Focus On Health

A SUPPLEMENT TO TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS • FEBRUARY 26, 2009

INSIDE: EXERCISE • WINTER BLUES • CHOLESTEROL • TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

a new you

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S T . C H A R L E S O R T H O P E D I C S

Renowned.Advanced.

Comprehensive.R

Count on Experience. Count on St. Charles.

For better outcomes and faster recovery, there is no

better place than The Orthopedic Institute of Long

Island at St. Charles Hospital. Trained in some of the

world’s finest facilities, our highly skilled surgeons

are renowned for their unparalleled expertise in

orthopedic care. Our team has performed more total

joint replacements than any other hospital in Suffolk

County, utilizing advanced techniques and

technology.

All the care you need. St. Charles offers a

comprehensive array of services and procedures

that rival those found in larger institutions. In fact,

many patients prefer our idyllic location to the frenzy

of Manhattan — knowing the care we offer is on par

with “big city medicine.”

• Total Joint Replacement

• Spine Surgery

• Foot & Ankle Surgery

•Hand & Upper ExtremitySurgery

• Trauma

•Pediatric Orthopedics

• Sports Medicine

•Mini-Incision Hip &Knee Replacement

•Gender Specific KneeReplacement

•Arthroscopy

•Hip Resurfacing

Just some of the services

St. Charles Orthopedics offers:

PORT JEFFERSON • WWW.STCHARLES.ORG • MEMBER OF CATHOLIC HEALTH SERVICES OF LONG ISLAND

A MEMBER OF THE MATHER-ST.CHARLES HEALTH ALLIANCE • FOR PHYSICIAN STAFF DIRECTORY, PLEASE CALL (631) 474-6030

Why should you know St. Charles? It’s experience you can count on. 474-6797

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Port Jeff erson Health Care Facilitya member of the Glenhaven Health Organization

Call for a personal tour.150 Dark Hollow Road, Port Jeff erson, NY 11777

(631) 473–5400 or fax (631) 474–5362

Whether you are challenged by a temporary condition, or the need for long term support, we are prepared to help you meet the challenge. Th e facilities of Port Jeff erson Health Care Facility off er comprehensive medical services for a wide range of individual needs.

• Short & long term rehabilitation• Private & semi-private rooms• Electronic medical records• On-site physician & dental services• 24 hour nursing care• Pharmacy services• Diagnostic services, including x-rays & lab tests• Physical, occupational, speech & recreation therapy• Community excursions

• Clinical care, vision and podiatric care, hospice services, palliative care, Audiology, Cardiology, Neurology, Orthopedics, CPM (knee replacement), Bipap therapy• Social workers & registered dieticians on staff • Personal grooming & selected amenities, barber and beautician on-site• Personal development through planned recreation, music & creative arts• Religious services for all denominations available• Internet access areas

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What’s inside ...

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Winter blues or something more?Mental wellness

Managing your cholesterol

To prevent diabetes and heart disease

Exercise is good for your healthAnd also for your

wallet

In brief ...

Giving is good for your healthHelp others while

helping yourself

Ten tips for healthy living

(1-4)

Ten tips for healthy living(5-10)

Focus on HealthFocus on Health

Nuture your child’s positive body image Constructive tips

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWSPAPERS

Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Address: PO Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733. Telephone: 751-7744. Email address: desk@tbrnewspapers.com; fax: 751-4165; website: northshoreoflongisland.com. Email the Focus on Health editor at vtimes@tbrnewspapers.com. Entire contents copyright 2009.

PUBLISHER Leah S. DunaiefGENERAL MANAGER Johness KuiselEXECUTIVE EDITOR Lee LutzEDITOR Alyssa Cutler

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn MandracchiaART/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR David R. LeamanART AND PRODUCTIONJanet FortunaBeth Heller MasonWendy Mercier

BUSINESS MANAGER Sheila MurrayBUSINESS OFFICE Sandi GrossCREDIT MANAGER Diane WattecampsCIRCULATION MANAGER Alyssa CutlerSUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Terri Caruso

A new you

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New York Spine and Brain Surgery, UFPCand the Department of Neurosurgery

at Stony Brook University Medical Center Present a Free Educational Event:

For appointments call 631–444–1213 (option #1)www.neurosurgerydocs.org

www.stonybrookphysicians.com

Excellent Patient Careis our Primary Goal

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ABOUT LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSISLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common reason for back surgery in people over the age of 65 in the United States.

