Women’s HealtH event. see page 8.

a healthy tomorrow

I n f o r m at I o n f o r a H e a lt H y l I f e st y l e to day

j u l / au g 2 011

Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Your Family

■ Action PlAn for BAck PAin■ clinicAl triAls

the latest fitness fads

see page 5.

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Clinical research Is Helping to advance modern medicine

a critical part of medical advancement is clinical research. the improvement of patient care relies strongly upon studies that carefully examine the effectiveness of new drugs, devices, or other forms of treatment. some clinical research (“clinical trials”) involves patients who have a certain disease or condition, while other research involves people who are healthy. When deciding whether to participate in clinical research, it is important to learn all you can about the study and ask your doctor any questions you may have. like most academic medical centers, loma linda university offers a broad variety of research opportunities. all research involving human subjects at loma linda university is reviewed by a panel of experts and laypersons known as the Institutional review Board (IrB). the IrB works to ensure that any studies performed at loma linda protect the rights of study participants in accord with institutional policies and federal regulations. you may ask your doctor about research studies that are available to you. For more information on clinical trials at Loma Linda University, please call the LLUHC Clinical Trial Center at 909-651-5002 or visit www.llu.edu/clinical-trials.

a shooting pain after lifting a heavy box. the dull ache from sitting

too long in front of a computer. stiffness due to disk disease. Back pain can be as varied as the sources that cause it. But what do you do when back pain occurs? How do you deal with the pain and when does it warrant a trip to the doctor?

an action Plan for Back PainFirst Things First: Signs to Watch For there are some symptoms associated with back pain that require a doctor’s evaluation right away. these red flags could indicate a pinched nerve or other serious condition. call your doctor immediately if you have back pain accompanied by:■ Fever or loss of bladder or bowel control■ trouble urinating■ Pain when coughing■ Progressive weakness in the legs■ numbness in the groin or rectum■ significant pain following a fall or another injury

Why Early Treatment May Be Important seeking treatment for back pain that doesn’t improve within a few days is important because it may reduce the risk for long-term pain.

Back pain is classified into two groups: acute and chronic. acute pain comes on suddenly, such as from an injury, and goes away within six weeks.

chronic pain, which lasts for three months or more, can be difficult to diagnose. it may be caused by degenerative disease like arthritis, but it can also stem from untreated acute back pain.

in some cases, pain can linger even if the cause of an acute back problem, like a sprain, has healed. that’s because the body’s nervous system can actually learn pain over time—and not let it go. seeking treatment for an acute back problem can reduce this risk.

While it is not always necessary to visit a doctor for back pain, it might be a good idea to consult with your doctor if the pain does not go away. Loma Linda University Medical Center can provide physical therapy. Our comprehensive services include physical medicine and rehab, orthopaedic surgery, and neurosurgery. For more information, please call 1-877-llUMc-4U (877-558-6248).

Mountain Biking make sure your children always bike with a helmet that fits properly and sits flat on the head. Gloves and knee guards offer added protection. the international mountain Bicycling association suggests kids shouldn’t ride their own bikes until they’re at least age 7, but younger children can ride in trailers behind bikes.

many parks designate trails for mountain biking. you can find one at www.recreation.gov under the “recreation search” section.

Hiking to help avoid getting lost, plan a route and research the trail before you set out. the right footwear and enough water are vital. Boots should generally be a half size larger than other footwear to allow for two pairs of socks.

listen up, Nature Is CallingGet your kids biking, hiking, and running in the great outdoors

mother nature would like to offer you a tip, one parent to another:

Get the kids outdoors.a family trip to a park, forest, or

trail is a great way to get everyone moving and help youngsters embrace physical activity. With many kids struggling to control their weight, outdoor pursuits can be a fun and effective solution.

What’s the key to getting kids to like outdoor activities? the activities have to be fun. Pick pastimes that work for your kids’ ages—and give teens some freedom to pick their own.

Here’s some advice on outdoor activities that draw lots of children and teens.

Trail Running trail running is physically demanding, so it may not be for beginners. as with hiking, research your route, wear proper shoes, and bring enough water. trail running shoes generally provide more stability and traction than shoes made for running on hard surfaces.

the american trail running association has information on trails in all 50 states and in 18 countries at www.trailrunner.com.

If you want to find out what programs are available for children at Loma Linda University Drayson Center, call 1-877-llUMc-4U (1-877-558-6248). Get your kids active!

