May Peoria Healthy Cells 2012

MAY 2012 FREE

areaPromotingHealthier Living in Your Community

• Physical

• Emotional

• Nutritional

GREATER PEORIA

M A G A Z I N Ewww.healthycellsmagazine.comTMHealthyCells

Eight Spending ChangesIn Retirement pg. 16

Protect Your Heart –Protect Your Brain pg. 30

Your Baby IsWorth the Wait pg. 32

Midwest Hearing CenterEnhancing Patient Hearing,

Improving Patient Livespg. 20

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May 2012 — Peoria — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

Allergists and Immunologists are physicians who have additional training in the immune system and special skills in evaluating and treating asthma and allergies

They become board-certified when they pass an examination in the specialty area of allergy and immunology. My staff and I are trained to work with you to determine what causes your specific problems and to develop a tailored plan that matches your lifestyle while providing the most effective treatment.

Anyone with allergies or asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night. You don’t have to accept less. An Allergist can help you find relief so you can enjoy life.

Why Should You See An Allergist?

Julie C. Klemens M.D.BOARD CERTIFIED

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309-589-5900Call now for a comprehensive evaluation.

Children and Adults Welcome

7301 N. Knoxville Ave, Peoria, IL

This Month’s Cover Story: Volume 14, Issue 58

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Summer Safety:Preventing West Nile Virus Infection

Nutritional:Brain Foods Make for A Healthy Mind and Body

Physical:Custom Made Face Masks Aid in Treatment ofFacial Sports Injury and Burns

Emotional:Planning Ahead Makes Sense

Healthy Finance:Eight Spending Changes In Retirement

Sinuplasty:Spring Allergy Season Causes Sinus Suffering

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:Women’s Health Means More Than Pampering

Developmental Screening:A Must for Early Childhood Years

Sleep Apnea and Fatigue:Wake Up Rested and Healthier

Senior Health:Baseball and Bravery

May is American Stroke Month:Protect Your Heart – Protect Your Brain

Healthy Pregnancy:Your Baby Is Worth the Wait

Pain Management:Understanding Neuropathy

Workman’s Compensation:Injured on the Job? What You Should Know

Eye Allergy ReliefMy Eyes are Driving Me Crazy

Melanoma:The Bad and The Good of This Ugly Disease

MAY

Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not sug-gest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare pro-fessional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE at over 650 locations, including major grocery stores throughout central Illinois as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. 12,000 copies are published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in central Illinois. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in central Illinois.

2012

For advertising information, contact Kim Brooks-Miller

309-681-4418 email: [email protected]

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187

[email protected]

Midwest Hearing Center Enhancing Patient Hearing, Improving Patient Lives

page 20

Visit Us On Face Book

Cover and feature story photos by Daryl Wilson Photography


Photo Courtesy of Photography by Jill

The other day I was channel surfing and came across a reality show portraying the lives of “affluent” people. After watching it for a few moments, it dawned on me the extreme focus on money, material items and entitlement. Taken to the extreme, consuming material things

can lead to greed, and greed can consume people’s lives, destroying friendships, relationships and even themselves. (Check out Proverbs 28:25) So, when is it time to say, “Enough is enough?” By international standards, we as Americans are considered very wealthy. If we have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and money to pay our bills, we are considered well off or comfortable. But from a different perspective, others might consider this type of lifestyle “just getting by.” So, are you keeping a healthy perspective? When you consider your life, do you have “enough”? If we have the basic essentials in life covered, we’re doing well. If we have family and friends who love us, we are very wealthy. Personally, I believe we have a God that watches over our every minute and is always in control, regardless of our situation. Priceless! From this healthy perspective, we can’t ask for more! Take a moment to count your blessings. Learn to be content, and celebrate “Enough Day!”

Sincerely,

Kim Brooks-Miller, Owner, Healthy Cells Magazine, Greater Peoria Area Edition. Comments or questions call: 309-681-4418 or e-mail: [email protected]

PS- Be sure to visit us on Facebook and “Like” us today! www.facebook.com/HealthyCellsPeoria

letter from the owner

Celebrate “Enough Day!”

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Page 8 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Peoria — May 2012

Preventing West Nile Virus InfectionBy Diana Scott, MS, Public Information Officer, Peoria City/County Health Department

Summer is rapidly approaching, and so is the risk for West Nile Virus (WNV) infec-tion. WNV is a mosquito-borne disease

that can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Over the past several years, human cases of illness and death from WNV have been reported in the State of Illinois. While there is no treatment for WNV and most people show no symptoms, in more severe cases, people may need to be hospitalized for help in breathing. Mild symptoms of WNV infec-tion can include headache, swollen glands, and skin rash on the body and can last for a few days to a few weeks. Severe symptoms of WNV illness can include high fever, headache, disori-entation, convulsions, vision loss, and paralysis. These symptoms may last weeks, and neurologi-cal effects may be permanent. People over 50 years of age and those with weakened immune systems have the highest risk of developing severe illness due to WNV. The most common method of WNV infection is through a mosquito bite from mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Each year, area health departments provide community monitoring and prevention mea-sures such as collection and testing of birds and mosquitoes for WNV, as well as educating the public on personal preventive mea-sures to reduce the exposure to mosquito bites. The best way to prevent WNV infection is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and take personal precautions. Here are some easy tips to prevent WNV infection, especially if you live in an infected area: Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, espe-cially between dusk and dawn. When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellants on infants.

summer safety

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mos-quito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles. In communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.

Formore importantpublichealth information,visit thePeoriaCity/CountyHealthDepartmentwebsiteatwww.pcchd.org.

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• Oily fish such as mackerel, trout, tuna, sardines, herring, ancho-vies and most importantly, salmon, are all plentiful in omega-3 fats. Low IQ, poor memory and concentration, depression, and problems with learning, have all been linked to insufficient intake of omega-3 fats. By eating these oil rich foods you are replacing the essential fats that your brain needs and that your body can-not make itself.

• Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts and pecans are all excellent for improving the performance of your brain.

• Seeds such as sunflower, linseed, flax, pumpkin, and mustard seeds are all excellent brain foods.

• Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower may improve your memory.

More and more research is showing the correlation between what we consume and how our brains perform. Much like every other organ of our body, the brain needs a certain

amount and type of nutrition to produce optimal performance. Can you really improve your IQ or your concentration? The answer would seem to be “Yes”. The foods on our compiled list of brain foods will not only provide optimal brain health and performance, but will benefit many other organs and systems of your body. Your brain is made up of more than a 60% fat content. In fact, the brain actually needs a certain amount of fats and proteins for neurotransmission to occur successfully. (Neurotransmission is the process whereby your brain receives and sends messages.) The following is a list of foods that most researchers acknowl-edge are beneficial for your brain’s health:

Brain Foods Make for AHealthy Mind and Body

Submitted by Scott Gray, Health & Fitness Tips for Beginners

nutritional


• Meats, cheeses, milk and eggs all contain protein which is a vital component of neurotransmitters. Any source of good qual-ity protein, including soy and beans, will have you feeling more confident and alert.

• Water is needed by your brain for optimal performance. Drinking eight glasses of water daily will improve your concentration and ability to learn.

• Oxygen. After eating a big meal you often tend to feel sleepy. This is because the oxygen that your brain needs is being uti-lized in the digestive process instead. If you need your powers of concentration try and eat smaller protein rich snacks instead of a huge stodgy lunch.

• Complex carbohydrates found in legumes, whole grains, leafy vegetables, and brown rice will provide your brain with a steady supply of glucose, which is what your brain uses as energy. Recent studies have shown that eating complex carbohydrates can improve your concentration skills within an hour of consump-tion.

• B group vitamins are essential for memory and mood. The B group vitamins can be found in whole grains, brewer’s yeast, nuts, eggs, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.

