Mariel heMingWay

women s
summer 2012
health today
When to
choose
urgent care
Should you
go organic?
Mariel
Hemingway
shakes up her
family tree see page 10
Travel
safe
this summer!
The Christ Hospital
2139 Auburn Avenue
Cincinnati OH 45219
non-profit org
us postage
Paid
cincinnati oh
Permit #5489
Get back to the things you love.
Ifpelvicpainaffectsyourdailylifeorhasgottenworse
overtime,itmaybetimetoseeaspecialist.The
physiciansatTheChristHospitalWomen’sSurgeryCenter
areexpertsinminimallyinvasivetechniques
totreatthemanypossiblecausesofpelvicpain,such
asuterinefibroids,endometriosis,ovariancystsand
othergynecologicalproblems.Whichcanmeanless
pain.Lessscarring.Shorterrecoverytime—anda
fasterreturntothethingsyoulove.
To find a doctor who specializes in minimally
invasive surgery, call 513.585.1000.
TheChristHospital.com/women|Caring Above All.SM
in this issue...
Summer 2012
>>
Features
3 Urgent or emergency?
16 Choosing hospice care
4 Snore no more
18 Taking antibiotics
seriously
Breathe easier with these
nighttime solutions
20 Flight plan
5 Putting an end to
heavy bleeding
18
Taking antibiotics
seriously
Reduce your risk of blood
clots during air travel
Is endometrial ablation
right for you?
21 The cancer no
one talks about
8 Is organic a good buy?
Are you at risk?
Do your research before
opening your wallet
Images on any of these pages may be from one or more of these sources: © 2012 Thinkstock and © 2012 istockphoto.com
10 Climbing the
family tree
Mariel Hemingway
overcomes genetics
>> Departments
2 Letter
from the founder
How do you treat YOU?
6
14
10
kid-friendly
snacks
Health Headlines
What’s making news
in women’s health
9 News
& Notes
What’s happening
at The Christ Hospital
14 Healthy
Bites
10 kid-friendly snacks
22
4
Snore no
more
7
Understanding
ministrokes
Healthy Moves
Dip into fitness
How water exercise can
keep you young
24 Health
Smarts
Kick athlete’s foot
www.womenshealthexperience.com
1
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
women s
health today
How do you
treat YOU?
>> As a busy woman, you are probably
used to putting everyone and everything else in your life first—from
your children and parents to your job,
friends and more. But if you have a health
problem that’s nagging at you, it’s time to get it
taken care of. Talk with your healthcare provider
Dr. Karram and his wife,
Mona, are the founders of the
Foundation for Female Health
Awareness, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to
improving women’s health by
supporting unbiased medical
research and educating women
about their health.
and together you can perhaps find a cause and
solution. Remember, you can’t do much good
for someone else if you’re not healthy yourself.
That’s why airlines tell you to put your oxygen
mask on first before your children in case of an
emergency. Women’s Health Today is here to
help empower you to care for yourself, in addition to caring for those you love. For you in this issue, we discuss heavy
menstrual bleeding on page 5, antibiotic usage
on page 18, anal cancer on page 21 and foot
care on page 24. For you and your family, we
discuss what health emergencies require a visit
to an urgent care center vs. the emergency
room on page 3 and why you might consider
buying organic foods on page 8. For your kids,
we offer some healthy snack advice on page
14. If you’re dealing with a family member who
is facing end-of-life, we discuss the ins and
outs of hospice care on page 16.
Enjoy the weather this summer and stay
safe and healthy. If you’re not feeling healthy,
don’t delay. Visit your healthcare provider and
discuss how you can get healthy. It’s your life,
make the most of it! And remember, Women’s
isit us
V
online!
To view the digital
edition of this issue,
as well as past issues
of Women’s Health
Today, visit www.
TheChristHospital.
com/WHT.
Health Today is here for you.
Sincerely,
Mickey M. Karram, MD
PRESIDENT AND Co-Founder
Foundation for Female Health Awareness
2
women’s health today
the magazine of
the foundation for female health awareness
Founders
Mickey M. Karram, MD / Mona Karram
National Advisory Board
Linda Brubaker, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Urogynecology Urology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School
of Medicine; Co-Director, Women’s Pelvic Medicine Center,
Loyola University Medical Center
Vivien K. Burt, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of
Clinical Psychiatry, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA;
Founder and Director, Women’s Life Center,
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital
Vivian M. Dickerson, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine;
Director, Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, UCI
Medical Center; Director of UCI’s Post Reproductive Women’s
Integrative Health Center
Tommaso Falcone, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department
of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation;
Co-Director, Center for Advanced Research in Human
Reproduction and Infertility
Sebastian Faro, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Women’s Hospital of Texas
Nieca Goldberg, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine,
SUNY Health Science Center, Brooklyn, New York;
Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, New York University
Thomas Herzog, MD, Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons; Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Columbia
University Medical Center, New York
Barbara Levy, MD, Medical Director, Women’s Health & Breast
Center, St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way, Washington; Assistant
Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yale University
School of Medicine; Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Wendy l. wright, ARNP, FAANP, Adult/Family Nurse
Practitioner; Adjunct Faculty, Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing,
University of Wyoming
The Christ Hospital STAFF
President and CEO Susan Croushore
Chief Business Development Officer Victor DiPilla
Chief Hospital Officer Deborah Hayes
Chief Strategy and Mission Officer Heather Adkins
Chief Medical Officer Berc Gawne, MD
Editor Arin Kraemer
customer service
For more information about services at
The Christ Hospital, please contact Arin Kraemer at
[email protected] or 513-585-3945.
For a free subscription to Women’s Health Today, call
513-585-1000 or visit www.TheChristHospital.com/WHT.
Women’s Health Today is published four times a year by
The Christ Hospital, 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219,
in conjunction with the Foundation for Female Health Awareness,
PO Box 43028, Cincinnati, OH 45243. This is Volume 8, Issue 3.
© 2012 by The Christ Hospital and the Foundation for
Female Health Awareness. All rights reserved.
recycle-logo_2options_v2.ai
The information contained herein is not a
substitute for professional medical care
or advice. If you have medical concerns, seek the
guidance of a healthcare professional.
Women’s Health Today magazine is part of
Women’s Health Experience, the flagship program of the
Foundation for Female Health Awareness. Women’s Health
Experience is Printed
a unique
initiative
aimed at connecting women
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Urgent or
emergency?
