Get Healthy January/February 2015 by The Times of NWI

A PUBLICATION OF THE TIMES

JILLIAN VAN VOLKENBURGH, director of education for South Shore Arts

healing

arts Expressing creativity relieves stress

ALSO

A new start for a new year Combating memory loss The journey to a pain-free life JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

NWI.COM/GETHEALTHY

ONLY AT PORTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND PORTAGE HOSPITAL. Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. You’ll find these at Porter Regional Hospital and Portage Hospital. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at porterhealth.com to view our average E.R. wait times.

THE

30-MINUTES-OR-LESS E.R. SERVICE PLEDGE.

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Porter Regional Hospital is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

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january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 1

January/February 2015

Renewal and Pain Management

A new year means new opportunities to start over, free from pain. Local health care professionals give perfect tips to start the year off right.

HEALTHY PRODUCTS

M.C. HOSPITAL PREVENTS INFECTION

LIFESTRAW SAFE DRINKING WATER FILTERS Two water purifying products make ideal holiday gifts for outdoor enthusiasts or for emergency preparedness kits. LifeStraw® Go is a refillable water bottle that transforms dirty water from a river or other unsafe source into safe drinking water. LifeStraw® Family 1.0 is a high-volume water purifier for camping trips or to include in emergency preparedness kits. For each consumer purchase of any LifeStraw® product, one school child in Africa is provided with safe water for an entire school year. With LifeStraw® Go, users simply scoop water into the bottle, screw the lid on, and sip clean water through the mouthpiece. LifeStraw® Family 1.0 uses a gravity-based system where water poured through a container moves down a tube to an exit valve while being purified. Both products remove virtually all bacteria and protozoa that can contaminate water, and reduce turbidity (muddiness) by filtering out particulate matter. LifeStraw® Family 1.0 also removes viruses. For more information, visit buylifestraw.com.

Franciscan St. Anthony Health in Michigan City is one of only 37 hospitals nationwide to receive Consumer Reports’ latest, highest rating for infection prevention. Data collected from April 2012 to March 2013 shows Franciscan St. Anthony Health rated among the best in preventing surgical site, central-line and urinary catheter infections, according to the Consumer Reports website. Infections often develop during or after surgery and can be traced to urinary or central-line catheters, which are used to provide intravenous nutrition, fluid and medication to seriously ill patients, Consumer Reports reported.

IU HEALTH LAPORTE LAUNCHES WEBSITE IU Health LaPorte Hospital has launched a website about the hospital’s ongoing search for an additional partner. The site, visionfornwi.org, is designed to provide information about the hospital’s search, as well as solicit input from community members on the future of health care in LaPorte and Starke counties. The website invites visitors to explore the IU Health LaPorte partnership process, meet the hospital board members who will be making the partner selection, learn about the facilities’ preparation for the future, and contribute thoughts.

STAND-UP MRI BUSINESS OPENS One of the first stand-up, open MRI businesses in Indiana recently opened in Munster. Stand-Up Open MRI of Indiana started operating earlier this fall at 509 Ridge Road. Its owners say the technology can more accurately assess patients’ injuries because it allows them to be standing, sitting or lying down during the MRI. The open design of the machine is also good for children and patients who have claustrophobia or post-traumatic stress disorder, Montgomery said. The one downside of the technology, he said, is that the images aren’t as clear as traditional MRIs.

METHODIST INVESTS IN IMAGING Methodist Hospitals is planning a multimillion-dollar investment in the latest diagnostic imagining equipment. The nonprofit health system signed an $11 million dollar agreement with Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc. to replace its current technology with cutting-edge CT and radiography equipment. New equipment at Methodist Hospitals includes two SOMATOM Definition Edge 128-slice CT systems that provide clearer images in less scanning time and reduce radiation doses by up to 60 percent. Enhanced neuro and cardiac imaging capabilities allow clinicians to make better diagnoses in the most difficult cases, such as with trauma and bariatric patients. Four new Mobilett Mira mobile digital X-ray systems also will reduce radiation doses through short exposure times. The new X-rays, among the smallest on the market, feature wireless technology and a rotating swivel arm that enables radiologists and technicians to more easily capture high-quality images.

the body shop

Get toned at home with these simple tips

CETAPHIL BABY LINE MOISTURIZERS AND CLEANSERS The Cetaphil® Baby line is designed with babies and parents in mind, offering them a gentle yet, powerful way to protect and nourish baby’s delicate skin. The line debuts with five products including Diaper Cream, Wash and Shampoo, Ultra Moisturizing Wash, Daily Lotion, and Moisturizing Oil, which are now available online at Cetaphil.com. With ingredients like organic calendula, almond oil and sunflower oil, Cetaphil Baby relies on the combined power of science and nature to soothe sensitive and irritated skin. All Cetaphil® Baby products are paraben free, mineral oil free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. Cetaphil® Baby products will be available at select online retailers including Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, and Diapers.com starting in mid-November. Following the online launch, the Cetaphil® Baby line will be available on shelves at select retailers nationwide including, Buy Buy Baby in January 2015 and Babies R’ Us in March 2015. JOCO REUSABLE GLASS CUPS Driven to inspire sustainability with style in a disposable culture, JOCO reusable glass cups have arrived in the U.S. to redefine the coffee and tea drinking experience. After four years of extensive research, the JOCO collective discovered that glass, rather than plastic or paper, is the truest path to untainted taste and optimal environmental sustainability. The commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. Each JOCO cup comes in a 100% recyclable canister which can be reused for anything from storing office supplies to planting seedlings. Maintaining the convenience of paper and the sustainability of reusable cups, JOCO cups are microwavable, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free, lead free and Barista certified so you can enjoy beverages in traditional 12oz. and 16oz. sizes. JOCO cup’s thermal silicone sleeve comes in a variety of colors to please every coffee and tea aficionado on holiday lists and its splash-safe lid ensures they drink the coffee, not wear it.

Debi Pillarella, M. Ed., C.P.T., program director at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe. TONY V. MARTIN

tarting a routine to tone your body can be a challenge during the winter, when exercising is often limited to the indoors and the holidays make budgets tight. However, fitness experts say there are several easy steps you can take to increase muscle tone and get ready for spring weather — all in the comfort of your home. “Your house is a gold mine of exercise opportunities,” says Deborah Pillarella, program manager at Community Hospital’s Fitness Pointe. The best exercises a person can do at home are those that provide “real world functional application,” such as squats on and off chairs, lunges with broom sticks, pushups using countertop space and dips using stairs, she says. “These fabulous four will tone and firm the upper and lower body muscles in no time, and require no special equipment and not much space,” Pillarella says. Before beginning, keep in mind when choosing exercises that you should perform equal amounts of pushing and pulling exercises to maintain muscular balance and joint stability, says Jim Schutters, co-owner of Priority Fitness Training Center in Munster. “At home, it is relatively easy to perform upper body pushing exercises like push-ups against a counter top or overhead presses with dumbbells, but pulling exercises are not as obvious or easy to replicate in the home setting,” he says. “Be sure to include pulling

