. Sakelaris, who is also a certified diabetes educator, notes that diabetes management can also benefit mental health. “We can change our gut flora by changing our diet,” she says. “Food can be great medicine. Keeping your blood sugar steady and GI (gastrointestinal) tract running well is one way you can manage your moods.” —Carrie Steinweg

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888-459-2349 november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 23

Eat healthy, stay active and keep mentally fit during the holidays

he calendar has turned to fall, which means the holiday season is upon us. It’s that time of year known for eating, eating and ... more eating. From the candy on Halloween to the turkey and pies of Thanksgiving to the cookies and ham on Christmas, it can be hard to resist packing on the pounds from October through New Year’s. It’s also a part of the calendar when time can be difficult to come by. With all the shopping and traveling and cooking that goes on, people often have trouble fitting in exercise. Add all these factors together— the busyness, the unhealthy eating, the lack of physical activity—and it can be a stressful time of year. But Get Healthy has your back. We spoke to experts in Northwest Indiana about how you can make it to January 1 without so many regrets. The following pages feature advice on ways to eat healthy, stay physically active and keep your stress levels in check during the holidays. Start planning now, and those New Year’s resolutions won’t be so tough to achieve. —Giles Bruce

(Clockwise from top) J, Nathan, Carly, Lincoln, Haley, Ruby and Vicki Calaway of Munster and Hammond enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together at The Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms. PENNY FRAZIER

24 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Whole pieces of fruit (apples and pears are in season)

Raisinets (because at least they have fruit in them)

Salty fare like baked chips, pretzels, Sun Chips, popcorn and crackers

4. 5. 6.

Sugar-free candy or gum

Mini granola bars

Stickers or temporary tattoos

Halloween novelty toys like rings or spiders

8. 9.

Children’s books

Pencils and pads of paper

—Giles Bruce

Sources: Kate Fairbairn of Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, Kim Kramer of Ingalls Wellness Center, Kelly Devine Rickert of Franciscan Wellcare and Leela Chigurupati of Methodist Hospitals

If you do eat candy ... ... make sure to brush your teeth often, says Kimberly Balko, lead hygienist for NorthShore Health Centers. “For every bite you take, the acid byproduct sits on the teeth for up to 15 to 20 minutes. That acid process causes cavities,” she says. “If you’re going to eat something with sugar, you should rinse your mouth or brush and floss right away.”

Bring nutritious side dishes. If you’re going to a potluck, bring a healthy dish, such as a veggie tray, nuts, whole-grain pasta salad or fruit kabobs. TONY V. MARTIN

7 tips FOR

EATING RIGHT 26 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

Substitute. Substitute. Substitute. Use skim milk instead

of whole, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, powdered sugar instead of icing, low-sodium broth, whole-grain bread, and low-fat gravy and cheese. Or why not make green beans without the casserole? Your dinner guests will likely never notice.

Buy from local producers for the most natural, fresh ingredients.

Visit your local fruit stand, orchard or farmer to purchase fresh (and sometimes organic) food. “When you buy produce in a market, stuff is sitting in a cooler a month. And beef, pork, the longer it’s sitting, it’s losing nutrition,” says Paul Polizzi, executive chef of the

Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms in Jasper County, which sells its own meat, produce and dairy products. “Something... picked that day is going to be more fresh, have more vitamins and nutrients.”

Eat (and drink) in moderation. To save calories, take the skin off the meat. Skip the roll and butter. Drink sparkling water or wine in place of higher-calorie beverages like soda or beer. Try one dessert instead of three. Limit yourself to one plate on Thanksgiving.

Make sure at least half your plate is vegetables. It’s an easy-to-

remember rule to help you cut down on the carbs and fat.

Bring nutritious side dishes. If you’re

going to a potluck, bring a healthy dish, such as a veggie tray, nuts, whole-grain pasta salad or fruit kabobs. Or think outside the box. “How many events have you been to where they had too much food?” asks Kate Fairbairn, a life and nutrition coach at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe in Munster. “Another option is to bring a nice bouquet of flowers. It will last after the party, it’s pretty and you won’t be adding more food.”

