FLORIDA EAST COAST POST

CONTENTS

From Barbara

January 20th Meeting

Shingles and the Vaccine

“Bless You”

Old Age is a Gift

Post-Polio Corrective Surgery: Then and Now

When I’m an Old Lady

On Intelligence

Your Health

Legacy Planning

Odd Shoe Information

Colon Polyps

Beware of Fad Diets

Shaking Salt, Sugar from Your Diet

Portion Control

Migraine Sufferers

Green Tea for the Brain

Calendar Watch

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FROM BARBARA

We had a very successful January meeting with Glenn Morin, a pharmacist with Walgreen’s

After 10 years of upgrading the computer and printer that I use for the support group (and for myself), my “guru” determined that it was time for new equipment. So, we now have a new computer in which the old hard-drive was added so that all the information was transferred to the new system and the printer is one that not only prints but scans and copies. It was agreed at the January meeting that half the cost be from the support group ($400.). My thanks to all for their “support.”

Another topic brought up at the meeting was the cost of the lunch we have at the Red Lobster. Since we started meeting there approximately seven years ago, we have charged $10. per person. Over the years, the costs have increased. (Even the 1/4 sheet cake purchased at Publix has gone up from $16. to $19.50.) The lunches were running from $11. - $14. per person with the additional moneys coming from the checkbook. It was proposed, and agreed upon, that as of the March 2008 meeting, the cost of the lunch will be $13. per person.

Please note that if you are not able to afford the cost of lunch but want to attend a meeting, all you have to do is call Barbara and there will be no problem.

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January 20^th meeting

At our January 20th meeting, Glenn Morin, a pharmacist with Walgreens, spoke to us. Glenn’s topic was “A Tour Around the Pharmacy.”

Glenn presented current news pertaining to “Hot Topics” including self-testing for a variety of health conditions, walk-in-care clinics designed for screening and immunizations, patients’ personal treatment of health conditions, and probiotics – a new area of non prescription medications.

He also spoke on new developments behind the counter, describing new forms of medications, new generic drugs available, new technologies in record keeping, and discussed Medicare Part D prescription plans. He emphasized the availability and importance of patient counseling in treating ailments by individuals.

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Take Care Health Clinics - will be providing convenient health care at a lower cost than emergency rooms and doctors offices. These will be run by nurse practitioners with the ability to treat minor illnesses and injuries. Including vaccinations referrals to doctors for more serious conditions. Walgreens plans to have more than 400 by the end of 2008.

Medications: formerly on RX only now over the counter (OTC) : Zyrtec, Claritin, Mucinex, Alli, Propose, and Motrin. (These are some of the ones that are now available over the counter.)

Formerly OTC now not available, except by RX: Albuterol inhaler, ephedrine products, children's cough and cold products. Pseudoephedrine products sold as a registered sale only (mostly nasal decongestants and cough medi-cines).

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The following article is reprinted from the Daytona Beach News-Journal, January 3, 2008, column by Dr. Paul Donohue, who does the “To Your Good Health” column every day.

Shingles and the vaccine~

Q. I am an 86-year-old woman. I have had shingles twice in my life. My family physician thinks I should get the shingles vaccine. I went to a health clinic to get the injection. I was told by the RN on duty that her instructions were not to give the shot to anyone who had previously had the shingles. How would you advise me? Should I have the vaccine? I don't want the shingles again - ever.

Shingles questions are among the most-asked questions I receive. Shingles comes from the chickenpox virus, which stays with people for life. It lives in nerve cells. Even if people say they have never been infected with chickenpox, more than 90 percent of adults have.' The childhood infection could have been so mild that it wasn't recognized as chickenpox.

Later in life, the virus leaves its nerve-cell home, travels down the nerve to the skin, where it gives rise to the typical shingles rash – small blisters on red patches of skin – and the typical pain of shingles. The pain that arises when the rash is present is bad, but the pain that stays after the rash is gone is worse. That's called postherpetic neuralgia, and it comes from damage to the nerve that the virus caused as it traveled down the nerve to the skin. Lyrica is the newest medicine for postherpetic neuralgia.

Because of postherpetic neuralgia, the shingles vaccine was developed. It cuts down the chances of developing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia by 66 percent. If it doesn't provide complete protection, it makes a shingles encounter less fierce. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a board of vaccine experts, advises older people to get the vaccine even if they have had shingles. However, a second case of shingles is rare. (V.J. is an exception to the rule.) A third case is very, very rare.

It’s up to you, V.J. If you want the vaccine, you are entitled to get it. First check on its cost and if your insurance will cover it.

Readers may write Dr. Donohue at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamal.com.

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Reprinted from Your Daily Mentor by Lowell Merklin, e-mailed to me every day.

“Bless You”

Why do people say "Bless you!" after we sneeze?

