0916 Springfield HC_need flipbook

MID-ILLINOIS 

SPRINGFIELD/DECATUR 

area 

Promoting 

Healthier Living 

in Your Community 

• Physical 

• Emotional 

• Nutritional 

September 2016 FREE 

HealthyCells® 

www.healthycellsmagazine.com 

M A G A Z I N E 

Expanding Best Practices! 

The Cost vs Protection Challenge 

Are Electronic Cigarettes Safe? 

Emergency Preparedness for Pets

CAPITOL HEALTHCARE IS NOW 

THE MOSAIC OF SPRINGFIELD 

Welcome to a new beginning for comprehensive healthcare. 

The Mosaic of Springfield represents a recommitment to 

quality of care and an increased ability to provide accessible 

complex clinical services. 

Our new name reflects our personalized approach to care 

and our philosophy that every detail makes a difference. 

LEARN MORE 

Visit or call to learn more about the changes that make 

The Mosaic of Springfield so much more than a name change: 

updated facility renovations, additional in-house dialysis care, 

personalized care programs, and more... 

555 West Carpenter Street | Springfield, IL 62702 

P 217.525.1880 | F 217.789.4560 

admissionsSF@mosaichc.com | www.mosaicspringfield.com 

Getting You Back to Better 

What is Vibra Hospital? 

The average hospital is not designed to handle the 

demands of patients requiring long term acute care. 

That’s why Vibra Hospital of Springfield is special. Our 

many services are focused on improving the lives and 

medical conditions of patients who need more acute 

care for their recovery or who are not yet ready to be 

transferred to a lower level of care, such as a skilled 

nursing facility or other sub-acute facility. 

Vibra Hospital of Springfield is located in the former Doctor’s Park location. 

701 North Walnut Street • Springfield, IL 62702 217.528.1217 • www.vhspringfield.com

Photo by Jade Albert 

Learn more at 

autismspeaks.org/signs 

No big smiles or other joyful 

expressions by 6 months 

Some signs to look for: 

No babbling by 

12 months 

No words by 

16 months 

© 2014 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It's time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only. 

September 2016 — Mid-Illinois Springfield / Decatur — Healthy Cells Magazine — Page 3

SEPTEMBER 2016 

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Success in the Workplace: 

Doing More with Less — The Story of Allen Sugar 

Physical: 

Replace Negative Self-Talk With Powerful Thoughts 

Emotional: 

Death of a Long-Term Spouse — Legacy of Love 

or Monument to Misery 

Nutritional: 

Whole Grains — It’s Not Grain Surgery 

What They Are and How They Work: 


Children’s Health: 

ADHD/ADD — Tips for Parents 

Term Life Insurance: 

More Love, Less Worry 

Healthy Pets: 

Emergency Preparedness for Pets 

Women’s Health: 

Aging Gracefully While Aging Safely 

Breast Cancer Awareness: 

Real Men Wear Pink 

Eating Seasonally: 

Is Anything More Delicious? 

Healthy Finances: 

Young Families — The Cost Versus Protection Challenge 

End of An Era: 

US Medical Colleges End Animal Laboratory Practice 

Healthy Reading: 

Cards for Brianna 

Healthcare Options: 

Urgency or Emergency? 

Back to School: 

Food Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers 

Aggressive Behavior: 

Bullying Defined 

You Can Help: 

Blood Donors Make a Difference 

Am I Hungry? 

How to Use the Hunger and Fullness Scale 

This Month’s Cover Story: 

Volume 7, Issue 9 

Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois 

Expanding Best Practices! page 18 

Cover story and feature photos courtesy of Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois 

Now serving Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Taylorville, and Lincoln 

For advertising information contact Dave Molleck at Limelight Communications Inc. 

Ph: 309-681-4418 or dave@molleck.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com/springfield 

Healthy Cells Magazine ® is a division of: 

1327 E. Kelly Ave., Peoria Heights, IL 61616 Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: 309-691-2187 

info@limelightlink.com • www.healthycellsmagazine.com 

Healthy Cells Magazine ® is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not suggest 

diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your health care professional 

for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, 

and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine ® are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. 

Healthy Cells Magazine ® is available FREE in high traffic locations throughout the Mid-Illinois area, including major 

grocery stores, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine ® is published monthly and 

welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for 

their publication or return. Solicitations for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only. 

Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine ® is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means 

of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals 

in the Mid-Illinois area which includes Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Taylorville, and Lincoln.

success in the workplace 

Doing More With Less 

The Story of Allen Sugar 

By John Marchioro, Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation (DHS-DRS) 

Allen Sugar is a man of many talents 

and interests. He loves to 

cook, read and has been a fan 

of chess his whole life. A dedicated and 

devoted husband and self-employed 

business man, Allen seems like he has 

it all. But it’s what he doesn’t have that 

makes this story of success so much 

more intriguing. 

Allen was born and raised in Chicago, 

Illinois, in the 1940s. He was born deaf 

due to a disability known as Ushers 

Syndrome. With little to no supports in 

the public school system, Allen’s parents 

made the decision to send him to 

St. Joseph’s school for the deaf in St. 

Louis, Missouri. Allen always returned 

home for the summers and spent time 

with his family. 

Upon graduation from high school, 

Allen began working full time at his family’s 

steel warehouse business. It wasn’t 

too long into his tenure that he began 

to notice that his vision was significantly 

deteriorating. Discouraged but determined 

to make sure he would maintain 

as much of his independence as possible, 

Allen left for New York to attend 

the Helen Keller Center for Deaf–Blind 

Youths and Adults. While there, Allen 

gained the skills necessary to remain independent at home and in 

the community without the use of sight or hearing. 

Upon his return from The Helen Keller Center, Allen attended Prairie 

State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois, where he earned a degree 

in Accounting. Determined to seek out a new career, Allen leveraged 

the assistance of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division 

of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-DRS). DRS counselors reviewed his 

skills and matched him with a training program specifically for individuals 

who are blind and visually impaired know as the Business Enterprise 

Program for the Blind, or BEPB. BEPB allows blind individuals 

an opportunity to be trained on how to run and eventually operate a 

successful vending business. 

Allen’s background in accounting, as well as his family business, 

made this self-employment venture a terrific match, and in 1995 was 

recognized as the first Deaf-Blind graduate of the Business Enterprise 

Program for the Blind. In 2012, Allen was recognized by his fellow 

BEPB vendors as the “Vendor of the Year,” a prestigious award for 

continuing to go above and beyond expectations in job performance. 

Allen has come a long way since his graduation. He now employs 

one staff member, who also is deaf, and owns 12 different vending 

machines in two different federal buildings in Chicago. Allen is in 

charge of ordering inventory, replacing inventory and maintaining all of 

the bookkeeping and revenues. Allen communicates with his vendors 

through the use of assistive technology that transfers his brailed information 

into a computer program readable by others. He also has a 

currency counter that transfers the tallied revenue into a brailed report 

that is then formatted by Allen into a spreadsheet report. 

Allen says he is a firm believer that people with disabilities should 

contact DRS to help them be successful in obtaining or maintaining 

employment just like they have done with him. He also believes that 

employers should partner with DRS when looking to hire new employees. 

“If I can do it, so should others.” 

DHS’s Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state’s lead agency 

serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people 

with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed 

choices to achieve full community participation through employment, 

education, and independent living opportunities. 

To learn more, call 1-877-761-9780 Voice, 1-866-264-2149 TTY, 

312-957-4881 VP, or visit them at drs.illnois.gov/success. 

Photo courtesy of Illinois Department of Human Services 


physical 

Replace Negative Self-Talk 

With Powerful Thoughts 

By Michelle May, MD 

Most people know that physical activity 

is important, yet many find it difficult to 

start or stick with an exercise program 

or choose to lead sedentary lives. Others use 

exercise to burn calories but quit when they 

aren’t on a diet (even though exercise has been 

proven to help people feel better and live a longer, 

healthier life regardless of weight). 

Although exercise is one of the most effective 

tools available for improving your health, 

just mentioning the “E-word” can conjure up 

negative thoughts and feelings. If you aren’t 

very active, perhaps your self-talk is getting in 

your way. Isn’t it time to start thinking in more 

powerful terms? 

Ineffective Thought: I know I should exercise, 

but I hate it, so I just can’t seem to make 

myself do it. 

Notice all the negative words like “should,” 

“hate,” and “make myself.” These thoughts and 

feelings may stem from past experiences like 

being chosen last for teams, boring exercise 

routines, and discomfort or pain from doing too 

much too fast. Some people use exercise as 

punishment for overeating. Do it differently this 

time! Find enjoyable physical activities that suit 

your personality and lifestyle. Start slowly and 

allow your body to adjust gradually so it’s not 

uncomfortable. You can choose to focus on 

all the great things exercise does for you and 

how wonderful you feel instead of how many 

calories you should burn. 

Powerful Thought: I enjoy becoming more 

physically active each day. 

Ineffective Thought: I don’t have time. 

It takes 1/48th of your whole day to exercise 

for 30 minutes — and most people waste a 

lot more than that on less productive activities 

like watching TV. Being physically active is 

more important for your health and well-being 

than most other things you think must get 

done each day. The key is giving it the priority 

it deserves. 

Powerful Thought: I make time for my health 

and well-being. 

Page 6 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Mid-Illinois Springfield / Decatur — September 2016

Ineffective Thought: I don’t have the energy. 