Keep a food journal. If you know

how much you’ve eaten, you’ll know when you have room to indulge in your grandmother’s sweet potatoes or a piece of pumpkin pie.

Bring a snack while you’re Christmas shopping. Keep a granola bar or bag

of trail mix with you during those marathon shopping seasons so you don’t end up hitting the drive-thru at 10 o’clock at night. —Giles Bruce

Sources: Polizzi, Fairbairn, Kim Kramer of Ingalls Wellness Center, Kelly Devine Rickert of Franciscan Wellcare and Leela Chigurupati of Methodist Hospitals

4 Runners from all over the Region participated in last year’s Turkey Trot at Valparaiso High School. DAN SHELTON, THE TIMES

STRATEGIES FOR STAYING

PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Do what you can. “The

problem with the holidays is the fact that, many times, people develop this all-or-nothing attitude,” says Kate Fairbairn, a life and nutrition coach at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe in Munster. “They say, ‘I’m not going to do any of it and I’m going to pick it up after January 1.’ What you want to do is a smaller version of your regular exercise routine, so you’re not too far behind the eight ball when January 2 rolls around.”

Go for convenience. “I

have the ‘7 Minute Workout’ app. I do it at lunch or when the kids go to bed. I always get sore after it,” says Kelly Devine Rickert, a dietitian and health coach for Franciscan Wellcare. “I also like the ‘Walk Away the Pounds’ DVD. You literally walk in place at your house. It’s good for people without gym memberships.”

Plan ahead. “You need to have a really well-structured plan so you know what to expect when the holidays come,” says Dr. Faleh Atassi, a family medicine doctor with the Porter Physician Group. “And nobody should change their plan just because it’s the holidays.”

Take part in fitness activities related to the holidays. “There are a lot

of races around the holidays: the Hot Chocolate 5K, turkey trots,” says Kim Kramer, dietitian with Ingalls Wellness Center in Flossmoor, Ill. “Or you can even just bundle up and go for a walk with your family after you eat or in the morning before you get started with the holiday.” —Giles Bruce

november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 27

WAYS TO BEAT THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Take care of yourself. “A lot of times we forget about that because we’re too busy taking care of everyone else,” says Felicia Houston, a licensed clinical professional counselor for Ingalls Health System. “So get enough sleep, eat right, exercise every day. A lot of times, people think self care is selfish, but it’s necessary to keep your stress level down during the holidays.”

Do everything in moderation.

“During the holidays, a lot of people tend to indulge,” she says. “Know your limits, as far as eating and drinking. You don’t want to be walking around with regrets, with hangovers, with extra pounds. Be mindful of your own tipping points.”

Stick to a budget. “Financial

stress during the holidays is at an all-time high,” she says. “So don’t buy random gifts for people. If they’re not on the list, they’re not on the list. Last-minute gifts, they’re pricey.”

Take time to enjoy the season. “A lot of people

get so caught up in the busyness of decorating, shopping and cooking that they don’t take time to enjoy themselves,” she says. “Take a

28 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

few minutes: enjoy the decorations, actually enjoy the food, inhale the smells that are in the house.” Recognize you can’t change your loved ones. “The people

in your life are who they are,” she says. “You can’t make a Santa Claus out of a Scrooge. If you have relatives who drink too much, know they’re probably going to do that.” Focus on the memories rather than materialism. “We’ll

never remember what Aunt Caroline got us for Christmas, but we’ll remember the time we spent with her,” says Diane Vojslavek, behavioral health consultant for NorthShore Health Centers. “As humans, we’re geared toward remembering times rather than material items. So if you don’t have money, do a favor for someone or spend time with that person.”

Prepare for dealing with a loss. “Develop new traditions

in honor of a person whom you are no longer with,” she says. “Being with other people who also knew or lost that person can be a way to connect. It’s getting that social connection that’s important this time of year.”

Don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses. “Don’t

feel like you have to be ‘superparents,’” says Jean Lubeckis, a therapist with Franciscan Alliance. “You’ll rack up credit card bills you can’t pay or that are going to become a burden in February or March. A lot of parents feel like gifts are reflections of their love. They’re not.”

10.