LSS is a sometimes painful condition caused by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing of the spinal canal can impinge and put pressure on the spinal nerve roots, causing pain and discomfort.

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, often notice pain in the buttocks or a “pins and needles” sensation in the thigh or leg that occurs when standing (extension) or walking. The discomfort is usually relieved by

bending forward (flexion) or with rest. In some cases, a patient will complain of leg pain and weakness without having any back pain.

Symptoms often limit self-supporting daily activities, work, social and recreational pursuits. Lack of activity can lead to obesity, depression

and general physical deterioration.

This educational event will help patients understand their disease and how to manage their condition. LSS patients will understand

treatment options including: non-operative therapy, traditional surgery and a new minimally invasive technology.

Relief from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis –Finding Your Way Through Treatment Options

Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30pm

Arthur P. Rosiello, M.D., FACS is pleased to announce a free educational event for people suffering from the symptoms

of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Atkins Learning Center, Health Sciences Center, Level 4, Room 135, Stony Brook University Medical Center

(Refreshments will be provided)Contact: 631-444-8105 (ask for Nidia)

This is an opportunity for patients with spinal stenosis to meet with Dr. Rosiello and learn more about the management and

treatment of their disease.

Arthur Rosiello, MDNeurosurgeon

Employment opportunities visit www.matherhospital.org

For information on this and other programs and services, call (631) 476-2888. For Physician referral, call (631) 474-6030.

We Care…

Joint Replacement Surgery at Mather HospitalRelieve your pain and enjoy normal living again.

Rest and recover with the confi dence of being cared for by people who understand your entire experience.

If you suffer from joint pain, talk to a Mather Hospital orthopedist about your options. Call 631-476-2888.

“The care is incredible. They even remembered my favorite breakfast.”

Phyllis Mallah of East Hampton - total knee replacement patient

• Attentive, comprehensive care

• Leading advancementsin surgical technique

• Faster recovery

• New operating rooms

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Budget-minded families are looking to cut expenses that seem like a luxury, or even just frivolous — includ-

ing gym memberships. Yet mount-ing evidence suggests that cutting out the gym may be exactly the wrong move for even the most cash-strapped family.

In its just-released report of annu-al health spending figures, pub-lished in the journal Health Affairs, the federal government confirmed that chronic illness accounts for 75 percent of all health spending. Yet exercising regularly and maintain-ing a healthy weight can signifi-cantly reduce your risks for chronic illness and your medical bills.

“To put that in financial terms, for every dollar you spend on well-ness, you can save as much as $5 or more on illness,” says Dr. Richard Kreider, director of the exercise and sport nutrition laboratory at Texas A&M University. He has studied the effectiveness of one women’s fitness program for the past five years.

“The women in our studies have been able to lose weight, gain muscle strength, raise metabolism and make significant medical improvements in blood pressure, resting heart rate and aerobic fitness,” Kreider says.

“Many of them no longer suffer from the chronic conditions that cost them so much money for medications and doctor visits.”

This can add up to a bundle of sav-ings. The Health Affairs report shows that the average annual out-of-pocket expense for someone with cancer is $8,411, but the good news is that reg-ular exercise can help you avoid the disease and the costs associated with it. A major report by the American Institute for Cancer Research pub-lished in 2007 found that obesity

plays a key role in increasing the risk for many cancers — including breast cancer — by as much as 60 percent. And a study just published in the journal Cancer found that obesity increased women’s risk for ovarian cancer by a whopping 80 percent.

The benefits go beyond reducing the risk of cancer. A recent landmark study by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota found that people who went to the gym at least eight times a month had significantly lower health-care costs than those who did not.

These frequent gym attendees had:

• 39 percent fewer emergency room visits

• 41 percent fewer hospital admissions

• 18 percent lower overall claims costs

The research, then, is clear.“Exercising regularly and maintain-ing a healthy weight can save not only your life, but your money as well,” says Kreider. “Your health is your most precious asset, and not taking care of it is going to cost youmore in the long run.”

So how can you get to the gym without breaking the bank? Many clubs are offering great deals on memberships because of the econ-omy. Also, check with your health insurance provider to see if they have a wellness program that offers rebates on dues and membership fees. Some fitness centers have part-nered with major health insurance and third-party providers, including Healthways SilverSneakers, AARP and Blue Cross Blue Shield, to make the cost of membership even moreaffordable.

