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Page 1: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

HealthWatch

September 12, 2018

A Special Supplement To

Page 2: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

2 — HEALTH WATCH Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Page 3: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018 HEALTH WATCH — 3

Home gyms can make

working out more

efficient, saving time driving to a fitness facil-ity and enabling people to stick to a workout

regimen during inclem-

ent weather. Having a gym at home also may motivate people to work out more frequently and more effectively, as they can exercise at any

time of day they choose

and won’t need to share

equipment with fellow fitness enthusiasts.

While workouts will vary from individual to individual, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recom-

mend adults should combine both aerobic

and strength training to

achieve optimal health. The CDC recommends adults do at least 150 minutes a week of mod-

erate-intensity aerobic

activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. In ad-

dition, the CDC advises adults to include mod-

erate- or high-intensity

muscle-strengthening activities, involving all major muscle groups, in their workout regimens

two or more days per week. When construct-

ing their home gyms, homeowners should keep CDC recommen-

dations in mind so they

can enjoy as complete a workout as possible.

The following are some items homeown-

ers can consider when

outfitting their home gyms.

• Barbells: Barbells aren’t just for biceps. Barbells can be used to work all the major mus-

cle groups, including arms, chest, shoulders, legs, and back. Purchase a set of barbells of var-ious weights so work-

outs can be varied de-

pending on the muscle group being targeted.

• Bench, bar and

plates: A bench, bar and plates also can be invaluable to people who want a fitness fa-

cility-quality workout at home. Purchase plates of various weights but remember to be cau-

tious with the amount

of weight you lift when no partner or spotter is present. When shopping for a bench, look for one that can incline and decline, which increases the range of exercises

you can perform at

home.

• Land line: If the gym will be in a base-

ment or another area of

the home where access

to a mobile network is unreliable, the presence of a land line in the room can help in the case of emergencies.

Those who work out at

home will be doing so without gym staff or

other fitness enthusi-asts nearby, so the land line can be invaluable should someone suffer an injury when exercis-

ing alone. If possible, place the land line in the middle of the room so it’s not too far away

from any particular area.

• Flooring: Home-

owners have various flooring options when outfitting their home gyms. Carpet tiles, rubber flooring, foam flooring, and vinyl tiles are popular options. Each has its advantages

and disadvantages, and the right choice may

depend on how the gym will be used. For exam-

ple, foam flooring may be compressed under heavy equipment, which may be problematic for homeowners who

want to include lots of equipment in their home gyms. Before con-

sidering which flooring material to lay down, write down your likely workout routine before

taking that write-up with you to a flooring contractor who can

recommend the best

material for you.• Cardiovascular

equipment: Homeown-

ers don’t have to rein-

vent the wheel when purchasing cardiovascu-

lar equipment for their home gyms. If a tread-

mill worked for you at the gym, purchase one for your home gym as

well. Cardio equipment can be expensive, but savvy homeowners may be able to find fully functional secondhand equipment online. If you currently have a gym membership, speak with the owner about purchasing a used item directly from the facility.

Outfitting a home gym requires homeowners

to give careful consider-ation to their workout

preferences so they can tailor their gyms to their specific needs.

Items to consider when

outfitting a home gym

The connection

between energy and

eating is significant. A healthy diet and approach to eating can vastly improve energy levels, while a poorly planned diet that lacks nutrition can con-

tribute to feelings of fatigue and increase a

person’s risk for vari-ous ailments.

The Harvard Medical School notes that dif-ferent kinds of foods

are converted to energy at different rates.

That’s why some foods, such as candy, provide quick boosts of energy

while foods such as whole grains tend to supply the body with energy reserves that it can draw on through-

out the day.

It’s not just what people eat but how they eat that can affect

The connection between

eating and energy

SEE CONNECTION, 10

Page 4: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

4 — HEALTH WATCH Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Gluten-free diets have garnered substantial attention over the last decade-plus.

Perhaps nowhere is the rise of gluten-free diets more evident than at local grocery stores, many of which now de-

vote entire sections to gluten-free products.

Some may swear by

gluten-free foods, but medical experts note that gluten-free diets are only necessary and benefi cial to people with Celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder

in which the inges-

tion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.

The Celiac Disease Foundation® notes that the disease affects

roughly one in 100 people across the globe and even estimates that 2.5 million Americans

are currently undiag-nosed and at-risk for

long-term health com-plications.