By Jeffrey Craven, MD
>> When faced with a serious health situation, do
The emergency department
(ED) is the right place for true emergencies. But,
consider an urgent care center when your physician’s
office is closed or fully booked, when your problem
requires more than what a traditional physician’s office
can provide, and when time and money matter.
These urgent situations can be effectively and
efficiently addressed at an urgent care center without
a trip to the ED:
> Minor illnesses: urinary tract infections, upper respiratory symptoms (sore throat, earache, sinusitis, cough
and congestion), mild asthma, nausea and vomiting,
diarrhea, sexually transmitted diseases, rashes, skin
infections, minor allergic reactions, indigestion and
reflux
> Minor injuries: lacerations, abrasions (including corneal), simple sprains and fractures, burns, bites and
bruises
> Vaccinations: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, influenza,
pneumonia and rabies (by appointment)
> History and physical: preoperative (call first), preemployment, Department of Transportation
> Workers compensation (first report only)
Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times
and a lower co-pay than an ED. Urgent care centers
also offer extended and weekend hours and are staffed
by physicians, nurses and medical assistants. Standard
services at an urgent care center include:
• point of care testing (urine, strep, mono, pregnancy,
flu and electrolytes)
• X-rays
• lab tests to be sent out
Images on any of these pages may be from one or more of these sources: © 2012 Thinkstock and © 2012 istockphoto.com
you know where to go?
• referrals for outpatient imaging
• oral and intramuscular injected medications, breathing treatments, suturing, splinting and bandaging
If you’re still unsure whether your situation requires
a trip to an urgent care or ED, call The Christ
Hospital Urgent Care Center at 513-561-1366 or your
primary care physician to discuss your symptoms. The
Christ Hospital Urgent Care Center can help you gain
direct admission to The Christ Hospital if your assessment indicates hospitalization is needed. The center
is conveniently located at 4440 Red Bank Expressway,
just off I-71. WHT
Your safety is the
primary concern
Call 911 or have someone bring
you to the ED if you:
• suspect heart attack or stroke
• experience sudden and serious abdominal pain,
chest pain, vomiting, sweating or shortness of breath
• feel weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg
• lose consciousness
• can’t control bleeding
• have difficulty speaking
Jeffrey Craven, MD, is an emergency medicine specialist with The Christ Hospital.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
3
Snore no more
Breathe easier with these nighttime
solutions > By Karthik Kanagarajan, MD
>> Does your bedroom sound
like a symphony of chain saws?
Whether you’re the snorer or
you’re sleeping next to one,
you’re not alone. According to
the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine, 24 percent of women
and 40 percent of men are habitual
snorers. Here we answer some
common snoring questions.
What is snoring?
Snoring is a sound made in the
upper airway of your throat as you
sleep. It’s a sign that your airway
is being partially blocked during
sleep. The sound is made as the
flow of air causes tissue in the back
of your throat to vibrate.
Whom does it affect?
Snoring is more common among
people who are overweight and
women who are postmenopausal,
and it usually worsens with age.
Snoring can also be caused by nasal
congestion, a deviated nasal septum
(tissue separating the nostrils) and
alcohol and sedative use.
(OSA). With OSA, the airway
collapses and becomes blocked,
causing sufferers to repeatedly
stop breathing in their sleep. OSA
can increase the risk of high blood
pressure, stroke, obesity, diabetes,
depression, heart problems and
sudden cardiac death during sleep.
Do I need to see a sleep
specialist?
A sleep specialist may be able to
help if you experience any of these
symptoms:
• loud, chronic snoring (many
sufferers aren’t even aware of
their snoring—it often takes a
loved one to point it out)
• choking or gasping during sleep
• excessive daytime sleepiness
• morning headaches
• memory or concentration
problems
• irritability or mood swings
• dry throat upon waking
Self-help for
snorers
1 Exercise regularly and
maintain a healthy weight.
How is SNORING treated?
Treatment depends on whether
you have simple snoring or snoring
What are the risks?
Light snoring may not disrupt
your overall quality of sleep. But
50 percent of people who snore
loudly have obstructive sleep apnea
along with OSA. Weight loss will
help decrease snoring and OSA and
should be considered a top priority.
But not everyone has success in losing weight, and not all people with
snoring and OSA are overweight.
Other treatment options include an
oral appliance (it looks like a sports
mouth guard and keeps your airway
open when you’re asleep); CPAP, or
continuous positive airway pressure
(provides a steady stream of air to
keep your airway open through a
mask); and surgery (this may be an
option if other treatments fail). WHT
ind a sleep
F
specialist
To find a sleep specialist at
The Christ Hospital, call our
Physician Referral line at
513-585-1000.
2 Avoid alcohol, sleeping
pills and antihistamines
before bedtime.
3 Sleep on your side rather
than your back. Sew a
“snore sock” (a sock with
a tennis ball in it) to the
back of your pajamas. It
will prevent you from rolling onto your back during
sleep.
4 Raise the head of your
bed by 4 inches.
Karthik Kanagarajan, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep specialist with The Christ Hospital.
4
women’s health today
Putting an end to
heavy bleeding
Is endometrial ablation right for you? >
>> At some point in her life, almost every woman
experiences heavy or prolonged menstrual bleed-
But if you experience it every cycle, you know
a heavy period can be more than a nuisance. Severe
blood loss can lead to anemia; and excessive pain and
fatigue may cause you to miss work or other activities.
A minimally invasive surgical procedure, endometrial
ablation, can be an effective treatment for those women
who don’t desire future pregnancies.
ing.
Is this an option for me?
Endometrial ablation uses either heat, cold or
electrical energy to destroy the uterus lining, or endometrium. A surgeon delivers the energy through the
vagina and cervix with a laser, electrocautery tool,
thermal balloon or heated fluid. The procedure minimizes or ends menstruation, but it also effectively ends
fertility.
Ablation works well for many women with heavy or
prolonged bleeding who have tried other treatments,
but it’s not for everyone. While ablation can treat
excessive bleeding caused by uterine fibroids, it won’t
shrink or remove the fibroids, so patients may still
suffer pain and pelvic pressure. Your doctor will need
to determine why you’re having abnormal bleeding
and whether ablation is right for you.
Why might you want it?
