southern illinois health & life magazine

UNLOCKING YOURBRAIN’S SECRETS

An accident victimbeats the odds

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY,A to Z

Where preemies thrive

SOOTHE YOUR SOULIN ANGUILLA

November/December 2009

T h e g o o d l i v i n g m a g a z i n e f r o m S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S H E A L T H C A R E

health&life

HEALTH QUIZ:Which party foodto choose?

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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

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November/December 2009

Better care / Alphabet soup · A guideto the letters after medical professionals’ names

Healthy living / Best-for-you partypicks · Quiz: Can you spot the healthiest soiréeselections?

In bloom / Say Zen · Japanese gardensoffer a refreshing antidote to a busy world.

Prevention / Household safety, A–ZAn alphabetical guide to avoiding injuries at home

Don’t mix these 6 · Avoid these combinationsof food, drugs and herbs.

Glorious food / The great pumpkinMore than a festive decoration, this orange wonderis healthy too!

Physician profile / Skilled & caringMeet a dedicated plastic surgeon and “people” person.

Caring people / Faces of SIHImages of the staffers at Southern Illinois Healthcarein action, working to provide excellent care

Fundraising focus / Wheels of life

How do rumbling motorcycles help families copewith the financial strains of serious childhood illness?

Unlocking secretsResearch points to new weapons against diseases likeAlzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Clinical update / Miracle comebackExcellent care and her own perseverance help awoman recover from a near-fatal auto accident.

Special care for preemiesWhen babies arrive ahead of schedule, the neonatalintensive care unit gives families peace of mind.

Escapes / The Caribbean: unpluggedLow in profile but high on island charm, Anguillaremains a largely unknown paradise.

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Features

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health&lifeSOUTHERN ILLINOIS

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Welcome letter

For the recordHealth for kids · Vaccines vindicated · Ear noevil · A better way to fight fever . . . and more

Health for her · Healthiest cities for women ·Choose your baby’s sex with meals? . . . and more

Health for him · A prostate-cancer vaccine · “Thepill” for men? . . . and more

Health for seniors · Use that snooze · Snack tostay sharp · Get strong-armed . . . and more

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health&life

SIH STAFF

president and chief executive officer REX P. BUDDE

corporate director ofmarketing and communication

CHERYL BENN

communications coordinator ROSSLIND RICE

Southern Illinois Healthcare1239 East Main

Carbondale, IL 62901(618) 457-5200

SIH Call CenterPhysician referrals, information

on classes and hospital services:Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1-866-SIH-2468 (1-866-744-2468)

WAINSCOT STAFF

editor in chief

RITA GUARNA

art director

SARAH LECKIE

senior editor TIMOTHY KELLEY

managing editor JENNIFER CENICOLA

assistant editorKRISTIN COLELLA

editorial internDIANE SZULECKI

Southern Illinois Health & Life is published byWainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale,NJ 07645, in association with Southern IllinoisHealthcare. This is Volume 1, Issue 1.© 2009 by Southern Illinois Healthcare.All rights reserved.

Material contained herein is intended forinformational purposes only. If you havemedical concerns, seek the guidance ofa healthcare professional.

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale

St. Joseph Memorial Hospital

Herrin Hospital

Center for Medical Arts

Miners Memorial Health Center

THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE fromSOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE

I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME YOU TOthe inaugural issue of Southern Illinois Health& Life, which focuses on some of the mostexciting advances and trends in healthcare.

Prepare to be inspired by the patient suc-cess stories documented candidly in these pages.In this issue, you’ll learn about our affiliationwith the nationally renowned RehabilitationInstitute of Chicago at Herrin Hospital, thededication of the physicians and nursing staffin our neonatal intensive care unit at MemorialHospital of Carbondale, the insights of theregion’s first-ever stroke neurologist, the hopea dynamic new plastic and reconstructive sur-geon offers patients, and more.

Our mission and values—respect, com-passion, collaboration, accountability, steward-ship, quality and integrity—are at the heart ofeach of these stories. At SIH, we have devel-oped a culture around high-quality care andexcellent patient satisfaction so that no matterwho is receiving care, they share the same greatexperience.

I hope you will join me in looking for-ward to additional issues of Southern IllinoisHealth & Life throughout the coming year, allfull of inspiring examples of the exemplaryhealthcare available to the residents of southernIllinois—right here in our own backyard.

A culture of quality

Sincerely,

REX P. BUDDE

President andChief Executive OfficerSouthern Illinois Healthcare,Carbondale, Illinois

Welcome LETTER

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

CEO-MAST_SIL_109_REV 10/14/09 3:39 PM Page 2

The percentage of kids between 5 and 17 who’ve never hada cavity in their permanent teeth.50

A better way tofight FEVER

In 1998, British researcher Andrew Wakefield reported

that 12 children had developed autism and gastroin-

testinal disorders after receiving the measles,

mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Theories abounded

that the vaccine caused a gastrointestinal inflamma-

tion, which in turn released toxins into the body that

led to autism. Terrified parents were left won-

dering whether immunization really was the

safer choice, but in 2008 a new study finally

put those fears to rest. After replicating Wakefield’s

study, pathologists from Columbia University, Massa-

chusetts General Hospital and the Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded there

was no link between these conditions and the MMR

shot, which is usually administered to 1-year-old

children. To do so, they examined 38 kids with

bowel ailments, 25 of whom also had autism.

They found that 20 of the autistic children were vaccinated after

they developed GI troubles, and that only one autistic child had

any trace of the measles virus. The CDC has long stressed the

importance of inoculation as a means of disease prevention,

and it seems more moms and dads are getting that

message: 77 percent of U.S. tots met all their vac-

cination requirements in 2007.

Vaccines—vindicated!

If separating your son from his MP3

player sounds like an impossible task,

you’ll want to invest in the AirDrives

for Kids headphones ($49.99; 1-888-220-

3650). The special patented design doesn’t

block ear canals, which means incoming

rock-’n’-roll sounds won’t damage hearing.

And because exterior noises are audible, your

child can always remain aware of his or her

surroundings. From crossing the street to

answering Mom’s mealtime summons, this safety-

conscious headset keeps kids connected to the

outside world. Sleek ear grips adjust in size for fit

and comfort, while the durable magnesium casing

makes them completely drop-proof.

Ear no evil

WEDNESDAYThat currently seems to be the mostpopular day of the week for babies to be born:Last year, 15.4 percent more births occurredon Wednesdays than on the average day.

Children’s Tylenol may tout

itself as “pediatricians’ first

choice,” but a new study

published in British Medical

Journal advocates giving a

feverish child ibuprofen

(Advil, Motrin) over

acetaminophen (Tylenol). The

study sought to determine if using these

drugs in combination was more effective

in reducing fever than administering either

one independently for children ages 6

months to 6 years with temperatures of 100

degrees or higher. They found that while the

combination did reduce fever more quickly

than did acetaminophen, it had no benefit

over ibuprofen alone. Side effects were similar

in all groups. Thus, the authors conclude,

parents who wish to “maximize the time that

children spend without fever should use

ibuprofen first,” and then consider using a

combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen

over 24 hours.

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A flashbulb-worthysmile is a great incentive, but here’sanother reason tokeep your whitespearly: Studies haveshown that poor den-tal hygiene can havedetrimental effectson overall health—and may even lead toheart attacks whenbacteria from themouth enters thebloodstream. Sobrush better with the Ultreoelectric toothbrush ($79.79;www.amazon.com), whichuses patented ultrasoundtechnology—a frequencyeven higher than that usedby sonic toothbrushes—andwave bristle movement toremove plaque, massagegums, whiten teeth andreduce gingivitis.

It seems your diet may affect more than just

your waistline: A recent study found that women

who minded their calories just before conceiving

were more likely to give birth to a girl than a boy.

Researchers from Britain’s Oxford and Exeter uni-

versities analyzed the calorie consumption of 740

first-time mothers before and during pregnancy.

They found that those with the highest pre-pregnancy

intakes had more boys; those with the lowest had

more girls. Investigators hypothesize that the reason is evolutionary:

Since males require more food after birth, our bodies may

have learned to produce girls when resources were scarce.

Get into shape Biggest Loser–style with trainer Jillian Michaels’ Making theCut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You ($14.95;Three Rivers Press). Our fave Michaels’ ab move:

Sit on the floor, your legs straight in front of you.Raise your legs to a 45-degree angle.

Let your torso fall back a bit, but keep your backstraight to make a V with your body.

Keep your arms in front of you for balance. Holdthe pose for 30 seconds.

