February/March 2011 - Mercy Medical Center

health
matters
February/March 2011
Health | Wellness | Fitness
Survivorship
& Smoothies
presented by:
Steps to Relieve
Knee Pain
A New Life
welcome
health events
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*
Vol. 1 No. 5, February/March 2011
David H. Vellinga
PRESIDENT & CEO
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER – DES MOINES
mark your
Calendar
Laura A. Vanden Bosch
Take Care of Your Heart
AS IOWA’S PREMIER PROVIDER OF CARDIOVASCULAR CARE, Mercy Medical Center –
Des Moines and Iowa Heart Center look forward to American Heart Month each February
because it offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease prevention.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause
of death in the United States, claiming the lives of approximately 2,300 Americans each
day. Here in Iowa, one out of every four deaths is attributed to cardiovascular disease — an
alarming statistic considering it, like many chronic diseases, can be largely prevented through
lifestyle modification.
Four common behaviors that increase a person’s risk of acquiring cardiovascular disease
include tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, insufficient physical activity, and poor eating habits.
Each of these behaviors can be modified, and changing even one can significantly decrease an
individual’s risk of dying from heart disease or stroke. Yet, although tobacco use and binge
drinking among all ages is declining in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health reports the
prevalence of obesity among Iowa adults has increased by 43 percent over the past decade, and
almost one-third of all Iowans admit they do not participate in any leisure-time physical activity.
While it’s not always easy to commit to regular exercise, the benefits far outweigh the
inconvenience. For me, regular workouts not only keep my weight under control, but they also
leave me feeling more energetic, relieve stress, and help me sleep better at night. Best of all,
walking or running can be done anywhere, and the only thing you need to invest in is a good
pair of shoes. Compare that to the $503.2 billion Americans spent in 2010 to pay for the direct
and indirect costs of cardiovascular disease!
Still, I realize how difficult it can be to start a new habit when it hasn’t been a priority in
the past. So instead of encouraging you to start working out vigorously for two hours every
day, I would suggest setting smaller goals — like incorporating some form of physical activity
into your life most days this week. That may mean attending a fitness class like those offered
at the YMCA Healthy Living Center, taking your dog for a long walk, or committing to using
the stairs instead of the elevator every day at work.
It’s important to remember that even the smallest amount of exercise can have a
healthy impact on your heart, and losing just five to seven percent of your current weight can
significantly reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Too many people die each year from this
preventable condition — let’s make 2011 the year we start taking care of ourselves and our hearts.
Sincerely,
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING
Amy Bentz
Lisa Jones
Megan Jorgensen
Erin Kurth
Gregg Lagan
Traci McBee
Sarah Todd
Kate Westercamp
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines
1111 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314-2611
www.mercydesmoines.org
[email protected]
Health Matters is produced by
Home Productions, LLC.
Sherry A. Failor
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Marlena Vogt
ART DIRECTOR
Gretchen R. Kauffman
COPY EDITOR
Dawn Sagario Pauls
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tim Abramowitz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Sigler Companies
PRINTING
David H. Vellinga
President & CEO, Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines
2 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
Home Productions, LLC
4220 NE 94th Avenue | Elkhart, IA 50073
(515) 965.0507
welcomehomedesmoines.com
mercydesmoines.org
Heart & Sole
Mondays
Join Mercy and Iowa Heart Center
for a new educational series at
the YMCA Healthy Living Center
(12493 University Ave., Clive) every
Monday night at 5:30 p.m. The
series includes an educational
session featuring a variety of topics
related to cardiovascular health
presented by physicians and health
care professionals, followed by an
exercise component at 6:30 p.m.
that includes stretching and tai chi.
The educational series is free and
open to the public; however,
you must be a member of the
YMCA Healthy Living Center to
participate in the weekly exercise
class. For more information,
call (515) 633.3600.
Februar y 22 | Join the Mercy
Weight Loss & Nutrition Center and
Iowa Diabetes and Endocrinology
Center for a free session on Nutrition
News for a Healthy Heart from 6:30 to
7:30 p.m. at the YMCA Healthy Living
Center (12493 University Ave., Clive).