In ancient times, it was customary to congratulate someone who just sneezed, because sneezing was viewed as the body's way to expel evil spirits. This view may have been based on the observation that people sneeze more often when they are ill, and illness was thought to be caused by evil spirits.

In the fourteenth century, the black plague came to Europe accompanied by violent sneezing among those afflicted. The Pope passed a law that anyone who sneezed was to be blessed by those nearby, with the hope that death might be averted. Today, most people still say "Bless you!" when someone sneezes.

The Germans were a bit less religious about their sneezing customs. To this day, they say "gesundheit" [geh-ZUND-hyt] after someone sneezes, which simply means "good health."

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The following was e-mailed to me by one of our members, Barbara Deere – Much thanks!

Old Age is a Gift

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometime despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 & 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love.... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it!!)

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAIN-BOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER!

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Reprinted from Post-Polio Health (formerly called Polio Network News) with permission of Post-Polio Health International (www. post-polio.org). Any further reproduction must have permission from copyright holder.

Post-Polio Corrective Surgery: Then and Now

Jacquelin Perry, MD, DSc (Hon), Patho-kinesiology, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center,

Downey, California

THEN:

Most of the surgery done in the past still is applicable today, however, there is some limitation in response due to aging of the muscles and tendons. The purpose of surgery is to improve function. The first reconstructive surgery ever conceived was heel cord (Achilles tendon) lengthening which actually was done with a simple snip in 1821 even before anesthesia was developed. The back of the ankle became tight, and if the heel cord was lengthened, a flat foot resulted. The benefit did not necessarily last unless the surgeon transferred muscles to the front of the foot. On a positive note, the residual return usually was less severe than the initial problem. Another early surgery to provide a stable foot, for one without muscles, was to fuse everything and was called a pantalar orthodesis. More commonly, the surgeon fused just the foot (a triple arthodesis) leaving the ankle free to provide early knee stability for optimum weight bearing. Total fusion got rid of braces and was considered a great success in the early '40s and '50s. Now it is a disadvantage because the total foot fusion is creating increased demand at the knee. My recommendation is not to get it done if you have not had it done. Tendon transfers to the heel were also done. One obscure but critical problem was a weak calf which secondarily led to foot deformities and unstable knees. Transferring the tendons of other muscles to the heel restored posterior ankle control and made both the foot and knee more stable. The common growth deformity from a weak calf was a very vertical heel and high arch which resulted in a great deal of instability. Muscles were transferred to the back of the heel. In just three years, the growing foot would respond with a flatter arch and better heel and much more stable foot. By changing the pattern of muscle force we actually influenced bone growth. Obviously, once the foot has finished growing that would not be an outcome. One can use the same procedure for stability in an adult today, but it will not change the shape of the foot without an accompanying osteotomy. Another early surgery was done on the upper extremity. Both a problem and a salvation for polio survivors is paralysis of the muscles controlling the shoulder joint with the shoulder blade muscles preserved. The result is a flail arm and inability to use a functional hand. These areas have a different nerve supply than the muscles to the shoulder joint. A solution was to fuse the shoulder blade and the upper arm bone, i.e., a shoulder fusion, which gave a stable arm for hand function as well as reach. Many young girls who had polio in their upper body could flip their arm up on top of their head and fix their hair and did not choose the shoulder fusion. A shoulder fusion was a great advantage if one could not control the hand and use it. It is still a good procedure. I actually did one about two years ago on an adult woman, and now she is able to place her functioning hand in useful positions. A tendon transfer in the hands to make a pinch by bringing the thumb across is an old procedure. Today, I have found that people substitute so well there are no candidates.

If one did not have any muscles in the hand and wanted stability, we grafted a bone between the first finger and the thumb. This was excellent for people who were fully ambulatory or wheelchair users, but was not good for people who used their hands for transferring because the hand could no longer be flattened for weight bearing. A challenge to orthopedists then and now is the polio survivor who has no quadriceps and uses hip or calf muscles to lock the knee back in a recurvatum to walk. In the late '50s I designed a procedure which transferred every available tendon and the iliotibial band and put them behind the knee and called it a triple tenodesis. It worked great in the growing child and resulted in a straight knee, because while they were growing this surgery was kept tight. Once the child stopped growing, the surgery gradually loosened. It is not recommended in adults. The reason is there is nothing to keep it tight, and the person still does not have a quadriceps. Surgery, of course, cannot create a quadriceps, it can only stabilize the knee. If you have no quadriceps today, and your recurvatum has become painful or unstable, a protective brace which still allows free knee flexion for swing is the best answer.

