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ISSUE 24

ADDING LIFE TO YOUR YEARS

NEW YORK

SUMMER

CAMP

CAVEAT IMPERATOR

HEART DISEASEAn Epidemic That Is Preventable and Reversible

MIAMI

Christina

PeñaM.D.

NEW AGE IN WOMEN’S MEDICINE

BUT WHO

WON THE GAME?

GET READY TO BOOST

PublisherMauricio Portillo

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo Del Valle

Marketing DirectorArnaldo Del Valle

Copy EditorLora Incardona

Website DirectorHealthy Media

Graphic DesignHealthy Media

PhotographyGala Ricote

Contributing WritersElza Vasconcellos, MDFrances ChamberlainManuel Abella, MDAlvaro Restrepo, MDVirgilio Sanchez Jr., MDSimone Jacquemin, MSCarolina PortesDr. Ritu GoelRubel Shelly

Social Media DirectorFaride Del Valle

healthy magazine is a free monthly publication. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The material in this magazine is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. healthy magazine and its contributors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, and the advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any error.

Contact@HealthyMagazine.com1430 S. Dixie Highway, Unit 315Coral Gables, FL 33146 PH 305-395-4554www.HealthyMagazine.com

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It’s springtime! The lofting fragranced of the wild flowers awakens my senses and puts a smile in my soul, no matter the weather.

Along with the flowers come the cleansing rains to freshen the air. One can hear lawn mowers throughout the neighborhood as people try to bring nature’s beauty and vibrancy back to their homes.

Dr. Christina Pena, this month feature personality, specializes in woman’s health, helping all women live beautiful, vibrant lives. Dr. Pena is as passionate about woman’s health as nature is persistent about reviving itself after a long winter.

As you follow Mother Nature through this season of renewal, it is my desire that you continue to bloom and find balance in your daily lives.

cportillo@healthymagazine.com

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo

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Contact@HealthyMagazine.com | 1430 South DIxie Hwy, suite 315, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | PH 305-395-4554 | www.HealthyMagazine.com

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ISSUE 24

HEALTHY BODY, MIND & SOUL

FITNES & BEAUTY

HEALTHY KIDS

18. GET READY TO BOOST

20. CHRISTINA PEÑA, MD, NEW AGE IN WOMEN’S MEDICINE

22. CAVEAT IMPERATOR

24. HEART DISEASE: AN EPIDEMIC THAT IS PREVENTABLE AND REVERSIBLE

28. ADDING LIFE TO YOUR YEARS

30. BALANCING IT ALL: FAMILY, FRIENDS, WORK, ALONE TIME

32. BRAIN EXUBERANCE34. COMMUNITY EVENTS36. EVENTS CALENDAR

10. AUTISM12. NEW YORK SUMMER CAMP14. BUT WHO WON THE GAME?

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10. AUTISM

12. NEW YORK SUMMER CAMP

14. BUT WHO WON THE GAME?

Kids

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10 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV HEALTHY KIDS

AUTISMBy Elza Vasconcellos, MD

Having its onset in early childhood, usually before the age of 3 years, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), or autism, is a common brain disorder that affects behavior and the abilities to communicate and interact with others. An alarming number of children, one out of 68, are affected by ASD. This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012.

The following red flags may indicate that your child is at risk for autism:

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months

• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months

• No babbling by 12 months• No back-and-forth gestures, such

as pointing, showing, reaching or waving, by 12 months

• No words by 16 months• No meaningful, two-word phrases

(not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months

• Any loss of speech, babbling or

social skills at any age

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORSWhile there’s no clear answer on what causes autism, and the main triggers of these disorders aren’t fully known, it’s quite obvious that autism tends to run in families so scientists agree that genes play a very important role in the occurrence of the typical manifestations.

However, genetic problems aren’t the only culprits behind autism. Being a physical condition linked with biological and chemical abnormalities of the brain, ASD seems to be triggered by environmental factors as well. Air pollutants, viral infections, medical problems (such as Tourette syndrome or epilepsy), advanced parental age, the child’s sex, premature or difficult birth and complications during pregnancy seem to be involved in the development of ASD. Diet, poisoning by metals like mercury, digestive tract changes and the body’s inability to properly use minerals and vitamins are all suspected, but not proven, possible causes of autism

AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT AFFECTED BY ASD Language: Typical signs are delayed speech, abnormal speaking rhythm or tone, illogical repetition of words or the loss of the ability to say previously learned words.

