Issuu

Western Montana

mind body soul

publisher Stacey Mueller sales & marketing director Jim McGowan art director Kate Murphy

A Publication of the

People in Missoula and Western Montana want to feel good, look good and live well. Now available in more than 150 newsstand locations throughout the area, Western Montana Livingwell is well suited for over 30,000 readers monthly who want health tips on fitness, nutrition, family, financial advice, wellness, therapy and beauty.

senior designer Mike Lake graphic design Diann Kelly Megan Richter Youa Vang sales manager Julie McFarland 406-523-0477 advertising sales Holly Kuehlwein 406-523-5223 contributors Dana Green David Mangold, PA-C Jani Zirbel D.V.M. Kathy Mangan Noël Phillips

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Western Montana

mind body soul

JULY/AUGUST 2008 VOL.1

IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY The Many Faces of Allergies ~ What causes allergies and the different treatments available. Page 10

ALSO THIS ISSUE

ALLERGIES AND PETS

THE FLAT PACK

COOL IT

ALLERGIES & THE MIND

Watch Out ~ Thatâ€™s right, our pets suffer from allergies too.

Trimming Down ~ Simple ways to trim without doing crunches.

Keeping Cool ~ Summer months are here, beat the heat.

The Body Talk System~ How your body can correct imbalances.

Page 6

Page 8

Page 20

Page 24

ADULT FOOD sensitivities ~ Alternative remedies can often help ease symptoms. Page 16 GET FIT TIPS ~ Summer is great time to get started. Page 18 SOLITARY REFINEMENT ~ A great way to de-stress and improve your efficiency. Page 22 IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH ~ Commitment to marriage and health. Page 26 CRYPTOSPORDIUM ~ The nasty critter swimming in our public pools. Page 28

Health Tip Page 10

Also

HEADLINE ~ subhead with some text, a little more... HEADLINE ~ subhead with some text, a little more... HEADLINE ~ subhead with some text, a little more...

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

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TheFlatPack By Anna T. Hirsh CTW Features

For gym rats looking for a flatter stomach, hitting the floor isn’t the only way to construct defined abs. Try swapping situps for these simple exercises to build your core strength

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

t may sound as questionable as the shallow promises offered by fad diets and quick-fix workout videos, but sculpting a stronger, sleeker stomach without having to do a single sit-up or crunch is possible - you just have to know how. “The main concepts of core-strengthening programs involve using many muscles in a coordinated movement,” says Michael George, a celebrity fitness expert and owner of Michael George Enterprises Inc., Marina del Rey, Calif. The core muscles lie deep within the torso, explains George. They generally attach to the spine, pelvis and muscles that support the scapula. When these muscles contract, we stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulders and create a solid base of support. Getting a toned tummy through exercise won’t make much of a difference if no one can see the muscles you’ve made. Excess weight around your middle will hide your hard work, and a lack of fiber and hydration can lead to belly-bulging bloat. “It basically comes down to plain-old calories,” says Lona Sandon, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, Chicago. “Eat too many calories and you will gain weight. Most of us tend to put pounds on around the lower tummy, especially women.” In addition to keeping your calories under control, Sandon says there is some evidence that regularly drinking green tea (about five cups a day) can help to eliminate the visceral fat around the abdominal area. But if you don’t have time for tea, there are some other quick fixes. “Make sure you get plenty of fiber,” says Sandon, “so that your gastrointestinal tract will work smoothly - otherwise you can feel bloated.” Sandon also recommends staying properly hydrated. “I always tell people to look at the color of their urine,” says Sandon. “If it’s very yellow ... then you are not getting enough water. If it’s clear like water, then you are drinking too much [water]. You want your urine to look like light lemonade.” According to Sandon, about half of your liquid intake should come from water. The other half can come from low-fat milk, 100 percent fruit juice, coffee or tea. With those options, proper hydration shouldn’t be too hard to meet.