The hour-long seminar is part of the
Live Healthy, Be Healthy, Cook
Healthy series sponsored by the two
groups. For more information or to
register, call (515) 358.9400. There is no
fee to register and the class is open to
the public.
mercydesmoines.org
April 4 | Join the Mercy Cancer
Upcoming topics:
February 14: Taking Chocolate to
Heart: The Benefits of Dark
Chocolate for Your Heart
February 21: Signs and Symptoms
of a Heart Attack: What You Need
to Know
February 28: Get Moving! The
Benefits of Physical Activity
March 7: Weight Management:
How to Lighten Up and Improve
Overall Health
Februar y 24 | Rachel Onsrud,
ARNP, Iowa Heart Center, will present
Life’s Simple 7: Seven Steps to a
Healthier Heart at 5:30 p.m. at the
Celebrate You Women’s Club. The free
hour-long program—held on the
upper level of Jordan Creek Town
Center—is open to women over the
age of 18 and focuses on beauty,
health, friendship, and shopping. To
learn more about the club or to
become a member, contact Jordan
Creek at (515) 224.5000 or visit
jordancreek.com.
Center and Katzmann Breast Center
at Mercy for the 9th Annual Breast
Cancer Symposium: Through the
Generations. This one-day seminar
is designed to explore current
treatments and issues involving breast
cancer. Breast cancer survivors are
particularly encouraged to attend
this informational program, which
will include speakers and resource
displays for patients and health care
professionals. The event is scheduled
from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the West
Des Moines Marriott (1250 Jordan
Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines). Call
the Katzmann Breast Center for more
information at (515) 222.7830.
April 7 | Mercy’s Great Expectations
event will help you learn more as you
begin, or plan for, your pregnancy.
This free two-hour session includes
information provided by a fitness
instructor, dietitian, childbirth educator,
nurse, and physician. The event will
be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at
Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes
(1601 60th St., West Des Moines).
Tours of Mercy West Lakes Birthing
Services may be scheduled before or
after the event. Please call (515)
643.MOMS to register.
February/March 2011 | 3
“Getting screened is the
Gastroenterology Clinic. Colonoscopies allow physicians to
carefully examine inside the rectum and the full length of the
colon, as well as remove polyps and take tissue samples of any
suspicious areas. “If a polyp is found, 95 percent of the time it
can be removed during the procedure,” he says. “Studies show
removing a polyp that has malignant potential can prevent a
person from ever getting colon cancer.”
Even if cancer is present, colonoscopies offer benefits. “If a
colonoscopy picks up cancer prior to when a person experiences
symptoms, it will likely be at an earlier stage, when it is more
easily treated,” Dr. Feldman says. “If you are average risk and
your colon is free of polyps following a complete colonoscopy,
it is usually safe to wait 10 years for a follow-up exam.”
Fear and embarrassment are some of the reasons
people hesitate to undergo colon screenings. “A lot of
people remember hearing their grandparents’ stories of their
colonoscopies — drinking gallons of fluid and experiencing
long recoveries,” says Dr. Feldman. “Today’s technology makes
screenings comfortable and very dignified for the patient.”
Patients typically prep for a screening by emptying their
colon using fluids during two separate sessions, and most are
able to complete the outpatient test in about two hours.
Patients can often choose the level of sedation they prefer.
Current recommendations suggest being screened for
colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Patients who have a strong
family history or are African American should be screened even
earlier — by age 45 — due to their higher incidence of
colorectal cancer. Regardless of your age, symptoms such as
changes in bowel frequency or consistency; visible blood in
the stool; pain or discomfort during bowel movements; or
frequent gas pain, cramps, or bloating should be evaluated by
your physician.
“Getting screened is the best form of prevention,” Dr.
Feldman says. “By the time there is blood in the stool or other
symptoms, colorectal cancer is usually at a more advanced stage
and the success of treatment is lower. Colorectal cancer is most
curable when it is found before it causes symptoms.
“We can treat this disease. We can prevent this disease,”
Dr. Feldman continues. “Schedule an appointment with
your personal physician to talk about which colorectal cancer
screening tests are appropriate for you. Routine screenings
often detect this disease when it is most curable.”
Colorectal Cancer:
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
By Traci McBee
MORE THAN 150,000 NEW CASES OF COLORECTAL CANCER are diagnosed each
year in the United States. With approximately 50,000 deaths per year, colorectal
cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women.
