Health Heroes

Transcription

Health Heroes

The Waiting Room Companion Created for Your Doctor’s Office
®
webmd.com
the Magazine
11 mind
Can dads get postpartum?
32 beauty
holiday gift pampering picks
51 fitness
is your workout wimpy?
52 parenting
Nov./Dec. 2010 $4.95
Holiday
recipes
Top chefs’
festive faves
72
Child with a chronic illness?
54 recipes
Three ways to cook chicken
78 allergies
is it a cold or allergies?
79 diabetes
Do you know your a1c?
80 heart
the lowdown on cholesterol
81 sleep
Is RLS keeping you up?
82 pain
are your knees at ease?
Health
Heroes
Meet our six
visionaries!
Taylor’s
time
64
Music star Swift’s
secrets for success,
on and off the stage
60
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November/December 2010
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D
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features
58
wellness
The chart-topping
singer-songwriter’s
Taylor Swift never set out to be extraordinary. Like
most of us, all she wanted was to be heard. Little
did she know as she sat in her childhood bedroom
in Wyomissing, Pa., giving voice to feelings about
crushes, heartache, and troubled friendships, that one
day millions of people would respond. That she would
secrets for
healthy living
and success on
and off the stage
onTour Taylor
By Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, WebMD Contributing Writer
with
wellness
On Tour With Taylor
How does chart-topping music sensation Taylor Swift keep
her feet on the ground when they are so often walking the
red carpet in Manolo Blahniks? Swift reveals her secrets for
personal balance and career success on and off the stage to
WebMD contributing writer Rebecca Ascher-Walsh. PLUS:
Taylor’s rules for healthy living on the road.
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
WebMD MEDICAL EDITOR
76
WebMD the Magazine | November/December 2010
November/December 2010 | WebMD the Magazine
77
Cover photo By Joseph Anthony BAker
Focus On
Depression
SpeCIal
FeaTure
WebMD health heroes
holiday recipes
Three top chefs’ very own Yuletide recipes
home
Fighting
for Boys
This content is selected and controlled by WebMD’s editorial staff and is brought to you by AstraZeneca
Patricia Furlong
Holidays
W
Taking the
WebMD’s fifth
annual tribute
honors six
visionaries who
are changing
the lives of
others through
their caring
and hard work
Next Step
How are you managing
your depression? 56
An author writes his way
through the darkness 58
Ask our experts 60
Test your
depression IQ 61
Questions for
your doctor 62
2010
Health Heroes
55
82
43
Focus on Depression
A special look at expert strategies
for managing this complex disease.
What’s Your
Cough IQ?
Test your cold-and-flu
smarts with our quiz.
spotlight
24
wellness
64
hen Patricia Furlong’s sons,
Christopher and Patrick, were
diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1984, the doctor simply
said, “There is no hope.” At that time there
was no treatment for the disease, the major
type of muscular dystrophy and the most
common fatal genetic disorder. Duchenne
strikes only boys and leads to progressive
muscle weakness, an inability to move the
arms and legs, and eventually death. Yet
while Furlong, 63, a former intensive care
unit nurse, was often overwhelmed, she
didn’t give up hope. “I remember one day
I told Chris, ‘I want a miracle,’ she recalls.
“And he looked at me and said, ‘Miracles
don’t just happen for one or two of us,
Mommy. They have to happen for all of
us.’” Furlong threw herself into creating
those miracles. In 1994, she established
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy to bring
parents, researchers, and doctors together
to fundraise and advocate for better care
for Duchenne patients. PPMD’s lobbying
efforts resulted in Congress’s passing the
MD-CARE Act in 2001, which designated
funds for research on muscular dystrophy.
As a result, boys with Duchenne now walk
into their teens and 20s. Her own sons
stopped walking at 9 and died at 15 and
17. But every time Furlong meets a new
family, she thinks, “All I ever wanted was to
buy five minutes more of life for my sons.
I can’t fix everything for these families. But
I can try to buy them five minutes more.”
—Susan Davis
83
for the
For a fresh take on festive foods, we
asked Iron Chef Cat Cora, Mom-a-licious chef Domenica
Catelli, and our own nutrition expert Carolyn O’Neil, MS,
RD, for the family holiday recipes they return to most
often. The result? Dishes that transform familiar tastes from
“same old” to “something special.” From Cora’s Caribbeanthemed curried lentils with butternut squash to O’Neil’s
can’t-skip-this salad to Catelli’s guiltless mashed potatoes,
each recipe rethink provides inspiration on how a little
redo leads to redux: newfangled favorites you’ll want to
prepare again and again. Plus, stress-busting tips for home
cooks to take the worry out of holiday prep.
By Monica Kass Rogers, WebMD Contributing Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RH/LD
WebMD DIRECTOR OF NUTRITION
72
wellness
Photography by Renée Comet; Styling by Lisa Cherkasky
91
90
recipes
WebMD’s 2010 Visionaries
Home for the Holidays
WebMD’s annual tribute honors six
Americans who are helping transform
the health lives of others. This year’s
roster includes Patricia Furlong, who
is fighting for boys with Duchesne
muscular dystrophy, T. Denny Sanford,
who is building a national network of
health clinics, and model/filmmaker
Christy Turlington, who is speaking
out about women’s rights to safer
childbirth practices.
We asked three top chefs what
they’re serving at their own tables
this year. Iron Chef Cat Cora shares
her recipe for pomegranate-glazed
Cornish game hens. Dietitian and
food writer Carolyn O’Neil, RD,
MS, is making a colorful fennel,
orange, and pomegranate salad.
And chef/cookbook author
Domenica Catelli whips up her
no-guilt mashed potatoes.
Learn more about these featured issues and all health topics.
WebMD.com
1
departments
32
5 Nan’s Note
8 Healthy Start
Does cranberry juice really help
a UTI, can dads get postpartum depression,
and what’s the water–weight loss link?
18
21 Medical File
Click Here
What’s new at WebMD.com.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Terrell Owens tackles Alzheimer’s, and
Larry King Live producer Wendy Walker
writes about breaking health news.
my Webmd
Ricardo Mejia,
17, has lost
more than
65 pounds.
By Ricardo Mejia
WebMD.com community member
I started gaInIng weight when I was about 11. I just wasn’t
very active. I would come home from school every day and
watch tV. My parents are from el salvador—I moved here
when I was 7—and they’re very protective. they didn’t feel
comfortable having me out and about after school, so I became
quite sedentary. and my diet wasn’t good: Most of the time we
ate frozen, packaged foods and a lot of sweets. It was just more
convenient for us.
By the end of my freshman year in high school, I weighed
close to 250 pounds and I was only 5 feet 8 inches tall. When
I walked I couldn’t breathe well, and I could feel my heart
pounding in my chest. going up and down stairs was difficult.
When I had phys ed, I sometimes found it difficult to run and
pass the fitness tests. But I tried my best.
I decided I needed to lose weight when I was 15. I was wearing pants that had a 36-inch waist and 30-inch length, but even
they were so tight they were uncomfortable. Plus, I knew that
there was diabetes on both sides of my family. By that point, I
was a freshman in high school. I had a little more independence.
I decided to join my school’s dragon boat team. dragon boats are
large, wooden, and very team-heavy boats, so I was getting a lot
of exercise—not just the paddling, but running, push-ups, and
sit-ups. It was more exercise than I had ever gotten in my life. I
started feeling strong and healthy.
By my sophomore year, I was down to 200 pounds. at that
point, I joined the swim team, too. I don’t know how I kept up my
grades, but I did. My grades have always been very consistent, but
the fact that I had to keep my grades up to stay on the teams was a
big, big motivation. My life was changing in a really good way.
I started reading articles in sports magazines about how it’s
important to eat well, so I changed my diet, too. I began eating
peanut butter and green apples. I stopped eating packaged foods.
My pediatrician sent me to a nutritionist who taught me a lot. she
would tell me to keep going, keep trying, and that helped a lot.
the rest of my family hasn’t changed how they eat, but lots of
times I come home after they’ve already had dinner, so I make my
own meals. sometimes my grandmother complains about how
I’m eating differently—she thinks I have an eating disorder!—
but they are impressed that I’ve lost so much weight.
today I’m 17, 6 feet 1 inch tall, and I weigh 185 pounds. I
feel good. If I had to tell other obese teens one thing, it’s this:
It’s really easy to change your way of eating. teens get hooked
on candy and soda, but it’s just as easy to drink mineral water
instead. don’t get it in your head that you can’t fix it. You can.
sooner or later you’ll end up losing the weight. Believe me, if I
can do it, anyone can.
Read more stories and share your own in our community.
28
WebMD.com
22
My WebMD
How one
determined high school boy
lost more than 65 pounds.
27 Exam Room
Making scents of the
history of perfume.
21
2
32 Living Well
32 Gift of Beauty Shopping
around for holiday gift suggestions?
We asked our beauty expert for some
of her favorite pampering products.
38 The Makeup of Makeup
What’s in nail polish, anyway?
39 To Dye For Is it safe to
permanently tint brows and lashes?
40 Sensitive Subject Do your
favorite foods make your teeth hurt?
personal stories from Webmd.com members
Lost and Found
webmd.com
the Magazine
53 Healthy Eats
What’s good for you this month:
November’s healthy picks. PLUS: Take this
issue’s Healthy Start Challenge!
10 WebMD Wire
®
51 Health Matters
51 fitness
Easy Does It? Is your workout
too wimpy, too hard, or just right?
PLUS: Check out WebMD’s “Nine
Least Effective Exercises” slideshow.
52 parenting
No Kidding Parenting a child
with a chronic disease can be
tough on the whole family.
53 Anatomy of Cinnamon The healthy history
of this posh spice.
54 Three Ways to Cook Chicken The bird is
the word when it’s time to serve healthy meals.
Try our grilled Tuscan chicken, Asian chicken
stir-fry, and white chicken chili.
56 Poultry Pantry Picks Stock up the healthy
way with our shopping list.
40
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health conditions.
Is it a cold or allergies?
diabetes
Do you know your A1c?
heart
The lowdown on cholesterol
sleep
Could RLS be keeping you up?
pain
Are your knees at ease?
cancer
What’s your lung cancer risk?
86WebMD Checkup
Carrie Fisher cracks wise about the ups
and downs of her bipolar disease, her favorite
cheat food, and the healthy role of humor.
Note: To learn more about October issue cover star
Christina Applegate’s Right Action for Women, an
Entertainment Industry Foundation initiative, visit
www.rightactionforwomen.org.
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4
from the editor in chief
the Magazine
Ch ief Executive O f f ice r •
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se n i o r Di rect o r, Pub l ic Rel ati o n s •
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Dep uty E dit or •
nan’s note
I am pretty sure that I have retained nothing from seventh grade or ninth grade—as
measured by my ability to help my daughters with their homework!
What excites me beyond all belief, however, are the mind-bending conversations I am
having with my tween and teen. They now want—and need—to discuss lessons from
school at the dinner table: governance and leadership strategies from 400 years ago, the
carbon footprint of our home, the importance of the horizon line in drawing. Inspiring.
I am so touched by their journey of learning new things about our history, ourselves,
and others. I love to see that sparkle of aspiration in the eyes of anyone learning something new. In this spirit, our November/December issue is packed with inspiration and
insights into the journeys of some of our favorite people.
“Recognize that anxiety’s not inherently bad. It’s uncomfortable while it’s happening, but it can also propel you out of a rut … it can also lead to something that takes
you out of that feeling and into something creative.” Sage advice from 20-year-old
singer-songwriter Taylor Swift (see page 58 for our cover story).
When we interviewed producer extraordinaire Wendy Walker (page 21), the talent
behind the talent of Larry King Live, I realized that she and Larry King were talking to real
people and celebrities about health topics long before these became part of the public
forum. I also enjoyed Wendy’s new book, Producer: Lessons Shared From 30Years in Television, a quick
and easy read that reminded me there is always something to aspire to—and it can be within reach each and every day.
Whether it is through the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s disease that prevents Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Terrell Owens from sharing his football victories with the woman who inspired him (page 21); the humor and fearlessness of best-selling author and award-winning actor Carrie Fisher, who wants to join a support group for those
who ingest too many peanut butter health bars (love her!, page 86); or the courage and dedication of our fifth annual
WebMD Health Heroes (page 64), we hope to inspire you this holiday season.
On behalf of the more than 1,000 stellar, hard-working, and passionate health information advocates I have the pleasure of working with and learning from here at WebMD every day, I warmly wish you an inspired and inspiring winter
season filled with a bit of joy and laughter.
Nan-Kirsten Forte, MS
Editor in Chief, WebMD the Magazine
We’ll let you in on a little secret. Generic
drugs use the same active ingredients as
brand-name drugs and are approved by
the FDA. Which is why we can offer many
generics for just $4 for a 30-day supply,
or only $10 for a 90-day supply. So you’ll
have more money to save for the things
you really want.
More questions? Come on in and ask us.
Or, search pharmacy at Target.com.
Target Pharmacies are not located in all Target stores, hours vary by location, services of pharmacist may not be available at all times when Target stores are open. Free translation services available. $4 prescriptions include up to a 30-day supply of covered drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. $10 prescriptions include
up to a 90-day supply of covered drugs at commonly prescribed dosages. Physician permission may be required to change a 30-day prescription to a 90-day prescription. These drugs may be priced higher in CA, HI, MN, MT, PA, RI, TN, WI, and WY. Please ask your Target Pharmacist for specific pricing in these states.
©2010 Target Stores. Target and the Bullseye Design are registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. 070310
Absolutely.
are $4
generics
really just
as good?
healthy start
good for you this month
If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib),
november’s Quick Picks
a clot can form in your heart,
C Fare
Oil Well
travel to your brain, and cause strokes.
Berry good news: Cranberries don’t just make your
Thanksgiving spread festive. They make it extra
healthy. One serving of the bright red berries, at
their peak through December, provides nearly a
quarter of your daily vitamin C needs.
Nix dry wintry skin by adding
essential oils when you scrub
up, says WebMD skin care expert
Susan Evans, MD. “Douse your
body with oil, such as 5,000 IU
Vitamin E Pure Beauty Oil from
JASON ($6.99) when you get in
the shower to lock in moisture.”
Or, post-shower, fill the palm of
your hand with a lotion containing petroleum-free oil such as
Carol’s Daughter Body Jelly
($15), which contains jojoba
and sweet almond oils, and then
rub it in.
healthy
eats
If you have AFib:
fit
You’re nearly 5x as likely to
suffer a stroke than someone
without AFib.
tip
These strokes are about twice
as likely to be fatal or severely
disabling.
skin care
Next snow day, skip the gym and hit the nearest hill.
Sledding is as good for you as it is fun to do, says
WebMD fitness expert Pamela Peeke, MD. “Sledding
is a total body workout,” helping with balance and
flexibility and engaging the entire upper body, core,
and leg muscles as you trudge back up the slope
after each run.
Is Your Cold Weather
Workout a Winner?
Step Up
What’s your outdoor fitness plan when
the mercury dips? Take our Healthy Start
Challenge! Tell us your go-to winter workout:
go to the magazine community
board (search “magazine
community”) at WebMD.com
for a chance to win a $20
Whole Foods gift certificate!
Andi Gabrick
Senior Editor, WebMD the Magazine
Get up and give back
this season. November
is the official awareness
month for both diabetes
and Alzheimer’s disease. Join
a Step Out walk for diabetes
on Nov. 13 in Tampa, Fla., and
Nov. 20 in Houston, or one of
the many year-round Memory
Walks for Alzheimer’s; find out more
at stepout.diabetes.org and alz.org.
Take this issue’s Healthy Start Challenge and you could win a prize!
8
give back
WebMD.com
clockwise from top right: Lauren Nicole/Getty Images; Amana Productions Inc/Getty Images; Jonathan Kantor/Getty Images
snow
excuses
Fill out the attached card to
get your FREE book and the
facts about AFib and stroke.
Or call 1-877-796-AFib (2342)
or visit www.afibstroke.com
Copyright © 2010
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
All rights reserved. (11/10)
AFIB81822CONS
®
wire
Slow Burn
the health news beat at WebMD.com
Source: American Chemical Society fall 2010 national meeting
17,465
Estimated number
of people treated for
holiday decoratingrelated falls in
emergency rooms
2000 to 2003.
Source: CDC
10
Blues
clues
College students are reporting more
mental health problems these days,
but that’s not necessarily bad news,
according to a new study.
John Guthman, PhD, director of
counseling services at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., reviewed the
records of more than 3,200 college
students seeking counseling services at
a midsized private university over the
last 12 years. He found that in 2009,
41% of the students reported mental
health problems—including moderate and severe depression—up from
34% in 1997. This could be because of
earlier and better diagnosis, he noted,
which means that students are arriving
on campus with health conditions.
Guthman also found that twice as
many students were taking psychiatric medicines for depression, anxiety,
and attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder. But fewer were reporting
problems such as thoughts of suicide
(26% versus 11%)—also due, Guthman hypothesizes, to better diagnosis
and treatment.
If your own child has a history of
mental health issues and you’re looking at colleges this fall, Guthman recommends asking if faculty and staff
are trained to recognize the warning
signs of mental illness.
Source: American Psychological Association’s 2010 convention
Source: American Journal of Health Promotion
top: Henrik Weis/Corbis; Jade Brookbank/Getty Images
Women have been saying for
decades that cranberry juice can
prevent urinary tract infection
(UTI). But does it really work?
New research says “yes.”
The study—presented at the
national meeting of the American
Chemical Society in Boston—isn’t
the first to say this is true. Previous
studies have suggested that the active
compounds in cranberry juice fight bacteria,
including E. coli, in the urinary tract. But this latest study, conducted by scientists at Worcester
Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, suggests that the beneficial substances in cranberry
juice could reach the urinary tract and prevent bacteria from sticking together and multiplying within eight hours. The researchers grew strains of E. coli in urine collected from healthy
people before and after they drank cranberry juice cocktail. (They chose the cocktail blend,
which is sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, because most people prefer it over
straight cranberry juice.)
Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. They account for 8
million trips to the doctor’s office every year and cost more than $1.6 billion to treat. Left
untreated, the infections can become very severe and migrate to the kidneys. And while drinking cranberry juice may not be a way to self-treat a UTI, the researchers said, it could be an
inexpensive way to keep E. coli at bay.
clockwise from top right: Image Source/Getty Images; Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/Getty Images; Petr Gros/StockFood Munich
Berry
Good
Tai Chi looks so slow and lowkey that it might be hard to
believe it’s a workout that’s good
for you. But a recent review of
studies of both Tai Chi and a
similar Chinese practice, Qigong,
shows that these exercises might
help improve heart health, the
immune system, and overall
quality of life.
Both Tai Chi and Qigong incorporate slow physical movements,
meditative dance-like movements, and regulation of the breath, mind, and body. Arizona State University researchers analyzed 77 studies (which included some 6,400
participants) of how the practices affect emotional and physical health. The result? The
practices appear to have improved the study participants’ bone health, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical functioning, balance, quality of life, and psychological health.
How so? The researchers speculated that a combination of self-awareness with selfcorrection of the posture and movement of the body, the flow of breath, and mindfulness may help activate the body’s natural self-regulatory and self-healing capacity.
Sad dads
Brooke Shields’ experience helped bring
greater awareness of postpartum depression
among new moms a few years ago. But new
research now suggests that fathers of babies are
also at risk for this mental health disorder.
Researchers examined health records from more
than 350 doctors’ practices in the U.K. from 1993
to 2007. They found that close to 40% of
new moms and 21% of new dads
had a bout of depression during
their child’s first 12 years of life.
The risk was most pronounced
during the first year after birth.
The researchers attribute the
paternal depression to the normal
wear and tear associated with the
birth of a baby, including lack of
sleep and changes in the parents’
roles, responsibilities, and
relationship. Younger parents, those dealing with
financial pressures, and
those with a history
of depression were at
greatest risk.
I WILL
PARTICIPATE
TODAY
When you serve your community
you enrich your life. Helping
others makes you healthier.
Community work brings families
closer together. When you lift
other’s spirits, you feel better about
yourself. Doing good is good for
everyone. How will you participate?
Visit:
www.DoGoodLiveWell.org
Gwyneth Paltrow is an EIF Ambassador.
Photographed by Jesse Dylan.
Source: Archives of Pediatric and
Adolescent Medicine
iParticipate is an EIF Initiative
The
One Day
Canker Sore
Patch
Patch sticks directly to
the sore inside your
mouth and forms
a protective gellike bandage.
®
wire
96%
Adults who
say they
always wash
their hands
in public
bathrooms.
Packing
It In
Tobacco use by
middle and high
school students has
declined over the
past decade, but it’s
not dropping as fast
as it could. And that
means that comprehensive anti-tobacco
programs need
more funding, according to a recent CDC report. From 2000 to 2009, the CDC found, the
percentage of high school kids using tobacco declined from 34.5% to 23.9%, and the percentage of middle school students using tobacco dropped from 15.1% to 8.2%.
But between 2006 and 2009, the only real declines were among middle school
and high school girls and non-Hispanic whites using cigarettes. As such, tobacco use
