BE Healthy July/August 2011

Published on December 2016 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 71 | Comments: 0 | Views: 283
of 24
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

July/August 2011

BE

TOP
Texas’ best
SPECIAL RE PO RT • RT PO RE

Are dental cavities contagious?

DOCS Meet Southeast
REPORT • SP EC CIAL IAL PE •S

How to prevent unsightly leg veins

Should you be eating gluten-free

4

self tanners to avoid Oompa-Loompa skin

CIAL PE •S

?

Therapy for women … on a pink couch
When allergies & asthma attack

SPECIAL RE PO RT • RT PO RE

REPORT • SPE CIA L

THE TEAM LEADER WHO MADE A PROMISE TO STAND UP TO A DISEASE SO HER GRANDCHILDREN WON’T HAVE TO.
BE A PART OF THE MOVEMENT TO RECLAIM THE FUTURE. START A TEAM. JOIN A TEAM.

800.272.3900

alz.org/walk

2 July/August 2011

| BEHealthySETX.com

©2011 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

3

BE Healthy | July/August 2011 | Volume 2, Issue 3

Contents
5 6
THERAPY PINK COUCH COUNSELING
New therapist puts women first By Cathleen Cole

BE

Editorial Executive Editor DAVID CONSTANTINE Contributing Writers CATHLEEN COLE MARGARET BATTISTELLI GARDNER CHERyL ROSE Photography Contributing Photographers SILVIA C. MCCLAIN LEE E. STINSON Art Director, Advertising Operations TED FISHER Manager, Advertising Operations FRAN LINDSAy

8
MEDICAL GUIDE FANTASTIC MDs
Meet the winners of the annual Readers’ Choice awards By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Graphic Design ROSA CLARK KRISTEN FLORES GEORGINA MONDSHINE Title Design KATIE GuIDROZ Advertising To advertise in BE Healthy 409.880.0700 Contact Us BE Healthy 380 Main Street Beaumont, TX 77701 409.880.0700
to disPlAy thE mAgAzinE AT yOuR BuSINESS LOCATION, pLEASE CALL 409.838.2829 sUbmissions TO SuBMIT AN EVENT, ORGANIZATION OR pERSON FOR CONSIDERATION IN AN upCOMING ISSuE, SuBMIT By uSpS AT ADDRESS ABOVE.

Are dental cavities contagious? Are chemicals in sunscreens toxic? By Anahad O’Connor

REALLY?

10
FOCUS ON HEALTH ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES
What to do when allergens attack By Cathleen Cole

12
SPOTLIGHT GOING GLUTEN-FREE
Recognizing and living with gluten intolerance By Cheryl Rose

A division of hearst newspapers Publisher BILL OFFILL Copyright © 2011 The Beaumont Enterprise Visit us online at BEHealthySETX.com Be part of keeping Southeast Texas green! Recycle this magazine.

18
on the cover

17
4 July/August 2011

BEAUTY SELF TANNERS
Sun damage fears spur advances in formulas By Melissa Magsaysay | BEHealthySETX.com

GET MOVING EXERCISE AND VARICOSE VEINS
One prevents the other By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Photography: Silvia C. McClain Allergist Dr. William Fawcett, left, and Cardiologist Dr. Paris Bransford were good sports as they “discovered modeling was hard work” while shooting this month’s cover. Trust us docs, you have the harder job.

REALLY?
By Anahad O’Connor
The Claim Dental Cavities Can Be Contagious. The Facts Everyone knows you can catch a cold or the flu. But can you catch a cavity? Researchers have found that not only is it possible, but it occurs all the time. While candy and sugar get all the blame, cavities are caused primarily by bacteria that cling to teeth and feast on particles of food from your last meal. One of the byproducts they create is acid, which destroys teeth. Just as a cold virus can be passed from one person to the next, so can these cavity-causing bacteria. One of the most common is Streptococcus mutans. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to it, and studies have shown that most pick it up from their caregivers — for example, when a mother tastes a child’s food to make sure it’s not too hot, said Dr. Margaret Mitchell, a cosmetic dentist in Chicago. A number of studies have also shown that transmission can occur between couples, too. Dr. Mitchell has seen it in her own practice. “In one instance, a patient in her 40s who had never had a cavity suddenly developed two cavities and was starting to get some gum disease,” she said. She learned the woman had started dating a man who hadn’t been to a dentist in 18 years and had gum disease. To reduce the risk, Dr. Mitchell recommends frequent flossing and brushing, and chewing sugar-free gum, which promotes saliva and washes away plaque and bacteria. The Bottom Line Cavities can be transmitted from one person to another. The Claim A Sunscreen Chemical Can Have Toxic Side Effects The Facts Sunscreen is supposed to protect skin. But some people suspect that a chemical in sunscreen, absorbed through the skin, may be even more hazardous than the sun’s rays. The concerns stem from a small body of research indicating that oxybenzone, which blocks ultraviolet light, may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and promote the growth of cancer cells. One study found that rats eating high doses of the chemical experienced side effects like abnormal uterine growth. But in March, researchers at Memo-

rial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York published an independent report examining all the evidence on the subject and concluded that the alarming findings from early animal studies relied on unrealistic dosages. In rat study, for instance, the animals were fed levels of oxybenzone that would never be achieved in humans through normal exposure to sunscreen. The researchers also reviewed the data on oxybenzone tested on humans. Men and women do seem to absorb small levels through normal sunscreen use, but there was no evidence that it set off hormonal changes. Nor did the researchers find evidence of toxicity. While the idea of a compound in sunscreen being absorbed through the skin may sound alarming, the report’s authors pointed out that this commonly occurs with skin care products. For those who have reservations, some sunscreens are now made without oxybenzone, though they may not offer the same ultraviolet protection. The Bottom Line Exposure to oxybenzone, through normal sunscreen use, is safe, studies find.

Breathing Problems? Shortness of Breath? Headaches? Wheezing or Coughing? Unexplained Health Concerns? General Aches and Pains that just won’t go away? You may have an Asbestos Related illness and not know it! Schedule Your FREE ASBESTOS HEALTH TEST TODAY!

FREE Health Test!
1-888-315-3997
Drywaller Refinery Worker
East Texas Pulp & Paper Exxon or Mobil Fina Fluor Foster Grand Chemical Co. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Gulf Refining

Call
Insulator Bollermarker

Now!
Railroad Worker Machinist
Marathon McFaddin·Weiss Monsanto National Oil and Pipe Line Occidental Olin Mathieson Chemical

If you worked in the 70’s (prior to January of 1978), in these jobs or companies, your HEALTH could be at risk! Schedule your FREE Health Test NOW!
Chemical Worker Pipefitter
BF Goodrich Brown & Root Chevron Conoco Consolidated Steel Dow Chemical DuPont

Carpenter Mill Worker
HB Zachry Houston Chemical Co. J M Guffey Petroleum Lone Star & Crescent Oil Lubrizol Lyondell Magnolia Oil

Steelworker Shipyard Jobs
Petrofina Philips Petroleum Security Oil Sun Oil Texaco Union Carbide Union Pacific

Allied Chemical American Insulation Company Amoco Oil & Chemical Arch Chemicals Arco Refinery Bechtel Bethlehem Steel

Schedule Your FREE ASBESTOS HEALTH TEST TODAY!

Call

Specially Trained Doctors will use State-Of-The-Art Techniques to make sure you aren’t at risk of developing an Asbestos Illness
We represent thousands of Texans like you who have been injured through no fault of their own. Call us today to schedule a free asbestos test to determine whether exposure to asbestos caused you to develop an asbestos related illness. Ketterman Rowland & Westlund—San Antonio, Texas www.krwlawyers.com

1-888-315-3997 Now! se habla español

BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

5

focus on health

Counseling
Whether suffering from depression, abuse or a superwoman complex, Jenny Broaddus’ new clinic puts the female psyche first
enny Broaddus believes women have a unique experience in our current society and therefore have specific needs in therapy. Often dealing with unrealistic expectations from parents, spouses and children, many women struggle to control their own lives. Counseling is used to help women find healthier ways to gain control and rid themselves of guilt.
By Cathleen Cole symptoms and relationship issues. The superwoman complex, Broaddus explained, is detrimental. Many women struggle to be the perfect wife, mother and daughter while working at a full-time job, keeping the house spotless and the refrigerator full so she can come home after a hard day’s work to cook a delicious threecourse meal. It might work, but usually not for long. The therapist feels these superwomen do a disservice to themselves and other women who look up to them as role models. Broaddus knows because she tried to be perfect and portray that to other women. A few years ago, after a stressful morning caring for her sick toddler and her infant, she made a trip to her pediatrician. In the waiting room, she worked hard at keeping both children happy, even though she was exhausted. After the appointment, she was taking her children back to the car when a pregnant woman approached her in the parking lot. “You’re my hero,” the woman said. “I watched you in the waiting room with your kids. You’re the perfect mom.” She asked Broaddus if motherhood was as wonderful as she thought it was going to be. Broaddus was going to tell the woman the truth, that it was often really frustrating and hard. Instead she replied, “Yes, it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever done.” She said goodbye, put her children safely in the car, got behind the wheel and cried. She feels she misled the pregnant woman. One day she’d have a rotten day and feel guilty because she wasn’t the perfect mother dealing with a squalling, sick child. “That’s one of the reasons I decided to work with women,” Broaddus said. If you’re feeling depressed, Broaddus

