Health & Wellness - June 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS A SPECIAL ADVERTISING PUBLICATION OF VALLEY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

www.valcomnews.com • June 2017

How to improve flexibility Improving flexibility is a goal for many athletes, whether they’re daily exercise devotees or weekend warriors. Taking steps to improve and maintain flexibility has numerous benefits that can pay dividends for athletes of all ages.

According to the Harvard Medical School, well-stretched muscles more easily reach their full range of motion. That benefits athletes by improving their performance, and it can also improve daily life for non-athletes by making it easier to reach, bend or stoop to perform everyday tasks.

As beneficial as being physically flexible can be, many people, no matter how hard they try, struggle to improve or maintain their flexibility. Fortunately, there are some ways that devoted men and women can improve their flexibility and enjoy all of the benefits that increased flexibility provides.

• Choose the right activities. Harvard Medical School notes that activities that lengthen and stretch muscles can help active men and women reduce their risks for injury while potentially preventing back pain and issues that may affect their balance. When done correctly, yoga can improve balance and flexibility. In addition, numerous studies have linked yoga to additional health benefits, such as stress reduction, that can make people less tense, thereby improving their flexibility.

• Drink more water. Drinking water helps to prevent tightness and muscle cramps. In fact, tightness or muscle cramps in the large muscles of the leg may be indicative of the early stages of dehydration. Drinking plain water is the most effective way to stay and remain hydrated.

Don’t count coffee, tea or sports drinks as water, as such beverages many contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and while diuretics cause the increased passing of urine, they also decrease the amount of water that is absorbed by the kidneys, potentially contributing to dehydration.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after workouts.

• Start over after an extended break. If it’s been awhile since you last worked out, resist the temptation to push yourself when returning to the gym. Depending on how long it’s been since you last exercised, you may need to start back at square one, which means reducing the amount of weight you lift and decreasing the resistance during cardiovascular exercises. Putting too much strain on muscles that have been sedentary for an extended period of time can cause aches, pains and even injury. Muscle tightness also may develop if you go too hard too quickly, greatly reducing flexibility.

• Get up and go. Poor flexibility may be a byproduct of your lifestyle. Men and women who live sedentary lifestyles are less likely to enjoy the full range of motion from their muscles than those people who are more active. Get off the couch when spending time at home, and if you work in an office, take routine breaks to stand up and walk around.

Poor flexibility can be painful and inconvenient, but there are many ways for men and women to improve their flexibility and, as a result, their quality of life.

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Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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First Two Mosquito Samples Salmonella is ‘no yolk’ when Of The Season Test Positive raising backyard chickens For West Nile Virus Elk Grove, Ca.—The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District confirmed today that the first two mosquito samples of the season have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquito samples were collected near Zamora in northern Yolo County and near Isleton in south Sacramento County. “Despite the unusually cool temperatures we’ve had these past few days, we are detecting West Nile virus activity,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “It’s important for residents to take these findings seriously because it confirms the presence of the virus within our area,” added Goodman. As the weather heats up into the triple digits later this week, the number of mosquitoes will likely keep increasing. “In very hot temperatures like the ones being forecasted, a mosquito can complete its lifecycle and go from an egg to a flying adult in as little as four to seven days. When you consider that a single female mosquito can lay 50 to 200 eggs at a time, this makes for a lot of mosquitoes very quickly and a higher risk for becoming infected with West Nile virus,” indicated Goodman.

The detection of this recent West Nile virus activity in our area is evidence that the disease is present and the public should take proper precautions to stay protected.

“As people enjoy outdoor activities during the warm spring evenings, it’s important to remember that the best protection against mosquito bites is an effective insect repellent” said Goodman.

As a response to the recent findings, the District will increase its mosquito trapping and monitoring in the area to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding. Adult mosquito control may also be conducted to rapidly decrease the numbers of adult mosquitoes. For current information about District activities, please visitwww.FIGHTtheBITE.net.

Residents may also subscribe to mailing lists to receive email notifications for upcoming mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up, go to Spray Notifications on the website.

