Thursday, 27 October 2011
Written by: Krista Reader
Here’s what one of our patients said…thanks Skip!
Hi Mat . . .
I met you in later February, and signed up for the gym/personal trainer program, and have been coming three times a week ever since. Since I am 73 years old, I had no idea how long it would take, or what it would cost . . . but I knew that I had to get back into something to preserve my body and mind, or continue downhill.
I wanted to significantly improve my life.
My wife Sharon passed away in 1999. I retired from work in 2002, although I continued on, both in consulting, and serving on several boards of directors for aerospace companies.
I also worked out and competed in race-walking from 1990 through 2001, after I retired from the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard. My grandfather had been a race-walking guru, and I have medals from 1914-1934 from his estate.
But then the gradual downturn (due to age?) occurred, and I knew I had to do something significantly different. Throughout life, I tended to be overweight, or nearly so. I tried the fad diets, with mixed results . . . but none helped, and the weight returned. I tired some medication (DEXAMYL?), and it worked for a while, but when I got off that stuff, I just added weight. But they, when successful, provided temporary relief.
You guys do not come cheap. But you get what you pay for.
So I am certain that someone who participates in your program needs to come in with a strong resolve to continue and succeed. This is not a trendy artsy-crafty thing . . . it needs a personal commitment to personal improvement.
As you know, I have changed my food intake to better support my goals.
I have taken procedures for my knee to help with the periodic problems associated with it.
I have developed a positive attitude toward the improvement I expect from the program, and I would think anyone who undertakes this program has to do likewise.
I have made my primary doctor and cardiologist happy with my progress. And I have made ME happy with the progress, even though “NO PAIN, NO GAIN” is being proved.
Thank you for being sensitive to my needs, hard when I need it, and generating results for me, you, and the doctors.
Skip
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Written by: Dr. David Bloom
California just passed a law banning minors from spending time in tanning beds.
The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, modifies current regulations which had allowed anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 to pay for yearlong sun-kissed skin with written permission by their parents.
Those that fought for the bill’s passage at the state capitol cited adverse health effects, including skin cancer, from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays as the reason for pushing through this new regulation.
How does a tanning bed work?
While German researcher Friedrich Wolff was studying the beneficial effects of ultraviolet light on athletes, he noticed a side effect: tanned skin. His discovery was brought over to the United States during the late 1970s.
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) waves, similar to the rays of the sun, which in turn tans the skin by darkening the skin’s pigment melanin.
While exposure to some UVB rays is beneficial for humans and help keep vitamin D in the body at healthy levels, many scientists and researchers warn against excessive exposure.
For or against?
The World Health Organization warns against the use of indoor tanning beds, citing the increased risk in “the development of skin cancer, cataracts and other eye conditions” and the possible suppression of the immune system and premature skin aging.
The organization further classifies the beds as carcinogenic and recommends banning the use for children under 18. According to recent data, approximately 1 out of 5 teenage girls have used an indoor tanning bed at least once.
The Indoor Tanning Association agrees that there are risks for certain skin types and overexposure to ultraviolet light may have adverse consequences. Although visits are often for cosmetic reasons in the United States, the Tanning Association asserts the industry’s roots are therapeutic and many still visit for that purpose (such as for psoriasis or certain types of eczema).
Indoor tanning beds, the association argues, helps minimize the risk of a sunburn while still keeping tanned skin (not necessarily an accepted medical fact).
Alternatives
Spray tanning is an alternative to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays and can be done at home or by a professional. The worry with spray tanning, as with bronzing lotions, is keeping your “tan” even, especially around the joints.
Another alternative is to spend some time out in the sun, protected by sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. We do live in OC and you can visit the beach all year long without getting too chilly.
Is it safe or not?
Overall, there is no “safe tan.” Any tanning induces some amount of skin damage and photo-aging. And the more exposure to these harmful rays the higher one’s risk of cancer. As in most of our daily choices we must weigh any benefits against the risks. And at least now in California, such decisions are left to an adult. Just as buying and smoking cigarettes are illegal for those under 18, so is choosing to use a tanning bed.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Written by: Dr. Jeffrey Barke
With the loss of one of the greatest minds of our generation to pancreatic cancer, it raises questions about the disease that claimed the man who has changed the way we talk, compute, listen to music or even read.
Steve Jobs passed away on Oct. 5 after suffering respiratory arrest resulting from pancreatic cancer that had spread to other organs. The co-founder, and former chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. was 56.
Everyone has known someone with one of the more common types of cancer of those that receive more attention and funding – breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia – but the full weight of pancreatic cancer seems a bit more difficult to grasp. Most people can identify the affected body parts or understand a disease that attacks the blood, however, most Americans have a difficult time pointing to where their pancreas resides, let alone what it does.
What is the pancreas?
