5426m usa fa12 - usahc.com · jimmy kimmel staying up late is not always easy for...

h e a lt hFor Members of United Service Association For Health CareSPRING 2009

total

&wellnessh e a lt hFor Members of United Service Association For Health CareFALL 2012

total

plus A Salty Surprise

Lurks in Your Breadbox

&wellness

and Top 6 Reasons (Other than Weight Loss)

You Should Exercise

Jimmy Kimmel

Staying Up Late Is Not Always Easy

for

contents Fall 2012

2 ToTal HealTH & Wellness Fall 2012

HEALTHFor Members of United Service Association For Health CareSPRING ��

total

&wellnessHEALTHFor Members of United Service Association For Health CareFALL ��HEALTHHEALTH

total

plusplus A Salty Surprise

Lurks in Your Breadbox

HEALTHHEALTH&wellness

andand Top 6 Reasons(Other than Weight Loss)

You Should Exercise

Jimmy KimmelJimmy

Staying Up Late Is Not Always Easy

for

5426M_USA_FA12.indd 1 10/26/12 2:40 PM

3 Millions of Americans Face a Hefty Health Risk: Obesity

4 Salty Surprises: Sodium May Lurk in Your Breadbox

5 Top 6 Reasons Exercise Is About More than Weight Loss

6 Reel in the Health Benefits of Fish

8 Young Women Keep Tanning, Despite the Risks

9 Staying Up Late Is Not Always Easy for Jimmy Kimmel

12 Do You Know the Dangers of Skimping on Sleep?

14 Congratulations to Our Scholarship Winners!

16 Your Room-by-Room Guide to Keeping Kids Safe

17 Back to Basics: Explaining Breast Cancer

18 Is It Safe to Give Birth at Home?

19 Tests to Protect Your Ticker

20 More Americans Need New Knees: Are You One of Them?

[ cover story ] Jimmy Kimmel: Using Laughter to Cope with Narcolepsy A page 9

TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

Executive Director: M. Cranon

Account Management: T. Barton, B. Mayer, R. Davis, and C. Mangrum

Total Health & Wellness is published by United Service Association For Health Care. This information is intended to educate the public about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. © 2012 Printed in the U.S.A.

United Service Association For Health Care is an organization that provides privileges and services that promote the health and welfare of its members.

For more information, please contact:

United Service Association For Health Care

P.O. Box 200905

Arlington, TX 76006-0095

800-USA-1187

EDiTOriAL ADviSOry BOArD

David S. Alkek, M.D., Clinical Professor of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Joseph D. Beasley, M.D., Director, The Institute of Health Policy and Practice, Amityville, NY

Kathie Davis, Executive Director, IDEA Health & Fitness Association, San Diego, CA

Sidney Friedlaender, M.D., Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Charles M. Ginsburg, M.D., Professor and Chairman of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Susan Johnson, Ed.D., Director, Continuing Education, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX

Julie Waltz Kembel, M.S., Ed., CHES, Education Director, Canyon Ranch, Tucson, AZ

Don r. Powell, Ph.D., President and CEO, American Institute for Preventative Medicine, Farmington Hills, MI

Charles F. Seifert, Pharm.D., Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City, SD

Kathryn K. Waldrep, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., Medical City Dallas, Dallas, TX

Arthur H. White, M.D., Medical Director, San Francisco Spine Institute, Daly City, CA

Cover photo: This July 23, 2012, photo released by ABC shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/ABC, Randy Holmes)

www.USAHC.COM 3

[ H E A L T H Y L I v I N G ]

Millions of Americans Face a Hefty Health Risk: ObesityEven the ancient Greeks knew extra pounds weigh heavy on your health. Why should we “Keep off the mass”?

MOrE THAN 2,000 yEArS AGO, HiPPOCrATES WArNED OF THE DANGErS OF TOO MUCH FOOD AND TOO LiTTLE ExErCiSE. In modern times, scientists continue to uncover new consequences of obesity, or too much extra body fat.

In recent months, new studies reported:• Obesitymaybetoblameforabouthalfthe

increase in rheumatoid arthritis among women during a recent 22-year period. Ratesofthispainfuljointdiseasehavebeenon the rise since 1995.

• Beingobeseincreasesyouroddsofdevelopingawidevarietyofcancers.Thisincludescolorectal,kidney,breast,andpancreatic cancer.

Anddoctorsalreadyknewobesityincreasestheriskforhighbloodpressure,highcholesterol,heartdisease,andstroke;type2diabetes;osteoarthritis;respiratoryproblems;andinfertility.Despitetherisks,morethanone-thirdof

U.S.adultsareobese.Worldwide,500millionof us fit the definition.

resolve to Get TrimIfyou’relikemanyAmericans,sheddingthoseextrapoundsishighonyourlist ofgoalsforthenewyear.Researchsuggeststherearegoodreasonstokeeptrying. Evenamodestweightloss,suchas5to 10percentofyourbodyweight,canresult inimprovementsinsuchfactorsasbloodpressure,cholesterol,andbloodsugarlevels.AstudyinthejournalCancer Research showed overweightolderwomenwholostatleast5percentoftheirbodyweightreducedlevelsofinflammatorycompoundsintheirblood.Thesechemicals,includingC-reactiveproteinandinterleukin-6,havebeenlinkedtoanincreaseintheriskforseveralcancers.

The New Weigh-Less rulesEatinglessandexercisingremainthefoundationsofhealthyweightloss.Buttherearealsosomesurprisingchangesyoucanmaketoyourhabitsandenvironmenttohelpmakeyourweight-lossresolutionasuccess.

A Trydoingthefollowing:Limityouroptions.ResearchersatCornell

Universityfoundstudyvolunteersatelesswhen there were fewer types of foods availableatameal.Worklessovertime.Womenwholabor

longerhourstendtobeheavier,perhapsbecauseofstress,lackofexercise,orpoorsleep.Setspecific,realisticgoals.Forinstance,

startwithagoaloftakingthree15-minutewalksperweek.Asyousucceed,setanew,biggergoal.•

Looking for more strategies to help yourself, your family, or your community to combat obesity? Get the skinny at www.cdc.gov/obesity.

We value your membership and are here to assist you should you need us. Please contact us at 800-872-1187.

[ H E A L T H Y C H O I C E S ]

4 ToTAL HeALTH & WeLLness FALL 2012

Nearly nine out of 10 Americans age 2 years or older eat too much sodium, and it’s not just from sprinkling table salt on your french fries.

