SEPTEMBER 2019 | VOL. 12 — ISSUE 9
Outside the box
Diagnosing TMJ
Feline anxiety behaviors
The answer to your ear/jaw pain?
OregonHealthyLiving.com
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OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
VOL. 12 — ISSUE 9
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Rocking with Ripstix: Group exercise workout
Can Massage Get Any Better?
Discover Ayurveda: Healthy diet principles
Kitties on the Edge: Stressed out felines
Jaw-dropping Pain? TMJ disorder
Adding CBD oil
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from the EDITOR
EDITOR Cheryl P. Rose CEO & PUBLISHER Steven Saslow
When fitness is fun, you're more likely to keep it up. It's hard to argue with the research coming in from all sources that the 30 minutes of exercise daily prescription is a health bonanza. The Pound fitness class featured this month is one of the most recent iterations of fun fitness. Next month, we'll have tips for surviving the first weeks with a new puppy, and we'll explore some of the misconceptions related to breast cancer. crose@rosebudmedia.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & VP OF SALES Gail Whiting SALES SUPERVISOR Laura Perkins GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jaren Hobson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aaron Cooper Micah Leigh Sarah Lemon Rebecca Scott Cindy Quick Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matt Brasier Dustin Peters Wade Photos
Oregon Healthy Living Magazine is published by the Rosebud Media Advertising Department, 111 N. Fir St., Medford, OR 97501. General information: 541.776.4422 Submissions and feedback: crose@rosebudmedia.com
on the COVER Maralee Sheadel of Central Point has been a fitness instructor of more than 10 years. She teaches group fitness classes for six to seven hours each week. "I love it because I get to meet so many people and introduce them to exercise that is fun and not a chore," she says. Outside of teaching, she loves to run with her girlfriends. This year, their challenge is to run 20 10Ks in 2020. "Over the years, I've discovered that fitness comes in any shape and size, and it's the effort involved rather than speed, strength or age." Photo by Dustin Peters Composite Image and Design by Dustin Peters and Jaren Hobson
Join the List... Ashland Food Cooperative................ pg 17
Oregon Retina Center....................... pg 7
Medford Food Cooperative................ pg 15
Compass Senior Living Communities..... pg 24
Medford Foot & Ankle....................... pg 11
Retina Care Center............................ pg 21
Medicap Pharmacy........................... pg 19
Rosa Transformational....................... pg 3
Northridge Center............................. pg 23
Sherm's Food 4 Less.......................... pg 2
The Noyce Clinic............................... pg 19
Wellspring Center for Body Balance..... pg 9
...and reach your next customer with Oregon Healthy Living! Contact Sales Supervisor Laura Perkins at 541.776.4447 or lperkins@rosebudmedia.com
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OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
STORY BY AARON COOPER
PHOTOS BY WADE PHOTOS
POUND workout for fitness continued on page 6
SEPTEMBER 2019 | OREGON HEALTHY LIVING
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POUND CLASS AT SUPERIOR ATHLETIC CLUB LED BY INSTRUCTOR MARALEE SHEADEL.
H
aving worked as a fitness instructor for more than 10 years, Maralee Sheadel felt like she’d seen just about everything for workout classes. A teacher of Group Blast, Group Active, Group Groove and Core at Superior Athletic Club in Medford, Sheadel was looking for something new when she learned about a class that used the pounding rhythm of rock music to get participants moving and in shape.
