West Orange Times & Observer Health Matters 12.10.15

Health Matters

Observer

DECEMBER 2015

Gamechanger A team of researchers at Orlando Health is working on a blood test that one day could be used to diagnose concussions on the spot.

Story pages 14-15

Happy anniversary

Eat healthy this holiday

‘Beary’ Christmas

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital turns 30 years old.

Try these recipes this holiday season.

Nonprofit delivers cheer to hospitals.

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DECEMBER 2015

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Observer Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@ OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@ OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Zak Kerr, zkerr@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Catherine Kerr, ckerr@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executive / Bill Carter, bcarter@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executive / Kim Edwards, kedwards@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executive / Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Andres Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representative / Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representative / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@ OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US The West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.The West Orange Times also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

If you wish to subscribe to the West Orange Times, visit our website, WOTimes.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

HEALTH BRIEFS

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CHC named Andree as CMO WINTER GARDEN Community

Health Centers Inc. (CHC) announced the promotion of Dr. Debra Andree as vice president/chief medical officer.

Andree received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Florida and obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Miami. She joined CHC as a pediatrician in 2002, was promoted to chief of pediatrics in 2013 and associate medical director in 2014.

Andree believes strongly in lifelong learning and the importance of educating future medical professionals. She maintains prestigious, faculty positions at Florida State University, University of Florida and Florida Hospital Family Residency Program.

CHC provides quality and compassionate primary health care services to insured, uninsured, underinsured and underserved children and adults within Central Florida. CHC accepts Medicaid, Medicare and most private insurance plans.

A sliding discount program is available for those with or without insurance.

CHC provides care to nearly 60,000 patients each year in the Apopka, Bithlo, Eatonville, Lake Ellenor, Leesburg, Meadow Woods, Pine Hills, Rosemont, South Lake, Tavares and Winter Garden communities.

For more information, visit chcfl.org.

Area hospitals earn ‘A’ grades All eligible Orlando Health hospitals received “A” grades in the most recent rating period by The Leapfrog Group, a patient safety advocacy organization.

The hospitals include Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, South Seminole Hospital, South Lake Hospital, in affiliation with Orlando Health, and Health Central Hospital.

The Leapfrog Group does not

grade specialty hospitals such as Arnold Palmer Hospital and Winnie Palmer Hospital.

In addition to its “A” grade, Health Central also received “Straight A” designation. This designation is a result of the hospital consistently receiving “A” grades since the first hospital grades were released in April 2012. With this most recent grading period, Health Central has now earned eight consecutive “A” grades; an achievement accomplished by only 181 other hospitals across the nation.

Florida Hospital to host Cure Village When thousands of fans head to the Citrus Bowl Dec. 19, they’ll have access to the

Florida Hospital Cure Village — a hub where they can receive mammograms, talk to breast care experts, learn about breast cancer and sign up for mammograms with Florida Hospital.

Florida Hospital Cure Village will host activities for the entire family, including games, a photo booth, cheer cards for fans to personalize with a “Beat Cancer For” message, and crafts for children.

“Florida Hospital has a longstanding commitment to women, and we strive to bring our high quality and compassionate care into our communities,” said Dr. Lori Boardman, medical director of Florida Hospital for Women. “Florida Hospital Cure Village at the AutoNation Cure Bowl is one

more way we can bring health care, education and awareness directly to women without requiring them to walk through our hospital doors.”

Florida Hospital Cure Village will be open to the public beginning at noon and until kickoff at 7 p.m. Women who want to receive a screening at Florida Hospital for Women’s mobile mammography unit are encouraged to make an appointment in advance by calling (407) 303-1615.

Tickets to the AutoNation Cure Bowl can be purchased at CureBowl.com. Florida Hospital encourages the public to use the code “FLHOSP” when purchasing tickets, because $5 from each ticket will go toward Florida Hospital’s Breast Cancer Care Fund.

Courtesy photos

Members of the Central Florida Enrollment Coalition unveiled the 2-1-1 initiative in October.

Groups form insurance coalition Heart of Florida United Way, Orlando Health, Florida Hospital, Primary Care Access Network, Enroll America and Search Research Analysis International have partnered to form the Central Florida Enrollment Coalition, a group created to increase the awareness of health care coverage options available to Central Florida’s uninsured.

In October, the coalition announced an easier way for Central Floridians to get assistance signing up for medical coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. Consumers now can dial the Heart of Florida United Way’s 2-1-1 Information and Assistance Helpline and schedule a free, in-person appointment

with a Health Insurance Marketplace Navigator or Assister to determine what insurance options are available to them.

For 11 years, Heart of Florida United Way has operated 2-1-1.

“As an organization, we know how important it is for adults and children of our Central Florida community to have access to health and wellness care,” said Robert H. Brown, president/CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “We are proud that our 2-1-1 Information & Assistance Helpline can serve as the first stop for those in need of health care coverage and excited to be a part of such a dynamic coalition.”

Now in its third year, the Health Insurance Marketplace’s open enrollment period runs through Jan. 31, 2016. More than 90% of fami-

lies are eligible for some kind of subsidy when purchasing insurance through the marketplace.

