2014 Medical Guide

8/13/2019 2014 Medical Guide

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&

T H E V I L L A G E R E P O R T E R

HEALTH

Well-Being

2014 Guide

SM

Bryan Center

Your Hometown Provider of Rehabilitation & Long Term Care Nursing Services

1104 Wesley Ave., Bryan, OH

(419) 636-5071

www.genesishcc.com


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Of all the plans peoplemake at the dawn of a new

year, getting healthier isoften at the top of the list.

Although many individuals

are concerned about shed-ding a few pound, there are

many other ways to focuson health in the upcoming

months, including payingmore attention to dental

hygiene. Proper dental care

can not only keep a smilebright, it can affect other

areas of the body.One of the keys to oral

health is the use of uorideto prevent dental caries. Infact, many health profes-

sionals will say that expo-sure to uoride, whether

through use of toothpasteor uoridated water sup-

plies, is probably the most

effective cavity-preventiontreatment available. Fluo-

ride helps the teeth in anumber of ways.

Fluoride can promotetooth remineralization.

This means it attracts

other minerals, particu-larly calcium, to the areas

of the teeth where toothdecay can form, helping

to strengthen teeth. Fluo-ride also helps to make

teeth more resistant to

decay. New tooth min-eral created when uoride

is present helps to maketeeth harder, making it

more difcult for acids andbacteria to penetrate the

enamel of the teeth and

cause damage.

HEART DISEASE AND

ORAL HEALTH

The millions of bacteria

that proliferate inside ofthe mouth and contribute

to dental caries also can

affect other areas of thebody. Evidence suggests

the same bacteria that cancause plaque and gum dis-

ease may lead to cardiovas-cular problems. According

to information from Har-

vard Medical School, sev-eral species of bacteria that

cause periodontitis have

been found in the athero-

sclerotic plaque in arteriesin the heart and elsewhere.

This plaque can lead to

heart attack.Although research is

ongoing, there is reasonto believe that oral bacte-

ria could also harm bloodvessels or cause blood clots

by releasing toxins that re-semble proteins found inartery walls or the blood-

stream. When the bodysimmune system responds

to these toxins, bloodclots may form more eas-

ily. Some evidence also

points to a correlation be-tween inammation in the

mouth and inammationin the body.

With the new year uponus, now may be the ideal

time for men and women

to take inventory of theirpersonal health. Sched-

ule a physical examina-tion with a doctor, visit an

optometrist or opthal-mologist for an eye exam

and remember to visit the

dentist for a cleaning,checkup and a possi-

ble uoride treatment toprotect the mouth and

body.

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According to recent studies, attention decit hyperac-

tivity disorder, or ADHD, appears to be more prevalentthan ever before. Nearly 1 in 10 kids between the ages of

ve and 17 is being diagnosed with ADHD. Despite thatprevalence, misinformation regarding the disorder contin-

ues to circulate, and that information can make it harderfor parents to understand the disorder.

Dispelling the misinformation surrounding ADHD may

help those who are truly affected by the disorder get thetreatment they need.

Myth# 1: ADHD is not a real disorder. Many peoplehonestly feel that ADHD was a concept drummed up by

psychiatrists and pharmaceutical companies to increase

business. However, the condition is real and is recognizedby major health institutions, including the Surgeon Gen-

eral of the United States and the National Institutes ofHealth.

Myth #2:ADHD is only a childrens disorder. Statisticsindicate that while the majority of the people diagnosed

with ADHD are children, at least 4 percent of adults expe-rience it at as well. The reason the statistics may be lower

for adults is that ADHD is often misdiagnosed or goes un-

diagnosed in adults.Myth #3:ADHD is caused by bad parenting. There are

a number of people quick to point ngers at parents, lay-ing the blame for ADHD at the feet of mom and dad. But

some people with ADHD have difculty controlling impul-

sivity and behavior, and that difculty may have nothingto do with how those people were raised.

Myth #4: More boys have ADHD than girls. Accord-ing to a 2001 report from the U.S. Surgeon General, girls

are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD despite need.Girls tend to have lower rates of hyperactivity and exter-

nal symptoms than boys, but they may have greater intel-

lectual impairment due to ADHD. As a result, girls may beunderdiagnosed with the condition.