The following exercises are George’s Top 5 suggestions for coordinated moves that will get you a rock-solid core without having to crunch a bunch. The first two moves may have you close to the floor, but at least you’re looking at it from a different angle. Lunge Holds Stand with your back straight and your hands on your hips. Step into a forward lunge position and then bend your back knee so that you drop down into a lunge hold position (only going down as far as you feel comfortable). Hold each lunge for 10 seconds then release. 10 reps total on each side

Plank with Arm Lift Start in a plank position (the top of a push-up) with your forearms and toes on the floor. Keep your torso rigid and your body in a straight line from ears to toes with no sagging or bending. Your head should be relaxed, and you should be looking at the floor. Shift your weight to your right forearm and then extend your left arm straight out in front of you. Hold your core tight for three seconds. Slowly bring your arm back to starting position. Switch arms and repeat. 10 reps on each side = 1 set Recommended = 2 sets

Plank with Leg Lift Again, start in the plank position with your forearms and toes on the floor, torso rigid, your body in a straight line and your head relaxed. Keeping your right leg straight and toes flexed, slowly raise the leg about five to eight inches off the floor, and then slowly return it to starting position. Switch legs and repeat. 10 reps on each side = 1 set Recommended = 2 sets

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livingwell ~ July/August 2008

the many faces of

allergies written by

David Mangold, PA-C for livingwell magazine

Indoor Allergies

Indoor allergens are responsible for year-round symptoms of allergies, asthma, eczema or hives. The most common indoor allergens are pet danders, dust mites and mold. Houseplants are not typically a problem unless there is mold growth around the pots. One of the most common indoor allergens in the US is cockroach. Fortunately this is not a problem in Montana. We also have lower than normal dust mite concentrations because dust mites thrive in more humid environments and lower elevation. Indoor mold is typically not a problem either unless you have had a water leak or other structural problem with the home. There have been many studies looking at different ways of addressing indoor allergens. There is not much evidence that the use of air purifiers, mattress and pillow covers or other allergy avoidance devices offer a significant improvement in symptoms. Most allergists recommend utilizing some basic measures but these are not a replacement for more aggressive therapy. I rarely recommend that people remove carpeting or replace their heating systems. The expense of these options will rarely improve symptoms significantly. The most important thing that can be done is removal of pets from the home if you are allergic to them. This is a difficult prospect for most patients and patients rarely comply with this recommendation. There are a variety of treatment options for indoor allergies including medications and allergy shots. 10

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

There are many breeds of dog that are touted to be hypoallergenic. In truth all dogs contain the protein Can f 1, which is what causes allergic reactions. This is present in their dander and released with saliva and hair. Different dogs will release different amounts of the dander into the air and some dogs may be tolerated while others arenâ€™t. In truth there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. For cats there is a protein called Fel d 1, that is allergenic. There are now cats that have been genetically modified to eliminate this protein. These cats cost several thousand dollars. People can also be allergic to rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, rats, horses, cows, goats and deer. People with allergies should consider fish or lizards as pets.

Seasonal Allergies

We certainly have no shortage of plant life in Montana. Our biggest outdoor allergens are grass pollens. This season typically lasts from May through July. We have a small number of tree pollens that are typically present in April and May.

Weed pollens are usually present in the late summer and fall. With pastures, lawn grasses and grass covered foothills, May through July is typically our peak allergy season in Montana. Once again we are better off than most areas of the country. Our pollens diversity is limited and our seasons are relatively short. We do not have a significant amount of ragweed. Bermuda grass is not present. There is not much deciduous tree pollen. We often treat seasonal allergies very aggressively so that people do not have to limit their recreational activities. A combination of antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops are often utilized. We will occasionally use allergy shots if peopleâ€™s seasonal allergies are debilitating and medications fail to control them. A yearly steroid injection used to be utilized for many people. This is no longer the standard of care and has significant side effects that are typically not worth the risk with the newer treatment options we have available.