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BRUSH SMARTER

Ab-fab

The number of extra calories you’ll consume per week if you treat yourself toa tall Starbucks latte daily. Cut it down to a more manageable 175 by drinkinga tall coffee with skim milk instead.1,050

Choose your baby’s sex—

with your meals?

1. Minneapolis/St. Paul/Bloomington, Minn.

2. Washington, D.C./Arlington,Va./Alexandria, Va.

3. San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland, Calif.

4. Denver/Aurora, Colo.

5. Boston/Cambridge/ Quincy, Mass.

–American Heart Association

Where women’s hearts are healthiest:

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Sculpt strong triceps with dive-bomber push-ups from

The U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition, by

the U.S. Navy ($14.95; Skyhorse Publishing).

Start in the leaning-rest position: Palms are flat on floor,with elbows fully extended and arms at right angles to the body. Legs

are spread 3 feet apart, toes touching the floor. Torso is lifted off theground and perpendicular to the floor, with the hips slightly lifted.

Bend your elbows to at least a 90-degree angle and lower your torsoand chest to the ground.

Extend elbows to raise first your chest off the floor, then your torso,until you’ve returned to starting leaning-rest position. Repeat.

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Warrior-worthy arms

BONUS: For a higher-intensity move, perform the same exercise while

supporting your weight on your fingertips instead of your palms.

Could a birth control pill for men soon

be on the horizon? Last year, an

Australian team reviewed 30 studies

regarding male hormonal contracep-

tion, in an effort to determine which for-

mulation,if any,would offer an effective,

safe, reversible form of birth control.

They discovered that a combination of

testosterone and progestin can safely

reduce sperm output to levels “comparable to that achieved after a vasec-

tomy,” said author Peter Liu—but not for all men.According to their report,

it was less effective in non-Caucasian men. Thus, the study notes, while

“considerable progress has been made,” more research is needed.

The hippest headphones today’sactive man can use while he’srollerblading, biking or just cruisingthe city streets? They just might bethe offerings of Swedish clothing

designer WeSC. To assureimpeccable sound quality,

check out the Bag Pipe(DJ Pro) model ($175),

which is available atwww.80spurple.com.

A diagnosis of metastaticprostate cancer gives littlereason to cheer, but a recentclinical trial offers hope formen with this condition. Lastyear researchers from theUniversity of Iowa reportedsuccess administering a vac-cine that allowed thesepatients to fight off the dis-ease. In the study, 32 menwho had advanced-stageprostate cancer were given acombination of adenovirusand prostate-specific anti-gen (PSA); 40 percent devel-oped immune responses toPSA, a protein whoserising levels are associ-ated with prostate can-cer, and 57 percentsurvived longer thanpredicted. A largerstudy is planned tosee if these findingsstand.

IN THE WORKS:a prostate-cancer

vaccine

‘THE PILL’FOR MEN?

Music to your ears

That’s the number of cosmetic procedures performed on men in 2007, according to the

American Society of Plastic Surgeons—an increase of 9 percent in seven years.1.1 million

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Get strong-armed

Snackto stay sharp?You already know that eating your veg-gies is key to keeping healthy. But, itseems, loading up on celery and greenpeppers could give you extra protectionagainst Alzheimer’s disease. That brainboost comes courtesy of luteolin, aflavonoid in these vegetables.Researchers at the University of Illinois atChampaign-Urbana found that the com-pound can ease neuroinflammation,which has been linked to age-relatedcognitive deficits, including thoseaccompanying Alzheimer’s. By disruptingthe cellular pathways that trigger aninflammatory response, luteolin has thepotential to preserve precious brain tis-sue, keeping your mental faculties intact.

GAME ON!Move over, Junior—it’s Grandmaand Grandpa’s turn on theNintendo! Meet Brain Age($18.49; www.amazon.com), avideo game for the portableNintendo DS aimed at older con-sumers. More than just fun, it’s aworkout for your mind, stimulatingblood flow to keep it healthy. As

you complete the men-tal tasks, the gamekeeps track of yourscore, or “brain age.”The faster and moreaccurately you play,the better yourranking—and the

sharper your thinking.

That’s the percentage of baby boomers in Maine’s population, the statewith the highest concentration of this age group. The lowest? Utah, at19.7 percent.

“The best gym in the world? You’re living in it.” So say Michael F. Roizen, M.D.,and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., in YOU: Staying Young ($26; FreePress). In thebook, the docs provide a host of strength moves you can do at home, noequipment required. Among them, the punching bag, which strengthensarms and shoulders:

Bring your arms and elbows to shoulder height,your hands clenched into fists that are facing eachother. Your knuckles are facing away from you.

Spin your hands around in a circle as far away fromyour chest as you can. Keep your shoulders relaxed,away from your ears.

Perform 20 repetitions in one direction, and then 20 repetitions in theopposite direction.

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BONUS: For a higher-intensity move, do an additional set double-time, balancing on your toes.

29.37

The secret to aging successfully? It just may be get-

ting a good night’s sleep. In a study at the University

of California at San Diego, researchers found that

subjects who took fewer daytime naps and reported

less nighttime insomnia fared best as they got older.

Trouble is, many seniors report getting less than the

optimal seven to eight hours of sound slumber a

night. To supercharge your shut-eye, doctors advise

establishing a regular sleep routine that includes

relaxing nighttime rituals like a warm bath. And if

you do feel the need to nap, keep the snooze to under

an hour and fit it in before 3 p.m.

Use that snooze

MAINE

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Health for Seniors

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YOU TRUST YOUR FAMILY’S CARE TO THESE

PROFESSIONALS—BUT DO YOU REALLY

KNOW WHAT THOSE LETTERS AFTER THEIR

NAMES MEAN? HERE, A PRIMER

PHYSICIANS: M.D. VS. D.O. Both Doctors of Medicine(M.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) arefully licensed physicians—they simply differ in philoso-phy. M.D.s treat specific symptoms and diseases usingmodern remedies; D.O.s (just 6 percent of all U.S. physi-cians) focus on the body as a whole and are trained to usehands-on “manipulative” therapy to ease pain and pro-mote healing, in addition to conventional treatments.DENTISTS: DMD VS. DDS Need a cavity drilled? Both

a Doctor of Dental Medicine(DMD) and Doctor of DentalSurgery (DDS) can perform thisand other general dentistry proce-dures because the two degrees areexactly equivalent. The title simplyvaries among dental universities.NONPHYSICIAN PROVIDERS: P.A.

VS. N.P. Both physician assistants(P.A.s) and nurse practitioners (N.P.s)have graduate degrees and performmany services once reserved for phy-sicians. P.A.s work with a physicianon the premises; they can prescribemedications, examine patients andeven assist in surgery. N.P.s, usuallyfound in primary care, have morepotential independence—unlikeP.A.s, they may practice by them-selves, and Illinois law permits themto prescribe under a physician’ssupervision. Of course, complexconditions should be seen by a doctor.EYE DOCTORS: OPTOMETRIST

VS. OPHTHALMOLOGIST Thesedoctors differ in education and scopeof services. Optometrists (O.D.s)attend a four-year college of optome-try and provide primary eye care (giv-ing eye exams, diagnosing some eyediseases and visual conditions, pre-scribing eyeglasses, performing minoreye surgery), while ophthalmologists

are medical-school graduates (M.D.s or D.O.s) who pro-vide total eye care, from eyeglass prescriptions to surgery.Often ophthalmologists and optometrists work in the samepractice, where optometrists handle more basic care whileophthalmologists tackle more complicated procedures.FELLOWS: This label can be confusing, as it has twomeanings. The first is a title given by a society or collegeto physicians who have passed a rigorous evaluation.Common designations include FACS (Fellow, AmericanCollege of Surgeons) and FACC (Fellow, AmericanCollege of Cardiology). The second refers to doctors whohave completed their residencies but are in the midst ofundergoing more-specialized training: a general surgeontraining to become a vascular surgeon, for example. ■

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b y F r a n c e s c a M o i s i n

“IF THE HUMAN BRAIN WERE SO SIMPLE THAT WEcould understand it, we would be so simple that we couldn’t,” said20th-century scientist Emerson M. Pugh—and indeed, our quest todecipher this most enigmatic of organs has been long and arduous. Butrecent developments have offered a wealth of new clues that experts

believe will have significant results. One of the most noteworthy new findings comes

from a decidedly unlikely source: the Quality PorkProcessors plant in Austin, Minnesota. It was conditionsthere that led scientists to identify an illness called pro-gressive inflammatory neuropathy (PIN)—a disorderthat offers unprecedented insight into how our bodiessometimes go to war against themselves.

