March 2015 Health & Fitness

Health&Fitness

FREEMARCH 2015

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

The “A” Word....................................4Know the facts about atherosclerosis

Keeping his promise.........................2A cherished memory comes to life thanks to Tidewell doctor

Summer Days Spa.............................7Reaching your full health potential

Senior Friendship Center...................6A home away from home for seniors

Thursday, March 5, 2015

SUN NEWSPAPERSMember of the Audit Bureau of circulationDeSoto General Manager ................................Joe Gallimore ................................863-494-2434

Arcadian Editor / Art Director ........................Susan E. Hoff man ........................863-494-0300

Assistant Editor....................................................Steve Bauer ....................................863-494-0300

Offi ce Manager / Advertising .........................Tami Jewell ....................................863-494-2434

Graphic Artist / Customer Service ................Jackie Bierman .............................863-494-2434

Graphic Artist / Page Designer ......................Kyle Gallimore...............................863-494-0300

DeSOTO CIRCULATIONCustomer Service863-494-2434Fax: [email protected]@sun-herald.com

DEADLINESEditorial: Monday Noon

Classifi ed & Legal Ads: Wednesday 11 a.m.Display Ads: Monday 11 a.m.

Joe Gallimore - [email protected] Hoff man - shoff [email protected]

Steve Bauer - [email protected] Jewell - [email protected]

Jackie Bierman - [email protected] Gallimore - [email protected]

CLASSIFIED & LEGALADVERTISING863-494-2434Fax: [email protected]

A promise fulfi lledDorothy Hunt clearly remem-

bers the day she and her father, Jack Davis, fi rst met Tidewell physician Dr. Calvin Martin. Th e decision to call hospice hadn’t been an easy one, but it became a necessary one for the daughter who relocated from New England to Arcadia in order to care for her ailing 89-year-old father.

Th at fi rst encounter with Martin, Tidewell’s Southern gentleman doctor, assured Dorothy that she made the right choice.

“Even though he had Alzheimer’s, my Dad looks at Dr. Martin — he’s not a young man, you know — and says, ‘So when are you gonna retire, when they start throwing the dirt over you?’” Dorothy remembered, fi ghting back a chuckle. “Right then, they became the best of friends.”

With his wry smile and quick wit, Martin was more than a match for the wise-cracking Davis. Over the next year, the two traded jokes, barbs and stories as Martin made regular visits to the home Jack and Dorothy shared. When Jack’s

Submitted by:David Glaser, Tidewell Hospicedirector oF coMMUnicAtions

We are dedicated to helping older adults with We are dedicated to helping older adults with depression, anxiety and other life difficulties. depression, anxiety and other life difficulties.

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Measles & the MMR Shot FloridaHealth.gov • Florida Department of Health

Measles is a respiratory disease Measles affects the lungs and breathing tubes. It causes fever, cough and rash. measles is very contagious, and can be deadly. Measles remains common outside of the U.S. - it is only a plane ride away.

Measles can be serious Measles can be serious, especially for babies and young children. From 2001-2013, 28% of children younger than 5 years old who had measles had to be treated in the hospital. For some children, measles can lead to: • Pneumonia, a serious lung infection • Lifelong brain damage • Deafness • Death

Measles is very contagious • Measles spreads when an infected person breathes

coughs or sneezes. • You can catch measles just by being in a room

where an infected person has been - even up to 2 hours after that person has left.

• A person with rash or cough illness should wear a mask when

seeking health care. • Almost everyone who has not had

the MMR shot will get measles if they are exposed.

The MMR shot is the best way to protect against measles

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot:

• Protects your child from measles, mumps and rubella.

• Keeps your child from missing school and keeps you from missing work to care for your sick child.

• Helps keep your community and neighbors safe from measles.

The MMR shot is safe The MMR shot is effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella. Shots like any medicine, may have side effects. Side effects of the MMR shot are usually mild, such as fever or a minor rash. The MMR shot is almost 100% effective at preventing measles. Adults may also need an MMR shot. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about the MMR shot or measles.