Myth #5:Those with ADHD are lazy. People with ADHDare no more lazy or less determined than those who have

not been diagnosed with the disorder. ADHD is a neu-robehavioral disorder that changes the way the brain re-

sponds and presents unique challenges. A person with

ADHD is no more at fault for the behaviors associatedwith ADHD than a person with depression or mania is for

the symptoms associated with those conditions.Myth #6:All people with ADHD are hyper and lack fo-

cus. A person with ADHD may present mixed symptomsof the condition or be predominantly characterized by one.

That means hyperactivity may not be part of the equation,

especially for those who are largely inattentive. On the ipside, while some people with ADHD have trouble focus-

ing on certain tasks, some actually get overly focused onthings they enjoy. This is known as hyperfocus, and it

may come at a detriment to the things they do not like.Myth #7: ADHD is overdiagnosed. Experts say that

ADHD is still largely underdiagnosed and undertreated,

and many are not getting the therapy and/or medicationthey need. Contrary to popular belief, taking medication

for ADHD is not a precursor to drug addiction or sub-stance abuse. Many ADHD sufferers who do not get the

care they need self-medicate and are at a greater risk forsubstance abuse.

Immunizations byAppointment Only

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1st & 3rd Thursday 2-6 pm

Millions of people across the globe

suffer from diabetes, a term used todescribe a group of metabolic diseas-

es in which a person has high bloodpressure resulting from the bodys

cells not responding properly to in-sulin and/or inadequate insulin pro-

duction. According to researchers at

Australias Baker IDI Heart and Dia-betes Institute, if the spread of type

2 diabetes continues at its currentrate, there will be roughly 439 million

adults with diabetes across the globein the year 2030. Though some cases

of diabetes cannot be prevented, a

healthy lifestyle can prevent or delaythe onset of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most com-mon form of diabetes, occurring be-

cause the body does not use insulinproperly. Initially, the pancreas will

make extra insulin to account for the

bodys resistance to insulin, but overtime the pancreas cannot produce

enough insulin to maintain normalblood glucose levels. The risk of de-

veloping type 2 diabetes increases

as people age, and while there is noway to halt the aging process, there

are many other ways for men, womenand children to reduce their risks of

developing type 2 diabetes.

Shed those extra pounds. Beingoverweight increases your risk for a

host of ailments, including type 2 dia-betes, heart disease and stroke. Ac-

cording to the American Diabetes As-sociation, losing as little as 10 to 15

pounds can make a signicant differ-ence for people looking to reduce their

risks of developing type 2 diabetes.

When attempting to lose weight, menand women should recognize that

making lifestyle changes is a more ef-fective way to shed pounds and keep

weight off than fad diets that maypromise quick weight loss but tend

to be less effective at keeping that

weight off over the long haul. Suc-

cessful weight loss typically involves a

combination of physical activity and a

healthy diet. Include physical activityas part of your daily routine several

days per week, taking it slow at rstif you have not exercised regularly in

quite some time. As your body beginsto adapt to exercise, you can gradual-

ly increase the intensity of your work-

out routines.

Adopting a healthy diet is anotherway to lose weight and maintain thatweight loss. A diet low in calories and

fat is a good start. Men and womenwho need to lose a signicant amount

of weight may want to work with a di-

etitian and/or nutritionist to create ameal plan that is likely to produce the

best results and address any vitaminor nutrient deciencies they might

have.Focus on ber. Adding more ber

to your diet is another way to prevent

or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.Foods that are high in ber tend to

make people feel fuller, reducing thelikelihood that you will overeat. Fiber

also helps the body control its blood

sugar levels, and ber can lower a

persons risk of heart disease. Manyfoods include ber, but some high--

ber foods include beans, fruits, nuts,and vegetables.

Avoid rened carbohydrates.Studies have shown that diets rich

in rened carbohydrates increase a

persons risk of developing diabetes,

while additional studies have shownthat diets rich in whole grains pro-tect the body against diabetes.

