Southern Illinois Health & LIfe: Summer 2011

SUMMER 2011

T H E G O O D L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E F R O M S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S H E A LT H C A R E

the skinny on

weight-loss surgery VARICOSE VEINS, BEGONE! PREGNANCY ‘RULES’: FACT OR FICTION 5 HIDDEN SKIN THREATS STAY HEALTHY IN THE HEAT

QUIZ HOW FIT IS YOUR BRAIN? COVER.SIL.211.ph.indd 4

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It’s Not Your Mother’s Hysterectomy

1 in 3 women in the United States will experience a hysterectomy by age 60. For your mother’s generation, hysterectomy typically meant a painful recovery and potential complications. At Memorial Hospital of Carbondale we have set out to change the experience of gynecologic surgery with our investment in the most advanced technology for minimally invasive surgery, the da Vinci® Surgical System.

Today, the vast majority of gynecologic conditions that require surgery can now be treated effectively — without a big incision. Recovery times are measured in days rather than the usual weeks required with traditional surgery.

No wonder more and more women are choosing da Vinci Surgery for their hysterectomy. ™

for gynecologic conditions

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If you have been putting off surgery to resolve a gynecologic problem, it’s time to ask about da Vinci Surgery.

Call 866-744-2468 to find a doctor.

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contents

FEATURES 4

c l i n i c a l u p d at e The skinny on weight-loss surgery Bariatric procedures can be

promising options for treating obesity.

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s ta y w e l l Drink up! How well do you know

your H20? Our Q&A reveals the path to hydration salvation.

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C l i n i c a l u p d at e Infusions close to home

Patients no longer have to travel for routine IV medications.

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p r e n ata l h e a lt h Pregnancy’s rules: fact or fiction? Our experts assess 7

oft-heard claims about what to avoid when you’re expecting.

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Keeping fit Workouts for seniors These

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four simple exercises are specially designed for the 65 and over set.

can remove varicose veins for good.

your body Health screenings

c l i n i c a l u p d at e Great legs A new laser treatment

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Use this chart to stay on top of your health.

DEPARTMENTS 24 Escapes 2 WELC O M E LETTER

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flash Pretty in Pink Lovely ladies don

their posh pink to rally around breast cancer awareness and prevention.

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prevention How fit is your brain? Take

our quiz to find out how well you’re keeping that gray matter in shape.

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3 romantic retreats Say ‘I love you’ with one of these luxurious couples’ getaways.

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s e a s o n a l h e a lt h Stay healthy in the heat

Summer’s temperature-related illnesses are treatable—and preventable.

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better care Make the most of your doctor’s visit 9 tips for using that time wisely

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h e a lt h y l i v i n g 5 hidden skin threats Sure, sun, G l o r i o u s f oo d smoking and dr y air can harm your Miracle growers A bountiful summer skin—but other dangers lurk as well.

staple, zucchini is a savor y warm-weather treat.

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keep you out of the E.R. this season.

Find out how good you are at sleuthing out salad saboteurs.

s e a s o n a l h e a lt h Don’t let injuries spoil your family’s fun A doctor’s tips to

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E at s m a r t Are you a savvy dresser?

cover Image: Shutterstock

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welcome letter

cutting-edge care Welcome to the start of summer and our latest edition of Southern Illinois Health and Life magazine.

Our goal at Southern Illinois Healthcare is to consistently develop programs and services that offer the community topnotch care close to home. Some of our most exciting recent innovations are highlighted in this issue, such as our bariatric surgery program at Herrin Hospital. The program has achieved tremendous success so far, giving patients such as Chrissy Williams of Eldorado a second chance at a healthier life. Another new innovation, minimally invasive surgical options for women suffering from varicose veins, now exists at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. And an infusion therapy program at St. Joseph

the good living magazine from southern illinois healthcare

SIH STAFF president and chief executive officer rex p. budde

corporate director of marketing and communication cheryl benn

communications coordinator rosslind rice Southern Illinois Healthcare 1239 East Main Carbondale, IL 62901 (618) 457-5200 SIH Call Center Physician referrals, information on classes and hospital services: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1-866-SIH-2468 (1-866-744-2468)

Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro centralizes a much-needed service for patients in our regional community—meaning they no longer have to travel for this valued treatment.

Southern Illinois Health & Life is much more than a hospital magazine. It is a collective celebration of the health and wellbeing of our community—each of you and our 2,900 employees, skilled physicians and surgeons. Have you or a loved one spent

WAINSCOT STAFF editor in chief rita guarna

associate editor kristin colella

art patrice horvath

time in one of our hospitals recently? If you have a good patient experience to share or any constructive criticism on how we could do things better, please let me know. SIH always strives to provide you with the best patient experience, and your feedback is vital to us. I am always happy to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Rex P. Budde

Southern Illinois Health & Life is published by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Southern Illinois Healthcare. This is Volume 3, Issue 2. © 2011 by Southern Illinois Healthcare.

All rights reserved.

Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

President and Chief Executive Officer Southern Illinois Healthcare Carbondale, Illinois Memorial Hospital of Carbondale St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Herrin Hospital Center for Medical Arts Miners Memorial Health Center

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FLASH

Photos!

Lovely ladies don their posh pink to rally around breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Join Withers Broadcasting, Southern Illinois Healthcare and Starview Vineyards at the next party with a purpose celebrating the heart of women.

s for

ar d

l a ur C

3 2 . t p e S , y a d i r F Mark

Yo At

iew Starv

yards Vine

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTH & LIFE

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clinical update

skinny on weight-loss

surgery the

Bariatric procedures can be promising options for treating obesity

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Weight-loss surgery: The facts Chrissy Williams weighed just 105 pounds when she got pregnant in the mid-’90s. But over the next nine months, she gained 100 more. After the birth of a healthy son, Dusty, she had trouble losing weight—a struggle that would last the next 16 years.

“I yo-yo dieted,” says Williams, 37, who is 5’1” and lives in Eldorado.

“I’d take off 20 pounds, then gain 30. No matter what I tried, the weight refused to melt away.”

Last year, plagued by high blood pressure and other health problems caused by her obesity, Williams decided to consider bariatric, or weightloss, surgery. “My husband, Doug, sat me down and told me that if I didn’t get healthy, I might not be around to see my son get married someday,” she recalls. “I knew I had to do something.”

When Williams, who weighed 208 pounds at the time, discovered the New Life Weight Loss & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery program in Herrin—the first of its kind in southern Illinois, which is headed by bariatric surgeon Naresh Ahuja, M.D.—she knew it was the right choice for her.

“I met Dr. Ahuja and was so impressed with him and the program,” Williams says.

According to statistics from 2008, 33.8% of people in the United States—about one-third of the population—are considered obese. Because obesity has been linked to several serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, bariatric surgery is a popular option today for those who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise. Although bariatric surgery is usually offered to patients who weigh 100 pounds over their ideal body weight or have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, it

• Bariatric surgery resolves type II diabetes mellitus in 83% of patients, metabolic syndrome in 80% of patients and obstructive sleep apnea in 74% to 98% of patients.

• Patients benefit from an 82% reduction in the risk of heart disease after bariatric surgery.

• In the hands of a skilled surgeon, the risk of death from is 0.5% for the gastric bypass operation and 0.1% for laparoscopic banding.

• After bariatric surgery, there is a risk of long-term deficiencies in vitamin B12 and calcium. Irondeficiency anemia is also a risk, particularly in menstruating women.

People who undergo weight-loss surgery need to monitor their nutritional intake throughout their lives to prevent these problems.

Sources: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, MayoClinic.com

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CLINICAL UPDATE may still be an option for obese people who don’t fit those parameters if they also have diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea.

The New Life program offers three bariatric surgery procedures. The laparoscopic gastric banding operation, which Williams opted for, involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce the amount of food it can hold. This causes patients to feel full after eating only a small amount. Aside from the constrictive band around the stomach, the patient’s anatomy remains the same.

In gastric bypass surgery, the second option, Naresh Ahuja, M.D. Dr. Ahuja creates a small pouch out of part of the stomach, allowing food to bypass the remainder of the stomach and the duodenum, the upper portion of the small intestine.

Like the gastric band surgery, the reduced size of the stomach makes patients feel satiated when they eat a small amount. And because food no longer passes through the top part of the small bowel, fat absorption is partially reduced.

In the third operation, called sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. Ahuja permanently removes part of the stomach, leaving only a narrow “sleeve” about the size of a banana. In contrast to the bypass procedure, food continues to pass from the stomach pouch through the duodenum and entire digestive tract, as it does in a “normal” digestive tract. But as in the bypass and gastric banding operations, the smaller stomach pouch leads to a patient feeling full faster, thereby reducing caloric intake.

