MESSENGER POST MEDIA

health
2018

magazine

Advertising supplement for the WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018

 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 2 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018

What to know about going gluten-free

BY MELISSA ERICKSON | MORE CONTENT NOW

Gluten-free is a popular choice Many people believe that going

for people trying to manage their gluten-free can help with weight loss
weight, but is it for everyone? or feelings of indigestion or fatigue.
“Many people associate going But ultimately, people who do not
gluten-free with going carb-free, have a condition that requires the
and these are certainly not mutually avoidance of gluten — such as celiac,
exclusive,” said Dr. Christopher an autoimmune disorder where the
Heron, a family medicine physician ingestion of gluten leads to damage
at Penn State Medical Group, State in the small intestine — should not
College, Pennsylvania. “People may go 100 percent gluten-free.
lose weight on these diets because “The grains found in wheat products
they are cutting down on carbs are essential to overall health,”
(bread, beer, pasta), which can be Heron said. “They provide nutrients

part of a good diet plan, but there
are plenty of gluten-free foods that
are carb- and sugar-rich.”
Gluten is a type of protein that is
stored, along with starch, in many
common types of grain, such as rye, wheat and barley. This
protein accounts for more than half of the total protein in these
grains and helps dough become elastic when kneaded. Because
gluten is a protein, however, immune systems of individuals with
digestive challenges can react poorly to it, resulting in conditions
such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
FREEPIK.COM
that aren’t found in most gluten-free
foods, which is why many people
with celiac disease need to take a
multivitamin.”
That said, most people consume a
lot more foods made with white flour than our bodies require.
“Rather than going gluten-free, people who don’t suffer from a
gluten-related disease should shoot for a healthier diet overall
by managing portion size and being aware of foods’ nutritional
content,” said Dr. Lauren Schneekloth, a family medicine physician
at Penn State Medical Group.
 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 3 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018
Brain
drained?
HABITS TO HELP MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BRAIN.
Everyone has those days. You’re operating in a fog, or perhaps you
spaced out on a family member’s name in the middle of dinner,
or maybe you just find it hard to concentrate on work or hobbies.
When these unwanted situations begin to come up more often,
you may start to worry. Aging has long been associated with a
slow mental decline.
The good news is there are simple things you can do to clear the
cobwebs and regain your focus. Dr. Mike Dow, a psychotherapist
and best-selling author, says we often don’t realize the brain
is just like the heart, our muscles, our lungs and bones — it
needs maintenance, and healthy habits to help keep it working
at its very best. “People understand pretty well that if they eat
healthy, quit smoking and start exercising, they can improve their
cardiovascular health,” Dow said. “But they don’t always connect
the dots of living a healthy lifestyle to improving cognitive
health.” To help you reach your optimal brain health, Dow offers
these everyday tips.
Give yourself a daily challenge. If you catch yourself in a rut or
locked in your routine, it may be time to find ways to stretch your
mind muscles with a new and challenging activity. Researchers
have discovered that healthy brains need certain levels of
reserves and challenging them is one way to build those reserves.
“Think of your brain like a bank account,” Dow said. “Every time
you learn something new, or play a challenging game or read a
book, it’s like depositing a dollar into that account. The more cash
deposits you make, the more you have to spare.”
Feed your brain. Like other parts of the body, the brain needs
food and nutrients, and the right food can go a long way to
support brain health. An antioxidant-rich diet including things
like unsweetened tea, berries and turmeric can protect the brain
from damage that comes from aging and oxidative stress.
Dow also recommends taking a supplement like Natrol Cognium.
It contains a unique silk protein that’s been shown in human
clinical studies to protect the brain from oxidative stress. The
studies also show that it improves memory and concentration by
increasing blood flow and nutrition to the brain.
Tend to your relationships. As life and circumstances bring
inevitable changes, the number of people we count as friends
and loved ones can change over the years. It takes effort, but
Dow said it’s important to try to maintain our relationships and
be open to creating new ones, because they can have a profound
effect on brain health.
“Relationships tend to buffer us from the stress of daily life, which
is good because over time, excess stress can cause inflammation,”
Dow said. “At the same time, good, healthy relationships give our
lives meaning.”
To meet new people, try simple things like inviting a neighbor
over for dessert, joining a book club or volunteering for a
nonprofit or cause that’s important to you.
Get enough sleep. We often short ourselves on sleep when
life gets busy, but it’s important to make it a priority, Dow
said. “Think of nighttime sleep as a wash-and-rinse cycle that
clears away the ‘bad stuff’ that builds up during the day,” Dow
explained. “Brain fog and dementia-causing plaques are washed
away by cerebrospinal fluid, and this process is more effective
when you’re sleeping.”
Dow recommends practicing healthy sleep habits, such as
striving for eight hours each night, being consistent with your
bedtime routine and using melatonin instead of prescription and
over-the-counter sleep aids to help you drift off. [BPT]
HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 4 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018
 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 5 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018
Test your cholesterol
knowledge ...
AND HELP PROTECT YOUR HEART.
More than 100 million U.S. adults have high cholesterol, a major risk
factor for developing heart disease, which is the leading cause of
death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Two out of three don’t have the condition under
control and more than half don’t get treatment, the CDC reports.
What’s more, three in 10 patients who experience side effects from
their cholesterol medication discontinue treatment, according to
a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Why are so many people with high cholesterol
taking risks by not treating their condition?
“I find that many patients don’t fully understand the serious
consequences of high cholesterol, and it’s not a condition that
causes symptoms they can feel,” said Dr. Shawn Dhillon, founder
and medical director of the Calvert Medical Group in Baltimore and
a leading authority on cholesterol. “Unfortunately, this can often
lead them to not seek treatment or stop taking their medicine that
helps keep their cholesterol levels under control.”
Untreated high cholesterol can increase your risk of developing
heart disease and having a heart attack. To lower cholesterol,
doctors often prescribe statins, a treatment category that includes
more than seven different types currently available. Despite the
proven impact of statins on lowering cholesterol, at least 50 percent
of people stop taking their prescribed statin within one year of
starting it, according to a 2012 survey which was the largest known
cholesterol survey conducted in the U.S.
“When patients are first diagnosed with high cholesterol, I help
them understand what the diagnosis means for their lifestyle and
why they need to take their statin daily,” said Dhillon, who personally
has high cholesterol and takes the statin LIVALO (pitavastatin)
daily to treat his condition. “It’s also crucial to have a conversation
with my patients about questions or concerns about their statin.
By identifying any issues, I can either change the amount of the
medicine or try a different statin that might be more appropriate
for them instead so they don’t give up on their medicine.”
Want to learn more about high cholesterol and treatment options?
Take this quiz to get the skinny on cholesterol risks and treatments:
1. All cholesterol is bad. True or false?
Answer: False! Your body actually needs some cholesterol — a
waxy, fat-like substance that occurs in two “forms.” Low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) makes up most of the body’s
cholesterol, and is the “bad” cholesterol. Having high levels of
LDL-C can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart
disease and stroke. Statins work by blocking the important enzyme
that your liver needs to produce the bad cholesterol in your body.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is “good” cholesterol,
with doctors recommending having levels of 60 or higher.
2. High cholesterol is caused by: A. Diet; B. Lifestyle;
C. Heredity; or D. All of the above.
Answer: D. All of the above! While diet and lifestyle are leading
causes of high cholesterol, some people may be predisposed to
having high cholesterol due to family history.
3. I can control my high cholesterol by: A. Eating fewer
fatty foods and carbohydrates; B. Exercising more;
C. Taking medication; D. All of the above.
Answer: D. All of the above! Many people will need to take
medication like a statin to help control their high cholesterol, on
top of practicing healthy food habits and exercising.
 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 6 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018

