In the dark about your heart health? The first step to heart health is knowing and understanding your status. The Kent County Health Department provides cholesterol and blood pressure screenings that include risk assessment, immediate results, and detailed wellness reports.

They will hold a screening on Thursday, September 2. The cost is $15-$25 per person. Call (616) 632-7290 to schedule your appointment or to get more information.

Website captures and shares stories from the end of life

Hospice of Michigan, one of Michigan’s leading providers of hospice and palliative care, has launched a website featuring stories told about the end of life. The website is part of a 52-week campaign to share and honor the important “final chapter” of life.

Called “Stories at Sunset,” the awareness campaign features one new story each week for 52 weeks. They air on local radio stations once per week in the evening drive time, and then are posted on the website: www.storiesatsunset.org, and are also posted on Hospice of Michigan’s Facebook page.

The stories are brief, fewer than 160 words, but tell the moving stories from husbands, wives, nurses, children—the people who are there for others at the end of life. Collected from Hospice of Michigan’s employees, volunteers and supporters, each story shows a unique perspective on the end-of-life experience.

“When it comes to the discussion of death and hospice, there is an information gap,” said Dottie Deremo, president and CEO of Hospice of Michigan. “If they have never had a hospice experience, they don’t know what to expect, and they may not realize the rich, warm, life-affirming experience that hospice can create for patients and families. These stories reveal and honor the hospice experience.”

The public is invited to share their personal experiences and stories related to end of life on the website. Go to www.storiesatsunset.org and click on the link to “Tell us Your Story.”

Though hospice care has been available in Michigan for 30 years, it is still not widely understood. Only 30 percent of eligible patients access hospice services at the end of life. Hospice of Michigan believes that its “Stories at Sunset” campaign will help explain the benefits of hospice care, encouraging it as a widely-accepted healthcare service that addresses the emotional, physical, spiritual and social needs of the patient and their loved ones.

The Alzheimer’s Association is sponsoring a community education seminar this coming August and September, at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, located at 140 S. Main Street, Cedar Springs. Family members and professional caregivers working with persons with dementia, or anyone else affected by dementia are welcome to attend.

The schedule for the seminars is as follows:

Tuesday, August 31, 7- 9 p.m. Understanding alzheimer’s disease & other dementias Tuesday, September 7, 7- 9 p.m. Legal & financial issues

Tuesday, September 14, 7- 9 p.m. Strategies for navigating the dementia journey.

A donation of $10 per person (or family ) per session is suggested. Please call 800-272-3900 to reserve your seat or for more information.

These seminars are provided with Financial Support from Older Americans Act National Family Caregiver Support Funds ,administered by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Inc. Refreshments provided by Metron of Cedar Springs.

With the new school year rapidly approaching, the Kent County Health Department wishes to remind parents to be sure that their children have all the required school immunizations. Michigan law requires that all children entering school be fully immunized.

Changes for this fall include all kindergartners must have two Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines or a documented history of chickenpox; and all 6th graders, 11 years of age ,and anyone 11-18 years of age who is changing school districts, needs to have two Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, one Meningococcal vaccine, and one Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine.

“Childhood immunization continues to be one of the most successful and cost-effective means of preventing morbidity and mortality in children,” said Bill Anstey, Deputy Health Officer at the Kent County Health Department.

He noted that vaccines are not just for babies. In addition to the above school requirements, there are other recommended vaccines such as the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine for girls at 11-12 years of age. HPV can also be given to boys. In addition, everyone should receive seasonal flu vaccine each year starting at 6 months of age.

Additionally, several universities and colleges are now recommending or requiring meningitis vaccination for their students, especially those who are entering college for the first time. Students who have not been fully immunized may not be able to attend college until all the vaccination requirements are met.

While many school districts will enroll children who have not been fully immunized and allow them to attend classes, these children may eventually face being excluded from school if their immunizations are not brought up to date in accordance with Michigan Law. Parents are encouraged to call the children’s school for more information about the school’s or district’s policy regarding immunizations.