exercises that target your mid- and upper-back muscles like low-rowing — maintaining elbows along your sides while pulling — and high-rowing — keeping elbows at shoulder height.” Your best exercise choices are those that utilize multiple major muscle groups, he says. “These types of exercises will impact a greater amount of muscle tissue that simple isolation exercises like biceps curls, and offer the added benefit of developing functional strength or useful strength,” Schutters says. Start your workout with three or four exercises, and gradually add or substitute more exercises to keep your body adapting, he says. “Another great tip is to combine a couple movements into one exercise to increase its value and challenge,” Schutters says. “For example, after perfecting the squat or overhead press exercises, you can combine them into one exercise that literally will work the entire body. Or combine isolation exercises like a biceps curl or triceps kickback with a squat, step-up or lunge.” If purchasing exercise equipment or a gym membership isn’t in the budget, Pillarella says there are useful items that can be found right in the home, such as sacks of potatoes and water- or sand-filled gallon jugs for weights. Towels can be used to stretch with, and stairs are perfect for step exercises and lunges. Chairs can also be used to do squats and dips from, and use countertops for pushups, she says. For most pulling exercises, elastic

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on your mind

senior scope

Expressing creativity relieves stress

WARNING SIGNS

oloring books have long been a favorite for young children, but more and more adults are turning to coloring, not only as a way to bond with their children, but also as a way to bond with friends and relieve stress. Coloring, and art in general, is seeing a boom, with hundreds of art classes available around Northwest Indiana. There are also a proliferation of “wine and canvas” events, where groups gather to paint a common painting, socialize and have a beverage with friends. Even coloring books are becoming more popular with adults, with artists like Mel Eliott have a line of coloring books featuring actors including Ryan Gosling and James Franco. There are websites geared for adults that feature intricate designs to color. Amanda Wyatt, a board certified art therapist and licensed mental health counselor who works for the Cancer Resource Center in Munster, says she’s not surprised that coloring is seeing a rise in popularity. “Our Western culture is ‘go-go-go’ all the time,” she says. “To be healthy, all people need to have down time and find ways to relax, and coloring is a great one.” Wyatt says coloring is a relaxing activity that brings stress levels down. Research has shown that creative activities such as coloring have the same effect on the brain that meditation provides, she says. “Creative activities like coloring can slow down the heart rate, decrease blood pressure and increase levels of serotonin in the brain,” she says. Kimberly McKinley, education coordinator for South Shore Arts, says their art classes are always popular, and the “Cabernet and Canvas” programs they offer are a fun

RACHEL HAMNIK

Compiled by Times Staff

of memory loss Your keys, dates, names — we’ve all at one time or another forgotten them. But when does normal turn to concern? In most cases, doctors say memory loss is never normal.

“F

Memory Loss way for friends and couples to get together, make art, and have some fun. “It’s a popular trend right now,” McKinley says. Jillian Van Volkenburgh, director of education for South Shore Arts, says art classes are a way to increase your skill level while bonding with friends and relaxing. “With things like Pinterest, art is becoming something that is becoming more accessible,” she says. “A lot of parents are bringing their adult children to classes so they can do something bonding together.” Ryan Glowacki, the owner of White Rhino Bar & Grill, says their wine and canvas painting classes are always popular, and they even offer a children’s version where parents can either watch their children paint or

paint with them. “Our teachers are so good, you don’t have to be an accomplished painter to come out with a great product,” he says. Wyatt uses coloring in art therapy groups at the Cancer Resource Center in Munster, and she says group members tell her the activity provides peace, community and acceptance. “Anyone can go to Target and pick up a coloring book and sit down with their Crayola’s,” she says. “But you have to set an intention for the experience that aids what the outcome will be. If I create an intention before sitting down to color and say ‘my intention is to take 15 minutes and color to aid in stress

Alyssa Heeter, Munster and Gina Cece enjoy painting at a Wine and Canvas event.

Memory loss can be one of the first signs of dementia. According to the Mayo Clinic, other early signs include: • Asking the same questions repeatedly • Forgetting common words when speaking • Mixing words up, such as saying bed instead of table • Taking longer to complete tasks that are familiar, such as following a recipe • Misplacing items in inappropriate places • Getting lost while walking or driving around a familiar setting • Undergoing sudden changes in mood for no reason • Becoming less able to follow directions

relief,’ then more often than not, that goal will be met.” Coloring with your kids can be a great way to bond and communicate, too, she says. “Because coloring is so familiar, it takes down the defenses. It’s

8 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

ask the expert

food & fitness

orgetting where someone put their keys, but are able to trace back steps and find them should be OK,” says Dr. Raji Majety, a geriatrics specialist at North Point Internal Medicine Center and doctor within the Franciscan Physician network. “The problem comes if there is an issue with remembering faces and names, and putting stuff in weird places like placing the TV remote in the refrigerator.” Issues like getting lost in a familiar environment or memory loss that affects a person’s daily activities should not be thought of as normal as well, says Dr. Asad Zaman, an internal medicine physician on staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital. Zaman, who is actively involved in a number of area long-term care facilities with a focus on geriatric health management, says there is no age at which forgetfulness typically starts. “Just as everyone’s physical health changes at different rates as we age, so does mental health,” he says. “Generally, those in good physical condition, who keep themselves mentally stimulated with social activities, hobbies, games, etc., exhibit later and less forgetfulness.” Majety says significant memory loss typically has nothing to do with age — there has to be a genetic predisposition to experience it. “The age at which this memory dysfunction from the disease occurs can be anywhere from as early as age 50 to as late as age 90,” she says. Memory loss can also be a sign of Alzheimer’s and other forms of serious dementia, which are often characterized by more pronounced

forgetfulness, Zaman says. “Many people with Alzheimer’s lose interest in social activities and hobbies,” he says. “They withdraw and can isolate themselves.” However, even increased forgetfulness isn’t automatically a sign of Alzheimer’s, he says. “For instance, my dad is quite forgetful when it comes to where he puts things,” Zaman says. “But he has maintained his social life and his hobbies, so he is doing well, overall.” Although there have been no randomized trial results that show mental exercises such as puzzles and games absolutely help with memory loss, Dr. Kenneth Holmes, a neurologist on staff at Advocate South Suburban Hospital says there is ample anecdotal evidence that these sorts of activities may help people stay mentally sharp. “If puzzles and games keep people social and engaged, that is a big positive, overall,” he says. While there are no specific dietary recommendations to prevent memory loss, Holmes says eating a healthy, balanced diet to maintain overall physical health is vital as people age. “Physical well-being enables socializing and engagement,” he says. If a person or loved one has any concerns about memory loss, Zaman strongly advises them to visit a physician. “If there is a medical issue, it’s best to catch it right away, as there are some dementias that are somewhat treatable, particularly if they are addressed early,” he says. Once he has diagnosed a patient with a significant amount of memory loss, along with other factors, Zaman says he refers them directly to a neurologist for further evaluation and a treatment plan. —Christine Bryant

