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  • 1942262

    Page 2 Southern Maryland Health WINTER 2015

  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 3

    Features

    Caring for your contacts 5

    What in the world

    is quinoa? 8

    Mold in your home? 10

    Keep smiling! Best foods

    for your teeth 15

    Driving while drowsy 16

    Breathing easier in winter 18

    Heart, mind, soul 4

    Eats for a crowd 14

    In every edition:

    Winter 2015

    5

    8

    15

    16

    18

    1942216

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    1944826

  • We all experience brain fog from time to time.

    For me, pregnancy and scaling back on caffeine oh, my dear,

    sweet coffee! have often left me feeling scatter-brained, distracted

    and forgetful. As someone who prides herself on her color-coordinat-

    ed calendars, I dont like feeling continuously off-track and behind the

    times.

    Though Ive learned tocutmyself someslack (ImnoSuperwoman),

    I still get frustrated when I realize Ive forgotten an appointment or

    cantmuster the energy to return emails. Someof it has to dowith tim-

    ing . . . when we really pay attention, we can learn when we feel most

    energetic and productive.

    For me, its the morning: that post-breakfast, pre-lunch time is my

    magicalwindow to cross things offmy to-do list. If I have an important

    document to draft or awork project ondeadline, I know to focuswhen

    Im most mentally sharp. By lunchtime, especially if Ive eaten a big

    meal, Im often back to brainmush.

    But I canwork on it.

    According to HelpGuide.org, A strong memory depends on the

    health and vitality of your brain.Whether youre a student studying for

    final exams, a working professional interested in doing all you can to

    stay mentally sharp or a senior looking to preserve and enhance your

    grey matter as you age, there are lots of things you can do to improve

    yourmemory andmental performance.

    Chief among them? Staying healthy and getting the sleep you need.

    Just as an athlete relies on sleep andanutrition-packeddiet toper-

    form [at] his or her best, your ability to remember increases when you

    nurture your brain with a good diet and other healthy habits,

    HelpGuide.org explains. Because physical exercise increases oxygen to

    your brain, youre also reducing the risk of disorders that lead tomem-

    ory loss like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

    When it comes to shut-eye, make sure youre getting enough of it.

    Few people can function well on little sleep andwhen youre sleep-

    deprived, your brain cant operate at full capacity. Creativity, problem-

    solving abilities and critical thinking skills are compromised, explains

    HelpGuide.org. Whether youre studying, working or trying to juggle

    lifesmany demands, sleep deprivation is a recipe for disaster.

    Critical to both learning and memory, sleep is also necessary for

    memory consolidation. Key memory-enhancing activities occur dur-

    ing your deepest stages of sleep so get that restorative rest.

    When it comes to sharpeningyourmind,dont rely solelyonacross-

    word puzzle or mind teaser for benefits. Studies show that spending

    time with friends and family can have cognitive benefits,

    HelpGuide.org says. Relationships stimulate our brains and provide

    excellentmental exercise. In a study from theHarvard School of Public

    Health cited on HelpGuide.org, researchers found that those with the

    most active social lives also had the slowest rate ofmemory decline.

    Dont discount laughter, too. Unlike emotional responses, which

    are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple

    regions across the whole brain, explains

    HelpGuide.org. Listening to jokes and working out

    the punch lines activates the brains ability to learn

    and think creatively. So dont be afraid to laugh at

    yourself and laugh with others. Spend time

    with playful people . . . and remember to lighten

    up.

    The calendar will still be there tomorrow.

    Banishing brain fog

    4 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    Heart, mind, soul

    Megan Johnson, editor

    Salud Mental para la Vida

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  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 5

    When used and cared for

    correctly, contact lenses are

    among the safest forms of

    vision correction. But when

    not used as directed, says

    the American Optometric

    Association, the effects can

    be dangerous.

    For more than 30million

    Americans, the care and

    keeping of contact lenses is

    just a part of an everyday

    routine. According to the

    Centers for Disease Control

    and Prevention (CDC), soft

    contacts worn by 80 per-

    cent of wearers today

    were first introduced in

    1971. Regardless of type,

    contacts are considered

    medical devices regulated

    by the U.S. Food and Drug

    Administration.

    While theCDCnotes that

    contactsmake itpossible for

    many to enjoy perfect

    vision, have better self-con-

    fidence and improve ones

    ability to focus, caring for

    them is very important. Not

    following proper care

    instructionshas been linked

    to outbreaks of serious eye

    infections, andanestimated

    40-90 percent of wearers do

    not follow the right care

    instructions.

    Improper cleaning and

    irregular replacement of

    contact lenses and contact

    lens casesaswell as other

    behaviors relating to con-

    tact lenshygieneandcare

    have been linked to a higher

    risk of complications, the

    CDC cautions.

    The American Academy

    of Ophthalmology (AAO)

    notes that, regardless of the

    type of contact lens you

    wear, proper care is essen-

    tial to protecting your eyes

    now and in the future.

    Wear and replace your

    contact lenses according to

    the schedule prescribed by

    youreyecareprofessional. If

    you wear two-week dispos-

    able lenses, dont wait two

    months before putting in a

    fresh pair.

    Before touching your

    contacts, wash your hands

    with soap and water, rinse

    thoroughly and dry your

    hands on a lint-free towel.

    Avoid water. Remove

    your contacts before going

    swimming or soaking in a

    hot tub, the AAO states.

    Never rinse them with or

    store them in water, regard-

    less of whether its tap or fil-

    tered. Always use sterile

    contact lens solution

    instead.

    Do not put your lenses

    in your mouth to wet them.

    Saliva is not a sterile solu-

    tion, the AAOnotes.

    Rinse your contact lens

    case often with fresh solu-

    tion not water. After rins-

    ing, leave the empty case

    open to air dry. Keep your

    case clean and replace it at

    least every three months,

    especially if it is cracked or

    damaged. Lens cases can be

    a source of infection and

    contamination.