For the first time, paying for health insurance in the marketplace could be cheaper than paying the IRS tax penalty. The 2016 tax penalties for not having health insurance are due to increase from $325 to $695 per person, with a maximum of $2,085 per family.

Navigators and assisters are trained to help consumers determine their eligibility for subsidies and understand the options available to them.

Residents of Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties can dial 2-1-1 to schedule appointments. Consumers also can text their zip code to 898-211 or live chat with a specialist online by visiting SignupCentralFL.com.

HEALTH MATTERS

OrangeObserver.com JRG.10878c.OHPA Winter Garden West Orange Times_OHPA Winter Garden West Orange Times 11/30/15 1:40 PM Page 1

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DECEMBER 2015

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Now Serving the West Orange Community

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DECEMBER 2015

DR. P. PHILLIPS HOSPITAL TIMELINE

1983: Groundbreaking of Sand Lake Hospital 1985: Grand opening of Sand Lake Hospital 1990: $1 million renovation and expansion project doubles the size of the emergency department 2004: The Cynthia C. and William E Perry Pavilion opens at Sand Lake Hospital 2007: Sand Lake Hospital changes its name to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital on Jan. 27 — the birthdate of Dr. Philip Phillips. The hospital, which stands on the location of the original Dr. Phillips orange groves, was renamed in honor of the founder and his foundation, which pledged $5 million and has been a committed supporter of Orlando Health.

2007: Receives VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence 2010: Receives Cycle III accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers, the first such hospital in Central Florida 2010: Opens oncology clinic with full-time oncologists 2010: Street leading to hospital renamed Hillenmeyer Way to recognize retiring Orlando Health President John Hillenmeyer. Hillenmeyer was executive director of Sand Lake Hospital when it opened.

2011: Nuclear Medicine awarded a three-year term of accreditation by the American College of Radiology, making it the only facility in Orlando to hold accreditation in all three nuclear medicine modules: planar, SPECT and nuclear cardiology 2012: Opens first multidisciplinary urologic cancer center in Central Florida, providing treatment for bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancers 2015: Emergency department expanded to meet needs of non-lifethreatening conditions and reduce wait times

Hospital celebrates pearl anniversary The Dr. P. Phillips hospital has been a community staple for 30 years, most as Sand Lake Hospital.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER DR. PHILLIPS

In November, Orlando Health personnel celebrated the 30th anniversary of Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, which has been paving the way in many area health care practices since its origin as Sand Lake Hospital.

In 1985, the hospital introduced services such as a 24-hour emergency department to the community with 150 beds. The hospital now holds 237 beds and treats about 80,000 patients in its emergency department per year, with about 25% from around the world because of area attractions.

“About a year-and-a-half ago, we had some space that is very close to the emergency department … that the administrators and staff decided to repurpose,” Karen Frenier, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital president, said. “They designed a space that has the ability to take patients. They walk in for triage … and if it’s someone who’s not having chest pains or a heart attack or a stroke — somebody who has a potential fracture or is bleeding or stomach pain — they walk right into the new area that opened in September.”

Because emergency depart-

ments have become the most affordable or feasible option for some patients, this helps to ensure those in greatest need get the most immediate care. Beyond that, those who do not need emergency services can receive certain examination services in that space, such as X-rays or filled prescriptions, more quickly, Frenier said.

“They may be coming from a theme park, a hotel, a convention — they want to get in and they want to get out,” she said. “In the past, some of these patients, because they were less sick, would sit in the waiting room for a long period of time, and now they’re immediately assessed and walked back to this fast rapid-assessment area.”

For the future, Frenier said a new lab working with cardiac issues from an electrical perspective would be in the works, as well as continuing to increase the accessibility of the hospital to improve patient experience.

Projects dealing with cancer and outpatient services in the Spring Lake area are also on the docket, she said.

“Another goal I would add to the list moving forward is what

Courtesy photos

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has come a long way from its origin as Sand Lake Hospital in the 1980s.

partnerships can we do with the hotels and the conventions and theme parks to be able to provide even more innovative care moving forward,” she said. “How can we assess them with an iPad … and things like that? There is technology that I think we can use to do quick assessments and then move (forward).”

In reflection on a 30-year legacy for the hospital, Frenier said its identity as a community hospital is most important.

“There are 20 physicians and staff members who have been here from the very beginning, and there is this sense of belonging in the community,” she said.

“So how do we care for that community? By becoming a partner with the community.”

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS Cardiology services Cardiovascular surgery Fully accredited Chest Pain Center Community education Emergency medicine Home health International health Medical/surgical services Minimally invasive surgery, including the DaVinci robotic system Oncology care in partnership with UF Health Cancer Center: Orlando Health physicians Psychosocial services Rehabilitation Sports medicine

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DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015

CARROT SOUP WITH GINGER AND CORIANDER This creamy, nonfat soup is full of vitamins A and C. Courtesy of Gary Appelsies, director of healthy eating for the Central Florida YMCA. INGREDIENTS Yield: four servings SOUP 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger 1 tablespoon ground coriander 2 1/2 cups water 1 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice 1/8 teaspoon sea salt 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

METHOD n In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat, coating the bottom of the pan. Cook the onion and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally. n Stir in the ginger and 1 tablespoon coriander, then the carrots, water, orange juice and salt.