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The class—called “POUND Rockout Workout”—was offered occasionally at a local studio. It’s a full-body workout that provides challenging cardio, conditioning and strength training combined with dance, yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. Like Zumba and many other popular workouts, certified instructors at select gyms lead Pound classes. But what separates Pound from other classes is that the workout is inspired by what the website poundfit.com calls “the infectious, energizing and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums.” The entire class is focused around beating weighted drumsticks (more on these later) on the floor, against each other and in the air; and a hard-rock soundtrack— laden with drum-heavy cuts—that keeps class participants moving. Sheadel says she was hooked after her first class. “I fell in love with it,” she says. “From the first moment
I put my two sticks together I had a smile on my face, so I dragged my group fitness director to it, and she fell in love with it too.” Soon, Sheadel was exploring adding the class to Superior Athletic Club’s offerings. As an instructor, Sheadel loves Pound for its appeal to fitness novices. She says it’s a great workout without seeming like a workout. “With this class, you’re doing a lot of squatting, which is great exercise by itself,” she says. Yet, Sheadel adds that many people are intimidated by the idea of doing dance moves and squatting, and they feel they can’t keep up with regular dance classes. That’s how Pound is different. “In Pound, people forget that they’re squatting,” she says. “But by the end of each class, they’ve done between 500-700 squats and 1,500 biceps curls, and they don’t even notice that they’ve done all that work.” continued on page 10
OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
Pound was co-created in 2011 by CEO Kirsten Potenza, a recreational drummer and former college athlete. Potenza had relied heavily on stability-based exercises like Pilates but was bored with the routine and longed to put fun back into her exercise regimen. It wasn’t until she and a co-founder, also a recreational drummer and athlete, were forced to drum without a stool and squat over the drum kit that they realized drumming and exercise could be one and the same. Today, more than 17,000 instructors in 70+ countries teach the Pound workout.
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"I fell in love with it. From the first moment I put my two sticks together I had a smile on my face."
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OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
All Pound choreography and music are available only through certified instructors. Songs (between two and four minutes in length) are carefully selected to provide interval peaks and fat-burning sequences, so participants get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. The various 45-minute sessions boast up to 15,000 repetitions and more than 30 extended interval peaks, or sets, that burn hundreds of calories. Participants improve rhythm, timing, coordination, speed, agility, endurance and musicality.
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MARALEE SHEADEL POUND Instructor Superior Athletic Club PHOTO BY DUSTIN PETERS
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A POUND CLASS CAN HAVE UP TO 15,000 REPETITIONS AND MORE THAN 30 EXTENDED INTERVAL PEAKS, OR SETS, THAT BURN HUNDREDS OF CALORIES. INSTRUCTOR MARALEE SHAEDEL SAYS PARTICIPANTS WALK OUT 45 MINUTES LATER WITH A SMILES ON THEIR FACES AND SORE BUTTS.
Weighted drumsticks provide resistance toning The way Pound transforms the motion of drumming into an effective workout is through the use of lightly weighted drumsticks—called Ripstix— engineered specifically for exercising. Weighing 4 ounces each and made of durable plastic, the Ripstix add extra weight, challenging the body’s balance and contracting the core muscles with each movement. Intensifying each position in the routine with the sticks’ light, peripheral resistance works not only the shoulders, biceps, triceps, forearms and back, but also the stabilizing muscles throughout the body. One reason Sheadel says it’s an intense lower-body workout is the squatting and lunging movements are lower than a normal workout – to enable participants to beat their sticks on the floor. But she’s quick to add that the focus on music and having fun are what makes it an effective workout for fitness lovers of all levels.
10 OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
Kids get into the act Rikkie Garner, a lifeguard, aquatics aerobics instructor, personal trainer and roller derby player, is a Pound instructor at the Rogue Valley YMCA in Medford. Working with the YMCA’s Junior Wellness program, Garner learned that Generation Pound— the youth-centric version of Pound —would be great for getting the children active without realizing they were exercising. “We received a grant from the Leightman Maxey Foundation, and now we have five junior- and adultcertified Pound trainers at the YMCA,” says Garner. “The kids love it, and it’s working out well because it’s fun and keeps you moving to the music.” Garner says the children know the songs, and the music gets them focusing on using the drumsticks and the lyrics, so they’re not thinking about the fact that they’re exercising. “It’s kind of like dancing,” she says. “When you’re just enjoying the music and the movement, you can get a great workout without even noticing it.”
Exercise, Garner says, can be intimidating to children as much as adults. “Especially those who are overweight,” she says. “Many adults are self-conscious and may have a hard time keeping up in general cardio or body-pump type classes. Kids can be the same way, but if you can get down to their level and make it fun and silly, they don’t think about what they’re doing.” Regardless of age or fitness level, Garner says keeping the beat is the one aspect that all participants find fun. And, Pound movements can be modified to accommodate participants’ fitness levels. For example, some movements call for a squat-jump, where the participant crouches down and springs upward, feet off the floor; but those who can’t jump can just rise up from a squat to a standing position. And just as Pound movements can be modified, there are ways to modify the entire class to make it more fun and appealing. One example: “We do superhero day,” says Garner. “It’s when everyone, including instructors, wears superhero costumes.”