Last year, 12 meatpackers at the plant began toexperience unusual fatigue, debilitating pain and numb-ness in their arms and legs. Investigating, Mayo Clinicresearchers concluded that these symptoms were probablycaused by the workers’ exposure to pig brain tissue.

“When those floating porcine particles wereinhaled, the workers’ immune systems immediatelyattacked the foreign substances, which they perceived asharmful,” explains John W. Henson, M.D., AssociateProfessor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School andscience editor of www.AAN.com, the American Academyof Neurology website. But instead of stopping there, thesystems went on to attack the workers’ own nerve tissue as

RESEARCH POINTS TO NEW WEAPONS AGAINST

DISEASES LIKE ALZHEIMER’S AND PARKINSON’S

UnlockingSECRETS

Physicist Albert Einstein’s

brain was studiedafter his death for clues to his

genius. CO

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they do in other autoimmune diseases. Ironically, geneticsimilarities between pigs and humans may have trig-gered their response, says Frances Dyro, M.D., Directorof the Neuromuscular Section of WestchesterMedical Center’s Department of Neurology.“This is very unusual,” says Dr. Dyro, “but itgives us an idea of how the immune and nervoussystems can interact with foreign proteins.”

PIN was thus found to be a brand-newcousin to illnesses such as lupus, multiple scle-rosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis. And itsdiscovery may spur the eventual developmentof better treatments for those illnesses (as wellas safer pork processing methods).

Says Dr. Henson: “The findings offerfresh insight into how the human nervous andimmune systems work together—something

we’ve known little about. PIN gives us a unique oppor-tunity to study an autoimmune disease in its entirety.”

Breakthrough therapies have also made waves inthe neurology community—in particular a gene therapyprocedure that accomplished the seemingly impossible:restoring vision to the sightless.

“Researchers found a way to combine geneticswith neurology for patients suffering from a rare condi-tion called Leber’s congenital amaurosis, in which aperson’s sight deteriorates from birth until he or she iscompletely blind by adolescence,” says Guy McKhann,M.D., Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience atJohns Hopkins University in Baltimore and coauthor ofKeep Your Brain Young: The Complete Guide to Physicaland Emotional Health and Longevity.

In a University of Pennsylvania study last year, sixvolunteers with this malady were injected with millionsof copies of a working gene beneath the retina of oneeye. Vision was restored to four of them, and none expe-rienced any serious side effects.

Given that the retina is part of the central nervoussystem, explains Dr. McKhann, “the innovation is strik-ing, because the same treatment methodology could nowtheoretically also be applied to curing other neurologicaldiseases, including the big ones—Parkinson’s andAlzheimer’s. All the advances we’ve made in geneticsmay finally start paying off.”

Scientists are also abuzz about new Alzheimer’sresearch involving the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor(atorvastatin). For a recent study dubbed LEADe(Lipitor’s Effect in Alzheimer’s Dementia) they’dhypothesized that lowering cholesterol might halt theprogression of the disease, so 320 patients with mild tomoderate Alzheimer’s were given Lipitor for 18 months,

while another 320 sufferers took a placebo.“Although results proved that Lipitor

did not dramatically slow memory deteriora-tion, there was a ray of light,” says Dr.Henson: MRI scans of the patients’ brainsshowed that those on Lipitor had less atro-phy in the hippocampus, the brain area thatregulates short-term memory and one of thefirst regions to suffer in Alzheimer’s patients.

“Thus, the drugs did have an effect,”says Dr. Henson. “Perhaps the dosage wasn’tcorrect, or this wasn’t the ideal agent, but itshowed that a cholesterol-lowering medicationmay one day be used to cure Alzheimer’s.”

The average adult humanbrain weighs

approximately 3 pounds.

Neurologists

offer these tips for

staying in tip-top

mental shape:

EXERCISE: “What’s

good for the heart is

good for the brain,”

says Guy McKhann,

M.D., Professor of

Neurology and Neuro-

science at Johns

Hopkins University.

Physical activity

increases blood flow,

nourishing brain cells.

EAT RIGHT: There’s no magic diet—“If we had one food for

optimum neurological health, everyone would eat it!” says Dr.

McKhann—but a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fresh pro-

duce and low-fat dairy and meat products is beneficial.

DON’T SMOKE: Brain health is one more reason to shun the

habit, doctors say, because smoking endangers the heart and

thus the brain’s blood supply.

AVOID DRUGS: ”Do not use cocaine, amphetamines or similar

drugs,” says Bhargava A. Trivedi, M.D., a stroke neurologist at

Trinity Neuroscience Institute in Carbondale, Ill. “They top the list

of causes of stroke among young people.”

GET REGULAR PHYSICALS: “If you have high blood pressure,

obesity, diabetes or high lipids in your blood, control of these

factors is paramount to prevent stroke,” adds Dr. Trivedi.

Keep your brain healthy

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DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION (DBS). In this treat-ment, electrodes surgically implanted in the brain trans-mit electrical impulses to different regions. DBS hasbeen used for more than 15 years to treat conditionssuch as Parkinson’s disease, but just last year, Europeanresearch showed that Alzheimer’s sufferers who receivedDBS for reasons unrelated to the disease displayedunexpected improvements in memory.

“That’s not too surprising, in a way, because DBSreaches into brain structures that make up the limbicsystem, which supports emotions, behavior, smell andlong-term memory,” says Jon Taveau, D.O., a neurosur-geon at Trinity Neuroscience Institute in Carbondale.“It affects the endocrine (hormone) system, the auto-nomic nervous system, and centers in the brain that con-trol addictive behavior and satiation. For that reason,DBS may someday be used to treat drug addiction orobesity. But there is a long way to go before we have a

comprehensive understanding of the effects of such‘neuromodulation’ on the brain.”STOPPING MS BEFORE IT STARTS. Multiple scle-rosis attacks the nervous system, causing numbness ofthe limbs and sometimes paralysis. But new treatmentsare available today. Recently there was good news abouta decade-old drug called Copaxone (glatiramer acetate).Says John W. Henson, M.D., Associate Professor of Neu-rology at Harvard Medical School: “It was shown toreduce by 50 percent the incidence of developing full MSin people who experience an early MS-style episode.” CURING ILLS WITH STEM CELLS. Finally, thereare stem cells—those controversial cells that have theability to develop into many different tissue types in thebody. “This topic will be bigger and more important inthe coming decade, as scientists learn how to use stem cellsto cure degenerative diseases, brain tumors and a host ofother neurological conditions,” says Dr. Henson. ■

THE ADVANCES JUST DESCRIBED WILL SPUR NEW RESEARCH IN THE YEARS TO COME, BUT OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN

NEUROLOGY ARE ALSO LIKELY TO MAKE HEADLINES. AMONG THOSE THAT MOST EXCITE EXPERTS IN THE FIELD ARE:

YOUR BRAIN’S GEOGRAPHYThis map shows key parts of the brain and what functions they’re responsible for.

PARIETAL LOBE:controls visual attention, touchperception (taste, pressure,pain, heat, cold), manipulationof objects, integration of different senses that allows for understanding of a singleconcept, orientation, recognition

OCCIPITAL LOBE:controls vision, receives andprocesses visual information

TEMPORAL LOBE:controls hearing ability,memory acquisition,smell, categorization of objects, speech

FRONTAL LOBE:controls motor activityand integration of muscle activity, speech,thought processes (reasoning, planning,problem solving),emotions

CEREBELLUM:controls coordination of voluntary movement, balanceand equilibrium, some memory for reflex motor acts.Contains:> Thalamus: controls sensoryand motor functions> Hypothalamus: controls emo-tion, thirst, hunger, circadianrhythms, control of the autonomic nervous system> Amygdala: controls memory,emotion, fear> Hippocampus: controls the conversion of short-termmemory to permanent memory

BRAIN STEM:the oldest and most primitive part of the brain,continuous with the spinal cord. Contains: >Medulla oblongata: controls vital body functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood vessels, digestionand respiration>Pons: controls heart rate, motor skills, digestion,respiration

ON THE HORIZON

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passenger side of Shasteen’s car, ripping from its bracethe driver’s seat she was buckled into. The impact lefther pinned near the back of the car, and it took nearly anhour for emergency personnel to free her from thewreckage.

“Oh my God, she went that long without anycare!” says her mother, Delores “Dee” Arnsmeyer.

One of the personnel heard Shasteen say just afew words before she was removed from the car—hermom’s name and one of her sisters’ names, Teresa.

