Special H1N1 vaccination clinic for kids to be held at Henry Clay High School

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will host a special H1N1 vaccination clinic for children under the age of 18 with chronic health conditions 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until the vaccine runes out) Saturday, Oct. 31, at Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road. The shots will be free.

Chronic conditions include, but are not limited to, Type 1 diabetes, neurological disorders and severe asthma requiring daily medication or the use of rescue inhalers more than twice a week. If a parent is unsure if a child should get the vaccine, they should contact their primary care physician for guidance. Any child with a fever Saturday or with egg allergies cannot get the shot.

Health officials stress that while a few thousand shots will be available that day, there will be limited supplies of the vaccine at the clinic and some people might be turned away. Additional clinics in November will target other priority groups identified by the CDC: pregnant women, people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems and health care and emergency services personnel.

Those who live or work in Fayette County will be focused on during December clinics.

The clinics will be held based on availability of the vaccine and could be rescheduled or postponed if there are any delays on the vaccine’s shipment. The health department will post the latest updated information on the clinics on its Flu Hotline, 288-7529, and online at www.LexFluCrew.com.

All H1N1 shots provided by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be free.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD.

Lexington Residents Raised More Than $60,000 to Help Save Lives from Breast Cancer

Today, the American Cancer Society announced that more than $60,000 was raised at its inaugural Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Over 550 dedicated community members participated in this inspirational five-mile walk to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate people about this disease and raise funds and awareness to create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

The money raised through Making Strides helps the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay well by taking steps to prevent cancer or find it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking research; and by fighting back by encouraging lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

This year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer flagship sponsor was Kroger and media sponsors were 96.9 KISS FM and ABC 36.

It is not too late to make a donation to Lexington’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. For more information, contact Elizabeth Kelly at 859-260-8287 or email Elizabeth.Kelly@cancer.org. You can also visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/lexington.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon is Nov. 6

Saint Joseph Health System is Central Kentucky Goes Red sponsor

When the American Heart Association presented the Go Red For Women Symposium and Luncheon last year, Central Kentuckians packed the room.
The matter at hand, women’s cardiovascular health, clearly had touched a nerve, and attendees wanted to learn more about heart disease and stroke, women’s perhaps surprisingly high risk, and what could be done about it. They came to the right place.
And they will again in 2009. This year’s Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon, set for Friday, November 6 at Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa, will offer breakout sessions, a lively keynote speaker, survivor stories and a top-of-the-line luncheon. Registration opens at 9 a.m., breakout sessions start at 9:30 and the luncheon begins at 11:30.
Go Red For Women is an American Heart Association movement to educate women about heart disease. Long thought to be a man’s concern, it is also a woman’s health risk and, in fact, it’s women’s top health threat. It is the No. 1 killer of women and men alike—and actually kills more women than men.
One reason this has been misunderstood is that women’s heart disease warning signs may be different from the well-publicized crushing chest pain that men report, although women also could experience that, too. But other warning signs might be pain in the back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; and nausea, cold sweat or lightheadedness. These are alarms to call 9-1-1 immediately.
This message—learn, and act fast if you suspect something is wrong—is a central focus of the Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon. But that’s only one facet of this diamond. The event’s breakout sessions are State-of-the-Heart Fitness for Women, with James “Eddie” Phipps of Saint Joseph Cardiac Rehabilitation; “Heart Disease” – One Hidden Diagnosis and Its Effect on Women, with Mubashir Qazi, M.D., FACC, FSCAI; and The “Unami” Factor – The Latest in Heart Healthy Cooking, with Whitney Brown, director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council.
Then the luncheon shifts into high gear, with a great meal, the Macy’s fashion show featuring cardiovascular disease survivors telling their stories, and guest speaker Eliz Greene, whose program is titled, “The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart.”
The Go Red For Women Heart Health Symposium & Luncheon benefits the American Heart Association, which funds education, advocacy and research—including more than $3.5 million in active awards at UK—to fight heart disease and stroke.
Those who want to attend the event may purchase tables of 10 for $500 each, or individual tickets for $50. For more information or to secure seats, call (859) 278-1632.

Health department launches special flu website

To help provide the most updated information about the flu, including H1N1, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has launched a special website, www.LexFluCrew.com.

“The people of Lexington have several questions about the flu this fall, and we are using LexFluCrew.com to provide answers and calm any fears,” said Kevin Hall, LFCHD spokesman. “Along with our Facebook and Twitter accounts and our Flu Hotline, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reaching people in new and exciting ways.”

The LexFluCrew.com site will be used to provide information on vaccination clinics, volunteer opportunities and more, as well as answer frequently asked questions.