Researchers examining the resultsof several studies that explored

the relationship between whole

grains and diabetes found that eat-ing an extra two servings of whole

grains each day can reduce a per-sons risk of type 2 diabetes by as

much as 21 percent. Rened car-bohydrates, which can be found

in white bread, white rice, mashed

potatoes and many cereals, causesustained spikes in blood sugar and

insulin levels, which can increase apersons risk of diabetes.

7 Myths About ADHD How To Reduce Your Risk For Diabetes

REDUCE DIABETES Though aging increases a persons risk for type 2 dia-betes, a healthy lifestyle that includes routine exercise and a healthy diet can

help men and women reduce that risk signicantly.

Routine health screen-ings are an integral part

of maintaining personalhealth. Although some in-

dividuals make frequent

visits to their physicians,many others limit their

doctor visits to their annualphysicals.

Those who have neverhad a physical examination

may be unsure of what to

expect of such a procedure.A physical examination is a

simple procedure for manypeople. The following proce-

dures are what constitutea physical for younger pa-

tients without preexisting

medical conditions.

VITAL SIGNS

During a physical, doc-tors will check patients

vital signs. Patients canexpect to have their blood

pressure taken and pulse

rates measured. Respira-

tion rates may be taken todetermine if there is a lung

or heart problem. Doctorsalso will examine a patients

ears, nose and sinuses. The

neck and possibly underthe arms.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Doctors also discuss

patients medical histories,updating their charts with

any new information when

necessary. Inquiries aboutparticular health issues

that run in the family willbe discussed, as well as any

illnesses or hospitalizationspatients may have had in

the past.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

During the physical ex-

amination, doctors will lookat and feel patients abdo-

mens to detect the size oftheir livers and to determine

if there is any abdominal

uid present. The stetho-scope may be placed on the

abdomen to listen for bowlsounds. The physician also

may examine other areasof the body, including the

back and spine to ensure

there are no abnormalities.A weight and height check

will be given. Females whodo not see a separate gy-

necologist also may receive

a pelvic examination andbreast exam during their

physical examinations.Men can expect a visual

examination of the penis andtesticles. The physician will

check the external structure

to look for abnormalities liketumors or hernia.

DERMATOLOGICAL EXAM

Some doctors will ex-

amine the skin for the ap-pearance of unusual moles

or growths that could be

indicative of skin cancer orrefer patients to a derma-

tologist for such an exami-nation.

ADDITIONAL TESTS

Nerves and neurologi-

cal responses, including

What To Expect At An Annual Physical

WHAT TO EXPECT Knowing what to expect in an an-

nual physical can help relieve some anxiousness.

strength and balance tests,

may be tested during aphysical. Doctor also may

look for sensory changes inthe extremities of the body.

Doctors may order urine

and blood analyses to verifythat the levels are within

range. A blood test usuallywill include a cholesterol

test, and may include anexamination of blood-sugar

levels to rule out diabetes.

Men and women over theage of 40 may be referred to

specialists who can conduct

a mammography, colonos-

copy or prostate examina-tions. These tests will rule

out the presence of canceror other diseases. Doctors

also may suggest patients

have their vision and hear-ing checked.

Annual physicals canreassure men, women and

children that they are ingood health. Such exami-

nations also can serve as

early detection systems thatcan catch potential health

problems.

Emphasize Oral Hygiene

A HEALTHY MOUTH GOES

HAND AND HAND WITH A

HEALTHY YOU Those as-sessing their health in the

new year should not over-

look their oral hygiene.

Skilled Nursing, Physical, Occupational & SpeechTherapies, Home Health Aides & Medical Social Work

Website - www.ameriCare-health.com

Email - [email protected]

The Spirit of Caring - Serving All Northwest Ohio

Toledo: (419) 472-5350

Bryan: (419) 636-2702

Defance: (419) 782-0101

HEALTH &Well-Being


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139 S. Lynn St.Bryan, OH 43506

Toll Free: 1-877-782-8250

Ruby Carpenter RN

Administrator

322 Clinton St. Suite 201

Defance, OH 43512Phone: 419-782-8200

Fax: 419-782-8266

[email protected]

220 N. Clinton Street Defance, OH 43512

419-782-9116

Your Local Hometown Dairy, Since 1936

MILK MATTERS for YOUR HEALTHDid You Know

That during teen years, half of all bone

is formed and about 15% of adult

height is added.