    During cleaning, [gen-

    tly] rub your contact lenses

    with your fingers, then rinse

    the lenses with solution

    before soaking them, rec-

    ommends the AAO. This

    rub and rinse method is

    considered by some experts

    Caring for your contacts

    The right way to protect your eyes

    See Contacts, Page 17

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    I often hear the same refrain from clients:

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    So, am I entitled to receive disability benefits

    even if I dont look disabled? The answer is

    a resounding YES!

    Appearances can be very deceiving when

    it comes to understanding the nature of

    disabling illnesses. The fact that your outer

    body is not displaying viewable

    impairments does not determine whether

    you are suffering from a disability.

    Many medical conditions do not cause

    people to exhibit overt symptoms. In fact,

    subjective symptoms such as pain, fatigue,

    and cognitive impairment (ability to

    remember, concentrate, etc.) can be far

    more disabling than medical conditions

    which are far more apparent (such as a

    broken limb).

    A very good example of persons not

    showing an overt medical condition are

    people suffering from back/neck pain.

    Although they can walk short distances and

    sit for some period without discomfort, they

    will do their best to hide their pain so as to

    maintain their employment as long as

    possible. Only when the pain and

    accompanying fatigue become so great do

    these folks finally file for disability benefits.

    Similarly, persons with rheumatologic

    conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic

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  • 6 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    Manyanimalshibernate throughout the

    winter, but humans are afforded no such

    luxury. In fact, living a sedentary lifestyle

    during the colder months of the year can

    actually prove detrimental to human

    health.

    Exercise is beneficial any time of the

    year, but it can be especially so during the

    winter months when colder temperatures

    force many people inside. Adapting your

    exercise habits in the winter can help you

    make it through the coldermonths in great

    shape.

    There is no reason to stop exercising

    when the temperature drops. The Ameri-

    can Heart Association says working out in

    the cold weather has distinct advantages

    over working out in hot and humid condi-

    tions. When the weather is cold, you may

    be able to work out longer and harder

    because the heat won't zap your energy

    levels, and exercising outdoors in the win-

    ter is a great way to get small doses of sun-

    light that can improvemood and help your

    body producemore vitaminD.

    The Centers for Disease Control and

    Prevention says exercise can help boost

    your immune system, which can help you

    fight colds and flu symptoms. Just a few

    minutes of exercise each day can help pre-

    vent simple viral andbacterial infections as

    well.

    Working out in the winter may help you

    burn more calories than in warmer sea-

    sons. Research published in Medicine &

    Science inSports&Exercise found that race

    times are faster in cold weather than in

    warmer temperatures. Quicker runs or

    walks can burnmore calories.

    If exercising outdoors is too uncomfort-

    able, break up your routine into smaller,

    more manageable sessions. Aim for 10

    minute sessions several times per day. This

    quickly can add up to the 30 minutes of

    daily recommended exercise. Dress in lay-

    ers so you can feel comfortable, adjusting

    your clothing as necessary. You don't want

    to be freezing, but you don't want to wear

    so many clothes that you start sweating

    and risk hypothermia.

    Each year, about 1.4million people in the U.S.

    will be diagnosed with some form of cancer.

    Although the causes of each particular case may

    be unknown, doctors do know a combination of

    heredity and environmental influences can con-

    tribute to cancer risk. Its also known that the

    foods a person eats can help increase his or her

    chances of preventing cancer.

    Free radicals and antioxidants

    Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that

    have the ability to harmcells. Formednaturally in

    the body, free radicals play important roles in cel-

    lular processes. But at high concentrations, free

    radicals can be hazardous to DNA and other cell

    components. In addition, free radicals form from

    the damaging effects of processed foods, radia-

    tion, tobacco and pollution.

    Antioxidants are naturally occurring sub-

    stances found abundantly in fruits and vegeta-

    bles. Antioxidants include vitamins A, C and E.

    Alpha lipoic acid, lycopene, coenzyme Q10 and

    selenium are antioxidants or substances that

    work with antioxidants to maximize the disease-

    fighting potential of the immune system. The

    body also makes some of the antioxidants it uses

    to neutralize free radicals, which are called

    endogenous antioxidants.

    Antioxidants go after free radicals and essen-

    tially consume them, neutralizing their damaging

    effects to thebody. In laboratory andanimal stud-

    ies, the presence of increased levels of antioxi-

    dants has been shown to prevent the types of free

    radical damage that can be associated with can-

    cer. Some research points to taking antioxidant

    supplements to help prevent cancer, but such

    studies have yieldedmixed results.

    Increasing antioxidant intake

    The best way to get antioxidants is through

    healthy, low-fat foods. Include plenty of fresh

    fruits and vegetables in your diet, as well as high-

    fiber foods. The U.S. Department of Agricultures

    food guidelines recommend men and women

    consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day.

    Black and green tea also are healthy sources of

    antioxidants, and some research has suggested

    tea can help prevent cancer.

    A combination of healthy, antioxidant-rich

    foods andbeverages canmake for a great defense

    against cancer. Loadinguponnutrient-rich foods

    will keep the body in top form, which goes a long

    way toward reducing cancer risk.

    Did you know?

    Consuming excessive

    amounts of sodiumnot only

    affects your health but also

    may affect your appearance.

    A diet rich in sodium has

    long been linked to a host of

    health problems, including

    high blood pressure, stroke,

    kidney disease and stomach

    cancer. But consuming too

    much sodium also leads to

    increased water retention,

    whichcancauseweightgain

    and make men and women

    appear puffy and bloated.

    According to the Ameri-

    can Heart Association, the

    recommendeddaily sodium

    intake is 1,500 milligrams.

    But the AHA notes that the

    average American con-

    sumes more than double

    thatamountonadailybasis.