“We’re excited about offering this service to Lexington residents and look forward to continuing our educational efforts about the flu,” Hall said.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD. The Flu Hotline can be reached at 288-7529.

Health department schedules H1N1 vaccine clinics for public

Lexington residents wishing to fight the flu this fall will get their first shot at the H1N1 vaccine through a series of weekend clinics hosted by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department starting Saturday, Nov. 7.

The clinics will target the priority groups identified by the CDC: pregnant women, people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people ages 25-64 with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems and health care and emergency services personnel.

The clinics will be held based on availability of the vaccine and could be rescheduled or postponed if there are any delays on the vaccine’s shipment. The health department will post the latest updated information on the clinics on its Flu Hotline, 288-7529, and online at www.LexFluCrew.com.

The H1N1 vaccine clinic schedule is:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7
o Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1600 Man O’ War Blvd.
o Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 21
o Tates Creek Middle School, 1105 Centre Parkway
o Jessie Clark Middle School, 3341 Clays Mill Road

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5
o Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road
o Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

• 1-5 p.m. Dec. 6
o Henry Clay High School, 2100 Fontaine Road
o Bryan Station High School, 201 Eastin Road

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 12
o Beaumont Middle School, 2080 Georgian Way
o Lexington Traditional Magnet, 350 N. Limestone

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 19
o Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1600 Man O’ War Blvd.
o Tates Creek High School, 1111 Centre Parkway

LFCHD will also be hosting a large-scale drive-thru clinic 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14 in the parking lot at Lexmark.

All H1N1 shots provided by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department will be free.

For additional information, become a fan of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/LFCHD.

Get update to lead healthy lifestyle

Everyone love to have a healthy lifestyle. If you’re reading Health & Wellness Magazine, chances are you’re already engaging in a healthy lifestyle. But a healthy lifestyle also includes being an active and informed member of your health care team. If you or someone you love is sick, find out as much as you can before you even set foot in the doctor’s office or hospital. Generally, the time you get to spend with a health care provider is very limited so take that time to ask questions, and if you don’t understand, ask again. No matter how insignificant your questions may seem, they could mean the difference in a diagnosis or even the prevention of an error in your care.

Health & Wellness Magazine would like to do its part in helping you become an informed consumer. And we’re accomplishing that goal by bringing you information. For example, did you know that besides non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women? That’s a pretty timely fact considering October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get involved by reading, asking and engaging. After all, taking part in your own health care is all about information. And so is Health & Wellness Magazine. If you’d like to hear about a specific topic or event in the Bluegrass, please let me know. You can reach Kris Martin, Editor of Health & Wellness Magazine at whosyouraudience@yahoo.com

Hip Replacement through the Anterior Approach

Hip replacement using the anterior approach is being practiced in a few operating rooms around the country. Patients heal faster with fewer restrictions and complications, but it's still not offered as an option in most U.S. hospitals. Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville who specializes in hip and pelvis surgery and has performed over 1,100 hip replacements since completing his residency at the University of Louisville in 2005. To know more about hip replacement, contact Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides, Norton Medical Plaza at Old Brownsboro Crossing, 4950 Norton Healthcare Boulevard, Suite 303, Louisville, KY 40241 - (502) 394-6341.

FALLS CONTINUE TO BE LEADING CAUSE OF INJURY FOR ELDERLY

As the population continues to get older, and government officials debate rising healthcare costs especially among this population, predicting and preventing injuries and improving overall health for the elderly will be a priority. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for people 65 years and older; in fact 1/3 of all those 65 or older fall each year. Of those falls one out of ten results in serious injury or death. Locally managed and operated, Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team (KORT) is an outpatient physical and occupational therapy and sports medicine practice. KORT therapists work with patients to make sure they understand their condition, and give patients the tools they need to recover quickly and prevent further injury. With more than 20 years experience in the Physical Therapy Industry, KORT operates over 35 clinics throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana, with more board-certified specialists than any other physical therapy provider in Kentucky. For more information visit www.kort.com

Help Our Kids from Growing Up Fat

Alarming statistics have been reported about the overwhelming increase in the number of children suffering from childhood obesity in the United States. As parents we need to be aware of this problem, understand the contributing factors for this trend, and be mindful of ways to adapt habits to give our children the best chance to live a long, healthy life. There is no doubt childhood obesity has become a serious problem. As fitness professional, I have dedicated myself to educate and help people overcome issues like childhood obesity. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 859-221-4479. Willie B. Ray

Beating Breast Cancer

“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” says Carl Gilford of Susan G. Komen for The Cure. Fortunately, women around the country are paying attention to breast health, shares Judy Hatch, breast cancer nurse navigator of Central Baptist Hospital. “If found in early stages, which is before or at stage one, you have a 98 percent survival rate,” tells Gilford. Always make self-care a priority. “Restful sleep and healthy eating habits can help improve strength and emotional reserve,” says Dr. Amanda Merchant, clinical and health psychologist of Bluegrass Health Psychology.