Evidence shows exercise is good for your health and your wallet

Focus on HealthFocus on Health

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For further information, go to www.impdocs.com

North Shore Urology Associates Offi ce Locations:300 Atlantic Avenue, Greenport, NY (631) 477-1885

887 Old Country Road, Suite C, Riverhead, NY (631) 591-31205400 Nesconset Highway Port Jefferson Station, NY (631) 474-3000

351 Fort Salonga Road Northport, NY (631) 427-5800

It is with great pleasure that Integrated Medical Professionals, PLLC, announces that

Dr. Scott M. Press, M.D., F.A.C.S., has joined its North Shore Urology Associates division.

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Dr. Press will join Richard H. Rose, M.D., F.A.C.S., Francis G. Martinis, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Eric I. Mitchnick, M.D., F.A.C.S. Th ese board certifi ed urologists provide a level of care previously unattainable in the community setting. Th is association will allow Dr. Press to be totally committed to patient care with access to the highest level of technology available.

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Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 PM

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E E V E R Y D A Y

101 Laurel Road, East Northport, NY 11731www.visitingnurseservice.org

TALKED ABOUT THE KIDS. TALKED ABOUT THE VACATION.NOW, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE CARE WE WANT.

TALKING ABOUT END–OF–LIFE CARE

IS NOT EASY.Learning about your options before you are

faced with a health crisis and sharing them withyour loved ones and health care providers mayhelp you live every day to the fullest. Hospice isone of these options.

Hospice is where families and friends cometogether with trained medical staff andvolunteers to help the terminally ill patient meettheir needs at the end of life, with bothindependence and dignity.

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk,Inc. is a freestanding, not-for-profit, communitybased agency, working to respond to the needsof the community as they arise.

Our home care hospice patients receivecomfort care services from trained staff andvolunteers including expert medical care, painmanagement, emotional, social and spiritualsupport, in the comfort and familiar surroundingsof their own home.

If that option doesn’t fit the needs of thepatient or their family, we also offer inpatienthospice care at the Hospice House, located in EastNorthport, New York.

To learn more about your options call thehealth care professionals at Visiting Nurse Service& Hospice of Suffolk, Inc.

631-930-9335

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To learn more about our program and physicians, call 631-760-2896 270 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11

Setting New Standards In HealthcareSM

Huntington Hospital is a member of the North Shore-LIJ Institute for Orthopedic Science.

At the Center for Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, we perform more than 500

joint replacement procedures each year—so we have the experience, the expertise,

and the results you need. We stay on the cutting edge of orthopedics by attending

and participating in clinical trials and national conferences, to ensure the patients of

Huntington are receiving the best care possible. And of course, they also have direct

access to the considerable resources of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

We bring you comprehensive orthopedic excellence—including the latest treatment

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(left to right

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Focus on HealthFocus on Health

Winter blues or something more?

Carolyn, (not her real name) a 27 year old professional, was finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill her daily

responsibilities. Although she had experienced prior episodes of melan-choly, they had never affected her abil-ity to function. After a complete medi-cal examination failed to reveal any organic reasons for her symptoms, her primary care physician referred her for a psychological consultation.

Carolyn’s complaints included a change in appetite, a tendency to oversleep with an increased need to sleep, a decrease in energy level, fatigue, avoidance of social situa-tions, and a loss of interest in activi-ties that she used to enjoy. Carolyn reported feeling depressed and hopeless; she noted that she was both irritable and anxious. She also stated that her attention span and concentration were impaired.

Carolyn was found to be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the 2000 Edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TR (DSM-IV-TR), SAD is classified as a subtype of major depression. Carolyn is not alone. Her affliction is more common than one would think. Based upon data reported by the American Academy of Family Physicians (2006), Carolyn, along with 4- to 6- percent of the general population in the United States, suf-fers from SAD while another 10 to 20 percent may experience mild SAD or “winter blues.”

WOMEN AT RISK WITH SAD; BUT MEN HAVE MORE SEVERE SYMPTONS

The DSM-IV-TR indicates that women comprise 60-90 percent of persons with SAD however, some

studies suggest that men suffering from SAD experience more severe symptoms. SAD is believed to be related to biochemical processes affected by changes in the amount of daylight during the different sea-sons of the year.

