FROM THE DOC

Want to Stay Well? Wash your Hands. . . .

We're getting better about it, but we're not great yet: A new observational study shows that about 85% of adults wash their hands after using public restrooms. That's up from 77% in 2007, and it's the most since the American Society of Microbiology and the American Cleaning Institute started the studies almost 15 years ago.

But more than 60% responded in a telephone survey that they don't wash their hands after coughing or sneezing. That's bad, experts say, because many cases of the cold, flu and other respiratory ailments are spread by a cough or sneeze or when dirty, contaminated hands touch the eyes, nose or mouth.

So remember: Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid getting sick.

                                                              - USA Weekend, Health

Back to Top 

 Lots of people get a touch of the winter blues, but for some, the mood changes are way beyond a seasonal funk. They get super-cranky and anxious, feel exhausted and sleepy all the time; they eat more sweets, can't concentrate and stop hanging out with friends - all signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression.

Up to 20% of Americans experience some form of winter-onset SAD (more women do than men), and the condition afflicts more people who live in the northern part of the country. That makes sense, of course, because winter days in the North are shorter than in the South, and though the exact cause of SAD is unknown, experts believe it is linked to light, or the lack of it. Less sunlight messes with our body's internal clock, which disrupts our natural sleep-wake cycles and can lead to feelings of depression. Also, when days are shorter and darker, the body produces more melatonin (a sleep hormone that has been linked to depression) and less serotonin (a feel-good chemical).

4 Crucial Tips for Managing Your
Weight. . . . . . .

Almost 70% of adults in the USA are overweight or obese - and many will try anything to shed pounds, from crazy fad diets to prescription meds. But just this past October, the Food and Drug Administration requested the weight-loss drug Meridia be pulled from pharmacy shelves because it raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, with little weight loss benefit. Studies show time and time again that the best way to get and stay slim is to eat right and exercise. Here are four more tips to help manage your weight:

Drink water. Middle-aged and older dieters who drank two cups of water before each meal dropped 15½ pounds over 12 weeks, a new study found; non-water drinkers lost about 11. Water fills you up, so you eat less; plus, choosing water over sweetened, high-calorie drinks contributes to more weight loss. In older people specifically, it takes longer for the stomach to empty, researchers say; in younger people, water leaves the stomach faster, so drinking before a meal may not have the same effect.

Stay consistent. New research published in Nutrition & Metabolism showed that adults in their 20s and 30s who limited their physical activity and over-ate (specifically fast food) for four weeks not only gained weight, but they also held on to the added fat for years afterward - even though they went back to their lower-calorie diet and more active routines. It shows a little overindulging can have long-lasting effects.

Get good sleep. Too little sleep may actually keep body fat in place, according to research from the University of Chicago. The small study showed dieters who slept 8.5 hours during one period and 5.5 during another lost about the same amount of weight (just under 7 pounds), but the composition was different: When they slept more, they took off body fat; when they slept less, they lost more muscle mass (which lowers metabolism). During less-sleep time, participants also felt hungrier and had higher levels of gherlin in their blood, an appetite-boosting hormone. Sleep experts say most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Log on to keep pounds off. The more you use a weight-management website, the more weight loss you maintain, a Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research study showed. When users logged on regularly for 2½ years to record their weight or their diet, they maintained an average of 9 pounds from their original 19-pound loss. Those who used the site for 14 months kept only 5 pounds off; people who logged on even less often kept less off.

                                                -THE DOCTORS · November 28, 2010

Back to Top

Don't Let Arthritis Slow You Down. . . . .

For the first time in 40 years, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is on the rise, researchers at the Mayo Clinic say. An estimated 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with it. RA is a form of arthritis that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the membrane lining your joints (often in the hands, wrists and feet), causing pain, swelling and stiffness. No one really knows what causes RA or how to cure it. Most people with the disease take a combination of medications. But just as pivotal in the treatment of RA are lifestyle changes you can make to also help reduce pain and slow, or even stop, joint damage. Here are a few simple strategies (some of which may surprise you):

Do 20 minutes of cardio daily. It may be last on your priority list when your joints hurt, but it's actually one of the best things you can do to preserve mobility. A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research shows that with a little aerobic exercise every day, you'll reduce pain, move more and live better. Just keep the pace moderate, take breaks when you need it, and stop if you feel any new joint pain. Walking, water aerobics and even biking are good choices.

Cut calories. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that up to 30% of overweight and obese Americans have arthritis. Extra weight puts extra strain on joints, which puts you in extra pain. Though some research suggests consuming fish oils may reduce joint inflammation, it's most important to focus your diet on a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, protein and calcium - and count calories to keep the scale in check.

Try tai chi. This ancient Chinese form of meditative therapy reduces pain, stiffness and fatigue, and it improves balance in those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, according to preliminary research presented at this year's American College of Rheumatology annual meeting. Tai chi combines slow, gentle movements and stretches with deep breathing and relaxation to build strength and flexibility. To find a class, contact your local YMCA, health club or senior center.

