medical directory

A regional listing of Physicians & Medical Services

2013Regional Medical

Directory

2 2013 Regional Medical Directory

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32013 Regional Medical Directory

The 2013 Regional Medical

Directory is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette.

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Fuller Family Medicine .......................................... 2

Physicians, Surgeons, Specialists & other Pro-fessional Practices ................................................ 4

Cardiology ............................................................ 4 Powell Valley HealthcareDentistry ............................................................... 4 Dean P. Sullivan, DDSEar, Nose & Throat ............................................... 5 Ear, Nose & Throat AssociatesOrthopaedic .......................................................... 5 Joseph M. Erpelding MDOrthopaedic .......................................................... 6 Powell Valley Healthcare

Physician Listings ................................................. 8Cardiology ............................................................ 8 Powell Valley HealthcareOrthopedic Surgeon ............................................. 8 Powell Valley HealthcareOB/GYN ............................................................... 9 Big Sky OB/GYN

Clinics, Hospitals & Rehabilitation Facilities ................................................................11

Children’s Psychiatric Care/ Genetic Services .................................................11 Shodair Children’s HospitalHospital ...............................................................15 Billings ClinicHospital ...............................................................17 St. Vincent HealthcareVein Clinic ............................................................18 Rocky Mountain Vein Clinic

Retirement & Assisted Living ..............................19Assisted Living ....................................................19 Marquis Grand ParkNursing Home Facility ........................................ 20 Valley Health Care CenterSenior Living ....................................................... 21 Westpark Village Retirement

Support Services ................................................. 22Financial ............................................................. 22 First Interstate Bank-BozemanHealth Plans ...................................................... 23 New West Health PlanEBMS ................................................................. 24

Is chicken soup the ultimate cold medicine? ................................................................................................... 4Simple ways to protect your bones ................................................................................................................ 10Snacking doesn’t have to be unhealthy ......................................................................................................... 11Water essential to human health ................................................................................................................... 22What to do if someone is choking .................................................................................................................. 18Do you hear what I hear? .............................................................................................................................. 14Depression: not a character flaw but a real illness ........................................................................................... 7Recommended immunizations for adults ....................................................................................................... 15How to floss more effectively ......................................................................................................................... 19How to make informed health care decisions ................................................................................................ 13Get the facts about mold and your health ........................................................................................................ 6Make your diet work for you ........................................................................................................................... 16How to encourage kids to be more physically active ....................................................................................... 8Common children’s eye injuries ..................................................................................................................... 12Popcorn health quiz ....................................................................................................................................... 17Smart choices can reduce your risk of cancer............................................................................................... 20Simple ways to reduce fatigue ....................................................................................................................... 21

Index


Articles


(Metro Services) - There are many treatments for the common cold. Perhaps no solution is more utilized than a hot bowl of chick-en soup. People have chased away chills and sniffles with rich broth and savory vegetables for centuries. But is chicken soup re-ally the miracle medicine upon which so many rely?

Chicken soup has long been touted for its ability to treat a cold. As far back as the 12th century, Jewish philosopher and physi-cian Maimonides recommended

it for colds. Although it would seem that chicken soup being good for colds is simply an old wives’ tale, there is really some-thing substantial to the claims.

Any hot liquid or beverage can soothe throats that are sore from coughing or a postnasal drip from colds. Liquids in any form can help prevent dehydration and slow down runny noses, which exacerbate congestion and si-nus pain. In 1978, researchers published a study in the journal Chest stated that sipping chicken

Cardiologist Dr. Paul J. LaVeauin the Heart of the Big Horn Basin

• Outpatient Clinic• Consultative Cardiology Services• Pacer/ICD Services• Echocardiography• Stress Echocardiography• Electrocardiography Interpretation• Holter Monitoring 24 Hour Heart Monitor• Event Monitoring Heart events monitored for a more extended period of time, i.e. 30 days

Experience Us!777 Avenue H, Powell, WY

307-754-7257, 1-888-284-9308www.pvhc.org

Cardiology Services Include:

Billings Denture Clinic

Dentures and PartialsImPlant SuPPorteD ProSthetIcSSame Day relines and repairs

• General Dentistry• Implant Supported Crown &Bridges

• Cosmetic Personalized Dentures

OFFICE HOURSPrompt Emergency Health and Care

Financing OAC Dental Insurance Accepted926 main St, Suite 23 - heights

Dean P Sullivan,DDS

Robert A Bronecki,DDS

www.billingsmtdds.com

www.billingsdentureimplants.com

Is chicken soup the ultimate cold medicine?

Metro ServicesChicken soup has long been used as a common cold remedy, and with good reason.

Cardiology

Dentistry

Physicians, Surgeons, Specialists & other Professional Practices


Steven A. Butler, M.D.

DanaFink,P.A.-C.Cynthia A. Kennedy, M.D.

Brian T. Pelczar, M.D.

Sean Demars, M.D. David Valencia, M.D

EAR, NOSE & THROATASSOCIATES

~~Adults, Children & Infants~~

St. Vincent Healtheare

Yellowstone Medical Center

www.billingsentandrevivefacialandlasercenter.com

Call Day or Night238-6161 • 1-800-648-6274

2900 12th Ave. N., BillingsSuite 330W

AdvancedOrthopedic Care

See a Board Certified OrthopedicSurgeon on your FIRST VISIT.Diagnosis and treatment of Hip, Knee,Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Foot and Ankle!

Providing a fullrange of general

andsub specialtyorthopedicoperative and

non-operative care

• SportsMedicine• Trauma• WorkmansComp• JointReplacements

Dr. Erpelding M.D.

Dr. Dabov M.D.

Billings Orthopedics and Sports2900 12th Ave N. Ste 305EBillings, MT 59101

(406)237-5750 (406)237-5745 fax

2900 12th Ave N, Suite 305EBillings, MT 59101

(406) 237-5750 (406)237-5745 faxwww.orthodoc.aaos.org/josepherpelding

soup or even just hot water could help clear clogged nasal pas-sages.

Another benefit to chicken soup is its nutritional value. Most recipes for chicken soup include many different vegetables -- from carrots to celery to leeks to even leafy greens, like spinach. The inclusion of the vegetables helps increase the nutritional value of

the soup, particularly the antioxi-dants in the meal. Antioxidants, such as vitamins and minerals in produce, can help improve the immune system response of the body. According to WebMD, add-ing fruit and vegetables of any kind to your diet will improve your health. Some foods are higher in

continued on page 7

Ear, Nose & Throat

Orthopaedic


Get the facts about mold and your health(Metro Services) - Mold can

grow in many areas of a home. Though not always dangerous, mold can, in certain instances, cause serious illness.