SAD: LET THE SUNSHINE INThere are several theories on

how the reduced level of sunlight is causative in SAD; specifically, its possible role in the production of both melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is linked to sleep and its production appears to be inhibited by light and facilitated by darkness.

Therefore, an increase in mela-tonin during winter months (when there are more hours of darkness) might cause a person to feel lethar-gic and sleepy. In contrast, serotonin production tends to decrease during the winter and low levels of this neurotransmitter have been associ-ated with depression. Additional factors, such as genetics, may also play a contributing role.

Winter onset, the most common type of SAD, begins in late fall or early winter. Considered a cyclic, seasonal disorder, SAD symptoms usually appear and disappear around the same time every year. Patients diagnosed with winter onset SAD report a variety of the following symptoms:

DepressionHopelessness

Decrease in energy levelIncreased need to sleep/

tendency to oversleepChange in appetite

Irritability and anxiety

Difficulty focusing and concentrating

Avoidance of social situationsLoss of interest in activities once

enjoyed

WHEN TO CONSIDER TREATMENTLike Carolyn, many individuals

find it difficult to decide when to seek professional help. In fact, most of us experience some days when we feel down or blue. However, if you find that feelings of depression last for days at a time, and your motivation and ability to engage in activities of daily living are severely impaired, you should seriously con-sider psychological treatment. As with any significant change in func-tioning, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your family physician for a comprehensive med-ical examination.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: LIGHT THERAPY, MEDICATION AND

PSYCHOTHERAPYIf deemed necessary, SAD treat-

ment may take several forms. Light therapy, also called phototherapy, involves the use of a special light designed to simulate daylight which can aid in the production of serotonin. Under medical super-vision the patient is told to sit in front of a special light device for a period of time every day. Light therapy treatment would continue until enough natural sunlight is available outdoors.

Medication, specifically the class of drugs known as antidepressants, is a second form of treatment for SAD. In cases where there is a history of SAD, antidepressant medications may be started before symptoms appear and continue

beyond the time symptoms disap-pear. This form of treatment hasbeen successful in preventing a worsening of symptoms.

A third treatment involves psy-chotherapy. Talk therapy can beused to educate patients and to help them understand the condition. Psychotherapy has been effective in teaching patients healthy ways to cope with SAD.

For less severe cases of winterblues, self-help treatments, such asdaily exercise, spending more timeoutdoors when possible and sitting close to bright windows while at home or in the office, have beenshown to be beneficial. It may alsobe helpful to remember that winter onset SAD is a transitory conditionlinked to seasonal changes and that spring is only a few months away.

Dr. Michael Cardillo is a clinicalpsychologist who has maintained a private practice in the Port Jefferson area for over25 years. (This column in no way should supplant your own personal psychologist or licensed mental health professional).

Dr. Michael Cardillo on Mental Wellness

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Focus on HealthFocus on Health

With spring around the corner, kids, tweens and teens across the country will doff sweaters for tank tops and jeans for shorts. And as a parent, you

may feel more conscious than ever of our society’s preoccupation with body image and how it affects your child.

Just as concerning as the rise in childhood obe-sity is the rising number of children — even very young children — who are obsessed with being thin.

“We see children as young as 6-years-old com-plaining that their stomachs stick out, or bragging about having the chicken pox because it means

going to bed without dinner, which means fewer calories,” says Carolyn Costin, director of The Eating Disorder Center of California and the Monte Nido Treatment Center. “Kids see their moms and dads dieting and they want to diet too, even if they don’t need to.”

While not every child dissatisfied with his or her appearance will develop an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, a poor body image can have a serious, long-term impact on a child’s emo-tional well-being. So how do you help your daughter or son develop a healthy, realistic body image in a society obsessed with thin and beautiful?

Costin offers some advice:

KNOW THE SIGNS OF A PROBLEMFirst, parents need to be able to recognize when

their child might have a serious problem. While the majority of young people with eating disordersare female, health professionals are seeing a rise in the number of boys and young men suffering fromeating disorders and poor body image.

Your child may have a problem if he or she:• Believes if you aren’t thin you aren’t attractive.• Thinks being thin is more important than

being healthy.• Does anything to make themselves appear

thinner — buying clothes, cutting their hair, taking laxatives or starving themselves.