The pancreas is a six inch long organ surrounded by the stomach, small intestine, liver and spleen in the upper middle of the abdomen. It looks like a thin pear and is responsible for creating pancreatic juices to help digest food and produce hormones for the body, such as insulin.
he pancreatic juices contain enzymes through a system of ducts. The main duct joins with the common bile duct with the liver and gallbladder, which carries bile to digest fat before emptying out into the first part of the small intestine. The hormones produced by the pancreas help the body use or store energy for food.
What goes wrong?
Pancreatic cancer occurs with cells in your pancreas begin to grow out of control and continue to live after normal cells would typically die. The extra cells can form a tumor.
There are two primary types of pancreatic cancer, one that forms in the ducts that produce digestive juices and another that forms in the hormone producing cells, with more cases of the former, instead of the latter.
Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly and is rarely detected in its early stages. Unfortunately, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the country.
What are the symptoms?
In its early stages, pancreatic cancer may present itself with a yellowing of the skin, mucus membranes or the eyes, called jaundice. Besides the pigmentation change, you could experience a change in digestive habits, loss of appetite and weight loss, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting or pain in the area where the pancreas is located. Other possible symptoms include back pain, blood clots and indigestion.
Are you at risk?
According to the National Cancer Institute, in the past year 44,030 new cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed and there were 37,660 deaths. Although a rare form of cancer, risk increases with age, especially over the age of 60, those of African American descent, being overweight or obese, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes, family history and smoking.
Prevention and outreach
November is the designated awareness month for pancreatic cancer, but with current events, there is nothing wrong with starting early. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the easier it is for your physician to determine a proactive and effective plan of care. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, age and well-being, and pancreatic cancer is usually only curable when found in its earliest stages. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the most common treatment types and are to remove the cancer and relieve painful symptoms that the cancer is causing if possible. Besides living a healthy lifestyle, the best defense is to avoid smoking.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network works to educate the public about the disease to better identify the symptoms to catch and diagnose the cancer in its earliest stages.
Pancreatic cancer has the lowest relative survival rate of all the cancers tracked by both the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, according to the network. It is the only cancer with a five-year relative survival rate in the single digits at just six percent. 94% of patients will die within five years of diagnosis – only 6% survive more than five years and 74% of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first year of diagnosis.
To learn more, visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or become an advocate for additional federal funding for education and research for the fourth leading cancer killer.
Unfortunately there is much about cancer that we do not understand. My belief is that we are all dealt a genetic hand. Some are dealt four aces and can live to 110 despite very poor self-care. Others, despite almost perfect self-care, need to bluff their way to get to age 60. Most of us are somewhere in the middle; that is how we take care of ourselves will determine the genetic expression of disease. I further believe that inflammation in our body is the foundation upon which our genetic expression of disease occurs: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer. Control inflammation and you control the genetic expression of disease. Inflammation is best controlled by our nutrition and secondarily by exercise and supplements. See my previous blogs to better understand anti-inflammatory nutrition.
The pancreatic cancer that plagued Steve Jobs was the rarest form of the disease and affects only 5% of those with pancreatic cancer, but his passing serves as a reminder of the lack of early treatment and screening options.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Written by: Leanne Flesch
Caring for an ill family member can be emotionally, physically and financially exhausting if your resources are limited and you are not prepared. No one really wants to think about a time when they may need assistance with care. Nonetheless, an estimated 43% of Americans will spend time in a nursing home and studies estimate that 50% of 65-year-olds will likely need nursing home care in the future.
What is Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance?
Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance covers someone with a prolonged physical illness, a disability or a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s Dementia. It can pay for care in a patient’s home, assisted living, board and care and in skilled nursing facilities. Many people believe that Medicare will cover all of their needs should they become seriously ill and require daily assistance. However, Medicare and regular health insurance only pay for a very small percentage of nursing home costs and generally only when you are receiving medical or rehabilitative services. The average cost of nursing home care in California can range from $150 – $200 a day depending on need.
Before you purchase a policy there are many things you ought to consider. First and foremost, can you afford the premium now and in the future? Will you still be able to eat and pay your monthly bills? A big consideration is your financial health. If you own your home outright and have money in the bank, LTC insurance can help you protect it, should you become ill and need care. You should also consider your age, status of your health and any pre-existing conditions that could disqualify you.
What to look for in a LTC insurance policy
- What is the maximum daily and lifetime benefit?
- How long is the elimination period, and is there more than one?
- What services are covered? A good policy will cover nursing homes, assisted living facilities and some home care assistance.
- How is the policy activated and how are you reimbursed, once a claim is approved?
- What is the company’s financial standing and track record?
More information
Becoming informed on the issue is the best thing you can do to protect your future. Talk to more than one agent as well as friends and family about your options. The patient advocates at Health CPA offer low cost health insurance planning and selection.
In addition
The California Department on Aging publishes a booklet on long-term care called “Taking Care of Tomorrow” that provides detailed information on long-term care issues.
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program sponsored by the Department of Aging provides free counseling on long-term care insurance.