If you have been diagnosed, do not be afraid to lean on others. “It is important to strike a balance between having time to yourself to digest and work through your emotions as well as talking through your feelings with others. Social support is one of the most healing and constructive resources for coping,” emphasizes Dr. Janelle McNeal, psychologist of McNeal Psychological Services. It is not an easy time and it is normal to feel stress, denial, anger and sadness. “Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed with depression or anxiety and seek out psychological treatment to help you through the challenge,” encourages Merchant. Nobody is meant to travel alone.

Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Few topics in medicine have created more confusion for millions of women than the controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For many years, physicians recommended HRT to menopausal women, based upon studies demonstrating significant health benefits and protection against everything from heart disease and osteoporosis, to colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Then, in a sudden about-face, along came a study that led to a mass discontinuation of HRT. Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that the risks associated with HRT use outweighed any benefits. The new evidence showed an increased risk for heart disease, breast cancer and strokes. Current guidelines for hormone replacement therapy have unfortunately confined its use to short-term symptom treatment only, using the lowest dose possible. There is good evidence to support that bio-identical hormone supplementation may be the best option for providing a safer alternative to the synthetic options of the past. A better understanding of the seemingly conflicting evidence suggests that hormone replacement therapy provides significant health benefits and disease protection for many women. To know more about it, contact Paul L. Hester, MD, Preventive-aging Medicine. Also visit www.bemedispa.com

Why Are My Medications Dispensed With Those Hard-to-Open Caps

Are you among the millions of patients who from time-to-time struggle with opening the caps on medication containers -- trying to line up the arrows, or attempting to push and twist at the same time? Why are those challenging tops used anyway? The answer to that question rests with a federal law known as the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. This statute established a national requirement that such closures be used when prescription medication to be taken orally is dispensed to the patient. The goal was to reduce the potential for children to be poisoned after gaining access to medication containers. And that statute has worked extremely well – it is frequently cited as the best example of a piece of public health legislation that has fully achieved its goals. The number of childhood poisonings caused by kids getting into prescription containers and ingesting the tablets or capsules has plummeted, the best measure of success. It is important to bear in mind the goal of this legislation and these sometimes challenging requirements – protecting the lives of our children. In light of that, perhaps a little inconvenience can be borne more readily. For more details, contact Joseph L. Fink III, Professor of Pharmacy Law and Policy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.

Flu – Be Fully Prepared!

An early major flu season due to swine flu seems likely. While it does not appear more deadly than regular flu, many more will get it, and many more will likely die. So take it seriously! At onset of flu symptoms – cough, muscle aches, fever, headache – see your healthcare provider immediately! Tamiflu, despite potential temporary psychiatric effects, is the Rx I would use. Always check with your healthcare provider before initiating any nutrients to be sure they are okay for you. Be prepared, because it will likely be the worst flu season of our lifetime and many will die. If you need help locating supplements, contact the Midway Center for Integrative Medicine at 859-846-4445. Watch for the new Midway Foundation website www.theMidwayFoundation.com - learn our vision and meet our leadership.

Increasing Water Leads to Decreasing Weight

There are a lot of different ideas on how much water our children and we should be drinking per day. Some say eight glasses of 8 ounces per day, some say more, some say less. What’s the answer, and how does this even relate to weight loss? As everyone is a different shape and size, it makes sense that everyone has a different number of cells that need hydrating. So, the higher one’s weight, the more cells they have that need hydrating, and the more water they need to consume. The truth is, even if a professional calculated the exact amount out for someone, it can change on a daily basis based on physical activity and the temperature outside. If you’re trying to shed a few pounds, this need increases even further. Want to burn a few more calories? Drink cold water. You will burn about 20 more calories for each liter you drink. 2 liters (about 70 ounces) then is an extra 40 calories. Over the year, that’s an extra 4 pounds less just from drinking that water cold. So, keep working on trimming down that waistline and treat your body to some nice cold refreshing water. For more tips on how you can improve your health or shed some unwanted weight, call Lexington’s only board certified bariatricians (non surgical weight loss) at Medical Bariatrics of Lexington. (859) 263-SLIM (7546) or visit us online at www.lexingtonkyweightloss.com.