Drinking milk may lower your risk

for colon, and other types of cancer.

Your local retailers have been providing

ARPS Dairy products since 1936.

Nearly everyone feels

down at one point or an-

other. But when feelingsof sadness stretch on andare accompanied by other

symptoms, normal sadness

might have given way to de-pression.

The Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention es-

timate depression affectsone in 10 American adults

at different levels, while

Statistics Canada saysaround 5 percent of Cana-

dians have reported symp-toms that meet the criteria

for a mood disorder, includ-ing depression.

Many sufferers of de-

pression believe it is a per-sonal weakness and some-

thing they should be ableto control, but mood disor-

ders are recognized mentalillnesses that say nothing

about a persons strength

of character. Often broughton unexpectedly, mood dis-

orders like depression can-not be traced to a single

root cause. Many within themedical community believe

depression is genetic.

According to the CDC,certain groups are more

likely to meet criteria for de-pression than others. These

include women, people ages

45-64, African-Americans,

Hispanics, and people withless than a high school edu-cation.

There are unique symp-

toms associated with de-pression. Not every person

with this mood disorderwill exhibit each and every

symptom, but the followingsymptoms appearing to-

gether is often an indicator

of depression: feelings of sadness

and loss feelings of irritability

loss of pleasure inusually enjoyed

activities

changes in sleepingpatterns, such as

insomnia or sleepingtoo much

difculty concentrating frequent headaches

noticeable lack of

motivation anxiety and panic

attacks withdrawal from

friends and family inability to make

decisions

recurring thoughtsof suicide or self-harm

People exhibiting symp-toms of depression should

rst reach out to their

primary care physicians,

who can begin a prelimi-nary diagnosis and lookfor symptoms indicative of

depression. A doctor also

can perform blood work torule out other conditions

that may be contributing toproblems with mood, such

as hormonal changes or ill-nesses.

Some doctors may refer

patients to a mental healthprofessional who is much

more qualied to treatmood disorders. A men-

tal health professional willlikely conduct an interview

with the patient and pay

considerable attention tothe patients medical histo-

ry. Gaining a stronger graspof a patients symptoms en-

ables doctors to prescribethe most effective courses

of treatment.

Treatments range frommedication to talk thera-

py to cognitive-behavioraltherapy. Those who do not

respond to more conven-tional treatments can dis-

cuss further options with

their doctors.Patients who are pre-

scribed an antidepressantmedication should expect

several weeks to pass be-fore the medication is fully

effective. Antidepressants

are not universally effec-tive, and people being treat-

ed for depression or an-other mood disorder should

not grow discouraged if onecourse of treatment is inef-

fective. Many treatment op-

tions are available to peoplewith mood disorders.

Those who think theymay be suffering from de-

pression should rst re-

member that they are notalone. Visiting a doctor

promptly can help suffer-ers of mood disorders ad-

dress their conditions morequickly.

Illnesses of the musculoskeletal systemcan result in temporary loss of mobility.

But physical therapy can help to preventthose temporary problems from becoming

permanent.

The American Physical Therapy Asso-ciation says physical therapists diagnose

and treat individuals of all ages who haveconditions that limit their abilities to per-

form functional activities. Limitations in

mobility may result from injury or illnessor be present at birth. Many physical ther-

apists develop a plan to reduce pain and

restore function through various treatmenttechniques with the ultimate goal of restor-ing a patients functional independence.

Physical therapists are licensed health-

care professionals who must receive a de-gree from an accredited physical therapist

program before taking national licensureexams that enable them to open a practice

or work in a facility. The Bureau of LaborStatistics predicts a 30 percent growth in

physical therapy careers through 2018,

which is a rate better than all other occu-pations. Unemployment rates for physical

therapists are very low, and they are inhigh demand.

