Healthy lifestyles summer

HEALTHY

Lifestyles

• HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS • BE BOLD • DEAL WITH SUMMER STRESS A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers • Summer 2017

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Summer 2017

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Summer 2017

Hey guys.

Is your good health a perception or reality? hen it comes to health, perception is not always reality. This is especially true when considering how men care for themselves when faced with a health condition.

In fact, while most men would say they are more focused on their health than they have been in the past, physicians report a different truth. This difference is especially concerning when it comes to treating chronic conditions, because failure to follow treatment regimens may lead to bigger health problems in the future.

Missed appointments and opportunities

According to research from the American Academy of

Family Physicians, which surveyed its member physicians, one in five doctors said up to half of their male patients failed to fill a prescription. In addition, one in three doctors said that up to half of their male patients did not take a prescription as directed. Four in ten reported that up to half of their male patients failed to follow up with a regular routine test when ordered for their condition.

In addition, nearly a quarter of surveyed doctors said up to half of their male patients failed to show up for planned follow-up visits.

These missed opportunities come at a time when chronic conditions among men continue to rise. According to the National Ambulatory Medical Survey, diagnoses of three common, yet potentially severe, conditions all have increased year over year.

The data shows that cases of high blood pressure (4 percent increase), high cholesterol (5 percent) and diabetes (2 percent) have all seen notable increases.

“People may not take these conditions seriously because they don’t have any noticeable symptoms, and that’s a big mistake,” says John Meigs, Jr., MD, president of the AAFP. “High blood pressure and high cholesterol have been called ‘silent killers’ for a reason. If they aren’t controlled, they can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney disease. In addition to these complications, uncontrolled diabetes also can cause blindness, nerve damage and loss of limbs.

“So it’s vital that men see their doctors, get preventive care and follow instructions for any chronic diseases they may have.”

Finding solutions for ongoing care

Fortunately, taking a more proactive approach to health care is easier than most men think. A visit to your family physician is the first step toward taking charge of your health and identifying any health issues. Your family

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The first step in taking responsibility for your health is a visit to the doctor to take charge of your health and identifying any health issues. Your physician can help your create a plan to stay healthy for yourself and your family.

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

physician will help you learn about any chronic conditions you might have and how to treat them.

For health information that is easy to understand, visit familydoctor.org. You’ll find a men’s guide to preventive health care, and information about healthy diets and weight control. Follow the advice provided here, as well as your doctor’s recommendations, and you’ll turn your goal for good health from simple perception into reality.

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HEALTHY

Summer 2017

Lifestyles

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers www.MyRacineCounty.com 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR:..........................................Tracy Ouellette EDITORIAL ASSISTANT:................... Sharon Soch CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR:........................................ Sue Z. Lange SPECIAL SECTIONS ADVERTISING:............................Vicki Vanderwerff For advertising opportunities in our publications, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Summer 2017

What will your life be like when you turn 100? A century ago that question would seem like a needless consideration, but today it’s very real, as the percentage of people living to 100 has grown almost 66 percent in the last 30 years, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The MDVIP Health and Longevity Survey reveals that more than half of Baby Boomers and Generation Xers want to live past the age of 90. More than a quarter want to live beyond 100. The majority from both generations also believe advances in science and technology are going to keep more people alive past the age of 100.

However, these findings come at a time when the life expectancy of Americans has declined for the first time in two decades, and one in two adults is living with at least one chronic disease.

“To reach their longevity goals, Americans can no longer afford to put their health on the back burner,” says Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP. “Most people don’t wait until they’re 60 to start saving for retirement.

The same should go for their health, where making small investments today can pay big dividends many years down the road.”

The key to greater longevity is prioritizing your health now – when you’re well – to prevent problems later on. You can start today by asking three questions:

•

Darien

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What’s your number?

When’s the last time you had your blood pressure or cholesterol levels checked?

Maintain a current record of your vitals and lab results along with your family history. Make sure you discuss these details with your doctor, who can help identify your risk for certain conditions and suggest lifestyle changes based on the results.