Salty Surprises: Sodium May Lurk in Your Breadbox

A QUiCK—WHAT’S THE BiGGEST SOUrCE OF SALT iN U.S. DiETS? If you said french fries, chips, or popcorn,getreadyforashocker.Americansactuallygettwiceasmuch

sodiumfrombreadandrollsasfromsnacksaccordingtoanewlistofthetop10saltsources.Onelargeplainbagelcancontainasmuchas700mgofsodium.Becausetoomuchsaltcontributestohighbloodpressureandincreasedriskforheartattackandstroke,healthexpertssaynearlyallofusneedto cutback.

More Briny FindingsThenewsurvey,fromtheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention,foundthattheaveragepersonconsumednearly3,300mg ofsodiumdaily.That’sfarmorethanthe2,300mgrecommendedlimit.Together,thetop10saltyfoodcategories

provided about 44 percent of the sodium in ourdiets.Breadandrollsaccountedfor 7.4percentofoursodium,totopthelist.Othertopsourcesincludedcoldcuts,pizza,andpoultry,eachofwhichcontributedabout5 percent.Anotherkeyfinding:Two-thirdsofthesalt

came from foods purchased in a grocery or convenience store. About one-fourth came fromrestaurantmeals,withtheresteatenincafeterias,schools,andsimilarspots.

your Salt-Lowering PlanIfweallcutbackbyanaverageof400mgaday,scientistsestimatethatupto28,000liveswouldbesaved.Takingiteasyonthebread-basketisagoodstart.Othersalt-reductionstrategiesinclude:•Checklabelsatthegrocerystore.Whenyoucan,choosefoodswhoseservingsizehas5percentofyourdailysodiumorless.Comparedifferentbrandsofthesameproduct;thevaluesmaybewildly

different.Forinstance,tomatosoupcanhavebetween700and1,260mg

per serving.•Eatmorefreshorfrozenfruitsandveggies.They’renaturallylowinsodium.Atthesametime,eat fewer processed foods.

top Sources of Sodium in Our Daily Dietten foods account for nearly 44%

of the sodium we consume:

1. Breads and rolls (7.4%)

2. Cold cuts and cured meats (5.1%)

3. Pizza (4.9%)

4. Fresh and processed poultry (4.5%)

5. Soups (4.3%)

6. Sandwiches (including hamburgers,

cheeseburgers) (4.0%)

7. Cheese (3.8%)

8. Pasta dishes such as spaghetti

with meat sauce (3.3%)

9. Mixed meat dishes such as meat loaf

with tomato sauce (3.2%)

10. Savory snacks, including chips

and pretzels (3.1%)source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About six in 10 adults should lower their sodium intake below the current U.S. dietary guidelines, to less than 1,500 mg a day:• Thoseolderthanage50

• African-Americans

• Peoplewithhighbloodpressure

• Peoplewithdiabetes

• Peoplewithchronickidneydisease

•Whendiningout,askthatyourmealbepreparedwithnosaltorlesssalt.Andwhenyoucookathome,reachforseasoningsotherthansalt,suchasspices,herbs,garlic,andlemonjuice.•

To learn more about how eating healthy can reduce your risk for major chronic diseases, visit www.dietaryguidelines.gov.


1. Preventing CancerMovingreducesyourriskfortumorsinyour breasts,colon,lungs,andprostate.Research is under way on other cancers, too. TheAmericanCancerSocietyrecommendsthateachweekadultsget150minutesof moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of the two spread throughouttheweek.

Top 6 Reasons Exercise Is About More than Weight LossEven when the number on the scale isn’t moving, you’re still getting perks from your workout.

A

thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.h., director of the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

encourages walking as an easy way to get

physical activity. “Physical activity is the

wonder drug,” he says, and “more americans

are making a first step in getting more

physical activity.”

according to Dr. Frieden, there were 15

million more americans walking at least 10

minutes a day in 2010 than five years earlier.

however, only 48 percent of adults are getting

enough exercise to improve their health.

Regular exercise is a proven health booster,

and walking is a great way to get started, Dr.

Frieden says. “It requires no special skills or

equipment and can be done alone or in groups,

indoors or outdoors.”

Take a walk on the Active Side

2. Beating DepressionResearchhaslinkedexercisetorelieffromsadnessinmen,women,andpeoplewithchronicillnesses.Insomecases,itmayevenworkaswellasantidepressantmedications.Expertsthinkmovementmayboostfeel-goodbrainchemicals,includingserotoninand norepinephrine.

3. Keeping your Heart HealthyGettingandstayingfitmayhelpreducetheriskforheartdiseaseevenifyou’reover-weight.That’sthefindingofanewstudyinthe Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Ithelpsevenifyougainafewpounds.Workingoutactuallyprotectsyoufromsomeoftheunhealthyeffectsofbeingoverweight.

4. Staying independent as you AgeNomatterhowmanycandleswereonyourlastbirthdaycake,it’snevertoolatetostartorcontinueexercising.Beingactiveeverydayhelpsolderadultscontinuetodothethingstheyliketodo.You’llgainthestrength,energy,andbalanceyouneed to get through your day.

5. Managing illnesses and TreatmentsDo you have diabetes, heart disease, orcancer?Yourdoctormaywriteyou a prescription for exercise.

Inpeoplewithtype2diabetes,regularphysicalactivityhelpscontrolbloodglucoseandpreventscomplications.Ifyouhavecancer,itreducessomesideeffectsoftreatment.

6. Extending your LifeIn a recent study in Archives of Internal Medicine,olderadultswhogotmorephysicalactivitywerelesslikelytodieoverafour-yearperiod.Theresultsaddtoaccumulatingevidence that the fountain of youth may beascloseasyournearestgym,pool,orwalkingpath.•

Head over to www.fitness.gov/ be-active to find ways to get active or to learn about the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

www.USAHC.COM 5


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Reel in the Health Benefits of Fish

WHEN iT COMES TO HEArT HEALTH, iT’S TiME TO SWALLOW THE PErKS OF EATiNG FiSH HOOK, LiNE, AND SiNKEr.TheU.S.governmentandtheAmericanHeartAssociationalreadyrecommendconsumingfishtwiceaweekforoptimalcardiovascularwellness—andnow,newresearchissuggestingthereareevenmorereasonstoangleforanextraserving ofsalmon,tuna,orsardines.

Catch These Good-Health Gains Seafoodservesupawiderangeofhealthynutrients,includingproteinandomega-3fattyacids.Thesegood-for-youfatscan helppreventheartdisease.Inonestudy,those who consumed modest amounts of omega-3sfromfishwere33percentless likelythanthosewhoconsumednonetodevelopheartdisease.What’smore,recentstudiesshoweating

fishregularlyalsomay:• Cutyourriskforcolorectalcancerby

12 percent • Preventlivercancer,eveninpeopleat highrisk

• Reducethebuildupofbeta-amyloid,aproteinthatformstheplaqueslinkedtoAlzheimer’sdisease

Fish may help boost brain health, prevent cancer, and even fight inflammation, which is linked to many conditions, from arthritis to stroke to depression. Are you ready to take the bait?

