Guide to Health,,Wellness & Beauty
a blank slate media/litmor publications special section • april 27, 2018
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Best-kept secret in pain management Expert diagnosis, medical reassurances often the most effect way to ease discomfort BY D R . TOM FERRARO Sport Psychologist A patient has his yearly prostate checkup with his urologist who draws his blood for the PSA Test. Up to this point, the patient has had no symptoms to speak of. The results come back and the patient receives the dreaded call that his PSA results are high and that he needs to get an MRI of his prostate. At this point, the patient immediately begins to worry and to feel prostate pain as well. The experience of pain along with anxiety continues unabated over the next two weeks as he schedules the MRI and then waits in fear to be told the results. The nurse for the urologist finally calls the anxious patient to tell him that his MRI is normal and that he can breathe easy. Within seconds the prostate pain disappears completely. This is a very common occurrence in medicine and tells us all we need to know about the
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOM FERRARO
Here is one secret pill stronger than all the rest. And you will never guess what it is. experience of pain. To be human means to be anxious and to be in pain. Almost everyone experiences minor pain on a daily basis. In a typical study where you look at reports of symptoms over the past six months you find that 40 percent of people will have had some back pain, 17 percent abdominal pain, 12% chest pain
and 12 percent facial pain. Often these symptoms disappear over time and things go back to normal. But on occasion, if the pain is bad enough, is unusual or persistent enough the person becomes alarmed, anxious and is motivated to make a visit to his local G.P. The majority of patients believe that their pain is
strictly a physiologic occurrence based substantially if not exclusively in the body. What people often don’t realize is that the mind plays a major role in the experience of pain. The real-life example I gave at the beginning of this article demonstrates the intimate connection between pain, emotions and what we think about the cause or meaning of the pain. Medical reassurance is why patients so often feel better when the doctor gives them the news that their symptoms are not life-threatening and are treatable. When someone runs to the doctor with chest pain and finally receives the results from the cardiogram that all is well, the chest pain usually diminishes dramatically. To understand how and why this happens you have to understand the Gate Control Theory of Pain. Pain sensations are first carried via nerves from the peripheral nervous system up through the spinal cord and passing
through the ‘nerve gates’ they travel up to the brain. When these signals finally get to the brain then and only then will the patient experience the pain. This is the Gate Control Theory of Pain. The primary question then is what causes the nerve gates to open or to close in the spinal cord. This most obvious method for the closing of the nerve gates is based upon the medical reassurance given to the patient and that’s why a good bedside manner is so important. Going back to my brief example the patient became free of pain after the doctor gave the news that the MRI was normal. A definitive diagnosis is often based upon clinical exam, an understanding of the patient’s history and sometimes with the use of test results. And when the patient is told that his or her pain is not serious, not life-threatening and is treatable, the nerve gates in the spinal cord close and the pain often vanishes. Continued on Page 48
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Make clear your health-care wishes will advocate on your behalf. An advocate can be a close relative or friend, but should be Imagine you are in an accident or sudden someone who knows you well and someone illness leaves you unable to speak for yourself. you trust to follow your wishes. · Talk with your advocate and doctor Your loved one or caregiver is faced with a difficult decision about whether to continue about your future care preferences. Let your life-saving measures. How does that person advocate and doctors know what’s most important to you in life. What are the activities know what to do? and abilities that make life most worth living? Discuss, decide and document. These are three important steps to take What are the things that give you comfort to ensure your future care preferences are when you’re sick? When, if ever, should your advocate decide that it’s time to “let go”? And known. April 16 to April 22 was National Health- who should they include in that decision? · Write it down. Formalize your decicare Decisions Week — a time to educate and empower people of all ages to create their