Non-Allergic Irritants

Much of what I do is convincing people that they actually do not have allergies. When patient surveys are conducted the number of people reporting allergies can be as high as 60 or 70%. The actual rate of allergic disease in the United States is closer to 20 or 30%. Irritants account for a large percentage of these patients. Examples of nonallergic airway irritants are cigarette smoke, wildfire smoke, air pollution, fragrances, cleaning products, weather changes or in some cases exercise. These irritants can produce a variety of symptoms that are similar to allergies or asthma. The difficulty is that they do not typically respond to traditional antihistamines and other medications. There are very few medications to effectively treat nonallergic nasal and respiratory symptoms. Many people have a combination of both allergic and nonallergic disease. By far the most common nonallergic trigger of nasal or respiratory symptoms that we livingwell ~ July/August 2008

see is secondhand cigarette smoke. This can be very frustrating to treat because oftentimes the patient themselves does not smoke. Most of the time these are children who do not have the ability to move into a different home. When the irritants are removed or avoided, most people do not need treatment. People who live with smokers have much higher rates of sinus infections, respiratory tract infections and ear infections. Even the smell of smoke on clothing or in the car can trigger symptoms. The most common excuse I hear from parents is â€œbut I only smoke outsideâ€?. Most of the time we need to use an air freshener in the exam room where smokers have been after their visit. This is because the smell of cigarette smoke is very persistent and the lingering smell from previous patients has been known to cause symptoms for some of our more sensitive patients later in the day.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are another topic where my job is typically to convince people they are not allergic to foods. Food allergies are most common in children under age 5. It is very rare to develop a food allergy as an adult. The most common food allergies are tree nuts, shellfish, peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat and soy. There are many people who have itching in their mouth following ingestion of fresh fruits and vegetables, but can tolerate cooked or processed fruits or vegetables. This is a condition called Oral Pollen Allergy Syndrome. This is actually not a food allergy, but rather a pollen sensitivity typically to birch trees or grass pollen. It is a form of oral contact dermatitis and rarely causes severe symptoms. In this case the proteins structure of pollen is very similar to a protein in fresh fruits and vegetables. Most of the time by he heating the food slightly or treating underlying pollen allergies these patients improve. True food allergies are very reproducible. Any ingestion of a specific food should cause reproducible symptoms. Often 12

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

these reactions will worsen with each exposure. A food allergy is unlikely if you can sometimes tolerate a specific food, but sometimes you react. The most common food allergy symptoms are hives, eczema, swelling, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, abdominal cramping, nausea or diarrhea. Food allergies typically do not cause behavior problems in children. There are many people who have other food related disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), or simple digestive difficulties. These are not typically life-threatening with accidental exposures. It is important to differentiate between a food allergy and some of these other conditions. There is a new type of food allergy that has been identified over the past several years. This causes a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis. This condition produces difficult to treat heartburn, difficulty swallowing or foods becoming stuck in the throat. Most of these patients also have underlying environmental allergies. This can be a severe condition because it can lead to tears in the esophagus, which can

be life-threatening. Most patients with eosinophilic esophagitis go for several years before being diagnosed. Even if you have been evaluated for these symptoms in the past you should consider being reevaluated because the awareness of this condition has increased dramatically over the past two years. This has become a common condition and we have about 100 patients in Western Montana with this. The treatment is identification of the food allergy and avoidance. This is curative.

Hives

Hives are one of the most common conditions that we see. One out of every three Americans will develop an episode of hives at some point in their life. I see at least 12-15 patients a week for evaluation of hives. Often hives coexist with angioedema, which is a swelling of the lips, tongue, eyelids, hands, feet or genitals. Most of the patients with hives that we see are actually not allergic. Hives are often misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction. 80% of cases of chronic hives, lasting longer than six weeks, have no underlying cause they can be identified. These patients are

