Health

Janu

ary

25, 2

011 The examiner

• Tracey Shaffer

Nutrition needs change as you age.

– Page 10

wellness 2-6 • InsPeCTIOns 14 • CalenDaR 4, 7 • nUTRITIOn 10-11

HealtH

Technology brings parentsclose to infants in hospital

– Page 2

• Larry JONeS When it’s time to remove snow, do it safely. – Page 2

StayingFIT

Senior citizens have lotsof exercise options | Pg. 12

AdAm Vogler/The Examinermichelle Pena leads a group of seniors through her Wake Up Workout class at the Palmer Center in Independence. The senior center offers several fitness programs and facilities.

Page 2 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 wellness

Removingsnow safely

Looking out your window and seeing mounds of snow can give you a headache. You know you need to get the shovel out and get to work. Muscle soreness, back strains and heart attacks are just a few problems associated with shoveling snow. Snow is heavy and can put a strain on the body causing strains, sprain and much worse.

Shoveling snow is like any other exercise. You need to warm up the muscles to avoid pulls and strains. Walk or march in place for a few minutes. Warm up the arms and upper back.

Once you get outside and start shoveling, stand with your feet apart about hip width for better balance, and keep the shovel close to the body. As you lift the shovel bend the knees and tighten the stomach muscles. This will protect the lower back. Always face the direction where the snow will be going. Many back inju-ries occur when you twist to throw the snow off the shovel.

There are other considerations when get-ting ready to shovel snow. If you smoke, you need to delay having a cigarette. Like cold air, tobacco constricts blood vessels making them smaller. The combination can be danger-ous. Avoid caffeinated products before going outside. Caffeine increases the heart rate and causes blood vessels to constrict. Blood flow to muscles is decreased making shoveling harder. Water is best. Stay hydrated in cold weather, just like you would in hot weather.

Dress in layers for better warmth. Include a hat and something to cover your neck. Shoes should have slip-resistant soles to avoid falls.

There are safety tips for shoveling, remov-ing ice and using a snow blower. According the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commis-sion, more than 118,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, clinics or other medical settings for injuries that occurred while shoveling snow or remov-ing ice. In addition, more than 16,000 people were injured using snow blowers. Follow these safety tips to avoid injuries.

■ When shoveling snow pace yourself. Snow removal is a vigorous activity. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, stop and call 911.

■ Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Push the snow rather

than lift the snow. If you must lift the snow, use your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Shovel often. It is easier to shovel 2 inches of snow several times than 10 inches of snow one time. If you must wait until the snow ends, shovel the snow in layers to avoid lifting snow that is too heavy for you.

When walking on an icy surface, watch out for black ice. The almost invisible ice accumulates on any type of surface including decks, steps and sidewalks. Black ice is a major reason for falls since it is hard to see. Using rock salt is an effective way to melt ice or snow, but it is corrosive. Magnesium chloride is less damaging and works well.

■ Before using any ice melting product, read the label. Many chemicals are harmful to animals and plants.

■ You can also use bird seed, kitty litter or cracked corn for traction. Remember, these products do not melt ice.

When using a snow blower, always make sure that your vision is not blocked by a hat or scarf. Do not leave the blower unattended. If snow jams the snow blower, turn the engine off before removing debris.

■ Keep hands and feet away moving parts. Do not remove shields or guards.

■ The machine and blades will recoil when turned off.

■ The engine becomes hot and can burn. ■ Watch the snow blower cord. Be aware of

the cord at all times. Whether you remove snow or ice, follow

simple rules to avoid injury. And remember, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Take your time and be careful.

Larry Jones is director of the Indepen-dence Health Department.

Larry Jones

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 3wellness

Pay attention to your heart’s health

By dAnIel dUnker, md,Cardiologist withSt. Mary’s Medical Center

It’s nearly February and that means we’re seeing a lot of hearts in store displays. While many of us think of valentines in February, it is also American Heart Month. Let’s consider using those hearts on display as reminders to pay attention to our own hearts-the one beating 100,000 times a day, keeping us alive.

Despite advances in cardiac care, heart disease remains the number-one cause of death for men and women in this country. Health

care providers need to continue to raise aware-ness. There are still many who view heart disease as a “man’s” disease. Polls show more women think their risk of breast cancer is higher than their risk of heart disease. Statisti-cally, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime; one of two will have heart disease;

one of four will die from it. Perhaps because Americans are heavier

than ever and moving less, heart disease seems to be developing in younger people. While one person can’t change a trend, you do have a lot of control over your own risk of heart disease. The first step in heart health is deciding to take responsibility for it. Commit to a healthier lifestyle. Start with something simple, such as reading food labels and avoiding things high in sodium and trans fats. Commit to walking somewhere every day-even if it’s just around

the block. Add fruits or vegetables to every meal. After those become a habit, add another small step. It won’t be very long before you feel better and soon a healthier lifestyle will become second nature.

Last year, the American Heart Association released the seven secrets to a long life. They are listed at right.

While most of us recognize that these are things we all should do, there now is solid research showing that keeping these seven secrets will add years to our lives. I suggest that keeping them will also add quality to our lives.

This February, assess your heart health. Find out what your numbers are-cholesterol level, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and body fat.

The Carondelet Heart Institute can provide a personal heart screening for $35. Knowing what your numbers are can help you identify your risk factors and then, with your physician work out a plan to reduce the risk and monitor progress.

