Focus On Health - May 30, 2019

JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH

Focus on Health WHAT’S INSIDE • Preventing a second stroke • The mood-boosting power of pets • Controlling asthma triggers • Important health screenings for men • Sensational salads for better nutrition • Dealing with sudden rapid heartbeat

A SUPPLEMENT TO TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • MAY 30, 2019

PAGE S2 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • MAY 30, 2019

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FOCUS ON HEALTH

Don’t let stroke strike twice

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ot all strokes can be prevented, but making healthy lifestyle choices, like exercising, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and treating conditions such as high blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure can help reduce your risk of another one. While there are about 7.2 million stroke survivors in the United States, people who have had a stroke are at high risk of having another one. In fact, about one in every four stroke survivors will have a second one.

Because the consequences of a second stroke can be more detrimental than the first, it’s important to recognize the signs, which come on suddenly, and act quickly. An easy way to remember the most common warning signs is the acronym F.A.S.T., (F - face drooping, A arm weakness, S - speech difficulty, T - time to call 911).

Consider following the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s “Life’s Simple 7” to achieve ideal health: Don’t smoke. Smoking puts you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Quitting is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and add years to your life. You’re more likely to quit for good if you prepare for your last cigarette and the cravings, urges and feelings that come with quitting.

Be physically active. A good starting goal is at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, but if you don’t want to sweat the numbers, just move more. Find forms of physical activity you like and will stick with and build more opportunities to be active into your routine.

Eat a healthy diet. Healthy eating starts with simple, healthy food choices. You don’t need to stop eating your favorite meals, just use substitutions to make them healthier. Learn what to look for at the grocery store, restaurants, your workplace and other eating occasions so you can confidently make healthy, delicious choices whenever and wherever you eat.

Maintain a healthy weight. The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight go beyond improved energy and smaller clothing sizes. By losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, you can also reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There’s no trick to losing weight and keeping it off, but the majority of successful people modify their eating habits and increase physical activity.

Control cholesterol. Having large amounts of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, in the blood can cause build up and blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Reducing your fat intake, especially trans fats, often found in fried foods and baked goods, can help reduce your cholesterol. Adding more

foods with omega-3 fatty acids like fish and nuts, as well as soluble fiber and whey protein, helps in managing cholesterol.

Manage blood pressure. Nothing causes more strokes than uncontrolled high blood pressure. Of the 116.4 million people in the United States who have high blood pressure, fewer than half have it under control, putting them at increased risk of stroke. Lowering your blood pressure by 20 points could cut your risk of dying from stroke by half.

Control blood sugar. By managing your diabetes and working with your health care team, you may reduce your risk of stroke. Every two minutes, an adult with diabetes in the United States is hospitalized for stroke. At age 60, someone with type 2 diabetes and a history of stroke may have a life expectancy that is 12 years shorter than someone without both conditions.

For more information on how to prevent stroke, and a complete list of warning signs, visit strokeassociation.org/americanstrokemonth.

FOCUS ON HEALTH

PORT JEFFERSON DERMATOLOGY Peter A. Klein, MD Adam J. Korzenko, MD Brett M. Dolgin, DO Wil D. Tutrone, MD Vanita Srivastava, DO We are excited to announce the opening of our new state of the art office in Patchogue. We are also delighted that Dr. Vanita Srivastava has joined our practice and she will be seeing new patients at both our Port Jefferson and Patchogue locations.

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Kyle Barr EDITOR Heidi Sutton ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia ART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason

Nights And Weekends Available 631.928.7922 6 Medical Drive Suite D Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

631.475.8249 100 Hospital Road Suite 116 Patchogue, NY 11772

ART DEPARTMENT David Ackerman Janet Fortuna Sharon Nicholson SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross BUSINESS OFFICE Meg Malangone

CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray ADVERTISING Elizabeth Reuter Bongiorno Robin Lemkin Sheila Murray Jackie Pickle Judy Sedacca Minnie Yancey

Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Address: P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733; telephone: 631-751-7744; email address: desk@tbrnewsmedia.com; fax: 631-751-4165; website: www.tbrnewsmedia.com. Entire contents copyright 2019.

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Once again, St. Charles Hospital leaps forward in patient safety.

Catholic Health Services

St. Charles received the highest grade in patient safety for the sixth time.