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BOOST YOUR HEALTH with Vitamin D this winter

ne of the sun’s gifts to the human body is vitamin D, yet during the winter, many struggle to get the levels they need to stay healthy. Adequate levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption, which is then crucial for bone health, says Mary Hayen, Ingalls rehab dietitian at the Center for Rehabilitative Medicine. It also plays an important role in the strength of immune systems, as well as helps regulate cell growth, she says. Kelly Devine Rickert, a registered dietitian and health coach with Franciscan WELLCARE, says vitamin D promotes bone health and muscle function, and helps to reduce exerciserelated inflammation. “If you don’t get enough vitamin D, you may have greater loss of bone mass, which can lead to osteoporosis,” she says. “You may be at greater risk for softening of the bones.” “As we age, skin cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently, so adults over 70 years old need about 800 IU’s a day,” Hayen says. Because vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body converts sunlight into vitamin D after it hits unprotected skin, during the winter months and for those who are not advised to be in the sun without SPF protection, levels of vitamin D can be low, Rickert says. “Vitamin D is found in a few foods, but our main source is vitamin

DR. KEDAR KAKODKAR

ENT doctors help cure variety of ailments

Vitamin D supplements can be a good source of nutrients, but doctors advise seeking the advice of a health care professional before taking them. Fatty fish such as salmon is a rich source of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D foods

Need some ideas on what foods to eat to gain more vitamin D? Mary Hayen, an Ingalls rehab dietitian with the Center for Rehabilitative Medicine, offers these suggestions. 3 ounces of salmon= 450 IU’s

4 ounces shrimp= 160 IU’s 4 ounces canned light tuna= 150 IU’s

D-enriched foods such as milk, cereals, orange juice and yogurts,” she says. “Other food sources of vitamin D are fatty fish such as cod, salmon, tuna, eggs and fortified milk, OJ and yogurt.” Here are some other ways to get the advised daily intake of vitamin D this winter: Be conscious of trying to get outside and get some sun. “Shoveling, going for walks, playing with kids in the show are god ways to get some exposure in cold, snowy climates,” Rickert says. “Spending time sitting by the window also can help stimulate vitamin D production.” Know what it takes to get the proper amount of vitamin D. “In around half the time it takes for your skin to turn

pink and begin to burn, your body is able to absorb the sun’s rays and synthesize enough vitamin D to meet your daily requirements.” Look into supplements. These are available by prescription and over-the-counter, Rickert says. “I encourage people to follow the dosage instructions very carefully, as vitamin D is fat soluble, which means it is stored in the body and can build up to unhealthy levels,” she says. Terri Sakelaris, a registered dietitian at Fitness Pointe and Community Hospital, says it’s important to get the recommended amount of vitamin D because deficiencies have been linked to several other conditions, including heart disease, depression and weight gain.

1 cup Orange Juice, vitamin D fortified= 140 IU’s 1 cup milk, vitamin D fortified= 100 IU’s 1 large egg with yolk= 40 IU’s 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms= 30 IU’s “Medications can interfere with the vitamin D absorption,” she says. “Another reason to discuss taking vitamin D supplements with your doctor is many people think that since they can purchase vitamin D over the counter, that it is safe to take with all medications. And this is not true.” Invest in an UV lamp. This may be an option for supplementing vitamin D, especially for those dealing with severe seasonal affective disorder, Rickert says. —Christine Bryant

Ear, Nose and Throat doctor? An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor is a head and neck surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ear, nose and throat. What most people don’t know about ENT doctors is that we treat a very wide range of medical problems for the adult and pediatric population. Examples of these problems include hearing loss, dizziness, ear infections, sinus infections, nasal congestion and allergy, snoring and sleep disorders, cancer of the head and neck as well as facial cosmetic procedures. Some common symptoms of patients seeking an ENT appointment include persistent hoarse voice, snoring and sleep apnea, nasal congestion and allergies, hearing loss, ringing noise in the ears and difficulty or pain with swallowing. These symptoms, amongst many others, are common reasons why patients seek the care of an ENT doctor. Q: What can you expect with a first visit

with an ENT? How should you prepare? During your first visit with an ENT doctor, be prepared to answer many detailed questions about your illness. You will also likely undergo appropriate testing, such as a hearing test, allergy test, microscope exam of the ears, or camera exam of the voice box, which is called a laryngoscopy. These procedures are all pain-free and are performed while the patient

is in the office without anesthetic medication. You can always visit your ENT doctor’s website in order to read educational material in order to prepare for your upcoming visit. My website is www. familyentandsinus.com , which provides patients with a wealth of knowledge describing symptoms and disorders of the head and neck. Q: What are some of the most common

things you see patients for? I have completed ENT training in adults and have also completed additional, specialized training in pediatric ENT. I am currently the only ENT physician in Northwest Indiana that has also completed a fellowship degree in pediatric ENT, which allows me to care for complex pediatric patients as well as adults. Since I treat all adults and children, the most common things I see patients for include tonsil infections, airway disorders and sleep disorders, thyroid problems, recurrent sinus infections and allergy, as well as hearing loss.

PROVIDED

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what’s new Local Health News

Q: How have treatments changed over the decades? Medicine and surgery are constantly changing because with every day that goes by, we know more about medical problems and their treatments. The field of ENT is no exception.. Treatments have and will constantly change over time, whether it is a special implantable hearing aid for hearing loss or a balloon sinus procedure that now allows us to treat sinus disease in the office while patients are awake and comfortable. The first step is being evaluated by an ENT doctor, who will diagnose and determine what options of therapy are available. Q: What would people be surprised to

Q: What are some of the common

learn about the ENT field? Patients who see me are always surprised that I treat such a wide variety of head and neck problems both medically and surgically. Once this is cleared up, patients are then surprised to hear that I am the only pediatric, fellowship-trained ENT doctor in Northwest Indiana. I enjoy teaching patients about the field of ENT and the need for seeking evaluation and treatment early. —Carrie Rodovich

treatments and/or therapies? Is surgery always necessary? Surgery is not always necessary. In fact, many ear, nose and throat problems can be treated medically by an ENT doctor. The first step is being evaluated by an ENT doctor, who will diagnose and determine what options of therapy are available.

To schedule an appointment, call East Chicago at (219) 392-7665 or Munster at (219) 616-3342 or visit comhs.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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what’s new

body shop

on your mind

senior scope

food & fitness

ask the expert

LifeStraw water filtration system, Cetaphil for baby, eco-friendly coffee cups

Your home is a treasure trove of workout opportunities

Art classes stimulate creativity and help release stress in both adults and children

Preventing and coping with memory loss

Get plenty of “the sunshine vitamin” with Vitamin D rich foods

Ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Kedar Kakodkar with Community Healthcare System

4 letter from the editor | 7 get healthy executive partners 2 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

OUR PEOPLE make Methodist Hospitals a

GREAT PLACE

TO WORK

Fulﬁlling our mission to deliver excellent care to Northwest Indiana depends on our ability to create an environment in which the most dedicated, motivated and highly skilled healthcare professionals want to work. Thanks to the culture created and nurtured by our physicians, nurses and staff, we have done just that. That’s why Methodist Hospitals was recently named one of the Chicago Tribune’s Top 100 Workplaces for 2014.