among high school students remains above target levels, the CDC says.
The CDC based its analysis on data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, a
school-based study that collects information on tobacco use and related behaviors.
In this study, 22,679 young people answered questionnaires each year from 2000 to
2009. The questions covered not only cigarettes, but also cigars, smokeless tobacco,
pipes, “bidies” (small brown cigarettes wrapped in leaves), and clove cigarettes. To
address the problem, the CDC has called for tobacco tax increases, more tobacco-free
policies, and more restrictions on tobacco advertisements.
85%
The number
who actually
do, according
to one
observational
study.
Source: Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy and The Cleaning Institute
Source: CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
CREATE
THE
GOOD
®
t
• Shields from Irritants
• Eat and drink pain-free for
up to 12 hours
*Based on results published in J.Pharm Sciences, Vol 93, NO. 12, 12/04 (78% of patients
had 24 hour resolution); Drugs in R&D 2008 Vol. 9, No.1 (24 hour median time to resolution)
Free trial sample:
1-800-448-1448
Store finder/coupons:
CankerCover.com
Seating Chart
Using a rear-facing car seat reduces your baby’s risk of dying in a car accident by
71%. But new research shows that using the seat outside your car can increase your
baby’s risk of injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Based on an analysis of data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the researchers found that between 2003 and 2007 an estimated 43,562
babies nationwide went to the emergency room for car seat–related injuries that weren’t due to car accidents. Approximately 85% of those injuries
occurred during falls—either when the baby fell out of the car seat or when
the whole car seat (with baby inside) fell from an elevated surface, like a shopping cart or table. Slightly more than 8% of the 2,000 infants in the sample
had to be admitted to the hospital. Three of the infants died.
The researchers also discovered that the most vulnerable time for car seat
injuries is when babies are 4 months and younger—perhaps because these
babies aren’t yet mobile, so parents have a false sense of security. But even at
that young age, babies can wiggle enough to slide right out of the seat. If you
need to take your baby—in his car seat—out of the car (when he’s asleep, for
instance), be sure to keep him strapped in and leave the car seat on the floor.
Source: Pediatrics
The results are in from the
October issue poll!
’Tis the Season to...
Q: What’s your can’t-say-no
holiday indulgence?
❍Eating! I bake my way through
the holiday season.
Q: How do your routines change
when the daylight hours get
shorter?
❍Drinking! I can’t
say no to eggnog.
75% M
y routine doesn’t
change at all.
❍Music!
Dashing
through
the snow...
9% I work out in the morning.
top: Image Source/Photolibrary; Martin Poole/Getty Images
• Immediate Pain Relief
Poll
top: Stuart Paton/Getty Images; Luc Beziat/Getty Images
Eliminates most
Canker Sores
in just one day*
The WebMD
9% I skip workouts because it
gets darker earlier.
4% I get to work earlier and leave
earlier to enjoy more daylight.
3% I work later.
Visit WebMD.com/magazine and
enter our November/December
2010 poll!
❍Shopping!
’Tis the season
to spend,
spend, spend.
There are so many ways to
serve. Now more than ever,
it is our time to work as one.
Find out how you can ease
a burden, create something
beautiful, or be there for
someone else. Help can come
in so many forms. How will you
participate?
Visit:
www.CreateTheGood.org
Faith Hill is an EIF Ambassador.
Photographed by Jesse Dylan.
❍Movies!
I’ve seen
It’s a
Wonderful
Life 100
times.
Source: 2010 WebMD Poll
iParticipate is an EIF Initiative
®
wire
Hands Off
WIN
$500
from WebMD
Log on to
www.webmd.com/magazine/survey
and tell us why you read us.
The wAITINg ROOM COMPANION Created for Your Doctor’s Office
®
Want to raise a peaceful child? Don’t spank
him, a new study shows. The study finds that
children who are spanked (or otherwise punished
physically) as 3-year-olds are more likely to
behave aggressively by the age of 5.
In the study, researchers at Tulane University
in New Orleans asked 2,500 mothers how often
they had spanked their 3-year-old in the past
month. When the children turned 5, the researchers then asked the mothers about their kids’
aggressive behaviors, such as bullying, cruelty, and
fighting with other children.
Although the American Academy of Pediatrics
“strongly opposes striking a child for any reason,”
about 54% of the mothers surveyed said they had spanked their child in the month before.
Spanking supporters claim hitting helps children learn to control their behavior and act appropriately. But even controlling for other factors (including maternal depression, stress, and drug
use), the results clearly showed a link between spanking and later, aggressive behavior.
Rather than striking children, the researchers recommend using age-appropriate, positive, nonphysical forms of discipline, such as timeouts and rewards for good behavior.
A different
approach to
treating moderate
to severe RA—
ACTEMRA
Julie W.
Living with RA
for 25 years
For more information about ACTEMRA, call 1-800-ACTEMRA or visit www.ACTEMRA.com
Source: Pediatrics
webmd.com
the magazine
ACTEMRA is a prescription medicine called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitor. ACTEMRA is used to treat adults
with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) antagonist has been used and did not work well.
July/August2010$4.95
21 beauty
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helping children lose weight
32 parenting
when kids fear the doctor
34 sleep
can night owls change?
Rock on
Is mineral makeup
right for you?
44
35 pain
Big picture
does everything hurt?
36 recipe
peachy keen chicken salad
53 allergies
Elizabeth Gilbert’s
book-to-film journey
test your food allergy iq
54 heart
women’s heart attack smarts
55 cancer
truth about breast cancer
16
Carrie
Away
Country star Underwood’s
strategies for keeping it real
and healthy on the road
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111 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10011.
Forget the appetite-suppressing candies and
meal-in-a-can weight-loss drinks. The most
powerful diet tool may also be one of the most
humble: water.
Brenda Davy, PhD, an associate professor of
nutrition at Virginia Tech and senior author of a
new study, says that drinking just two 8-ounce
glasses of water before meals helps people melt
pounds away. In fact, over the course of 12
weeks, dieters who drank water before meals,
three times a day, lost about five pounds more
than dieters who did not increase water intake.
In Davy’s study, 48 adults ages 55 to 75
were divided into two groups. Both groups ate
low-calorie diets, but one group drank two
cups of water before meals and the other did
not. After 12 weeks, water drinkers lost about
15.5 pounds, compared to non-water-drinking
dieters, who lost 11 pounds. Prior to the study,
each adult drank about 1.5 cups of water per
day. Davy theorizes that drinking water helps
people lose weight because it fills them up
without adding calories to their diet.
The study is the first to report such findings, although anecdotal evidence has long
suggested that drinking water helps wash the
pounds away.
Source: American Chemical Society fall 2010 national meeting
TNF antagonists include Enbrel® (etanercept), Remicade® (infliximab), Humira® (adalimumab), Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol)
and Simponi™ (golimumab).*
Important Safety Information
Some people have serious infections while taking ACTEMRA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria,
fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections.
Other serious side effects of ACTEMRA include tears (perforation) of the stomach and intestines, changes in blood test results,
hepatitis B infection in those already carrying the virus, nervous system problems, and serious allergic reactions.
Water
Weight
Common side effects with ACTEMRA include upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), headache, and
increased blood pressure (hypertension).
Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. It is not known if ACTEMRA will harm your unborn baby.
Genentech has a registry for pregnant women who take ACTEMRA. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking ACTEMRA, contact the
registry at 1-877-311-8972 and talk to your healthcare provider.
top: Raoul Minsart/Masterfile; Cimbal/StockFood Munich
31 fitness
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see next page for brief summary for additional safety information.
*All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Ask your doctor if ACTEMRA is
the right treatment for you.
ACTEMRA® (AC-TEM-RA) (tocilizumab)
This is the consumer brief summary. For more information,
please refer to the full prescribing information.
Rx only
Read the Medication Guide that comes with ACTEMRA before you
start it and before each infusion. There may be new information.
This brief summary does not take the place of talking with
your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your
treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about
ACTEMRA? ACTEMRA can cause serious side effects including:
1. Serious Infections
ACTEMRA is a medicine that affects your immune system.
ACTEMRA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight
infections. Some people have serious infections while taking
ACTEMRA, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused
by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the
body. Some people have died from these infections.
s9OURDOCTORSHOULDTESTYOUFOR4"BEFORESTARTING!#4%-2!
s9OURDOCTORSHOULDMONITORYOUCLOSELYFORSIGNSAND
symptoms of TB during treatment with ACTEMRA.
9OUSHOULDNOTSTARTTAKING!#4%-2!IFYOUHAVEANYKINDOF
infection unless your healthcare provider says it is okay.
Before starting ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider if
you:
sTHINKYOUHAVEANINFECTIONORHAVESYMPTOMSOFANINFECTION
such as:
- fever, sweating, or chills
- muscle aches
- cough
- shortness of breath
- blood in phlegm
- weight loss
- warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- diarrhea or stomach pain
- burning when you urinate or urinating more often than
normal
- feel very tired
sAREBEINGTREATEDFORANINFECTION
sGETALOTOFINFECTIONSORHAVEINFECTIONSTHATKEEP
coming back
sHAVEDIABETES()6ORAWEAKIMMUNESYSTEM0EOPLEWITH
these conditions have a higher chance for infections.
sHAVE4"ORHAVEBEENINCLOSECONTACTWITHSOMEONE
with TB
sLIVEORHAVELIVEDORHAVETRAVELEDTOCERTAINPARTSOFTHE
country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and
the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for
getting certain kinds of fungal infections (histoplasmosis,
coccidiomycosis, or blastomycosis). These infections may
happen or become more severe if you use ACTEMRA. Ask your
healthcare provider, if you do not know if you have lived in an
area where these infections are common.
sHAVEORHAVEHADHEPATITIS"
After starting ACTEMRA, call your healthcare provider right away
if you have any symptoms of an infection. ACTEMRA can make
you more likely to get infections or make worse any infection that
you have.
2. Tears (perforation) of the stomach or intestines.
s"EFORETAKING!#4%-2!TELLYOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERIF
you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the
large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines.
Some people taking ACTEMRA get tears in their stomach
or intestine. This happens most often in people who also
take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
corticosteroids, or methotrexate.
s4ELLYOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERRIGHTAWAYIFYOUHAVEFEVERAND
stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in
your bowel habits.
3. Changes in certain laboratory test results.
9OURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERSHOULDDOBLOODTESTSBEFOREYOUSTART
receiving ACTEMRA and every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment
to check for the following side effects of ACTEMRA:
sLOWNEUTROPHILCOUNT.EUTROPHILSAREWHITEBLOODCELLSTHAT
help the body fight off bacterial infections.
sLOWPLATELETCOUNT0LATELETSAREBLOODCELLSTHATHELPWITH
blood clotting and stop bleeding.
sINCREASEINCERTAINLIVERFUNCTIONTESTS
9OUSHOULDNOTRECEIVE!#4%-2!IFYOURNEUTROPHILORPLATELET
counts are too low or your liver function tests are too high.
9OURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERMAYSTOPYOUR!#4%-2!TREATMENT
for a period of time or change your dose of medicine if needed
because of changes in these blood test results.
9OUMAYALSOHAVECHANGESINOTHERLABORATORYTESTSSUCHAS
YOURBLOODCHOLESTEROLLEVELS9OURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERSHOULDDO
blood tests to check your cholesterol levels 4 to 8 weeks after
you start receiving ACTEMRA, and then every 6 months after that.
Normal cholesterol levels are important to good heart health.
4. Cancer.
ACTEMRA may decrease the activity of your immune system.
Medicines that affect the immune system may increase your
risk of certain cancers. Tell your healthcare provider if you
have ever had any type of cancer.
See “What are the possible side effects with ACTEMRA?” for
more information about side effects.
What is ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA is a prescription medicine called an Interleukin-6
(IL-6) receptor inhibitor. ACTEMRA is used to treat adults with
moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after at
least one other medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)
antagonist has been used and did not work well.
It is not known if ACTEMRA is safe and effective in children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before receiving
ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA may not be right for you. Before starting
ACTEMRA, tell your healthcare provider if you:
sHAVEANINFECTION3EEh7HATISTHEMOSTIMPORTANTINFORMATION
I should know about ACTEMRA?”
sHAVELIVERPROBLEMS
sHAVEANYSTOMACHAREAABDOMINALPAINORBEENDIAGNOSED
with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
sHAVEORHADACONDITIONTHATAFFECTSYOURNERVOUSSYSTEMSUCHAS
multiple sclerosis
sHAVERECENTLYRECEIVEDORARESCHEDULEDTORECEIVEAVACCINE
0EOPLEWHOTAKE!#4%-2!SHOULDNOTRECEIVELIVEVACCINES
People taking ACTEMRA can receive non-live vaccines
sPLANTOHAVESURGERYORAMEDICALPROCEDURE
sHAVEANYOTHERMEDICALCONDITIONS
sPLANTOBECOMEPREGNANTORAREPREGNANT)TISNOTKNOWNIF
!#4%-2!WILLHARMYOURUNBORNBABY
Pregnancy Registry: 'ENENTECHHASAREGISTRYFORPREGNANT
WOMENWHOTAKE!#4%-2!4HEPURPOSEOFTHISREGISTRYISTO
CHECKTHEHEALTHOFTHEPREGNANTMOTHERANDHERBABY)FYOUARE
PREGNANTORBECOMEPREGNANTWHILETAKING!#4%-2!TALKTOYOUR
HEALTHCAREPROVIDERABOUTHOWYOUCANJOINTHISPREGNANCYREGISTRY
ORYOUMAYCONTACTTHEREGISTRYATTOENROLL
sPLANTOBREASTFEEDORAREBREASTFEEDING9OUANDYOURHEALTHCARE
PROVIDERSHOULDDECIDEIFYOUWILLTAKE!#4%-2!ORBREASTFEED
9OUSHOULDNOTDOBOTH
4ELLYOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERABOUTALLOFTHEMEDICINESYOUTAKE
INCLUDINGPRESCRIPTIONANDNONPRESCRIPTIONMEDICINESVITAMINSAND
HERBALSUPPLEMENTS!#4%-2!ANDOTHERMEDICINESMAYAFFECTEACH
OTHERCAUSINGSIDEEFFECTS
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:
sANYOTHERMEDICINESTOTREATYOUR2!9OUSHOULDNOTTAKE
ETANERCEPT%NBREL®ADALIMUMAB(UMIRA®INmIXIMAB
(Remicade®RITUXIMAB2ITUXAN®ABATACEPT/RENCIA®ANAKINRA
(Kineret®CERTOLIZUMABPEGOL#IMZIA®ORGOLIMUMAB3IMPONI™
WHILEYOUARETAKING!#4%-2!4AKING!#4%-2!WITHTHESE
MEDICINESMAYINCREASEYOURRISKOFINFECTION
sMEDICINESTHATAFFECTTHEWAYCERTAINLIVERENZYMESWORK!SKYOUR
HEALTHCAREPROVIDERIFYOUARENOTSUREIFYOURMEDICINEISONEOF
THESE
+NOWTHEMEDICINESYOUTAKE+EEPALISTOFTHEMTOSHOWTOYOUR
HEALTHCAREPROVIDERANDPHARMACISTWHENYOUGETANEWMEDICINE
How will I receive ACTEMRA?
s9OUWILLRECEIVE!#4%-2!FROMAHEALTHCAREPROVIDERTHROUGHA
NEEDLEPLACEDINAVEININYOURARM)6ORINTRAVENOUSINFUSION
4HEINFUSIONWILLTAKEABOUTHOURTOGIVEYOUTHEFULLDOSEOF
MEDICINE
s9OUWILLRECEIVEADOSEOF!#4%-2!ABOUTEVERYWEEKS
s)FYOUMISSASCHEDULEDDOSEOF!#4%-2!ASKYOURHEALTHCARE
PROVIDERWHENTOSCHEDULEYOURNEXTINFUSION
s7HILETAKING!#4%-2!YOUMAYCONTINUETOUSEOTHERMEDICINES
THATHELPTREATYOURRHEUMATOIDARTHRITISSUCHASMETHOTREXATE
NONSTEROIDALANTIINmAMMATORYDRUGS.3!)$SANDPRESCRIPTION
STEROIDSASINSTRUCTEDBYYOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDER
s+EEPALLOFYOURFOLLOWUPAPPOINTMENTSANDGETYOURBLOODTESTS
ASORDEREDBYYOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDER
What are the possible side effects with ACTEMRA?
ACTEMRA can cause serious side effects, including:
s3EEh7HATISTHEMOSTIMPORTANTINFORMATION)SHOULDKNOWABOUT
ACTEMRA?”
s(EPATITIS"INFECTIONINPEOPLEWHOCARRYTHEVIRUSINTHEIRBLOOD
)FYOUAREACARRIEROFTHEHEPATITIS"VIRUSAVIRUSTHATAFFECTS
THELIVERTHEVIRUSMAYBECOMEACTIVEWHILEYOUUSE!#4%-2!
4HISHAPPENSWITHOTHERBIOLOGICMEDICINESUSEDTOTREAT2!
9OURDOCTORMAYDOBLOODTESTSBEFOREYOUSTARTTREATMENTWITH
!#4%-2!ANDWHILEYOUAREUSING!#4%-2!4ELLYOURHEALTHCARE
PROVIDERIFYOUHAVEANYOFTHEFOLLOWINGSYMPTOMSOFAPOSSIBLE
HEPATITIS"INFECTION
FEELVERYTIRED
- skin or eyes look yellow
- little or no appetite
- vomiting
CLAYCOLOREDBOWELMOVEMENTS
FEVERS
- chills
STOMACHDISCOMFORT
- muscle aches
- dark urine
- skin rash
s.ERVOUSSYSTEMPROBLEMS-ULTIPLE3CLEROSISHASBEENDIAGNOSED
RARELYINPEOPLEWHOTAKE!#4%-2!)TISNOTKNOWNWHATEFFECT
!#4%-2!MAYHAVEONSOMENERVOUSSYSTEMDISORDERS
s!LLERGIC2EACTIONS3ERIOUSALLERGICREACTIONSCANHAPPENWITH
!#4%-2!4HESEREACTIONSMAYNOTHAPPENWITHYOURlRST
INFUSIONANDMAYHAPPENWITHFUTUREINFUSIONSOF!#4%-2!4ELL
YOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERRIGHTAWAYIFYOUHAVEANYOFTHEFOLLOWING
SIGNSOFASERIOUSALLERGICREACTION
SHORTNESSOFBREATHORTROUBLEBREATHING
- skin rash
SWELLINGOFTHELIPSTONGUEORFACE
- chest pain
FEELINGDIZZYORFAINT
Common side effects of ACTEMRA include:
sUPPERRESPIRATORYTRACTINFECTIONSCOMMONCOLDSINUSINFECTIONS
sHEADACHE
sINCREASEDBLOODPRESSUREHYPERTENSION
4ELLYOURHEALTHCAREPROVIDERIFYOUHAVEANYSIDEEFFECTTHATBOTHERS
YOUORTHATDOESNOTGOAWAY4HESEARENOTALLOFTHEPOSSIBLESIDE
EFFECTSOF!#4%-2!&ORMOREINFORMATIONASKYOURHEALTHCARE
PROVIDERORPHARMACIST
#ALLYOURDOCTORFORMEDICALADVICEABOUTSIDEEFFECTS9OUMAY
REPORTSIDEEFFECTSTO&$!AT&$!9OUMAYALSOREPORT
SIDEEFFECTSTO'ENENTECHAT
3OUTH3AN&RANCISCO#!
¥'ENENTECH53!)NC!LLRIGHTSRESERVED
highlights at Webmd.com
Gift Rap
A new squeak ball? A deluxe toy mouse?
What to get the pet who has everything?
We know your four-legged friends
are part of the family—
and your holiday shopping
list. Look no further:
WebMD’s Pet Gift Guide,
with gift ideas vetted
by veterinarians,
has something
sure to please
all your furry
family
members.
the Pulse
by Colleen Paretty,
WebMD Executive Editor
W
ould you like to be in the
magazine? I would like you to
be in the magazine. One of our
goals is to bring people who read the
magazine, like you, into our pages
with your real-life stories, concerns,
and questions.
It’s really a no-brainer. You live
and breathe health every day, though
you probably don’t think about it
You’re ready to ditch
as obsessively as the staff of this
magazine does (that would be
the Pill and try to have
unhealthy). And who better to team
a baby. Now, what do
up with our pool of top-notch experts
you need to know? Find
to answer your questions than,
out how long it takes to
well, you?
Here are two places to start. We’d
conceive after stopping
like
to know about your top skin care
various types of birth
challenges, everything from acne and
control with the fourdry itchy skin to wrinkles and sun
part “Getting Pregnant
damage. What has you confused or
After Birth Control”
stumped? Or, tell us about food:
What did you (or someone you
series on WebMD’s
SEARCH
Pet Gift Guide
know, like your spouse or child)
Below the Belt blog.
used to absolutely abhor—but now
can’t get enough of? We’ll choose a
few of your queries, pose them to
our cosmetic dermatologists and
top symptoms include
SEARCH nutrition experts, and feature you
 Pain and swelling on one side of the knee
(and them) in a future issue.
 Stiffness of the knee
Visit the magazine’s Facebook and
Twitter pages, or drop by
 A catching, popping, or locking sensation
the magazine’s Community on
in the knee
SEARCH WebMD.com and “talk” to us there.
The menisci are rubbery, C-shaped shock-absorbing discs that
I promise it won’t be a one-way
lie on either side of the knee and help stabilize it. They can tear
conversation. You’ll hear from me
as a result of both the wear and tear of age or a sudden twist or
occasionally, and also from the
turn of the knee, and studies show that men tend to tear theirs
magazine’s senior (and social media)
more often than women. Doctors use a physical exam, X-rays,
editor, Andi Gabrick, who is keeping
and MRIs to diagnose a torn meniscus. And, depending on the WATCH VIDEO
an eye daily (if not hourly) on all
size and severity of the tear and how active you are, treatment Key in your symptoms
these places.
can range from rest, wrapping, and ice to physical therapy or
I look forward to seeing you in
FIND THE ANSWER
even arthroscopic surgery.
our pages.
Oh, Baby!
Torn Meniscus
18
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In Her Memory
NFL star Terrell Owens tackles Alzheimer’s
for his grandmother
LEFT: Larry Marano/Retna Ltd./Corbis
Every time NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens steps onto the football field,
his mind turns to the woman he credits with getting him there: his grandmother. She took him in when he was a young boy and raised him. What
breaks his heart is that she will never know how far he’s come. Alice Black was
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 14 years ago, during Owens’ first NFL season. Now, she no longer knows her grandson.
“The disease has robbed her of her memories,” says Owens, who plays for
the Cincinnati Bengals and is considered one of the best NFL wide receivers of
all time. “It’s like she is dying a slow death.”
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. For Owens, 36, bringing
attention to the disease is a cause to which he has lent his celebrity since his
grandmother was diagnosed in 1996. “Every team I have played for knew I
did charity work,” says Owens, who has participated in numerous Memory
Walks to raise money for Alzheimer’s care and research and has appeared in
public service announcements. In 2003, he testified before Congress in an
effort to increase federal funding for Alzheimer’s research. Owens did not
know much about the disease at first, but working with the Alzheimer’s Association and doing research changed that. Over time, those efforts helped him
understand and accept what was happening. “Learning to deal
with it was a gradual process,” Owens says. “I had to come to
grips with the fact that she was not going to get better.”
That’s a prognosis more than 5 million people in the United
States face, most of them age 65 or older. That number is
expected to increase dramatically as more baby boomers
enter prime Alzheimer’s territory. The National Institute on Aging says the number of Americans 65
and older will double within the next 25
years. The disease is the seventh-leading
cause of death in the United States.
Owens’ grandmother is now 76
and lives in an Alabama nursing
home. “She’s in a state where she
can’t really communicate,” says
Owens. That’s the saddest part for
him, because there is so much
he would like to share with her
and thank her for.
“I would love to have
her experience what I have
achieved,” Owens says. “Here
is someone I love dearly, who
motivated me, who made me a
better man, but she cannot see the
man I’ve become.”—Matt McMillen
Healthy Lead
How Larry King Live broke
health journalism barriers
The front-row seat to the biggest stories in health
and medicine over the past two decades has to belong to Wendy Walker. As senior executive producer
of CNN’s Larry King Live for 17 years, Walker has
been the power behind the legendary interviewer’s