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condition deteriorated throughout 2014, Dorothy was presented with another decision and she eventually — and hesitantly — handed her father’s care over to the staff of the Arcadia Hospice House.

But there was still some unfi n-ished business at home.

Jack Davis had spent his entire working life in construction and also served as a Navy Seabee, the U.S. Navy’s mobile construction battalion. In order to keep Jack’s mind and hands active, Dorothy had purchased a sailboat model kit

for him. Before Jack could make much progress, however, his disease progressed.

“Dad was always busy. He’d sit for a time, but then he’d have to be doing something and he’d work a

little (on the model). But it eventu-ally got to the point where I knew he was never going to be able to fi nish it,” Dorothy said.

Instead of boxing up the kit and storing it or giving it away, Dorothy turned to Dr. Martin and asked if he would consider completing it for her father. Martin didn’t hesi-tate, even though he’d never built anything like the intricate model in his life. He went to Jack’s home, gathered up the scattered parts and

directions, and took them along.Over the next three months, the

sailboat slowly took shape in Mar-tin’s home. He made three trips to a Sarasota hobby shop in search of missing parts. For ones he couldn’t

replace, he fabricated on his own.

“I had never done it be-fore, but I read the directions and did the best I could. Some of the knots were so small I had to use my old hemostats to tie them. I’m just glad I remembered the old surgical knots,” Martin joked.

“Th ings like that are important to people and if you can make them feel better, why not do it? It was import-ant to Jack and Dorothy and I guess I’m a sentimentalist.”

Th e completed model, along with a plaque dedicated to Jack Davis and Dr. Martin that Dorothy created, is now proudly on display at the

Arcadia Hospice House. In a town located miles from the coast, known for its love of rodeo and its quaint, historic Main Street lined with an-tique shops, a sailboat has become a prized possession.

“He’s an awesome guy and I know he was determined to fi n-ish it. It meant a lot to me that he would do that. He couldn’t have been nicer to me or my Dad. He’s a caring, compassionate man,” Doro-thy said.


Healthy humorOne of our basic human needs

that we tend to overlook is our need for fun, play, laughter and using our sense of humor. Researchers have found that laughter and humor are very necessary and healthy for us in relieving stress, depression and burnout. It has been said, “Humor is to life what shock absorbers are to automobiles.” Humor and laughter help us get through those rough spots in life and helps to break up life into little manageable pieces.

Th e benefi ts of laughter include: Brightens your mood and improves

your sense of well-being; facilitates positive social interaction; reduces anxiety, tension, depression, anger and hostility; lowers stress levels; brings a sense of balance into life; exercises your heart and cardiovas-cular system; and reduces pain.

A true sense of humor is the ability

to laugh at yourself. John Powell said, “Blessed is he who has learned to laugh at himself, for he shall never cease to be entertained.” Give

yourself permis-sion to have

fun and don’t take your-

Submitted by:Jennifer Weiner, DMH

senior LiFe iMproVeMent proGrAM director

Th e Senior Life Improvement Programat DeSoto Memorial Hospital

Group therapy can be a scary prospect for many. However, the powerful nature of the group process greatly enhances recovery from depression and anxiety. Most participants who were initially quite fearful of being in a group

quickly learn that the group is there to help them and they can partici-pate at any level they feel comfort-able. Attributes that make group a rewarding and powerful experience include:

• You contribute at your own pace.

Family Practice1148 East Gibson St.863-494-6222

Chiropractic1110 East Gibson St.863-993-0100

OB/GYN1110 East Gibson St.863-494-1918

Optometry122 N. Brevard Ave.863-491-7585

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Healthcare For Your Entire Family

New Patients Welcome

Hablamos EspañolWe accept most major insurances.

• Everyone has similar problems — you are not alone.

• Group members support one another.

• Group therapies vary widely in purpose, topic and technique.

• Disclosure of personal informa-

tion is not necessary for benefi t from the group.

Th e Senior Life Improvement Program at DeSoto Memorial Hospital is dedicated to helping seniors and their families have purposeful, healthy and indepen-dent lives.