Adult Food

Sensitivities Becoming More

Common

Alternative remedies can often help ease symptoms by

Dana Green

for livingwell magazine

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

wo years ago, Greg Larson had hit a medical brick wall. The 24-year-old college student was plagued by an array of health problems: painful stomach aches, difficulty digesting food, facial acne and skin cysts. He went through the rounds of traditional treatments, from topical skin medications to antibiotics. They eased his symptoms temporarily, but often caused more trouble than they were worth. And then the symptoms would come back. Often, his stomach felt so raw he would go most of the day without eating. “Any gains I had were offset by (worse) side effects,” Larson said. “I totally lost my ability to digest food.” Eventually, he found himself in the office of Caroline Burdulis, a Missoula herbalist and Chinese medicine practitioner. Burdulis prescribed herbal treatments, but also insisted that Larson dramatically change his diet. Larson cut out refined sugars and flours, wheat, cheese and milk, and drastically reduced the amount of alcohol he was drinking. After a year, he saw dramatic results: his symptoms had eased, and he could digest food more easily. “My system had basically been cleaned out,” Larson said. “I’d even gained a little weight.” Adult-onset food intolerances and sensitivities, or difficulty digesting certain categories of food, are getting more attention as Americans struggle to overcome a wide variety of puzzling symptoms, from acne to chronic joint pain. The difference between a food allergy and food intolerance is significant: a true allergy is when the body’s immune system is triggered by a certain food, treating it as a foreign invader and creating an anaphylactic reaction that can be life-threatening. True food allergies are uncommon — only about 2 percent of adults and 6 percent of children have diagnosable food allergies. The most common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat and soy; often, children outgrow these allergies and are able to handle these foods when their body matures. A food intolerance, on the other hand, involves the body’s digestion, not the immune system. Lactose intolerance is a common example; many people lack a crucial enzyme, lactase, to adequately break down the sugars in milk. If an adult or concerned parent suspects medical symptoms are being caused by food, the first step should be to get tested for allergies, according to David Mangold, PA-C, of The Allergy and Asthma Center in Missoula. Usually, an allergist will conduct a skin prick test, scratching the surface of the skin lightly with an isolated food protein. Then, they’ll wait and see if there is a visible reaction, such as red, puffy skin around the test site. If a patient tests positive, the doctor will often narrow it down further with additional blood tests, Mangold said. However, when an adult patient or child tests negative for identifiable allergies, Mangold often recommends they explore alternative options for treatment. “If we can’t find answers, we’ll send them to an

get fit tips by Noël Phillips for livingwell magazine

Ahh, summer—sunshine, blue skies and warmth. Unfortunately, we are able to ignore our body in the winter while its layers are hidden under fleece and down. Only when we want to put on our summer shorts are we confronted, often harshly, with the truth of the matter…New Year’s resolutions have long since been forgotten and winter habits have taken their toll. Fortunately, summer is a great time to begin a new exercise program.

Choose Wisely

When starting a new exercise regime, it is important to have a specific goal. A unique strategy is required for the goals of losing weight, toning, strengthening or building muscle. Decreasing weight or body fat requires cardiovascular activity. Toning, strengthening and building muscle require using different sizes of weights and differing amounts of repetitions/rest periods, depending on your desired outcome. Know your goal and design your program accordingly.

Easy Does It

Typically, when the workout bug bites, one often jumps headfirst into a new program, eager to see

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

results now. An incredible amount of activity is crammed into a single day, resulting in muscle soreness, or even pulled muscles. Exercise is then tossed aside as “dangerous” and “not for me.” Ease into a new program slowly, allowing the body to acclimatize to the new movements. Results will come faster and more safely.

Buddy System

Working out with a friend or partner increases your chances of sticking to a program. You have a greater sense of accountability and motivation in working out with another person. Sometimes misery does love company.

Do What You Like

Cardio is the key to decreasing body fat. Choose an activity that is enjoyable. There is no sense in deciding to start a running program to lose weight if you despise running. Running, walking, biking, swimming, hiking, and rollerblading are a few

examples of beneficial cardiovascular that is fun and easy to stick to. Aim for achievable, realistic goals and activities. enjoy the journey to a better body.

