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Active Rx proves strength equals independence BY MARK OSBORN Special to the Moultrie News A note to South Carolinians: You can now choose how you age at the new ActiveRx Mount Pleasant Active Aging Center. ActiveRx is an Arizona-based company that is redefining aging nationwide through its array of proprietary services based on more than a decade of scientific research proving PHOTO PROVIDED that strength = independence. Many members participate in Strengtherapy to recover This is the first South Carostrength at ActiveRx, a new company that is redefining lina Active Aging Center in aging nationwide through its array of proprietary services the area located at at 999 Lake based on more than a decade of scientific research provHunter Circle, Suite B. ing that strength = independence. Studies have shown that most
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people lose 30 percent of their strength by age 65, 60 percent by age 75, and as much as 90 percent by age 85, if they don’t do anything about it. The ActiveRx System makes the direct correlation between recovering strength and active aging. It doesn’t matter what else you’re doing. If you’re not working to recover and maintain your strength as you age, your quality of life will diminish. Patients and members regain and maintain strength through participating in all or some of the System. Components include: the ActivEval, Active Physical Therapy and
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Strengtherapy, which work in concert to enhance mobility, agility and balance. Enhancing strength is also the best way to prevent falls among older adults, and falls are the number one cause of debilitating and life-threatening injury for people over 65. Medicare and other PPO insurance programs cover most ActiveRx healthcare services. Wellness memberships may be subsidized by some Medicare Advantage plans. Mark Osborn is the regional developer for ActiveRx in South Carolina and Georgia.
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Preventing heart disease When George Balabushka suffered a heart attacked at age 33, he was in disbelief. Like many healthy military men, George never thought heart disease could happen to him. “I had tightness in my chest for several days and decided to pay a visit to the Naval Hospital,” says Balabushka. “After an EKG test on the treadmill, I collapsed into full cardiac arrest for four minutes.” Two days later he awoke in the intensive care unit with eight burn marks down his chest where doctors had placed the defibrillator to revive his heart. “I was an active young man in the Navy,” he says. “I was in complete shock this could happen to me.”
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George Balabushka has had two heart attacks and now plans to walk in this year’s Lowcountry Heart Walk with his son Jason. After being placed on limited duty with a desk job ashore for months, he was offered sea duty on a new Naval ship in Charleston. Nearly five years and two tours after his first heart attack, Balabushka retired from the Navy. “I was excited to retire after a 22 year career,” he says. “I sure didn’t expect to experience a second heart attack shortly after.” Balabushka felt afraid and vulnerable after his second heart attack in 1999. He thought he was doing enough to prevent a second experience, but he was wrong. His surgery – six-way bypass. “I can’t stress the importance of making significant lifestyle changes after suffering a heart attack,” says cardiolo-
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gist, Dr. Pamela Morris, MUSC Heart and Vascular Center. “Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health.” According to the American Heart Association, walking for as few as 30 minutes a day provides heart health benefits as well as increasing two hours of life expectancy for every hour of walking. “A sedentary lifestyle increases the chance of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and therefore, heart disease and stroke,” says Dr. Morris. George knew that he had to make some serious changes in his lifestyle. He began to find new ways to be physically active. “I’ve learned that walking is an absolute necessity for my health,” says George. “I may not have
always been the best role model for exercise, but lately there’s been a big improvement.” Balabushka, his wife, Carol, and special needs step-son, Jason, will walk in this year’s Lowcountry Heart Walk. “Due to some of Jason’s physical limitations, the full three mile walk may be too much for him,” Balabushka says. “He really enjoys walking with me, and it’s great exercise for him too.” Balabushka hopes to help prevent heart disease in the community, and advises friends and family to learn their numbers and commit to making changes to reduce their risk. To learn more about the Lowcountry Heart Walk visit their website at www. lowcountryscheartwalk. org or call the organization at 843-853-1597. September 2013
Medical Directory Donate and help others see world more clearly “Since laser vision correction was introduced well over a decade ago, there have been steady advancements in its technology.” - Dr. Kerry Solomon
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WHO: Dr. Kerry Solomon, an internationally recognized leader in iLASIK vision correction, is the managing partner at Carolina Eyecare Physicians and serves as the Director of the Carolina Eyecare Research Institute. He consults for medical device, technology and pharmaceutical companies and is often selected to be the first to conduct clinical trials and present his findings to the medical community. As a result of Dr. Solomon’s research, consulting work and experience, his patients are often among the first in the world to benefit from next-generation technology. WHAT: To celebrate National Eye Exam month in August and Save your Sight month in September, Dr. Solomon is presenting a special offer called “Share the Vision: See the Savings.” Patients who donate glasses or a box of unused contact lenses at the time of their procedure can save up to $1,000 on iLASIK (advanced, blade-free custom LASIK). The donated glasses and contacts will be sent to the Lions Clubs International and MADRE, two global organizations serving those in need. WHERE: 1101 Clarity Road, Mount Pleasant WHEN: Through Sept. 30 (Initial consultation with Dr. Solomon’s office must be scheduled by Sept. 30) WHY: Since laser vision correction was introduced well over a decade ago, there have been steady advancements in its technology. Dr. Solomon is one of the few surgeons in the country to offer the most advanced iFS Intralase laser, known as iLASIK. As a result, the metal blade has been completely eliminated, offering a preComplete Health and Medical Guide