suspenders, helping him shine a light on many previously untold stories in health.
“When I first started with Larry, people were
really nervous about coming out and discussing their
personal health issues,” Walker says. “Over the years,
through our show, we’ve been able to bring information and guidance, and the sense that people are not
alone. It’s allowed people to become their own best
advocates.” Here’s just a sample: Olympic gold-medal
diver Greg Louganis described living with HIV/AIDS.
Actor and author Jamie Lee Curtis and comedian Tom
Arnold talked about beating addictions, and journalist
Ann Curry and singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow opened
up about their breast cancer.
For years, celebrities and ordinary people in the
midst of extraordinary events have told their tales
on Larry King Live. Now, with King about to retire,
Walker’s telling hers. Walker’s new book, Producer:
Lessons Shared From 30 Years in Television, hits
bookstores Nov. 16. (And she’s doing a stint on Larry
King Live in front of the cameras on Nov. 15.)
Organized around chapters that highlight life
lessons, Walker’s book relates behind-the-scenes
sagas from her climb up the television ladder. Her
favorite lesson, she says, is “Be grateful for every
day of your life. ... As I get older, I don’t get as upset
about things I used to get upset about. I’m grateful for
the good things in my life: good people, good energy,
health and happiness, and kindness.”—Gina Shaw
21
personal stories from Webmd.com members
Lost and Found
Ricardo Mejia,
17, has lost
more than
65 pounds.
By Ricardo Mejia
WebMD.com community member
I started gaining weight when I was about 11. I just wasn’t
very active. I would come home from school every day and
watch TV. My parents are from El Salvador—I moved here
when I was 7—and they’re very protective. They didn’t feel
comfortable having me out and about after school, so I became
quite sedentary. And my diet wasn’t good: Most of the time we
ate frozen, packaged foods and a lot of sweets. It was just more
convenient for us.
By the end of my freshman year in high school, I weighed
close to 250 pounds and I was only 5 feet 8 inches tall. When
I walked I couldn’t breathe well, and I could feel my heart
pounding in my chest. Going up and down stairs was difficult.
When I had phys ed, I sometimes found it difficult to run and
pass the fitness tests. But I tried my best.
I decided I needed to lose weight when I was 15. I was wearing pants that had a 36-inch waist and 30-inch length, but even
they were so tight they were uncomfortable. Plus, I knew that
there was diabetes on both sides of my family. By that point, I
was a freshman in high school. I had a little more independence.
I decided to join my school’s dragon boat team. Dragon boats are
large, wooden, and very team-heavy boats, so I was getting a lot
of exercise—not just the paddling, but running, push-ups, and
sit-ups. It was more exercise than I had ever gotten in my life. I
started feeling strong and healthy.
By my sophomore year, I was down to 200 pounds. At that
point, I joined the swim team, too. I don’t know how I kept up my
grades, but I did. My grades have always been very consistent, but
the fact that I had to keep my grades up to stay on the teams was a
big, big motivation. My life was changing in a really good way.
I started reading articles in sports magazines about how it’s
important to eat well, so I changed my diet, too. I began eating
peanut butter and green apples. I stopped eating packaged foods.
My pediatrician sent me to a nutritionist who taught me a lot. She
would tell me to keep going, keep trying, and that helped a lot.
The rest of my family hasn’t changed how they eat, but lots of
times I come home after they’ve already had dinner, so I make my
own meals. Sometimes my grandmother complains about how
I’m eating differently—she thinks I have an eating disorder!—
but they are impressed that I’ve lost so much weight.
Today I’m 17, 6 feet 1 inch tall, and I weigh 185 pounds. I
feel good. If I had to tell other obese teens one thing, it’s this:
It’s really easy to change your way of eating. Teens get hooked
on candy and soda, but it’s just as easy to drink mineral water
instead. Don’t get it in your head that you can’t fix it. You can.
Sooner or later you’ll end up losing the weight. Believe me, if I
can do it, anyone can.
Read more stories and share your own in our community.
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spotlight
spotlight
heart
wellness
Cough
Take our
quiz to test
your cold
and flu
smarts
IQ
Think of it as
a remote control
for silencing
coughs.
Do you hear that? It’s cold and flu season, and
people all around you are coughing. Why?
“Coughing is a normal, protective reflex,”
says Neil Schachter, MD, author of The Good
Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu and professor of
pulmonary medicine at Mount Sinai School
of Medicine in New York City. “We cough to
clear our airways,” he explains.
Think of coughing as a defense mechanism designed to rid your lungs
and windpipe of substances that don’t belong there. In the case of colds, this
intruder is usually mucus, which builds up more than the airways can comfortably handle. At other times, the foreign substance might be something irritating, like smoke or pollution that you’ve inhaled and has gotten trapped in the
flypaper-like coating of the air passages.
First, your body senses an irritant, so the nerves in the lungs send an
intruder-alert message to your brain. The brain responds by telling you to take a
By Christina Boufis
WebMD Contributing Writer
Reviewed by
WebMD CHIEF MEDICAL EDITOR
Artista: Mitch Tobias/Masterfile
Use as directed.
Only Delsym® cough liquid helps silence a cough for a full 12 hours. Its.
patented time release formula gives you all day or all night relief, up to twice.
as long as other cough liquids.* So, turn down your cough and turn up relief.
Delsym. Silence is relief.
®
Among OTC liquids per dose.
†
24
™
www.delsym.com
*Delsym is the #1 recommended Over-The-Counter single active ingredient cough suppressant among Internists, General Practitioners and Family Practitioners. IMS Health, NDTI, for the 52 weeks ending in 6/30/10.
*
exam room
◗ this coNteNt is selecteD aND coNtrolleD by WebMD’s eDitorial staff aND is brought to you by DelsyM®. ◗
spotlight
perf u m e
Latin Lover
The word “perfume” comes from the Latin
phrase per fumus meaning “through smoke.”
How much do you know about coughing?
1. What can cause a cough?
a. Allergies
b. Acid reflux
c. Secondhand smoke
d. All of the above
Answer: d. With allergies, a cough can
be caused by postnasal drip—mucus
from your nose or sinuses that builds up
in your throat. With heartburn, it might
be from acid reflux—acid that backs up
into your throat. Exposure to secondhand
smoke can also cause a cough.
2. If you are coughing because you
have a cold or flu, it’s normal to cough
up mucus.
True
False
Answer: True. Coughing up clear or yellow mucus is normal with a cold. You
should see your doctor if you’re coughing up mucus and have fever, chills, or
shortness of breath. It could be a sign
of pneumonia.
3. What kind of cough can be treated
with cough medicine?
a. Asthma
b. Chronic bronchitis
c. Cold or flu
d. Pneumonia
Answer: c. Cough medicine won’t cure
a cold- or flu-related cough, but it can
help calm a cough. Talk to your doctor before you use cough medicine for
a cough that is helping to clear your
lungs—such as one caused by smoking, emphysema, pneumonia, asthma,
or chronic bronchitis. If your cough is
due to asthma, it means your asthma is
not under control.
4. Which of these home remedies can
help calm a cough?
a. Whiskey
b. Milk
c. Hard candy
d. Chocolate
Answer: c. Hard candies may ease
a dry cough and soothe an irritated
throat. Grandma might have prescribed
a shot of whiskey for a cough, but
there’s no proof that it works. Plus,
some cough and cold medicines should
not be taken when drinking alcohol.
Read the label. Chocolate and milk
won't hurt a cough, but they won’t necessarily help it.
5. You should see a doctor for a cough
that lasts:
a. One week
b. More than 10 days
c. More than three weeks
d. More than eight weeks
Answer: c. Most coughs from colds or
flu go away in one to two weeks. But a
cough that lingers two or more weeks
after a cold or other respiratory tract
infection might still go away on its own
or it might need to be treated, so you
should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Take the complete quiz online. Search cough.
26
Like an Egyptian
Egyptians packed
sealed pots of oils
and fragrances
in royals’
tombs. When
Tutankhamen’s
tomb was
discovered, traces
of fragrance could
still be smelled.
Holy Smoke
One of the earliest
uses of perfume
was for religious
purposes: the
burning of incense
and aromatic
herbs for
ceremonies.
Ted Morrison
breath and close the epiglottis—the small flap
behind the tongue that seals off the windpipe. This causes a tremendous amount of air
pressure to build up in the lungs. The chest
muscles get tighter and tighter until the epiglottis is forced open, releasing the pressure
in a noisy propulsion of air. In other words,
you cough. And just how forcefully do you
expel air—and with it foreign substances,
such as flu virus droplets? Well, let’s just say
that moving at 4 to 64 miles per hour, those
droplets could get a speeding ticket.
Because you can also cough on command (such as when you clear your throat),
coughing is not totally a reflex, Schachter
says. But coughing is one of the top reasons
people visit their doctors. When his patients
come in to see him about their coughs,
what is the No. 1 question they ask? “Is
it good that I’m coughing something up?
Or is bad that I’m coughing something
up?” And he explains, “Well, if you’ve got
mucus in your airways, it’s good that you’re
coughing it up because bacteria just love to
grow on [mucus].” But on the other hand,
he says, “If you have an irritation and your
chest is clear, then it’s not necessarily advantageous to produce a lot of mucus.”
Most viral infections, such as the flu,
are accompanied by a pretty dry cough,
Schachter says, unless some complication
occurs. “Colds, which irritate the upper airways, tend to produce wetter coughs because
they generate more mucus,” he says. But the
cough reflex is also influenced by a number
of individual factors—how sensitive you are
to irritants; whether you have an underlying
condition such as allergies, asthma, or bronchitis; whether or not you smoke—as well as
the type of infection.
One infectious disease that’s made a comeback, Schachter says, is whooping cough,
which as its name implies is distinguished
by its particular sound: a fit of coughing followed by a whooping sound as you try to
catch your breath. “But most coughs associated with colds and flu will ultimately get
better no matter what we do,” he says.
Coughing is
one of the top
reasons people
visit their doctors.
Joe Fox/Getty ImaGes
heart
wellness
A closer look at everyday objects
French Press
Grasse in
Provence, France,
is still known
as the perfume
capital of the
world for its
production of
herbs and flowers
for potent
mixtures.
Bottled Up
There are varying types of perfume
depending on the concentration
of essential oils. Perfume is the
costliest, followed by eau de parfum,
eau de toilette, and eau de cologne.
Take 5
Today, famous
perfume Chanel
No. 5 supposedly
sells a bottle
every 30 seconds.
Dollars and Scents
The world’s
most expensive
perfume, valued
at $215,000 per
bottle, is Imperial
Majesty, a limited
edition bottle of
Clive Christian.
The bottle has a
five-karat diamond
topper.
Skin You’re In
Perfume smells
different on every
person because
of unique body
chemistry, which
reacts with the
scent’s notes.
—Chloe Thompson
WebMD.com
27
SIMPONI, a full month of RA relief
with one dose a month.
SIMPONI, used with the medicine methotrexate, is for adults with
moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
SIMPONI, for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
®
®
Just one dose of SIMPONI monthly helps relieve the pain, stiffness, and swelling of RA.
Results may not be the same for everyone. SIMPONI is used with the medicine methotrexate.
Methotrexate is taken as directed. Once you and your doctor are comfortable with the
self-injection process, you will inject SIMPONI just once a month under the skin.
®
®
®
Ask your rheumatologist if SIMPONI (golimumab) is right for you.
Please read the Important Safety Information on the adjacent page.
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
Visit www.4simponi.com
or call 888-4 SIMPONI
to see if you qualify for
a full year of cost support.
© Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. 2010
8/10
Heart failure can occur or get worse in people who use TNF
blockers, including SIMPONI. Your doctor will closely monitor
you if you have heart failure. Tell your doctor right away if you
get new or worsening symptoms of heart failure like shortness
of breath or swelling of your lower legs or feet.
Rarely, people using TNF blockers, including SIMPONI, can have
nervous system problems such as multiple sclerosis. Tell your
doctor right away if you have symptoms like vision changes,
weakness in your arms or legs, or numbness or tingling in any
part of your body.
Liver problems can happen in people using TNF blockers.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such
as feeling very tired, skin or eyes look yellow, poor appetite or
vomiting, or pain on the right side of your stomach.
Low blood counts have been seen with people using TNF
blockers, including SIMPONI. If this occurs, your body may not
make enough blood cells to help fight infections or help stop
bleeding. Your doctor will check your blood counts before and
during treatment. Tell your doctor if you have signs such as
fever, bruising, bleeding easily, or paleness.
Rarely, people using TNF blockers have developed lupus-like
symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms such as a
rash on your cheeks or other parts of the body, sensitivity to the
sun, new joint or muscle pain, becoming very tired, chest pain or
shortness of breath, swelling of the feet, ankles, and/or legs.
New or worse psoriasis symptoms may occur. Tell your doctor
if you develop red scaly patches or raised bumps that are
filled with pus.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber or latex. The needle
cover contains dry natural rubber.
Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction
while taking SIMPONI such as hives, swollen face, breathing
trouble, chest pain.
Common side effects of SIMPONI include: upper respiratory
tract infection, nausea, abnormal liver tests, skin reaction at site
of injection, high blood pressure, flu and cold sores.
Please read the Medication Guide for SIMPONI and
discuss any questions you have with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of
prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088
or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.
®
SIMPONI (golimumab) is a prescription medicine.
SIMPONI can lower your ability to fight infections.
There are reports of serious infections caused by
bacteria, fungi, or viruses that have spread throughout
the body, including tuberculosis (TB) and histoplasmosis.
Some of these infections have been fatal. Your doctor
will test you for TB before starting SIMPONI and will
monitor you for signs of TB during treatment. Tell your
doctor if you have been in close contact with people
with TB. Tell your doctor if you have been in a region (such
as the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest)
where certain fungal infections like histoplasmosis or
coccidioidomycosis are common.
You should not start SIMPONI if you have any kind of infection.
Tell your doctor if you are prone to or have a history of infections
or have diabetes, HIV or a weak immune system. You should also
tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for an infection
or if you have or develop any signs of an infection such as:
•warm, red, or painful skin
•fever, sweat, or chills
or sores on your body
•muscle aches
•
diarrhea or stomach pain
•cough
burning when you urinate
•
•shortness of breath
or urinate more than normal
•blood in phlegm
•
feel very tired
•weight loss
Unusual cancers have been reported in children and
teenage patients taking TNF-blocker medicines. For
children and adults taking TNF blockers, including SIMPONI,
the chances for getting lymphoma or other cancers may
increase. You should tell your doctor if you have had or develop
lymphoma or other cancers.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including
ORENCIA (abatacept), KINERET (anakinra), RITUXAN (rituximab)
or another TNF blocker, or if you are scheduled to or recently
received a vaccine. People taking SIMPONI should not receive
live vaccines.
Reactivation of hepatitis B virus has been reported in patients
who are carriers of this virus and are taking TNF-blocker
medicines, such as SIMPONI. Some of these cases have been
fatal. Your doctor may do blood tests before and after you start
treatment with SIMPONI. Tell your doctor if you know or think
you may be a carrier of hepatitis B virus or if you experience
signs of hepatitis B infection, such as:
•feel very tired
•clay-colored bowel
movements
•skin or eyes look yellow
•
fevers
•little or no appetite
•chills
•vomiting
•stomach discomfort
•muscle aches
•skin rash
•dark urine
®
25SMRC10022
®
®
®
®
®
Just one dose, once a month.
25SMRA10013
®
®
Medication Guide
MEDICATION GUIDE
SIMPONI® (SIM-po-nee)
(golimumab)
Read the Medication Guide that comes with SIMPONI
before you start taking it and each time you get a refill.
There may be new information. This Medication Guide
does not take the place of talking with your doctor about
your medical condition or treatment. It is important to
remain under your doctor’s care while using SIMPONI.
What is the most important information I should know
about SIMPONI?
SIMPONI is a medicine that affects your immune system.
SIMPONI can lower the ability of your immune system to
fight infections. Some people have serious infections
while taking SIMPONI, including tuberculosis (TB), and
infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that
spread throughout their body. Some people have died
from these serious infections.
• Your doctor should test you for TB before starting
SIMPONI.
• Your doctor should monitor you closely for signs and
symptoms of TB during treatment with SIMPONI.
You should not start taking SIMPONI if you have any kind
of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.
Before starting SIMPONI, tell your doctor if you:
• think you have an infection or have symptoms of an
infection such as:
• fever, sweat, or chills
• shortness of breath
• warm, red, or painful skin
• feel very tired
or sores on your body
• blood in phlegm
• muscle aches
• weight loss
• diarrhea or stomach pain
• cough
• burning when you urinate or
urinate more often than normal
• are being treated for an infection
• get a lot of infections or have infections that keep
coming back
• have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system. People
with these conditions have a higher chance for
infections.
• have TB, or have been in close contact with someone
with TB
• live, have lived, or traveled to certain parts of the
country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys
and the Southwest) where there is an increased
chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
(histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis).
These infections may happen or become more severe
if you use SIMPONI. Ask your doctor if you do not
know if you have lived in an area where these
infections are common.
• have or have had hepatitis B
• use the medicine Orencia (abatacept), Kineret
(anakinra), or Rituxan (rituximab)
After starting SIMPONI, call your doctor right away if you
have any symptoms of an infection. SIMPONI can make
you more likely to get infections or make worse any
infection that you have.
Cancer
• There have been cases of unusual cancers in children
and teenage patients taking TNF-blocking agents.
• For children and adults taking TNF-blocker medicines,
including SIMPONI, the chances of getting lymphoma
or other cancers may increase.
• People with inflammatory diseases including
rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing
spondylitis, especially those with very active disease,
may be more likely to get lymphoma.
What is SIMPONI?
SIMPONI is a prescription medicine called a Tumor
Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocker. SIMPONI is used in adults:
• with the medicine methotrexate to treat moderately to
severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• to treat active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) alone or with
methotrexate
• to treat active ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
You may continue to use other medicines that help treat
your condition while taking SIMPONI, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and
prescription steroids, as recommended by your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with
SIMPONI?
SIMPONI may not be right for you. Before starting
SIMPONI, tell your doctor about all your medical
conditions, including if you:
• have an infection (see “What is the most important
information I should know about SIMPONI?”).
• have or have had lymphoma or any other type of
cancer.
• have or had heart failure.
• have or have had a condition that affects your nervous
system, such as multiple sclerosis.
• have recently received or are scheduled to receive a
vaccine. People taking SIMPONI should not receive
live vaccines. People taking SIMPONI can receive nonlive vaccines.
• are allergic to rubber or latex. The needle cover on the
prefilled syringe and SmartJect autoinjector contains
dry natural rubber.
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not
known if SIMPONI will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding. You and your doctor should decide
if you will take SIMPONI or breastfeed. You should not
do both without talking to your doctor first.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take,
including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially, tell your
doctor if you use:
• ORENCIA (abatacept), KINERET (anakinra), or RITUXAN
(rituximab). You should not take SIMPONI while you
are also taking ORENCIA or KINERET. Your doctor may
not want to give you SIMPONI if you have received
RITUXAN recently.
• Another TNF-blocker medicine. You should not
take SIMPONI while you are also taking REMICADE
(infliximab), HUMIRA (adalimumab), ENBREL
(etanercept), or CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol).
Ask your doctor if you are not sure if your medicine is one
listed above.
Keep a list of all your medications with you to show your
doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
How should I use SIMPONI?
• SIMPONI is given as an injection under the skin
(subcutaneous injection or SC).
• SIMPONI should be injected one time each month.
• If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver may be
able to give your injections of SIMPONI at home, you
should receive training on the right way to prepare and
inject SIMPONI. Do not try to inject SIMPONI yourself
until you have been shown the right way to give the
injections by your doctor or nurse.
• Use SIMPONI exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• SIMPONI comes in a prefilled syringe or SmartJect™
autoinjector. Your doctor will prescribe the type that is
best for you.
• See the detailed Patient Instructions for Use at the end
of this Medication Guide for instructions about the right
way to prepare and give your SIMPONI injections at home.
• Do not miss any doses of SIMPONI. If you forget to use
SIMPONI, inject your dose as soon as you remember.