And then she was silent—for weeks.Shasteen spent the next five weeks in an

Indianapolis hospital, in a coma.“If you saw the car, you wouldn’t know how she

could have survived,” Arnsmeyer says. “But they can’ttell me miracles don’t happen, because I’ve seen it. Withall the great care she received, with her determination


AT 39, CARLA SHASTEEN HAS DECADES OFmemories yet to create. The Herrin resident says she willpick up her love for quilting again soon. She’ll sit in thestands and watch her favorite baseball team, the St.Louis Cardinals, put a whipping on rivals Chicago orMilwaukee. And she’ll see the northern lights when shefinally takes a dream trip to Alaska.

These days, Shasteen has much to smile about—but a few months ago it looked as if her infectious smilemight never be seen again. On January 7, as she wascompleting her day as a fabric saleswoman for BlankQuilting, Shasteen was behind the wheel of her SaturnIon just south of Indianapolis when it slid on a patch ofice she couldn’t see on the country road, spinningaround on a bridge. She couldn’t control the car, and thedriver of a Ford Explorer heading straight towards herhad the same problem. The Explorer slammed into the

Miraclecomeback

EXCELLENT CARE AND HER OWN

SPIRITED PERSEVERANCE HELP A

QUILTING ENTHUSIAST RECOVER

FROM A NEAR-FATAL AUTO ACCIDENT

Clinical Update

Clinical_Update_SIH_109_REV.1 10/14/09 3:20 PM Page 24

pushed me to get better. And I admit I wasn’t always thebest patient, but I kept saying to myself that I didn’t wantto be an invalid. I wanted to walk again.”

“Every time I see her, she improves,” says Dr.Glennon. “She kept her eyes on the prize and workedhard. The staff is excited to see her progress. And it’s atestament to the entire staff that she’s in the place she is.”

Her primary physical therapist was Ida Caro andher primary occupational therapist was Keith Thomas.

“Patients recover faster when families are there tohelp and encourage,” says Caro. “Carla couldn’t domuch her first two weeks here; she couldn’t get up fromthe bed. By the third week, she wouldn’t stop trying towalk farther and farther.”

A schedule of speech, physical and occupationaltherapy was gradually extendedto 20 and 30 minutes per sessionseveral times each day. It went sowell that by the fourth weekShasteen kept walking down thehallway at Herrin’s facilityalone, unbeknownst to her ther-apist, who had his back turnedfor a moment.

“That was a lot of fun,leaving him behind,” Shasteensays with a smile.


and with God’s help, I’ve got her back.”For those gut-wrenching five weeks, her family

and friends were told the chances of Shasteen’s survivalwere slim. Her severe brain trauma led to three strokes.She’d also suffered a broken arm, five broken ribs and apunctured lung.

Within 10 days at the Indiana hospital, Arns-meyer was advised to consider removing life support. “Ijust couldn’t do that,” the mom says. “I knew she was afighter. But we also were told she could come back like acomplete child, or very angry—all sorts of changes couldoccur with that type of brain injury.”

Yet as she slowly began to regain consciousness,Shasteen began a road to recovery that still surprisesTerrence Glennon, M.D., her physiatrist (doctor whospecializes in physical medicine)at the facility to which she wasfinally moved—Herrin Hospital’sAcute Rehabilitation Center.

By the time she was trans-ferred, she still had not walked astep or spoken more than a fewwords. “She still had a lot of painand was scared to move because ofher injuries, and 20 to 30 secondswas her attention span at first,”recalls Tracy Dalton, who alongwith Mike Murphy gave herspeech therapy. “Carla responded verywell. We worked in very basic, 20- to 30-second increments at first, because that’sall we could do. I knew she would be agreat patient because everyone said sheenjoys life, she had her family by her sideconstantly and she had a great will.”

“There’s no single predictor ormeasurement one can apply, with signifi-cant brain trauma, for what will happenwith a patient,” says Dr. Glennon. “ButCarla beat all of our expectations.”

Shasteen is the first to say herrecovery is a product of the excellent careshe received and the love and support ofher mom, family and friends, as well asthe fight she personally showed.

“The therapy I received in Herrinwas incredible,” Shasteen says. “Everyone

“Everyone pushed meto get better. And I keptsaying to myself that Ididn’t want to be aninvalid. I wanted to

walk again.”

—Carla Shasteen

Carla Shasteen

and Terrence

Glennon, M.D.

c o n t i n u e d


“We feel very satisfied with her progress,” saysThomas, impressed. “And her love of quilting helped herget her confidence back.”

That passion had taken shape during Shasteen’sformative years at fashion design school in FortLauderdale, Florida. And the hand and arm movementsneeded for quilting helped therapists work withShasteen as she progressed nicely through treatment.

When the accident occurred, Shasteen had beendeveloping a fabric design pattern that experts saidwould make a national splash—and she has her sightsset on submitting it sometime soon.

Now living at home with her mother in Herrin,Shasteen continues her recovery, which will take abouttwo years. She is able to walk on her own, but her activ-ities are still limited. She has, however, already taken atest drive with her sister, Teresa, at the Herrin HighSchool football field parking lot.

“I was ready, and I did it,” she says, beaming thattrademark Carla smile. And as for those things she stillanticipates—watching the Cards, seeing the northernlights—she says, “I plan to do them all.” ■


A HIGH-RANKING REHAB FACILITYRehabilitation services offered at the Acute Rehabilitation

Center at Herrin Hospital, part of Southern Illinois

Healthcare (SIH), have consistently ranked high in patient

outcomes.

Typical stays at Herrin’s facility are shorter than state and

national averages, and the extent to which a patient

improves also eclipses state and national figures.

Part of SIH’s strength has been its affiliation with the undis-

puted national leader in care, the Rehabilitation Institute of

Chicago, of which it’s been a partner for 13 years, says Jim

Osborn, executive director of rehabilitation services.

“They are the rehabilitation hospital—ranked No. 1 in the

U.S. by U.S. News & World Report since 1991—so they

know it inside and out and we benefit from their expertise

with special service training here as well as special programs

at other locations,” he says.

Prior to the center’s startup in Herrin, there were no other

acute rehab centers in southern Illinois. Some 6,000

patients, including Carla Shasteen (see accompanying arti-

cle), have benefited from the program.

“The thing about rehabilitation is that patients tend to do

better when they are closer to home, with family and friends

nearby who are able to take part in the process as well,”

Osborn explains.

The Acute Rehabilitation Center has 29 beds, and SIH also

operates outpatient programs in Carbondale, Murphysboro,

Anna and Herrin. About 150 people make up SIH’s rehabili-

tation services team.

Clinical Update



here are parents, and they understand what parents aregoing through when their child is in the NICU. Thatelevates the care.”

Maternal Child Director Cindy Frenkel has beenat the hospital since 1973 and has seen great changes inneonatal care. MHC’s unit now is a Level 2-Plus facility,the highest-rated unit in southern Illinois, and it cares forchildren born as early as 28 weeks into pregnancy.

About 300 newborns each year require NICUcare, Frenkel says. The unit includes 13 beds, and theaverage stay is about nine days. “When we started theNICU, babies seemed to do much better because theydidn’t have to receive care two hours away in St. Louisor somewhere else,” she says. “Bonding time is impor-tant for families at that stage.”

Besides being a great service for southern Illinoisfamilies, the unit is a recruitment tool. “Having theseservices available here means physicians aren’t shippingall of their patients to St. Louis or other places,” addsFrenkel. “It has allowed us to recruit a lot of obstetricians.”

As for the Keiths, the NICU gave them suchpeace of mind after A.J.’s care that they knew Abbywould be in good hands when she was born. “The peo-ple in the unit helped us feel confident and competentabout taking care of our premature son,” says Jeremy.“Our children were in absolutely the best place.” ■

THESE DAYS THE HOME OF ALISON ANDJeremy Keith is filled with fun and laughter, thanks to 3-year-old A.J. and nearly 2-year-old Abby.

“Believe me, there is never a dull moment,” saystheir mom, a Southern Illinois University–Carbondalegraduate and former SIUC softball pitcher.

“They are constantly on the move, doing all kindsof things, but at night they sleep and sleep,” she adds.“We joke that when we have our next children, we’llwant them to be in the care of the NICU [neonatal inten-sive care unit] nurses because they swaddled our firsttwo and they sleep right through the night all the time.”

The NICU at Memorial Hospital of Carbondalereceives double rave reviews from the Keiths: Both A.J.and Abby were premature babies who required earlyspecial attention there.

“We can’t say enough about all of the nurses atNICU,” says Alison Keith. “We saw how they cared forour children and all the others—they’re a wonderfulgroup of professionals.”