No matter how you feel initially, you’re likely to feel better 

within just a few minutes of starting to move. Physical activity 

raises your endorphins (“feel good chemicals”) and serotonin levels 

(“calm chemicals”). These good feelings usually last long after 

the exercise is finished too. Exercise also increases your strength 

and stamina and helps you sleep better, so you’ll be more productive 

and feel more energetic. If you feel tired, see if moving 

for ten minutes increases your energy; promise yourself you can 

stop and try again another day if you still aren’t feeling any better. 

Most of the time, you’ll feel so good that you’ll want to continue. 

Powerful Thought: I feel myself becoming healthier and more 

energetic every day. 

Ineffective Thought: I’m embarrassed to be seen exercising. 

Most people are so focused on themselves, that they aren’t paying 

attention to you anyway. Those who do will likely admire you 

(and if they don’t, it says more about them then about you!). Eventually 

you’ll feel less self-conscious, but in the meantime, find activities 

and places that feel comfortable so you can focus on all the benefits. 

Powerful Thought: I exercise for me. 

Ineffective Thought: Exercise is really hard. 

Physical activity doesn’t have to be hard or hurt to be beneficial. 

In fact, it’s better to find convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable 

activities that you’ll stick with instead of hard activities you’ll quit. 

Finding a partner, trying new activities or new routes, rewarding 

yourself with a hot bath or massage, and setting small, achievable 

goals are great ways to make exercise more fun. Even if you 

have physical limitations it’s possible to find ways to increase your 

activity level. If you’ve been very inactive, start by increasing your 

“lifestyle” activity first then add a little at a time. You’ll be amazed 

at how much your body adapts to whatever challenges you offer. 

Powerful Thought: I have more stamina, strength, and flexibility 

each day. 

Ineffective Thought: I’m so out of shape — I don’t even know 

where to begin! 

If you have any medical problems or symptoms, check with your 

health care professional before you begin an exercise program. 

Once you’ve been medically cleared, you have to start somewhere. 

There’s no such thing as instant fitness — so start right where you 

are. If you start this week by increasing your movement, little by 

little, you’ll feel stronger, more energetic, and healthier. 

Powerful Thought: I do whatever I can to become more fit and 

healthy. 

By repeating a powerful thought like, “I am an active, healthy 

person,” you are taking an important step toward becoming one! 

Michelle May, MD is a recovered yoyo dieter and the awardwinning 

author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How 

to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle. Download chapter one 

at amihungry.com/chapter1. 

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emotional 

Death of a Long-Term Spouse 

Legacy of Love or Monument to Misery 

When long-term relationships end due to death of one of 

the partners, there is an inevitable adjustment to the 

new reality of life without someone who has always been 

there. Adaptation to the radical changes in life following the death 

of a loved one is either enhanced or limited by the ideas that we 

have learned over our lifetimes about dealing with loss. 

There is no doubt that in the immediate aftermath of the death 

of a loved one, pain and confusion are two of the most probable 

emotional reactions. Even following a long-term illness, where there 

has been substantial time to prepare, the overwhelming impact of 

the reality of death is devastating. It quickly becomes obvious that 

there is no way to effectively prepare for the finality of death. 

While we recognize that all relationships have ups and downs 

and highs and lows, for purposes of this discussion, we are focused 

on long-term relationships that were essentially good. Over the 

course of 30 years of helping grieving people, we have always tried 

to listen very carefully to what they are saying to us. What we heard 

were accurate reports of wonderful relationships, yet there was a 

tremendous amount of pain attached to the memories. 

Death of a Long-Term Spouse 

It is obvious that in the first few weeks or months following a 

death, a grieving person would be overwhelmed with a level of 

emotional pain that is difficult to describe. In fact, that kind of reaction 

is quite normal. Even though we spend a considerable amount 

of our energy trying to dispel the myth that time heals all wounds, 

we were confused with the frequency with which we observed 

people to be in an intense level of emotional pain long after a death 

had occurred. 

It was at that point that we realized that almost immediately following 

a death, people often develop a relationship to their pain, 

which sometimes seems to supersede their grief about the relationship 

with the person who had died. As we observed this all-too-common 

phenomenon, we realized that many people were inadvertently 


associating the pain that they experienced and re-experienced, over 

and over, as an equation for the love they had felt and now missed. 

We then were able to create some helpful language that simply said: 

“pain doesn't equal love, love equals love.” 

At the same time as we were recognizing the phenomenon that we 

had labeled as people's relationship to their pain, we began to use a 

piece of language to help people shift from pain to completion. One 

day while talking to a griever on the phone we said, "It doesn't seem 

right that a relationship that should leave a legacy of love is turning 

into a monument to misery for you." We have since said that thousands 

of times, each time with the aim of helping someone break out 

of their relationship to pain so that they could begin to complete what 

was emotionally unfinished with the person who died. 

The principles and actions of The Grief Recovery Method carry 

with them three essential objectives: 

• To insure that fond memories do not turn painful. 

• To allow us to remember our loved ones as we knew them in life 

rather than in death. 

• To be able to have a continuing life of meaning and value even 

though our lives have been dramatically altered by the death of 

someone important to us. 

The impediment to achieving those three goals is the accumulation 

of misinformation most of us have acquired about dealing with 

loss. Reading and understanding this article is only a beginning. 

Hopefully, you will be inspired to get a copy of The Grief Recovery 

Handbook, and to begin the series of actions that can lead you 

to completion of the undelivered emotional communications, both 

positive Healthy Cells and Ad negative, - Carlson which Canine_Layout are part of 1 12/19/13 all relationships. 2:39 PM Page 1 

One of the traps of grief is the almost diabolical speed at which the 

relationship to pain develops, takes root, and becomes almost permanent. 

You have probably known someone who has been reciting a 

litany of pain for years and years. It may have been very frustrating for 

you not to be able to help them. If you are the friend or family member 

of someone who seems to have been caught in a web of pain for a long 

time, show them this article. You might not be able to communicate 

to them what we have said in this piece. Also, they may not be able to 

hear you, because you are too close to them. Sharing this article with 

someone you think would benefit from it may propel them to a new 

understanding PROOF and even to SHEET 

actions for change. Please return no later than 

This column is also dedicated to the possibility that someone reading 

it may be able to recognize themselves in the ideas presented here, 

and begin a shift to the very real possibility of recapturing the legacy 

of love that should be the natural byproduct of a long-term wonderful 

relationship. 

The idea of a legacy of love versus a monument to misery is not 

limited to marriage and other long-term romantic relationships. The 

same issues and problems affect adults whose parents die, or siblings 

of siblings, and even very long-term friendships. Therefore, the same 

solutions from The Grief Recovery Handbook apply. 

1240 S. Sixth St. • 217-753-2226 • Fax: 217-753-2281 

This article was written by Russell P. Freidman, executive director, 

and John W. James, founder, of The Grief Recovery Institute. For more 

information about their programs and services, visit their website at 

www.griefrecoverymethod.com. 

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nutritional 

Whole Grains 

It’s Not Grain Surgery 

By Benjamin Goodin 

September is whole grain month because, for a few decades now, 

nutritionists have been pleading with the common consumer to 

eat healthier. There has been a lot of conflicting advice about 

carbs-laden grains: we should eat them; we shouldn’t eat them; we 

should only eat certain types. This tug of war becomes a bit confusing 

for consumers who are less educated than a dietician. Then glutenfree 

eating enters the argument and this us-or-them standoff begins to 

look more like the floor of the stock exchange with nutritionists of every 

opinion vying for our attention. 

Two of my personal favorite indulgences, bread and starches, 

have gotten a particularly bad rap in health community for their simple 

carbohydrate content. Even if my doctor told me to stop eating these 

foods, I might consider stopping. I think she might be somewhat 

pacified if we compromised, and I ate my carbs smarter. 

Like so many other dietary troubles, the problem with eating grains 

comes down to decisions. A great deal of the grains we eat are in a 

processed form, a form that lays on the starches and simple carbs 

in high quantities. Conscious of the recent eyebrow raising that has 

occurred in reaction to carb and starch consumption, many grain 

products, especially those that are made from wheat, have been 

advertising openly and loudly when their product contains whole grains. 

As a grown adult, I will admit that I’d be hard pressed to tell you exactly 

what that meant other than my tortillas and loaves of bread taking on 

a distinctly rustic appearance: being more brownish than usual and 

peppered with little flecks of something throughout. 

Most of the grains and prepackaged foods that we eat are of the 

“processed” or “refined” variety: meaning that they’ve been somehow 

prepared before hitting the shelves. In the case of grains, this means that 

they’ve been, crushed, milled, cut, rolled, or even cracked. The process 

of refining grains separates the bran and the germ from the rest of the 

kernel, and thus it loses a bit of nutritional value. Basically, you’re left 

Stuffed Peppers with Squash, 

Black Beans, and Rice 

Serves 2 as a main dish or 4 as a side 

If you have leftover rice and cooked black beans on hand, this recipe can be made in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can slice up 

the red peppers, add some shredded lettuce, and make a salad out of it. 

Ingredients: 

½ cup cooked brown rice 

1 cup cooked black beans 

2 Mexican gray squash or zucchini, diced 

6 green onions, sliced 

2 tsp. pepitas (green pumpkin seeds) 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano 

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar 

juice of 1 lime 

¼ tsp. sea salt 

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 

2 red bell peppers, cut in half, cored, and seeded. 

Optional: Salsa 

Directions: 

Combine the rice, beans, squash, green onions, pepitas, garlic, 

oregano, vinegar, lime, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Fill the 

pepper halves with the squash, rice, and bean mixture. Top with 

salsa, if using, and serve. 