2017 West Nile virus activity update:

Sacramento County: 1 mosquito sample and 10 dead birds have tested positive for West Nile virus to date.

Yolo County: 1 mosquito sample has tested positive for West Nile virus to date.

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City dwellers and suburbanites have flown the coop, so to speak. A growing interest in raising chickens has enabled coops and nesting birds to spring up in neighborhoods one would not typically associate with chickens.

Sometimes dubbed “urban homesteading” or “urban farming,” these homegrown operations enable people to enjoy fresh eggs from the comfort of home. Henhouses are just another extension of methods to reap the benefits of fresh, local and nonfactoryproduced foods.

Although advocates insist that raising chickens on a small scale makes the birds less likely to carry disease than factory-farmed chickens, anyone raising chickens needs to be aware of the potential for disease — particularly salmonella.

Also, it’s important to care for chickens in a manner that is humane and in line with local laws.

What is salmonella?

Salmonella is a common bacteria that lives in the intestinal tract of humans, other mammals and some birds, including chickens. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 1.2 million illnesses and 450 deaths are attributed to salmonella annually in the United States. The illness causes diarrhea, feSee Salmonella, page 14

Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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5 Health Benefits of Live Indoor Plants When is a living indoor plant more than a beautiful accent for home or office? The answer is “nearly always” if you consider the health benefits of having live plants in your space.

According to Kifumi Keppler, owner and founder of Exotic Plants, “Research shows that the benefits of living plants in our home and workplace help us live healthier and even happier lives. If you’ve noticed that you feel better around your plants, there are plenty of studies that back you up.”

Here are five health benefits of plants that may help you decide to add more green to your indoor environment.

Plants can help: 1. Improve air quality.

Research by NASA has shown that plants improve air quality by removing certain chemicals from the air in enclosed spaces. These chemicals, including compounds like benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia, have been linked to physical complaints such as headaches, eye irritation and more.

2. Help you breathe better.

In the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Since we breathe in oxygen, people and plants make good partners. At night, most plants stop photosynthesis and release carbon dioxide. However a few plants like orchids, succulents and certain others, do just the opposite, releasing oxygen at night time, making them a great choice for the bedroom.

3. Reduce stress.

A study conducted in Australia found that plants in the work environment can reduce stress. Their research found reductions in anxiety, depression, anger and hostility, all of which can negatively affect one’s health.

4. Improve health.

Norwegian and Dutch research discovered that adding plants to the workplace can reduce the incidence of physical ills such as fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms.

5. Speed recovery for surgical patients.

A Kansas State University study compared the recovery rate of patients in rooms with and without plants. Those in rooms with plants requested less pain medication and were released from the hospital sooner than those patients without the plants.

Of course, not every plant may be the right fit for you.

Some are toxic if eaten and so should be avoided in homes with children and pets.

As Kifumi says the value of plants goes far beyond the aesthetic value. “Plants add a natural and spiritual aspect to our lives. There’s a symbiotic relationship between people and plants. They give us so much—food, oxygen, energy, medicinal remedies and more. Nature is our connection to the earth, and keeping live plants in the house and office reminds us of this.”

If you have questions or think you don’t have a green thumb, Kifumi invites you to call or visit Exotic Plants.

She says her staff love answering questions and will do their best to help you maintain healthy and beautiful plants.

Information on Kifumi Keppler: Kifumi Keppler is owner and founder of Exotic Plants, a one-of-a-kind business in Sacramento that carries a wide variety of living indoor plants and offers full indoor plant care and temporary plant rental. Her business will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

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Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Older adults can overcome gym intimidation Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are two of the best things seniors can do to maintain their health. Exercise can delay or prevent many of the health problems associated with aging, including weak bones and feelings of fatigue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a person age 65 or older who is generally fit with no limiting health conditions should try to get two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, while also including weight training and musclestrengthening activities in their routines on two or more days a week.