Then, take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.
In case you are not sure when to inject SIMPONI, call
your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the possible side effects with SIMPONI?
SIMPONI can cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should
know about SIMPONI?”
Serious Infections
Hepatitis B infection in people who carry the virus in
their blood.
• If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that
affects the liver), the virus can become active while you
use SIMPONI. Your doctor may do blood tests before
you start treatment with SIMPONI and while you are
using SIMPONI. Tell your doctor if you have any of the
following symptoms of a possible hepatitis B infection:
• feel very tired
• chills
• clay-colored bowel
• vomiting
movements
• stomach discomfort
• skin or eyes look yellow
• muscle aches
• fevers
• skin rash
• little or no appetite
• dark urine
Heart failure, including new heart failure or worsening of
heart failure that you already have. New or worse heart
failure can happen in people who use TNF-blocker
medicines like SIMPONI.
• If you have heart failure, your condition should be
watched closely while you take SIMPONI.
• Call your doctor right away if you get new or
worsening symptoms of heart failure while taking
SIMPONI (such as shortness of breath or swelling of
your lower legs or feet).
Nervous System Problems
Rarely, people using TNF-blocker medicines, including
SIMPONI, have nervous system problems such as
multiple sclerosis.
• Tell your doctor right away if you get any of these
symptoms:
• vision changes
• weakness in your arms or legs
• numbness or tingling in any part of your body
Liver Problems
Liver problems can happen in people who use TNFblocker medicines, including SIMPONI. These problems
can lead to liver failure and death. Call your doctor right
away if you have any of these symptoms:
• feel very tired
• skin or eyes look yellow
• poor appetite or vomiting
• pain on the right side of your stomach (abdomen)
Blood Problems
Low blood counts have been seen with other TNFblockers. Your body may not make enough blood cells that
help fight infections or help stop bleeding. Symptoms
include fever, bruising or bleeding easily, or looking pale.
Your doctor will check your blood counts before and
during treatment with SIMPONI.
Common side effects with SIMPONI include:
• upper respiratory
• fever
tract infection
• high blood pressure
• sinus infection (sinusitis) • cold sores
• nausea
• bronchitis
• flu
• numbness or tingling
• abnormal liver tests
• dizziness
• runny nose
• redness at the site of injection
Other side effects with SIMPONI include:
• Immune System Problems. Rarely, people using TNFblocker medicines have developed symptoms that are
like the symptoms of Lupus. Tell your doctor if you have
any of these symptoms:
• a rash on your cheeks or other parts of the body
• sensitivity to the sun
• new joint or muscle pains
• becoming very tired
• chest pain or shortness of breath
• swelling of the feet, ankles, and/or legs
• Psoriasis. Some people using SIMPONI had new
psoriasis or worsening of psoriasis they already had.
Tell your doctor if you develop red scaly patches or
raised bumps that are filled with pus. Your doctor may
decide to stop your treatment with SIMPONI.
• Allergic Reactions. Allergic reactions can happen in
people who use TNF-blocker medicines. Call your
doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms of
an allergic reaction:
• hives
• breathing trouble
• swollen face
• chest pain
These are not all of the side effects with SIMPONI. Tell
your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does
not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
How do I store SIMPONI?
• Refrigerate SIMPONI at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Do not freeze SIMPONI.
• Keep SIMPONI in the carton to protect it from light when
not being used.
• Do not shake SIMPONI.
Keep SIMPONI and all medicines out of the reach of
children.
General Information about SIMPONI
• Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes
other than those listed in the Medication Guide. Do not
use SIMPONI for a condition for which it was not
prescribed.
• Do not give SIMPONI to other people, even if they have
the same condition that you have. It may harm them.
• This Medication Guide summarizes the most important
information about SIMPONI. If you would like more
information, talk to your doctor. You can ask your doctor
or pharmacist for information about SIMPONI that is
written for health professionals. For more information go
to www.simponi.com or call 1-800-457-6399.
What are the ingredients in SIMPONI?
Active ingredient: golimumab.
Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate, sorbitol, polysorbate 80, and
water for injection. SIMPONI does not contain preservatives.
Manufactured by:
Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.
Horsham, PA 19044
US License No. 1821
Revised: 7/2010
25SMRA10017A
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
Reviewed by
Karyn Grossman, MD
WebMD SKIN CARE SPECIALIST
livingwell
Make the most of your life
Gift of Beauty
Zoya Nail Polish, $7
If you’re sick of the nasty fumes that come
with a manicure, try Zoya nail polishes,
which are free of such scary-sounding
chemicals as toluene, formaldehyde, and
phthalates and come in 300 fashionforward colors. And you can stay on trend
with four seasonal color collections.
Need to check off your holiday
shopping list? Check out our
expert’s top picks for pampering
By Linda Formichelli
WebMD Contributing Writer
4
8
5
7
6
Pamper the ladies
on your list with
a holiday-worthy,
head-to-toe beauty
boost of expert
product picks.
7 Sweet tart
●
Blinc resurf.a.stic Callus, $30
File this one away: Blinc resurf.a.stic Callus
boasts medical-grade crystals embedded
in a moisturizing stick, so you can slough
away dry skin and hydrate all in one step—
sans messy creams and scrubs.
4 Sole Searching
●
Ahava Mineral Foot Cream, $19
Three products in one: Dead Sea minerals
soften rough skin, camphor wakes
up tired tootsies, and tea tree oil kills
the bacteria that can lead to not-so-sweetsmelling feet.
Dan Saelinger
3 Foot Soldier
●
Dan Saelinger
Weleda Wild Rose Moisture Cream, $27
Want a rosy complexion? This rosescented cream has organic rosehip oil,
which is rich in antioxidants and essential
fatty acids.
3
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, $24
Vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor
make this cream a must-have for severely
dry winter skin. Moisturizing (and the
exhilarating tingle of camphor) not enough
for you? Walder notes that E and B2 are
antioxidants that help protect the skin from
sun damage.
1 about Face
●
2 Flower Power
●
1
6 soft sell
●
It’s gift-giving season, and you’ve got a
few names left on your holiday shopping
list—mom, sister, best friend. Scratching
your head about what to give? Pamper
the ladies on your list with a holidayworthy, head-to-toe beauty boost.
Grab a gorgeous box or festive
bag and fill it with these
luxurious treats, hand-picked
by Diane Walder, MD, a
cosmetic dermatologist and
clinical professor at the
University of Miami.
Murad Pomegranate
Exfoliating Mask, $22.50
You drink pomegranate juice for the
antioxidants—why not feed it to your
skin as well? The pomegranate and ginkgo
biloba extract in Murad Pomegranate
Exfoliating Mask balances combination
skin, while the fruit enzymes in this weekly
treatment help slough off dull cells so your
skin looks radiant.
2
5 Natural selection
●
Fresh Sugar Lemon
Bath & Shower Gel, $18.50
The same brown sugar that’s in your worldfamous apple pie is an antibacterial ingredient
in Fresh Sugar Lemon Bath & Shower Gel.
Comfrey extract soothes winter-irritated skin,
and shea butter and glycerin add moisture
and softness for a healthy glow. The fresh
scent of lemon makes it a bath gel that rivals
any dessert.
8 honey do
●
Rêve de Miel Fondant Exfoliating
Shower Cream by Nuxe, $31
Honey beads, peach, and orange keep
your skin smooth as a baby’s youknow-what. “The fruit acids help gently
peel the skin away,” Walder says. Fruit
oils and wood oil add moisture back
into the skin to keep it supple.
Give yourself a gift with more skin and beauty tips from the experts.
32
The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts
and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not
endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
WebMD.com
33
Important Safety Information1
HATE psoriasis.
LOVE clearer skin.
What is the most important information I should know
about HUMIRA?
• Serious infections. HUMIRA can lower your ability to fight infections.
Serious infections have happened in patients taking HUMIRA.
These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused
by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body.
Some patients have died from these infections. Your doctor should
test you for TB before starting HUMIRA, and monitor you closely for
signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with HUMIRA.
• Certain types of Cancer. There have been cases of unusual cancers in
children and teenagers using TNF-blocker medicines. For children and
adults taking TNF-blocker medicines, including HUMIRA, the chance of
getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. Some patients have
developed non-melanoma skin cancer; tell your doctor if you have a
bump or open sore that doesn’t heal.
Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions,
including if you:
Brittany S.
HUMIRA Patient
HUMIRA could help your moderate to severe
chronic plaque psoriasis.
Who is HUMIRA for?
HUMIRA is used to treat moderate to severe chronic (lasting a long time) plaque
psoriasis in adults who are under the ongoing care of a physician, have the condition
in many areas of their body, and who may benefit from taking injections or pills
(systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills).
When considering HUMIRA, your physician will determine if other systemic therapies
are medically less appropriate.
Clearer skin is possible with HUMIRA.
In one clinical trial for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis patients,
7 out of 10 adults taking HUMIRA saw 75% skin clearance and 6 out of 10
patients had clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks. Your results may vary.
With the HUMIRA
PROTECTION PLAN
your co-pay could be
$5 a month.*
HUMIRA PROTECTION PLAN
Helping Patients Access HUMIRA
Please see accompanying
full Prescribing Information,
including Medication Guide,
in brochure.
1.888.486.4723
RxBIN:
RxPCN:
RxGrp:
RxID:
Suf:
XXXXXX
XXXX
OHXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX
XX
*Eligibility and other restrictions
apply to co-pay program.
Ask your dermatologist if HUMIRA is right for you.
Learn more at HUMIRA.com or call 1.800.4HUMIRA
HUMIRA is taken by injection and available by prescription only.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1.800.FDA.1088.
If you cannot afford your medication, contact: www.pparx.org or call the toll-free phone number (1.888.4PPA.NOW) for assistance.
Talk to your
dermatologist about
An example of
75% skin clearance.
For illustrative purposes only.
Your results may vary.
✓ Think you have an infection. Don’t start HUMIRA if you have any kind
of infection.
✓ Are being treated for infection, or have signs of an infection, such as
fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms
✓ Have any open cuts or sores
✓ Get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back
✓ Have diabetes
✓ Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were
born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
✓ Live or have lived in an area (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River
valleys) where there is an increased risk for getting certain kinds of
fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis.
✓ Have or have had hepatitis B
✓ Take other medicines, especially Kineret (anakinra). Some medicines
that suppress the immune system may increase your risk of serious
infections.
✓ Are scheduled for major surgery
✓ Have numbness or tingling or a nervous system disease, such as
multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
✓ Have heart failure or other heart conditions
✓ Have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. Patients
receiving HUMIRA should not receive live vaccines.
✓ Are allergic to rubber, latex, or any ingredients of HUMIRA
✓ Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
Call your doctor right away if you have an infection or any sign of
an infection while on HUMIRA.
HUMIRA can cause other serious side effects, including:
• Allergic reactions.
• Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients that carry the virus in
their blood.
• Nervous system problems.
• Blood problems.
• New heart failure or worsening of heart failure you already have.
• Immune reactions including a lupus-like syndrome.
• New psoriasis or worsening of psoriasis you already have.
Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions
(redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections,
headaches, rash, and nausea.
These are not all of the possible side effects with HUMIRA.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
Reference: 1. HUMIRA injection [package insert]. North Chicago, IL;
Abbott Laboratories.
Please see additional Patient Information
on the following pages.
In one clinical trial for moderate to severe
chronic plaque psoriasis patients, 7 out of
10 adults taking HUMIRA saw 75% skin
clearance and 6 out of 10 patients had
clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks.
©2010 Abbott Laboratories | Abbott Park, IL 60064 | 64Y-437309 | September 2010 | Printed in the U.S.A.
HUMIRA (HU-MARE-AH) (adalimumab)
®
Patient Information
What is the most important
information I should know about
HUMIRA?
HUMIRA is a medicine that affects your
immune system. HUMIRA can lower the
ability of the immune system to fight
infections. Serious infections have
happened in patients taking HUMIRA.
These infections include tuberculosis
(TB) and infections caused by viruses,
fungi or bacteria that have spread
throughout the body. Some patients
have died from these infections.
• Your doctor should test you for TB before
starting HUMIRA.
• Your doctor should monitor you closely
for signs and symptoms of TB during
treatment with HUMIRA.
Before starting HUMIRA, tell your
doctor if you:
• think you have an infection. You should
not start taking HUMIRA if you have any
kind of infection.
• are being treated for an infection
• have signs of an infection, such as a
fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms
• have any open cuts or sores on your
body
• get a lot of infections or have infections
that keep coming back
• have diabetes
• have TB, or have been in close contact
with someone with TB
• were born in, lived in, or traveled to
countries where there is more risk for
getting TB. Ask your doctor if you are not
sure.
• live or have lived in certain parts of
the country (such as the Ohio and
Mississippi River valleys) where there is
an increased risk for getting certain kinds
of fungal infections (histoplasmosis,
coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis).
If you do not know if you have lived
in an area where histoplasmosis,
coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis is
common, ask your doctor.
• have or have had hepatitis B
• use the medicine Kineret (anakinra). You
may have a higher chance for serious
infections and a low white blood cell
count when taking HUMIRA with Kineret.
• are scheduled to have major surgery
After starting HUMIRA, call your doctor
right away if you have an infection, or any
sign of an infection, including:
• a fever
CONSUMER BRIEF SUMMARY
CONSULT PACKAGE INSERT FOR FULL
PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
Read the Medication Guide that comes with HUMIRA before you start taking it and each
time you get a refill. There may be new information. This brief summary does not take the
place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment with HUMIRA.
• feel very tired
• a cough
• flu-like symptoms
• warm, red, or painful skin
• open cuts or sores on your body
HUMIRA can make you more likely to get
infections or make any infection that you may
have worse.
Certain types of Cancer.
• There have been cases of unusual cancers
in children and teenage patients using
TNF-blocking agents.
• For children and adults taking TNF-blocker
medicines, including HUMIRA, the chances
of getting lymphoma or other cancers may
increase.
• Some patients receiving HUMIRA have
developed types of cancer called nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal cell cancer
and squamous cell cancer of the skin),
which are generally not life-threatening
if treated. Tell your doctor if you have a
bump or open sore that doesn’t heal.
• Patients with RA, especially more serious
RA, may have a higher chance for getting
a kind of cancer called lymphoma.
See the section “What are the possible
side effects of HUMIRA?” below for
more information.
What is HUMIRA?
HUMIRA is a medicine called a Tumor
Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocker. HUMIRA is
used in adults or children (as indicated) to:
• Reduce the signs and symptoms of:
• moderate to severe rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) in adults. HUMIRA can be
used alone or with methotrexate or with
certain other medicines. HUMIRA may
prevent further damage to your bones
and joints and may help your ability to
perform daily activities.
• moderate to severe polyarticular
juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
in children 4 years of age and older.
HUMIRA can be used alone or with
methotrexate or with certain other
medicines.
• psoriatic arthritis (PsA). HUMIRA
can be used alone or with certain other
medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further
damage to your bones and joints and
may help your ability to perform daily
activities.
• ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• moderate to severe Crohn’s disease
(CD) in adults who have not responded
well to other treatments.
• Treat moderate to severe chronic
(lasting a long time) plaque
psoriasis (Ps) in adults who have
the condition in many areas of their
body and who may benefit from taking
injections or pills (systemic therapy)
or phototherapy (treatment using
ultraviolet light alone or with pills).
People with these diseases have too much
of a protein called tumor necrosis factor
(TNF) in the affected areas of the body.
HUMIRA can block the bad effects of TNF
in those affected areas, but it can also
lower the ability of the immune system to
fight infections. See “What is the most
important information I should know
about HUMIRA?” and “What are the
possible side effects of HUMIRA?”
What should I tell my doctor
before taking HUMIRA?
Before starting HUMIRA, tell your
doctor about all of your health
conditions, including if you:
• have an infection. See “What is the most
important information I should know
about HUMIRA?”
• have any numbness or tingling or have a
disease that affects your nervous system
such as multiple sclerosis or GuillainBarré syndrome.
• have heart failure or other heart
conditions. If you have heart failure, it
may get worse while you are taking
HUMIRA.
• have recently received or are scheduled
to receive a vaccine. Patients receiving
HUMIRA should not receive live vaccines.
Except for live vaccines, patients may still
receive vaccines while on HUMIRA. It is
recommended that children with juvenile
idiopathic arthritis be brought up to date
with all immunizations prior to starting
HUMIRA.
• are allergic to rubber or latex. The needle
cover on the prefilled syringe contains
dry natural rubber. Tell your doctor if you
have any allergies to rubber or latex.
• are allergic to HUMIRA or to any of
its ingredients. See the end of the
Medication Guide for a list of ingredients
in HUMIRA.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant,
planning to become pregnant, or
breastfeeding. HUMIRA should only be
used during a pregnancy if needed. Women
who are breastfeeding should talk to their
doctor about whether or not to use HUMIRA.
Pregnancy Registry: Abbott Laboratories
has a registry for pregnant women who take
HUMIRA. The purpose of this registry is to
check the health of the pregnant mother
and her child. Talk to your doctor if you are
pregnant and contact the registry at
1-877-311-8972.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines
you take, including prescription and
non-prescription medicines, vitamins
and herbal supplements. Especially,
tell your doctor if you take Kineret
(anakinra). You may have a higher chance
for serious infections and a low white blood
cell count when taking HUMIRA with Kineret.
Also, tell your doctor if you are taking
other medicines that suppress the immune
system.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a
list of your medicines with you to show
your doctor and pharmacist each time
you get a new medicine.
may be treated with medicine for TB before
you begin treatment with HUMIRA and during
treatment with HUMIRA. Even if your TB
test is negative your doctor should carefully
monitor you for TB infections while you are
taking HUMIRA. Patients who had a negative
TB skin test before receiving HUMIRA have
developed active TB. Tell your doctor if you
have any of the following symptoms while
taking or after taking HUMIRA:
• cough that does not go away
• low grade fever
• weight loss
• loss of body fat and muscle (wasting)
• Allergic reactions. Signs of a serious
allergic reaction include a skin rash, a
swollen face, or trouble breathing.
• Hepatitis B virus reactivation in
patients who carry the virus in their
blood. In some cases patients have died
as a result of hepatitis B virus being
reactivated. Your doctor should monitor
you carefully during treatment with
How should I take HUMIRA?
HUMIRA if you carry the hepatitis B virus
in your blood. Tell your doctor if you have
See the section, “How do I prepare and
any of the following symptoms:
give an injection of HUMIRA?” at the end
•
feel unwell
of the Medication Guide that comes with
•
poor appetite
HUMIRA for complete instructions for use.
•
tiredness (fatigue)
• HUMIRA is given by an injection under
•
fever, skin rash, or joint pain
the skin. Your doctor will tell you how
•
Nervous
system problems. Signs and
often to take an injection of HUMIRA. This
symptoms
of a nervous system problem
is based on your condition to be treated.
include:
numbness
or tingling, problems
Do not inject HUMIRA more often than
with
your
vision,
weakness
in your arms or
prescribed.
legs,
and
dizziness.
• Make sure you have been shown
• Blood problems. Your body may not
how to inject HUMIRA before you do
make enough of the blood cells that help
it yourself. You can call your doctor or
fight infections or help to stop bleeding.
1-800-4HUMIRA (448-6472) if you have
Symptoms include a fever that does not go
any questions about giving yourself an
away, bruising or bleeding very easily, or
injection. Someone you know can also
looking very pale.
help you with your injection.
•
New heart failure or worsening of heart
• If you take more HUMIRA than you were
failure you already have. Symptoms
told to take, call your doctor.
include shortness of breath or swelling of
• Do not miss any doses of HUMIRA. If you
your ankles or feet or sudden weight gain.
forget to take HUMIRA, inject a dose as
•
Immune reactions including a lupussoon as you remember. Then, take your
like syndrome. Symptoms include chest
next dose at your regular scheduled
discomfort or pain that does not go away,
time. This will put you back on schedule.
shortness of breath, joint pain, or a rash
To help you remember when to take
on your cheeks or arms that gets worse
HUMIRA, you can mark your calendar
in the sun. Symptoms may go away when
ahead of time with the stickers provided
you stop HUMIRA.