Per serving: 

187 calories, 16 g protein, 

54 g carbohydrate, 

13 g sugar, 3 g total fat, 

14% calories from fat, 

16 g fiber, 317 mg sodium. 

Recipe reproduced from PCRM.org, with 

credit to Dr. Neal Barnard for the original recipe. 

Photo credit: shibachuu/AdobeStock 


with the endosperm part of the grain, and that is pretty much just starch. 

Now, starches are pretty delicious, but all on their own they’re missing 

most of the nutrients from the germ, and the all-important fiber from the 

bran. Variety and diversity are the key to any sort of healthy eating, just 

like the serving suggestions demonstrate on the cereal box: besides a 

heaping bowl of your chosen cereal (for fiber and carbs), a well-rounded 

breakfast includes some healthy sugars (fruit), ample calcium and protein 

(milk), and some vitamin C (that giant glass of orange juice). The diversity 

axiom goes the same for grains — well-rounded is healthier, and it helps 

your body process some of that starch. 

September is an especially big month for The Whole Grains Council. 

Not only is the theme of this month their namesake, but the Council’s 

featured grain of the month is actually two grains: rice and wild rice. 

Together, they “provide about half the calories for up to half of the 

world’s population.” 

When we talk about whole grain rice, we’re not just talking about 

brown rice. Yes, the brown color is prevalent in unprocessed, whole 

grain rice that would otherwise be white without the germ and bran. 

However, rice comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so brown isn’t the 

gold-standard of healthy rice. Rice is usually classified by kernel shape 

—long, medium, and short — and whether or not it is “sticky,” which 

means “starchy.” What separates many of varieties of rice, however, is 

actually fragrance. The aroma of some species of rice imparts flavor, 

which can range from floral (jasmine) to nutty (basmati). A little research 

can reveal the full spectrum of rice-aroma intricacies; a little kitchen 

experimentation can lead to some interesting combinations and results. 

Since the Whole Grain Council knows so much about rice, you’re 

probably wondering why they seem to repeat themselves when they 

say that September’s grains of the month are rice and wild rice. The 

answer is pretty simple; wild rice isn’t actually rice — it is actually a 

seed of a long, aqueous grass — yet it earned that name because it is 

a somewhat close cousin to rice, and the plant it comes from shares 

many similarities, including general appearance. If you’re a fan of eating 

locally, you might be pleased to know that the wild rice most of us are 

familiar with originated right here in the United States’ own Great Lakes 

region, and was eaten and harvested sustainably by Native Americans 

in the region for possibly thousands of years. Long-grained wild rice is a 

dark-brown color, has a distinctly nutty flavor, and is pleasantly chewy. 

The version of wild rice we likely recognize most is almost always whole 

rice grains, and boasts some impressive health benefits. At 6.5 grams 

of protein, a cup of wild rice has more than an egg and packs twice 

the fiber of brown rice. The nutrient profile of wild rice is complex too: 

it contains 23 percent of the daily value for manganese, 11 percent 

of your B-complex vitamins, and has 30 percent greater antioxidant 

activity than white rice. Whole grain wild rice, along with any other 

whole grain rice, is naturally gluten free. 

Even if you’re not a particularly big rice fan, there are still plenty of 

other whole grains you can eat, each with its own particular properties 

and nutritional benefits. Some whole grains are a bit elusive on the 

grocer’s shelves (I’ve not once seen a bag of teff to speak of). All are 

very clearly labeled as being whole grains if they’ve not been processed; 

non-whole grain varieties lack that descriptor whether or not they’ve 

been converted, milled, refined, enriched, or gone through some other 

refining process. So, if you’re on a health kick, or just trying to avoid 

processed foods, whole grains can be very rice to you, even if you 

barley know a thing about them. Just try not to rye about it. 

Photo credit: nipaporn/AdobeStock 

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what they are and how they work 


By Amy Dhermy, RRT, CPhT 

Amy Dhermy, RRT, CPhT 

Commercials are on the radio promoting electronic cigarettes as 

a safer alternative to smoking or as a way to quit smoking. Are 

they really safe and effective? Understanding what these products 

are, and how they work, will help answer this important question. 

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are included in a group of similar 

products known as ENDS, electronic nicotine delivery systems. These 

products also include e-cigars, e-pipes, vaporizers, vape pens, and 

e-hookahs. These products do not produce smoke. Instead, they create 

a vapor from heating a liquid, which usually contains nicotine, flavorings, 

and other chemicals. 

The liquid used in these electronic devices is derived from tobacco. 

According to the Drug Facts from the National Institute on Drug 

Abuse, when the vapor of some e-products was tested, they found it 

contained known carcinogens and toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde 

and acetaldehyde. The amounts of nicotine and other chemicals 

can vary greatly among products. Because of a lack of clinical studies, 

it is not known if these products are safe, what chemicals they 

contain, and the quantity of nicotine in them. Also unknown are the 

effects of long-term use. Secondhand inhalation of the aerosol from 

ENDS is also potentially harmful. 

The FDA has recently extended their authority over tobacco products 

to include ENDS in order to better regulate the manufacture, packaging, 

labeling, and sale of them. Newly regulated tobacco products 

that contain nicotine will be required to have a warning statement on 

them. New rules regarding age requirements will limit sales to purchasers 

who are at least 18 years of age. 

The usefulness of ENDS for smoking cessation is unclear. There 

are a lack of studies to provide evidence for this claim. The FDA does 

not recommend using ENDS for smoking cessation. There are proven 

FDA-approved treatments available for those who wish to quit smoking, 

including nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, as well as the drugs 

Zyban and Chantix. 

When it comes to making choices for a healthier lifestyle, and with 

the uncertainty of the safety of electronic nicotine delivery systems, it 

makes sense to use methods that are approved by the FDA for smoking 

cessation. If you or someone you know wishes to quit smoking, 

contact your doctor or an organization such as the American Lung 

Association for help quitting. 

Vibra Hospital of Springfield is a 50-bed Long Term Acute Care 

Hospital licensed by CMS and fully accredited by the Joint Commission. 

Located at 701 North Walnut Street in Springfield, Illinois, Vibra 

Hospital of Springfield offers 24-hour on-site physician coverage for 

added peace of mind. Please visit our website at www.vhspringfield. 

com for more information. 

Sources available upon request. 

Photo credit: teraskarina/Adobe Stock 


H OW TO P ROTECT YOUR H OUSE AND 

L IFE S AVINGS FROM THE N URSING H OME 

Are you facing decisions about longterm 

care and want to make the best 

choices possible? At our monthly 

workshop discover 5 Ways to Pay for 

Nursing Home or In-home Care 

• Also, how VA or Medicaid benefits can 

help you get the care you need, 

• How it’s never too late to seek 

David Edwards, 

benefits, even if you’re already in a 

Founding Attorney nursing home, and 

• How a Good Care Roadmap can help. 

September 9 at 3:00 pm or September 20 at 6:30 pm 

Call us today at 217-726-9200 to 

RSVP for an upcoming workshop 

or visit EdwardsGroupLLC.com 

We now 

return 

you to... 

Complex Medical Care • Intensive Rehabilitation 

in post-hospital care 

View patient experiences 

on your smartphone. Or visit: 

youtube.com/hcrmanorcare 

Our patients come to us directly from the hospital after surgery, illness or 

injury. The key to their recovery is choosing the right team to help them meet 

their goals. Along with complex skilled nursing care, our dynamic team of 

caregivers deliver intensive physical, occupational and speech therapies to help 

patients reach their goal of returning home safely and independently. 

A PROVEN LEADER 

Heartland Health Care Center – Decatur 

444 W. Harrison Avenue 

Decatur, IL 62526 

217.877.7333 • www.hcr-manorcare.com 


children’s health 

ADHD/ADD: Tips for Parents 

Submitted by Anjum Bashir, MD 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of 

the most common childhood disorders, and can continue 

through adolescence and adulthood. It is easy to feel frustrated, 

exhausted, and angry if you are living with a child who has 

ADD/ADHD. Parents often blame the child for willfully behaving 

in an inappropriate manner. However, the child is as frustrated 

as the parents. The child doesn’t want to forget things, blurt 

out inappropriate comments, ignore directions, or be in constant 

motion. The child wants to please their parents, but no matter 

how hard they try, they can’t do it on their own. Fortunately, there 

are many things parents can do to help control their child’s problem 

behaviors. The first step is to get a correct diagnosis and be 

sure that your child has ADHD, rather than some other condition 

with similar symptoms. 

ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because every child is unique 

and the usual method of evaluating behavior symptoms is very 

subjective. A new technology is now available that can diagnose 

ADHD with greater certainty. The Quotient ® ADHD System provides 

doctors and parents with an objective measurement of 

hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity for clinical assessment 

of ADHD. The test, which only takes about 15 minutes, involves 

the child sitting at a specially-designed computer workstation. The 

system uses a patented motion tracking system to measure an 

individual’s movement while focusing on visual stimuli, accurately 

measuring motion and analyzing shifts in attention state. 

Once you have the proper diagnosis, treating ADHD is a team 

effort that includes the child, parents, caregivers, other family 

members, physicians, and teachers. Following are some specific 

strategies that parents can implement to help a child with ADHD. 

• Schedule. Keep the same routine every day, from wake-up 

time to bedtime. Include time for homework, outdoor play, and 

indoor activities. Keep the schedule on the refrigerator or on a 

bulletin board in the kitchen. Write changes on the schedule as 

far in advance as possible. 