Endometrial ablation is less drastic than hysterectomy and usually done as outpatient surgery or in
a doctor’s office. Most women can return to normal
activities several days later. Endometrial ablation leaves
By Robert Stephens, MD
your uterus, ovaries and
cervix in place. Your
menstrual bleeding
will be minimized
or eliminated. And,
unlike a hysterectomy, you won’t
experience premature menopause.
Ablation works well
for many women
who have tried
other treatments,
but it’s not for
everyone.
Why might you
pass on it?
If you think you may want to
become pregnant, ablation is not for you. Also, as with
any procedure, risks include complications from pain
medication, blood loss and infection. In rare cases, the
surgical device may pass through the uterine wall. In
addition, if menstruation stops, it’s possible that light
periods may resume within 10 years.
In considering endometrial ablation, talk with
your physician. Together, you and your physician
should evaluate your age and overall health, the
condition’s impact on your lifestyle and whether you
want children. WHT
Explore your options
If you need a gynecologist, call The Christ
Hospital physician referral line at 513-585-1000
or visit www.TheChristHospital.com/women.
Robert Stephens, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical director of
The Christ Hospital women’s service line.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
5
Health Headlines
>> what’s making news in women’s health
Oh, my aching iPad!
Technology is a beautiful thing, but it can be trying on
your body. For example, you may find that using a tablet
computer, such as an iPad, leaves you with nagging shoulder or neck pain from looking down at your lap. But a new
study says you can avoid these discomforts with a little
tweaking to your positioning. In a study appearing in Work:
A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation,
researchers from Harvard School of Public Health,
Microsoft Corp. and Brigham and Women’s Hospital concluded that skipping the lap and putting your tablet computer on a table, as well as using cases that offer higher
viewing angles, can reposition the body in a more neutral
pose and nix the aches and pains.
The study was based on the experiences of 15 regular
tablet users who had either an Apple iPad2 or Motorola
Xoom and used the tablets to do certain tasks, such as
surf the Web, read or e-mail. Both tablets had cases that
allowed for viewing at higher angles—73 degrees and
63 degrees, respectively. When these
higher angles were used, in conjunction with positioning the tablet
on a table, postures became
less strained. Of course,
researchers say this may not
be the best position for when
you actually need to work
(or use your hands). More
research is needed to
figure out how the new
tablets will affect your
arms and wrists.
6
women’s health today
What’s the deal with
stress tests?
If you have chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease, or you’re at risk for
the disease, your healthcare provider may
order what’s called a stress test, or exercise
tolerance test. This test can show him or her
just how well your heart is working when
it’s working its hardest. The test can also
be used to determine if your heart treatments are effective, or to gauge how much
exercise is appropriate for you. Unlike other
tests, little preparation is needed. You’ll
just need to wear comfortable clothing and
sneakers, and you may want to avoid a large
meal beforehand. EKGs are taken before
the test, and special wires are attached
to your body to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during exercise. Then
you’ll be asked to walk on a treadmill for
several minutes, and the incline and speed
of the machine will vary during that time.
Experiencing any chest discomfort or pain,
shortness of breath or dizziness, along with
an EKG that indicates potential blood flow
problems, is a sign that heart disease may
be present. (Not experiencing symptoms
and having a normal EKG is considered
“passing.”) If you experience symptoms
during the test, but your EKG is normal, your
provider may recommend more testing. It
may take several days to
receive the complete results of
your test.
Quit smoking:
The benefits start
20 minutes after
you stop
If you quit smoking today, you’ll
experience health benefits within
minutes of quitting. And if you remain
smoke-free, you’ll feel younger and
add years back to your life.
In just …
Your body responds positively to quitting:
20 minutes
> Blood pressure decreases.
> Heart rate becomes lower.
> Body temperature of hands and feet increases.
12 hours
> Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.
> Oxygen level in blood returns to normal.
2 weeks to 3 months
> Chance of heart attack decreases.
48 hours
> Nerve endings begin to regrow.
> Ability to taste and smell improves.
2 weeks to 3 months
> Circulation improves.
> Walking becomes easier.
> Lung function increases.
1 to 9 months
> L ess coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and
shortness of breath.
1 year
>R
isk of coronary heart disease is decreased to
half that of a smoker.
5 years
> F rom five to 15 years after quitting, stroke risk
is reduced to that of people who have never
smoked.
10 years
>R
isk of lung cancer drops to as low as 50 percent
compared to those who continue to smoke.
> Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus,
bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.
> Risk of ulcers decreases.
15 years
> Risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of
people who never smoked.
> Risk of death returns to nearly the level of people
who have never smoked.
TIAs: Understanding
ministrokes
If a stroke can be described
as a “brain attack,” then a transient ischemic attack (TIA) may
be considered a brain skirmish—
brief, but still significant. TIAs are
“ministrokes” that occur suddenly,
usually last only a few minutes and
cause no lasting damage. However,
according to the American Heart
Association, TIAs are often warning signs; one-third of those who
suffer them eventually have a fullscale stroke. These events typically
occur when blood flow to the brain
is briefly interrupted, usually from
a blood clot. Symptoms are similar
to those of stroke, but are fleeting
and temporary. They may include:
• weakness or numbness,
especially on one side of
the body or face
• confusion, trouble
speaking or difficulty understanding speech
• loss or distortion
of vision in one or
both eyes
• dizziness and/or loss of
balance or coordination
• sudden, severe headache
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms,
call 911 immediately. A prompt
medical evaluation is necessary to
determine whether it’s a stroke or
a TIA. If it’s a TIA, your healthcare
provider may recommend lifestyle
changes, medication or even surgery to help lower the risk of stroke
in the future.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
7
Is organic a good buy?
Do your research before opening your wallet
>> Standing in front of the fruit section at your
local supermarket, you’re faced with a produce
dilemma: Do you buy those standard pears or
The organic is pricier, and you’re just not sure if it’s worth the splurge.
spring for the organic variety?
What is organic, anyway?
First, consider what “organic” really means. To
earn that label from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA), food has to be grown without pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers containing synthetic materials, antibiotics, hormones, radiation or other common growing
substances and methods. Foods that contain more than
one ingredient, such as cereal, may be “100 percent
organic”—completely organic or made up of all organic
ingredients—or “organic,” meaning the food item is at
least 95 percent organic. Sounds great, right? The catch
is that science hasn’t come up with a definitive answer
on whether organic is safer or better for you nutritionally. Some research has found that conventional foods
contain the same amount of nutrients as organic options.
