Sleep Disorders
Wake Up From the Nightmare
By Jill Russell


If you're feeling tired, sluggish or drowsy even after at full night's rest, you're most likely one of the 50 to 70 million Americans suffering from a sleep disorder.

"People often mistakenly assume they are tired due to their hectic lifestyle. The majority of people with sleep disorders are undiagnosed and untreated," said Dr. Andrew Mouton, sleep specialist, The Center for Sleep Medicine, with locations in Naperville, Oswego, Chicago, Orland Park and Grayslake. "Sleep symptoms can take many forms and can involve too little sleep, too much sleep or inadequate quality of sleep."

Think a sleep disorder isn't serious medical business? Well, think again. Lack of sleep and chronic sleep disorders result in overall fatigue and has been linked to serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, diabetes, and weight gain-just to name a few.

The Symptoms
Unlike the symptoms of living according to life's busy schedule, there are certain conditions that point towards a more serious sleep disorder, not simply an overloaded day. According to Dr. James Herdegen, director for sleep and ventilator disorders at the University of Illinois, Chicago, symptoms for sleep disorders can range from difficulty falling asleep or trouble staying asleep. Excessive sleepiness and a feeling of being unrefreshed after a full night's sleep is another sign of a sleep disorder, which can vary depending on age, gender and the length the disorder has occurred.

Other common symptoms include:
· Snoring
· Difficulty staying awake
· Falling asleep at unwanted times
· Restless legs (crawling sensation while resting)
· Waking up with headaches
· Dependence on sleep medication to fall asleep
· Waking up several times throughout the night

If you suffer from any of these symptoms or have difficulty falling or staying asleep, tell your primary care physician at your next check-up. If symptoms are consistently preventing you from getting in your recommended seven to eight hours of shut eye a night, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

"If someone thinks they have a sleep problem, it should always be brought to the attention of a health care provider," said Herdegen. "Patients usually have good insight into their health, but often are reluctant to discuss sleep issues. Patients with sleep problems often go undiagnosed and most sleep conditions have solutions to them."

Common Sleep Disorders

Sleep Insomnia
Insomnia is the most obvious of all sleep disorders. Those unlucky souls who suffer from insomnia usually have trouble falling asleep. However, other variations of insomnia include waking up in the middle of the night and the inability to fall back asleep upon waking.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder. In sleep apnea, a person stops breathing completely or maintains very shallow breaths for 10 to 20 seconds. The pauses or irregular breathing can occur more than 20 to 30 times per hour, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, ultimately disrupting sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is constructive sleep apnea, where the blood oxygen level drops due to a lack of air through the mouth and nose to lungs while sleeping. Here, breathing stops for a short time and then abruptly resumes.

Restless Leg Syndrome
Although not thought of as a traditional sleep disorder, restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an urge to move one's legs and can make falling and staying asleep a nightmare. RLS has been described as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation that subsides when they legs are moved, but ultimately returns.

Other common sleep disorders involve loud snoring, disruptive body movements during sleep, and sleep walking or talking.

The Cure
There is no sure-fire cure for a sleep disorder, but there are several options you can pursue both at home and with the help of your physician.

First, take your doctor's advice. If you are suffering from a chronic disorder, more formal types of treatment may be offered. These include a dental appliance or continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) that will help keep airways open and clear to help breathing while sleeping to help induce a deep state of sleep. Various types of therapy are often combined with medication to promote long-term success over the disorder. Surgical procedures have also helped patients overcome sleep apnea to keep air passages clear to prevent irregular breathing during sleep.

Now that you've sought medical advice from your doctor, there are simple treatments you can take at home to help improve your sleep. Start by improving your sleep environment. Make sure outside light exposure is kept to a minimum with dark shades or blinds. Remove unnecessary electronics, such as the television and cell phones from the bedroom, as they can emit a frequency that may be subconsciously keeping you awake. You'll also be eliminating the major distractions from sleep, causing you to naturally lull into a peaceful sleep.