• Decreaseinflammationinhealthyadults;eventually,thismayreduceyourriskforarthritis,stroke,and more

Other Fish in the Sea Ourfinnedfriendsrichestinomega-3fattyacidsaresalmon,trout,mackerel,herring,andsardines.Buttryavarietyofdifferenttypesofseafood.Even shellfishlikeoysters,mussels,andclams haveomega-3s.Toupyourfishintake,thinkbeyondthe

filletand:• Servesalmonpattiesinsteadofburgers.• Stuffgrilledfishintotacos.• Topasaladwithcrab.• Stirshrimpintoricedishes.• Usecannedtunainplaceofdelimeats

on sandwiches.

Whicheverfishyouchoose,grillorbakeit—fryingitseemstocanceloutthehealthbenefits—andseasonyourseafoodwithspices,herbs,andlemonjuicetoavoidaddingsodium or fat.

If you can’t see yourself eating seafood regularly, fish oil supplements may have benefits, but proceed with

caution. the american heart association does not recommend fish oil supplements as a replacement for eating fish.

and doses larger than 3 grams a day may keep blood from clotting, even if you’re healthy otherwise. For these

reasons, check with your doctor before taking a supplement.

When to Throw Fish Back Onewordofwarning:Somefishishighinmercury, which can harm babies’ brains. Youngchildrenandpregnantornursingwomenshouldavoideatingswordfish,kingmackerel,tilefish,orshark.Thesegroupsalsoshouldlimitcannedwhitetunatolessthan 6ouncesperweek,orchoose“light”tunainstead.•

Dive into the American Heart Association’s Nutrition Center website,www.heart.org/ NutritionCenter to learn more benefits of fish and good-for-you fats or to find more heart-healthy recipes.

Fish Oil Supplements on the Hook?


Consuming modest amounts of omega-3s from fish can

reduce your risk for developing heart disease

by 33%.

baked salmon Dijon

www.USAHC.COM 7

Thissalmonentréeiseasytomakeandhasatastysaucethewholefamilywillenjoy!

ingredients:1cupfat-freesourcream2 tsp. dried dill3 tbsp. scallions, finely chopped2 tbsp. Dijon mustard2 tbsp. lemon juiceFat-freecookingspray(asneeded)1½ lb. salmon fillet with skin, cut in center½ tsp. garlic powder½ tsp. black pepper

1 Whisksourcream,dill,onion,mustard,andlemonjuiceinsmallbowltoblend.2 Preheatovento400°F.Lightlyoilbakingsheetwithcookingspray.3 Placesalmon,skinsidedown,onpreparedsheet.Sprinklewithgarlicpowderandpepper,thenspreadwith the sauce.4 Bakesalmonuntiljustopaqueincenter,about 20minutes.

Makes six servings. Each serving (4 oz) contains about 196 calories, 7 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 76 mg cholesterol, and 229 mg sodium.

Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute



Young Women Keep Tanning, Despite the Risks

LONG, LAzy BEACH DAyS MAy BE A DiSTANT DrEAM THiS WiNTEr. BUT THE riSK FOr SKiN CANCEr DOESN’T FADE WiTH THE SUMMEr SUN. New studies show that in the past four decades, rates of melanoma—themostdeadlyformofskincancer—haveincreasedeightfoldamongyoungwomen.Theprimeculprit,researchers suspect, is tanning beds.

In fact, about one-third of young white womenregularlytanindoors.Thisisdespitethe fact that:• UVraysfromsunlampsmaybestronger

than those from the sun.• InternationalhealthauthoritieshavedeclaredUVradiationfromtanningbedsaknowncancer-causingagent.

• Exposuretoindoortanningincreasesmelanomariskby75percent.

• Tanningbedsdamageskin,makingtannersappearolder.

Family, Psychology Contribute to TrendHowdoexpertsexplaintheongoingpopularityoftanning?Foronething,it’sbigbusiness. Industry revenues are estimated to be$2.6billionayear.

In some cases, tanning is passed down throughgenerations.About30percentofteenswhosemotherstanalsoloungeunderthelamps.ResearchersatEastTennesseeState University found young women who tanfirstwithmomaremorelikelytoremainheavy tanners. Finally,quittingtanningmaybeasdifficult

asquittingsmoking.Manytannersfindthehabitrelaxingandmoodboosting.Asmany

A

Given That It May Contribute To An Increased Risk of Skin Cancer, Aging Skin, and Yes, Even Addiction, is it Time to Unmake Your Tanning Bed?

as40percentmayactuallyhaveatruetanning addiction, finds a new study in Archives of Dermatology.

Breaking the Tanning CycleNewguidelinesfromtheU.S.PreventiveServicesTaskForce,whichadvisesdoctorsonhowbesttocareforpatients,offerasolution.Counselingyoungwomenaboutthehazardsofartificialtanningcaneffectivelyencouragethem to stop.

Keep your daughter out of the tanning bed bydoingthefollowing:• Talkwithheraboutanxietyanddepression.It’spossiblesheturnstotanningtoalleviatethesefeelings.Herdoctorcansuggesthealthieralternatives.

• Avoidtanningyourself.She’llbelikelytofollowyourexample.

•Withholdconsent.Manycitiesandstatesdon’tallowteenstotanwithoutaparent’sOK.

• Changehermindaboutthegoalofagoldenglow.Arguingthatatanisn’tattractivemaybe more persuasive than pointing out tanning’scancer-causingeffects.•

New studies also link tanning with basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Get full coverage on tanning and skin cancer by visiting www.cancer.org and clicking on ‘Learn About Cancer.’

Exposure to indoor

tanning increases melanoma risk by 75%.

[ H E A L T H Y L I v I N G ] [ C O v E R S T O R Y ]

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Using laughter to Cope with Narcolepsy

JiMMy KiMMEL For comedian Jimmy Kimmel—often described as “the funniest man on television”—making jokes about even the most serious situations long ago became a way of life. read more A

Staying Up Late Is Not Always Easy for

“ When I was emceeing Win Ben Stein’s Money [on Comedy Central, back

in the late 1990s], I actually fell asleep a few times. It

was probably a combination of the narcolepsy and Ben’s voice!”