A is the highest grade in patient safety, given by the Leapfrog Group, an organization dedicated to patient safety. And we’re proud to say that this is the sixth A we’ve received in patient safety. Obviously it’s not just a priority at St. Charles, it’s the A #1 priority. And it’s not just one person’s job, it’s everyone’s. The A lets our patients know that they can always count on us for a complete and consistent commitment to quality care.

A Catholic Health Services Hospital

For more information call (631) 474-6000 or visit www.stcharleshospital.chsli.org

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We’re here for you.

MAY 30, 2019 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S5

FOCUS ON HEALTH

Six reasons why pets are good for your mental health

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ets have been kept for centuries. Statistics from various sources indicate North Americans own millions of dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, and reptiles.

Pets’ affable nature and loving looks are enough for many people to welcome them into their homes, but the benefits of having a pet extends beyond their appearances and temperaments.

Pets can help prevent loneliness

Loneliness affects people of all ages, but it is particularly problematic among seniors. Older adults who may be isolated can benefit from having a pet around. According to a study published in Aging & Mental Health, older adults who owned pets were 36 percent less likely to say they were lonely compared to those who didn’t have an animal companion.

Pets can save lives

Pets can be trained to perform various tasks around the house and in the community. Rescue animals assist in finding people after natural disasters. Medical alert pets can help people with debilitating illnesses and assist physically impaired people with everyday tasks.

Pets help lower allergy risks

Keeping pets around can reduce a child’s likelihood of developing allergies by as much as 33 percent, according to a study by pediatrician James E. Gern that was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

People exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger immune systems overall.

Socialization opportunities

A pet can be the common denominator to strike up new friendships and connect with others. Whether walking around the neighborhood or being part of a pet obedience class or interest group, pets can help their owners expand their social circles.

Pets can help combat stress

Talking to or stroking a pet can make stress easier to handle. A study from researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that, when conducting a stressful task, people

experienced less stress when their pets were with them. Various other studies and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found having a pet around can lower blood pressure, ease anxiety and may even help to lessen aches and pains. Pets provide unconditional love, which can be beneficial to someone facing depression or post traumatic stress disorder.

Pets help teach responsibility

Taking care of a pet can help children and adults become more responsible. According to the American Pet Product Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, 58 percent of pet owners say their pets help teach their kids to be responsible through routine care, exercise and feeding of the animal.

Pets are more than mere companions.

In fact, pets can offer numerous health and well-being benefits to people of all ages.

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Losing your pet can be a traumatic and even tragic event. Conscientious pet guardians protect their pets with collars and ID tags.

Unfortunately, collars and ID tags are not foolproof and dogs and cats can still get lost.

Collars can break or fall-off, leaving your beloved pet among the countless, unidentified lost strays at animal shelters.

Microchips are implantable computer chips that encode a unique identification number to help reunite you with your lost pet.

They are no bigger than a grain of rice and they are placed under your pet’s skin with a needle and syringe, not much differently than a routine vaccine.

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The average cost to have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian can range from about $45 to $75, which is a one–time fee and often includes registration in a pet recovery database.

If your pet was adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, your pet may already have a microchip.

Unlike collars and ID tags, they can never break or fall-off. They work by receiving a radio signal from a scanner and transmitting the encoded chip identification number back to the scanner. With the chip identification number in hand, the vital contact information is only a phone call away.

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PAGE S6 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • MAY 30, 2019

Huntington Hospital’s Upcoming Community Events

Relay for Life Events Honoring Cancer Survivors & Caregivers

Annual Skin Cancer Screenings When:

Saturday, June 15, 2019 Saturday, July 13, 2019

Time:

10am to 12pm

Location:

Crab Meadow Beach Waterside Road Northport, NY 11768

in partnership with the American Cancer Society Saturday, June 8, 2019 Northport High School 154 Laurel Hill Road, Northport, NY 11768

Saturday, June 15, 2019 Huntington High School 188 Oakwood Road, Huntington, NY 11743

Survivor Dinner 5pm Opening Ceremony 6pm Luminaria Ceremony 9pm RSVP Northport Event: Alyssa Patrone (631) 300-3457 Huntington Event: Morgan Wright (631) 300-3154 www.RelayForLife.org

2019 screening protocols: • Screenings will be available on a first come, first served basis (no appointments accepted) • Come appropriately dressed (see below) as there will be no indoor space available for changing Necessary attire is: • Swimwear • Bikinis/swim trunks • Sandals/flip flops

For additional information please call (631) 470-5203.