We specialize in providing excel-lent individualized comprehensive outpatient psychiatric care.

Call 863-993-7787 for information.

self so seriously. It’s been said that good mental health and survival in the face of adversity depends upon a sense of humor. But be careful because humor and laughter are contagious and you may infect those around you.

so, LAUGH For tHe HeALtH oF it!

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, anxiety or grief/loss, please call the Senior Life Improvement Program at 863-993-7787. Th e Senior Life Improve-ment Program is a service of DeSo-to Memorial Hospital.

All of these problems have one thing in common - they are secondary to

ATHEROSCLEROSIS,“THE A WORD.”

1). Angina pectoris [a warning sig-nal manifested by chest pressure, heaviness, tightness, fullness, arm, jaw, back, neck, dis comfort with exertion secondary to blocked heart arteries]

2). Heart (coronary artery) artery blockage

3). Heart attack (myocardial infarction)4). Coronary artery angioplasty or stent5). Coronary artery bypass surgery6). TIA (transient ischemic episode–

decreased blood supply the brain without permit damage) CVA (stroke with permanent brain damage)

7). Blocked neck (carotid) artery8). Removal of atherosclerotic blockage

from the neck artery [Carotid endarterectomy]9). Carotid artery stenting 10). AAA [Abdominal aortic an-

eurysm] enlargement of the ab-dominal aorta (main blood vessel running through the abdomen)

11). Surgical correction of AAA [Abdominal aortic aneurysm]12). Endovascular repair of AAA (covered stent to the AAA)

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Why you should know the “A word”Submitted by:

Gene Myers, MDdesoto MeMoriAL HospitAL

13). Blockage of a kidney artery (renal artery stenosis)

14). Renal artery stenting15). Leg pain in the calf and thigh or

buttock with exercise (claudica-tion)–leg pain secondary to blocked leg arteries or pelvic arteries

16). Bypass surgery for blockage in the leg arteries

17). Angioplasty stenting atherecto-my (removal of plaque) to the leg arteriesIt may be surprising to you that

you have a relatively common prob-lem and no one has told you that you actually have a DISEASE, and that this disease is called ATHERO-SCLEROSIS. Th e word is almost never used by healthcare providers, physicians or the news media. Even when advertising statin agents and other medical therapy for athero-sclerosis “THE A WORD” is virtual-ly never used.

Failure of we as physicians and patient teachers, has led to a com-mon misunderstanding that when you have been diagnosed with one or more of these blood vessel prob-lems or have undergone therapy for them, we did not spend time to educate you about the actual cause. Most patients believe that the problem was one that occurred with aging, might expect to occur

if other family members have it, and that procedures performed will “cure” the problem “. None of these can be any further from the truth. Matter of fact, none of the invasive or surgical procedures listed stop the problem or, cure the problem. Th ey just correct the most severe and threatened area of blockage.

SO WHAT IS ATHEROSCLE-ROSIS–WHAT CAUSES IT–IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO STOP THE DISEASE PROCESS FROM PROGRESSING??

First of all, let’s start with the FACT THAT ATHEROSCLEROSIS IS GENERALLY A PROGRESSIVE DISEASE PROCESS.

Referring to be PREVENTION HEART LABS posterior fi rst let’s learn about the normal human artery, shown in the uppermost ver-tical column.

Human arteries are similar to the old garden hoses, with multiple layers. One layer is rings of muscles that can relax or constrictive there-by aff ecting blood fl ow through the artery to the individual organ served by the artery. If the muscle is not being used, the artery will constrict to reduce blood supply to the muscle so as not to waste heart energy.

Another very important layer of the artery is the innermost layer called the ENDOTHELIUM–this may be considered the most import-ant of all the layers, even though it is only one cell thick... Th is layer contains certain enzymes that create “GOD given nitroglycerin (this is what regulates the degree of relax-ation or constriction of the artery) from a common amino acid called L- arginine (you may have heard of this as it is commonly sold in vita-min stores and used by weightlift ers to increase the size of muscles). Per-haps even more importantly, the en-dothelium acts as a barrier to many of the circulating blood chemicals. For instance your physicians may have referred to you having hyper (high) cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood stream. However, this is almost irrelevant because as long as it remains in the blood stream it does not aff ect one adversely.

THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THIS ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER BECOMES “POROUS” AND LETS NORMALLY OCCUR-RING BLOOD STREAM PROD-UCTS TO CROSS THE ENDO-THELIAL BARRIER INTO THE WALL OF THE ARTERY. Th is is the initiating factor in the develop-ment of atherosclerosis.

In other words, you could have very high total cholesterol, even a high level of bad cholesterol (LDL),

but it would not aff ect you adversely as long as it remains in the blood stream and does not cross the en-dothelial barrier into the wall of the artery.

Th ere are many factors that aff ect the endothelium and make it inappropriately porous–some of the more common ones include tobac-co usage, hypertension (high blood pressure), systemic infl ammatory illnesses.

Once this occurs, if you have certain FAMILY TRAITS where the cholesterol is very high or ENVIRONMENTAL FAC-TORS that create very high cholesterol then that factor will become more important once the barrier is broken down.

Once the endothelial barrier is able to be pene-trated then the bad choles-terol with a bad protein called APOB crosses into the wall of the artery then starts an infl am-matory process. IN OTHER WORDS ATHEROSCLEROSIS IS AN INFLAMMA-TORY DISEASE OF THE ARTERY.

Th e artery compensates by permitting the outer wall of the artery to enlarge trying to prevent narrowing of the lumen through which the blood fl ows (seen as stepped 2 in the vertical column on the diagram). If ACTIVE AG-GRESSIVE LIFELONG PERMA-NENT MEDICAL INTERVEN-TION is not carried out steps 3 and steps 4 occur, where the outer wall can no longer expand and compen-sate for the swelling infl ammatory process and the inner lumen be-comes compressed and narrowed.

Steps 2, 3, and 4 occur very slowly, many times taking 20-30 years. We know from Korean War veterans autopsies that the process usually starts in the late teens. As the steps occur very slowly it is possible in some instances for nat-ural bypasses to develop–collater-als–which could help prevent organ injury such as myocardial infarction (heart attack). Th is slowly occur-ring process is less likely to result in disastrous organ injury.

On the other hand, it is UN-EQUIVOCALLY POSSIBLE TO PREVENT PROGRESSION OF THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS (STEPS 2, 3, 4) AND CAUSE REGRES-SION OR SHRINKAGE OF THE


Why you should know the “A word”ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE. However, it requires lifelong, perma-nent aggressive medical therapy and lifestyle changes–in other words, your doctor can’t do this by herself/himself–it requires active lifelong patient participation permanently!

To accomplish this detailed blood evaluations, family history, and other important studies are required so that a precise PATIENT SPECIFIC medical program can be designed to accomplish the goal of “REGRESSION OF ATHEROSCLE-

ROSIS”. In other words one size does not fi t all.

Understanding the CONTENT OF THE

ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE in the infl am-matory process is very important in under-

standing the other

route that atheroscle-rotic plaque can take. Turning down to the vertical column of progression steps 3–4 is important to realize that the content of the plaque may have a CONSISTENCY OF ANYTHING FROM BEES WAX TO HONEY. When it gets to the thicker beeswax type it is not unusual for natural calcifi ed plaque–one of the healing process is applied to atherosclerotic plaque. If you are discovered to have calcifi cation of the heart arteries and by defi nition you have atherosclero-sis which is attempting to heal itself. THIS HARDER FIRMER CALCI-FIED PLAQUE APPEARS MUCH LESS DANGEROUS THAN THE LIQUID PLAQUE.

In the content of the atheroscle-rotic plaque is in more of a liquid honey phase, chances of it causing a disastrous event are much higher. Th is appears to be a “younger form” of the atherosclerotic plaque process.

Over the area where the ath-erosclerotic plaque is located, there becomes a thickened layer called an “ATHEROSCLEROTIC CAP”. IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRIVE TO

HAVE THIS AS “THICK” AS POS-SIBLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT RUPTURE OR EROSION OF THE PLAQUE.