Reduce the heat to medium and bring to a summer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer covered

for 15 to 20 minutes or until the carrots are very soft. n Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and remaining coriander. Set aside. n In a food processor or blender, process the soup in batches until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice. n Top each serving with a dollop of the yogurt mixture. Garnish with cilantro and lemon wedges.

GARNISH 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro 4 lemon wedges

CRANBERRY ORANGE PUMPKIN PANCAKES You’ll feel full after Christmas morning breakfast with these fiberpacked pancakes made from entirely plant-based ingredients. Courtesy of Claire Brown of The Plant-Based Table.

INGREDIENTS Yield: 16 pancakes DRY 2 cups whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed 1/4 cup ground nuts 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking soda WET 1 1/2 cups plant milk (soy, rice, almond, coconut, etc.)

1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice 1/3 cup dried cranberries 3/4 cup pumpkin puree Orange juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract TOPPING OPTIONS Cranberries, bananas, pure maple syrup or date paste 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 2 tablespoons raw sugar (turbinado or demara) 1/2 teaspoon salt METHOD n Soak the dried cranberries overnight in enough orange juice to cover them. n In the morning, mix white vinegar/lemon juice into the plant milk and let sit for a few minutes.

Healthy

holiday recipes T

he holiday season is sure to be filled with Christmas cookies, gargantuan dinners and plenty of egg nog. But, not every celebratory dish needs to be full of butter, sugar and empty calories. Here are just a few dishes that can help you maintain your health and fitness goals during the holidays.

— CATHERINE KERR

ROASTED HERB CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES Brighten up your table with a fresh, well-rounded dinner this holiday season. Courtesy of The Farmacy in Winter Garden, where local and organic ingredients for the meal are available.

INGREDIENTS Yield: Serves two to four 1 whole chicken 6 large carrots 3 or 4 medium-size beets (red or golden) 1 whole onion 3 tablespoons olive oil Seasonings as desired, such as garlic and herbs

METHOD n Preheat oven to 350 degrees. n Coat chicken evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle seasonings lightly. n Cube the carrots, beets and onions and place into a roasting pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss vegetables to coat evenly. n Place chicken on top of vegetables, cover the entire pan

with foil and roast covered for 25 minutes. n Remove foil and roast for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

BAKED LATKES This healthier variation of a Hanukkah classic is baked instead of fried and has a lower cholesterol content because of its use of only egg whites. Courtesy of Cyndy Phillips at Rosen JCC.

n Whisk the dry ingredients together. n Mix together all wet ingredients, including the vinegar/plant milk mixture, soaked cranberries. n Stir everything together. The batter will be thick. If needed, add a bit of extra plant milk, but the batter should not be pourable. Don’t over-mix. n Make the topping by warming some maple syrup in a pan with cranberries and sliced bananas.

To make a thicker sauce, add date paste. n Scoop batter onto a hot griddle set to low. Cook about five minutes on each side. n Serve with topping and enjoy.

INGREDIENTS Yield: 20 latkes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 skin-on Yukon gold potatoes 1 large onion 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (may substitute potato flour) 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 large egg white Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional) METHOD n Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Line two large baking sheets with parchment, then grease the parchment lightly with olive oil. n Rinse and dry the potatoes, then cut them in halves or quarters. Use a food processor fitted

with a shredding disk, or the large-holed side of a box grater, to grate the potatoes. Place grated potatoes in a colander. n Use a large spoon or your hands to press as much moisture out of the grated potatoes as possible. Spread a few layers of paper towels on the countertop, transfer the grated potatoes there and top with a few more layers of paper towels. Press firmly to further wick away the moisture, repeating with more paper towels as needed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. n Grate the onion, press out excess moisture and add to the bowl. n Whisk together the remaining dry ingredients in a medium bowl, then add to the potatoonion mixture. Use a fork to stir in the egg white until the mixture is well-combined.

n Form 20 thin latkes (about 2 tablespoons each), arranging them an inch apart on baking sheets. Bake for 12 minutes, then flip each latke. Rotate the baking sheets top to bottom and front to back and bake for another 10 minutes or until the latkes are golden brown and crisped. n Allow to cook slightly and sprinkle with salt if desired. Top with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

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DECEMBER 2015

Showing love … one bear at a time The Gift of Life, a nonprofit that supports premature infants and their families, is seeking volunteers to knit teddy bears for preemies and their families this season.

LIKE TO KNIT OR CROCHET? If you are interested in knitting or crocheting a bear for The Gift of Life’s Christmas visits, contact The Gift of Life.

EMAIL: info@thegiftoflife27.org PHONE: (407) 905-5454 ONLINE: thegiftoflife27.org, fill out form on website under the “Get involved” and “Volunteer” tabs.

VIDEO: Watch the video on how to make the bear: youtube.com/ watch ?v=UJfW 2pKQqRs NOTE: The Gift of Life is willing to pick up the finished creations.