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MAY 30, 2019 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S7

FOCUS ON HEALTH

Getting a better grasp on asthma causes and management

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eople with asthma often fear the next attack. As a chronic inflammatory condition, asthma causes the airways to narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This makes breathing very difficult, and also can cause wheezing and coughing fits, advises the Mayo Clinic.

Asthma is a common condition, affecting an estimated 26 million people, including six million children, in the United States alone. Despite that prevalence, the cause of asthma is unknown.

Scientists continue to study asthma, focusing on various factors that may increase a person’s risk for the condition.

May is Asthma Awareness Month and a great opportunity to learn more about common triggers — which include respiratory infections, allergens, irritants, exercise and emotions — as well as better understand what causes your symptoms. To get started, the American Lung Association is offering the following tips.

Combat indoor allergens. Animal dander, dust mites and mold are common allergens found indoors that can cause asthma symptoms.

Keeping a clean home can help keep the presence of such allergens in check. Be forewarned, cleaning supplies that have odors and fragrances can cause asthma symptoms to flare. Check the label and stick to safe, asthma-friendly products.

Avoid smoke and tobacco. Any kind of smoke, including tobacco smoke as well as smoke from e-cigarettes or “vaping,” are known to irritate the airways of the lung. If you have asthma, don’t smoke and avoid being around people who do.

Individualized, results-oriented allergy and asthma care

Stay weather-aware. Climate change increases the risk that air pollution will worsen.

Be aware that extreme weather events, such as drought, floods, wildfires and tornados, can create airborne irritants and allergens for individuals with asthma. People with asthma will want to

avoid being outside on days when the air quality index value is above 100, or in the orange, red, purple or maroon categories.

Know your own triggers. Avoiding and controlling your asthma triggers all begins with identifying them. Work with your doctor to find out what allergens or irritants may be causing your asthma symptoms; an allergy test can help.

Create a written asthma action plan with your doctor. Track your symptoms, record how well your lungs are working, and adjust treatment accordingly. This written plan will serve as an asthma treatment guide tailored to your specific needs.

Some treatment strategies include identifying and avoiding asthma triggers as much as possible; getting vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia; recognizing that an attack may be imminent and acting quickly using a prescribed asthma medication; reducing reliance on quick-relief inhalers by paying attention to frequency of use and discussing treatment adjustments; and remaining calm during an attack and seeking further medical treatment if medications become ineffective.

If you suffer from asthma or love someone who does, take steps to better understand the condition and reduce the presence of common triggers in your everyday life.

Your Health, Our Care

Dr. Diane Cymerman has been serving the adults and children of the community with distinction for over 20 years.

Treatments for allergic and immune conditions, including: • Hay fever • Seasonal allergies • Pet allergies • Recurrent sinusitis • Asthma • Bee sting allergies • Hives • Immune conditions • Eczema • Chronic cough • Food allergies • Dermatitis Optimal assessment is accomplished in our office with: • Skin testing • Patient education • Pulmonary function testing • Desensitization injections Long Island Allergy and Asthma 2500 Nesconset Highway, Building 17A, Stony Brook stonybrookallergy.com 149416

Diane H. Cymerman, MD

Allergy and Asthma Specialist

Call (631) 751-6262 for an appointment.

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MAY 30, 2019 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S9

FOCUS ON HEALTH Tangy Kale Slaw with Cilantro and Honey Makes 6 servings

• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 Tbsp light mayonnaise • 1 tbsp honey • 1 1/2 tsp cilantro leaves washed and chopped • 1 tsp lime juice • 1/4 tsp kosher salt • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper • 2 cups kale leaves washed and shredded, stems removed • 1/2 cup red cabbage leaves washed and shredded • 1/2 cup carrot trimmed and shredded • 1/4 cup green onion trimmed and thinly sliced, scallion

In a large bowl, combine vinegar, mayonnaise, honey, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add remaining ingredients. Toss to coat. Cover and keep chilled for service.

Fresh and Light Persian Salad Tangy Kale Slaw with Cilantro and Honey

Sensational Salads

A

dding more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to make at-home meals healthier for your family.

Focusing your plate on more of the good stuff — vegetables,

fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins and fish — can help you cut back on the not-so-good stuff, including refined carbohydrates, added sugars, processed meats, sodium and saturated and trans

fats, according to the American Heart Association.