Dr. Ahuja says it is up to the patient to decide which procedure is best for him or her. Some patients prefer gastric band surgery because it is the least invasive option and can be reversed, however overall weight loss is relatively less than with the gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy options.

Although gastric bypass surgery generally offers the best long-term weight-loss results of the three surgical options, says Dr. Ahuja, success after any of the procedures is dependent on various lifestyle changes. These include eating small, nutritious meals, exercising frequently and finding healthy ways to manage stress. The New Life program helps patients stay on track after surgery by offering education programs, frequent monitoring and support groups.

Today, nine months after she underwent her surgery, Williams is down to 129 pounds. During her most recent visit with Dr. Ahuja, she reports, “He told me I was at a good weight, and that I should try to maintain it.”

But reaching a healthy weight isn’t the only benefit of the surgery. Williams’ blood pressure is normal for the first time in 16 years, and she has been able to discontinue a slew of medications she had been taking. She is even training for her first 5k run.

“Before surgery, I could barely walk half a mile,” she says. “My knees, my ankles—everything hurt. Now, I’m able to jog that half mile and I feel great.” ■

SUPPORT ON YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS JOURNEY HELPS YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Herrin Hospital’s New Life Weight Loss Center program offers a full range of services before, during and after surgery to ensure success. “Because our program is comprehensive, we find success is highly likely among patients who undergo weight-loss surgery,” says bariatric surgeon Naresh Ahuja, M.D., who heads the program.

The program’s coordinator, Heather Ruhe, serves as liaison between the hospital and the surgeon, coordinates patient and staff education, runs four support groups every month and helps plan and present two to three public information sessions on bariatric surgery each month.

If an individual is seriously considering weight-loss surgery, Dr. Ahuja will meet with the patient and his or her family to discuss what to expect during the procedure, the expected outcomes and risk of complications.

More than 100 patients have undergone weight-loss surgery through the New Life program since it began in 2009, and about 100 more are in the process, Dr. Ahuja reports. Due to the high interest, a second surgeon will join the program in the fall.

FOR MORE INFORMATION TO SPEAK TO A SPECIALIST ABOUT BARIATRIC SURGERY, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MYNEWLIFEWEIGHTLOSS.COM OR CALL 618-988-6171.

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stay well

drink

up

How well do you know your H20?

Our Q&A reveals the path to hydration salvation

by Debbie Boll a

southern illinois health & Life

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stay well FAST FACTS • The average American consumes water from 167 disposable bottles each year, but only recycles 38.

• Aquafina and Dasani, popular bottled brands, are both purified municipal water.

• Water from filter systems like Pur and Brita cost an estimated $.23 cents per gallon.

Bottled water costs an average of $.85 to $1 per gallon.

Chew on this 8 foods that help you stay hydrated Food % of food that’s water

Dill pickles

93%

Broccoli

91%

Strawberries, raw

90%

Yogurt

85%

Grapes

82%

Spaghetti, cooked

72%

Sweet potatoes, boiled with skin

71%

Roasted turkey

62%

There’s bottled, tap and filtered. Flat, mineral, flavored and vitamin-infused. No doubt about it—the world’s oldest beverage ain’t as simple as it used to be. Of course, with so many options out there, we have little excuse for not meeting our aqua allowance. As 65 percent of the human body, water is vital to our well-being—it circulates through the blood to transport nutrients and remove waste. But while water itself may be crystal clear, the facts on just how much we need often are not. To get the truth, we turned to our gurus at Sportsology—a partnership between SIU Healthcare’s sports medicine specialists and the athletic trainers at SIH’s Rehab Unlimited—for their water wisdom.

Q: How much do I need to drink each day?

A: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—age, gender, activity and environment are all factors—but there are a few rules to offer guidance. “The old teaching used to be 64 ounces of water a day, but that had little science behind it,” explains

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Scott Schonewolf, M.D., a sports medicine specialist with SIU Healthcare. The Institute of Medicine suggests 3 liters [about 100 ounces, or 12 eight-ounce glasses] for men and 2.2 liters [about 75 ounces, or nine glasses] for women to replace the water lost each day. “But remember, we do get 15 to 20 percent of water from the foods we eat.”

For a simple solution, take your body weight and divide it by two to get the number of ounces you need per day.

Q: How much should I drink during exercise?

A: A good rule of thumb is to consume between 7 and 10 ounces of water for every 15 minutes of exercise, says Brad Brush, certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Rehab Unlimited in Carbondale. When it comes to sports drinks, sip sparingly. “Both Gatorade and PowerAde effectively rehydrate, but they have fructose and sucrose, which contain calories,” explains Dr. Schonewolf.

“For a brisk 30-minute walk, you would end up taking in just as many calories as you burned.”

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Q: Does it matter when I drink my water?

A: “The best way to keep hydrated is to never get behind,” says Dr. Schonewolf. “Frequent small drinks of water throughout the day are a better option than one or two large portions.” That’s because consuming water too quickly can disrupt electrolyte balance. As Dr. Schonewolf says, “You don’t sweat by the gallon, so drinking by the gallon doesn’t make physiological sense.”

Q: Does water alone count toward my daily fluid requirements?

A: Not a huge fan of flavor-free sipping? Fear not. Brush recommends adding lemon or lime slices to your glass for added taste but no caloric increase.

Also try different types of water—flavored, mineral and carbonated—for variety. Herbal tea and juice can maintain the body’s hydration, as can water-rich fruits, vegetables and soups.

Q: How do I know if I’m becoming dehydrated?

A: Signs can range from the obvious—dry mouth, irritability, dark urine color—to the obscure, like hunger pains experienced shortly after eating.

“Mild dehydration (a water loss equal to three to five percent of your total body weight) may cause thirst, decreased urination and dry skin,” explains Dr. Schonewolf. If someone feels cool and clammy when they should be sweating, watch out!

Moderate to severe dehydration could lead to lethargy, rapid pulse and increased breathing. The situation becomes life-threatening when a person’s water loss equals 12 to 15 percent of their total body weight. “At that stage, it is associated with hemodynamic collapse, a condition in which a decreased amount of blood circulates to the heart, leading to reduced cardiac output, and possible death if not treated immediately,” the doctor says.

Q: Is it possible to drink too much water?

A: Yes, but it’s uncommon. You may recall a news story in recent years of a 28-year-old California woman who died after participating in a waterdrinking contest held by a local radio station. “Water intoxication occurs when you’ve had enough water and/or lost sufficient electrolytes to dilute the sodium levels in the blood,” says Dr. Schonewolf. The condition most commonly affects infants under 6 months of age and athletes who sweat profusely during arduous activities such as marathons or endurance events with a duration of three or more continuous hours. “It virtually never occurs in the recreational athlete who works out 45 to 90 minutes a day,” the doctor adds. n

Quench thy thirst

Befuddled by the bevy of water options? Here’s a quick primer Artesian

Well water that is confined by a layer of rock (an aquifer) that pressurizes the water enough to make it rise up through the ground without mechanical pumping.

In the bottle: Fiji

Mineral Prepared or naturally occurring water that contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

In the bottle: San Pellegrino

Purified Spring, artesian or municipal water that is processed by distillation, reverse osmosis or deionization.

In the bottle: Aquafina

Sparkling Spring, artesian or municipal water that has added carbon dioxide or is naturally carbonated.

In the bottle: Perrier

Spring Water that flows naturally from an underground source to the earth’s surface.

In the bottle: Poland Spring

for more information to find out more or to speak with a sports medicine physician, please call the sih call center at 866-744-2468 or visit www.sih.net. southern illinois health & Life

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clinical update

infusions close to home

Patients no longer have to travel for routine IV medications

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Once a month for more than six years, Murphys boro resident Lynda Ziegler had to drive to St. Louis for infusions to treat her leukoencephalopathy, a neurological condition that affects the white matter of the brain. But thanks to a new infusion therapy program offered at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, Ziegler, 71, can now receive her intravenous medications without having to leave the area.

“I went for my first infusion at St. Joseph last month and it was wonderful,” she says. “It took me just 10 minutes to get there, versus the two hours it took to drive to St. Louis.”

Infusion therapy is necessary when a patient’s condition is too serious to be treated effectively with oral medications. It involves administering medication through a needle or a catheter either intravenously or through other non-oral routes, such as into the membranes surrounding the spinal cord or directly into the muscles.