• Feels guilty after eating or punishes herself after eating fattening foods.

• Counts calories and severely restricts calorie intake.

• Is obsessed with weighing himself daily or sometimes multiple times each day.

• Believes you can never be too thin.• Thinks that being thin and not eating are signs

of will power and success.

HOW TO FOSTER A HEALTHIER BODY IMAGEThe single most important way parents can help

their children develop a healthy body image is to lead by example, Costin says. Children who heartheir parents criticize themselves for being too fat will be more likely to think poorly of their ownbodies.

“Avoid saying negative things about your ownor other people’s bodies, and work hard at promot-ing healthy body esteem,” she says. “This may be difficult, especially if your own mother was not agood role model of a healthy body image.”

If you suspect your own body image and habits are not providing a healthful role model for yourchild, ask yourself if you would want her to imi-tate your dietary and exercise habits or self-image. Would you send her off in the morning with noth-ing but a cup of coffee? Would you tell him to havea bad day if he gets on the scale and has gained a pound? “Your answers may surprise you,” Costinsays.

Help children find constructive ways to be healthy, including maintaining a good diet andregular physical activity. Share healthful pursuits, such as learning to cook nutritious meals together, with your child. But be sure to go out for ice creamtoo; balance is the key. Help with and praise cre-ative endeavors, and applaud small but meaning-ful internal accomplishments, like her ability to remain calm, his quick wit, his sense of humor, her empathy for others.

Stay alert to changes in eating habits and body image and be prepared to intervene. Parents needto actively help their children find constructiveways to feel successful, accomplish somethingand earn the respect, attention and admiration so important to teens.

If you suspect your child has an eating disorder, seek help immediately. Log on to www.montenido.com or www.CarolynCostin.com to learn more.

Nurture your child’s positive body image

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Frank P. Lunati Jr., M.D., P.C.

Board Certified in General Surgerywith privileges atJohn T. Mather

and St. Charles Hospitals

635 Belle Terre Rd. Suite 102Port Jefferson N.Y. 11777

Phone: (631) 403–4310Fax: (631) 403–4312

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Our dogs feel at home with their indoor run

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“Your pets are at risk for fl eas, ticks “Your pets are at risk for fl eas, ticks and heartworm disease all year round. and heartworm disease all year round.

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Pets are family too!

Focus on HealthFocus on Health

Want to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease?

Managing your cholesterol can help.

But cholesterol, a type of fat in your blood, can be confus-ing. For example, one kind of cholesterol clogs your arteries. Another kind helps remove the bad cholesterol from your

body. What do you really need to know to protect your health?

• Lower your bad choles-terol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that blocks your blood vessels. Try to keep your LDL choles-terol below 100 mg/dl.

• Raise your good choles-terol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol

that helps remove deposits from your blood vessels. Aim to raise your HDL above 60 mg/dl.

• Triglycerides raise your chances for a heart attack or stroke if your levels are too high. Aim for triglycerides lower than 150 mg/dl. Your doctor may also give you a “total” cholesterol number. A good total cholesterol goal is less than 200 mg/dl.

Why is managing cholester-ol important? “Dyslipidemia, or abnormal cholesterol levels, is a key risk factor for both type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” says Dr. Michael Davidson, Director, Preventive Cardiology at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. “Keeping your cholesterol levels in check can lower your risk for both of these deadly diseases and help you live a longer, healthier life.”

Your doctor can do a simple blood test to measure all your cholesterol numbers. If your levels are off, you’re not alone: about one in four American adults face the same challenge.

But many others have learned to achieve a healthy choles-terol balance, and you can, too. Their secret?

“The key is simple,” Davidson says. “Healthy life-style changes lower LDL and raise HDL at the same time. Combining lifestyle changes with medicines, if necessary, is your best bet to manage cholesterol so you can live a longer, healthier life.”

Here are five tips to help you manage your cholesterol:

1. Eat Smart. One simple way to lower your bad choles-terol is to eat fewer trans fats and high-cholesterol foods like egg yolks, fatty meats, butter and whole milk. You can also help your body absorb less bad cholesterol by eating foods that contain soluble fiber, such as oatmeal, kidney beans, yams and apples.