• Organize everyday items. Have a place for everything, and 

keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, 

and toys. 

• Limit distractions. Turn off the TV and radio, mask outside 

noises, monitor computer use, etc. 

• Use homework and notebook organizers. Use organizers 

for school material and supplies. Stress to your child the importance 

of writing down assignments and bringing home the necessary 

books. Stay in close contact with your child’s teacher. 

Older children may find electronic organizers to be very useful. 

• Be clear and consistent. Children with ADHD need consistent, 

simple rules they can understand and follow. 

• Pay attention to nutrition. Eating a healthy, well-balanced 

diet that includes lots of fresh food is important for everyone. 

Children with ADHD may be especially sensitive to sugar, dyes, 

and artificial ingredients commonly found in many processed 

foods. Become a label detective! You’d be surprised at the 

healthy-sounding foods that contain an abundance of added 

sugar. 

• Allow for enough sleep. This is something that is often overlooked. 

Many ADHD symptoms may actually be due to lack of 

quality sleep. 

• Follow up with your physician. Medication can usually help 

control the symptoms of ADHD, but any medication must be 

monitored very closely. As a child grows and changes, medication 

may need to change also. 

As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child overcome 

the challenges of having ADHD. While there is no cure, 

“Once you have the proper 

diagnosis, treating ADHD is a team 

effort that includes the child, parents, 

caregivers, other family members, 

physicians, and teachers.” 

proper diagnosis and treatment can eliminate or control many of 

the symptoms so that family life is less stressful, and your child 

can be successful in school and go on to lead a productive life. 

For more information, contact Anjum Bashir, MD at 217-422-0027. 

He is one of the few physicians in Central Illinois offering TMS Therapy 

for Depression and Quotient Testing for ADD/ADHD. His Decatur office 

is located at 1900 E. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 201, and he also has 

an office in Bloomington. TMS therapy is covered by many insurance 

companies including BCBS. More information on Quotient Testing is 

available online at www.biobdx.com. 

Photo credit: monkeybusinessimages/iStock 

Our therapy program has 

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PriVaTe & semi-PriVaTe rooms WiTh ameniTies 

If you have questions or would like a tour 

please call us today at: (217) 744-2299. 

The Villas Senior Care Community | 100 Marian Parkway, Sherman | VillasSeniorCare.com 


term life insurance 

More Love, Less Worry 

New Baby on the Way? Securing Your Family’s Financial Future Is More Important Than Ever. 

Submitted by Julie Hale-Miller, CASL ® Julie Hale-Miller, CASL ® 

Get the coverage you need and the peace of mind you deserve 

Your world is changing. 

Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, children 

change your life. You’d do anything to protect them from the 

time they take their first steps, to their first day of school. Term 

life insurance may be one of the most affordable ways to feel 

secure knowing your family will be financially protected if you’re 

suddenly out of the picture. 

Think life insurance is too expensive? Two out of three Americans 

do. But did you know 80 percent overestimate the cost? 1 

Below are some examples of just how affordable it can be: 

We’re here to help 

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to life insurance. 

That’s why we offer personalized, local service — so we 

can best understand your needs and help you make the right 

decisions for protecting your family. 

with a life insurance policy from COUNTRY Life Insurance Company ® . 

For more information, please contact Julie Hale-Miller, COUNTRY ® 

Financial, at 217-483-4355. 

Policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. 

Term Life Policy – ICC13(RCT). This article provides a brief description of term life 

insurance available from COUNTRY Life Insurance Company and is not a statement 

of contract. Life insurance policies have limitations and are not available in 

all states. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your COUNTRY 

Financial representative. 

1 

Source: 2014 Insurance Barometer Study, LIMRA 

Photo credit: WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock 

Not FDIC Insured 

No Bank Guarantee 

May Lose Value 

Investment management, retirement, trust and planning services provided by COUNTRY Trust Bank ® 

Age 

10-year term 

$250,000 coverage 

Rates shown are for a female non-smoker in excellent health using our automatic monthly payment option. Rates vary based on gender, age, health, 

and mode of payment. Your actual rate will be determined by underwriting review. The rates shown are sample rates only and are subject to change. 

Page 16 — Healthy Cells Magazine — Mid-Illinois Springfield / Decatur — September 2016 

20-year term 


30-year term 


25 Starting at $13.07/mo Starting at $17.40/mo Starting at $24.34/mo 



40 Starting at $16.75/mo Starting at $22.82/mo Starting at $36.69/mo

Subscribe to our FREE digital subscription 

notification on our website 

www.healthycellsmagazine.com/subscribe 

SUBSCRIBE 

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feature story 

Expanding Best Practices! 

Submitted by Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois 

Dr. Sigle explains Open MRI 

to young soccer player 

Traditionally, providers have referred 

patients who needed magnetic 

resonance imaging (MRIs) to other 

facilities like imaging centers or hospitals. 

Patients who required therapeutic footwear 

were also referred elsewhere. Now, the Foot 

& Ankle Center has added two new niche 

services to its practice. 

According to Dr. John Sigle, the founder 

of the Foot & Ankle Center, “In keeping with 

our goal to provide a one-stop shop for clients, 

we recently opened two new auxiliary 

services. We have the only open extremity 

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and 

operate a one-of-a-kind foot and ankle 

products store in central Illinois.” 

Conventional MRIs revolutionized medicine, 

but they are not tolerated well by those 

who have anxiety or are claustrophobic. 

According to Dr. Sigle, “Many patients who 

we refer for MRIs have bunions, hammertoes, 

fractures, ankle arthritis, ligament and 

tendon injuries, infections, and other abnormalities. 

It’s amazing how many patients are 

frightened to have an MRI. They dread having 

to be positioned into the tube chamber 

within a restricted area for a long period. 

Some patients don’t realize what they can or 

cannot tolerate until they are squeezed into 

the tube. As anxiety builds, they are forced 

to stop the MRI and reschedule under a 

sedative. Almost all patients are bothered by 

the loud noises emitted from the MRI too.” 

MRI developers recognized these shortfalls 

and redesigned MRIs that were larger 

and more open. The industry also designed 

MRIs that were more modular; ones that 

could be installed within an exam room. 

An open extremity MRI is the type that 

was selected by Dr. Sigle. “Our Artoscan 

MRI is the solution we wanted for our 

patients. Artoscan is considered to be one 

of the world’s leading dedicated-extremity 

MR imagers that hundreds of orthopedic 

and radiologist groups use worldwide. 


It provided us with everything we were looking for. It is able to scan 

the knee, ankle, foot, elbow, wrist, and hand. The unit is ultra-quiet 

and allows close patient-operator contact.“ 

The Artoscan MRI is a vast departure from the whole-body scanners. 

The MRI permits the patient to lie in a comfortable position 

outside of the machine with only the foot in the tube. This technology 

provides a quick and safe, non-invasive way to get images. 

Medical technology is moving at a fast pace, and the open 

extremity MRI has proven to be an exciting new chapter. According 

to Dr. Sigle, “We want our patients to feel like they have arrived 

at a spa or relaxation zone without anxiety and the trappings of the 

conventional MRIs.” 

The experience is totally different than conventional MRIs. The 

patient’s body is positioned on a comfortable reclining table and 

the extremity is positioned into the MRI opening. The other extremity 

is rested on support padding next to the MRI opening. The 

room ambience is pleasant with indirect dimmer lighting in the 

ceiling and a flat screen TV to view favorite programs or listen to 

music. A technologist is always within a few feet during the course 

of a scan. The sound transmission from the MRI is minimal, unlike 

conventional MRIs. 

One of major advantages of having this new technology is that 

patients will no longer have to schedule an MRI elsewhere that 

requires an added trip and delay of diagnosis and treatment. 

Dr. Sigle announcing the opening of Foot & Ankle Depot 

Dr. Gonzalez examining a child’s footwear and gait 


feature story (continued) 

Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois, Illinois Laser Center, Foot & Ankle Depot, and Extremity MRI located at 2921 Montvale Drive, Springfield, IL 

According to Dr. Sigle, “We have an infrastructure in place to 

transmit quality images directly to the radiologist for immediate 

analysis and consultation that occurs within 24 to 48 hours. We 

can accommodate 98 percent of the adult population, including 

children and athletes. Patients appreciate the convenience of 

immediate in-office MRI exams and the comfortable, claustrophobia–free 

design.” 

Another niche offered that differentiates the Foot & Ankle Center 

from other podiatry/orthopedic clinics and hospitals is its specialty 

products store. Traditionally, podiatrists have referred patients 

who needed therapeutic footwear and products elsewhere. 

According to Dr. Sigle, “The creation of this auxiliary service 

was in response to the patient’s desire for one-stop shopping and 

desire to purchase products that maximized their rehabilitation, 

recovery, and comfort. We help people make the right choices!” 

Primary care physicians and specialists are now able to channel 

their patients to the store because they know that it’s a reliable 

resource with foot and ankle products that are reliable, and 

ones that deliver proven results. Every product is physician recommended 

or has the American Podiatric Medicine Association (APMA) 

Seal of Acceptance. According to the APPMA website, The Seal of 

Approval is granted to products found to promote good foot health 

care and are available over the counter or by prescription only. 

The store provides a comprehensive inventory including the following 

items: 

• Comfort shoes and gear for women and men to accommodate 

working out and running activities, shoes for work, dress, casual 

wear, and diabetic foot wear. 