NOW: Mary Ann Keenan, MD,

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The procedures for polio now are the same as then, but fewer are done. The goals for surgery are very much the same — rebalance the muscle forces. Even a weak muscle, totally unopposed across a joint with nothing to balance it on the other side, needs to be in balance. Surgery aims to correct limb deformities, improve function, and to stabilize the spine or limb. Previously the goal was to eliminate braces. But now the goal is to improve bracing options. Older individ-uals have less muscle power and polio-affected muscles have been working extra hard. Surgery cannot increase muscle function or make people as if they never had polio. In fact, when transferring a muscle a little bit of strength is actually lost. Limb surgery can lengthen a tight ligament; eliminate the deforming muscle forces; redirect muscle force for better function or balance; stabilize joints or the spine. When dealing with older individuals, resurfacing arthritic joints with a joint replacement technique or correcting malalignments may be needed.

The Albert Einstein Medical Center experience based on the first 200 consecutive people.

Lengthening the heel cord (Achilles tendon) is the simplest and the most common procedure done. It was recommended to 25 patients; nine refused; two required additional procedures. The procedure was done on 16 patients with three having both sides done with no complications. Before surgery they had an average of a 25 degree toe-down or equinis position. The mean age was 54 years. The Achilles tendon turns as it attaches from the calf to the heel of the foot. If it is too tight, a foot is held with the heel off the floor. Three or four partial cuts in the tendon release the fibers and the body fills in the gap. The result is a foot that is flat on the floor and can be more appropriately braced.

The second most common surgery was lengthening the iliotibial band, a tendon on the outer side of the thigh running from the hip. When tight, it can tilt the pelvis, and, even more commonly, cause valgus or knock-knee. When contem-plating surgery for knock-knee, the bones need to be relatively healthy because, no matter what is done to the tendons or ligaments, it will not correct the deformed bone. If the bones are relatively adequate, then releasing the iliotibial band will correct the deformity and hold the leg in a more appropriate position with a brace. We recommended this for nine people, two declined. Of the seven patients, four had surgery on both legs. The mean age was about 53 years and approximately 40 years after the onset of polio. Before surgery there was an 18 degree average knock-knee deformity, and after surgery a 10 degree alignment. Normal is seven degrees. If the leg is straightened out, the brace can be a lot simpler. Again, there were no complications. A bent knee or flexion deformity is caused by the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh overpulling weak or absent quadriceps muscle in the front of the thigh. Releasing the deforming forces, which are the hamstring muscles behind the knee, is the solution. But rather than letting relatively good muscles go unused, surgery can move them to the front and hook them into the quadriceps tendon around the knee cap. A non-helpful muscle is now very useful. This procedure has been done without any complications. After healing in a cast a brace is prescribed. Before surgery, the mean muscle strength of the quadriceps was grade one; after surgery, grade three which means the person's leg could be lifted against gravity. This is not enough to go without a brace, but it improves the bracing choices. For example, a knee joint that is lightweight, hinges, and is offset protecting against hyperextension could be used. A very high-arched foot, or cavus foot, is difficult to fit into a shoe. The first decision is whether or not there is a bone deformity. If not, and the foot has some flexibility, the ligament on the bottom of the foot that is holding the arch so high is released. This was done on eight patients, all of whom were women; two had both feet done. The foot is painful because it has to stretch out after surgery and then the arch will come down. Before surgery, average degree of arch was about 21 degrees and, after surgery, it was six degrees. Zero degrees or neutral alignment is normal. Three people had scar pain for several months after surgery, primarily from the stretching. When the bones in the foot are deformed resulting in a high arch, releasing the ligament on the bottom of the foot will not be sufficient. One solution is to cut a little wedge in the top of foot or do an osteotomy (cutting bone). Held with a few staples, walking in a cast is recommended immediately after surgery to stimulate healing. We performed this surgery in six patients who had an average high-arch deformity of about 24 degrees and, after surgery, a two degree. One person had complications of a sore on the bottom of the foot. Tendon transfers to the heel to improve calf strength are done usually in combination with other procedures. A variety of tendons that run in a calf can be hooked into the heel to improve the pull of the calf. This surgery does not eliminate the need for a brace, but it does improve strength and makes the bracing less complex and lighter weight. We performed miscellaneous procedures on several individuals such as correcting toe deformities which are very painful inside of a shoe; a bad knock-knee with bone deformity which required cutting the bone to realign the leg to be able to brace it; and one hip replacement. Good muscle strength is needed to hold the hip stable and must be considered in recommending total hip surgery for a polio survivor. We also did a total knee replacement. Overall, of the first 200 patients, we recommended surgery for 79 and 46 had surgery with 58 different procedures done.

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Dr. Keenan operated on me in November 1995. My right knee had a 45° valgus (knock-knee). I couldn’t be braced at that time due to my right knee going left and my right ankle (which had been stabilized back in 1948 so that I wouldn’t have to wear the full leg brace I had been wearing since I contracted polio in 1935 at 10 months of age) was going right – so, a knee replacement was done cutting away some bone – 10 days later the ankle stabilization was redone. The following day Dr. Esquenazi brought a brace to my room, tried it on, made some small adjustments, and I’ve been wearing it ever since. After the initial surgery I was transferred from the Albert Einstein Medical Center to Moss Rehab, which was/is connected by various corridors. I spent 6 weeks at Moss undergoing physical therapy – learning to walk again with a brace. I’m glad to say that I’m still walking – not as much as I would like, but still walking. I’m using my scooter more and more.