    While sodium is an

    essential nutrient, the

    human body does not

    need much of it to

    reap its benefits.

    Bread, processed

    meats and soups

    are some of the

    major contrib-

    utors of

    dietary sodi-

    um, so

    men, women and even chil-

    drenwho, the AHAnotes,

    are farmorelikely to develop

    high blood pressure as

    adults if they consume a

    high-sodium diet as a child

    should study packaging

    on these items to ensure

    they aren't overloaded with

    sodium.

    Watch

    the salt

    Much like their human counterparts, animals can experience arthritis pain and fatiguewhen coldwinter air sets in.Watch forwarning signs of pain.

    Antioxidants role

    in cancer prevention

    Staying fit in cold weather

  • Articles in Southern Maryland Health are for informational purposes only and are not intended to provide medical

    advice. Neither the editors of Post Community Media, LLC, the author nor publisher take responsibility for any

    possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of

    medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this magazine. The publication

    of Southern Maryland Health does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace

    the advice of your health care provider(s). Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek

    the advice of their physician and/or other health care provider(s).

    Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 7

    Did you know? Having a laugh

    Though laughter is often referred to as the best medicine, no

    definitive study has been conducted to determine the effects of laugh-

    ter on overall human health, leaving open the possibility that main-

    tainingagoodsenseofhumorandapositiveattitudeare just as impor-

    tant, if notmore important, than finding time to laugh each day.

    But even if laughter is notmedicinal, its benefits canmimic thoseof

    exercise.Whenaperson laughs, his or herpulse and

    blood pressure increase, and people tend to

    breathe faster when they laugh. Faster breath-

    ing sends more oxygen to the tissues, which

    can help the heart and lungs work more effi-

    ciently.

    In addition, a Vanderbilt University study

    found thatbetween10and15minutesof laugh-

    ter canburnasmanyas 50 calories. Finding time

    to laugh may also indirectly improve the body's

    immune system response, as studies have sug-

    gested that infection-fighting antibodies

    might bemore abundant in peoplewho can

    use humor to combat stress.

    1937158

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  • 8 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    Weve seen their names in trendy

    magazine articles, popping up in

    recipes and appearing on store

    shelves. Foods like quinoa have

    become increasingly well-known

    with their health benefits pro-

    claimed by doctors, celebrities and

    coworkers alike.

    Looking past their current cool

    factor, superfoods have been

    around for centuries and are

    finally ready for their close-up.Here,

    a guide to four popular foods that

    can impact your health . . . and your

    taste buds.

    Quinoa

    What is it? Pronounced keen-

    wah, quinoa is an ancient grain har-

    vested in theAndesMountains, says

    theWhole Grains Council. Though

    not technically a cereal grain, this

    pseudo-cereal is cooked and

    eaten like a grain with a similar

    nutrient profile. Botanically,

    quinoa is related tobeets, chard and

    spinach, and in fact the leaves can

    be eaten as well as the grains,

    explains the council.

    Though a 1955 article expound-

    ed on its virtues (researcher Philip

    White proclaimed it to be as close

    as any other in the plant or animal

    kingdom to supply all essential life-

    sustaining nutrients, the council

    cites), it has been rediscovered and

    celebrated in the last few years.

    There are more than 120 different

    varieties of quinoa, but the most

    commonly cultivated are white, red

    and black.

    How does it help? According to

    theWhole Grains Council, quinoa is

    a nutritious option for gluten-free

    diets andmay be useful in reducing

    the risk of diabetes. It helps you feel

    full and is one of the only plant

    foods to offer all the essential amino

    acids in a healthy balance: a com-

    plete protein. Quinoa can also help

    control blood pressure due to its

    high level of potassium the high-

    est of all whole grains, in fact. It is a

    good source of heart-healthy fats

    like monounsaturated fat and pro-

    vides small amounts of alpha-

    linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty

    acid.

    How to use it?With its delicate-

    ly nutty taste, quinoa can be used in

    everything from breakfast cereals to

    granolas, cereals and breads.

    Cooked alone, its tiny grains are

    ready to eat in 15 minutes. Like

    couscous, quinoa benefits from a

    quick fluff with a fork just before

    serving, the Whole Grains Council

    explains. Quinoa is also popular

    with those on gluten-free diets. Its

    flake or flour forms can be useful to

    bakers.

    Try this:QuinoaOatmealCook-

    ies (wholegrainscouncil.org/

    recipes/snacks-desserts/quinoa-

    oatmeal-cookies); Quinoa-Crusted

    Chicken Fingers (wholegrainscoun-

    cil.org/recipes/main-dishes/

    quinoa-crusted-chicken-fingers)

    Kale

    What is it? This leafy green veg-

    etable was farmed in ancient Egypt,

    Greece andRome, but its trendiness

    has recently reached a fever pitch in

    American kitchens. Kale comes in

    green or purple forms and is closer

    to wild cabbage than other veggies.

    How does it help? When

    steamed, kale can provide special

    cholesterol-lowering benefits. Its

    high in vitamins A, C and K, rich in

    calcium and high in beta carotene.

    Its properties can help reduce the

    risk of bladder, breast, colon, ovary

    and prostate cancer. Kale can also

    help the body to detoxify, and the

    vegetables flavonoids provide

    antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

    benefits.

    A guide to popular

    superfoods

    and what they

    can do for you

    See Superfoods, at right

    What in

    the world

    is quinoa?

  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 9

    How to use it? Cooked alone as

    a side dish or incorporated into

    soups or main dishes, kale can be

    steamed, braised, sauted, baked as

    a chip andmore. Especially popular

    in the South, kale is often braised

    with collard, turnip and/ormustard

    greens.

