My City Wellness Summer 2022

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Sherron Barden ASSISTANT EDITOR Peter Hinterman STAFF WRITERS PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Vince Lorraine

Summer 2022

5152 COMMERCE RD. FLINT, MI 48507 810.230.1783 MYCITYMAG.COM ISSN#1559-3436 is published monthly by My City Magazine, Inc., 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Canadian Mail Agreement #41971515. For back issues, inquire for availability. Editorial Correspondence: Address product information and inquiries to: Editorial Department, My City Magazine, 5152 Commerce Rd., Flint, MI 48507, phone 810.230.1783. To au thors, photographers, and people featured in this publication: All materials, articles, reports and photographs in this publication are the property of My City Magazine and cannot be used without written permission. Že opinions and conclusions recited herein are those of the respective authors and not of My City Magazine. My City Magazine is not responsible for returning unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or other materials. Every e‘ort will be made however, to return rejected manuscripts, etc., if they are accompanied by su“cient ”rst-class postage, but the publisher will not be responsible for any loss of such material. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Hailey Worrell WEB DEVELOPER GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Boedecker SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Terese Allen Cheryl Dennison Peter Hinterman CONTRIBUTING WRITER Stacy Sawyer, Dir. Communications & Marketing Hamilton Community Health Network OPERATIONS ACCOUNTING CIRCULATION & CONTROLLER Kim Davis ART & DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CONTENTS

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Local Connection 4 Serenity House: Healing Together 26 Community Healthcare News Features 6 It’s Never Too Late to Drop a Bad Habit 12 How to Safely Dispose of Medications 16 Be Aware! Summer Health Observances

32 Advancements in Medicine Cholera and John Snow

†e Beginnings of Epidemiology

Lifestyle 14 Stay Socially Active for Mental Fitness 22 5 Bene ts of Eating the Whole Egg 24 Flip- ops: As great as they are cute?

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Healing Together ... Serenity House Communities

BY CHERYL DENNISON

It’s a place of serenity and healing the natu ral way. e Serenity House Communities (SHC), for merly known as Serenity House of Flint, is a nonpro t Recovery Community Organization (RCO) that provides substance use and co-occurring disorder prevention. Founded in 2015 by Tara Mare no-Wallen, the mission of SHC is to advocate for people in recovery and provide holistic options for those recovering from substance abuse disorder, codependency and trauma. “I saw a need in our community for what we do,” Mareno-Wallen shares.

others experience success with it, as well. ere are 120 RCOs in the United States and Michigan has 13 of them. “We are the face and the voice of recovery,” she adds. SHC addresses substance abuse, codependency and trauma of any kind. Recently added to the services o ered there is Holistic Recovery Coaching. A recovery coach is a person with personal recovery experience who supports participants in their recovery e orts. e recovery coach directs people to the right resources, helps them navigate the systems that are in place, and o ers accountability, support and guidance.

e organization’s Executive Director, Mareno-Wallen worked for many years as a news and feature reporter and has been on a healing path for 15 years. She earned a Master’s Degree in Composition and Rhetoric from the University of Michigan and received training in recovery coaching in 2016 through Gene see Health System. Mareno-Wallen shared that she had tried a 12-step pro gram in dealing with her own recovery, but nothing really worked for her. She was healed with the use of holistic medi cine and founded SHC to help

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Meditation is one of several methods of holistic healing practiced at SHC.

Another service o ered at SHC is Recovery Reike®. “ is is my favorite!” Mareno-Wallen exclaims. Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique that uses light touch to guide the body’s energy ow and promote healing in the body, mind and spirit. Recovery Reiki is a program developed by Moreno-Wallen that speci cally targets the pain-body connection that keeps a person in negative cyclical patterns as they relate to addiction, codependency and trauma. “ is class will help you break free of those patterns so you can live a life of peace, love, bliss,” she states. SHC also o ers Auricular Acupuncture (Acudetox) and aro matherapy support groups. “Au ricular Acupuncture helps with cravings, anxiety and insomnia,” Mareno-Wallen shares. “Our data show an average of 80 percent reduction of symptoms in the people we serve.” Other services include Emotional Freedom Tech nique (tapping) and Community Drum Circles. Drumming is used as a healing meditative practice. Holistic healing groups meet three times a week at SHC from 6-7:30pm, and the format is similar to a meeting in a 12-step recovery program, the executive director explains. “It is a safe place for participants to freely express what they are going through.” A practitioner leads the meeting, performs Reike, a guided medi tation and closes the group with prayer. “Anyone can come to a

