Real Fixes for..
Chronic Wounds
More than 6 million people in the United States suffer from chronic wounds - a wound that hasn't shown significant improvement in four weeks or healed completely in eight weeks - most often related to diabetes and vascular insufficiency. Since 2003, the Wound Care Services at Henry Mayo has helped thousands of patients overcome their chronic wound concerns with a comprehensive approach to management and healing. "All we do there is wounds," says Dr. Anthony Panasci. "There are five physicians who work as a team and focus on strictly solving wound issues. That makes a big difference," Dr. Panasci said. "Also, even if most of us see a patient in our private practice, we often end up referring them to the wound care services because the nurses who work there are more capable and expeditious of taking care of these problems in that setting. It's extremely helpful."
Source: Henry Mayo's Wound Care Services 253-8458

Migraines
The migraine headache is a disorder categorized by repeated, debilitating attacks with varying levels of intensity, frequency and duration. Migraines are commonly associated with throbbing and intense head pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, as well as neurological and mood disturbances. Chiropractic aims to remove the cause of a person's problem and not just treat a particular disease or mask a symptom. Because there are varying types of migraines, there are also varying causes. Since one-third of migraine sufferers benefit from dietary modification, one must rule out dietary triggers, which a chiropractor has the knowledge to do. More important, though, is to look for signs of nervous system interference. For years chiropractors have had wonderful results with migraine patients by reducing stress to the nervous system and improving body function. In one study chiropractic care resulted in a reduction of 90 percent of migraine episodes and a drop of 94 percent in use of medication. Researchers are agreeing more and more that the cause of most migraines is a neurological disturbance. We look for a variety of possible subluxations (not just the neck) which can affect body chemistry and cause migraines.
Source: Dr. Jeff Bowne of Bowne Chiropractic 288-2321

Bunions
More than half the women in America have bunions, a common deformity often blamed on wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions cause the base of your big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint) to enlarge and protrude. The skin over it may be red and tender. This can be acquired through time or it can be congenital (inherited from your family). Wearing any type of shoe may be painful. The bigger your bunion gets, the more it hurts to walk. Bursitis may set in. Your big toe may angle towards your second toe, or even move all the way under or over it. If your bunion gets too severe, it may cause difficulty in walking.

Because bunions develop slowly, taking care of your feet during childhood and early adulthood can pay off later in life. Keep track of the shape of your feet as they develop over time, especially if foot problems run in your family. Exercising your feet can strengthen them. Learn to pick up small objects with your toes. Most bunions can be treated conservatively with wider and softer shoes, pads to relieve the pressure and/or medications.
Source: Dr. Tony Avakian of Valencia Foot & Ankle Center 288-2321

Senior Care
Conversation Starters for Sensitive Subjects
Your 70-year-old widowed mother has just been diagnosed with macular degeneration, a disease that causes deterioration of eyesight. How do you begin a conversation with her about the possible ramifications of this disease on her life?

Many seniors in this situation might begin the conversation with family themselves. If not, then it would be good to think about her personal circumstances and important ideas to address. For example, if your mother lives in a remote area, transportation is probably the most immediate issue. Approach the conversation with the goal of trying to resolve this one issue, rather than multiple issues.

Timing is key. There are rarely urgent deadlines that have to be met immediately; give yourself and your parent time to think about issues. Your mom would likely be receptive to a conversation that begins: "Let's figure out a plan for how you can get around town if you no longer feel safe driving."
Source: Home Instead Senior Care 254-8701

Stress on the "Sandwich" Generation
The next time you feel like you've endured a long day at work, think about the following description of a typical day for Joanne, one of the millions of Americans, known as the Sandwich Generation, who are caring for an elderly parent or loved one while also caring for their own children and family.

Once Joanne's workday is done, she races home to feed her family. On her way out the door to take her son to his soccer game, she throws in a load of laundry. Then she heads over to her mother's house. Several months ago, Joanne started to notice that her mother wasn't eating properly and that most of the food in the refrigerator was spoiled. So now, she spends three to four nights a week at her mother's house cooking nutritious meals, filling her pillbox and making sure her mother is bathing properly. Joanne has been juggling her roles as mother, wife, employee, daughter, and now family caregiver for several months and the stress is becoming harder and harder to handle.

Recent medical research has found that the stress associated with caregiving can lead to a weakened immune system, and in some cases even premature death for the caregiver. Family caregivers who provide care 36 or more hours weekly are more likely than non-caregivers to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety. For spouses the rate is six times higher; for those caring for a parent the rate is twice as high.
Source: Myles McNamara, CSA of Comfort Keepers In-home Care 287-4200

Try It!
Far-Infrared Sauna
Saunas have been used for hundred of years for their beneficial health effects. Besides the immediate relaxation that occurs from being warm, the sauna session promotes the release of toxins from the body by causing you to sweat more than you normally would. The heat can also be beneficial for people who suffer from chronic disorders such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and other muscle and joint issues. Far-infrared saunas heat in a way that penetrates the body more efficiently to release toxins and provide relief and relaxation. The infrared energy used can cause up to two to three times the sweat volume of a traditional hot air sauna, while operating at a significantly cooler air temperature range. This makes it much more comfortable to breathe during a session. Because the infrared energy is not disbursed into the air, it is available to directly heat the bodies that are sitting in the sauna. This type of energy penetrates more deeply into the tissues - over 1.5 inches. The body responds to this deep-heating effect in many beneficial ways: decreases joint stiffness; increases extensibility of collagen tissues; minimizes down time from injuries; relieves muscle spasms; increases blood flow; reduces stress and fatigue; burns calories.
Source: Balance Point Spa 252-0650

See You There!
Monday, April 19
Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation Hosts Golf Tournament
Proceeds from the 2010 Invitational Golf Tournament at Robinson Ranch will support the Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation. This year, they hope to raise more than $100,000 for community health programs and other hospital services through sponsorships, player fees and auctions; 949-5810
www.avhospital.org/golf