TAKE THAT UNFOrGETTABLE MOMENT LAST APriL, FOr ExAMPLE, WHEN THE 44-year-old,Brooklyn-bornstarof Jimmy Kimmel Live!(ABC)greetedU.S.PresidentBarackObamawithashockingdisplayofcomicalgoodhumor.Kimmel,whowashostingthe

annualWhiteHouseCorrespon-dents’DinnerinWashingtonthatnight,ledoffhisintroductionofthepresidentbytellingthe

audience:“FirstIwanttothankMr.Mills,the10th-gradehistoryteacher who said I’d never amounttoanything.Mr.Mills,I’m about to ‘high-five’ the presidentoftheUnitedStates!”Withthat,theEmmyAward–

winningtalkshowhostanddeadpancomedianlaunchedarip-snortinghandslapwiththepresidentthatlefthisstartledaudienceroaringwithlaughter.

ForJamesChristian“Jimmy”Kimmel,nowregardedasoneofthe most charismatic and quick-wittedcomediansatworkinAmericantelevision,findingthe humor in situations that might at first seem very un-funnyissimplyawayoflife.Anotheroutrageousexample:

WhenKimmelwaswarnedbyhisfamilydoctorabout15yearsagothathehasapotentially

hazardoussleepdisorder—knownas“narcolepsy”—whichcauseshimtonodofffrequentlyduring the day, he responded by latertellinganinterviewerthatheblamedactorandpoliticalcommentatorBenSteinfortheproblem.Saidthestraight-facedKimmel:“WhenIwasemceeingWin Ben Stein’s Money [on ComedyCentral,backinthelate1990s],Iactuallyfellasleepafew

Host Jimmy Kimmel, left, and Tracy Morgan perform onstage at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP)

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www.USAHC.COM 11

times.Itwasprobablyacombi-nationofthenarcolepsyandBen’svoice!”Kimmel,whohasbeenquite

openabouthissleepdisorderinrecentyears,alsogotabiglaughduring a recent New York Times interviewbysuggestingthatmanyviewersofhispopulartalkshowmightbeamazed—andalsoamused—tohearhimdescribedaccuratelyas“JimmyKimmel,thenarcolepticlate-nighthost!”Jokingaside,however,Kimmel

isalsoquicktopointoutthathisgeneticallytriggereddisordercurrentlyaffectsmorethan200,000Americans...aboutone-fourth of whom have never been diagnosed with the condition.Althoughnarcolepsydoesn’t

leadtodisruptionordeteriorationofessentialbrainfunctioning,thechronic condition can prove harmfulbycausingitsvictimstofallasleepalmostinstantaneouslyattimes,andevenwhileperform-ingsuchsafety-criticaltasksasdrivingalongacrowdedfreeway.Formallydescribedasa

“neurologicalsleepdisorder,”narcolepsyissometimesaccompanied by sudden bouts of muscleweakness(or“cata-plexy”)inwhichthenarcolepticmay experience enervating fatigue,orevencollapseonthespot.(“Idon’thavethat[particularsymptom],”saysthewisecrackingKimmel,“butI’dliketo—itsoundsgreat!”)Whilenotingthatnarcolepsy

canalsoresultinadebilitatinghealthconditionknownas“excessivedaytimesleepiness”(or“EDS”),manymedicalresearchersbelievethatthedisorder is caused by genetic abnormalitiesthatinteractwithvirusesduringchildhood.Butthegoodnewsfornarcolepsysufferers,theyalsosay,isthatthe

conditioncanbeeasilymanagedthesedaysbyaneffectivenewgeneration of medications that workwelltopreventEDSfrominterruptingdailyactivities.Althoughhereadilyadmitsto

driftingoffseveraltimeseachday—andsometimesevenwhenhe’soncamera—thelaughter-lovingKimmelhasn’tallowedhispenchantfortakingmini-napstointerrupt his extraordinary showbizcareer.Acollegedropoutwhogothis

startinlocalradio(hewas“JimmytheSportsGuy”atKROQ-FMinLosAngelesforfiveyears),thefast-risingcomicearnedhischopsbymakingpeoplelaughasahard-working“drive-time”DJ.Blessedwithanative gift for pinpointing the absurditiesofmodernlife—alongwithamarvelousdeadpanmugthatallowshimtomilkeveryjoketothemax—Kimmelgot hisbigbreakwhenhewas tapped in 1997 to cohost Win Ben Stein’s Money. AfternailingdownanEmmy

forBestGameShowHostin1999,hesoonbecameapopularfixtureonComedyCentral’sThe Man Show.By2003,KimmelwasfirmlyestablishedasamajorforceinU.S.TVcomedy,aftercreating Crank Yankers for ComedyCentralandthenthewildlypopularJimmy Kimmel Live!TVtalkshowatABC.Inrecent years, he’s fit in voice-overperformancesinthefilmRoad Tripandtelevision’sFamily Guy and been a frequent (and typicallyhilarious)guestonnumeroustop-ratedTVtalkshows,includingtheLate Show with David Letterman and the Ellen DeGeneres Show—evenguest-hosting Larry King Live. DescribingKimmel’sunique

blendofsatire,comicalobserva-tion,andwackyon-camera

antics,televisioncriticsoftenusetheterm“outrageous.”Andtheadjectivedoesseemapt—espe-ciallygiventheoddballroutinesthatthismile-a-minutecome-dianseemstomostenjoy.Oneofthoseput-ons,which

eventuallybecamesomethingofaHollywoodlegend,sawKimmelfrequentlyendinghisshowbydeclaring:“Myapologiesto[AcademyAward–winningactor]MattDamon—weranoutoftime!”Reportedlyirkedbythejoke,Damoneventuallyagreedtomakeanappearanceontheshow,onlytobetold(momentsaftertakinghisseat):“Sorry,butonceagainwearecompletelyoutoftime!”AssoonasKimmeldeliveredthedeadpanline,thestudiolightswentoutandDamonstalkedoffthe set, once again shot down by therelentlessjokester.Makenomistake,then:For

thishigh-profileTVcomedian,whorecentlyhostedthe64th

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Primetime Emmy Awards,sniffingoutthecomedyinanysituation—includingevenreceivingadiagnosisofnarcolepsy—seemstocomenaturally.AshetoldABCNews in a candid interview: “Youknowhowwhenyou’re‘regulartired,’yourwholebodyfeelstired?Withnarcolepsy,justthe inside of your head is tired. It’slikesomebody’ssittinggentlyonyourbrain.”Whiletakingmedicationdaily

tosuccessfullymanagehisdisorder,Kimmelhasn’tallowedit to interfere with his soaring career.Andalthoughhedoesn’toftenrefertohisnarcolepsyinthecontinuingquestforTVlaughs,thisquick-wittedcomediandoes admittoalong-heldfantasy:“Idohaveadreamtosomeday

use up an entire hour of televisionbysleeping!”KnowingJimmyKimmel’s

trackrecord,it’seasytoimaginehe’llsomehowfindawaytomakeeventhatfunny.•

President Barack Obama high-fives late-night comic Jimmy Kimmel as Caren Bohan, a Reuters journalist and president of the white House Correspondents’ Association looks on during the white House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Saturday, April 28, 2012 in washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)



Do You Know the Dangers of Skimping on Sleep?

yOU’rE CrANKy. FATiGUED. UNFOCUSED. FrOM TiME TO TiME, EvEryONE HAS A NiGHT OF POOr SLEEP. There’sno denying that you’re not at your best the next day.Chronicsleepdeprivationhasbeenlinkedto

anincreasedriskfortype2diabetes,obesity,heartdisease,kidneydisease,stroke,cancer,anddepression.Thoughourmodern,24-hour-a-daylifestylehasproducedthemyththatwecanlearntogetbyonlittlesleep,healthexpertsknowbetter.TheCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionhasdeclaredlackofsleepapublichealthepidemic.