While scientists delve deeper into the organic versus
traditional food debate, consider these points about
buying organic to help you decide what’s best for your
plate—and budget. Organic foods:
• tend to cost more than non-organic foods because of
more expensive farming practices
• carry much less pesticide residue than conventionally
Is gluten-free for me?
As more and more gluten-free foods pop up on
store shelves, you may be wondering if a glutenless diet might work for you.
Gluten is the substance that, among other
things, helps dough rise and adds flavor to breads
and other foods, such as cakes, cereal and pasta.
But this seemingly innocent protein can cause the
body to attack the lining of the small intestine in
people with celiac disease, and can cause serious health problems. In other words, these are the
people who need to follow a gluten-free diet.
Going gluten-less has no
nutritional advantage for those
without celiac disease. Eating
a diet without gluten makes
it challenging to get a nutritionally balanced diet, and foods that are
gluten-free don’t necessarily have less
fat, sugar or calories.
grown foods, which is good for the environment
because this can reduce pollution
• either skip or greatly restrict use of such additives as
preservatives and food coloring. On the downside,
because these foods don’t contain preservatives, they
tend to spoil faster than traditional foods.
No matter which you choose, be sure to select a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting the proper nutrients.
Try to buy fruits and vegetables when they’re in season;
scrutinize food labels to make
sure foods are healthy; and wash
fruits and vegetables thoroughly
for safety’s sake. WHT
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tktktktktktktk tktktktktktktk tktktktktktktk tktktktktktktk
tktktktktktktk tktktktktktktk tktktktktktktk tktktktktktktk
8
women’s health today
News
Notes
What’s happening at The Christ Hospital
Researchers explore novel
technology approach for
uncontrolled high blood pressure
A radically different approach to treating high blood pressure—
using a minimally invasive procedure—is being evaluated as part
of a Pivotal Phase III 90-site national trial that includes The Carl H.
and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education at The Christ
Hospital.
Resistant hypertension affects more than 12 percent of patients
who take hypertension medications to manage the condition. Despite
being on three or more medications, these patients have blood pressure that remains high enough to put them at risk for heart attack
or stroke. For every 20-point increase in systolic pressure (highest
blood pressure during an outgoing blood cycle), the risk of cardiovascular episodes doubles, according to The Christ Hospital cardiology
researchers. In earlier studies, patients who underwent this minimally
invasive procedure were able to reduce their pressure by about 30 or
so points. The positive earlier trial results warranted further study.
The investigational SYMPLICITY™ Renal Denervation System®
includes inserting a catheter at the groin and advancing it to the
renal arteries where radiofrequency (RF) energy is delivered that
Mt. Auburn Campus expansion
Heart graphic courtesy of Medtronic
The Christ Hospital recently began construction of a $265 million
expansion and improvement of its main campus in Mt. Auburn. The
centerpiece of this expansion plan includes the development of a unique
disrupts sympathetic nerves around the renal arteries. This prevents
neurotransmitters released by these nerves from triggering a
hormone response that increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels
and raises blood pressure.
The SYMPLICITY Phase III trial is a prospective, single-blind,
randomized, controlled trial that will enroll approximately
530 patients in up to 90 research sites nationwide. Those enrolled
will be assigned randomly to either treatment or control groups at a
2:1 ratio. Patients’ blood pressure will be monitored for six months.
For more information, please contact The Lindner Research
Center at 513-585-1777.
facility dedicated solely to orthopaedic and spine care, designed to support
physicians, patients and families in an efficient, healing and technologically
advanced environment. The new 332,000-square-foot facility, which will
be located just south of the main hospital, will physically connect to the
current hospital but will provide separate access for patients and visitors.
The orthopaedic and spine center will include 60 private inpatient rooms;
10 operating rooms dedicated to orthopaedic and spine surgeries, with
two shelled operating rooms for future growth; physical and occupational
therapy services; imaging services; pain management; physician
offices and administrative offices; and underground parking for about
150 vehicles. Completion of the facility is slated for spring 2015, with an
opening in summer 2015.
The Christ Hospital will be the only local hospital, and one of only
a few in the country, to offer a single-purpose facility with a focus on
comprehensive orthopaedic and spine services and research.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
9
Climbing
the
family tree
Mariel Hemingway overcomes genetics
>> At age 49, actress and model Mariel Hemingway has entertained
audiences for years with roles such as the little sister in “Lipstick”
and her Oscar-nominated performance in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan.”
But more recently, Hemingway, granddaughter of Nobel Prize-winning
novelist Ernest Hemingway, is enlightening the public with her health
advocacy and 20-year personal well-being odyssey. Along the way, she’s had
to overcome an epic history of Hemingway depression and alcoholism—
both contributing to her grandfather’s death—and other genetic illnesses.
continued on page 12 > >
10
women’s health today
© 2012 Russell Baer / Contour by Getty Images
By Bonnie Siegler
Diabetes, heart
disease and cancer
are in my family.
I live trying to survive
all that.
www.womenshealthexperience.com
11
continued from page 11
“Diabetes, heart disease and cancer are in my family,” along with seven suicides, she explains. “My
mother had cancer, my father had heart disease and my
grandmother had diabetes, so there’s a lot of illness in
the family. I live trying to survive all of that, and that’s
the No. 1 reason I became interested in health in the
first place.” In fact, this mother of two grown daughters has written several health books and is a frequent
guest speaker at events nationwide. “I speak about wellness, health and how focused I am on having a lifestyle
that has more to do with your everyday health and not
about going to a spa for the weekend,” Hemingway
adds. “Health isn’t just one piece; it’s everything. It’s
not just the food you eat, it’s not just exercise, it’s not
whether you get massages or spa treatments—it’s how
you take care of yourself on the whole; it’s about having a different consciousness and having an awareness
of your whole self.”
Starting with breakfast
Awareness for Hemingway means reducing her
intake of stimulants, preservatives and processed foods.
“I’m just very conscious of the food I put in my mouth
because I know that it has the ability to heal and
enhance my life and my vitality, as opposed to making
me sicker,” she notes.