Pink Couch

Broaddus, a licensed professional counselor, opened her Pink Couch practice in April. Last year, she moved with her family to Beaumont from Pearland where she had a practice for four years. But a women-only practice is new to her. “That’s what the practice in Pearland morphed into,” she said. “Women gravitated toward me.” The counselor’s specialties include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, abuse, relationship issues and personal development. When should a woman seek help from a therapist? There are some obvious “red flags” including frequently crying, feeling anxious, being unable to perform regular tasks and duties and feeling unnoticed and unheard. The top three problems her clients need help with are figuring out priorities, anxiety and depressive
6 July/August 2011 | BEHealthySETX.com

photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

J

recommends lifestyle and diet changes. “Do what you can now,” she said. “It’s the first order of business.” Get back into your hobbies or start a new one. Reconnect with your faith. Eat well and start an exercise plan. In her therapy sessions, Broaddus doesn’t do most of the talking. “I don’t give a lot of advice,” she explained. “I challenge clients’ thoughts and actions.” She presents alternative ways of looking at a situation. What about this? Have you thought about this? The solutions have to be their decisions, not hers. In the first session, lots of clients want the counselor to tell them what to do, and she explains that is not her job. She asks them to tell her about themselves. Why did they come to her for help? “Everyone usually cries the first session,” she said. “They feel very vulnerable.” She asks them about their childhood and family history. “I definitely want to look into that,” she said. Her technique is to reflect back on what the client tells her, talking about the feelings and challenging thoughts and ideas. She never asks, “How does that make you feel?” That question often leads to oneword answers such as rotten, horrible or humiliated. Instead she asks, “What was that

like for you?” That question usually garners a more detailed response. Another technique she uses is silence. The client will fill in the void. She has a strict confidentiality policy. If she sees a client in public, she won’t approach her. It lets the client be in control. “Confidentiality is very important,” she said. She also won’t tell the client much about her personal life. The relationship remains professional – counselor and client, not friend to friend. What does the therapist do when she needs therapy? She sees a counselor when she needs to. Counseling is a positive experience, even for a counselor, she noted. To relax, she exercises, refinishes furniture, reads and spends time with her husband and three daughters. Do people expect her to be perfectly well-adjusted and rational all the time? “Yes and no,” she said, adding that it’s important for clients to see her as a real person. On her website, there are numerous sayings and quotations about women and happiness. Her favorite quote is by Nathaniel Hawthorne: “Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” ■

to Heart health should be important al everyone regardless of their medic histor y. However, every year, about st 785,000 Americans have their “fir heart attack.”* Local physicians are conducting a al use research study of the investigation uce of a medication in its ability to red d other your risk of future heart attacks an ke. cardiovascular events such as a stro You may qualify to participate if you have had at least one heart attack. rent Participants may continue their cur All medications throughout the study. ation study-related care and study medic will be provided at no cost.

Depression: Men vs. Women
• Depressive disorders afflict almost 10 percent of the United States population, with two to three times more females than males affected. • Prior to age 13, approximately equal numbers of girls and boys experience depression, but more females than males over age 13 become depressed. • The rate of synthesis of serotonin and level of serotonin in the blood are significantly higher in men than women. Serotonin is a chemical required in the brain for mood maintenance, and these differences may help explain why depression is more common in women than in men. • Girls’ tendencies to become more dissatisfied than boys with their body shapes and physical appearances at puberty may be linked to higher rates of depression. • Both depression and panic disorder rates, which are also two-fold higher in women than men, may be tied to childhood experiences of abuse. Although boys are more likely to be physically abused than girls, girls are sexually abused more often and tend to have more negative psychological reactions to all forms of abuse.

Southeast Texas Clinical Research Center 2693 North Street Beaumont, Texas 77702

409-839-4003
Volunteer For The Future
BEHealthySETX.com

— Source: Society for Women’s Health Research

* CDC.gov

| July/August 2011

7

top docs

Southeast Texas’ Top Docs
As chosen by local residents in Beaumont Enterprise’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards
o a Google search for “quotes about doctors,” and you won’t really find anything appropriate for use as, say, the lead-in to an uplifting story about local physicians. Most of the results, as a matter of fact, are pretty negative. And some quite funny.
But ask people about their personal doctors, and the results will be completely different. Once a person finds a doctor he or

D

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner she trusts and is comfortable disrobing for or getting on a scale in front of, it can turn into a lifelong relationship. As part of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, The Beaumont Enterprise recently asked its readers to weigh in on their favorite local medical folk (among other things). Since these awards are based on public opinion, the winners obviously have found the proper prescription for patient loyalty and satisfaction, so we were interested in knowing just what they do that keeps their patients so happy. We asked “What is your personal philosophy regarding the doctor/patient relationship.” We also asked what one piece of advice these docs would offer up as the most important thing their patients can do regarding their health. Following are some of their answers.

Dr. Garrett Peel Previty Clinic for Surgical Care 740 Hospital Dr., Ste. 280, Beaumont (409) 835-9500 prevityclinic.com Professional Philosophy (from prevityclinic.com): When you arrive at Previty, your senses will be inspired. We believe art, architecture and beauty in surroundings help address the spiritual and emotional aspects of medical care. Our priority is to put the patient first in all that we do. Caring for the whole patient extends beyond treating the surgical issue.” Best Medical Advice: “Take ownership of your health care. Decisions are yours to make. Demand information and education from your doctor so that you can make the best decision(s) for you or your family member.”

Best Surgeon

Dr. Paris Bransford Southeast Texas Cardiology Associates 2693 North St., Beaumont (409) 832-8862 www.setxcardiology.com Professional Philosophy: “Being a physician is not a right; it’s a privilege. I am the patient’s advocate, and I have to report to the ultimate physician — who is God. I have to do whatever it takes to help my patients become well. Many times, I can’t cure a patient, then part of my job is to help comfort that patient and give them information on any type of therapy they need. Being a doctor means being a source of comfort, as well as information.” Best Medical Advice: “Just try to eat correctly, meaning lots of fruits and vegetables. Have a hobby to decrease stress. Read a good book, and I suggest the Good Book — the Bible. And exercise. It’s really not all that complicated.”

Best Cardiologist

Dr. Mark Bellard #8 Arcadiana Court, Beaumont (409) 899-4884 bellardorthodontics.com Professional Philosophy: “Of course, you treat people with respect. You put yourself in their place. We’ve all been patients in our own right, and you know how you want to be treated. It’s the Golden Rule, really. Treat others like you want to be treated. Respect — of their time, their opinions and their feelings — is the No. 1 thing.” Best Medical Advice: “This is my soap box: Stay away from soda of any kind, even diet. It seems like a silly answer, but it causes so much serious damage to teeth — especially in children with braces. The combination of acid and sugar in soda and energy drinks really breaks down the teeth. You will do yourself a huge favor by drinking a lot more water and milk — and much fewer sodas.

Best Orthodontist

8 July/August 2011

| BEHealthySETX.com

Best Allergist

Dr. William Fawcett 2965 Harrison Ave., Ste. 315, Beaumont (409) 892-7090

Professional Philosophy: “I’m an old guy, and I just like to treat patients like they’re part of my family. Most of my relationships with patients are long term. I bond to them, and I think they bond to our practice. I’m not in a big rush; I take my time with patients. I don’t like to see people treated like they’re in a mill or like they’re objects.” Best Medical Advice: “The first thing is to really distinguish if it’s an allergy or if it’s something else. We see many patients who think they have allergies, and they really don’t. If it is an allergic condition, and it’s a simple allergy, the best treatment is no treatment — just try to avoid whatever it is that’s causing it. But if it’s more advanced, or if avoiding the cause (like a pet or hobby) isn’t an option, then we can help them deal with it with medication or other options.”