Experts estimate that there are tens of thousands of different types of mold in the world. A type of fungi, molds are single-celled or multicellular organisms with-out chlorophyll that reproduce by spores and live by absorbing nutrients from organic matter. Fungi can be classified as molds, mushrooms, rusts, mildews and yeasts. Some of the common types of molds found indoors in-clude cladosporium, alternaria, penicillium and aspergillus.

The Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention states that molds can be a health hazard to some people. Some individuals are more sensitive to molds than others, and may experience any-

thing from a mild allergic reaction to severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing or other compli-cations with their lungs.

Mold spores travel very easily through the air and can also trav-el on people and pets. Coming in contact with mold in one loca-tion and then traveling to another can cause spores that hitched a ride to dislodge in the new area. People who may have never had mold problems at home before can find that mold quickly takes root if mold spores have been ac-cidentally brought into a home.

In addition to moist areas, molds flourish in other conditions as well.

• Food source: Molds are not picky eaters and can feed on various materials, including wood, fabric, wallpaper and drywall.

• Air: Although mold needs oxy-

gen to grow, mold fares best in areas that are poorly ven-tilated.

• Warmth: Mold can grow in temperatures between 40 and 110 F. Therefore, unless it’s below freezing outdoors, there’s a good chance mold spores are thriving.

Mold’s versatility to live in a variety of areas and feed on just about anything makes it a formi-

dable foe. But there are natural ways to tackle it.

Mold thrives in moist condi-tions, so removing the source of moisture is the primary way to control mold growth. Invest in a dehumidifier if your home is plagued by moisture.

Dehumidifiers are especially useful in basements and crawl-spaces where moisture tends to

777 Ave. H, Powell, WY307-754-7257, 1-888-284-9308

www.pvhc.org

Orthopaedic SurgeonDr. Jeffrey Hansen

Specializing insurgery of the hand,

foot and ankle

Dr. Hansen is certified bythe American Board ofOrthopaedic Surgery

Jeff Hansen, M.D.

Metro ServicesSteamy bathrooms promote mold growth.

continued on page 7

Orthopaedic


Depression: not a character flaw but a real illness(BPT) - A broken leg means

a trip to the emergency room. Chronic back pain leads to a bat-tery of tests and time off work. Even a virus will get you some words of sympathy. But if you say you have depression, there’s a good chance you’ll get a quizzi-cal look and dumb silence.

Depression is a serious illness affecting one in 10 Americans. And while the medical establish-ment has long known how seri-ous depression can be, it still re-mains something of a mystery to many people.

Often, the advice to someone who admits to a friend that they have depression is “it’ll pass” or “shake it off.” Because there are no bandages or crutches involved, there’s a tendency for friends, colleagues and even family to mistake clinical de-pression as simply a case of the “blues.” While studies vary some-what on the exact percentages, it is generally believed that about 50 percent of Americans see depression as a personal weak-ness and a similar percentage of

people suffering from depression don’t seek treatment.

“Being a mental health care professional, these statistics are absolutely alarming,” says Dr. Douglas G. Jacobs, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the founder of Screening for Mental Health, Inc. “We have to bridge this understanding gap and the only way is through education - in schools, in the mainstream media, through the work of non-profits, in fact by any means nec-essary.”

One can observe the “under-standing gap” in everyday life. The word “depression” is often used to describe simply “feeling down” - the bad days or weeks that soon pass. But when those feelings last two weeks or more, they could be signs of actual de-pression (formally called major depressive disorder or clinical depression).

According to the National Insti-tute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:

• Difficulty concentrating, re-membering details and mak-ing decisions

• Fatigue and decreased en-ergy

• Feelings of guilt, worthless-ness and/or helplessness

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping

• Irritability, restlessness• Loss of interest in activities or

hobbies once pleasurable, in-cluding sex

• Overeating or appetite loss• Persistent aches or pains,

headaches, cramps or diges-tive problems that do not ease even with treatment

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings

• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Looking at the list, it’s not hard to see how someone suffering with depression could conceiv-ably “explain away” their depres-

sion. But this situation is gradu-ally changing.

One important stride that’s been made is in the area of screenings for depression. Put simply, a screening is a question-naire that gives the participant a clearer idea of whether or not they may have symptoms of de-pression and should seek clinical help. They are not meant to be diagnostic, but at the same time they are an anonymous, “low ex-posure” first step. And they are, intrinsically, educational.

If you, or someone you know, may be suffering from depres-sion, you can visit www.hel-pyourselfhelpothers.org to take a screening. It is free and anony-mous and available 24/7.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, call 911 im-mediately. If there is no immedi-ate danger but rather a need to talk to someone, call the national suicide prevention line at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

antioxidants than others. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and vegetables -- especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. Therefore, be sure to add these colors to your cold-fight-ing soup.

Additional studies have shown that chicken soup is a great cold reliever. In 2000, researchers at the University of Nebraska ex-posed neutrophils, white blood cells that fight infections, but also may cause inflammation, to diluted chicken broth. These cells slowed their movement,

which would help reduce some symptoms of colds. Although a family recipe was used for the study, other soups were test-ed, and most store-purchased chicken soups worked the same way.

The majority of the symp-toms from colds are caused not by the cold virus itself, but by the body’s response and fight against the invading vi-rus. Many of these effects, like clogged noses and headaches, are some sort of inflammation. Therefore any food that can re-duce inflammation may have cold-fighting benefits as well.

Although chicken soup may not eliminate all cold symptoms, it has enough beneficial prop-erties to alleviate many com-plaints from colds.

Soupcontinued from page 5

be a problem.It’s also good to avoid us-

ing bleach to address a mold problem. Although bleach is an excellent disinfectant, it is not al-ways successful in killing mold spores. The most it may do is whiten areas where the mold is growing. Plus, bleach has its own strong aroma and can be noxious to breathe in at high doses.

Instead of bleach, consider all-natural methods of control-ling mold. Straight vinegar re-portedly kills 82 percent of mold. Using it in a spray bottle on mold can help to kill it and keep it at bay. Tea tree oil and grapefruit

seed extract are also very effec-tive at eliminating mold. Unlike other methods of mold removal, grapefruit seed extract does not have an odor.

Keeping a home ventilated is another way to fight mold. Mold prefers somewhat stagnant con-ditions, so allowing fresh air into the house can make it harder for mold to thrive. In bathrooms and kitchens, use exhaust fans or open windows to reduce the hu-midity and moisture left behind.

Mold can be an irritant to people who are sensitive to the spores, but in many cases, mold is more of an eyesore and a nui-sance than something a home-owner needs to worry about. Using some smart strategies to reduce its growth can keep mold under control.