Social skills: The child fails to respond to his name, exhibits poor eye contact or prefers individual activities that allow the child to retreat into his own world. Children suffering from autism appear not to hear others at times, dislike being held and cuddling, are unaware of others’ feelings and rarely ask for help.

Behavior: This includes repetitive movements; constant agitation; specific routines or rituals; increased sensitivity to touch, sound or light; a fascination for details of objects and failure in understanding the “big picture” as well as failure in engaging in imitative games. Odd food preferences and activities that cause self-harm can also be signs of ASD.

TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERSGiven the wide variety of symptoms and manifestations appearing in autism patients, finding the proper treatment scheme can be overwhelming but there are some treatment options that usually work in most patients.

The goal of these therapies that is to maximize the child’s ability to function and develop as normally as possible. The most common forms of therapies are applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and sensory integration therapy.

ABA is probably the most validated program, shown to improve all areas of autism, including cognitive areas, and is far more effective when started at an earlier age.

Educational therapies aim to improve communication, and behavior and social skills concentrate on well-structured and complex education programs.

Family therapies teach family members how to interact with children with ASD in order to minimize their issues and help them live normal lives. Family therapy can also help improve the child’s social behavior, cognitive function, and speaking and learning abilities.

Medications meant to temporarily relieve certain symptoms can be helpful in controlling the disruptive symptoms. Medications can also help to reduce anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, irritability, impulsiveness, mood swings, sleep difficulties, compulsions, attention problems and outbursts.

Early diagnosis of autism is crucial for improving the child’s cognitive and social skills, as even though some will still have difficulties with language and social integration as they mature, those with least severe problems and those who receive proper and timely treatment will eventually lead near-normal lives.

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SUMMER CAMP

Movie Making & Music Videos, FWC TV (green screen), Radio, News Reporting and Sportscasting, Print and Broadcast Journalism, Creative Writing, Screen & Play Writing, FWC Times – Desktop Publishing, Public Speaking & Debate.

Tennis, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Golf, Gymnastics, Gaga ball, Archery, Extreme Sports, Fitness Center – Weight Training, Zumba, Yoga, Stretching and Flexibility, Strength And Toning.

Computer Sciences and Programming, Graphic Design, Game Design, Network Technologies, App Development, Web Technologies and Design, Database Management, Microsoft Office & Adobe Suite, Information Systems.

FWC produces 3 full musicals or plays each summer for campers who attend a minimum or 4 weeks. Acting, Theater Games, Stage Combat, Improv, Mime, Acapella and Voice, Tech Theater and Set Design, Dance - Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Modern.

COMMUNICATIONS SPORTS TECHNOLOGY THEATER & DANCE

New York

Western and English styles. All levels Beginner to Advanced. Large outdoor and indoor arenas and hundreds of acres of riding trails. Well rounded camp equestrian program in an environment in which horse lovers can experience various riding disciplines.

HORSEBACK

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Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Banana Boat, Swimming. Experience the rush of the Water Sports program on French Woods 80 acre private natural spring-fed lake. All aquatics staff have a boating license, are water safety instructors, and/or are certified lifeguards.

Painting, Stained Glass, Drawing, Leather Craft, Candle Making, Jewelry Making, Paper Mache, Ceramics, Tie Dye, Print Making, Mural Painting, Graffiti, Puppetry.

Gymnastics, Flying Trapeze, Aerials - Silks, Spanish Web, Lyra, Static Trapeze, Unicycle, Juggling, Diablo, Tightwire, Rolling Globe, Rolla Bolla, Mini Trampoline, Circus Education.

Card Games, Dungeons and Dragons, (LARP) Live Action Role Playing, Esports, Online Gaming, Video Games, Minecraft.

WATERFRONT VISUAL ARTS CIRCUS

Rock Shop – Rock & Roll, Pop, Hip Hop, Metal, Alternative, Music Production – Beats, Electronic Music, Recording, Djing, Instruments – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard, Song Writing.

MUSIC ROLE PLAYING

French Woods Sports and Arts Center

PO Box 640, Hancock, New York 13783

844-834-CAMP (2267) www.fwsportsarts.com

French Woods Sports and Arts Center (FWC) is a premier American summer camp set in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. The Camp is located in Hancock, NY, only 2.5 hours from New York City. Campers ages 12-17 can attend for 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-week sessions.