To schedule a personal heart health screen-ing, call 816-9-HEARTS (816-943-2787).

dUnker

Statistics might justshake perceptionsof cardiac disease

FYI

■ Don’t smoke

■ Keep a leaner physique

■ Exercise

■ Eat a healthy diet

■ Keep cholesterol in check

■ Keep blood pressure in check

■ Keep blood sugar in check

7 secretsto long life

Items for the Health Calendar may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051, attention Jill Ritchie. The following items are for Jan. 26 through Feb. 1, unless otherwise stated.

SpotlightsIndependenceDIABETES STORE TOUR TUESDAY, 10 to 11 a.m.

at Noland Road Hy-Vee; or 4 to 5 p.m. at 23rd Street Hy-Vee, at customer service desk. Take a trip through the aisles and learn which foods you should eat to help control blood sugar. Free. Call 510-5694.

Kansas CityMISSOURI LEAGUE FOR NURSING INC.

workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Feb. 4, St. Luke’s Northland. Topic: Customer service – Impact on retention. Cost, $125 for members; $160 for non-members, and an addition $15 if registering on-site. To register, call 573-635-5355 or visit www.mlnmonursing.org.

Addiction groupsIndependenceSTRAIGhT TALk, NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, 8

p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, First Baptist Church. Narcotics Anonymous Help Line: 531-2250.

LIvING FREE – AL ANON meeting, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1723 Appleton Ave. 461-0039.

Blue SpringsALCOhOLICS ANONYMOUS, meetings available

daily, most sessions are closed, and there are beginner meetings also, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner). There is a total of 29 meetings per week. For times, call 228-7921.

ChAPEL hILL AL-ANON, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 9 a.m. Saturday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

BLUE SPRINGS ALATEEN, 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, 1428-B W. U.S. 40 (behind Betty’s Diner).

RaytownNEW DAY AL-ANON, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Blue

Ridge Trinity Lutheran Church. 353-5446.

Bereavement groupsBlue SpringsWIDOWED PERSONS support group, 7 to 8:30

p.m. Monday, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Annex A. 224-0677 or 229-8093.

INDEPENDENTS SINGLES MINISTRY grief support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, First United Methodist Church. 228-3788.

ADULT BEREAvEMENT support group, sponsored by St. Mary’s Medical Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. several times throughout the year, Vesper Hall. To register, 655-5490.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP for children, 7 p.m. Thursday, St. Mary’s Home Care Services office.

OtherINFANT LOSS GROUP, sponsored by Carondelet

Health. 655-5582.

FitnessIndependenceGENTLE TAI ChI for those 50 and older, 6 p.m.

Monday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.LOW IMPACT EXERCISE, 9 a.m. Mondays,

Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

WAkE UP WORkOUT, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

WALk TO ThE BEAT, 8 a.m., Monday-Friday, Fairmount Community Center. 254-8334.

PEPPI exercise classes, 10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. To register, 325-6200.

PEPPI exercise classes, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Fairmount Community Center. To register, 254-8334.

PAvEMENT POUNDERS 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Friday, The Palmer Center. 325-6200.

SITTIN’ FIT chair exercises class, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

STRETCh AND TONE, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday, The Palmer Center. Cost, $1. 325-6200.

ZUMBA GOLD, dynamic workout to Latin and international rhythms, 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Palmer Center. Cost, $2. 325-6200.

TAI ChI by the Three Dragons Way, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sermon Center. Cost, $35 for a four-week session; $40 for a 5-week session. 325-7370.

WALk TO ThE BEAT, 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, The Palmer Center. Free. 325-6200.

Blue SpringsSWIMNASTICS, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday,

Friday; 8 to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

ThERAPEUTIC SWIM, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

CROSSTRAINER AEROBICS, 9 to 10 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per class. 228-0181.

PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXERCISE classes, 9:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 300 N.W. Mock Ave. 655-5400.

WEIGhT ROOM for ages 50 and older, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $10 per month; $2 per visit; $96 for a year. 228-0181.

YOGA — For beginners and beyond, 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50 per class. 228-0181.

YOGA-GENTLE FLOW, 6:45 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $8 per visit, $48 for six classes. 228-0181.

TAI ChI, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

STRETChING EXERCISE, 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1.50. 228-0181.

ARThRITIS FOUNDATION EXERCISE PROGRAM for older adults, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $1 per session. 228-0181.

WEIGhT ROOM ORIENTATION, 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Vesper Hall. Free. 228-0181.

STRETCh AND TONE, 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, Vesper Hall. Cost, $2.50. 228-0181.

AQUA-AEROBICS, noon to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Centennial Pool-Plex. Cost, $3.75 per visit. 228-0137.

Page 4 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 health

Influenza and Pneumonia VaccinesNow Available at Fifty Plus Pharmacy

(While Supplies Last)

Call for details or appointment 816.461.6546

50 PLUSPRESCRIPTIONS

211 W. Lexington • Independence, MO 64050

JoinToday!

Influenza Vaccine for cash paying customer

- $33.90Pharmacy Savings Club -

$25.00Fully certified

pharmacist immunizer on staff most days.

Get Educated About Your Health.Healthy UHealthy U

YourTAke What has Boy Scouting taught you about health and wellness? (All are Scouts attending the weekend Klondike Derby)

Andy SexSon, 12Bridger Middle School, Independence “It has taught me that when we are on a trail and someone falls and breaks a leg, I know how to treat it and know all of the procedures on how to fix it.”

donI Border, 10 Trailridge elementary School, Lee’s Summit“First aid is very crucial to every hiking trip.”

ZAch dAILey, 12 Bridger Middle School, Independence “No matter what you’re doing, especially if you’re camping, you want to have a first aid kit. If someone gets burned, I know how to treat the burn.”