Keep the room temperature on the cool side. A room a few degrees cooler than your typical comfort level will help ease (and keep) you catching those precious winks. Adopting an exercise routine will help tire your body out literally, while helping it establish a routine. Dropping a few pounds has a few added benefits as well, as it is also known to help alleviate sleep apnea and snoring. Most importantly, set a schedule where you rise and sleep at set times of the day. You'll be "programming" your body's internal clock, which will help you to fall asleep and rise easier feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

It will take some time for your body to adjust, so be persistent and don't give up if you don't see results immediately. "People who feel angry and frustrated because they cannot sleep should not try hard to fall asleep, but should not get out of bed and do something else," Mouton said. "This may include reading, watching TV or any other relaxing activity. When you feel drowsy, try to sleep again." Remember that you may not see a dramatic difference, but eventually your quality of sleep will seem like day and night for the better.

 

Healthy Skin Basics
By Catherine L. Tully

The skin is our largest organ and it protects the delicate interior
structures of our bodies from the elements, as well as helping to
regulate body temperature. It is important to keep skin in good shape
to maximize its ability to serve as that barrier. Skin care can take
many different forms, ranging from making sure one's face looks
radiant and stays blemish free, to avoiding a sunburn. Here is an
overall guide to keeping skin in good condition by employing some
basics that will help it look and feel its best:

Basic Skincare

There are several overarching skin categories that the majority of
people fall into. A large number have what is known as "combination
skin," which is a mixture of dry, normal and oily areas. Other common
skin types are dry and oily. Each category requires a special regimen
of care, and there are products designed specifically to address the
needs of every skin type. There are also several elements that are
common to caring for all of them. These include:

Cleaning & Exfoliating

Keeping skin clean is the first step in caring for this important
organ. Avoid using harsh cleansers on the face. Instead, select a mild
cleanser that works best for your skin type; most are labeled these
days. Clean your facial area gently, and avoid pulling on the thinner
skin near the delicate eye area. Follow a good cleaning with an
exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells, revealing the fresh skin
underneath. Follow a similar pattern for the body, using a loofah
periodically to exfoliate. For the face, some people then opt to use
an astringent or toner to remove any traces of leftover makeup or
dirt.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing the skin helps to preserve its texture as well as keep it
looking good. There are three main types of facial moisturizers, and
the one you choose should be based on the type of skin you have. Those
with dry skin can benefit from an oil-based product, while those with
oily skin should look for one that is water based. There are also
moisturizers out there that are specifically designed for people with
combination skin. Body lotions are also available in many different
consistencies and scents.

The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after washing the
face or after toweling off after a shower. This helps to lock in the
moisture on the surface of the skin. Those with especially sensitive
skin should look for products that are free from perfumes and other
potential allergens.

Sun Protection

There is no doubt that the sun can damage skin. Those with a fair
complexion should be especially cautious, but anyone can be affected
by the sun's rays and everyone should take precautions to protect
themselves against the potential ill effects, such as sunburn, or even
skin cancer. Some simple ways to prevent overexposure include wearing
hats and sunglasses, avoiding lengthy exposure, wearing facial
moisturizer with sunscreen and using sunblock or sunscreen on the
body.

Appling sunscreen properly is an important step in preventing sunburn
and the damage that can occur to skin. For best results, be sure to
put it on approximately 30 minutes before going outdoors. Also, make
sure to reapply it after swimming or exercising. If skin does get
burned, try to avoid additional sun exposure.

Professional Help

People who suffer from stubborn skin problems such as acne, allergies
or dermatitis may benefit from a visit to a dermatologist. These
doctors specialize in the treatment of such conditions and can provide
an appropriate skincare regimen to address the specific issue
involved.
 

Raise Your Confidence

You've tried dieting and exercise but parts of your body have simply refused to tone up. Diet and exercise are important for overall health, but as we grow older our skin begins to show signs of sun, lifestyle, and aging. Genetics and age determine our body shape. Now, a procedure called Smartlipo™ may help you get the body you want.