Hemingway believes she’s inherited an addictive
personality and thus stays away from alcohol, drugs
and even sugar. “I got rid of sugar some 20 years ago
because I just wanted addictive things out of my life, so
I don’t give myself a chance to go down that path.” She
also omitted gluten and wheat products 15 years ago,
due to sensitivities. “I just get really sluggish when I eat
it,” she says. She’s learned to choose gluten-free breads
and cookies but advises reading labels. “It all sounds
good but then you look at the ingredients and there’s
potato starch and this and that. You realize that the
ingredients aren’t always that much better.”
Hemingway says her wellness philosophy didn’t
happen overnight and was a gradual process. “If you
want to undergo a wellness makeover,” she suggests,
“begin by changing your food, adjusting your breakfast.
It’s the start of your day, so altering what you eat then
is really important.” She suggests putting away breakfast foods like toast, muffins, orange juice and cereal.
12
women’s health today
“Instead, make breakfast of a soft-boiled or poached
egg served with a side of veggies, or maybe a little
good-quality cheese with some avocado, some organic
turkey slices and fruit. Or a smoothie made with minimal natural sweetener.” She also suggests cooking with
olive oil spray, “which is a great kitchen tool for me. I
only use extra-virgin olive oil.”
One of her staples is a green juice that she makes
on a weekly basis and stores in her fridge. “It consists
of celery, parsley, spinach and a little raw honey.” She
also observes eating seasonally year round. “We try not
to eat our fruit shipped in from [another country].”
Lunches are quick, simple and easy, including
healthy soups or salads. A common lunch option is
low-carb tortillas: “I put roasted sliced turkey in there
rather than pre-packaged. Add a bit of Dijon mustard, avocado and grated carrots and good cheese.
Delicious.” Dinners could be chicken or salmon pesto
or even a simple scampi. But she adds, “The way
you eat is just as important as what you put in your
mouth,” so she suggests taking your time and eating in
moderation.
She also adds only food-based supplements to her
diet. “If you put in high doses of vitamin C, the body
doesn’t know what to do with that, so it just flushes it
away. If you eat an orange, even though it only has a
certain amount of vitamin C, it has the whole carrier
and that’s what the body understands so your body
absorbs it all,” she believes.
Striving for balance
Over the last few decades, Mariel has enjoyed the
benefits of regular yoga workouts, not only to maintain
a healthy weight, but also to keep her heart healthy and
lift her spirits. And when time doesn’t permit a full yoga
session, she does breathing exercises to help reduce stress,
or simply goes for a walk without thinking of anything
except her surroundings. Hemingway chooses her next
words carefully: “I strive for balance in my health. That
means a life that you’re taking action to be present in
most every moment. We’re not perfect and we can’t be
present every single moment, but if you start your day
off in a healthy mode, it can lead you to balanced living.
Balance doesn’t just happen automatically. It’s an ongoing
process, and it’s powerful.” WHT
Join Mickey Karram, MD, and physicians
from The Christ Hospital for an in-depth look at
various women’s health issues. Just tune in to the
morning news broadcast on Fox 19 on the second
Wednesday of each month to hear the latest news
and advice in women’s health, and stay tuned to
hear more health tips throughout the day.
Hosted by
Mickey Karram, MD
President and Co-founder,
Foundation for Female Health Awareness;
Director of Urogynecology,
The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati
Second Wednesday of each month,
tune in at 7:55 a.m. for Dr. Karram,
and again at 9:05 a.m. for more
Christ Hospital physicians.
Visit www.Fox19.com and click on
“Healthwise.”
Brought to you by the
and
www.womenshealthexperience.com
Visit www.Fox19.com and click on “Healthwise”
today!
13
HEALTHY BITES
10
kid-friendly
snacks
>> Kids love to snack, but that doesn’t mean they have to fill up on junk food
to curb their cravings. Healthy snacks are a great way for kids to stay energized
while stocking up on protein, calcium, fruits, veggies and whole grains. Try these fun
treats the next time your kids ask for a snack. All are 200 calories or less per serving.
4
1
Fruit-and-cheese kabobs. Skewer
two 1-inch cubes of Colby cheese,
two strawberries and five grapes for a
fun treat big on protein and calcium.
2
Hummus-topped cucumbers. Cut
three or four thick slices of cucumber and top each with a spoonful of
hummus and sliced black olives.
3
Ham and crackers.
Boost energy with
whole grains and
protein by topping
a half-dozen low-fat
wheat crackers with
a little sliced ham.
14
women’s health today
Apples with yogurt dip. Stir
cinnamon into half a container of
low-fat vanilla yogurt to make a
super-easy, calcium-rich dip that
tastes great with sliced apples.
5
Yogurt parfait. Make low-fat yogurt
more appealing by layering it in a
clear cup with fresh, antioxidantrich blueberries or another favorite
fruit of your child’s choosing.
6
Peanut butter dip. Turn peanut butter
into a high-protein fruit dip by thinning it with a little milk and honey and
serving it with fresh peach slices.
7
Peppers and salsa.
Pile on the veggies:
Chop sweet bell
peppers into large
chunks and dip
them in fresh salsa.
If you get your
kids involved in the
process from the start,
they’re more likely
to make healthier
food choices.
8
PB&B waffle. Spread one tablespoon
of peanut butter over a toasted
multigrain waffle and decorate with
banana slices for a snack packed
with protein and potassium.
9
Tuna boats. Create healthy “boats“
by hollowing out half a bell pepper
and filling it with a half-cup scoop
of tuna salad.
10
Mini pizza bagels. Make pizza
a healthy snack by topping
each half of a whole-grain
mini bagel with tomato sauce
and low-fat mozzarella cheese,
and then bake at 325° F until
the cheese melts. WHT
Tips to get the
kids cooking
Do your children frown at the
thought of trying a new food?
Why not get them to cook with
you? If kids make something
themselves, they’re more likely
to eat it. And if you get them
involved in the process from the
start—from menu planning to
serving the food—they’re more
likely to make healthier food
choices. The key safety concern
when cooking with children is
to keep all hot items out of their
reach. Most burns occur when a
child pulls something hot out of
a microwave, off the stove or off
a countertop.
• Start by looking at the food
pyramid and making low-fat
and low-calorie selections.
• Keep food-preparation tasks
age appropriate. Use common sense: Don’t give your
kindergartner a knife to slice a
carrot. But he or she can wash
the lettuce. Don’t let your firstgrader take a heavy and hot
dish from the oven. Instead, he
or she can hand you the oven
mitts.