The CDF notes that people are not helpless against Celiac disease. In fact, the CDF, which disseminates infor-

mation through a free

mailing list, recom-mends men and women

stay informed about the

disease, seek immedi-ate care if they suspect they have the disease and learn the symp-toms of the disease, which vary between children and adults.

Parents who suspect their children have Celi-ac disease can look for these common symp-toms:

• abdominal bloating and pain

• chronic diarrhea

• vomiting• constipation• pale, foul-smelling,

or fatty stool• weight loss• fatigue

• irritability and be-havioral issues

• dental enamel de-

fects of the permanent teeth

• delayed growth and puberty

• short stature

• failure to thrive• Attention Defi cit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Adults are less likely than children to ex-perience digestive symptoms indicative of Celiac disease. For instance, the CDF notes that only one-third of adults who are ultimately diagnosed with Celiac experience diarrhea. These symp-toms are more likely to appear in adults with Celiac disease:

• unexplained iron-defi ciency anemia

• fatigue

• bone or joint pain• arthritis

• osteoporosis or os-teopenia (bone loss)

• liver and biliary

tract disorders (trans-

aminitis, fatty liver, primary sclerosing cholangitis, etc.)

• depression or anx-iety

• peripheral neuropa-thy ( tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet)

• seizures or mi-

graines

• missed menstrual periods

• infertility or recur-rent miscarriage

• canker sores inside

the mouth

• dermatitis herpeti-formis (itchy skin rash)

Celiac disease can produce uncomfort-able symptoms. But the good news is that

a gluten-free diet can effectively resolve symptoms and prevent future complications.

More information is available at www.celiac.org.

Symptoms of Celiac disease

Gastroesophageal refl ux disease, or GERD, is a painful condition in which stomach acid

fl ows up the esophagus and into the mouth.

Sometimes called dys-pepsia, acid refl ux or heartburn, GERD can generate a fi ery sensa-tion in the chest and

throat that can range

from mild to severe.

What is GERD?

GERD can affect any-

one regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity. In the United States, approximately 20 per-cent of the population has GERD, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

(NIDDK).Five million Canadians

experience heartburn and/or acid regurgita-

tion at least once each week, states the Cana-dian Digestive Health

Foundation.GERD can cause

diffi culty swallowing, regurgitation of food

or sour liquid, a sen-sation of a lump in the throat, or chest pain, advises the Mayo Clinic. Some people experience intermittent symptoms of GERD, while others experience symptoms with every meal or in between meals. People who have chronic refl ux might also suffer from

nighttime symptoms, such as disrupted sleep or chronic cough.

The NIDDK says GERD also may cause Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which tissue that is

similar to the intestine replaces the tissue lin-ing the esophagus.

Treating symptoms

In many mild to mod-erate cases of refl ux, individuals can rely on lifestyle changes and

natural remedies to prevent symptoms.

• Avoid food triggers. Certain foods and bev-erages, such as greasy or spicy recipes and alcoholic beverages, can make GERD symptoms strike. Acidic foods, chocolate, onions, car-bonated beverages, and caffeinated beverages also may trigger GERD.

• Fasting before bed-time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-

ages two to three hours

before bedtime.

• Lose weight. Ac-

cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt University, obesity is the leading cause of GERD. Extra stomach fat puts pressure on the abdo-men, pushing gastric acids into the esopha-gus. Losing weight can

reduce this pressure.

Improve GERD symptoms with natural remedies

SEE IMPROVE, 10

What is gluten?Gluten-free foods are now more widely available than

ever before, but unless they adhere to gluten-free

diets, consumers may not know just what gluten is

and why some people need to avoid it. According to

the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten is the general

name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley,

and the hybrid grain triticale, which is produced by

crossing wheat and rye. Many foods and beverages,

including breads, soups, beer, and cereals, contain

gluten. However, the CDF notes that many foods

also are naturally gluten-free. What’s more, many naturally gluten-free foods are very nutritious. These

foods include fruits, vegetables, fi sh and seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts. And while it may

seem as though people advised to avoid gluten

must therefore remove grains and other starches

from their diets, that’s not the case. In fact, the CDF lists a number of naturally gluten-free grains and

starch-containing foods on its website (www.celiac.

org). For example, rice, cassava, corn, soy, potato,

quinoa, nut fl ours, and millet are just a handful of the naturally gluten-free grains and starches that

people who must avoid gluten can eat without fear

of aggravating their conditions.