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER

Rosie Moore’s son Kaleb was born 13 weeks early on Oct. 13, 2009.

Born 1 pound, 10 ounces and 12 inches long, Kaleb stayed in the neonatal unit for five months — which meant he was in the hospital through the holidays.

Now 6 years old, Kaleb returns to Florida Hospital at Christmastime to deliver gifts to families with preemies.

It’s part of Moore’s nonprofit, The Gift of Life, which supports families who have a child born prematurely.

Each year, the nonprofit takes handmade teddy bears and hats to local hospitals, specifically Florida Hospital. Kaleb gets to say hello to the nurses who cared for him when he was a preemie.

Moore started bringing gifts to the hospital after she received a gift when Kaleb was in the hospital.

She had two other children, and she was balancing where to spend her time that Christmas.

An anonymous person gave her a gift with an umbrella, book and rattle. The person included a card that read, “We’re thinking about you during this difficult time, and we’re praying for your little miracle.”

“Those words stayed with me because I thought, ‘Somebody actually cared to send something,’” she said.

In the years that followed, she started by bringing cookies to hospital staff. But as she began

to connect with other parents who were in the hospital with their children during Christmas, she found that they felt the same way she did when Kaleb was in the hospital. It was challenging to be in the hospital with your premature infant during Christmas.

“Everyone is celebrating baby’s first Christmas, and your family, and it’s supposed to be a joyous occasion,” Moore said. “And you don’t want to be sad because you want to be supportive for your family, whether it’s the grandparents or other children or your friends or brothers and sisters. ...

Jennifer Nesslar That might be your exterior, but deep down inside you’re longing Rosie Moore with The Gift of Life is delivering these bears to Florida Hospital on Dec. 21. for your baby to be home.”

Moore decided that the parents needed emotional support durThe Gift of Life has a pattern ing Christmas.

WANT TO for the bears as well as a video on She found a senior citizen group how to make the bear. The origiDONATE? in Kissimmee through Good nal pattern called for the bears The Gift of Life Samaritan Village that knitted to be 8 to 9 inches, but The Gift accepts donations and crocheted teddy bears. They of Life asks that the bears be 6 to through PayPal on were looking for a way to get the 7 inches to accommodate preeits website, thebears out in the community. mies. giftoflife27.org.

So in 2012, Moore began taking The time it takes to make a bear There, donors can the bears to families of preemies varies on skill level, but it takes donate money and in the hospital. about three hours for someone specify it to go to As Moore is gearing up to do who has never done it before. yarn cost. her Christmas visit this year, she Those with skill and experience The Gift of Life is looking for more people who can complete the bear in just over ornaments can be are willing to crochet and knit an hour. purchased for $12 bears and hats, with bears being There is also a Facebook group from the website. the greater need. for people who are knitting for You also have the “The parents receive these The Gift of Life where knitters option to purchase bears and are overwhelmed with exchange ideas. an ornament and joy,” Moore said.

This year, The Gift of Life is donate it to a family.

Store-bought bears don’t send delivering the bears on Dec. 21. the same message that home- Each year, based on the hospimade ones do, Moore said. tal’s needs, delivering the gifts “It’s not the same as someone looks different for the nonprofit. making it with love. (The fami- In 2013, they asked Moore to go lies) know it was made by some- in and speak to a few mothers one who actually cares,” she said. who were with their babies. Last “(The knitters) don’t know who year, they placed the gifts around it’s going to, but in their hearts a Christmas tree in the hospital they’re saying, ‘We’re making lobby. this with love.’”

The bears are known as love Contact Jennifer Nesslar at bears. jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

“The parents receive these bears and are overwhelmed with joy.” — Rosie Moore

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OrangeObserver.com

DECEMBER 2015

Understanding the bunion ‘bump’

DR. RICHARD M. COWIN

One of the most common foot problems we treat at Laser Foot Surgery Specialist is bunions.

I’d like to spend some time discussing some of the common features about what bunions are, how people get them and how they can be treated.

Bunions are easily recognized as being a “bump” or “enlargement” on the insides of the feet near the big toe joints. Often, the big toe will move over toward the second toe and twist somewhat. In more severe cases, the big toe moves over so far that it causes a hammer toe on the second toe, and the second toe even can overlap the big toe.

Actually, bunions are not “bumps.” They are dislocations of one of the long bones of the foot called the first metatarsal.

The more the first metatarsal moves out of correct alignment, the more the big toe moves inward.

Many people believe bunions are caused by women wearing high-heeled shoes. However,

the most common cause of bunions is heredity.

The treatment for bunions is usually surgical in nature. There are several types of surgical procedures that can be performed to correct them. The most conservative procedure to correct bunions involves simply shaving the bump area of the bunion.

However, because bunions are dislocated bones, not bumps, this procedure often does not correct the bunion completely.

Further, this procedure has a high rate of reoccurrence of the bunions. Rarely does a week go by that I don’t “redo” bunion surgery for a patient that has had this procedure performed.

The next procedure involves making a surgical cut in the first metatarsal to realign the bone. Usually, the bump area is smoothed down, as well. This procedure has a high percentage of success with long-lasting results.