Dr. Ray Fontenot Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat 700 Hospital Dr., Ste. 300, Beaumont (409) 212-8111 www.setent.net Professional Philosophy: “You have to treat patients with respect, and that means quite a few things. Take the time to sit and listen to their concerns and truly understand why they’re there. Then try to explain what’s going on with them with their diagnosis and what it means in a way that they truly understand. It just comes down to listening to them and being clear on how we explain what’s going on. And we always make sure people feel welcome to call us if they have any questions, especially after their visit. We have an opendoor policy.” Best Medical Advice: “[Specifically for ear, nose and throat health], the biggest thing is to not smoke. Avoid tobacco use altogether. And the best overall medical advice I can give anyone is to always have good communication with your physician.”

Best Ear, Nose, & Throat

Dr. Raja Ataya 3070 College St., Ste. 205, Beaumont (409) 832-1225 Professional Philosophy: “By nature I love people. I find relief in helping them. I’m doing something I love with my life, and that gives me peace of mind. My patients are like family to me, and I give them full access to me, 24 hours a day. Most of my patients have my cell phone number, and it makes me happy to give them an open window. I prepare myself to deal with critical cases, and my patients and I bear the burden of difficult diagnoses together.” Best Medical Advice: “Always let your child feel free to express themselves and what they are feeling. Many parents try to answer for their children, especially if they think that they know what’s wrong. We can get more accurate information by hearing directly from the child. Also, give your child the opportunity to live in a healthy environment. Offer healthy food; show them the benefit of exercise.”

Best Pediatrician

OTHEr WiNNErs
Best Oncologist Best Podiatrist Foot Care
BEsT DErmATOlOgisT Dr. Edward Collins BEsT CHirOPrACTOr Dr. Phillip Leblanc BEsT DENTisT Dr. Alan Coleman BEsT DOCTOr Dr. Suresh Indupalli BEsT PsYCHiATrisT Dr. George Groves BEsT PsYCHOlOgisT Dr. Donald Trahan BEsT OB gYN Dr. Christopher Dowdy BEsT OPTOmETrisT Dr. Brian Blount BEsT OPTHAmOlOgisT Dr. Richard Levacy

Dr. Robert Birdwell Texas Oncology 690 North 14th St., Beaumont (409) 899-7180 www.texasoncology.com Professional Philosophy: “If I had to guess why I have patient loyalty, I would say it’s because my patients always come first. I respect their wishes and input. They are treated like people and not an illness. I always discuss all options with my patients — not just my opinion and preferences. It’s also very important to stay current, especially in oncology because the field is always changing.” Best Medical Advice: “I always advise an overall healthy lifestyle. Work on maintaining a healthy body weight with a sensible diet consisting of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Dr. Neil Burrell 3560 Delaware, Ste. 301, Beaumont (409) 899-1538 www.podiatryassociatestx.com Professional Philosophy: “I was always raised to treat others how you want to be treated. I enjoy meeting and visiting people, and above all, helping them. I love what I do. It’s my work, my hobby, my life. My patients see that. I’m blessed to do what I do. I’m from Beaumont, and it’s good to take care of people that are family, friends and neighbors. My staff and I are happy to do what we do, and that makes patients comfortable here.” Best Medical Advice: “Do not abuse your body; everything in moderation. If you smoke, quit. Many of my patients are diabetics, which wreaks havoc on the feet. A healthy lifestyle can correct that.”

BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

9

allergies

Take a Deep Breath
For asthma and allergy sufferers, hot, dry summertime offers a breath of fresh air
By Cathleen Cole

I
“Steady, hot summers are usually good for asthmatics,” he said, adding that they are good for allergy sufferers too. Singh’s patients haven’t been complaining very much this season. “Summer has been pretty quiet,” he said, noting the drought might be a factor in lessening pollen and mold. Excessive heat by itself is not a trigger for asthma, he said. Cold is more of a trigger for asthma symptoms. WHAT ARE ALLERGIES? Allergies tend to hit you right in the nose. Acting as a filter, the nose and sinuses trap particulate matter, and the clear secretion helps with cleaning and humidifying the sinuses. When your nose is clogged because of allergies, you breathe through your mouth, which dries your mouth and sinuses out and makes the secretions thick. Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed causing breathing difficulty. If you have shortness of breath when exercising, a nighttime cough or wheezing that wakes you up at night, you might have asthma. You don’t have to wheeze to have
10 July/August 2011 | BEHealthySETX.com

t’s summertime, and the living is easy. Breathing is easy too for many people who suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies. Summer usually offers a respite from breathing problems, according to Dr. Ranjit Singh of the Allergy and Asthma Clinic in Beaumont and Port Arthur.
Treatment for asthma includes bronchial dilators such as Albuterol and Xopenex used to prevent or relieve the wheezing, difficulty breathing and chest tightness caused by asthma. These are “reliever” or “rescue” medicines that are used as needed. Controller medicines, such as Singulair and Advair, are used daily as maintenance medicines to control asthma and prevent asthma attacks. These medicines work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result, the airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to asthma triggers, which include allergies, exercise, weather changes, strong smells and air pollution. Allergy shots, which help build immunity to allergens, are also a common treatment for people with allergies that trigger asthma attacks. A newer option for some asthmatics is Xolair, a drug used to decrease the number of asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled steroids. Patients 12 years and older are given an injection of the medicine every two to four weeks.

asthma, Singh said. When you finally hear a wheeze – it’s late in the game, so don’t wait for the wheeze. “You need to be treated early,” he said. SOME TREATMENTS Singh recommends saline nasal spray to help open up the sinuses and keep them moist and prevent clogging from thickening secretions. Over-the-counter medications that work well include the antihistamines Allegra and Zyrtec. Another OTC medicine that might help, especially for sinus headaches, is Afrin nasal spray, a decongestant. But the doctor warned that Afrin should not be used for more than two days at a time. “Between the saline and the antihistamines, you can take care of a lot of allergy symptoms,” Singh said. If OTC meds aren’t cutting it, you might want to try a prescription steroid nasal spray such as Nasacort or a prescription antihistamine nasal spray such as Astelin. Many times, allergy symptoms can be handled by your primary-care physician. But if your allergy problems are chronic, Singh recommends you see a specialist. And that is definitely the case with asthma.

Breathless

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, approximately 34 million Americans have asthma and the number is growing. One in 12 people (about 25 million, or 8 percent of the population) had asthma in 2009, compared with one in 14 people (about 20 million, or 7 percent) in 2001. An estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease.

Texas law permits students to carry and use inhaled medications for asthma after demonstrating the appropriate use of inhalers to the school nurse. “This is a nice law,” Dr. Ranjit Singh said. “It empowers these kids.” Students don’t have to ask a teacher for permission to go to the nurse to use their inhalers. They can use it at the first sign of asthma symptoms, which is important since the medicine takes about 15 minutes to work. HOPE FOR AN ALLERGY SUFFERER Beaumont dentist Jay Pfister has had asthma his whole life. The disease worsened as he got older and, as an adult, asthma attacks put him in the hospital emergency room about five times. Seasonal allergies are triggers for his asthma. “I’m allergic to everything under the sun,” he said. He tried allergy shots in his 20s, but they didn’t help. His asthma got so bad that he started taking prednisone, a corticosteroid. “I was taking prednisone every day because it was the only way I could breath,” he said. Even with his diminished lung capacity, Pfister was still able to play on the tennis team in college. He still plays tennis and golf regularly, which is highly unusual for someone with severe asthma. The doctors Pfister saw always wanted him to wean himself off prednisone, although one doctor finally admitted he’d probably have to be on the medication for the rest of his life. But something Pfister can’t explain happened about three years ago. His asthma symptoms decreased, and he realized he wasn’t using his inhalers as often. He decided to lessen his daily dosage of prednisone. About two-and-a-half years ago, he weaned himself off it completely. He now uses theophylline and Advair as his daily maintenance medications and only uses prednisone if his symptoms become severe, which so far hasn’t been often. This past year, he used prednisone for three days when he felt symptoms coming on. “I can feel it,” he thought. “I’d better take some.” The fact that he can breathe well now without the prednisone is “miraculous” to him. “It doesn’t make any sense at all,” he said. According to Singh, the number of emergency-room visits for asthma patients has come down significantly over the last 20 years because the treatments for managing asthma have improved. When an asthmatic is admitted to the hospital, it is considered a failure of outpatient care. The “rule of twos” should be followed, Singh advised. If you are using a reliever (rescue) inhaler more than twice a week, see your doctor. If you’re waking up at night more than twice a month because you’re having trouble breathing, see your doctor. If you need more than two rescue inhalers a year, see your doctor. Your asthma is not under control. The doctor’s advice is to avoid your asthma triggers and take your daily maintenance medications. Some of Singh’s patients tell him they don’t take their daily medications when they’re feeling well, which is a mistake. When they have only mild symptoms, they don’t want to take the reliever medication because they worry they’ll get addicted. You won’t, Singh said. “Asthma is like a fire in a building,” the doctor explained. “How long do you wait before you call the fire department?” Take your reliever medication at the onset of symptoms, he advised. Don’t wait until they rage out of control. “If you don’t take care of your asthma properly,” he warned, “you will lose lung function rapidly.”