If the liquid plaque is exposed to a crack/fi ssure or rupture then the honey-like liquid material in the plaque can exit the area from the arterial wall and become exposed to the blood stream. Th is is when sudden changes occur. Th is seems to occur more likely in a mildly narrowed plaque such as a 30-40% blockage that doesn’t severely nar-rowed vessel.

WHEN THIS LIQUID MA-TERIAL IS EXPOSED TO THE NORMALLY PRESENT CLOT-TING FACTORS PRESENT IN THE BLOOD STREAM A RAPID CLOT OCCURS. In other words, a 30% plaque, whose content is predomi-nantly honey-like liquid, can change from a 20%–30% narrowing to a sudden 100% blockage in a matter of 20 or 30 min. secondary to plaque rupture or erosion, exposure of it to the clotting factors and subsequent blood clot (thrombus) formation. Th is is the usual cause for sudden occurrence of angina (chest discom-fort) followed by myocardial infarc-tion (heart attack). Th is is displayed in steps 3–4 in the diagram.

From the sequence of events you probably already now have come to realize why aspirin is so eff ective in helping to prevent the latter events.

In addition, certain medica-tions will become very important in thickening the cap to prevent plaque rupture; these are referred to his statin agents.

Furthermore, you now can recognize why it is so important to understand blood clotting. If you are an individual who has genetic or environmental factors that PREDIS-POSE YOU TO A MUCH MORE RAPID CLOT FORMATION, OR HAVE THE INABILITY TO DIS-SOLVE CLOTS QUICKLY, you realize that if there is a plaque rup-ture the chance of having rapid total closure of the artery is increased.

By understanding the athero-sclerotic process, you now under-stand that lifelong aggressive med-ical therapy, specifi cally tailored to your specifi c situation is so import-ant in preventing progression. You also should realize now that it is possible to get regression.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT ATHEROSCLEROSIS, WHY IT DEVELOPS, HOW IT NORMALLY PROGRESSES, UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS NEEDED TO PRE-VENT PROGRESSION BECOMES THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL

TO THOSE PATIENTS WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS. Th is is the foundation necessary from the very beginning in order for the patient to justify the permanent lifelong eff ort required by them and their physi-cian to design a specifi c program to maximize the statistical possibility for causing regression of atheroscle-rosis.

From the dietary perspective, each individual may have diff erent needs. However from the athero-sclerosis perspective, it is important to point out that all the gains accom-plished over the past 30 years in the United States with marked reduction in cigarette smoking tobacco usage, has now been overwhelmed by new

problem of “sugar addiction”–with the average American increasing their sugar intake and 64 pounds per year now to 160 pounds per year!.

Finally, the GOOD NEWS: With this new knowledge database, and powerful medications already available (and those that are soon-to-be released), if all therapeutic measures are maximized and done so permanently THERE IS AN 82% CHANCE THAT ONE CAN EXPECT TO SEE ABSENCE OF PROGRESSION OR REGRESSION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC HEART PROCESS regardless of which artery it is in. We hope you will spread the word and stop the atherosclerotic process!


October. The center offers meaning-ful services for functioning seniors, activities like morning chair exer-cise, a Tuesday film and Thursday crafts. There are also workshops, support groups, AARP driving programs, a resource center, even a café with dietician planned meals. It is the only center in DeSoto County where seniors can turn for questions or help. Or to just feel at home.

Details on the Senior Friend-ship Center of DeSoto County are at (863) 494-5965, orfriendshipcenters.org.

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It’s a home away from homeWhich is nice, because the

Senior Friendship Center of DeSo-to County serves warm meals, offers games and companionship and low-impact exercise, crafts and movies, special events, even health screenings.