When A.J. was born August 29, 2006, about fiveweeks premature, he needed an eight-day stay in theNICU. “I literally cried every day,” his mom recalls. “Noone could find the reason why he was premature, andwhen it’s your first baby, you want everything to goright.” A.J. developed jaundice during his stay, and hestopped eating for a bit. If not for MHC’s unit, theKeiths would have been forced to seek care for A.J. faraway.

Abby was born December 29, 2007, about sixweeks premature, and required an 18-day stay in theNICU, which is led by neonatologists Sheila Owens-Collins, M.D., and Timothy Pappoe, M.D.

“One of the things that stand out about ourNICU is that its people are extremely dedicated,” saysDr. Pappoe. “There is a bond that forms, making it dif-ferent from a typical hospital stay. Most of the people

WHEN BABIES ARRIVE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE,

THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT GIVES

FAMILIES PEACE OF MIND

Special care forpreemies

Clinical_Update_SIH_109_v10.sl 10/7/09 1:42 PM Page 27

The best-for-youparty picks

THINK YOU CAN SPOT THE

HEALTHIEST SOIRÉE SELECTIONS?

TAKE OUR QUIZ AND SEE!

WHAT TO WEAR ISN’T YOUR ONLY DILEMMAwhen attending a dinner party. You’ll also encounter a host ofdelicious—and often calorie-filled—courses. Which choicewill be kindest on your waistline? Circle the answers youthink are correct, then check our key to discover how muchyou really know about your favorite party foods!

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PartyPicks_SIH_109_REV 10/14/09 3:20 PM Page 2

1. 2 tablespoons of crab dip OR 2 tablespoons of guacamole?

2. 1 cup of mashed potatoes OR 1 large plain baked potato?

3. 1 serving of meat lasagna OR 1 serving of penne with vodka sauce?

4. 2 cocktail meatballs OR 2 deviled egg halves?

5. 2 cubes of smoked gouda cheese OR 2 mini mozzarella balls?

6. 6 ounces of filet mignon OR 1 serving (9 ounces) of chicken marsala?

7. 1 cup of rice pilaf OR 1 cup of creamed spinach?

8. 3 ounces of honey-baked ham OR 3 ounces of roasted turkey?

9. 1 tossed salad with 2 tablespoons ranchdressing OR 1 hard dinner roll?

10. 1 slice of pecan pie OR 1 piece of chocolate cake with frosting?

11. 1 bowl of vanilla ice cream (1⁄2 cup) OR 2 chocolate chip cookies?

12. 1 serving of lemon sorbet (1⁄2 cup) OR 3 chocolate-covered strawberries?

13. 1 grilled salmon fillet (5 ounces) OR 1 pork loin (5 ounces)?

14. 1 cup of fried calamari OR 1 serving (6 pieces) of fried oysters?

15. 1 ounce of pretzels OR 1 ounce of veggie chips?

HOW’D YOU FARE? 0–5 CORRECT: Those mysterious extra pounds that justhappen to appear whenever your calendar books up justgot a little less mysterious. But fear not, social butterfly:Use this quiz and check upon the calorie counts of otherparty favorites to make healthier selections in the future.

6–11 CORRECT: Your impressive knowledge has likelysaved you from more than a few party-food pitfalls, butthere’s always room for improvement. Do you easily spotthe healthy appetizers and entrées but face confusion withtantalizing desserts—or vice versa? Whatever the case,brushing up on your nutrition facts will serve you well atyour next soirée.

12–15 CORRECT: Bravo! You’ve successfully pinpointedthe lighter fare with remarkable astuteness, so you canleave a party without the slightest tinge of guilt and uncer-tainty—as long as you listen to that intuition. That way,you’ll be sure to enjoy a happy and healthy social life. ■

ANSWERS:

(3 ounces of roasted turkey: 176 calories)

9.1 dinner roll: 167 calories (tossed salad with ranch dressing: 181 calories)

10.1 piece of chocolate cake with frosting: 235 calories(1 slice of pecan pie: 452 calories)

11.1⁄2cup of vanilla ice cream: 145 calories (2 chocolate chip cookies: 156 calories)

12.3 chocolate-covered strawberries: 123 calories(1⁄2cup of lemon sorbet: 140 calories)

13.1 pork loin: 200 calories(1 grilled salmon fillet: 250 calories)

14.1 cup of fried calamari: 300 calories(1 serving of fried oysters: 368 calories)

15.1 ounce of pretzels: 110 calories(1 ounce of veggie chips: 120 calories)

1. 2 tablespoons of guacamole: 50 calories(2 tablespoons of crab dip: 95 calories)

2.1 cup of mashed potatoes: 237 calories(1 large plain baked potato: 278 calories)

3.1 serving of meat lasagna: 400 calories(1 serving of penne with vodka sauce: 842 calories)

4.2 cocktail meatballs: 75 calories(2 deviled egg halves: 98 calories)

5.2 mini mozzarella balls: 140 calories(2 cubes of gouda: 200 calories)

6.6 ounces of filet mignon: 350 calories(1 serving of chicken marsala: 373 calories)

7.1 cup of creamed spinach: 140 calories(1 cup of rice pilaf: 220 calories)

8. 3 ounces of honey-baked ham: 125 calories


Healthy Living

PartyPicks_SIH_109_v1 10/7/09 1:47 PM Page 3

LATE ENGLISH POET ALFRED AUSTIN ONCEsaid, “Show me your garden and I shall tell you whatyou are.” Indeed, what you grow and how you arrangethe little slice of nature that is your garden is noinsignificant matter. Japanese gardens in particularembody more than mere horticultural preference—thenatural, minimalist forms reflect a way of life, and canbe the perfect retreat for those who enjoy leisurely sip-ping green tea and meditating on questions withoutanswers.

Whereas Western gardens are characterized bygeometrically planted trees and awe-inspiring blooms,Japanese gardens instead aim to mimic nature in all itsasymmetric, often unassuming beauty. Symbolismplays a large role; the ancient Japanese believed that aplace surrounded by rocks was inhabited by gods, while

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moats and streams were thought to protect sacredground.

“Japanese gardens are very playful,” says NathanSchofer, landscape designer at Plant Specialists inLong Island City, N.Y. “They use tricks to get you tointeract with the garden. Unlike a Western garden,where you’re made to feel a command over nature, aJapanese garden makes you feel a part of it.”

Creating an environment that encourages suchinterplay is not as daunting as it may sound, and thereare many options for homeowners looking to incorpo-rate Japanese aesthetic style. You might choose a rockgarden, tea garden, Zen garden or water garden—eachof which has its own conventions. Over their 1,500-yearhistory, Japanese gardens have embraced many decora-tive elements, including ponds, gazebos, bridges and

ZenJAPANESE GARDENS OFFER A REFRESHING ANTIDOTE

TO A BUSY WORLD

Say


ZenGarden_SIH_109_REV.1 10/14/09 3:18 PM Page 36

stone lanterns. With time (andinspiration), you’ll be able tocreate an atmosphere con-ducive to quiet introspection.Here’s how to start mappingyour private nirvana.A SOOTHING FLOW.Whether you’d prefer a foun-tain, a meandering stream or akoi pond, water is an integralpart of Japanese gardens. Thesound of a cascading waterfallgoes a long way toward muf-fling the unsettling back-ground noise of everyday life.A simple yet elegant option isto build a bamboo fountainthat flows into a stone basin.If you decide to incorporatewater into your garden, be sure to include a properlyinstalled pump and filter—moving water keeps itselfclean and prevents mosquitoes from breeding.GREEN WITH SERENITY. Strive for various shades ofgreen and a variety of textures: smooth mosses, perkyferns, austere pines. Some landscaping favorites areazaleas, lily turf, Japanese red and black pines and (forgroundcover) dichondria and creeping jenny. Takespecial care, also, to choose plants of varying height;the eye should be drawn to all corners of the garden. A TOUCH OF ZEN. One of the most recogniz-able Japanese gardens is the most abstract form,where white sand represents flowing water androcks represent mountains or waterfalls. Thesesimple, waterless landscapes, called karesansui, areheavily influenced by the principles of ZenBuddhism.

Even if you don’t opt for a full-blown incar-nation of the dry garden, you might considerincluding some smaller-scale homage to the form.What appears to be sand is actually crushed granite(about 2 millimeters in diameter), and comes inshades of white and beige. If the area gets a lot ofsun, a darker granite is preferable to avoid a poten-tially blinding glare. The large stones used in a Zengarden will serve as the landscape’s focal point;rock islands are often built to resemble a tortoise orcrane, both symbols of longevity in Japan.