School Zone

Clean House
Dust and mold are two common household culprits that cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Here are some tips to keep your home cleaner: • Keep the air conditioner on and clean the filters often. • Keep the doors and windows closed. • Forget the carpeting and install wood, tile or laminate flooring. Use area rugs that can be washed. • Avoid curtains, but if you have them, wash them often. • Use dust-proof covers on bed pillows. • Enclose mattresses with plastic covers and wash sheets and blankets often. • Vacuum, mop and dust often. • Use a HEPA air filter in your home. • Keep the bathrooms and kitchen clean and free of mold. • Don’t keep plants indoors since mold grows in soil. •Keep plants, trees and flowers away from your house, especially the windows and doors.

BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

11

focus on health

Gluten Free?

What Gives with

ollowing a miscarriage last fall, Farrah Cobb of Beaumont underwent a battery of tests looking for any indications of the cause. The results showed an elevated degree of inflammation in her body that could be indicative of an impending autoimmune disorder. Her gynecologist suggested removing gluten from her diet.
With a family history of autoimmune disorders, Cobb was immediately concerned and went home to purge her pantry and refrigerator of gluten-containing products. A month later her doctor re-ran the blood test and her results were normal. “I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I felt good,” Cobb said. Gluten Intolerance: From Celiac to Sensitivity Gluten is the general name for proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains. There is growing medical research and anecdotal experiences showing a wide variety of negative reactions to gluten in the diet. At the extreme end, there is celiac disease, an autoimmune disease where sufferers can tolerate no gluten at all. The disease damages the small intestine and prevents proper absorption of nutrients. The only treatment for celiac disease is food – eating a completely gluten-free diet. The typical undiagnosed celiac patient is very thin, unable to gain weight and often has anemia. True celiac disease is
12 July/August 2011 | BEHealthySETX.com

F

Recognizing and living with gluten intolerance
By Cheryl Rose

still somewhat rare, with one in 133 adults having the diagnosis. However, according to recent research by the scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Celiac Research, as many as 18 million Americans may have symptoms of gluten sensitivity. In a study released in March, the organization announced the first scientific evidence proving that gluten sensitivity is different from celiac disease at the molecular level, demonstrating that there is a spectrum of gluten-related disorders. There are many terms and degrees related to gluten reactions – celiac disease or celiac sprue, gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy. Whatever you call it, it can give you a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Could You Be Gluten Sensitive? With a variety of symptoms occurring in varying degrees, how can you know if you are gluten-sensitive?

For patients suspected of having celiac disease, Dr. Joseph W. Holland Jr. of Southeast Texas Gastroenterology Associates explained that a blood test can show antibodies for gluten and a biopsy of the small intestine will show the degree of damage. Gluten sensitivity is different. There can be a wide divergence in reaction and degree. “There really is not a widelyaccepted test other than experimenting with elimination to tell if someone is gluten-sensitive,” Holland said. Feeling Bad About two weeks after Cobb removed gluten from her diet, she woke up feeling great. “I realized I didn’t need coffee just to get out of bed,” she said. “About a month later, I didn’t need a Coke in the afternoon. In fact, I hadn’t even thought about it.” Cobb said the biggest benefit she has received from removing gluten is a good night’s sleep and relief from nagging fatigue.

She also discovered that a hand lotion she had used every night contains wheat germ and explained why her fingers were swollen in the morning. James Garlock of Beaumont was in his late 30s when he began to experience the dramatic gastrointestinal distress associated with celiac disease. His mother had been diagnosed with celiac disease a few years prior after many years of not knowing what was wrong. As soon as Garlock showed symptoms, he dropped gluten from his diet. “I cannot have wheat at all,” he said. “If I accidentally have something with gluten or get some through cross-contamination, I will know within four hours of the exposure and within 12 hours I am sick.” Could You Be Gluten Sensitive? With a variety of symptoms occurring in varying degrees, how can you know if you are gluten-sensitive? For patients suspected of having celiac disease, Dr. Joseph W. Holland Jr. of Southeast Texas Gastroenterology Associates explained that a blood test can show antibodies for gluten and a biopsy of the small intestine will show the degree of damage. Gluten sensitivity is different. There can be a wide divergence in reaction and degree. “There really is not a widelyaccepted test other than experimenting with elimination to tell if someone is gluten-sensitive,” Holland said. Elimination Challenges Mary Ellen Vivrett, a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager at Baptist Beaumont Hospital, said for the elimination trial to be meaningful, adherence to the guidelines for an extended period of time is necessary. “You would need to clean out your diet entirely of wheat products and you would want to

avoid any crosscontamination,” she explained. “Use preparation precautions such as different utensils, no double dipping with utensils, different cutting boards. Strictly go with enriched, gluten-free products and stick with it for several months. Then try a wheat product and see if you react to it.” Could You Benefit From Going Gluten-Free? Both Holland and Vivrett confirm that while they aren’t seeing more diagnosed cases in their practices, they are getting many more casual questions about gluten sensitivity. “Up until the last few years, a lot of doctors didn’t pay much attention to gluten issues. It was considered rare,” Holland said. “I don’t know that it’s more common than it used to be, but more physicians and more people are cognizant about it. We are in the infancy of this diagnosis. The problem in the literature right now is that people grab on to things and we have to be very careful about whether this is really beneficial.” Media coverage, celebrity advocates such as Elizabeth Hasselbeck of “The View” and the explosion of gluten-free product marketing are all contributing to a growing public interest in a gluten-free diet as a healthier lifestyle choice. “I do think there is a spectrum of gluten sensitivities,” Holland said. “You can put anyone with any GI disease (Crohn’s disease, for example) on a gluten-free diet and they tend to get better. The problem is it’s such a difficult diet to maintain for most patients. Those that suffer the most are willing to try anything and I’m willing to prescribe it.” Vivrett notes that following any strict diet makes people pay closer attention to food and as a result, they tend to eat better. Gluten-free restrictions mean giving up many high-fat junk foods and push the dieter to eat more fish, fruit, vegetables and dairy – naturally good food choices. “With any food trend, unless you really have the disease, it’s not going to be a longterm lifestyle change. It’s just going to be the latest thing to try.” photography by Lee e. StinSon

Cautions Vivrett cautions that a gluten-free diet can have some negative consequences. “There are deficiencies that can result by missing vitamins in the food, particularly B vitamins, iron and fiber,” she said. Some gluten-free products are enriched to make up for these deficiencies and some are not, so she encourages her patients with celiac disease to seek out the enriched versions. “Many gluten-free products have a lot of added fat and sugar to improve the taste and make them more appealing, especially in bakery items,” Vivrett warned. “People who follow a gluten-free diet tend to gain weight since they are getting more calories. Also, a gluten-free diet reduces the amount of good bacteria in the gut.” All or Nothing For those tempted to experiment with removing gluten from their diets, it’s important to know that giving up bread but still drinking beer won’t work. “If you have gluten sensitivity, a little bit less won’t do it,” said Thomas Campbell, a Beaumont-based chiropractor and nutritionist. Introducing any gluten to the body’s chemistry will cause unwanted reactions that can take six to eight months to completely clear from the body, he explained. Cobb and her husband, Tom, have decided they are “done” with gluten. “It’s a lifestyle; you can’t just have a little gluten this weekend,” Cobb emphasized. “It’s not a diet, it’s not Adkins. It’s changing the way you look at food. If something makes you sick, you can’t have it anymore.” >>

BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

13

“I think what we are going to find over the next 10 to 20 years is that more of these autoimmune diseases are caused by what we eat. Getting on specific diets is probably going to be one of the therapies.”
Dr. Joseph Holland Jr.