    Try this: Italian Ribollita, a veg-

    etable and bread soup

    (allrecipes.com/Recipe/Italian-

    Ribollita-Vegetable-and-Bread-

    Soup/Detail.aspx); Chili-Roasted

    Kale (allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chili-

    Roasted-Kale/Detail.aspx)

    Avocado

    What is it? The fruit of a tall

    evergreen tree called Persea ameri-

    cana, avocados come in different

    varieties and weights from 8

    ounces to 3 pounds. It has a leather-

    like exterior and soft green flesh

    when ripe. The creamy Hass variety

    is the most popular in the U.S., and

    95 percent of avocados grown in

    America come fromCalifornia.

    How does it help? Because of

    their high amount of carotenoid

    lutein, avocados can help protect

    eyes from cataracts and macular

    degeneration. Also high in beta-

    sitosterol, they can assist with low-

    ering blood pressure and choles-

    terol. Avocados are a good source of

    potassium, which can help lower

    blood pressure and reduce your risk

    of stroke. Though known as a high-

    fat food, some of those fats come in

    the form of oleic acid, a heart-

    healthy monounsaturated fat

    shown tohelp lower the risk of heart

    disease. Avocado also helps slow

    digestion, which can keep blood

    sugar from spiking after eating.

    How touse it? Popularly usedas

    the base for guacamole, avocados

    can also be cubed or sliced for sal-

    ads or used as a spread on sand-

    wiches or a garnish for other dishes.

    Try this: AvocadoFeta Salsa (all-

    recipes.com/Recipe/Avocado-Feta-

    Salsa/Detail.aspx); Best Gua-

    camole (allrecipes.com/Recipe/

    Best-Guacamole/Detail.aspx)

    Pomegranate

    What is it? The pome-

    granate is a fruit-bearing

    shrub or small tree that typically

    grows between 16-26 feet tall. In

    Ancient Greek mythology, pome-

    granates were known as the fruit of

    the dead; the myth of Persephone

    highlights the pomegranate.

    Howdoes it help? Edible pome-

    granate seeds are an excellent

    source of dietary fiber. The fruit also

    has vitamins C and K, folate and

    potassium, and the pomegranate

    has anti-inflammatory properties

    which can assist in reducing joint

    pain and preventing strokes.

    According to the Mayo Clinic, small

    studies suggest drinking pomegran-

    ate juice might help lower choles-

    terol by blocking or slowing its

    build-up in the arteries of those at a

    higher risk of heart disease. The

    juicecontainsantioxidantsathigher

    levels than many other fruit juices,

    and these antioxidants are thought

    to provide heart-protecting benefits

    like reducing low-density lipopro-

    tein (LDL, or bad) cholesterol, the

    clinic notes.

    Howtouse it? In its seed formor

    as juice, pomegranate is often used

    in juiceblends, smoothies, alcoholic

    beverages and baked goods.

    Try this: Pomegranate Gelatin

    Yogurt Parfaits (www.foodnetwork.

    com/recipes/pomegranate-gelatin-

    yogurt-parfaits.html); Spinach

    PomegranateSalad (allrecipes.com/

    Recipe/Spinach-Pomegranate-

    Salad/Detail.aspx)

    MEGAN JOHNSON

    Superfoods

    Continued from left

    Community addiction and mental health organizations are renowned

    for their commitment to healthy communities.

    For the new year, we share our secret recipe.

    *Courtesy of the National Council for Behavioral Health

    Enjoy a healthy community!

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Line pan with prevention so fewer children and adults suffer.

    1. Begin with Mental Health First Aid so everyone can recognize and help

    people in need.

    3. Add 24-hour crisis response and same day access to services to save lives.

    4. Mix with treatment to promote recovery.

    5. Pour in primary care to improve health.

    6. Fold in criminal justice collaborations, keeping people and communities

    safe.

    7. Add in housing so everyone has a place to live.

    8. Blend in education and employment to build a strong economy.

    9. Sprinkle with trauma-informed care to

    ensure respect for all.

    RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

    Serving size: Your entire community, especially

    the 1 in 5 who live with addictions and mental

    illnesses.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 pound Prevention

    2 bottles Mental Health First Aid

    8 oz 24-hour crisis services

    1 quart Same day access

    1 bushel Treatments for mental

    illnesses and additions

    1/2 cup Trauma-informed care

    4 cans Primary care

    1 box Criminal justice diversion

    and re-entry

    1 gallon Housing

    3 bunches Supported education and

    employment

    1945220

  • 10 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    Couldmoldandmoisture inyour

    home cause health issues for your

    family?

    Molds are part of the natural

    environment, explains the Envi-

    ronmental ProtectionAgency (EPA).

    Outdoors, molds play a part in

    nature by breaking down dead

    organic matter such as fallen leaves

    and dead trees, but indoors, mold

    growth should be avoided. Molds

    grow through the release of tiny

    spores thatare invisible to thenaked

    eye and floating through outdoor

    and indoor air, and begin growing

    insidewhen spores land onwet sur-

    faces. In fact,waterandmoistureare

    the key to mold growth and con-

    taining it.

    After natural disasters like hurri-

    canes and floods, excess moisture

    and standing water can contribute

    to the growth of mold in homes,

    explains the Centers for Disease

    Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Burst pipes, flooded basements and

    other home calamities can also

    increase the risk for mold growth

    and potential issues for your family.

    Though molds are usually not a

    problem indoors, mold spores that

    land on a wet or damp spot and

    begin growing can cause health

    problems, the EPA explains.

    Because molds produce allergens,

    irritants and potentially toxic sub-

    stances (mycotoxins), inhaling or

    touching mold or mold spores can

    cause allergic reactions in sensitive

    individuals. These responses can

    include hay fever-type symptoms

    like red eyes, sneezing, runny nose

    and skin rashes. Allergic reactions

    are common, says the EPA, and can

    be immediate or delayed.

    For those affected by asthma, the

    presence ofmold and its spores can

    trigger asthma attacks. In addition,

    mold exposure can irritate the eyes,

    skin, nose, throat and lungs of both

    mold-allergic and non-allergic peo-

    ple, the EPA states.