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activity

14.7M

11.3M10.9M

9.6M

6.1M

Road biking, mountain biking,

and BMX

Freshwater fishing, saltwater

fishing, and fly-fishing

Car, backyard, and RV camping

Running, jogging, and trail

running

Hiking

part

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ants

Kids’ favorite outdoor activitiesThe top five outdoor activities for Americans ages 6 to 17

Source: Outdoor Recreation Participation Report 2009, Outdoor Foundation

HealtHy outdoors

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methods of Surgery

What are the different methods of surgery?

With technical advances today, surgery does not necessarily mean large incisions, as in the past. depending on the type of surgery, there are several surgery methods that may be performed:■ Open surgery—an open surgery means the cutting of skin and tissues so that the surgeon has a full view of the structures or organs involved. examples of open surgery are the removal of organs such as the gallbladder or kidneys.■ Minimally invasive surgery—minimally invasive surgery is any technique involved in surgery that does not require a large incision. this relatively new approach allows the patient to recuperate faster with less pain. not all conditions are suitable for minimally invasive surgery. many surgery techniques now fall under minimally invasive surgery: ● Laparoscopy—a test that uses a tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (laparoscope) to examine organs and check for abnormalities. laparoscopy is often used during surgery to look inside the body and avoid making large incisions. tissue samples may also be taken for examination and testing. ● Endoscopy—a test that uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of part of the digestive tract. tissue samples from inside the digestive tract may also be taken for examination and testing. ● Arthroscopy—with the use of an endoscope, surgeons can look at the interior of a joint. this technique is

most often used to inspect the inside of the knee joint. ● Bronchoscopy—the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps doctors evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue or fluid, and remove foreign bodies. ● Cystoscopy—inserting a viewing tube up the urethra to examine the urethra and bladder cavity. ● Gastroscopy—examining the lining of the esophagus, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine with a long viewing tube. ● Hysteroscopy—a visual inspection of the cervical canal and uterine cavity with an endoscope. ● Laryngoscopy—inspecting the larynx (voice box) with a mirror or viewing tube. ● Sigmoidoscopy—examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon with a viewing tube.

Robotic surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center provides cutting-edge technology paired with unparalleled surgical expertise in the field.For more information, please call 1-877-llUMc-4U or visit us online at lomalindarobotics.org.

for everyone’s sake, get your Whooping Cough shot

the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (dtap) shot isn’t just a childhood vaccine. It’s important for adults to be up-to-date on this vaccination, too.

Infants are at high risk for whooping cough (pertussis) because they do not begin their dtap vaccinations until the age of 2 months. and young children aren’t fully protected until they complete the dtap vaccination series around ages 4 to 6.

maybe you think you are protected because you got this shot as a child. But immunity can fade over time. as a result, adults may need a booster shot to keep immunity strong. until recently, the only booster shot available was the tetanus-diphtheria (td) booster, which didn’t include protection for whooping cough. However, the new dtap booster is now available and recommended for adults. this is important because the Centers for disease Control and prevention (CdC) reports that most adults are not protected against whooping cough.

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HealtH and Beauty

strengthen muscles, and the directions call for too few reps. Try instead: For better muscle definition, try dynamic workouts that tone your whole body, like jumping rope.

How Do Shape-Ups Shape Up? The claim: so-called toning shoes—like skechers shape-ups and reebok easytone—claim to strengthen your calves and hamstrings, burn more calories, improve your posture, and reduce joint stress and pain. the rounded soles create an unstable surface, challenging your feet and legs. The research: a study by researchers at the american council on exercise found no differences in heart rate or calorie burn with toning vs. regular shoes. you may use different muscles in these shoes than you would in regular shoes, which could improve balance. But each brand is different. What works for one person may cause injury to others, such as people with poor balance or with joint or tendon problems. Try instead: to amp up your walking routine, carry hand weights. to tone your legs and butt, try squats.

are the latest Fitness trends the Real Deal?From shake Weights to shape-ups,

the advertisements for these new fitness products show men and women with perfectly sculpted bodies. But will you have the same results? We put these latest fitness fads to the ultimate test—scientific research—to see how they measure up.