WHEN TO POUND?
SUPERIOR ATHLETIC CLUB 727 Cardley Ave., Medford
Thursdays | 5:45 P.M.
ROGUE VALLEY YMCA 522 W 6th Street, Medford
Tuesdays | 7 P.M.
Superior Athletic offers classes at 5:45 p.m. on Thursdays at their 700 Cardley location in Medford and twice a month on Wednesday mornings at the Eagle Point location. Sheadel says that by Thursdays, most people are "done" with the workweek, and they are eager to release some stress. Pound is a great solution. Membership is not required – guests can drop in for a class and access to all of Superior Athletic’s equipment, swimming pool, racquetball courts, lockers and showers for just $12. The Rogue Valley YMCA offers adult Pound classes Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Children’s Generation Pound classes are usually held once per week as part of the YMCA’s broader Junior Wellness program; the next eight-week Junior Wellness cohort begins Sept. 18.
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STORY BY MICAH LEIGH
Using CBD oil is the latest option to boost well-being
T
he latest enhancement to boost the massage experience is CBD oil, or cannabidiol, which is derived from the cannabis plant. Local massage therapists are using topical creams blended with CBD oil, and the positive feedback is tremendous, according to JoAnne DeRoo, owner of Blue Giraffe Day Spa and Salon in Ashland.
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OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
“CBD oil massage is very popular,” says DeRoo. “We tested it for 30 days before we rolled it out to our customers. Clients report immediate results and no, you will not get high.” Daniel Smith, a licensed massage therapist at White Lotus Day Spa in Medford, explains that CBD oil does not have THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the ingredient in marijuana that causes the psychoactive side effect or that “high” feeling. “There is nothing to get addicted to,” he says. “It is a nonstimulant, so you will not feel high. It works as an extra layer of pain relief. Clients who have chronic injuries say they feel the most benefits.” Smith explains that those with arthritis and other long-term conditions, as well as those recovering from surgery, say they notice a big difference. “CBD massage is great for muscle recovery and pain management,” he says. “Relief can be felt in the first treatment. We believe that education is key. People are curious. We explain the benefits. Because it targets inflammation, it is good for pain and anxiety, and it
calms the nerves with no side effects. I have a very physical job, and I use it topically before and after work for my own sore muscles.” DeRoo says that because CBD relaxes the body, the massage therapist can use deeper pressure than usual without added discomfort. This gives people the results they are looking for quickly, she says. “It is becoming a mainstream way to relax and heal,” DeRoo adds. “We see all age groups opting for CBD oil massage.” DeRoo adds a note of caution for those who are drug-tested at work. “Be sure you know the parameters of your workplace. Our CBD oil has a trace of THC, only 0.3 percent. That is not enough to make you feel high, but you can still test positive,” she says. Smith encourages users to know their CBD oil source. “We use a local grower. We know her products are organic and of good quality,” he said. “There is proven research on the benefits for pain and anxiety. There is continued research on how CBD can help with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and certain cancers.”
Smith referenced a study published in the journal Pain in December 2017 which tested whether CBD could prevent osteoarthritis pain and joint neuropathy. Based on their findings, researchers affirmed that it both decreased joint inflammation and served as a protectant to the nerves. “We have stressful lives,” says Smith. “We tolerate pain and push through it. Massage alone can enhance the immune system and relieve depression and muscle aches. The addition of CBD oil is another means to reduce pain and inflammation. It’s another tool in the tool belt.” DeRoo believes that society as a whole is turning to self-care. “It is very important that people take care of themselves, and massage can help,” she says. “The power of physical touch is healing and can help you reconnect with yourself, especially in this time when we are so isolated from one another. CBD is just an added layer of healing.” If considering adding CBD oil to a massage or any other method, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor first.