– Adrianne DeWeese

healthCALENDAR

More on PAGe 7

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 5

Page 6 Tuesday, January 25, 2011wellness

Health by the cupWhy coffee, organic eggplant and more can help your body

hearing lossOne out of every six people experiences hearing loss. The worst part: It’s a result of everyday noise, such as loud restaurants, sports games and even the sound of a movie theater, according to the National Institutes of Health. Lower your risk by wearing ear plugs whenever you’re in a noisy environment.

drink to your healthNew studies show that drinking one cup of coffee daily lowers your risk of early death by 37 percent. Drink two, and you’ll reduce your risk of death from heart disease by 25 percent. Three cups will lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia by 65 percent, and if you can drink four, you’ll be 56 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

PHOTOS BY STOCK.XCHNG

Sun attackYou may think you’re free from the sun’s rays now that they’re hiding behind cold clouds. But a recent study by Saint Louis Uni-versity scientists finds that UVA rays can seep through your car window and cause skin cancer. In fact, the study finds that 56 percent of the head and neck cancers in men were on their left side – which is the driver’s side. So before driving, make sure to apply sunscreen.

Lose the weight and fight the fluIt’s flu season again, which means it’s time to lose some weight. University of North Carolina researchers studying mice’s reaction to the flu found that all the skinny ones survived, but 25 percent of the heavier ones died. The scientists believe the extra pounds may limit immune-cell memory, making it harder to fight the flu.

hop on the machineIf you’re looking for a great workout, look no further than the elliptical machine. It’s easier on your knees than running, and a new study from University of Nebraska researchers found that it burns as many calories as running on the treadmill at the same level of intensity.

Keep the table clearWant to lose a few pounds? Try moving the serving dishes away from your dinner table. A recent study from Cornell University found that when people serve themselves from the counter or the stove — instead of from the table — they eat up to 35 percent less. The researchers believe that when you have to get up from the table, you’re more likely to think about whether you’re still hungry.

Go organicHere’s another reason you may want to invest in organic food: Spanish researchers found that organic eggplants have 30 per-cent more disease-fighting an-tioxidants than those that have pesticides. Add eggplants to the list of kiwis and potatoes that are more nutritious organic than not.

healthTuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 7

Our showroom includes a wide variety of products to improve household or business activities for those who are visually impaired.

Magnifiers Make aBIGDifference!

Improve your quality of life and keep yourindependence with magnifying vision aids from

Nagel’s Low Vision Resource Center.

2400 S. Lee’s Summit Road, #130, Indep., MO 64055HOURS: Tues-Fri 10-4:30. Sat. & Evenings by Appt.

[email protected]

A Beacon of Hope forthe visuAlly iMpAireD

since 1986.

NAGEL’S LOW VISION RESOURCE CENTERwww.nagelsvisualaids.com

(816) 833-2444Please call Beth for more info.

healthCALENDARRaytownTAI ChI, 11 a.m. Thursday, elliott Place Retirement

Community. Free. 313-6800.Kansas CityWALk AND TALk, 7 to 10 a.m. Monday-Friday,

Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd. 358-1919.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Truman Medical Center-Lakewood. 373-4415, ext. 1175.

MiscellaneousIndependenceMATERNITY UNIT TOURS, Centerpoint Medical

Center. Call 751-3000 for dates and to register.vISITING NURSE, Friday, Fairmount Community

Center. They will check blood pressure, glucose levels and answer general health questions for seniors. 254-8334.

FOOD hANDLER/MANAGER PERMIT training classes, food handler classes, 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Truman Memorial Building, 1 and 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Independence Health Department. There is a fee. To register, 325-7803.

Blue SpringsEYE GLASSES ADJUSTMENTS, sponsored by

Blue Springs Optical, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. first Tuesday, Vesper Hall.

BREAk TIME CLUB, sponsored by Shepherd

Center of Blue Springs, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Timothy Lutheran Church. For older adults with some physical and/or mental limitations. A donation of $10 to the cost of the program is suggested. 228-5300.

Prenatal/Infant/Child programsIndependenceWIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who

are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-6460 or 257-2335.

Blue SpringsWIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who

are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 220-1007.

BLUE SPRINGS/LEE’S SUMMIT TOUGh LOvE support group, for families dealing with unacceptable adolescent behavior, 7:30 to 9:40 p.m. Tuesday, First Christian Church. 913-492-1200.

MOMS & MOMS-TO-BE prenatal and postnatal class, 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, Family YMCA. 224-9620.

Kansas CityWIC NUTRITION PROGRAM, for women who

are pregnant, breastfeeding or gave birth less than six months ago, 404-9740 or 923-5800.

Support groupsIndependenceDOMESTIC vIOLENCE GROUP for men, 6 to 8

p.m. Monday, Family Conservancy of eastern Jackson County. 373-7577.

GRAY MATTER: Traumatic Brain Injury support group, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Comprehensive Mental Health, Independence. Call Dawn Tish, 254-3652, ext. 746.

PARkINSON’S RECOvERY information group, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, The Salvation Army Center.

vOID (victims Of Impaired Drivers), 6 to 7 p.m. business meeting; 7 to 9 p.m. support meeting, second Friday, Walnut Gardens Community of Christ, 19201 R.D. Mize Road. Call 816-536-2853.

CARING COMMUNITIES DIvORCE AND STEP FAMILY, 6:30 p.m. once a month, days vary, Blue Hills elementary School. 796-6290.

Blue SpringsOvERCOMER’S OUTREACh 12-STEP, 7 to 8 p.m.