Infusions are commonly used to administer antibiotics, antifungal medications, chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition, which involves feeding a person intravenously when they are unable to eat on their own. “Specialty” infusions such as corticosteroids, growth hormones and immunoglobulin are also available to treat a variety of chronic and sometimes rare diseases.

Started less than a year ago, the infusion therapy program at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital is an outpatient service that enables patients to get infusions and return home the same day without having to check into the emergency department.

“Our program is growing at a rapid pace,” says program manager Lisa Barros Da Silva. “We saw more than 600 patients between September and December 2010, and 475 patients in January and February of this year.” Clearly, the program has been well received because there was an urgent demand for this type of service in the community, though publicity has mostly been through word of mouth so far.

“Many cancer patients, for example, had to receive chemotherapy at treatment centers hours away,” says Barros Da Silva. “Because chemo drugs can make you ill, that long drive home would be very hard.”

“Our infusion services program proves that you can stay right here in southern Illinois to get the healthcare you need,” says Scott Seaborn, administrator of St. Joseph Memorial Hospital.

For Ziegler, convenience isn’t the only benefit of receiving her infusions at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. “From the minute I first walked into the hospital, the nurses were smiling and laughing, which put me at ease,” she says. “They’ve taken such great care of me, and I highly recommend the program to other locals.” n

for more information Infusion Therapy Services is located on the second floor of St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro. please Call 618-684-3156 ext. 55313 to learn more.

Who’s a candidate for infusion therapy?

• Infusion therapy is commonly used to treat infections that require IV antibiotics (such as cellulitis, sepsis and osteomyelitis), cancer and cancer-related pain, dehydration, and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases or disorders that prevent normal functioning of the GI system.

• Conditions treated with “specialty” infusion therapies may include cancer, congestive heart failure, Crohn’s Disease, hemophilia, immune deficiencies, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Nurses at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital’s infusion therapy program are also specially trained to place Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) lines— thin, flexible tubes inserted intravenously that allow patients to receive medications and fluids for a prolonged period of time, such as for lengthy chemotherapy regimens or extended antibiotic therapy.

“Because of our PICC training, patients can come in daily or in some cases more than once a day for their treatments,” says program manager Lisa Barros Da Silva.

• St. Joseph’s infusion therapy program is also helpful to patients who have a port-a-cath (also called a port), a small device implanted beneath the skin that is connected to a vein with a catheter. The device is used on patients who need treatments administered frequently, which helps reduce the discomfort of constant needle sticks. “Patients with a port-a-cath need it heparinized, or flushed, once a month to prevent clotting,” says Barros Da Silva. “We can do this for them.”

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prenatal health

pregnancy’s rules:

fact or fiction our e xperts assess 7 of t-he ard cl aims about what to avoid when you’re e xpecting What’s a mom-to-be to do? Myths abound about what’s safe and what’s unsafe when you’re pregnant, and yesterday’s conventional wisdom is sometimes debunked by today’s science. To root out the truth behind seven widely repeated credos, we asked two local experts—Keith Sanford, M.D., of Shawnee Women’s Health and Sandra Hanshaw, maternal educator of the Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale—to separate reality from myth. Here’s their advice.

“Pregnant women should never fly.”

Fiction. “Traveling at high altitudes does not put too much pressure on the fetus or cause premature labor,” says Dr. Sanford.

“Because airplane cabins are specially pressurized, your baby is protected against the effects of high altitude.”

For a pregnancy that is not high risk, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists permits air travel through 36 weeks. After that point, the risk of going into labor increases. Women who face any threat of miscarriage, bleeding or other complications should check with their doctor before flying. Of note, says Dr. Sanford, is that every airline has different rules for flying in pregnancy.

“Keep in mind that the high estrogen state associated with pregnancy increases the chances of developing a blood clot, especially if you happen to be sitting still on a long flight,” says Dr. Sanford. It’s therefore important to stand up periodically, walk the aisles, use the restroom and perform basic leg movement exercises.

Finally, Dr. Sanford assures many of his patients not to fear going through airport security, noting the small amount of radiation emitted by the machines does not cause harm to mother or child.

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n

“Pregnant women should never eat unpasteurized cheese.”

Fact. “It’s a good idea for expectant moms to steer clear of unpasteurized or soft cheeses like brie, camembert, feta, Roquefort and goat cheese,” says Hanshaw. These are made with raw milk, which may contain the bacterium listeria monocytogenes. If a woman ingests this, she runs the risk of developing listeriosis, an infection that can cross the placenta and cause miscarriage, premature delivery or infant death. Because the pasteurization process kills listeria, pasteurized cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese and cottage cheese are perfectly safe for pregnant women—and they’re excellent sources of calcium, too.

Listeria can also be found in raw fruits and vegetables, so all produce should be properly washed before eating. Deli meats and hot dogs are also potential listeria carriers, “but since cooking kills the bacteria, just be sure that you boil those items before you eat them,” says Hanshaw.

“Today’s advanced products make it safe to dye your hair while pregnant.”

Fiction. Dr. Sanford notes that while some physicians claim it’s perfectly safe, others believe the chemicals found in hair dye can leach into the body and harm the fetus. Unless it is necessary, Dr. Sanford cautions women to avoid dyeing their hair until after the first trimester, during which time the majority of fetal organ growth occurs.

“Pregnant women should completely avoid alcohol.”

Fact. Dr. Sanford says alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix, period. Even small quantities of alcohol can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, he explains.

However, what about the woman who doesn’t realize she’s pregnant until late in her first trimester? “I have encountered patients who are frantic because they have had drinks on occasion for several weeks.

However, in most cases, the danger from alcohol or drug exposure in the first trimester is pregnancy loss, not fetal alcohol syndrome,” says Dr. Sanford. “I tell those patients to cease drinking completely from that point forward.”

drink any coffee during pregnancy, I ask my patients to limit their intake to two caffeinated beverages a day.” But, if a woman eats large quantities of chocolate, which contains caffeine, “she may want to stick to just one cup of coffee in the morning,” Hanshaw adds.

“Pregnant women should never take hot baths.”

Fact—with a caveat. “This one is tricky,” says Dr. Sanford. If a woman’s core body temperature exceeds 101 degrees for a prolonged period (24 hours or more), it can potentially cause brain damage to the baby, explains Dr. Sanford. So while there is no evidence that a warm bath (98 degrees or less) will have any negative effect on the fetus, “I tell my expectant moms to avoid saunas and hot tubs, most of which have temperatures between 99 and 104 degrees,” says Dr. Sanford.

“And there’s no truth to the assertion that a warm bath will cause premature birth,” says Hanshaw. In fact, warm water may help soothe sore muscles and reduce swelling in the arms and legs, says Dr. Sanford. However, extra care should be taken when getting in and out of the tub. “When you’re pregnant, your balance might be a bit off, so be careful not to slip,” cautions Hanshaw.

“Pregnant women should not eat fish.”

Fiction. “Mercury poisoning is the greatest cause of concern,” says Hanshaw. “Some of the larger fish, like swordfish, shark and mackerel, contain high levels of mercury, so those should certainly be avoided.” Nevertheless, fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with fetal brain development, so smaller varieties like salmon, flounder, tilapia, dark tuna or cooked seafood are perfectly safe to consume. “Make sure you limit your intake to 6 ounces twice a week,” says Dr. Sanford.

Don’t like fish? Don’t worry. “You can still get those omega3s from foods like flaxseeds, nuts—especially walnuts—soybeans and eggs,” says Hanshaw. n

“Coffee must be strictly avoided

during pregnancy.”

Fiction. “This rule causes a lot of confusion because the studies on caffeine are so mixed,” says Hanshaw. A few reports suggest there may be a higher risk of miscarriage associated with consuming more than three cups of coffee a day. “No one clearly understands why this correlation might exist,” says Hanshaw. “Because there are no convincing data showing you can’t

for more information Get your FREE Baby Guide! Have questions on how to have a healthy pregnancy? Call the SIH Info line at 866-744-2468 or visit www.sih.net.

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clinical update

great

legs

A new laser treatment can remove varicose veins for good

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For millions of Americans, varicose and spider veins aren’t just unsightly—they’re often accompanied by pain, aching, swelling, restlessness and skin ulcers and discoloration.

All of these symptoms can be the sign of venous disease, in which veins stop working correctly.

According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, chronic venous disease of the legs is one of the most common conditions affecting people of all races. Approximately half of the United States population has it, and visible varicose veins affect one of two people ages 50 and older, and 15 to 25 percent of all adults.

But you can be rid of leg woes once and for all. Memorial Hospital of Carbondale offers the VenaCure Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), a minimally invasive procedure with clinically proven results that can cure venous disease for a lifetime. The treatment lasts 45 minutes, requires minimal recovery time and typically causes no scarring.