ASHLAND RESIDENT MICHELE ZAGORSKI, FOUNDER AND OWNER OF ZAGORSKA OASIS SPA AND SALT CAVE, SAYS CBD OIL IS THE FUTURE OF THE SKINCARE INDUSTRY.
IS CBD OIL APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION?
To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only formally approved the drug Epidiolex, a form of cannabidiol, which has been proven to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy. The FDA states: “We recognize that there is significant public interest in these products, for therapeutic purposes and otherwise. At the same time, there are many unanswered questions about the science, safety and quality of many of these products. As we approach these questions, we do so as a science-based regulatory agency committed to our mission of protecting and promoting public health.” On May 31, 2019, the FDA held their first public hearing on CBD to consider a new policy on CBD. No date has been set for a conclusion. (fda.gov/news-events)
"THE ADDITION OF CBD OIL IS ANOTHER MEANS TO REDUCE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION. IT’S ANOTHER TOOL IN THE TOOL BELT.” DANIEL SMITH MASSAGE THERAPIST, WHITE LOTUS DAY SPA, MEDFORD SEPTEMBER 2019 | OREGON HEALTHY LIVING
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STORY BY SARAH LEMON PHOTOS BY MATT BRASIER
Ayurveda feeds body, mind and spirit
N
utrition for the body, in ancient Indian philosophy, is secondary to nourishment of the soul. Essential to Ayurveda are the energetics in food, from the moment a seed sprouts until a cheerful cook conveys a wholesome meal to the table. The universal elements that Indian sages outlined some 5,000 years ago determine humans’ physical predispositions and mental inclinations, as well as which foods positively or negatively influence our function. But the manner of food cultivation and preparation is perhaps most important. “Ayurveda is to make the mind, body, spirit happy,” says Dr. Prachi Garodia, a practitioner of internal and integrative medicine. India’s traditional system of wellness went hand in hand with mainstream medicine in Garodia’s office at Asante Physician Partners. Garodia left the Medford group in August to offer integrative care to military veterans in Southern Oregon. “When the patients come in, I look at the bigger picture,” says Garodia. “It’s very individual.” Patients asking for natural alternatives to Western medical treatment inspired Garodia to seek additional training in Ayurveda and acupuncture after she completed her medical residency in New York and Pennsylvania. Integrating all those disciplines, Garodia has a prescription for diet, exercise and supplements for each patient, based on the prevalence of Ayurveda’s three “doshas” — fire, earth and air — and the season at hand. continued on page 16
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GOLDEN MILK Recipe courtesy of Dr. Prachi Garodia
INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup ground tumeric 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1 cup of almond milk (hemp or coconut milk are other good options) 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or ghee Honey, stevia, monk fruit powder, lucuma powder, lohan fruit or other natural sweetener, to taste (optional) Ground cinnamon, cardamom or ginger, for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS
from the finest organic food to award-winning local wines
In a small saucepan, combine the ground turmeric and pepper with 1 cup filtered water; mix well. Turn heat to medium-high and stir continuously until mixture is a thick paste, which takes a couple of minutes. Let this mixture cool, then transfer to a small, widemouthed jar and store in refrigerator. To make a serving of golden milk, combine in a saucepan 1/4 teaspoon or more turmeric paste with the almond milk and coconut oil or ghee. Turn heat to medium. While heating, stir mixture continuously; do not allow it to boil. Remove mixture from heat and stir in sweetener of choice, Transfer to a mug or bowl and sprinkle with ground spices, if desired.