What’s up, doc?

Going to the doctor is an essential component of maintaining good health, but choosing the right doctor directly affects the benefit of each visit. Surprisingly, the survey revealed that one out of three Gen Xers avoid going to the doctor out of fear of finding something wrong.

In the current healthcare environment, an appointment with a doctor is usually scheduled weeks in advance, and after a long wait in the waiting room, patients often feel rushed through the visit. Patients deserve better and you should shop around for a doctor whose goal is to build a relationship and keep you well.

What’s the plan?

Whether your goal is to lose 10 pounds or to lower your blood pressure, you need a plan to get you there. “I tell my patients to think of it as a business plan for their health,” says Dr. Steven Wilson, an MDVIP-affiliated

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habits. So don’t be afraid to consult your doctor along the way. Your doctor is your partner in your health journey, and working together could give you a better chance at seeing exactly what your life will be like when you reach 100.

To learn more about MDVIP’s national network of over 900 primary care physicians who focus on prevention and personalized (BPT) healthcare, visit MDVIP.com.

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“First determine your health goals and make them the focus of your attention. Discuss your goals with your doctor who can help you formulate a health plan for the next year and beyond.”

Once you have your plan established, it’s up to you to execute it. Many people don’t stick with a plan because it’s hard to stay disciplined and easy to fall back into old

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For the first time in two decades, the life expectancy of Americans has declined and one-in-two adults is living with at least one chronic disease. Make your health a priority now, before problems begin.

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summer stress Summer 2017

Tips for managing Each summer we look forward to the sunny weather, schools closing and the vacations. However, managing your or your family’s play, travel and work schedules can be stressful.

According to United Health Foundation’s 2016 America’s Health Rankings, the average number of days per month adults unfavorably assess their mental health ranged from 2.4 days in South Dakota to as high as 4.7 days in Arkansas and West Virginia. The national average is 3.7 days.

Poor mental health days can affect every aspect of one’s day, from your drive to work to running errands before your child’s soccer practice. So what can be done about managing stress and preventing tough days ahead?

First, we must understand that stress is here to stay – a modest amount of stress, offset by periods of relative calm and security, is normal. But high levels of stress can be dangerous to your health, leading to headaches, back pain, fatigue, upset stomach, anxiety, depression and heart problems.

Recognizing stress

Stress is a physical and psychological response to a demand, threat or problem.

It stimulates and increases your level of awareness, also known as the “fight or

Stress is your body’s natural defense mechanism, but being under stress for too long can have a serious negative effect on your health. If you notice stress is becoming an issue for you, talk with your doctor.

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

flight” response. The response occurs whether the stress is positive or negative.

Positive stress provides the means to express talents and abilities. But continued exposure to negative stress may lower the body’s ability to cope, which may lead to prolonged health issues.

Your signs of stress may be different from someone else’s. Some people get angry. Others have trouble concentrating or making decisions, and still others will develop health problems. The good news is that stress can be managed, according to Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., National Director

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

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of Health Strategies at UnitedHealthcare.

O’Brien offers these five tips to help manage stress: Take care of yourself – Eat healthier, engage in moderate exercise and get enough sleep – all of which can improve your health.

Figure out the source – Monitor your mental state throughout the day. Keep a list of the things that create stress. Then develop a plan for dealing with these common stressors.

Do things you enjoy – Go to a movie, meet a friend for dinner or participate in an activity that provides relief. Give yourself a break and take time to care about yourself.

Learn relaxation techniques – Deep breathing is helpful. Meditation as well as “mindfulness techniques” are becoming increasingly popular at home and in the workplace. You can practice mindfulness while sitting in a quiet place or walking.

The key is to focus on your breathing or your steps. The technique may be simple, but achieving the desired result takes practice.

Welcome support – Let close friends or relatives know you’re dealing with stress.

They may be able to offer help or support that may make a difference.

For more health and wellness tips, visit UHC.com.

Doctor’s orders – How to protect your skin this summer

The summer can really take a toll on skin, when more of it is exposed to sun, bugs and poisonous plants.