In the past, surgeons could only treat varicose and spider veins via open surgery, which caused patients to suffer painful bruising and required them to stay off their feet for three to four days and take off from work for six to eight weeks. “With the VenaCure EVLT, the biggest incision is just a little nick in the skin,” says Tom Brumitt, M.D., an interventional radiologist with Cape Radiology Group.

Over the past seven years, Dr. Brumitt has treated hundreds of patients with the VenaCure EVLT, and he presently averages five procedures per week. Still, he says many people today have venous disease without even knowing it, and the disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis or fibromyalgia, or attributed to side effects of medications, muscle overuse or just general aches and pains.

Check with your doctor to determine if you have venous disease.

In a person with normal circulation, arteries carry blood from your heart to the body. Veins, which have one-way valves along their length, then return the blood to the heart. As muscles contract, the blood is squeezed forward in the veins; when muscles relax, the valves shut to prevent blood from flowing backward.

“But with venous disease, the valves quit working,” Dr. Brumitt says. “They don’t send the blood up the vein as they should, so you get stagnated blood down in the lower leg, usually below the knee in the ankle or the foot area. Sometimes you can see varicose veins up the thigh as well.”

During the laser treatment, a thin fiber is inserted into the damaged vein through a very small entry point in the skin. A laser

light is then emitted through the fiber, causing the vein to close and seal shut. But not to worry: The veins that are closed are superficial veins that handle less than five percent of the body’s blood flow, so blood is automatically and safely re-routed to other healthy veins.

The procedure is painless and requires no general anesthesia; instead, patients are given a sedative and local anesthesia to numb the area where the physician is working. After the procedure, the patient is given an elastic wrap or a thigh-high compression stocking to wear and encouraged to walk right away.

“This is a same-day procedure where patients are dismissed in about an hour,” the doctor says. Patients typically take only one to three days off from work.

“It’s a truly cutting-edge procedure because of the high number of people who get very significant, almost instantaneous improvement,” Dr. Brumitt says. n

Facts about the VenaCure EVLT: • It’s a minimally invasive procedure that lasts less than an hour • Patients experience up to a 98% success rate with immediate relief of symptoms • Patients return to normal activity immediately, with little or no pain • No general anesthesia or hospitalization is required

for more information To determine if you’re a candidate for VenaCure EVLT, call the Leg Pain Clinic in the Radiology Department of Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at 866-744-2468 to schedule a consultation.

• The procedure causes minimal or no scarring • The procedure is typically covered by insurance

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prevention

how fit is your brain?

Take our quiz to find out how well you’re keeping that gray matter in shape “You know they say TV will rot your brain? That’s absurd. TV only softens the brain like a ripe banana.” So declared actor Alec Baldwin in a Super Bowl spot for web video hub Hulu. And it turns out he’s more or less right. “The brain is an organ of adaptation,” says Louis Cozolino, a professor of clinical psychology at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles and author of the recent book The Healthy Aging Brain: Sustaining Attachment, Attaining Wisdom. “You constantly have to give it something to adapt to.” Adds Bhargava A. Trivedi, M.D., a stroke neurologist at Trinity Neuroscience Institute in Carbondale: “I discourage people from spending hours in front of the television or computer. It’s

important to exercise your brain.” Neural plasticity—the idea that your brain is continuously changing—is a relatively new concept. It explains why people get wiser with age, why personalities change and why seniors who stay active maintain their mental acuity longer. Research has shown that, contrary to a longtime belief, our brains do not lose a large number of neurons as we age. Instead, the synapses that connect these neurons often slow from disuse.

By stimulating the synapses, we can help ourselves stay sharp.

The quiz at right tests your memory, your ability to think on a higher plane and your social stimulation. All are important for a fit, sharp mind. Take the quiz and tally your score to see how your brain fares.

train your brain!

Follow these 10 tips from Bhargava A. Trivedi, M.D., a stroke neurologist at Trinity Neuroscience Institute in Carbondale, and Pepperdine University clinical psychologist Louis Cozolino, to keep your mind sharp.

1. Whenever possible, play games, do puzzles, read, join a discussion group and interact with other people, advises Dr. Trivedi.

Each is an effective brain workout.

2. Challenge your “executive function”— the ability to coordinate the activities of the day, plan meals and remember schedules— by planning a meal that involves a recipe with many steps. “These are things that make us

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more human—our ability to think on a high plane, take in information from the outside world and put together a plan,” Dr. Trivedi says.

3. Fill the unused time in your day. Bring a book to read while you’re in the waiting room or in line. Sign up for an adult education class during nights you’re not busy.

4. Take a different route to work or the grocery store. This snaps you out of the “autopilot” of driving to familiar locations.

5. Play with children whenever you get the opportunity. Interacting with different age groups keeps you alert.

6. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is more difficult as you get older, but also more necessary for higher brain functions.

7. Try to learn a foreign language or a musical instrument.

8. Find social activities that you enjoy.

Happiness through interpersonal relations is a major sign of brain health.

9. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. “You should aim to work out five times a week for about 30 minutes, and eat nuts, fish and fruits and vegetables at least three times a week,” says Dr. Trivedi. “Optimum control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.”

10. Start early on these activities if family members have memory problems, Dr. Trivedi recommends, since memory problems are often hereditary.

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section 1:

cognitive

section 2:

10

How often do you feel lonely while in crowds? . almost never a b. sometimes c. frequently

Before you begin, think of three words.

Remember them for later.

1 Name the next number in this pattern:

1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ___ Give yourself one point if you are correct (see the key below for answers when you’ve finished this section). a. 18 b. 20 c. 21 d. 25

2 What did you have for breakfast yesterday?

If you can remember in less than 15 seconds, give yourself one point.

3 Did you have trouble executing all the steps

i nvolved in the last recipe you followed?

If you did not, give yourself one point.

4

ake 100 and subtract 7 from it in your head, T then subtract 7 from the difference.

Give yourself one point if you can continue this pattern five more times (see key below).

5 Are you able to balance your checkbook

without difficulty? If yes, give yourself one point.

6

Who is the current governor of Illinois?

If you can remember in less than 15 seconds, give yourself one point (see key below).

7 Do you ever forget your intended destina-

tion while you’re driving? If you never do, give yourself one point.

8 What is 1 + 2 – 3 + 4 – 5 + 6?

Give yourself one point if you are correct (see key below). a. 1 b. 5 c. 7 d. 10

9 What were the three words you selected at the beginning of the quiz? Give yourself one point for each word you can remember.

Selected answers: 1. c; 4. the sequence is as follows: 93, 86, 79, 72, 65, 58, 51; 6. Pat Quinn; 8. b

social/emotional

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How often do you interact with new people? . regularly a b. sometimes c. rarely

12 How many good friends have you made in t he last three years? a. several b. one to two c. none

13 How often do you get enough sleep at night? . always a b. sometimes c. never

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You are happy with your day-to-day life: . most of the time a b. sometimes c. rarely

Scoring: Give yourself two points for every a, one point for every b and zero points for every c in section 2.

Add your total with our score from section 1 for your final tally.

17–21 points: A beautiful mind. Good job! You’ve kept your life chock-full of brain-stimulating activities, but a little extra exertion never hurts. Exercise both your cognitive and social sides by chatting with someone new, and then perhaps inviting him or her over for a game of chess or cards.

11–16 points: Second thoughts. Luckily you’re not staring blankly at the television all the time, but you could certainly stand more stimuli.

Cognitively, try tackling a crossword puzzle or a game of Scrabble. Socially, try volunteering with a group or joining a book club.

0–10 points: Brain freeze. Your mind could use a variety of different challenges. One idea: Signing up for an adult-education class in a subject that interests you will exercise both parts of your brain— cognitively through the instruction itself, and socially through interaction with your fellow students. southern illinois health & Life

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healthy living

5

hidden skin threats Sure, sun, smoking and dry air can harm your skin—but other dangers lurk as well By david levine

Did you know your skin weighs more than your brain? All told, the epidermis tips the scale at between 6 and 9 pounds (versus about 3 pounds for the grey matter). With a surface area of about 2 square yards, it guards your body against bacteria and viruses, helps regulate your body temperature and offers sensory signals of heat, cold and other dangers.

For all your skin does to protect you, doesn’t it deserve a little protection of its own?