Individuals often find that gyms have the array of fitness equipment they need to stay healthy. But many people, including older men and women who have not exercised in some time, may be hesitant to join a gym for fear of intimidation. Some seniors may avoid machines and classes believing they will not use the apparatus properly, or that they will be judged by other gym members. Some seniors may feel like gyms do not cater to their older clientele, creating an atmosphere that is dominated by younger members and loud music.

Such misconceptions are often unfounded, as many gyms welcome older members with open arms. But even if seniors find gyms intimidating, they should still sign up for memberships. In such situations, the following tips can help seniors shed their fears and adapt to their new gyms.

• Start the process slowly. Shop around for a gym that makes you feel comfortable. Get fully informed about which classes are offered, and the benefits, if any, afforded to older members.

Seniors can overcome feelings of apprehension about going to the gym.

• Get a doctor’s go-ahead. Make sure to clear exercise and gym membership with your doctor prior to purchasing a membership. He or she also may have a list of gyms where fellow senior patients have memberships.

• Build up gradually. Begin with exercises you feel comfortable performing. Spend time walking on the treadmill while observing other gym members. Tour the circuit of machines and other equipment. Find out if you can sample a class to see if it might be a good fit.

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• Find a gym buddy. Working out with a partner in your age group may encourage you to keep going to the gym and increase your comfort level. You each can offer support and enjoy a good laugh through the learning process.

• Don’t get discouraged. Anyone working out for the first time, regardless of age, will feel somewhat out of place until exercise becomes part of a routine. Give it some time before throwing in the towel.

Once you catch on, you may discover you enjoy working out.

• Choose a senior-friendly gym. Some gyms cater to senior members. They may offer “SilverSneakers” classes at their facility. Other niche gyms may only accept members of a certain age group. Investigate these gyms if working out with a younger crowd is proving too great a deterrent.

Fitness is important for healthy seniors. It can prolong life, help seniors maintain healthy weights and reduce their risk of injury.

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Make your next beach trip more eco-friendly The word “summer” conjures up many things, but perhaps nothing more so than the beach. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, beach attendance in 2016 exceeded 211 million visitors, suggesting that beaches are arguably the most popular spots in the country to unwind and soak up some rays.

But the popularity of beaches is not exclusive to the United States, and people across the globe have an incentive to make their visits to the beach as eco-friendly as possible. Clean beaches make days lounging on the sand more enjoyable, and beaches that are well-maintained will remain hotspots for summer fun for decades to come.

• Avoid the dunes. Dunes do more than just add character and beauty to beaches.

Dunes protect coastal properties from sea waves and provide habitats for certain plants and animals. While storm waves can remove sand from dunes and contribute to erosion, human activity, such was walking through dunes instead of utilizing walkovers that carry beachgoers over the dunes, also can track sand away from the dunes.

Over time, that can lead to erosion.

• Leave nothing behind but a sand castle.

When packing for a day at the beach, pack only those items that you can take with you when the day ends. Bring water in reusable water bottles you might bring to campsites, and bring reusable utensils so you won’t have to make any trips to the garbage can while you’re at the beach. One

stiff summer breeze can blow trash right out of beach garbage cans, increasing the likelihood that garbage ends up in the ocean. That risk is nonexistent if beachgoers bring only reusable materials they plan to take home with them.

• Keep a watchful eye on dogs. Many people like to bring their dogs to the beach.

But dog owners must monitor their dogs to ensure they don’t relieve themselves in the ocean. According to the Pacific Shellfish Institute, pet waste can reduce oxygen content in the oceans, potentially harming fish and threatening their existence.

When packing for the beach, dog owners who plan to bring their four-legged friends should make sure they pack enough bags to collect their dogs’ excrement. Discard each bag appropriately.

• Get your hands “dirty.” Many people understandably view the beach as a getaway where they want to relax rather than work.

But beachgoers can do their part to protect the surf and sand by picking up any litter they see while strolling the sand. One need not conduct an extensive beach cleanup, but every piece of trash beachgoers pick up is a piece of trash that does not find its way into the ocean, where it can negatively affect marine life and make swimming in the ocean less enjoyable.