“We are providing a solution and I encourage people to come and try it. Holistic medicine works and it works well.” Tara Mareno-Wallen

group meeting,” she notes. “Every one is going through some kind of trauma. People share what trauma they are experiencing.” SHC is also host to many community events. “Recovery awareness and recovery support services are extremely important to encourage healing from addic tion,” she says. Community events include an annual walk and rally, arts andmusic show, “Trunk or Treat” on Halloween, an annual Christmas party andmost recently, Sober Social Night hosted at Cafe Rhema. e Halloween event was very popular last year with nearly 400 people attending. e Serenity House sta includes two recovery coaches, a

program coordinator and inde pendent contractors. Individual sessions are available by appoint ment only. SHC is located on Robert T. Longway in the Metro Community Development Plaza and open on Tuesday-Friday from 10:30am-7:30pm. Mareno-Wallen says there was a de nite need for this type of service in the Flint community, which has su ered a lot. “Flint is an amazing community that has been riddled with trauma. I love what I do. It is my passion and I can’t see myself doing anything else. We are providing a solution and I encourage people to come and try it. Holistic medicine works and it works well.” ®

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K icking a bad habit takes the utmost time, patience and self-control. It is a long and tiring process that can be made more challenging by arduous physical and mental complications; however, the bene- ts realized later will always make the e ort worth it – especially for those who have struggled with the habit for a long time. For some, the longevity of their habit causes resistance to change. ey feel that since they have, for example, smoked for 30 years that quitting at this point wouldn’t make a di erence; that ceasing their bad habit wouldn’t impact their health or longevity. ey are wrong. e bene ts of quitting any unhealthy habit can be seen within a few months or sooner. A er quitting smoking, using alcohol or having a sedentary lifestyle, a person will feel healthier, increase their lifes pan and enjoy a better quality of life in their later years. ey have a greater chance of seeing their grandkids graduate or get married, being more mobile and potentially avoiding the need for nursing care, as well as having more clarity of mind and enjoying more happy times on this earth. It is never too late to drop a bad habit!

It’s Never Too Late to Drop a Bad Habit BY PETER HINTERMAN

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The Benefits of Becoming a Non-Smoker

is is the big one – especially for the older generation that may have smoked for over three decades. Quitting smok ing can add years to your life and save thousands of dollars in potential health care costs. Bene ts can be realized a er as little as one day! You owe it to yourself to be as healthy as possible to truly enjoy your later years. You have earned them; be at your best when you get there.

bi-products of the habit. is results in more oxygen in your blood supply. A er going one full day without smok ing a cigarette, your risk of heart attack decreases. Activities and exercise begin to get easier. Around the three-day mark is when the biggest symptoms of nicotine withdrawal set in. is is usually the most intense period for any smoker, as nicotine is o cially depleted from your system. A person may experience moodiness, irritability, severe headaches and very intense cravings. Be resilient! Exercise your willpower and do not let cravings beat you! If you can last a week or two, the biggest withdrawal symptoms will subside. You will really appreciate what comes next. After a month, your lung func tion will improve immensely. Your cough will fade and you will experi ence fewer episodes of shortness-of breath. Internally, your circulation will improve bringing much more energy and recuperative ability. Af ter nine months, the damaged cilia in your lungs will be nearly com pletely healed and breathing nearly back to pre-smoking levels. One

year as a non-smoker cuts your risk for coronary disease in half. As you continue avoiding cigarettes, bene ts will continue to surface. A er ve years, blood vessels will begin to widen to pre-smoking size, reducing the chance of stroke. A er ten years, your risk of lung cancer is cut in half and a er 15, all risks of disease will be equal to those for non-smokers of the same age. If you can make it 20 years, it will be as if you never picked up this bad habit. Quitting smoking is one of the very hardest things to do in life! It’s a chal lenge and challenges should be met head on. Make the e ort and in as little as one year, you can feel like a whole new you. Don’t let your age stop you. Don’t let the habit beat you. If you quit at age 80, by 81 you will be healthier and have a much better outlook on the future. 

As soon as you make the decision and set your resolve to quit, the bene- ts hit you fast. A er just one hour, your heart rate and blood pressure will begin dropping to normal levels. A er 12 hours, your body cleanses itself of excess carbon monoxide – one of the most harmful

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The Benefits of Becoming a Non-Drinker

For those who drink heavily, sobriety is another signi cant

anyone can drop the habit. (For those who are dependent upon alcohol for daily functioning, withdrawal symptoms can be extremely intense – in rare instances, life-threatening – and should be addressed under medical supervision.) After dropping this bad habit, withdrawal may begin as early as two hours following the last drink. Early effects include restlessness, sweating, anxiety, retching and hand tremors. Symptoms will increase in intensity with the hardest cravings setting in for most people around the 72-hour mark. After 3-4 days, withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside and the body begins to heal. (Some people with extreme addiction may face dangerous withdrawal symptoms for a period of one week.) A single week of sobriety will bring better sleep. In two weeks, nearly all withdrawal symptoms should disappear and the liver will begin to recover. For those who remain active, weight loss will begin. A er a month, blood pressure will decrease to normal levels and the skin

will begin to look better, more exible with a healthier tone. A er 90 days, you will experience better energy, clarity of mind and a more con dent outlook. A er only one year of sobriety, you will feel as though you never had a drink. Any sexual functionality problems will disappear and your risk of various cancers will decrease to pre-drinking levels. Like quitting smoking, the craving will remain but saying “No, thank you” will be a much easier thing to do. No one has ever quit drinking at any point in their life and regretted doing it. Not one person. The benefits of dropping any unhealthy habit can be seenwithin a fewmonths or sooner, sometimes immediately. 