The Kent County Health Department provides all recommended childhood and required school entry immunizations. Routine immunizations are free to those who qualify. Vaccine administration fees are calculated on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income for individuals qualifying for free vaccine. All others pay a single fee which includes the vaccine administration fee. The Kent County Health Department has a limited amount of free vaccine for insured individuals with high co-pays or deductibles to help minimize costs for parents.

To schedule anappointment at any of the six Kent County Health Department locations, please call (616) 632-7200.

For more information about school entry immunizations, the childhood immunization schedule, or the location and hours of the Kent County Health Department, people may call the Health Department at (616) 632-7200 visit the Kent County Health Department web page at www.accesskent.com/immunizations.

(ARA) – As a parent, you would never consider sending your child to school without the proper vaccinations. But did you know that according to the American Animal Hospital Association, about 50 percent of dogs in the United States go without preventative treatment for one of the most common diseases among canines?

Many people consider their dogs to be part of the family. And with mosquito season in full swing, dog owners should consider the best way to protect dogs against heartworm disease. Mosquito bites may be just a simple nuisance to humans, but they can spread heartworm disease without pet owners knowing, and dogs are most at risk of becoming seriously ill from the disease.

Heartworm used to be relatively contained in the American southeast, where warm, humid temperatures create good breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, longer warm seasons in northern states and increased pet travel throughout the country have led to dramatic growth in the spread of heartworm over the past decade. Veterinarians in regions that were once considered low-risk now report heartworm outbreaks in their clinics, and the parasite can now be found in all 50 states.

Recognizing heartworm infection can be tricky. Symptoms include chronic cough and fatigue, but often the disease does not show any signs until it reaches an advanced stage. Eventually, heartworm can lead to lung, heart, liver and kidney failure.

Fortunately, heartworm prevention is simple, cost effective, and the best way to save dogs from the long, difficult and expensive treatment required once infection takes hold. Here are a few ways to keep dogs safe:

* The American Heartworm Society recommends getting your dog tested annually for heartworm. During these visits, talk to your veterinarian about the best method of prevention against the disease.

* Protect your dog with a monthly application of a heartworm preventative medication. Some topicals, like Advantage Multi  for Dogs (imidacloprid + moxidectin) Topical Solution, also kill fleas and treat intestinal parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

* During warmer months, keep your dog inside as much as possible during early morning and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Through annual testing and use of monthly preventatives, you can protect your dog from heartworm disease and help keep your dog healthy. If you haven’t thought about prevention before, now is the time in the peak of mosquito season. For more information on heartworm prevention, visit advantagemulti.petparents.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Cedar Springs United Methodist will host a 3-part alzheimer’s education series on the following dates:
Week 1 – Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 7-9 p.m. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias will include tips for getting a diagnosis, latest information on treatment and research developments with Carrie-Ann Hood Strong, PsyD & Jacobus Donders, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologists.
Week 2 – Tuesday, September 7, 7-9 p.m. Legal & Financial Issues will feature tips for making financial and medical decisions on behalf of a person with dementia, planning for future care needs: understanding Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Benefits with David Carrier, Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney.
Week 3 – Tuesday, September 14, 7-9 p.m. Strategies for Navigating the Dementia Journey will include tips for successfully interacting with a person with dementia and where to go for assistance with Christiana Getz, Program Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association.
The church is located at 140 S. Main St. in Cedar Springs and refreshments will be provided by Metron of Cedar Springs.
Please call 800-272-3900 to reserve your seat or for more information.
A donation of $10 per person (or family) per session is suggested.

(ARA) – Record temperatures bring disturbing news reports of heat related deaths and the familiar calls to seek shade, limit outside work and drink large quantities of water. But experts caution water alone may not be sufficient and could actually increase your risk of severe heat related injuries.

According to Dr. David McCarron, adjunct professor at University of California Davis, “You must also replace the sodium and potassium along with the water. This is why athletes drink sports drinks like Gatorade, rather than just water. Replacing water without sufficient sodium can quickly produce hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition,” says McCarron.