Other cholesterol-smart foods are salmon, walnuts and olive oil. Eating as many vege-tables, whole grains and fruits as you can will help you feel fuller longer and cut your crav-ings for less healthy snacks. Always check the “Nutrition

Facts” labels on foods before you buy to see how they might help or hurt your cholesterol-lowering efforts.

2. Stay Active. You can raise your good cholesteroland lower the bad at the sametime with exercise. To get thispowerful benefit, exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. And don’t worry about going to the gym — walking briskly is just as effective. And you can head to the mall andwalk there when the weather is bad. Or do house work or work in the yard. The key is to get your heart pumping.

This week, why not start with just 10 minutes? Take a 10-minute walk around theblock every day during your lunch break or after dinner. Or choose another time that works for you. Then continueto add one lap each week untilyou’re walking briskly for 30 minutes.

3. Drop a Few Pounds. Being overweight raises yourbad cholesterol. At the sametime, it lowers your good cho-lesterol. But eating smart and

Managing your cholesterol to prevent diabetes and heart disease

Continued on page S10

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Focus on Health

staying active will help you lose weight — and dropping just a few pounds can raise your HDL. Maintaining a healthy weight will help you keep your choles-terol in balance.

4. Quit Smoking. It’s no surprise that smoking lowers your good choles-terol. If you smoke, quitting can help your HDL jump as much as 10 percent. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help. Options include the nico-tine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or nasal spray. Prescription medicines are

another option. Talk with your health care provider about which options are best for you. And visit SmokeFree.gov to learn more about how to quit.

5. Consider Cholesterol Medicines. Ask your doctor if medicines such as statins, fibrates and niacin can help you lower LDL while raising HDL levels.

To learn more about how manag-ing cholesterol can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, call the American Diabetes Association at (800)-DIABETES (800-342-2383), email AskADA@diabetes.org or visit www.CheckUpAmerica.org. Be sure to ask for your copy of “What You Need to Know: Cholesterol.”

CholesterolContinued from page S9

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Focus on HealthFocus on Health

During times of economic downturn, you may have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets to make charitable

contributions. However, you can still end up better off. In addition to the tax breaks giving can bring, as it turns out, giving is also good for your health.

“Several studies over the years have found links between altruis-tic behavior and improved physi-cal and psychological health,” says Dr. Ann Vincent, an internal medicine physician at Mayo Clinic who researches the mind-body connection. “In general, I think altruism makes people feel bet-ter about themselves, which often translates into improved physical health. Other benefits that have been attributed to positive emo-tions include: enhanced creativity and ability to cope with stress and broadened cognition. In essence, thinking positively about our-selves is good for our physical and mental health.”

But the benefits of giving, wheth-er in the form of volunteerism or making a donation, aren’t just a one-time deal. The more you give, the better you may feel, and that means finding ways to give back throughout the year. Generosity is also a wonderful survival skill

to help you get through difficult times in your life.

“Recent studies have examined individuals who have survived trauma, natural disasters and being prisoners of war,” says Dr. Edward T. Creagan, an oncologist at Mayo Clinic. According to Creagan, peo-ple who seem to thrive in adver-sity have many characteristics in common, but especially a few:

• A sense of connectedness. The recognition that family and com-

munity are crucial to survival.

• A sense of altruism, somehow sharing of themselves to make the lives of others a little bit better.

• An optimistic attitude and sense of humor.

If you have trouble motivat-ing yourself to give time, money or goods, focus on how giving back can benefit you. “There is a ‘helper’s high’ that people some-

times say they feel in connection with altruism/philanthropy,” says Vincent. “But that initial euphoriais also sometimes followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.”

Philanthropy can also have positive effects that help people maintain or improve their physicaland mental health. It often createsbroader social networks, which canhelp people cope with stress and anxiety, and it can provide a senseof purpose and empowerment.

The emotional and physical benefits of philanthropy may beeven more significant right now. Nonprofit organizations every-where are increasingly looking for charitable individuals to part-ner with them in their goals forthe future. Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit organization, is one of theworld’s premier medical treatment and research facilities and is cur-rently conducting a campaign to transform patient care, researchand education. The gifts MayoClinic receives now will help peo-ple today, as well as benefit future generations of patients and medi-cal professionals.

For more information on how giving can make a life-changing impact, visit www.mayoclinic.org/campaign.