DECORATIVE CHARM.Bridges are a wonderfulornamental addition. ManyJapanese gardens feature ayatsuhashi—a narrow bridgeconstructed in eight sectionswith several sharp turns.The bridge’s slender spanand sudden bends force visi-tors to proceed slowly, allow-ing time to contemplate thesmall, often hidden beautyin the world. Another classicJapanese design element,stone lanterns, traces its ori-gins to the gardens’ use intea ceremonies. Experimentwith putting tea lights insideyour lantern as the sun sets

to create an enchanting aura of tranquility.A SEPARATE PEACE. However you decide to sculptyour garden, the most important point is to reserve aspace for yourself—somewhere you can go to forgetabout life’s petty annoyances. Place a table and chairsin your favorite nook, and retreat there when you’refeeling overwhelmed. ■

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OPPOSITE, lanterns are hallmarks of a tea garden.

ABOVE, sand represents water; rocks signify land in

this Zen garden. BELOW, Want water? Try a koi pond.


In Bloom

ZenGarden_SIH_109_REV.1 10/14/09 3:19 PM Page 37

The Caribbean: unplugged

ESCAPES

Anguilla_SIH_109_v2 10/8/09 12:35 PM Page 58

LOW IN PROFILE BUT HIGH ON ISLAND CHARM, ANGUILLA

REMAINS A LARGELY UNKNOWN PARADISE

MANY TRAVELERS BELIEVE THERE ARE NO more secrets left in the Caribbean. Reel off a long list ofSaint Something-or-Others and to each one you’ll get acool, “Been there, done that.” Somehow, though, Anguillahas managed to maintain a level of anonymity that beliesits breathtaking beauty and star power. With shimmeringturquoise water and serene, powdery beaches, we discov-ered this slice of the Caribbean to be largely unspoiled—arare find indeed. Whitewashed Moorish architecture givesthe island a wondrously exotic feel, like a transplantedCasablanca in the sea.

Among Anguilla’s handful of exclusive resorts, afew can cost upwards of $40,000 per week. We wanted lux-ury, but weren’t quite ready to break the bank to thatdegree, and thus opted for Cap Juluca, where a junior suite

runs approximately $1,300 per night and includes a dailycontinental breakfast, shuttle service between facilities,free tennis clinics and a number of supervised children’sprograms.

Cap Juluca’s buildings lie on a milelong stretch ofbeach along Maundays Bay on the island’s southwesternend. One of the vacation’s simple pleasures was openingthe dark, Brazilian walnut doors every morning and peer-ing through the terrace’s pristine-white archways to theazure sea beyond. Cap Juluca abounds with such under-stated luxuries, from resort staffers who periodically bringbeachgoers a cold moist towel to the black lacquer box thatarrives on your patio each morning overflowing with suc-culent fresh fruit. Relaxation is at a premium.

With that in mind, we chose to embrace the resort’s

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extensive menu of spa and wellness programs. The servicesare seemingly endless: from facials and aromatherapy toshiatsu massage and volcanic clay body masks. There arecouples and prenatal massages as well as group yoga andtai chi. If none of these sound appealing, well, you proba-bly need a massage more than you’re willing to admit.

Treatments are divided into three categories, fromlight-to-moderate pressure (group one) to more intensetherapies designed for hardier souls (group three). Webegan with the reflexology—a group two selection inwhich specific points in the feet are manipulated—and canattest that it was one of the best foot massages we’ve everhad. On the other hand, the lomi-lomi massage, fromgroup one, was far more intense than expected. Based ontechniques of Hawaiian Kahuna healing, in which theforearms create rhythmic strokes, the 90-minute treatmentwasn’t the feel-good session we anticipated, and at timesactually hurt.

We’d heard that spas had begun carving out niches

by offering New Age–style treatments, and indeed CapJuluca hosts a mind-body-spirit program one week eachmonth. Among the services are astrology, transpersonalwork and shamanic healing. Initially skeptical, we’ddecided to keep an open mind. After all, this was a five-starresort, not some storefront psychic. As it turned out, thesesessions were the highlight of the treatments we received.

Astrologist Hubert Delamotte, a genialFrenchman with a waxed mustache, had studied the timeand place of our birth before the session. His commentswere insightful rather than predictive. And Diana Bourel,who seemed more like a sister than a transpersonal thera-pist, was amazingly accurate in identifying life issues thatperhaps we hadn’t wanted to face. Through a variety ofmind-body techniques, she gently prodded us to deal withunfinished business. Most amazing of all, however, was oursession with shaman Thierry Liot. Using crystals, gem-stones and essential oils, Liot manipulated different pointsin the body to free blocked energy. During the session, hepinpointed personal, traumatic issues he simply could nothave known about. His accuracy was uncanny, and as heworked, we sincerely felt the trauma being released, causinga true physical sensation that bought on tears.

Awakening one’s soul can be draining, and whatbetter way to celebrate newfound enlightenment than withsome serious beach relaxation? Until visiting Cap Juluca,

don’t miss this Shoal Bay Scuba runs PADI

certification for those looking to experience Anguilla’s

underwater glory. It’s located at Kú hotel (1-800-869-

5827; www.shoalbayscuba.com), and a three-day open

water certification course costs $375.

Scenery meets serenity with Cap

Juluca’s yoga by the sea.

A Caribbean kayak excursion

offers close-up views of the

azure blue water.


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Anguilla_SIH_109_REV.2 10/15/09 10:34 AM Page 60

in the Caribbean. In a way, Anguilla offers the best elements of an

island getaway without the drawbacks. In some Caribbeanspots, there’s a sense that locals view tourists with coolaloofness. Here, the positive vibrations are authentic.Everyone is quick with a “good morning,” and the upbeatattitude works wonders on your psyche. Even if you bringback just a small slice of Anguillan amity in your carry-on,you’ll be better off than you were at the start. ■

we never truly knew what lounging meant. Here, one caneasily lay claim to a beach chair and not stir until sunset.When hunger strikes, you simply raise a little service flagand a personal attendant magically appears. The staff,most of whom have worked at Cap Juluca for more than adecade, go out of their way to please. One afternoon, ourbeach attendant went on his lunch break and casuallyasked if he could bring anything back for us. We had a sud-den craving in the interim and ordered, prompting awounded look upon his return. “Why didn’tyou tell me you were hungry?” he asked.

Don’t be misled: There are plenty ofalternatives for travelers hoping to fight theseductive lure of daiquiri-induced inertia.The resort package includes a variety of watersports, including sailing, windsurfing andwater skiing. There are also snorkeling excur-sions to Prickly Pear Cay, where parrot fish,Sergeant Majors, trigger fish and other color-ful sea creatures dart from reef to reef. Half-day excursions cost $65 per person, full-daytrips are $125 and include lunch and drinks. Anguilla is atop-tier diving destination and is especially well-known forits intentionally sunk shipwrecks.

Avid golfers who have avoided Anguilla in the pastno longer have any excuse: The Greg Norman–designedTemenos Golf Club, which opened in late 2006, is avail-able to the public. The course’s first hole offers a spectacu-lar panoramic view of Saint Maarten and the surroundingsea, and promises to be one of the finest 18-hole tracks

A shady terrace offers panoramic views

and a respite from the sun.

tables to tryPIMMS (264-497-6666) Considered

Cap Juluca’s top restaurant, Pimms

features swoon-worthy French-Asian

cuisine a few steps from the

Caribbean Sea. Not convinced? Try

the tuna and scallop tartar with but-

terflied tomato, seaweed salad and,

yes, beluga caviar.

ZARA’S (264-497-3229) Those look-

ing to dine in style but not break

the bank should check out this cre-

ative nook, located poolside at the Allamanda Beach Club.

Charismatic chef Shamash Brooks serves Italian fare with

Caribbean flair, including inspired creations such as the “Rasta

Pasta” and what some have called the “best lobster in Anguilla.”

UNCLE ERNIE’S (264-497-3907) This open-air beach hangout on

Shoal Bay East is a local favorite. A dish of jerk chicken or bar-

becue ribs is a reasonable $6, and a cold bottle of Red Stripe can

be had for $3. Live music plays constantly, either from Ernie’s or

Madeariman Reef next door.


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Household safety, A–ZTwenty-one million. That’s the number of yearly healthcare visits directly attributable to

home injuries—many of them from sources you’d never suspect. From paper shredders to

jumper cables to lint, danger is lurking in many unexpected places, but thankfully, most injuries

can be easily prevented. Read on for an alphabetical guide to keeping your abode injury-free.