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. If discovered early,
colorectal cancer is curable in more than 90 percent of cases. Unfortunately this
slow-growing cancer often has no symptoms to alert victims to its presence,
especially during early stages, when treatment would be most effective. Colonoscopy
is the most recognized form of screening for colorectal cancer and is considered the
gold standard by physician experts.
“A colonoscopy is one of the best screening methods because it is both
diagnostic and therapeutic,” says Bernard Feldman, D.O., FACG, Mercy
4 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
mercydesmoines.org
mercydesmoines.org
best form of
prevention.”
— Dr. Bernard Feldman
Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Four screening tests are widely used to screen for
colorectal cancer:
Fecal occult blood test. This test looks for the
presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool. It’s an
easy, early screening test that can be done at home
with an over-the-counter kit.
Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy examines the entire colon
and detects more than 90 percent of cancerous growths
in the colon. It is the most effective screening device for
colorectal cancer, but it is also the most expensive
because the procedure involves outpatient surgery
under sedation.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is similar to a colonoscopy
but examines only the lining of the rectum and the lower
part of the colon. This outpatient procedure is often
performed in the physician’s office.
Barium enema. This procedure is offered as an alternative
to flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Rather than
using a scope to detect polyps, a contrast enema and
X-ray of the colon is used to screen for polyps.
learn more. For more information about colorectal cancer screenings
and prevention, call the Mercy Gastroenterology Clinic at (515) 223.4823 or
visit mercyclinicsdesmoines.org.
February/March 2011 | 5
Opposite page: Tom Porter, far right,
finds the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
program helps him learn more about
cancer and how to cope with treatment,
recovery, and survivorship. He attends
the educational session on Wednesdays,
followed by a spin class and smoothies.
Left: Dr. Richard Deming is a strong
advocate for the LIVESTRONG at the
YMCA program. He is shown leading
one of the Wednesday evening cancer
education series discussions at the YMCA
Healthy Living Center in Clive.
Survivorship
some of the psychological effects of cancer,” says Tom Porter,
prostate cancer survivor and active program participant.
Following the education program, many participants head
to the locker room to change for the one-hour LIVESTRONG
at the YMCA spinning class led by Dr. Deming. Not only is the
class energizing and fun, it provides a feeling of camaraderie
among participants rarely found in other group exercise classes.
The socializing doesn’t stop there. Class members are
invited to gather again after spin class for a short fellowship
time, featuring smoothies prepared by staff at Kitchen Collage.
“Spinning class is not only fun and great exercise, but it’s a
real morale booster,” Tom points out. “And, of course, everybody
looks forward to fruit smoothies after class, where I’ve made
friends that will last forever.
“One of the primary reasons my wife and I chose Dr.
Deming and the Mercy Cancer Center for treatment of my
cancer was because of their holistic approach to treatment and
recovery,” Tom says. “I wanted to use everything available to me
to deal with my cancer, and Mercy’s mind, body, and spirit
approach just made sense. Because of this all-inclusive focus,
I’ve been active in all aspects of the LIVESTRONG at the
YMCA program.”
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program features
many other activities for participants, including personalized
exercise programs for patients who have been referred by their
physician. YMCA Healthy Living Center medical and fitness
professionals work one-on-one with survivors to help improve
their cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.
Individuals may work out individually at any time or may
join others in the program during regularly scheduled hours
each week.
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is free of
charge for 12 weeks with a physician referral. Participants can
continue the program longer as members of the YMCA
Healthy Living Center.
& Smoothies
By Lisa M. Jones
MORE PEOPLE ARE SURVIVING CANCER THAN EVER BEFORE. Some are considered cured;
others live day to day with the disease and go about their lives as normally as possible. In
either case, eating right, staying in shape, and maintaining social connections can make
all the difference in a cancer survivor’s quality of life.
Mercy Cancer Center places great importance on patients’ quality of life.
LIVESTRONG™ at the YMCA, a collaboration of the Lance Armstrong Foundation,
the YMCA Healthy Living Center™, and Mercy Cancer Center, is a special program
that addresses all aspects of cancer survivorship. Similar programs exist in communities
across the United States.
“Cancer is definitely a bump in the road of life. But it can also be a springboard to
better living,” says Richard Deming, M.D., medical director of Mercy Cancer Center.