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“Ayurveda recommends that you live according to the seasons,” she says. “Local is very important.” It’s an outlook familiar to fans of the locavore movement and anyone who upholds cooking whole foods from scratch. At its most straightforward, Ayurveda is a plant-based diet that uses herbs and spices to enhance ingredients’ inherent flavors, instead of making a “spicy” impact. It’s preferable to cook foods gently, using water to promote the process, rather than a lot of fats and oils, says Garodia. Ayurvedic dishes, she adds, should not be confused with Indian-restaurant fare. “Ayurveda tries to keep it simple.” Yet an “amazing variety” of Ayurvedic dishes, says Garodia, endears author, cooking instructor and Ashland resident Kumud Gokani to readers and television viewers across the region and abroad. Gokani’s 1999 arrival in Ashland coincided with the community’s heightened interest in Ayurveda, despite a lack of local practitioners. “I grew up in the Ayurvedic, traditional way of cooking,” says Gokani, now 76. A prime candidate for educating a hungry public, Gokani immediately got to work writing a cookbook and launching a show of the same name on public-access television. Two decades later, “Cooking With Kumud” remains one of RVTV’s most popular programs, and Gokani has published a second volume of Ayurvedic vegetarian cuisine, “Feed the Beloved Soul.” “We talk about embodying qualities,” says Gokani’s daughter, Devapria, who edited “Feed the Beloved Soul.” “The food is also embodying the qualities.” The most wholesome food, according to Gokani, Garodia and other Ayurvedic experts, is diminished by indifferent preparation or, worse, a cook’s dissatisfaction or frustration. Eating, similarly, should be an act of sensory awareness and appreciation. “Be in a very positive, happy mood when you are cooking,” says Gokani. “Eat with such a happy mood … that you digest well.” Her mother’s emphasis on attitude as the greatest asset in the kitchen continues to characterize her career, says Devapria Gokani.
KUMUD GOKANI
16 OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
Find more information about Kumud Gokani’s books, classes and programming at www.cookingwithkumud.com/cooking-with-kumud
WHICH TYPE ARE YOU? DETERMINE YOUR DOSHA WITH THIS PRIMER
PITTA (F IRE )
K A PHA ( EA RT H)
VATA ( A IR)
Are you someone who runs hot, even in cold weather? Do you pursue work intently and hobbies passionately? Do you eat fast, talk fast and sweat easily? Is your appetite insatiable? These characteristics indicate a strong Pitta presence. To balance your heat, try cold, sweet and astringent (drier) foods, including cucumbers, sunflower oil, sweet fruits, kale, dandelion leaves and ghee (clarified butter). Minimize your intake of spicy, salty and sour foods (stay away from hot sauce and sharp cheddar cheese). Also, try to give yourself a daily massage. Pitta people have a tendency to store intensity in their neck and shoulders.
Are you a naturally mellow person who likes to stay in your comfort zone? Are you affectionate and fun-loving with a tendency to see the goodness in everything? Do you value your comfortable couch or bed and a nightly date with Netflix over physical pursuits? You are one with the earth. Foods that can help you energize and feel a surge of spontaneity include warming, lighter and drier foods, including spices, beans, cloves, barley, apples, pears, pomegranates and cranberries. Stay away from heavier foods that foster laziness, push yourself to maintain a solid workout routine and resolve to be an early riser. Try a liquid fast once a week.
Are you an innovative type or big-picture thinker who takes on tons of tasks but then bores easily and quickly moves on? Do you have trouble sleeping and overthinking everything, leading to anxiety? Do you crave social interaction but also feel constrained in groups? If you’re always longing for adventure and seeking creative outlets, you are an airhead (not literally, metaphorically). Foods to help you remain grounded, focused and calm include cinnamon, legumes, lemons, mangoes, pineapple, grapes and sharp cheese. Airy, high-strung Vatas should stick to sweet, salty and sour tastes and stay away from caffeine, which can induce panic. Try to schedule times to eat, given that skipping meals is a Vata tendency that perpetuates anxiety.
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Bea Johnson will share her story of achieving a Zero Waste lifestyle that focuses on "a richer life based on experiences instead of stuff." For more information and tickets visit www.ashlandfood.coop/events. Tickets also available at the door.
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STORY BY CINDY QUICK WILSON
As creatures of habit and comfort, cats are surprisingly vulnerable to stress
T
hough cats often act as if they are far above the everyday worries we humans struggle with, they are much more vulnerable to stress than their seemingly superior and aloof independence would indicate. A change in routine, their household environments or a move to a new home can have a considerable influence on health and behavior. Whatever the cause, stress can take a physical and mental toll on cats, says Estrella Cervantes, intake supervisor with Southern Oregon Humane Society in Medford. She oversees an average of 375 cats and kittens who come into the shelter every year. “Cats hate change. They are very much creatures of habit, just like some people. They prefer knowing that every day, at a certain time, they get fed or played with or their litter box gets cleaned. Consistency gives them a sense of security, so they need routine and predictability. Otherwise, you may see outward signs of stress.”