As more woman and men want to look and feel better about themselves, body contouring and lipo-sculpture continue to grow in popularity. Now you can change all that, take off what dieting won't. Laser body sculpting does something no fitness routine in the world can change. Many patients have the procedure done on Friday and return to work on the following Monday.

How does the Smartlipo™ procedure work? A very small tube, approximately 1 mm to 2 mm in diameter, containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The tube is moved back and forth delivering the laser's energy directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis, resulting in collagen shrinkage. Smartlipo™ is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising—and a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the procedure is very safe, with only minimal side effects.

Dr. David Turok is a Cosmetic Surgeon who is board certified in both Ophthalmology as well as Neurology. He is fellowship trained in cosmetic and reconstructive Oculo facial plastic surgery. Dr. Turok has three locations in the Chicagoland area. Please call Toll free 888 DR TUROK or visit www.drturok.com.


 

Your Hospital: Provena Mercy Medical Center
The Art of Healing

Provena Mercy Medical Center's Foundation is helping heal patients and the community through a new Healing Garden - a place where patients, families, employees and visitors can come to reflect and appreciate nature.
"Our goal is to build an area where patients and people in the community can come to sit, relax and pray," says Susan Mennenga, MPA, CFRE, Executive Director of the Foundation at Provena Mercy Medical Center. "It also will be handicap accessible from the interior of the medical center."

The Healing Garden will be located adjacent to the Behavioral Health Building on the south side, making it easily accessible to the on-campus Mercy Mile Path.

Honor a Loved One
Anyone in the community is welcome to purchase bricks to be inscribed in honor, or in memory, of a loved one.
"The bricks are just $50 each and allow up to three lines of inscription," says Jane Byrd, Foundation Liaison at Provena Mercy Medical Center. "We hope to build a winding, healing path with donated bricks, which will one day add up to 20,000 square feet. Benches may also be donated in a loved one's memory or honor."

Baby's Footprint - at any Age!
Want a fun way to remember the birth of your child - no matter how old he or she is now?! Then donate to the Footprints in Time wall at Provena Mercy Medical Center!
A unique way to memorialize the birth of your baby, the Footprints in Time wall is located inside the Family Birth Center.
"Just as you get off the elevator on the second floor, there is a new plaque, which has a charming picture of a nurse's hand holding a newborn baby's foot," says Susan Mennenga. "Each donated footprint will start here and continue through the second floor, creating a lasting tribute to children of all ages born at Provena Mercy Medical Center."

A Cherished Memento
Three-and-a-half inch medallions can be purchased in either bronze or pewter with a pink or blue footprint. On top of the medallion, "Provena" will be inscribed along with the baby's name and birth date underneath. Best of all, your "baby" can be any age when you purchase the medallion, as long as s/he was born at Mercy.

"All proceeds from the Footprints in Time wall go to help fund Women's and Children's Services," says Jane Byrd. "It will allow the department to buy new equipment needed to help sustain the top quality care patients receive here."

For more information about purchasing a brick in the Healing Garden or a medallion for the Footprints in Time wall, please call the Provena Mercy Medical Center Foundation at 630-801-2662.

In accordance with the Jan. 1, 2008 Illinois law, the pediatric practice of the Wheaton Eye Clinic is providing comprehensive eye examinations for children entering kindergarten or enrolling for the first time in Illinois public, private or parochial elementary schools this fall. Students must provide proof of these required eye examinations to their schools by October 15.
 

Healthy Gums, Healthy Body
By Patti Bukowski

What do stroke, heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and premature labor all have in common? It may surprise you, but all have been linked to gum inflammation or infection-making your dentist an important resource in discovering health problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Gum (or periodontal) disease-red, swollen, tender gums that bleed easily during a dental exam-can increase cholesterol and glucose levels, due to bacteria entering the bloodstream or inflammation inside blood vessels leading to major organs. Once gum disease is treated, decreases in cholesterol levels, high sensitivity C - reactive protein (hs-CRP), and sometimes glucose levels are seen. Even if you have no other symptoms, swollen gums can be a sign to your doctor that you should be screened for a life-threatening condition. Consider that gum disease can go hand-in-hand with diabetes, contribute to bone loss (a sign of osteoporosis), and be a sign of an auto-immune disorder or even cancer. The bacteria responsible for ulcers have also been found with gum disease and pre-term or low birth-weight babies may be linked to uncontrolled gum disease. Finally, inhaling bacteria from diseased gums into the lungs can contribute to pneumonia. Since many healthy patients see their dentist s more frequently than their physicians, it makes sense to pay attention to the health of your gums if you want to keep the rest of your body healthy.