• Antioxidants can be found in rich supplies in blueberries, spinach, grape juice, hot cocoa, extra virgin olive oil, and leafy greens. Antioxidants assist in fighting the free radicals in your body and brain which contribute to the damaging effects of aging. Antioxidants are believed to prevent the deterioration of coordination, memory, balance and motor skills.

nutritional

Not only will this list of brain foods ensure that your brain remains in good health, but the rest of your body will also benefit. In particular, Omega-3 fats and antioxidants have been found to be beneficial in maintaining heart health, slowing down the aging process, boosting the immune system, and protecting against some forms of cancer. Brain foods will not only result in optimal brain health, but total body health.

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The face is the most vulnerable area of the body and is usually the least protected. Facial trauma, also called maxillofacial trauma, is any physical trauma to the face. Facial trauma can involve soft

tissue injuries such as burns, lacerations and bruises, or fractures of the facial bones such as nasal fractures and fractures of the jaw, as well as trauma such as eye injuries. Symptoms are specific to the type of injury; for example, fractures may involve pain, swelling, loss of function, or changes in the shape of facial structures. Sports-related facial injuries account for 8% of all facial soft tissue injuries. Approximately 11-40% of all sports injuries involve the face. These injuries are most often due to direct hits with a ball or player-to-player contact. The most common types of sports-related facial trauma are the soft tissue injuries and the fractures of the "T-Zone" bones (the nose, the zygoma, and the mandible). These injuries often occur in combina-tion. Depending on the extent and the type of injury, some injuries can be managed at the sporting event site, with the athlete resuming play immediately. Other injuries may demand transfer to an urgent care set-ting and management by a specialist.

Facial Burns Facial burns vary from relatively minor insults to severe debilitating injuries. Over 50% of burn injuries involve the head and neck region and can be caused by flame, electrical current, steam, hot substances, and chemicals. Each year in the United States, 1-2 million burn injuries demand medical attention. Remember that burn injuries may take the skills of multiple specialties in a burn center. Objectives for reconstruction following a facial burn include restoration of function, comfort, and appearance. Functional concerns in these patients include airway patency (open airway), protection of the cornea, oral continence, and neck mobility. Burns may impart a tight masklike sensation to the face, distorting features and limiting facial expression. Appearance is altered by contractures, scarring, and pigmentary changes. We use custom made face masks in the treatment of these patients. Thanks to recent advances in medical technology and materials development, there is now a better option for treating patients with severe facial burns and sports injuries. We use a portable scanner, 3D laser scanning device, which eliminates the need for plaster or alginate

Custom MadeFace Masks:Aid in Treatment of FacialSports Injury and BurnsBy Saravanan Sundarakrishnan, LCPO,Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics

physical


molds and the associated discomfort and anxiety. Once the scanning is done and a 3D model created, certain modifications are done depend-ing on the diagnosis and goals to be achieved. After the modifica-tions, a foam block is used to carve the positive model using Cad Cam technology. After this a clear and strong thermoplastic is heated and vacuum formed over the model. Once the plastic cools down it is removed from the mold and then finished and straps attached to it. A total contact custom face mask is a clear rigid custom fit plastic material designed from a model of the patient’s face and fit directly against the skin. The treatment and modifications of the face mask may vary according to the diagnoses and goals to be achieved. In cases of burns it is used to make hypertrophic (raised) scars less visible as the skin heals. In cases that are sports related, the goal is to protect the injured area by distributing the pressure over the face and relieving pressure from the injured area. Total contact custom face masks are usually secured with Velcro straps that fit around the patient’s head. Because of the clear plastic design and material used it is easier for players to continue with their sports activity without any disturbance in their vision and fear of injuring due to a direct impact. On the other hand a well-fitting burn mask is comfortable and stays in position on the face, and can dramatically reduce scarring if worn properly. The clear plastic design provides a barrier from potential irritants and allows visual inspection of the wound site without removal of the mask.

CPOisdedicatedtoprovidingexceptionaltreatmentforpatientswith traumatic burn injures as well as sports related facial injuries.PleasecontactCPOat888-676-2276toscheduleanappointmentforevaluationforCustomtotalcontactSportsfacemasks/Burnmasks.

SaravananSundarakrishnanisaCertifiedandLicensedOrthotist/ProsthetistatComprehensiveProsthetics&Orthotics,Inc.(CPO).CPOprovidespatientsinCentralIllinoiswithprostheticandorthoticdevicesandcare,andalsohousesanon-sitefabricationdepartmentwherecustomorthosesandprosthesesaredesignedandcreatedforeachpatient.CPOcanbereachedbycallingtollfree888.676.2276.Visitthewebsiteatwww.cpousa.com.

physical


Important events in life require responsible pre-planning. Births, weddings, graduations, anniversaries and retirement command our best planning effort to ensure success. However, we may

neglect planning for the most significant life event of all, a funeral. We would never dream of waiting until two days before a wedding to begin our plans. Why do we wait to plan a funeral? The conse-quences can be devastating to those we leave behind. Planning for a funeral deserves the same pre-planning attention we give to other equally important occasions. In planning ahead for funeral arrangements, consider these important objectives:• Pre-planning means your family and friends will not have the

burden of making difficult decisions for you when you die. They may find themselves emotional, distressed or financially unable to deal with the situation.

• Planning ahead for your own funeral arrangements usually results in spending less money than if those decisions were left to be made following your death. Often loved ones cannot resist the temptation to spend more on funeral services and merchandise. This situation can be eliminated by planning ahead, calmly and sensibly.

• Your funeral planning professional can provide you with valuable information so that you can make choices that are right for you. Select a casket, vault or urn. Decide if you want ground burial, mausoleum, entombment or cremation. Once you have decided on a plan, you can complete a pre-arranged agreement, listing each item, the services selected and even arrange for items inci-dental to the ceremony. Because it’s your plan, your family will know they have done the right thing.

• Funeral costs continue to rise, making it difficult to plan finan-cially for the future. Using today’s dollars, pre-planning with a guaranteed funeral plan provides a solution to this dilemma: the funeral home guarantees your family will never pay more for goods and services selected today, regardless of the future price increases. Those who fund a pre-arrangement now can tell their families that the choices made today will be honored in the future and they will not be required to pay for price increases that have occurred between the time of pre-arranging and the time of death. This is not only a kind and considerate thing to do for one’s family and friends, but makes good sense as well.

• A pre-arranged funeral plan can be paid for in various ways. Pay-ment options include one single payment or monthly plans over one, three, five or ten years. Once the original agreement is paid, the payments stop, and the funeral plan provides protection until your death.

Planning AheadMakes Sense

Submitted by Cumerford-HurdFuneral Home & Cremation Services

emotional


• Pre-arranged funeral plans can be irrevocably assigned to pay only for funeral expenses. This ben-efit may assist the policyholder to qualify for Medicaid or any other form of public assistance. Should you ever need to apply, the funds in the funeral plan will be exempt in most cases and not considered part of your available assets. Con-tact your funeral planning profes-sional for more information.

Planning ahead for your funeral arrangements means peace of mind for you and reduces the burden for your family and friends. Please remember that there is never any obligation in requesting more infor-mation about the many benefits that advance funeral planning provides to you and your family.

For more information on pre-arranged plans, contact Cumer-ford-Hurd at 309-682-6616 orwww.preplanning.info/cumerfordhurd.Visitusonline:www.cumerford.com.

emotional

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As the Baby Boomer generation approaches and enters retirement, the longevity of their assets will depend

primarily on their levels of expenses in retire-ment. Many individuals have heard they need 70% of pre-retirement income in order to maintain their lifestyle during retirement. While this may be true for some, this number can also be very misleading. A more precise way of determining what level of expenses you can expect in retirement is simply to put pen to paper and construct a budget. When doing so, it is important to keep in mind that some expenses will be reduced (or elimi-nated) in retirement while others will remain the same or even increase.