But it’s also a place to volunteer, neighbors helping neighbors: Meals on Wheels, for instance. Few words describe the sensation of a volun-teer pulling into the driveway of a homebound senior, a meal tucked into a box for safekeeping. Unfortu-nately the Meals volunteer is often the most frequent guest with home-bound seniors. But it’s the warm greeting and check on well-being

By CRAIG GARRETArcAdiAn correspondent

that helps many seniors through the week. And the program will gain in importance with some 12,000 Baby Boomers turning 60 each day.

Friendship Centers are, well, like home. Even if it’s just available Mon-day through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Most (DeSoto) seniors come through us,” Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County director Karen Blanchette said. “It’s very rewarding.

America’s older population, persons 65 years or older, num-

bered 39.6 million in 2009. They represented about 13 percent of the U.S. population, about one in every eight Americans. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons, more than twice their number in 2000. People 65+ represented 12.4

percent of the population in the year 2000 but are expected to grow to be 19 percent of the population by 2030.

So where do we turn? Of-ten it’s the town senior center. The Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County opened its new facility at 219 W. Oak in


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OUR FAMILY SERVICING YOUR FAMILY

DeSoto Health & Rehabilitation Center offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program specifically designed to meet the needs of all of our patients. We provide quality care in a home away from home. When we ope our doors, we set a precedent to assist you and give you peace of mind, making your stay a productive and satisfying one.

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You’re in good handsHelping others achieve their

full health potential is all Mara In-gram-Zamora has ever wanted. And now as a massage therapist at the Summer Days Spa in Arcadia, she is achieving her goal.

For those unaware (cer-tainly anxious over a new ex-perience), massage is a healing art covering a list of ailments, including stress, high blood pressure, lack of sleep, accident and health recovery, issues many of us assume we must live with due to age or other factors.

Forget that nonsense. Mas-sage with an expert offers one of the best healing techniques dating back centuries, even if it’s just working the knots from your neck or lower back.

Summer Days Spa also offers other treatments, pack-ages and personal care services. But it’s individual and couple massage therapy that generates awareness and new clients to the spa, Ingram-Zamora said.

By CRAIG GARRETArcAdiAn correspondent

And you’re in good hands. A state-licensed therapist like Mara is as close to a health specialist or medic as is possible. The practi-tioner fully understands the body’s organ and muscle connectivity, the immune system, the power of endorphin release, deep tissue and

pressure point therapy. Therapists understand that stress takes an amazing toll on our mental and physical health, and that releasing the knots and tightness actually balances our bodies, creating a new awareness of the whole self, she said.

An older car doesn’t fix itself.“I’ve seen muscles like guitar

strings,” she said, “that kind of bonk when (you) work them. An hour later clients get off the table, they’re very sleepy, endorphins have been released. They’re relaxed. You just see a lot of good things.”

Summer Days Spa is at 507 East Magnolia, Arcadia. Hours and details are at (863) 244-1603.


The Heart Truth February is National Heart Month and Heart Attack Prevention Month

900 N. Robert Avenue | Arcadia, FL 34266 | www.dmh.org

863-494-3535

What signs should I be looking for?The warning signs may include but are not limited to:

• Chest pain or indigestion which is unrelieved by rest or a change in position, moves to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw or back, produces constant or intermittent pressure or squeezing sensation

• Unexplained shortness of breath

• Heart palpitations or weak and/or fast pulse

• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or nausea

• Gray facial color

The American Heart Association estimates that more than one million Americans suffer a heart attack every year. Fortunately, there are ways to control your risk. DeSoto Memorial Hospital wants to help you prevent this most serious of medical conditions.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A HEART ATTACK?A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when one of the coronary arteries becomes severely or totally blocked, usually by a blood clot. When the heart muscle does not receive the oxygen-rich blood that it needs, the muscle begins to die. The severity of a heart attack depends on how much of the heart muscle is injured or dies.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I’M HAVING A HEART ATTACK?Surviving a heart attack depends on the treatment given within the first hour. Immediate treatment for a heart attack should always include professional emergency medical intervention, including a call to 9-1-1. While waiting for help to arrive or on the way to the hospital, it is recommended that the patient take aspirin, a known blood clot inhibitor, which can decrease the risk of death by about 25 percent.

March 2015 Health & Fitness

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