Reconnect with your spouse. You'll feel less pain and enjoy a better quality of life if you're in a happy marriage, according to new research. Previous studies have found that married people with RA show less disability than unmarried patients. But the new study showed the strength of the relationship actually makes the difference. Researchers talked to 255 adults with RA, and found that those in supportive marriages had less physical and psychological disability. For those in distressed relationships, study authors suggest improving communication and coping skills through couples therapy might boost health for the RA patient.

                                                 -THE DOCTORS · January 9, 2011
 

Back to Top
 

Take Things Off Your To-Do List. . . .

 Time is a modern-day luxury. But few of us spend our lives doing things we truly enjoy. "While life is filled with some things we don't like to do, the principle is that many of these things can be left undone without much repercussion," writes Chris Guillebeau, author of The Art of Non-Conformity.

Guillebeau suggests making a "to-stop-doing list." The goal is eliminating things that prevent you from devoting most of your time to projects and activities you enjoy. His advice for creating your own "to-stop-doing list":

Identify what matters. Of your daily tasks, select the ones that are truly enjoyable. Recognize these fundamental tasks as your new focus.

Brainstorm. Think of at least three to five daily or weekly activities - unnecessary responsibilities, "busywork" and even social obligations - that take your attention away from the important tasks you just established.

Take action. Readjust your focus to include what really matters while eliminating what doesn't.

                                                                      -By Christine J. Kim
 

Back to Top
 

Procrastination prevention. . . . . . . .

Inside every one of us lives a skilled procrastinator, compiling a list of reasons to put off tasks. And while we're busy putting off till tomorrow what could be done today, time and opportunities whiz by. "Many of the excuses are rationalizations in sheep's clothing,"; says Joseph R. Ferrari, author of Still Procrastinating? The No Regrets Guide to Getting It Done.

It's a slippery slope: Studies show procrastination eventually seeps into every area of life - leading to maladaptive, unproductive living. To combat those bad habits, Ferrari suggests the "structured procrastination" strategy.

Prioritize. Assemble a list of tasks, ranking the most urgent at the top. Now, complete all of the other items on the list."You may be surprised to see that the No. 1 task was really not the most pressing," Ferrari says.

Create a system. By establishing a process for a specific task, such as routinely checking and responding to e-mail, you'll have less time to get sidetracked.

Divide and conquer. Tasks are easier when they're broken down into smaller parts. Focus is the key - complete the "bite-size" task at hand and move on. And by completing lots of your smaller tasks, you'll gain momentum from the sense of accomplishment.

                                                      -USA Weekend, Christine J. Kim

Back to Top 

Now is the Time to Stop Smoking. . . . . .

Every day, more than 1,200 people die from smoking cigarettes, and yet one in five adults continue to light up. Smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, but if you quit today, you can stop and even reverse the damage. If you smoke:

You're twice as likely to have a heart attack. Female smokers are six times more likely. Smoking increases your blood pressure, narrows arteries, promotes plaque buildup and leads to blood clots. Studies also show that the nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke raises your stroke risk. If you quit today, within just 20 minutes, blood pressure drops. In about a half a day, toxic carbon monoxide in your blood decreases and oxygen increases back to normal levels. Two weeks after your last drag, your risk of heart attack drops; a year later, your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half; and after five years, your chances for stroke decreases.

You inhale more than 4,000 chemicals. Those chemicals destroy lung tissue, irritate and damage the airways and trigger the production of mucus that blocks air flow - all of which make smoking directly responsible for about 85% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you quit today, in two weeks, lungs begin to heal. The microscopic, broom-like hairs in your lungs called cilia repair themselves. One to nine months later, coughing and shortness of breath decrease.

You're at risk for almost a dozen cancers. Tobacco smoke causes nearly 90% of all lung cancer cases. But smoking is also linked to cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, kidney and stomach. If you quit today, within five years, you can cut your risk of lung cancer by more than 20%. In 10 years, your risk of death from lung cancer is cut in half.

Call 800-QUIT-NOW or visit smokefree.gov.

Back to Top 

Many of you may have already met Anne, the newest member of Dr. Lakin's back office medical staff.

Anne is from the Chicago area, and joined our team in November.  She is doing a great job.

You can reach Anne at: Anne@doctordoug.com. 

We are very happy to have Anne working with us, please join us in welcoming Anne  to our practice.

A Word From Our front Desk. . . . .

Our Office needs your picture and another copy of your insurance cards!

Yes, we now have the capability to scan into our medical software your picture and insurance cards.

Please bring in a small 3X5 picture (or your drivers license) and your insurance cards so we can enter them into our system.
This will help both the office and you to eliminate/clarify possible insurance issues.

We are all excited about our new feature and look forward to seeing you next time you are in for a visit!

                                             Dede, Tammy, Barb J, patty, & Barb A.