• Mobility assistance devices to facilitate recovery from surgery or 

an injury, to aid people with a chronic condition, or to enhance 

mobility and independent living. Knee cadies, standard crutches, 

canes, and other state-of-the-art crutches are available. The 

store is the only certified fitter in central Illinois for the I-Walk 

Hands Free Crutch. 

• Accessories include shoe deodorizing and antifungal aides, a 

wide range of pads, topical solutions, and inserts. 

• Shoe inserts and shoe lift inserts are available to provide support, 

cushions, and targeted comfort to prevent foot pain. Inserts also 

are used improve body alignment, improve motion control, enhance 

posture, and to relieve aches and pain. A wide selection of custom 

orthotics and custom-molded braces are also available for patients. 

Shoe fitting is an essential part of the practice. According to Dr. 

Sigle, “We recognize how much our patients can benefit from our 

guidance. We have trained shoe fitters assisting clients and with 

diverse needs. We are also able to provide therapeutic footwear 

for clients at risk with diabetic foot ulcerations.” 

The shoe fitters are trained to recognize a patient’s functional, 

therapeutic, and aesthetic needs as well. According to Dr. Sigle, 

“We believe the combination of podiatrists, certified shoe fitters, 

and medical assistants assisting the consumer with product decisions 

sets us apart from any other store. Because Dr. Gonzalez 

and I are able to assess a patient’s foot problems and functional 

needs, we are in a position to anticipate when it is necessary to 

replace worn shoes and inserts. By employing trained medical 

personnel, we can make custom orthotics and shoe fitting conveniently 

available to our patients while working efficiently in our 

practice. A comprehensive shoe-fitting program will help reduce 

foot and ankle injuries, falls, surgeries, and possible amputations. 

This all leads to positive patient outcomes and satisfaction. 

All of the products in the store are chosen by physicians for 

patients. They are given knowledge about products that will 

increase their mobility, bring additional comfort to their lives, 

reduce the chance of injury, and soothe aches and pains. 

For additional information, 

visit www.myfootandanklecenter.com 

or call 217-787-2700 for an appointment. 

The Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois is 

conveniently located in Springfield, Decatur, 

Carlinville, Shelbyville, and Monticello. 


healthy pets 

Emergency Preparedness for Pets 

By Rachael Pearce, Laketown Animal Hospital 

It is important for your family to be prepared in case of an emergency, 

but what about your furry family members? Have you 

included them in your plan? We will discuss things you can do 

to help ensure their safety. 

The first step is preparation. Do not wait until an emergency 

to realize you do not have everything you need for both you and 

your pets. You should keep an emergency supply kit on hand for 

your pets. Included in your kit should be food — at least three 

stand up, turn around, and lay in. If you have cats, make sure to 

have litter and a litter box for each cat. For sanitation, you should 

have chlorine bleach on hand to dilute into water for disinfecting. 

The second step in case of an emergency is planning. Discuss 

where you and your pets will go based on an emergency. If possible, 

it is best to keep your pets with you during an emergency 

situation — so plan accordingly. Make sure your lodging or shelter 

allows for pets. Discuss with family members and friends who can 

care for your pets if you are unable to. 

Finally, make sure you keep current on emergency information. Be 

aware of the types of emergencies that can affect you based on your 

region and plan accordingly. If you have any questions or need help 

assembling an emergency kit, contact Laketown Animal Hospital at 

217-529-4211. 

This information has been provided by the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency. For more information please contact Laketown Animal 

Hospital at 217-529-4211, or visit www.laketownanimalhospital.com. 

You can also visit www.ready.gov for more information. 

Photo credit: Pavel Losevsky/Adobe Stock 

days worth — in a sealed, airtight, waterproof container. Water 

should also be included. You should store at least three days’ 

worth of water for each pet and family member. First aid supplies 

are also very important to include. You should talk to your 

veterinarian about what is most important for your pet, but basic 

supplies should include bandage rolls, bandage tape, scissors, 

antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, rubbing 

alcohol, saline solution, and a first aid reference guide. If your pet 

takes prescription medications, make sure to have an extra supply 

on hand in your emergency kit. 

For identification purposes, your pet should wear a collar with 

their rabies tag and microchip tag. Have a backup leash, collar, 

and ID tag in your emergency kit. You should also have copies 

with your pet’s registration information, vaccination certificate, and 

medical records in a waterproof container. A picture of you with 

your pet is also very helpful if your pet should become separated 

from you. Make sure you have a kennel or pet carrier available 

for each pet — the kennel should be large enough for your pet to 


women’s health 

Aging Gracefully While Aging Safely 

Avoiding Risky Procedures and Empty Promises 

By Amy Kennard 

Raise your hand if you’ve looked in the mirror and tugged a little 

at those creases around your mouth, frowned at those frown 

lines, or widened those eyes to make the crows’ feet disappear. 

Who can relate to feeling that flash of heat that makes you want 

to tear your clothes off? Who here is constantly tired, yet can’t get 

a good night’s sleep to save her life? 

Welcome to aging, ladies. No doubt your ears perk up when you 

hear those anti-aging commercials promising a more youthful appearance, 

relief of menopausal symptoms, weight loss, or a better sex life. 

S. Jay Olshansky, Ph.D., a research associate at the Center on 

Aging at the University of Chicago, is about to rain on your parade. 

“Aging is a natural process, not a medical condition,” he says, “and 

there isn’t any therapy that can reverse or slow it down.” 

The problem is, the anti-aging market is quite the money maker for 

those offering to let you drink from the fountain of youth, yet some of the 

treatments they recommend can be harmful and even downright deadly. 

Anti-aging isn't a specialty that's recognized by the American 

Board of Medical Specialties; meaning doctors can't officially be 

board-certified in it, yet it has its own professional society, the American 

Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Founded in 1992, A4M 

boasts some 24,000 members worldwide and offers a “certificate” 

in anti-aging medicine, available to any M.D., in any specialty. 

Endocrinologists, who specialize in hormones; and internists, or 

“integrative physicians,” who practice a holistic approach to health; 

along with OB-GYNs, who don’t actively promote their “anti-aging” 

miracles; are usually trained to treat a multitude of age-related issues. 

However, physicians of all specialties are getting in on the lucrative 

anti-aging industry with both physical and monetary consequences 

to their patients. The problem is, anti-aging doctors may be ill-trained 

to be diagnosing and treating what could be more serious underlying 

issues, and may even be harming their patients with trendy therapies. 

A Hormone Headache 

"The concept is that if you take a 60-year-old woman and duplicate 

the hormone environment from when she was 20, she'll feel like she's 

20," says Nanette Santoro, M.D., director of the Division of Reproductive 

Endocrinology & Infertility at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. 

Hormone therapy (HT), which encompasses estrogen as well as estrogen-progestin 

therapy, has been shown to effectively treat menopausal 

symptoms, but there are also some associated risks. It is imperative that 


patients seek only the most qualified physicians when considering hormone 

therapy. Any type of hormone therapy should only be administered 

after a thorough examination of your health status and risks. 

Hormone injections such as HGH, which some physicians claim 

will reduce body fat, build muscle, improve sex drive, and increase 

energy, can predispose some people to heart disease, diabetes, 

and cancer. It’s actually illegal to distribute a product containing 

HGH for anti-aging purposes, since it’s only FDA-approved for a 

handful of conditions, such as growth-hormone deficiency. 

Bioidentical hormones use compounds found in plants, usually 

soybeans or yams. After the plant-based hormone is processed, 

its structure is said to be identical to the hormones your body produces 

— though this theory has not yet been proven. Though the 

ingredients may be FDA-regulated, many anti-aging physicians turn 

to compounding (mixing ingredients as outlined by a prescription at 

a compounding pharmacy) the hormones to tailor them to specific 

individuals. Because each prescription is custom-compounded for 

each individual patient, FDA approval and regulation is limited. In 

fact, according to the FDA, 43 percent of the compounded prescriptions 

didn’t contain what they were supposed to. 

The Skinny on Supplements 

Anti-aging supplements will not turn back the clock, plain and 

simple. However, certain supplements can help maintain your health 

as you age, such as fish oil for good heart health, and vitamin D’s 

ability to help you absorb calcium. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, 

it could “appear” that you are turning back the clock. 

But buyer beware. Most anti-aging supplements are a booming 

bonanza of bogusness, says Olshansky. In addition, anti-aging doctors 

price them for profit and, since they aren’t required to be FDAapproved, 

there’s no guarantee of their safety. That goes for skin 

creams as well as vitamins that promise to erase fine lines and prevent 

wrinkles. Most topical creams contain very low concentrations of antioxidants 

(known to prevent agents called free radicals from damaging 

the body’s cells) that aren’t well-absorbed by the skin or have very 

short-term effects. Some vitamins and creams can have negative side 

effects as well as interfere with other medications you may be taking. 

So how do we fight aging? 

Winifred K. Rossi is the deputy director of the Division of Geriatrics 

and Gerontology at the National Institute on Aging. "The best 

advice is not very different from what our mothers told us: maintain a 

healthy weight, be active, eat nutritious food, and don't smoke," she 

says. Physicians advise 1,200 milligrams per day of calcium, preferably 

from food, and 2,000 IU daily of vitamin D in a supplement. 

This back-to-basics approach may not sound as cutting-edge as 

special injections or souped-up supplements, but it's time-tested 

and a lot less costly — for your wallet and your health. "Many of the 

benefits that are associated with HGH — you can get those with 

exercise, for free," says Olshansky. 