Moldcontinued from page 6


Jeffrey Hansen, m.d.Speciality: Orthopaedic Surgery

Medical School: University of Washington, Seattleorthopaedic reSidency: University of Washington, Seattlehand Surgery FellowShip: Gothenburg University,

Gothenburg, SwedenBoard certiFied in orthopaedic Surgery; Certificate of

Added Qualification (CAQ) in Hand Surgery

Powell Valley Clinic, Bldg. C, 777 Ave H, Powell, WY 82435307-754-7257, 1-888-284-9308

Paul J. LaVeau, mdSpecialty: Cardiology

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA

Residency: Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, Texas

Fellowship: Cardiology & Interventional Cardiology: Yale University School of Medicine – Section of Cardiology, New Haven, CT

Powell Valley Clinic, Bldg. B, 777 Ave H, Powell, WY 82435307-754-7257, 1-888-284-9308

How to encourage kids to be more physically active

(Metro Services) - When today’s parents reflect on their childhood, many likely recall seemingly end-less days spent playing outdoors. But when today’s kids become tomorrow’s parents, chances are their recollections won’t recall nearly as much time spent idling the days away under the sun.

According to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 17 percent of American children and adolescents be-tween the ages of 2 to 19 are obese. In Canada, where self-re-porting data collection methods have made such statistics more difficult to quantify, the preva-lence of overweight and obesity in children is also on the rise, ac-

cording to the Canadian Commu-nity Health Survey.

The rise in overweight or obese children is likely a byproduct of several factors, not the least of which is that many of today’s kids prefer to play a video game on the couch instead of going outdoors and being physically active. The potential ramifications of young-

sters choosing a more sedentary lifestyle are dangerous, as it in-creases their risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, respiratory ailments and joint problems, among other things. What’s more, numerous studies have found that obese or overweight children are more likely to become obese or over-weight adults, which highlights the importance of embracing a physically active lifestyle as a youngster.

Parents know it’s not always easy to get kids to be more physi-cally active. But the following are a few tips parents might find use-ful when encouraging their kids to embrace a more active lifestyle.

Give toys that encourage physical activity

Kids love toys, and their toys will often dictate how they spend their days. Instead of buying the latest video game console, give kids toys that encourage them to be active. This can include balls, bicycles, jump ropes, or even a backyard swing set. Kids who embrace these activities at a young age are more likely to con-tinue doing so into adolescence and adulthood.

Cardiology Orthopaedic

JupiterimagesKids who em-brace physical activity from a young age are less likely to be overweight or obese as adults.

Physicians Listings


Serving all of your gynecologicalneeds for over 30 years

Accepting New Patients

Thomas F. Kent MD, PLLC

Thomas F. Kent MDBoard Certified

2900 12th Avenue N. Suite 245Wwww.thomaskentmd.com

238-6010

Providing complete and thorough pregnancyand gynecological care

Accepting New Patients

Daniel M.Molloy MD, PC

Daniel M. Molloy MD, FACOGBoard Certified

2900 12th Avenue N. Suite 245 Wwww.bigskyobgyn.com

238-6010

OB/GYN Nurse Practitionersince 1992

Dianne M. Nagy, RNC, NPAssociated with Daniel M. Molloy MD, PC

Dianne Nagy, RNC, NPBoard Certified

238-60102900 12th Avenue N. Suite 245W

www.bigskyobgyn.com

Nurse Practitioner inWomen’s Health Care since 1993

Brenda J. Willkom, RNC, NPAssociated with Daniel M. Molloy MD, PC

Brenda Willkom, RNC, NPBoard Certified


www.bigskyobgyn.com

Big Sky OB-gyN

2900 12th Avenue N. Suite 245W238-6010 • www.bigskyobyn.com

Providing health services towomen of all ages.Specializing in

obstetrics and gynecology.

Gynecological care for women of all agesIeva L. Bailey, MD, PC

Ieva Bailey, MDBoard Certified


• Surgical and nonsurgical solutions• Ideal Protein Provider• Accepting New Patients

Reduce time spent in front of the television

Parents who can effectively minimize the amount of time their child spends in front of the tele-vision, whether reducing their time spent watching television or playing video games, will likely be more successful at instill-ing a love of physical activity as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents limit their child’s time in front of the television to one to two hours per day, and that includes

the time children spend playing video games. To further reduce kids’ time watching TV, don’t al-low televisions in their bedrooms, as that will only make it harder to monitor just how much time kids are spending in front of their TVs.

Remember that physical activity should be fun

Not all kids are athletic, and some will likely bemoan par-ticipating in recreational sports leagues. But that doesn’t mean parents should give up on en-

couraging physical activity. In-stead, find a physical activity that your child finds fun and en-courage his or her participation. This might be nontraditional kids’ sports like cycling or jogging or activities like dancing, hiking or even bird watching. Once a child exhibits a healthy interest in a physical activity that you have deemed safe, encourage it.

Set a positive exampleKids, especially younger chil-

dren, look up to their parents and

often try to emulate what Mom and Dad are doing. Parents can make the most of that adoration by setting a positive example and being physically active them-selves. Go for a nightly bike ride or a walk around the neighbor-hood with your youngsters in tow. Whatever physical activity you choose, you can bet your chil-dren will express an interest in it as well, and that’s a great way to make them more enthusiastic about having a healthy and ac-tive lifestyle.

OB-GYN

Physicians Listings


Simple ways to protect your bones(Metro Services) - As men and

women age, many take steps to improve their overall health. These steps can be as simple as cutting back on dinner portions or as significant as joining a gym and committing to an exercise regimen.

One of the best things men and women can do to improve their health, as well as their quality of life, as they age is to protect their bones. Though some are aware of the importance of protecting their bones, which weaken as the aging process progresses, leaving older adults susceptible to fractures, many might not know that protecting their bones is quite simple. What’s more, many of the roughly two million bone fractures caused by osteo-porosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle from loss of tissue, are prevent-able. Men and women who heed the following tips to help protect their bones can reduce their risk of fractures as they age.

Get your calcium and vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D promote bone health, and many people are aware of those effects. How-ever, a 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocri-ology found that 52 percent of postmenopausal women on os-teoporosis treatment had insuffi-cient levels of vitamin D, despite being told by their doctors to take both vitamin D and calcium. If your diet does not include ad-equate vitamin D, which can be found in fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and fish, then vita-min D supplements can help meet your needs. Calcium can be found in a variety of prod-ucts, including fortified cereals and juices, dark leafy greens like broccoli, almonds and a host of dairy products.

Visit your physicianFew people might know that

bone health is actually measur-able. A bone density screening

can assess your bone health, while FRAX(R), an online tool developed by the World Health Organization, evaluates an indi-vidual’s risk of fracture based on a host of factors, including age, weight, height and your medical history. FRAX(R) models give a 10-year probability of fracture, which can help prevent injuries down the road for those people whose risk might not be imme-diate. The National Osteoporo-sis Foundation recommends all women begin receiving bone density screenings at age 65. However, women with additional risk factors, including smokers, those with low weight or a thin frame, family history of osteopo-rosis, late onset of menstrual pe-riods, and a history of anorexia or bulimia, should consult their phy-sician about screenings regard-less of their age.