ALUMINUM COOKWARE—or stainless-steelcookware with an aluminum core—may meltwhen placed empty or nearly empty on high

heat. The melted aluminum can then driponto skin, resulting in burns.

BLEACH mixed with cleaningproducts can create toxicfumes. Combining these sub-

stances produces chlorine-activecompounds and releases chlorinegas, which can cause acute lung dam-age. Use the products separately andrinse between applications.

CHILD-RESISTANT LOCKS shouldbe installed on any cabinet that contains med-ications, matches, lighters or cleaning supplies

and is within reach of little ones.

DRILLS can cause fire, electric shock and injury ifused improperly. Wear safety goggles and avoidloose-fitting clothing (oversize sleeves can get

caught around the drill). Don’t touch the bit after usesince the piece may be hot and can cause severe burns.

ELECTRICAL CORDS should be regularly in-spected for damage. Never nail or tack the cords,

and do not store them under heavyobjects, as excessive pressure may lead to overheating and anelectrical fire.

FIVE-GALLON BUCKETS should be kept on coun-tertops when full, to prevent any risk of drowning.Young children, looking in or grabbing for suds,

may end up headfirst underwater.

GASOLINE CONTAINERS should be filled toonly 95 percent capacity in order to allow forheat expansion. Store in a cool, well-ventilated

area, away from sources of ignition. When filling up,never carry portable gasoline containers in the trunk of

a car because escaping vapors can easily ignite.

HEDGE TRIMMERS powered by electricity cancause hearing damage and eye injury from flyingdebris. Always wear earplugs and protective

eyeglasses when operating these devices.

ICE PATCHES are likely to form on the ground outsideyour home if gutters and downspouts becomeclogged with leaves, branches and other debris. To

prevent slips and falls, install guards on gutters to keepthem clear and have salt on hand in case ice patchesdo develop.

JUMPER CABLES that spark near a car’sbattery can cause the battery toexplode. (Car batteries contain

highly flammable hydrogen gas.)Take care not to reverse thejumper connection or touchthe cables’ ends together.

KEROSENE HEATERScan help supply warmth during a power outage,but can cause fires if used improperly. Accidents

can result from using gasoline instead of kerosene in theheater, inadequately ventilating the space or spilling thekerosene indoors. Be sure to keep kerosene in a clearlymarked container, use only in well-ventilated areas andrefill the heater outdoors.

LINT BUILDUP in the dryer or exhaust duct canblock the flow of air and cause excessive heat and,potentially, a fire. Be sure to clean the lint filter

before and after each load. Replace plastic or foil ductmaterial (which can trap lint) with a corrugated semirigidmetal duct, which maximizes airflow.

MAGNETS, often found in children’s toys likebuilding sets and jewelry, can cause intesti-nal perforations and blockages if they are in-

gested. Carefully inspect toys for missing pieces andthrow away any loose magnets. Keep toys with magnetic

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pieces away from children under 6 years old.

NONSKID SURFACES can help prevent falls onwooden decks, basement floors and steps.Create one by applying an acrylic paint with rub-

ber particles.

OVERLOADED ELECTRICAL SOCKETS are athigh risk for overheating and producing anelectrical fire. Use an extension cord only when

needed and return to the “one plug per socket” rule ofthumb after use.

PAPER SHREDDERS have been known to trap the fingers of young children who

don’t release theitem they are shred-ding soon enough.Unplug shredderswhen not in useand make kidsaware of theirpotential danger.

QUALITY OF THE AIR in your home can nega-tively impact your family’s ability to breathefreely—especially if someone in your family has

a history of suffering from seasonal or year-round allergies or asthma. One solution: Invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which removes99.97 percent of airborne particles.

RADON is an invisible, odorless gas and the sec-ond leading cause of lung cancer. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency estimates that

one in 15 homes has elevated levels, and recent testinghas revealed that granite countertops release radon afterinstallation. Find out how to get your home tested atwww.epa.gov/radon.

SPACE HEATERS can reach temperatures up to140 degrees—hot enough for blankets, drapesand newspapers to catch fire without direct con-

tact. Keep units 3 feet away from flammable objects andplace only on hardwood floors.

TERMITES cause $2 billion of damage each year.Keep the pesky insects away by storing wood inan enclosed shed, cleaning rain gutters and

keeping your air condi-tioner tank at least 4

inches from the house (moisture can attract the critters).

UNANCHORED FURNITURE can fall and result in trauma and broken bones. Secure bookcasesand entertainment centers to the wall and floor

with brackets.

VIDEOTAPE your homeand valuables to createan inventory, which

helps ensure fair compensationfrom your insurance company inthe event of a burglary or fire.Include name, date, time andlocation on the recording. Storethe tape in a safe place such as a

bank safety deposit box.

WINDOW-BLIND CORDS should bekept out of the reach of children,who may become strangled if

caught in the cord. Further reduce the risk of injuryby cutting looped cords and installing a safety tas-

sel at the end of each pull cord.

X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TECHNOLOGY candetect lead and other harmful elements inhousehold items such as toys, paint, soil and

more. Lead professionals can quickly screen such itemsusing an XRF analyzer, a gun-shaped instrument. To findout how to get your home tested, call the NationalLead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.

YARD WORK causes more than 230,000injuries per year, from backpain to hearing loss to

death. Use common yard tools likelawn mowers and weed whackerswith caution, and alwayswear safety glasses andearplugs when oper-ating any electric-powered machinery.

ZINC OXIDE—a mainingredient in several over-the-counter topical creams including Desitin, Caladryl

and some sunscreens—can cause fever, vomiting anddiarrhea if ingested. If someone in your family swallows

this substance, immediately call 911 and have themdrink water or milk if they are alert and not

yet vomiting. ■


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Don’t mix these 6A HALF-DOZEN COMBINATIONS OF FOOD, DRUGS

AND HERBS ARE MUSTS TO AVOID. HERE’S WHY

Do your habits hold hidden hazards? Could be, if you’re mixing certain foods,

drugs and herbal remedies that can interact dangerously in your system. Here

are six such combinations you should shun, and the reasoning behind each. And

remember: Keep your primary care doctor informed about all medications and

herbal remedies you take regularly.

Grapefruit + LipitorGrapefruit may boast myriad nutritional benefits,

but its interaction with the cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor isn’t so sweet.

Grapefruit products, including the fruit,grapefruit juice and grapefruit supple-ments, are believed to slow the activityof the enzyme the body uses tometabolize Lipitor. Consequently,Lipitor levels in your blood may soar,increasing your risk of developing

myopathy, a neuromuscular diseasecharacterized by muscle weakness, and

rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which themuscle fibers break down and kidney failure

sometimes ensues.

MAO inhibitors + tyramineIf you’re taking MAO inhibitors (brand names Nardil,Parnate, Marplan), an older class of antidepressants usedto treat atypical depression, steer clear of Chianti wine,

chicken liver, aged cheeses and other foods and bev-erages containing high levels of tyramine to avoid

a hypertensive crisis. Here’s why: MAO inhibitorswork by blocking monoamine oxidase, the

enzyme that also metabolizes tyramine.With monoamine oxidase suppressed,tyramine levels in the body can build up and increase blood pressure to poten-tially fatal levels.

Echinacea + immunosuppressant drugsThe Native Americans first discovered the medicinalpowers of echinacea centuries ago, utilizing the spiny-centered flowering plant to treat infections and wounds.Today echinacea is sold as an herbal supplement to alle-viate cold and flu symptoms and help the body fightinfection. But because of its powerful ability to boost theimmune system, avoid echinacea if you’re taking drugsintended to inhibit immune function, such ascyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) and corti-costeroids (Kenacort, Medrol, Deltasone), because theherb may block the medications’ effect.

Digoxin + high-fiber foodsThough they’re touted for their ability to lower choles-terol and reduce the risk of heartdisease, high-fiber foods suchas oatmeal and bran muffinsshould not be consumedin large quantities ifyou’re taking Digoxin, amedication that regulatesheart function. Fiber mayimpair the body’s ability toabsorb Digoxin into the blood-stream, diminishing the drug’seffectiveness.