Most of us understand that sun exposure, tobacco smoke and the cold, dry air of winter take their toll on skin health. But have you considered your skin’s subtler foes? Watch out for these five:

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Your jewelry. Many of the products we come in

contact with daily cause a condition called allergic contact dermatitis, says Sean Burke, M.D., of Burke Dermatology in Murphysboro. “Preservatives in makeup, some perfumes, the PABA in sunscreen and antibiotic ointments with bacitracin (Neosporin) can cause an itchy rash,” he says. “Even more common is the reaction to nickel in jewelry, such as earrings, watches—even belt buckles.”

If you develop such a rash and it doesn’t respond to over-thecounter moisturizers or ointments, you should see a dermatologist, says Dr. Burke. He or she will perform a patch test to determine the extent of the allergy and plan a course of treatment.

“Contact dermatitis can be a big problem and is often overlooked,” the doctor says.

2 3

Your baths. “The hotter the water and the longer

you’re in it, the more it dries out your skin,” explains Dr. Burke. A long, hot shower may soothe your soul, he says— but a quick, warm shower is better for your skin.

Your facial cleanser. Any products that contain alcohol—rubbing alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, witch hazel—can cause irritant dermatitis, according to Dr. Burke.

So-called “cosmeceuticals”—products that combine cosmetic and pharmaceutical properties to minimize the appearance of sun damage or wrinkles—may also contain irritating ingredients. Dr. Burke says to avoid problems, read labels. If a product contains alcohol, salicylic or glycolic acids, dab just a small amount on your jaw first to see if it causes a reaction.

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Your commute. Simply put, long traffic jams are

stressful, especially those in summer construction zones.

“Stress does have an adverse effect for every organ, and skin is our largest organ,” says Dr. Burke.

Stress raises levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, reports the American Academy of Dermatology, which can lead to oily skin, acne, eczema, brittle nails, even hair loss. Stress also creates free radicals, chemicals that destroy healthy cells and impede the skin’s ability to repair itself.

To save your skin, hair and nails from stress, try to treat yourself to some relaxing downtime before or after a drive—even if it means turning off the cell phone.

5

Your workouts. Sure, exercise is great for the rest of your body, but for skin it can be an unsuspected menace.

Gyms and pools are breeding grounds for bacteria, says Dr.

for more information The SIH Cancer Institute and Burke Dermatology are teaming up to offer free skin cancer screenings on friday, september 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Medical Arts in Carbondale. Advance registration is required.

Call 866-744-2468 to pre-register.

Burke, and fungus can grow anywhere you perspire. Athlete’s foot, jock itch, swimmer’s itch—they’re all fungal infections you can pick up while you exercise.

Then there are the blisters you get from wearing ill-fitting running shoes or gripping those dumbbells too tightly.

Tight workout clothes or equipment against the skin can lead to acne mechanica—a form of acne caused by rubbing and chafing. And sports with skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling, judo or even pick-up basketball, can be a means of contracting viral diseases such as molluscum, which causes bumps on the skin.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should stop exercising. Instead, protect your skin by getting out of wet clothes promptly, showering and drying thoroughly. To avoid acne mechanica, place a cotton cloth between any attached gear and your skin, then wash the area thoroughly after your workout. n

natural remedies: fact or fiction?

Grape leaves. Garbanzo beans. Cucumbers. Water and milk compresses. All are said to rejuvenate damaged skin—but it is indeed a case of buyer beware.

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on untested skin remedies. “Every day we hear about new treatment ideas. I’m wary of these, and suggest being careful about what you buy,” says Sean Burke, M.D., of Burke Dermatology in Murphysboro and an SIH Cancer Institute-affiliated physician.

Some, such as cucumber or water and milk compresses, are harmless. They are soothing, but only for short periods of time.

Arnica (a type of flower reputed to reduce bruises and pain from injuries) can cause redness and skin irritation, and can interact harmfully with some skin medications.

Dr. Burke likes topical flaxseed oil as a skin softener, especially for those suffering from dry skin, eczema and psoriasis, but cautions against taking flaxseed orally, as it can interfere with prescribed blood thinners such as Coumadin.

Grape-leaf extract and ointments made with garbanzo beans are both said to repair damaged skin because of their rich antioxidant content. True, garbanzo beans produce antioxidants, says Dr. Burke, but so do most fruits and vegetables. There is no evidence indicating that it helps to apply them directly to your skin.

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seasonal health

don’t let

injuries spoil your family’s fun a doctor’s tips to keep you out of the e.r. this season

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For your children, summer means freedom—and outdoor pleasures. But warm-weather fun also has its hazards. So Southern Illinois Health & Life asked Amanda Bleichner, M.D., a pediatrician at Center for Medical Arts in Carbondale, for tips on keeping kids safe:

SUN SAFETY: BEYOND SUNBLOCK Children are especially vulnerable to sunburn, and the riskiest period is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. “Sometimes, you won’t notice it when you are at the beach, but the redness, inflammation and discomfort will appear that night,” says Dr. Bleichner. Guard your children’s skin by having them alternate periods in the sun with time in the shade. They should also regularly apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming.

It’s OK to take babies under six months of age outdoors, but keep them out of direct sunlight. Dress them in light-colored, lightweight pants and shirts with long sleeves, and don’t forget a brimmed hat to protect the baby’s delicate head and face.

Family members of every age should be sure to wear sunglasses that protect their eyes against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. And to avoid dehydration it’s important to increase fluid intake when you’re active outdoors, says Dr. Bleichner. Don’t rely on kids’ thirst as a prompt, because children are easily distracted and the body can need fluid without necessarily feeling it. Also, be aware that a concentrated sweet drink can end up making kids thirstier: “The sugar content makes the body demand more water,” the doctor cautions.

SAVVY SWIMMING A cool, refreshing dip is the perfect thing on a hot day, but the water can be dangerous. “If kids are going to be swimming at the beach, a pool or even a small backyard pond, an adult should always be present,” says Dr. Bleichner. This doesn’t mean letting them dash in and out of your peripheral vision while you’re busy chatting or tending the barbecue. “If it’s a party when the adults are engaged in their own conversations or activities, at least one person should be delegated to watch more closely,” the doctor says. Parents can take turns on duty or, for larger gatherings, even consider hiring a certified lifeguard through a local public pool.

Dr. Bleichner says caution is key at ocean beaches, where large waves and a powerful undertow can easily create problems even for grown-ups. Kids should swim only with a buddy and only in lifeguard-supervised areas.

Storms are another hazard. Teach your kids that if they hear thunder or see lightning while in the water, they should get out immediately and seek shelter, staying away from trees, and shouldn’t go back into the water until at least 30 minutes after a storm.

“road rash,” in which “the child slides on cement or a rough surface, where superficial skin layers get abraded and it’s very painful.”

Ideally, the doctor says, a child who is a bicycle newbie should wear kneepads and elbow pads as well as a helmet. And don’t forget to check periodically to make sure brakes are working properly and there’s enough air in tires. Remember, too, that helmets aren’t just for bikes—kids should wear them when using scooters, skateboards or any other wheeled conveyance—especially all-terrain vehicles, which are more prone to flipping over than they appear.

Kids using three- and four-wheeled vehicles on sandy beaches are often tempted to drive them onto the rocks, causing “deep lacerations on the extremities and toe fractures, because they are just wearing sandals.”

BOATING AND FISHING HAZARDS Swimming isn’t the only water activity that can spell trouble. Make sure your child wears a life jacket on boating excursions, keep kids well out of range when you’re fly-casting and don’t let young ones handle fishhooks.

Each year, Memorial Hospital of Carbondale’s E.R. sees a number of youngsters who get fishhooks stuck in the skin, which must be removed with a surgical clamp and cutter.

TRAMPOLINE TROUBLE Dr. Bleichner knows many families have a soft spot for the backyard trampoline. But things can get out of hand when kids jump together—especially kids who differ greatly in weight. It’s best to restrict jumping to one child at a time, she says, “and a teenager jumping with a 3-year-old is a bad idea.”

Be sure kids on a trampoline have adult supervision at all times.

TESTING THE LIMITS Yes, backyard fireworks are illegal, but every Independence Day some teenagers still get their hands on them—and suffer injuries of the hands, face, eyes and other body parts. Many adolescents feel the need to break the rules in other ways, too. Consider drinking and drugs: Dangerous in themselves, they dramatically raise the risk of injury when combined with summer activities like driving, boating, swimming or outdoor sports.

Since teens are often on their own and out of view, Dr. Bleichner concedes that keeping them from harm can be a more complex challenge than keeping water wings on your toddler.

“Sometimes, when a teen is taken to the E.R., the parents had no idea where they were or with whom,” says the doctor. One remedy is keeping the lines of communication open. It’s a challenge to usher your older child to adulthood safely in a world of temptation and peer pressure. Much comes down to the trust you establish. n

BIKES AND OTHER RIDES When purchasing a helmet,

for more information

look for a sticker indicating it’s been approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The website of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, www.helmets.org, shows where to buy low-cost helmets.