The best advice? See your OB/GYN as recommended, and once you 

reach your 40s, add in a family practice doctor or internist, too, since they 

are qualified to handle routine issues that come with middle age. But as 

far as any “serious” issues? Leave that to the experts — the endocrinologists 

— to ensure that you are being cared for smartly and safely. 

Photo credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/iStock 

GIVE A GIFT 

THEY CAN’T OUTGROW 

Life insurance can do amazing things. It can help guide the young people you love down 

a wise financial path and help protect their future. It comes in different sizes, so it’s sure 

to fit, and it won’t clutter up the house, either! 

Contact me today to see how life insurance can help you keep your promises to those 

you love. 

Timothy J Ippel 

CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® 

Financial Consultant 

tim.ippel@thrivent.com 

Sangamon Valley Associates 

983 Clock Tower Dr Ste C 

Springfield, IL 62704 

217-787-1877 

332 W Marion St Ste 11 

Forsyth, IL 62535 

217-201-1729 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP ® and CERTIFIED 

FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S. 

This is a solicitation for insurance. A Thrivent Financial representative may contact you. 

Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products 

are available in all states. Thrivent Financial representatives are licensed insurance agents/producers 

of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. 

THRIVENT FINANCIAL IS THE MARKETING NAME FOR THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS. 

Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 

29252A N7-16 


east cancer awareness 

Real Men Wear Pink 

Submitted by St. Mary’s Hospital 

HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital’s Real Men Wear Pink (RMWP) 

campaign launched in 2006 and is celebrating its 10th 

year. The campaign, originally started by the American 

Cancer Society and HSHS St. John’s Hospital, was to raise awareness 

about the importance of breast cancer screening. 

Each year during September and October, local high school 

football teams and Millikin University participate in the program, by 

playing a “pink game” and raising funds to support RMWP and the 

awareness the campaign provides. Football players expect to win 

— so too do women and men battling cancer. Football players and 

coaches from these area schools proudly wear pink to show their 

love for their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters because 

they want their communities to believe we can battle cancer and 

win, and because we are all on the same team. 

The Real Men Wear Pink campaign encourages everyone to 

wear pink on Fridays in October to increase awareness about 

breast cancer, which encourages women to talk to their doctor 

about mammography screening. “At St. Mary’s, we urge our colleagues 

to support the campaign and their loved ones by wearing 

pink,” says Dan Perryman, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital. 

“Every year, I am amazed at the ways in which these students 

honor cancer survivors and support awareness in our community.” 

St. Mary’s Hospital encourages you to learn more about breast 

cancer through the Real Men Wear Pink campaign: 

• Breast cancer symptoms can include a lump in the breast or 

underarm, swelling of the breast, irritation of breast skin, redness, 

pain in the breast, changes in the shape or size of the 

breast, or discharge from the nipple. 

• Mammograms are recommended biennially after the age of 50 by 

the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It is the best way to test 

in order to detect breast cancer early as it can take up to three 

years before breast cancer can be felt. Finding breast cancer 

early is important. Women desiring screening prior to the age of 

50 should speak with their primary care provider. 

• Screening for breast cancer can be done at a clinic, hospital, or 

doctor’s office. If you are concerned about cost, you can contact 

the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program at 888-522- 

1282, or visit www.cancerscreening.illinois.gov to find out about 

free or low-cost mammograms. 

• Lowering your risk for breast cancer can be done by controlling 

your weight, exercising, knowing your family history, and limiting 

the amount of alcohol you drink. 

To learn more about St. Mary’s Hospital’s Real Men Wear Pink 

Campaign or to find out when and where pink games are being 

held, visit stmarysdecatur.com/rmwp. 

Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Hospital 


eating seasonally 

Is Anything More Delicious? 

Submitted by Rod Gee, Director of Nutritional Services at Vibra Hospital of Springfield. 

A 

tart, crunchy apple on a brisk fall day… the juice of a ripe 

early-summer peach trickling down your chin… the amazing 

sweetness of just-picked corn… Is anything more delicious 

than eating foods in season? 

Eating foods when nature produces them is what people the 

world over have done naturally through most of history, before 

mega-supermarkets dotted the landscape and processed foods 

became ubiquitous. Seasonal eating is also a cornerstone of 

several ancient and holistic medical traditions, which view it as 

integral to good health and emotional balance. 

Seasonal eating means two things, really: building meals 

around foods that have just been harvested at their peak, and 

adjusting your diet to meet the particular health challenges of 

winter, spring, summer and fall. While it may seem like a luxury 

to have any food we want, anytime we want it, eating foods in 

season offers many benefits. 

For starters, it connects us to the calendar and often to one 

another, reminding us of simple joys — apple picking on a clear 

autumn day, slicing a juicy red tomato in the heat of summer, celebrating 

winter holidays with belly-warming fare. Secondly, produce 

picked and eaten at its peak generally has more vitamins, 

minerals, and antioxidants than foods harvested before they’re 

ripe, and then shipped long distances. 

Eating seasonally often means eating locally grown foods, so 

it’s good for the environment, too. It supports small and midsize 

local farmers, cuts down on pollution from shipping and trucking 

food, and reduces your carbon footprint. 

Vibra Hospital of Springfield is a 50 bed Long Term Acute 

Care Hospital licensed by CMS and fully accredited by the Joint 

Commission. Located at 701 North Walnut Street in Springfield, 

Illinois, Vibra Hospital of Springfield offers 24-hour on-site physician 

coverage for added peace of mind. Please visit our website 

at www.vhspringfield.com for more information. 

Photo credit: Brent Hofacker/Adobe Stock 

Tangy Cucumber 

& Avocado Salad 

Ingredients 

2 med cucumbers, cubed ½ inch 

2 med avocados, cubed 

1 med red onion, diced or thinly sliced 

1lb grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half 

3 Tbsp. olive oil 

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 

1 tsp sea salt (or) 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 

¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro (or) 1 Tbsp. dried cilantro 

Black pepper to taste 

1 tsp granulated garlic 

¼ tsp onion powder 

Juice of 1 lemon 

Directions 

In a large bowl place cubed avocados and lemon juice and toss. 

Then combine all the other fresh ingredients along with all other seasonings, 

and lightly toss with the avocados. Let it rest for 30 min in 

refrigerator, then toss before serving. 

Healthy Benefits of Avocado 

Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an antioxidant 

that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and 

heart disease. Avocados are a best food source of Vitamin E, an 

essential Vitamin that protects against many diseases and maintains 

overall health 


healthy finances 

Young Families 

The Cost Versus Protection Challenge 

Finding the Right Balance of Protection and Affordability Is Critical 

Timothy J. Ippel 

CFP ® , ChFC ® , CLU ® 

By Timothy J. Ippel, CFP ® , ChFC ® , CLU ® 

Being young and starting a family is one of the most exciting 

times in many people’s lives — lots of opportunities are 

ahead and there are so many memories to make together. 

Unfortunately, young families are often the most vulnerable to 

life’s uncertainties. They’re the ones with many peak earning years 

ahead of them and lots of potential unknowns to encounter. 

Ensuring proper protection is important when designing a financial 

strategy to meet the needs of young families. While each financial 

strategy will be different, there are a few things that every 

family should consider. 

Life insurance and disability income insurance help to form the 

foundation of a healthy financial strategy. A few companies are 

working to develop new offerings that allow new generations to 

access and leverage solutions tailored to their lifestyles, incomes, 

and families. Thrivent Financial recently launched a new Universal 

Life Insurance product that combines the affordability of term 

insurance with the premium flexibility and potential cash value 

growth of permanent insurance. 

This gives young parents the option to purchase a lifetime of 

coverage at a beginning price point that is generally very competi- 


T:4.875” 

“New innovations 

offer options including 

“stay-at-home-spouse” benefits, 

allowing couples who have one 

person working inside the home 

to be protected also.” 

tive with that of term insurance options many young people might 

purchase. This permanent coverage has the potential to build cash 

value accumulation that can be used for other things — for example, 

an emergency savings fund. 

Disability income insurance is another cornerstone to consider 

so families are protecting their paychecks and future goals. New 

innovations offer options including “stay-at-home-spouse” benefits, 

allowing couples who have one person working inside the home to 

be protected also. This type of coverage can protect the invaluable 

contributions of stay-at-home spouses, and may help with all they 

do for a family, should they become unable to work in the home. 

Innovation and financial services aren’t often in the same sentence 

together. However, with the unique challenges and opportunities 

faced by young families, new options are appearing that 

are tailored to the needs of a new generation. 

This article was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use by Central 

Illinois representative, Tim Ippel. He has offices at 983 Clocktower Ct. 

Suite C, Springfield, IL and 332 W. Marion St. in Forsyth, IL. He can 

also be reached at 217-787-1877. 

Thrivent Financial is a financial services organization that helps 

Christians be wise with money and live generously. As a membership 

organization, it offers its nearly 2.4 million member-owners 

a broad range of products, services, and guidance from financial 

representatives nationwide. For more than a century it has helped 

members make wise money choices that reflect their values while 

providing them opportunities to demonstrate their generosity 

where they live, work, and worship. For more information, visit 

Thrivent.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name 

for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available 

in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent 

Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55415, 

a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent 

Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment 

Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. 

For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. If requested, a 

Thrivent Financial representative may contact you and financial solutions, including 

insurance, may be solicited. 