in the back of the Medication Guide.
• Psoriasis. Some people using HUMIRA
had new psoriasis or worsening of
What are the possible side
psoriasis they already had. Tell your doctor
effects of HUMIRA?
if you develop red scaly patches or raised
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects,
bumps that are filled with pus. Your doctor
including:
may decide to stop your treatment with
See “What is the most important
HUMIRA.
information I should know about
Call your doctor or get medical care right
HUMIRA?”
away if you develop any of the above
• Serious infections.
symptoms. Your treatment with HUMIRA
Your doctor will examine you for TB and
may be stopped.
perform a test to see if you have TB. If your
Common side effects with HUMIRA
doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you
include:
• Injection site reactions such as
redness, rash, swelling, itching, or
bruising. These symptoms usually will go
away within a few days. If you have pain,
redness or swelling around the injection
site that doesn’t go away within a few
days or gets worse, call your doctor right
away.
• Upper respiratory infections (including
sinus infections)
• Headaches
• Rash
• Nausea
These are not all the possible side effects
with HUMIRA. Tell your doctor if you have
any side effect that bothers you or that does
not go away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
General information about HUMIRA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed
for purposes other than those listed in a
Medication Guide. Do not use HUMIRA for
a condition for which it was not prescribed.
Do not give HUMIRA to other people, even if
they have the same condition. It may harm
them.
This brief summary summarizes the most
important information about HUMIRA.
If you would like more information, talk
with your doctor. You can ask your doctor
or pharmacist for information about
HUMIRA that was written for healthcare
professionals.
Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information go to www.HUMIRA.
com or you can enroll in a patient support
program by calling 1-800-4HUMIRA
(448-6472).
Rev. July, 2010
Ref: 03-A329-R21
U.S. Govt. Lic. No. 0043
Abbott Laboratories
North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A.
64C-419212 MASTER
64Y-437309
make the most of your life
The makeup of Makeup
Status Symbol
Each season may bring a new
trendsetting shade, but nail
polish has been a fashion
staple for about 5,000 years.
Historical evidence shows
that the Chinese have been
wearing nail color since 3000
B.C. Among the ancients, the
higher your social class, the
darker your shade of polish.
Painting Class
Most polish formulas are
variants of the same recipe.
They include nitrocellulose
to form a film; a resin like
tosylamide or polyester to
help the polish adhere and
harden; camphor or other
plasticizer to prevent chipping
and flaking; a solvent such as
butyl acetate or ethyl acetate to
keep all the ingredients
in a liquid formula; and
pigments such as mica and
iron oxide to provide color,
explains Mitchell Schlossman,
a cosmetic chemist for Fiabila
Inc, a nail polish manufacturer
in Mine Hill, N.J.
Triple Threat
In recent years, many polish
makers have removed three
problematic ingredients—
toluene, formaldehyde, and
dibutyl phthalate (DBT)—to
offer “three-free” formulas.
People with allergies might
develop reactions to formaldehyde. DBT and toluene
are often removed due to
concerns that the
ingredients may be
linked to cancer
and birth defects in
lab animals.
Ji Baek, owner of Rescue Beauty Lounges in New York City, offers
pointers on perfecting your polish:
expert a’s to your beauty q’s
To Dye
For
nail polish
Explosive Personality
On a Roll
One of the main ingredients
in nail polish, nitrocellulose,
is an agent used to make
dynamite, certain inks, and
some furniture polishes.
Polish is a suspension, or a
mixture of solids in a liquid
base, Schlossman explains.
The solid pigments tend to
be heavier than the other
ingredients, so manufacturers
Is it safe to permanently
tint brows and lashes?
Modern lacquer evolved
from the paint used
on Model T’s in the 1920s.
include tiny metal
balls inside to help
mix the ingredients.
But shaking the
bottle creates air
bubbles that will dry
out the polish faster. To mix
your polish, roll it between
your hands.
Need for Speed
A quick-dry polish uses
a different solvent than a
regular polish, Schlossman
says. But that doesn’t mean
the polish will dry completely.
“Nail polish takes at least 10
minutes to harden all the
way through,” he says. “A
quick-dry polish is just
drying the surface in less
time.”—Liesa Goins
Masterfile
Storing nail polish in the
refrigerator is not a good idea.
The enamel appears smoother
at first, but as it warms, the
ingredients change. You’ll get
bubbles and stringing.
Dcoedi-ng
Get the beauty buzz.
38
WebMD.com
Reviewed by
Karyn Grossman, MD
livingwell
Studio 504/Getty Images
livingwell
Reviewed by
Karyn Grossman, MD
“I’m not one to put on makeup
every day,” says Stacy Sindlinger, 46, a
home accessories designer in Philipstown,
N.Y. But she wanted the effect she got
from mascara, without the daily effort
and the occasional irritation, so she tried
something that many women have made
part of their regular beauty routines. “I
dyed my lashes.”
Is eyelash coloring safe, given the sensitivity of the eye area? “If done by a
well-trained and highly experienced esthetician who knows what she’s doing, it’s
absolutely fine,” says Jeannette Graf, MD,
a dermatologist in Great Neck, N.Y. Brows
can also safely be dyed by an experienced
hair colorist, she adds. Still, for the record,
permanent eyelash and brow tints and dyes
have caused reactions such as granulomas
(small areas of inflamed tissue) or contact
dermatitis (a rash), according to Graf, and
the FDA does not condone the practice. If
you wear contact lenses, be sure to take
them out during the procedure (you can
reinsert them the next day), and if your
eyes are especially sensitive, have some
saline or lubricating eyedrops to rinse
your eyes afterward. You shouldn’t feel any
stinging; in a good salon, the esthetician
should be with you the entire time in case
the dye gets in your eyes.
Robin R. Corey, artistic director of JaCar
Color Lounge in Gilbert, Ariz., applies a
cotton pad moistened with a gentle toner
under the eyes to keep the color off the
skin. “We never use hair dye on lashes; it’s
too harsh,” Corey says. Instead, she paints
a vegetable-based, semipermanent stain
on lashes with a small disposable mascara
wand for each eye. She never doubledips, which can spread infection. After a
few minutes, a color developer goes on
(some brands are single-step). “You’ll see
lashes immediately turn black—that’s the
most popular color,” Corey says. Other
choices for lashes and brows are blueblack, brown, and chestnut. In three to five
minutes, she gently wipes off residue with
a damp towel.
For brows, Corey uses demi-permanent
color—slightly stronger and more lasting
than the veggie version. She brushes it on
with a disposable wand and lets it process
for 10 to 20 minutes.
Sindlinger had no negative reaction
when she had her lashes colored. She just
didn’t like the results. “Because I don’t usually wear mascara, it looked too dramatic,”
she says. Still, for many women the results
are well-defined lashes and a little more
free time in the morning.—Maria Ricapito
Have more coloring questions? Get healthy beauty tips and expert advice.
True Colors
You shouldn’t
feel any
stinging; the
esthetician
should be
with you
the entire
time in case
the dye
gets in
your eyes.
Want to dye your
lashes or brows?
Here’s the lowdown:
Money matters.
Lash dyeing costs
around $25 to $75,
and brow coloring
starts at about
$15, depending on
the salon.
Staying power.
The results of
permanent tints can
last from one to three
months. To make
your dye job last
longer, avoid using
exfoliating alpha
hydroxy and glycolic
acid cleansers,
which can strip color
from brows, around
your eyes.
Magic wand. If you
want more oomph
to your tinted lashes,
use mascara.
WebMD.com
39
livingwell
Reviewed by
Eric Yabu, DDS
WebMD DENTAL CARE EXPERT
for the health of your smile
Sensitive
Subject
Gentle Touch
One zing to the nerve of a tooth
after a drink or bite of food is enough to
send even the hungriest bear running from
the kitchen. Sensitive teeth can seriously
limit the enjoyment of your favorite fare.
So if ice cream meeting your tooth
has you seeing stars, the layer beneath the
surface of your tooth (called dentin) has
become exposed, says Eric Sung, DDS,
professor at UCLA’s School of Dentistry.
This happens when the hard outer
covering of a tooth—enamel above the
gum line and cementum on the root—
wears away, exposing microscopic tubules
in the dentin that lead to the nerve of the
tooth. After that, biting into foods that are
hot, cold, sweet, or acidic (like tomatoes,
oranges, or lemons, whose acids can eat
away at enamel and cementum) can cause
searing pain.
How does all this happen? A number
of factors are to blame, Sung says.
Gum recession, when gums pull away
from the tooth and expose the root surface,
is common with periodontal disease,
which happens when plaque accumulates
along the gum line. “As plaque builds,
the bacteria release toxins that cause the
gums to get infected and then recede,”
Sung explains.
“Grinding causes teeth to flex and crack,
creating a notch that exposes dentin at the
gum line, called an abfraction,” Sung says.
If you grind, try wearing a mouth guard
while you sleep to protect your teeth.
Brushing with too much force, with a
stiff toothbrush, or even with an old toothbrush can cause abfractions as well. Be sure
to brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush that you replace every three months
whether or not it looks worn-out.
And, teeth whiteners give new meaning
to the phrase “beauty is pain.” They are
notorious for causing tooth sensitivity.
“It’s usually transient, but can be long-term
where it lasts for days, if not weeks,”
Sung says.
How sensitive is too sensitive? Sung
offers up a few rules of thumb: “If pain
lasts for only a few seconds, it’s not really
an issue.” However, if your teeth are sensitive to hot foods and beverages (usually
a sign of nerve problems), or if the pain
lasts more than a minute or is spontaneous, you’ve earned yourself a trip to the
dentist.—Lisa Zamosky
Teeth
whiteners
are notorious
for causing
tooth
sensitivity.
The pain
is usually
transient, but
can last for
weeks.
Keep smiling with more oral health care tips.
40
WebMD.com
Your Dental
Questions
Answered
A new live and
on-demand video
channel providing
you access to
expert answers.
Roger Wright/Getty Images
Do your favorite foods
make your teeth hurt?
Strengthen sensitive
teeth with these
tips from Eric Sung,
DDS, professor at
UCLA’s School of
Dentistry:
Go easy. Toothpastes
made specifically
for sensitive teeth
contain either
potassium nitrate or
strontium chloride,
which help clog the
dentinal tubules and
prevent the painful
stimulus (such as
ice cream) from
reaching the nerve.
But don’t expect
immediate results: It
will take at least two
or three weeks for
these pastes to take
the edge off.
Filler up. Silver
fillings are poor
insulators, a
particular problem if
they’re deep—kind
of like wearing metal
earrings when it’s
freezing outside. “If a
filling becomes more
sensitive over time,
see your dentist,”
Sung advises. A new
filling or a different
type of material may
stop the pain.
Cover up. Exposed
dentin means a
direct path to nerves.
Ask your dentist
about creating a
shield for your teeth
with one of a range
of coatings—such
as fluoride—that
effectively reduce
sensitivity.
Focus On
The new Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP)
puts an average of over $450* a year in your pocket and
creates entirely new ways of giving hugs.
Depression
This content is selected and controlled by WebMD’s editorial staff and is brought to you by AstraZeneca
SAVE AN AVERAGE
of over
$450
*
A YEAR
$14.80
Visit Walmart.com/RxPlan
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monthly plan premiums
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Or call Humana at 1.800.844.1020.
If you use a TTY, call 711,
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*Based on a comparison of the projected average nationwide out-of-pocket costs between an average
Medicare beneficiary enrolled in the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) in 2011 and Medicare
beneficiaries enrolled in other plans, utilizing, in part, industry weighted average PDP premium and
benefit information from the “Medicare Part D 2010 Spotlight, Medicare
Drug
A MedicarePrescription
Prescription Drug
Plan Plans in 2010
and Key Changes over Five Years,” an independent review and analysis of CMS data by the Kaiser Family
Foundation (September 2010). Actual savings may vary. For some beneficiaries, actual out-of-pocket
costs may be more. See Walmart.com/RxPlan or call Humana at 1-800-844-1020 for more information.
The Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan (PDP) is a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare
contract available to anyone entitled to Part A and/or enrolled in Part B of Medicare. You may enroll
in the plan only during specific times of the year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B
premiums. You must use network pharmacies except under non-routine circumstances. Other
pharmacies are available in the Humana network. Quantity limitations and restrictions may apply. The
benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits.
For more information contact the plan.
The “Spark” Design , Walmart and Save money. Live better. are marks and/or registered marks of
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. © 2010 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Y0040_GHA0989HHa_CMS File & Use 10012010
Taking the
Next Step
How are you managing
your depression? 44
An author writes his way
through the darkness 46
Ask our experts 48
Questions for
your doctor 50
43
Depression
Focus On
This content is selected and controlled by WebMD’s editorial staff and is brought to you by AstraZeneca.
How do you know
if you’re doing
everything you can
to stay on top of this
complex disease?
44
D
epression is a complex disease
that is treatable, but it often can
take time finding a treatment,
working with your doctor, and
monitoring symptoms to zero in
on a regimen that works for you.
Previous: Echo/Getty Images; Eric Audras/Getty Images
Treati
n
g
Depression
Reviewed by Laura Martin, MD
Anatomy of a Diagnosis
Why is depression so complex? Part of the reason is
that researchers still aren’t sure exactly what causes the
illness, although most believe that some interplay of
genetics, biochemistry, environment, and psychology
is involved. In other words, even if you’re born with a
genetic predisposition toward depression, it may take a
sudden life event, a serious illness, or chronic stress to
trigger the biochemical changes in the brain that give
rise to the disease.
People who don’t have a family history of depression also can become depressed, and certain medications as well as substance abuse and, in some people,
giving birth and changes in the seasons can also contribute to depression.
If you haven’t already been diagnosed, how do you
know if you’ve developed depression? In general, doctors will gauge what you’re feeling, how bad you’re feeling, and just how long you’ve been feeling that way.
But the most common symptoms are “depression all
day, every day, for about two weeks,” says Patrice Harris, MD, director of health services for Fulton County,
Ga., “or else a two-week period of loss of interest
in pretty much everything that used to bring somebody pleasure.”
Other symptoms include fatigue or loss of energy,
feelings of worthlessness or guilt, trouble concentrating, recurrent thoughts of death, and significant weight
loss or gain. But again, you have to feel that way for at
least two weeks before you qualify as having depression.
Other people feel irritable, restless, and angry when
they’re depressed; many develop physical symptoms,
including fatigue, insomnia or excessive sleepiness,
headaches or digestive problems, and a worsening of
chronic pain symptoms.
DEPRESSION
To diagnose depression, doctors will first do a physical exam to rule out depression that might be associated with viruses, medicines, postpartum hormonal
changes, or illness. The doctor will also take a family
medical history to find out if anyone else in your family
has had depression or other mental illnesses.
Once you’re diagnosed, your doctor will help you
decide if you need therapy, medications, or both to
manage your symptoms. The most common medications prescribed for depression are antidepressants,
which work by affecting levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain—notably serotonin, norepinephrine,
and dopamine. These chemicals help regulate mood,
energy, and primal drives such as eating, sex, and sleep.
One note: Antidepressants tend to take a while to
take effect—sometimes as long as several weeks. And
many patients need to try several different kinds of
antidepressants before they find the one (or the combination) that works well for them. You’ll need to work
closely with your doctor to find the mix of treatments
that works best for you.
Besides flooding people with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness, depression can impair
their ability to work, develop and maintain friendships,
establish intimate relationships, take care of themselves,
and raise families. In the very worst cases, depression
can lead to suicide.
But prolonged suffering isn’t inevitable. With the
right combination of treatments and self-care, most
people are able to recover from their depression and
have balanced, healthy lives. Stay in close contact with
your doctor to determine how best to treat your depression, even if you’ve already started a treatment plan.
Depression treatment is not one-size-fits-all.
With the right combination of
treatments and self-care, most
people are able to recover from
their depression and have
balanced, healthy lives.
Go to Depression tv at WebMD.com to see videos about managing depression.
45
Depression
Focus On
Lifting
the
Darkness
By Andrew Solomon
A Writer Learns to Live and Teach
Others About Life With Depression
In 1994, I was publishing my first
novel, something that I thought I
should feel very happy about, and I
found that I had almost no feelings
about it at all. And in the weeks that
followed, I found myself less and less
interested in what was happening
and more and more exhausted and
uninterested in the world. [Eventually] I thought I had had a stroke.
I couldn’t even get out of bed. And
finally the phone rang, and it happened to be my father, and I said,
“I think you better come down here.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
I was diagnosed shortly after that.
found a middle place that is relatively unpopulated, and I think that’s important.
In terms of avoiding relapse, there are several
things that I’ve identified as important. One of
them is sleep. If I get really overtired I become
much more vulnerable to going over the edge.
So I’m fiercely protective about getting enough
sleep. Another is exercise.
My natural impulse is to spend the day
propped up on pillows, eating chocolates, and
writing, but in fact I make an effort of exercising on a regular basis because there’s a lot of
evidence now that shows that exercise can do
as much for your depression as any medication can.
And the other thing is to recognize when
I’m getting incredibly stressed out. Sometimes
I think, “I have five things going on right now
and I’m not going to take on the sixth thing.” Andrew Solomon is the author
But the primary things are sleep, exercise, and of The Noonday Demon: An Atlas
solid nutrition, which are really not a bad idea of Depression and a lecturer in
even if you’re not depressed.
psychiatry at Cornell University.
Depression is the complete death of being
able to feel pleasure. But while you’re depressed
you can’t articulate that. You can’t say what’s
wrong. But because my way of being in the
world—from the time I was a child—was to try
to find the words for everything, I felt as though
by writing it down I could actually gain some
kind of control over it.
I love being able to be in this funny translational role that I found for myself in which, for
the people who are the sufferers, I can explain
the medicine. And for the people who are doctors, I can explain the experience. I’ve somehow
DEPRESSION
46
Three Tips for
Managing Depression
• Exercise Although Andrew doesn’t love to exercise, he has learned that it
can help alleviate the symptoms of depression.
• Stress management He knows that taking on too much can make him
vulnerable to depression, so he carefully monitors his stress levels.
• Call for help Andrew kept his distress to himself for some time before
finally telling his father he needed help. That call is what allowed Andrew to
get the help he needed.
My Road
to Recovery
It’
s
All
Relative
Deborah Stevenson is a painter and an art teacher living in Brooklyn, N.Y.
A Family Legacy That Challenges and Unites
By Deborah Stevenson
I was first diagnosed with depression in 1982. I grew up with mental illness: My mom was sick with
schizophrenia throughout most
of my childhood. I didn’t know if
I had something that was related
to what my mother used to call
“the family gene.” When it became
clear that [I did have a mental illness], in one way I was relieved
to know that this was something
identifiable and treatable.
Now my daughter, Jennifer, is having her
own struggles with this. That’s kind of a grave
thing to come to terms with.
She says she was relieved with the diagnosis, and I know she was. But I was sad because
I wondered, “Could we have treated it sooner?
Could we have relieved her of any stressors earlier on in her life?” I think as a parent you always
think, what could I have done differently? But on
the other hand, we have a wealth of experience
around it. As a family, we can help each other.
My daughter doesn’t have as much of a sense
of stigma and shame that I did or my mother’s
generation did. The idea that she should feel that
she has resources and a support system and a
toolbox and a lot of things in place to make this
something that isn’t a trauma in her life is a huge
thing for me. So if she feels that her experience is
one that makes her feel more flexible with her own
mental health, then that’s a good thing.
I was just recently diagnosed with chronic, lowgrade depression. It’s really
new for me.
So I need to take medication. I think it’s kind of
funny. I feel like I’m following in my mom’s footsteps.
But I feel that growing up
with her with the same
issues, I sort of saw how
not to do it, how to get help
right away.
I always knew that
depression is hereditary,
Jennifer Stevenson, 24
because my grandmother
had schizophrenia.
This is separate, but
knowing that it runs in
families, it wasn’t like, “Oh,
God, this is going to ruin
my life.” I feel as though it’s
made it a lot easier for me
to deal with my own issues
having seen my mother’s.
Seeing what depression
is like [helps]. Seeing how
it’s not an overnight cure—it
doesn’t make me worried that something hasn’t
changed instantly.
I feel that it’s made it a lot
easier to deal with my own
issues, having seen hers.
Watch Andrew Solomon and Deborah Stevenson’s videos on WebMD’s Depression tv.
47
Depression
Focus On
lat
st
e
res
earch
pe r
Taking the
Next Step
People who are very severely depressed
may need help even taking that first step. You
may not be able to get out of bed or even
think straight to make appointments on
time, which is why reaching out to someone
is so important. If you get the ball rolling, you
can get treatment.
so
Are you getting the help you need?
l
na
Melva Green, MD
WebMD
Depression tv Expert
rie
Med i ca
Q
s to