Join our remarkable team. Visit MethodistHospitals.org january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 3

HERE’S TO A PAIN-FREE 2015

Delicious

s we ring in the new year, it’s time to start thinking about those new year’s resolutions. We might decide to try to lose weight, or keep the house clean, eat more vegetables or just be kinder to those around us. And these are all admirable goals — goals that I hope will not be forgotten by the end of the month. As for me, and I think many others would benefit from this as well — my resolution is to put my health first. As we get busy with work and life concerns, our health tends to fall by the wayside. And I don’t mean just fitness or weight, although those are important. As a whole, our society does not focus enough on taking care of the health that we have. Doctor’s office visits are not just an annual hassle; they are absolutely imperative to maintain health. In many cases, we let our own health slide in favor of more seemingly immediate problems — work, family members, financial worries and others. This stress and neglect can and does eat away at your health until suddenly it can no longer be ignored, and pain sets in. Pain is one aspect that absolutely cannot be ignored. It is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. While various methods, such as chiropractic or surgical care, can help manage pain, the best way to live a pain-free life is to catch the problem before it begins. Health care providers around the region have made significant investments in imaging and testing technology over the past year, which make it easier than ever for doctors to monitor your health and stop problems before they start. Taking care of ourselves should be our number one priority, and with so many health care resources in our area, there are no good excuses for “letting it slide”. Take care of yourself — it’s the most important thing you can do, both for yourself and those around you.

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volume 9 | issue 7 Publisher CHRISTOPHER T. WHITE Associate Publisher/Editor PAT COLANDER Managing Editor KATHLEEN DORSEY Design Director BEN CUNNINGHAM Designer JILL MCCARTER Contributing Editors JANE AMMESON, LESLY BAILEY, ASHLEY BOYER, CHRISTINE BRYANT, TRISH MALEY, JENNIFER PALLAY, PHILIP POTEMPA, CARRIE RODOVICH NICHE PUBLICATION SALES Account Executives MIKE CANE, ANDREA WALCZAK General Manager and Vice President, Sales and Marketing DEB ANSELM Advertising Operations Manager ERIC HORON Advertising Manager CRAIG CHISM Advertising Publications Manager LISA TAVOLETTI Published by Lee Enterprises The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 Crown Point, Indiana 46307 Twitter2080 N Main St,219.662.5300 Retweet 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151

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IMMEDIATE CARE

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DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Care that keeps you on the go.

Wait from home, not the ER.

A doctor is waiting to see you.

The doctor is waiting to see you.

Schedule appointments online for the quickest access possible. Click to schedule a doctor visit.

Avoid the ER waiting room.

Call for help finding a doctor.

Ingalls now offers the convenience of online appointment scheduling with many of the physicians on our medical staff. If you don’t have a primary care physician, or are looking for a specialist, you may use Ingalls online scheduling to make an appointment with a new provider. Just choose the desired time and office location from our list of participating physicians and nurse practitioners, and click. Visit Ingalls.org/InQuicker to schedule.

Schedule your appointment online and you’ll be seen on arrival. Ingalls online scheduling shows the next available opening at Ingalls emergency facilities so you can be seen as quickly as possible, or at a time that works with your schedule. Either way, you’ll be waiting in the comfort of your own home instead of the ER. Visit Ingalls.org/InQuicker to schedule.

Would you rather speak to a person to make an appointment? Do you need help choosing a primary care doctor or specialist for ongoing care? Ingalls CareConnection will help you find the perfect match and can even schedule your first appointment. An operator is available 24/7 to help you get connected to the right doctor. Just call 708.915.CARE (2273) to get connected to the right doctor, right now.

Flossmoor • Tinley Park • Calumet City • Harvey • Matteson • Crestwood

january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 5

what’s new Compiled by Times Staff

Local Health News

HEALTHY PRODUCTS

M.C. HOSPITAL PREVENTS INFECTION

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GET HEALTHY EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

Jay Platt, DDS Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center

John Gorski Community Healthcare System

Debbie Banik Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute

Donald Fesko Community Hospital

John Doherty Doherty Therapeutic and Sports Medicine

Lou Molina Community Hospital Mary Ann Shachlett Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana JoAnn Birdzell St. Catherine Hospital Janice Ryba St. Mary Medical Center

Dr. Alex Stemer Franciscan Medical Specialists Gregory P. McComis, MD North Point Orthopedics Nitin Khanna, MD, FAAQS Dwight Tyndall, MD, FAAQS Spine Care Specialists

Gene Diamond Franciscan Alliance

Nitin Khanna, MD, FAQQS Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana

David F. Ruskowski Franciscan St. Anthony Health Crown Point

Dr. Bethany A Cataldi Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, L.L.C.

Daniel Netluch, MD Franciscan St. Anthony Health Crown Point

______________

Carol Schuster, RN, MBA Franciscan Alliance Thomas J. Gryzbek Franciscan St. Margaret Health Jim Lipinski Franciscan Alliance James T. Callaghan III, MD, MBA Franciscan St. Anthony Health Michigan City

MARKETING AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Mylinda Cane Community Healthcare System Angela Moore St. Catherine Hospital

Trish Weber, RN, MBA Franciscan St. Anthony Health Michigan City

Kelly Credit Porter Hospital

Stephen Lunn Porter Hospital

Karen Keltner Porter Hospital

Michael Davenport, MD Methodist Hospitals

Mary Fetsch St. Mary Medical Center

Denise Dillard Methodist Hospitals

Marie Forszt Community Hospital

Haroon Naz Pinnacle Hospital

Joe Dejanovic Franciscan Alliance

Barbara H. Greene Franciscan Physicians Hospital

Ellen Sharpe Franciscan Alliance

Beverly DeLao Franciscan Hammond Clinic

Sister M. Aline Shultz, OSF Franciscan Alliance

Rob Jensen Franciscan Hammond Clinic

Maria E. Ramos Franciscan Alliance

Dr. Nancy Trimboli Trimboli Chiropractic

Neil Mangus, MHA IU Health LaPorte Hospital

John T. King, MD Franciscan St. Anthony Crown Point Anton Thompkins, MD Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute Willis Glaros Employer Benefits Systems Adrianne May Hospice of the Calumet Area

Colleen Zubeck Franciscan Medical Specialists Centers of Indiana Michael Shepherd St. James Hospital and Health Centers Linda Hadley Methodist Hospitals Evelyn Morrison Methodist Hospitals

Specializing in adult and child ear, nose and throat care.