Dr. MaryAnn Keenan is presently at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, in charge of their Post-Polio Clinic.

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The below has been sent several times over the past few years so I felt it was finally time to put it into the newsletter – especially since we are all aging…. Please realize that this also can apply to “an old man.”

When I'm an old lady

When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness...just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And I'll bounce on the furniture...wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click,
I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)

And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"

Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape in the new year.
"Cherish your yesterdays,dream your tomorrows; but live your todays."

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live with any of my kids – I love them all BUT I like living on my own.

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I don’t remember who, where or when the following was sent to me, or if it came from a magazine, but still wanted to put it in, sooooooo here it is…

On Intelligence

Albert Einstein arrives at a party and introduces himself to the first person he sees asking, "What is your IQ?" to which the man answers "241."

"That is wonderful," says Albert, "We will talk about the Grand Unification theory and the mysteries of the Universe. We will have much to discuss."

Next Albert introduces himself to a woman and asks, "What is your IQ?" To which the lady answers "144."

"That is great!" responds Albert. "We can discuss politics and current affairs. We will have much to discuss."

Albert then goes to another person and asks, "What is your IQ?" and the man answers, "51."

Albert responds, "How bout them Yankees?"

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Just want to show you that an intelligent person can talk with anyone. So, let’s see you at the March 30th meeting….

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The following came to me through several distant sources on the Internet and was in one of our newsletters back in 2000.

~ YOUR HEALTH ~

The road to good health and fitness isn’t as long as you think. By making small, even subtle changes, you can be more vital, energetic and healthier in only a few days. Here are 8 fast working ways to get started.

MAKE A JOKE

A good chuckle lowers stress hormones while increasing the activity of our immune system.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GREENERY

Having just a few large, leafy plants in a room boosts humidity and reduces airborne molds and bacteria. Try Boston ferns, mums, palms and English Ivy.

EAT MORE COLORFULLY

The more deeply hued the produce, the more disease fighting antioxidants. Choose leaf lettuce, red grapes, tomatoes and pink grapefruit.

GET MORE ZZZs

Sleep revitalizes the immune system and bolsters our growth hormones, which are vital for tissue repair.

DRINK UP

Water that is. Have a big glassful and lower your chances of catching colds or flu, you will even get an energy boost!!

SIT UP STRAIGHT

Try this experiment ~

While sitting down, slump over. What happened? Your chin dipped and your chest sank. Just try to take a deep breath. Now, sit tall, breath deeply. See the difference? Slumping lowers oxygen intake, causing fatigue.

WALK FAST AROUND THE BLOCK

Even a 10 minute walk may be enough to help reduce tension and anger that can raise your blood pressure.

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- This last one on walking may be a little difficult for the majority of us, but try doing the 10 minutes using your wheelchair or scooter. Just the “exercise” of getting out and “walking” can help reduce tension.

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Reprinted from the January/February 2008 Elder Update newspaper, with the permission of the author, Alex Malley, with whom I have spoken. Thank you, Mr. Malley.

LEGACY PLANNING

Alex Malley - Registered Representative

Volumes have been written about the amount of money that could be transferred between generations over the next few decades. The numbers, in the trillions of dollars by all estimations, are indeed staggering. The Baby Boom generation will largely be the beneficiary of much of this hard-earned wealth even as Boomer themselves reach retirement age.

The generation which amassed this wealth, and many of the financial professions who help this generation, have long concentrated their inheritance planning efforts on asset protection and minimizing tax liability. Many discussions centered around getting the wealth quickly, cleanly and efficiently while minimizing taxation whenever possible, even when you are no longer here. These are important goals, but they are not the complete picture of what people want and need in 21st century America. The concept of Legacy Planning vs. Inheritance Planning is gaining well-deserved traction among clients and financial professionals alike, across generations.

The Allianz American Legacies Study was a groundbreaking study of almost 3,000 baby boomers and elders con-ducted by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Age Wave (the nation's foremost firm studying the demographics of aging) and Harris Age Wave (the nation's market research firm). Among the many salient points to come out of this study is the concept of leaving a legacy, not just an inheritance. For those surveyed, the most important item to give or receive was "Values and Life Lessons", those non-financial assets such as ethics, morals, faith and religion that carry people through life. When asked to explain further, participants said this includes family traditions, rituals and stories... the very fabric of our lives.

The second item of importance on the list for both generations was "Wished to be Fulfilled". This included specific funeral instructions, care for a loved one, organ donation and the like.