ad- sions by putting them in writing. Learn more at www.optumcare.com/nhdd. vance care plan. · Give copies of your plan to your adAccording to the Conversation Project, more than 90 percent of people think it’s im- vocate, family members and doctors. Review portant to have conversations about end-of- the document with your advocate, doctors life care with their loved ones, yet less than and family members. Update and review the plan whenever your preferences or situation 30 percent have done so. Planning for accidents or a sudden ill- changes. Have the document placed in your ness may feel awkward, but conversations medical records. I have seen firsthand the sense of peace, with family members today can ensure your care preferences are honored and that your calm and satisfaction families experience caregivers don’t have to guess what you want. knowing their loved ones’ wishes are granted. It’s simpler than you think to get started. Don’t make people guess what you want. Make your future care preferences known. Here are a few tips: · Choose an advocate. This should be Dr. Dana Lustbader is department chair of someone who knows you well, is calm in a crisis, understands your decisions, is not Palliative Medicine at ProHealth Care Associafraid to ask questions of care providers and ates in Lake Success
BY D R . D A N A L U S T B A D E R
Sport Psychology Dr. Tom Ferraro
has specialized in sport psychology for 20 years and works in the fields of golf, tennis, soccer, baseball, football, wrestling, lacrosse, figure skating, gymnastics, softball, fencing and more. He has helped professional teams, Olympians and elite young athletes learn how to manage the intense pressure of competitive sports. He appears on both TV and radio and has sport psychology columns in 5 different newspapers and has been featured in The New York Times, Wall street Journal and the London Times. Golf Digest includes him in their list of top mental game gurus in America. For a consultation see below: Williston Park Professional Center 2 Hillside Ave, Suite E. Williston Park NY 11596 (building parallel to E. Williston railroad station)
drtomferraro.com drtferraro@aol.com
(516) 248-7189
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Is organizing the new yoga? Truth be told: there are way too many over-inflated articles on organizing these days… “Conquer Your Clutter,” “How To Declutter,”yadda yadda yadda. Who has time for that?! Let’s keep it simple. Life is stressful enough! An organized space not only elevates your mood, it contributes to your overall well-being and peace of mind. Approach your home organizing in a small-scale way: taking 30-60 minutes a day is an attainable goal and will make you feel in control. Decide which room or space gives you the most anxiety and start there – it’s all about taking baby steps. You will reach that end goal. · Closets: Peter Walsh says it best: “Opening up your closet should be like arriving at a really good party where everyone you see you like.” To obtain this, you have to be honest with yourself. How much do you actually wear and more importantly how much actually fits? It’s depressing to open your drawer and see things that don’t fit. To transform your life, start
by transforming your wardrobe. First, pare down (sort-donate-toss). Then, analyze the space available to you in your closet and drawers – think of it as real estate. Location, location, location is considered prime real estate that should be used wisely: this is where your “go-to’s” belong. Next separate blacks, whites, colors. Use matching hangers. Pick a shelf on your closet to display your favorite pair of shoes or bags. · Office: Papers seem to mul-
tiply! Papers in piles are a “nono”… they’re impossible to see or sort. Instead, use plain or colored file folders to help organize your papers into categories. Treat yourself to a simple two-drawer file cabinet if necessary. · Memorabilia: Don’t let memorabilia take up the ideal real estate. If you simply must have a reminder that this stuff was part of your life – take a photo and then let it go. You can either hang the photo in a place where you will see it
and smile, or if you must keep the actual piece of memorabilia, place it in a suitcase you no longer use and keep it in one place with easy accessibility. Here are some of our organizing pearls of wisdom: · Buying organizing containers doesn’t make you organized… it gets expensive and it appears generic. Instead, repurpose, repurpose, repurpose. Use funky shoe boxes to organize your bras and panties. Use your grandmother’s favorite crystal glass to hang your earrings. Use a see-through hanging shoe bag in either your pantry for odds-and-ends or in your child’s playroom for arts and crafts supplies – actually, the uses are endless….scarves, leggings, office supplies. Egg cartons are another useful organizing tool. Remember, you space should be easy to navigate and items will be even easier to put away and keep organized. If you must buy organizing containers this should be the very last step in the process, absolutely not the first step!! · If you can’t see it, why have it? Your home is not a storage space. Minimalism is not about having less, it is about making