“Through physical activity, healthy nutrition, education, and fellowship, patients will find
strength and enrichment in the journey.”
Each Wednesday cancer survivors gather at the YMCA Healthy Living Center in
Clive for a special lineup that starts with a cancer education session from 5:30 to
6:30 p.m. A new topic is featured each week, ranging from the latest in nutritional
findings to health care reform, alternative medicine, and more. Speakers from Mercy
Medical Center and other area health care providers lead the informative sessions, which
encourage group discussion and participation.
“For me, the one-hour educational program every Wednesday night has been a
valuable source of information on subjects ranging from nutrition to how to deal with
6 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
mercydesmoines.org
mercydesmoines.org
Dr. Deming has been a strong catalyst behind the success
of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA in metro Des Moines. In
fact, many participants attend because Dr. Deming personally
invited them to try it out.
Dr. Deming is a strong advocate of the program: “The
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is here to help patients
better understand the cancer journey and enable them to live
strong through the physical, emotional, and practical challenges
of cancer survivorship.”
Cancer Survivorship Offerings
through LIVESTRONG at the
YMCA Healthy Living Center
Lymphedema Support Group: first Monday of every
other month at 6:30 p.m.
Lymphedema Aquatic Exercise: Tuesdays from
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Healthy Steps, Lebed Method Dance and
Movement: Thursdays from 4:30-5:25 p.m.
Healthy Living Coaches: call (515) 645.3350 for information.
learn more. For more information about the LIVESTRONG at
the YMCA survivorship program, visit MercyDesMoines.org/cancercenter
or HealthyDM.com. You may also call the Medical Programs Office
at (515) 645.3350.
February/March 2011 | 7
Small Device Pumps
New Life
into Patients
By Dawn Sagario Pauls, Photography by Tim Abramowitz
Nancy Meacham calls her husband a “miracle man.”
“He truly, truly shouldn’t be here,” she says of Allan Meacham, to whom she has
been married for 22 years.
On February 1, 2010, Allan was battling for his life at Mercy Medical Center – Des
Moines. He was suffering from severe heart disease, according to Bert Iannone, M.D.,
and his heart was rapidly failing, functioning at only 20 percent.
“He was literally dying right on the table,” says Dr. Iannone, an interventional
cardiologist and director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Mercy Medical
Center – Des Moines.
Then the doctor placed the Impella heart pump in Allan. It saved his life,
Dr. Iannone says.
The new Impella device, about the size of an ink pen, helps a failing heart keep
pumping blood into the body. It works like a boat propeller by creating a sucking effect,
pumping blood from the heart’s left ventricle into the aorta at a rate of up to 2.5 liters
per minute. The Impella helps the heart rest and recover.
Used in acute situations, the device can be left in the body for two to five days,
depending on the patient’s condition. Individuals who have had a heart attack comprise
some of the Impella patient population; other recipients include those with heart failure
or those who have been turned down for heart surgery.
According to Dr. Iannone, “Allan needed this for a short period of time to get it
turned around. I’m certain he would have died without the Impella.”
8 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
mercydesmoines.org
mercydesmoines.org
February/March 2011 | 9
The Impella Heart Pump
The Impella device comes in two sizes: one pumps 2.5
liters of blood per minute; the other pumps 5 liters of
blood per minute. The smaller size is more commonly
placed in patients in the cardiac catheterization lab,
according to Jo Kajewski, an Impella specialist with
Abiomed, manufacturer of the device.
Inserting the Impella takes 10 to 15 minutes, Bert
Iannone, M.D., says, and the procedure can usually
be done using local anesthesia.
The Impella is a newer option to the intra-aortic balloon
pump, which has been in use since the late 1960s, Dr.
Iannone says. The Iowa Heart Center was the first in
the state to use the Impella and has placed about 20
of the devices so far.
One advantage of the Impella is that it is more
efficient when compared to the intra-aortic balloon
pump, which pumps 0.4 liter of blood a minute,
Kajewski says. Also, the Impella can be inserted
through the groin or an arm; the intra-aortic pump
must be placed via the groin.
Patients with the Impella device also do not have to
take specific heart drugs that are required for those
with an intra-aortic balloon pump, which can tax the
heart even more, Dr. Iannone says.