Shake Up Your Workout The claim: the shake Weight promises dramatic results in just six minutes a day. vibrations from the device are supposed to make muscles work harder during exercise, building strength and power. to use the shake Weight, you must shake the 2.5-pound plastic dumbbell, and then perform a traditional strength-training move. the result? toned and defined chest, arms, and shoulders. The research: most studies of vibration training have been done using whole-body platforms. these may build muscle strength and power under a trainer’s guidance. But the shake Weight is difficult to use properly, according to the american council on exercise. it’s also too light to

Breakfast Burrito with Salsa

4 large eggs2 tbsp. frozen corn1 tbsp. 1 percent milk2 tbsp. diced green peppers¼ cup minced onions1 tbsp. diced fresh tomatoes1 tsp. mustard¼ tsp. granulated garlic¼ tsp. hot pepper sauce to tastedash of salt4 8-inch flour tortillas¼ cup canned salsa

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.2. in a large mixing bowl, blend the eggs, corn, milk, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, mustard, garlic, hot pepper sauce, and salt for one minute until eggs are smooth.3. Pour egg mixture into a lightly oiled 9-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish and cover with foil.4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until eggs are set and thoroughly cooked.5. Wrap tortillas in plastic and microwave for 20 seconds until warm. Be careful when unwrapping the tortillas. the steam can be hot.6. cut baked egg mixture into four equal pieces and wrap each piece of cooked egg in a tortilla.7. serve each burrito topped with 2 tablespoons of salsa.

Yield: four servings. Serving size is one burrito. Each serving provides: 250 calories, 9 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 210 mg cholesterol, 600 mg sodium.Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

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no doubt you know smoking isn’t good for you. you may even have

tried to quit before. Quitting can keep you from joining the 438,000 people who die prematurely each year in the u.s. due to tobacco.

to learn how much you know about quitting smoking, decide whether the following statements are true or false, then check your answers. take steps to increase your knowledge as needed.1. seventy percent of american adults who smoke want to quit.True False2. People who stop smoking at any age reduce their risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke.True False3. learning about how to quit smoking can help you find the method that might work best for you.True False4. once you decide to quit, pick a date to do so that is several months in the future.True False5. your doctor can help you quit by providing information and possibly a prescription for a medication that could increase your chance for success.True False6. nicotine-replacement therapies (nrts) are available only with a prescription.True False7. using nrt, bupropion, or varenicline to help you deal with withdrawal can double your chance of quitting long term.True False8. if you use nrt, you don’t need counseling.True False9. studies have found that hypnosis, acupuncture, and laser therapy work as

How much do you Know about Smoking Cessation?

smoking is not an easy habit to lose! loma linda university medical Center is providing you with an opportunity to learn more about being smoke-free. please call 1-877-llUMc-4U (877-558-6248) for more information.

well as nrt for reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.True False10. most people successfully quit smoking on their first try.True False

Answers1. True—and in 2007, 47 million u.s. adults were former smokers.2. True—the risk for coronary heart disease, for example, is significantly reduced within one to two years of quitting smoking.

3. True.4. False—pick a date that is within two weeks of your decision. if you wait too long, you may lose your desire to quit.5. True.6. False—nicotine gum and patches are available without a prescription.7. True.8. False—counseling can increase your chance of quitting for good.9. False—clinical studies have not found this to be true.10. False—most people try to quit two or three times before they succeed.

stroke support Group Fourth Wednesday of each month,

3 to 4:30 p.m.

Stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers receive information on a variety of topics. Patients can share ways of dealing with challenges. Mended HeartsFourth Friday of each month,

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For all heart patients and their families. Call for more details. Always in My HeartSecond Monday of each month,

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Fourth Tuesday of each month,

9:30 to 11 a.m.

A bereavement class for parents who have lost a baby.

classes/Programs

Winning with DiabetesA series of five sessions on types, causes, and self-management. Spanish classes available.

the role of Prevention in Personal Health and Professional PracticeBeginning Wednesday, August 3

Designed for individuals who wish to learn more about preventative approaches in chronic conditions.

Birth and Beyond Education classes•Preparing for Childbirth•Baby Is Coming•Sibling Preparation• Breastfeeding Basics

classes & programs jul/aug 2011

If you do not see a class or event you are looking for, or for more detailed information, call 1-877-LLUMC-4U.

•Health and Fitness in Pregnancy• Infant/Child CPR • It’s Time to Eat•Baby Is Home•Baby Bonding Yoga•The Art of Infant Massage•Moms Joining MomsCall for details and to register. nutrition talk cancer centerSecond Thursday of each month,

10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Provides information for cancer patients and interested parties on the role of nutrition in risk reduction, healthy foods, managing weight, and other aspects. free Metabolic and Bariatric surgery Program Weight loss seminarMonthly, 6 to 7 p.m.

Call for details and to register. Prenatal classSecond Monday of each month,

5:30 to 7 p.m.