Physical therapists employ variousphysical modalities to help with certain

conditions. For example, a patient may be

asked to perform various range-of-motionexercises to restore function to an injured

part of the body. Physical therapists alsomay use heat, cold and electrical impulses

to reduce pain and stimulate muscle func-tion. Physical therapy sessions frequently

include some form of massage as well.

While athletes frequently rely on physi-cal therapy as they recover from injuries,

others can benet from physical therapyas well. For example, physical therapy may

work in conjunction with other treatmentsfor cardiopulmonary disease. The cardio-

pulmonary system delivers oxygen to ac-

tive tissues, which plays an important partin movement. When the cardiopulmonary

system is compromised, muscles and othertissues may not function as they should,

and certain exercises and mobility thera-pies may be needed. Physical therapists

also aid in improving physical ailments

related to neurological diseases, such as

cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal

cord injuries, Parkinsons disease, and Al-zheimers disease. Physical therapists may

also help treat poor vision, poor balance

and paralysis.Children who have learning disabilities

related to a neurological or physical condi-tion may benet from certain forms of phys-

ical therapy. For example, vision problemscan compromise academic performance,

so physical therapy that aims to enhance

visual tracking skills and strengthen theeyes in conjunction with corrective lenses

may help youngsters, or even adult stu-dents, perform better in the classroom.

Very often physical therapy will be rec-

ommended by a general doctor or an ortho-pedic surgeon as part of recovery from a

surgery or a condition. The therapist maywork in conjunction with another doctor

to provide a program that helps foster afaster and safe recovery. Physical therapy

tends to begin gradually and resistance is

slowly built up as the body strengthens.The length of physical therapy will depend

on the condition and the recommendationof the therapist and doctors overseeing the

treatments.

Alzheimers disease is the most com-mon form of dementia. It is a progressive,

degenerative disorder that attacks neu-rons and essentially robs people of their

memory and language skills. Although

there is no cure for Alzheimers, thereare therapies that can slow its neurologi-

cal impact. Recognizing the early warningsigns of Alzheimers can encourage peo-

ple to begin treatments that can stave off

some of the more debilitating symptoms ofthis disease.

Though its most common among the

elderly, Alzheimers is not a normal partof aging. The Mayo Clinic says that thereasons behind the inception and pro-

gression of Alzheimers disease are largely

unknown. It is believed damage starts adecade or more before problems become

evident. Abnormal deposits of proteins be-gin to form the amyloid plaques and tau

tangles throughout the brain, and theseformations are the hallmarks of the dis-

ease. Once-healthy neurons gradually be-

gin to lose their efciency and ability tofunction and communicate with one an-

other. As more neurons die, entire areasof the brain shrink. The hippocampus,

which is the area of the brain essentialin forming memories, may soon become

compromised.

Millions of people in North America areestimated to have Alzheimers disease and

many others will be diagnosed. The follow-ing are the most common early signs and

symptoms of the disease. Memory loss: According to the Al-

zheimers Organization, early memory loss

can include forgetting important dates orrepeatedly asking for the same informa-

tion. Forgetting recently learned informa-tion and having to rely increasingly on

memory aids is another potential indica-tor of Alzheimers.

Declining cognition: Impaired rea-

soning or judgment, trouble nding the

right words and visual and spatial issuesalso may be early indicators of Alzheim-

ers. Difculty completing familiar tasks:

Those with Alzheimers sometimes have

trouble driving to a familiar location or re-membering the rules to a favorite game.

People who were once good with numbersmay now have difculty balancing their

checkbooks, while those who love to cook

may have trouble following recipes. Time confusion: Another indicator

of Alzheimers disease is losing track of

time. One may have trouble understand-ing something that isnt happening in thepresent. Alzheimers sufferers often forget

where they are and how they got there.

Misplacing items: Everyone losessomething at a point in time, but those

with Alzheimers may put items in un-usual places. They may sometimes accuse

others of stealing when they cannot re-trace their steps and nd items.

