healthfocusJanuary/February 2012

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?Maybe you want to lose weight or learn a new activity. Those are great resolutions. But, there’s another resolution you don’t want to neglect this year, and that’s the safety of your home and family. Whatever you resolve to do, be sure to put safety at the top of the list.

Making a commitment to safety can make a huge difference in protecting your loved ones from hazards in and around the home.

Page 3 Eat for a Healthy Heart

Page 5 The Smart Way -

Choosing a Primary Care Physician

Page 4 Can Varicose and Spider Veins

Be Prevented?

Page 5 Healthy Recipe

Greetings!!Do You Know What to Do If You Get Stranded in Your Car?If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:

• Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself. • Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on. • To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm!

It is important to be prepared. Be sure to equip your car with these items:

• blankets • first aid kit • a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water) • windshield scraper • booster cables • road maps • mobile phone • compass • tool kit • paper towels • bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction) • tow rope • tire chains (in areas with heavy snow) • collapsible shovel • container of water and high-calorie canned or dried foods and a can opener • flashlight and extra batteries • canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair) • brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna as a signal to rescuers)

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/Seasonal_Advisories/WinterDrivingTips/images/safewinterdriving.pdf (accessed September 16, 2010).

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, http://www.safercar.gov (accessed September 16, 2010).

On behalf of over 70 physicians and 630 staff employees of Unity Healthcare, I welcome you to the first edition of Unity HealthFocus. I am Dr. Ketan Sheth, Medical Director for all Unity Healthcare practices. In addition, I am a practicing allergy and asthma physician with Lafayette Allergy and Asthma Clinic. I have practiced and lived in the Lafayette community for 20 years.

Unity Healthcare is celebrating 15 years of providing quality care to the people of Tippecanoe County and the 10 surrounding counties. While we are 15 years young as an organization our physicians have been practicing in Lafayette many more years, bringing a depth of clinical knowledge and expertise to what we do. For example, Lafayette Orthopaedic Clinic and Lafayette Surgical Clinic are several of the many longstanding, quality health care practices that are part of Unity. This newsletter will provide suggestions for healthy living and discuss important topics in your health care. This month we will start with some new years resolutions that can improve your health. With each new edition either a guest or myself will add a few additional comments. We hope you enjoy the newsletter. Finally, speaking for all our physicians, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of our patients for the trust you have given us to take care of your health and to make Unity Healthcare the only locally owned, physician-led multispecialty group in the area. We take our responsibilities to you seriously.

Dr. Ketan Sheth, Medical Director

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Getting check-ups is one of many things you can do to help stay healthy and prevent disease and disability.

You’ve made the appointment to see your health care provider.You’ve reviewed the instructions on how to prepare for certain tests. You’ve done the usual paperwork. Done, right? Not quite.

Before your next check-up, make sure you do these four things.

Review your family health history. Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your close relatives since your last visit? If so, let your health care provider know. Family history might influence your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes or cancer. Your provider will assess your risk of disease based on your family history and other factors. Your provider may also recommend things you can do to help prevent disease, such as exercising more, changing your diet or using screening tests to help detect disease early.

Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations.Have you had the recommended screening tests based on your age, general health, family history and lifestyle? Check with your health care provider to see if it is time for any vaccinations, fol-low-up exams or tests. For example, it might be time for you to get a Pap test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, sexually transmitted disease screening, blood pressure check, tetanus shot, eye exam or other screening. Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you.Review any existing health problems and note any changes. • Have you noticed any body changes, including lumps or skin changes?

• Are you having pain, dizziness, fatigue, problems with urine or stool or menstrual cycle changes? • Have your eating habits changed? • Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, stress or sleeping problems?

If so, note when the change began, how it’s different from before and any other observation that you think might be helpful.

Be honest with your provider. If you haven’t been taking your medication as directed, exercising as much, or anything else, say so. You may be at risk for certain diseases and conditions because of how you live, work and play. Your provider develops a plan based partly on what you say you do. Help ensure that you get the best guidance by providing the most up-to-date and accurate information about you.

Be sure to write your questions down beforehand. Once you’re in the office or exam room, it can be hard to remember everything you want to know. Leave room between questions to write down your provider’s answers.

Consider your future. Are there specific health issues that need addressing concerning your future? Are you thinking about having infertility treatment, losing weight, taking a hazardous job or quitting smoking? Discuss any issues with your provider so that you can make better decisions regarding your health and safety.

Source: Centers For Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/family/checkuplist/index.htm (accessed October 14, 2008).

For a listing of our primary care physicians, please turn to page 5 and 6 or visit www.unityhc.com.

Things You Should Do Before Your Next Check-Up

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Eat for a Healthy Heart Making healthy food choices is one important thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease—the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States.

According to the American Heart Association, about 80 million adults in the U.S. have at least one form of heart disease— disorders that prevent the heart from functioning normally— including coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, heart defects, infections, and cardiomyopathy (thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle).

Experts say you can reduce the risk of developing these problems with lifestyle changes that include eating a healthy diet. But with racks full of books and magazines about food and recipes, what is the best diet for a healthy heart.