Set boundaries. “Know

your personal limits,” she says. “Don’t overextend yourself with too many obligations. Learn to say, ‘I wish I could, but I can’t do it this year.’ Offer a compromise, like spending a whole day together the week before the holiday instead of just an hour or two the day of.”

11.

Focus on the positives.

“What’s your favorite holiday food? Is there any particular kind of music or song you like?” says the Rev. David Neville Jr., director of spiritual care for Methodist Hospitals. “Then do some planning, to make some of that food or play some of that music when the holidays actually come. You’ll invoke positive memories compared to the negative, like ‘I don’t have the food’ or ‘I don’t have the money.’”

12.

Reach out to others. “If

I’m lonely or isolated, maybe there’s somebody else who’s lonely or isolated. What can I do to help them?” he says. “I see another lady down the hall who doesn’t have family in the area—maybe I can introduce myself. What ends up happening is we not only help them, we help ourselves.” —Giles Bruce

HEALTHY

HOLIDAY RECIPES

NUTTY HOLIDAY CHEESEBALL Ingredients:

• 8 ounces light cream cheese • 8 ounces reduced fat Kaukauna cheese spread • 2 tablespoons green pepper, diced • 2 tablespoons red pepper, diced • 2 tablespoons onion, diced • 1.5 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice • 1/2 to 1 cup Grapenut nuggets

Directions: Mix all ingredients (except Grapenuts) and form into a ball. Roll cheeseball in Grapenuts. Chill before serving. Nutrition (1 tablespoon): 32 calories, 2 grams fat, 2 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 2 grams protein, 87 milligrams sodium. Recipe yields 32 tablespoons.

CRUSTLESS PUMPKIN PIE

PROVIDED

Be altruistic. “Each year, my kids and I give an unsuspecting person a gift,” she says. “Doing something kind and unexpected helps you walk away feeling emotionally rewarded, and that person also feels appreciated.”

Ingredients:

• 1 15-ounce can solid pack pumpkin (not pie filling) • 1 13-ounce can evaporated skim milk • 1 egg • 2 egg whites • 1/2 cup reduced fat biscuit mix • 3/4 cup Splenda sweetener • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice • 2 teaspoons vanilla • Vegetable oil spray • Fat-free Cool Whip or other fat-free whipped topping • Nutmeg for garnish

Directions: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray 9-inch pie pan with vegetable oil spray. Place all recipe ingredients in a blender, food processor or bowl (if using a hand mixer). Blend one minute or mix two minutes.

Pour into pie pan and bake for 50 minutes or until center is puffed up. Serve with a dollop of whipped topping and a dusting of spice if desired. Nutrition: (1/8 of pie) 105 calories, 2 grams fat, 7 grams protein, 15 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 205 milligrams sodium. MORE RECIPES ON PAGE 30

november/december 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 29

APPLE CRANBERRY SQUASH Ingredients:

• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 Jonathan or McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and chopped • 2 tablespoons sugar (or substitute Splenda) • 1 cup cranberries, thawed if frozen • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place squash in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover saucepan and steam 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from steamer basket and set aside.

Combine apples and half the sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until juice has evaporated. Add apples to squash. Combine cranberries and remaining sugar in same saucepan. Cook 4 minutes or until liquid

has evaporated. Add cranberries to apples and squash. Stir in melted butter and salt to taste and toss. Transfer mixture to a buttered shallow baking dish. Bake 10 minutes or until hot. Recipe makes four servings.

GARLICKY GREEN BEANS Ingredients:

• 2 pounds green beans, trimmed • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 3 tablespoons minced garlic • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or 2 teaspoons dried • 1/2 teaspoon salt • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place a large bowl of ice water next to the stove. Add half the green beans to the boiling water and cook until tender-crisp, about four minutes. Transfer the beans with a slotted spoon to the ice water to cool. Repeat with the remaining beans. Place a kitchen towel on a baking sheet and use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans from the ice water; blot dry with another towel. Just before serving, heat oil in a large Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the green beans and stir. Add parsley, tarragon, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until heated through, one to three minutes. Makes eight servings, about 1 cup each. Nutrition information (per serving): 92 calories, 6 grams fat (1 gram saturated, 4 grams mono), 10 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein, 4 grams fiber, 148 milligrams sodium, 186 milligrams potassium.