Decreased judgment: Decision-mak-

ing abilities may be compromised. A per-son with Alzheimers may take unneces-

sary risks or give away sums of money. Mood changes: People with Alzheim-

ers may suffer from confusion, suspiciousfeelings, depression and anxiety. A person

may upset easily or become anxious out-

side of his or her comfort zones.Age and family history of Alzheimers

disease are the biggest risk factors. Theliklihood of developing Alzheimers dou-

bles about every ve years after age 65,says the Alzheimers Organization. In ad-

dition, those with a parent, child or sibling

who have developed Alzheimers are morelikely to develop the disease than people

with no such family history.A physical and neurological exam,

which may include blood tests and brainimaging, will be used to diagnose Alzheim-

ers disease. Individuals can learn more by

making appointments with their doctors.

The Early Warning Signs Of Alzheimers Disease

Serving Williams County since [email protected] www.kneadfortherapy.massagetherapy.com

111 E. Jackson Street West Unity, Ohio 43570 419-924-5340

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Advertisements for va-cation destinations often

paint couples massages asthe premier romantic activ-

ity. Its true that massagescan be relaxing and sen-

sual, making such sessions

ideal gifts come ValentinesDay. Yet, massages arent

just sultry oils and New Agemusic. They can actually be

very good for overall health.Massage therapy is

benecial in various ways.

Massage is no longer justavailable in upscale health

clubs or luxury spas. Mas-sage spas have cropped up

in malls, hospitals, clinics,and even ofce buildings,

making massage therapy

that much more accessible.The Mayo Clinic notes

that while more researchis needed to conrm the

benets of massage, it may

be helpful for a variety ofhealth ailments. In addi-

tion to easing sore muscles,reducing joint pain and

helping soft tissue strainsor injuries, massage can

promote relaxation, reduce

anxiety and calm feelingsof stress. Massage reduces

levels of the stress hormonecortisol. This helps to lift

spirits and can often lowerblood pressure. Massage

also may help to boost the

neurotransmitters dopa-mine and serotonin, which

are associated with depres-sion.

According to Healthmagazine, massage also can

help promote healthy sleep.

It has something to do withthe effect of massage on

delta waves, which are thebrain waves connected to

deep sleep. There is some

evidence that massage can

also increase white blood

cell counts, promoting im-proved immunity.

Many people rely onmassages to relieve pain.

According to a report pub-lished in 2011 in the Ameri-

can College of Physicians

Annals of Internal Medi-cine, massage helps people

in pain feel and functionbetter than those who do

not receive treatment. Mas-

sage can alleviate stiffnessand pain and promote a

better range of motion. Andpain relief is not just for the

back, arms and legs. Mas-sage can reduce risk for mi-

graines and decrease painfrom tension headaches.

Massage even has beau-

ty benets. Rubbing theface and scalp can promote

blood ow and encouragelymphatic drainage. This

can add vitality to the com-plexion and plump up the

skin. Dull hair may appear

more shiny and revitalized.

People can explore dif-

ferent types of massage and

experiment with what worksbest for their ailments. Ev-

erything from Swedish mas-sage to reexology is offered

at massage clinics.Because massage in-

volves being partially or

completely undressed andhaving a massage thera-

pist touch various areas ofthe body, it is important to

nd a therapist with whom

you feel comfortable. Makesure that the therapist is

fully certied and qualied.It also helps if he or she is

properly vetted by the spaor clinic. Therapists will

heed a persons preferenceswith regard to the massage,

only concentrating on the

areas specied. If anythingfeels uncomfortable or a cli-

ent prefers not to have anarea of the body touched,

he or she simply needs toaddress that with the thera-

pist at the beginning of the

session.

Did You Know?According to the American Red Cross, after a person

has donated blood, his or her red cells need about four

to six weeks before they are completely replaced. That iswhy organizations like the Red Cross require donors wait

at least eight weeks between donations. That is not to be

confused with apheresis, a process by which platelets andother blood components, such as red cells and plasma,

are collected from a donor. During apheresis, a cell sepa-rator is used to collect platelets or other components from

blood that is drawn from the donor. The remaining com-ponents are then returned to the donor during the dona-

tion process. As many as 24 apheresis donations can be

made in a single year.In November 2013, the Federal Food and Drug Admin-

istration announced a plan to ban all trans fats from food.Certain foods may have different timelines depending on

the availability of trans fats substitutes. Trans fats, typi-

cally created via the process of adding hydrogen to veg-etable oils to make them semi-solid, are frequently used

to prolong the shelf life of processed foods. Research hasshown that trans fats are more dangerous than other

types of fats because they raise the level of LDL, or badcholesterol, in the blood, while also lowering the level of

HDL, or good cholesterol. The result can be cloggedarte-ries and an elevated risk of heart disease.