room for what matters. Your things should reflect your personality and you should be able to enjoy them. · You have to make it fun. Have your best friend or favorite family member over for a fashion show to help you sort-tossdonate. Do this with music and a glass of wine to up the ante. · Want to elevate your boring bookcase to something specialarrange your books in rainbow order (ROYGBIV – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) and arrange some books vertically, then some horizontally you can even place interesting, eclectic pieces on the books – use your tchotchkes! In the end, be realistic. Don’t compare your space to what you see in the magazines- remember, those spaces are “staged.” Surround yourself with the things you truly love and reflect who you are – that’s the key to achieving an organized space and one that is most likely sustainable. Information and photos provided by Lisa Marx and Randi Yerman, Neat Freaks, www.neatfreaks1976.com
ADVERTORIAL
LASER TREATMENT FOR FUNGAL NAILS Toenail fungus is a serious condition that manifests itself with a variety of unpleasant symptoms. These ailments include discoloration of toes, hardening of the feet, foot odor, and it can even lead to severe pain and discomfort. This is a very common infection that can easily be contracted. You can get it while exercising at the gym, trying on clothes in the fitting room of your favorite department store, or even while you are at work. Put an end to your pain and discomfort. Individuals who suffer from diabetes and circulation problems are also at a high risk for getting this infection. If you are one of the tens of thousands of Long Islanders suffering from the pain and soreness associated with toenail fungus, call Dr. Mary Carlson. She and her friendly staff is here to help. Dr. Mary Carlson has dedicated her entire career to providing patients with a superior in-office experience, state-of-the-art pain-free procedures, and most importantly, proven results. If you are embarrassed of your condition or are fearful of a painful procedure, do not worry! Dr. Mary Carlson utilizes the latest in FDA approved laser technology which allows her to remove the fungus and alleviate the pain, all without having to perform invasive surgery. Get the proper treatment you require without the pain and fear. Laser treatments penetrate deep into the skin which helps to accelerate the growth of healthy cells and tissue, remove the fungus, and restore your feet back to perfect health. Many patients see progress in as little as one treatment and are able to go back to work immediately after the procedure.
With warmer weather quickly approaching, schedule your appointment with Dr. Mary Carlson today. Get ready for opened toed shoes and finally have some well-deserved fun in the sun! Meet Dr. Mary Carlson Dr. Mary Carlson is a graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and hasspent her entire career providing superior care to each and every one of her patients. She does this by creating an office environment that fosters warmth and compassion, treating every patient with the respect and dignity that they deserve. With state-of-the-art laser technology and x-ray imaging devices located on-site, she is able to diagnose and treat most conditions right in the comfort of her own office. If you would like to schedule an appointment or find out more information on the services Dr. Mary Carlson offers, please contact her office at 516-248-8188. Community Awareness Dr. Mary Carlson’s passion and commitment to serve extends far beyond her the work she performs in her office. As founder and president of “Shoes for All,” a non-profit organization that collects and distributes new and gently used shoes to families in need, she has helped men, woman, and children all across Long Island obtain one of the most basic necessities that many of us take for granted. Everybody can help make a difference by donating shoes that they no longer wear. It’s that simple! Please check out www.ShoesForAll.org or call 516-506-SHOES to donate. All donations are greatly appreciated!
Combining state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care, Dr. Mary Carlson offers the absolute highest quality of care and service. Every patient is the highest priority and treatment plans are created based on each patients’ individual needs. Call the office of Dr. Mary Carlson today at 516-248-8188 and schedule your appointment today, or you can visit her website at www.drmarycarlsondpm.com and book your appointment any time of day. Online booking is fast and easy.