To keep skin cool, comfortable and irritation-free no matter what conditions you encounter, use these tips from NYCbased dermatologist, Dr. Angela Lamb of Mt. Sinai hospital.

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial when you’re busy and active outdoors. It’s also essential for skin health. So be sure to drink plenty of water and eat hydrating fruits and vegetables.

Treat the itch

The itch, hives, rash, redness and irritation associated with insect bites, poison ivy, oak and sumac, and sunburns can be agonizing. However, it’s important not to scratch the affected area and create an open wound susceptible to infection, even though it does provide temporary relief.

Dr. Lamb suggests treating discomfort right away with a dermatologistrecommended solution that stops the itch and heals the skin. One easy to apply

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steroid-free treatment to consider is The Itch Eraser, which contains soothing aloe, vitamin E and tea tree oil to calm, nourish and moisturize the skin while reducing redness and inflammation. Available as a gel, spray or cream, it can be used to treat every kind of skin itch, (formulas vary).

Find a retailer near you at TheItchEraser. com.

Dress for success

Whether it’s your blanket on the beach or your sundress, fabrics should be well-chosen for the warm weather. For maximum comfort, stick with cotton, linen and other breathable choices. Working out?

Look for moisture wicking materials that will dry quickly. Also, be sure to protect your scalp from sunburn with a widebrimmed hat.

Keep it cool

Hot water is never great for skin, but after too much sun exposure, it can be particularly irritating. Luckily, it’s easy to turn down the heat on your shower in summer. Use the hot weather as an opportunity to give skin a break and refresh with cooler water in the shower or bath.

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For a happier summer, treat your skin right from head to toe. Make sure to apply sunscreen before heading outside, stay hydrated and keep cool in the heat.

Use common sense

Avoid burns and itches to begin with by applying plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, and by taking precautions in wooded areas to avoid poison ivy, oak and sumac.

While preparation may not always be top

of mind when you’re headed outdoors for a day of fun and adventure, being sidelined by these issues is even more of a downer.

Additional tips on how to protect and treat your skin this summer can be found at TheItchEraser.com.

(STATEPOINT)

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Summer 2017

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ProHealth focuses on healthy choices Summer 2017

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

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Changing lifestyles is more than dieting

By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

Dr. Julie N. Larsen says for people looking to lose weight and improve their health, dieting alone isn’t the answer.

“Diets just don’t work,” she said. “As soon as you go off it, the weight comes back on. And if you eliminate an entire food group, sooner or later, you’re going to want that back.”

Larsen, who is the physician in charge of ProHealth Care’s Weight Management Services, said the best way to lose weight is to change the lifestyle that’s causing the problem. The program has five components – medical health, behavioral health, nutrition, fitness, and goals and coaching.

“We want to change people’s relationship with food and exercise and help them develop healthy, normal patterns of eating and living,” she said.

ProHealth offers to help teach patients how to manage their eating, increase the amount of exercise they get, and to get to the underlying causes which create barriers to healthy lifestyles.

“Our program is a minimum of six months in length and all the patients have a very in-depth work up when they start,” Larsen explained. “We do lab testing and a resting energy expenditure test, which is a measure of their metabolism so we know how many calories they need to be eating.

Then each patient has an hour-long intake with each provider on our team.”

Larsen said she handles the physical aspects for the patients, looking for any medical causes for weight gain or the inability to lose weight.

“There might be medications causing it to be difficult to lose weight or other issues we might need to monitor,” she said. “I also address any orthopedic issues that might interfere with their ability to exercise.”

After meeting with Larsen, the people in the program then meet with the nurse wellness coordinator, who does an in-depth social and weight history.

“They also meet with a dietician who works up a nutritional history and a behaviorist, so we can learn about any components of stress or binge eating or other things that might be a barrier to losing weight,” Larsen said.

The medical team then meets to discuss what the patient’s individualized program will look like. The team meets twice a month to discuss all the patients in the program. While in the program, Dr. Julie N. Larsen patients have five appointments a month with the medical team for assessments and assistance.