Get out and exerciseExercise is another great way

to protect your bones. Unless you suddenly embrace competi-tive weightlifting, exercise won’t increase your bone density, but it will help you maintain the bone density you already have. Some-thing as simple as walking can help maintain bone density, as can other weight-bearing activi-ties like jogging.

Cardiovascular weight-bearing activities can be coupled with strength training, which recent studies have found may improve bone mineral density, some-thing that could delay the onset of osteoporosis and reduce your risk of fracture. A gym will likely have all of the strength-training materials you will need, but you can also purchase some hand weights or additional resistance training products to ensure your bones are getting adequate exer-cise. Consult a physician before beginning an exercise regimen, especially if you have recently had a fracture.

More information about pro-tecting your bones is available at www.nof.org.

Metro ServicesRegular exercise is a powerful way to ensure your bones maintain their strength in between visits to the doctor.


(Metro Services) - Snacking often elicits mixed reviews. Some health plans say that it is impor-tant to eat several small meals or snacks during the day to keep metabolism rates in check. Other information states that snacks can be a person’s undoing, caus-ing unnecessary weight gain -- especially when snacking is fre-quent. These mixed feelings can be a little confusing.

The National Health and Nutri-tion Survey supports snacking. The survey found that people who eat snacks in addition to three meals a day had higher levels of nutrients in their diets. But not all snacks are a good idea. Consuming a fattening bag of potato chips is an unhealthy approach to snacking. However, a piece of dark chocolate or a handful of nuts can add essential nutrients to a person’s diet.

Many different snacks make healthy additions to a person’s diet. Two to three snacks a day

may be all that’s needed to help keep a person feeling sati-ated and less likely to overeat at meals. Here are some healthy snack ideas.

Olives: A handful of olives can quench a salty craving and provide essential fatty acids that may help to improve heart health.

Hummus: Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are natu-rally low in fat and high in fiber. This dip will keep you feeling full.

Edamame: These are a vari-ety of soybeans that are sweeter, larger and more easily digested than other soybeans. They are a natural source of antioxidants and isoflavones.

Banana and chocolate: Roll-ing a banana in semi-sweet chocolate chips can satisfy a fruit and chocolate craving.

Dark chocolate bark: Melt dark chocolate and add a de-sired fruit, such as dried cranber-ries, cherries, or raisins. Enjoy a small piece, which will be high in

antioxidants, to fend off hunger pangs.

String cheese: An individual serving of low-fat mozzarella or Monterey Jack string cheese of-fers a serving of dairy and protein to keep you full.

Smoothie: Whip up a smooth-ie made from protein-rich Greek yogurt and some frozen fruit. Add a dash of fruit juice and blend. Enjoy as a meal replacement or a refreshing snack.

Fruit: There’s no better snack than fruit. Keep a bowl of fruit or some homemade fruit salad on

hand and enjoy a small portion when you want to fill up without consuming too many calories.

Whole-grain crackers: Fiber-full grain crackers can satisfy salty cravings as well as fill your stomach with something hearty.

Men and women can choose among a variety of healthy snacks throughout the day. Smart snack-ing can mean reducing feelings of hunger and increasing the amount of nutrients in the body. Snacks also may be an integral component of a healthy weight-loss plan.

(406)444-7500 • 1-800-447-66142755 Colonial Drive • Helenawww.shodair.org

A history of caring.Commitment to

the future.• Residential and acute psychiatric

care for children

• Clinical and laboratory medicalgenetic services for people of allages. Outreach clinics availablelocally each month.

Proud to be Montana’sonly Children’sMiracle NetworkHospital

Snacking doesn’t have to be unhealthy

Metro ServicesFruit and vegetables remain some of the more healthy snacks a person can enjoy.

Children’s Hospital

Clinics, Hospitals & Rehabilitation Facilities


Metro ServicesEye injuries in chil-dren frequently oc-cur but are largely preventable.

(Metro Services) - The active lives that children lead often lead to a few bumps and bruises along the way. While a few bandages and antiseptic creams are par for the course when caring for a child, parents worry about more significant injuries, including eye inju-ries.

According to the Boston Children’s Hospi-tal, any injury to your child’s eye should be considered a medical emergency. Unlike the heart, lungs and brain, there is not much nat-ural protection for the eye beyond a thin eye-lid. This makes it easy to suffer an eye injury, especially for kids who play sports.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that eye injuries are a significant health problem in the United States, second only to cataracts as a cause of visual impairment. Each year, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision. Nearly half (47.6 per-cent) of all reported eye injuries occur in peo-ple between the ages of 18 and 45. Children ages 0 to 18 experience roughly 25 percent of those injuries.

Projectiles and flying debris account for the vast majority of eye injuries across all age groups. Among children, some of the more common injuries occur when children are participating in various sports, including:

• hockey• archery• darts• BB guns• bicycling• sports that involve rackets• baseball• boxing

• basketballToys, fingernails and even chemicals are

responsible for some eye injuries in children. It is important to note that 90 percent of all eye injuries can be prevented by using pro-tective eyewear. Some sports organizations mandate that children use protective eye-wear. But even if it isn’t mandatory, parents should urge children to wear safety goggles.

Common Eye InjuriesCertain injuries to the eye are more com-

mon than others. Here is a look at the various types of injuries that can occur.

Chemical burns: This is when a child gets any type of chemical into the eye. Chemicals may be household cleaning objects. These injuries require immediate medical attention because they can cause permanent vision loss.

Bruising: Black eyes or ecchymosis oc-curs from some sort of trauma to the eye. The tissue around the eye becomes bruised, but usually the eye itself is spared. However, only a doctor can determine if the eye is un-scathed.

Corneal abrasions: The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering at the front of the eye. A foreign item entering the eye, like sand or debris, may scratch the cornea. It also can become scratched by a fingernail or an insect that flies into the eye. A doctor can determine the severity of the abrasion and if any treatment is required.

Hyphema: This is a condition of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye where fluid normally flows in and out to nourish eye tis-sues. Hyphema is caused by an injury, and blood can be seen in the eyeball. It requires prompt medical attention.

Eyelid lacerations: This is a cut on the eyelid. An eyelid laceration may be paired with bruising or even corneal abrasion, de-pending on what struck the eye.

Fractures: The orbit is the bony area around the eyeball, and an orbital fracture is when the bones around the eye are broken. This may cause severe eye damage depend-ing on where the eye was struck. It definitely requires immediate medical assistance, and facial reconstruction may be necessary.