Page 5: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018 HEALTH WATCH — 5

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Page 6: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

6 — HEALTH WATCH Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Just like there are many types of cancer, there are many ways to

treat cancer. The types of treatment cancer

patients will receive depends on which type of cancer they have, and patients often receive a combination of treat-

ments.

Targeted therapy is one type of treat-ment that doctors may

suggest when speaking with their patients. Understanding target-ed therapy can help patients feel more in control as they begin treatment.

What is targeted

therapy?

According to the

National Cancer Insti-tute, targeted therapy targets the changes in

cancer cells that help them grow, divide and spread. Preventing can-

cer from metastasizing, or spreading to other parts of the body, is a goal of treatment, as doing so dramatically improves survival rates.

Are there different

types of targeted ther-

apy?

Targeted therapies often employ one of two types of drugs. Small-molecule drugs are so tiny that they can

easily enter cells. These types of drugs are used to treat cancers in

which the targets are lo-

cated inside the cancer

cells.Monoclonal antibod-

ies are another type of drug used in target-

ed therapies. Unlike small-molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies cannot easily enter cells but can attach to targets

on the outer surface of

cancer cells.

Am I a candidate for

target therapy?

The NCI notes that most of the time tu-

mors will need be tested to see if they contain

targets of drugs used

during target thera-

pies. Such testing may require a biopsy, which involves the removal of a piece of the tumor so it can be examined for

targets. Risks associated with biopsies depend on the size and location of the tumor, and doctors will explain these risks prior to conducting a

biopsy.

How does targeted

therapy work?

The NCI says most targeted therapies aim to interfere with specific proteins that help tu-

mors grow and spread to other areas of the

body. The following are just some of the ways

that targeted therapies treat cancer.

• Assist the immune

system in destroying

cancer cells: Cancer cells are adept at hiding from the immune sys-

tem, but some targeted therapies mark cancer cells, making it easier for the immune system

to find and destroy them. Other targeted

therapies may just bol-ster the immune system

as it fights the cancer.• Prevent cancer cell

growth: Some targeted

Targeted therapy canhelp with some cancers

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Page 7: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018 HEALTH WATCH — 7

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 million Americans, including roughly seven million children, have asthma? It’s true, and those numbers have steadily risen in recent years.

Asthma is more than

occasional wheezing or feeling out of breath during physical activity. Asthma is chronic and

can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, and chest tightness, states the Asthma and

Allergy Foundation of America. In the 21st century, people spend significant time indoors at home, school or work, and indoor air environments could be triggers for asthma.

Improving indoor air quality can help people breathe clearly. The AAFA notes that the following agents can adversely affect indoor

air quality, potential-ly triggering asthma attacks.

Allergens

Allergens such as mold, dust mites, pet dander and fur, and waste from insects or

rodents thrive in many homes. Ensuring indoor

air quality is high can cut back on the amount

of allergens in the air. People with asthma can invest in an air purifier and vacuum regularly, being sure to use a HEPA-equipped appliance. Routinely replacing HVAC system filters can help prevent allergens from blowing around the house. Also, frequent maintenance

of HVAC systems will ensure they are operat-ing safely and not con-

tributing to poor indoor air quality.

Mold can be mitigated by reducing moisture in

a home. Moist environ-

ments in the kitchen

and bathroom may

promote mold growth. Ventilation is key to keep mold at bay.

Tobacco smoke

Thirdhand smoke, or THS, may be unfamiliar to many people. A 2011 report published in En-

vironmental Health Per-spectives says THS is an invisible combination of gases and particles that can cling to clothing, cushions, carpeting, and other materials long after secondhand smoke has cleared from a room.

Studies have indicated that residual nicotine levels can be found in house dust where

people smoke or once smoked. Studies have indicated that smoke

compounds can adsorb onto surfaces and then

desorb back into air

over time.Keeping tobacco

smoke out of a home

can improve indoor air quality and personal health.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases released from commonly used prod-

ucts. These can include paints and varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, new furni-ture, and new carpet. People with asthma may find that VOCs can trigger attacks. Airing

out items, reducing usage of products that are heavily scented and choosing low- or no-VOC products can help.