About two weeks into the program, patients will also see a nurse for a goals coaching session, which sets short-term, achievable goals to help keep the patient on track and encouraged.

“They will have two behavioral health groups a months, too,” Larsen said. “This deals with a lot of the underlying issues to their eating. So many people know what they should be doing but don’t do it. Here they explore what the barriers are to them and get a handle on the stress-associated eating patterns so many people have.”

Larsen said they encourage “mindfulness” when eating and ask their patients to reflect before eating and ask themselves if they’re really hungry and how they will feel after eating.

“Awareness is essential for change,” she said.

Once a month, the patients meet with a dietary group, which offers information on healthy choices and meal planning. The group has food tastings and sampling so people can decide what might work for them.

Larsen said average participants lose about 10 percent of their body weight in the program.

“But if you don’t do the program, you’re not going to lose weight,” she said. “The people who get the most benefit are the ones in transition. Maybe they can’t lose the baby weight or they just got a new, sedentary job and gained 20 to 30 pounds, or are going through menopause and losing control over their eating.”

However, it’s not about the number on

the scale, Larsen said. It’s about promoting a healthy lifestyle that people will continue with. She said making healthy food choices and being more active are how you lose the weight, but the benefits are so much greater.

“Some people don’t lose a lot of weight, but their health improves,” Larsen said.

“A lot of people reduce or eliminated medications.”

Because it’s essential to “get moving” for better health and weight loss, Larsen said, ProHealth partners with West Wood Health and Fitness Center in Pewaukee for it’s fitness programing, with the fitness center giving patients a free six-month membership.

It’s a big step, Larsen said.

“We offer a free consultation, which can be done over the phone or in person or online at our website,” Larsen said.

“There’s absolutely no obligation and we don’t go hounding you after.”

For more information on the program or a free consultation, visit www. prohealthcare.org.

A medical approach to weight loss The weight loss business has evolved from made-for-TV fads, to miracle weight loss diets, to a public health concern that has attracted the attention of the medical community.

In addition to addressing health threats that obesity poses, health care providers have discovered a large segment of the population that is tired of fads and seeking medically sound advice to help them look and feel better.

They’ve also discovered that what’s good for people’s health can be good for their business.

Here’s a closer look at two of the weight loss programs offered by major local health care providers.

Dietitian offers tips to pick the right program

By Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

For people looking to enter a weight loss program, assessing staffing patterns within a clinic is an important facet, said Sara Patiño of the Racine-Kenosha Community Action Agency.

Patiño, the agency’s Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Supervisor and Project Nutritionist, has been with RKCAA for 2-1/2 years.

Along with licenses as a registered dietician and certified dietician, she also serves as the RKCAA certified lactation counselor.

“There should be a registered dietician

and a medical professional on the team,” she said, noting a reputable clinic employs a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, among other licensed professionals.

Low-income programs

Meanwhile, as someone is in search of a weight loss clinic, RKCAA offers an assortment of nutrition and fitness programs for low-income families.

The three programs, Fit Families, Taste of WIC and Teaching Kitchen, offers pointers as an entry point for people seeking WIC services, she reports.

• see “Families that participate in WIC and/or the Fit Families obesity Page 8

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Losing weight requires a commitment to change unhealthy eating habits and be more active. ProHealth Care’s Weight Management Services offers a holistic approach to help patients help themselves, according to Dr. Julie N. Larsen.

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Five keys to success

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Summer 2017

Aurora’s HMR relies on combinations elements Katie Murphy, the senior coordinator for Health Management Resources at Aurora Health Care in Burlington, says there are five keys to the medically managed weight loss program.

Attending the program, keeping track of food, keeping track of exercise, and then eating 35 cups of fruit and vegetables plus burning 2,000 calories in exercise each week are the keys to a healthy lifestyle.

“Those five behaviors, or five variables, are a potent punch when it comes to calorie management,” Murphy said.

The drop rate for the HMR program is less than 10 percent, meaning more than 90 percent of the people who sign up stick with the program. As of March, 33 patients had lost more than 100 pounds, and one patient has lost more than 200 pounds.