4. Cholesterol-lowering medications, called statins, medications and supplements, also have the potential to cause
are all the same. True or false? issues when taken with certain statins. However, LIVALO, along
Answer: False! Statins are the most common type of cholesterol- with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can improve overall
lowering medication, but they are not all the same. In fact, there cholesterol levels while having a lower risk of certain unpredictable
are seven different statins currently available. Many statins have drug interactions based upon how it’s processed in the body.
a risk of interacting with other drugs or substances due to how Finding the right statin to treat your high cholesterol is vital, Dr.
they’re processed in the body. Perhaps the most commonly Dhillon said.
known interaction is the conflict between some statins and “Statins are first-line medications for treating high cholesterol, and
grapefruit, but medications such as those for high blood pressure their safety and effectiveness are supported by years of research,
and the prevention of blood clots, even many over-the-counter clinical trials and years of good patient outcomes,” he explained.
“However, common side effects, such as muscle aches and overall
fatigue, may deter people from taking their medication. That’s why
it is essential that people have an open dialogue with their doctor
to ensure they find a statin that works for them, as an individual.”
Dr. Dhillon said LIVALO is his top choice to help his patients manage
their cholesterol because the medication differs from other statins
in some important ways, including:
• The body breaks down LIVALO differently than most other statins,
so it can be less likely to interact with other medicines (including
commonly prescribed medications for high blood pressure and the
prevention of blood clots), vitamins and supplements.
• Because LIVALO is metabolized through a different pathway in the
body, patients are also able to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.
Certain statins, other than LIVALO, may interact with grapefruit and
grapefruit juice resulting in too much drug in the blood stream,
increasing the risk of adverse events.
• The FDA has recently cautioned the public on the potential
adverse effect of statins on glucose levels as a side effect of statin
therapy. Importantly, LIVALO has been studied in patients with
Type 2 Diabetes, many of which are on multiple medications and
demonstrated a non-significant change in blood glucose levels.
“Unmanaged high cholesterol can lead to serious health
consequences, including heart disease,” Dhillon said. “The good
news is, making healthy lifestyle choices including diet and exercise,
and finding the right statin for you, are effective ways to manage
your high cholesterol.
Visit livalorx.com/info to learn more. [BPT]