How To Identify Depression

Physical Therapy A Vital Part Of Treatment & Recovery

PHYSICAL THERAPY Is often a persons

best chance at becoming strong and beingable to resume to normal activities quicker

after illness or injury.

The Many Benets Of Massage Therapy

MASSAGE The gift of a massage session can be roman-

tic and improve ones overall health

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2014 THE VILLAGE REPORTER - 3HEALTH &Well-Being


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4 - THE VILLAGE REPORTER WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND, 2014HEALTH &Well-Being

Regular exercise can benet the body inmany ways, helping men and women main-

tain healthier weights and lower their risksfor developing potentially deadly diseases.

Though many people are quick to associate

exercise with its physical benets, thosehours spent on the treadmill also can boost

brain power.As the American Psychological Associa-

tion acknowledges, the connection betweenexercise and mental health is hard to ig-

nore, and the APA notes that the following

are just a few of the mental benets menand women might reap from regular exer-

cise.

IMPROVED MOOD

Many people feel great after exercising, es-

pecially if that exercise comes at the end ofa particularly stressful day. However, those

extra laps on the track or those hours spenton the treadmill dont just pay short-term

dividends. In a controlled trial overseen byDuke University researcher and clinical

psychologist James Blumenthal, sedentary

adults with major depressive disorder wereassigned into one of four groups: supervised

exercise, home-based exercise, antidepres-sant therapy, or a placebo pill. Those in the

exercise and antidepressant groups had

higher rates of remission than those in theplacebo group, and Blumenthal concluded

that exercise was generally comparable toantidepressants for men and women with

major depressive disorder. In addition, infollowing up with patients a year later, Blu-

menthal found that those who continued to

exercise had lower depression scores thanthose participants who were less active.

Blumenthals study was not the onlyone to conclude that exercise can have a

positive impact on mood. In a review of 11studies that examined the effects of exer-

cise on mental health, Boston Universityprofessor of psychology Michael Otto and

his colleagues found that exercise could

be a powerful tool when treating clinicaldepression, and even recommended clini-

cians include exercise as part of their treat-ment plans for depressed patients.

ANTIDOTE TO ANXIETY

Some researchers, Otto included, have

begun to examine the effects of exerciseon treating and possibly preventing anxi-

ety. The bodys nervous system respondsquickly when people feel frightened or

threatened, often causing the bodys heartrate to increase and sweating and dizziness

to occur. Those people who are especially

sensitive to anxiety respond to these feel-ings with fear, and that makes them more

likely to develop panic disorders. In study-ing 60 participants with heightened sensi-

tivity to anxiety, Otto and Smits found thatthe subjects who participated in a two-

week exercise program exhibited marked

improvements in anxiety sensitivity com-

pared to those participants who did nottake part in the exercise program. Otto andSmith concluded that this improvement

was a result of the exercise group partici-

pants learning to associate the symptomscommon to both fear and exercise, such as

sweating and an elevated heart rate, withsomething positive (exercise) instead of

something negative (anxiety).Regular exercise benets the human body

in numerous ways, not the least of which is

its impact on the brain. More informationon the link between exercise and improved

mental health is available at www.apa.org.

Human growth hormone performs anumber of biological functions and is in

abundance when children and adolescentsare growing. But HGH has recently become

a coveted cosmetic supplement designed to

improve metabolism, fend off weight gainand restore the vigor of youth. The off-label

use of HGH has resulted in a multi-billiondollar industry but not without signicant

controversy.

HGH, also known as somatotropin or so-matropin, is a natural substance excreted

by the pituitary gland in the brain. It stim-ulates growth and cell reproduction and

regeneration. As a person ages, his or herHGH levels decrease. In certain instances,

doctors will prescribe HGH to treat chil-

drens growth disorders or deciencies inadults. However, some patients seek it for

improved vitality or as an anabolic agent toimprove athletic performance.