challenge. (Keep in mind, you don’t have to be an alcoholic to appreciate the bene ts of quitting or signi cantly cutting back on the amount you consume.) is bad habit is another that is hard to kick even for those who don’t yet rely on alcohol to function on a daily basis, largely due to social cues. Drinking is encouraged in today’s world, bolstered by marketing and the belief that having “a cold one” is the best way to enjoy leisure time and activities. Well, the longterm downsides of alcohol consumption far outstrip the short-term e ects. As with any substance, it’s best to nd a safe limit or quit altogether. Everyone will experience withdrawal symptoms, but with determination and support,

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My Wellness

The Benefits of Movement

Of all the bad habits, this one a ects (or has a ected) most of us at one point in our lives. A sedentary lifestyle is just too easy to slip into in today’s society. We work all day in an o ce, factory, store, etc. and then come home to sit on the couch, eat dinner and then munch on snacks until it’s time for bed; and then, we get up the next day and do it all over again. A sedentary lifestyle will cause a plethora of health problems down the line including heart disease, dementia, obesity, stroke, diabetes and others. For those of advanced years who are still capable, the easiest way to increase your lifespan and happiness is to be more active. Get away from the television or computer and get moving! Join a workout group, take multiple daily walks, go shing, etc. Being on the-go keeps you going .

For those who have been inactive for some time, it is best to begin an exercise regimen slowly. e main goals are to 1.) get started and 2.) stick with it. e bene ts of exercise are immediate. A er just ten minutes of movement, your heart rate will increase, sending more blood to the brain and the rest of the body causing you to become more alert and your body more e cient. In the days a er your rst few exercise sessions, your muscles may feel sore. is is normal and as long as you are able, exercise can continue. In as little as a week of a regular exercise program or movement, you will start to experience physiological and mental changes. In fact, your body will even change at the cellular level. e supply of energy-producing mitochondria (the

physical changes in muscle tone and a decrease in weight (if a proper diet is maintained). As exercise and regular movement continues, improvements will happen in all areas of the body. Vitality will be restored and your overall outlook will improve. Being more active seems an easy thing to do, yet we continue to sacri ce a healthy future by sitting idle. All it takes is a little resolve and the drive to drop another bad habit. It’s never too late to gain control of our futures by kicking bad health habits. Age doesn’t matter, nor does habit longevity. What truly matters is making the most of the time le to us, and that means tackling the future in the healthiest possible way. ®

“powerhouse” of the cell) will increase, in turn increasing your body’s available energy. Feelings of depression will reduce and self-con dence will increase. Around a month into it, you may begin to see

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My Wellness

How to Safely Dispose of Old Medications and Other Household Drugs

D you know that in 2019, up to 200 pharmaceuticals were detected in the surface water, ground water and drinking water in the U.S., according to the Organization for Economic Co operation and Development? Conventional wastewater treatment plants are neither designed nor equipped to fully remove pharmaceuticals, which is how these substances end up in ground and surface water.

What can you do to dispose of medications properly and help prevent these potent chemicals frompolluting the environment?

While 61% of Americans are concerned about ushed painkillers polluting drinking water and public waterways, one in four admit to ushing le over prescriptions down the drain, and another 25% reported throwing unused medications in the trash, according to a study by Stericycle. If you are concerned about the environment, you can be part of the solution by taking advantage of new ways to safely dispose of unused medications.

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If you are concerned about the environment, you can be part of the solution by taking advantage of newways to safely dispose of unusedmedications.

don’t know how to dispose of them (nearly 15%). However, keeping unused medications in your home can be unsafe and increases risks for accidental ingestion or potential substance misuse. DO: Use one of these safe disposal methods for discarding unused medications in your home: * Use the Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, a safe medication disposal pouch that can be used at home. It is the safest, most e ective choice used to destroy and properly dispose of unused, unwanted and expired over-the-counter and prescription medications. It permanently deactivates drugs in many forms including pills, patches, liquids, lms and creams - with the simple addition of tap water. Easily available on Amazon, and in their online store, Deterra’s proprietary activated carbon renders drugs inert and harmless, and its plant-based packaging and non-toxic ingredients prevent harmful chemicals from entering land lls and water supplies. * Find a drug take-back program in your community. ese collection sites or drop boxes may be located at a nearby hospital, clinic pharmacy or

law enforcement agency. Sometimes you may also nd pop-up drug col lection events being held throughout the year. Be sure to ask what types of medications the program will accept, as some will not take liquids. DON’T: Flush medications down the toilet, put them down the drain or throw them in the trash. While some sources may advise flushing pills or mixing meds with coffee grounds or kitty litter to make them unappealing to potential poachers, these methods do not render active chemicals inert and allow harmful ingredients to make their way into the water and soil after being discarded. “It’s up to all of us – hospitals, clinics, families and individuals to ensure that we’re preventing medications from polluting our environment,” said Nancy Devine, chief operating o cer at Verde Environmental Technologies Inc. “ e good news is, it’s not hard to do the right thing to keep hazardous substances from harming the planet.” For more information about how to dispose of household medications and prescription drugs safely, visit DeterraSystem.com. ®