Third on the list was "Passing on Possessions of Emotional Value". Most people have material possessions that contain sentimental value well beyond their financial worth. A family photograph, a locket, a baseball glove, or an old mixing bowl can all carry cherished memories of days gone by, share experience and lessons learned. To the person holding such memories, these seemingly worthless items can actually be priceless. They transcend time and provide continuity across generations. In the Allianz American Legacies Study 65% of baby boomers and 53% of elders rated personal possessions as "very important". Yet, this is an area traditionally given little consideration in the planning process. It is also a minefield of potential dispute for surviving heirs if not handled properly.

Do not assume your children will divide your possessions of sentimental value equitably. What if your two adult children both want the mixing bowl you used to make chocolate chip cookies on cold winter days or the tools used to build that go-cart they both loved, or the Lionell trains that circled the family tree at Christmas? Families fight and split over things other than money. The good news is you can avoid this with a little forethought, planning and family discussion. ASK your children what they want of yours. Write everything down to avoid confusion. You can also get a third party involved. Ask your financial advisor or a trusted family friend to help.

Today's climate of divorce, remarriage and blended families can complicate the process of inheritance planning, but are not reason to avoid the topic. In fact, they are the very reasons you need to have the conversation with your family. In the study, both generations seemed to agree that the whole issue of legacy and inheritance - how it gets solved or doesn't, how it affects family relation-ships, how it unfolds after the parents are gone - can be positive and nurturing or it can devastate a family and have negative effects for years to come.

Take the necessary steps to plan both the financial and emotional components of your legacy. The process can be eye opening and inspirational for you and your adult children.

Alex Malley is a Registered Representative and owner of Seniors Financial, Inc. in Inverness, Florida. He can be reached at 877.637.3230.

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FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- The following came to me through an e-mail by it’s “founder” on November 17, 2007. I thought it had gone into the January/February 2008 newsletter, but just realized it wasn’t in there, sooooooo – here it is. I hope it can help some of you.

ODD SHOE INFO

Hello! I have a new free website that your members might find useful. It is called oddshoefinder.com and allows users to buy and sell single shoes. It is intended for amputees and people who must buy two pairs of shoes due to widely differing foot sizes. Please take a look and if you like what you see, spread the word. I would also appreciate feed-back on how to make the site more useful and user-friendly. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Kent Basson, Falls Church, Virginia.

www.oddshoefinder.com

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The following article is reprinted from the Daytona Beach News-Journal, January 3, 2008, column by Dr. Paul Donohue, who does the “To Your Good Health” column every day.

Colon polyps can signal

the beginning of cancer..

Q. At my urging because of a strong family history of colon cancer, my 30-year-old son had a colonoscopy. He had four tubular adenomas – a surprise to us and the doctor. The doctor suggests a repeat colonoscopy. Please explain the different types of polyps. Don’t all polyps become cancerous if not removed?

A polyp is a growth that springs from the outermost lining of hollow organs. Polyps arise in the nose and sinuses, but I am going to speak only of colon polyps.

There are two major types of colon polyps. One is a hyperplastic polyp, and it is almost never a cancer threat. The other is an adenoma. More than 90 percent of adenomas do not become cancerous, but the remaining 10 percent can turn into cancer. By looking at a polyp, the doctor cannot tell if it is a dangerous one; it must be examined microscopically. Up to 40 percent of people older than 60 have at least one colon polyp.

Adenoma polyps larger that 1 cm (two-fifths of an inch) raise the suspicion of cancer and the more numerous are the polyps, the greater the cancer threat.

Adenoma polyps are further sub-divided according to their appearance. One’s that look like drinking straws with a round cap on one end are tubular adenomas, the most common kind, and the least likely to become cancer. Villous adenomas resemble a tiny cauliflower and are most likely to turn into cancer. Tubovillous adenomas are a cross between these two and have an intermediate cancer threat.

If no adenoma polyps are found, then the next colonoscopy can wait for 10 years. One or two low-risk polyps should call for a repeat colonoscopy in five to 10 years. If three to 10 polyps are found, then colonoscopy should take place again in three years. More than 10 polyps require an examination sooner.

Large polyps, polyps with microscopic evidence of precancer changes and people with a family history of colon cancer have to be judged individually for the next scope examination.

Readers can obtain the booklet covering colon cancer, its detection and treatment by writing Dr. Donohue at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamal.com.

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The following is reprinted from the “Your Health” Magazine insert of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, December 30, 2007.

Beware of Fad Diets

By Susan Wright

We’ve all heard the boring facts about diets – fad diets don’t work, the only tried and true combination, when it comes to realistic weight loss is cut down on calories and exercise more.

Still too many of us are willing to jump on the latest diet fashion. People who aren’t the least interested in the latest shoe styles, who wear nothing but jeans, never mind whether they’re boot cut or flared, and who haven’t changed their hairstyle in years still jump on the latest diet craze, certain that if it’s new it must work.