When the body loses electrolytes, typically from perspiration, over-rehydration with only water will produce hyponatremia which is a true medical emergency. Hyponatremia symptoms are similar to those of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and can often be overlooked. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include nausea, muscle cramps, disorientation, confusion, seizures, coma and death.

To avoid this condition, medical authorities advise marathon runners to consume extra salt and this advice should also be considered by those exposed to excessive heat. Salt is critical in maintaining hydration.

The proper balance of electrolytes in the human body is essential for normal function of the cells and organs. Electrolytes help to regulate cardiovascular and neurological functions, fluid balance and oxygen delivery.

In 2007, a 28-year-old mother of three died from hyponatremia hours after competing in a Sacramento radio station contest to see which contestant could drink the most water without urinating.

A few years ago, a 21-year-old student died of water intoxication during a hazing incident. He had been forced to drink from a five-gallon jug of water that was repeatedly refilled. He soon collapsed and had a seizure. Fraternity members didn’t initially call an ambulance. By the time they did, it was too late. He was pronounced dead a few hours later.

Water intoxication is more commonly seen among athletes, usually extreme athletes, but older individuals are also at high risk for several reasons. Their kidneys are less efficient at conserving salt when the body is stressed and common medications such as diuretics greatly increase that risk. That is why during severe high temperatures, news accounts most often refer to elderly victims of the heat.

Although most hyponatremia victims may not have obvious symptoms, severe hyponatremia is a medical emergency that calls for immediate treatment. The low sodium level is restored to a normal level by gradually and steadily giving sodium and water intravenously. Milder cases can be handled by administering of salt and fluid replacers by mouth.

The next time the local meteorologist recommends cranking up the air conditioner and drinking a lot of water to beat the heat, remember that doctors recommend also cranking up your intake of electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(StatePoint)  It’s family road trip season again, when families nationwide pile into cars and hit the highway.

Family road trips mean time together enjoying the sights zipping past your windows. They also mean having to get the entire family to agree on snacks or even whole meals munched from the near-comfort of car seats.

“While all parents want their kids to eat right, packing snacks that are healthful only matters if your children will eat them,” says Edmond Sanctis, co-founder of Sahale Snacks, a producer of healthy, all-natural snack foods. “The key is to pack fun grab-and-go foods that taste great but are healthful and provide protein and energy to keep going all day.”

There are several things to keep in mind when selecting food for the road:

* Go Natural: Whenever possible, choose snacks without preservatives and with all-natural ingredients. Steer clear of high fructose corn syrup, MSG, food colorings and snacks high in trans fats. Ingredients such as organic evaporated cane juice can serve as alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup or other processed sweeteners.

* Protein Matters: Snacks high in protein generate long-lasting energy to help you make it through the day. Mozzarella or cheddar cheese sticks typically go over well with kids. Nuts also are good sources of protein, and don’t need to be kept cool. Seasoned nuts will make kids forget about potato chips, but choose ones with all-natural flavorings, such as Sahale Snacks’ Barbecue Almonds or Southwest Cashews dusted with cheddar cheese and Poblano and Guajillo peppers. Keep things interesting.

* Water, Water Everywhere: Avoid sugary drinks or keep them to a minimum. Water is best for your health and wallet. Pack your own reusable water bottles for every family member, to do your part for the environment.

* Make Fruit Fun: Fruits may be good for you, but for many kids they’re no fun. Mix things up by packing fun dips, like peanut butter for apple slices, carrots or celery. Or avoid messes by choosing pre-packaged fruit-and-nut blends that make kids forget they’re eating healthfully. For instance, Sahale Snacks’ nut blends combine nuts and fruit in unique, all-natural combinations, such as cashews with pomegranate and vanilla bean, or the very kid-friendly blend of peanuts with raspberries and strawberries. These healthful snacks are available in Walmart, supermarkets and health food stores.

* Keep it Clean: Leave greasy or messy snacks on the store shelf, not your backseat! And choose snacks in resealable bags. This way you can dole out portions and neatly reseal the bag for later. Also bring unused resealable bags for garbage and sanitizing wipes to clean up after snacking.