Gear Heads

Noël Phillips is the owner of A common misconception is that it requires a great deal of equipment to ShapeShifters Personal Training, a training and yoga studio specializing in offering work out. A total body workout can unique, innovative programs designed to be performed using only the body’s help people reach their specific health goals. resistance. Add a ball and a few She is an NSCA-certified personal trainer, weights to add increased intensity to as well as a Yoga Alliance approved yoga your workout. A little can go a long instructor. Noël has written health-related way as far as equipment is concerned. articles for a number of publications. Visit

Arm yourself with these tips and get creative in designing a workout

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Solitary Refinement

Be it quiet time with a book, an hour at the spa or an afternoon at the movies, quality time minus friends or family can be rejuvenating - and a great way to de-stress and improve your efficiency. By Dawn Klingensmith CTW Features

enee Baker is the principal viola player and personnel manager for the Chicago Sinfonietta, so her schedule is packed with practices, meetings and performances. But if her daily to-do lists are longer than most, work obligations aren’t the only reason. Each day, along with her tasks, she writes down and checks off activities that detach her from the work world - soaking in the tub, reading a book, writing in her journal, sipping tea. Spending time by myself is right up there with eating,” says Baker, who also is a wife and mother. “My alone time is non-negotiable. It recharges my batteries so I’m more efficient at managing the rest of my life.” Baker has the right idea about solitude and efficiency. Be it taking a bubble bath, doodling in a sketchbook or bending your body into complex yoga poses, spending time minus friends and family boosts productivity, promotes health and ultimately improves relationships, says Dr. Scott Haltzman, assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University,Providence, R.I. 22

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

But prioritizing and scheduling alone time can be challenging. “Between work and family, people think they’re too busy,” Haltzman says. But if you reflect back on times when you were stressed, maybe you overlooked something at work, misplaced your keys or blew up at a loved one and had to make amends. “You easily spend an hour a day picking up the pieces when you aren’t at your best.” So why not prevent such setbacks in the first place by slowing down and enjoying a moment alone? “Often, women take on more responsibility in the household, and they feel selfish and guilty if they take time for themselves - they see it as robbing time from their family,” Haltzman says. “Men often neglect themselves because their sense of identity is so tied up with work and being good providers.” But as life balance coach Terri Levine, New Wales, Pa., tells her clients, you can’t afford not to take time for yourself. “If you don’t put your own oxygen mask on first and take time to breathe, you can’t help others,” she says. And others will be less motivated to help you. “The people around us are sensitive to the stress we’re experiencing even though we try not to show it,”

Haltzman says. “Couples are pretty fine-tuned to where their partner is emotionally. When your partner senses your stress, it’s like a barometer detecting a low-pressure system - you know there’s a storm coming. In an ideal world, your partner would reach out to you and help you de-stress.” But in reality, your spouse or significant other might assume an emotional “duck and cover” position by withdrawing or pushing you away. When you have a sunnier disposition, folks around you, including co-workers, are more attracted to you. “They’re more inclined to pitch in and help you,” Haltzman says. “You actually form alliances that enable you to get things done and keep your stress levels low.” Try blocking off some time alone, Levine says, but make sure that it doesn’t become just another to-do item. “Look at your calendar and figure out when you can spare a few moments for yourself, and then set an alarm as a reminder,” she says. “I’m a big proponent of using cell-phone alarms.” Levine recommends starting with 15 minutes each day “when all you do is be quiet and still,” or you can engage in calming activities like writing in a journal, listening to music, going for a walk or practicing a ritual. Haltzman suggests going over your weekly routine, as well as your budget, to see what adjustments you can make. Perhaps you can hire a house cleaner or use a grocery-delivery service to free up some time, or eliminate volunteer activities you don’t find rewarding. Levine equates quality alone time with quiet

contemplation, and there have been many studies, most notably by Harvard Medical School researchers, in which mindfulness, meditation and prayer have been shown to reduce blood pressure, increase immune response and expedite healing. Another meaningful way to be alone is doing something you enjoy and excel at but seldom have time to do, says Suzanne Zoglio, a Doylestown, Pa., psychologist and author of “Recharge in Minutes: The Quick-lift Way to Less Stress, More Success and Renewed Energy” (Tower Hill Press, 2004). “When we’re engaged and using our strengths, we are happiest and most refreshed,” Zoglio says. Paint, dance, arrange flowers, bake whatever makes time fly when you’re doing it. Or, if pondering and painting aren’t your thing, indulging your inner diva can be just as worthwhile as developing your inner da Vinci. “Getting a pedicure is more than shaving down a callus,” Haltzman says. “There’s a meditative aspect to it, a pampering aspect to it, a sense of taking care of yourself. But there should be a balance. You shouldn’t just focus on external improvement.” If family members infringe on your alone time, Haltzman recommends telling them you need occasional solitude to become a better parent or spouse. “They might feel like they’re missing out at first,” he says, “but if you get the message out that this will benefit them in the long run, they’ll probably back off and give you some space.”