Eliminated Expenses:• FICA/Medicare taxes – these are taxes

on wages that go towards funding Social Security and Medicare. Once you retire from employment, these expenses go away.

• Retirement savings – Many financially established individuals have saved 10-15% of their income for as long as they can remember. Upon retirement, however, this budgeted line item can also be eliminated.

Reduced Expenses:• Transportation costs – since retirees are no longer subjected to the

daily commute, their expenses for things such as fuel, maintenance, and car repairs often decrease

• Housing costs – Housing is the number one expense for most people. By the time individuals reach retirement, many have paid off their mortgage. While this is one way to significantly reduce one’s expenses in retirement, another is to downsize your current residence. By downsizing, many retirees will be able to reduce their utility bills and real estate taxes.

Increased Expenses:• Travel – Most workers indicate that they plan to travel more dur-

ing retirement. By putting together a realistic budget where travel expenses are higher during the early years of retirement, retirees will be better positioned to enjoy these years.

• Gifts/Donations – Many retirees tend to have a greater desire and/or ability to give gifts to children, grandchildren, and charities during retirement.

• Entertainment – By having an extra 8 hours of free time per day, many retirees pick up hobbies that they have neglected for years. As a result, many folks tend to spend more money on entertainment than they previously did while working.

• Health Care – As individuals age, their health care costs tend to increase. A recent study found that health care accounted for 9% of a family’s budget for those individuals who were between ages 50 and 64. This number jumps to 18% of the budget for those individu-als who are 85 years old. While these significant health care costs may not necessarily occur during the early years of retirement, it is important to take them into consideration.

Planning for retirement can be an overwhelming process because it can be difficult to predict how you will spend your money. Turning to a financial advisor can help you identify some common expenses and provide peace of mind as you put your plan together.

JulieDreesenisafinancialadvisorwithSavantCapitalManagement.Savantislocatedat7535NorthKnoxvilleAvenueinPeoria.Formoreinformationvisitwww.savantcapital.comorcall309-693-0300.

healthy finance

Eight Spending Changes In RetirementBy Julie Dreesen, Financial Advisor, Savant Capital Management

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Spring Allergy SeasonCauses Sinus Suffering

By Steve Wilson, Director of Communication, Proctor Hospital

Balloon Sinuplasty Opens Blocked Sinus Cavities in Four Easy Steps:

1. A guide wire and balloon catheter are inserted into

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4. the system is removed, leaving the sinuses open

If chronic sinusitis is suspected, your doctor most likely will refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician (an otolaryngology specialist). The ENT physician uses several methods to help screen for chronic sinusitis:

visual inspection, nasal endoscopy, CT scan, or nasal and sinus cultures. After diagnosing chronic sinusitis and identifying a possible cause, your ENT will often begin with medical management. Healthcare professionals often find it difficult to treat the majority of chronic sinusitis sufferers with medication. In fact, it is estimated that up to 60 percent of chronic sinusitis sufferers are not successfully treated with medication. Patients who do not respond well to medications become can-didates for conventional sinus surgery, which is known as functional endo-scopic sinus surgery (FESS). Since the 1980s, FESS has been the standard of care for sinus surgery. FESS aims to clear blocked sinuses and restore normal sinus drainage by removing bone and tissue to enlarge the sinus opening, which may lead to pain, scarring and bleeding. However, conventional sinus surgery no longer has to be the only option for chronic sinusitis patients who are not respond-ing well to medications. Balloon Sinuplasty is a breakthrough procedure that relieves the pain and pressure associated with chronic sinusitis. It is used by surgeons to safely and effectively treat chronic sinusitis patients who are not responding well to medi-cations such as antibiotics, nasal steroids, or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and are seeking relief from uncomfortable and painful sinusitis symptoms. Similar to how angioplasty uses balloons to open blocked arteries, Bal-loon Sinuplasty, a system of FDA-cleared, catheter-based instruments, opens

sinuplasty


blocked sinuses. The procedure is less invasive than traditional sinus surgery. It allows most patients to return to normal activities quickly. With Balloon Sinuplasty, a specially-designed catheter is inserted into the nose to reach the inflamed sinus cavity. A small balloon is slowly inflated, which widens and restructures the walls of the sinus passage, helping to drain mucus from the blocked sinus and restore normal sinus drainage without cutting and with minimal bleeding. This approach also preserves the natural struc-ture of the sinuses.

Visit Proctor Hospital at www.proctor.org and on Facebook.Sinusitispatientswhoareconsideringtheiroptionscanlearnmoreabout theBalloonSinuplasty technologyand finda trainedphy-sicianbyvisitingwww.balloonsinuplasty.comandspeakingwiththeirfamilyphysician.

You will receive:

• Tour some of the finest senior living communities

• Charter coach seating in one of two coaches reserved for this event

• Snacks and coffee at each senior living community

• Lunch provided and served to you at one of the communities

• Goodie bag with complete tour guide along with coupons and offers from area merchants

Tuesday, June 12th8:00 am - 5:30 pm

$5.00Reserves

Your Seat!

Seating limited to the first 100 reservations

Join us on a full day of exploration into the finest retirement communities Central Illinois has to offer. You will be chaperoned to the retirement communities where you will have the opportunity to see for yourself what each community has to offer today’s active senior. Learn what’s new in senior living with others on a fun day of learning and activity.

To reserve your ticket, mail your check payable to LimeLight Communications in the amount of $5.00 along with your name, address & phone number to:

Limelight Communications1711 W. Detweiller Dr.Peoria, IL 61615

Ph: 309-681-4418

• Buses will board at 8:00 a.m. in the Evergreen Square parking lot (near LensCrafters) in Peoria. You will receive boarding slips and parking instructions by mail the week prior to the tour.

of Peoria

of Pekin

"More Americans suffer from sinusitis thandiabetes, asthma, or coronary heart disease. Sinusitis affects 37 million Americans each year, making it one of the most common

health problems. Sinusitis impacts a person’s quality of life and accounts for over $8 billion

in annual health care expenditures."


For over 20 years, Midwest Hearing Center has provided patients a full range of options for hearing loss treatment, enabling individuals to enjoy their lives to the fullest.

For audiologists at Midwest Hearing Center, caring, profes-sional service means more than dispensing hearing aids. “At Midwest Hearing Center, our goal is to improve the quality of life by improving a patient’s ability to communicate with others using hearing aids and other assistive devices,” says Dr. Carrie Morris, Au.D., CCC-A. Midwest Hearing Center, located in Peoria and Morton and associated with Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat, offers services per-formed by licensed audiologists who hold a Master’s Degree or a

Doctorate of Audiology and are certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The center utilizes expertise, expe-rience, and state-of-the-art technologies to improve patient life.