Hundreds of millions of people visit beaches every year. Protecting these popular getaways does not take much effort, but those efforts can have a lasting impact.

Sticking to footpaths and walkovers rather than walking through dunes is one way to make beach visits more eco-friendly.

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Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

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Has a more accurate way to assess obesity been developed?

Being obese or overweight is cause for concern at any age. Doctors and fitness experts have long relied on body mass index, or BMI, as a method of determining healthy weight ranges based on a ratio of height to weight. However, BMI may not be the most accurate measure of fitness.

In May of 2017, a team of researchers at the Mayo Clinic unveiled the Body Volume Indicator (BVI)™ as a new tool for assessing body size and health. Researchers spent 10 years in collaboration with BVI America LLC to lead an extensive study on fat distribution and how to better assess whether a person is within the healthy zone for his or her body type. Rather than look at height and weight, BVI looks more closely at abdominal fat concentrations, which proponents consider a more accurate way to determine potential health risk. BVI is considered to be a more precise means of estimating weight distribution and fat around the organs. This visceral fat in the abdominal area can impact a person’s risk for diabetes and heart disease, offers Mayo Clinic researchers.

Experts at Harvard Medical School touted the dangers of abdominal fat as early as 2005, saying, “for health, the issue is not how much you weigh, but how much abdominal fat you have.” It’s unclear how visceral fat leads to negative health outcomes, but many believe this fat interferes with the normal functioning of internal organs.

Through a professional app, clinicians can more accurately estimate the body volume, percentage of visceral fat and distribution of body fat for patients. The app compares an image of a patient standing sideways to one of him or her taken head-on. This information will be combined with age, gender and level of physical activity to paint a better picture of how individuals measure up.

BVI, which measures body volume in comparison to fat concentrated around the abdomen, may replace BMI as a more accurate reading of overweight or obesity.

Across North America, obesity remains a major concern. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2010, found that more than two in three adults are considered to be overweight or obese. Furthermore, about one-third of children and adoles-

cents between the ages of six and 19 are overweight or obese. Although these statistics may change now that BVI will be used in conjunction with other measures of body weight and personal health, they provide an eye-opening glimpse into the health of children in the United States.

Although there is no single cause of obesity, nor one ideal approach that can help prevent it, education remains a viable tool. Having more accurate means to identifying problem areas, such as visceral fat, can help the public in various ways.

A-10 Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

The carpal tunnel is a passage that forms in the wrist on the palm side of the hand. It is located just beneath the skin surface. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says the carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones.

Eight small wrist bones form three sides of the tunnel. The width of the tunnel is only about an inch. Injury or inflammation to the tissues inside of the carpal tunnel can shrink the space of the tunnel, eventually pressing on the tendons and the median nerve that runs through this narrow area.

The role of the median nerve

When compression occurs in this area of the wrist, a key nerve is affected. The median nerve originates in the neck and runs through the arm. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist and goes into the hand, providing feeling to the palm side of the thumb and to the index, middle and part of the ring fingers (although not the little finger). It also controls some small muscles at the base of the thumb.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel

Weakness of the hand as well as tingling and numbness are the two most common symptoms of CTS. The numbness particularly affects four of the fingers. It can occur when holding a phone, book, newspaper or steering wheel or engaging in just about any activity that involves the hands. CTS also may wake a person up from sleep.

There are a number of other compression issues that can occur in the hand and arms, causing similar pain and tingling in other areas. Ulnar nerve compression in the elbow can cause part of the ring finger and pinky finger to tingle and may be indicative of a different ailment. That’s why a professional diagnosis must be sought when experiencing symptoms related to CTS.

When to see a doctor

If pain and tingling are affecting activities and sleeping patterns, individuals should see their doctors. Various nonsurgical remedies and therapies may help. If left untreated, any condition that affects nerve function may lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage.