There are two schools of thought on how to perform

this procedure. One preference of many doctors is to make a fairly large incision and to insert surgical screws in order to hold the bone in place. I prefer the minimally invasive “one-stitch” technique that does not require the insertion of any hardware and allows the patient to walk right out of the office afterward.

In addition to the procedures described above, it is sometimes necessary for patients with bunions to have a second procedure performed at the same time to straighten the big toe.

This procedure is called an akin osteotomy. It is performed by removing a small wedge-shaped piece of bone from the first bone in the big toe (called the proximal phalanx) to reposition it into improved anatomical alignment.

Once again, there are two techniques available: the “traditional” or “open” procedure that usually requires the insertion of a screw or staple, or the minimally invasive technique that does not require the inser-

tion of any hardware. Again, I much prefer the minimally invasive technique.

Once patients heal from bunion surgery, they often find that they can wear most shoes comfortably. Also, because the wearing of open shoes such as sandals is so popular, many people who were embarrassed to show their feet in public because of their bad bunions feel more comfortable wearing sandals, flip-flops, etc.

The first step to correcting bunions is to see a podiatrist and have a complete podiatric examination performed along with X-rays of your feet. A trip to the foot doctor may be the first step to longer hours of pain-free standing, walking and maybe even running.

Dr. Richard M. Cowin is a diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. His practice, Laser Foot Surgery Specialist, is located at 7932 W. Sand Lake Road, Suite 106, Orlando.

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Call 321.841.3724 or visit OrlandoHealth.com/Physicians

HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

DECEMBER 2015

CONCUSSION game-changer?

A

blood test developed by a team at Orlando Health has been shown to be remarkably effective in identifying symptoms of concussions. One day, it could be com-

mercialized into a device that diagnoses concussions at youth and high-school sporting events.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

In the wake of the attention that concussions have received on a national scale, most often in relation to the sport of football, awareness of the importance of diagnosing concussions never has been higher.

For coaches, officials and athletic trainers, safety precautions and learning how to spot symptoms of head injuries have become just as important as X’s and O’s.

Still, flaws remain in the processes currently implemented — mainly that they are subjective in nature.

However, a recent development by a team from Orlando Health could change all that.

A group of researchers for Orlando Health has developed a blood test that has the ability to detect subtle signs of concussions in children and that correctly identified the presence of traumatic brain injuries with a

File photo

Concussions in sports have become an increasingly discussed topic, with football among the sports most readily associated with the issue.

94% accuracy rate, per a recent study.

The development has the potential to be a real gamechanger on high-school sports landscapes — and beyond.

“This could ultimately change the way we diagnose concussions — not only in children but in anyone who sustains a head injury,” said Dr. Linda Papa, an emergency medicine physician at Orlando Health and the study’s lead author. “There’s never been a reliable blood test to identify trauma in the brain. We think this test could change that.”

Papa and her team envision

one day having mobile device that could diagnose concussions on the spot. Although that is not likely to be available in the immediate future, it is cause for excitement in lieu of the current way concussions are diagnosed.

For instance, at a high-school sporting event, concussions usually are diagnosed based upon observations by staff of concussion-like symptoms. Athletic trainers with schools in Orange County are trained to look for symptoms, which include — but are not limited to — headaches, nausea, ringing in the ears and loss of memory.

“The idea is to get a point-of-care test that could be used on the field — to help the coaches, the trainers and the athletic directors, make a decision then and there about whether the child should go back to play.”

Dr. Linda Papa, an emergency medicine physician at Orlando Health

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HEALTH MATTERS

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In addition to observing these symptoms, trainers ask questions and perform exams to test the affected athlete’s memory, balance and cranial nerves. If the trainer suspects a head injury has been sustained or the athlete’s central nervous system has been affected, he or she is pulled from play immediately.

However, for as well-trained as staff may be, Nikki Reis, the head athletic trainer at Ocoee High School, said there is a certain level of subjectiveness that cannot be avoided. Also, because athletes generally know the process and what the trainers are looking for, there are instances in which — if an athlete does not want to removed from play — he or she can try to manipulate the sideline test by answering dishonestly.

“There are certain things that they can’t fake — if they’re super off-balance, they’re not going to be able to fake that,” Reis said.

“But, they can say, ‘No, I don’t have ringing in my ears,’ when they do. …

“What’s good is, in our position (working at a school around the same athletes), we know our athletes’ tendencies,” she said.

The addition of a test that is

accurate and easily applicable on the sidelines of a sporting event would be monumental for athletic trainers at area schools, Reis said.

“It would be a huge gamechanger,” Reis said. “It’s valid, it’s right there, it’s immediate.”

Still, given her practical experience, Reis suggested such a test would be best used as a supplemental tool and not a be-all, endall in the decision of whether to reinsert an athlete into play — citing a hypothetical instance during which a test came back negative but the athlete still exhibited symptoms of a concussion.

The study Papa and her team published in the journal, “Academic Emergency Medicine,” reflected the team’s CT scans on 152 children and comparing those results with those of the blood tests it developed. The study showed the test detected symptoms of concussions — even when the injuries were not visible on the CT scan. After testing blood serum from the same patients fewer than six hours removed from the injuries, The team concluded the blood test identified the presence of brain injuries 94% of the time.