While you Were DreamingDespitewhatyoumightthink,yourbrainandbodydonotsimplyshutdowneachnight.Whileyou’reunconscious,you’redoingmorethandreaming.Yourbodyisproducinghormones,healingdamagedbloodvessels,andformingnewbrainpathwaysthathelpyoulearnandremember.Mosthealthyadultsneedaboutsevento

eighthoursofsleepeachnighttoaccomplishthesetasks.Getless,andtheeffectsaddupquickly.Afterseveralnightsofskippingjustanhourortwo,you’llfunctionaspoorlyasifyouhaven’tgottenawinkfordays.Yourriskforlong-termillnessincreases

quickly,too.AnewstudyinthejournalScience Translational Medicineillustrateshowlackofsleepquicklycontributestodiabetes.Afterjustthreeweeksofgettingfive-and-a-halfhoursofsleeppernight,studypartici-pants’bloodglucoselevelswenthaywire.Some were even considered pre-diabetic.

Break the Bad-Sleep CycleFortunately,thebloodsugareffectsofpoorsleepdisappearedafterninenightsofgoodrest.Adequatesleepcanalmostimmediately

A

The Health Effects of Regularly Being Short on Shut-Eye Are Far More Serious than Drowsiness. Sleep Deprivation Has Been Linked to Several Health Conditions.

makeiteasiertoeatahealthydiet,drivewithout having an accident, and increase yourproductivityatworkandschool.TrythesetipstohelpyoucatchuponyourZs,starting tonight.•Keepthesamesleepscheduleduringtheweekandonweekends.

•Napscanofferaquickboostifyouneedthem,butdon’ttakethemafter3p.m.oryou’lldisruptthatnight’srest.

•Usethehourbeforebedtimetounwind.Don’texerciselaterthantwotothreehours before bedtime, and avoid bright lights,includingTVscreens—theysignaltothebrainthatit’stimetobeawake.Instead,takeahotbath.You’llrelax,andthe drop in body temperature afterward maymakeyoufeelevensleepier.

•Keepyourbedroomquiet,dark,andonthecoolside.

Ifyou’reashiftworkeroryourjobfre-quentlyinterruptsyourrest,youmayneed totakeextrastepstostayonasleepschedule.Trykeepingthelightsbrightatworkandavoid changing your shift to give your body timetoadjust.Talkwithyourdoctorifyouhavetroublecoping.•

Studies estimate 40 million Americans have a sleep disorder. Check out www.health.nih.gov/topic/ SleepDisorders for The National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute’s guide to healthy sleep.

the Mayo Clinic recommends most adults

aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each

night. Recent studies have suggested that

sleeping less than five hours or more than

nine hours a night may increase the

likelihood of weight gain.

Why? experts believe that sleep

deprivation affects the hormones that

regulate hunger and appetite. also, lack of

sleep leads to fatigue which could result in

less physical activity.

How Much Sleep Is Enough?

www.USAHC.COM 13


Congratulations, Gail Massa and Kelsey Krushinsky!

Two Lucky Young Women – Children and Grandchildren of USA+ Members – Will Use Scholarship Funds to Help Prepare for Careers Helping Patients through Counseling and Physical Therapy.

FOr GAiL MASSA, A COLLEGE FrESHMAN FASCiNATED By THE WOrKiNGS OF THE HUMAN BrAiN, WiNNiNG A $5,000scholarshipfromUnitedServiceAssociationforHealthCare(USA+)wasthefirststeponaroadshehopeswilltakehertowardacareerasacounselororpsychiatrist.KelseyKrushinsky,meanwhile,whoalso

wonaUSA+scholarshiplastsummer,isdreamingofacareerinadifferentareaofhealthcare.AfreshmanatMarquetteUniversity,Kelseyhopestobecomeaphysicaltherapist.

MEMBER PROFILES

Gail Massa

During recent interviews, both young womensaidtheyweregreatlyencouragedbyreceivingtheirscholarships,whichareawardedannuallytocollegeundergradswhointendtoprepareforcareersinhealthcare.Giventhehighcostofgoingtocollege

thesedays—theyprobablycouldn’thaveaffordedtheschoolsoftheirchoicewithoutthehelpofUSA+.

Gail Massa: Brainy Former Cheerleader Will Use Scholarship to Study Psychology When18-year-oldGailMassawasaseniorinhighschool,shetookan“absolutelyfascinat-ing”classinbasicpsychology.Thatremarkablecoursechangedherlife.“Westudiedeverythingfromthebiology

ofneurons[braincells]tothecognitiveandemotionalfactorsthathelptodeterminebehavior,”saysthisoutstandingstudentandformercheerleaderatYorkCommunityHighSchoolinElmhurst,Ill.“Thatclasswasarealeye-openerforme,”

addsGail,who’snowafreshmanattheUniversityofDayton.“Iwastotallyamazedbythecomplexityofthehumanbrain—andI

A

“[There’s] No way could I have come to college without the

help I got from USA+.”

decided right then that I wanted to be a psychologist,ormaybeevenapsychiatrist.”ForGail,abrainyhonorsstudentwhoalso

servedasavolunteerinherChicagosuburb(shetaughttheartofcheerleadingtofourth-andfifth-gradersinalocalafter-schoolprogram),winninga$5,000scholar-shipfromUSA+wasamajorstepontheroadtoaprofessionalcareer.“Collegetuitionthesedaysissoexpensive,

it’sridiculous,”saysGailduringabreakbetweenclasses.“NowaycouldIhavecometocollegewithoutthehelpIgotfromUSA+,alongwithacoupleofotheracademicscholarshipsIreceived.”Asahigh-octanestudentandcheerleader