ex
l
My husband tells me I’m
not depressed, but that I’m angry,
which confuses me a bit. What’s
the connection?
WebMD Logo
pe
rt s
PRINT CMYK VERSION
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A  In my experience, anger is a com-
Q  I’ve been feeling depressed for
a long time. How do I know if I need
professional help?
A  The typical symptoms of depression
are sadness and loss of enjoyment in your
usual activities. The key question for deciding when to get treatment: “Is it starting to
interfere with my life?”
At that point, as with any medical condition, you have to say, “This hurts enough to
ask for help.” That can be hard, of course—
in some places in this country, we have no
DEPRESSION
48
mental health providers. But you can start
with a general physician if you have one.
Some people believe they’re weak or
have poor character. So they’re embarrassed about bringing it up. That’s actually part of the depression—they feel
extreme guilt and worthlessness. They
have low self-esteem and feel bad about
being depressed.
As hard as it is, the first step to getting
good care is talking to someone: a friend, a
doctor, a family member. It’s important to
talk to somebody—whoever you’re most
comfortable with. The next step is figuring out what kind of professional help you
need: a counselor or “talk therapist,” a psychiatrist, or a general physician. All can
help you decide on a treatment plan and if
medications are needed.
Go to Depression tv at WebMD.com to see videos about managing depression.
Depression tv:
A comprehensive on-demand video series
focused on living with Depression
Go to www.WebMD.com
OJO Images/Getty Images
Thomas Schwartz, MD
WebMD
Depression tv Expert
ponent of depression. Often it’s the only
emotion depressed people can express.
Let’s keep in mind that there are biological,
psychological, and spiritual components to
depression. It’s not just a brain condition.
So the thought processes of people who are
depressed are impacted. They may misread
some of the things that are being said to
them and overexaggerate their responses.
People with depression also have limited
coping skills and may move very quickly
to being intolerant, irritable, and angry in
a situation.
Often people think they should suppress their anger. That’s very unhealthy.
Anger is a healthy emotion. You have to
express it. It’s more about how you manage and express your anger that counts.
Take a step back, take a deep breath, reflect,
and keep in mind that this is a vulnerable
time. Getting some input from a therapist,
doctor, or friends about how you may be
engaging and responding can be helpful,
too. And so can eating a healthy diet and
getting enough exercise.
©2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
s
Depression
Focus On
fitness matters
working out what will work for you
Talk to Your Doctor About Depression
Easy Does It?
Not sure how to
restart the
conversation
with your MD?
How can you tell if your exercise routine
is too wimpy, too hard, or just right?
Q.Why hasn’t my depression
gone away?
Q. Is it normal for depression to
be hard to treat?
Q. If the medication I’m currently
taking doesn’t help, are there
others that might?
Q. Could alternative therapies
Q.What lifestyle changes could
I make to help alleviate
my depression?
have resources?
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Q. Might my workplace
organizations that could help me
learn to live better with depression?
Q. If I have depression, will my
children also have depression?
Focus On
Depression
Check out l Personal stories l Expert answers
Depression tv l Depression treatment information
for episodes l Connecting with others who have
featuring: depression l Lifestyle tips!
50 WebMD the Magazine | November/December 2010
Q.Could my depression
get worse?
Q. Will I be depressed for the
rest of my life?
Visit WebMD’s Depression tv
WaTCH real-life stories of people living with depression.
assess your symptoms and management options.
LeaRN the latest news on treating depression.
GeT Tips for managing your depression symptoms.
siGN up to get a reminder each time a new show airs.
Depression tv
SEARCH
Hans Bjurling/joHnér images/CorBis
have an effect?
No matter how hard you exercise, you can always find people who are
exercising harder. As they speed past you on foot or bicycle, crank up the elliptical machine, or lift seemingly superhuman amounts of weight at the gym, it’s
only natural to wonder: Am I taking it too easy? Should I be doing more?
The answer to that really depends on your goals, say exercise physiologists
James Hagberg, PhD, of the University of Maryland, and Philip Clifford, PhD,
of the Medical College of Wisconsin. In other words, if your goal is to improve
your health, you probably don’t need to
exercise as hard as people who are trying
“If your goal is
to lose a large amount of fat, gain a large
weight loss, you
amount of muscle, or train for competitive
probably don’t
sports. That’s especially true if you’re older
and haven’t exercised in a long time.
need to worry
You should always check in with your
so much about
doctor before starting a new exercise prointensity as about
gram. But once you’re cleared for take-off,
increasing the
“depending on what your goals are, there
are no workouts that are too wimpy,”
duration of time.”
Hagberg says. “If we can get a [sedentary]
65-year-old out doing a slow walk for 30 minutes three times a week, it’s a
great step forward.”
For basic health, “it’s important to keep moving, and do some exercise five
to six days a week,” Clifford adds. “If your goal is weight loss, you probably
don’t need to worry so much about intensity as about increasing the duration
of time that you’re exercising.”
Clearly, staying on the move pays big dividends. To help prevent chronic
diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services recommends adults ages 18 to 64 exercise at
moderate intensity for at least 2.5 hours per week or at vigorous intensity for
at least 1.25 hours per week. To lose weight, the American College of Sports
Medicine recommends up to an hour a day of physical activity.
Of course, if you’re training for your first half-marathon, you might need
to exercise more than that. But even if you just want to get in shape, you may
have to keep challenging yourself once you reach your goal—both to boost
your fitness levels and to alleviate the boredom that comes with doing the
same old, same old routine day after day.—Rick Ansorge
One exercise intensity scale uses
6 (no exertion) to 20 (the most
you can do). Aim for the middle.
Make over your workout with expert exercise tips.
Rate Your Exercise Level
Too easy or too hard? Here’s how to tell whether the
intensity of your workout is in the right range for you:
Talk Test If you’re exercising for health and fitness
(fast walking or slow bicycling), you should be able to
talk but not sing. Amping up to vigorous activity (think
running or swimming)? You shouldn’t be able to say
more than a few words without pausing for breath.
Target Heart Rate The rule of thumb here is that when
you’re exercising for health, you should aim for 50% to
70% of your maximum heart rate (which is 220 minus
your age). Less than 50% is not much exercise, but
better than nothing, especially if you’re just starting out.
For a more vigorous workout, aim for 70% to 85%.
Perceived Exertion Formal scales exist for rating just
how hard you feel you’re working. But as a general
guideline, when you’re exercising for health, you
should feel you’re exerting yourself somewhat but
not too much. To reach more serious goals, you’ll
want to work harder, says exercise physiologist
James Hagberg, PhD.
WebMD.com
51
Diane Collins and Jordan Hollender/Getty Images
Try these questions.
Q. Are there local groups or
Reviewed by
WebMD CHIEF MEDICAL EDITOR
No Kidding
Parenting a child with a chronic illness can be tough
on everyone in the family
A few years ago, teenager Amy Johnson of
Kansas City, Mo., was at a pet show with her family.
When Amy, who has type 1 diabetes, began to feel
sick, she checked her blood sugar. It was too high,
so she used both her insulin pump and an insulin
injection to try to correct it, both to no avail. After
going to the emergency room, she ended up in the
pediatric intensive care unit. She recovered—but
the episode rattled her family.
becomes a teen, the worries can get bigger
because kids at that age want—and need—more
autonomy. But when a teen has serious health
issues and needs to be vigilant in managing them,
letting go can be scary.
Because of modern treatments, children can
now lead long, productive lives, says Ron T. Brown,
PhD, provost and senior vice president for academic
affairs at Wayne State University in Detroit and a
leading pediatric psychologist specializing
WHeN A teeN HAs seRIous HeAltH
in children and adoIssues AND NeeDs to Be vIgIlANt ABout
lescents with chronic
illnesses, but that
mANAgINg tHem, lettINg go CAN Be sCARy.
can raise additional
challenges.
In some cases, kids
have to deal with the
side effects of treatments, such as weight
gain or low blood
sugar with insulin. In
addition, many teens
with chronic illnesses
This fall, with 18-year-old Amy in her first year fall behind in school from too many doctor
of college, her father, David, an engineer with
appointments and not feeling well. Still, chroniHewlett-Packard, is worried how she’ll cope with
cally ill teens have to take time to be teens.
alcohol, drugs, and adjusting to college life. With
“Children need to be as normal as possible,”
Amy, there’s a another kind of concern, too, since
Brown says. “They need to be with peers and try
she has a chronic illness.“She’s mature and she’s
to fit in.”
very up-front about her disease,” Johnson says.
In her new dorm room, Amy is near a hospital
“We’re sure she’ll take care of herself. But if her
and a doctor and has talked with her roommate,
blood sugar drops, it can be life-threatening.
suitemates, and other residents on her floor about
That’s hard to stop thinking about.”
what to do if she is acting strangely or passes out.
Having a child with chronic illness can be
David says, “It has only been a few weeks since
worrisome and exhausting. And when that child
she left, but so far, so good.”—Susan Davis
26.6: the percentage of American
children with chronic health conditions
Anatomy of
Letting go
Helping your teen
learn to manage her
own health is a huge
responsibility—but a
crucial one. Follow
these tips for a smoother
transition.
Take heart. “We know
chronic illness doesn’t
necessarily lead to
maladjustment,”
pediatric psychologist
Ronald Brown, PhD,
says. “Children can be
saddled with the most
devastating of chronic
diseases, yet still do well
emotionally.”
WebMD.com
Dried Goods
Posh Spice
Cinnamon sticks, also called “quills,” are the
dried bark of an evergreen tree.
In Roman times, cinnamon was very valuable, perhaps
up to more than 15 times more costly than silver.
Battle Ground
The high demand for cinnamon
started a war in the 17th century
between the Dutch and the
Portuguese over the island of
Ceylon—where much of the
pungent spice is grown.
There are two main types of cinnamon:
Cassia (Chinese) and Ceylon, the
sweeter variety.
Globe Trotter
Sri Lanka is the world’s largest
producer of cinnamon.
Find support. It’s not
just kids who need
support. Amy Johnson’s
parents joined online
groups and attended
conferences. “We learned
there are lots of people
out there in the exact
same situation,”
Johnson says.
Stay involved. When the
Johnson family toured
college campuses, they
didn’t interview just
teachers and students;
they talked with doctors
at the campus hospitals
to learn
who
would be
available
to provide
care if
their daughter needed it,
Johnson says.
CINNAMON
Type Two
Talk about it. “We talked
to our daughter about
her diabetes and her
care all the time,” David
Johnson says. “We
were constantly sharing
information.”
Visit the Parenting Center for more expert childraising tips.
52
nutritious and delicious
Below: Leigh Beisch/Getty Images; right: Teubner Foodfoto/StockFood Munich
expert advice for kids’ sake
healthyeats
Reviewed by
Ari Brown, MD
WebMD chilDRen’s heAlth expeRt
leFt: Anthony BRADshAW/Getty iMAGes; ABoVe: coMstock/Getty iMAGes
parenting matters
Reviewed and recipe by
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RH/LD
WebMD Director of Nutrition
Iron King
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
contains 1.4 grams of fiber. The
spice is also a good source of
calcium and iron.
Historic Preserve
Cinnamon was used as an
embalming agent in
ancient Egypt.
Sugar Fighter
Sweet Sorrow
According to preliminary research, up
to a teaspoon of cinnamon with food
can reduce blood sugar levels.
To show his remorse for killing
his wife, Roman Emperor Nero
ordered that a year’s supply of
cinnamon be burned at
her funeral.
Bug Off
Cinnamon and other strong-smelling spices have
been used to repel ants.—Chloe Thompson
healthy recipe
Cinnamon Orange
Glazed Chicken
Breasts
Makes 4 servings
ingredients
cooking spray
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast
halves
1 tbsp light, unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose whole wheat flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
½ cup orange juice
½ tsp dried tarragon
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp salt
1 orange, sliced
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2.Spray medium-size skillet with cooking spray, and heat to
medium-high heat.
3.Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 4
minutes per side.
4.Transfer chicken into a shallow baking dish coated with
cooking spray.
5.Add butter, flour, and cinnamon to skillet until melted and
combined. Slowly add chicken stock and orange juice and
cook until thickened. Season with tarragon, salt, and pepper.
6.Pour sauce over chicken; arrange orange slices on top.
7. Bake chicken breasts in preheated oven until done, about
20 to 30 minutes or when meat thermometer reaches 165ºF.
8.Serve chicken and sauce over brown rice.
Find more cinnamon-spiced healthy recipes for your holiday menu.
Per serving:
191 calories,
29 g protein,
10 g
carbohydrate,
4 g fat (2
g saturated
fat), 72 mg
cholesterol,
1 g fiber,
6 g sugar,
and 172
mg sodium.
Calories from
fat: 17%.
WebMD.com
53
healthyeats
Reviewed and recipes by
Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RH/LD
WebMD Director of Nutrition
Three Ways to Cook Chicken
The bird is
the word
when it’s
time to
serve
healthy
meals
everyone
will love
healthy recipe
healthy recipe
healthy recipe
➜ Grilled Tuscan Chicken With
Arugula and Tomatoes
➜ Asian Chicken Stir-Fry
➜ White Chicken Chili
If your family doesn’t like arugula’s peppery bite, try using milder mixed greens.
The Asian-inspired sauce’s sweet zing
appeals to kids, making this a great way
to get them to eat more produce.
Make a batch of this super-nutritious chili
on weekends and freeze individual portions
for easy school-night dinners.
Makes 4 servings
Makes 4 servings
ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
cooking spray
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 small shallot, finely minced
4 cups arugula
2 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Makes 6 servings
ingredients
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp vinegar, any type
3 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1 tsp dried
ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut
into ½-inch strips
4 cups assorted vegetables, cut into bitesize pieces
2 cups cooked whole grain brown rice
ingredients
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
cut into bite-size pieces
1 4.5-oz can chopped chiles, undrained
3 10.5-oz cans low-sodium chicken
broth
1 19-oz can cannellini beans, rinsed and
drained
1 cup frozen white corn, thawed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp white pepper
Optional: Fat-free sour cream, sliced
green onions, and chopped fresh
tomatoes for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat grill to medium high.
Left to right: Tara Donne/Getty Images; Leigh Beisch/Getty Images; Keller & Keller Photography/StockFood
Louise Lister/StockFood Munich
Grandma was right:
Chicken is good food. Tasty, versatile, and kid-friendly, chicken
is chock-full of important nutrients and provides a concentrated dose of protein, offering more per
ounce than beef or pork. In fact, 4 ounces of chicken includes about 70% of your recommended daily
intake, says Peter R. Ferket, PhD, professor of nutrition and poultry science at North Carolina State
University in Raleigh. At the same time, “chicken breast has about half the fat of a trim piece of T-bone steak,” Ferket says.
The fat in chicken is less saturated than that of beef, so it’s less likely to raise blood cholesterol levels. A
thin membrane between the skin and meat holds moisture in but keeps excess fat out. To keep fat and
calorie content low, remove any skin from the cooked chicken before you tuck in.
You can also think of it as brain food. Chicken supplies a hefty dose of niacin, which may protect
against age-related cognitive decline, and choline, which new research suggests supports fetal brain
development. Chicken also might reduce colon cancer risk. A 2005 study found that people who ate
about four servings per week had a 20% reduction in adenomas (growths in the colon that can be
precursors to colon cancer), compared with those who ate less than a half serving per week. That’s a
whole flock of reasons why chicken deserves its spot on the table.—Erin O’Donnell
2. Place chicken breasts between sheets
of plastic wrap; pound each piece to
½-inch thickness with a meat mallet
or rolling pin.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken on a grill rack coated
with cooking spray. Grill chicken 4 to
5 minutes per side or until done.
5. Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil,
lemon juice, and shallots. Toss well
with arugula until coated.
6. Place a piece of grilled chicken on
each plate. Top with one cup prepared
arugula and a quarter of the tomatoes.
7. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Per serving: 259 calories, 33 g protein, 6 g
carbohydrate, 11 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 76 mg
cholesterol, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, and 401 mg sodium.
Calories from fat: 38%.
Directions
1. Combine honey, vinegar, orange juice,
soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Set aside.
1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a
heavy-bottom Dutch oven.
3. Stir-fry chicken for 3 to 5 minutes or
until done; remove from pan.
2. Sauté onion for 5 minutes.
4. Add 1 tsp oil and stir-fry half the vegetables until crisp-tender. Remove from pan.
Repeat with remaining oil and veggies.
3. Add garlic and chicken and sauté for
4 to 5 minutes.
5. Return chicken, vegetables, and sauce
to wok or skillet. Cook briefly to
thicken sauce and heat thoroughly.
4. Add remaining ingredients and
simmer for 30 minutes or longer. For
thicker chili, use a spoon or potato
masher to mash some of the beans in
the pot as it simmers.
6. Serve over rice.
5. Serve with optional garnish.
cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 320 mg sodium.
cholesterol, 5 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 103 mg sodium.
What’s for dinner? Find more healthy chicken recipes.
54
Directions
2. Preheat wok or large skillet over
medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp oil.
WebMD.com
55
healthyeats
Poultry Pantry Picks
Our three chicken recipes, page 72, feature standout ingredients that deserve a
home in your fridge and pantry. WebMD’s director of nutrition Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD/LD, offers
a closer look at a few of these healthy ingredients, including advice on what to look for when you shop.
Brown rice offers the heart-health and waistwhittling benefits of whole grains, along with
yummy nutty flavor. Consider Uncle Ben’s Whole
Grain Brown Ready Rice, which comes in a
microwavable pouch and cooks in 90 seconds, or
Birds Eye Steamfresh Whole Grain Brown Rice,
found in the freezer section, which cooks in about
four and a half minutes.
L i q u i d g o ld
Too much sodium increases the risk of high blood
pressure and stroke, and the American Heart
Association now recommends that adults consume
no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily.
Using low-sodium chicken broth is an easy way to
cut back; most people don’t notice the missing salt.
Options include College Inn Light & Fat Free Chicken
Broth, Kitchen Basics Chicken Cooking Stock, and
Manischewitz Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth.
benefits of olive oil’s polyphenols, Zelman doesn’t
heat it and uses it in salad dressings and to flavor
foods after cooking. Look for extra virgin olive oils
made by Alma Gourmet and Pompeian.
C r e a m o f t h e cr o p
For some of us, chili isn’t complete without a
dollop of sour cream. Fat-free varieties like those
made by Breakstone’s and Dean’s provide cool
tanginess without saturated fat.
Ted Morrison
B r o wn I s B e s t
Fl a v o r S a v e r
A calorie-free condiment that wakes up the flavor
of many dishes, vinegar is a valuable addition
to your pantry. A splash of red-wine vinegar, for
example, adds fat-free zip to steamed veggies,
while cider vinegar and warm potatoes pair well in
mayo-free potato salads. Check out vinegars made
by Pompeian and
Holland House.
‘Tis the season of giving.
Since 1962, Target has given 5% of its income to support local
communities. Today, that totals more than $3 million in giving every
week. This holiday season, we celebrate our partners who take care
of those in need, like The Salvation Army.
B e a n t h e r e , D o n e t h at
Legumes, including cannellini, pinto, and black
beans, are an inexpensive way to pump up the
protein and fiber in many dishes, and their soluble
fiber content means they’re tummy-filling, too.
But the cautions about sodium apply here as well:
Some canned beans contain more than 450 mg of
sodium per serving. Look for no-sodium or no-saltadded products from Bush’s Best or Eden Organic.
We’re making it easy for you to help this season as well. Simply
purchase a Target gift card* of $20 or more November 14–20,
and we’ll donate $1 per card to The Salvation Army—up to
$
400,000. Shop and spread the joy.
O i l R i ch
Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help
reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, extra virgin olive oil
is Zelman’s go-to oil. To preserve the heart-health
EXPECT MORE. PAY LESS.®
The opinions expressed on
this page are of the experts
and are not the opinions of
WebMD. W
ebMD does not
endorse any specific product,
service, or treatment.
®
Tk. Search tk.
56
WebMD.com
* Terms and conditions apply to gift cards. ©2010 Target Stores. Target and the Bullseye Design are
registered trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. 110325
wellness
Taylor Swift never set out to be extraordinary. Like
most of us, all she wanted was to be heard. Little
did she know as she sat in her childhood bedroom
in Wyomissing, Pa., giving voice to feelings about
crushes, heartache, and troubled friendships, that one
day millions of people would respond. That she would
The chart-topping
singer-songwriter’s
secrets for
healthy living
and success on
and off the stage
ontour Taylor
By Rebecca Ascher-Walsh, WebMD Contributing Writer
with
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
58
59
guaranteed success, she says she is “excited
and nervous” to hear reactions to her latest work. “These songs are basically my
journal entries from the last two years,” she
says, “And that, of course, makes me much
more vested in how people hear them.”
So how does a young woman—who
relies on her normalcy to connect with her
audience—keep her feet on the ground,
especially when they are so often walking the red carpet in Manolo Blahniks?
By being grateful. “I remember dreaming
about the possibility that if I worked really
hard and things went miraculously well,
some day people would care about what I
had to say,” says Swift. “And I’ve never let
go of that feeling. The fact that people care
about my lyrics is so incredible to me.”
Swift grew up with her stockbroker
father, stay-at-home mother, and younger
brother, Austin. She began writing poetry
in second grade and turned to songwriting at 12 to help her deal with feeling
like an outcast at school. After performing
at every county fair, sporting event, and
karaoke contest that would have her, she
convinced her family to move to Nashville,
Tenn., when she was 14. It didn’t take long
to reassure the Swifts they had made the
right choice: Within months, the prodigy
had been signed as the youngest staff songwriter ever at Sony/ATV Publishing, a position she credits with her work ethic.
“It was my job after school every day
for two years,” she remembers. “I had this
little office in the hall, and I was writing
songs based on what other people might
cut. It really immersed me in the gorgeous
songwriting community, and I’ve never
forgotten what it’s like to write for a job.”
These days, Swift has the luxury of writing only for herself, a process she says keeps
her honest. “From a young age, any time I
would feel pain I would think, ‘It’s OK,
I can write about this after school,’” she
says. “And still, anytime something hurts,
like rejection or sadness or loneliness, or I
feel joy or I fall in love, I ask myself, ‘Can
I write a song about this so I know how
I feel?’” Making such private thoughts
public doesn’t faze her. “I’m only thinking
about the person I’m writing it for, so it
stays personal,” she says, “and the fact that
people actually care about what I have to
say makes any fear pale in comparison.”
No one will ever hear the naturally
cheerful Swift whimper about any element of her fame, even if it has resulted
in days spent touring and nights in hotel
rooms while her peers are off at college
and socializing. “I’ve been doing this so
long that I don’t get road-weary,” she says.
“I accept that I’m never going to be in the
same place for too long and that’s just my
life. What I feel is pure excitement.”
Rules of the Road
Still, Swift acknowledges that riding hours on
a bus, strutting the stage, and not sleeping in
her own bed can take its toll, both physically
and mentally. Crucial to staying balanced is
sticking to a comforting routine, no matter
From left, Swift with icon Stevie Nicks at the 2010 Grammys, at which she won four Grammy awards; and with Jennifer Garner in the movie Valentine’s Day.
60
Write On
I have been
doing this for so
long that I don’t
get road-weary.
I accept that I’m
never going to
be in the same
place for too
long. What I
feel is pure
excitement.
Austin Swift
be a superstar before she could vote. Swift’s
self-titled album was released in 2006 and
went multiplatinum, setting the tone for
what would become the then-16-year-old’s
trademark: Disarmingly autobiographical
songs that resonate across age and gender.
Her follow-up, Fearless, released two years later,
also sold millions and won four Grammy
awards. Last year, Swift was the best-selling
musician in the United States, according to
Nielsen SoundScan, and Forbes ranked her the
12th most powerful celebrity this year, with
annual earnings of $45 million.
Most people would take this opportunity
to do a victory lap. But Swift, who turns 21
in December, is far too busy performing at
the 44th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 10 and
canvassing the country on a tour supporting her latest album, Speak Now, which was
released in late October to acclaim from
critics and audiences alike.
Plus, it’s not her style. Instead, she
shows up for those in need, as she did
this past summer when she appeared as
part of Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert
for Flood Recovery, a cause to which she
donated $500,000. Swift was also one of
the first celebrities to call attention to the
disaster, appealing to the public and media
immediately after the devastation, which
happened in May and caused an estimated
$2 billion in damages to the Nashville and
middle Tennessee area.
It’s not a surprising reaction for someone so attuned to other people that, even
though her new album would seem a
PREVIOUS PAGE: Mary Ellen Matthews/Corbis Outline; THIS PAGE, Left to right: Michael Caulfield/WireImage; Dan MacMedan/WireImage; Ron Batzdorff/©New Line Cinema/Everett Collection
wellness
where she is. When she gets to her hotel
room, the first thing she does is unpack—
even if she’s there for only one night. “I do
it everywhere I go,” she says with a laugh. “I
really like the way it feels to have my clothes
put away in drawers and my shoes in the
closet.” Swift also always travels with candles,
and she’s never without her iPod, onto which
she is constantly downloading new music.
Listening to fellow artists’ latest releases
is what inspires Swift to exercise, and
regardless of her tour schedule, she makes
sure to squeeze in an hour-long run on a
treadmill every day.
“For me, running is about blasting a
whole bunch of new songs and running to
the beat. It’s also good because it makes me
find a gym wherever I am,” she says. Unlike
other famous colleagues, “I’m very much
out in the world, and I love exploring the
places we go when we tour. It’s important
for me to live a full life.”
Why putting pen to
paper is good for you
Because her life is so peripatetic, Swift
knows that staying disciplined about how
she eats is crucial to her well-being. While
this lanky, 5-feet-11-inch star doesn’t need
to watch her weight, she says she still pays
attention to what she puts in her body …
on weekdays. On weekends, all bets are off.
“During the week, I try to eat healthily, so
that means salads, yogurt, and sandwiches,”
she says. “No sugary drinks. I try to keep it
lighter, but it’s nothing too regimented or
crazy. I don’t like to create too many rules
where I don’t need them. We know what’s
good for us, thanks to common sense.” On
the weekends, “I allow myself to eat what
I know from common sense is bad for
me,” she says with a giggle. “I like comfort
foods. I love a burger and fries, I love ice
cream so much, and I love baking cookies.
Actually, I love baking anything.”
One daily treat is a Starbucks run,
where she opts for skinny vanilla lattes
“As a young kid, I learned to process
my emotions by writing,” says singersongwriter Taylor Swift. Turns out, she
intuitively hit upon a habit that studies
suggest can be hugely beneficial to
health in times of trouble.
James Pennebaker, PhD, professor
and chair of the psychology department
at the University of Texas, has spent
years studying the power of journalwriting and was the first person to publish on the subject.
“Writing about upheavals in your
life can be very helpful, with overwhelming evidence that when individuals write about those experiences there
are improvements in both physical and
mental health,” he says.
Pennebaker says it isn’t necessary
to keep a journal long-term, or when
things are going smoothly. But he suggests that when worry or trouble sleeping kicks in, it’s time to pick up a pen
and write about what’s happening for a
minimum of 15 minutes for three consecutive days.
“Traumatic experiences touch every
part of people’s lives,” Pennebaker
explains, “from financial to social to
romantic, so it’s helpful to organize your
thoughts about the event by writing.”
There’s no right or wrong when it
comes to expressing yourself, as long
as you are honest. “Explore your deepest emotions and thoughts,” Pennebaker
suggests, “and how it ties in to your childhood, your family, your future and past.”
When you’re feeling better, you can
put the journal back in your drawer until
it’s next needed.
“There’s no reason to write when
you’re not troubled if you don’t want
to,” says Pennebaker. “Enjoy the
good times.”—RAW
61
wellness
Taylor’s Tips
for Healthy
living on
the road
I’m very much out in the world,
and I love exploring the places we
go when we tour. It’s important for
me to live a full life.
on weekdays and spiced pumpkin lattes
on weekends. “The point,” she says, “is
I’m never cutting out what I love, which
is Starbucks.”
Elisabetta Politi, RD, MPH, CDE, nutrition director of Duke University’s Diet and
Fitness Center, lauds Swift’s simultaneously practical and celebratory approach to
food, praising her for being a role model
in an insanely dieting world. Swift also
earns high marks for not depriving herself, although as Politi points out, “Taylor
doesn’t have to lose any weight, so maybe
someone who does would have a treat once
a week, and after exercise.”
Swift’s philosophy is perfect, says
Politi. “Evidence shows that binge
eating is connected to frequent dieting.
Depriving ourselves leads to eating out of
control. What’s crucial is having a healthy
relationship with food,” Politi explains.
“Food is not the enemy, and Taylor is
62
Home Girl
To keep a balanced lifestyle, Swift
is a homebody when she’s not touring. She
recently moved out of her parents’ house
and into her own apartment in Nashville,
where she hangs out with friends and
writes. “I’m not a party girl, because that’s
not where my interests are,” she says. But
she’s also aware that in making the choice
to stay away from the nightlife she’s sending an important message to her fans.
“I really do factor that into the decisions
I make,” she says, “And it’s always a huge
part of my thought process. In the last two
years while I’ve been on my first headlining tours, I look into the crowd and I see all
of these faces, and some of them are little.
I remember when I was that age, and the
choices that my favorite singers were making really mattered to me. I can’t block that
out, and I don’t want to.”
Swift is also cognizant of helping
those in need and is a generous donor to
groups like the American Red Cross. “My
Reward yourself. Work for your indulgences, and then enjoy. “I have a need
to feel like I’ve earned things, so when
I have a week of working really hard, I
get to have a day or two off—whether
it’s from exercise or watching what I
eat,” says Swift.
Skip the judgment. When it comes
to dieting and working out, Swift is
watchful rather than self-chastising.
“I keep an internal gauge of whether
it’s been a healthy week or not,” says
Swift. Then she makes adjustments
instead of beating herself up.
Secret to Happiness
As far as she’s concerned, Swift is already
living her ideal life. She’s made forays
into acting, appearing on a CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation episode on CBS and in the movie