Women • Not physically active: 1,600 calories • Somewhat active: 1,800 calories • Active lifestyle: between 2,000 and 2,200 calories Men • Not physically active: 2,000 calories • Somewhat active: between 2,200 and 2,400 calories • Active lifestyle: between 2,400 and 2,800 calories When choosing foods to eat, the NIA recommends eating many different colors and types of vegetables and fruits. Phytochemicals are substances that occur naturally in plants, and there are thousands of these substances offering various benefits. The Produce for Better Health Foundation notes that a varied, colorful diet incorporates lots of different types of phytochemicals, which the PBH says have disease-preventing properties.

The NIA also advises that men and women over 50 make sure at least half the grains in their diets are whole grains. Numerous studies have discovered the various benefits of whole grains, which are loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients. Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

Another potential hurdle men and women over 50 may encounter is a change in their sense of smell and taste. A person’s sense of smell may fade with age, and because smell and taste are so closely related, foods enjoyed for years may no longer tantalize the taste buds. That can be problematic, as many people instinctually add more salt to foods they find bland. According to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, older adults should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That equates to roughly 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt.

Older men and women should resist the temptation to use salt to add flavor to foods, instead opting for healthy foods that they can still smell and taste. In addition, men and women should mention any loss of their sense of smell to their physicians, as such a loss may indicate the presence of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintaining a healthy diet after 50 may require some hard work and discipline. But the longterm benefits of a healthy diet make the extra effort well worth it.

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Increased hours spent on computer keyboards and digital devices can put people at risk for a relatively common and oftentimes painful condition that affects mobility in the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, can cause numbness, pain and tingling in the hand or arm as a result of one of the major nerves of the hand — the median nerve — being compressed in the wrist.

The American College of Rheumatology says that CTS may be the most common nerve disorder experienced today, affecting between four and 10 million people in the United States alone. Middle-aged to older individuals are more likely to develop CTS than younger persons, and females are diagnosed three times more frequently than males.

A balanced diet is an integral element of a healthy lifestyle for men, women and children alike. But while kids and young adults might be able to get away with an extra cheeseburger here or there, men and women approaching 50 have less leeway.

According to the National Institute on Aging, simply counting calories without regard for the foods being consumed is not enough for men and women 50 and older to maintain their long-term health. Rather, the NIA emphasizes the importance of choosing low-calorie foods that have a lot of the nutrients the body needs.

But counting calories can be an effective and simple way to maintain a healthy weight, provided those calories are coming from nutrient-rich foods.

The NIA advises men and women over 50 adhere to the following daily calorie intake recommendations as they attempt to stay healthy into their golden years.

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Knowledge and education can give us peace of mind in moments when medical decisions have to be made for loved ones, friends and neighbors. Being familiar with what hospice and palliative services are, as well as understanding ones’ rights and options, can be of tremendous comfort to all involved in these stressful moments of decision making.

Patients with incurable medical conditions an from hospice and palliative care services provided by a compassionate team of health care professionals who support all areas of wellbeing: the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s care. Hospice and palliative care services focus on quality of life during that moment, managing pain and symptom relief rather than curative treatments.

We encourage you to attend one of our community trainings/classes and meet with our team of dedicated professionals, so you can have peace of mind while making or helping someone else make quality of life decisions. Please call or email us for questions or concerns regarding hospice and palliative care services.

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A-12 Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease continue to evolve Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most prevalent types of dementia in the world, affecting an estimated 35.6 million people all over the globe, and that number is expected to double in 20 years.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America estimates that as many as 5.1 million Americans may be living with Alzheimer’s disease. Australian company Actinogen Medical says Alzheimer’s is Australia’s second biggest killer. According to a 2012 study commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 747,000 Canadians were living with cognitive impairment, which included, but was not limited to, dementia.

People with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia may experience a decline in mental function severe enough to reduce their ability to perform everyday activities. Some of the cognitive functions that may be impaired include memory, communication and language, ability to pay attention, reasoning and judgement, emotional control, and social behavior.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, nor is there an effective long-term way to prevent potential mental decline. However, that has not stopped scores of researchers and medical teams that continue to study the efficacy of different drugs and therapies. The following are some of the more promising options in the works.