mium level of safety and accuracy. Plus, recovery is minimal. Most routine activities can be performed the day after the procedure. Dr. Solomon also customizes the iLASIK procedure for each patient by using CustomVue technology and Iris Registration which further improves and enhances the quality of a patient’s laser vision correction treatment. More than 94 percent of the eligible population is now a potential candidate for iLASIK, including those who have not been candidates in the past for various reasons, including astigmatism. 98 percent of Dr. Solomon’s patients see 20/20 or better following iLASIK. Imagine waking up in the morning and being able to see your clock clearly versus fumbling around for your glasses. Or traveling for work or pleasure and not worrying about remembering contacts or whether you have enough saline solution. iLASIK typically costs $2,800 per eye. “Share the Vision: See the Savings” offers tremendous savings of $1,000 or $500 per eye. Give others, who are victims of poverty or domestic abuse, the chance to see the world more clearly. This can help them take care of and provide for themselves and others. CONTACT: 843-732-2020. Since 2002, Dr. Solomon has been named one of the”Top 50 Opinion Leaders in the Fields of Cataract and Refractive Surgery,” and one of the”Best Doctors in America” every year. Named one of the top 250 innovators in the field of premium IOL surgery by the publishers and editors of Premier Surgeon, he has also been cited in numerous national publications. September 2013
Bad for the body = bad for the mind Recent evidence suggests that metabolic disorders and many diseases frequently develop due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity say Medical University of South Carolina expert researchers. Researchers Narayan R. Bhat, Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) neurosciences professor and Lakshmi Thirumangalakudi, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, have found evidence to suggest that what’s bad for the body is also bad for the mind in a study published this month in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progressively robs its victims of their memory, mental faculties and independent living,” Bhat said. “Although specific genetic mutations have been identified that directly cause the disease, these cases are rare. Our study suggests potential common causes and co-morbidities of meta-
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bolic disorders and sporadic cases of Alzheimer’s disease and hence an opportunity to develop treatments targeted at improving insulin sensitivity for those more common cases of Alzheimer’s disease.” Epidemiological and experimental studies point to a link between metabolic diseases and Alzheimer’s-like dementia via common vascular-associated risk factors. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclear and complex, certain common features are emerging including inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to changes in metabolic derangement in the brain similar to peripheral organs. In fact, some researchers now describe Alzheimer’s disease as “type 3 diabetes” — a consequence of insulin deficiency and inaction (i.e., resistance). One of the consequences of altered insulin signaling and resistance in the brain is increased phosphorylation of tau, a brain protein that loses its normal functionings ability while becoming toxic in the Alzheimer dis-
eased brain. In their study Bhat and Thirumangalakudi describe brain changes that indicate altered insulin signaling and increased tau phosphorylation in normal mice fed a high-fat and highcholesterol diet. The hypothesis for the link between vascular disorders and Alzheimer’s disease — like changes in the brain is that metabolic changes including peripheral inflammation and insulin resistance resulting from high fat intake cause dysfunction in the brain’s vascular system that in turn leads to cellular and metabolic changes in the brain similar to what occurs in an Alzheimers diseased brain. (For more information, a full citation of the extensive study is here: Increased Tau Phosphorylation and Impaired Brain Insulin/IGF Signaling in Mice Fed a High Fat/High Cholesterol Diet - http://bit.ly/18u7tY ANarayan R. Bhat and Lakshmi Thirumangalakudi - JAD Volume 36/Issue 4 (August 2013) - DOI: 10.3233/JAD-2012121030 )
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Trident Health offers free prostate screenings Early detection saves lives Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, according to the American Cancer Society. About 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 29,720 men will die from prostate cancer in 2013. However, more than 2.5 million men in the United States who have had prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. The death rate is decreasing, in part because of early detection. During September’s Prostate Cancer Awareness month, Trident Health offered free prostate cancer screenings at its medical centers throughout the Lowcountry. It is also offering a free screening event on Oct. 1 at its Trident Medical Center. To register for the free screening, please call Consult-A-Nurse at 843-797-FIND (3463).