You Are What You Eat

Every day in our veterinary practice, I am asked multiple times, “Doc, what should my dog/cat eat?” And I respond with that dreaded vague answer, “Well, it depends.” And it does. There is no one-size-fits-all prescription for pet diets, but hopefully I can give you some food for thought. The questions and controversy surrounding the pet food industry are unprecedented. The recent pet food recalls have caused many owners to doubt the safety of commercial pet foods entirely. The good news to be found amid such tragedy is that it has led to a heightened awareness and closer monitoring, which should lessen the likelihood of future such incidents. Feel free to ask your vet for his or her specific recommendations, or if there are certain food types that should be avoided based on your pet’s history. To get more details, contact Whitney Maynard Rauth, DVM, Southland Veterinary Hospital, 300 Southland Drive. Can be reached at 859-278-2386 or southlandvet@gmail.com,
www.southlandvet.com

Sexual Healing

Statistics show that some 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men experience some type of sexual disorder. Sometime things are an easy fix. For most, they often find that sex hormone deficiency is the culprit. Supplement the hormones and Viola! The magic is back. Sometimes it’s more complicated. That’s where the help of a sex therapist may offer a solution. Michelle Stillwagon, a Marriage and Family Therapist who will soon be certified as a Sex Therapist shares some thoughts on how sex therapy can help your sex life. To find out more about resources for sexual health contact Michelle Stillwagon, MA, LMFT at (502) 417-or michellestillwagon@gmail.com or Chaz Hester, PA-C @ 859-266-LIVE(5483).

American Cancer Society Is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Educate your patients on the importance of staying well and share with them all of the wonderful programs offered by the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society has made great efforts to fight back against breast cancer. In fact, Making Strides against Breast Cancer is their premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. More than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress the American Cancer Society is making to defeat this disease. This event celebrates breast cancer survivors, educates women about early detection and prevention, and raises money to fund lifesaving research and to support programs to help us reach a day when no one will have to hear the words “You have breast cancer". The event is held at The Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, October 25, 2009. Visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org to find a Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk near you! Then share the inspiration with your co-workers, your family, and your friends and organize a team to participate in the event.

90+ Shooters in Golf

Expert advice by Nick Bayley, Professional Golfer. Nick Bayley has discovered from extensive analysis just one golf swing fault that could be stopping you from ball striking consistency and success. And now you can take a simple 2 minute golf swing test to see if you have this swing fault or not. To take the Golf Swing Test log-on to www.yourgolfswingtest.com

Addressing the Inter-relationship of Healthcare and Housing in Clinical Practice

A primary desire of all health care professionals is to help each patient maintain their independence as much as possible. Whether due to aging or disability, everyone desires to remain in their own home and familiar surroundings. Universal design is about a new way of viewing design, eliminates isolation, and is inclusive of all users regardless of circumstance. It is important to consult a professional when seeking someone to evaluate a living environment, make recommendations, and perform modifications. To be assured of using a competent and knowledgeable professional, the physician can recommend the expertise of a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS). The CAPS program was designed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Remodelors Council, and the NAHB Seniors Housing Council to meet the needs of an aging population and to assure professional standards in this specialized segment of the construction industry. The program was developed for general contractors, architects, home remodelors, designers, and health care consultants. Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists are trained in the unique requirements of the aging population and those with disabilities, home modifications, and solutions for barrier-free living.

Chris Vandiviere is Vice President of Universal Design Group, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist, and has over 20 years experience in the construction industry. He is a member of the Kentucky Association of Gerontology, Kentucky Guardianship Association, and the Kentucky Association of Senior Services. Universal Design Group has three Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists on staff and is a member of the America Association of General Contractors. He can be reached at (859) 983-1856 for consultations. www.udgspaces.com

Certified Bariatricians

Bariatricians are licensed physicians who have sub specialized in weight loss. They help patients lose weight in non- surgical ways. A board-certified bariatrician means that physician has had extra training and testing through the American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) and the American Board of Bariatric Medicine (ABBM). ASBP-trained and board certified bariatricians address the obese or overweight patient with a comprehensive program of nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications and potentially the prescription of appropriate medications if the patient has met all the strict guidelines set forth by the ASBP. They teach behavioral, psychological and nutritional ways to reach goals. They help the post-surgical patient learn how to maintain the weight loss or help them to lose any weight regained.

We are pleased to announce that Lexington now has board-certified bariatricians to help your patients with their non-surgical weight loss goals. Dr. Swindler and other physicians at Medical Bariatrics of Lexington are Lexington’s only board -certified bariatricians and have helped over 1,000 patients lose over 280,000 lbs. They are located in Hamburg and are ready to help you help your patients affordably. For questions, call (859) 263-SLIM (7546) or learn more about them at www.lexingtonkyweightloss.com