Leukine also may be helping the brain repair itself. The Alzheimer’s Association has donated $1 million toward financing the costs of the next phase of this trial.

Leukine

Australian researchers at Actinogen Medical have begun trials of a new drug called Xanamem. More than 170 patients with mild dementia in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom will take part in the placebo-controlled 12-week trial. The medicine blocks the stress hormone cortisol in order to improve mental function for those with dementias. In 2015, an Edinburgh University study of mice showed reducing cortisol in the brain improved their memory and decreased the number of Alzheimer’s-associated amyloid plaques in the brain.

Researchers continue to work as they seek a successful, long-term option for treating or preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

A safety trial on the drug Leukine already is underway at the Colorado University Anschutz Medical Campus.

“We found so far that Leukine is safe in people with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Huntington Potter, the director of Alzheimer’s research at the university. “ That means it doesn’t have the side effects that so many other Alzheimer’s drugs have had, which are swelling in the brain and bleeding into the brain.”

Leukine has been successful in removing the plaque or amyloid along the outside of nerve cells in the brain of mice. Researchers do not know the exact mechanism for removal, but the drug is working and working quickly.

Insulin

Neurologists at Rush University Medical Center are testing a type of insulin that is inhaled through a nasal spray to see if it improves cognition and memory function in people with mild cognitive impairment.

“There is growing evidence that insulin carries out multiple functions in the brain and that poor regulation of insulin may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Neelum Aggarwal, a neurologist at Rush and the lead investigator of the study.

The 18-month clinical trial will study the nasal spray versus a placebo in 275 adults between the ages of 55 and 85.

Xanamem

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Myths and misconceptions about Understanding protein shakes Protein powder shakes once were consumed almost exclusively by professional body autism spectrum disorder builders or gym rats looking to increase their muscle mass. But long gone are the days Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a class of neurological conditions present from early childhood and is often identified through difficulty communicating, using language and understanding abstract concepts. The organization Autism Speaks says that an estimated one out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Autism is now diagnosed in roughly one out of every 68 children in Canada, and has become the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in that country.

ASD is estimated to affect tens of millions of people worldwide. But even though ASD is widely recognized, studied and discussed, myths and misconceptions about the disorder continue to circulate. Shedding light on how ASD can help caregivers, peers and anyone who routinely interacts with individuals who fall on the spectrum.

ASD is not a single disorder

Although autism and ASD are often used interchangeably, these names do not define one specific disorder. ASD is now an umbrella term that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett syndrome, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 5th edition (DSM-5) revised in 2013. ASD is often perceived through communication deficits that can include misinterpreted or nonverbal interactions. Individuals also may have challenges in bonding/friendship development.

People with ASD can understand and express emotion

Although communication troubles may be present, those with ASD can and do feel emotions. But they may not be able to express these emotions the same way as others do. Also, just because someone has ASD doesn’t mean he or she is unable to understand the emotions of others. Rather, the person may need firm and direct indications of how another person is feeling to understand. Reading body language or tone of voice alone may be inadequate to someone with ASD. School-aged children can learn from this, recognizing that someone with ASD may want to have friends and socialize, but he or she may not know how to facilitate these engagements.

ASD does not produce carbon-copy symptoms

Characteristics of ASD can vary widely from person to person. One person’s limitations may not be present in another.

ASD is not just a children’s disease

There is no cure for ASD, and symptoms may not be reversible, which means that autism is a lifelong condition. Children who are diagnosed will grow into young people and adults with autism. Many treatments and therapies are geared toward early intervention, but adults can benefit from continued work as well. Adults with ASD can be successful and live independent lives.

Autism spectrum disorder is more prevalent than ever. However, despite the recognition of ASD, many people do not understand the nuances involved with a diagnosis.

Salmonella Continued from page 4

ver and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection and can last between four and seven days. Salmonella can cause death when not properly treated with antibiotics.