English and Spanish classesProviding information for a safe and healthy pregnancy. cardiac and Pulmonary rehabilitation7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For those with chest pain, heart attack, bypass surgery, or lung disease. Call to register. Headache clinicDepartment of neurologyTreatment of headaches, including migraines, oral and facial pain, and much more!

Behavioral Medicine center Programs children’s Behavioral Health Program For children and adolescents who are struggling with behavioral issues including addictions, school-related difficulties, self harm, and/or depression. chronic Pain and Medication Dependency Program A specialized program to address the unique needs of a chronic pain patient by addressing all aspects of the individual’s mind, body, and spirit so the individual can reclaim their life through hope, healing, and serenity.

center for Health Promotion Executive Health By appointment only.

A complete medical history and physical with assessment of potential risk factors. Weight Management orientationTuesdays, call for exact dates

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

For individuals who would like to lose a few pounds or have a condition for serious medical intervention.

international travel clinicWednesdays, 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Come for travel immunizations, prescriptions, and general immunizations.

Wholistic MedicineFirst Tuesday of the month, 6 to 8 p.m.

A free introduction—is it right for me?

special Events kolA cares for kids radiothon Tuesday, August 23 to Wednesday,

August 24, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Listen to KOLA 99.9 FM Blood Drives Please call for times.

The Bloodmobile is here weekly; you can also check Loma Linda times at www.lstream.org.

support Groups Hopeful JourneyFourth Tuesday of each month,

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For women who are pregnant following the loss of a baby.

lupus and rheumatic support GroupFourth Tuesday of each month,

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Education and support.

Diabetes support Group First Tuesday of each month, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Diabetes experts provide educational and resource information each month.

Divorce recovery Group Wednesdays, May 11 to July 13,

7 to 9:30 p.m.

Supporting separated and divorced persons in moving from brokenness to wholeness. Please call to register.

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nonprofit org.u.s. Postage

PAIDloma linda university

medical center

Loma Linda University Medical Center11234 anderson st.loma linda, ca 92354-2804

Postmaster: Please deliver between June 20 and 24.

A Healthy Tomorrow is published by loma linda university medical center to provide general health information. it is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician. © 2011. all rights reserved. Printed in the u.s.a.

Ruthita J. Fike ceo/administrator

Tammy Veachexecutive director of marketing

Jemellee Ambroseeditor-in-chief

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Printed on recyclable Paper 964m

a healthy tomorrow

What are friends for? your Health! the people close to us can affect our health in many ways, from helping us eat better to listening to our worries.

connection Matterssocial support can help both physically and mentally. In one study, researchers interviewed people with spinal cord injuries and chronic pain. people reported greater life satisfaction if they talked about their problems with someone. they also reported less disability from their pain if they had social help to cope with it.

those around you can also influence your health habits. positive health trends, such as quitting smoking, can spread from person to person, too. researchers reported these results after studying the health and social ties of 12,000 people in one massachusetts town for more than 30 years. Expand Your networkIt can never hurt to have more healthy connections. through support groups, you can meet and share information with others who have the same condition and may be going through similar experiences. you can also volunteer, join a civic or faith-based group, or participate in a community recreation program.

stay connected with your friends at loma linda university medical Center at www.facebook.com/llumc.

Loma Linda University Medical CenterSince 1905, Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) has provided families like yours with a wide range of medical services. We provide the Inland Empire with comprehensive health care that is both nationally and internationally recognized. We are a complete health care delivery system, together with:

• Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital• Loma Linda University Behavioral

Medicine Center• Loma Linda University Medical Center

East Campus• Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital• Physician clinics at Loma Linda University

Health Care

It’s only a click away!Come learn more about our health care services and community on our Facebook page, facebook.com/llumc!

Our Facebook page delivers all the latest news and events. Read our latest posts, view event pictures, and read news articles from the comfort of your home. Share your comments with the LLUMC community!

Loma Linda University Medical Center is on Facebook!Keep up with the latest news and events.

facebook.com/llumc

Hosted by

Speaking of Women’s Health™An uplifting health and wellness event for women

Friday, November 18, 20117:30 am – 4:00 pm

Riverside Convention Center3443 Orange StreetRiverside, CA 92501

Tickets $40.00, on sale July 5!To register or for additional information, please visit lomalindaevents.org or call 1-877-LLUMC-4U.

Your special day includes: • Breakout sessions • Free health screenings • Continental breakfast • Cooking demonstration • Fabulous luncheon • Bra fi ttings, massages, • Two fantastic bags fi lled entertainment and much more! with numerous gifts