While some may think meat makes the meal and it can be part of an overall healthy eating pattern, a recent survey found many people want to ease up on meat

consumption, and 2 out of 3 want to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Punching up the plants on your plate can lead to better nutrition in your house, too. Try putting vegetables and fruits center-stage with these heart-healthy salads.

Makes 4 servings • 2 medium cucumbers, seeded and diced • 4 medium tomatoes, diced • 1 medium red onion, diced • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint or parsley • 2 tablespoons fat-free feta cheese, crumbled • 2 medium limes, juice only • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper DIRECTIONS:

In a medium bowl, stir cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, mint and feta. Cover and refrigerate 20 minutes. In small bowl, whisk lime juice, oil and pepper until well blended. Pour dressing over salad, tossing gently to coat.

Black-Eyed Pea, Corn and Rice Salad Makes 6 servings

Black-Eyed Pea, Corn and Rice Salad

• 2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added or low-sodium black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained • 1 can (15 1/4 ounces) low-sodium or no-salt-added whole-kernel corn • 1 package (8 1/2 ounces) brown rice, microwaved according to package directions and broken into small pieces • 2 medium ribs celery, chopped • 1 medium bell pepper, seeded and chopped • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon water • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

In large bowl, stir peas, corn, rice, celery, pepper, parsley, olive oil, water and black pepper until combined.

Persian Salad

PAGE S10 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • MAY 30, 2019

HELPING YOU NAVIGATE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH

David Dunaief, M.D. Integrative Medicine

• A Whole Body Approach • Reversing, Preventing & Treating Chronic Disease and Managing Weight by Connecting Conventional Medicine with Lifestyle Modifications Our Philosophy is simple.

We believe wellness is derived through nutritional medicine and lifestyle interventions that prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Medications have their place - and in some cases can be lifesaving.

However, there’s no medication without side effects. The goal should be to limit the need for medications - or minimize the number of medications you take on a regular basis.

You are not limited by your genes.

Fortunately, most diseases are based primarily on epigenetics, which are environmental influences, and not on genetics. Epigenetics literally means above or around the gene. In epigenetics, lifestyle choices impact gene expression. Just because your first degree relatives may have had a disease, you are not predestined to follow suit.

We are specialists who will partner with your primary care physician.

A standard medical education does not integrate enough nutritional medicine and other lifestyle interventions. We bridge that gap.

We use evidence-based medicine to guide our decision-making.

The amount of research related to nutrition and other lifestyle issues continues to grow rapidly, with many studies showing significant beneficial effects on health.

Preventing and Reversing Chronic Conditions and Diseases Including:

Is disease reversal possible?

Absolutely! Study evidence has found this to be true, and many of our patients have experienced reversal of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, migraines, and cardiovascular disease, just to mention a few. In many cases, because of their exceptional results, our patients have been able to reduce or eliminate their medications.

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We treat each patient as an individual.

We will work with you to develop a plan that allows you to take a proactive role in managing your own health. The health outcomes are worth the effort.

Dr. Dunaief has written over 2,000 medical research articles that have been published in Times Beacon Record Newspapers.

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David Dunaief, M.D.

Heart Disease • Stroke • Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 Obesity • Diverticular Disease • Irritable Bowel Syndrome Fibromyalgia • Alzheimer’s Disease • Dementia Parkinson’s Disease • Depression and Mood Disorder Menopause • Asthma • Allergies Macular Degeneration • Uveitis/Scleritis • Optic Neuritis Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease “Since working with Dr. Dunaief, I have been able to reverse my cardiovascular disease. I substantially decreased plaque buildup in my neck arteries. My cardiologist was really impressed that he could no longer find inflammation associated with the disease.

I am also excited that my cholesterol improved and was able to stop my medication. “ – J.M.

Dr. Dunaief builds a customized plan for each patient - he knows that “no body is the same.”

MAY 30, 2019 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S11

FOCUS ON HEALTH

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The important role of vision in the classroom

their place when reading, see double, and/or hold reading materials close to their face.

Are poor visual skills always diagnosed?

Because undeveloped or poorly developed visual skills elicit many of the same symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, some kids struggling with their vision may be misdiagnosed with ADHD. To ensure kids are accurately diagnosed, the AOA recommends that children receive routine eye examinations. This is especially important for school-aged children, as vision changes frequently during this period. Visual problems like myopia (nearsightedness) or refractive errors like farsightedness or astigmatisms can adversely affect students’ academic performance.