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Research gets new home at Roper St. Francis Someone – a Tradd Street socialite, a farmer’s wife in Hanahan, your son or daughter – just received a devastating diagnosis. Hope glimmers in the form of clinical research trials, but those are happening in far-off settings such as the Cleveland Clinic or Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. They’re not a million miles away, but for most South Carolinians, they are out of reach. Until now. Roper St. Francis has welcomed the Clinical Biotechnology Research Institute (CBRI), led by Dr. Jacobo Mintzer, as a fully-formed research arm for the system. Dr. Mintzer’s vision for the CBRI is simple. “Every patient who comes to a Roper St. Francis facility will be able to have access to the same cutting-edge technology as any center, anywhere in the world,” Dr. Mintzer said.
Roper St. Francis. Results from recent oncology and cardiovascular studies have been promising, and last year RSF became a charter member of Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute. The CBRI is something more. “We’ve always competed in the clinical and community setting,” said RSF President and CEO David Dunlap. “This immediately elevates us to a new level in terms of research.” System leaders debated the best way to improve care through clinical research: Should RSF build its own program from the ground up, or look into bringing in an existing team? Leadership opted for the latter approach. Dr. Mintzer, who at MUSC helmed one of the Southeast’s largest Alzheimer’s and neurological research programs, proved to be an ideal candidate. Dr. Mintzer and his staff possessed RSF and research the requisite experience and credibility within both the academic community Research is not a foreign concept at and pharmaceutical industry to allow
RSF to immediately raise its research profile. The CBRI team also offered the knowhow needed to implement system-wide coordination and management of trials, as well as the ability to support recruitment, budgeting, contracting and more.
Initial focus In the immediate future, the CBRI will focus its efforts on Alzheimer’s studies, primarily involving oral and infusion drugs. As the institute continues to grow, research will expand into other studies to include cardiovascular, oncology and even HIV/AIDs arenas. The goal of the CBRI is to have other studies onboard by the end of the year. Patients of the institute are generally seen on a monthly basis and the studies cost them nothing. More than a dozen Alzheimer’s research studies are currently underway at the CBRI. Referrals aren’t required to be seen at the CBRI, which recruits heavily through local and regional media.
Potential participants are required, however, to undergo a complimentary memory screening before being allowed to enroll in a study. Currently located in North Charleston, the CBRI will relocate to a newly renovated space in Roper Hospital later this year.
How to get involved The CBRI’s research would not be possible without study volunteers, and the institute is continuous in its recruitment. Benefits of participation include: Access to new treatments not available outside of the research setting Close monitoring from the CBRI research team, while volunteers continue to receive regular care from their own doctor The satisfaction of knowing you may be contributing to future scientific advancement or helping prevent others from suffering from the same disease Those interested in volunteering for a research study can contact the CBRI at 843- 740-1592.
Celebrate Community Wellness Day Oct. 12 at Moultrie Middle
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Community Wellness Day is a national event focusing on educating the members of the community on very important information which is critical to the total wellness for arearesidents. Dr. Antoinette Biegaj Family Wellness Chiropractic and others will be sharing an array of information on health, safety, environmental awareness and financial wellness at a Community Wellness Day on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Moultrie Middle School from noon to 3 p.m. This event will be taking place in many cities nationwide during a four-week period of fall of 2013. Political leaders will be recognizing this as an important day in the community to empower people to take back responsibility for their family’s well-being. The local law enforcement will be on hand to provide important ID information for children, families and seniors. Complete Health and Medical Guide
The local fire department will be providing fire prevention and safety information. Various community agencies will be participating and sharing their programs on car and bicycle safety, internet safety, identity fraud protection, financial literacy info, health screenings, drug/ alcohol awareness, senior services information and much more. There will be information available for all ages of the community. Admission to the event is free. The group has chosen the local Make-A-Wish Foundation as the beneficiary of this event. For more information on how you can support and participate in Mount Pleasant’s annual Community Wellness Day, contact Dr. Antoinette Biegaj Family Wellness Chiropractic at 843-856-9466 or email us at dynamikdc(g>gmail.com. The office is located at 217 Lucas St. Ste D, Mount Pleasant. September 2013
Expo held to bring awareness to suicide
COURTESY OF DAVID DIANA
A group of Charleston area health organizations teamed up for the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Expo in Marion Square, Sept. 14.