Dr. Kakodkar believes in getting to know his patients and listening to their needs with the goal of getting them healthy. Dr. Kakodkar has advanced training in Adult & Pediatric ENT and Reconstructive surgery. He is the only board-certified, fellowship-trained Pediatric ENT surgeon in Northwest Indiana, completing his fellowship training at the world renowned Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He has also held academic teaching positions in the field of ENT at Rush University Medical Center and at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Kedar Kakodkar, MD Otolaryngology ENT

His medical interests include: • Balloon sinuplasty • Coblation radiofrequency tonsillectomies • Cosmetic/reconstructive nasal surgery • Ear infections • Head, neck, throat cancers

• Hearing loss • Hoarseness • Neck tumors • Sinus surgery • Sleep apnea • Snoring • Thyroid tumors

Now Accepting New Patients. For an appointment call 219-392-7665. january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 7

on your mind

Expressing creativity relieves stress

8 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

RACHEL HAMNIK

way for friends and couples to get together, make art, and have some fun. “It’s a popular trend right now,” McKinley says. Jillian Van Volkenburgh, director of education for South Shore Arts, says art classes are a way to increase your skill level while bonding with friends and relaxing. “With things like Pinterest, art is becoming something that is becoming more accessible,” she says. “A lot of parents are bringing their adult children to classes so they can do something bonding together.” Ryan Glowacki, the owner of White Rhino Bar & Grill, says their wine and canvas painting classes are always popular, and they even offer a children’s version where parents can either watch their children paint or

Alyssa Heeter, Munster and Gina Cece enjoy painting at a Wine and Canvas event.

Tony Martin

New BegiNNiNgs CouNseliNg iNC. B E G I N A N E W L I F E T O DAY Northwest Indiana has a sErIOus substance abuse issue with adolescents - particularly the 13-17 year old population. Alcohol, marijuana, prescription pills, and heroin are the most commonly abused drugs of choice. A major drug and

Jillian Van Volkenburgh, Director of Education, South Shore Arts

something all children do and enjoy. And when defenses are down, children/adolescents can open up and talk about a myriad of things that are going on in the child’s life without even noticing they are doing so,” she says. “Coloring with kids can provide us adults with information as well, such as how well a child can color within the lines, which can be indicative of following directions, impulse control, focus,

“Our Western culture is ‘go-gogo’ all the time. To be healthy, all people need to have down time and find ways to relax, and coloring is a great one.” Amanda wyatt, Art Therapist, Mental Health Counselor

concentration levels, frustration tolerance, making choices and time management, as well as letting us into the child’s active imagination. That is a true gift.” — Carrie Rodovich

alcohol abuse problem exists in Northwest Indiana.

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january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 9

the body shop

Get toned at home with these simple tips

Debi Pillarella, M. Ed., C.P.T., program director at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe. TONY V. MARTIN 10 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

tubing with handles is recommended, Schutters says. If new to exercising, there are a few important things to keep in mind, he says. “Start your routine at a low intensity,” he says. “Choose a weight load or resistance that allows you to complete 15 to 20 repetitions per set, and a low volume — one to two sets of each exercise.” Maintain a frequency of two to three times per week, with at least 48 hours between workouts, Schutters says. “Understand and learn the proper exercise techniques — either online or through a qualified fitness professional, and particularly if you have health challenges, consult a doctor for your readiness to exercise,” he says. Starting too quickly will not only increase the likelihood of injury, but also will put someone at risk for significant muscle soreness, which may thwart enthusiasm for sticking with a

program, Pillarella says. “Starting slow and feeling success without pain is a sure bet for longterm adherence to your program,” she says. “If you get injured, you could be sidelined for up to six to eight weeks, depending on the injury, so

the weekend warrior workouts should really be avoided. Slow and steady wins the race.” Pillarella also reminds her clients to always stretch, which should be completed in a “pain free” zone. “Ballistic or bouncing stretches of

the old days are reserved for activities and sports that require ballistic flexibility, such as martial arts,” she says. “But for the rest of us that are not martial artists or performance athletes, stretching should be gentle, slow and purposeful.” Stretching should be done after a gentle warm up, such as a 10-minute walk, and should involve a full range of motion. “Holding a stretch, with perform form and posture, while breathing deeply for 30 to 60 seconds will help you gain the most benefit,” she says. Schutters also recommends changing an exercise routine every one to two months to improve safety and results. “Change up the exercise sequence and selection, mode of resistance, number of repetitions and sets performed,” he says. “You will see greater progress and avoid boredom if you shake things up every once in a while.” —Christine Bryant

Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists

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THERAPY PROVIDES RELIEF FOR CHRONIC PAIN

ain impacts more than our bodies. It frequently affects our mood, relationships and emotions, significantly—and negatively—altering our overall quality of life. Some pain is considered acute or temporary, occurring because of an illness, injury or surgery. Chronic or longterm pain is due to ongoing health conditions. Unfortunately chronic pain is common place. According to the Website clinical research.com, 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. 25.8 million experience pain due to diabetes, 23 million have pain due to heart disease and stroke and another 11.9 million have pain due to cancer. Besides that some 26 million between ages 20 and 64 have frequent back pain. Managing pain not only helps alleviate the physical symptoms but also allows both our bodies and our minds to heal more quickly. “Scientists and clinicians have learned a lot about the pain experience and we’re beginning to see more continuing education addressing chronic pain,” says Justyna Drag, who has a doctorate in physical therapy and works as physical therapist at Community Hospital Dizziness and Spine Therapy at Fitness Pointe in Munster. “We now know that a person’s fears, attitudes and beliefs largely influence pain and need to be addressed. We know that understanding pain physiology and combining it with movement can improve a person’s functional mobility and improve 12 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

quality of life. Most importantly, patients need to understand that when pain is chronic, it is often no longer protective but rather it is a dysfunctional pain system that is sensitized. In other terms, patients will perceive pain with less stimuli or will perceive pain constantly and the amount of pain you experience does not necessarily correlate to the amount of tissue damage.” Chronic pain can be alleviated if not totally eradicated. According to Drag, one of the first steps in management is to take the time to learn about pain physiology. “That’s important and there are many great simple-to-read books and short videos which explain pain in easy to understand terms,” says Drag who primarily treat patients with neck and back pain, both acute and chronic in nature. “From there, find your baseline for pain and plan your progression. In other words, pace yourself and patiently build your tolerance to activity whether it be walking, working, driving, etc. Don’t give up if you experience a flare up.” Also, it’s essential to begin and stick to an aerobic exercise program which can decrease whole body sensitization to pain in addition to providing countless other health benefits including improving sleep and mood, reducing the risk for heart attacks, strokes, cancer as well as other diseases. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — a common psychotherapeutic mental health counseling designed to treat dysfunctional emotions, maladaptive

behaviors and cognitive processes and contents through a number of goal-oriented, explicit systematic procedures that involves both patient and therapist working together. Studies show CBT is effective in helping to address pain by dealing with key issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and attitude which can all contribute to pain sensitization. “Patients with chronic pain should aim to sleep 7-9 hours a night as sleep offers anti-inflammatory and restorative effects,” says Drag who

is planning a seminar on the treatment and management of chronic pain. “It is also important to drink 5-8 glasses of water a day as dehydration can adversely affect the musculoskeletal system. An anti-inflammatory food plan may help to ease musculoskeletal pains.” Though chronic pain can seem overwhelming, there are techniques to help make it more manageable and thus making life more joyful. —Jane Ammeson