Monday, Blue Springs Assembly. 229-3298.ST. MARY’S MEDICAL CENTER STROkE, 6 to

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ponderosa. Call Debbi Riess Roam, 655-5687.

CANCER support group, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, First United Methodist Church, Room 100. Call 229-8108.

EASTERN JACkSON COUNTY LUPUS, 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. Call Maureen Flanagan at 350-0913.

BREAThEASY, RESPIRATORY DISEASE, 7 p.m. Wednesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center. 228-5900.

PARENTS OF NICU BABIES, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, St. Mary’s Birthing Center. Moms delivering

at other facilities are welcome. 655-5574, option 5.BREASTFEEDING, offered by St. Mary’s Medical

Center, 10 a.m. Thursday, 206 Mock Ave., Suite 101. 655-5574.

ChRISTIAN 12-STEP RECOvERY PROGRAM, 7 p.m. Friday, Blue Springs Christian Church. Call Steve, 229-7311, ext. 243.

Lee’s SummitCANCER, 3 p.m. Wednesday, Lee’s Summit

Hospital meeting room. 751-2929.PARkINSON’S DISEASE, 10 a.m. Wednesday,

Places Restaurant and Cafe Banquet Room. 347-2845.

Women’s IssuesBlue SpringsMOM TO MOM LUNCh CLUB, a support group

for new moms, 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, St. Mary’s Medical Center Professional Building, 300 Mock Ave. 655-5585.

IndependenceWOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS, sponsored

by the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), 6:30 to 8:30 Monday. For locations, call karen Costa, 252-8388, ext. 16.

OtherhOPE hOUSE INC. weekly support groups,

open to any female who has been or is now involved in an abusive relationship. For times and location, call the hotline at 461-4673.

– Jillayne Ritchie

FroM PAGe 4

Page 8 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 health

• Semi-private & private suites

• Skilled unit: Express Recovery

• LTC beds now available

• Contracts with most insurance agencies

• Same day evaluations, if you arrive before 3:30pm

• Amenities include theatre & beauty/barber shop

• Skilled rooms, include TV, phone & cable

• Vibrant activities for our residents

Contact Admissions at 816-257-2566

1800 Swope Dr • Independence, MO816-257-2566

Ronald Reagan called it ‘the long good-bye.’ Scientists call it Alzheimer’s Disease. Five mil-lion Americans and their families are affected. Because we live longer and have improved methods of diagnosis, the numbers continue to increase annually. Alzheimer’s Disease, what do you know, T or F?

1. More women are affected than men.2. Treatment generally reverses symptoms.3. 50 percent of those over age 85 have

Alzheimer’s.Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative

brain disease causing loss of memory and thinking skills and changes in behavior. It is the leading cause of dementia in those over age 65. Scientists do not know what causes it. But they generally agree that the characteristic changes in the brain occur years before symp-toms develop.

In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German phy-sician, first reported the case of a 51-year-old woman with dementia. At autopsy her brain cells (neurons) appeared to be tangled and cov-ered with plaques.

Protein deposits are now known to cause plaques and tangles affecting the neurons. Loss of production of acetylcholine, a transmitter which is critical for neuron communication, is also characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America re-ports that expenses related to the disease exceed $100 billion annually. Businesses lose $60 billion annually in lost productivity of primary care givers and insurance.

Although Alzheimer’s may strike one in their 30s or 40s, it is most commonly diagnosed after age 60. The National Institute on Aging reports that every 5 years after age 65 the prevalence of Alzheimer’s doubles.

Alzheimer’s cannot be prevented. Age is the most significant risk factor. More women have Alzheimer’s than men primarily because they live longer. Genetics plays a primary role, and those with a family history of the disease are at increased risk.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. Most victims live an average of 8-10 years after diagnosis. As victims become more frail, they are more susceptible to serious ill-nesses such as pneumonia.

Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through medical

interview, clinical examination, special tests to assess memory and thinking skills and imaging studies.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. There is no treatment that will stop or reverse the progres-sion of the disease. There are several drugs used to improve memory and problem-solving skills. These drugs are variable in their effec-tiveness but research provides the promise of improved treatments.

Persons with Alzheimer’s may benefit from behavioral therapy designed to help them main-tain organization and personal safety.

Caregivers can find support and information through organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter at www.alz.org or 913-831-3888.

Research provides hope for victims and their loved ones. The University of Kansas Medical Center’s KU Alzheimer and Memory Program (KU-AMP) is highly respected for innovative and leading edge research (www.kualzheimers.org or 913-588-0555).

On Nov. 5, 1994, Ronald Reagan, in a letter to the American people, disclosed his diagnosis and his fears. He stated, “I now begin the jour-ney that will lead me into the sunset of my life.’ He died 10 years later at age 93. In his letter he wished he could, “spare Nancy from this pain-ful experience.”

Kansas Citians are fortunate to have exem-plary neurologists and support services avail-able to provide care and comfort to ease the pain of their difficult journeys.

Answers: 1. T 2. F 3. T

Dr. Lori Boyajian-O’Neill can be contacted at [email protected].

Lori

Boyajian

O'Neill

SPORTS AND WELLNESS

Alzheimer’s:No cure, no preventative yet, but scientists

are working to help those who areentering the sunset of their lives

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 9

Page 10 Tuesday, January 25, 2011 nutrition

Aging well with good nutritionWith the American elderly population

growing at the fastest rate of all age groups, it makes good sense to think about the nutrition needs of the aging. Many fail to get the nutri-tion necessary to meet their needs. This could be due to a fixed income, lack of transporta-tion or social support, lack of understanding, depression, chewing problems, medications or taste alterations. A poor diet contributes to poor health and poor quality of life, but many diseases that we face in old age are controlled with a proper diet.