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Calories burned during daily activity
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ome people think they have to spend hours at the gym sweating on the treadmill or elliptical trainer in order to burn calories and lose weight. As it turns out, the things you do every single day could be burning more calories than you realized. Some discipline with your diet and certain healthy habits can make the difference for those attempting to lose weight.
Clean rain gutters and burn 372 calories in one hour.
Getting eight hours of sleep can burn more than 300 calories for the average person. But there’s a good chance you are interested in what activities you can do while awake to help burn calories. Courtesy of Discovery Health and Harvard Medical School, here are common everyday activities and how many calories can be burned depending on weight. These figures are based on a person weighing around 150 pounds and a duration of one hour of activity.
240 cals.
300 cals.
160 cals.
200 cals.
Supermarket shopping: Pushing a wagon around the supermarket for an hour can burn 240 calories or more. Up the ante by bagging groceries yourself and packing and unpacking them from the car. Raking leaves: If you spent time manually raking leaves this past fall, you were doing something good for your body. In addition to working several muscle groups, you may have spent 300 calories. Dusting: Spring cleaning is right around the corner, and that can be good news for your health. Dusting alone can burn as much as 160 calories. Cooking: Here’s a reason to get fired up about cooking. Making a simple meal can add up to 200 calories lost. Just don’t sabotage those lost calories by cooking up a fattening dinner.
460 cals.
350 cals.
450 cals.
400 cals.
Moving: Packing and moving may seem like a big task one rarely looks forward to, but carrying boxes can burn 460 calories an hour. Packing, moving and unpacking yourself may be the diet plan you’ve been seeking. Painting: Perhaps you’ve been procrastinating on that house painting project. Here’s inspiration to break out the rollers and brushes. Spending an hour painting can burn 350 calories. After several hours applying a primer and then top coat, you may find you painted yourself thinner. Community service: If you want to help the environment and your health, spending time picking up trash from a park or seaside can shed some serious calories — 450 an hour. Playing with kids: Engaging in some fun family time can burn around 400 calories. Plus, it’s a great way for parents and children to bond.
ADVERTORIAL
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month Events at Center for Hearing Health MONDAY, MAY 7 – Free Hearing Screenings–every morning-10am-12pm Come & see if your children or spouse is right—have you been misunderstanding, raising the television volume—a quick screening will tell you whether you have a hearing problem and whether you need to have a further evaluation. TUESDAY, MAY 8 – Free Hearing Aid Help-10am-12pm Are you having trouble with your hearing aid? Do you need help putting it in your ear or assistance changing the battery? What about cleaning your hearing aid? Whether you purchased it at our center or somewhere else, we will help you with any questions you may have about your instrument. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 – New Hearing Aid Technology Lecture-Brunch & Learn-11:30am Come & learn about the newest hearing aid technology on the market. Learn how the industry has evolved and the improvements that have been made. Come and share Brunch in the historic Manor House on the Mill Neck campus. THURSDAY, MAY 10 – Hearing Aid Support Group-3pm Meet others who are hard of hearing/deaf and experiencing the same issues that you are experiencing. Share new ideas and develop communication strategies together. FRIDAY, MAY 11 – Open House10am-2pm Come tour our center and see our state of the art facility. Visit our Assistive Listening Device Room, meet our staff and receive a discount coupon for a future service. Center for Hearing Health • 40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck, NY 11765 RSVP: 516-628-4300
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North Shore
Vein Center
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Your Healthy Life Is Our Mission WE MANAGE: Diabetics, Blood Pressure, Coronary Artery Disease, Obesity, Asthma
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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, April 27, 2018
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mercy Medical Center Mercy Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation unit is a highly specialized 37-bed facility dedicated to the comprehensive rehabilitative care of inpatients who have suffered catastrophic illnesses and injuries such as stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, major orthopedic surgery, severe disabling arthritis and acquired brain injury. Mercy is the only hospital in Nassau County to offer the Bioness Wireless Rehabilitation System: Ness H200 Wireless Hand System and the Ness L300 Foot Drop System. This state-of-the-art technology uses functional electrical stimulation to stimulate the nerves to activate weak muscles in the forearm, hand and lower leg. Both systems may help a patient regain function if his/her condition is due to a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, an incomplete spinal cord injury or other neurological disorder. Using advanced equipment and techniques to help patients reach their highest possible level of function and independence, the staff includes the area’s top physical, occupational and speech therapists.