When should kids receive eye exams?

The AOA recommends children receive annual eye examinations. More frequent examinations are recommended for children experiencing specific vision problems. School screenings are not sufficient, as the AOA notes that such screenings only test for distance visual acuity. Comprehensive optometric examinations are more thorough than school screenings and can reveal issues that can adversely affect students in the classroom.

Undeveloped or poorly developed visual skills can adversely affect kids’ academic performance. But annual optometric examinations can detect vision problems that may otherwise go undiagnosed.

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P

arents often go to great lengths to help their children succeed in the classroom. Offering homework help and/ or hiring tutors can help kids achieve their academic potential, but parents should not overlook the effects their children’s vision can have on their performance in the classroom.

The American Optometric Association notes that students perform visual tasks in the classroom throughout a typical school day.

Children rely on their vision when reading, writing or using computers. When that vision is not functioning properly, students’ performance may suffer.

What are some warning signs that kids may be struggling with their vision?

The AOA notes that undeveloped or poorly developed visual skills can make it difficult or stressful for youngsters to learn. But children may not always inform their parents if they’re struggling with their vision. Rather, children with poor visual skills will typically avoid reading or other near visual work as much as possible.

Students also may attempt to do their work, but do so with a lowered level of comprehension or efficiency. Discomfort, fatigue and shortened attention spans are other potential indicators of undeveloped or poorly developed visual skills.

Children experiencing eye and vision problems also may suffer from frequent headaches, cover one eye, tilt their head to one side, lose

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MAY 30, 2019 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S13

FOCUS ON HEALTH

Are you at risk for Hepatitis C?

‘I lived in constant fear that I would faint from having an episode while driving my grandchildren.’

— DONNETTE SMITH

Sudden Rapid Heartbeat

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Revealing a lesser-known heart disorder and what to do about it

A

feeling of dread washed over Donnette Smith after she felt her chest jolt. “Please, God. Not here, not now,” she thought.

In the middle of her church choir performance, her heart started racing uncontrollably.

High off the ground, she fought off feeling faint while perched in the middle of the third row of bleachers. “There’s no way down,” she thought. “I can’t ask the whole row to get off because there are thousands of people out there listening.”

Maintaining her wits, she signaled for a stagehand to grab a ladder so she could crawl off the back as the lights dimmed. Once on solid ground, her family rushed her to the hospital.

This was just one of many rapid heartbeat episodes Smith has experienced. She has a lesser-known, but common, heart disorder called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Nearly two million Americans live with this alarming arrhythmia that can spike heart rate unexpectantly and suddenly from a normal 60-80 beats per minute (bpm) to more than 250.

In addition to the trademark rapid pulse that can last from minutes to hours, symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, sweating, chest pain or pressure, or being out of breath.

“For a time, it truly dominated my life,” Smith said. “I lived in constant fear that I would faint

from having an episode while driving my grandchildren. I put off travel and stayed close to home. I didn’t want to be in a strange city and go to a new hospital and explain my condition.”

She continued, “Some episodes would happen at 2 a.m. and my husband, my rock, would drive me to the hospital. Of course, that throws off both our next days, leaving us walking around like sleep-deprived zombies.”

The suddenness of PSVT makes it difficult to diagnose.

Doctors need to “catch” an episode, or see the unusual heartbeat, on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or Holter monitor before they can make a definitive diagnosis. With PSVT episodes

being sporadic, occurring randomly and sometimes mere minutes in length, this can be hard.

On average, diagnosis can take three years or longer and may be fraught with misdiagnoses.

For Smith, it was nearly 10 years before she had answers. PSVT’s symptoms may masquerade as anxiety or panic attacks. Smith was first prescribed an anti-anxiety medication. While seeking out a diagnosis, patients like her are often left thinking it may be all in their heads and wondering if they’re going crazy. They understandably struggle with how to convey this seemingly invisible illness to friends, family, coworkers and their doctors.

SUDDEN RAPID HEARTBEAT continued on page 14

Approximately 2.5 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and as many as 75 percent of people with the disease don’t know they’re infected.

Untreated, HCV can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

While these numbers may sound startling, there’s good news, too.

Thanks to the recent development of direct-acting antiviral medications, treatment of HCV has evolved significantly to be shorter in duration, cause fewer side effects and have cure rates higher than 90 percent for those treated.