“This simple blood test was

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15

DECEMBER 2015

Courtesy photo

Orlando Heath’s Dr. Linda Papa and her team of researchers can utilize a tiny vial of blood serum to detect concussions in children with a 94% accuracy rate, per a recent study.

nearly as accurate as a state-ofthe-art CT scan,” Papa said.

Now, the hope is to get a device out in the field commercially within the next five years that can be as accurate as a CT scan but much cheaper.

“The idea is to get a point-ofcare test that could be used on the field — to help the coaches, the trainers and the athletic directors, make a decision then and there about whether the child

should go back to play,” Papa said.

“That’s what we are striving for with this project.

“If we could find a simple test that takes the guess work out of diagnosing these kids, that would completely change the way we approach concussions and would certainly give parents greater peace of mind,” she said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

DECEMBER 2015

Fully Covered

BY THE NUMBERS: SHEPHERD’S HOPE

Like Shepherd’s Hope covers the needs of its patients, Vista Clinical Diagnostics provides essential space and equipment to Shepherd’s Hope.

17

CATHERINE KERR STAFF WRITER OCOEE Health

care is expensive, and fewer people in the Orlando area are adequately covered by insurance each year. Many of them are caught in a coverage gap: They don’t qualify for federal subsidy, but they don’t make enough to afford high copays, premiums and deductibles.

For those who find themselves in need of care but cannot afford it, Shepherd’s Hope is there to fill the need. Fully certified, volunteer doctors and nurses offer free services at clinics throughout the Orlando area, including Ocoee.

The Ocoee clinic is possible because Vista Clinical Diagnostics opens its doors to Shepherd’s

5

Number of clinic locations

Hope volunteer physicians and patients three evenings a week at no charge. This allows Shepherd’s Hope to provide services in a traditional health care setting and use diagnostic tools and equipment that are essential for full-range care.

Vista Clinical Diagnostics, based in Clermont, participates in a number of fundraising efforts for charities in Central Florida, but its partnership with Shepherd’s Hope is direct and ongoing.

“This was something very different that we felt like we could share in the outcome of something tangible,” Vista President Davian Santana said. “To be able to participate in something that you know day after day is providing a service that would otherwise not be there — I think that’s the main reason that we’ve stuck with that.”

For Shepherd’s Hope CEO Marni Stahlman, Vista’s umbrel-

Number of years the organization has been running

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Percentage of Shepherd’s Hope patients who say they have lost their health insurance within the last year

96

Percentage of donations to Shepherd’s Hope that go directly toward patient care

Catherine Sinclair

Vista Clinical President Davian Santana and Shepherd’s Hope CEO Marni Stahlman have partnered to offer free health care in Ocoee.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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“To be able to participate in something that you know day after day is providing a service that would otherwise not be there — I think that’s the main reason that we’ve stuck with that.”

Vista President Davian Santana

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Contact Catherine Kerr at csinclair@orangeobserver.com.

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Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me.

SHEPHERD’S HOPE HEALTH CENTER OCOEE

terrible because they’re physically sick and they’re probably emotionally hurt,” Stahlman said. “To be able to offer them something as simple as, ‘Here’s an umbrella so you don’t have to be wet, and here’s some water so you don’t have to be hot.’ … For those people coming, they couldn’t have been more grateful, and neither could we.”

DECEMBER 2015

189198

la-like coverage has stood out to her in ways both literal and figurative.

Early on in the partnership, about two years ago, Stahlman noticed patients were lining up outside of Vista Clinical early in the afternoon to register for appointments in the evening.

Because of legal distinctions between Vista and Shepherd’s Hope’s services, the patients are not allowed to enter the building until Vista closes at 5 p.m.

There was no awning or bench to help keep the patients comfortable in the heat and summer rain, so Stahlman made a request to Vista for two things: umbrellas and bottled water. Within three weeks, Vista had provided 100 golf-size umbrellas for Shepherd’s Hope to share among all its locations and many cases of bottled water.

“For somebody coming who has had to travel on the bus or walk to get to our clinic, they feel

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HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

DECEMBER 2015

Align your spine QUANTUMCARE SPORTS AND INJURY CENTER

Quantumcare Sports and Injury Center is a new option for locals seeking chiropractic care.

ADDRESS: Lake Bennett Medical Center, 1151 Blackwood Ave., Suite 170, Ocoee PHONE: (321) 234-8900 WEBSITE: quantumcares.com

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER OCOEE As of July,

there is a new kid on the health care block — the block of the Lake Bennett Medical Center across State Road 50 from Health Central Hospital, to be specific.

The practitioners at Quantumcare Sports and Injury Center are excited to integrate many tools to serve the communities of Ocoee, Windermere, Gotha, Winter Garden and others.

“Our doctors have a combined 30 years of experience in chiropractic care treating everyday aches and pains, but the practice focuses on helping with the functional aspect of healing and health, including but not limited to human performance, sports injuries, auto injuries and slipand-fall injuries” Dr. Hannah

Soza-Hodgkinson said. “In our 2,500-square-foot facility, we are able to provide a variety of treatments with the goal of speeding up your healing and recovery after exercise and injury.”