Photo credit: pololia/Adobe Stock 

T:7” 

1268242-080715 


end of an era 

US Medical Colleges End 

Animal Laboratory Practice 

By Benjamin Goodin 

Recently, a momentous event quietly transpired as many of us 

were preparing to celebrate our country’s independence. In 

late June, just weeks after the medical school at Johns Hopkins 

University made a similar decision, the University of Tennessee 

discontinued the use of live animal laboratories in its medical school. 

With the end of this final program, live animal laboratories are officially 

no longer required at any American or Canadian medical schools. 

Live animal laboratories were a common fixture in medical 

schools until the last two decades, when their use and popularity 

declined significantly. Live animal laboratories were commonly 

used to acquaint medical students with surgical and internal procedures 

on living anatomy. While first-hand familiarity with anatomy is 

vital knowledge for a future surgeon or practitioner of professional 

medicine on humans, there have been longstanding concerns by 

many parties as to the ethical nature of using live animals. 

Common practice dictated that laboratory subjects, typically 

dogs, sheep, and pigs, be anesthetized during procedures per- 

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Thanksgiving In July, and supporting our 

Run for Prevention 5K, to aid Health Missions. 

We’re proud to serve your family with all your 

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’ 

formed in animal laboratories, however, they were generally euthanized 

at the conclusion of the lab experience. The euthanasia was 

considered a kindness for the laboratory animals, which would be 

greatly injured during these exploratory and practice procedures. 

The majority of live animal laborites were required curriculum for 

medical students and, until recent decades, could not be opted 

out of or replaced with alternative curriculum. Should a student 

have ethical compunctions with the requirements of the laboratory 

curriculum, they would often be dismissed from their program for 

failing to complete the animal laboratory prerequisite. 

Although firsthand experience is undoubtedly the best way 

for any learning to take place, the affordability and adaptability 

of programs used to instruct medical students were the primary 

concerns of many training institutions. Recent advancements in 

medical, materials, and computer sciences have made realistic 

simulation software, tools, and environments a viable and affordable 

alternative to instruct medical students. Instituting advanced 

simulation environments that can accurately model human physiology 

has made animal laboratories a less affordable and less accurate 

model for instructing internal medicine. 

Pairing simulation and practice environments with clinical experiences, 

wherein a medical student observes and assists experienced 

professionals, is not only better aligned to the goals of medical learning 

curriculum, but may cost less, financially and ethically, over time. 

Although the use of animal laboratories persists in medical 

research fields and in some advanced surgical training programs, 

there is some hope that the advanced technical and simulation 

models of the near future will outdate experimentation on live animals 

in these fields as well. 

Sources available upon request. 

Photo credit: annedde/iStock 


healthy reading 

Cards for Brianna 

Book Review by The Bookworm Sez 

The mail’s here. Mostly, you know, it’s bills, fliers for a new 

dentist in town, sometimes a magazine, and a reminder 

from your veterinarian. You got two requests for donations 

and a letter from an organization you belonged to, years 

ago… but look again. Maybe, as in “Cards for Brianna” by 

Heather McManamy (with William Croyle), there’s something 

more special in the pile. 

In the annals of Something’s Not Right Here, Heather McManamy’s 

name must be at the top of the list. 

Thirty-three years old, married, the mother of a toddler daughter, 

McManamy was “living a dream” until she found a lump on 

her chest. The lump was stage II breast cancer; just about a year 

later, she was told she had “two years at most to live.” 

On the day she received that devastating news, McManamy 

says that she and her husband decided not to dwell on 

the diagnosis. There wasn’t much that could be done about it 

anyhow, but McManamy understandably became concerned 

about her daughter. Brianna had dealt with the deaths of pets 

at a tender age — but how would she ever understand the loss 

of her mother? 

Knowing that it was likely Brianna might have a stepmother 

someday (and frankly welcoming the idea), McManamy made 

videos and audio recordings for her daughter to have someday, 

which sometimes seemed silly. It was then that she hit upon 

the idea of leaving greeting cards for Brianna, one for each 

milestone when a girl might particularly need her mother. 

“Don’t wait to do the things you want to do,” she wrote 

in one card. Laugh every day. Learn who your friends really 

are, and let them help you; conversely, if you know someone 

who’s going through rough times, ask before you help. “Soak 

in the love” on your special days. Accept that good can come 

from very, very bad things. Never give up hope. Remember that 

“every day matters.” 

And if there’s ever a question, “Yes, a card is always 

good.” I genuinely expected that I’d need a pickup truck full 

of tissues for my time with “Cards for Brianna.” There’s the 

first surprise: I didn’t. 

Yes, there are moments when your emotions will rule, but 

author Heather McManamy (who died last December) mostly 

writes about dealing with cancer, enduring chemo, losing her 

hair, keeping a sense of humor, and trying to make every single 

last minute count. There are, believe it or not, some smiles 

in this book (with William Croyle), but there’s also anger, too: 

anger at the situation, at faux-friends, and at the “pink ribbon” 

movement that, she says, pushes “metsters” aside. Readers 

may notice, given these occasional literary outbursts, that 

McManamy tried very hard to remain upbeat, but cancer sometimes 

took that away from her, too. 

This may be a very difficult book to read if you’re new to the 

cancer-go-round, but old hands at it might enjoy the truthfulness 

and camaraderie inside. For you, family, or anyone who’s in need 

of a bad-time boost, “Cards for Brianna” may be heaven-sent. 

By Heather McManamy with William Croyle 

© 2016, Sourcebooks, 

201 pages, $15.99 


healthcare options 


How to Pick Where to Go for Medical Attention 

When unexpected health mishaps arise, many people’s first 

reaction is to head to an emergency room. But when those 

illnesses and injuries aren’t true emergencies, not knowing 

the best option for care can end up costing both time and money. So 

how can you know where to go when medical attention is needed? 


Urgent care centers provide a way to keep up with patients’ daily 

healthcare needs, serving as a vital link between the emergency room 

and primary care physicians. 

“Urgent care is growing across the country because it provides patients 

with an alternative to the emergency room, which can be too costly and 

time-consuming for situations like common illnesses and minor injuries,” 

said Dr. Robert Kimball, president of the board of directors, Urgent Care 

Association of America (UCAOA). “While ERs are best equipped to handle 

life-threatening illnesses and injuries, it’s important that patients are aware 

that there are more affordable options available for less serious situations.” 

Due to shorter wait times—90 percent of urgent care centers offer a 

wait time of 30 minutes or less, according to the 2015 UCAOA Benchmarking 

Survey—and much lower prices, urgent care centers are a 

more convenient and affordable option than, but not a substitute for, an 

emergency room. When care is needed for true emergency situations, 

such as heart attacks, strokes, major bleeding, or severe burns, it’s vital 

to go to an emergency room immediately, as urgent care centers are 

not equipped or designed to treat life or limb-threatening conditions. 

Dollars and Sense 

When patients visit an emergency room for a non-emergency, 

they risk incurring a substantial financial loss. Emergency rooms 

are more expensive, charging an average of $1,300 for treatment 

of non-life-threatening situations, while urgent care centers 

charge an average of just $150, according to a Medical Expenditure 

Panel Survey. 

Plus, 27 percent of all emergency room visits could take place 

at an urgent care center, which would save American consumers 

approximately $4.4 billion annually, according to “Health Affairs.” 

Additionally, many insurance plans feature lower co-pays for urgent 

care services than treatment in an emergency room. 

Understanding the Options 

“With a growing variety of facilities available, patients need to 

take care to understand their options,” Kimball said. “The rise of 

freestanding emergency rooms is especially concerning because 

they look like urgent care centers. While they may seem convenient 

at the time, the emergency room prices can cause sticker shock for 

patients who aren’t aware of the distinction.” 

Freestanding emergency rooms are not physically connected to 

a hospital and are located in areas similar to urgent care centers, so 

it can be easy to confuse the two. A freestanding emergency room 

will offer emergency care—and charge emergency room prices. 

Patients should be sure to confirm the type of facility they’re visiting, 

as treatment at a freestanding ER may cost thousands of dollars 

more than an urgent care center. 

To find a conveniently located urgent care center near you, visit 

www.whereisurgentcare.com. 

Photo credit: fotostorm/iStock 


ack to school 

Food Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers 

By Marianne Gravely, Food Safety Technical Information Specialist, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA 

Back to school, back to the books, back in the saddle, 

or back in the car for all the parents. The new school 

year means its back to packing lunches and after-school 

snacks for students, scouts, athletes, dancers, and all the other 

children who carry these items to and from home. One “back” 

you do not want to reacquaint children with, however, is bacteria. 

Bacteria that cause foodborne illness, commonly known as 

food poisoning, grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 and 

140 degrees Fahrenheit. In just two hours, these microorganisms 

can multiply to dangerous levels, which can cause foodborne illness. 

To make sure lunches and snacks are safe for those you 

pack for, you should follow the USDA’s four steps to food safety: 

Clean — Separate — Cook — and Chill. 

Packing tips 

• If the lunch/snack contains perishable food items like luncheon 

meats, eggs, cheese, or yogurt, make sure to pack it with at least 

two cold sources. Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly, so perishable 

food transported without an ice source won’t stay safe long. 

• Frozen juice boxes or water can also be used as freezer packs. 

Freeze these items overnight and use with at least one other freezer 

pack. By lunchtime, the liquids should be thawed and ready to drink. 

• Pack lunches containing perishable food in an insulated lunchbox 

or soft-sided lunch bag. Perishable food can be unsafe to 

eat by lunchtime if packed in a paper bag. 