FWC is one of very few sleepaway camps in America that is specifically for teenagers. Campers enjoy traditional and not-so-traditional summer camp activities with outstanding modern facilities unequaled in camping, strong elective program options and highly qualified and experienced staff.

FWC offer a fully elective program with exceptional programs in land sports, visual arts, digital arts/technology, circus, rock and roll music, electronic music, dance, water sports, theater, communications, computers, role playing games, radio, magic, equestrian, SAT/ACT Prep, ESL, extreme sports and cooking. All this and more rolled up together into one incredible summer experience!

French Woods Sports and Arts Center is an excellent choice when considering summer camps for your

teenager and is fully accredited by the American Camp Association.

There are six activities per day, each one hour in length; three of these periods are called majors and three are called minors.

Majors are chosen at the beginning of each session and are maintained for two weeks. Minors are chosen daily at breakfast. This lets campers concentrate on the things that interest them, while providing the chance to try something new.

Counselors, head counselors and the program director will work with each teen to help customize a program that’s right for the camper.

Whatever stage you are at in selecting a summer camp, FWC staff are happy to help. In addition to speaking on the phone and emails they offer year-round tours of camp and home visits.

Register online or call for more info today!

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14 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV HEALTHY SOUL

By Rubel Shelly

There is a juvenile correctional facility in Gainesville, Texas, for youthful felony offenders. All states have such facilities and Texas has more than one. Most of us ask ourselves how people so young can get into such serious trouble. The logical next question is this: What can we do to prevent it from happening?

I am not smart enough to figure out a full and definitive answer to so complex a problem but a recent CBS news story by Steve Hartman may contain an important insight worth considering.

One of the few times the young male offenders at Gainesville get to leave their prison is for a handful of basketball games played against nearby private schools who will permit them to play on their campuses. The boys earn the right by being on their best behavior. Break a rule and the experience is denied.

Last month, Gainesville was scheduled to play Vanguard College Prep School in Waco. Two Vanguard players—Hudson Bradley and Ben Martinson— talked with their coach and other school officials about an idea they had. How much fun could it be for the Gainesville team to compete without fans to cheer for them? With no cheerleaders? In a gym packed with folks rooting against them?

So they made this proposal: Let’s ask some of our own fans to form a cheering section for Gainesville.

BUT WHO WON THE GAME?

Once the idea was approved, it caught on quickly. Some girls formed a cheerleading squad for Gainesville. Other students made signs. Half of the gym’s seating was designated for people who would cheer for Gainesville.

The young prison team had no idea what was going on until they arrived for the game. They were cheered as they went on the court and warmed up. A good defensive play or points scored got screaming fans on their feet—screaming for the Gainesville kids, not at them. It only picked up momentum as the game continued, until every person in the gymnasium was cheering for Gainesville.

“I mean every time they scored, the gym was just lit up with cheering and clapping. And everyone was on their feet,” said Hudson Bradley. “I think, in a way, this is kind of how sports should be. It just kind of showed me the real impact that encouragement and support for anybody can make.” He dared to speculate that we all need people to believe in us. We all need for somebody who knows our history, our mistakes and our failures to still care about us, to love us anyway.

“When I’m an old man,” said one player on the Gainesville team, “I’ll still be thinking about this.” Maybe that’s the insight from the story. Doesn’t everybody need a cheerleader? A mentor? Somebody who won’t quit on him?

By the way, wondering who won? Everybody who was there that day.

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18. GET READY TO BOOST

20. CHRISTINA PEÑA, MD, NEW AGE IN WOMEN’S MEDICINE

22. CAVEAT IMPERATOR

24. HEART DISEASE: AN EPIDEMIC THAT IS PREVENTABLE AND REVERSIBLE

28. ADDING LIFE TO YOUR YEARS

30. BALANCING IT ALL: FAMILY, FRIENDS, WORK, ALONE TIME

BodyMind &Soul

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Elite FitForever is not a diet. In an era of constantly revolving diet fads, where the secret to weight loss is seemingly always just one more green

juice away, the experts behind FitForever are eager to dispense with the notion that their program is anything like the fad diets that often over-promise and under-deliver when it comes to the struggle to achieve true personal health. Instead, Elite FitForever is a medically supervised lifestyle and wellness program tailored to the unique genetic and physiological profile of each individual patient. Developed by a team of doctors, nutritionists and fitness experts, the FitForever program is a seamless blend of science and wellness, developed to help patients safely and effectively shed twenty pounds or more through a combination of diet and lifestyle changes, paired with access to some of the latest prescription weight loss aids and medications.