For more information, please call 516-62-MERCY (63729)
Advanced orthopedic and rehabilitation services, all in one convenient location Today’s Mercy offers advanced orthopedic services, including surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and a fully certified rehabilitation program.
Following treatment, highly specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation helps patients reach their highest level of function. Mercy is the only hospital in Nassau County offering both Bioness H200 wireless hand rehabilitation and L300 foot drop systems.
Call Today! 516-62-MERCY (63729) mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org
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How to get going with grazing
A healthy breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit is a good breakfast for men and women adopting grazing as their approach to diet.
E
ating healthy is a goal for many people. For some, altering what they eat is all it takes to shed those extra pounds and improve their overall health, while others find changing what they eat isn’t helping them reach their goals.
One option that has its share of supporters and detractors is grazing, which involves eating five or six smaller portions throughout the day instead of the more widely accepted diet of eating three square meals per day. Those who stand by grazing claim it keeps a person’s metabolism going all day, helping to burn more calories while encouraging men and women to eat smaller portions. Those who question grazing point to studies questioning its efficacy, namely that it does not have the calorie-burning effects its supporters suggest. In fact, researchers in the United Kingdom have said eating throughout the day (a standard grazing diet has men and women eating five to six meals per day, with three to four hour intervals between meals) undermines the body’s ability to burn fat. The debate over grazing does not figure to go away anytime soon, as many people have found it a successful way to lose weight and get healthier while many others have found it ineffective. For those who want to give it a shot, consider the following advice. Choose healthy foods. Grazing can only be effective if you choose healthy foods. Snacking on foods like chocolate or potato chips every three
to four hours is a recipe for disaster regardless of portion size. When grazing, choose foods that are low in fat and high in nutrients. Avoid sugary foods as well as those that are high in sodium. Foods that are strong sources of protein and complex carbohydrates, including chicken breasts, fish, low-fat dairy products and whole grains, will help you feel full and keep you feeling that way until the next time to eat rolls around. Don’t skip breakfast. A healthy breakfast is an essential element of successful grazing. If you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to overeat, which could establish a domino effect of poor eating as the day goes on. A simple breakfast, such as a bowl of cereal with fat-free or lowfat milk or some oatmeal with berries mixed in, is all it takes to start the day off on the right foot. Stick to a schedule. When grazing, meals should be eaten every three to four hours. If you stray from that schedule, you could wind up eating larger portions or more meals than you should be consuming. Stick to your schedule and remember the portions are supposed to be smaller, so you should not feel skittish about pulling a snack out at a meeting in the office or if you have company over at your house.
Prepare meals in advance. A problem many people encounter when they first begin to graze is the lack of availability of smaller-portioned meals and snacks. Large portions and snacks with no nutritional value are the norm, so finding smaller meals and healthy snacks when you’re away from home will be difficult. The best way to counter that problem is to prepare meals in advance and take them with you. Cook enough food for the week over the weekend and store it in easily transportable containers. In addition, bring snacks with you to the office so you aren’t forced to eat unhealthy fare between meals. Recognize results aren’t immediate. No effective weight loss plan produces results overnight, and grazing is no exception. You will not drop 10 pounds in the first week, but you might notice heightened energy levels throughout the day shortly after you begin to graze, especially if you choose the right foods. Give grazing enough time to get going before judging if it’s the right approach for you. The topic of grazing is one that continues to inspire debate, but men and women who want to lose weight and keep the weight off should consider grazing as a healthy and potentially effective option.