(theathleticsloganforthe“Dukes”ofYorkHigh:“Fearthemonocle!”),Gailwasdeeplyinterestedinlearninghowthebraindirectshuman behavior…and by what happens when itmalfunctions.“ThattragicshootingatthemovietheaterinAurora[Colorado]tookplacesoonafter[Ifinished]mypsychclass[lastJuly20th],andIwatchedeverysinglenewscast,”sherecalls.“Understandinghowthemindworksis

crucialtohelpingpeoplewiththeirproblems,andit’ssadthattheshooterthatday–appar-entlyhewasabrilliantyoungman–didn’tgetthehelpheneeded.Inhighschool,Ioftensawhowcounselorswereabletohelpkidsdealwithissueslikebullying,andthatmadeabigimpressiononme.”Aftersettlingintoherdormroominlate

August,Gailquicklysignedupforseveralcoursesshehopeswillintroducehertothe

www.USAHC.COM 15

wondrouscomplexitiesofcognitive- behavioralscience.“Myeventualgoal istotryandmakeadifferenceinpeople’slives,”saystheeagerfreshman, whose proud mother is alongtimeUSA+member.“Forme,usingthetoolsof

psychologytohelppeoplecopewiththeirproblemsandaccomplishtheirgoalssoundslikeaveryrewardingcareer.”

Kelsey Krushinsky: Gung-Ho Hospital volunteer is Working Toward a Career in Physical Therapy What’sitliketopickupthetelephone,sayhello–andthendiscoverthatyou’vejustbeenawardedacollegescholarshipworththousandsofdollars?Askthatquestionof18-year-oldKelsey

Krushinsky–todayafreshmanatMarquetteUniversity–andthesuper-enthusiasticphysicaltherapystudentwillsurpriseyouwith her unexpected answer.“WinningthatUSA+scholarshipwasareal

thrill,”saysthePhoenix,Ariz.,resident,“butthebestpartofallwasthatIgotthenewsfrommyGrandmaKathie.”Kelseysayshergrandmother“hasbeenan

inspirationtomethroughoutmylife,anditwasawonderfulfeelingwhenshetoldmethatI’dbeenawardedthescholarshipandwouldbegettingsomebighelpwithmytuitionbillsatMarquette!”Forthehigh-spiritedKelsey,whosaysshe

wantstomajorinexercisephysiologyandthengoontoaprofessionalcareerasaphysicaltherapistspecializinginhelpingcancerpatients,thegrantfromUSA+wasakeyfactorinherdecisiontotraveltofar-offWisconsinforcollege.

“Thesedays,attendingcollegeisprettyexpensiveforeveryone,”saystheformerstandout discus thrower (her best toss: 84.2 feet)fortheGatorsofXavierCollegePreparatoryHighSchoolinPhoenix.“It’salongwayfromPhoenixtoMilwaukee,andpayingthebillsisarealstretchforus.“WithoutthisgreathelpfromUSA+,in

fact,I’mnotsureIcouldhaveevengonetoMarquette.[It]wasagreatblessingformeandmyfamily.”

An outstanding science student in high school,Kelseyhadbeeninterestedinahealthcarecareereversincetaking10th-gradebiology.Butshesaysherpassionforhealth-relatedstudiesgrewevenmoreintenseafterreflectingonherbelovedgrandmother’sstruggleyearsearlierwithlife-threateningbreast cancer.“Herillnessreallyaffectedme,”Kelsey

sharesfromherdormroomatMarquette.“Ilovemygrandmaverymuch,andIwasdeeplytouchedbywhatshewentthrough,andsoImadeavowthatIwouldtryforacareerinhealthcare.”Kelseysaysherdeterminationto“focuson

physicaltherapyforcancerpatients”wasalsoinspiredbyahighschoolinternshipprogram

“Without this great help from USA+, in fact, I’m not sure I could

have even gone to Marquette. [It] was a great blessing for me

and my family.”

inwhichshevolunteeredataVeteransAdministrationhospital.“AttheVAhospital,Ispentalotoftime

watchingthephysicaltherapiststreatpatients,”sherecalls.“Thatexperiencewasunforgettable,andIwasdeeplymovedbywhatIsaw.”Kelsey’slong-termgoalistoworkwith

cancerpatients.“Theycanoftenbenefitgreatlyiftheygethelpfromaphysicaltherapistwhoreallycaresabouttheirwell-being,”shenotes.“ThankstomyUSA+scholarship,Inowhavetheopportunityto goonandhelppeoplelikemywonderfulgrandmaandtheveteransIworkedwith attheVA!”•

Kelsey Krushinsky

USA+ Scholarship Program applications are available year round at www.usahc.com.



Your Room-by-Room Guide to Keeping Kids Safe

TODDLErHOOD iNEviTABLy COMES WiTH SOME BUMPS, BrUiSES, AND SCrAPES.Butnewstudiessuggestserioushazardstoyoungchildrenlurkwithinyourownfourwalls—somehazardsinplacesyouwouldn’tsuspect.Fortunately,there’s much you can do to protect your littleones.

PlayroomThe danger: Smallandshiny,batteries often proveirresistibleespeciallytochildren5andyounger.Abouteverythreehours,achildvisitsanemergencyroom(ER)afterputtinga battery in his or her mouth, nose, or ear. Theseinjuriesaremorecommonthanever,according to a recent study in Pediatrics.Thatmaybebecausebuttonbatteries,involvedinmore than three-fourths of the cases, are usedinmoreelectronicsthaneverbefore.

The safeguard:Tapeshutthebatterycompartmentsoftoys,remotecontrols,andother devices. Store extra batteries out of reachinchild-resistantpackages.

KitchenThe danger: Chancesare,youusebottles, cups, and pacifiers to feed, hydrate, and soothe yourlittleones.Butanewstudyfindsmorethan2,000childrenages3andyoungeraretreatedforinjuriescausedbytheseproductseveryyear.Mostchildrensuffercutstotheirmouthsduetofallswhilesippingorsucking.

The safeguard: Encourageyourlittleone tostayseatedwhileheorsheisdrinkingoutofabottleorcup.

HallwayThe danger: Everysixminutes,akidage5oryoungertakesatumbledownthestairs—andlandsintheER.Anewstudyfindsthese

A

parents want to do everything they can to ensure the safety of their children. but you might be surprised at the dangers that babies and toddlers can find themselves in around the house.

injuriesarebecominglesscommon,butthey’reoftenserious,especiallyiftheyoccurwhenanadultiscarryingachild.

The safeguard: Don’t tote your tot up and downstairsmorethannecessary.Whenyouarecarryingyourchild,keepyourotherhandfreetograbthehandrail.Installgatesatthetopandbottomofstaircases,butrecognizegatesarenotenough.Alwayswatchyourchildonornearsteps.