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OREGON HEALTHY LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2019
Kitties on the edge Loss of appetite, excessive grooming, vomiting, hair loss, aggressive behavior and eliminating in places other than the litter box may be signs that your Robert Redfur is stressing out. Veterinarian Randy Webster with Animal Hospital of Grants Pass says one of the most obvious signs of stress is when a cat changes his or her litter box habits. “Cats show signs of stress in their urination habits. When they start urinating and defecating outside the litter box in areas that aren’t normal for them, that’s usually an indication of stress.” Other provocations, he adds, can be having to compete with other animals in the home for food, water, litter box space or territory, or as a reaction to tension among humans or other pets, or loud noises. Kitties may also react to changes in household dynamics caused by new babies, new relationships or new pets. Guided by echoes of life in the wild, experts warn that our domestic feline companions may instinctually hide signs of weakness or vulnerability. It sometimes takes a keen observer to detect the signals. “In terms of body language,” Cervantes says, “we look for hyper-vocalization, especially if we know that the cat isn’t typically very vocal. Sometimes, you can tell by the tail if a cat is upset. It can go from a flicking to a swooshing motion and that’s a good sign of some kind of stress. We also watch the ears, which are normally forward and alert, but when those ears start to go back, that can be an indication that something’s going
on. Another clue we pay attention to is when a cat seems to be sleeping more than normal. Sometimes they will feign sleep just to avoid interacting with other cats or humans, which is pretty smart because people usually won’t disturb a sleeping cat.”
Calming your cat Webster says if you think your cat is showing signs of stress, try things that will amuse or distract, and give an added sense of security. “They love moving water, so try a drinking fountain instead of just a bowl of water. Or try a special food treat. I’ve stopped cats from urinating outside the litter box just by giving them canned cat food. Food is the most important thing for survival. If they get something they like and can look forward to, it can change them.” One of the simplest but most important de-stressors can be getting your cat to play, Cervantes says. “A lot of people don’t think their cats want to play because they act lazy or they think they’re too old, but most cats love playing with a wand toy, playing fetch or chasing a laser pointer. Some cats can even learn tricks. My cat tends to get stressed, so I taught him to sit, high-five and spin. I use that to get his mind off whatever he’s stressing over. It’s good to stimulate their brain.” If these simple measures don’t work, Webster suggests that some pet parents have luck with a product called Feliway, which uses diffusers and sprays that mimic natural cat pheromones which send calming messages to cats. “Your vet
may recommend Prozac, which has had some success in treating cats for anxiety. It boils down to trying different things to find what works for them.” If you know changes are coming, Cervantes advises trying to allow cats to adjust gradually. Keep what’s familiar to them (a blanket or bed, favorite toys, scratch tree and litter box) nearby to help them feel more secure. Try to see life from the cat’s perspective, she says. “They often spend many hours by themselves when we are off working and doing other things. Sometimes they get stressed just by feeling lonely and bored. They benefit from mental stimulation and exercise, so when you get home, take time to play with your cat. That play time can build a greater bond because the most fun they have all day is that time they spend with you.”
PRE-DIABETES DIABETES TIME FOR A CHANGE? Helping to make lifestyle changes that work for you including ketogenic diet, medically supervised fasts, and ProLon fasting mimicking diet.
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TIPS FOR SOOTHING YOUR FELINE COMPANION Experts say it’s important to observe interactions between pets in your home to address any problems and to be alert to potentially stress-causing environmental factors. Be there for your kitty but be aware that many cats do not like to be handled when they’re upset. Take it slow when introducing the cat to a new pet, person or environment. Provide a safe, cozy environment with vertical space, like a kitty condo with an elevated cubby where they can survey the area. Keep water, food and litter boxes in quiet places and avoid placing them in high traffic or potentially scary areas. Playing classical music in a quiet room where your cat feels secure may increase a sense of calm. Play time decreases stress in cats and can increase their confidence in places previously associated with fear.
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Pharmacist Rick Chester is also a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist.