Going Gluten-Free Can Be Hard Gluten is endemic in our food in the United States, particularly prepared and convenience foods. Totally eschewing gluten can be hard work, requiring serious study of labels, food preparation techniques and self-discipline. “For some people it’s really hard; they don’t want to put that much thought into it,” Cobb said. “They want to drivethrough and get their food.” “For some people it’s really hard; they don’t want to put that much thought into it,” Cobb said. “They want to drivethrough and get their food.” Beaumont resident and amateur athlete Amie James decided to give the gluten-free diet a trial for health reasons and because several of the world’s top athletes are doing it to improve muscle irritation and recovery. “I found it extremely difficult,” she admitted. “To go completely gluten-free is no easy feat, especially when eating on the go. I didn’t really notice any improvement either. I have noticed that I am naturally gluten light. I tend to gravitate towards rice over pasta and I could almost completely live without bread though I’m not likely to give up cake anytime soon.” Campbell recalls a patient he encouraged to give up gluten who couldn’t imagine life without pasta. “People want to eat to what they want to eat,” he said. “They want to have a party in the mouth. When we talk about what to eat, it becomes a question of what would taste good. The whole thing about feeding for us is dazzling our tongue and the tongue is like a 2-year-old that never grows up.”

Overcoming Challenges For Garlock, who has been gluten-free for a dozen years by necessity rather than choice, the heightened interest in glutenfree has been a blessing. “It’s a lot easier now to eat than it was back then,” he said. “When we first started, there was nothing out there. We had to check every label and every ingredient. Things weren’t listed accurately.” Garlock appreciates that gluten-free products are now widely available. For him, the diet is now an accepted lifestyle. “I’ve really gotten used to it,” he said. “My whole diet has simplified: fruits and vegetables, pure meat (no spices or sauce), multi-vitamin. I do get jealous when I see pizza though.” Owning the responsibility for the diet often means bringing your own snacks or drinks to a party or foregoing restaurants. Garlock said he brings his own gravy and casserole to the multi-family Thanksgiving dinner, for example. Cobb has found she has to ask more questions and be more creative selecting ingredients, but that generally she hasn’t found the change to a gluten-free diet overly restrictive. She has had to learn what is safe to eat. She loved soy sauce but discovered the brand she used was full of gluten proteins so she had to research a safe brand. Because gluten is used as a filler in many products, it can show up in foods that wouldn’t leap to mind as having wheat such as boxed soups and coldcut meats. However, there are many substitute ingredients available made with quinoa, potato and rice among others.

Simple and Smart Choices Holland said he truly believes we are what we eat. He said there is speculation in the medical community about whether what we are eating may be triggering different health problems. “I think what we are going to find over the next 10 to 20 years is that more of these autoimmune diseases are caused by what we eat,” he said. “Getting on specific diets is probably going to be one of the therapies.” Campbell strongly advocates for people to eat simply. “It makes sense to me,” he said. “Our DNA is 98 percent primate. If you look at apes, they aren’t eating grains. The only way we can eat bread three times a day is because we have technology. We have to control the impact of technology.” Vivrett agrees that the changes in foods and eating habits appear to be having a negative consequence on general health. “We didn’t have all the fast foods and convenience foods when I was raised,” she noted. “Our diet is just so processed now that food sensitivities could be from a number of things. There is an epidemic of eating disorders of all types.” Though she didn’t stick with the diet, James did learn to empathize with people who have gluten-sensitive conditions. “While it might be something they have adjusted to, it is never really without a bit of a struggle,” she said. “Imagine being hyper-aware of everything you put into your mouth. Imagine taking your child to a birthday party and denying him cake.” Cobb said she is prepared to make those food sacrifices to feel good. “I feel great. I’ve never felt better than I ever have in my life, so I will be staying on it.” ■

14 July/August 2011

| BEHealthySETX.com

Gluten-Free: A Top Food Trend for 2011
luten-free is a new buzz word in our industry,” said Deborah Bando, the executive chef and owner of Bando’s restaurants and catering. “We prepare so many requests for gluten-free foods, we are contemplating printing it directly on our menus.” Bando said the increase in gluten-free requests as been noticeable since 2009. “Since we do not use processed foods, except for frozen French fries, we can accommodate these requests fairly easily. Most places can’t because they use so much processed foods,” she said. Asking a server at one of

G

Identified as one of the top-10 trends in food by the National Restaurant Association, local businesses find ways to respond to customer demand for gluten-free options
Bando’s restaurants for a gluten-free option will open a dialogue of questions back and forth. “We tell the wait staff that when someone wants to order a gluten-free meal, to get a manager or a chef unless it is a regular customer who always orders. We will ask if they have celiac disease and we verbally tell them what we can do. We explain that since all of our food is made from scratch, our kitchen knows what goes in each dish and can adjust if needed.” The Eating Out Gamble Generally, eating out for someone avoiding gluten can be perilous. Even restaurants that offer gluten-free menu items can be at risk for crosscontamination. “They have to take their chances,” said Mary Ellen Vivrett, a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager at Baptist Beaumont Hospital “Restaurants are not our home kitchens and they aren’t going to be as safe in the food preparation.” James Garlock, who has celiac disease, said he doesn’t eat out very often, but when he does, he tries to ask questions and eat simply. Questions he might ask include: Is the meat cooked on a grill where you also grill bread? Do you put breaded products in the same fry oil with non-breaded products? Are hamburger patties made on site or pre-prepared? >>

Where to eat locally with gluten-free options
The following is not a comprehensive list, but will give people avoiding gluten a good starting place. • Bando’s and Bando’s at the Plaza • Beaumont Country Club • Bryan’s 797 • Carino’s Italian Grill • Carrabba’s Italian Grill • Chili’s • Goodfella’s • Jason’s Deli • Katharine & Co. • Olive Garden • Outback Steakhouse • Pei Wei • Smoothie King

Carrot Salad with Lime and Cilantro
Makes: 6 servings Ingredients • 1 bag (10 ounces) shredded carrots • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • Zest of 1/2 lime • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro • Additional cilantro sprigs for garnish • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon pepper

78 Years of Personal, Professional Service.

CITY DELIVERY

Pharmacies, Inc.
“Your Compounding Specialists”

INCLUDING MEDICARE PLAN D

ALL HEALTHCARE PLANS ACCEPTED

Instructions Place carrots in a bowl. Using a stand blender, immersion blender or whisk, mix lime juice, zest, chopped cilantro and salt and pepper together and slowly blend in oil. Pour dressing over carrots and serve garnished with cilantro sprigs.

3480 Fannin St. Bmt

833-7538

Carrot Salad with Lime and Cilantro

“Make Our Home Your Home”
Sabine Oaks has been providing loving care to its residents for more than 60 years.
Around the Clock Staffing Medication Management Emergency Call System Full Calendar of Activities Respite Care Home Cooked Meals Beautiful Landscaped Grounds Home like atmosphere Cable TV and Beauty/ Barber Shop Available

Assisted Living for the Elderly

Call Martha Kirkpatrick Today to Arrange Your Personal Tour 1945 Pennsylvania Ave. • Beaumont
Lic.0000418

“Lend a helping hand and make someone smile.”
BEHealthySETX.com | July/August 2011

Join Our Volunteers Auxiliary Today!

409-833-1989

15

Blonde Brownies
Makes: 24 brownies Ingredients • 1 cup canola oil • 2 cups packed brown sugar • 3 large eggs • 2 cups gluten-free flour (see note) • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum • 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 cup chopped nuts • 1 cup gluten-free/dairy-free chocolate chips

Blonde Brownies

Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan (unless it’s non-stick). In bowl, beat oil and brown sugar to combine. Add eggs and beat well. Mix in flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and vanilla, and beat until well mixed. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Place mixture in prepared pan and bake in preheated oven 25 minutes. Let bars cool completely before cutting and removing them from pan. Notes: Gluten-free flour, xanthan gum and gluten-free baking powder are available at natural foods stores and in the gluten-free foods section of grocery stores or at the Gluten-Free Trading Co. at 3116 S. Chase Ave. Gluten/dairy-free chocolate chips are available at stores such as Whole Foods (Enjoy Life is the brand Fitzsimmons uses). You also could make your own gluten-free flour blend; Fitzsimmons mixes 5 cups brown rice flour with 3 cups sorghum flour and 2 cups amaranth flour. Check the label: Some commercial flour blends include xanthan gum; if yours does, omit the 1 teaspoon in this recipe. Source: “The Intolerant Family Cookbook”