Chiropractic care to properly align the spine and other joints for ideal functioning, healing and movement is a given, but the team at Quantumcare Sports and Injury Center uses other means to ensure their best treatment, such as a digital X-ray. Others include the Graston technique, RockTape, K-Laser, NormaTec Recovery Boots, orthotics and rehabilitation with physical therapy.

“By utilizing multiple modalities in addition to the traditional chiropractic treatment, we strive to achieve the patients’ health care goals by optimizing function and maximizing energy

Zak Kerr

Doctors Allan Sidorsky, Hannah Soza-Hodgkinson and Alex Roa are eager to relieve pain for local patients.

and physical well-being,” SozaHodgkinson said. “We take a whole-body approach, meaning we don’t just look at the site of pain but … the whole body to determine the source of pain and why it started … whether it be a bio-mechanical issue, muscle imbalance or nutritional defi-

David W. Boers DDS PA

ciency. That way, we can fix the problem rather than having it become a recurring issue.”

All three doctors — SozaHodgkinson, Alex Roa and Allan Sidorsky — work together on each patient with a goal of lasting wellness, not having patients return for life, she said.

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ONLINE Find out more about the Quantumcare team at

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TREATMENT METHODS Both familiar and cutting-edge treatments are available at Quantumcare Sports and Injury Center, such as the Graston technique, which involves steel instruments that detect inflammation and break up scar tissue and fascial restrictions, SozaHodgkinson said.

Then RockTape’s lifting effect on skin improves lymphatic flow to aid in getting rid of inflammatory byproducts and swelling to make way for new, healthy blood without restricting motion, she said.

Stabilizing and supporting tools such as braces for all sorts of areas of the body — down to the feet — can end up benefiting potentially any part of the body, Soza-Hodgkinson said, because the feet support the entire body and the spine acts as the body’s nerve highway.

“By stretching tight muscles and strengthening weak ones, we can achieve an improved level of function, whether it is sportspecific or in everyday activities,” she said.

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Signs someone could need chiropractic care include any chronic or acute pain or stiffness in the body, Soza-Hodgkinson said.

“After we do an exam, if we determine there is something more serious going on beyond what we can treat, we will refer out to the appropriate specialists so that patient will get the care that they need,” she said. “Some conditions we treat that many people don’t realize include plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, headaches, carpal tunnel, postural issues and tennis elbow.”

Quantumcare Sports and Injury Center accepts most health insurances, auto insurance and Chirohealth USA, a medical discount program, Soza-Hodgkinson said.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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OrangeObserver.com

DECEMBER 2015

Dr. Wendi Wardlaw The dentist’s desire to help people gain healthy mouths has led her to serve both locally and abroad.

STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

Dr. Wendi Wardlaw is passionate about making sure people know how to keep their mouths healthy.

“It really does matter that your mouth is healthy,” said Wardlaw, who practices dentistry at Stoneybrook Dental. “Your mouth is the largest hole to the inside of your body. Because your mouth is in your head, you can’t be healthy without a healthy head. And so people don’t understand that an infection in your mouth — it only has two ways it can go — up (to) your brain and down in your heart. Having a healthy mouth is imperative to being healthy.”

Her passion for making sure people have healthy mouths has affected the way she cares for her patients — both inside her practice and out.

Wardlaw serves as a mis-

sionary both locally and internationally, as well as hosts an internationally syndicated radio segment on dental issues.

While serving as a missionary, she has seen firsthand how having a healthy mouth can affect someone.

“When I take something infected out of someone’s mouth, the first and most common thing I that hear — they’ll walk back miles to tell me — ‘my chest (doesn’t) hurt anymore,’” she said. “The systemic connection between your mouth and systemic disease — whether it’s strokes, whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, many cancers — are linked to your mouth.”

BACKGROUND

Wardlaw started out as a dental assistant in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. She became a dental hygienist. While in military service, she had the opportu-

Courtesy photos

Wendi Wardlaw serves in the Dominican Republic.

nity to see different aspects of the business before she became a dentist herself.

She served in the Army Dental Corps for 10 years, from 1988 to 1998. During that time, she took undergraduate courses as she could.

A month after her duty was complete, she enrolled in dental school at Howard University.

She then completed postgraduate work at Columbia University.

Her time at Columbia defined her as a missionary.

“Columbia certainly helped me define a place for outreach ministry and outreach dentistry in ministry,” she said. “I could do that, too. I could be a dentist, and I could serve.”

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Wardlaw has served as a missionary for the past 13 years.

During her time of doing mission work, she started her own

nonprofit, now called Inspired Purpose. She uses the nonprofit to serve with dentistry, but it extends beyond the field into any need Wardlaw sees. The ministry works with other nonprofits and non-governmental organizations.

Through Inspired Purpose, Wardlaw serves locally as well as internationally, in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Albania, Ghana and Haiti. She travels internationally at least twice a year.