    Because molds gradually destroy

    that on which they grow, protecting

    your home against mold damage is

    important. Mold cannot be con-

    trolled without moisture control,

    explains the EPA. If you suspect

    mold is a problem in your home,

    you should clean up the mold

    promptly and very importantly

    fix thewater problem.Whenpos-

    sible, it is crucial to dry water-dam-

    aged areas and items within 24-48

    hours. Open your doors and win-

    dows and use fans to dry the space.

    It is impossible to get rid of all

    mold and mold spores indoors;

    some mold spores will be found

    floating through the air and in

    house dust, the EPA states. The

    mold spores will not grow if mois-

    ture is not present. Indoor mold

    growth can and should be prevent-

    ed or controlled by controlling

    moisture indoors. If there is mold

    growth in your home, you must

    clean up the mold and fix the water

    problem. Cleaning the mold with-

    out making repairs to your homes

    water issueswillmost likely result in

    a return of the growth.

    According to the CDC, mold can

    typically be recognized by sight or

    smell. Look for discoloration of the

    walls or ceiling, and any signs of

    water damage. Bad odors musty,

    earthy smells or a foul stenchcan

    also indicatemold issues.

    If you have any doubt about

    whether somethinghasbeen infect-

    ed by mold, remove it. Take out all

    porous items that have beenwet for

    more than 48 hours, the CDC says,

    and that cannot be thoroughly

    cleaned and dried. Items like car-

    peting and carpet padding, uphol-

    stery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and

    ceiling tiles and insulationmaterials

    can be sources of mold growth and

    should be removed. Remember that

    removal and cleaning are important

    because even dead mold can cause

    allergic reactions in some people,

    notes the CDC.

    To effectively clear up mold

    issues, theCDCrecommendsclean-

    ing and fixing water problems such

    as leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing.

    To remove mold growth from hard

    surfaces, use commercial products,

    soap andwater, or a bleach solution

    of nomore than 1 cup of bleach in 1

    gallon of water, explains the CDC.

    Use a stiff brush on rough surface

    materials such as concrete.

    When using bleach to remove

    mold, never mix bleach with

    ammoniaorotherhouseholdclean-

    ers, which can produce toxic fumes.

    Openwindowsanddoors toprovide

    fresh air and wear non-porous

    glovesandprotectiveeyewear. If the

    area to be cleaned is more than 10

    square feet, consult the EPA for

    resources. Be sure to follow the

    manufacturers instructions when

    using bleach or any cleaning prod-

    uct, states the CDC. Also wear a

    tightly-fitted N95 mask (found at

    home supply stores) while in the

    building.

    When in doubt, call a profession-

    al who has experience cleaning and

    fixing buildings damaged by con-

    taminated water, the CDC advises.

    And if you have any health con-

    cerns, consult a health professional

    before starting the clean-up

    process.

    MEGAN JOHNSON

    Protecting against this common hazard

    Mold in

    your home?

  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 11

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  • 12 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015 Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 13

    1945204

  • 14 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    Eats for a crowd

    Ingredients:

    12 large driedMedjool dates

    1 4-ounce chunk Parmigiano-Reg-

    giano cheese

    6 slices bacon, cut in half widthwise

    Preheat oven to 350 F.

    Insert abambooskewerorasimilar

    facsimile in the bottom of the date

    until thepointy tip restson thebottom

    of the pit. Push the pit out of the stem

    side. Reserve dates.

    Using your sharpest knife, cut

    Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into

    1/4-inch slices. Cut those slices into

    1/4-x-1-inch pieces (the resulting 1-

    inch pieces should be approximately

    the same diameter as a pencil). Cut

    the tip of each piece at a 45-degree

    angle.

    Leadingwith thepointy end, stuff a

    stick of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

    into the pit hole of each date.

    Wrap each date with a slice of

    bacon. Set dates on a baking sheet,

    seam-sides down, and skewer each

    with a toothpick to hold bacon in

    place.

    Bake forapproximately20minutes,

    oruntil bacon is crispy.Caution:These

    cocktail dates are like molten lava

    when they come out of the oven. Let

    cool for a fewminutes before serving.

    Source: BobBlumer's "SurrealGourmet

    Bites: Showstoppers and Conversation

    Starters" (Chronicle Books)

    Ingredients:

    5 large Roma toma-

    toes, halved

    1 small red onion, cut

    into thick slices

    3 scallions, white and

    light green parts

    only

    1/3 medium bunch of

    fresh cilantro,

    tough stems

    removed

    1 garlic clove

    1 teaspoon canned

    chipotle peppers

    1 teaspoonapplecider

    vinegar

    1 teaspoon salt

    1/4 cup chicken stock

    Prepare the grill for

    medium-heat grilling.

    Grill the tomatoes,

    onion slices and scal-

    lions about 3 inches

    from the heat until

    partially charred,

    turning occasionally.

    (The onion will take

    the longest.) Transfer

    to a plate. Grill the

    cilantro for about 30

    seconds, just to wilt

    and give it a slightly

    smoky flavor.

    Mince the garlic

    cloves in a food

    processor fitted with

    the metal blade. Add

    the grilled vegetables

    and cilantro, chiles,

    vinegar, salt, and stock

    and process to a

    puree. Taste for sea-

    soning. (For a thinner

    consistency, addmore

    chicken stock.) Pour

    into a storage contain-

    er and let cool. Refrig-

    erate until ready to

    use.Makes 2 cups.