Can diet soda cause weight gain? F
Diet soda may seem a healthier option than sugary drinks, but it may cause weight gain and contribute to obesity.
or decades, people have turned to diet soft drinks as a healthier alternative to regular soft drinks. However, consuming diet soda on a regular basis may have some serious health ramifications, including weight gain. It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that diet sodas may be causing people to gain weight, particularly because these sodas are commonly consumed by people who are trying to lose weight. However, artificial sweeteners found in some diet sodas may increase a person’s risk of obesity. It’s not entirely what you are eating that can cause weight gain but what the body thinks it is eating (or drinking) that plays a role. There are two factors at play with regard to the artificial sweetener conundrum. First, The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has researched the potential link between obesity and artificial sweeteners. Researchers have found that something in the chemical structure of these sweeteners alters the way the brain processes the neurotransmitter serotonin. In addition to helping with sleep,
mood and other functions in the body, serotonin helps tell the body when it is full. When natural foods and sugars are consumed, serotonin signals to the brain to turn off your body’s appetite. However, artificial sweeteners may prolong the release of serotonin, and your appetite remains in full force long after it should have abated. Another component of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, is that these chemicals can trick the body into thinking it has, in fact, consumed sugar. That triggers the pancreas to produce the insulin needed to regulate blood-glucose levels. It also causes the body to store the glucose as fat. This can lead to low blood sugar, which may cause you to eat a sugary treat in response. Having diet soda or eating a sugarless item once in a while won’t create any long-term effects. But repeatedly relying on artificial sweeteners could affect appetite and change blood sugar levels for good. These aren’t the only consequences to diet soda and other beverages. Drinking diet soda regularly may affect
cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference found people who drink diet soda every day have a 61 percent higher risk of vascular events than those who reported no soda consumption. Regular soda isn’t a better alternative. It can contribute to weight gain and cardiovascular issues as well as an increased risk for diabetes. A 2011 review published in the journal Circulation stated that a positive association has been shown between sugarsweetened soft drink consumption and weight gain in both children and adults. Nutritionists and doctors have advised that instead of adding artificial sweeteners to water and other beverages, flavor them with lemon or lime juice. Instead of drinking diet soda, opt for unsweetened tea or plain water. Although diet soda may seem a likely option to help curb calories and prevent weight gain, such beverages may actually be having an adverse effect on a person’s weight.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, April 27, 2018 ADVERTORIAL
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The benefits of reading M
any people are avid readers, feeling that a good book remains the most entertaining form of escapism. But reading provides more than just an opportunity to leave the daily grind behind. While many people may read to immerse themselves in something other than a movie or a television show, they may not know about all the additional benefits they are enjoying when cuddling up with a good book. Reading can improve brain function. A recent study from researchers at Emory University discovered that reading a novel can improve brain function in various ways. During the study, researchers found that reading fiction improves connectivity in the brain. In addition, reading fiction improved readers’ ability to put themselves in other peoples’ shoes, which might help them relate better to people in both the present and future. Reading can benefit long-term brain health. While readers engrossed in a great book might only be worried about what’s coming on the next page, the benefits to reading are much more long-term than the next chapter. Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that reading is one of a handful of mentally stimulating activities that can benefit brain health in old age. In their Rush Memory and Aging Project, researchers examined nearly 300 elderly men and women, giving them tests of memory and thinking throughout the final years of their lives. When participants, who were surveyed as to how often they engaged in
mentally stimulating activities such as reading, passed away, their brains were examined for signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Researchers discovered that the participants who engaged in mentally challenging activities most often had slower rates of memory decline. In addition, even those who had symptoms of brain damage that are commonly associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia seemed to benefit from the stimulation that mentally challenging activities produced. Reading can help reduce stress. Another big benefit of reading is its relationship to stress. According to a 2009 study from researchers at the University of Sussex in England, reading can reduce stress by up to 68 percent. In addition, reading might help relieve that stress even faster than other forms of stress relief because it allows for a more immediate escape from the stress of daily life. Reading can help you get a more restful night’s sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, engaging in a calming activity for an hour before going to bed can help your body wind down and ready itself for sleep. Some people may struggle to fall asleep after reading on an electronic device, such as a tablet or e-reader, as the light that emanates from such devices may be activating the brain. If need be, stick to reading traditional print books and magazines before going to bed. Reading is not only a favorite activity for many people, but it’s also something that can benefit the body in myriad ways.