Theophylline + caffeineAttention asthma sufferers: If you’re taking theophylline(Elixophyllin, Uniphyl, T-Phyl), a prescription medicationthat relaxes and narrows the airways, rethink those’round-the-clock cups of tea and coffee. Theophyllineand caffeine are so closely related—they both belong tothe xanthine family and bear a similar chemical struc-ture—that consuming caffeine products in large quantities with theophylline can overload your system,triggering toxic effects such as nausea, vomiting, rapid orirregular heartbeat and jitteriness. ■

Warfarin + Dong quaiYou’ll find Dong quai, a traditional Chinese medicinalherb, in a host of women’s supplements to relieve men-strual cramps, ease menopausal symptoms and regulateperiods. But if you’re taking warfarin (Coumadin,Jantoven), a blood thinner prescribed to prevent heartattack and stroke, consuming Dong quai simultaneouslycan increase your risk of bleeding because of the herb’sblood-thinning effects.

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porch, choose a smaller pumpkin—about 3 to 5 pounds—for cooking. Also, check for a hard rind, 1 to 2 inches ofstem, and few bruises and blemishes. Ultimately, shapedoesn’t matter, but keep in mind that a 3-pound pumpkinwill make about 1 pound of puree. To prepare, first removethe stem. Cut the pumpkin in half with a sharp knife, thenremove seeds and the stringy mass from inside. After that,follow the directions for whatever recipe you choose.

Providing spooky illumination on Halloween andtasty pie thereafter, the pumpkin is a proven holiday clas-sic. Enjoy! ■

WHEN THANKSGIVING COMESaround, the big orange fruit you carvedfor Halloween becomes the source ofeveryone’s favorite traditional dessert:pumpkin pie. But in truth the versatilepumpkin is more than a decoration or aningredient for sweet indulgence. It’s alsoa pretty respectable source of nutrition.

The pumpkin is believed to haveoriginated in Central America as far backas 5500 B.C. In the 17th century, thePilgrims encountered it as a staple of theNative American diet. The colonists quickly adopted thepumpkin as part of their lifestyle, and travelers even tookseeds back to Europe to share with family and friends.Hollowing out the shell; filling it with milk, honey andspices; and then baking it over the embers of a dying fireproduced an early version of pumpkin pie.

But famous as it is, the pie isn’t the limit of thepumpkin’s culinary promise; just ask television’s The IronChef. On one episode of the series, the chefs created friedpumpkin balls, pumpkin salad, sautéed pumpkin, pump-kin ravioli, pumpkin crouton soup and even a pumpkincappuccino. And why not? Pumpkin is cholesterol-free;low in fat and sodium; rich in vitamin A, the antioxidantbeta-carotene and potassium; and also high in fiber. Itsseeds are even believed to help men avoid prostate cancer.

Surprisingly, this great fruit first took on its signa-ture role as an understudy. Jack-o’-lanterns were an oldIrish tradition for All Hallows’ Eve celebrations, but origi-nally turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes and beets werecarved out and lit up. The pumpkin’s larger size andeasier-to-carve shell made it an ideal replacement.

Though you may have picked a giant for your front

2 cups pumpkin puree(canned or fresh)

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1⁄2 teaspoon ginger1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg

• Place pumpkin puree and cream cheese into a large

bowl and mix together.

• Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth and

creamy. Refrigerate at least four hours.

• Serve with crackers, gingerbread, celery, carrots, etc.

Pumpk in d ipS E R V E S 8

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Physician Profile

the procedures they are considering. Unlike the stereo-typical plastic surgeons of television dramas, she is cor-dial and considerate of her patients.

“What is so beneficial is the type of physician sheis,” Badiu explains. “She’s a dynamic force; vibrant andenergetic, with just the right mix of empathy. Her enthu-siasm is comforting and contagious.”

When she’s not doing a procedure, the doctor canoften be found taking time to sit down over coffee with anervous patient, or personally calling an insurance com-pany to make certain a procedure is covered. Providingthis level of care is what she thinks medicine is all about.

“It’s really nice to be at a place where you feel likeyou can personally help somebody and make a differ-ence,” says Dr. White. “That’s what I’m excited about.” ■

AISHA WHITE, M.D., UNDERSTANDSdestruction. Her family had to flee theirhome in New Orleans amid the devastationof Hurricane Katrina. Her first visit tosouthern Illinois was on May 8, the day a rare“inland hurricane” tore off roofs, destroyedtrees and did millions of dollars worth of damage.

But when it comes to damage to human bodiescaused by trauma or cancer, she does more than under-stand. Professionally, as a skilled plastic surgeon, Dr.White can make a critical difference in people’s recov-ery—especially because she combines technical profi-ciency with a devoted, caring personal approach.

Just as storm survivors turn to others for assis-tance, Dr. White’s patients, including women who haveundergone lumpectomies or mastectomies as a result ofbreast cancer, look to her for help in rebuilding their lives.

“No matter what type of surgery is required, it’snice to help restore both function and aesthetics to peo-ple,” she says. “That correlates to their activities andtheir daily living as well as their self-confidence.”

For Dr. White, who performs a full range of plas-tic surgery including cosmetic procedures, one of themost rewarding parts of practice involves working withwomen through The Breast Center of Southern IllinoisHealthcare, offering options for same-day breast recon-struction following surgery.

Jennifer Badiu, administrative director of cancercare services for SIH, says the addition of Dr. White is areal plus. “She provides a huge added value to ourpatients,” says Badiu. “She offers them possibilities. It’snice to know that patients have someone who under-stands and has their best interests at heart.”

Dr. White feels that a major part of her role is toeducate patients and to make them feel comfortable with

Skilled &caring

THIS DEDICATED PLASTIC SURGEON

IS PROFICIENT IN THE OPERATING

ROOM, BUT THAT’S ONLY THE

BEGINNING

A native of New Orleans, Aisha White, M.D., comes to

Carbondale from Chicago, where she received her medical

degree at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of

Medicine. She specializes in multiple facets of plastic surgery;

including facial reconstruction, breast reconstruction, hand

and finger surgery and cosmetic procedures such as liposuc-

tion, abdominoplasty and skin care treatments.

Dr. White is currently practicing at Center for Medical Arts and

The Breast Center. She will move into her permanent location

at Office Place at Route 13 and Reed Station Road in Decem-

ber. To schedule an appointment, please call 618-549-5361.

A welcome new arrival

Aisha White, M.D.

Physician Profile.REV.1 10/14/09 3:08 PM Page 18

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Caring People

Faces of SIHSouthern Illinois Healthcare looks at every day as an

opportunity—an opportunity to truly provide the best

in patient care. SIH’s mission and values focus on

respect, compassion, collaboration, accountability,

stewardship, quality, respect and integrity. Here are

some of the best of SIH—in action.1. 2.

5. 6.4.

8. 9.

1. Antwon Anderson, Environ-mental Services, charms patientsand colleagues with his vibrantpersonality at Saint JosephMemorial Hospital.

2. Nurse Jennifer Kretz is areliable voice of strength in themedical-surgical departmentat SJMH.

3. Katie Calcaterra dispensesneeded medications and soundadvice at the Center for MedicalArts Pharmacy.

4. The determination of MichaelScott, M.D., is on display duringa break in the action in thebusy ER at SJMH.

5. Memorial Hospital’s FranMenard greets patients, staffand guests almost every daywith her warm smile.

6. Memorial nurse MindyDudenbostel prepares for thenext patient in a fast-paced ER.

7. Volunteers at Memorial play avital part in SIH’s pursuit of com-

passion and stewardship.

8. Camaraderie: At SJMH, nurseAshley Jansen and nurse’s assis-tant Mia Reilly discuss patientcare in the med-surg department.

9. Physician’s assistant MichaelStaff provides a steady calm thatreassures his patients in thePrompt Care Clinic at theCenter for Medical Arts.

10. Herrin Hospital ER nurseLynsie Campbell has a caringapproach to patients.

3.

7.

10.

Faces of.REV.2 10/14/09 3:43 PM Page 18

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MORE THAN 1,400 MOTORCYCLESrumbled through the highways and hills ofsouthern Illinois in August as part of Kroger’sannual Poker Run for the Fund, which hasbenefited the Coach Kill Cancer Fund for thelast three years.

To date, the ride has generated morethan $125,000 for the Coach Kill CancerFund, created by and named for formerSouthern Illinois University football coachJerry Kill. SIH’s Community BenefitsDepartment administers the Fund, which hashelped hundreds of southern Illinois patientsand their families. The financial assistancecan be used for medical costs due to cancer orother childhood diseases not covered throughprivate and public means. Fund proceeds alsohelp with associated expenses such as trans-portation and lodging. ■

Wheels of life

“Improving the quality of lifefor needy individuals andfamilies facing a financialburden resulting from the

medical treatment of cancerand other childhood diseases.”

—Mission statement, Coach Kill Cancer Fund

To find out more, visitwww.coachkillcancerfund.org.

ESCAPESFundraising Focus

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