Important Safety Information for LIVALO
(pitavastatin) tablets
Who should NOT take LIVALO?
LIVALO is not right for everyone.
Do not take LIVALO if:
You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of
its ingredients. You have active liver problems,
including some abnormal liver test results. You
are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant,
as it may harm the baby.You are currently taking
cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.What is the most
important information I should know and talk to
my doctor about?
Call your healthcare provider or get help right
away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic
reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives. Muscle
problems may be an early sign of rare, serious
conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you
have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or
tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise
or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms
persist after discontinuing LIVALO.Serious liver
problems have been reported rarely in patients
taking statins, including LIVALO. Your doctor
should do liver tests before you start, and if you
have symptoms of liver problems while you are
taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right
away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss
of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or
yellowing of the skin or eyes. Tell your doctor about
all your medical conditions and medications you
take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins,
or herbal supplements. Increases in blood sugar
levels have been reported with statins, including
LIVALO.Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.
What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?
The most common side effects of LIVALO in
clinical studies were:
Back painMuscle painConstipationPain in the legs
or arms DiarrheaThis is not a complete list of side
effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more
information.
You are encouraged to report negative side
effects of all drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/
medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store and take LIVALO?
Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a
dry place, and out of the reach of children.LIVALO
can be taken at any time of day, with or without
food.Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush,
dissolve, or chew.Other important information I
should know about LIVALO.
LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect
on reducing heart-related disease or death. LIVALO
is available by prescription only.
For additional information please see the
accompanying full Prescribing Information or
visit www.LivaloRx.com. © Kowa Pharmaceuticals
America, Inc. (2017) - LIV-RA-0109 PI of 11/2016
 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 7 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018

Winter got you down? Seasonal Affective

Disorder (SAD) is estimated to affect 10
million Americans, according to Psychology SAY GOODBYE TO
Today. Another 10 percent to 20 percent
WINTER BLUES WITH