HMR offers pre-packaged, low-calorie meals, along with shakes, soup, hot breakfast cereal and snack bars. Along with a class once a week, the program can cost between $90 and $100 a week.

The focus, like Murphy explained, isn’t just on the calories. It’s about putting the right kind of fuel into the body – and using that fuel to exercise.

Five cups a day of fruit and vegetables is the recommended daily serving, and 2,000 calories splits into five days of 400 calories burned – or four of 500 burned, etc.

The idea is to train a body to healthier habits and educate someone in the program to stay that way.

“They all work, but different things work for different people,” Murphy said of weight loss programs. “Sometimes, people

• from prevention initiative program tend Page 7 to eat a more balanced and varied

diet,” Patiño said.

“We are helping families build a foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness.”

In the Fit Families, the obesity prevention program for children aged 2 through 4, conveys guidance to parents to help them meet a healthy lifestyle goal.

While fitness is one aspect, she said, Taste of WIC and Teaching Kitchen offer food preparation tips, with both programs promoting healthy eating.

“Most Wednesdays, we provide a short cooking class focusing on a particular nutrition topic and a healthy recipe,” said Patiño, explaining the Teaching Kitchen course.

For Taste of WIC, it is a generally teaching course, she added.

Although the program centers on women, participation from fathers is an essential tool to success for an entire family, she said.

“WIC provides nutrition education and nutrition counseling to children from birth to age 5, pregnant women and postpartum women,” she said. “We also encourage father participation.”

“Gaining weight is not dependent on gender,” Patiño said, noting each person faces a different barrier when attempting to lose weight, including those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

However, as WIC prepares families for

SUBMITTED PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

A.J. Dahlstrom (from left), Amy Kandetzke and Katie Murphy are part of the Burlington staff for Aurora’s Health Management Resources weight loss program.

a healthy lifestyle, maintaining it is another challenge.

Maintenance essential

One challenge is psychological, she said, noting people either do not eat enough or too much, despite feeling the physical affects.

“We often ignore our hunger and fullness,” she said. “Focusing on getting back in touch with those cues can help with meeting your dietary needs and preventing overeating.”

Along with meeting dietary needs, it is equally important to have awareness of the environment, including where one eats.

“Try to be more mindful when eating – sit at a table, turn off electronics, and be in the present moment,” Patiño said.

In addition to fitness and a psychological awareness, keeping an eye on food labels is an indication of what to avoid.

“No particular food can cause weight gain, but we do see certain foods or beverages often eaten in excess causing weight gain,” she said. “For example, excessive juice or soda intake can be a common cause for weight gain.”

Furthermore, awareness of sugar and cholesterol intake is another factor to consider.

“A high intake of sweets or sugary foods is also a common cause for weight gain,” she said. “A high intake of saturated fats can lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels.”

need a combination of things to work for them.”

The HMR program has three different kinds of plans that allow a person the choice to decide what kind of support they need and whether to make decisions on what they eat.

In addition to Murphy in the Burlington office, A.J. Dahlstrom is a health educator and the registered nurse in the office is Amy Kandetzke.

The other part of the program that HMR promotes is its Phase 2 – a program for those who have lost the weight they want to and are now in a maintenance stage. Murphy said that Phase 2 works to reinforce the food behavior changes

stressed in Phase 1.

“You can start a routine with physical activity, but it can easily fizzle,” Murphy said. “Our goal is to work it into their everyday lifestyle so they are burning calories daily, instead of letting that routine slip.”

Another part of Phase 2 is transitioning away from the meal replacement and lowcalorie meals the program sells. Instead, patients learn to cook meals that will meet the requirements of a healthy meal – and even how to eat out in restaurants without it turning into what Murphy calls “a weight gain event.”

For more on the HMR program, visit hmrprogram.com or call (262) 767-8306.

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Fighting the four sleep disrupters

Summer 2017

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

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Every night, while you’re peacefully sleeping, four things may be happening that could seriously harm your health. Fortunately, there are many ways to address these problems. A major one is to invest in a good mattress.