541.535.5843 205 North Pacific Hwy Talent, Oregon 97540
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STORY BY REBECCA SCOTT
Pops, clicks and soreness could be signs of TMJ
I
magine enduring immense jaw pain— clicking, popping or problems fully opening and closing your mouth. After years, you finally receive a diagnosis and learn you are suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. While medical professionals agree that pinpointing a diagnosis of TMJ disorder may be difficult, there are specific ways to determine if you have it and how to treat it.
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The fundamentals of TMJ disorder “TMJ disorder is a broad term which describes problems associated with the temporomandibular joint and the related muscles of mastication (chewing) around the joints that help you move your jaw,” explains Dr. Bryan Clevenger, a doctor of dental surgery with Associates for Oral Maxillofacial Surgery in Southern Oregon. It can be acute or chronic, he says, but often becomes a lifelong condition because we use the temporomandibular joint so often for eating or talking. Pain caused by TMJ disorder can affect one or both sides of the jaw, and may also radiate toward the ear or temple, explains Robert Babek, a physical therapist with Therapeutic Associates Medford Physical Therapy. “The most common symptom of TMJ disorder is pain or tenderness around the jaw,” he says. Many people also experience jaw popping or clicking, and limited jaw mobility, according to Clevenger. “Normally you can open your mouth about 4-5 centimeters, but with TMJ disorder, you’re unable to open it more than three centimeters,” he explains.
Clevenger and Babek agree that it’s often hard to know the cause of TMJ disorder. “Grinding your teeth, sitting with poor posture or other neck issues are all things which could cause TMJ disorder,” explains Babek. Sometimes the cause could be extremely simple, he says, such as chewing gum on only one side of your mouth. Arthritis or a previous injury may also result in TMJ disorder, says Clevenger. “If you fall and land on your chin, that could shove the jawbone into a different position,” he adds. While the root cause of TMJ disorder varies, there are ways to reach a diagnosis.
Diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder First, you will have a thorough evaluation from your dentist to rule out any problems with your teeth, explains Clevenger. He says people suffering from TMJ disorder will usually have specific pain. “If a patient tells me ‘I have pain right here’ and points to the temporomandibular joint, I know it’s TMJ disorder.” Conversely, he says a more diffused pain is generally a sign of another problem, such as migraines.
Babek begins with an examination of the jaw to see how it moves, your range of motion and if you are experiencing pain while moving your jaw. Just as there are several ways to diagnose TMJ disorder, there are also a variety of treatment options. Clevenger says that in the past, surgery was a treatment option early on in the process, but that is not the case now. “Today, we don’t jump to surgery,” he explains. Initial management is the best treatment, he says, which typically starts with a soft food diet to rest the joints, and then using warm or cold packs to alleviate inflammation. “If that fails, we could prescribe medications with steroids, or eventually provide the patient with a mouthguard to protect the joints.” Physical therapy is another treatment option, according to Babek. If the patient lacks range of motion,
he says they will work on the soft tissue and stretching the muscles. “It’s not so much about the power, but the control of moving the mouth in the right way.”
Resolving the pain TMJ disorder can cause discomfort and affect a person’s quality of life, according to Babek and Clevenger. But there is hope to help patients without resorting to surgery. “We try to understand the cause of the pain and suggest ways to modify their behavior. Sometimes it’s about breaking the habits that started the pain in the first place,” says Babek.
PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS FOR TMJ DISORDER
Physical therapy is one method of treatment for TMJ. The focus is relaxation, stretching and releasing tight muscles, says Robert Babek, a physical therapist at Therapeutic Associates Medford Physical Therapy. Common physical therapy techniques include: Exercises which strengthen the jaw muscles and improve range of motion. Heat and ice for pain relief and to reduce inflammation. Massage to relax muscle tension.