Understanding Hearing Loss The ear’s complex structure consists of three different sections. Many factors including illness, genetics and environmental influ-ences can affect these different areas of the ear and play a role in varying degrees of hearing loss. “The first part of the ear, called the outer ear, includes the area of the ear you can see on the outside of the head and the ear canal,” says Dr. Morris. “In this part of the ear, patients can experience

feature story

Midwest Hearing CenterEnhancing Patient Hearing, Improving Patient Lives

By Sara Browning

From Left to Right: Carrie Morris, Au.D., CCC-A, Sharon Benivegna, M.A., CCC-A,Jennifer Schmidt, Au.D., CCC-A, Amanda Hilebrand, M.S., CCC-A


problems, such as wax buildup, a foreign object becoming stuck in the ear or a fungal infection, commonly known as ‘swimmer’s ear.’” These problems can cause temporary hearing loss until the infection is treated or the earwax or foreign object is removed. The second part of the ear is called the middle ear. Located just behind the eardrum, the middle ear is air-filled and consists of a three-bone structure. “Problems within the middle ear com-monly occur in children and are often ear infections caused by fluid accumulating behind the eardrum,” says Dr. Jennifer Schmidt, Au.D., CCC-A. “The fluid impedes the eardrum from moving and obstructs the flow of sound.” Patients can also experience complications with the middle ear bone structure, such as otosclerosis or ossicular discontinuity. “Oto-sclerosis occurs when one of the bones becomes fixated and can-not vibrate the way it should,” says Dr. Schmidt. “Surgery or hearing aids are treatment options for this problem.” Ossicular discontinuity occurs when bones in the middle ear become separated from one another. “Patients typically know when this happens as it is often caused by severe head trauma, such as a car accident or a bad fall,” says Sharon Benivegna, M.A., CCC-A. The inner ear is the final section of the ear and can be viewed only through a CT scan or MRI. This area cannot be seen when a doctor or audiologist looks into a patient’s ear with an otoscope. “The inner ear is where the nerve is located, inside the cochlea,” says Ms. Benivegna. “This is where damage occurs generally due to aging, noise exposure, drug use or genetic abnormalities of the nerve or cochlea structure itself. Damage to the nerve is irrevers-ible and cannot be treated medically.”

A Perfect Match Audiologists at Midwest Hearing Center recognize that individuals’ hearing needs are unique and therefore provide specialized services that match patients’ specific conditions with the appropriate hearing device. “We pride ourselves on the fact that we do not simply look at a patient’s medical history and suggest a hearing aid as the best option,” says Dr. Morris. “Ultimately, it is the patient’s choice.” Hearing aid candidates range from patients with mild to severe hearing loss. “Sometimes patients just need a little help,” says Dr. Morris, adding that patients may hear certain pitches normally while other sounds can be more challenging to hear. “The type of hearing device a patient receives is really depen-dent upon the patient’s subjective need,” says Ms. Benivegna.

For Midwest Hearing Centers’ audiologists, deciding on the correct hearing aid means working one on one with patients to choose the device that best meets their communication needs. Dr. Morris says: “We don’t keep a stock of hearing aids in our office. We order hearing aids specifically for each patient so that his or her individual needs can be met. We provide the full range of hear-ing aid options from three different manufacturers to suit patients’ varying needs.” “Full range” encompasses devices that vary in size, style and technological sophistication. Styles offered can fit behind a patient’s ear or inside the ear. “Behind-the-ear devices fit a vari-ety of types of hearing loss,” says Dr. Schmidt. In-the-ear sizes range from devices that fill up the entire inside of the ear to smaller inserts that fit only in the canal and are not as visible.

Changing Technologies The degree to which a hearing aid helps a patient depends on the device’s level of technological sophistication and the limitations due to the patient’s hearing loss. According to Dr. Morris, “hear-ing aid technology is constantly changing. Today’s higher-end

Dr. Schmidt explains the componentsof a hearing aid to a patient

Hearing SeminarMidwest Hearing Centers’ Peoria office will host a Lunch Seminar on Thursday, May 10th from

12-1pm. The seminar includes a light lunch and presentation with information on hearing loss and hearing aids. A complimentary hearing screening

will follow for all interested individuals.

Seating is limited. Call the Midwest HearingCenters’ secretary at 309-284-0164

to reserve your spot. Deadline forregistration is Monday, May 7.


technology can make it easier to understand conversation in background noise.” Adds Dr. Schmidt: “We can order any technology level in any of the hearing aid styles and sizes.” Dr. Morris says the most sophisticated technology is most beneficial for highly active patients including those in the workforce or individuals who are involved with various social groups, such as one would find at a retirement community. Advanced technology adapts more effectively to different types of environments. In addition to changing technology, a wider variety of accessories are now being offered to accompany hearing aids. Hearing aids can now wirelessly connect to different devices such as cell phones, televisions and comput-ers. According to Dr. Schmidt, “this capabil-ity gives the patient extra assistance hearing sounds that he or she may still have difficulty hearing with hearing aids alone.”

Ongoing Relationships Midwest Hearing Center’s consistent focus on improving patient lives has distinguished the practice from other audiology centers. Once a patient receives a hearing aid, a trial period follows to ensure the individual’s qual-ity of life is improving. A patient will return for multiple follow-up visits to ensure his/her communication needs are being met. “We have an ongoing relationship with our patients rather than a one-time encounter,” Dr. Schmidt says, adding that the audi-ologists at Midwest Hearing Center verify all hearing aid fittings objectively “to ensure they compensate for what each patient’s hearing loss demands.” “Our focus on the big picture—on the steps we take to ensure patient satisfaction—helps us stand out,” says Dr. Morris. The Peoria office is open Monday-Friday from 8-4:30pm and the Morton office is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30-4:30pm and Friday 8:30-12pm. Walk-in hours for routine hearing aid cleaning and minor repairs are from 9-11am on Tuesdays at the Morton location and from 1-3pm on Fridays at the Peoria location.

For more information onMidwest Hearing Centers

contact their Peoria office at309-691-6616 or in Morton

at 309-284-0164.

Dr. Morris and Audiologist Hillebrand collaborate to test a patient's hearing

feature story continued


There’s no such thing asA STROKE OF LUCKHaving a stroke doesn’t make you lucky, but quicklychoosing the right hospital for treatment does.

So what makes the Illinois Neurological Institute atOSF Saint Francis Medical Center the right hospital fortreating stroke? It could be that we treat nearly 1,000stroke patients a year, making us one of the largest andmost experienced stroke teams in the country. It couldalso be that we have some of the fastest treatment timesin the country, or that we provide emergency stroketreatment options unavailable at other hospitals.But mostly, it’s our specially-trained stroke team that’sdedicated to you and your recovery.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 877-464-6670 www.ini.org/stroke

Protecting your worldof experience with ours.

Healthy Cells Stroke ad:Layout 1 3/30/12 11:06 AM Page 1

.Monthly educational meetings1st Thursday of every month at Methodist Atrium Building

Support group for families and individualsevery 3rd Thursday at Methodist Hospital

Education classes available for families and individuals

J. Allen Potter, O.D Steven Jensen, O. D.

• Routine Eye Examinations

• Contact Lens Evaluation & Supplies

• Pink Eye Evaluation & Management

• Foreign Body Removal

• Dry Eye Evaluation & Management

• Glaucoma Evaluation & Management

• Cataract Evaluation & Post-Operative Care

• Macular Degeneration Evaluation & Management

• Photographic Retinal Exams

309-698-202093 EASTGATE DRIVE

WASHINGTON, ILLINOIS 61571-9271


May is Women’s Health Month and it’s a nice time to reflect on “taking care of ourselves.” But for many women, there is a more compelling reason to talk about “women’s issues.”

“Pelvic floor dysfunction” is not a term we hear too often. It covers a number of issues that people don’t talk much about – but can affect women of any age. One in seven women between the ages of 18 and 50 suffer from pelvic pain. Over 20 million American men and women experience urinary incontinence and it’s not just “the elderly”. The pelvic floor is an interrelated series of numerous layers of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and organs: the bladder, rectum and uterus. The pelvic floor serves three primary functions: supportive (to stabilize the pelvis and hold up the organs in our lower abdominal cavity), sphincteric (to close openings) and sexual. If pelvic muscles weaken or get damaged – from childbirth, chronic cough, injury or inactivity – any of the three primary functions can have problems. Plus, because these muscles help hold us upright, pelvic floor prob-lems can also throw us out of balance and cause back pain. One of the most common pelvic floor dysfunctions is urinary incontinence.