Four sleep troubles that hurt your health

Pressure points – Tossing and turning can interrupt 1. your sleep. Research shows that people change positions up to 120 times a night on surfaces that don’t

provide good support. This restlessness reduces restorative REM sleep, which affects attentiveness and energy throughout the day. Proper support from your mattress gives you better pressure relief.

External factors – Too much caffeine and sugar too 2. close to bedtime can interrupt sleep. So can light and noise.

Temperature – A room that’s too hot or too cold can 3. keep you up at night. To help, some mattresses are designed with gel-infused foams and performance fabrics that keep you cool when you’re hot, warm when you’re cold.

Allergens – Keeping your mattress and pillows clean 4. can help keep allergens and dust mites at bay. Clean your pillowcase covers regularly and replace pillows every

year or two. Another help: The Yogabed mattress offers a zip-off washable cover so you can keep things clean and allergen free.

This luxury foam mattress features an advanced layered system specifically designed to optimally support the body by dispersing weight evenly and reducing pressure points that cause tossing and turning. That’s because it’s made with Instant Response Foam and YogaGel cooling memory foam. Together, they retain the best qualities of memory foam, latex foam and gel foam, all in one. That also means you won’t be disturbed by movement from your partner, pet or practically anything else while sleeping.

What Else You Need To Know Here are a few more facts and myths about sleep: • Myth: It’s possible to “catch up on your sleep.”

• Fact: Sleep debt is the difference between the amount of sleep you get each night and the amount you actually need. Sadly, a marathon snooze session or two won’t make you debt-free.

• Myth: A drink before bed will help you sleep.

• Fact: Alcohol may initially cause a feeling of sleepiness, but mounting evidence says that it will actually cause you to wake during the night and inhibit deeper sleep phases.

• Myth: If you can’t sleep, count sheep.

• Fact: Picturing relaxing images performs much better than counting sheep or other monotonous tasks as a method for falling asleep.

For further facts and tips on sleep, go to www.yogabed.com.

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Sleeping disorders are a growing concern that can seriously affect day-to-day life, but you don’t have to take it lying down.

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Reading together is one way to avoid the dreaded “summer brain drain” kids experience when on break from school.

Tips to avoid ‘summer brain drain’ Keep kids active and learning over the summer break

It’s only natural that kids get excited for summer vacation. However, parents may be concerned about “summer brain drain,” which occurs when students lose the knowledge they gained during the school year.

Unfortunately, many children show learning losses when they return to school in the fall, and these summer setbacks are cumulative, resulting in increasing levels of learning loss over time, according to RAND research.

“Parents can keep minds sharp by creating fun summer learning opportunities at home,” says Dr. Clement Chau, director of learning for VTech and LeapFrog, home to a number of educational learning products.

To help families avoid summer setbacks, Chau is offering the following ideas and tips.

• Visit a library. Many libraries offer summer reading challenges which can prove to be great motivation to crack open a book. Enlist the expertise of librarians to help children find titles they’ll enjoy, and use the “five-finger” test to be sure your child has books at the proper reading level: read one page of a book; if there are more than five unknown words, have your child choose another book.

• Learn about a new topic. Has your child been collecting rocks when playing outdoors? Does he or she like to point out different shapes of clouds in the sky?

Encourage children to research and learn more about the subjects that fascinate them. If they are passionate about a topic, they’ll be more likely to seek out more

information.

• Set aside required reading time. On average, children who read more than 20 minutes a day scored above the 90th percentile on standardized reading tests, and reading just six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing, according to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report. Make reading a daily habit in your home.

• Look for teachable moments. Going to a baseball game? Show your child how to calculate a batting average or a pitcher’s ERA. Making dinner? Let your child measure the ingredients. Clipping coupons? Show your child how much money will be saved in your grocery budget. Going on a road trip? Look up some fun facts about the different states you’ll see on license plates.