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livingwell ~ July/August 2008

In Fitness and in Health You took the plunge and committed to each other. Is it possible to commit to good health together, too? By Dana Carman CTW Features

h, l’amour. Sleeping in on weekends. Dining out every night. Strolling through the neighborhood with ice cream cones. Sharing mocha frappu-lattes with whipped cream. After all, calories consumed in the name of romance don’t count, right? Somewhere down the line, when the sexy lingerie is replaced by flannel pj’s and the heat of passion is replaced by the warmth of partnership, you may notice that all those calories have caught up to you and what was once “that cute little belly” is now a full-fledged gut. “Recent research shows that weight gain is a social thing,” says Dr. Sarah Catanese, Ph.D., instructor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Evanston, Ill. “With relationships you get comfortable and you’re probably more likely to let some of your eating habits and fitness slide.” Relationships also are time-consuming. We all want to spend more time with that special someone, but schedules are so tight it’s hard to fit in a commitment to good health on top of a commitment to your guy or gal. But getting on the path to better health and fitness as a couple provides you ample opportunities to be together - most importantly, in the form of longer lives.

Tipping the Scales

“I don’t think anyone intentionally says, ‘Now I can get fat,’ but we start to feel good about who we’re with in our lives,” says Dr. Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D., author of “Emotional Fitness for Couples” (New Harbinger Publications, 2005) about why

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

couples may pack on a few pounds. It’s hard to acknowledge to yourself when clothes start to feel too tight, but when you notice weight gain on a partner, it may seem easier, wiser and downright safer to ignore it rather than answer the ever-dreaded, “Do I look fat in this?” with a “Maybe?” Though difficult to fathom, bringing a partner’s weight gain to his or her attention is something you should do, but with a lot of sensitivity. “This is such a delicate thing,” Goldsmith says. “It’s not about weight issues today. It’s about health issues. You should say to your partner, ‘I love you and I want you to be around to see our children graduate.’ That’s the least toxic way of bringing it up, by saying, ‘Honey, this is a health issue. I want you to be healthy.’” Catanese also suggests asking questions to raise your partner’s awareness. For example, “Have you noticed you’re getting breathless going up the stairs?” Both Catanese and Goldsmith agree, however, that the last thing you want to do is pick on the person. During the discussion have solutions ready and, most of all, be a part of those solutions. “Come up with a plan,” Goldsmith says. “Don’t just give a command or make a complaint. Say, ‘Here’s what we are going to do.’”

Plan for Two, Eat for One

Monique Ryan, registered dietitian and author of “Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes” (2nd ed., Velo Press, 2007) feels people just don’t know how to cook anymore, which leads to a lot of takeout. Couples who are all thumbs in the kitchen may want to consider consulting a nutritionist. When Ryan works with couples, it’s largely about education - teaching them about correct portion sizes, how to eat out healthily, creating meal plans and starting with simple recipes. Concocting a meal plan for the week works well for Boulder, Colo., residents Rebecca Heaton and husband, Shaun McGrath. “Every week I put together a general menu where I pick out four to five meals and then go shopping for the ingredients,” Heaton says. “It’s not like we have dish A on Monday,

dish B on Tuesday, but we have options so we can make choices depending on our food mood and how much time we have to cook.” Chicago resident Jessica Paumier and her fiancé, Lewis Biscamp, try to create healthy combinations on their joint grocery shopping trips. “We definitely work hard at eating right,” Paumier says. And while they try to be good influences on each other, they share the occasional indulgence. “It’s a balancing act,” she says, “but we both have the same goal of being healthy.” Eating healthier doesn’t mean it’s all tofu and sprouts. Make meal planning and cooking something fun for both of you. Pick a day to shop and make it routine. You can make meals or prep them in advance. Regardless of what scenario works best for you, it’s important you’re both on board. “Changing habits and behaviors is hard,” Ryan says, which is why you have a partner in good eating.