Back to Top 

Ingredients:

Salt and Pepper

5 to 6 Pound Chuck Roast from AJs

1 Bottle of Good Cabernet

1 Quart of Beef Stock

2 Cans of Campbell's Onion Soup (don't dilute)

1 Large Can of Stewed Roma Tomatoes (Maranzo; I use the whole tomatoes)

Rosemary, Basil Leaf & Thyme Wrapped Up in Cheesecloth with a String

Celery

Red Onions

White Onions

Pearl Onions, if desired

Potatoes

Parsnip

Rutabaga

Carrots

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 250 Degrees (the dish should cook 6 to 7 hours, stirring twice)

 In very large roasting pan pour in enough olive oil to brown all sides and ends of the meat. 

 When the meat is brown, remove from the pan and pour in ¾ of the bottle of wine (drink the rest), beef stock, salt and pepper, 2 cans of Campbell's soup, and tomatoes.  Add 2 big pinches of brown sugar. 

 Heat to boil, stirring the bottom to remove all the juices from the browning of the meat. 

 Pour the liquid out into a large bowl. 

 Place the meat back in the pot and place all the above vegetables on top of the meat (cut vegetables into large pieces). 

 Pour juices back in and place seasoned cheesecloth in the pan, completely submerged and let it cook. 

It's a hit!

 http://www.nathanandassociatesinc.com/home.html

Back to Top

A Must See       + + + + +

Great                 + + + +

Entertaining     + + +

Rent the Movie + +

Forget It!           +

THE TOWN + + + + +

Oh Ben, where have you been all this time. This movie was sooooooo good. Ben Affleck is to die for. Lots of violence but that was ok. What a romantic thriller. The love interest Rebecca Hall was also excellent. Just for fun look at their teeth. Hers are really crooked and he has a gold crown visible. Am sure this was done to make them look like the real people they represented.

 THE BLACK SWAN + +

This was a magnificent production of a terrible movie.  I agree with the reviews that the acting is excellent - that is, if you really love watching a plot of totally dysfunctional people who are just sick, sick, sick.  This was a really depressing film to see on Christmas Day.  The dancing was lovely and the music beautiful.

THE FIGHTER + + + + 

Wow!!! This is a must see and deserves the four crosses I gave it.  It is based on a true story about two brothers, the older one is a "has been" fighter who is training his brother.  The actors are totally believable and I was "there" with them when it was happening.  You are going to see lots of awards from this one. Just pick anyone.

 UNSTOPPABLE  + + 

This was very entertaining.  Who wouldn't enjoy Denzel Washington in anything?  A veteran engineer and a new engineer are trying to stop an unmanned half-mile freight train nearing a city.  I held my breath for two hours.

THE KING'S SPEECH + + + +   

King George VI was compelled to speak with a stammer. Colin Firth is marvelous and totally believable in this role.  His speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) steals the film however.  He should be academy award material.  I hate to show my age (and I was a small child) but my mother, who stuttered, had us gather around the RADIO to hear the abdication speech given by King Edward VIII.  We also listened to King George declare war.  It brought back many memories.  A must see movie.  Memories to us "oldies" and historical information to the "younguns".

THE SOCIAL NETWORK + + +
 Let's start with the script. It's great. The Social Network's writing is intelligent and demanding on multiple levels: most obviously, the story is cleverly structured across dual lawsuits, but the character work--Zuckerberg is never quite capable of maintaining a dialog, and Eduardo always stops just short of explicating his emotions.  Jesse Eisenberg does an excellent job as Mark Zuckerman, but if Mark Zuckerman doesn't really have Asperger's syndrome, Yikes! 
No wonder he refuses to acknowledge the picture!
If you are interested in the beginnings of Facebook, you will enjoy the flick and appreciate the art, but be aware of the characterizations. For me, as an ex-teacher, it was hard to watch...
                                                         - Nan, "rogue reporter" for Barb A.

TRUE GRIT + + + +

This is a truly true western, and how can you miss with a cast of Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and the newcomer Hailee Steinfeld?

Having seen the original John Wayne flick, I always felt I was watching "Duke".  When you see Jeff Bridges you are sure you are seeing Rooster Cogburn.Hailee is getting raves as her role as the teenager who hires Rooster to find the killer of her father. I really thought she overacted, but she was certainly a presence in the movie.She rides her horse through a raging river in one scene. I understand she did her own riding which was amazing horsemanship.Unfortunately, when she gets to the other side her hair and clothing are entirely dry. (Sorry to bring this up) See this one - it's good.

RABBIT HOLE + + + +

Beckie (Nicole Kidman) and Howie Corbett are suffering from the death of their son.  Their son, Danny, was running into the street after his dog and was killed by a teenage driver.  Beckie and Howie are each dealing with their sorrow in different ways.  Howie spends time dealing with memories of his son.  He even watches videos of his son on his cell phone.  Beckie relies on her family and friends at first.  Finally, she searches out to the teenager who was the driver of the car.  This is a troubling relationship that somehow soothes her. 

Look for a surprising ending. 

Can't wait for the Oscars!  

Barb A.

Back to Top
 

SuperBowl Sunday!
 

February 6, 2011. . . .