Making cleaning products from baking soda, vinegar and liquid oil soap also can keep indoor air quality high.

Homeowners who

plan to renovate their homes can consider

using the appropriate specifications for HVAC systems to promote good indoor air, as well as address any other potential problems that may be compromising indoor air quality.

Clean indoor air can help reduce asthma attacks

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Page 8: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

8 — HEALTH WATCH Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018

According to the

latest annual visual net-working index forecast

from Cisco, there will be four networked de-

vices and connections per person across the globe by 2021.

While there is no de-

nying the many positive attributes of electronics and global connectivity, research indicates that

some health concerns may be tied to our

devices.

Cancer from phones

Smartphones, flip phones and their prede-

cessors give off a form of energy known as

radiofrequency, or RF. As the amount of time

spent on phones has in-

creased, concerns have been raised as to the

possible health ramifi-

cations of RF exposure on the body.

The American Cancer Society says RF waves are a form of non-ion-

izing radiation. They

are different from the

stronger, ionizing types of radiation that can

affect the chemical structure of DNA in the

body.

But there is some con-

cern that RF may con-

tribute to the formation

of cancer in the body.

A large study by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) exposed large groups of lab rats

and mice to RF energy over their entire bodies for about nine hours

a day, starting before birth and continuing for

up to two years.Results indicated

an increased risk of

tumors called malig-

nant schwannomas of

the heart in male rats exposed to RF radiation.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified RF fields as “possibly car-cinogenic to humans.”

Although cancer risk is very low and not undeniably linked to phone use, it is some-

thing for people to keep in the back of their

minds, and limiting phone use may help reduce risk.

Mobile device use and

social media addiction

Increased use of technology may be linked to decreases in attention and increases

in behavior and self-reg-

ulation problems for adolescents already at risk for mental health problems, says a study from Duke University.

One hundred fifty-one adolescents were stud-

ied using digital tech-

nologies for an average of 2.3 hours a day.

The researchers found

that, on days when adolescents used their devices more, both when they exceeded

their own normal use and when they exceed-

ed average use by their peers, they were more likely to exhibit conduct problems such as lying and fighting.

Also, as published in Psychiatric News, time spent on multiple social

media outlets is con-

sidered a risk factor for

mental health prob-

lems.Researchers found

people who reported using the greatest num-

ber of social media sites (seven to 11) had more than three times the

risk of depression and anxiety.

Other health concerns

Neck pain, wrist and elbow strain, eye strain, and other fatigue fac-

tors have been linked to computer use.

A study published in the U.S. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that

people using tablets for at least four hours before bedtime took

longer to fall asleep than people who hadn’t used them.

And recently, popular exercise tracker FitBit came under fire when people were shocked while wearing the de-

vices, and these types of trackers may cause

people to micromanage their fitness, detracting from the psychological benefits of exercise.

Electronics are im-

portant components of daily life. But devices may contribute to seri-

ous health problems.

Electronics might have surprising effects on health

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Page 9: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018 HEALTH WATCH — 9

A beautiful smile is something everyone aspires to. In addition to keeping their teeth and gums clean, people can take various steps to ensure their smiles are outstanding.

Orthodontic treat-

ment can align teeth and make for an

attractive smile and more functional chew-

ing. Orthodontics is

a branch of dentistry

that corrects teeth and

jaws that are positioned improperly, advises Colgate. When teeth do not fit together correct-ly, they can be harder to keep clean. In addition, misaligned teeth and jaws can cause stress

on chewing muscles

that may lead to head-

aches and other pain.Most people are

introduced to orthodon-

tics when a traditional dentist examines their

mouth, and children are often referred to

an orthodontist. Cer-tain appliances, such as palatal expanders and braces, are often recommended to fix the most common prob-

lems. Extractions may be necessary to make

room in overcrowded mouths so that ortho-

dontic treatment can be

most successful.While people may be

familiar with braces and other orthodontic

treatments, they may not fully understand

how the process works. Straightening or fix-

ing alignment issues typically takes a long time — anywhere from

several months to a few years, offers the Oral Health Foundation. That’s because teeth

are anchored strongly in the bone of the jaw.

In order to move teeth

into correct place-

ment, gentle, constant pressure needs to be applied in the correct manner.