• Show preschoolers how to
measure wet and dry ingredients, explaining terms like
“cup” or “tablespoon.” They
can help pour the ingredients
into the bowl and stir them
with a wooden spoon or a
fork.
• Model safe cooking behaviors.
Use potholders when carrying
hot dishes, and turn off the
oven and burners when you’re
finished.
• School-age children can set
the table, putting out the napkins, cups and bowls. They
can carry silverware and serving utensils to the table (don’t
let the little ones carry knives).
www.womenshealthexperience.com
15
A hospice program
helps the patient
live out his or her life
as comfortably as
possible.
Choosing
hospice care
>> What sets hospice care
apart from hospital care?
Hospice programs emphasize pain
management and psychosocial
counseling rather than reversal of
disease. When doctor and patient
agree that medical treatment no
longer offers hope of a cure or of
prolonging life significantly, a
hospice program helps the patient
live out his or her life as comfortably as possible.
Cancer patients make up about
85 percent of all hospice patients.
Most are cared for at home by
a team that includes physicians,
nurses, social workers, clergy,
volunteers and family members.
Where to get more information
> The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, www.nhpco.org
> Hospice Foundation of America, www.hospicefoundation.org
> Hospice Directory, www.hospicedirectory.org
16
women’s health today
Your team
When you choose hospice, a number of individuals work to ensure that
all needs are met. This team may include the following professionals:
A team effort
Every member of the team has
an important role to play. Doctors
and nurses provide the medical
assistance needed to make the
patient comfortable. Social workers
help patients manage their financial and personal affairs, including
funeral arrangements. Clergy members help patients and their families
address the spiritual aspects of
dying. Volunteers might look after
the patient when family members
aren’t available and provide assistance with such things as errands
and meal preparation. Family
members are taught to administer
pain medication and provide personal care for their loved one. See
“Your team” to learn more.
Pain relief and more
Dispelling myths about
cancer and pain is one of the
hospice team’s most important
jobs. Contrary to what many
people believe, dying from cancer doesn’t have to be painful. In
fact, pain relief is a central goal of
hospice programs. The pain-relief
system on which they rely includes
a variety of drugs, from aspirin to
powerful narcotics like morphine.
Usually, pain medication is given
to the patient around the clock at
regular intervals. Whenever possible, pain medication is given in the
form of pills to spare patients the
discomfort of frequent injections.
Conditions such as nausea,
vomiting, constipation, weight loss,
bedsores, pneumonia and urinarytract infections, which are common
among terminally ill patients, are
•A
family doctor oversees
care by signing off on
treatment orders and provides
background information and a
medical history.
• A hospice medical director
(usually an MD) coordinates
care along with the family doctor, offers expert advice on pain
and symptom control and helps
determine which medical treatments may be needed. He or
she can also answer any questions about hospice.
• Registered nurses regularly
visit patients at home or in
long-term care facilities. They
may offer emergency services
24 hours a day, seven days a
week, and carefully monitor a
patient, making sure pain, disease symptoms and nutrition
are being managed. Nurses
can also provide support and
keep everyone educated about
all aspects of care.
• Registered dietitians can
answer any nutrition questions
or address feeding problems,
either in person or by phone.
• Health aides or certified nursing assistants help with personal hygiene, such as bathing
and dressing, serve meals and
offer other services as needed.
treated to make the patient more
comfortable, not to prolong life.
A hospice program can’t accept
a patient unless he or she has
been certified terminally ill by a
physician. Most patients come to
the program when they have six
months or less to live.
It’s important to understand
that while hospice programs don’t
attempt to lengthen life, neither
•S
ocial workers offer emotional
support, provide counseling and
bereavement follow-up and help
with financial matters. They can
also help families receive aid
from community agencies.
• A chaplain addresses the
spiritual and religious needs of
patients and their loved ones
and assists with funeral planning.
• Bereavement counselors help
patients and families find support groups, cope with grief
and prepare emotionally for the
eventual death of a loved one.
• Volunteers provide muchneeded support, giving caregivers a break by sitting with
patients, helping families find
community resources or simply
lending a sympathetic ear.
You and your family are
important members of the team.
Speaking up about the kind of
care you or your loved one wants
ensures a comprehensive program that suits everyone’s needs.
do they attempt to shorten it. The
National Hospice and Palliative
Care Organization is on record as
opposing euthanasia (mercy killing)
and assisted suicide.
Choosing hospice care also helps
families cope with losing a loved
one. When a patient dies, family
members find comfort in the knowledge that they helped to make his or
her last days as easy as possible. WHT
www.womenshealthexperience.com
17
Taking
antibiotics
seriously
don’t work very well against bacteria any more. In fact, some have
stopped working altogether.
Somehow, these microscopic
bugs—culprits in strep throat,
tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis and gonorrhea, to name just a
few illnesses—have become resistant to the drugs that once defeated
them at nearly every turn.
Tarnished silver bullets
>> Heard the words “antibiotic
A few years
ago, it was a topic of growing concern to health experts and government officials alike. Today, it’s still
an issue.
The term refers to a puzzle
of modern medicine: Many of
our country’s most reliable, most
widely used antibacterial drugs
resistance” lately?
Drug overuse
and misuse are
two big reasons
why bacteria
have managed
to outmaneuver
antibiotics.
18
women’s health today
Germs have the natural ability to mutate to survive an attack
from antibiotics. Some strains can
also pass this quality on to other
bacteria, which gives those germs
a better chance of survival against
modern medicines, too.
Drug overuse and misuse are
two big reasons why bacteria have
managed to outmaneuver antibiotics, experts say. Too often, these
so-called silver-bullet drugs are
used to treat viral infections, like
colds or flu, instead of bacterial
infections.
Actually, antibiotics have no
effect on viruses, so taking penicillin to treat a bad cold, for instance,
is pointless. Yet, many people pester their healthcare providers until
they get the drugs anyway.
Likewise, many patients who
begin taking antibiotics for the
right reasons quit too soon. By
stopping their prescriptions as soon
as they feel better instead of when
the drugs are used up, patients
unwittingly let bacteria reproduce
and mutate. This helps blunt the
drugs’ effectiveness. Already, some
bacteria are resistant to every
approved antibiotic in the medical
arsenal, requiring further expensive
research to develop new drugs.