That’s because the last five attempts to lose weight ended badly – usually with any weight lost back with just a little extra.

While there’s plenty of variety in diet crazes – from Atkins to South Beach, the Zone to the Cabbage Soup diet, nutritionists and diet experts tend to have one response to them all: they don’t work and they’re generally unhealthy.

While the Atkins Diet isn’t quite as hot a topic of conversation as it was a few years ago, local nutritionists say it’s one of the more popular diets around now, and according to at least one (nutritionist), it’s dangerous.

The Atkins Diet is probably the most extreme of the low carbohydrate diets, it basically eliminates all carbohyd-rates while allowing the dieter to eat as much protein and fat, as he or she wants.

“They’re dangerous. They actually will cause heart disease by eliminating the fibers that reduce cholesterol,” says Sue Lutz, clinical nutrition manager for Florida Hospital Ormond Memorial.

The diet is popular because it’s rich in proteins and animal fats – which means it’s high in cholesterol and saturated fats, which clog arteries.

Such diets also can cause a condition called ketosis, she adds. Lutz explains that has some unpleasant, if not dangerous, side effects such as causing your breath to smell like alcohol. Fatigue is another side effect. You also can feel fuzzy or unfocused and you might be a little shaky.

However, as Diane Allen, registered dietician and coordinator of the weight management program at Halifax Health Medical Center put it, the real problem with the Atkins Diet and the other extreme low carb diets for the majority of those who try it is the rebound effect.

In general, only those who take low carb diets to the extreme and stay on them for long periods will suffer the dangerous side effects. But a high percentage of those who do lose weight on the Atkins Diet gain it back very quickly, often plus a few extra pounds.

And losing and regaining weight over and over again can affect your metabolism, making it harder than ever to keep from gaining weight.

The South Beach Diet, another version of the low carbohydrate fad, is slightly more balanced than the Atkins Diet is, experts say.

Jayne Meade, clinical nutrition manager for Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach says, “At least with the South Beach diet, they tend to emphasize lean proteins and less fat.”

Meade, a registered and licensed dietician says such fad diets are generally ineffective because most people can’t stick to them for very long – people are really programmed to need a variety of kinds of foods and by eliminating a whole food group the diet becomes just too boring after a while.

Low fat diets also are not healthy ways to lose weight because they eliminate all fats and the body needs some healthy fats to absorb certain vitamins and other nutrients.

All the experts contacted agreed – the only real solution to weight loss is to count calories and exercise.

“Basically, your body is the perfect calorie counter. It knows when you’ve taken in more calories than you’ve used up in energy and it turns the excess into fat,” Meade says.

“In general, one pound of fat equals 3,500 calories. So to lose weight you have to reduce your calorie intake by that amount for every pound you want to lose,” she says, adding that clearly it’s not possible to do that on a daily basis – you’d starve to death.

However, by reducing the calorie intake during a week by 3,500 or more calories, you can safely lose weight. Increasing the calories you burn by exercising helps with safe weight loss.

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- I know that the majority of us, most likely, can’t do that much exercising – sooooooo, doing away with the 3,500 extra calories each and every day is most important to us. I’m going to start watching my calories as I can certainly afford to lose some weight and I know that exercising is not possible.

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The following is reprinted from The Daytona Beach News-Journal, January 28, 2008.

Shaking salt, sugar

from your diet…

Consumer Reports Magazine

It’s no accident that salt and sugar permeate the nation’s food supply. Both are inexpensive palate pleasers and food manufacturers use them liberally to satisfy people’s penchant for things salty and sweet. According to a recent issue of Consumer Reports On Health, the average American today consumes nearly twice the recommended maximum of sodium and nearly 460 nutritionally empty calories of added sugar every day.

Over indulging these particular taste buds can have serious health consequences. A high sodium diet not only increases the risk of high blood pressure and subsequent heart attack, kidney disease and stroke but possibly causes osteoporsis and kidney stones (by increasing the secretion of calcium into the urine), stomach cancer (by damaging the protective mucus mem-brane) and asthma (by making lungs more susceptible to irritants).

And all those sugar calories probably contribute to Americans’ expan-ding waistlines. Unfortunately, consum-ing less sugar and salt isn’t easy. Three-quarters of the sodium in Americans’ diet comes from processed packaged and prepared foods; even products that don’t taste salty, such as breads and other baked goods, often contain large amounts. And many apparently nutritious foods pack far more of the sweet stuff than people might expect. Still, the editors of Consumer Reports On Health say that cutting back on both is possible.

■ Leaving salt behind. It is re-commended that most adults get no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day – the amount, roughly, in one teaspoon of table salt. People with a systolic blood pressure over 120 milli-meters of mercury (mm/Hg) or a diastolic pressure over 80 mm/Hg should aim for 1,500 milligrams. The editors of CROH recommend the following tips to reduce sodium intake:

■ Retrain your taste buds. Scale back the amount of salt used at the table and in cooking to reduce your exposure to the taste. After three months, most people no longer miss salt, research shows.