HCV is called “the silent disease” because many with the virus show no symptoms. Therefore, testing -- often a simple blood test -- is important for higher risk populations, especially baby boomers. May, which is Hepatitis Awareness Month, is a great time to schedule it.

The CDC recommends that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 get tested, as this portion of the population is five times more likely to have HCV than other adults. Other higher-risk populations include current or former drug users, recipients of blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992, hemodialysis patients, those who have gotten tattoos or body piercings with nonsterile equipment, workers who have come in contact with infected blood at their jobs, and those with HIV. If you test positive, your healthcare provider will suggest which medication treatment options are right for you based on your particular circumstances.

Today’s treatments typically involve eight to 12 weeks of oral medication, and are well tolerated with few side effects.

Once you’ve received treatment, stay on the path to wellness. To protect your physical health, keep all your medical and lab appointments, see your physicians regularly, eat healthfully, pursue hobbies, exercise and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. It can be common to face some emotional and mental stress as a result of the disease itself, as well as the stigma associated with it. Getting the support you need to overcome these challenges helps the healing process.

For resources, visit liverfoundation.org.

PAGE S14 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • MAY 30, 2019

SUDDEN RAPID HEARTBEAT

HEALTHY HEART WORD SEARCH

Continued from page B13

Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally & diagonally throughout the puzzle.

AEROBIC AORTA ARRHYTHMIA BLOOD PRESSURE CALORIES CAPILLARIES CARDIAC CARDIOLOGIST CARDIOVASCULAR CHECKUP CHOLESTEROL CLOT

CYANOSIS DEFIBRILLATOR DIASTOLE DYSPNEA EPICARDIUM EXERCISE FLUTTER HDL HEART HIKE HYPERTENSION HYPOTENSION ISCHEMIA

JOGGING LDL LIPID MUSCLE MYOCARDIUM PROLAPSE STENT STRESS STRETCH VALVE VESSELS

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“The uncertainty of living with PSVT is equally challenging, if not more so, than the physical symptoms,” said Dr. Kathryn Wood, associate professor at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Emory University, who has published research on the emotional toll of PSVT, on women in particular, in the “European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.” “It looms over you, affecting self-esteem and causing you to avoid daily activities such as driving, work and time with family and friends.”

Thanks to lessons from her own journey, Smith has devoted her life to empowering those living with PSVT, and those living with other From left, Dana and Donnette Smith heart conditions, to live fully medication history and current treatment and unafraid. She serves as the president of plan to have conversations with doctors on Mended Hearts, a national nonprofit organi- her behalf. zation that provides peer-to-peer support for “The difference is night and day when heart disease patients, their families and care- you resolve to take control of your health,” givers. Smith’s advice for outsmarting PSVT Smith said. hinges on three key actions.

What Smith has learned about PSVT has also helped her family members. Her daugh1. Educate yourself If you have or suspect you have PSVT, ter, Dana, began experiencing symptoms of OutsmartPSVT.com is the only online edu- PSVT at age 16. Having overcome PSVT cational website designed to help actively first-hand, Smith was able to offer advice manage the condition. It debunks myths, to her daughter, who was accurately and addresses frequently asked questions and quickly diagnosed — a rarity for those living with PSVT. provides useful tips.

Dana underwent an ablation at 19 years 2. Speak up for yourself. old, a surgical procedure that works by scarTrack your symptoms to inform talks with ring or destroying tissue in your heart that your doctor. The PSVTPlace.com website triggers an abnormal heart rhythm, and has is an online patient registry that can help. not had an episode since. Smith’s treatment Increasingly, wearable watches and techpath was less direct — her first ablation was nology are entering the market that may be unsuccessful, but watching her daughter no able to capture an abnormal heart rhythm longer dread the next episode after having to show your doctor. Persist in getting an a successful procedure gave her courage to accurate diagnosis. It may be that you need undergo a second ablation, which worked. to seek out a hospital or cardiac treatment There is currently no at-home treatment center with cardiologists on staff who have for PSVT, although there is a growing colexperience treating people with PSVT. Be lection of resources, basic techniques and vocal in seeking referrals or second opinions. support groups that can help people manage 3. Call on your support system the condition.

Whether it be an advocacy group, support “If the resources we have now were around group or friends and family, rely on those when I was first experiencing symptoms, I close to you. Communicate openly about could have saved years of living in unceryour condition, including what signs to be tainty,” Smith said. “I hope to motivate othon the lookout for and how they can best ers to never give up in seeking the support help you. On multiple occasions, Smith’s they need to get a swift, accurate diagnosis. coworkers were there for her when she had Having PSVT doesn’t need to define you. episodes at work. They were armed with her There’s hope.”