• Do you feel like you’re running to the bathroom every 5 minutes – day and night?

• Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze or laugh?• Does incontinence limit the things you do in your daily life (like limiting

vacations because you can’t sit that long in a car or plane without having to “go”)?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may benefit from physical therapy for urinary incontinence.

A few quick facts about the bladder: • At the first urge to pee, the bladder is only about half full. When

urinating, a person should void for at least eight seconds or more. That means being able to count “one Mississippi, two Mississippi…” all the way to “eight Mississippi.”

• Urinary frequency is a problem when a person is going to the bath-room more frequently than every two-three hours, or six to eight times each day, and more than once at night if you’re over the age of 65. No trips at night if you’re under 65!

Women’s Health MeansMore Than Pampering

By Elisa Marchand, PTA, and Barb Campbell, IPMR

pelvic floor dysfunction


Steven A. Buttice, President

• Stress incontinence is the problem is leaking with coughing, sneez-ing, laughing, etc.

• Urge incontinence is when someone has difficulty holding in the urine or a bowel movement once an urge to void is felt.

Most people don’t realize that incontinence is not a normal occur-rence for any age or gender, and that physical therapy can be of great help. A comprehensive pelvic floor dysfunction program is available at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR) in Peoria. Depending on the issue, as well as the cause(s), specially trained physical therapy staff can help significantly with urinary and bowel incontinence. They also successfully treat pelvic pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and prolapse in both men and women. Specific to women, IPMR also treats pregnancy and postpartum-related dysfunctions, and perimenopausal issues. Many women think, “Things will clear up on their own, given enough time.” But often this is not the situation. In many cases, treatment may require minimal time, and the home exercise program issued by the physical therapist helps you make more rapid progress than you thought possible. If you haven’t had the conversation with your doctor about pelvic discomfort or incontinence, don’t think you’re the only person with the problem. A regimen of physical therapy may help address the structural issues causing the problem, and can help you avoid excessive medica-tion or expensive pads.

Doyouorsomeoneyouknowisexperiencingthistypeofdiscomfort?ContactIPMRforhelptodayat309-692-8110orwww.ipmr.org.

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son to wait. And in fact, 3-6 months is a long time in a young child’s life, and waiting prevents intervention that can help your child access critical services. It’s never been easier to have your child screened. In fact, Easter Seals has partnered with CVS Caremark All Kids Can to make the developmental screening tool of choice for physicians in our region, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, available to families online. Tra-ditionally used by clinicians, therapists, professionals, and educators, Brookes Publishing’s Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)® is now available to parents and caregivers to monitor child development and identify potential issues so that any concerns can be readily addressed through early intervention and other supplemental services. We encourage you to visit www.MaketheFirstFiveCount.org to com-plete a free developmental screening on your child from 2 months to 6 years of age. You will get results within two weeks after those results are reviewed by a professional, and you can then take those results to your child’s doctor for discussion, any necessary action, and to become part of their medical record.

For more information or for assistance with developmental-screening, contact Easter Seals at 309-686-1177 (Peoria) or309-663-8275(Bloomington).

According to the National Survey of Children’s Health 2007, one in five households with children has a child with a special health care need and could benefit from screening and services, yet

less than 20 percent of children under the age of 5 receive a devel-opmental screening. Your child’s doctor should be actively involved in developmental monitoring and surveillance to ensure your child reaches developmental milestones, and formal screenings are a critical part of ensuring your child is achieving developmental milestones, too. As Developmental Pediatricians, we recognize the importance of early screening for developmental delays. Those identified delays lead to critical early intervention services and improved outcomes. The first five years of life really count – the years of learning that shape kids’ futures. Yet every year, children with unidentified delays and disabilities enter school with learning and health issues that put them far behind their peers and have a lasting, negative effect on their ability to meet their full potential. So who needs a developmental screening? Based on guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, every child should receive a developmental screening at 9, 18 and 30 months of age. If you, your doctor, or your child care provider have concerns at any other time, that’s also a good reason to have a developmental screening completed. Screenings are quick and easy; there’s no rea-

A Must for Early Childhood Years By Andrew Morgan, MD, FAAP, and Ronald L. Lindsay, MD, FAAP

developmental screening

Easter Seals Medical Directors, Dr. Ron Lindsay and Dr. Andrew Morgan


Alicia Butler, Director of Marketing7309 N. Knoxville Avenue, Suite 200, Peoria, IL 61614309-691-6225, ext. 231 • [email protected]

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Doug had suffered from daytime fatigue and snoring for years. “I would even struggle to stay awake at work,” says Doug. “There were times that I would find myself falling

asleep while driving, too.” Doug’s physician recommended he have a sleep study done. The results revealed that he had severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

(OSA). After being prescribed a CPAP, Doug tried to wear the CPAP but couldn’t wear it with the high air pres-sure that was necessary for his severe sleep apnea. Doug heard about a seminar being held to discuss an alternative treatment for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea who had difficulty using the CPAP machine, and he and his wife decided to attend. It was explained that Oral Appliance Therapy was approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medi-cine as a first line of treatment for mild

to moderate OSA and could be used as an alternative to CPAP for those with CPAP intolerance or in combination therapy with the CPAP,” says Doug. For those patients with severe sleep apnea, like Doug, the most effective treatment may be a combination therapy using a minimally invasive CPAP at a lower more comfort-able air pressure as well as the oral appliance. “The appliance has worked very well for me!” says Doug. “My wife gets more rest and I’m not falling asleep at work anymore. More importantly I’m not falling asleep behind the wheel and my blood pressure has come down,” he continues. “My energy has definitely increased. I have a big family and everyone has noticed the difference it’s made,” says Doug. “I keep hearing them say, ‘My goodness, Dad doesn’t snore any-

more!’ and ‘Dad’s not falling asleep when we’re watching a movie together!’” “I used to wake up multiple times during the night, and I knew it was because I wasn’t getting deep sleep. I never got a deep sound sleep, and now I am!” he says. “I know that my risk of having a heart attack or dying in my sleep because of my severe sleep apnea is now greatly reduced because I’m being treated. I look forward to many more years of watching my kids and grandkids grow up,” says Doug.

Formore informationonOralApplianceTherapy,contact theIllinois InstituteofDentalSleepMedicineat309-243-8980. Asageneraldentist,Dr.RodWilleyhas receivedaDiplomate fromtheAcademyofClinicalSleepDisordersDentistry. Heprovidestreatmentforsnoring,sleepapneaandTemporomandibularJointDisorder(TMD)withoralappliancetherapy.

Healthier, Happier, Safer with aGood Nights Sleep

Submitted by the Illinois Institute of Dental Sleep Medicine

sleep apnea and fatigue


For geriatric nurses and aides, their role is more than a job — it’s a calling to make a real impact on the lives of the people they serve. And while that calling can sometimes bring difficulty and heart-

ache, those hard times make the good moments that much sweeter. For example, take the story of Julie Bayless, a caregiver at a senior living community. “Clarence (Vollmar) and I hit it off right from the begin-ning,” she says. “He has a great sense of humor. And we both love baseball.” Julie works in the community’s care center, where residents receive 24-hour nursing care. There, she met Clarence during one of the hard-est times of his life — after some medical setbacks, he found himself in a wheelchair, feeling more than a little defeated. “He would lay in his bed all day,” Julie remembers, “but as our bond got stronger, he slowly became more sociable. He started going out on trips and talking with his neighbors more.” But the turning point for Clarence was his community’s Night at the Ballpark. Each year, a resident from his community’s parent organiza-tion is selected via an essay contest to throw out the first pitch at Busch Stadium for a Cardinals game. For Clarence, being chosen would be a dream come true. A Cardi-nals fan for his entire life and an amateur player for more than 40 years,