“You don’t have to resort to boring, uninspired food, just because you’re stuck in the car. That same old trail mix gets dull after a few miles,” says Sanctis. “It’s all about having a happy backseat.”

For more snack ideas, visit www.sahalesnacks.com.

What every patient should know before surgery

Dr. Barry Friedberg is on a crusade, and it has cost him dearly.

“A lot of people wake up from surgery not quite the same person they were before they went under because of the overuse of anesthetic drugs,” said Dr. Friedberg, a board certified anesthesiologist who has been quoted in numerous medical journals and anesthesia text books. He has formed a not-for-profit foundation, called the Goldilocks Anesthesia Foundation, (www.goldilocksanesthesiafoundation.org ) specifically to ask patients to request their anesthesiologists use a brain monitor during surgery. “When we watch a TV show like House or walk through a hospital, we just see a bunch of equipment and monitors, so most people figure that something as logical as a brain monitor would be in use when doctors use general anesthesia. But they aren’t in widespread use at all, and many patients don’t realize they can ask their anesthesiologist to use one. And they should if they want to stay alive and healthy.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 53.3 million surgical and nonsurgical procedures are performed during 34.7 million ambulatory surgery visits each year.

“That’s a lot of surgery, and a lot of people being put under general anesthesia without knowing all the risks,” Dr. Friedberg said. “Without a brain monitor, anesthesiology is not an exact science. So most doctors figure it is better to give the patient more than they need in order to make sure they don’t wake up during the operation. Of course, no one in the healthcare food chain is opposed to using more drugs, as that is a large part of the revenue stream. With a brain monitor, each patient becomes an open book test instead of a mystery to be solved. Doctors would be able to use a more exact dosage, use less drugs and be safer. Instead of using too little or too much, they’d use a dosage that is just right, hence my reference to Goldilocks with my foundation.”

The risks of being over-anesthetized are many, including long term dementia, memory loss and even death, according to Dr. Friedberg. He added that not enough research has truly been done on anesthesia overdosing, because without widespread use of brain monitors during surgery, there is no way to really pinpoint whether anesthesia is statistically a culprit. That’s why Dr. Friedberg urges all patients to ask if their anesthesiologist uses a brain monitor at the time the surgery is scheduled, and to ask for a different anesthesiologist if the one assigned to them doesn’t use one.

Dr. Friedberg‘s message seems simple and prudent enough, but it has not been adopted by his profession, nor by the healthcare industry, because the major players don’t make much money from its use.

“Some hospitals don’t even have billing codes for the use of a brain monitor, and the pharmaceutical companies sponsoring all the junkets for doctors aren’t fond of them, because they invariably result in the use of lower dosages of the drugs they sell,” Dr. Friedberg added. “I don’t make any money from trying to spread this message. I don’t have a secret deal with the monitor manufacturers and I don’t have an axe to grind with the drug companies. In fact, my crusade has cost me professional relationships as well as money out of my own pocket to promote it. I am just tired of the primary task of my profession being not to kill patients. Instead, we should focus on caring for the patients, and understanding the long term risks of overmedicating patients while in surgery. We should be using every tool available to keep them healthy and reduce unnecessary risks through the entire treatment process.”

GREENVILLE, MI., June 30, 2010 –Women who undergo routine mammograms at United Hospital now have the latest diagnostic technology available to them, digital mammography. Greenville’s United Hospital features the state-of-the-art system, Selenia™ digital mammography from Hologic™.

”We are very excited to be able to offer the newest technology for breast cancer detection,” states Mike Ancil, director of diagnostic imaging. Digital mammography is different from conventional mammography in how the image of the breast is acquired and, more importantly, viewed. The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images. These features allow the radiologist to evaluate microcalcifications and focus on areas of concern.

By offering women the latest technology in mammography, the hospital hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.

The digital mammography unit at United Hospital is accredited by the American College of Radiology, and meets all the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Mammography Quality Standards program.  All technologists performing mammography procedures at United Hospital are certified and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.