Follow these simple guidelines when preparing meals: • Balance calories to manage body weight. • Eat at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, including a variety of dark-green, red, and orange vegetables, beans, and peas. • Eat seafood (including oily fish) in place of some meat and poultry. • Eat whole grains—the equivalent of at least three 1-ounce servings a day. • Use oils to replace solid fats. • Use fat-free or low-fat versions of dairy products. Packaged and Restaurant FoodOne way to make sure you’re adhering to healthy guidelines is by us-ing the nutrition labels on the packaged foods you buy.

Sledding SafetyUnity Healthcare and the American Academy of Pediatrics offer these sledding safety tips:

• Keep sledders away from motor vehicles. • Children should be supervised while sledding. • Keep young children separated from older children. • Sledding feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first, may prevent head injuries. • Consider having your child wear a helmet while sledding. • Use steerable sleds, not snow disks or inner tubes. • Sleds should be structurally sound and free of sharp edges and splinters, and the steering mechanism should be well lubricated. • Sled slopes should be free of obstructions like trees or fences, be covered in snow (not ice), not be too steep (slope of less than 30º), and end with a flat runoff. • Avoid sledding in crowded areas.

Follow these guidelines when using processed foods or eating in restaurants: • Choose lean meats and poultry. Bake it, broil it, or grill it. • In a restaurant, opt for steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed. • Look on product labels for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Most of the fats you eat should come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, such as those found in some types of fish, nuts, and vegetable oils. • Check product labels for foods high in potassium (unless you’ve been advised to restrict the amount of potassium you eat). Potassium counteracts some of the effects of salt on blood pressure. • Choose foods and beverages low in added sugars. Read the ingredient list to make sure that added sugars are not among the first ingredients. Ingredients in the largest amounts are listed first. Some names for added sugars include sucrose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, maple syrup, and fructose. The nutrition facts on the product label give the total sugar content. • Pick foods that provide dietary fiber, like fruits, beans, vegetables, and whole grains.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm199058.htm (accessed December 16, 2011)

Source: Centers For Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/

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Can Varicose and Spider Veins Be Prevented?Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg.

Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover a very small or very large area of skin.

What causes Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?

Varicose veins develop as veins become dilated and begin to flow backwards with gravity. One-way check valves fail. Generally speaking there are no known causes of varicose veins, but there are trends. Risks include a family history of varicose veins, hormonal influences, obesity, and occupations that involved prolonged sitting to standing. As you might expect this is a common problem affecting in excess of 25% of adult Americans. Once varicose veins develop, symptoms may occur due to pressure in the diseased veins and inflammation. In advanced cases, bleeding, blood clots, and open sores will develop in a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency.

Can Varicose Veins and Spider Veins be prevented?

We cannot out run our genes or gravity, and as a result not all varicose and spider veins can be prevented. There are some general rules of thumb to consider when promoting vein health that should reduce the likelihood of developing complications from varicose veins.

• Avoid occupations that require prolonged standing or sitting. If this is unavoidable, consider many of the following.

• Maintain a normal weight. Obesity not only contributes to developing varicose veins it raises the risk for serious blood clots.

• Exercise regularly. Target 10,000 steps per day and use a pedometer until this becomes a routine part of your day. Walking is one of the single best things you can do to promote vein health.

• Use Compression Therapy when it makes sense. Compression comes in a variety of colors, strengths, and sizes. If you have a job that requires prolonged sitting or standing, this is a proven way to minimize symptoms and promote vein health. Compression therapy is used for a variety of indications including help to prevent blood clots when travelling.

When it is all said and done, taking steps to improve vein health offers the best means to prevent the development of varicose veins and complications related to venous insufficiency. If you would like to learn more about your vein health, contact us at (765) 807-2770 for a consultation.

Marlin Schul, MDMedical Director and Patient AdvocateLafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

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Family Medicine Diane Begley, M.D. 3801 Amelia Avenue, Suite C Lafayette, IN 47905 PH: 765.446.5161 | FX: 765.446.5160

Benton County Medical Center Steven Martin, M.D. 1004 South East Street Fowler, IN 47944 PH: 765.884.1111 | FX: 765.884.1605

Clinic of Family Medicine Mallik Chaganti, M.D. Robert E. Darnaby, M.D. Stephen C. Spicer, M.D. James G. Wakefield III, M.D. 1103 East Grace Street Rensselaer, IN 47978 PH: 219.866.4135 | FX: 219.866.0803

Louck Family Medicine Christopher Louck, M.D. 716 South College Street Rensselaer, IN 47978 PH: 219.866.4300 | FX: 219.866.7591

Pickerill, Adler & Associates Jeremy Adler, M.D. Casey Pickerill, M.D. Darren Reed, D.O. 2525 South Street Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.807.2320 | FX: 765.807.2330

Rossville Family Medicine Duane Estep, M.D. Wanda Estep, M.D. 5450 West State Road 26, Suite 300 Rossville, IN 46065 PH: 765.379.2222 | FX: 765.379.3222

Southside Family Practice John Cusack, M.D. Shadi Resheidat, M.D. 3554 Promenade Parkway, Suite F Lafayette, IN 47909 PH: 765.471.9146 | FX: 765.477.0277

Find a Doctor...Near You. Choosing a primary care physician is not difficult, but it does take some research. Our physicians are skilled in the practices of family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.