    Source: Diane Rossen

    Worthingtons "The New

    California Cookbook"

    (Chronicle Books)

    Cocktail dates

    Party-pleasing recipes for

    your next get-together

    Smoky

    salsa

    Ingredients:

    18whole chickenwings, or

    12 drumsticks

    1 1/2 cups jerkmarinade

    1 1/2 cups tamarind-apri-

    cot sauce

    1/4 cup soy sauce

    In a baking dish, com-

    bine the chickenand1cup

    of the marinade. Cover

    and refrigerate for at least

    11/2 hours or up to 4

    hours, turning occasional-

    ly. The longer the chicken

    marinates, the hotter it

    becomes. Remove the

    chicken from the mari-

    nade and discard the

    marinade.

    Preheat the oven to 350

    F. Place the chicken in a

    greased baking dish. Bake

    for 40 to 45 minutes, bast-

    ing twicewith the reserved

    1/2 cup of marinade.

    When done, the juices will

    run clear when the chick-

    en is piercedwith a knife.

    Prepareadipping sauce

    by combining the

    tamarind-apricot sauce

    with the soy sauce. Serve

    the chicken hot or at room

    temperature, with the dip-

    ping sauce.

    Serves4asanappetizer.

    Source: Helen Willinsky's

    "Jerk From Jamaica (Ten

    Speed Press)

    Baked jerk

    chicken wings

  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 15

    Keep smiling: the best foods for your teeth

    When it comes to prevent-

    ing tooth decay and gum dis-

    ease, a balanced diet can be

    just as important for your teeth

    as the rest of your body.

    The American Dental Asso-

    ciation (ADA) states that eating

    patterns and food choices play

    important roles in protecting

    yourmouth, teeth and gums

    the first steps in your digestion

    process.

    Your mouth is your bodys

    initial point of contact with the

    nutrients you consume, the

    ADA states. Sowhat youput in

    your mouth impacts not only

    your general health but also

    that of your teeth and gums. In

    fact, if your nutrition is poor,

    the first signs often show up in

    your oral health.

    When it comes to dental

    protection, loading up on fruits

    and vegetables, whole grains,

    dairy and protein compo-

    nents of a healthy diet can

    make a big difference. Heres

    how to fill your plate:

    Calcium: According to

    Oral-B, calcium is a prime

    ingredient for preventing tooth

    decay especially for kids.

    Choose dairy products like

    milk, yogurt and cheese.

    Because calcium has no bear-

    ing on fat content, skim and

    low-fat options are just as good

    for your teeth. Other calcium-

    rich options include leafy

    greens like broccoli, almonds

    and dried beans, Oral-B says.

    Fresh fruit and vegetables:

    High-fiber foods keep saliva

    flowing and wash away harm-

    ful acids and food particles, the

    ADA explains. Many fruits and

    vegetables also contain vitamin

    C, which is important for

    healthy gums and the quick

    healing of wounds, as well as

    vitamin A to promote the

    building of tooth enamel.

    Fiber-rich fruits include apples,

    bananasandorangesanddried

    fruits like dates, figs and raisins.

    Good vegetable choices are

    beans, Brussels sprouts and

    peas.

    Whole grains: Loaded with

    B vitamins and iron (great for

    gums), whole grains are also

    rich in magnesium to benefit

    bones and teeth. Seekout bran,

    brown rice and whole-grain

    cereals, Oral-B recommends.

    Lean proteins: Meat, poul-

    try, fish, milk and eggs are rich

    in protein and phosphorus

    minerals that protect and

    rebuild tooth enamel, the ADA

    explains.

    According to the ADA and

    MyPlate, promoted by the U.S.

    Department of Agriculture, a

    balanced and healthy diet

    should include a plate with

    fruits and vegetables, grains,

    dairy and protein. Your plate

    See Smiling, Page 22

    Lisa E. Polko, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

    Nnamdi A. Davis, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

    Danielah A. Gautier, M.D.

    Jessica B. Colwill, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

    Tia W. Bennett, M.S., W.H.N.P. - B.C.

    Reana K. Barnes, M.S., W.H.N.P. - B.C.

    Jill Collier, F.N.P. - C.

    Nancy Sidorowicz, P.A. - C.

    Brooke A. Bucci, M.S.N., C.N.M.

    Morgan M. Walker, M.S.N., C.N.M.

    Roberta Jordan, M.S.N., C.N.M.

    1942279

    41680 Miss Bessie Drive, Suite 102 Leonardtown, MD

    Satellite Office: 23127 Three Notch Road, Suite 104 California, MD 20619

    Obstetrics, Gynecology and Midwifery

    NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

    We look forward to meeting the needs of our

    current and future patients.

    Telephone: 301-997-1788

    Emergency After Hour Telephone: 1-855-348-0561

    www.smwomenshealth.com

  • 16 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    Driving while drowsy

    If youre like 60 percent of adult

    American drivers, you may have

    gotten behind the wheel while

    yawning.

    According to the National Sleep

    Foundation (NSF), about 168 mil-

    lion people say they have driven a

    vehicle while drowsy, and 37 per-

    cent of those have actually fallen

    asleep at the wheel. Eleven million

    drivers admit they have gotten into

    an accident or near accident

    because they were too tired to drive

    or nodded off, the NSF notes.

    By conservative estimates from

    the National Highway Traffic Safety

    Administration (NHTSA), about

    100,000 police-reported crashes are

    the direct result of driver fatigue

    See Drowsy, Page 21

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    Got Kids?

  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 17

    to be a superiormethodof cleaning,

    even if the solutionyouareusing is a

    no-rub variety.

    When it comes to the solution

    you use for your contact lenses, it

    should also be handled with care.

    Do not re-use old solution or top

    off what is in your case, the AAO

    states. Refresh your solution daily.

    Because it can affect its sterility,

    never transfer solution from a full-

    size bottle to a travel-sized one.

    Dont allow the tip of the solution

    bottle to come into contactwith any

    surface, and keep it closed tightly

    between uses.