Acupuncture brings ancient benefits

he word “acupuncture” makes some people wince, imagining it just has to be painful. That’s before a there’s a clear understanding of how and why acupuncture works. Two experienced acupuncturists explain why the procedure isn’t the pain some imagine. “The biggest misconception about acupuncture is that it is very painful — and it’s not,” says Dr. Faleh Atassi, who is affiliated with Porter Regional Hospital and incorporates acupuncture into his family practice at Valparaiso Family Health Center. “The needles are very thin, very sharp, and they’re disposable. I put the pressure with my finger first so that the patient very rarely feels pain.” Atassi says there are very few areas of the body where it can cause some pain. “Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, made from stainless steel. Most people feel very minimal pain at insertion. Some feel no pain once the needles are in place,” says Dr. Kalpana Doshi, a board certified acupuncturist in Valparaiso, Ind., at St. Mary Medical Center, part of the Community Healthcare System. On to the use of acupuncture, then: What exactly is it? “Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote healing and to improve functioning. Medical acupuncture is the term to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine, who has had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice,” says Doshi. Acupuncture is performed for a long list of ailments — so long we won’t name them all here, but here are some supplied by Doshi: • neurological and muscular disorders, such as headache, neck pain, tennis elbow, low back

pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, tendonitis. • digestive disorders like gastritis, constipation, diarrhea • respiratory disorders such as sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis • urinary, menstrual and reproductive problems • stress and emotional issues. In addition, it’s used for promotion of health and well-being. An impressive list, to be sure. How can this be? Atassi explains, “In acupuncture treatment we address the person as a whole entity. When you come to my office with chronic lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions, we understand there may be a disturbance in the Qi (pronounced chee), which circulates throughout the whole body, every hour of every day.” Doshi offers another way of describing how it works: “Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the spinal cord, brain and muscles. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system.” The method involves inserting tiny needles and applying heat or electric

stimulation at very precise acupuncture points, explains Doshi. Atassi emphasizes the importance of approaching a medical condition in a holistic way, taking into account the condition of the entire body— including the areas governing mood. “Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful for people with depression and anxiety,” says Atassi. Acupuncture releases endorphins, those feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain that contribute to a sense of well-being and help to relieve pain. “So in treating the whole person, we may treat chronic lower back pain with acupuncture in specific areas, in conjunction with the Qi that circulates in the whole body and can help depression (and other mood disorders). If the concept of Qi seems foreign, Doshi points out that acupuncture is a very old medical art, and the World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of wide range of medical problems. Atassi states, “It does work, as evidenced by 3,000 years in the market.” “Acupuncture “is not a quick fix, in general,” says Doshi. The individual’s condition and response to treatment will determine the number of treatments required.

Dr. Kalpana Doshi, acupuncturist at St. Mary Medical Center PROVIDED

Dr. Faleh Atassi of Valparaiso Family Health Center and Porter Regional Hospital ARAN KESSLER

january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 13

Dr. Jay Platt has served Northwest Indiana for over 20 years with quality oral surgery care. Choosing an oral surgeon is an important decision. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who are dedicated to your care. Dr. Platt attends 100 or more hours of Continuing Education per year and provides many Continuing Education seminars to the surrounding dental community often lecturing himself. Dr. Platt has extensive training and expertise in placing dental implants, preserving and rebuilding the jaw, and treating conditions that affect a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face, teeth and mouth structures. Dr. Platt has placed thousands of dental implants over the past 24 years - placing his first one in 1989. We have a state-of-the-art Cone Beam CT Scanner in our office which provides 3D images enabling us to better plan for patient care and treatment. We offer a no-cost consultation and a complimentary CT scan if necessary for patients who are treated by Dr. Platt.

Do You Need to Go to an Implant Center?

since surgical procedures are involved, so that each patient receives the optimal outcome. Some implant centers claim to be the leaders in You have undoubtedly seen and heard t.v. and radio ads promoting implant centers which are springing up all over the country. Many of implant dentistry and to have more experience than other clinicians. It is them are advertising the convenience of having everything under one implied that because of the volume of implants placed and restored they roof: the surgeon, the prosthodontist, the dental lab and a CT scan. It is are more experienced. However, the volume of implants placed in some certainly convenient for the patients and the doctors providing treatment cases is for all of their centers. The truth is that some of the doctors to have everything in one location; however, convenience should not be in these centers are very experienced and some are not any more the primary consideration with implant treatment. The most important experienced than their colleagues in the area. Some implant centers factors should be the experience of the treating clinicians, especially have general dentists placing and restoring

14 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

implants who do not have near the training or experience as specialists. It is important to remember that this “advertising” is intended to “sell” the benefits of those particular implant centers, and you should take this into consideration when evaluating your various options.

New Teeth in One Day??

We get many patients asking about the TV commercials and billboards that promise Teeth in A Day®. It is somewhat of a misleading statement. However, Dr. Platt, working with your dentist, can in some cases AFTER planning remove your teeth (if necessary), place implants and attach fixed teeth in one procedure. We are happy to see you to discuss and work with your dentist or refer you to one of our restorative colleagues.

No Need to Change Dentists!

Unlike some “one stop shop” dental implant centers that make you use their dentists; we work with you and your current dentist. We are very fortunate in that in Northwest Indiana and Northeastern Illinois, there are many outstanding restorative clinicians. Dr. Platt works with most of them on a regular basis. We would encourage you to seek treatment from your current dentist whom you have a long standing relationship with. If you do not currently have a dentist, we can refer you to one that we work with frequently.