Drawbacks of the Impella include its size (the intraaortic balloon pump is smaller). The Impella’s larger
size increases the risk of bleeding complications at the
site in the groin through which the device is inserted,
Kajewski says.
Top: Allan's grandson, Nick, stands beside his heart-themed
artwork he created for Dr. Iannone. Nick wanted to create
something to thank Dr. Iannone and Mercy for saving his grandpa.
Opposite page: Allan sits at his desk at the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 55, in Des Moines
where he serves as an assistant business manager. Following
his procedures, Allan decided to trade his physically demanding
career as an electrical line worker for a less strenuous office job.
10 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
Total system failure
Allan Meacham just hadn’t been feeling like himself.
He had been short of breath for several weeks leading
up to that harrowing day last February. That wasn’t typical
for Allan, a healthy guy who had been doing the physically
demanding tasks of working on electrical transmission lines
for more than 30 years. He chalked it up to a bad cold
or bronchitis.
“Every once in awhile, I felt like I was winded,” says Allan,
59, from rural Redfield, Iowa. “I would stop and take a break
and I would be OK. As long as I sat down or relaxed, it didn’t
bother me. But that wasn’t normal for me.”
Then on February 1 things quickly took a turn for the
worse while he was helping his son carry some beds. Unable
to catch his breath, Allan went to see his doctor in Des Moines,
who immediately sent him to the emergency room at Mercy.
Something was wrong with his heart.
The plan was to do an angioplasty, says Nancy. The
procedure entails using a tiny balloon to open clogged heart
arteries. But Nancy recalls Allan turning a frightening
blackish-blue color as Dr. Iannone came into the hospital room.
“He got really panicky and he started feeling really hot.
They literally ran him down to the cath lab,” Nancy says.
mercydesmoines.org
There Dr. Iannone placed the Impella device into Allan’s
heart, which stayed there for a few days.
He wouldn’t be here today without the Impella, Nancy
says. “The amazing thing was that he didn’t have to be on it
very long.”
But Allan wasn’t out of the woods yet. A short time
after the procedure, Nancy says, her husband started having
problems breathing and was put on a ventilator. His heart
was going into atrial fibrillation, erratically “quivering” instead
of pumping. His heart stopped beating twice and needed
to be shocked back into a normal rhythm. Allan also had to
be put on a 24-hour dialysis machine for about two weeks,
she says.
“It was total system failure,” Nancy recalls.
Allan was in Mercy’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for
about two weeks, finally released to go home on February 19.
After he was discharged, Allan continued dialysis for some
time and for about a month had to wear a special vest that
would shock his heart back into rhythm if it went into atrial
fibrillation again.
About a month after he came home, his heart function
was up to 45 to 50 percent, and Allan no longer needed the
defibrillator/pacemaker doctors had planned for him.
mercydesmoines.org
Dr. Iannone says the cause of Allan’s heart disease, or
cardiomyopathy, remains unknown. Allan says he did not have
a personal or family history of heart problems.
The whole ordeal is a blur for Allan, who remembers
just bits and pieces of his stay at the hospital. Much has
changed in his life since last February. One of the biggest
adjustments was leaving behind his career as a line worker.
He’s now in a less strenuous job, working as an assistant
business manager with the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers, Local 55, in Des Moines.
In addition, Allan has tweaked his diet and now uses
alternative seasonings instead of salt. He’s also reduced his fat
intake, tries to moderate his physical activity, has given
up drinking, and takes medication to help his heart stay
in rhythm.
Allan feels lucky to be alive and has high praise for
Dr. Iannone.
“I feel pretty fortunate,” he says. “I’m sure glad I got him for
a doctor. He’s number one in my book.”
find out more. For more information about the Impella,
call the cardiovascular service line specialist at Mercy at
(515) 643.2470.
February/March 2011 | 11
nutrition & fitness
your questions, our answers
*
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Good Bacteria
Good for Your Health
Q&A
By Kate Westercamp
YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD of the Activia® 14-Day Challenge
that claims it will regulate your digestive tract or refund your
money. The “miracle” in this product — Bifidobacterium
lactis — is one of more than 400 probiotics that is
naturally found in your digestive tract.