Garlock’s favorite dining experience isn’t local – it’s in Disney World. “Disney World has totally dedicated glutenfree kitchens and the chef will come out and make whatever you want,” he said. “I can eat like a king when I go on vacation there.” The Food Industry Responds Grocery retailer Market Basket, based in Beaumont, has added a number of gluten-free products to their inventory and has dedicated sections at their Phelan and Bridge City stores in response to customer demand. Keith Dauterive, senior vice president of merchandising, advertising and buying for Market Basket, said they are now actively seeking out gluten-free products. “The vendor community has stepped up because more people are going gluten-free,” he said. “When it first came about we had to seek products from a specialty buyer, but now products are becoming much more readily available.” Dauterive first became aware of the need for gluten-

free products about five years ago when a Market Basket employee asked for products on behalf of a relative diagnosed with celiac disease. Since then, customer interest has boomed. “We are finding that most people just think this is a healthier way to eat,” he said. “Those that are dealing with a disease know that this way of eating is a treatment for them.” Dauterive noted that many products now sprouting gluten-free labels are the exact same products but are simply changing their packaging to highlight the gluten-free aspect. Local business Zummo Meat Company experienced such a volume of customer inquiries that they added their sausages’ and boudains’ gluten-free status to their Web page. “We have seen a huge trend in gluten-free product requests,” said Steve Zummo. The Texas Coffee Company, another major food business in Beaumont, is also experiencing more questions from customers. Their seasonings and coffees are gluten-free and always

have been. Carlo Busceme, the company president, said that over the years, outside advisors and even employees have suggested adding fillers to reduce costs but he has been firmly against it. As dietary concerns come and go, Busceme said he’s taken calls concerning sodium, carbohydrates, MSG, and then, about five years ago, his first call from someone with celiac disease. He had never heard of the disease and had to research their products to definitely confirm the gluten-free status. The company now puts that information on the Web page, but not on their product packaging at this time. “Gluten-free” is Tricky After recently completing an investigation into whether they could offer gluten-free products safely, Josh Tortorice of Rao’s Bakery said the company has decided against producing gluten-free items at this time due to the potential health risks to customers, Tortorice said they learned that the only way to ensure no risk

of cross-contamination is to prepare products in a building Blonde completely void of any type of Brownies flour and specially designed for gluten-free production. Because of its powder-like consistency, traces of flour can float through the air and spread from room to room through the air conditioner or be left behind on baking surfaces. Tortorice also noted that, at this time, there is no monitoring or guidelines by government or industry to ensure that products claiming to be gluten-free are made in a gluten-free environment. Nicole Henry, an associate manager for Basic Foods, said they research products and read labels to be sure the products they are offering as “gluten-free” are genuinely free from gluten, which can have many “hidden” names, such as malto-dextrose and emulsifiers. She said with the variety of products now available, people with food sensitivities can eat a more “normal” diet. ■

“I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I felt good.”
16 July/August 2011 | BEHealthySETX.com

- Farrah Cobb

4 great tans without the sun damage
he deleterious effects of self-tanning products — streaky brown or OompaLoompa orange skin — have faded considerably over the past couple years, due in large part to advances in formulations and delivery methods that make a DIY tan easier to acquire. These advances, coupled with a stronger awareness of sun damage and the potential harmful effects of UV lights in tanning beds, have inspired more of us to slather on the bronze, rather than run the risk of skin cancer or premature aging. Here are some of our favorite self tanners guaranteed to leave you Snooki-less.
Josie Maran Argan self tanning cream
$32 for 4 fluid ounces For anyone who has skin allergies or just prefers natural cosmetics, this product is free of parabens and infused with organic Argan oil, which is said to be hydrating and to protect the skin against pollutants and environmental toxins. Our tester said the product delivered a natural looking finish to her skin and turned her usually pale legs to a warm honey-brown color that came on gradually after she applied the cream three times over three days. “It goes on just like my daily lotion and didn’t turn my hands brown at all,” our tester said of the white cream that “doesn’t smell good or bad, it just smells like nothing.” One drawback to this gradual and natural self-tanner — the small (4-ounce) tube doesn’t last long if you’re planing to tan your entire body. Our tester used about half the bottle during her three applications in order to build up to her desired shade.

self beauty tanner

T

By Melissa Magsaysay

$32.50 for 1 fluid ounce

Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning

In the one-ounce jar, Clarins self-tanner has the color and consistency of processed peanut butter, but our tester (the only male in the group) said it spread easily over his skin and body hair. Our tester noted that the instructions on the packaging made clear (in several places) that it does not contain a sunscreen and therefore it should be applied only after a daily skin-care regimen that includes one. It’s considered a “progressive” self-tanner, meaning that it should be applied daily until the desired shade is achieved. The first daily application was barely noticeable compared with the non-bronzed forearm; the second daily dose started to show a darker shade; and a decidedly bronze glow was present after the third application — by which time nearly a third of the oneounce jar was gone. The color did transfer slightly to a long-sleeve shirt, and since the product is intended for the face and neckline area, our tester suggests not wearing an expensive or favorite garment until you’re sure the color can be laundered out.

$30 for 4 fluid ounces

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

This aloe-infused, brown foam goes on easily and soaks right into the skin before it has a chance to streak or stain. Our tester said the lightly perfumed scent isn’t cloying, but after putting it all over her body, the smell did start to become stronger. Color-wise, this product seems to be for someone who is going for brown, a look-at-me-I just-came-back-from-theBahamas-brown. Our tester’s medium skin tone took to this product immediately and turned about two shades darker with just one application.

$49 for 6.8 fluid ounces

Rodial Brazilian Tan

Our tester, who has a light to medium complexion, applied the spray with the help of her sister, because as she put it, “You just can’t get all the areas by yourself; you definitely need a friend’s help.” But she did like the color (“It looked like a real tan”), smell (a faint and sweet caramel scent), and consistency (a light mist that was neither sticky or greasy) of the spray and said it dried within 30 minutes without staining her clothing. The result was a streak-free tan that left the tester’s skin feeling smooth and even in color. She does suggest that this product needs to be applied in an outdoor, well-ventilated area because the spray — which has 360 degree airbrush technology — does tend to get on surrounding furniture and linger in the air a bit. BEHealthySETX.com | July/August 2011 17

beauty

reat, here’s one more reason to get off your butt and get active. Firing up the muscles in your legs keeps the blood pumping through them and can help stave off the onset of unsightly varicose veins that can leave your calves looking like a bas relief rendering of the Rocky Mountains. And being that it’s summer in Southeast Texas, prevention might be a better way to go than trying to hide the problem with long pants.

G

Keeping your legs moving and blood pumping can help head off varicose veins

Flow with It

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

18 July/August 2011

| BEHealthySETX.com

“A lot more people have bad veins than you would think. Or than they even think. Walk through the mall and take a look at people’s legs. You see the redness or dark skin on the lower legs. That’s bad veins.”
— Robbie Barnes, Vein Centers of Texas

As you may know all too well, varicose veins are those gnarly protrusions that appear most often on the legs, ankles and feet. According to information from the Previty Clinic for Surgical Care in Beaumont, they’re caused by a condition known as venous insufficiency or venous reflux, in which blood circulating through the lower limbs pools up in distended veins rather than returning to the heart for oxidation and recirculation. Though varicose veins — and their more subtle cousins, spider veins — are genetic, there are simple steps you can take (in this case, literally) to help slow down their progression. Chief among them are maintaining an ideal weight/ body mass, and keeping your legs moving. It’s especially a concern if your job or lifestyle has you sitting or standing for long periods of time. Robbie Barnes, a registered nurse at Vein Centers of Texas in Beaumont, suggests taking a stroll or otherwise moving your legs to keep the blood flowing for five to ten minutes every hour and a half or so

that you find yourself stationary. “Sitting and standing are almost exactly the same,” he said. “If you’re not pumping your muscles, blood’s pooling in your veins. The best thing is walking. It helps pump the muscles and empty the veins. Elevating your legs helps too.” Medical-grade compression stockings are also a good option for those who routinely find their mobility limited (folks such as cashiers or phone-based customer-service reps, for instance), Barnes said. Those made specifically for venous insufficiency are tightest at the ankle, which helps push blood back up the leg. However, whether because of genetics or lifestyle, varicose veins are inevitable for some people. Luckily, there are a number of treatment options available, and they have become much more sophisticated in recent years. Previously, the best option was vein stripping, a procedure that involves actually removing the compromised veins. It’s falling out of favor because of its highly invasive nature and long recovery time.