Giving is good for your health

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Raising healthy children in an overweight world

Prevention is the key when it comes to obesity and type 2 diabetes. As a parent, regard-

less of your children’s ages or weights, your role is to help them develop healthy eating and physi-cal activity habits. But how do you raise a child in a society that seems to promote weight gain?

To help equip parents for this daunting task, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is offering a two-part workshop, “Raising Healthy Children in an Overweight World.” This workshop

has been developed for parents who have children between 2 and 12. Join them for a discussion of thecauses and consequences of child-hood obesity, as well as what fami-lies can do to encourage healthy habits and promote a healthy weight: Wednesdays, March 4 and 11, 7 to 9 pm, Cornell CooperativeExtension of Suffolk County, 423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead.

Registration is required. Fee: $20 for both sessions. For moreinformation please call 727-7850, ext. 340.

Mediterranean diet benefits: Adherence can reduce death from major illnesses

Sticking to a full Mediterranean diet provides substantial protectionagainst major chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, andParkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers at the

University of Florence. The study, published online in bmj.com, found that people who stuck strictly to a Mediterranean diet had significant improve-ments in their health, including a 9 percent drop in overall mortality, a 9 percent drop in mortality from cardiovascular disease, a 13 percent reductionin incidence of Parkinson and Alzheimer’s disease, and a 6 percent reduction in cancer.

The Mediterranean diet from populations bordering the MediterraneanSea has a reputation for being a model of healthy eating and contributing to better health and quality of life. It is rich in olive oil, grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and fish, but low in meat, dairy products and alcohol.

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PUBLISHED MARCH 26, 2009

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With busy schedules and life-styles, keeping your mind, body and soul healthy can be a major challenge. However, don’t let the hectic pace of life keep you from living yours to the fullest. There are simple steps you can take that will leave you feeling energetic and upbeat. Consider these 10 tips to help you live a happy, healthy, safe and balanced life.

GET PHYSICAL

Exercise not only helps you build mus-cle and lose weight, giving you more self-confidence, but it’s vital in maintaining

a healthy heart. And don’t think you need to spend hours at the gym to achieve a new physical you. From strength training and cardio workouts, to walking the dog or taking the stairs — anything that gets your heart pumping will ben-efit your health.

STRESS IS A MESS

Over time, stress canlead to serious healthissues such as obesity, depression and evendeath. When you start seeing red, instead think

blue‚ as in blueberries. Antioxidants found in the tasty fruit fight stress hor-mones. Also, don’t forget to breathe. Inhaling a deep breath for five sec-onds, then exhaling for another five seconds, can help clear your mind andenhance blood circulation.

LOL LAUGH OUT LOUD

Build your immune systemthrough laughter. Health-increasing hormones, suchas endorphins, are released through your body when youlaugh. Additionally, laughter

works your abdominal muscles and boosts your state of mind. Websitessuch as www.FunLOL.com can be aquick fix for a downer day.

After a holiday season filled with family, friends and lots of food, January is a great time

to get you and your children back on track with healthy eating. Here are some tips on a simple strategy to get your family eating more nutritious foods with built-in portion control.

Creating a healthy plate starts

with filling half you plate with fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are super foods – loaded with vitamins, min-erals, fiber and antioxidants, which reduce our risk for dis-ease. Eating several servings of fruits and vegetables every day is also important for promoting a healthy weight. Remember fro-zen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh, so keep your freezer stocked to make preparation quick and easy.

The next step is to fill one

quarter of the plate with car-bohydrates, preferably whole grains, such as brown or wild rice, whole wheat dinner rolls, or whole wheat pasta. If your family doesn’t like whole wheat

pasta, try Barilla Plus™, which is more nutritious than white pasta but looks and tastes more like a cross between white and whole wheat. You can also serve baked potato (white, red or sweet), but remember to leave the skin on to get the most fiber.

The last step is to fill one quar-

ter of the plate with lean protein, such as skinless chicken or tur-key, baked or broiled fish or shell-fish, or lean cuts of pork or beef. Remember to remove any visible fat and prepare these in low-fat ways to keep the calories and fat minimal. Look for 93 percent extra lean ground beef or turkey to prepare your own hamburgers, meatloaf, meatballs, or chili. Be creative and you will find many useful ways to “Create a Healthy Plate” for you and your family.