• Read together. Forty-eight percent of children ages six to eight report that they want adults to read aloud to them, even though they are able to read on their own, according to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report. Use this time with your child to discuss the topics in the book and ask questions that help build critical thinking skills. Try such prompts as: Tell me about your favorite character. What was your favorite part of the book and why? Would you recommend this book to a friend?

“With a fun focus on learning, you can help children stay academically active all summer, which will help ease the transition back to the classroom in fall,” says Chau.

(STATEPOINT)

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Summer 2017

Ever wonder who participates in medical studies? People like you Giving blood isn’t the only way to help others Giving blood and participating in fundraiser walks are popular ways to help those in need, but there’s another way to directly support America’s medical research communities and advance important knowledge that could someday improve or save lives – participate in a clinical trial.

Research studies are one of the most effective ways for scientists to advance knowledge in virtually every facet of health care. From studying nutrition and exercise, to developing new treatments and more, clinical trials shape the future of health care for everyone.

Thousands of institutions across the country are looking for people just like you to participate in a research study.

ClinicalTrials.gov – a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health – currently lists over 95,000 studies in the U.S. with locations in all 50 states.

You can search by a variety of criteria, including age, health condition and location, to find studies that are a match to your interests.

According to JoAnn Manson, M.D., Ph.D., Chief-Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, “Volunteers are critical to the

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

Help others – and potentially yourself – live healthier in the future. Explore clinical trial opportunities that are right for you today.

research process. Without the dedication and altruism of study volunteers, researchers wouldn’t be able to get the answers needed to advance science and improve health.”

Dr. Manson is part of several large, groundbreaking clinical trials, including the nationwide VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) and the Women’s Health Initiative.

VITAL is testing the role of vitamin D, with and without omega-3 fish oil, supplements in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and stroke. The WHI is a long-term national

BADGER HIGH 2017

LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM

health study focused on preventing heart disease, breast and colorectal cancer, and osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women.

Today, Dr. Manson and her colleague, Dr. Howard Sesso (also at Brigham and Women’s Hospital) are lead investigators of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study, a landmark clinical trial examining the role of cocoa flavanols, plant-derived bioactive compounds from the cacao bean, and a multivitamin supplement

in helping people maintain cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of other chronic diseases such as cancer.

COSMOS is the largest and longest dietary intervention trial to date that will investigate the impact of cocoa flavanols on risk of heart attack, stroke and death from cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, researchers will examine the potential cognitive benefits of cocoa flavanols. They will build off of two smaller studies from Columbia University Medical Center and the University of L’Aquila in Italy, indicating that cocoa flavanols slow the rate of age-related memory loss in healthy individuals.

Dr. Manson, Dr. Sesso, and their team are looking to enroll 18,000 women and men nationwide to take cocoa flavanol and multivitamin supplements for 4 years. If you are interested in volunteering for COSMOS, you can visit www.cosmostrial.org/join or call (800) 633-6913 to learn more.

To participate in a study you must meet eligibility requirements.

Compensation for every study is different, but typically, you can expect the study treatments and any interaction with the researchers to be free of charge. Some research studies provide opportunities for additional compensation.

Whether research is focused on diagnosis, treatment or prevention, you have an opportunity to make a difference by helping medical researchers make tomorrow’s big health care discoveries.

(BPT)

Willowfield

NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER

REGISTRATION Online: https://goo.gl/9JxeSe In Person: Continues June 12th

on a daily basis 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in BHS Room 514