Your Workout or Mine?

Exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle, but not all workouts have to be done together. Identifying your goals can help you find ways to work out together, as well as apart. And that’s OK. Running is how Paumier and Biscamp stay fit - in fact, it’s how they met. They run together once or twice a week and do their other runs on their own. “Running together is good motivation and for feeling like we

worked through something together,” Paumier says. “Running on our own is a way to build up our individual confidence and is time to reflect on our thoughts. Both are important to us.” For some couples, however, athletics may not be the norm, so working out together will provide muchneeded motivation, support and encouragement as you both settle into this new lifestyle. Rising in popularity is the use of the personal trainer for group workouts as it’s cheaper than individual sessions. Personal trainer Lisa Dougherty, owner of Whole Body Fitness, Orange County, Calif., often tailors workouts to the individual even when couples exercise together. “You can develop a program that works for both, even if the goals are different,” she says. She frequently sees clients with separate fitness needs but who simply want to spend more time together. Regardless of the activity and whether you exercise together or not, it’s important that you’re in agreement. “If you want and need to exercise alone, by all means you get to do that, but not to the exclusion of your partner,” Goldsmith says. So whether it’s a long walk on weekends or a weekly tennis match, make a point to incorporate each other into a fitness routine if you’re not already. And enjoy a long, healthy life - together.

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

at le

don’t see c an h , ou u o urt y ast when you

child is splashing around in the kiddie pool. by Dana Green for livingwell magazine

ost of the bugs floating around in your favorite swimming hole are easily zapped by chlorine, but one nasty critter, cryptosporidium, has been getting a lot of press lately. Crypto is passed along when invisible particles of animal or human fecal matter are inhaled orally; drinking infected water is the primary route. What makes crypto different than other waterborne illnesses is its notoriously long lifespan: normal chlorine levels usually don’t eradicate it, and it can last in pools, lakes and rivers for days. When a sick toddler has an accident in the water, or animal waste is tracked into the pool area on swimmers’ shoes, crypto can be introduced. The bug’s effects can be serious – in healthy adults, it can cause diarrhea, cramps, fever and vomiting that can last for weeks. 28

livingwell ~ July/August 2008

For young infants, the sick or elderly, the parasite can be lifethreatening. After a 2006 outbreak in Missoula, local doctors were quicker to recognize crypto’s symptoms, which can be mistaken for the common flu. But health officials believe parents can take further precautions. Eric Seagrave, aquatic supervisor for Missoula Parks and Recreation, advises that adults teach kids one important lesson: don’t drink the water, whether you’re in a river or a chlorinated pool. Public pools, which follow state guidelines and are inspected by county health officials, are actually safer than lakes and rivers, in Seagrave’s view. But the risk of crypto, because of its stubborn lifespan, is always present. “All you have to do is not drink

the water,” Seagrave said. “It’s actually a state health rule: don’t drink, don’t spit on others.” Seagrave also recommends parents follow strict pool hygiene: all swimmers should take a thorough shower with soap before swimming and after bathroom breaks, to prevent the spread of crypto and other viruses. And if your child has any intestinal troubles, keep them out of the pool to prevent accidents. “It’s still safer to swim in a (chlorinated) pool,” Seagrave said. “But taking a shower, washing with soap, and not wearing shoes on the pool deck — these are critical steps we can all take for public health and to (prevent) these critters from getting back into the water.”

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health tip Cheers to Strawberry Daquiris The next time you want to eat strawberries, consider consuming them in a daiquiri: It’s healthier that way, says a joint study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and researchers in Thailand. When strawberries were treated with alcohol, more of disease-fighting antioxidants were made available. Antioxidants known as polyphenols and anthcyanins can help prevent everything from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders. If you don’t like strawberries, other berries, such as blackberries, will work, too. Here’s to summer fun and your heatlh!

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