    For general eye care, remember

    that eye infections can lead to seri-

    ous vision loss. Caring for your eyes

    themselves is crucial to proper lens

    care. If you experience symptoms

    like redness, pain, tearing, increased

    light sensitivity, blurry vision,

    swelling or discharge, remove your

    contact lenses immediately and call

    your ophthalmologist.

    If you smoke, stop, the AAO

    advises. Studies show that contact

    lens wearers who smoke have a

    higher rate of problems than non-

    smokers. The academy also cau-

    tions against wearing decorative

    lenses, like those sold to accompany

    Halloween costumes; they have the

    potential to damage

    eyes permanently.

    Go for regular eye

    exams. Contact lens

    wearers should be

    examined by an eye

    care provider annually, or more

    often as needed.

    Remember that,aswithanypre-

    scription, contact lens prescriptions

    do expire typically within one

    year, the AAO says. You should see

    your eye care professional yearly to

    ensure they continue to have an

    accurate and appropriate prescrip-

    tion. These regular exams are also

    important opportunities for rein-

    forcing proper lens care.

    MEGAN JOHNSON

    Contacts

    Continued from Page 5

    1942038

  • 18 Southern Maryland Health Winter 2015

    For those with asthma or allergies, winter can

    be a breathing battleground. Because were often

    cooped up indoors (with dust and mold) or out-

    side breathing cold, dry air, the chillier months

    can be tough on the body.

    Tohelp youbreathe easier through cold spells,

    consider these tips:

    Get vaccinated. Because the flu, colds, respi-

    ratory infections and pneumonia are especially

    tough on those with asthma, COPD and other

    respiratory conditions, be sure to ask your doctor

    about vaccinations especially for the flu, the

    Clean Air Council (www.cleanair.org) recom-

    mends.

    Stay warm.Wearing a scarf over your mouth

    and nose can help warm the air before it enters

    your lungs, making asthma attacks less likely. Be

    sure to breathe through your nose, not your

    mouth. The council also advises staying on a

    medication plan to help breathe better on cold

    days.

    Keep your hands washed. Frequently wash-

    ing your hands with soap and water is one of the

    easiest, best ways to avoid spreading colds and

    viruses, advises Everyday Health (everyday-

    health.com). If youre in a pinch, alcohol-based

    handsanitizers canhelp.Hand-washing is vital to

    helping prevent illness, which can worsen asth-

    ma and allergy symptoms.

    Watch your seasonal dcor. Especially when

    bringing decorations in from storage, be sure to

    clean them before decorating the house. Dust

    and mildew can accumulate on your beloved

    baubles and trigger asthma symptoms, the coun-

    cil says.

    Skip the smoke. Candles smoke and fra-

    grances can irritate the lungs, as can fireplaces in

    winter.

    Inspect your furnace and replace filters.

    Because heating systems can harbor mold, car-

    bon monoxide and dust, have yours inspected

    before thecold seasonbegins, thecouncil recom-

    mends. Wipe down or vacuum vents so resting

    dust and dirt cant be blown into the air circulat-

    ing in your home. Be sure to also clean and

    replace filters to prevent the release of debris.

    Clean and check the filters throughout the heat-

    ing season to avoid winter asthma issues, Every-

    day Health recommends. Keep the humidity lev-

    els and temperature in your house consistent.

    Exercise inside. Hitting the gym instead of

    the frigid pavement can help prevent breathing

    issues, especially in arctic air. The humidity and

    temperature in the gym are less likely to create

    issues, Everyday Health explains. If you do exer-

    cise outside, goout at thewarmest part of theday

    typicallymid-afternoon.

    Have a plan. Regardless of the season, make

    sure you know what to do if your asthma symp-

    toms flare, Everyday Health says. Creating a

    detailed action plan with your doctor or asthma

    specialist will help control your symptoms and

    ensure you know what to do when suffering an

    attack. Make it clear when to call your doctor

    and when to go straight to the emergency room.

    Follow your treatment plan regardless of the sea-

    son and get regular check-ups, especially if your

    symptomsworsen in coldweather.

    MEGAN JOHNSON

    Breathing

    easier in

    winter

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    NEW CUSTOM HOMES & ADDITIONS

  • Winter 2015 Southern Maryland Health 19

    Foods that pack a

    nutritious punch

    Whole wheat and multigrain

    pasta: A typical two-ounce serving

    of whole wheat or multigrain pasta

    includes about seven grams of pro-

    tein and six grams of fiber.

    Nonfat Greek yogurt: Nonfat

    Greek yogurt is a great low-calorie

    source of protein, making it a great

    option for an afternoon snack. Sin-

    gle serving containers of Greek

    yogurt typically include 120 grams

    of protein ormore.

    Russetpotatoes:Onemedium-

    sized Russet potato is roughly 170

    calories and includes three grams

    of fiber, fivegramsofproteinand25

    percent of your daily recommend-

    ed dosage of potassium. Russet

    potatoes also are high in vitamin C

    and iron.

    Fresh spinach: Popeye was on

    to something, as a four cup serving

    of fresh bagged spinach is just 20

    calories and loaded with vitamins

    and nutrients. Just one serving of

    fresh spinach can provide 160 per-

    cent of the recommended daily

    valueofvitaminAand40percentof

    the daily value of vitamin C.

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    annually. These accidents result in

    an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000

    injuries and $12.5 billion in mone-

    tary losses. But these figures may

    be the tip of the iceberg, the

    NHTSA notes, since currently it is

    difficult to attribute crashes to

    sleepiness.

    Unlike intoxication, there is no

    test to determine sleepiness. State

    reporting practices are inconsistent,

    the NHTSA says. Police training to

    identify drowsiness as a crash factor

    is limited. Though every state cur-

    rently addresses fatigue and/or

    sleepiness in some way on crash

    forms, the codes are inconsistent

    and two states do not have specific

    codes at all. Drowsiness and fatigue

    mayplay a role in crashes attributed

    toother factors, like alcohol; about 1

    million such crashes annually are

    attributed to driver inattention or

    lapses, notes theNHTSA.