Vitamin D
may have mild SAD. Even if you don’t have
diagnosed SAD, it’s not uncommon to have
bouts of the winter blues. There are many
reasons people experience a “winter funk:”
cold weather, little sunlight, shorter days,
limited outdoor activity, etc.
Additionally, between the months of
November and March, the lack of vitamin
RICH FOODS
D absorption from the sun can be taxing
on your immune system and may also be
contributing to your winter blues.
Dubbed “the happy vitamin” by some
researchers, vitamin D could be the key
to turning seasonal frowns upside-down.
Maintaining vitamin D levels during the
cold winter months may help keep you
healthy during cold and flu season while also
boosting your mood.
What’s more, vitamin D may help you
maintain a healthy weight. It’s no secret
that many people experience weight gain
due to the flood of comfort foods available
during cooler months. This, paired with lower
physical activity, causes many people to put
on a few winter pounds.
According to a study quoted in Men’s Health,
a University of Minnesota doctor found that
Dubbed “the happy vitamin” by some researchers, vitamin D
people with adequate vitamin D levels lost
more weight than those with low levels, even could be the key to turning seasonal frowns upside-down.
though all study participants reduced their Maintaining vitamin D levels during winter months may help keep
calorie intake equally. you healthy during cold and flu season while boosting your mood.
To get all the benefits of vitamin D, start by
adjusting your diet. Vitamin D occurs naturally eggs provide superior nutritional benefits shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons
in eggs and oily fish like salmon, tuna and such as 10 times more vitamin E, double Caesar dressing
mackerel, but it’s important to look for foods the omega-3s, more than double the Heat bacon in a skillet and cook completely.
that contain even higher levels of vitamin D vitamin B12 and 25 percent less saturated Set aside and then cut or break into bite-
to naturally boost your intake, especially in fat than ordinary eggs. size pieces once cooled.
the winter. A healthy diet that uses mood-boosting Soft boil the egg over the stovetop. While
“Food is quite literally one of the best ingredients doesn’t have to be boring. Get egg is cooking, place lettuce in a large
medicines out there when it comes to creative in the kitchen and try new recipes bowl and add tomatoes, avocado, croutons
improving your mental and physical health,” featuring vitamin D-rich ingredients and cheese to the bowl, stir to combine.
said registered dietitian nutritionist, Dawn like this BLT Salmon Caesar Salad from
Eggland’s Best and TheAlmondEater.com. Next, add the baked salmon to the salad,
Jackson Blatner. “One of my favorite tips for
along with the bacon. Add the Caesar
boosting Vitamin D intake is to simply swap BLT Salmon Caesar Salad dressing and stir to combine.
out ordinary eggs for Eggland’s Best eggs,
1 salmon filet, baked and seasoned to your Last, add the soft-boiled egg and enjoy!
since you’ll automatically get six times more
liking; 2 slices bacon; 1 Eggland’s Best egg Makes two servings.
vitamin D — it doesn’t get any easier than
(large); 5 cups lettuce; 1/2 cup tomatoes;
that!” For more great recipes visit Eggland’s Best
1 avocado, sliced; 1 cup croutons; 1/2 cup
In addition to added vitamin D, Eggland’s Best and TheAlmondEater.com. [BPT]

A division of Gatehouse Media

MESSENGER POST MEDIA 73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua NY 14424 •585.394.0770 • www.MPNnow.com
HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 8 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018
 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 9 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018

A MESSAGE FOR PARENTS:

school-based vision screenings
should not replace a
comprehensive eye exam.
Parents mistakenly breathe a sigh of relief
upon hearing that their children have “passed”
school vision screenings. What parents don’t
understand are the significant limitations of
school-based screenings which fail to detect
a range of potentially harmful vision issues, the
American Optometric Association (AOA).
Unfortunately, nine out of 10 parents think that
school-based vision screenings are all their
children need to confirm good eye health. But
screenings miss up to 75 percent of dangerous
eye conditions in children, according to AOA’s
new Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline:
Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision
Examination. What’s more, when a vision
screening does indicate a possible problem,
only 39 percent of children receive the care
Vision and academic performance. including those sold in health insurance
they need from an eye doctor.
Multiple studies have linked vision marketplaces, cover comprehensive
One of the biggest hurdles to detecting poor p r o b l e m s w i t h p o o r a c a d e m i c pediatric eye exams.
vision is the child’s awareness of the problem. performance and behavioral issues.
2. Look for indicators of vision and eye-
Most children with vision problems don’t know In fact, children with undetected and
health issues in your children. Common
that other children see better than they do; untreated vision problems can exhibit
signals include covering one eye, holding
they think their poor vision is “normal.” some of the same symptoms as kids with reading materials close to the face, a
“Healthy eyes and good vision are essential for attention-deficit disorders, leading to false short attention span and complaining
every child’s development,” said AOA President diagnoses. “Good vision is more complex of headaches or other discomfort.
Christopher Quinn, O.D. “Parents need to than just being able to see clearly,” Remember, most children don’t know they
know that school vision screenings can miss Quinn said. “In order to see well enough have a problem, so they are unlikely to say
potentially severe eye or vision problems. They to perform to the best of their academic anything, even if they are struggling.
cannot replace a comprehensive exam by a abilities, children’s eyes need to focus,
track, work together and judge distance 3. Prevent eye strain by monitoring use
doctor of optometry.”
and depth. Typical school vision tests only of digital devices. Increased exposure
The AOA, which represents more than 44,000 to electronic devices in and out of
screen for nearsightedness.”
optometrists, optometric professionals and the classroom can cause digital eye
optometry students in communities across Eye health problems. A comprehensive strain, including burning or itchy eyes,
the country, recently issued a new, evidence- eye exam by a doctor of optometry can headaches, blurred vision and exhaustion.
based guideline for vision care in children help detect serious eye health and vision AOA recommends following the 20-20-20
that informs parents and caregivers about problems that in-school screenings rule (taking a 20-second break every 20
protecting their children’s eye health. The simply aren’t designed to catch. These minutes and looking at something 20 feet
guideline, which is based on a three-year problems include amblyopia, a condition away), blink frequently and adjust your
review of the latest research, concludes that that impairs vision in one of a child’s eyes child’s computer screen to prevent glare.
children should receive a comprehensive eye because the eye and the brain are not
4. Make sure your kids wear proper
exam during their first year of life and again working together properly. Parents should
eye protection for sports and outdoor
between the ages of 3 and 5, before entering keep these four tips in mind when it comes
activities. Well-fitting, protective eye
first grade and annually thereafter. Regular, to eye health and safety:
wear and quality sunglasses that offer UV
comprehensive eye exams not only contribute 1. Know that pediatric eye exams with
protection are critical to maintaining key
to helping children succeed, they prevent and a doctor of optometry are most likely
visual skills and preventing injuries.
diagnose serious eye problems that can be covered by your health insurance
more expensive to treat and cause permanent plan. Most health insurance plans, To learn more about vision health, visit www.
vision impairment if left undetected. aoa.org. [BPT]
 HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE10 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018