Here are practical do’s and don’ts to follow when discarding old medications or other household drugs: DO: Regularly clean out your medicine cabinet. Are there unused medications you no longer need? Expired over-the-counter medications or prescriptions? Make it a habit to regularly inventory your medications and remove expired, unwanted and unneeded ones for disposal. DON’T: Hold on to prescriptions you are no longer advised to take by your doctor. e Stericycle study found that Americans keep unused prescriptions either for future use (30%), because they fear their illness reoccurring (32%) or because they

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W hen you think about exercise, you likely think about the physical health bene ts of working out. Many people ex ercise regularly to lose or maintain weight, improve muscle tone and strength or increase exibility. For seniors, physical activity can help them stay mobile and, as a result, stay independent for longer. However, the bene ts of exercise go beyond the physical and can potentially enrich your social life and mental state. Staying social as you age Loneliness is a common prob lem for seniors and can have seri ous consequences on their overall well-being. According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a quarter of adults over 65 are socially isolated. Older adults are more likely to live alone and lose friends and family as they age. e CDC also reports that social isolation in adults 50 or older has been associated with higher risks of dementia, depression, anxiety and other health problems. While these facts may be grim, there are many ways to combat loneliness, including group exercise. Health psy chologist Kelly McGonigal in her book e Joy of Movement , explains that endorphins (the feel-good hormone) released during exercise also help us

STAYING SOCIALLY ACTIVE May

Enrich Mental Fitness

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a quarter of adults over 65 are socially isolated.

bond with others. If you’ve ever played team sports or regularly attended yoga or other group fitness classes, you’ve probably felt a camaraderie with those around you. Programs like SilverSneak ers by Tivity Health o er many types of group activities that make a di erence in the lives of seniors. e company’s 2021 Annual Member Survey re vealed that 88% of members said that the program improved their quality of life and 52% made new and valuable friend ships by participating. To further improve seniors’ social engagement, the program has partnered with Stitch, the world’s largest social commu nity helping older adults create enriching social connections. e platform is now available to SilverSneakers members in participating health plans and allows them to connect around shared interests, like traveling, books and physical activities, virtually and in person. Boost your brain health through exercise Movement and activity can also improve your mood and prevent mental health and mood disorders. e Silver

new recipe or understand the latest smart home technology, you have plenty of live inter active group class options to choose from. Improving your quality of life doesn’t have to be di cult, and you don’t have to do it on your own. “ is year, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re cel ebrating both our foundation in senior tness and our expansion to a healthy lifestyle program that o ers members a range of virtual and in-person op portunities to stay healthy and connected,” said Tivity Health President & CEO Richard Ash worth. “We know that health is more than physical, and we are proud to provide seniors with the tools to stay healthy both in person and at home.” To nd out if you’re one of the 18 million seniors nation wide eligible for SilverSneakers, visit www.silversneakers.com. To learn more about SilverS neakers and other programs available to members, visit Tools.SilverSneakers.com. ®

Sneakers Annual member survey found that depression among participants is 64% less prevalent than the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Ser vices national benchmark. Also, according to the CDC, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia, and improves your ability to think, learn and problem solve. is way, exercise works as a form of mental enrichment, an essential component of senior health. Mental enrichment comes in many di erent forms, such as doing crossword puzzles or sudoku or learning a new hobby or activity. You can work out your muscles and your brain by taking up a new exercise class, such as trying Tai Chi, water aerobics or a dance class. e virtual learning plat form o ers mental enrichment activities speci cally designed for seniors with a wide range of online classes through a video platform optimized for ease of use, user engagement and social connection. Whether you want to learn how to meditate, try a

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National Health Observances for Summer BY PETER HINTERMAN National Health Observances are special days, weeks or months dedicated to raising awareness of speci c health ailments and topics. is issue of Wellness highlights many health observances that are promoted during the summer months to help increase your awareness and

1 Arthritis America’s leading cause of disability, arthritis a icts nearly 25% of the U.S. population. It is character ized by in ammation of the joints, causing pain and sti ness. ere are several types of arthritis but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage – the hard, slippery surface at the ends of bones. is can cause pain, tenderness, loss of motion and sti ness especially when the cartilage is worn away to the point that bone begins grinding on bone. Rheumatoid arthritis results when the body’s immune system, through miscommunication, begins to attack the joints. Other common types of arthritis are gout, septic, psoriatic, reactive, and ankylosing spondylitis. Cause ere is a variety of causes: genet ics, infection, obesity, normal wear & tear, or physical injury can increase July

understanding of health conditions of which you may not be aware. e information includes their causes, what the symptoms are and what treatments are available. Knowledge is power and knowing more about the ailments that people may be dealing with every day leads to a better understand ing of their chal lenges, helping to build a greater sense of compassion and empathy.