Clarence even has his own official team uniform, which he received as part of a fantasy baseball camp, complete with a prized pair of red shoes autographed by Hall of Famer Red Schoendienst. “I’ve been following the team for 75 years,” says Clarence, who has tuned in for all 10 of the Redbirds’ World Series championship wins, “but anytime there’s anything connected to baseball, I had to be a part of it.” “I told Clarence about the contest,” Julie says, “and he told me, ‘I’m going to win this.’” So that’s just what he did. With Julie’s help, he got his thoughts down on paper. He got back into shape, tossing a baseball back and forth with the care center’s staff every morning. And when Clarence’s big moment came, he walked out to the mound in front of a cheering crowd at Busch Stadium, arm in arm with Julie. To this day, Julie can’t help but tear up when she thinks about it. “To actually be there to expe-rience that,” she said, “to see him accomplish something that he’s always dreamt of doing … it meant more to me than words could ever say. I’m so grateful I could be a part of that.” Thanks to Julie, the barriers in Clarence’s life that had once seemed so insurmountable had come down. Suddenly, anything was possible

again. Within months, he was packing his things and getting ready to move out of 24-hour nursing care and into an assisted living apartment. The day he moved out of the care center, music was playing in the Great Room, and Clarence got up to dance with a friend of the family. “I was there behind him, holding him by the belt loop because I was afraid he was going to fall,” Julie says, smiling through tears at the thought of that day. “When he shooed me away, I stood back and just watched in amazement to see how see how strong and determined he’d become.”

“It was just breathtaking.”

Everyday,thestaffatLutheranHillsideVillagemakethiskindofdifferenceinthelivesofolderadults.Withlivingsettingsrangingfromindependentlivingapartmentsandpatiohomestoassistedlivingtomemorycaretoskillednursing,thisPeoria-areaseniorlivingcommu-nityisdedicatedtohelpingallofitsresidentsmaximizetheirpotential–physically,mentally,emotionally,socially,andspiritually.Tolearnhow,visitLutheranHillsideVillage.org,orcallEllynat309-689-9605.

senior health

Baseball and BraveryHow One Geriatric Nurse Helped Clarence

Get His Life Back on TrackSubmitted by Lutheran Hillside Village


©2012, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. MWA 4/12

STROKEAlert! Your Speech... Memory... Mobility... Which can you afford to lose?

Stroke kills 2 million brain cells per minute but it’s highly treatable in the first three hours.

Learn the warning signs and call 9-1-1 immediately if any occur.

May Is American Stroke Month.Visit StrokeAssociation.org

to learn the warning signs and ways to reduce high blood pressure and other risk factors.

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1922 2012 700 North Main Street ● Eureka, IL 61530 (309) 467.2337 ● www.maple-lawn.com

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310 Evergreen Court 2 bed, 1 bath, screened porch, attached garage new bathroom and paint - move in ready! 633 Timber Ridge 2 bed, 1 1/2 bath, attached garage sunroom with beautiful views!

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Call Marty today for more information - (309) 467-9042

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Our award winning intergenerational program with

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Today’s Health Center


According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), 80 percent of strokes may be preventable. Knowing how to recognize symptoms and causes of stroke can lead to life-

saving choices. Every person has approximately 100 billion brain cells. During an ischemic stroke 1.9 million brain cells die every minute. A pea-sized portion of the brain can die in as little as 12 minutes. Understanding how to manage personal risk and recognizing the symptoms of stroke helps individuals protect themselves and their families.

Stroke: the ‘Brain Attack’ Jan Jahnel, RN, CNRN, Stroke Nurse Coordinator at the Illi-nois Neurological Institute (INI) Stroke Center at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, defines stroke as a disruption of blood flow to the brain. “Strokes are often called ‘brain attacks’ because, like heart attacks, blood flow is obstructed. If blood supply to the brain isn’t restored, the brain tissue dies rapidly leading to permanent brain damage and disability.” The National Stroke Association classifies stroke into two cat-egories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when an artery leading to the brain or an artery inside the brain becomes obstructed and blood flow to the brain slows or stops completely.

Hemorrhagic stroke results when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood spills into the brain causing cells to die. High blood pressure and brain aneurysms may cause this type of stroke. Stroke symptoms may include weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or loss of balance and coordination. According to Jan, strokes are the number one cause of adult disability. “When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and identifying your risk factors is very important.”

Understanding Risks Medical risk factors include atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cho-lesterol and high blood pressure while lifestyle risk factors include pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, smoking, excessive alco-hol use, obesity and physical inactivity. Individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heartbeat, are five times more likely to have a stroke. People with diabetes, which is itself a risk factor for stroke, may also have increased risk for more severe or extensive strokes if blood sugar level is high when a stroke occurs. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor. It causes the heart to pump harder, weakens blood vessels and damages the brain even further during a stroke. Some risks, such as age, gender, race and family history, cannot be controlled. However, they are an important part of an individual’s risk profile.

Reacting to Warning Signs Learning to recognize the warning signs could mean the differ-ence between life and death or disability for individuals at high risk for stroke. Stroke symptoms may include sudden severe headache, numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or under-standing speech, vision problems or sudden difficulty walking or maintaining balance are also common stroke symptoms. Individuals must recognize the symptoms and immediately dial 9-1-1. Stroke treatments are most effective when individuals act quickly to obtain hospital care. Jan says the FDA-approved drug, TPA, used to dissolve blood clots that cause strokes, should be administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms. The INI and OSFSaint Francis is also equipped with state-of-the-art interventional devices, which are used by specially trained neuro-interventional surgeons to reach deep into the brain arteries to dissolve or physically remove the clot that caused a stroke. All of the stroke experts at the INI and OSFSaint Francis are on staff 24/7. “We have achieved the fastest treatment time in the Midwest, the second-fastest time in the country and the third-fastest time in the world.”

Formoreinformationonstrokepreventionandawareness,contactJanJahnel,RN,CNRN,StrokeNurseCoordinatorat309-655-2745. INIwillhostafreedinnerpresentationonStrokePreventionandTreatmenttoinformindividualsregardingwhattodoandwheretogowhenastrokeoccurs.TheeventwilltakeplaceMay22,2012atFivePointsWashington.Registrationbeginsat5:30pm,andtheeventstartsat6pm.Formoreinformation,call1-888-6-ASK-OSForvisitwww.ini.org/strokedinner.

may is american stroke month

Protect Your Heart – Protect Your BrainBy Sara Browning

Holy Cross Preschool & Child Care618 S. Maxwell Rd., Peoria

Quality Christian CareAges: 6 weeks to 12 years

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum

309-697-8450

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Summer Program for School Age Children


Commonly Treated Condidtions

• Back pain• Neck pain• Arthritis (all kinds of joint pain)• Shoulder pain• Knee pain• Hip pain• Neuropathy• Muscle pain/ fibromyalgia• Carpal tunnel syndrome• Herniated or bulging disc• Sciatica

– Dr. Yibing Li, MD, Medical Director, Founder

Research studies have shown multi-disciplinary teams can provide the most effective treatments for all kinds of painful conditions, which received level I scientific evidence in medical history. Our multi-disciplinary, state-of-the-art facility is proud to be one of the top pain management and rehabilitation centers in the country.