Probiotics (meaning “for life”) are often referred to
as “good” or “friendly” bacteria. It is important to note
that each type of the friendly bacteria has a specific
health benefit to the body. With the vast number of
different types of probiotics identified, researchers are
just starting to uncover the health roles and benefits
of each one.
Foods that contain probiotics are primarily dairy
products and beverages, including yogurt (drinkable
and squeezable), milk with added probiotics, and
fermented milk (such as sweet acidophilus milk).
Although additional research is needed, there’s
encouraging evidence that probitoics may help:
• Protect against infection
• Enhance and boost your immune system
• Promote and improve digestive health
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome
• Alleviate diarrhea caused by antibiotic
treatment
• Prevent and treat yeast infections and urinary
tract infections
• Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu
We answer your health questions.
What is heart failure?
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, means
the heart is not pumping as well as it should to deliver oxygenrich blood to the body’s cells. As a result, fluid, or congestion,
builds up in the lungs and other tissues. Heart failure usually
develops slowly and symptoms worsen with time; however,
patients may not have symptoms for years. This slow onset and
progression is caused by the heart’s own efforts to deal with its
gradual weakening. The heart tries to compensate for the
weakening by becoming enlarged and forcing itself to pump
faster to move more blood throughout the body. Many therapies
can help ease the heart’s workload — including lifestyle
modification, medicine, transcatheter interventions, and surgery.
Will supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate help restore damaged knee cartilage?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons, approximately 27 million Americans suffer from
osteoarthritis, a condition in which the cartilage between bones
wears away and causes pain. Patients often try supplements, such
as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, to help relieve their
pain. Glucosamine, which is found naturally in the body,
stimulates the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin
sulfate, another natural substance found in the body, prevents
12 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
other body enzymes from deteriorating joint cartilage. Although
some patients have shown some improvement while taking
over-the-counter glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, there is
no definite evidence that these supplements are of value in
rebuilding damaged cartilage. Be sure to talk to your doctor or
pharmacist before taking these or any supplements because they
can interact with other medications.
I’ve had several nosebleeds over the last few months.
Should I be concerned or are these normal?
The good news is that many people have occasional
nosebleeds. These events may be scary, but they are generally just
a minor annoyance. The lining of the nose contains many tiny
blood vessels that lie close to the surface and are easily damaged,
which can lead to bleeding. The two most common causes of
nosebleeds are dry air and excessive nose picking. If a nosebleed
occurs, first try sitting upright and leaning forward, or try
pinching both nostrils shut with the thumb and index finger.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, repeat these steps for a total of 20
minutes. If the nosebleeds occur more than once a week, talk to
a doctor. Even if the nosebleed can be stopped fairly easily, determining the cause is important.
have a question?
interested in learning more about good bacteria or
nutrition in general? Join Mercy at one of the free weekly Live
Healthy, Cook Healthy, Be Healthy classes held on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Call Mercy Weight Loss & Nutrition Center at (515) 358.9400 or visit
mercydesmoines.org/weightloss for an updated schedule.
Send it to [email protected].
mercydesmoines.org
mercydesmoines.org
Raw (unpasteurized) yogurt is loaded with bacteria; however,
most yogurts today are pasteurized, a process through which bacteria
are killed. Some manufacturers are adding good bacteria back into
yogurt after the pasteurization process.
“Consumers should realize that more products than those
that are marketed as containing probiotics actually contain
them,” says Katie Kruger, R.D., L.D., Mercy Weight Loss
& Nutrition Center. “Probiotics can be found naturally in
fermented dairy products or yogurt that state they have ‘live and
active’ cultures.”
Bottom line is if you regularly consume yogurt, double-check
your favorite brand to see if it contains live and active cultures. If it
doesn’t, pick up a container that does and try it to see if you like the
taste. Making the switch to yogurt with good bacteria may lead to
improved health.
February/March 2011 | 13
family first
self care
*
*
Steps
to Relieve
Knee Pain
By Megan Jorgensen
Joint Pain Seminar
Learn more about knee pain —
including information about the
latest treatments, medications,
and exercise — at a free Joint
Pain Seminar.
Tuesday, March 1 at 6:00 p.m.
Mercy Medical Center—West Lakes
Cownie Conference Room
1601 60th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
IF ACHING KNEES ARE SLOWING YOU DOWN, you aren’t alone.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,
chronic knee pain is the reason for more than 19 million
physician office visits each year.