She recently returned from a trip to an orphanage for children with disabilities in Haiti.

“It certainly has my heart,” she said. “I keep finding myself back there.”

Locally, the organization has clothing and shoe drives. Wardlaw collaborates with dentists during their free-dental days.

She also travels to schools and talks about dental care and what makes a cavity.

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HEALTH MATTERS

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“The systemic connection between your mouth and systemic disease — whether it’s strokes, whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, many cancers — are linked to your mouth.”

— Dr. Wendi Wardlaw

It all comes back to having a healthy smile.

“You don’t have to be a missionary and travel abroad,” she said. “You don’t have to do things that people consider are big things to be a blessing. All you (have to) do is smile. All you (have to) do is be kind to people.

That is a part of ministry.”

MAKING SMILES

Wardlaw’s original dream was to find a cure for cancer, and path in dentistry hasn’t veered much from that.

“I was analytical and physical,” Wardlaw said. “The physical and analytical meant a lot to me. Dentistry just has that.

It has the hands-on part, and it has the diagnosis part. So,

because it fueled that part of me that was itching to find a cure for cancer, I fell in love with it. … Not only that, but what’s better than making smiles?

There isn’t anything better than making smiles. I make smiles all day.”

Wardlaw believes firmly that “A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy You” — the name of her radio segment. It airs six days a week and talks about dental topics that patients might not know to ask or don’t understand.

The syndicated program airs in about 200 countries.

In 2008, Wardlaw opened Stoneybrook Dental at 15502 Stoneybrook West Parkway Suite, No. 126. Wardlaw works to keep her practice on time and also offers monitors on the ceiling, massage dental chairs and other features.

“I don’t believe in painful dentistry — I don’t believe in scary dentistry because I want people to be able to get their teeth fixed,” she said.

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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DECEMBER 2015

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THURSDAY, DEC. 10

HEALTH CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

DECEMBER 2015

FITNESS BELLY DANCE FOR LIFE 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. This program is designed to incorporate technique, cardio fitness and weight training — all while learning the art of belly dance. Ages 18 and older. Cost is $50 for Winter Garden residents and $55 for non-residents. (407) 656-4155.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11

HEARING SCREENING 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Connect Hearing helps people stay connected by offering complimentary testing, servicing and after-care rehabilitation. For more information, visit, ConnectHearing.com or call (407) 351-9679.

are taught by Jon Malone, registered yoga teacher, master martial-arts instructor and tai chi sifu. He currently teaches tai chi classes at YogaMatrix Studio in Dr. Phillips and Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center’s department of integrative medicine. No prior tai chi experience needed.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (flat soles but no sandals). (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17

STRESS BUSTER ADULT COLORING 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Life got you stressed? Unwind at the library. Turn off your phone, unplug your computer and join

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

TAI CHI FOR HEALTH 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Tai chi’s principles of movement promote a healthy body, strong heart and sharp mind. Classes

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us for an hour of adult coloring.

Ages 18 and up. (407) 8357323.

at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. How many hairs are on your head? What happens when you eat pizza? By exploring the human body with hands-on activities and stories we can find out the answers to these questions and more!

Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, DEC. 22

STRESS BUSTER COLORING HOUR FOR ADULTS 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. All supplies needed to color away stress are provided, or participants can bring their own. For men and women ages 18 and up. Call (407) 835-7323 for information.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2016

TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 2016

HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT/PATIENT PROTECTION INFORMATION SESSIONS 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Certified in-person assisters will answer questions regarding the Affordable Care Act and assist with enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace. (407) 340-0844 or visit facebook. com/enrollorlando.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2016

INSIDE OUT: THE HUMAN BODY 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016,

LIFE INFORMATION FOR ELDERS 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E Silver Star Road, Ocoee. This series is presented

by OCLS and Orange County’s Commission on Aging. Registration required. (407) 8367446 to register or e-mail officeonaging@ocfl.net.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 2016 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PARENTS 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Join Stephanie Jorian, Natural Solutions educator, and discover ways to use essential oils to address parenting challenges. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27, 2016 WOMEN’S WELLNESS: A WHOLE NEW YOU 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Learn how to nourish and energize your body through wholesome and delicious food, explore and embrace movements you can enjoy, and make subtle lifestyle modifications to create a healthy and life. For more, visit awholenewlife.net.

CLASSES & GROUPS

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM 9 a.m. to noon on select dates at the Health Central Park auditorium, 411 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Cost for the two-day class is $12 for AARP members (must bring membership card) and $14 for non-members. AARP, 1-888227-7669.

ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA SUPPORT 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, in the second-floor conference room at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. For more, call (407) 843-1910.

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DECEMBER 2015

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“Check.”

FHMG-15-25737

So easy, you won’t have to do it twice.

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but you don’t have to wait to make that doctor’s appointment. Whether you need to schedule a visit in the New Year or on the next day, go to FHMedicalGroup.com and give yourself the gift of convenience by booking online with one of our 425 board-certified pediatric, primary care and specialty providers in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. It’ll be fine. Book online.

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FHMedicalGroup.com

HEALTH MATTERS

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DECEMBER 2015

OrangeObserver.com

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