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A group of Charleston area health organizations teamed up for the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Expo on Sept. 14 at Marion Square in downtown Charleston. The organizations included the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston Dorchester Mental Health, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, 211 Hotline, Palmetto Behavioral Health, Mental Health America and NAMI Charleston. They shared resources and offered community support. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, here are the following statistics: 2013 up through Sept. 12: 30 suicides with some additional cases “pending” 2012 - 43 suicides 2011 - 52 suicides 2010 - 59 suicides
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How to raise your metabolism
But, you can get your body running like a machine by giving it proper fuels and keeping it well-oiled. Carbs are a body’s best friend. When it comes to providing energy and helping you burn fat, carbohydrates are the key. The ultimate diet mistake is to cut out carbohydrates. Fat is only burned in the flame of adequate carbohydrates. Low carbohydrate diets cause quick water loss and little fat loss. When you consume enough healthy carbohydrates throughout the day, BY PAGE LOVE, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, your body’s food cravings for both enCSCS ergy and sweets will be satisfied. Special to the Moultrie News
Out of energy? You may not be giving your body what it needs. If you are watching your diet or working out strenuously, you may actually be telling your body to conserve its energy.
How do you know what to eat? Step one: Plan menus around the new MyPlate.gov model, starting with healthy high fiber carbohydrates. These foods should form the base of and half of your entrees – grains, breads, cereals and starchy and garden vegetables. At
a minimum, allow for two servings (or one cup each) from these groups at each meal. You also have the freedom to add extra “garden” veggies, especially deep greens, because these help aid in fullness and better meet your antioxidant needs. Step two: Add in the second level of healthy carbohydrates – fresh fruit (two to four servings per day). This group contributes metabolism-raising high-fiber choices to the diet. And fruit, a natural sugar source, is an excellent dessert or snack option to help satisfy sugar cravings. Your plate only needs one fourth from fruit. Step three: Allow a minimum of two servings each from the meat and dairy categories. Portions are two to three servings, three to four ounces each, in the meat group, and two to three 8-ounce portions of skim milk or yogurt in the dairy group. Again, your plate model only needs one fourth of the plate for the meat serving size or a deck of cards size portion. If you are dieting, reduce your meatprotein group intake to the lower end of the range (two servings, two to three ounces per day). Last step: Provide your body with fats and oils daily but only in small amounts. A simple suggestion is to allow yourself one teaspoon portion of margarine, mayonnaise or oil per meal. This allows you to have a calorie-satisfying energy source at each meal and helps satisfy your appetite.
jogging, treadmill, cycling or swimming done on a regular basis are fat calorie-burning activities that contribute to healthy weight management. Consider three primary factors in determining your exercise regimen: intensity, duration and frequency. Intensity refers to the heart rate you achieve during the exercise session, duration means the length of time you exercise per session and frequency means how often you exercise during the week. Experts generally agree that one’s heart rate should be in the target zone of 50 to 80 percent of the maximum heart rate (220 minus your age equals maximum heart rate). The session duration should be a minimum of 30 minutes up to 60 minutes, and the frequency should be a minimum of three to five times per week. The best advice in this area is to seek out good advice from a nationally certified trainer. And, don’t forget about anaerobic exercise. This type of higher intensity activity – stretching, yoga, Pilates and strength training – can increase your metabolism by helping maintain lean tissue. It also helps to tone and shape your body.
Page Love is an expert on nutrition and sport nutrition, particularly with elite athletics. Her clients include the ATP Men’s Professional Tennis Tour, the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour (WTA), U.S. Tennis Association, the Atlanta Braves, U.S. Figure Skating and U.S. Synchronized Swimming. She What about exercise? served as a nutrition consultant during the Olympic Games in 1992, 1996, 2000 Aerobic or fat-burning activities like and 2004. Learn more at Nutrifitga.com
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Physicians’ Profiles Know your doctor
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