ESSENTIALS YOU
SHOULD KNOW
When buying
hearing aids
Being an informed health care consumer is hard work,
information is everywhere. But how do you sift through
it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is
reliable and what isn’t? Sorting through the noise when
buying hearing aids is no exception.
In the past several months, there has been significant
media coverage about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid
Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids
available over-the-counter in the next several years. To help
you cut through the clutter, the Better Hearing Institute
(BHI) has pulled together essential facts for those who are
considering the purchase of hearing aids.
Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately
is important for health and quality of life. Research
shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline
and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and
hospitalization and greater health care costs. Studies
show hearing loss is also linked to cardiovascular disease,
diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, obesity, sleep
apnea and rheumatoid arthritis.
Hearing loss is not a simple mechanical issue and
cannot be remedied as easily as buying a pair of reader person’s hearing loss is safely and effectively treated. Hearing care
glasses at the store. Hearing loss is a complex sensory professionals — audiologists, hearing aid specialists and ENTs (Ear, Nose
loss. It involves brain function and frequency losses specific and Throat doctors or doctors of otology and otolaryngology) — are best
to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted suited to help consumers with hearing loss. Audiologists and hearing
interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For aid specialists are expressly trained in all aspects of hearing aids and
this reason, hearing aids — which are designed specifically amplification, and they are state-licensed. Many work in practices with
to compensate for hearing loss — must be cleared by the ENT doctors who have the most appropriate and accurate equipment
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety to give a precise read of an individual’s current hearing level. Involving a
and efficacy. hearing health care professional means you get maximum benefit from
your hearing aids.
Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed
specifically for the individual so they correctly address Currently, hearing aids are only sold by licensed hearing care
the specific frequencies the individual has trouble professionals. Today, real hearing aids cannot be purchased in the U.S.
hearing. Authentic hearing aids are tailored to you — without the involvement of a licensed hearing care professional. The
through personalized fitting, programming and follow-up way hearing aids are sold, however, will change in a few years due to the
adjustments. This gives the wearer the greatest benefit Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law in
and ensures that the level of amplification is appropriate August 2017. Nevertheless, the complex nature of hearing loss will not
across the entire frequency spectrum. Follow-up hearing change. The safest thing consumers can do for their hearing is to seek
aid adjustments, along with training to help consumers professional hearing health care advice from the start.
adjust to amplification and re-learn how to hear and BHI urges consumers with hearing loss to remain encouraged.
process sounds they had been missing, further increase Most people with hearing loss can benefit from custom-fitted and
user satisfaction. programmed hearing aids. In fact, 91 percent of people who purchased
Seeing a hearing care professional is the best safety net hearing aids in the last year say they are happy with their purchase, and
for proper diagnosis and treatment. This helps ensure 90 percent say they would recommend getting hearing aids to family
that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss members and friends, BHI research shows.
is identified and addressed. It also helps ensure that the For information on types of hearing loss, visit www.betterhearing.org. [BPT]
HEALTH MAGAZINE 2018 • PAGE 11 • WEEK OF JANUARY 21, 2018
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