Newer procedures at practices like Previty and Vein Centers of Texas are much less harrowing and can be performed without hospitalization or general anesthesia, in about an hour, and produce quick relief with minimal discomfort and little to no recovery time. Chief among them are radiofrequency endovenous ablation, which involves inserting a catheter and heating the vein from the inside to close it down, which diverts blood to healthy veins. For spider veins, patients can opt for sclerotherapy, which according to information from Previty, involves injecting an agent into the vein that shrinks it immediately and causes it to dissolve over a period of weeks as it is naturally absorbed by the body. In most cases, patients’ health insurance will pay for corrective vein treatments. However, Barnes warned, the disease would have to have progressed beyond the strictly cosmetic level before most plans will cover treatment. •

photography by XXXXXXXXXX

Before

After

ost people don’t realize that varicose veins are a genetic problem (though lifestyle, weight and age also play a part). “Basically it’s a mechanical system,” said Robbie Barnes, a registered nurse at Vein Centers of Texas in Beaumont. “The veins get big, not allowing the valves to work the way that they should. These valves are a one-way system, so as the vein gets bigger, the valves spread apart and they don’t function. Blood falls down the leg instead of going up the leg, and this causes pressure that can ultimately lead to an ulceration that breaks through the skin.” A telltale sign of varicose veins is a

Varicose Veins Primer M
bronze, red or brown discoloration on the lower portion of the leg. “And we’re not talking about suntan from wearing capris,” Barnes said. “Most people think that’s from diabetes, but it’s caused by blood getting outside the vessel and getting trapped up into the skin.” Left untreated, the progressive disease can lead to ulceration, a stubborn wound. “Sometimes [ulceration is] caused by trauma. The skin is already damaged and then on top of it they get a wound that won’t heal,” Barnes explained. “We’ve had patients who have had these

things for 15 or 20 years before they made it in. And then in some people, they just occur spontaneously. They just swell up until the skin breaks, and it won’t heal.” But before patients see obvious things like ulceration or even skin discoloration of the lower leg, there are other signs that can indicate a problem with the veins. Among those: leg swelling, heaviness, fatigue, itching, burning and pain, as well as restless legs and cramping. Once any of these symptoms begin to interfere with your lifestyle or daily routine, it’s time to see a doctor, Barnes warned.

BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

19

HEALTHY ADVICE Pros
Email your questions to: [email protected]
CARDIOLOGY 3921 Twin City Hwy Port Arthur, Texas 77642 (409) 963-0000 Office (409) 963-3391 Fax www.gulfcoastcardio.com

m the Fro

Do you h Do you have questions? yo Do you need answers?
Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
3070 College St., Ste. 205 Beaumont, Texas 77701 409-832-1225 www.drataya.com

Gulf Coast Cardiology Group, P.L.L.C.

PEDIATRIC

thickening of the artery walls. Symptoms of coronary artery disease in diabetics may be absent due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Cardiac evaluation and monitoring through EKGs, stress tests and good blood glucose control helps in early detection and prevention of major cardiac events.

Diabetes can affect both small A Two reasons diabetics arelarge anddevelopvessels of the heart circulation. A Removal of the tonsils is recommended in the following condition: likely to arteriosclerosis (blocked arteries) in the heart are: insulin levels can lead to hypertension and higher cholesterol, • Several episodes of strep tonsillitis and recurrent infections that inter and elevated sorbitol levels and blood sugar can promote plaque formation and

Dia A. Abochamh M.D., F.A.C.C.

Q Does diabetes affect the heart?

Raja H. Ataya M.D., F.A.A.P., F.R.C.P

Q My child has recurrent throat infections. When is the right time to remove the tonsils?

fear with growth, development and school activities. • Frequent sleep obstructive apneas. • Halitosis (bad smell from the mouth.) • Difficulty to swallow.

SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

ORTHOPEDIC SPINE

Magnolia Manor Nursing and Rehab
4400 Gulf Ave. Groves, TX 77619 409-962-5785 Will licensed nurses be taking care of Peggy Larson, LVN my loved one at the nursing and rehabilitation center? How many nurses will there be per patient?

Spine Associates

3820 Pointe Parkway Beaumont, Texas 77401 409-767-8221 www.spineassociatesofbeaumont.com
Richard R.M. Francis, MD, MBA, FRCS Ed., FRCS Ed. (Tr & Orth)

Q

Yes, all nurses LVN and RN are licensed nurses and are giving care 24 hours a day. Our nursing facility well exceeds the state requirements of patient nurse ratio.
HOSPICE

A

GENERAL DENTISTRY

as failed back surgery syndrome, or FBSS. Because we are a specialized spine practice, some patients are referred to us because their previous surgery failed to relieve their pain. The pain may be a result of various factors and needs to be examined to determine whether the pain is due to FBSS or is a result of a new problem.

Most patients spine improve. A surgery fails towho undergo pain, itsurgerypossibly beHowever, when the decrease the could a condition known

Q

What is Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?

of Beaumont
Hospice Physician Certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine by The American Board of Internal Medicine Michael R. Olson, DDS

West End Dental Group
6830 Phelan Blvd. Beaumont, Texas 77706 409-860-9600

2450 N. Major Drive • Beaumont, Texas 77713 409-840-5640

Each patient and family is assigned a case-managing nurse who is responsible for developing and coordinating the plan of care to meet the patient and family’s individual needs. The patient and family will see the case-managing nurse regularly as she makes scheduled visits to provide care and to monitor symptoms. Occasionally another nurse covering after-hours may see the patient, or for urgent needs when the case-manager is not on duty. The nurses and team members keep each other informed of patient changes and family needs as they occur.

A

Dr. Keith Stout, MD

Q Will I see the same nurse each visit?

loss, abscesses and any abnormalities in your bone so we can catch problems at an early stage. Dental x-rays carry such a low dose of radiation that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Yes, x-rays are used to for between A where we cannot see. check are cavities into detect teeth They also used bone

I’m concerned Q taken. Are theyabout having x-rays really necessary?

Healthy Advice segments are written by area professionals and are paid features. The Beaumont Enterprise and Brannon & Associates, Inc. are not responsible for the opinions and suggestions presented herein. Healthy Advice is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Readers should consult their practitioner for specific advice. How has Healthy Advice from the Pros helped you? Email your comments to: [email protected]

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU MAY PARTICIPATE AS A PROFESSIONAL ON THIS PAGE, CALL TED BRANNON AT (888) 833-5001

20 July/August 2011

| BEHealthySETX.com

Pros m the Fro
Email your questions to: [email protected]
INTERNAL MEDICINE

Crossfit
By Myles Mellor
7 8 1 2 3 9 11 12 4 5 10 6

Do you have questions? Do you need answers?

13

14 16 17 18 21 25 26 27 22

15

VARICOSE VEINS

Gout is a disease that causes joint pain from uric acid crystal deposits. Usually the big toe is affected, but other joints may be involved. Joints become red, hot, swollen, and extremely tender. Treatment deals with controlling the symptoms and discovering the cause for the disease. Acute attacks will end more quickly with rest. People with gout should avoid liver, sweetbreads, kidney, anchovies or sardines and alcohol, as these can make gout worse. Acute treatment includes over the counter NSAIDS like ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin. If patients have frequent flares we recommend prophylaxis’s including colchicine, allopurinol and uloric. For testing and further evaluation, see your family practitioner.

A

Msonthi B. Levine, M.D.

Q What is gout?

3560 Delaware, Suite 1104 Beaumont, TX 77706 OFFICE (409) 347-3621 FAX (409)860-9078

Golden Triangle Internal Medicine & Geriatrics

19 23

20 24

28 30 32 33 31

29

34

Vein Centers of Texas
# 7 Bayoubrandt Drive Beaumont, Texas 77706 (409) 832-8323 www.veincentersoftexas.com

Dr. Charles Gutierrez

inserted through a small puncture and used to close the abnormal refluxing vein. Once the diseased vein is closed, other healthy veins take over and empty the blood from your legs. For more information about this treatment option please contact our office at the Vein Centers of Texas.
HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY

Radiofrequency ablation (the Closure Procedure) is an A cedure for the treatment of varicose veins. A very small office procatheter is

is radiofrequency ablation of variQ Whatveins? cose

Syed Akhtar, M.D., FACP

While you don’t inherit cancer, you can inherit a higher risk for developing it. Although only 5 to 10 percent of cancers are from inherited gene mutations, genetic testing identifies an individual’s risk for certain types of cancer. Individuals who have a family history of a particular disease, such as breast, ovarian, or colon cancer, should consider genetic testing to identify their risk for themselves and their children. Texas Oncology’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment program can provide early detection and the opportunity not only to reduce the risk of cancer, but also to save lives.
Healthy Advice segments are written by area professionals and are paid features. The Beaumont Enterprise and Brannon & Associates, Inc. are not responsible for the opinions and suggestions presented herein. Healthy Advice is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Readers should consult their practitioner for specific advice. How has Healthy Advice from the Pros helped you? Email your comments to: [email protected]

A

Q Is cancer hereditary?