Distinctions between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
I
nflammatory bowel conditions affect millions of people. Some of these conditions share symptoms, but may have certain distinctions that set them apart from one another. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two conditions that are similar but not one and the same. As a result, only a doctor can properly diagnose each condition. The UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases says both colitis and Crohn’s are characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Both diseases can develop at any age, but often occur in teenagers and young adults. They also affect men and women equally. Another similarity is that the causes of UC and Crohn’s disease are unknown, although environmental, genetic and an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system can be factors. To the average person, it may be difficult to figure out if they are suffering from UC or Crohn’s disease because of these startling similarities. Yet, Healthline says there are important differences as well, which include the location of the illness in the gastrointestinal tract and the way each disease responds to treatment. Here’s a look at what sets UC and Crohn’s apart. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the GI tract (mouth to anus). However, Crohn’s is most often to blame for symptoms at the end of the small intestine, called the small bowel, and the beginning of the colon, or the large bowel. WebMD says Crohn’s disease can affect all layers of the bowel walls. Those with Crohn’s may have healthy areas interspersed with inflamed spots. Rectal bleeding or blood in stools is less common in Crohn’s sufferers, and
because it can impact more areas of the body, those with Crohn’s may experience mouth sores, anal tears or infections. Crohn’s also may affect areas outside of the GI tract, including the skin, eyes, joints, and liver. Ulcerative Colitis Contrary to Crohn’s disease, UC is confined to the colon and only affects the inner lining of the colon. Those with UC will have much more continuance to their inflamed areas with no interruption. Also, UC is more likely to produce blood in stools because it appears at the lower end of the large intestine. UCLA Health also says approximately 10 percent of cases of inflammatory bowel diseases exhibit the features of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are typically known as indeterminate colitis. Shared symptoms People with UC or Crohn’s disease can expect to encounter one or more of these symptoms: • cramps and pain • diarrhea • urgent need to visit the bathroom • diminished appetite • weight loss • fatigue • night sweats Symptoms may flare up and then go into remission. Doctors will use testing such as a colonoscopy or a CT scan to diagnose the right form of IBD. Even though there is no cure for these conditions, medication and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms.
The best-kept secret in pain management Continued from Page 38 Studies have shown that when a soldier undergoes a wound requiring surgery they often need far less pain medicine following the surgery then a civilian. The explanation for this is that the soldier is told that they will be sent home and this makes them feel good and less anxious. The civilian back at home who had a comparable wound/surgery feels more ongoing surgical pain because their circumstance following surgery may not be as good. They may be faced with career-threat-
ening changes and so they remain both anxious and in pain. It is true that sometimes pain medication is needed to cope with pain and sometimes tranquilizers are needed to calm the patient’s anxiety but clearly one of the most potent medications for pain is an expert diagnosis and the medical reassurance that all is well and there is nothing to worry about. The soothing and reassuring voice of your family doctor often has the strength of morphine or oxycodone and with far fewer side effects. That just may be the best-kept secret in pain management.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, April 27, 2018
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Safe ways to deal with sinus pressure S inuses are bony, hollow, air-filled cavities inside the face and skull. They are located in the low-center of the forehead, behind the eyes and in bones behind the nose. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center says the sinuses lighten the skull and produce a mucus that moisturizes the inside of the nose. Unfortunately, when colds or the flu strike, sinuses may become one of the first spots affected by these illnesses. When the sinuses are working properly, mucus will drain into the nasal passages or out the back of the throat. Most of this drainage goes unnoticed. However, the American Sinus Institute says that factors such as allergies, illness, weather changes, dehydration, and dry air can make the sinus mucus thicker and drainage more difficult. This is when problems like infection, stuffiness or throat irritation may occur. In order to combat sinus