Take a few minutes to review the special needs of aging. If you’re in this age group or hope to be some day, read on and think about your eating habits. If you know of someone – a neighbor or relative – who needs some help or attention, consider taking the time to assist him or her in getting better nutrition.

The concept of nutrient density is impor-tant to understand. You may know that human metabolism, or the way that we use energy (calories) in the body, slows down with age. What that means is that we can’t afford to eat as many calories in old age as we did when we were teenagers. Nutrient density, or nutrients per calorie, should increase in the foods we choose as we age. To illustrate this, consider the difference between a snack of apple pie versus a fresh apple. The pie has lots of added sugar, fat and calories. We get the benefit of fruit and fiber by eating the fresh apple at a fraction of the pie’s calories. If you choose to get your fruit servings from apple pie, you will either get too many calories (and gain weight) or you will sacrifice other foods in your diet to avoid gaining weight. This will eventually lead to poor health from poor nutrition. To make healthy dietary choices, choose foods that are nutrient-dense – lots of value in relatively fewer calories.

Guidelines for choosing the right foods as we age:

■ Get a wide variety of nutritious foods.■ Eat 3 to 6 small meals per day.■ Eat more fruits and vegetables.■ Eat high-fiber cereals and whole-grain

breads.■ Drink adequate water and fluids.■ For poor chewing, choose soft or ground

foods■ For poor taste sensation, try more spices

and herbs.■ If you can’t cook due to physical limita-

tions, try microwaving prepared foods.

■ If you are short on money, try buying low-cost foods like dried beans, rice and pasta. You can shop the sales or ask for assistance from your church or synagogue. You may even qualify for food stamps with a limited income.

■ If you can’t shop, call your grocery store to see if it delivers.

Delectable Winter SaladServes 68 oz. pineapple chunks1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice1 cup unsweetened apple juice2 tbsp. honey (optional)2 whole oranges4 whole plums, pitted and diced2 whole pears, chopped2 whole McIntosh apples, chopped12 whole dates, chopped3 sprigs mint, for garnish1/2 cup dried apricotsDrain the pineapple, reserving the juice.

Put the pineapple juice, orange juice, apple juice and honey, if using, in a large serving bowl and stir.

Segment the oranges, catching any juice in the bowl. Put the orange segments and pine-apple in the fruit juice mixture.

Add the chopped apples and pears to the bowl.

Stir in the plums, dates and dried apricots, cover and chill for several hours. Decorate with fresh mint sprigs to serve.

Tracey Shaffer, RD, LD, is a Hy-Vee dietitian at the Blue Springs location The information provided should not be con-strued as professional medical advice. e-mail her [email protected].

Tracey

Shaffer

FOOD FOR ThOUGhT

Renew also offers services to refresh your mind and rejuvenate your spirit with a facial or massage in our Spa. Renew is located in a separate area with a private entrance, and equipped with state of the art equipment and furnishings that are geared towards en-hancing each step of your recovery.

A truly innovative concept in post-acute care, designed especially for women, doesn’t just meet the needs of those re-covering from an acute illness, injury or exacerbation of a disease process.

Carmel Hills Long Term CareOur long term care services are designed for individu-als who need 24 hour nurs-ing care. Theses residents may be chronically ill, frail, or experiencing a very slow recovery from an illness or injury. Our long term care units offer private and semi-private rooms including room furnishings, multiple common areas and dining lounges. We offer respite care or vacation care that al-lows families an opportunity to take a brief break from the demands of round- the- clock care giving.

Sunset Place at Carmel HillsThe dedicated Alzheimer’s Unit offers dedicated, caring and compassionate staff well trained to assist residents in living their lives to the full-est. We offer structured ac-tivities designed to maximize interaction with each resi-dent. Personalized behav-ioral management designed to encourage participation in a calm environment. We provide semi private and pri-vate rooms, complimentary cable television, nutritionally balanced meals and rehabili-tation services.

For those seeking short term medical and or rehabilitative services, we focus our efforts on working closely with pa-tient and family and strive to achieve the most successful functional outcomes. Our nursing team is support by licensed therapists who pro-vide physical, occupational, and speech therapies. This dedicated team works to-gether to design individual-ized care plans tailored to each patients specific needs. We believe our best results are achieved when we work together

Renewat Carmel Hills

810 E. Walnut • Independence, MO816.461.9600

nutrition Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 11

Boil soybeansfor best effect

Raw soy can cut body’s ability to absorb protein

during digestionDEAR DR. BLONZ: We always enjoy edamame at Japanese restaurants and have begun boiling soybeans as a pre-meal snack with company. At a recent party, a guest told us that soybeans have chemicals that inhibit the body's ability to uptake and use proteins, vitamins and minerals. They said that tofu and soymilk is the worst, but cooked or fermented soy is safe. Is all this correct, and does boiling of the soybean in pods keep the inhibiting chemi-cals in the beans, thereby decreasing the amount of nutrients we get from the foods we eat? -- SM, San Francisco, Calif.