Valentine’s Day. She is celebrated for her style
and beauty in fashion magazines. But she
insists that her driving passion is and
always will be songwriting.
“If I go more than nine days without
writing a song, I get really antsy,” she says.
“But I think the stress causes me to search
my mind and helps me write. It starts with
an idea that hits me at the most inconvenient
time, like in the middle of a conversation or
in the middle of the night, and my friends
have gotten used to a glazed look coming
into my eyes. Then I need to grab my phone
and record a voice memo or a melody and
lyrics. You never know what it will be!”
The element of surprise is something
Swift embraces, as long as the result continues to be songs that move her and her
fans and as long as she is able to retreat to
the security of close friends and family to
reconnect with herself.
“I always try to see what makes me most
comfortable and happy,” she says. “Because
right now, to have happiness, that’s the
main priority.”
Water it down. “I drink so much water
my friends call me an alien,” jokes
Swift, who says she always carries a
bottle with her. Just to make sure she’s
never short, the singer keeps a case in
her car.
Find your rhythm. To power up your
workout routine, download songs or
albums that you don’t let yourself listen to until you’re in motion. “I don’t
like any kind of exercise other than
running,” Swift says. “And I love that
because it’s about the music.”
MR Photo/Corbis Outline
Swift with
her mom,
Andrea Swift
contributions hit me like my song ideas,”
she says. “It’s just a gut feeling about
who needs help, whether it’s a flood in
Nashville or a town that I’m in that has had
some horrible tragedy or a letter I get from
a family. Giving back like that makes you
feel so incredible.” She believes the amount
of time or money given is unimportant: “If
you have the opportunity to put something
good into the world, that only does good
for your own life.”
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
really to be commended for
enjoying what she eats. We should
all be eating in a mindful way
and enjoying every moment that
we do.”
As for following common sense
rather than calorie charts, Politi is
all for it: “Our grandparents had
so much less information than we
have; they only listened to their
common sense, and we were a
leaner country then.” For people
who would rather rely on facts
than intuition about what makes a
healthy diet, Politi suggests going
to the American Dietetic Association website, eatright.org.
“Health is a big part of being happy,”
says singer-songwriter Taylor Swift,
who is committed to keeping herself
in great shape physically and mentally
even when she’s touring. Here are her
rules of the road:
Sit with your feelings. Recognize that
anxiety is not inherently bad. The
experience is uncomfortable while it’s
happening but can also propel you out
of a rut. “It’s awful to sit there feeling
that way,” says Swift. “But if you let it,
it can lead to something that takes you
out of that feeling and into something
creative.”—RAW
63
WebMD health heroes
Fighting
for Boys
Patricia Furlong
W
WebMD’s fifth
annual tribute
honors six
visionaries who
are changing
the lives of
others through
their caring
and hard work
Health Heroes
64
Chris Crisman
2010
hen Patricia Furlong’s sons,
Christopher and Patrick, were
diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1984, the doctor simply
said, “There is no hope.” At that time there
was no treatment for the disease, the major
type of muscular dystrophy and the most
common fatal genetic disorder. Duchenne
strikes only boys and leads to progressive
muscle weakness, an inability to move the
arms and legs, and eventually death. Yet
while Furlong, 63, a former intensive care
unit nurse, was often overwhelmed, she
didn’t give up hope. “I remember one day
I told Chris, ‘I want a miracle,’” she recalls.
“And he looked at me and said, ‘Miracles
don’t just happen for one or two of us,
Mommy. They have to happen for all of
us.’” Furlong threw herself into creating
those miracles. In 1994, she established
Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy to bring
parents, researchers, and doctors together
to fundraise and advocate for better care
for Duchenne patients. PPMD’s lobbying
efforts resulted in Congress’s passing the
MD-CARE Act in 2001, which designated
funds for research on muscular dystrophy.
As a result, boys with Duchenne now walk
into their teens and 20s. Her own sons
stopped walking at 9 and died at 15 and
17. But every time Furlong meets a new
family, she thinks, “All I ever wanted was to
buy five minutes more of life for my sons.
I can’t fix everything for these families. But
I can try to buy them five minutes more.”
—Susan Davis
65
WebMD health heroes
Josh Estey/CARE
W
hen supermodel Christy Turlington Burns started
hemorrhaging after the birth of her daughter in 2003,
the staff at her modern birthing center in New York City
treated her easily. But two years later, when she was pregnant with her
second child, she traveled to Central America as a CARE ambassador
and met with pregnant women who had to walk miles and miles just
for clean water. That’s when a global crisis hit home for her. Hundreds
of thousands of women die every year from pregnancy or childbirth
complications, and more than 90% of these deaths are preventable or
treatable when there is access to quality medical care and supplies,
according to the United Nations. Turlington Burns, 41, whose mother
is originally from El Salvador, decided to make a documentary, her
first, about what she saw. Called No Woman, No Cry, it debuted at New
York’s Tribeca Film Festival last May and is slated for general release
next spring, around Mother’s Day. It portrays the state of maternal
health in Tanzania, Bangladesh, Guatemala, and the United States. She
also launched the interactive website, everymothercounts.org, to help
create a worldwide maternal health movement. “Life and death are
very close in that moment … and baby steps can make a powerful
noise” about this issue, she says. “Calling women by their names, not
numbers; using floral sheets instead of white, which signifies death in
many cultures; using a curtain during delivery … you’d be surprised
at what works.” Her passion goes beyond movie making, and she’s
now studying for her master’s degree in public health at Columbia
University. “Going to graduate school has given me credibility to be
part of the dialogue,” she says.—Jenna Gallagher
Mother’s Helper Christy Turlington Burns
Tiffany Denyer
T
iffany Denyer always knew she loved animals and was
interested in emotional and behavioral issues. “After I
got my degree in psychiatric nursing, I started doing pet
therapy with my dog, Maddie. We visited Alzheimer’s patients and
the mentally ill and did play therapy with children.” Denyer, 36,
earned a service dog certification and a degree in animal behavior,
then merged her two interests by establishing Wilderwood Service
Dogs in Maryville, Tenn., in 2005. Wilderwood is the first service
dog organization specializing in training dogs to be companions
to kids and adults with neurological conditions, including autism,
dementia, and mild mental retardation. Over the last six years,
Wilderwood has trained and placed 43 dogs with people with
66
neurological disorders—about 90% of them children. Starting
this winter, Wilderwood will partner with Breakthrough (a local
treatment center for adults with autism) to provide job and social
skills. Wilderwood is also working with University of Tennessee
researchers to track how people with service dogs fare in the
world, as well as another study on how people with service dogs
communicate and cope. The results, Denyer hopes, will lead to
more research and funding for this new field. “The dogs are
trained to keep people safe,” Denyer says, but adds that’s not all—a
dog also touches a child’s spirit. “The relationship with a service
dog can impact a child’s life more than therapy or medicine
combined,” she says. “It is truly life-changing.”—Susan Davis
Tamara Reynolds
Pet Cause
67
WebMD health heroes
Sister Act
Caren hoffman
Giving
back by helping
“ other
kids is the best decision
I’ve ever made.
”
68
Christopher Navin
C
aren Hoffman’s mission to help sick
children began at age 13 when her
younger brother, Sam, then 8, needed
a bone marrow transplant. Sam had Fanconi
anemia, a genetic disease that can lead to
bone marrow failure at an early age, then
leukemia, and then a variety of cancers. The
family traveled to New York City for the
transplant and decided they would live at the
Ronald McDonald House during Sam’s hospitalization. At first, “I hated it and the hospital,” Hoffman says. “I missed my friends
and my school and my house.” But when
she started doing art with the children there,
she discovered a passion. “Painting with
these sick little kids made me feel good,” she
says, “because I could tell that painting made
them happy.” Because of his transplant, Sam
didn’t develop leukemia. But Caren went on
to become leader in training at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang camp—also
for chronically ill children—which further
strengthened Hoffman’s love of helping
children. So when she turned 15, she started
Bromfield Against Cancer, a student club at
her small public high school in rural Massachusetts, to raise money for other families
with sick children. “Our town raised a lot of
money for us when we went to New York
with Sam,” she recalls. “I wanted to do the
same for others.” In 2009, Bromfield Against
Cancer took part in a local Relay for Life
event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, that raised $87,000. In addition, with
one town-wide spaghetti dinner, BAC raised
another $10,000 for their principal, whose
daughter also has cancer. Now a senior in
high school, Hoffman, 17, says her “dream
job” is to “become a family counselor who
works with kids who have cancer and their
families.” Looking back to the time when
Sam—now 12 and still cancer free—was sick,
she says giving back by helping other kids “is
the best decision I’ve ever made.”—Susan Davis
69
WebMD health heroes
Children’s Champions
WebMD’s 2009 Health Heroes
Two visionaries building solutions for kids’ health
Where are last year’s winners today?
Christopher Gavigan
T. Denny Sanford’s childhood was not easy. At age 4, he lost his mother to breast cancer, and
when he was 21, his father died of heart disease. His life could have gone in a bad direction. But he went on to achieve personal and financial success in business and 6 years ago
devoted himself to funding health care initiatives and institutions, especially those dedicated
to children. “I think health is an area where you can make the biggest difference and that’s
what I’m trying to do,” he says. Sanford Health, the health care system he founded, is now
building a network of Sanford Children’s Clinics around the world in communities lacking
pediatric care. (Sanford Health is a sponsor of WebMD.) It is also establishing The Sanford
Project, a cutting-edge initiative to cure type 1 diabetes. “You see these kids who have 15
pokes a day with a needle and the pain that they go through,” he says, “and you can identify
with it. Diabetes is unfortunately one of those situations that we don’t recognize because the
people otherwise act normal. But that’s only if they get the proper care and take the proper
medications.” Sanford, 74, initially got involved with children’s health care “for the children,”
he says, “but when you meet pediatric staff in hospitals and at schools, [you realize] it’s not
just a job for them, it’s a passion to save lives and help these little tykes. Children do not have
a voice, and we’re trying to give it to them.”—Susan Davis
Top: Greg Latza
T. Denny Sanford
After getting a college degree in environmental science, Christopher Gavigan set
up a company that provided wilderness
expedition experiences for teens—many
of whom had emotional and behavioral
issues. “I discovered how they were affected
by chemicals growing up,” he says. “That
started my passion for children’s environmental health and creating a world free of
toxic chemicals for them.” Gavigan, 36,
knew he had to reach parents. In 2005 when
he became executive director of Healthy
Child, Healthy World, a nonprofit that works
to improve children’s health by eliminating
toxins from their environment, he focused
on identifying small steps rather than big
leaps for parents. Using a multimedia approach—award-winning website, DVDs, an
iPhone app with shopping lists for healthy
products, the book Healthy Child, Healthy World,
videos, endorsements by such celebrity
moms as actor Amy Brenneman (pictured
below, with Gavigan), and guides to local,
state, and federal policy initiatives—HCHW
has reached hundreds of millions of parents.
“Our goal is to make information available,
inspiring, and doable for the modern family so they are empowered to create a safer,
healthier world,” Gavigan says. Gavigan left
HCHW in mid-October and isn’t yet sure
what his next project will be. But wherever he lands, he says, he’ll be working to
“make a positive impact on children, family,
and the environment. That’s my life work.”
—Susan Davis
Sabrina Cohen
Zane Gates, MD
A car accident in 1992 left then-14year-old Sabrina Cohen a quadriplegic. After graduating from college,
Cohen heard a presentation on stem
cell research and had an “aha” moment that changed her life. “That talk
ignited in me a hope that had long
since simmered down,” she told us,
“that someday I would walk again.”
Cohen went on to found the Sabrina
Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell
Research, which advocates and fundraises for the many diseases
that could benefit from stem cell research. Since she received her
WebMD Health Heroes award last year, the foundation has given a
grant to Miami cardiologist Joshua Hare, MD, who is studying the
potential benefits of stem cells on heart attack and stroke patients.
Cohen hopes to add to the $100,000 raised by her foundation thus
far by selling 2011 “cellebrity” doctor calendars—complete with
photos and bios of 12 leading stem cell researchers from around
the country (available at CELLebritydocscalendar.com, launched in
October). “I’ve devoted my life to what was a devastating aspect of
it, and turned it into something positive,” she says.
“I grew up in a rough neighborhood, and a lot of kids went
to jail,” recalls Zane Gates, MD. But thanks to his mother, who
volunteered much of her time to the Catholic church, many adults
active in their community mentored her son, who stayed out
of trouble. In turn, Gates, 43, always planned to go back to his
hometown of Altoona, Pa., after medical school to return the favor.
Now, each year 3,700 patients receive free health care through his
Partnering for Health Services. And if a bill Gates spearheaded with
state Sen. Ted Erickson passes in the
Pennsylvania state House, uninsured
people throughout his state could get
the same care. In addition, with the
help of his WebMD Health Heroes
$2,500 donation and proceeds from
two novels he has authored, the
doctor expanded his after-school
program to a third housing project.
Says Gates: “My mother showed me
that changing other people’s lives
is complete fulfillment. And she
was right.”
Stan Curtis
As a doctor of internal medicine in the heart of Los Angeles,
Mark Hyman, MD, 52, sees his fair share of patients from the
entertainment industry, among them actor Patricia Heaton. And
since launching the annual Comedy for a Cure night to fight
tuberous sclerosis eight years ago, Hyman and Heaton have
enlisted star power from the likes of Julianne Moore, Ray Romano,
and Teri Hatcher. Although the night centers around jokes, TS is no
laughing matter. “The effects of this disease can be very broad and
deep,” says Hyman. “The most prominent are seizures and mental
retardation, as well as both benign and malignant tumors that
can grow in many organ systems.” A genetic condition, TS affects
50,000 Americans. Thanks to
Hyman, Comedy for a Cure has
raised more than $2.5 million
to date for research and the
development of drugs to treat
and possibly cure this debilitating
disease. Last year’s WebMD
Health Heroes recognition also
increased awareness. “Some of
my patients told me they sent
in donations because they saw
the article,” says Hyman. “People
were like, ‘Oh, my God, there’s
my doctor!’ ”—Jennifer Dixon
Even in today’s tough
economy, it’s easy to
forget that 59% of
public school children rely on government assistance
for food each school
week. No federal
program exists, however, for weekends.
This gap inspired
Stan Curtis, whose
USA Harvest distributes 2 million meals to low-income families
per day, to create a new program, Blessings in a Backpack, in 2005.
Through Blessings, low-income children receive a backpack filled
with food each Friday. Hungry children “used to come to school
on Mondays feeling disgruntled and mad,” says Curtis, 61. Now
they arrive at school Monday nourished and ready to learn. Schools
using the program are reporting increased scores on testing; one
school in Boca Raton, Fla., saw reading comprehension scores
jump a dramatic 80% among students participating in the Blessings
program. This year, the program has expanded to 203 schools.
Says Louisville, Ky., resident Curtis: “This is Americans saying we’re
going to give our kids a shot at success.”
Patricia Heaton & Mark Hyman, MD
Know a WebMD Health Hero? Starting in January, nominate him or her online!
70
WebMD.com
71
holiday recipes
Three top chefs’ very own Yuletide recipes
home
Holidays
for the
For a fresh take on festive foods, we
asked Iron Chef Cat Cora, Mom-a-licious chef Domenica
Catelli, and our own nutrition expert Carolyn O’Neil, MS,
RD, for the family holiday recipes they return to most
often. The result? Dishes that transform familiar tastes from
“same old” to “something special.” From Cora’s Caribbeanthemed curried lentils with butternut squash to O’Neil’s
can’t-skip-this salad to Catelli’s guiltless mashed potatoes,
each recipe rethink provides inspiration on how a little
redo leads to redux: newfangled favorites you’ll want to
prepare again and again. Plus, stress-busting tips for home
cooks to take the worry out of holiday prep.
By Monica Kass Rogers, WebMD Contributing Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RH/LD
WebMD DIRECTOR OF NUTRITION
72
Photography by Renée
Comet; Styling
by Lisa
Cherkasky
November/December
2010 | WebMD
the Magazine
73
C
holiday recipes
Cat Cora
Pomegranate-Glazed
Cornish Game Hens
With Wild Rice and
Chestnut Stuffing
“I love changing things up for the holidays,” says Cora, which is no surprise,
coming from America’s first female Iron
Chef, anointed by the Food Network’s
reality cooking show. “For the celebration
table, you want things to be comforting,
but not boring. So I always keep a few
old-standby dishes on the table but pick
at least a few others that I mix it up with,
making them a little more exotic, more
unique—still ensuring that the recipes are
very approachable and easy to do.” The
key here? “Stay in the same flavor family
when you substitute something different
for something traditional.” For example,
do coconut-sprinkled curried squash and
lentils rather than marshmallowed sweet
potatoes, or pomegranate-glazed Cornish
game hens instead of one big turkey.
I n g r e d i e n ts
4 Cornish game hens
1 cup uncooked wild rice
²/³ cup coarsely chopped chestnuts
(eitherfresh or from a jar or can)
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp finely chopped fresh sage
3 tbsp chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
Don’t change your entire holiday
menu over to exotica. Keep a
few familiar dishes on the table
that family members might
mutiny without. Pin down your
shopping list at least a week ahead, practicing any dishes you’re unsure of ahead
of time and pre-prepping a day or two in
advance whatever will hold. And delegate
some of the dishes to trusted family members (those old standbys, for example).
Holiday
Directions
1. Rinse the rice in cool water, drain the
water, and add the rice to a 2-quart saucepan with lid. Add 3 cups cold water and
dash of salt. Bring the rice to a boil and stir
once. Immediately reduce the heat to low,
and cover the pot. Cook over low heat for
45 to 55 minutes, or until all of the liquid
has evaporated.
2. Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
3. While the rice is cooking, remove the
chestnuts from the jar or can, chop them
roughly, and spread them on a baking
sheet. Toast them in the oven for about 10
minutes to remove some of their moisture.
When the chestnuts are done roasting, turn
up the oven to 375ºF. In a large bowl, mix
the cooked wild rice, toasted chestnuts,
chopped onion, and herbs.
4. Pat the game hens dry with a paper towel.
(If they have been frozen, be sure they are
completely thawed, with gizzards removed.)
Loosely fill each cavity with stuffing, leaving
a little space in each bird to allow the rice
to expand during roasting. Secure the legs,
wings, and opening of each hen by trussing
with cotton string. Spoon leftover stuffing
into a small casserole dish with lid. During
the last 25 minutes of roasting the hens,
slide the casserole into the oven to heat.
5. Place hens breast-side down on a rack set
in a roasting pan. Place pan on the center
Tip
rack of a preheated oven, and allow the hens
to cook for 15 minutes before basting with
the pomegranate juice (or with pomegranate-balsamic reduction option at the end of
this recipe).
6. Baste again 15 minutes later, turning birds
breast side up after 40 minutes of roasting.
Continue basting with the remaining pomegranate juice until the hens are dark golden
brown and the juices run clear when the
hens are pierced at the thigh. Total cooking
time will be about 50 to 55 minutes. An
instant-read thermometer inserted into the
thickest part of the thigh, not touching the
bone, should register 175ºF to 180ºF.
7. Remove the birds from the oven, and
transfer them to a platter. Cover them with
foil and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Place the roasting pan with the juices
on the stovetop over medium-low heat,
add about ½ cup of the chicken stock (or
water), and scrape up any roasted bits from
the bottom of the pan. Sift the flour into the
cooking juices and mix well. Slowly whisk
in another 1½ cups of stock (or water) and
stir well, and let simmer until the mixture
is thick and has no lumps, about 5 to 6
minutes. Add a few more teaspoons of water
or white wine if you’d like the gravy to be
thinner. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. To serve, cut each bird in half lengthwise.
Pool a little gravy on each plate, place a half
bird on top of each gravy-pooled plate, and
garnish with finely chopped parsley. Serve
with a little extra rice stuffing on the side, if
desired.
1 cup dry lentils (preferably French
or green)
1 small butternut squash (about
1½ lbs), peeled and cut
into chunks (equals 1½ cups)
olive oil spray
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp chili powder
dash of kosher salt and freshly
ground black pepper
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Directions
1. Spray olive oil in an 8x11-inch baking dish and set aside. Pour the lentils into a
deep pot and cover with cold water. Heat water to boiling; reduce heat to simmer,
and add the raw chunks of squash. Simmer until the squash is soft, lentils are tender, and liquid has reduced by two-thirds, about 25 minutes. Remove the pot from
the heat. Spoon contents into a colander to drain. With tongs, pull out the chunks
of squash and mash them roughly with a fork, ricer, or potato masher.
2. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
3. In a large bowl, mix the drained cooked lentils and mashed squash with all
of the spices. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish. (At this point, you
can cover the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight.) Bake
until piping hot (about 20 minutes if you’re putting it into the oven
right after mixing; 25 to 30 minutes if it’s been refrigerated). Serve
warm, topped with shredded coconut.
Makes 4 servings
Per serving: 285 calories, 14 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate, 10 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 18 g fiber, 3 g sugar,
and 34 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 28%.
PomegranateBalsamic
Reduction
For a more flavorful glaze, you can use a
reduction of pomegranate-balsamic rather
than straight pomegranate juice.
1. Combine equal parts pomegranate juice
and balsamic vinegar (use a good balsamic
but not your most expensive bottle).
2. Heat over medium-low heat for 15
to 20 minutes or until the reduction is
syrupy but not as thick as molasses.
Makes 8 servings
carbohydrate, 24 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 170
mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber, 5 g sugar, and 316
mg sodium. Calories from fat: 41%.
Makes 1/8 cup (2 tbsp per serving)
carbohydrate, 0 g fat, 9 g sugar, and 10 mg
sodium. Calories from fat: less than 1%.
Tk. Search tk.
74
Curried Lentils With Butternut Squash
WebMD.com
75
holiday recipes
Fennel, Orange,
and Pomegranate
Salad
O’Neil discovered this recipe at a
“girlfriends getaway” weekend in
Rosemary Beach, Fla. “The pretty green,
bright orange, and deep red created a
picture-perfect platter on the brunch
buffet. What a beautiful way to enjoy the
fiber in the fennel, the vitamin C in the
oranges, and antioxidants in the pomegranate,” she says.
C
Carolyn O’Neil,
MS, RD
Dietitian, writer, and food expert
Carolyn O’Neil’s first holiday makeover mission was to lighten up the
standard green-bean casserole by
using fresh green beans, fresh sautéed
mushrooms, and caramelized onions
instead of the typical canned veggie/
soup/fried onion trio. The result was
such a hit at her house that O’Neil’s
makeovers are now much anticipated.
Her latest best twist on tradition? “The
addition of fresh salads to the holiday
table,” says O’Neil. Built with seasonal
produce and flavors that complement
the winter holiday theme, her salads haven’t replaced the obligatory Jell-O salad
mold, but the family has created a welcome space for them on the table.
4 navel oranges
1 head (bulb) fennel
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup pomegranate seeds
(or dried cranberries)
1 tsp kosher or sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
and cooled
Directions
1. Segment the oranges, reserving ½ cup
orange juice. Clean the fennel and trim
and remove any browned or bruised
areas. Cut the fronds off and reserve.
Shave the fennel crosswise, using the finest slicing blade on the food processor or
a mandolin.
2. In a large bowl, toss the shaved fennel
with the orange segments, olive oil, and
salt. Mince 2 tablespoons of the green fennel fronds and toss into the salad. Add the
pomegranate seeds and orange juice and
gently toss to combine.
3. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes
before serving so the flavors can develop.
Season to taste with salt and freshly
cracked black pepper. Garnish with toasted
almonds and some of the fennel fronds.
Makes 6 servings
Holiday
Tip
76
“Since I’m a dietitian, friends and family expect me to prepare ‘healthy dishes’
for holiday meals,” says O’Neil. “But the last thing I want to do is start a family feud by banning calorie-laden traditional favorites.” Instead, she recommends making lighter dishes an exciting addition to the usual holiday menu.
You’ll be introducing some healthier fare and keeping the peace.
No-Guilt
Mashed
Potatoes
D
Mashed potatoes evoke thoughts of coziness, warmth, and comfort—but also
indulgence and guilt! In this recipe, you
enjoy all the benefits of comfort food—
minus the guilt. The dish is surprisingly
creamy without milk or butter in the mix.
6 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
and cut into large chunks
1 box (32 oz) chicken broth
(low-fat, low-salt)
3 to 5 cloves garlic, peeled
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
pinch of salt and pepper
Directions
1. Place the potatoes in a pot with broth,
a dash of salt, and garlic cloves. Add
water to cover, 2 inches above the
potatoes. Bring potatoes to a boil and
cook until soft but not falling apart,
about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain most of the liquid into a large
measuring cup. Smash potatoes with a
hand masher, whisk, or electric mixer.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and enough
reserved broth until you reach desired
consistency.
4. Finish with a sparing salt spinkle and
freshly cracked black pepper.
Domenica
Catelli
Chef and cookbook author Domenica Catelli of Mom-a-licious is a
believer in holiday recipes that are
big in flavor, ease, and health. Her
garlicky, no-guilt mashed potatoes
won out in something of a family
feud. “My mother-in-law let me
know early on that I didn’t know how to make mashed potatoes,” says
Catelli. “She knew how her son liked them, and chef or not, I wasn’t
going to match up. I, of course, wanted to prove her wrong and came
up with this no-cream, no-butter, healthy-but-flavorful recipe.” The verdict? “Once I made them, she conceded that I earned ‘best’ potatoes that
Thanksgiving!” Catelli says.
Aim for holiday menu recipes that will taste great and look beautiful but that won’t keep you in the kitchen too long. Assign some
of the last-minute food prep to family and friends so you can
gather together and talk while preparing the meal. “Whether it’s
putting my nephews on picking thyme or having Uncle Matt grate
Parmesan for the guiltless mashed potatoes, there are small things you
can delegate that will take some pressure off you and create great memories in the kitchen,” she says.
Holiday
Tip
Makes 8 servings
Per serving: 251 calories,
10 g protein,
52 g carbohydrate,
2 g fat (1 g saturated
fat), 6 mg
cholesterol, 2 g fiber,
2 g sugar, and 390 mg
sodium. Calories
from fat: 7%.
Per serving: 170 calories, 5 g protein,
19 g carbohydrate, 10 g fat (1 g saturated
fat), 6 g fiber, 10 g sugar, and 408 mg
sodium. Calories from fat: 49%.
Find more healthy holiday spread recipes.
WebMD.com
77
allergies
Did you know?
About
10 million
Americans
are allergic
to cats.
Is it a cold or allergies?
Allergy symptoms can be confusing, because they
often resemble those of other ailments. “My daughter
is 4 years old,” khb2010 posted in WebMD’s allergies
community recently. “How do I tell if the symptoms
she has right now are allergies or a cold?” That’s a
good question—and only a doctor can tell for sure.
Check this list before you go.
Occurrence of
symptoms
Duration of
symptoms
Colds
Allergies
Often appear one
at a time: first
sneezing, then a
runny nose, then
congestion
Occur all at once
Generally last from
seven to 10 days
Continue as long as a
person is exposed to the
allergy-causing agent
(allergen)
Questions
for your doctor
1
2
3
4
Can a test tell me which plant (or mold) is causing
my allergies?
Can my allergies be cured? Can they be managed
so that I am practially symptom-free?
Mucus
Often a yellowish
nasal d
ischarge,
due to an infection
Generally a clear, thin,
watery discharge
Sneezing
Less common than
with allergies
More common than with
colds, especially when
sneezing occurs two or
three times in a row
Time of year
More common
during the winter
More common in spring
or fall, when plants are
pollinating
Fever
May be
accompanied
by a fever
Not usually associated
with a fever
Source: the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the
Asthma Foundation of America, the National Institutes of Health, and the
Allergies Health Center
78
DIABETES
Are there prescription or over-the-counter
medications I can take?
Are there lifestyle changes I can make to relieve
my symptoms?
get the 411: allergies
Sign up for the latest news
and lifestyle management
tips—delivered directly to
your email inbox! Go to
WebMD.com and search for
“allergies newsletter.”
allergies
SEARCH
RCH
Did you know?
About 6 million people with diabetes
in the United States
don’t know
they
have it.
Do you know your A1c?
If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard about the
HbA1c test—or A1c. But you may not understand what
it is. “I have looked all over—how do you understand
the results for the A1c test?” Lynnbrown45 asked
in WebMD’s Diabetes community. The test gives an
average of your glucose (blood sugar) measurements,
expressed as a percentage, over the previous six to 12
weeks. The higher your glucose levels, the higher the
percentage, as this chart shows.
A1c Test Results Guide
HbA1c test results (%)
5
6
Target
78
910
Suboptimal
11
12
Poor
Average Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
For people without diabetes the normal range of A1c
values is less than 6.5%. If you have diabetes, you should
aim for an A1c result of less than 7%. The difference seems
small, we know, but it’s important: Even a 1% rise in A1c
test results increases your risk of diabetes-related complications, including eye disease, heart disease, nerve damage,
kidney disease, and stroke.
Your doctor will use this test, along with your home
blood glucose monitoring, to develop the best diabetes
treatment for you. Some doctors are also beginning to use
the test to diagnose diabetes, not just manage it.
Ideally, if you have diabetes you’ll take the test every
three months or so. But no worries, this is an easy one:
Just a quick blood draw and you’re done.
Source: National Institutes of Health, American Academy of Family
Physicians, National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, and the
Diabetes Health Center
Questions
for your doctor
1
2
3
4
Do I need to have my A1c level tested regularly? If
so, how often?
What do my results mean? What do I need to
keep an eye on?
Do I need to make a change in my medications to
achieve better control?
Are there ways that I can improve my blood
glucose readings?
get the 411: Diabetes
WebMD.com and search
for “diabetes newsletter.”
diabetes
SEARCH
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79
cancer
HEART
The lowdown on
cholesterol
Without a doubt, cholesterol management can be
confusing—and worrisome. “I am 24 years of
age,” jennlynn85 posts in WebMD’s cholesterol
management community. “I eat healthy and exercise.
But I have high cholesterol. Is there something I can
add to my diet?” Good question. Read on to see how
much you know about cholesterol.
1 If a food product’s package reads “low cholesterol,”
●
it’s also low in fat.