Burns: Sunburn not only occurs to the skin but can affect the eyes, too. It is important to wear UV-protective sunglasses outside.

Prevent Eye InjuriesEye injuries are largely preventable. Wear-

ing eyewear during sports is essential. Fre-quent washing of hands and avoiding touch-ing the eyes can prevent the transfer of debris from fingers to the eye. All chemical products should be kept out of reach. If chil-dren use cosmetic products, they should not be applied around the eye.

Knowing the risks to the eye and how to prevent injury can help ward off serious in-juries.

Common children’s eye injuries


How to make informed health care decisions(Metro Services) - The typical health care

patient has changed in recent years. No lon-ger are individuals putting all of their health care decisions into the hands of nurses and doctors. Patients are more informed than ever before and are interested in taking a more active role in their own care.Thanks to the Internet, people are able to access information that, in the past, was not easily available. A few decades ago, medical data may have been elusive and filled with con-fusing jargon the layperson might not have understood without a crash course in biology. However, today there are different websites that clearly spell out information about cer-tain illnesses and diseases. This means that patients may no longer be walking blindly into appointments with doctors.

Facing an illness is never easy, and the decision-making abilities could be hampered by emotions and the desire to improve as quickly as possible. Patients who do not have all of the facts may have to rely solely on the expertise of caregivers and physicians when making important health care decisions. By knowing the avenues of information, a pa-tient can find assistance with careful deci-sion-making.

While learning about an ailment is impor-tant, there are some things to consider.

The Internet isn’t foolproofMany online medical sites are very reliable

and offer a wealth of pertinent information. They can be good starting points when seek-ing out information on a particular condition. It is in your best interest to visit sites that are well-known and monitored by respected medical affiliations. Other sites may be pep-pered with exaggerated claims or misinfor-mation. Therefore, do not go by online infor-mation alone.

Don’t self-diagnoseIt can be easy to use the Internet as a

means to narrowing down symptoms and making assumptions about what ailments you may have. Instead of using the Internet to self-diagnose your condition, leave the di-agnosis up to your doctor and rely on online information after you are diagnosed. This can improve your understanding of the condition and any potential treatment options.

Seek other avenues of informationYou should never hesitate to seek a second

opinion or go to a published medical journal to find out more about a condition. You have rights as a patient to be comfortable with the advice doctors give and be as involved in your treatment as you want to be.

Online forums could be more harm than help

Many people turn to online forums and blogs to gain more insight into particular diseases. While these forums may be good sources of support, information published on these sites could be misleading, inaccurate

or unsafe. Before trying any proposed treat-ment, it is best to consult with your doctor.

Having a general knowledge of a medical condition can enable health care consumers to make more informed decisions about their situations.

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Recommended immunizations for adults(Metro Services) - Memories

of childhood days when every visit to the pediatrician seemed to culminate in a needle in the arm may drum up an acceler-ated heartbeat each time you walk into the doctor’s office as an adult. But the chances you’ll be given a shot are slim, right? Not necessarily. Despite what many think, immunizations do not al-ways cease once you’ve reached a certain age. There are certain recommended inoculations that adults can receive to protect themselves from illness.

Although many people receive

the brunt of their vaccines early on in life, you’re never too old to give up on immunizations en-tirely. The Immunization Action Coalition, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, list certain vaccines that are recommended for adults. If you are planning on traveling overseas, there may be more vaccines you need to prevent ill-ness or injury.

By the time you reach 65 years of age, it is advisable to have checked off this list of immuniza-tions and work with your doctor to create a vaccination schedule.

Influenza: This vaccine is rec-ommended annually in the fall or winter.

Pneumococcal polysaccha-ride (PPSV): Individuals between the ages of 19 to 64 should check with their health care provider to see if they require this vaccine. Smokers may need one to two doses. Individuals 65 and older are recommended to get this vaccine if they have never before been vaccinated.

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertus-sis (Tdap): This is an adult ver-sion of the combined whooping cough vaccine. If you are an

adult and frequently come into contact with infants, it is advise-able for the infants’ safety to have received a whooping cough vac-cine. Tetanus is required every 10 years.

Hepatitis B: If you have a spe-cific risk for Hep B, you may need to take this vaccine. It is given in three doses.

Hepatitis A: Again, risk factors will signify if you need this immu-nization. This is a two-dose vac-cine.

Human papillomavirus

(BPT) - Due to the increased use of ear-buds, adolescent hearing loss is up 5 percent over the last decade, which now affects 20 percent of U.S. adolescents ages 12 to 19, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. It’s no surprise the in-crease in popular portable digital media player ownership from 18 percent to 76 per-cent over the past five years, along with fre-quent use at loud volumes, has contributed to young people losing their hearing.

“Since hearing loss in children and teens is on the rise, it is important for adults to play an active role in prevention and seek out meth-ods to minimize hearing loss, such as under-standing safe volume levels,” says Michelle Atkinson, vice president of Energizer North America Marketing. “Ensuring your children have the appropriate products can make a big difference in their lives.”

Noise induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud sounds and usually occurs gradually over time, according to the Better Hearing Institute. Since this form of hearing loss is painless and invisible, it would be diffi-cult for you to detect the problem in your chil-dren and grandchildren. But, there are things you can do to help prevent NIHL.

“Even minimal hearing loss can result in educational and behavioral problems in chil-dren”, said Lara Noble, Au. D., CCC A, Chief Audiologist of the Center for Hearing and Speech of St. Louis. “It is important for peo-ple to practice safe listening habits with the kids in their life.”

Safe listening tips• Turn it down. Get into the habit of listen-

ing to the TV, radio and personal audio devices at a softer level.

• Get high-quality ear buds with noise can-celation or sound isolation properties.

• Use 60 percent of a device’s volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, since the longer the duration of exposure, the greater the risk.

• Download a noise meter app to determine the sound levels in your environment.

• For an affordable and effective way to pro-tect your hearing, use earplugs.

Do you need a hearing aid? Don’t miss out on important moments in

your life. If you experience any of the symp-toms below, you should contact your physi-cian and ask for their referral on a hearing specialist:

• Your lack of hearing starts to interfere with your normal way of life.

• You have trouble understanding people on the phone.

• You have a hard time following conversa-tions when people are speaking at the same time.

• You misunderstand others when they are talking to you.

• Your family and friends complain you’ve got the volume too loud on the TV or radio.

For more information on these symptoms, visit www.healthyhearing.com.

For those who need a hearing aid, Ener-gizer ZEROMERCURY hearing aid batter-ies are a superior solution. The batteries are recently improved and more powerful than ever, and with EZ Turn & Lock packaging that

allows for hassle free battery dispensing, En-ergizer is a reliable choice. Find out more at www.energizer.com/hearingaid.