• If packing a hot lunch, like soup, chili or stew, use an insulated 

container to keep it hot. Fill the container with boiling water, let 

stand for a few minutes, empty, and then put in the piping hot 

food. Tell children to keep the insulated container closed until 

lunchtime to keep the food hot — 140 °F or above. 

• If packing a child’s lunch the night before, parents should leave 

it in the refrigerator overnight. The meal will stay cold longer 

because everything will be refrigerator temperature when it is 

placed in the lunchbox. 

• If you’re responsible for packing snack for the team, troop, or 

group, keep perishable foods in a cooler with ice or cold packs 

until snack time. Pack snacks in individual bags or containers, 

rather than having children share food from one serving dish. 

Storage tips 

• If possible, a child’s lunch should be stored in a refrigerator or 

cooler with ice upon arrival. Leave the lid of the lunchbox or 

bag open in the fridge so that cold air can better circulate and 

keep the food cold. 

Eating and disposal tips 

• Pack disposable wipes for washing hands before and after eating. 

• After lunch, discard all leftover food, used food packaging, and 

paper bags. Do not reuse packaging because it could contaminate 

other food and cause foodborne illness. 

No one likes lukewarm soup and warm, wilted lettuce — ensuring 

that food is served and preserved at the appropriate temperatures 

not only guarantees it stays tasty and tempting, but it also makes 

sure that it is safe from “extra visitors.” A good thermos or ice pack 

can make sure that you and your busy student can enjoy your meals 

at appropriate temperatures, without worrying about bacteria. 

Information courtesy of foodsafety.gov 

Photo credit: SolStock/iStock 


aggressive behavior 

Bullying Defined 

Information from StopBullying.gov 

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged 

children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The 

behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over 

time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, 

lasting problems. 

In order to be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive 

and include: 

• An Imbalance of Power: Kids who bully use their power — such as 

physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity 

— to control or harm others. Power imbalances can change over 

time and in different situations, even if they involve the same people. 

• Repetition: Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the 

potential to happen more than once. 

Children at Risk of Being Bullied 

Generally, children who are bullied have one or more of the following 

risk factors: 

• Are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight 

or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a 

school, or being unable to afford what kids consider “cool” 

•Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves 

• Are depressed, anxious, or have low self-esteem 

• Are less popular than others and have few friends 

• Do not get along well with others, are seen as annoying or provoking, 

or antagonize others for attention 

• However, even if a child has these risk factors, it doesn’t mean that 

they will be bullied 

Signs a Child is Being Bullied 

Look for changes in the child. However, be aware that not all children 

who are bullied exhibit warning signs. Some signs that may point 

to a bullying problem are: 

• Unexplainable injuries 

• Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry 

• Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness 

• Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. 

Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not 

eat lunch 

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares 

• Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to 

go to school 

• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations 

• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem 

• Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming 

themselves, or talking about suicide 

If you know someone in serious distress or danger, don’t ignore the 

problem. 

Effects on Kids Who Are Bullied 

Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and 

mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience: 

• Depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, 

changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities 

they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood. 

• Health complaints 

• Decreased academic achievement — GPA and standardized test 

scores — and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, 

or drop out of school 

A very small number of bullied children might retaliate through 

extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 

1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied. 

The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide 

Media reports often link bullying with suicide. However, most youth 

who are bullied do not have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal 

behaviors. 

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is 

not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, 

problems at home, and trauma history. Additionally, specific 

groups have an increased risk of suicide, including American Indian 

and Alaskan Native, Asian American, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender 

youth. This risk can be increased further when these kids are 

not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an 

unsupportive situation worse. 

If you suspect a child of being bullied, contact a teacher, principal, 

or school counselor, or call the U.S. Department of Health bullying 

hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For more information about bullying, 

prevention, and how to get help, visit www.stopbullying.gov. 

Photo credit: unstock/iStock 


you can help 

Blood Donors Make a Difference 

Submitted by Central Illinois Community Blood Center 

When Sarah Dehority thinks about the difference a blood 

donor can make, she pictures her father, Kevin, and her 

son, Caiden. 

“They’ve both received blood,” she says. “And without it, neither 

one of them would be here today.” 

Sarah took Caiden Michael to see the doctor after he developed 

a cough in 2013, when he was just three years old. “He was so 

weak and pale. I knew it was more than just a cough,” says Sarah. 

Caiden had leukemia, and as a result, he had an extremely low 

hemoglobin level. “He received his first blood transfusion on the 

day I first took him to the doctor.” Caiden Michael is now six years 

old. During his three years of treatment, he has received more than 

five-dozen blood transfusions. 

The Dehority family knew about blood donation because Sarah’s 

father, Kevin, was a donor who gave blood as often as he 

could — every 56 days. After receiving Caiden’s diagnosis, Kevin 

received a diagnosis of his own. He has now also received multiple 

units of red blood cells and platelets during the course of his treatment 

for lung cancer. 

To help support the blood supply and give back to other families 

in need, Sarah helps coordinate mobile blood drives where Caiden 

Michael is her most dedicated volunteer. “He holds the donors’ 

hands and tells them, ‘Don’t look at the needle, look at the sky and 

the needle doesn’t hurt.’” 

As a mom, Sarah has developed a sense for when Caiden is in 

need of a transfusion. “If he has a headache and is tired or a little 

whiny, that’s when I know,” says Sarah. “When he receives blood, he 

has more energy. He can play, and he’s back to being a kid again.” 

Asked what she has to say to the blood donors who’ve contributed 

to Caiden and Kevin’s treatment, Sarah says, “I tell them thank 

you. Just like you would thank a soldier for their service. Those 

donors make a big difference.” 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. According 

to the American Cancer Society’s web site, “Cancer is diagnosed 

in one out of every 285 children under the age of 20 in 

the United States.” 

Seventeen percent of all blood transfusions are used to treat 

cancer patients, including children. 

To find a community blood drive or donor center near you, visit 

www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org, or call the Community Blood Center 

at 866-GIVE-BLD. 

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, 

is the provider of life-saving blood for 15 hospitals throughout 

central Illinois, including HSHS St. John’s Hospital and Memorial 

Medical Center in Springfield. 

Photo courtesy of Central Illinois Community Blood Center 


am i hungry? 

How to Use the 

Hunger and Fullness Scale 

By Michelle May, MD 

The Hunger and Fullness Scale, from the book series, Eat 

What You Love, Love What You Eat, is a useful tool for 

assessing your hunger and fullness levels before, during, 

and after you eat. It will help you identify your hunger cues, 

observe how different types and amounts of food affect you, and 

recognize when the urge to eat has been triggered by something 

other than hunger. This scale is not intended to set strict guidelines 

about when you should eat; rather, it helps you develop a 

greater awareness of your body’s subtle signals. 

The Hunger and Fullness Scale ranges from 1 to 10. A level 1 

represents ravenous — you’re so hungry you could eat this page. 

A level 10 means you’re so full that you’re in pain and feel sick. 

Remember, smaller numbers, smaller stomach; larger numbers, 

larger stomach. 

In the middle of the scale is level 5: neutral, comfortable, or 

satisfied. At a 5, you cannot feel your stomach at all. It’s neither 

empty nor full; it isn’t growling or feeling stretched. 

It helps to develop a good mental picture of what’s happening 

to your stomach at these different levels of hunger and fullness. 

Make a fist with your right hand; your empty stomach is about 

that size. This is a level 1. One or two handfuls of food will take 

you from a level 1 to a 5. 

Another way to picture your stomach is to think of a balloon. 

When it’s empty, you’re at a 1. When you blow that first puff of air 

into the balloon, it fills out gently and takes its shape. That’s a 5. 

As you take a deep breath and force more air into a balloon, 

its elastic walls begin to stretch and expand. These are levels 6 

through 10. Your stomach is able to stretch to a 10 in order to 

hold excess food; therefore, the numbers over 5 indicate how 

stretched or uncomfortable your stomach feels. 

If you blow too much air in, a balloon would continue to stretch 

and eventually pop. Fortunately, stomachs rarely rupture, but 

most of us have eaten so much at one time or another that we’ve 

said, “If I eat one more bite, I will explode!” When you feel this 

way, you’re at a 10. 

Of course, changes in blood sugar levels, energy levels, 

moods, and substances in the bloodstream resulting from the 

digestive process also signal hunger and fullness. These other 

clues help tell you how hungry or full you are. 

It may be challenging at first to label your hunger and fullness 

levels with numbers, but as you practice, it becomes second 

nature. You can learn to use this awareness to decide when, 

what, and how much to eat. 

Hunger and Fullness Descriptions 

1. Ravenous: Too hungry to care what you eat. This is a highrisk 

time for overeating. 

2. Starving: You feel you must eat now! 

3. Hungry: Eating would be pleasurable, but you can wait longer. 

4. Hunger pangs: You’re slightly hungry; you notice your first 

thoughts of food. 

5. Satisfied: You’re content and comfortable. You’re neither 

hungry nor full; you can’t feel your stomach at all. 

6. Full: You can feel the food in your stomach. 

7. Very full: Your stomach feels stretched, and you feel sleepy 

and sluggish. 

8. Uncomfortable: Your stomach is too full, and you wish you 

hadn’t eaten so much. 

9. Stuffed: Your clothes feel very tight, and you’re very uncomfortable. 

10. Sick: You feel sick and/or you’re in pain. 

Michelle May, MD is a recovered yoyo dieter and the awardwinning 

author of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How 

to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle. Download chapter one 

at amihungry.com/chapter1. 

Photo credit: Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock 


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