congestion and drainage concerns, people may try certain strategies that include flushing the sinuses and thinning the mucus. It is imperative to use safe flushing methods to keep the sinuses healthy. Neti pots are among the more popular methods to flushing sinuses. These small teapotlike devices with elongated snouts have become a fixture in many medicine cabinets. Because they are drug-free alternatives, they can be handy for those worried about antihistamines making them drowsy or reacting with other drugs. Neti pots and other nasal irrigation systems use saline to moisten and clear out nasal passages to promote drainage of sinus cavities. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, using these devices improperly can increase one’s risk of infection. CBS News says that neti pots have even been linked to the deadly Naegleria fowleri,
which is otherwise known as the “brain-eating” amoeba. The key to preventing infection is to only use previously boiled, sterile or distilled water to irrigate. Tap water is not adequately filtered, says the FDA, and may contain low levels of organisms that can stay alive in nasal passages and potentially cause serious infections. Those who are concerned about nasal irrigation safety may be wise to skip neti pots and use pre-packaged, sterile saline solutions that are bottled for the purpose of alleviating congestion. However, when prepared water is used in a clean neti pot or other device, these methods can be perfectly safe. Sinuses can get clogged for many reasons. To free up breathing, people are urged to consult their physicians to learn more about how to safely irrigate their nasal passages.
Basis behind cognitive behavioral therapy
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epetitive behaviors, depression, anxiety, compulsions, and even phobias are just a few of the mental health issues millions of people across the globe deal with every day. Symptoms of these conditions may range from mild to debilitating. The World Health Organization says that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders in their lives. Roughly 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, which puts mental disorders among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide. Mental health is not something people may feel comfortable discussing. Problems may go untreated for years, and some individuals may use selfmedicating behaviors such as drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs to alleviate their symptoms. Others continue to persist with illnesses when they do not have to. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the more successful methods to address mental health issues. The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists defines CBT as a general term for a classification of therapies
with certain similarities. It does not exist as a distinct therapeutic technique. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a practical form to problem-solving, advises Psych Central. The power is in the hands of the person engaging in the therapy. The therapist simply provides the ideas to get started. CBT is used to treat a wide range of issues, including insomnia, anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, relationship problems, and more. The process involves changing attitudes and behavior by focusing on the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that influence the way a person behaves. The Mayo Clinic says CBT talk therapy is performed in a structured setting, with a limited number of sessions. CBT identifies negative thinking so that challenging situations can be viewed more clearly and perceptions changed. While it is a tool in treating mental health disorders, anyone can benefit from CBT, especially those looking to cope with stress or other hurdles. Cognitive behavioral therapy was developed by psychiatrist
Aaron Beck in the 1960s. Beck was doing psychoanalysis at the time and discovered there was a link between thoughts and feelings. Beck discovered people weren’t always aware of automatic thoughts that popped up in their minds, particularly those negative in nature. By identifying these thoughts, a client could overcome certain difficulties. CBT is a balance between placing personal meaning on things and situations as well as the relationship between problems. Many therapists personalize CBT to meet the needs and personality of their patients. Individuals who prefer a nonpharmaceutical approach to treating their mental health condition may find CBT can be helpful. Stress or uncomfortable feelings may arise, but therapists can work to avoid uncomfortable situations. Finding a therapist with whom they feel comfortable can help people make the most of CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a commonly used regimen for helping people change behavior by exploring their feelings and thoughts.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps many people work through their thoughts and feelings to change behaviors.
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, April 27, 2018 ADVERTORIAL
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