Please feel free to contact our implant coordinator, Monette, if you have any questions about treatment or to schedule a no-cost consultation. 322 Indianapolis Blvd.,• Suite 100 (Behind Steak N’ Shake) • Schererville, IN Interest Free Patient Financing Available

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january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 15

Chiropractic manages pain

naturally

16 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

Despite achieving high grades, after completing her undergraduate studies in pre-med, Trimboli decided attending med school was not for her. When a friend’s mother suggested she talk to a chiropractor, it didn’t take long for Trimboli to realize that was the field for her. “Even when I was 18 I knew there had to be a different way,” she says. “I wanted to study a style of healing that was different than drugs and surgery.” Choosing chiropractic school, Trimboli spent the first three years taking the same courses and using the same books as medical students. It was then that chiropractic and medical studies began to differ. That divergence formed the foundation for her work. Her mission, she says, is giving to people, young and old, the power and knowledge of chiropractic, so that they may get their greatest enjoyment out of life. “We offer low force chiropractic adjustments for infants, children and adults,” says Trimboli noting that means there is ‘no popping’ when adjustments are made. “To help us in our work, we have 15 massage therapists on staff that do therapeutic massage, Dr myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and .N a cranial sacral therapy. Our trainers teach our patients effective at-home exercises to stretch and strengthen spinal muscles. Modalities, such as cold laser therapy, help patients to feel better more quickly and heal more completely.” It’s also important for people to work at keeping their spines remain flexible and functional including doing specific stretches at home on a routine basis to alleviate or prevent pain. “Exercise by doing something you enjoy,” says Trimboli. “Challenge your balance and strengthen your core with a yoga, tai chi or Pilates class. Ask for help when lifting things or doing heavy work that you don’t often do. Watch your diet and avoid foods that inflame the spinal joints, which for everyone is sugar.” —Jane Ammeson i bold rim yT nc

“Almost everyone can benefit from chiropractic,” says Dr. Nancy J. Trimboli, owner of Trimboli Chiropractic with offices in Munster and Cedar Lake, about managing pain. “Every person on the planet has had a fall, has done sports, and has been involved in a vehicle crash of some type, however minor. These bumps and bruises of life cause spinal misalignments which irritate or interrupt normal joint function and nerve function. If left uncorrected, this will definitely lead to problems. Chiropractors correct those misalignments, allowing the body to heal and function normally. It’s a simple concept yet the ramifications are huge.” According to Trimboli, chiropractic care has shown through individual patient cases and published research to be not only highly effective for long term back—and other--pain resolution, but to be highly cost effective. “We have helped countless numbers of people over the years avoid surgery,” she says. “Back surgery obviously should be a last resort. You should do every treatment possible prior to surgery. That should include Chiropractic, massage therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, even yoga and other exercise. There are specific reasons to have back surgery and pain is not on that list. This is because you most certainly will have pain after back surgery from the surgery itself.” But that doesn’t mean surgery isn’t totally off the table in certain cases. “If someone has a progressive muscle weakness or loss of sensation that does not improve with conservative care, they may need a surgical intervention,” says Trimboli. “Also, you need to remember that most people have multiple issues creating their discomfort. Sciatic type pain can be caused from the nerve as it exits the spine, or from disc issue, from a pelvic misalignment, from a muscle spasm, or adhesions on the nerve itself. Chiropractic can address all of these issues, where surgery may only address one of them.” This approach to pain management has long been a goal for Trimboli who knew from a young age she wanted to work the in medical field.

FOR SORE EYES:

Innovations in eye care prevent sight deterioration

ye exams have been routine for a long time — yet diagnostic tools and treatments for certain eye conditions aren’t what your grandfather experienced. Innovations have changed ophthalmologists’ approach in some respects. An ophthalmologist is different from an optometrist in that the former performs eye surgeries, explains Dr. Jonathan Buka, an ophthalmologist who sees patients at The Eye Specialists in Munster Ind., and is on staff at Community Hospital in Munster. Innovations in eye care are changing even the most routine, initial eye care visit — the eye exam. For people seeking LASIK — reshaping the cornea with a special laser to change the focusing power — Wavefront technology is making evaluation of patients’ vision more precise. Wavefront analysis looks into the eye, measures how the eye focuses light, and creates a map that an eye doctor can use to diagnose problems, says Dr. Neil Watkins, an ophthalmologist whose office is in Gary and is on staff at Methodist Hospitals. “The new equipment gives a customized refraction. A corneal topographer, or map-maker, analyses the surface of the eye and any aberrations,” says Watkins. Now, he says, the technology for LASIK patients is proving useful for routine eye exams, too, with the Wavefront-generated map determining a prescription for glasses. Eye charts on the wall won’t be disappearing just yet, but more and more patients will be wearing glasses with prescriptions determined by the new equipment, with its objective and precise measurements. The use of laser for certain surgical procedures for the eyes has been around for a few decades, Wattkins

says, Eye care was the first medical area to use laser treatment, for diabetic retinopathy. Since then laser has seen new opportunities for use, including for cataract surgery. “Laser is a generic term,” explains Watkins. “There are all different types, depending on the particular wave length of the light spectrum that’s needed, such as the xenon red laser that was used for diabetic retinopathy and other retina surgeries.” There are even multiple lasers in one use, like the dual-frequency Nd:YAG lasers, now standard use for retina tears and detachments, Watkins says. The laser purposely scars the retina tissue so it adheres to the underlying tissue, preventing further retina detachment. A condition that can lead to blindness is being much more prevalent. “Macular degeneration is probably the most common loss of vision in people over age 65 in the US. It’s a growing area because the baby boomers are hitting their 60s,” says Buka. There are two types of the condition: wet and dry. “There are a bunch of layers in the back of the eye that, as we get older, don’t get as good blood perfusion, so the blood vessels just atrophy — fade away. That’s called dry macular degeneration and is much more common, usually progressing slowly over years or decades.” The

Food and Drug Administration reports it accounts for 90 percent of macular degeneration cases. “In the wet condition, abnormal vessels can grow and leak out fluid or blood. It can progress much quicker and cause a dramatic cause of vision in a shorter time. You want to treat before so much scarring (prevents retaining vision),” Buka says. Symptoms can include loss of central vision or distorted or fuzzy vision. Fortunately, says Buka, “In the last ten years there’s been a development in treating wet macular degeneration. There are a couple of products for injections to prevent the growth of those bad blood vessels.” Cataract surgery is an area where laser is effective. “You don’t have to have laser for cataract surgery, but it makes it easier,” says Buka. “It cuts through the (clouded) lens, then the lens can be sucked out.” The laser can also make perforated squares in a clouded lens so it can be cut into little cubes, says Watkins, making it easier to remove the lens, especially helpful if it has become hardened. It standardizes the opening and instead of taking 10 minutes, it takes just 7 minutes. But laser for cataracts is costly, says Buka. Watkins agrees. Those three minutes cost about $5,000, considerably more than without the laser. “If the cost comes down, it will make it easier for the surgeon. Until then (using laser routinely) makes no sense.” Other areas of advancement include new stents that make glaucoma surgeries a little easier, says Buka, but one thing is crystal clear: The satisfaction in the work is immense. “You can greatly improve someone’s life from one day to the next with cataract surgery. It’s rewarding to see the excitement.” —Julie Kessler

PROVIDED PHOTOS

Dr. Jonathan Buka, ophthalmologist at The Eye Specialists and Community Hospital

Dr. Neil Watkins, ophthalmologist with Methodist Hospitals

january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 17

this winter,

keep your skin healthy

t’s here — the cold, harsh wind that accompanies the winters of the Midwest. Would you routinely go outdoors without a warm coat for your body? Of course not. But you just may be going outdoors without protection for the part of your body most often subjected to the elements — the skin on your face and hands. Most of us have to get out and about, and often in a rush, after all. But leaving your face and hands exposed can cause problems, even if you’re young and healthy. “The most common skin problem in the winter is dryness,” says Dr. James Platis, founder of CosMedic Skin & Body Clinic in Merrillville, Ind. Wind and cold can strip natural moisture from the skin. “Hands and face are exposed to the cold air and can easily get dry and cracked.”