Alysa Ferguson, RD, CDN.

Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County is offering programs for parents and educators on the pre-vention of childhood obesity through healthy lifestyle changes. For more information, please call 631-727-7850, ext. 342 or email ah372@cornell.edu.

Better nutrition for you and your family

Focus on HealthFocus on Health

Create a healthy plate

Ten tips for healthy living (1-4)

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Focus on HealthFocus on Health

EAT HEALTHY

We know we should eat healthy, and with new online tools it’s a no-brainer. The new MyPyramid program, www.MyP y ra m id.gov, developed by the

U.S. Department of Agriculture, allows you to choose the ideal proportions of

foods and food groups to eat according to your body size and structure.

GET PLENTY OF ZZZZZZ’S

Between work, family and extra activities, it’s some-times difficult to get the necessary six to eight hours of sleep per night. Be sure to avoid caffeine or exercise right before bed. Instead try reading a book or meditating. And, if you still need extra help to unwind, try aromatherapy before bed, such as chamomile bath salts and a warm milk and honey or lav-ender pillow spray to aid in a good night’s rest.

WHAT’S UP, DOC?

Going to the doc-tor only when you’re sick isn’t going to cut it. For both your physical and mental well-being, it’s wise to have a routine annual

physical examination. Especially if your family has a history of health problems, such as heart disease, dia-betes or high blood pressure, getting regular check-ups can help prevent or detect seri-ous health issues.

YOGA-TA DO IT

Yoga, an ancient practice of stretch-ing and breathing techniques, has become a popular exercise for both men and women. In addition to releas-ing positive energy,

yoga prevents injuries, promotes flexibility and can add relief to a stressful day. In fact, according to the book, “Real Men Do Yoga,” PGA golfer David Duval practices yoga every day. So, if it’s good enough for professionals, it may be an excellent addition to your weekly stress-relief routine.

S.O.S. - SAVE OUR SKIN

As the largest organ of the human body, your skin’s health is vital. Luckily caring for your protective layer can be easy and enjoyable. Try a trip to the spa, or even create a spa at home. There’s no better way to start your day than with an invigorating, spa-like shower. Try

a multi-function showerhead that will envelope you in a variety of massaging or refreshing sprays. Or,an exfoliating brush, wet or dry, can be stimulating and beneficial. Finish off your pampering showerwith your favorite body cream to lock moisture in your skin.

YOUR RIGHT FOR RECREATION

You schedule meetings andappointments each week, so why not schedule time for recreation? Be sure to set aside time each week for activities you enjoy. Whether it’s dinner with family and friends, or taking the phone off the hook and curling up with a good book, be sure to block out time on your calendar with activities that you enjoy and will rejuvenate you.

It doesn’t take a radical changein your behavior to start living a healthier lifestyle. By following these simple tips, you’ll be on theroad to a happy, healthy, safe and balanced life.

Ten tips for healthy living (5-10)

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Dedicated To A Lifetime Of Wellness For WomenSuffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology, L.L.P.

A Woman’s Life:Health Care For Every Stage

Those perplexing teen years...family planning...your first pregnancy...the journey into your golden years. A woman’s life is full of wonderful, natural stages. At Suffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology, we believe each stage deserves its own special attention and nurturance.

Suffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology is a progressive, collaborative practice offering a wide range of services with emphasis on primary and preventative women’s care for all age groups. Come visit with us. Surround yourself in the comfort of our state-of-the-art facilities. Find out about our ongoing Lecture Series. Meet our caring, certified physiciansand other health care providers. Visit with us and feel cared for...every step of the way.

Anthony Giammarino, M.D. Damiano Buffa, M.D. Steven I. Ross, M.D.Douglas S. Lee, M.D. Gerardo A. San Roman, M.D. Lance Edwards, M.D.John G. Petraco, M.D. Jennifer D. Marshak, M.D. Paul Lograno, M.D.Dennis Strittmatter, M.D. Mindy L. Shaffran, M.D. Amy R. Richter, M.D.Sylvia Tufano, M.D. Stephen Golub, M.D. Dorothy Kozlowski, O.G.N.P.

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Over 30 Health Plans Accepted Including: Vytra, Empire Blue Cross, Oxford, United HealthCare and the Empire Plan

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Visit our website at: www.suffolkobgyn.com84354

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