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Your Baby IsWorth the Wait

By Marianne Payne, Quality Quest for Health of Illinois

The average pregnancy is one week shorter than it was 20 years ago. Some early births are medically necessary, but many are not. The dramatic change in gestation period can be attributed

to the recent trend of mothers and doctors choosing to schedule early birth through induced labor or C-section. Early elective deliveries are associated with serious health risks. An unborn baby requires at least 39 weeks in the womb to develop fully. Important development takes place in the final weeks of pregnancy. A baby’s brain at 35 weeks weighs only two-thirds of what it will weigh at 39 to 40 weeks. Research shows that scheduling babies for deliv-ery prior to 39 weeks gestation is connected to a higher likelihood of death, admittance to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and life-long health problems. Experts didn’t really know how common early elective delivery was until the Leapfrog Group released hospital early elective delivery

rates for 2010. The data showed about one in five deliveries nation-ally occurred too early for no medical reason. Numbers varied widely, with some hospitals reporting an early elective delivery rate of up to 40 percent. The Illinois hospital average rate was 17.7 percent. The hospital quality watchdog group recently released results for 2011 and some improvement can be observed. Illinois’ rate of early elective deliveries fell to 13.7 percent. This drop is evidence of hospital efforts to improve the health of mothers and babies. However, there is more work to be done.

Why schedule birth? Scheduling delivery makes birth predictable. There are many rea-sons why a mother might choose to time her delivery prior to the 39th week – to ensure the father is present before deployment, accom-modate her busy family or her doctor of choice, or even guarantee a unique birthday such as 12-12-12. Doctors have reasons to make the unpredictable predictable as well. They may want to make sure they are present for the delivery so they can get paid. Malpractice also plays a part. A very common contributor to obstetric litigation is failure to perform a C-section soon enough. The trend is also fed by a misconception that scheduling is cost effective, when, in truth, early delivery is associated with more compli-cations, and therefore greater cost, than spontaneous delivery. It is said that early elective delivery adds 17 percent to normal delivery costs, amounting to about $1 billion in medical expenses annually. Considering the consequences, experts agree that there are no good reasons to schedule an early birth unless it is medically neces-sary. Efforts all over the nation are mobilizing to eliminate early elective deliveries.

Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Quality Quest for Health of Illinois began working on this issue last year with the Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms team. The more the team worked, the more they learned of similar efforts across Illinois. These efforts are coming together to form a statewide steering committee, operating under the Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms name. Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms will work to redesign the way doc-tors are paid in order to discourage early elective deliveries. Malpractice relief will help align financial incentives with best practice. In addition, the team will be encouraging hospitals to ban the practice of early elective deliveries. Progress will be tracked through enhanced data collection and reporting. Education is critical for everything to work. Mothers and providers need to know the consequences of early elective deliveries.

Community involvement is essential. You can learn how to getinvolvedbyjoiningtheHealthyBabies,HealthyMomsFacebookGroupatfacebook.com/groups/HealthyBabiesHealthyMoms.

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Discovering the signs and symptoms of neuropathy is helping patients lead fuller, healthier lives.

What is Neuropathy? An estimated 15-20 million people in the United States suffer from neuropathy, a “disease of the nerves” resulting from damage to the nervous system that occurs due to infection, disease, injury or taking certain medications. Neuropathy’s painful symptoms can include weakness, numbness or a burning or tingling sensation of pain in the feet, legs, hands or arms.

Classification & Symptoms Dr. Yibing Li, MD, Medical Director at the Center for Pain Man-agement & Rehabilitation in Peoria, says all types of neuropathy create nerve pain that can severely interfere with sleep, inhibit mobility and decrease quality of life. Symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected and the nerves’ location throughout the body. Neuropathy is classified into three categories: mononeu-ropathy, multiple mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy. Mononeuropathy is the disease of a single nerve, inducing such symptoms as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome.

Multiple mononeuropathy affects two or more nerves in different areas of the body. Polyneuropathy affects the peripheral nervous system. The nerves of this system transport information back and forth from the brain and spinal cord and to other parts of the body. This type of nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling and a burning, sharp or “electric” pain in the feet, legs, arms and hands. Patients can also experience extreme sensitivity to touch. Such symptoms are the result of sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Polyneuropathy can also affect motor nerves, causing muscle weakness or loss of balance and coordination, which can result in difficulty walking. “Patients sometimes claim they feel as if they are ‘walking on rocks,’” says Dr. Li.

Pinpointing the Cause Although the exact cause of neuropathy remains uncertain, doctors have identified a number of risk factors resulting in nervous system dysfunction: alcoholism; auto-immune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-Barre disease; diabetes; and exposure to poisons, such as heavy metals. Viral and bacterial infections can also cause neuropathy, among them HIV, Hepatitis, EB viral infection and Lyme disease. Inherited diseases, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, can lead to nerve damage.

Understanding NeuropathyBy Sara Browning

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Diagnosing Neuropathy A patient’s detailed medical history combined with a neurologi-cal exam performed by a licensed physician is the most efficient way to diagnose neuropathy. “The gold diagnostic test is a nerve conduction study/EMG and small fiber nerve testing, which can be performed by a physiatrist or neurologist,” says Dr. Li, adding that certain blood and urine tests as well as a nerve biopsy may also be required.

Patient Treatments Neuropathy treatment options may range from traditional medi-cations to alternative therapies that stimulate and regenerate the nervous system. Neurontin, Lyrica and Cymbalta medications help relieve painful symptoms as well as alternative medications, such as acupuncture, alpha-lipoic acid and biofeedback. Other options are designed to discover the cause of neuropathy in a specific patient through individualized treatment. “When the underlying etiology is corrected, the neuropathy gradually dissolves on its own,” says Dr. Li. “For example, if the patient’s numbness and tingling in the feet are due to diabetic neuropathy, the key prevention and treatment is to manage diabetes.” “Research studies show the most effective treatment for all types of neuropathy is a multi-disciplinary medical care team,” says Dr. Li.

Preventative Measures Careful management of any medical condition that can place a person at risk for neuropathy is the best prevention. Individuals should make healthy lifestyle choices and seek medical care imme-diately if they develop unusual numbness, tingling or weakness in the hands or feet. Early diagnosis and treatment warrant the best chance for controlling symptoms and preventing further damage to the nervous system.

Dr.YibingLiistheMedicalDirectorfortheCenterforPainMan-agement & Rehabilitation (CPMR) and leads a multi-disciplinarypainmanagementteaminPeoriaandPekin.Dr.Liisspecializedinnerveandmusclediseasesand interventionalpainmanagement.Sheistripleboard-certifiedinPainMedicine,PhysicalMedicine&RehabilitationandspfNCSElectrodiagnosis.

For more information, visit www.cpmrmed.com or call309-689-8888.TheCenterforPainManagement&Rehabilitation’smain office is located in Peoria at 5401 North Knoxville in theProctorProfessionalBuilding,Suite117.OfficehoursareMondaythroughFridayfrom8:30AMto5PM.

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The fresh scent of spring is in the air yet you feel exhausted. Dad and mom have you bouncing back and forth while you also try to spend more time with your children, but you are not alone. Life

today is active, especially for women aged 45–56 who care for both their parents and children. These people are caught in the “sandwich generation” and these columns are focused on issues affecting you. Earlier today, while at work, you picked up a heavier box than you should have and felt a pop. A sharp, burning feeling starts in your back and runs down your left leg, then it eases up quite a bit. So what do you do now? Ironically, if you give as much time to your parents as you do to your kids; your first thought is you do not have time to be injured. However, now is the time to protect your self. First, get medical attention, if necessary, and be sure to file an inci-dent (accident) report at work, even if the pain has lessened. Even though your employer is being amiable, you need to protect your rights. Ask for confirmation that the report was filed with workman’s compen-sation. If possible, get this confirmation in writing. Know the workman’s comp injury process is filled with “landmines” and it is prudent to secure professional advice. It is suggested that you interview several attorneys about how they would handle your injury and what they will do for you. The compensation for an attorney is established by law and is based on a percentage of your settlement. If an injury causes a permanent disability where the injured person may also go onto Social Security Disability, a lump sum settlement

may not be the best option. You should ask your attorney about going to arbitration and a regularly scheduled (monthly) payout settlement. If the settlement is paid in a lump sum, Social Security has a dollar for dollar offset; therefore, your overall dollars available for your disability will be less. Your attorney may recommend a Medicare Set Aside account. If future medical treatment is a result of this work comp injury and settlement, Medicare will not pay for these related services; however, a Medicare Set Aside fund can be established to pay for these expenses. Most importantly, be an advocate for yourself. Spend time to become knowledgeable of the process, but know that every situation is a bit different. What your friend did five years ago for his/her injury is different than the process you will likely follow; in fact, the laws are even different now. For example, any settlement would require you to sign off on any worsening of the injury or re-aggravation. Helping mom and dad plus caring for your children simultaneously is not easy; and sometimes you need to put yourself first. This is one of those times.