Dr. James Platis of Cosmedic Clinic

We’re not talking a little dry-air roughness, either. Dr. Karen Jordan at Dermatology Associates of Northwest Indiana in Merrillville says it’s “very common for very dry skin to get cracks, or fissures, on the tips of fingers and sometimes on the feet.” And any sore or opening in the skin could possibly allow bacteria to slip inside and cause an infection, though Platis says that’s not common. But the condition can be painful, not to mention unsightly. And who wants to hold hands with something that feels like tree bark? Fortunately there’s an easy fix for those painful and unsightly cracks on fingers and feet: Jordan says a good trick is to put a drop of cyanoacrylate on it. Not to worry — that’s a generic name for Super Glue. A little dab will seal the crack for the day, along with anything else nearby, so be careful. “Put Super Glue on it every day and it will heal.”

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BABY YOUR SKIN Be kind to your skin indoors, too. Platis says a good moisturizer is necessary during the day and at night. “We recommend Skin Medica Dermal Repair or Rejuvenative Moisturizer for the winter months.” Jordan advises using a combo of mild soap, a gentle cleanser, and a good moisturizer, every day. For people of any age with acne, Jordan cautions that products to treat acne can be drying for the skin, so in winter make sure the choice is a noncomedogenic product, which, fortunately, most acne preparations include. People with psoriasis — a chronic skin condition that causes thick, red, silvery or white patches — face a double bind: Sunlight helps, but wintry air doesn’t. A dermatologist can help manage the problem. In winter, there’s less sunlight and it’s weaker, too. Finally, we can leave the sunscreen on the shelf, right? So wrong, says Platis. “I really emphasize that It’s important to still wear sunscreen every day in winter.” Jordan says even people with dark skin have to use sunscreen. And it may not be a day at the beach, but surprise — the snow can reflect sun up to you. Add that to wind burn and you get the bare-skin hazards of spring

PHOTOS PROVIDED

HAZARDS OF OVEREXPOSURE Before such fissures occur, though, your skin will warn you that it’s rebelling against overexposure in cold weather, becoming dull-looking and rough. If it progresses to itchiness, it’s time to see a dermatologist, says Jordan, because the next symptom — red and inflamed skin — can signal the onset of eczema. In severe cases, scaly, red patches can appear. “Even if you have otherwise healthy skin, if it gets too dry you can have dermatitis, also called eczema. At that point it’s necessary to see a dermatologist to determine an appropriate level of steroid cream to treat it,” says Jordan, who has offices in Merrillville, Ind., at Methodist Hospital and in Munster, Ind., at Community Hospital For skin exposed to harsh weather the most common infection is impetigo, another name for a strep infection. And for that, says Jordan, “You need both oral and topical (on the skin) antibiotics.” Platis says all skin types are susceptible to damage. “Everyone should take good care of their skin in the winter and protect it as much as possible.” And baby boomers, take note: “Aging skin can tend toward more dryness, so a stronger moisturizer or cream will be beneficial.”

Marlee Steele, DNP, RN, FNP-BC; Dr. Karen Jordan, MD and Jennifer Dudak, PA-C of Dermatology Associates of Northwest Indiana break without the fun. “And frostbite is no fun at all: “It can cause serious damage to fingers, ears, and the tip of the nose.” Those hats, gloves, and scarves huddling in your closet? Platis and Jordan want to see everyone wearing them ...until spring. —Julie Kessler

Choose your clothes. Choose your home. But not your doctor?

What sense does that make? IIff yyou ou o orr ssomeone omeone yyou ou lo love ve h has as b been een di diagnosed agnosed w with ith ccancer, ancer, yyour our ffreedom reedom o off choice will never be more important than it is right now. The right to decide who will treat you is yours. It’s your life-decision. Even a physician can’t take it away. Att M Michiana Hematology Oncology’s Advanced Centers Cancer Care, wee aare A ichiana H ematology On cology’s A dvanced C enters ffor or C ancer C are, w re on nothing how we’ve ffocused ocused o n bbeating eating ccancer ancer aand nd n othing eelse. lse. IIt’s t’s h ow w e’ve bbecome ecome tthe he llargest, argest, most sophisticated cancer care organization in the history of northern Indiana. You have a choice.

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senior scope

WARNING SIGNS of memory loss Your keys, dates, names — we’ve all at one time or another forgotten them. But when does normal turn to concern? In most cases, doctors say memory loss is never normal.

“F

Memory Loss Memory loss can be one of the first signs of dementia. According to the Mayo Clinic, other early signs include: • Asking the same questions repeatedly • Forgetting common words when speaking • Mixing words up, such as saying bed instead of table • Taking longer to complete tasks that are familiar, such as following a recipe • Misplacing items in inappropriate places • Getting lost while walking or driving around a familiar setting • Undergoing sudden changes in mood for no reason • Becoming less able to follow directions

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Rahul Julka, MD

Call Today! Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Convenient Locations! The specialist at Digestive Disease Centers bring their expertise and experience to patients throughout Northwest Indiana. With offices in Merrillville, Highland, Dyer, Winfield, and Valparaiso, we are able to schedule patient appointments very quickly to assess your symptoms, recommended a testing/treatment plan, or to simply provide digestive wellness screenings and check-ups. Dr. Harsh Dalal, Dr. Navin Kumar and Dr. Rahul Julka are dedicated to providing the highest quality of compassionate care, placing emphasis on their patients’ comfort, privacy, and health concerns at all times.

There’s no doubt. Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. If you’re over 50, it’s time to get screened. Talk to your primary care provider about the right screening option for you.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE Digestive Disease Centers specialize in comprehensive care of all gastrointestinal and liver diseases with an array of testing and treatment services, including: • Colon Cancer Screening • Colon Polypectomy • Upper Endoscopy

• Esophageal Dilation • ERCP • Small Capsule Endoscopy

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Call Today!

Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Convenient Locations!

HIGHLAND 9731 Prairie 219-922-4900

MERRILLVILLE DYER WINFIELD VALPARAISO 5825 Broadway 16000 W 101st Ave. 9150 109th Ave. 1551 S. Suite B 219-864-0101 Suite 2D Sturdy Rd. 219-981-9000 219-981-9000 219-464-7200 january/february 2015 | GET HEALTHY | 21

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BOOST YOUR HEALTH with Vitamin D this winter

22 | GET HEALTHY | nwi.com/gethealthy

VITAMIN D FOODS

4 ounces shrimp= 160 IU’s 4 ounces canned light tuna= 150 IU’s

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FOR THE WOMAN THAT LOOKS OLDER THAN SHE FEELS The Weekend Lift is the perfect present for the vibrant person inside you

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