Choosing a Primary Care Physician - The Smart WayChoosing a new physician can be a difficult task. Asking for recommendations is a good way to start, but ultimately you will have to decide which physician is best suited to your individual needs and situation.

It is important to establish a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP), especially before you ever get sick. Primary care doctors should be the first line of defense in protecting your health, but millions of Americans don’t have a PCP. Even patients who regularly visit specialists don’t always have a PCP, leaving them unprepared when the flu or an infection strikes.

Everyone gets sick at some point, so selecting a PCP ahead of time means you don’t have to scramble around when you need medical care.

Here are some questions and answers that can help you select a PCP who understands your particular needs.

What information should I find out about the doctor?It may help to ask the doctor’s office these questions: • At which hospitals does the doctor have privileges? • How long does it take to get in to see the doctor for a routine visit and for urgently needed care? • Who covers for the doctor when the need arises? • Is the doctor board certified? (This means he or she has had training after medical school and has passed an exam to be certified as a specialist in a certain field.)

What personal qualities should I look for in a doctor?Find a doctor who listens carefully, explains things clearly, anticipates your health problems and allows you to ask questions.

What information should I bring to my appointment?It is important to provide your doctor with the following: • Your health history • A list of medications you’re taking • Any vitamins or supplements you take • A description of any current health problems you’re having. If you have symptoms, the doctor will want to know when they first appeared, how often • A list of questions. Ask your doctor to explain any answers you don’t understand

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Internal Medicine Abramovitz Internal Medicine Ruth Abramovitz, M.D. 500 West Navajo Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.742.6774 | FX: 765.742.6914 Gagan Chadha, M.D. 166 Sagamore Parkway West West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.497.2428 | FX: 765.497.4251

Gary Prah, M.D. 1318 Main Street Lafayette, IN 47901 PH: 765.742.5254 | FX: 765.742.4991

West Lafayette Internal Medicine Carlos Gambirazio, M.D. 152 Sagamore Parkway West West Lafayette, IN 47906 PH: 765.423.6556 | FX: 765.423.6024

Pediatrics Froberg Pediatrics Center Linda Froberg, M.D. M. Ann Jonkman (Oliver), M.D. Anna Wildermuth, M.D. Lara Boggess, M.D. 324 North 25th Street Lafayette, IN 47904 PH: 765.447.6936 | FX: 765.447.2536

Find a Doctor...Near You. Choosing a primary care physician is not difficult, but it does take some research. Our physicians are skilled in the practices of family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.

Healthy Recipes Winter CrispThis tasty yet low-fat fruit crisp combines sweet apples and tart cranberries with a crunchy oat and whole-wheat flour topping. IngredientsFilling:1/2 C sugar3 Tbsp all-purpose flour1 tsp lemon peel, grated3/4 tsp lemon juice5 C apples, unpeeled, sliced1 C cranberries

Topping:2/3 C rolled oats1/3 C brown sugar, packed1/4 C whole wheat flour2 tsp ground cinnamon1 Tbsp soft margarine, melted

DirectionsFilling:Combine sugar, flour and lemon peel in medium bowl. Mix well. Add lemon juice, apples and cranberries. Stir. Spoon into 6-cup baking dish.

Topping:Combine oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon in small bowl. Add melted margarine. Stir.

Sprinkle topping over filling. Bake in 375 degree F oven for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and top is brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information (per 3/4-inch by 2-inch serving): Calories 252, Total fat 2g, Saturated fat < 1 g, Cholesterol 0, Sodium 29mg, Fiber 5g, Carbohydrates 58g

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1250 South Creasy Lane Lafayette, IN 47905

765.447.8133 | www.unityhc.com

Michelle Kreinbrook | Director of Marketing & Business DevelopmentJamie Proffitt | Marketing Designer

Unity Immediate Care CenterNo Appointment Necessary When your family or employee needs immediate medical attention, you want quality care that’s close to home. That’s why Unity Immediate Care Center is open daily, to get you the care you deserve. Our experienced physicians see patients on a walk-in basis when your primary care physician may not be available.

The Unity Immediate Care Center provides prompt medical attention for many of your health care needs while bridging the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency room. Some of the many advantages of using the Unity Immediate Care Center include:

• Extended hours. • No appointments are necessary. • Walk-ins are always welcome. • Less costly than most emergency room visits. • Convenient and easy access. • Patient friendly environment. • Less intrusive than a hospital emergency room environment. • Full service with lab and x-ray capabilities.

No Appointment Needed. Open 8 am to 8 pm.

7 days a week, except Holidays.

765.446.1DOC (1362) 1321 Unity Place | Lafayette

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For more information regarding our upcoming and ongoing events, please visit our website at www.unityhc.com/news

Love Your Heart ~ Heart Healthy!Health questions or suggest a topic for our next newsletter...we want to hear. Please email us at marketing@unityhc.com.