Do you hear what I hear?What you need to know about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in adolescents

continued on page 15

JupiterImagesAccording to the Journal of the American Medical Association, adolescent hearing loss is up five per-cent over the last decade.


adult and frequently come into contact with infants, it is advise-able for the infants’ safety to have received a whooping cough vac-cine. Tetanus is required every 10 years.

Hepatitis B: If you have a spe-cific risk for Hep B, you may need to take this vaccine. It is given in three doses.

Hepatitis A: Again, risk factors will signify if you need this immu-nization. This is a two-dose vac-cine.

Human papillomavirus

Physical Exam: Every 1 to 5 years depending onrisk factors

Blood Pressure: Every health contact or at leastevery 2 years

Cholesterol and HDL Test: Baseline at age 20;every 5 years, if normal

Tetanus Immunization Booster: Every 10 years

Influenza Vaccine: Annually

Pneumococcal Vaccine: At age 65, or younger if athigh risk

Skin Exam: Every 3 years

Rectal Exam: Annually over age 40

Stool Check for Blood (Stool Occult Blood): Annually

Colonoscopy: Every 10 years or Sigmoidoscopy:Every 3 to 5 years

Hearing Test: Every 10 years; every 3 yearsafter age 50

Eye Exam: Every 2 to 4 years

Women: Pap and Pelvic Exam: Annually

Women: Clinical Breast Exam: Annually over age 18

Women:Mammogram: Baseline at age 40;annually after age 40

Men: Prostate Exam: Annually

Men: PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Lab Test:Annually

18-49 50+

*Your doctormay recommend different screening guidelines based on your risk factors.

Age Health Screenings for Men andWomen*A complete physical is one of the bestforms of preventive medicine. Certainscreenings and tests are recommendedbased on your age, gender and healthstatus. Screenings help your doctorprovide more complete, personalizedcare. Early detection saves lives.Call 238-2501 or 1-800-332-7156to schedule an appointment withyour physician today!If you don’t have a physician, callBillings Clinic HealthLine at 255-8400or visitwww.billingsclinic.com

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allows for hassle free battery dispensing, En-ergizer is a reliable choice. Find out more at www.energizer.com/hearingaid.

Hospital

(HPV): HPV is responsible for many cases of cervical cancer. It is advisable for women age 26 or younger or men age 21 or younger to receive the HPV vaccine. This vaccine is given in three doses over six months.

Measles, mumps and rubella: Measles has slowly been making a comeback despite have nearly been eliminated in the United States. Adults should have at least one dose of MMR in their lifetime. Check with a doctor if you require a second dose.

Varicella: If you’ve never expe-rienced chickenpox, or only re-ceived one dose of this vaccine when younger, you may require

another dose. Chickenpox out-breaks can be more severe in adults.

Meningococcal: This vaccine is recommended for individuals ages 19 to 21 who live in a resi-dence hall or close contact with others. Meningococcal is best known as a cause of meningitis and sepsis. It can be transmitted through saliva and occasionally through close, prolonged general contact with an infected person.

Shingles: The zoster vaccine is administered to keep shingles at bay. Shingles comes from the same virus that causes chicken-pox, and individuals who have had chickenpox are at a higher risk for experiencing shingles, which can be very painful, later in life. The vaccine is recom-mended for those ages 65 and up.

Immunizationscontinued from page 14

ThinkStockEven adults need vaccinations, so be sure to check with your doctor and ensure you are up to date.


Make your diet work for you(Metro Services) - Daily exer-

cise is a great way to stay healthy well into your golden years. When coupled with a healthy diet, a workout regimen becomes even more effective.

For those adamant about working out but unsure of how to maximize their workouts, the answer might just lie in your daily diet. Fitness fans who learn how to make their diets work for them often find their workouts become even more effective, improv-ing both how they feel and how they look. The following are a few tricks of the trade for men and women who want to make their diets work for them.

Don’t discard breakfastMany men and women pre-

fer to work out in the morning, when temperatures might be more amenable to a morning jog or gyms might be less crowded than during peak hours. How-ever, morning exercise enthusi-asts should know that a healthy breakfast before working out can provide them with more energy, leading to a more effective work-out.

Men and women who don’t eat before their morning workouts are bound to feel more sluggish, as the majority of the energy from the previous night’s din-ner has already been used up. A light breakfast of whole-grain cereal or bread paired with low-fat milk an hour before working out can provide the added boost your body needs and make your morning exercise routine that much more effective. Fruit, in-cluding bananas or a few apple slices, can also do the trick. Just try to avoid working out on an empty stomach and give yourself enough time between eating and working out for the added energy boost to take effect.

Don’t overdo itA small meal prior to working

out is generally the best way to go. You can workout after a large meal, but you’ll need to give your-self more time between eating and exercising, ideally several

hours. If you like to workout after a long day at the office, eat a light snack, ideally an hour before you expect to begin your workout, so your blood sugar won’t be too low. In addition, a light snack before a workout might provide some extra energy that will come in handy when you hit that tread-mill or start lifting those weights.

Choose the right snacksA snack before working is al-

right; just make sure it’s the right snack. A bag of potato chips, for example, is not an ideal pre-workout snack, as it might pro-duce an adverse effect, making you feel sluggish as you prepare to exercise. Fresh fruit, energy bars or drinks, granola bars or even a fruit smoothie will quell your hunger and help you main-tain proper blood sugar levels.

Find something to eat after you exercise

Eating after you exercise is also important. After working out, eat-ing a meal with carbohydrates will promote muscle growth and recovery, restoring your fuel sup-plies that were lost during your workout. This will come in handy tomorrow when you want to work out again. Eating protein after a workout is also important. Do-ing so is beneficial when trying to build muscle, and protein also promotes muscle repair. Many fit-ness experts feel the meal after a workout is the most important meal of the day, but just be sure yours contains both carbohy-drates and protein.

Don’t forget fluidsFluids are part of your diet as

well, and they’re especially im-portant when exercising. Wheth-er your typical exercise routine is vigorous or not, you are go-ing to lose fluids when working out, sometimes a large amount of fluids. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends men and women emphasize drinking fluids, ideally water, be-fore, during and after their work-outs. It’s important to stay hy-drated throughout the day, but it’s

very important to begin a workout with adequate fluids in your body and to replenish those fluids dur-ing and after your workout as well. Water is adequate for those whose workouts are 60 minutes or less, but choose a sports drink if you workout for more than an hour at a time. The sports drink

will help you maintain your elec-trolyte balance and give you more energy as you’re working.

Diet and exercise make great bedfellows, and men and women can use their diets to make their workouts that much more effec-tive.

Metro ServicesAn exercise regimen can be even more effective when paired with the right diet.