As the largest and most complex joint in the body, the knee
is essential for movement — including bending, twisting, and
rotating. Consequently, it is also more susceptible to damage
caused by daily wear and tear, overuse, traumatic injuries, and
other medical conditions such as arthritis.
Whether you already have knee pain or are trying to
prevent it, there are a number of things you can do to ensure
your knees are as healthy as possible. Mercy Joint Camp educator
Mary Ann Be suggests you consider the following options:
Get a good diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis ensures
you receive proper treatment for your knee pain. Early
treatment can also mean less damage to your joint and an
improved quality of life.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts an
additional strain of up to three to five times your body weight
on your knees, increasing your risk of ligament and tendon
injuries as well as osteoarthritis.
Exercise regularly. Not only does exercise promote
overall good health, it also increases joint mobility and
flexibility. Try swimming or other low-impact activities, such as
walking or cycling on a stationary bike.
Consider using pain medications. Your doctor may
recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs to help
relieve your pain.
Overall, says Be, patients need to respect their pain. “Pain
is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If your
symptoms persist or worsen, report them to your doctor.”
learn more. For more information about Mercy Orthopaedics or to register for a free Joint Pain Seminar, call
(515) 643.BONE, email [email protected], or visit mercydesmoines.org/ortho.
14 | health matters | MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
mercydesmoines.org
Focusing on
ADHD & Families
By Kate Westercamp
“KIDS
WILL BE KIDS” is a phrase we’ve all heard. It’s normal for
children to be hyper, inattentive, and bouncing from one activity to
another, right? That is technically correct. But when these
behaviors are more severe, occur more often than they should, and
interfere with the ability to live a normal life, your child may have
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — one of the
most common childhood disorders. To be diagnosed with ADHD,
a child must have symptoms for six or more months to a degree
that is greater than other children of the same age (see
sidebar for signs and symptoms of ADHD).
If your child is diagnosed with having attention deficit
disorder (ADD) or ADHD, the whole family will also go through
an adjustment phase. You should keep in mind that ADD or
ADHD is the result of dysfunction in certain areas of the brain
and in the majority of cases is inherited. It is not caused by poor
parenting or a chaotic home environment.
Although the symptoms of ADD/ADHD can be nothing
short of exasperating, it’s important to remember that although
your child with ADD/ADHD may annoy or embarrass you, he or
she is not doing so intentionally. Children with ADD/ADHD
want to do everything you say to make you proud; they just don’t
know how to make these things happen.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, your
best assets are your positive attitude and common sense. When you
are calm and focused, you are more likely to be able to connect with
your child, helping him or her to be calm and focused as well.
When it comes to school, you may have to represent or
protect your child’s best interests in many situations, both
academic and behavioral. Become an active part of the team that
determines what services and placements your child receives in
an individualized education plan.
“It is important for parents to remember that their child
is unique; therefore, the behavior modifications that work for
95 percent of children may not work for their child,” says
Licensed Independent Social Worker Lisa Baxter, Mercy
Behavioral Health Clinic. “It can be frustrating for the parent, but
I encourage the parents of my clients to become their child’s
best advocate.”
Baxter adds there are informal as well as formal modifications
that can be put in place to ensure academic success while avoiding
damage to your child’s self-esteem.
mercydesmoines.org
Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
The signs and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) typically appear before the age of
seven; however, it can be difficult to distinguish between
ADHD and normal kid behavior. Three primary
characteristics of ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity,
and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms a child with
ADHD has depend on which characteristics predominate.
A child with ADHD may exhibit one or more of the
following symptoms:
• Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and
frequently switch from one activity to another
• Have difficulty focusing on one thing
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes
unless he or she is doing something enjoyable
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and
completing a task or learning something new
• Have trouble completing or turning in homework
assignments, often losing things needed to complete
tasks or activities (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments)
• Not seem to listen when spoken to
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and
accurately as others
• Struggle to follow instructions
go further. If you think your child may have ADHD, contact your child’s
pediatrician.To find a Mercy Clinics pediatrician close to you, please call
Mercy Nurse at (515) 643.2584 or visit mercyclinicsdesmoines.org.
February/March 2011 | 15