Dr. Ron Schefdore of Celebrity Smiles in Westmont is one dentist who believes in the "oral-systemic connection", or that healthy gums equal a healthy body. He recommends that patients receive blood tests at their appointments, so that dangerous medical conditions can be found quickly. He is the first dentist in the nation to obtain a CLIA certification to perform moderately complex blood lab tests in the dental office. "Last year, for example, there were five patients that had cancer that we picked-up [discovered the problem] by the blood tests [performed in our office]," he shares. "I'm on this quest because it's alarming what we're not doing. Dentists are in a perfect position [for discovering these health problems]."

Another important step to ensure a healthy body is to use toothpaste and mouthwash without alcohol, such as CloSYS, which can be found at Walgreens, CVS, and other stores. CloSYS contains a unique combination of ingredients that kill the harmful bacteria that cause plaque and also neutralizes odor-causing compounds.The mouthwash will kill the bacteria that brushing may miss and that flossing cannot reach (especially if you are like the majority of patients who don't floss regularly). Dr. Schefdore explains,“Since the roof of the mouth has more germs than the rest of the mouth, be sure to brush the mouthwash into the roof of the mouth, gums and tongue, and follow up with the toothpaste.” This not only prevents gum disease, but helps eliminate bacteria that could enter the bloodstream and contribute to having the previously mentioned conditions affect your health. Since the link between heart disease and ot her major risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, or cholesterol) is as strong as the link between gum disease and heart disease, it pays to follow this simple regimen.

So how can you find out if you're at risk? The first step is to have a blood test done to determine if you have one of these conditions. If your dentist is unable to give you a routine blood test, or if you don't want to see your physician for one, they can now be taken at home. Simply go to www.healthyheartdentistry.com  for information on ordering the tests and visit www.pharmaden.net  for information on using nutritional supplements to help promote gum health.

Here's to not only healthy gums, but a healthy body overall.


Tips For Preventing Summer Sports Injuries

With the kids out of school and summer sports heating up throughout Chicagoland , kids aren’t the only ones working up a sweat. Nervous parents, many who have shelled out thousands of dollars in orthodontic care, are sweating on the sidelines in fear that their children will end up with a mouth injury.

The experts at Chicagoland’s new Emergency Dental Care in Buffalo Grove, offer some tips for keeping a child’s smile intact.

To minimize the chance of injuring their teeth, young athletes who participate in both contact and non-contact sports should wear custom-fitted mouth guards.
Athletes should visit their dentist on a regular basis to check for unusual tooth wear.

If the worst happens and a tooth is knocked loose or comes out, seek emergency dental treatment immediately.
In the case of a tooth being knocked out, be careful not to touch the root. If the tooth is contaminated, rinse it gently with clean saline or water. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes.

“The reason you want a dentist to replant the tooth right away,” explains Emergency Dental Care’s founder, Dr. Michael Obeng, D.D.S., “is that once the tooth is out of the socket, the body is more likely to treat it as a foreign object. There’s a much better chance of saving the tooth if it’s out less than 30 minutes.”

Obeng says teeth that are out of the mouth for more than an hour have little chance of being successfully replanted. “It’s situations like these, when you need a dentist right away, that prompted me to open Emergency Dental Care. The fact is - pain can’t wait.”

Emergency Dental Care is located at 1401 W. Dundee Rd, Suite 212, Buffalo Grove, IL. 60089. The office is open every day 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m., including holidays.

For more information, contact the Buffalo Grove office at (847) 670-1911 or visit the clinic’s website at http://www.emergencydentalcareusa.com



BACK