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will help you maintain your elec-trolyte balance and give you more energy as you’re working.

Diet and exercise make great bedfellows, and men and women can use their diets to make their workouts that much more effec-tive.

Metro ServicesAn exercise regimen can be even more effective when paired with the right diet.

(Metro Services) - Provided it is not smothered in butter or oil-based flavorings, popcorn is a relatively healthy treat to en-joy. Dieters have long relied on plain popcorn to staunch hunger pangs. But recent research has also indicated that popcorn is much more than a fluff snack; it is a healthy one as well.

In March of 2012, researchers from the University of Scranton reported to the American Chemi-cal Society that popcorn may contain high levels of health-ful antioxidants -- levels that may be equal to or higher than

some fruits and vegetables. Per unit weight, Professor Joseph Vinson’s team found, popcorn contained more polyphenols than fruits like pears and apples, with most of the health benefits packed into the hulls, not the fluffy white part.

Although this is not license to skip produce in lieu of popcorn, including undressed popcorn in your diet can provide needed fi-ber and antioxidants.

Want to learn more about pop-corn facts? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

Hospital

Popcorn health quiz

Popcorn Quiz1. What type of plain popcorn offers the fewest

number of calories? a. microwave b. air-popped c. movie theater popcorn

2. How many calories are in a small order of unbuttered popcorn at the movies? a. 400 b. 650 c. 1,000

3. What causes corn kernels to turn into pop-corn? a. magic b. salt c. water

4. About 3 or 4 cups of popcorn equals one serv-ing of which food group? a. grain b. vegetable c. dairy

5. About how many kernels are in one cup of popped popcorn? a. 800 b. 1,000 c. 1,600

Answers: 1: b; 2: c; 3: c; 4: a; 5: c


What to do if someone is choking

(Metro Services) - Choking is nothing to take lightly. Without quick action, lack of oxygen can lead to anything from brain dam-age to death.

Choking can occur anywhere. As a result, it is in everyone’s best interest to learn how to dis-lodge a trapped item from the airway.

Southwestern Medical Center indicates that choking accounts for thousands of deaths each year across the country. It takes just four minutes without oxygen for the brain to fail, hence the need to respond quickly.

Choking is one injury that doesn’t discriminate by age or gender. Youngsters are often the victims of choking because their inquisitive natures cause them to put things into their mouths that don’t belong. Kids also may try to eat foods they’re not develop-mentally ready to eat, increasing their risk of choking.

However, adults also fall prey to choking incidents. There are a number of different behaviors that can lead to choking.

• Chewing pieces of food that are too large

• Eating too quickly• Laughing or talking while

chewing or swallowing• Drinking excessive amounts

of alcohol before or during meals

The Heimlich ManeuverDr. Henry Heimlich is an Amer-

ican physician who developed a

procedure of abdominal thrusts to help dislodge an obstruction of the airway that causes chok-ing. The Heimlich maneuver is a series of under-the-diaphragm abdominal thrusts that lift the dia-phragm in such a way that air is forced from the lungs to create an artificial cough that propels the lodged item out of the trachea, also known as the windpipe. While the maneuver is effective and is currently the only method for clearing a blocked airway recommended for adults by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, it is not something to do unless there’s an emergency. That’s because the Heimlich can be painful and even cause injury.

The universal sign that a per-son is choking is usually grab-bing at the throat. People who are choking typically make no noise, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell if someone is chok-ing unless they appear to be in distress.

It is important that only the Heimlich is done to alleviate choking. Many people think it is a good idea to give the choking individual something to drink to try to wash down the trapped food. However, this only serves to block the airway more.

The Heimlich maneuver is usu-ally learned in conjunction with other lifesaving techniques, like CPR. Individuals can check with a hospital for classes where the Heimlich maneuver is taught.

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How to floss more effectively

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Access the 2013 Regional Medical Directory at www.billingsgazette.com/

specialsections.


(Metro Services) - Dentists fre-quently advise patents to floss more often. Flossing is the key to preventing tartar buildup at the gum line and to reduce bleeding between teeth from enflamed gum tissue. Still, many overlook the benefits of flossing or simply do not know how to floss effec-tively.

The purpose of flossing is to re-move food particles that become lodged in places a toothbrush cannot reach, such as under the gum line and between the teeth. Flossing should not take the place of brushing. Instead, use flossing in conjunction with brushing.

To floss more effectively, find a floss product that is easy to use and comfortable. Floss comes in nylon or multifilament varieties, as well as PFTE or monofilament floss. There also are floss brush-es and single-use floss sticks that can facilitate flossing and cleaning teeth. Floss that’s com-fortable makes flossing more en-

joyable. Otherwise, you may put off flossing if it is cumbersome or difficult.

To make the most of flossing, employ the proper technique. If you have teeth that have tight contact points, you probably will want to use monofilament floss that will not shred or break apart. Others may be able to work with nylon floss. Floss also may come in waxed varieties for easier glid-ing between the teeth. Other floss has fluoride already on them to help prevent cavities.

• To begin flossing correctly, start with a piece of floss about 18 inches in length. Wind the excess floss around your middle fingers and keep about 2 inches handy be-tween thumb and index finger for use between the teeth.

• Use a gentle sawing motion between the teeth to work the floss along the natural curve of the teeth and also where each tooth meets the gum

line.• Do not snap the floss against

the gums. Doing so can cause trauma to the tissue.

• Angle the floss so it forms a “C” shape and hugs the tooth. Slide the floss up and down each tooth and make sure it gently goes a little below the gum line. Repeat on the oppo-site side of each tooth as well.

• As you floss each tooth, re-lease clean floss from your fingers so you have a fresh area for cleaning the next tooth.

• Follow up flossing with brush-ing to remove any errant bits of food and plaque. Then rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. It is advis-able to floss twice a day be-fore brushing. However, once a day will be sufficient and should be reserved for before bed.

If using flossing aides, follow the same general techniques, but use a new aide when the one you’re using becomes soiled or damaged.

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How to floss more effectively

Metro ServicesFlossing is an essential part of proper oral hygiene.

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(Metro Services) - Cancer does not discriminate, afflicting men, women and children regardless of their race, ethnicity or gender. While there’s no way you can fully protect yourself from cancer, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Some of the most effective ways to lower your cancer risk is to make certain lifestyle choices. Many of these choices will not only reduce your risk of develop-ing cancer but also improve your overall quality of life.

Avoid tobaccoAccording to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer. The ma-jority of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoking, and male smokers are 23 times more

likely to develop lung cancer than men who don’t smoke. Women who smoke are 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer than their nonsmoking counterparts. In addition, the United States De-partment of Health and Human Services notes that smoking can also cause a host of other can-cers, including cancer of the lar-ynx, mouth and throat, esopha-gus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix and stomach. Avoiding to-bacco entirely can drastically re-duce your risk of developing any of these cancers.