Living roomThe danger:Tipped-over television sets can causeseriousinjuryandevendeath.Infact,theConsumerProductSafetyCommissionrecentlyrankedthemasatophiddenhomehazard.

The safeguard: Supervise cartoon time. In a recent study, more than three-fourths of TV-relatedinjuriesoccurredoutofadults’

lineofvision.InstallyourTVonastandspecificallydesignedforthesizeofyourset.SecureyourTVtothewallorfloor.Whenattaching,makesureyourTVisaslowandasfarbackaspossible.

BathroomThe danger: Slips,trips,andfallsinthetub or shower hurtmorethan40,000childrenages4andyoungereachyear.Thesefallscontributetocuts,bruises,brokenbones,scaldingfromhotwater,anddrowning.

The safeguard: Neverletasmallchild bathealone.Considerinstallingslip- resistantsurfacesandchild-sizegrabbars totheshowerortub.Checktubsandshowerstallsforsharpedgesorpinchingdoors. And remove or pad pinching doors when possible.•


www.USAHC.COM 17

Back to the Basics: Explaining Breast CancerAlthough Statistics Say That About One In Eight Women Will Develop Breast Cancer In Her Lifetime, Approximately 2. 5 Million Women Alive Today Overcame It.

A FOr MOST, THE WOrDS “BrEAST CANCEr” DON’T CONJUrE HAPPy FEELiNGS. Buthere’ssomebreastcancernewsthatisn’tbleak:Approximately2.5millionwomenwhoarealivetodayhadbreastcancer—andovercameit.Althoughstatisticssaythataboutonein

eightwomenwilldevelopbreastcancerinherlifetime,thenumberofwomenwhodevelopanddieofthediseasedeclineseachyear.Why?Thelikeliestanswerisincreasedscreenings and advanced breast cancer treatment. Fromstatisticstoscreeningstotreatments,

breastcancerisabigsubject—anditmightseemhardtowrapyourmindaround.Thebreastcancerbasicsbelowcanhelpyouunderstandthediseaseandtakestepstoloweryourrisk.

How it StartsCellsarethebuildingblocksofthebody.Whencellsgrowrapidlyanduncontrollably,thisiscalledcancer.Thenameofacancerdepends on where it starts, so breast cancer startsinthebreast.Thediseasecanbegininanumberofplaceswithinthebreastitself,suchastheglandsthatproducebreastmilk.Whenitstartsintheductsthroughwhichmilkflows,thisiscalledductalcarcinoma—the most common form of breast cancer. Cancer,however,isn’tisolated.Astimepasses,harmfulcellscanspreadtootherpartsof the body.

risk and risk reduction Measuringbreastcancerriskisn’tanexactscience.Doctorscan’talwaysexplainwhysomewomendevelopthediseaseandothersdon’t.Butsomefactors,suchasbeingage55orolder,upyourrisk.Otherriskfactorsinclude:

•Startingyourperiodbeforeage12•Notbearingchildrenbyage30•Havingafamilyhistoryofbreastcancer•Havingchangesinthecancer-relatedgenesBRCA1orBRCA2

Stick to ScreeningsExpertsofferslightlydifferentsuggestionswhen it comes to breast cancer screening. Somerecommendgettingyearly mammogramsstartingatage40.Otherssuggeststartingmammogramsatage50. Talkwithyourdoctortodecidethebestscreeningscheduleforyou.Whicheverscreeningscheduleyouchoose,

stickingtoitisessential.Breastcanceristhesecondleadingcauseofcancerdeathinwomen,butifcaughtearlier,it’seasiertotreat.Cancerstagesarenumberedfrom

0to4;themoreadvancedthecancer,thehigherthenumber.Findingcanceratstage 0or1improvesthechancesthattreatmentwillbeeffective.

Types of TreatmentTreatmentoptionsvarydependingonwherein the body cancer starts and how advanced thediseaseis.Optionsincludesurgery,hormone therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy,andchemotherapy.Yourdoctormayrecommend combining two or more treatments.•

Determine your risk of breast cancer. Use the National Cancer institute’s Breast Cancer risk Assessment Tool online at www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool .

Certain risk factors, such as drinking and physical activity, can be altered with healthy lifestyle changes. Following these tips may reduce your risk: •Consume less than one alcoholic beverage per day

•Stay at a healthy weight for your height, especially after menopause

•Work out four or more hours a week


Is It Safe to Give Birth at Home?Women Have the Right to Choose Where They Deliver, Including the Choice to Give Birth at Home. What Should Go Into Your Birth Plan If You Are Considering a Home Birth Experience?

A A HUNDrED yEArS AGO, THE vAST MAJOriTy OF AMEriCAN WOMEN GAvE BirTH AT HOME. As knowledgeaboutprotectingmothersandnewbornsgrew,moreandmoreinfantstooktheirfirstbreathsinhospitalsandbirthingcenters.By1970,only1percentofbabieswere born at home.Homebirthsarestillrare,butnewnational

datasuggeststhey’reontherise,havingincreasedbyabout30percentbetween2004and2009.Expertsacknowledgethatwomenhavetherighttochoosewheretheydeliver.However, they caution that the option may not be right for some mothers and that carefulplanningisessential.

Home Birth Has risks, BenefitsWomenchoosetogivebirthathomeformanyreasons.Somebelievechildbirthisanaturalevent.Theymaywanttoavoidmedications or other procedures common inhospitals.Othersfeelmorecomfortable intheirregularenvironmentorwanttheirolderchildrentobepresentwhentheirnewsiblingarrives.Manyfamilieshaveempowering,positive

experiences with home births. Some studies alsosuggestpossiblephysicalbenefits.Womenwhogivebirthathomeseemlesslikelytodevelopinfectionsorhavetearsintheirvaginaltissue.Butthingsdon’talwaysgowell.In2011,

theAmericanCollegeofObstetriciansandGynecologistsreleasedapositionstatementsoundingawarning.Althoughmostbabiesarehealthy,thosebornathomeappeartwotothreetimesaslikelytodieasthoseborninhospitals,mostfromalackofoxygen.Researchalsoshowsthatasmanyasoneinfourwomenwhoplannedtogivebirthathomeendupgoingtothehospitalwithcomplications.

Create a Smart Birth PlanSomewomenareathigherriskforcomplica-tionsandshouldplanahospitalbirth.Theseincludemotherswho:• Havehadacesareansection• Arecarryingtwins• Havehighbloodpressureoranotherhealth

condition• Havepassedtheirduedate• Havebabiesinbreechposition,withtheirfeetorbuttocksfacingdown

There’salsosomeevidencetheriskfortroubleathomeishigherforfirst-timemoms.Beforeyouchoosehomebirth,talkwith

yourdoctoraboutthebenefitsandrisks.Also:• Getgoodmedicalcareduringyour

pregnancy.• Haveadoctororacertifiedandlicensedmidwifeornurse-midwifeavailableduring birth.