DEAR SM: Raw soybeans contain a trypsin in-hibitor, trypsin being one of the key enzymes in the body that helps break down the long chains of amino acids in protein. Heat inactivates the trypsin inhibitor, so boiling or any form of cooking will do the job. Uncooked soy, found in soymilk or tofu, only become an issue if they make up a significant part of a diet where only limited amount of protein is being consumed. This should not be much of a concern for our protein-rich culture. Soy, along with other grains and legumes also contain phytic acid. This substance does have anti-nutritional properties that can bind with certain nutrients and inhibit absorption. This is a direct, physical effect that takes place in the digestive system, and the ability to bind is lim-ited by the milligrams of phytic acid present. Fermentation blunts this effect of phytic acid, and this can take place through such processes as yeast changing flour (that contains phytate) into bread, or soybeans being fermented into products such as natto or tempeh. I have no problems with soy as a food, and we have soy products in our house. I do feel, however, that soy should not stand alone as the major protein in the diet. This is not unique to soy; I always encourage a basic theme that we

should not depend on single foods. Having a variety of whole foods gives us a better shot at giving the body what it needs for good health.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I know that they make salt iodized by adding a compound that contains iodine, but why are they adding other compounds such as calcium silicate and silicon dioxide? I have absolutely no problem with blood pressure, and use salt on occasion. Would I be better off using a natural salt, or a sea salt where these com-pounds are not used? -- BP, Sun City, Ariz.

DEAR BP: Table salt is composed of sodium chloride and it is very soluble in water, to the point that moisture in the room air will cause the salt crystals to stick together. Salt that clumps together has a hard time making it out of the shaker. Some choose to add dried rice or crackers to absorb moisture and keep things flowing. One production method is to use very small amounts of compounds such as calcium silicate and/or silicon dioxide. (Silicon dioxide is the same compound in sand and quartz crystals.) The decision of salt variety is up to you; you can opt for a free-flowing product, or one that needs a bit more of a shake or some added rice, to be dispensed. The anti-caking substances used on commercial salt products are harmless at the levels used.

ed Blonz is a nutrition scientist and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Francisco. Send questions to: "On Nutrition," ed Blonz, c/o Newspa-per enterprise Association, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. For e-mail, address inquiries to: [email protected].

Ed

Blonz

ON NUTRITION

By mICHAel [email protected]

It’s 10 a.m. on a Saturday. And it’s 10 degrees outside. The lingering snow refuses to leave.

Frank “Frankie” Zuchotra walks inside the 24 Hour Fitness in Independence.

Sure, blaming Mother Nature would be the easy way out of not working out. Too cold. Too early. It’s a Saturday. The roads still could be too slick.

Zuchotra is unfazed. “Let’s do this,” he said. Zuchotra is 68 years old.He could be the face of a growing, aging

population of Baby Boomers who, in their younger years, may have shunned exercise but now embrace it.

Perhaps their inspiration is a quote by the late comedian George Burns, who lived to be 100 years old. Burns has said “if I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”

The benefits of exercise, at any age, could be the modern day fountain of youth.

Zuchotra can verify. He’s figuratively drunk from that fountain.

At age 54, Zuchotra was overweight. Not obese but not skinny, either.

“By about 35, maybe 40 pounds,” he said. “My doctor said my cholesterol level had increased along with the blood pressure. That’s not a good combination you want to hear from a doctor.”

His daughter, Jamiee Zuchotra, served as his inspiration.

“She told me she didn’t want to bury me before I could walk her down the aisle,” he said.

Those words served as his epiphany.

The next day, his 55th birthday, Zuchotra began to exercise for the first time in his life.

He started slow. “I began by walking. Just a couple of blocks a day. I kept upping the dis-tance.”

Fitness trainers recommend a person start slow when beginning to exercise for the first time in years.

Now, he climbs onto a stairmill machine, which resembles stairs. But they move down-ward, forcing you to step up and up and up.

“I do about 2 miles on this, which takes about 20 minutes,” he said. “It really makes you sweat.”

Then he works out with free weights. He does three sets of bench presses, three sets of cable pulldowns and three sets of barbell curls.

But you don’t have to be an experienced workout guy such as Zuchotra to enjoy the ben-efits of exercise as a senior.

The Palmer Center and Fairmount Com-munity Center, both in Independence, offer exercise classes for seniors. (See related box) The classes are low to moderate intensity with the purpose of getting seniors moving.

Seniors are not limited to just weight train-ing or aerobic exercise. There are flexibility and balance exercises that could reduce the risk of injury from falls.

The benefits of exercise include improved mood, quality of sleep, energy and cognitive function. Exercise could decrease high blood pressure and increase bone density and muscle strength and possibly prevent certain types of cancers.

Zuchotra believes. He is living proof. Recent-ly, a doctor checkup revealed his blood pressure and cholesterol has decreased. So has his waist.

“I’ve lost 40 pounds,” he said.But simply exercising isn’t enough. Jack LaLanne, the 96-year-old fitness guru

who died Sunday, was called the “godfather of fitness.” He said that exercise is king and nutri-tion is queen.

Diets rich in whole grains like pasta and steel cut oats, along with plenty of fruits and vegetables must be included in a daily diet. Increases in water must be there as well.

Dorothy Centenial, of Independence, has recently began exercising at 24 Hour Fitness. She’s about three weeks into a workout where she lifts light weights, usually dumbbells and then lightly walks on a treadmill. It takes her about 35 minutes each of the three or four days she comes to the gym.

The biggest difference the 70-year-old has noticed, besides about 4 pounds less, is how her body, overall, feels.

“I’ve noticed that the aches don’t ache as much,” she said. “Oh, they’re there but not as bad.”

Also, she has more energy and the exercise has led her to an improved diet.