■ Check nutrient claims. Products labeled ‘sodium-free’ contain 5 mg of sodium or less per serving. A ‘very low’ sodium item contains 140 mg or less.

■ Rinse your food. Running over canned tuna and salmon, canned vegetables, feta cheese and capers can reduce the sodium load by up to 30 percent.

■ Swap spices for salt. Cook with fresh or dried herbs, salt-free seasoning blends and acidic flavorings like lemon juice and flavored vinegars to bring out a food’s natural taste.

■ Sugar blues. Some of the supposed dietary dangers of sugar, such as that it causes hyperactivity have been debunked. And indulging a sweet tooth won’t lead to diabetes; even people who have it can safely eat a sugary snack if it’s factored into their meal plan. However, sugar is guilty as charged for nourishing the bacteria that cause dental cavities. And while there’s nothing inherently fattening about sugar, it’s probably not coincidental that the nation’s ongoing obesity epidemic has progressed in step with its sugar consumption: Americans today consume 15 percent more added sugars than they did 25 years or so ago.

MORE TIPS

Consumer Reports on Health offers the following tips for people to subtract added sugars from their diets.

■ Choose sweets that contain some needed nutrients. To satisfy a craving for sweets, opt for fruit, low-fat chocolate milk, lightly sweetened whole-grain cereal, or plain yogurt flavored with fresh fruit.

■ Swap candy for healthy snacks. Opt for dry-roasted nuts, air-popped popcorn or baked tortilla chips.

■ Cook creatively. Experiment with cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, ginger and nutmeg, which add sweetness and flavor. Try substituting 100 percent fruit juice for honey or other liquid sweeteners.

(Consuming less sugar and salt isn’t easy. Three-quarters of the sodium in Americans’ diet comes from processed packaged and prepared foods and many apparently nutritious foods pack far more of the sweet stuff than people might expect.)

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Reprinted from Newsletter of the San Joaquin CFIDS/ME/FMS Support Group, January, 2008

PORTION CONTROL

Portion sizes are increasing almost everywhere we turn – at the grocery store, at restaurants, at home and at the movies. Studies show that when faced with larger portions, people inadvertently consume more calories which can lead to weight gain. There are ways that you can control your portions. Read more about many ways that portion control can help you toward a healthier lifestyle.

Many restaurants serve more food than one person needs at one meal. Take control of the amount of food that ends up on your plate by splitting an entrée with a friend. Or, ask the wait person for a “to-go” box and wrap up half your meal as soon as it’s brought to the table. If you order an entrée, take the leftovers home, refrigerate and enjoy another meal or a snack tomorrow.

Eat Your Fast Food on a Plate:

When you order fast food, picture the food on a plate. Even better, take it home and put it on a plate. You may be surprised at how full the plate looks, so next time try a smaller size.

Order Smaller Portions of Fast Food and Take-Out

· Try fast food options such as smaller burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches or salads with low-calorie dressings, cups or bags of fresh fruit, low-fat milk, 100% fruit juice and bottled water.

· Look for low sodium options.

· At sandwich shops, ask for leaner cuts and smaller amounts of roast beef, turkey, or ham; extra lettuce and tomato; and whole-wheat, oatmeal, or multigrain bread.

· When dining out, order a light appetizer instead of an entrée.

Drinks Count Too!

· Try drinking a glass of water before your meal.

· Try making your own iced tea with honey, instead of white sugar.

· Instead of an alcoholic beverage, try a diet soda, or club soda with fresh lemon or lime. You will consume less calories.

· Try mixing 100% fresh fruit with club soda for a refreshing alternative to soda or packaged drinks.

· You can make your own lemonade with fresh lemons, sparkling water, and honey instead of sugar.

Go Ahead – Spoil Your Dinner

We learned as children not to snack before a meal for fear of “spoiling our dinner.” Well, it’s time to forget that old rule. If you feel hungry between meals, eat a healthy snack, like a piece of fruit or small salad, to avoid overeating during your next meal.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Make your home a “portion friendly zone.” Store especially tempting foods, like cookies, chips, or ice cream, out of immediate eyesight, like on a high shelf or at the back of a freezer. People tend to consume more when they have easy access to food.

Portion Size vs. Serving Size

Remember that a portion isze is the amount of a single food item served in a single eating occasion, normally a meal or a snack. People often confuse portion size with serving size, which is a standard unit of measuring foods (a cup or an ounce are good examples). Portion size is the amount offered in the packaging of prepared foods, or the amount a person chooses to put on his or her plate.

For example, bagels or muffins are often sold in sizes that constitute at least 2 servings, but consumers often eat the whole thing, thinking that they have eaten 1 serving. They do not realize that they have selected a large portion size that was more than one serving. Portion sizes have increased over time, so make sure you check the serving size on the label.