A combination of

fixed and removable devices must be used to help move teeth. With braces, the most common fixed applianc-

es, small brackets are

affixed to the front of the teeth and anchors

are placed on or around the molars. Thin arch wires are then passed through the brackets

and held in place with small elastics called ligatures. Tightening or switching the gauge of

the wire helps draw the teeth into correct posi-tion. Rubber bands also can be used to apply pressure in different ways to move teeth accordingly.

Other types of or-thodontic treatments

include fixed space maintainers, which keep a space open until a permanent tooth erupts if a baby tooth is lost prematurely. Fixed

appliances can be used to control thumbsuck-

ing or tongue thrust-

ing. Jaw repositioning appliances can train the jaw to close in a more favorable position to alleviate temporoman-

dibular join disorders (TMJ).

Many adults now opt for invisible aligners when seeking ortho-

dontic treatment. These

consist of various sets of flexible plastic that are molded to move the teeth incrementally.

Orthodontic treat-

ment is an important component of oral healthcare. It can im-

prove bite issues and create an attractive smile.

How orthodontic treatment works

Hearing loss is quite common and can im-

pact people’s lives in profound ways. Al-though there are some

treatments that can

improve one’s ability to hear and communicate, many people are inter-ested in learning about the ways they may be

able to prevent hearing loss in the first place.

Medical experts from the American

Speech-Language-Hear-ing Association advise that hearing loss can be caused by different

factors. Learning about

these causes can help individuals make smart decisions at a young age

to prevent future hear-ing loss when possible. In certain circumstanc-

es, hearing loss may be unavoidable. In such instances, audiologists, or doctors specializing in hearing, can help.

Conductive

hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss refers to problems with the ear canal, ear drum or middle ear and its bones, states the Hearing Loss Associa-

tion of America. Some

of the causes of con-

ductive hearing loss include:

• Otitis media is an

infection of the middle

ear in which fluid accu-

mulation can interfere with the movement of the eardrum and ossi-

cles.• Impacted earwax

also can cause hearing problems.

• Fluid in the mid-

dle ear may obstruct hearing.

• Otosclerosis, which is a middle ear disease, can make it difficult for the tiny bones in the

middle ear to move. Surgery can correct the

problem.• Malformation of the

outer ear, ear canal or middle ear structure can impact hearing as well.

Sensorineural

hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss, or SNHL, occurs due to problems of the inner ear. It is often referred to as nerve-re-

lated hearing loss.• Aging is a common

cause of hearing loss that may not be revers-

ible. Age-related hearing loss is called presby-

cusis and is marked

by muffled or unclear speech. Treatment with assistive hearing de-

vices can help improve hearing.

• Trauma to the ear or

head may impact hear-ing. Wearing protective gear during sports or

other activities can pro-

tect against neurological damage that may cause

hearing loss.• Damage to the inner

ear can result from prolonged exposure to loud noises, states the Mayo Clinic. These nois-

es cause wear and tear

on the hairs or nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound signals to the brain. When these

hairs or nerve cells are damaged or missing, electrical signals aren’t transmitted as efficient-ly, and hearing loss occurs. Using hearing protection and turning down the volume can help.

• Ménière’s disease is an inner ear problem of unknown origins.

It usually starts in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Dizzi-ness and ringing of the

ear are common, and hearing loss comes and goes. Some loss can become permanent.

• Viruses and diseases

as well as family history also may play a role in SNHL.

In some instances, hearing loss may be the result of a combina-

tion of factors. Anyone

finding their hearing has become less acute should visit with an audiologist.

Learn about the causes of adult hearing loss

Page 10: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

10 — HEALTH WATCH Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018

their energy levels. In addition to choosing

the right foods, men and women can try

the following strate-

gies as they look to eat to boost their energy

levels.• Eat smaller, more

frequent meals. Avoid-

ing the traditional three-meals-per-day approach may help improve energy levels, especially for people who tend to eat sizable meals once, twice or even three times every day. According to the

Cleveland Clinic, the metabolisms of people who do not eat regu-

larly will slow down, as the body absorbs and

stores more of the food

it eats. Those stores

include cholesterol and fat, which can be un-

healthy and contribute to weight gain. How-

ever, by eating small meals more frequent-ly, one’s metabolism speeds up and more calories are burned.