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SOUTHERN OREGON SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT 2019: VETERAN STRONG - IT TAKES A COMMUNITY
CHINESE HERBS AND LONGEVITY - BEYOND ADAPTOGENS SEPTEMBER 16 | 6-8 P.M. ASHLAND FOOD CO-OP CLASSROOM 300 PIONEER ST., ASHLAND A free lecture by Ken Bendat, an acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner, about using the Chinese herbal system to promote longevity. CONTACT INFO: ashlandfood.coop/events | 541.482.2237
SEPTEMBER 17 | 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M. JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING, 140 S. HOLLY ST., MEDFORD Sponsored by the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Centers and Clinics, this free event supports a community commitment to improve mental health care for veterans and their families. Veterans, veteran families and supporters, mental health providers, and community partners are invited to register for this event. Discussion and breakout sessions will focus on increasing access and awareness around mental health needs and resources, reducing stigma and improved care. CONTACT INFO: Cindy Zippi 541.826.2111 x3649
GET YOUR EVENT LISTED! Email crose@rosebudmedia.com with the following information: Event title, date, time, location, contact information, and a brief description including any required fees. Please note: Event information must be received at least 60 days in advance to be considered for publication in Oregon Healthy Living.
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SEPTEMBER 20 | 9 A.M.-3 P.M. JOSEPHINE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, 1451 FAIRGROUNDS ROAD, GRANTS PASS The Senior Resource Fair is a free event for the public hosted by Team Senior Referral Services to provide Southern Oregon residents the opportunity to become informed consumers and prepare for the changes that come with aging. Classes, vendors, prizes, goodie bags and more are part of this event. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Honor Flight. CONTACT INFO: www.teamsenior.org/seniorfair
APPLEGATE-RUCH HOW-TO-FEST
SEPTEMBER 21 | 10 A.M.-1 P.M. APPLEGATE LIBRARY, 18485 N. APPLEGATE ROAD, APPLEGATE A free day of fun demonstrations from chair yoga and stretching to pepper roasting and salsa making. Local citizens share their expertise and skills in a variety of areas from fitness, cooking, crafting and first aid. CONTACT INFO: JCLS.org | 541.846.7346
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BEAR CREEK SALMON FESTIVAL IS FOOD ADDICTION RUNNING YOUR LIFE?
SEPTEMBER 28 | 2-4 P.M. MEDFORD LIBRARY, 205 S. CENTRAL AVE., MEDFORD A free lecture by Tammy Palmer, who will share her experience of losing 124 pounds in 11 months on a food plan designed by neuroscientist Susan Pierce Thompson. CONTACT INFO: Carolan Black, 541.659.1196
OCTOBER 5 | 11 A.M.-4 P.M. NORTH MOUNTAIN PARK, 620 N. MOUNTAIN AVE., ASHLAND For the 15th year, this free event has hands-on activities for the whole family. Learn about wildlife habitat and how to be better stewards of our watershed. Local experts will be on hand with outdoor activities for all ages, including crafts, games, storytelling and a demonstration of Native American salmon cooking. CONTACT INFO: BearCreekSalmonFestival.net | 541.488.6606
Engaging activities, live entertainment, field trips, two amazing meals with snacks and a caring well-trained staff with access to a licenced nurse.
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SPORTSOLOGY
OCTOBER 5 | 2-4 P.M. SCIENCEWORKS HANDS-ON MUSEUM, 1500 E. MAIN ST., ASHLAND An interactive exhibit, Sportsology encourages visitors to explore the science of sports, health and nutrition. Interactive exhibits encourage visitors to explore, experiment, and discover the science behind sports. Museum admission includes the exhibit. CONTACT INFO: info@scienceworksmuseum.org 541.482.6767
NORTHWEST BIRD CLUB
OCTOBER 6 | 10 A.M.-4 P.M. ROGUE VALLEY SQUARE DANCE CENTER, 3377 TABLE ROCK ROAD, MEDFORD Join this club for its annual bird mart to share information and educate the public about the care and companionship of pet birds. There will be talks about birdkeeping and exhibitions and sale of popular bird companions. Admission is $2 for everyone 13 years and up, and free for children 12 and under. CONTACT INFO: sabra@northwestbirdclub.org
Grants Pass
Phone: (541) 535-5497
Phone: (541) 535-5497
3737 S. Pacific Hwy Medford, OR 97501
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(541) 535-5497 | 3737 South Pacific Hwy. Medford, OR 97501 www.northridgecenter.com MF-00107806
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Independent & Assisted Living Eagle Point, OR lakelandsl.com 541.830.0355
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