• Planhowyouwillgettothehospitalinanemergency.•


www.USAHC.COM 19


Tests to Protect Your TickerHeart Attacks and Strokes Strike Americans Every 25 Seconds. Technology May Allow Doctors to Better Estimate Your Risk When It Comes to Heart Health.

A A HEArT ATTACK Or STrOKE STriKES ONE AMEriCAN EvEry 25 SECONDS. ALL TOO OFTEN, THESE DrAMATiC EvENTS ArE THE FirST SiGN OF HEArT TrOUBLE.Thegoodnews?Ifyou’reathighriskforheartdisease,orifyou

have symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, your doctor mayrecommendoneormoreofthesetests.Theresultscouldpointtoaplantoprotectyourticker.

The test: electrocardiogram (ECG)What it does: recordsyourheart’selectricalimpulses

What it finds:heartattacks,irregularheartbeats,andheartfailureWhat to expect: Whileyouarelyingdown, your doctor attaches

electrodestoyourarms,legs,andchest.Yourheart’selectricalactivityisthenrecordedandprintedoutaswavylinesonpaper.

Your doctor may recommend one if: Youhavechestpainoranirregularheartbeat.

The test: cardiac computed tomography (CT) What it does: usesX-raystotakedetailedpicturesofyourheartandbloodvessels

What it finds:narrowedarteries,heartandbloodvesseldefects,andtumors.AspecifictypeofCTscancalledacoronarycalciumscandetectsthebuildupofcalciuminyourarteries,anearlysignofheartdisease.

What to expect: Yourdoctormayfirstinjectyouwithadye.Then,you’lllieonyourbackonatablethatslidesinsidethenarrow,circulartube of the scanner.

Your doctor may recommend one if: Youhavesymptomsofaprobleminyourheartorthebloodvesselssurroundingit.Somedoctorsuseacoronarycalciumscantodetermineifpeopleatmoderateriskneedtreatmenttohelppreventaheartattack.

The test: carotid ultrasoundWhat it does: uses sound waves to create a picture of the arteries carryingbloodtoyourbrain

What it finds:carotidarterydisease,whenplaquebuildsupinthesebloodvessels

What to expect: Afteryoulieonyourback,yourdoctororatechni-cianwillputgelonyourneck.Heorshethenmovesahandhelddevicecalledatransduceroveryourneckwhereyourcarotidarteriesarelocated.Acomputerreadstheultrasoundwavestocreateanimage.

Your doctor may recommend one if: He or she hears a sound throughthestethoscopethatindicatesblockagesinyourcarotidarteries,orifyou’vehadastroke.

The test: echocardiogram, or echoWhat it does: usessoundwavestotakemovingpicturesofyourheart

What it finds:bloodclots,fluidbuildup,ordamagedheartmuscleWhat to expect: Inmostcases,you’lltakeoffyourclothingfromthe

waistup,andyourdoctororatechnicianwillputgelonyourchest.Aswithacarotidultrasound,awandlikedevicecalledatransducertransmits sound waves into your chest, which are read by the computer.

Your doctor may recommend one if: Youhaveshortnessofbreathorswellinginthelegs,bothsymptomsofheartfailure.

The test: stress testWhat it does: assesses your heart’s function under pressure

What it finds:coronaryheartdiseaseorheartvalveproblemsWhat to expect: Afterelectrodesareplacedonyourchest,you’llhop

onatreadmillorexercisebike.Yourdoctormonitorstheelectricalactivityofyourheartwhileyou’resweating.

Your doctor may recommend one if: Youhavechestpain,troublebreathing,orothersignsthatbloodflowtoyourheartmaybeblocked.•

Men and women can experience different heart attack signs and symptoms. For information on heart attack warning signs, visit www.heart.org/HeartAttack .

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDUnited Service

Association For Health Care

Articles in this magazine are written by professional journalists or physicians who strive to present reliable, up-to-date health information. Our articles are reviewed by medical professionals for accuracy and appropriateness. No magazine, however, can replace the care and advice of medical professionals, and readers are cautioned to seek such help for personal problems.

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BABy BOOMErS HAvE MADE iT CLEAr: AGE iSN’T GOiNG TO KEEP THEM FrOM THEir ACTivE LiFESTyLES. Expertssaytheirloveforsportsliketennisisamajorreasonkneereplacementsurgeries

are on the rise. Sportsinjuriescanleadtoarthritis, the most common causeofkneepain.Andthedesiretokeepplayinghasledmorepeopletoseeksurgeryforrelief.

New Research Shows About 4.5 Million Americans Are Now Living With an Artificial Knee Joint. Is Knee Pain Limiting Your Lifestyle?

A

More Americans Need New Knees: Are You One of Them?

Newresearchshowsabout4.5million Americansarenowlivingwithanartificialkneejoint.Thesharpestincreaseshaveoccurred among women and among patients ages45to64.Kneereplacementisoneofmedicine’s

biggestsuccessstories.Aftersuchsurgery,nineoutof10peoplecanwalkanddoothernormalactivitieswithoutpain.Now,surgeons can perform the surgery using minimallyinvasivetechniques,reducingscarring and speeding recovery.

Understanding the Treatment Duringkneereplacementsurgery,adoctorremovesdamagedcartilageandboneandreplacesthemwithmetal,ceramic,orplasticparts.Afterashorthospitalstay,thepatientcontinues recovering at home.

Recovery may be swifter if a surgeon uses a minimallyinvasiveapproach.Otheradvantagestothistypeofsurgeryinclude:• Asmallerincision• Lesspostoperativepain• Strongermusclesaroundtheknee

Kneereplacementsmaywearoutafter10to20years.Yourdoctormightadvisethatyouavoidhigh-impactactivities,suchasjoggingandjumping,toprotectyournewknee.Butyoucanusuallysafelyreturntosportslikeswimming,walking,golfing,andhiking.

Making the CallIfkneepainislimitingyourlife,talkwithyourdoctoraboutwhetherminimallyinvasivekneereplacementisrightforyou.Yourdoctormayrecommenditif:• Yourpainwakesyouupatnight• Yourkneestillhurtswhenyou’reresting• Yourkneebowsinorout• Youhaven’tgottenbetterdespiteothertreatment,includingmedications

Thedecisionaboutwhenandwhethertohave surgery is up to you. In most cases, you canwaituntilyoudecideyoucannolongerenduretheache.Butifyourpainissoseverethatitlimitsyouractivities,yourmusclesandbonesmayweaken.Thiscanmakesurgeryandrecoverymoredifficultlateron.•

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