1: Intro to Water Skills 2: Basic Aquatic Skills 3: Stroke Development

4: Stroke Improvement 5: Stroke Refinement 6: Swim Proficiency

Session Dates & Times Session 1 Jun 12 - Jun 23

Session 2

Jun 26 – June 30 and July 10-14 *NO CLASS WEEK OF JULY 4

Session 3 July 17-July 28

09:00a-09:30a 09:35a-10:05a 10:10a-10:40a 10:45a-11:15a

11:35a-12:05p 12:10p-12:40p 12:45p-01:15p

09:00a-09:30a 09:35a-10:05a 10:10a-10:40a 10:45a-11:15a

11:35a-12:05a 12:10a-12:40p 12:45p-01:15p

09:00a-09:30a 09:35a-10:05a 10:10a-10:40a 10:45a-11:15a

www.willowfieldskillednursing.com

COST

Swim Levels

11:35a-12:05p 12:10p-12:40p 12:45p-01:15p

Please inquire with Deanna Giovingo (262) 348-2000 Ext. 2370

Leslie Roanhouse

IN-DISTRICT 1 Session: $55/child 2 or more Sessions: $45/each session/child

Manager of Market Development

OUT OF DISTRICT 1 Session: $65/child 2 or more Sessions: $55/each session/child

lroanhouse@willowfieldskillednursing.com

Note that if you cancel out of multiple sessions for a child, the refund will be prorated back to the correct pricing category.

Ask for clarification!

905 East Geneva St. Delavan, WI 53115

AGE Children must be 3 years old and potty trained by the beginning of the session.

NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Credit Cards Accepted

273986

e-mail: deanna.giovingo@badger.k12.wi.us

Tel: 262-728-6319 Cell: 262-374-2514 Fax: 414-815-5505 274177

Be bold – try something new Summer 2017

Unique ideas to be gutsier in life Being human takes guts, but a sense of bold confidence doesn’t come easily for everyone; and often requires you to start from the inside. You may need to overcome mental roadblocks and bulldoze through personal physical barriers that have held you back.

Now is the perfect time to break free of those internal boundaries and challenge yourself to live boldly and bravely. Here are some ideas to unlock your potential from the inside out:

Start with a gut check To be your best self and have the “guts” to tackle whatever lies ahead, get your gut in check and reap the glory. According to a recent Renew Life survey, three out of four women (72 percent) report that they’ve experienced occasional digestive issues in the past 12 months, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Not only may these all be signs your gut is in need of replenishment and balance, but they’re enough of a reason to sit on the sideline rather than experience a new adventure.

Nutrition experts like Ellie Krieger, RD, host of “Ellie’s Real Good Food” show and author of several healthy cookbooks, agree that one of the most efficient and impactful ways to bring balance to the digestive tract for better digestive and immune health is with a daily probiotic like Renew Life

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Page 11

When you try something you’ve never done before, it stimulates the body and mind.

Ultimate Flora Probiotics, recommended for their blends of multiple strains and billions of live cultures, which reflects the natural diversity in the gut. Visit www.RenewLife. com for more information.

Try something new When you try something you’ve never done before, it stimulates the body and mind. Don’t worry about failure – just keep an open mind and have fun. No matter the outcome, you’ll create lifelong memories.

For example, even if you aren’t crafty, sign up for a pottery class. Always wondered about yoga? Take an intro session. Want to make new friends? Attend that community function. Get outside your comfort zone.

Eat new foods Expand your nutritional palate with healthy items that aren’t staples on your daily menu – mix them with dishes you know and try them a couple of times. Training your brain to recognize new flavors and smells requires multiple exposures, and proximity to familiar favorites helps make things safe by association. You never know what might become your next favorite dish.

Take a spontaneous PTO day Americans wasted 658 million paid vacation days, according to Project: Time Off’s State of American Vacation 2016

FILE PHOTO Healthy Lifestyles

report. That means more than half of workers (55 percent) left vacation time unused. Don’t let precious time off slip away, and take a mental health day.

Call in on a random day and give yourself the gift of an unplanned day off.

Reflect on and be a role model Who do you admire for their guts? Is it someone famous or someone close to you?

Think about what they do that inspires you.

If you can, tell them why. For example, write

your mom a letter about how she’s impacted your life. It’s sure to make her day.

Challenge yourself

Need extra motivation for living gutsier?

Join a fun challenge that can both guide you plus provide a sense of community and support. Sign up for a 5K with a friend or commit your family to meatless Mondays for a month. When you do challenges in groups, it can be a lot of fun.

(BPT)

Smart choices start here.

Turn healthy eating into a healthy lifestyle.

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Page 12

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Summer 2017

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