Portion Control When Eating In

· If your first portion is big enough, avoid going back for more. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation, if at all. The smaller your plate, the smaller your portion. Eat your meals at home on a smaller plate.

· Before going back for seconds, wait 10 or 15 minutes. You might not want seconds after all.

Portion Control In Front of the TV

· When eating or snacking in front of the TV, put the amount that you plan to eat into a bowl or container instead of eating straight from the package. It’s easy to overeat when your attention is focused on some-thing else. Buy or portion out treats and snacks in small bags or packages.

· Portion sizes are key especially for once-in-a-while foods such as treats, sweets and drinks.

Be Aware of Large Packages

· The larger the package, the more people consume without realizing it. Portion out your snack on a plate, not from the bag, to stay aware of how much you’re eating.

· Divide up the contents of one large package into several smaller containers to help avoid over-consumption.

http://www.smallstep.gov/portion_control.html

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The following is reprinted from the Daytona Beach News-Journal’s “Health” column on January 27, 2008.

Migraine sufferers

have thick brain area

by Peggy J. Noonan

People who suffer migraine head-aches have differences in the part of the brain that processes pain and other sensory information, says a study that was published in the medical journal Neurology.

The difference an average 21% thicker “somatosensory cortex” – the part of the brain that processes feeling or sensation from the skin, muscles, bones and tendons. In the small sample, researchers from the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital compared 24 people who have migraines with 12 who do not. The researchers don’t know which came first – the thickness or the migraines.

Study author Nouchine Hadjikhani, M.D., speculates that the brain difference might explain why migraine sufferers often have other pain disorders, such as back pain, jaw pain and allodynia, a condition in which the skin is so sensitive that even a breeze is painful.

4 ways to head off migraines –

The Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommends simple preventive steps:

· Maintain a consistent sleep pattern.

· Get regular exercise, such as walking or running.

· If you smoke, STOP. Smoking is a known migraine trigger.

· Spend time reading, listening to music or practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga. A study in the medical journal Headache showed that a combination of yoga, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques reduced migraine frequency and pain.

FECPPSG Editor’s Note:- Remember – this article was written for the “able-bodied”, be careful if you do start doing some exercising, walking, and even yoga.

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Reprinted from Daytona Beach News-Journals

USA Weekend, Feb 1-3, 2008,. EatSmart column by Jean Carper.

~~~~Green tea for the brain~~~~

A chemical in green tea may bring dying brain cells back to life, say Israeli investigators. They showed that EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), green tea’s main antioxidant, revived animal neurons resembling those killed by Parkinson’s disease. Adding small amounts of EGCG to dying brain cells made them bounce back; they became healthier and grew new dendrites (nerve appendages that carry messages from cell to cell).

Some studies show EGCG to be safe in high doses, but the Israeli researchers advise drinking no more than five or six cups of green tea daily. More may not be better they say.

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CALENDAR WATCH

Abilities Exp:- March 28 – 30, 2008, New Jersey Convention Center, Edison, NJ

Polio Network of NJ:- April 13, 2008, will host its 18th Annual Conference at the Marriott Hotel, Bridgewater, NJ – for further information you can e-mail or call: - NJPN10@hotmail.com -- 201-845-6860

Boca Area PPSG Cruise:- November 8th, 2008, one week Eastern Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Sea, for further information contact Maureen at 561 488-4473 or BAPPG@aol.com.

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FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP

12 ECLIPSE TRAIL

ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174-4936

386 676-2435

e-mail:- bgold@iag.net

RESERVATION FORM

DATE: Sunday, March 30th, 2008

TIME: 1:00 – 4:00 PM

PLACE: Red Lobster Restaurant

International Speedway Boulevard

Right off I-95 – Exit 261 – Daytona Beach, FL

(head EAST for about 1/4 mile)

TOPIC: Dr. Mandeep Garewal, of the Sleep Disorder Department of

Neurology Associates of Ormond Beach.

Please send in your reservation tear sheet and check

no later than March 25th, 2008

Any questions call Barbara at 386-676-2435.

======================================================================================

RESERVATION TEAR SHEET

March 30, 2008 Luncheon Meeting

Name:- _______________________________ Phone No.:- _________________

Number of People Coming:- _________ Number in Wheelchair(s):- ___________

Amount of Check Enclosed:- ________________ @ $13.00 per person*

Make check payable to and mail same to:

FLORIDA EAST COAST POST-POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - Vol. 14 #5

12 Eclipse Trail / Ormond Beach, FL 32174 / 386 676-2435

E-Mail:- bgold@iag.net - Web Site:- home.iag.net/~bgold

MARCH / APRIL 2008

WE WISH ALL OUR FRIENDS

A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER ST. PATRICK’S DAY

A MOST JOYFUL EASTER

-and-

A SESSA (SWEET) PASSOVER