Many people view HGH as the foun-tain of youth because it can help diminish

wrinkles and the physical signs of aging

while improving energy levels and helpingght depression. But while HGH has its

upside, there is still much to be learnedabout this complicated hormone.

Several small clinical studies havelooked at HGH in the injectable form. Many

tout the efcacy of the hormone in grow-

ing muscles and bone, improving skin,ramping up sexual drive, and helping with

weight loss. According to Stuart Weiner-man, M.D., Division of Endocrinology at

North Shore/Long Island Jewish Hospi-

tal, and Assistant Professor of Medicine atHofstra/North Shore LIJ School of Medi-

cine, the largest review of trials with HGHdemonstrate that long-term use of growth

hormone caused an average 2.3 kilogram

(about 5 lbs) loss of weight, 2.6 kg (5.6lbs) loss of fat, 1.4 kg (3 lbs) increase in

lean body mass and no consistent changein bone density. Patients using HGH tend

to feel better, too, as seen in quality of lifescores. But these benets often come at a

cost.

One signicant disadvantage of HGHinjections is that they are very expensive.

Over the course of a year, men and womenreceiving HGH injections can expect to pay

thousands of dollars for those injections,particularly if they are not covered by in-

surance. Injections also can only be given

by a licensed medical practitioner, requir-ing multiple trips to the doctor during the

course of therapy.Another pitfall of injectable HGH is that

it is an articial source of the hormone.When the body becomes accustomed to re-

ceiving HGH from an external source, the

pituitary gland may decrease the naturalproduction of HGH. Should a person cease

therapy, he or she may nd that they arenow decient in the hormone.

The Mayo Clinic says that HGH isnt themagical answer for staving off aging. The

organization warns that there is little evi-

dence that taking HGH supplements pro-vides any measurable benet for healthy

individuals and it may actually result inside effects that are unhealthy. These can

include carpal tunnel syndrome, swellingin the arms and legs, joint pain, muscle

pain, and enlargement of breast tissue in

men. HGH also may contribute to condi-tions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Exercise Benefts The Brain, Too

Have you had yourFlu Shot?

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VACCINES

www.myGNP.com 800-333-7347

Can Human Growth Hormone Cheat Aging & Fat?

HGH: Several people use human growth

hormone to lose weight and prevent thephysical effects off aging.

To schedule a tour or for admission informationCall Linda Earle at (419)485-8307

Where care & love meet

924 Charlies Way, Montpelier, OH 43543

419-485-8307

Evergreen Manor is a recognized

leader in post-acute care

4 Star facility as deemed by CMS

(Medicare.gov)

5 Star facility in Quality Measures

2012 Atrium Centers Quality

Award Recipient

Past 2 years Deficiency Free Surveys

with Ohio Department of Health.

95% Family/Resident

satisfaction scores.

Previous winner of Atrium

Presidents award

Evergreen Manor provides

a continuum of

specialized services

Physical, Occupational,

and Speech Therapy

Post Surgery Rehabilitation

Orthopedic Therapies

Neurological & Pulmonary Care

Alzheimers & Dementia Care

Short Term Respite Stays

Outpatient Therapy

Cardiac Recovery

Hospice Services

On site Podiatry, Dental, Audiology,

Optometry, and Counseling/Social

Work serv ices

Evergreen Manor offers

many services and amenities

not offered in other skilled

nursing centers

Open dining with meal choices

Small setting offers personalized care

Peaceful country setting within

city limits

Average longevity of staff at center

over 8+ years.

Free Wi Fi

Medicaid assistance

Financial planning andon-site banking

Medical Director, Dr. Bell serving our

residents for over 5 years

And much, much more . . .

Evergreen Manor accepts most

payer sources

Medicare and Medicaid

(Ohio, Michigan, Indiana)

Anthem

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

PHCS/United Healthcare

Aetna

Humana

AARP and other insurances not listed

Did you know?

OutstandingRehabtoHomePrograms!!!

Documents

2014 Medical Guide