Microbe management
While more effective compounds are developed to fight
resistant germs, you can help tame
bacteria as well. Follow these steps:
> Don’t “bug” your doctor. If you’re
sick, find out if an antibiotic
will really help you feel better.
Remember, they aren’t cure-alls.
Take “no” for an answer if your
physician advises you that an antibiotic is not the proper therapy
for your condition. Ask him or her
about alternative remedies.
> Finish what you start. Take every
last ounce of medicine you’ve been
prescribed in the exact dosage and
time frame recommended by your
doctor whenever he or she gives you
an antibiotic to treat your condition.
> Forget doing it yourself. Do away
with “stashes” of antibiotics with
which you self-medicate sickness or
infection when someone falls ill.
> Don’t share. Never take someone
else’s antibiotics to fight an illness.
> Think it over. Reconsider using
antibacterial soaps and cleansers
around the home. The American
Medical Association says some
bacteria seem to already be resistant to these products. And studies
have found that they don’t provide
added germ protection to people
already living in a clean household.
Germ warfare
Preventing infections from
spreading is the best way to stay
healthy. Remember to:
• Wash your hands often, especially when handling food, eating
and after using the restroom.
• Keep hot foods hot and cold
foods cold. When in doubt,
throw it out.
• Keep kitchen and bathroom
surfaces clean and dry.
• Never share personal items—toothbrushes, combs or unwashed cups
or plates. Use paper cups in the
bathroom. Change linen and towels
regularly, especially after an illness.
• Stay home from work if you’re
feverish or nauseated.
• Never send a sick child to school
or day care. WHT
Ask the Expert
>>
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Featuring Paul Gluck, MD
A: No, postpartum depression (PPD) is not hereditary.
I feel so much
better after taking a
week’s worth of the
three-week antibiotic prescription
written for me. Why
do I have to keep
taking it?
Learn more!
But that doesn’t mean your family isn’t a factor in PPD.
What’s important is whether you have a supportive family
environment or an unhealthy one. Besides your family
situation, hormonal changes in your brain chemicals also
impact whether you go through PPD.
One of the key differentiators between the baby
blues and tzhis type of depression is the timing of the
start of symptoms. About 80 percent or more of new
moms experience some sort of sadness post-delivery,
but it occurs within days after the baby is born. With
PPD, symptoms generally begin about two to four
weeks after birth. In addition, women with the blues
are still able to function well, taking care of the baby,
the house and other children. Women with PPD become
nonfunctional, not wanting to get out of bed or take care
of their infant. Symptoms include a loss of interest in
activities, fatigue, sleeping too little or too much, appetite changes and thoughts of suicide or death.
physical problem based you’re breastfeeding, so
there will be no harm to your baby. If, several weeks
after your baby is born, you feel like you’re suffering
from PPD, don’t delay in getting help—both for your
sake and your baby’s. WHT
www.womenshealthexperience.com
19
Flight plan
Reduce your risk of
blood clots during air travel
>> You’ve decided to take a European vacation
this summer, but you’ve heard long plane flights
may put you at risk for blood clots in the legs.
Should you take extra precautions?
Experts say most people, even those with cardiovascular disease, can travel safely on airplanes as long as
they follow certain guidelines.
Why clots happen
The problem with air travel begins with sitting inactive
for long periods, especially for more than six hours. Such
inactivity decreases circulation, allowing blood to pool
and clot in your veins, causing thrombosis, a potentially
fatal condition. Plus, flying at an altitude with reduced
oxygen can also contribute to clots. Some people have
factors that increase their risk, such as having varicose
veins, a pacemaker or catheter, a history of stroke and
some cancers or a family history of blood clots. Women
who are pregnant, recently gave birth or use hormone
replacement therapy are more susceptible, too.
Flight-safety tips
You can avoid thrombosis by taking some simple
precautions:
• Don’t wear restrictive clothing around your waist
and legs.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Request an aisle seat so you can get up and walk
around more easily during the flight.
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•S
tretch your calf muscles frequently.
• Wear below-the-knee compression stockings during
the flight.
If you already have a heart condition, be sure to:
• Run your plans by your doctor, who may order tests
to confirm your condition is stable or prescribe an
antiplatelet medication.
• Pack adequate supplies of your medication in your
carry-on bag.
• Carry a copy of your medical history, including your
latest electrocardiogram.
• Carry contact information for your doctors, family
members and your pacemaker or implanted defibrillator manufacturers.
Warning signs
Postpone your trip?
You’ll need to avoid air travel if you:
• had a heart attack in the past two weeks
• had angioplasty or a stent placed in the past
two weeks
• had bypass surgery in the past three weeks
• have unstable angina, poorly controlled heart
failure or an uncontrolled arrhythmia
20
women’s health today
Blood clots typically form in the legs, and the
affected vein may be near the surface (superficial
thrombosis) or deep within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis). With a superficial clot, you may have a red,
hard and tender cord just under your skin. When a
deep vein is affected, your leg may become painful and
swollen and you may have a fever. If you develop these
symptoms, seek medical attention right away. WHT
The cancer no
one talks about
Are you at risk?
>> In 2009, anal cancer made
headlines when actress Farrah
Fawcett died from the condi-
It’s much less common than
colorectal cancer—only about
5,300 people are diagnosed with
anal cancer each year, compared
with 147,000 cases of colorectal cancer—but it can be deadly,
and the disease is on the rise.
Discussing the possibility—or
symptoms—of anal cancer with
your healthcare provider can be
embarrassing, so some people may
be inclined to ignore the problem
until it’s too late. But talking with
your healthcare provider at the first
sign of a problem might save your
life, since anal cancer is treatable
when caught early.
tion.
What to look for
Most people with anal cancer
bleed from the anus or rectum,
have anal itching or pain or have
a mass or growth in the anal canal
(the tube that connects the bottom
of the large intestine to the anus),
Learn more!
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which can affect the diameter of
their stool. Some symptoms overlap
with hemorrhoids, so people may
not mention them to their doctors,
but it’s always important to mention any changes in your bowel
habits, as well as any bleeding or
anal discharge, to your healthcare
provider.
He or she can make a diagnosis
relatively easily, because the anus
is an accessible part of the body.