‘She told me she didn’t want to bury me be-fore I could walk her

down the aisle.’FRANK ‘FRANKIE’ ZUCHOTRA

regular exerciser at 24 Hour Fitness

Page 12 Tuesday, January 25, 2011cover

Each January, millions of us make some sort of

New Year’s resolution. … Save money, lose weight, spend more

time with family, quit smoking,

get healthy!

Jackson county audiology816-373-7900

The ScoTTSdale cenTer17020 e. 40 hwy., SuiTe 9 independence, Mo 64055

www.JackSoncounTyaudiology.coM

Make 2011 the year you stop fighting your hearing loss! Call TODAY and schedule your complimentary hearing evaluation!

Hearing is our most important sense because it affects our ability to communicate with others, and communication shapes every facet of our lives. When we are able to communicate successfully, we are able to have meaningful relationships,

learn from one another, express our thoughts and actively participate in our community.

Although not everyone has the ability to hear, every person deserves to be able to communicate! Make this year YOUR year!

Regular exercise is important for senior healthaging population

By 2030, the number of people in the U.S. 65 years or over will reach 70 million and people 85 years or lder will be the fastest growing segment of the population, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.

HoW MucH eXercise?To promote and maintain health, older

adults need moderate intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes five days a week or vigorous intensity activity for at least 20 min-utes three days a week. Moderate means you feel warm and slightly out of breath and vigor-ous is when you feel out of breath and sweaty.

For resistance exercise, seniors can do a minimum of two days a week of working out with weights.

area eXercise classes for senior adults

PEPPI program, 10:15 a.m. Monday, Wednes-day, Friday at Palmer Center in Independence

Wake Up Workout, 9 a.m. Monday, Wednes-day, Friday at Palmer Center

Walk to the Beat, 8 a.m. Monday to Friday at Fairmount Community Center

PEPPI weight training program, 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Fairmount Center.

fitness flasHBacK Fitness guru Jack LaLanne died Sunday at age 96.

In the 1960s his exercise program was a daily TV sta-ple. You can watch old episodes on the Jack LaLanne website: http://www.jacklalanne.com/watch-jack/

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 13

HomeCare of Mid-Missouri“Bringing Health Care Home Since 1974”

816-833-8655300 W. Maple (Inside the Community Services Building)

Pat Baer, LPN Supervisor • Independence, MO 64051

She always said she didn’t need to travel to see beautiful things. She said they were right outside the back door. Most comfortable on the front porch with a fresh cup of coffee. She didn’t need a vacation to relax. Home is where her heart is. We’ll make home where her healing is. When you don’t know where to turn, turn to HomeCare of Mid-Missouri.

Personal Care, Homemaker, Respite & Nursing Services Available

Are you caring for a loved one at home?

Page 14 Tuesday, January 25, 2011health

New Haven

609 Golf Street • Odessa, MO 64076 • (816) 230-7530www.goldenlivingcenters.com

•Access to Lafayette Regional Health Center

•Around-the-clockcare

•Physical Therapy•Occupational and

Speech Therapy•Stroke Rehabilitation•Wound Care•Recreational and

Social Activities

Pets Allowed • In-Room Cable

Paul F. Nassab, M.D.Paul F. Nassab, M.D., comes to DFP Orthopedics as a fellowship trained surgeon specializing in trauma, reconstructions, and disorders of the hand, elbow, and shoulder. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his graduate degree at the Boston University School of Medi-cine. He completed his post Doctoral Fellowship in Combined Hand at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

816.561.3003North Kansas City Hospital Campus

2790 Clay Edwards Drive, Suite 600Kansas City, MO 64116

816.303.2400Centerpoint Medical

Center Campus19550 E. 39th Street, Suite 410

Independence, MO 64057

Office Hours: Monday - Friday

8:30-5:00

Group supports women concerned about heart healthA new support group for women with heart conditions and concerns will meet at 6 p.m. Jan.27

at the Lee’s Summit Medical Center.Petro Branson, a heart condition survivor, has started the group that gives women a chance to

share their stories and provide support. Also, the group will gain information from medical profes-sionals who will speak at the meetings.

For more information, contact Branson at [email protected] or 816-524-5076.

St. Mary’s takes part in trial of congestive heart patientsA three month trial at St. Mary’s Medical Center revealed that information and education pro-

vided to congestive heart failure patients at discharge greatly affects whether they will be readmit-ted within 30 days.

The trial was part of the nationwide Project RED (Re-Engineered Hospital Discharge) initiative spurred by Boston Medical Center after they studied its discharge process, according to a release by St. Mary’s.

The study showed that errors at discharge often lead to patients being readmitted within 30 days.

The remedy is being an advocate for each patient by providing patient education and creating a plan that is easy for the patients to read and understand, according to Dr. Shawn Zembles, a reg-istered nurse.

– Michael Glover

healthSHORTS

Food service inspections l Jackson CountyThe Jackson County Public Works/Environmental

Health Division conducts inspections anywhere food is handled, prepared and served to the public for cities other than Independence.

Blue Springs■ Original Pizza, 110 S.W. Missouri 7 – On

Jan. 10, a cook was observed handling a ready-to-eat food with bare hands, corrected through discussion and demonstration.

■ Subway, 600 N.E. Coronado – On Jan. 11, a number of rodent droppings were found under the dry storage racks by the walk-in freezer. There is clutter and non-functional items under the dry storage racks that is presenting a harborage condition.

■ Wal-Mart Supercenter, 600 N.E. Coronado – On Jan. 11, a number of rodent droppings were found along the wall around the mop sink and behind the dry storage racks in front of the dairy department walk-in cooler.