Don’t allow others to smoke around you

Even people who don’t smoke might be at a significant risk of developing cancer if they allow others to smoke around them. In a 2006 report titled “The Health

Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke,” HHS researchers revealed that cancer-causing and toxic chemi-cals are higher in secondhand smoke than in the smoke inhaled by smokers. Exposure to second-hand smoke at home or at work increases your risk by to 20 to 30 percent, so don’t allow others to smoke in your presence.

Avoid heavy alcohol consumption

The World Health Organiza-tion notes that studies conducted around the globe have found that regular alcohol consumption in-creases a person’s risk of devel-oping mouth, voice box and throat cancers. In 2007, WHO research-ers published a study that found daily consumption of roughly 50 grams, or less than two ounces, of alcohol doubles or triples a per-son’s risk of the aforementioned cancers compared with the risk in nondrinkers.

Numerous studies have also found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce risk for other diseases, including coro-

nary artery disease. As a result, men and women should discuss alcohol consumption with their physician and, if they do con-sume alcohol, always do so in moderation.

Protect your skinThough lung cancer might be

the most deadly cancer, skin can-cer is among the most prevalent. That’s especially disconcerting, as skin cancer is largely prevent-able. Men, women and children who protect their skin from the sun when spending time outdoors can drastically reduce their risk of developing skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Seek shade, apply sunscreen and wear pro-tective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, to reduce your exposure to the sun’s potentially harmful ultraviolet rays.

Though anyone can develop cancer, there are many choices people can make that can dras-tically reduce their risk of join-ing the millions of people who receive a cancer diagnosis each year.

At some point, we allneed help for ourselvesor someone we loveand we have to makethe choice.

Getting the right careis the right choice.

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(Metro Services) - Fatigue can indicate a host of things. Men and women who are overworked feel fatigue, as do men and women whose diet is low on nutrition. Fatigue can also be the result of a medical condition, which only sheds light on how important it is for men and women dealing with fatigue to speak to their physician about their condition.

In addition to working with a physician to fight fatigue, there are steps men and women can take reduce fatigue and start feeling more energetic.

Get off the couchA sedentary lifestyle will only

make it more likely that you will feel fatigued. But including daily exercise as part of your routine will not only boost your energy levels, but also improve circula-tion, increase your metabolism and relieve tension, an especially valuable benefit for overworked men and women.

Get some sleepThe notion that sleep can help

fight fatigue might sound simple, but a good night’s sleep can ele-vate energy levels throughout the day, helping the body rest and recover. Failing to get sufficient sleep, which many people find is seven to eight hours per night,

can turn today’s fatigue into to-morrow’s fatigue, and so on.

Address any sources of stressFatigue can be a side effect of stress. Many men and women find work is their primary source of stress, but finances and rela-tionship issues can be stressful as well. Whatever the source of your stress, address it and don’t allow it to fester. If it’s work, then look for ways to make work less stressful, whether it’s telecom-muting more often or sharing more responsibilities. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, but men and women fighting stress-related fatigue should address the source of the stress as well.

Reduce sugar intakeSugar might provide an initial

burst of energy, especially for

people battling fatigue. However, once your blood sugar levels be-gin to drop, which can happen rather quickly, you will notice a rather steep decline in your en-ergy level. To successfully com-bat fatigue, avoid relying on quick fixes that only offer temporary relief.

Alter your eating habitsIf you’re a proponent of three

large meals per day but are bat-tling fatigue, then it might be time to alter your eating habits. Re-place the large meals with small-er meals, and snack throughout the day to maintain high energy levels. Just be sure to consume healthy snacks and don’t forget to drink water throughout the day. Doing so will fight dehydration, which can also cause fatigue.

Simple ways to reduce fatigue

StockbyteFailing to get sufficient sleep can turn today’s fatigue into tomorrow’s fatigue.

JupiterImagesOne way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to wear protective clothing, like a hat, when exposed to the sun’s potentially harmful ultraviolet rays.

(Metro Services) - Many adults have had the virtues of drinking enough water extolled on them since childhood. Though recom-mendations as to how much wa-ter a person should drink each day have fluctuated over the years, it’s still safe to say that drinking a significant amount of water every day is essential for your health.

Water keeps the body healthy in a number of ways. But the body loses water in a number of ways as well, each of which is part of normal human function.

For instance, a body loses water when a person breathes, sweats, urinates or has a bowel move-ment. The body must replace this lost fluid in order to stay healthy and avoid dehydration.

In addition to fending off de-hydration, water helps the body flush out wastes and maintain a healthy body temperature while reducing the risk of develop-ing kidney stones or becoming constipated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water also helps lu-bricate and cushion joints and

protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.

The body needs water every day, but there are certain instanc-es when the body will likely need more water than usual. If you spend ample time in especially hot climates, your body will need more water, just as it might during periods of physical activity. In ad-dition, your body will need more water when suffering from certain ailments or conditions, including fever, diarrhea or vomiting.

Though many people feel drinking caffeinated beverages, including coffee and sodas, de-hydrate the body, experts say moderate caffeine consump-tion won’t dehydrate the body. A 2000 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that healthy people who consume moderate amounts of caffeine don’t lose more fluid than those people who abstain from caffeine. Over-consumption of caffeinated bev-erages might prove problematic, but moderate consumption can provide the body with the fluids it needs without causing harm.It’s best to consult a physician if you suspect you aren’t get-ting enough fluids, but there are also some indicators men and women can notice on their own. One such indicator is the color of your urine, which will be clear or pale yellow if your body is getting enough fluids. Urine that is dark yellow indicates the body needs

more water. Constipation or hard bowel movements may also be the result of a body that isn’t get-ting enough fluids.

While it’s true there is such a thing as too much water, it is rare that a person drinks too much water. Endurance athletes are most susceptible if they only drink water during competitions. That’s because consuming too much water will dilute the amount of sodium in the body, creating an imbalance that can cause confusion, seizures and possibly even coma. That’s why many en-durance athletes drink a sports drink that contains sodium, sugar and electrolytes during competi-tions. But even athletes who will be competing or exercising for more than an hour might want to choose a sport drink instead of just water to protect themselves and avoid an imbalance.

Many people find they don’t drink enough water by accident. One way to combat that is to bring a bottle of water with you wherever you go. Another way is to drink water throughout the day at your office, which also gives you an opportunity to get up and stretch your legs over the course of the day. If you find water espe-cially bland, add a slice of lemon or lime to give it more flavor.

Drinking a sufficient amount of water each day helps the body function properly and fight off a host of ailments.

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Metro ServicesDrinking enough water each day helps the body stay healthy and function prop-erly.

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