30 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

SKINNY ROASTED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES Ingredients:

• 1 garlic bulb, unpeeled • Splash of olive oil • 4 large potatoes (Idaho or russet) • About 1 cup basic chicken stock, or low-sodium canned salt to taste • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish and drizzle with olive oil. Place the dish, uncovered, in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the

garlic is golden brown and soft. Remove from the oven and let cool. Peel the potatoes and cut them in half. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender when pricked with a fork, about 30 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain. Bring the stock to a boil, and turn down to a simmer.

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves to release each clove of garlic. Mash the garlic with a fork and throw the skins away. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork, or use a food mill. Add the roasted garlic. Slowly add the stock until the desired consistency is reached. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Recipes courtesy of Kim Kramer of Ingalls Wellness Center and Kelly Devine Rickert of Franciscan Wellcare

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ask the expert DR. SREEK CHERUKURI

TONY V. MARTIN, THE TIMES

Doctor invents new, inexpensive hearing aid Hearing loss is epidemic, says Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, a boardcertified otolaryngologist at CarePointe ENT in Munster and Merrillville. Yet for three-fourths of the hearing-impaired nationwide, hearing aids are too expensive. Cherukuri offers an option, one the doctor himself invented for a very personal reason.

Q: What led you to invent a new type of hearing aid? I had some hearing loss after being exposed to loud music as a DJ when I was younger. Hearing loss is epidemic in the U.S., yet most people can’t afford the usual cost of hearing aids. That has a big impact on people, causing misunderstandings, embarrassment, workplace problems, missing out on such things as grandchildren’s voices, and contributing to the progression of cognitive problems in the elderly. Q: How many people have hearing loss? It’s

36 million people nationwide, and the majority are younger than age 65. Q: Why is that? Young people used to listen to

music with an external player or with earphones; now they use ear buds, for hours at a time and at high volume. Using smart phones and MP3 players at max volume can cause hearing loss in as little as eight to 15 minutes, and the damage is cumulative over time; I’ve seen people in their 20s with permanent hearing loss. Q: How many of those affected have hearing aids? Only a quarter of the 36 million with hearing loss have them. Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids, and FDA-approved ones on average cost $1,900 per ear. 32 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

Q: How much does the hearing aid you

Q: What is your recommendation in

invented cost? There are three different types— two digital and one analog, ranging from a couple of hundred dollars per ear up to about $1,000 per ear. The one for $349 per ear meets most people’s needs and preferences. They’re the most inexpensive FDA-approved hearing aids on the market.

general for patients with hearing loss? We say, get the best professional help and hearing aid that is affordable for you.

Q: How are you able to offer those prices?

Expensive ones come with distribution and professional services such as multiple visits with the audiologist. We opened up some (expensive) hearing aids and found that the components cost less than $300. We sourced the same, medical-grade components and did some contract manufacturing and final assembly, resulting in the one-type-for-all, MDHearingAid. Thousands of them per month can be produced; some companies can produce as few as 10 of the customized ones per month. That’s how we can offer such a competitive price. Q: How does the MDHearingAid compare to the more expensive ones? We don’t want to give the idea that our hearing aids are as good as a $1,900 hearing aid. But it is an extremely good, FDA-approved, second-best choice that is preprogrammed to accommodate the most common type of hearing loss.

Q: How can younger people avoid hearing loss? Listen to music at a reasonable volume. Use the 60/60 rule: no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time before a break of five to 15 minutes. It’s very important for hunters and people working in factories to use ear protection with ear muffs or ear plugs. I have seen people lose hearing permanently from a single gunshot they fire. Q: How do patients obtain the

MDHearingAid? After you’ve seen a professional to determine hearing loss, you can order the MDHearingAid online or by mail. It comes to your home and includes one free phone consultation and a 45-day free in-home trial. —Julie Dean Kessler

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CarePointe ENT has locations in Merrillville and Munster. For more information about the MDHearingAid, visit mdhearingaid.com.

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