True

False
2 The best age to have your cholesterol level checked
●
is 50 because that’s the peak age for heart attacks in
men.

True

False
3 Women don’t get heart disease, so they don’t need to
●
worry about cholesterol.

True
Did you know?
There is no
cholesterol
in fruits and
vegetables.
The liver
produces most
of the blood
cholesterol in
your body.

False
Answers: 1. False. The two don’t necessarily go hand in hand. For example,
coconut oil, a product ingredient, is cholesterol-free but high in saturated fat.
2. False. E
veryone age 20 and older should have a blood test to check for
cholesterol levels at least every five years. 3. False. Heart disease is the top
killer of men and women. Because cholesterol plays a role in heart disease,
women must watch their levels, too. 4. True. Dietary cholesterol comes from
animal products, not plant foods, such as peanuts.
Questions
for your doctor
1
2
3
4
80
Guide to Cholesterol
DPrincess147 has had trouble sleeping for years. And
one of her problems is that “most nights I have to
‘shake’ my legs out to get them to stop feeling funny,”
she writes on the WebMD sleep disorders community.
DPrincess147 may have Restless Leg Syndrome, which
can cause burning, tugging, or creeping sensations in
the legs. How much do you know about it?
How do I know if I am at risk for a heart attack?
What are my risk factors?
1 Lying down and resting can help ease restless legs.
●
Can I control my cholesterol through lifestyle
changes alone?
2 RLS may affect body parts other than the legs.
●
Do I need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs?
Will I need to take them long-term?
3 Drugs don’t treat RLS very effectively.
●
How low can I realistically expect my cholesterol
to go? What should I aim for?
4 RLS tends to last a lifetime.
●
Staythe
get
Up on
411:Diabetes
heart

True

True

True

True

False

False

False
SEARCH
RCH
Source: National Institutes of Health and the
Center
Did you know?
Cutting down on caffeine, tobacco,
and alcohol may ease RLS
symptoms, though
experts haven’t
determined
the connection.
Questions
for your doctor
1
2
What are the typical symptoms of RLS? How do I
know if I have it?
Do I have an underlying condition, such
as diabetes or iron deficiency, that may be
contributing to my symptoms?
3
4
Would lifestyle changes provide relief? If so, what
kind of changes should I make?
Do I need medication? How often and for how
long will I need to take it?

False
Answers: 1. False. Sitting or lying down can trigger symptoms, such as
burning or crawling sensations in the legs. 2. True. RLS usually causes
discomfort in the lower legs, but also can affect the thighs, feet, arms, and
hands, though it is less common in those areas. 3. False. Doctors treat RLS
with many drugs, including ropinirole and other drugs that affect the brain
chemical dopamine. Doctors surmise that RLS is related to dopamine, a
chemical involved in body movement. The body’s dopamine system may
not function properly in people with the condition. Other drugs prescribed
to relieve RLS symptoms include opioids (narcotics that help people relax),
seizure medications, and tranquilizers called benzodiazepines. 4. True.
Usually RLS is a lifelong condition, but treatment can help control symptoms
and increase restful sleep.
Signthe
Get
up latest
for thenews
latestand
news
lifestyle
and
lifestyle
management
management
tips
for both type 1 and
tips—delivered
directly
typeto
2—delivered
your
email inbox!
directly
Go to
to your
email inbox! Toand
WebMD.com
sign
search
up, go
for
to WebMD.com
“heart
health newsletter.”
and search
“diabetes newsletter.”
cholesterol
Source:
Could RLS be keeping
you up?

False
4 There is no cholesterol in peanut butter.
●

True
cancer
sleep
Sleep Disorders Health
Get the 411: sleep
for “sleep well newsletter.”
restless leg syndrome
SEARCH
RCH
81
pain
Join the
MyBONIVA® Program
for Sally’s Tips,
plus one month of
BONIVA free!
Are your knees at ease?
I wanted to stop my
bone loss, but I did more.
I reversed it with BONIVA.*
Anon_61093 used to be a “pretty avid runner.” Then one day after a short
run, his knee “locked up.” After a couple days of not being able to straighten
it, he heard something “pop” and the pain eased although he’s still sore. “My
goal is to get back to running ASAP so I don’t lose the progress I have been
making in training,” he writes in WebMD’s Fitness and Exercise community.
“But I don’t want to aggravate things and make matters worse.” Would you
know what to do?
Compression: To reduce swelling
and provide extra support, compress
your knee gently by wrapping it
with an elastic bandage.
Elevation: Limit swelling by elevating
your knee above your heart level.
If knee pain persists after three days,
call your doctor.
Source: Arthritis Foundation,
the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention,
Arthritis
and the
Health Center
knee pain
Get the 411: pain
Sign up for
the latest
news and
lifestyle
management
tips—
delivered
directly to
your email
inbox! Go to
WebMD.com and search for
“chronic pain newsletter.”
SEARCH
RCH
• One month of BONIVA free*.
• Sally Field’s tips on managing your
osteoporosis and building stronger
bones.
• Helpful monthly reminders to take
your BONIVA, delivered by phone,
e-mail, or mail.
• Quarterly newsletters filled with
bone-strengthening exercises and
simple, delicious recipes.
B:11.125”
Ice packs: Apply ice packs for 15 to
20 minutes at a time, four times a
day, to keep swelling and pain down.
MyBONIVA is a free program that gives
you tips from Sally, ideas, and support
to help manage your osteoporosis.
You’ll get:
T:10.5”
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen can ease pain,
while ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling. (Take only the recommended dose and for no longer than 10 days in a row without checking with
your doctor.) Pain-relieving gels, salves, or creams that contain capsaicin may
also relieve discomfort.
S:9.125”
Change activities: Hurting knees need time off. Stop running or doing
anything that worsens the pain. Instead, stay fit with water workouts, swimming, walking, biking, and other activities that don’t put pounding pressure on
knee joints. Also, weight training builds muscle strength, which helps support
the knee.
If you have osteoporosis, like me, calcium-rich foods, vitamin D, and exercise can help.
But they may not be enough to keep your bones strong. So ask your doctor if once-monthly
BONIVA can help you do more. Studies show, after a year on BONIVA, 9 out of 10
women stopped and reversed their bone loss.† And my test results proved I did, too.
BONIVA is a prescription medication to treat and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Ask your doctor if BONIVA is right for you.
Important Safety Information: You should not take BONIVA if you have certain problems with your esophagus
(the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), low blood calcium, cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes, have
severe kidney disease, or are allergic to BONIVA. Stop taking BONIVA and tell your doctor right away if you experience
difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper
digestive problems. Follow the dosing instructions for once-monthly BONIVA carefully to lower the chance of these events
occurring. Side effects may include diarrhea, pain in the arms or legs, or upset stomach. Tell your doctor and dentist about
all the medicines you take. Tell them if you develop jaw problems (especially following a dental procedure) or severe bone,
joint, and/or muscle pain. Your doctor may also recommend a calcium and vitamin D supplement.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
*Bone density measured at the lumbar spine after 1 year of treatment. Individual results may vary.
†
Bone density measured at the lumbar spine, total hip, or trochanter; 3 out of 4 at the femoral neck.
Please read Patient Information on the next page.
Enroll today. Call 1-888-434-6193 or
visit BONIVAfreetrial.com and try BONIVA free.
*You must be 18 years of age or older to join MyBONIVA.
The free trial offer is limited to one per patient.
MyBONIVA is a registered trademark of Roche Therapeutics Inc.
Help Stop and Reverse Bone Loss
BONIVA and symbol are trademarks of Roche Therapeutics Inc. © 2010 Genentech USA, Inc. All rights reserved.
82
“Eat plenty of calcium-rich foods
like yogurt, spinach, and cheese.”
10297400
T:6.75”
cancer
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT BONIVA
(bon-EE-va) ibandronate sodium 150-mg tablet
What is BONIVA?
BONIVA, a bisphosphonate, is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in
postmenopausal women, characterized by weakening of the bone.
Taken once a month in tablet form, BONIVA may stop and reverse bone loss in most women.
It has been clinically proven to help build and maintain bone density, which can help reduce fractures.
What is the most important information about BONIVA?
What’s your lung
cancer risk?
BONIVA may cause serious problems in the stomach and the esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach) such as trouble swallowing, heartburn, and ulcers.
Who should not take BONIVA?
Before you start BONIVA.
Do not take BONIVA if you:
Did you know?
The No. 1
symptom of
lung cancer
is a persistent
cough. If you
have one,
tell your
doctor.
Tell your health care provider if you:
• have abnormalities with your esophagus, such as
restriction or difficulty swallowing
• have low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
• cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes
• have kidneys that work very poorly
• are allergic to BONIVA or any of its ingredients
See Patient Information for complete list.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breast-feeding
• have trouble swallowing or other problems with your esophagus
• have kidney problems
• are planning a dental procedure such as tooth extraction
Smoking cigarettes is the most common cause of lung
cancer. But it’s not the only one. As DavidK81719
notes on the Cancer Support message board, “Everyone
is at some risk of lung cancer, just by the environment
or genetics of our lives, but smoking increases the
chance by a pretty good percentage.” Are you at risk?
Tell your health care provider and dentist about all medications
you’re taking, including vitamins, antacids, and supplements.
How should you take BONIVA?
1 Do you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe?
●
You must take BONIVA exactly as instructed by your health care provider.
• Take first thing in the morning, on the same day each month.
• After you take BONIVA, remain standing or sitting for at least 60 minutes
before you eat, drink, lie down, or take any other oral medications,
including calcium, vitamins, and antacids. Some medicines can stop
BONIVA from getting to your bones.
• If you take too much BONIVA, drink a full glass of milk and call your local poison control center or emergency room right away.
Do not make yourself vomit. Do not lie down.

Yes
T:9.75”
• Swallow whole (do not chew or suck) with a full glass (6 to 8 oz) of
plain water (not sparkling or mineral). Do not take with tea, coffee,
juice, or milk.
• If you miss a monthly dose and your next scheduled BONIVA day is more
than 7 days away, take one BONIVA 150 mg tablet in the morning following
the day that you remember. Do not take two 150 mg tablets within the same
week. If your scheduled BONIVA day is only 1 to 7 days away, wait until
your next scheduled BONIVA day to take your tablet. Then return to taking
one BONIVA 150 mg tablet every month in the morning of your chosen day,
according to your original schedule. If you are not sure what to do if you miss
a dose, contact your health care provider, who will be able to advise you.
●
2 Do you often breathe secondhand smoke?

Yes

No
3 Have you been repeatedly exposed to cancer-causing
●
agents at work, such as asbestos, uranium, vinyl
What are the possible side effects of BONIVA?
Stop taking BONIVA and call your health care provider right away if you have pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain, or very
bad heartburn or heartburn that does not get better. Follow dosing instructions carefully to decrease the risk of these effects.
BONIVA may cause:
Common side effects are:
Less common side effects are:
• Pain or trouble swallowing
• Heartburn
• Ulcers in stomach or esophagus
• Diarrhea
• Pain in extremities (arms or legs)
• Upset stomach
• Short-term, mild flu-like symptoms, which
usually improve after the first dose
Rarely, patients have reported allergic and skin reactions. Contact your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction including
skin rash (with or without blisters), hives, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing,
swallowing, or feel light-headed.
Rarely, patients have reported severe bone, joint, and/or muscle pain starting within one day to several months after beginning to take oral bisphosphonate drugs.
Contact your health care provider if you develop these symptoms after starting BONIVA.
Rarely, patients have reported serious jaw problems associated with delayed healing and infection, often following dental procedures such as tooth extraction.
If you experience jaw problems, contact your health care provider and dentist.
This summary is not a complete list of side effects. For a complete list, consult your health care provider or pharmacist.
Want to know more?

No
c hloride, or coal products?

Yes

No
4 Have you had radiation therapy to the chest?
●

Yes

No
5 Do you have a sibling or parent who developed lung
●
cancer?

Yes

No
Answers: Each of these factors increases risk—especially smoking, which
accounts for 80% to 90% of lung cancers. Cancer-causing substances at
work and at home and radiation therapy to the chest, for example, after a
mastectomy can up the risk—particularly if you smoke, too. Siblings and
children of lung cancer patients may have a slightly higher risk, and some
research suggests that a genetic abnormality makes certain people more
susceptible.
This summary is not everything you need to know about BONIVA. It does not take the place of talking with your health care provider about your condition or
treatment. For more complete information, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.
Visit myboniva.com or call 1-888-MyBONIVA for the complete Prescribing Information, which includes the Patient Information.
for your doctor
1
2
3
4
What are my risk factors for lung cancer? How
much is due to lifestyle? Family history?
Which risk factors can I change? What can I do to
change them?
How can I stop smoking? What’s the best way for
me to quit—the patch, gum, medication?
What are the lung cancer symptoms I should
watch out for?
get the 411: cancer
for “cancer newsletter.”
xxxx
lung cancer
Source: American Cancer Society and the
Revised: March 2010 © 2010 by Genentech USA, Inc. All rights reserved.
Questions
SEARCH
RCH
Lung Cancer Health Center
10032001
85
WebMD checkup
l love how
a real clean
smile
smiles back
at you.’’
‘‘
10 questions about your life and well-being
CARRIE FISHER
WRITER/ACTOR
Your hit Broadway show and best-selling memoir, Wishful Drinking, is an HBO special airing in November. What’s been
toughest: Living it, writing it, performing it, or watching it?
Living it. I haven’t watched it yet. I don’t like watching myself because I’m overweight. I’m an overweight over-sharer.
You’re hilariously frank about your misadventures: the pills, the men, plus growing up a celeb-u-spawn of the Brad and
Jen of their day, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. If you could change any of it, would you?
It’s implausible; it’s not an option! Going through challenging things can teach you a lot; they also make you appreciate the times that
aren’t so challenging. The only regret [I have with] my difficulties is making my daughter go through them.
Note: Sadly, Eddie Fisher died two weeks after this interview was completed.
You were born into celebrity royalty, then married and divorced music legend Paul Simon. And you’re an icon, too,
famed for your star turn as an intergalactic princess. Was it tough to get past the infinite space of Star Wars?
Have I gotten past it? I wasn’t aware that I had. I’m Princess Leia, no matter what. “Princess Leia” will be on my tombstone.
Actor, writer, funny lady … bipolar disorder. Is it unsettling, empowering, or both to be a poster child for this condition?
Well, I am hoping to get the centerfold in Psychology Today. It’s a combination of everything. But I define it, rather than it defining me.
Stephanie
Without the leveling effect of medication, are you more manic or depressive?
Mostly mania. When I got older, depression became more of an issue. It turned into what they call
agitated depression. I’d get really impatient. I was going much faster than everything else around me, and it
drove me crazy. You feel out of step with the world.
You’re a mom to Billie, now 18. Do you embarrass her, or does she embarrass you?
I inspire a lot of eye-rolling. I have a manic personality. I’m not a master of the appropriate.
Patrick Harbron/HBO
You were officially diagnosed with bipolar at age 29, after initially being told you were an alcoholic and drug addict.
Did your addictions mask bipolar behaviors?
The first time they said the word bipolar to me, I was 24. The diagnosis when I accepted it? I was 29. I was a year sober
and I was pretty crazy. I thought once I got diagnosed [as] an alcoholic, that was the problem. Well, yeah, that was
part of it. But it was the solution, not the problem.
What’s your guilty-pleasure, forget-the-diet-I-just-don’t-care-anymore food escape?
I eat Peanut Butter Balance Bars to the point where they should have a support group for me.
You recently appeared on HBO’s Entourage, and you were
nominated for an Emmy in 2008 for your portrayal of
a TV writer on 30 Rock. What’s next for you?
When I was little I didn’t want to be an actress. I can do it, but
my personality always comes along with me. I’m not an artist like
Meryl [Streep, Fisher’s close friend]. I’m a writer and, it turns out, a performer.
I’m a persona more than a person. I’m designed more for public than private.
Is humor essential to good health? How often do you belly laugh?
Yes! I laugh a lot, actually. A lot. I’ve gotten to an age where I enjoy my life. I’ve spent
enough time struggling with it, and at this point it’s living on one side of the magnifying glass;
I stay on the side of making big things appear small. I enjoy myself and I have a lot of good
friends, good relationships. You learn to get there.—Lauren Paige Kennedy
Love your toothbrush. Switch to Sonicare.
Philips Sonicare Flexcare+ has been designed to make mouth care simpler
than ever. Its patented sonic technology sets the highest standards for plaque
removal, while the Gum Care mode safely and gently decreases gum bleeding
and helps prevent gum recession. And with notable results in just two weeks
you’ll have something to smile about. To find out why people around the world
Read Carrie Fisher’s full interview.
86
WebMD.com
love their Philips Sonicare, visit www.facebook.com/PhilipsSonicare

Health Heroes

Transcription

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