MAY 30, 2019 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S15

FOCUS ON HEALTH

Health screenings men should discuss with their physicians

T

he month of June is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns. Men’s Health Week is celebrated during the week leading up to and including Father’s Day and serves as a time to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men.

The week also includes Wear Blue Friday on June 17 where you can show your support and encourage your colleagues to wear something blue (dress, shirt, tie, etc.) to show concern for the health and well-being of men.

Routine doctor visits are a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Such visits can assess risk for future medical problems and offer men the opportunity to update vaccinations. Routine health checkups also give doctors a chance to screen for medical issues.

Doctors consider a man’s age and other risk factors to determine when and how frequently he will need certain medical screenings. For example, while men between the ages of 40 and 64 are often advised to get blood pressure screenings at least once per year, those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and other conditions may need more frequent screenings.

No two men have the same medical histories, which only highlights the need for men of all ages to schedule annual physical exams with their physicians. Such exams can reveal

W

hile it’s fairly common knowledge that quality sleep is essential to overall wellness, there are several factors that can keep you from getting the rest you need. However, overcoming them is well within your control. * Create an atmosphere conducive to sleep by choosing comfortable bedding and setting the thermostat to a temperature between 68-72 F. An ambient noise machine may drown out traffic and other sleep-disturbing sounds. If it’s not possible to completely darken your room, try installing dark-out curtains or wearing a sleep mask. * Blue light emitted by electronic devices and ambient light may delay or disrupt your sleep. It’s best to remove or limit cellphones and other sources of bright light from the bedroom at least 30 minutes before it’s time for you to fall asleep. * Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. At about the same time each evening, listen to soothing music, read a book or take a warm bath or shower. Yoga moves that relax muscles and promote steady breathing can be helpful but avoid vigorous activity that accelerates your heart rate before bedtime. * Be conscious of factors that may affect the quality of your rest. If you have reflux

potential problems and also make for great opportunities to discuss more specific medical screenings with their physicians. The following are some general screening tests and guidelines recommended for all men between the ages of 40 and 64.

Prostate cancer

Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their physicians. Ethnicity and family history are some of the recognized risk factors for prostate cancer.

As a result, African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative younger than 65 should discuss screenings beginning at age 45. There are pros and cons to prostate cancer screenings, and these should be part of men’s discussions with their physicians.

Colorectal cancer

All men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Physicians may recommend colorectal screening for men under age 50 with a family history of colon cancer or polyps. In addition, physicians may consider screenings for men under 50 who have a history of inflammatory bowel disease.

Cholesterol

The USNLM advises men to have their cholesterol levels checked every five years. Men with certain conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, may need to be checked more often.

Diabetes

Diabetes screenings are recommended every three years for men age 45 and older.

Men who are overweight and younger than 45 should ask their physicians if they should be

Seven simple steps toward superior sleep

or experience frequent back pain, your sleep may not be as restful. Consider upgrading your bed with an adjustable base that allows you to change your sleep position with the simple push of a button. A slight elevation

to your neck and head can allow for a more open airway and a quieter night of sleep. Adjustable bases like those from Mattress Firm offer a movable foundation for your mattress.

Because of its adaptability, an adjustable base

screened before they reach 45.

Health screenings can catch diseases and other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines. is suitable for sleepers with chronic pain or reflux, as well as the average sleeper looking for more comfort. * If your mattress shows signs of age, it may be the reason you have trouble falling asleep. There are several factors that determine the “shelf life” of your mattress, including quality and usage, so it’s important to evaluate your mattress regularly to make sure it’s still giving you the support you need for a good night’s sleep. * If you are unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, try getting out of bed and doing something relaxing until you feel sleepy.

Staying in bed and watching the clock increases your anxiety and can make it more difficult to drift off. * Remember that good daytime habits promote better quality sleep at night. You may be rewarded with a better night’s sleep by exercising daily, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and reducing or eliminating nicotine. Avoid naps during the day if possible, but if one is required, limit it to 30 minutes or less and take it early in the afternoon. Get outside during the morning to enjoy the benefits of natural light, which is a strong regulator of the biological clock.

PAGE S16 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • MAY 30, 2019

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