The body recognizes

more food is soon on

the way and, as a result, it does not need to

store as much choles-

terol and fat as it would if meals were eaten less frequently.

• Avoid a big lunch. The Harvard Medical School notes that, while the reasons are unclear, research has indicat-

ed that the circadian

rhythms of people who eat big lunches indicate a more significant drop in afternoon energy lev-

els than the rhythms of people who eat smaller midday meals. Men and women who eat big

lunches and find their

energy levels waning later in the workday can try to eat smaller midday meals to boost their energy.

• Be careful with caffeine. The foods

people eat are not the only components of their diet that can affect

their energy levels. Caffeinated beverages can provide a tempo-

rary boost of energy as

well. However, men and women who drink cof-

fee or other caffeinated

beverages to boost their energy levels should avoid doing so in large amounts after 2 p.m. That’s because caffeine

can cause insomnia, and insufficient sleep can dramatically affect energy levels.

• Choose the right snacks. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may compel some peo-

ple to snack.The Academy of

Nutrition and Dietetics

notes that snacks are

important as long as they’re the right snacks.

Avoid snacks that are just empty calories in favor of foods that contain protein and fi-

ber-rich carbohydrates.

Such snacks, which may include fruits such as apples and fresh berries or protein sources like nuts and Greek yogurt, can provide lasting energy.

It’s also important that men and women

not snack to fill them-

selves up, but rather to quell any hunger pangs and get an energy boost

between meals.The foods people eat

and when they eat them

can have a dramatic impact on their energy levels.

CONNECTION: Healthy dietcan vastly improve energy levels

FROM PAGE 3

• Eat small meals. Rather than eating a few big meals, eat small meals throughout the day.

• Try natural herbs. Some natural GERD remedies contain Ger-

man chamomile, lemon balm, licorice, milk this-

tle, and angelica. Also,

melatonin has been suggested to help re-

lieve heartburn. But the research is conflicting as to whether melatonin is effective. Always discuss supplement use with a doctor prior to starting a regimen.

• Drink low-fat milk. Milk may temporarily buffer stomach acid, but high-fat milk may

stimulate the stomach to produce more acid.

• Chew gum. Chew-

ing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which can be an acid

buffer. Chewing gum also results in more swallowing, which can force acids out of the

esophagus.• Quit smoking. Some

studies indicate nico-

tine relaxes the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, the flap that blocks stomach acid from coming into the

esophagus.• Stay upright. Stay

upright after eating a meal for at least three hours. In bed, sleep on a slight angle by raising the head of the bed a

few inches.

IMPROVE: Natural remedies,diet can help with GERD

FROM PAGE 4

therapies interfere with the proteins that tell cancer cells to divide. This slows the uncon-

trolled growth of can-

cer that can increase

the likelihood of the cancer metastasizing.

• Stop signals that help form blood ves-

sels: In order to grow beyond a certain size, tumors need to form

new blood vessels. Targeted therapies known as angiogenesis

inhibitors interfere

with these signals, ulti-mately keeping tumors small by denying the blood supply neces-

sary for them to grow.

Angiogenesis inhibitors

can even cause blood vessels to die in tumors that already have the blood supply necessary to grow.

• Deliver cell-killing substances to cancer

cells: In certain in-

stances, monoclonal antibodies might be

combined with toxins, chemotherapy drugs and radiation.

In these instances, the antibodies attach

to the surface of the

cancer cells, which then take up the cancer-kill-ing substances, causing cell death.

Are there drawbacks

to targeted therapy?

Cancer cells can become resistant to tar-

geted therapies. In such instances, targeted therapies are most ef-fective when combined with other targeted

therapies or treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

In addition, the struc-

ture and/or function of

targets on cancer cells sometimes makes it

difficult to design ef-fective drugs necessary for targeted therapies to succeed.

Targeted therapies are a potential treat-ment option for cancer patients.

THERAPY: Treatment depends on what type of cancer patients have

FROM PAGE 6

Page 11: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018 HEALTH WATCH — 11

Page 12: HEALTH · time. Avoid eating food and consuming bever-ages two to three hours before bedtime. • Lose weight. Ac-cording to the Center for Esophageal Motility Disorders at Vanderbilt

12 — HEALTH WATCH Star Beacon, Wednesday, September 12, 2018