In fact, doctors regularly diagnose
anal cancer in men ages 50 and
older when they perform digital
rectal exams for prostate cancer.
Other times, it’s diagnosed when a
doctor removes a hemorrhoid.
When your doctor feels a
growth in your anus, he or she
will typically order additional testing, such as anoscopy and rigid
proctosigmoidoscopy, to make a
diagnosis. During both tests, a
thin tube with a tiny camera is
inserted into the anus. You’ll
be awake during both procedures. A biopsy will be
taken as well. Once
you’re diagnosed,
your doctor
will discuss the
course of treatment, which may
include surgery,
chemotherapy,
radiation or a
combination of
these options.
Figuring out your risk
The following risk factors put
you at greater risk for anal cancer:
> Age. Anal cancer is commonly
diagnosed in people in their 60s.
> Gender. Women get anal cancer
slightly more often than men do.
> HPV and HIV status. People who
are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that also causes cervical
cancer, are at greater risk, as are
those who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
> Immune system status. People
with lowered immunity—for
example, those taking immunosuppressant medications to prevent
rejection of a transplanted organ—
are at greater risk.
> Smoking. Smoking cigarettes
raises your risk of developing anal
cancer, among other types of
cancer. WHT
www.womenshealthexperience.com
21
HEALTHY MOVES
Ten minutes of
water exercise
is as good as
40 minutes of
movement on land.
Dip into
fitness
How water exercise can keep you young
>> If the idea of exercising in your bathing suit is unappealing, then the concept of water exercise probably won’t
But what if you were told that 10 minutes of
water exercise is as good as 40 minutes of movement on land, and
a bathing suit isn’t necessary. Would you change your mind?
float your boat.
22
women’s health today
Eating and exercise?
Food is the fuel that helps you maximize your
workouts. But working out too soon—on land
or in water—after a big meal can make you feel
sluggish and give you digestive problems. Not
eating before exercising can leave you feeling
faint or tired. Here’s how to get the timing down:
• If you’ll be exercising within an hour after
breakfast, skip the big plate of eggs and toast
and opt for something smaller, like a bowl
of fruit, or have a sports drink to
provide the energy needed for
exercising.
• If you do eat a big meal, hold
off on exercising for at least
three to four hours.
• Eat within two hours after
exercising to help your
muscles recover. Put
together a meal that
contains both protein
(meat, dairy and nuts)
and carbohydrates
(cereals, breads, vegetables, pasta and fruit).
No strain, big gain
Water exercise is a no-impact activity that can
strengthen muscles, bones and the heart—without
straining bones and joints. This makes aquatic exercise
ideal for people with arthritis or osteoporosis or anyone with mobility problems. And for those bored with
treadmill training or step classes, water exercise is a
refreshing way to renew a fitness commitment.
Water takes a burden off your bones by supporting your body weight. In waist-high water, you carry
only about half of your actual weight; in shoulder-high
water, only 10 percent. Yet unlike air, water provides
resistance in any direction you move, maximizing your
efforts. While it might not feel like it, you’ll be giving
your heart and muscles a vigorous workout and burning
more calories than you would on land. (Consider that
“pool walking” burns about the same calories per
minute as jogging on land.)
Even just resting in a pool is therapeutic. Being
immersed in warm water soothes painful joints and
relaxes tense muscles.
Class time
While you don’t need an instructor to benefit from
simple pool walking, you may find you enjoy the structure of a water aerobics class. Some classes take place
solely in the deep or shallow end; others use the whole
length of the pool. For 30 to 60 minutes, the instructor demonstrates a series of movements for the class to
follow. After a warm-up that includes stretching, class
members walk or run in place and perform strength
movements like biceps curls and leg extensions while
keeping limbs underwater. Some movements require a
flotation belt, aqua gloves or a kickboard.
Classes end with a cool-down that returns the heart
rate to normal.
Dress code
So what about the bathing suit? It’s not a requirement.
Gym shorts and a T-shirt will do (call the gym ahead of
time to verify). Spandex or Lycra bike-type shorts allow
for the most freedom of movement. Some sporting-goods
stores also sell water-friendly workout wear.
To protect your feet from the pool’s rough surface,
your instructor may recommend rubber or “aqua”
slippers.
Ask your doctor if water exercise can help you.
Perhaps he or she can recommend a local class. WHT
www.womenshealthexperience.com
23
HEALTH SMARTS
Kick athlete’s foot
>> Athlete’s foot isn’t just for athletes.
You may be exposed to the infection without even
knowing it. Test your knowledge by answering
true or false to the following statements. Then
check the answers on this page to see how you did.
TRUE or False?
1
You can’t get athlete’s foot if you wear socks.
2
Athlete’s foot is contagious.
3
Only men can catch this fungal infection.
4
You should see your physician if the rash worsens.
5
Changing shoes every day helps prevent athlete’s
foot.
Answers
FALSE. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection called tinea pedis that
develops in moist areas. Socks keep your feet damp and warm,
allowing the organisms to grow. Tight shoes and socks keep your toes
together without letting your feet air out. Going barefoot when you’re
home from work can help keep your feet stay dry and prevent athlete’s
foot.
TRUE. The fungal infection can spread by contact with an infected
2 person or contaminated area. By walking barefoot in public places
like saunas, locker rooms, swimming pools and communal showers,
you’re increasing your risk of getting athlete’s foot. Wearing sandals
around these areas can help prevent you from catching it. Athlete’s foot
can also be spread by sharing towels, mats and shoes. Think twice next
yoga class before you use a mat without socks.
False. Men are at a higher risk for getting athlete’s foot but
3 women can still get the infection. Just like athletes and men,
women’s feet sweat. Wash your socks after a workout and wash your
feet. If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks twice a day and put powder in between your toes.
True. Athlete’s food isn’t comfortable. Your feet will itch, sting and
4 burn and your skin will be dried, cracked and peeled. Over-thecounter medication is available to help treat athlete’s foot. But if the rash
worsens after you’ve tried these treatments, see your physician. He or she
can prescribe something stronger for you that can rid you of the infection.
True. Alternate wearing different pairs of shoes. This will give
5 your footwear time to dry out between each wearing. Wearing light,
well-ventilated shoes decreases your risk of getting athlete’s foot. Shoes
made of synthetic material like rubber or vinyl should be avoided. Plastic
shoes provide the perfect environment for fungal growth and infection.
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