the instance of the disease. Osteo arthritis is most commonly caused by excessive joint wear & tear and/ or physical injury to the cartilage. As previously stated, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the lining, and eventually, the cartilage and bone of the joint. Symptoms All arthritic symptoms are ex perienced in the joints and include pain, redness, sti ness, swelling and decreased range of motion. Treatment Effective treatment involves a combination of therapy and med ications. Therapy can increase range of motion and restore lost joint flexibility. Medications such as anti-inflammatories are used to relieve pain. Other medica tions such as steroids can slow the development of acute arthritis. In extreme cases, surgery can be performed to repair, replace or fuse the affected joint.

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when its cells break away and metastasize to other parts of the body. It is still unclear what exactly causes the mutation, but there are known risk factors. Factors that increase the risk of developing sar coma include genetics and inherit ed syndromes, exposure to viruses (such as herpesvirus 8), exposure to chemicals (herbicides), chronic swelling of the lymphatic system, and exposure to radiation. Symptoms e primary symptoms are an ab normal lump that can be felt through the skin with or without pain, an un expected broken bone due to a minor injury, constant abdominal pain and sudden weight loss. Treatment ere are multiple treatments, initially depending upon where the sarcoma is located in the body. e most common is surgery to remove the tumor or cancer cells. In extreme cases, amputation becomes neces sary. If surgery cannot remove all of the cancer cells, other treatment methods are needed. Radiation and chemotherapy to kill the cells are the next most common treatments; others include targeted therapy, in which medications are used to attack weaknesses in cancer cells; immunotherapy drugs to force the immune system to ght back against the sarcoma; and ablation therapy that destroys cancer cells with use of extreme heat, cold, or high-frequen cy sound waves.

3 Gastroparesis is disorder a ects the normal spontaneous movement of the muscles in the stomach interrupting the rhythm in which food is moved through the diges tive tract. O en, motility of food through the stomach and tract is slowed signi - cantly or does not move at all, preventing the stomach from emptying properly which can cause a whole range of negative symptoms and future problems. Gast roparesis currently has no cure. Cause e movement of food through the stomach and digestive tract is controlled by the vagus nerve (parasympathetic nervous system). When the vagus nerve becomes damaged, gastroparesis can occur. e most common cause of vagus nerve damage is consistent high blood glucose as a result of unchecked diabetes. Less common causes are stomach surgery, viral infections, nervous system diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, and muscle disorders such as scleroderma. August 

2 Sarcoma is all-inclusive term refers to a large group of cancers that originate in the bones and connective tissues. Connective tissues include muscle, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, fat and lining of the joints. ere are more than 70 distinctive sarcomas categorized by location. Exam ples include angiosarcoma (blood vessels), chondrosarcoma (bones), liposarcoma (fat cells), rhabdomyo sarcoma (so tissue/organs) and synovial sarcoma (joints). Cause Cancer forms when mutations happen in cellular DNA that in struct the cell to grow and divide uncontrollably. Cancer cells tend to continue living when normal cells would die. e resulting ac cumulation of abnormal cells can form a tumor. e cancer “spreads”

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Symptoms Gastroparesis can be di cult to diagnose as its symptoms correspond with those of other well-known gastro-intestinal diseases. Signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating, lack of appetite, weight loss, acid re ux and a feeling of fullness a er eating very little food. Many people experience no symptoms at all. Risk factors include su ering from the potential causes of damage to the vagus nerve listed earlier. Women have a greater risk of developing gastroparesis than men.

4 Psoriasis

is common disease causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin most commonly around the knees, elbows and scalp. Ap

proximately, 7.5 million people (or 2% of the U.S. population) su er from psoriasis. e scaly patches can be quite painful and may interrupt a person’s daily or sleep habits and currently, there is no cure. is condition goes through cycles with are-ups that could last a few weeks or months. ere are several types of psoriasis including plaque (most common), nail, inverse and pustular (characterized by pus- lled blisters). Cause e cause is not solidi ed but it is believed that the condition develops due to a malfunction in the immune system that makes skin cells grow faster than usual. is rapid cell turnover creates the itchy, scaly patches that are the main trademark of the disease. Psoriasis can be dormant for years until it is triggered by an environmental factor such as skin infection, dry weather, certain medications and heavy alcohol consumption. Symptoms A patchy rash that varies wildly in color (purple, silver, pink or red) is the most de ning characteristic of this disease. Other symptoms include cracking and bleeding, burning and/or soreness. Treatment Psoriasis is incurable and the main goal of treatment is to stop skin cells from growing too quickly, remove scales and control itching. ere are several treatments available and o en patients can struggle to nd the right combination for their individual case. Topical oils and creams containing corticosteroids, vitamin D, retinoids and calcineurin inhibitors are com monly used to control symptoms. For those with severe cases, light thera py is recommended. In light therapy, the patient is exposed to controlled amounts of natural or arti cial UV light in order to limit the intensity of psoriasis during a large are-up. Usually, this treatment is combined with oral or injected medications such as steroids and biologics.