Dr. Bleichner does wish she’d see less of a bike injury she calls

To find out more or to speak to a physician about childhood injuries, please call the sih call center at 866-744-2468 or visit www.sih.net.

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keeping fit

+

65

4 exercises for you As you age, many of your health goals and practices change, and that includes exercise habits. In the retirement years, you’re probably not training to win a race, set a record or triumph on the playing field (though you may compete in a seniorsonly event). “Generally, older adults exercise to maintain a high level of function and to slow the natural declines of aging,” says Robyn Adams, supervisor and physical therapist at Rehab Unlimited at Herrin Hospital.

Adams offers four simple exercises that can help older adults stay fit and prevent disease. They work on the four basic categories of fitness that all seniors need to address: endurance/cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility and balance. (Be sure to check with your physician before starting any new exercise routine.)

1

For endurance and cardio fitness: a long walk

The goals here, says Adams, are to maintain heart and lung health, keep weight down, prevent diabetes and control cholesterol and blood pressure. “The easiest and best way to do that is to walk,” she says. “All you need is a good pair of shoes and weather-appropriate attire and you’re set to go.” Try to walk for 30 minutes most days of the week. Three 10-minute sessions are just as effective as one 30-minute jaunt, she says.

2

For strength: the quadricep crunch

Strength or resistance training helps keep seniors steady on their feet and able to perform daily tasks such as opening cans and carrying groceries. It also helps ward off osteoporosis, the bone-wasting disease, because bone, like muscle, gets stronger with exercise.

“Here’s one classic exercise you can do for weak quadricep muscles, the muscles on the front of the thigh,” she says. “Lie down on your back. Put a rolled-up towel or a plush pillow under one knee. Pretend the towel is a bug: Squeeze the thigh flat to the floor so the knee goes straight, like you are squashing the bug. Hold each contraction for 5 seconds, and then rest for 2 to 3 seconds. Do three sets of 10 with each knee, resting a full minute between sets.”

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3

For flexibility: the heel cord stretch

Every muscle group should be stretched regularly, Adams says, “but here’s a good one for people who walk for exercise.” Stand facing a wall with your feet about 3 feet away from the wall. Place your hands on the wall to support your body. Keep your knees straight, your feet flat and your heels down, and lean the whole body forward. You will feel the stretch in the back of your calf muscles. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, and then stand up straight and rest 10 to 15 seconds. Do 3 to 4 repetitions before you go for your walk. “Stretch discomfort is OK, but pain is not,” she says.

4

For balance: the flamingo

Fear of falling is a great concern for older adults, but balance and body control can improve with exercise. Adams offers this simple routine: Stand facing the kitchen sink. Balance yourself with your hands on the sink, and then try to stand on one leg. Hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds, or as long as you can. Then try the other leg. As your balance improves, begin to take pressure off your hands and see if you can hold a one-legged stance without support. “If you are unsure of your balance, have someone standing by to spot you,” she says. n

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your body

health screenings test

who

what

when

Fasting lipoprotein check

women and men

A blood test that screens for heart disease and stroke by measuring the two types of cholesterol—HDL and LDL—and triglycerides, which are fat-like substances in the body

At least every five years. Have the test done more frequently (per your doctor’s recommendation) if you have risk factors for heart disease, or are over age 50 for women or age 45 for men

Blood pressure

women and men

A simple device wrapped around your arm measures the pressure of blood vessels to screen for heart disease and stroke

Ideally, every year along with your annual physical

Colorectal screenings

women and men

Three tests that screen for colorectal cancer: highsensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT), which checks for hidden blood in stool samples; flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which a flexible, lighted tube is used to inspect the interior walls of the rectum and part of the colon; colonoscopy, in which a flexible, lighted tube is used to inspect the interior walls of the rectum and the entire colon.

FOBT—every year starting at age 50; sigmoidoscopy—every five years starting at 50; colonoscopy—every 10 years starting at 50

Skin check

women and men

A visual examination by a dermatologist that screens for skin cancer

Once a year unless your dermatologist suggests otherwise

Bone mineral density test

women and men

An X-ray exam that measures bone density and determines bone strength and risk for osteoporosis

People with no risk factors should get their first test at age 65 (women) or 70 (men). If, however, you have risk factors for osteoporosis, ask your doctor about getting screened earlier.

Dental exam

women and men women and men

An oral exam of the teeth and gums done by a dentist—and a cleaning An optometrist or ophthalmologist checks for any eye conditions, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, and assesses your vision.

Every six months unless your dentist recommends otherwise There are no universal standards for frequency of exams. Some doctors recommend yearly exams, while others recommend every two to four years.

Pelvic exam, Pap smear and HPV test

women

A pelvic exam screens for signs of STDs and abnormalities of the cervix or uterus. A Pap smear, in which the cervix is swabbed to obtain a sample of cells, checks for infections and abnormal cervical cells. The Pap smear is a preliminary screen for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer. If Pap results show abnormalities, the sample will be further tested for HPV.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that women age 30 and older should get Pap smears every two years, depending on the results and their doctor’s recommendations. Irregular results or other risk factors for cervical cancer might mean you need more frequent screening.

Breast exams and mammogram

women

A breast exam is a physical check of your breasts that helps determine if there are any changes in the tissue that could indicate cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts that screens for cancer.

While the American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older do a breast selfexam monthly and get a clinical (physical) breast exam and a mammogram every year, if you are at increased risk for breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier and get additional tests.

Prostate screenings

men

A digital rectal examination (DRE) is a physical exam of the rectum done by a medical professional to assess if there are any bumps on the prostate that may indicate cancer. A prostatespecific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that screens for prostate cancer.

Many experts recommend DRE and PSA every one to two years for men age 50 and older.

Discuss this with your doctor based on your personal and family history.

Genital exams

men

Testicular screening is a self-exam of the testes in which you feel for any changes that may indicate a cancerous tumor. STD screening, done by a medical professional, determines whether or not there are any sexually transmitted diseases present.

Discuss this with your doctor based on your age and sexual activity. There are no standard recommendations for everyone.

Eye exam

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These recommendations are general guidelines. If you have a personal or family history of these illnesses, or if you are at increased risk for these illnesses for any other reason, your doctor may suggest screenings at an earlier age and/or on a more frequent basis.

Taking charge of your whole well-being means nurturing your mind and spirit— and staying on top of your physical health. To keep your body in tip-top shape, check this list of the vital health screenings adults should get regularly.

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3 romantic retreats

escapes

Say ‘I love you’ with one of these luxurious couples’ getawayS

Looking to rekindle your love this summer? whether you’re an adventurous twosome or prefer lounging on the beach or relaxing in a bucolic country retreat, these 3 spectacular getaways are sure to get the sparks flying.

1

beachside heaven:

Seven Stars Resort in the Turks and Caicos

If you and your sweetie seek a tropical paradise with powderwhite sands, clear-blue water and luxurious accommodations, Seven Stars Resort (1-866-570-7777, www.sevenstarsresort.com) in the West Indies islands of Turks and Caicos will undoubtedly satisfy. Located on picturesque Grace Bay Beach on the northern coast of the island of Providenciales, the 22-acre resort—which takes its name from the seven stars of the Pleiades constellation that in Greek mythology represent the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione—features 81 stylish studios and suites offering stunning views of the bay or the resort’s lush gardens.

Couples will relish breathing in the bay breeze from each room’s balcony or wraparound terrace, cuddling up in king-size beds set amid teak, mahogany and natural hardwood furnishings, and bathing in in-room Jacuzzis or soaker tubs. Our fourth-floor studio featured a flat-screen TV, galley kitchen with refrigerator stocked with bottles of Fiji water, Krups coffeemaker and espresso machine.

Of course, the sumptuous rooms are just one bright part of the Seven Stars experience. Lovers can soak in the magnificent heated saltwater pool featuring a grand waterfall, or lounge poolside while enjoying

24

succulent fruit kebobs and cocktails delivered by waiters. If you prefer a more natural aquatic experience, take a short walk to the pristine bay, where a barrier reef provides gentle surf. Relax under a tiki-roofed pavilion where the resort’s staff will bring chilled washcloths and fruit sorbet and spritz you with Evian when the sun gets too hot. More active couples can arrange scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, boat rides to secluded beaches, horseback riding and other activities through the resort’s “Miss Seven” concierge service. A fleet of Segways makes for extra-prompt service.