Formoreinformation,contactMedicalReimbursementandMan-agementServices,Inc.Wefocusontheissuesoftheelderly:legal,financial, residentialandhealthcare issues.Callusat693-1060or1-800-383-1061,visitourwebsitewww.MRMS-INC.comorvisitusat809W.DetweillerDr.,Peoria,IL61615.

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Spring is officially here and record breaking warm tempera-tures mean that the allergy season has hit hard. With more frost-free days, the pollen season has started early and will

continue on strong through fall. Studies show that close to 50% of Americans are affected by allergies, and more than 80% of those individuals have reported ocular symptoms. Many of these individuals believe that the symptoms are just no big deal and try an over-the-counter medication such as Claritin or Zyrtec. These medications do a great job of helping reduce allergies but may actually make some symptoms worse. General antihistamines such as these dry out the body and can make underlying conditions, such as dry eye, even worse resulting in excessively watery eyes. Decongestants or drops that say “get the red out” clear up redness by constricting the blood vessels. With extended use, the eyes can become dependent on these drops to keep that redness out. Once the drop wears off the redness can come back even larger and deeper. Both of these common over-the-counter drugs can make symptoms seem worse. Allergy season can make contact lens wear uncomfortable. Allergens can build up on the contact lenses resulting in exces-sive discomfort and a decreased wearing time. Studies show that

daily disposable contacts can be a more comfortable option and allow those suffering from allergies to resume a normal wearing schedule.

Allergy symptoms and signs may include:• Red, swollen or itchy eyes• Runny nose• Sneezing and coughing • Itchy nose, mouth or throat• Headaches or sinus pain

The best defense against allergies is to avoid contact with sub-stances that trigger your allergies. Unfortunately, this is not always an option. Other tips include:• Avoid rubbing your eyes; this can make the allergic response

worse• Wash your hands and face with soap and water often, especially

after time spent outdoors• Follow your eye care provider’s instruction on care of contact

lenses• Wash bed linens and pillow cases more frequently during allergy

season• Artificial tears may dilute the allergens and can help prevent them

from sticking to the surface of the eyes

Ocular allergy can mimic many other conditions. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms of ocular allergies at the same time. Complications are very rare but the symptoms can be very irritating and make certain seasons unbearable. Excessive rubbing or scratching at the eyes may result in damage and thinning of the cornea.

Visit us, EyeCare Focus, or your eye care provider, for afocusedspecializedpersonal treatmentapproachtoyourcondi-tion.Formore informationonallergyeyereliefortoscheduleanappointment,contact:309-698-2020.Visitusonlinetoday:www.eyecare-focus.com.

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Join the effort to eliminate early elective deliveries:

facebook.com/groups/HealthyBabiesHealthyMoms or qualityquest.org

It’s a trend. Women are scheduling

delivery too early for no medical reason,

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healthy babies take 39 weeks

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due to its tendency to spread, or metastasize, to lymph nodes and other areas of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones and brain. While much has been done to educate the public about the increasing dangers of this deadly disease, many people still continue to use tanning beds, forgo sunscreen and neglect to monitor changes in their skin. In addition, certain factors such as family history, skin type, and number of moles on your skin can make you at a greater risk for melanoma.

The Good News Survival rates of individuals with melanoma increased from 49 percent (1950 - 1954) to 92 percent (1996 - 2003), according to a National Cancer Institute SEER Cancer Statistics Review. That per-centage may increase even further with a promising study showing that combining two types of targeted therapies is safe and slows or stops melanoma growth. Dr. Sachdev Thomas is the Physician Director of Clinical Research at Illinois CancerCare, based in Peoria but with clinic locations throughout Illinois and is active in the research protocols for new therapies such as these. “Targeted therapy for melanoma pinpoints

Nearly everyone has heard the warnings about staying out of the sun, wearing sunscreen and keeping an eye out for changes in your skin. But many people are still not aware that these

basic measures can go a long way to prevent one of the most danger-ous types of skin cancer – melanoma – as well as the breakthrough research that is being done to combat this deadly disease. Melanoma are cancerous growths that develop when DNA dam-age to skin cells triggers mutations that leads to these cells multiplying rapidly and forming malignant tumors. These tumors originate in what are called melanocytes, the cells in the skin that produce and contain the pigment melanin that colors the skin, hair, and eyes, as well as forms moles. Since most of these pigment cells are found in the skin, melanoma of the skin is the most common type of melanoma.

The Bad News The American Cancer Society estimates that at present, about 120,000 new cases of melanoma in the US are diagnosed in a year, and an average of one in 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime. It is considered one of the most serious types of skin cancer

melanoma

The Bad and The Good of This Ugly DiseaseBy Amy Kennard

Dr. Sachdev Thomas


the specific genes, proteins or tissue environment of the cancer and targets the mutations of two different genes that contribute to mela-noma growth. By combining the drugs normally used to target one gene or the other, our initial findings are promising in our goal to slow or stop melanoma growth.” In addition, two new drugs are being studied as treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma. Ipilimumab (Yervoy), a type of immunotherapy treatment designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer, is being combined with dacarbazine, the initial treatment for metastatic melanoma, with promising results. In addition, the drug vemurafenib, a type of targeted therapy as explained above, is actually becoming the new standard in slowing and/or stop-ping melanoma growth, replacing the current treatment of dacarbazine only. “Both the ipilimumab and the vemurafenib are major advances in the treatment of advanced or metastatic melanoma,” says Dr. Thomas. “Vemurafenibis utilized for those patients who carry a specific gene mutation and ipilimumab combined with dacarbazine helps boost the patient’s immune system to help them better fight the cancer.” They may be complex drugs and treatment therapies with fancy names, but the bottom line is that great strides are being made in the fight against melanoma. You can help combat this disease by heeding the preventative measures, checking your skin on a regular basis (see “Do You Know Your ABCDEs?”), and seeing your doctor if you notice any changes to moles or other aspects of your skin. If you or someone you love is battling melanoma, ask your doctor if these clinical cancer research trials are right for you. This is an exciting time in cancer research and Illinois CancerCare is honored to be a part of the discovery process. Thanks to patients and families who agree to participate, this process will continue to improve overall survival rates and ultimately find cures. For further information about clinical cancer research studies being conducted in your area, please contact your doctor.

Do You Know Your ABCDEs?A - Asymmetrical ShapeMelanoma lesions are typically irregular, or not symmetrical, in shape. Benign moles are usually symmetrical.

B - BorderTypically, non-cancerous moles have smooth, even borders. Melanoma lesions usually have iregular borders that are difficult to define.

C - ColorThe presence of more than one color (blue, black, brown, tan, etc.) or the uneven distribution of color can sometimes be a warning sign of melanoma. Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown or tan.

D - DiameterMelanoma lesions are often greater than 6 millimeters in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser).

E - EvolutionThe evolution of your moles(s) has become the most important factor to consider when it comes to mela-noma. Knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life. If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and or size, get it checked out by a dermatologist immediately.


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May Peoria Healthy Cells 2012