Treatment Since it cannot be cured, maintaining adequate nutrition is one of the main goals of treatment. O en a change in diet – eating smaller portions, more soups, liquids and low-fat foods, and taking a daily multivi tamin can limit the impact of the disease. Some medications can stimulate the stom ach muscles and reduce accompanying nau sea that may develop. When all else fails and symptoms are severe, surgery is an option. is involves inserting a temporary feeding tube directly into the small intestine. Some individuals may require an IV feeding tube that goes directly into a vein in the chest.

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5 Atrial Fibrillation and the incidence is on the rise. Characterized by an irregular and very rapid heart rhythm, it occurs when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Prolonged A- b can lead to blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Some people with A- b exhibit a related problem called atrial utter. A normal heartbeat is set by the sinus node located in the upper right chamber of the heart (right atrium). In regular rhythm, the sinus node sends a signal through the two upper chambers, through the pathway between the upper and lower chambers (AV node) and then to the lower chambers. e signal causes the heart to contract, sending blood throughout the body. In A- b, the signals sent to the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic and as a result the upper chambers shake or quiver. e AV node is then bombarded with an array of confusing signals causing a fast and irregular heartbeat. An A- b heart may register 100-175 beats per minute. ( e normal range is 60-100.) Cause e causes of A- b are numerous, thus adding to its prevalence. It can be caused by coronary artery disease, heart defects, heart attack, high blood pressure, lung disease, heart surgery, sinus node dysfunction, sleep apnea, use of stimulants (ca eine, tobacco, etc.), viral infections, thyroid diseases and physical stress. e most common cause of A- b are problems with heart structure. Risk factors leading to A- b include obesity, overuse of alcohol, age, high blood pressure and family history. Symptoms Common signs and symptoms of A- b are pounding heartbeat, diz ziness, fatigue, chest pain, reduced ability to exercise, shortness of breath and weakness, while some cases are asymptomatic. A- b may be occa sional, persistent or permanent, depending upon cause. Treatment E ective treatment depends upon the cause of the condition. e goal is to control the heart rate, reset the rhythm and prevent blood clots. Med ications can slow the heart rate (beta blockers), maintain a normal rhythm (anti-arrhythmics), while blood thinners can reduce the risk of stroke. At the rst sign of A- b, doctors may look to immediately reset the heartbeat by sending electrical shocks to the heart using paddles or electrodes in a procedure called cardioversion therapy. If all else fails, a doctor may rec ommend surgery known as cardiac ablation, which utilizes heat or cold to create scars in the heart to block chaotic signals. is is typically achieved through the use of a catheter or surgical knife.  Atrial Fibrillation (A- b) is a serious heart condition that a ects more than ve million people in the U.S.

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6 Sickle Cell Anemia shape of red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round and exible and can move easily around the body, but in those with sickle cell disease, some blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. ese cells can become rigid and sticky, which can block blood ow and inhibit their ability to carry oxygen. e cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells. ere is one known cure for the disease. Cause is is an inherited disease passed down from parents who are carriers of the trait. It is caused by a gene mutation that tells the body to make hemoglobin – the iron-rich compound in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is what enables blood cells to carry ox ygen through the body. e altered hemoglobin associated with sickle cell disease causes the blood cells to be malformed. Symptoms Symptoms vary from person to person and usually begin around six months of age. e primary symptoms are anemia (caused by a shortage of operational red blood cells), episodes Part of a broader group of inherited sickle cell disorders, sickle cell anemia a ects the physical

of extreme pain, frequent infections, delayed growth, swelling of extremities and vision problems. e risk of the disease is much greater for individuals of African, Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern descent. If untreated, sickle cell disease can lead to stroke, pulmonary hypertension, gallstones, leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, organ damage, blindness and priapism. Treatment Sickle cell disease can only be cured in one instance; for many a icted, it has to be controlled. Treatment is aimed at avoiding pain episodes and preventing the devastating complications. Medications are numerous and many are used in combination to treat di erent aspects of the disease. For example, some drugs can reduce anemia, while others are used to control pain. Penicillin may need to be taken through out life to reduce the chance of a devastating infection. In adults, frequent blood transfusions must be undergone to reduce the chance of complications. A stem cell transplant is the only known cure for sickle cell anemia but the procedure is very risky and can result in death. For this reason, a stem cell transplant is only recommended for those with signi cant symptoms and complications, usually children.