In need of some pampering after all that exertion? Visit Seven Stars’ full-service spa, where you can enjoy a host of luxurious treatments side-by-side. Be sure to book the 30-minute hand and foot massage offered poolside. Yna, the therapist from the Philippines who did ours, was outstanding.

For the ultimate romantic jaunt, consider booking the resort’s “Most Romantic Package Ever”—a special package just for lovers. The rate for those traveling between June 2 and August 31 this summer is $500 per night, and features accommodations in an ocean-front junior suite (a four-night minimum stay is required). Also included is a onehour couples’ massage, a bottle of champagne and a dinner for two served on the beach Indeed, you might both find yourselves so enamored that you dream of tying the knot under bright palm trees—and the resort can happily arrange an oceanfront ceremony. The only requirement? You and your honey must be present in the Turks and Caicos for at least 24 hours before applying for a marriage license.

continued

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A Table to try Seven (649-941-7777) Enjoy fine aromatic, Caribbean-inspired cuisine without leaving the resort at this premier Seven Stars restaurant. Delectable menu options include coconut curry chicken and rum butter-poached local lobster. And don’t forget to try dessert, such as caramel flan with cocoa nibs and mango-passion fruit salsa.

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escapes

2country getaway:

Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont

If your idea of romance involves cozying up in a quaint countryside sanctuary, discover Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont (802-234-9999, www.twinfarms.com). Once the home of the Nobel-prize winning novelist Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson, the sprawling 300-acre estate features scenic wildflower meadows, enchanting forests, bountiful gardens and beautiful spring-fed ponds.

Guests stay on an all-inclusive basis, which encompasses daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, beverages, wine, unlimited on-site activities and the use of recreational equipment. Couples can choose from 10 distinct private cottages (starting at $2,000 per night) and 10 guest suites (starting at $1,300 per night), each with a unique interior-design style. The Hillside suite, for instance, offers the ultimate in relaxation with a stone hearth fireplace, Jacuzzi tub and steam shower, while Meadow Cottage is an exotic, Moroccan-inspired sanctuary featuring terra cotta floors, an inglenook fireplace of intricate mosaic tile work and moucharaby screens.

If you’re in search of storybook summer fun, you need only venture outside to enjoy all the estate has to offer. Activities that guests can partake in during the warm months include hiking, biking, fly-fishing, swimming, canoeing, tennis and croquet.

For indoor relaxation, couples can venture to the “Out of the Woods” spa for stimulating body treatments, facials and massages, or soak

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together in a 104-degree Japanese furo, a giant sunken stone tub. Don’t want to walk to the spa after a long day outdoors? Simply book an inroom couple’s massage.

But don’t miss dinner, served to all guests at 8 o’clock in the Main House. No menu is given; instead, the hotel’s elite culinary team creates succulent selections based on guest preference forms. One recent main course was spiced citrus duck with nut-brown cabbage and wild hand-picked strawberries with minted vanilla crème fraîche.

Guests can also enjoy a bottle of red or white from Twin Farms’ 26,000-bottle wine cellar, featuring selections from around the world.

A table to try The Prince and the Pauper Restaurant (802457-1818, www.princeandpauper.com) Located just 10 miles from Twin Farms in the quaint village of Woodstock, Vermont, this rustic yet refined eatery offers a host of tasty eclectic dishes, such as grilled filet mignon and Hawaiian ahi tuna.

summer 2011

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A table to try Lucullo Terrace (011 39 081 837 3395) Take in breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples while dining on authentic local cuisine at this elegant restaurant in Hotel Caesar Augustus. Lucullo’s talented culinary team uses fresh produce to create tantalizing dishes such as black tagliolini pasta with sea urchins and crab.

3romance on high:

Hotel Caesar Augustus in Anacapri, Italy

Adventurous couples with a penchant for ancient history will fall in love with Hotel Caesar Augustus (www.caesar-augustus.com) in Anacapri, a hilltop community located on the mountainous island of Capri in southern Italy. Situated on a scenic cliff 1,000 feet above the Bay of Naples, the ancient Roman-style hotel—once the secluded manor of an early 20th-century émigré Russian prince—provides captivating vistas, lavish accommodations and other top-notch amenities.

To arrive at this towering treasure, travelers must first take a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples to Capri’s port of Marina, then take a taxi, bus or shuttle to the hotel.

Lovers can choose to stay in one of 55 luxurious deluxe rooms and junior suites equipped with king-size beds, plasma TVs and private balconies facing the water or gardens. Or choose one of four premier “special suites,” each with its own design scheme featuring king-size beds, Jacuzzis and a living room area with terraces.

By day, take a romantic stroll through the hotel’s fragrant gardens and relax on sun loungers near the sea-blue infinity pool. When night falls, enjoy a candlelit dinner together at Lucullo Terrace (see above right), the hotel’s new poolside restaurant featuring local cuisine.

But why simply view Capri as a backdrop? A host of must-see attractions are accessible to the hotel: A 20-minute chairlift ride to Mount Solaro—the highest point of the island at 1,932 feet—will take your

relationship to new heights, while a tour of the ruins of Villa Jovis at Mount Tiberio—once home to Roman Emperor Tiberius—will provide a glimpse into Capri’s history.

Finally, no trip to Capri is complete without visiting the famous Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave on the island’s coast, accessible by motorboat. It becomes illuminated by a magnificent blue glow when sunlight passes through its narrow entrance.

To experience all Capri and Caesar Augustus have to offer, try the “Romantic Escape” package. It provides couples with a waterfront room stocked with a bottle of champagne and roses, cocktails for two on the terrace at sunset, a romantic candlelight dinner at the hotel’s restaurant on the day of arrival, a relaxing body massage for two, a private boat tour of the island and more. (Rates start at $2,693 per couple for three nights.) n southern illinois health & Life

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5/31/11 10:16 AM

SEASONAL HEALTH

stay healthy in the

heat

SUMMER’S TEMPERATURE-REL ATED ILLNESSES ARE TRE ATABLE—AND PRE VENTABLE “THE TEMPERATURE’S RISIN’,” AS THE SONG says, and a glance at the calendar suggests “it isn’t surprisin’.” But too much exposure to summer heat can cause potentially serious medical problems.

“Heat-related illnesses, ranging from the least to the most severe, include prickly heat rash, heat edema, heat tetany, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” says Gerald McClallen, D.O., of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro.

Emergency physicians typically see heat-related problems in two main groups. One is in healthy young people—adults and teens—who have been involved in outdoor activities and were unprepared for the extreme heat. Another is vulnerable individuals who may lack full awareness of their situation, such as babies and young children or elderly adults.

“Even healthy individuals in their 20s and 30s who work in the heat, such as construction workers and firefighters, are susceptible to heat-related illnesses,” says Dr. McClallen.

“The first step, most importantly, is to get the affected person into a cool environment quickly,” says

Dr. McClallen. “That could include sitting in shade, an air-conditioned room, or in front of a strong fan. Next, it’s vital to replace lost fluids with plain water or drinks with electrolytes.”

More alarming are the problems that can befall the very young and the very old. “Every year or so there’s a tragedy in which a young child left in a car dies from heat exposure,” says Dr. McClallen. Of course, a small child should never under any circumstances be left alone in an automobile.

Prolonged hot weather could pose a health risk to older people who may already have medical problems. That’s why public health authorities recommend making an effort to check on elderly friends, relatives or neighbors.

There are no definite guidelines, Dr. McClallen reports, for safe temperatures or time limits of heat exposure. But most of us will be warned by our bodies to seek relief when heat becomes a danger. ■

SHIELD YOUR CHILD FROM HEATSTROKE Children are more prone to heatstroke than adults. If your youngster has been playing too long in the heat and shows any of the signs below, bring him or her into a cool indoor location immediately and apply cool water to the skin with a washcloth, advises Gerald McClallen, D.O., medical director of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. If symptoms don’t ease within a few minutes, take the child to an emergency room.

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• Fever, without

• dizziness

• fast pulse

sweating

• headache

• rapid, shallow

• hot, red, dry skin

• nausea, with or

breathing

• confusion

without vomiting

• lethargy

SUMMER 2011

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better care

make the most of your

doctor’s visit

It sounds simple enough: You go to your physician, get examined, ask your questions and find out what to do. But unfortunately we often let hurry, worry or embarrassment keep us from getting what we need from a doctor visit. And the challenge has grown tougher as managed care has put new pressures on physicians’ time.

So how can you get the most benefit from this key encounter?

Try these nine tips:

1

Be clear in scheduling physicals. If your

visit is for an annual physical exam, mention that to the office staff when you make the appointment—they’ll usually set aside more time for physicals than for other visits.