Mamie McFaddin Ward Cancer Center 690 North 14th Street, 3rd floor Beaumont, TX 77702 • 409-899-7180 Beaumont Baptist 3070 College Street, Suite 301 Beaumont, TX 77701 • 409-813-1686 www.TexasOncology.com

Across 1. Healthy exercise 6. Chinese shrub used for tea 9. Aisle statement (2 words) 11. Salty 12. Takes up 13. Ability to recall 15. Herb that aids digestion 16. Obese 17. Figure 19. I or II, in diabetes 20. Apricot kernel 21. Oregon state capital 24. Suffer nagging pain 25. Non-chemical 27. Last letter 29. Science of body structure 30. Brazilian ballroom motion 32. Larger than usual clothing size 33. Electrical charge 34. Ginseng is one

Down 1. Oil example 2. Below par 3. Vital nutrients 4. Nicotinam____ 5. Word of rejection 7. Agent that lowers blood sugar 8. Taken into the bloodstream 10. Come clean 14. Oral hygiene fluid 15. Sperm cell 17. Make of pen 18. Degree in karate 20. Fruit 22. Inactive 23. Granola cereal 26. Personal magnetism 28. Bird identifier 31. Actress, Derek 32. Crosses out

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU MAY PARTICIPATE AS A PROFESSIONAL ON THIS PAGE, CALL TED BRANNON AT (888) 833-5001

See solution on page 22.
BEHealthySETX.com | July/August 2011 21

BE Healthy calendar

July 15
Stroke Wise Seminar
4 p.m., Baptist Hospital, Beaumont

July 21
Every Thursday at 3:30 p.m., Hope Women’s Resource Clinic, 1155 I-10, 409-898-4005 Every Thursday at 5 p.m., Hope Women’s Resource Clinic, 1155 I-10, 409-898-4005

July 30
Adult, Child And Infant CPr And First Aid Class
9 a.m., American Red Cross, 3260 Eastex Freeway. Call 409-832-1644

August 17
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth, 2830 Calder. Free. Register at christushospital.org or call 866-683-3627

Nutrition Class

Minimally Invasive Surgery Seminar

July 16
8:30 a.m., Wesley Student Center, Lamar University, 4590 Cheek St., www.servingfamilies.org, 409-835-8461

Twogether Marriage Workshop

Parenting Class

August 2
Adult CPr Course
6 p.m., American Red Cross, 3260 Eastex Freeway. Call 409-832-1644

August 18-20
1 to 4 p.m., Baptist Hospital, Beaumont

July 23
8:30 a.m., Lamar State College Port Arthur, 1520 Proctor St., Student Center 4th floor, Room 422, www. servingfamilies.org, 409-983-4291

Diabetes Education Classes

July 18
Alga Wiess Auditorium, Baptist Hospital, 3555 Stagg Dr., Beaumont]

Twogether Marriage Workshop

August 4
6 p.m., American Red Cross, 3260 Eastex Freeway. Call 409-832-1644

Beaumont 55+ Luncheon

First Aid Course

August 19
4 p.m., Baptist Hospital

Stroke Wise Seminar

July 19
Every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., Hope Women’s Resource Clinic, 1155 I-10, 409-898-4005 Every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., Family Services of SE Texas, 3550 Fannin, 409-833-2668

July 25-27
5 p.m., Christus Outpatient Pavilion, 755 N. 11th St., Suite P1058

Sexual Health and Integrity Classes

Diabetes Lifestyle Education

August 11
Infant/Child CPr Class
6 p.m., American Red Cross, 3260 Eastex Freeway. Call 409-832-1644

August 20
8:30 a.m., Wesley Student Center, Lamar University, 4590 Cheek St., www.servingfamilies.org, 409-835-8461

Twogether Marriage Workshop

Positive Parenting

July 26
5:30 to 6:30 p.m., CHRISTUS Outpatient Pavillion, 755. N. 11th St, Beaumont. Contact 800-227-2345. Free sessions held on the last Tuesday of each month.

I Can Cope Cancer Education And Support Group

August 13
Orange, 8:30 a.m., Lamar Orange, 506 Green Ave., Orange Wilson Building, #125, www.servingfamilies. org, 409-833-2668

Twogether Marriage Workshop

August 30
5:30 to 6:30 p.m., CHRISTUS Outpatient Pavillion, 755. N. 11th St, Beaumont. Contact 800-227-2345.

July 21-23
Diabetes Education Classes
9 a.m. to noon, Baptist Hospital, Beaumont.

I Can Cope Cancer Education And Support Group

Good Samaritan Anger Management Class
8:30 a.m., City of Orange Neighborhood Facility, 303 8th St. 409-727-6400

July 20
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth, 6 Main Dining Room and CHRISTUS St. Mary Outpatient Center, Port Arthur. Free. Register at christushospital.org or call 866-683-3627 Every Wednesday at 2 p.m., Family Services of SE Texas, 3550 Fannin, 409-833-2668

July 28
Good News About Bad Knees/Hips Seminar
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., CHRISTUS St. Mary Outpatient Center, 3701 Hwy. 73 at 9th Ave. Free. Register at christushospital. org or call 866-683-3627

september 1-3
Diabetes Education Classes
9 a.m. to noon, Baptist Hospital, Beaumont
S W I M M I N L I D O E S A L I N E E A M E M O R Y O A F E B U I L D S A L P I T A C H E N A P W M Z A N A T O M Y S J Y A P H R O D I T H E A A Y B A D O P T S M O O G I N G E R A T L B M T Y P E E M C D T U R A L E E E B S A M B A X L I O N S I A C D G

Good News About Bad Knees/Hips Seminar

9 a.m., American Red Cross, 3260 Eastex Freeway. Call 409-832-1644

CPr for the Professional rescuer Course

July 29
Hospice Harbor Volunteer Training Class
Last Friday of every month at 10 a.m., 2450 N Major Dr., Call 409-840-5640

August 16
Orange 55+
Baptist Hospital Orange, 608 Strickland Dr.

Anger Management for Women

Event submissions Do you have a health related event you would like included on our next calendar? Email the details, including dates, times, location, contact phone, web address and a brief description, to [email protected]. Information should arrive at least 45 days in advance of the event.
22 July/August 2011 | BEHealthysEtX.com

“home is where healing begins.”
For more than 30 years, Jordan has provided quality home health services to thousands who call Texas home. Patients, families and doctors know and trust the quality care delivered by Jordan. Let Jordan care for you or a loved one in the comforts of home, where healing begins.
Follow Jordan:

Professional Team
RNs LVNs Therapists Social Workers Translation Services

Clinical Services
Diabetes Heart Failure High Blood Pressure COPD/Emphysema Additional Services Available

3415 Laurel, Beaumont, TX 77707

409-899-9053

800-64-NURSE (800-646-8773)

www.jhsi.com

������ �������� ��������
���������� ����������� �� ������� ��� ������������� ������������ ������ ���������� ���� ������� ���� ���������� ������� ��������� � ����������� �� ��� ���� ������� ���� ��������� � �������� ������ ��� ���� �������� ����� �� �� ��� ��� ��� �� �������� ���������� ������ ������������������������ ����� ������������ ���� ���������� ������� ����� ��� ���� ���������� ��� �������� RS’ CHO DE ������ ��������� ���� ������� �������� ����� BE ������������� ��������� BE ���������������������� 2011 ��������� ��������� AWARDS
BE
T MON AU

���� � ����� �� ��������� �� ����� ������������

ENTERP

RI SE

A

IC

RE

E

���� ����� �������� �������

����� ������� �� ��� � ����� �� ��� ����
BEHealthySETX.com

| July/August 2011

23

CELEBRATING

YEARS

FIGHT CANCER
When you’re treated at Texas Oncology, you can be sure you’re getting world-renowned cancer care right here in Southeast Texas. Our physicians provide compassionate patient care, offer the latest treatment innovations and share one goal: to be the best at what they do. With more than 100 locations and 300 oncologists throughout the state, every Texan can receive recognized cancer care close to home.

S. Usama Akhtar, M.D. • Robert R. Birdwell, M.D., F.A.C.P. Srinivas Kodali, M.D. • Scott A. McKenney, M.D., F.A.C.P. • Sumalatha Patibandla, M.D. Jay R. Schachner, M.D. • Henry O. Williams, M.D.
MAMIE MCFADDIN WARD CANCER CENTER 690 North 14th Street Beaumont, TX 77702 409-899-7180 BEAUMONT BAPTIST 3070 College Street, Suite 301 Beaumont, TX 77701 409-813-1686 JASPER 2014 S. Wheeler, Suite 170 Jasper, TX 75951 409-899-7180

1-888-864-I CAN (4226) • www.TexasOncology.com

HOW TEXANS FIGHT CANCER.

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close