Knowing what’s out there, potentially in the future, can help a person exchange current habits for new, more healthy ones and plan for a future of wellness. ®

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MORE SUMMER HEALTH OBSERVANCES

July

September

August

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• Cle & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention • Cord Blood Awareness • Group B Strep Awareness • Healthy Vision Awareness

• Breastfeeding Month • Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness • Immunization Awareness • Lung Cancer Awareness • Overdose Awareness

• Blood Cancer Awareness • ITP Awareness (Platelet Disorder) • Pediculosis Awareness • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness • Sepsis Awareness

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My Wellness

E B C INGREDIENTS • 1 dozen large Eggland’s Best eggs, beaten • 2 cups fresh spinach • 1 medium red onion, sliced • 3 large white mushrooms, sliced

• 1 clove garlic, minced • Salt and pepper to taste TO MAKE • Sauté spinach, onion,

mushrooms and garlic until spinach is wilted and onion is translucent. In a greased 8 x 8 pan, combine that mixture with the beaten eggs and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until rm. Can be served with salsa for extra color and a healthy kick!

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Health Benefits of Eating the Whole Egg 5

raising their cholesterol, eating the whole egg actually has bene ts for your heart health. Speci cally, Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which can be added into any meal to promote a heart-healthy diet. In fact, Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Vitamin B12 and Omega-3s, ten times more Vitamin E and 38% more lutein compared to Having healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use or the amount of sleep you get. To achieve skin that glows from within, you must be mindful of the foods you’re putting into your body. Vitamin E, which is found in eggs, is known to help nourish and protect the skin against aging, in ammation and sun damage. To take advantage of all the positive health effects of whole eggs, try this delicious, nutritious and hearty brunch casserole recipe. Perfect for any meal, this eye-catching entrée for four is a wonderful option for vegetarian diets, is made with affordable ingredients and is easy to create in just 45 minutes. ® ordinary eggs. 5 P

M any of us enjoy adding eggs to our daily diets, appreciating the fact that they’re nutritious, satisfying and delicious in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. Still, some people may be missing out on the full nutritional value from their eggs by leaving the yolks out of their recipes and eating just the whites. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares ve health bene ts of eating the entire egg, including the nutrient-rich yolk. 1 S Studies show that egg yolks allow your body to absorb lutein, which is essential in protecting against age-related eye diseases and promoting overall eye health. By adding the whole egg into your diet and making sure your body gets a healthy amount of lutein, you can lower your risk of not only age-related eye diseases but also heart disease and cancer.

2 B Vitamin D is a vital component in ghting o harmful bacteria we may encounter on a day-to-day basis. Making simple swaps in your diet to incorporate foods like eggs with high amounts of Vitamin D will ensure you prioritize overall wellness and build a strong immune system. 3 P When life gets busy and you’re constantly on the go, it is important to eat wholesome, nutritious foods that will provide a natural boost to keep you energized throughout the day. e whole egg contains Vitamin B12 to help maintain energy, which is necessary when you are incorporating exercise into your health routine as well. 4 S   While some people steer clear of egg yolks in fear of

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Flip-flops As great as they are cute?

BY STACY SAWYER, DIR. COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING HAMILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK

MAST3R / STOCK.ADOBE.COM

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Is the go-to summer shoe good for your feet? Well, that depends …

It’s a summer staple – the ip op. Who can resist stepping into a pair of the ultra convenient, every-color-in-the rainbow, light and airy footwear in the heat of summer? You can nd them to t just about any budget, any style and what better way to show o a pedicure? But is the go-to summer shoe good for your feet? Well, that depends … Some ip- op styles are just like walking barefoot, while others o er substantial support. is year, you’re seeing the “pu y” type (or “slides” as the kids like to call them now.) at extra cushioning provides more protection for the foot, but not necessarily more support. One feature all ip- ops have in common is the open back – a footwear feature that o en makes walking more di cult. e lack of a back portion of the shoe o ers less support around the ankle. For people who have atter feet or a smaller arch, ip- ops can lead to pain in their legs, feet or ankles because the shoes do not provide needed support. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), there are some tips to follow to avoid any flip-flop fiascos: • Choose styles made of so , high-quality leather to avoid blisters and irritation.

• Cushioning: Look for lightweight EVA and

• Gently bend the ip- op end-to-end to make sure it bends at the ball of the foot but does not fold in half. • Make sure your foot doesn’t hang o the edge of the ip- op. • If you’ll be walking in a public place, wear a sturdy style that o ers some protection. • You can get away with a basic pair at the beach, hotel rooms and locker rooms to avoid plantar warts and athlete’s foot. • e toe thong should be comfortable – no rubbing that will create blisters. • Don’t wear ip- ops when walking long distances, doing yard work, or playing sports. • When you see signs of wear, treat yourself to a new pair! Consider buying flip-flops with these features: • Anatomical footbed: Find a ip- op style with a built-in, contoured footbed that can li your arch and o er metatarsal support. Also, nd deep heel cups to cradle the foot.