2 3

Make a list. Before your appointment, jot down the two or three things you most want to ask the doctor. Such a list helps you to stay focused and remember the points you want to bring up.

Be specific. You hold the world’s only Ph.D. in how your

body feels. Without wasting time on irrelevant background, describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible. If you’re having abdominal pain, for example, explain what it feels like and when it occurs. Does it happen after dinner? Is it worse if you consume certain foods? Is it sharp or dull, sudden or gradual, constant or intermittent?

9 tips for using that time wisely

4 5

Bring records. If you have a copy of the results from a recent test or a pertinent report from a specialist, bring it along.

Get medicines checked. If you take several prescrip-

tion medications, bring a list of them—or bring the pill bottles themselves—for the doctor to review. You’d be surprised how often a physician will find a medicine you should no longer be on, or two drugs that duplicate each other—or even interact dangerously.

6 7

Bring a family member. Having a spouse or an adult

child present for all or part of a doctor’s visit can help patients— especially elderly ones—recall what’s important.

Speak up promptly. Some patients leave their biggest fear or worry for the end of the visit, when the doctor is finishing the conversation. Don’t make this mistake—mention big concerns early to be sure there is time to do them justice.

8

Don’t try to be your own doctor (even if you

are a doctor). It’s good to do research, but resist jumping to conclusions about your condition—despite that dead-on diagnosis you may have found on the Internet. Describe what you’re feeling, and you and your physician can decide what it means.

9

Summarize. Before the doctor leaves the room, ask for a mo-

ment to repeat back to him or her a summary of the principal things you learned during the visit. That will help make sure you got it right. n

Doctors base up to 80% of their diagnoses on patients’ reports of their symptoms and history, research shows. southern illinois health & life

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6/1/11 1:21 PM

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GLORIOUS FOOD

miracle growers

A BOUNTIFUL SUMMER STAPLE, ZUCCHINI IS A SAVORY WARM-WEATHER TREAT CHALK IT UP TO AN EAGERNESS TO PLEASE. A MEMBER OF THE summer squash family, zucchini is one of the most prolific plants around. Indeed, zucchini left on the vine can grow to several feet in length, but the fruit is most tender when plucked young (about 6 to 8 inches long) with firm, shiny skin. With a plentiful supply in summer months, it’s a good thing recipes for zucchini abound, from casseroles to quiches to pasta dishes to that beloved bread.

And no need to feel guilty about overindulging—at just 20 calories per cup, the squash are an excellent source of vitamin C. Still, if your garden yields too big a bounty, don’t fret: You can refrigerate zucchini for up to five days ... or simply share with friends. ■

PROVENÇAL-STYLE STUFFED ZUCCHINI Serves 4–8

8 SMALL ZUCCHINI (ABOUT 7 INCHES LONG AND 1¼ TO 1½ INCHES WIDE)

FAST FACT: While considered a vegetable in the culinary world, zucchini is technically a fruit—the swollen ovary of the zucchini blossom.

Source: University of Illinois Extension

1 CUP FINELY CHOPPED PEELED AND SEEDED TOMATOES

KOSHER SALT

1 TABLESPOON MINCED GARLIC

2 1⁄ 2 TABLESPOONS EXTRA-VIRGIN

1 TABLESPOON FRESHLY CHOPPED

OLIVE OIL, DIVIDED

BASIL LEAVES

6 OUNCES FRESH SAUSAGE (SUCH

1 TEASPOON FRESHLY CHOPPED THYME LEAVES

AS LAMB OR MILD PORK SAUSAGE)

1⁄4 CUP FINE DRY BREAD CRUMBS, DIVIDED

1 CUP MINCED ONION

1⁄4 CUP GRATED GRUYERE

FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

1⁄4 CUP FINELY GRATED PARMESAN

• Lay the zucchini down on a flat work surface and, using a sharp knife, cut the top 1⁄4 of each squash off lengthwise.

• Using a small melon baller or paring knife, remove the inner flesh from the zucchini to form a small boat shape, leaving a shell on the sides and bottom approximately 1⁄4-inch thick. Cut the trimmings into 1⁄4-inch dice and reserve separately.

• Lightly salt the inside of each zucchini and set aside, cut sides down, on paper towels to drain.

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. When hot, add the sausage and sauté until golden, using a spoon to break it into small pieces, about 6 minutes.

• Add the onion and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes.

• Add the chopped zucchini, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until squash is soft and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

• Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.

• Add the basil, thyme and 2 1⁄2 tablespoons of the breadcrumbs. Season to taste, with additional salt and pepper if necessary, and set aside to cool.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a baking dish with 1⁄2 tablespoon of olive oil.

• Pat the insides of the zucchini with paper towels and rub the outsides of the zucchini with the remaining olive oil.

• Spoon the mostly cooled filling into the zucchi ni. Sprinkle with the cheeses, then top with the remaining bread crumbs.

• Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTH & LIFE

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eat smart

are you a

savvy dresser?

Find out how good you are at sleuthing out salad saboteurs—just put the following dressings in order from the highest in calories to the lowest.

(When calories were the same, we used fat and saturated fat content to determine the ranking). Hint: Not all the worst offenders are creamy, “natural” doesn’t necessarily equal healthy, and “lite” is a relative term!

32

Ken’s Steak House Dressing Chef’s Reserve Blue Cheese With Gorgonzola Annie’s Naturals Goddess Dressing Wishbone Fat-Free Italian Olde Cape Cod All-Natural Lemon Mint Vinaigrette With Green Tea Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat-Free

Cranberry Vinaigrette Ken’s Steak House Dressing Healthy Options Honey Dijon Newman’s Own Olive Oil & Vinegar Kraft Ranch Kraft Light Ranch Wishbone Balsamic Vinaigrette Newman’s Own Low-Fat Sesame Ginger Kraft Light Asian Toasted Sesame Newman’s Own Creamy Caesar Ken’s Steak House Dressing Lite Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette Ken’s Steak House Lite Accents Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette spray Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals Hickory Bacon & Onion Annie’s Naturals Organic Balsamic Kraft Light Sicilian Roasted Garlic Brianna’s Home Style Chipotle Cheddar Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat-Free Greek Annie’s Naturals Lite Gingerly

answers 1 Newman’s Own Creamy Caesar: 170 calories (18 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat) 2 Newman’s Own Olive Oil & Vinegar: 150 calories (16 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat) 3 Ken’s Steak House Dressing Chef’s Reserve Blue Cheese With Gorgonzola: 140 calories (15 grams fat, 2.5 grams satu-

rated fat) 4 Kraft Ranch: 120 calories (12 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat) 5 Annie’s Naturals Goddess Dressing: 120 calories (12 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat) 6 Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals Hickory Bacon & Onion: 110 calories (12 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat) 7 Brianna’s Home Style Chipotle Cheddar: 110 calories (11 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat) 8 Annie’s Naturals Organic Balsamic: 100 calories (10 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat) 9 Olde Cape Cod All-Natural Lemon Mint Vinaigrette With Green Tea: 90 calories (8 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat) 10 (tie) Ken’s Steak House Dressing Lite Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette: 80 calories (6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat) and Kraft Light Ranch: 80 calories (6 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat) 11 Ken’s Steak House Dressing Healthy Options Honey Dijon: 70 calories (4 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat) 12 Wishbone Balsamic Vinaigrette: 60 calories (5 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat)

13 Ken’s Steak House Lite Accents Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette spray: 55 calories (2 grams fat, 0 grams saturated

fat) 14 Kraft Light Asian Toasted Sesame: 50 calories (2.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat) 15 Annie’s Naturals Lite Gingerly: 40 calories (3 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat) 16 Newman’s Own Low-Fat Sesame Ginger: 35 calories (1.5 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat) 17 Kraft Light Sicilian Roasted Garlic: 35 calories (1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat) 18 Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat-Free Cranberry Vinaigrette: 20 calories (0 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat)

19 (tie)

Maple Grove Farms of Vermont Fat-Free Greek: 15 calories

(0 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat) and Wishbone Fat-Free Italian: 15 calories (0 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat)

summer 2011

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It’s a calling we take seriously and passionately – taking care of heart patients.

10 years ago, we set out to provide comprehensive, top-ranked, heart services to help patients and save lives. Today, we celebrate our accomplishments in this decade of heart and look forward to the innovations we can bring you in the future.

Without question, your support has been overwhelming. We are humbled by the thousands of patients who’ve put their trust in us.

We thank you for inspiring us every single day.

Southern Illinois, you’ve touched our hearts.

And we love you for it.

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www.sih.net

866-744-2468

5/31/11 9:54 AM