    Sleep-related crashes are most

    prevalent among young people

    especiallymen, adults with children

    and shift workers, the NHTSA says.

    According to a 2002NSF poll, adults

    between the ages of 18-29 are more

    likely to drive while drowsy com-

    pared to other age groups. Men are

    more likely to get behind the wheel

    tired thanwomen, and almost twice

    as likely as women to fall asleep

    while driving.

    Sleep deprivation increases the

    risk of a sleep-related crash; the less

    people sleep, the greater the risk,

    the NHTSA says. People who sleep

    six to seven hours a night are twice

    as likely to be involved in a crash as

    those sleeping eight hours or more,

    they explain. People who sleep less

    than five hours increase their risk

    four to five times.

    And what of the famous analogy

    that driving drowsy is similar to

    driving drunk? According to the

    NHTSA, an Australian study

    demonstrated that being awake for

    18 hours produced an impairment

    equal to a blood alcohol concentra-

    tion (BAC)of .05,with .08beingcon-

    sidered legally drunk. After staying

    up for 24 hours, your impairment is

    equal to a BAC of .10.

    If youre on the road and begin to

    experience any signs of tiredness, it

    might be time to stop and rest. The

    NSF shared these signs its time to

    pull over:

    Difficulty focusing, frequently

    blinking or heavy eyelids;

    Trouble remembering the last few

    miles youve driven;

    Missing traffic lights, stop signs or

    exits;

    Daydreamingwithwandering/dis-

    connected thoughts;

    Yawning repeatedly or rubbing

    your eyes;

    Drifting from your lane, tailgating

    or hitting a shoulder rumble

    strip;

    Difficultymaintaining speed;

    Feeling irritable and restless.

    MEGAN JOHNSON

    Drowsy

    Continued from Page 16

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    Southern

    Maryland

    Health

    is published by Post

    Community Media, LLC

    www.somdnews.com

    Karen Acton, CEO

    Megan Johnson, editor

    Cover design by Brandon Young

    For advertising opportunities:

    In Charles County, call 301-764-2812

    or email [email protected]

    In St. Marys County, call 301-866-6402

    or email [email protected]

    In Calvert County, call 301-855-1029

    or email [email protected]

    should be half covered by veggies

    and fruits, and at least half of the

    grains you consume should be

    whole grains. When possible,

    choose low-fat or fat-free dairy

    items. And remember that lean pro-

    teins make a difference: reach for

    lean beef, skinless poultry and fish.

    Alternate sources of protein include

    eggs, beans, legumes and peas.

    For as important as your dietary

    choices are, the ADA emphasizes

    that eating habits can play a large

    role in dental health, too. The asso-

    ciation recommends limiting eating

    and drinking betweenmeals and

    if you do snack, making smart

    choices. Sweets and chips offer no

    nutritional valueandpromote tooth

    decay. If you are hungry between

    meals, look for yogurt, fruits, nuts,

    vegetables or cheese to calm your

    cravings. Dont forget about drinks,

    too; everything you consume

    impacts your mouth. Reaching for

    water over sugary beverages can

    help your teeth andwaistline.

    When it comes to tooth decay,

    the ADA says, its presence and pro-

    gression can be affected by:

    The form of your food

    whether its liquid, solid, sticky or

    slow to dissolve;

    How often you drink sugary or

    acidic beverages and eat sugary or

    acidic foods;

    The combination of foods you

    eat, and the order in which youre

    eating them;

    Your diets nutritionalmakeup;

    Any medical conditions you

    may have, which can impact your

    risk of cavities andweakened teeth.

    Because bacteria in the mouth

    use carbohydrates for sustenance,

    cutting back on sugar and limiting

    simple carbs that ferment easily will

    help reduce your cavity risk, the

    ADA explains.

    Limit added sugars in your diet

    by reading food labels to determine

    the amount of added sugar in a

    food, they suggest. Commonly

    added sugars include brown sugar,

    cane sugar, confectioners sugar,

    corn sweeteners, raw sugar, corn

    syrup, fructose, sucrose, glucose,

    dextrin, maltose, honey, high fruc-

    tose corn syrup,molasses andmore.

    If these ingredients are listed among

    the first few ingredients on a prod-

    uct, it is likely high in sugar and

    tough on your teeth.

    The top sources of added sugar

    in the diet are soft drinks, energy

    drinks and sports drinks (35.7 per-

    cent); grain-based desserts like

    cakes and pies (12.9 percent); fruit

    drinks (10.5 percent); dairy-based

    desserts like ice cream (6.5 percent);

    andcandy (6.1percent),with sweet-

    ened tea, yeast breads and more

    also filling out the list, says the ADA.

    Because of the amount and type

    of sugar that can adhere to teeth,

    empty-calorie foods like candy

    (especially lollipops, mints and

    caramel), snack foods like chips and

    sweets like cookies, muffins and

    cakes are not recommended. The

    bacteria in your mouth feed off

    these sugars, releasing acids, and

    thats what leads to tooth decay,

    explains the ADA. Similarly, drinks

    with sugarsoda, juice, lemonade,

    sweetened coffee or tea are also

    harmful because sipping them

    causes a constant sugar bath over

    teeth, promoting decay.

    Ingeneral, theADArecommends

    practicing good oral habits to

    reduce your risk of developing

    issues. Brush your teeth twice a day

    for two minutes to remove sugars

    and food particles. Limit between-

    meal snacking, and keep added

    sugar in your diet to a minimum.

    Consume lots of water, dairy, fruits

    and vegetables to stay in good over-

    all health, and remember to seek the

    care and guidance of a dental pro-

    fessional to promote good oral

    hygiene.

    MEGAN JOHNSON

    Smiling

    Continued from Page 15

    1929077

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    WINTER 2015 Southern Maryland Health Page 23

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