Lee’s Summit■ hy-vee, 301 N.E. Rice Road – On Jan. 10,

inspectors found spray cleaners on top of a freezer in the Chinese kitchen, and in the rear on a shelf with Chinese foods, corrected.

■ Wendy’s, 903 W. Chipman Road – On Jan. 12, a recently arrived food worker failed to wash hands when entering a food prep area, and after repeated touching of ears and hair, corrected. Mayonnaise, whose packaging indicates that it is to be refrigerated, and cheese were found in the upper make up area of the west prep cooler at 56 degrees and 51 degrees, respectively. There were other indications that the cooler was not holding products properly; no use of this cooler for potentially hazardous foods until inspector can determine that it will properly hold them. There was a sanitizer spray bottle stored on top of a speed cart containing food contact utensils and tortillas, corrected.

■ Target – Deli, 1850 N.W. Chipman Road – On Jan. 13, the person in charge did not report

the maximum time allowed before an operator is required to clean a slicer or any other food contact utensil; it is 4 hours. Note: The same person reported that the slicer was not in operation this date for that period of time. A spray bottle of sanitizer was found on a counter near bread and single service plates, corrected.

■ Fazoli’s, 498 S. Missouri 291 – On Jan. 14, employee beverages without a lid and a straw were observed on shelves containing food and single-service items in the kitchen, corrected.

■ Y-Leave Cafe and vending North, 777 N. Blue Parkway – On Jan. 14, in a walk-in, inspectors observed two containers of cooked pasta stored below several cartons of whole raw eggs, corrected. On a serving station, there were turkey, beef and other sandwich meats and cheeses that held at 51 to 56 degrees, discarded. This station uses ice to maintain temperature, to be effective, the ice must at least touch the bottoms of the food containers, or better, have the containers partially immersed in the ice.

Raytown■ Carlito’s, 11541 E. 63rd St. – On Jan. 12,

inspectors found pans of chili, rice, and beans held in the walk-in cooler, were not date-marked, corrected.

■ Jim G’s of Raytown LLC, 6640 Raytown Road – On Jan. 12, raw eggs were found stored above cheese and other ready-to-eat food in the walk-in cooler, corrected.

■ Circle k, 6024 Blue Ridge Blvd. – On Jan. 13, inspectors observed the thermometer on cheese/chili sauce dispenser was reading around 100 degrees, and the internal temperature of the chili was 105 degrees, discarded. Machine was removed from use until it could be repaired or a new unit obtained.

■ Eclipse Bar and Grill, 6512 Raytown Trafficway – On Jan. 13, a number of chemical spray bottles were found without labels, corrected.

■ Las Chili’s, 6210 Raytown Trafficway – On Jan. 14, a large amount of rodent droppings were found on the floors throughout the kitchen.

– Jillayne Ritchie

healthTuesday, January 25, 2011 Page 15

For a variety of reasons, people split their medications, usually in half. A common reason is to save money.

Frequently, smaller doses cost as much as larger doses. Therefore, a 25-milligram tablet costs as much as a 50-milligram tablet. If the patient's medication dosage is 25 milligrams a day, a person can split 50-milligram tablets and have twice as many tablets for the same price.

Another reason is that sometimes the dos-age is 50 milligrams in the morning and 25 milligrams at night. If the person only has a 50-milligram tablet, it needs to be split.

Is splitting medications dangerous? The answer depends on the study you read.

A recent study showed that 33 percent of the split medications deviated from the recom-mended dosages by 15 percent. The weight of some of the split tablets was either too low or too high in 25 percent of the cases.

Similar weight disparities were also noted in prior studies. In those studies, the weights deviated from the expected norm between 9 percent and 37 percent.

However, other studies have shown patients who were treated for hypertension or high cho-lesterol and who split their medications. They did not have any increase in their blood pres-sure or cholesterol levels, thus assuming that

they got the necessary therapeutic dose.The Food and Drug Administration does

not generally recommend tablet splitting. But the FDA has approved the splitting of certain medications, though not many. If splitting is approved, the approval notice is listed in the drug's professional prescribing information.

Some tablets can be split easier than others. It is obviously easier to split a scored tablet than an un-scored one. It is also more difficult to split smaller tablets and those with unusual shapes.a

Capsules and time-released drugs should not be split. Also, studies have also shown the elderly have more difficulty splitting tablets.

To split or not to split, that is the question.If it is not essential to split the tablet, then,

according to the FDA, it is better not to split. But, from a practical point of view, if not splitting means a person won't have enough medication, then splitting seems a reasonable alternative.

If you do need to split your medications, discuss it with your physician or pharmacist.

Is it safe to split pills?

Dr. Murray Feingold is the physician in chief of The Feingold Center for Children, medical editor of WBZ-TV and WBZ radio, and president of the Genesis Fund. The Genesis Fund is a nonprofit organization that funds the care of children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases.

Dr. MurrayFeingold

HealtH watcHNew research: Women with MS may carry gene

Women who have multiple sclerosis are more likely to have a gene associated with the disease than men. Research has shown that the number of people diagnosed with MS has been rising, and the rate has been rising faster for women than for men. The

cause of MS is not known, but evidence suggests that it is triggered by environmen-

tal factors in people who are genetically susceptible to the disease.

– American Academy of Neurology

Did you know?Men are nearly four times more likely

to commit suicide than women.– CDC.gov

Health tipTo ensure that your family eats break-

fast in the morning, pack meals to go with a banana, a bag of trail mix and a carton of milk.

-- EatRight.org

Page 16 Tuesday, January 25, 2011