Spreading salmonella

Although humans cannot catch salmonella from chickens the way one would contract a cold, they can catch it through handling or consuming eggs of infected birds. The rural newsletter and farming resource Grit says salmonella can then be transmitted to humans who eat improperly cooked meat or eggs from infected birds or from putting their hands in your mouths after touching chickens or eggs that have come in contact with contaminated rodent or chicken feces.

of finding protein shake supplies in specialty fitness stores. Nowadays protein shakes are mainstream and big business for the fitness and diet industry.

Although protein shakes are not a magic solution for six-pack abs or overnight weight loss, they can — when used correctly — make a healthy addition to a fitness and nutrition regimen. With that said, they may not be right for everyone. But it’s important for individuals to weigh the pros and cons of protein products and work with their physicians to find the right regimen for their age, gender, body type, and desired goals.

Protein shakes have a lot of positive attributes. Convenient and portable, protein shakes are formulated with readily available, highly digestible protein to fuel the body post-workout. Protein is essential for building muscle and overall body strength and is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. It also helps make hormones, enzymes and other body chemicals. Protein shakes deliver whey or casein protein in a convenient way. And because protein shakes tend to be concentrated, many people can consume the recommended level of protein for their activity type without having to eat many calorie-laden meals.

Shakes also can be filling and help people feel satiated longer. Some people substitute protein shakes for meals once per day, eliminating a potentially calorie-laden meal in favor of a low-calorie shake.

While protein shakes can be beneficial, the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends that those who exercise should try to reach their protein requirements via whole foods. Protein shakes are not complete meals; therefore, they may create nutritional deficits if they are routinely used as meal substitutes. The Mayo Clinic offers that protein shakes often fall short of supplying significant amounts of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. They’re also generally missing naturally occurring fiber, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Protein shakes may be flavored with artificial ingredients or sweeteners which can be fine when consumed occasionally, but may not be recommended as a long-term meal replacement.

Too much protein may not be a good thing, either. The U.S. Department of Health recommends that adults should not consume more than twice the recommended daily intake of protein, which is 55.5 g for men and 45 g for women. Protein shakes often have 20 to 40 g of protein per serving. So it’s easy to see how consumers of protein shakes may consume more than their recommended amount of protein. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consistently exceeding daily protein requirements can lead to weight gain, high blood cholesterol, an elevated risk for heart disease, and kidney complications. Also, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine states that consuming too much protein can raise a person’s risk of developing cancer, osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Protein shakes are convenient forms of a nutrient that active bodies need.

When used in moderation and as part of an overall healthy eating plan, they should be safe. But it’s important to discuss any dietary and exercise concerns with a doctor before making drastic lifestyle changes.

The elderly, people with weakened immune systems and young children are at the highest risk for salmonella infection than others. Children who help gather eggs and do not thoroughly wash their hands afterward can be at increased risk.

Reducing risk Maintaining clean conditions and routinely inspecting chickens for good health can help lower the risk of salmonella infection. Chicks and adult chickens that have salmonella may produce loose yellow or green droppings; have a drop in egg production, increased thirst and decreased feed consumption; and show signs of weight loss. Look for rodents in the henhouse, as infected mice or other small rodents may transmit salmonella as well.

Chickens also need safe, roomy clean conditions to remain healthy and content. According to the resource MyPetChick-

en, a diet of whole grains and seeds also may be associated with decreased salmonella colonies.

Some experts warn against washing eggs as a preventative method. According to a report written by Diane Schivera, an organic livestock specialist for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, thoroughly cleaning egg shells can remove a protective “bloom” that prevents bacteria from entering eggs. Eggs shouldn’t be scrubbed, but some suggest a warm water rinse that will push dirt away from the shell’s pores.

Old eggs are more susceptible to bacteria penetration. Storing eggs at room temperature may cause them to degrade faster. Once eggs are gathered, individuals should wash their hands and make sure the eggs are chilled.

Salmonella can be prevented in backyard chicken coops. Plus, it’s important to note that risk of infection is very small. The American Egg Board’s Egg Safety reference says an average consumer might encounter a contaminated egg once every 84 years.

A-14 Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • June 2017 • Health & Wellness

A-15

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A-16 Health & Wellness • June 2017 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com