proprietary foam materials that can offer cushioning to help absorb impact. Plus, the foam is antibacterial and anti-odor. • Thick sole: Pick a low, platform style to put extra shock absorption and protection between the foot and hard surfaces. • Finally, look for flip-flops that hold the APMA Seal of Acceptance. These products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality foot health. issues, the Hamilton staff includes a full-time board certified podiatrist, Christine Jarocki, DPM. Dr. Jarocki practices at Hamilton’s North Pointe and Burton clinics. She has additional board certification in wound care and performs consults and surgery at Hurley Medical Center. ® If you are having any foot

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My Wellness

Wellness News Karmanos, McLaren Flint Adds Another Fellowship-Trained Gynecologic Oncologist to Better Serve Women in Genesee County and Beyond

FLINT – e Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint welcomes fellowship-trained and board-certi ed gynecologic oncologist Benjamin Mize, MD to the cancer care team. Dr. Mize joins John J. Wallbillich, MD in Flint to provide advanced care to women who are diagnosed with cancers within or near the female reproductive system. “I am thrilled to be joining the team in Flint to further pro vide exceptional cancer care to women in Genesee County,” Dr. Mize said. “I will work closely with my colleague, Dr. Wallbil lich, along with the multidisci plinary team in Detroit and the medical, surgical, and radiation oncology teams right here in Flint to provide comprehensive cancer care and treatment plans for our patients’ success.” Dr. Mize has training in obstetrics and gynecologic oncology, with specializations in surgical oncology and medical management of gynecologic cancers where indicated. ose diseases include cancers of the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, primary peritoneum, uterus

(endometrium), vagina and vulva, as well as gestational tro phoblastic disease. Dr. Mize also specializes in removal of these cancers via minimally invasive techniques, including robot ic-assisted surgery. Dr. Mize has an extensive educational background in gynecologic oncology and obstetrics and gynecology. He completed gynecologic oncolo gy fellowship training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and trained in residency at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Dr. Mize obtained his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston where he gained an interest in surgery, speci cally gyneco logic oncology. With a Bach elor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX Dr. Mize speaks the language uently to provide exceptional care and communication to Spanish-speaking patients. Prior to joining Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, Dr. Mize treated patients

Benjamin Mize, MD

at West Michigan Cancer Center in Kalamazoo, where he pro vided education for medical students and residents. “Dr. Mize is an excellent addition to the comprehensive cancer care team in Flint as we continue our dedication to pro viding the most advanced treat ments in Genesee County,” said Chris Boyce, Central Regional Director of Cancer Services for the Karmanos Cancer Network. “We are excited for him and his family to join our community. Dr. Mize’s addition will help in creating more patient success stories and will help ll a void in the increasing need for on cology services in the area.” Along with treating pa tients in Flint, Dr. Mize will be involved with Karmanos’ Gynecologic Oncology Mul tidisciplinary Team, led by Robert Morris, MD at Kar manos in Detroit. This team

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also consists of radiation and medical oncologists, as well as specialized nurses, patholo gists, radiologists, and addi tional specialties involved in the care of a cancer patient. Cancer care is a comprehen sive team approach – Dr. Mize will work closely with the medical and radiation on cologists at McLaren Flint to

determine the best treatment options for each patient. ose recently diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and seeking the best treatment option may call the Oncology Nurse Navigator at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint to schedule a consultation: 810.342.5899. Find more info at karmanos.org/ intgynonc. ®

in driving quality outcomes, maintaining a safe care envi ronment and creating a positive and collaborative patient-fo cused atmosphere. “McLaren Flint is excited to add a healthcare professional of Ruth’s integrity and dedication to patient care to our team,” said Chris Candela, McLaren Flint President and CEO. “Her passion for nursing and fostering an envi ronment that focuses on excel lence in quality patient care and exceptional patient satisfaction is evident to all who interact with her. She is an advocate for the nursing profession and support ing sta at a time when nursing is more critical than ever.” Kechnie brings a broad range of experience to the executive nursing position, having man aged patient care services in units specializing in oncology, ortho pedics, surgery, observation, wound care, dialysis and surgical recovery, among others over more than a two-decade-long healthcare career. She obtained a Master of Science in Administration with a focus in Healthcare Adminis tration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor. ®

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. Karmanos is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as one of the best cancer centers in the nation. An academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education – defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more infor mation, call 1-800-KARMANOS 800.527.6266 or visit karmanos.org. Ruth Kechnie Named Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at McLaren Flint

than 25 years of experience to her new role, beginning first as a clinical nurse before earn ing leadership positions with increasing responsibility. “McLaren Flint is a recognized leader in the community, one providing exceptional healthcare with quality outcomes,” Kechnie said. “It is an honor to join a team that has this level of commitment to our patients. I look forward to working with hospital and nurs ing leadership and the dedicated caregivers serving at the bedside.” Kechnie will provide admin istrative leadership and support to McLaren Flint nursing sta

Ruth Kechnie, MSA, BSN, NE-BC

FLINT – McLaren Flint has named Ruth Kechnie, MSA, BSN, NE-BC, as its Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. Kechnie brings more

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