Divided into three individual phases, FitForever begins with the Boost phase, during which patients experience a complete metabolic reset intended to initiate safe weight loss and restore balance to hormones. The Boost phase of the program delivers these rapid and remarkable results through strategically planned menus, natural supplements and patented blended shakes. Once patients have narrowed in on their target weight, the Transition phase of the program begins. During this phase of the program, participants identify their own unique physiological type and learn how it affects everything from exercise recovery to stress response.

Stress response is indeed a major component of the FitForever program. Bill Cortright, FitForever co-founder and author of a bestselling book on the subject, The New Stress Response Diet, believes

An Innovative New Program Designed to Help You Lose Twenty Pounds or more... And Keep It Off for a Lifetime

GET READY TO that unchecked stress can have an almost debilitating effect on overall wellness and plays a major factor in weight gain. “Our bodies were not meant to live in today’s world,” says Cortright. “We were not built to deal with traffic or 24/7 news and technology. Our bodies do not know it is 2015. Our bodies are built to do one thing and one thing only – and that is to survive. Unmanaged stress, improper diet and lack of exercise cause our bodies to age faster than we know.”

Perhaps the most distinctive component of the FitForever system is Biomax, the program’s third and final phase. While conventional weight loss programs tend to end after the initial shedding of unwanted pounds, frequently leaving participants stranded with no long-term plan for maintaining their new physique, FitForever is designed to be a permanent weight loss and wellness system. Informed by FitForever’s Ten Principles of Success, the Biomax phase teaches patients to utilize long-term strategies for maintaining their healthiest and fittest selves. These techniques, based on over 30 years of clinical research, equip and empower adherents to maintain positive health and wellness changes over the course of their lifetimes, emphasizing the crucial roles attitude, perception and habits play in controlling overall health. “There are a lot of aspects one must take into account when counseling a patients and asking them to change their lives,” explains Alex Cortright, Elite FitForever’s Vice President of Operations and a registered dietician. “You must gain their trust and become their health advocate, their companion on this journey and overall healer. At the end of the day it is never about the food – it’s about changing their lives.”

GET READY TO BOOST

Healthcare for women is a changing field, especially in obstetrics and gynecology. It is no longer a matter of childbearing years – and then menopause. There is a whole range of medical options and issues to be considered over the span of a woman’s lifetime. Christina Peña, MD, who has recently relocated her own practice to Coral Gables, is ready to meet those needs.

Dr. Peña is one of only a handful of female gynecologists who performs advanced robotic gynecologic surgery in Miami. Robotic surgery can be used for many procedures previously requiring a large incision. It is well received by patients today because of the minimal scarring, quicker healing time and fewer complications.

“Almost anything that isn’t robotically treated, I can do in the office.” She performs a procedure known as hysteroscopy, which involves the use of a camera to visualize the uterus. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be used to determine a potential cause of infertility. On the other hand, operative hysteroscopy can be used to remove masses, such as fibroids or polyps, and has the advantage of having no incisions, and the patient is back at work the following day.

Another procedure that can be performed with the hysteroscopy is called “Essure.” This is the newest form of sterilization. In short, the physician plugs the entrance to the fallopian tubes to prevent conception. No incisions are needed. Studies confirm that it is more effective than traditional methods for sterilization.

Dr. Peña also specializes in cosmetic gynecology. She reports that some patients

desire revisions of the labia for aesthetics, while others desire revisions due to scars stemming from previous vaginal deliveries. Some desire vaginal tightening to regain sexual health. These procedures can also help patients who suffer from recurrent vaginal or urinary tract infections due to the anatomic changes that occur with multiple pregnancies and aging.

HPV, the virus that can cause cervical cancer, can now be diagnosed with genetic testing. “I had five patients with cervical cancer this year alone whose pap smears were read as normal. The cancer was only caught thanks to this genetic testing. These women were doing their part,” she says. “They were going to the doctor. Yet without this testing, their cancer would have gone undetected and would have spread. The women are healthy now and cancer free after undergoing an office procedure to remove the cancer. They were all back at work the next day.”

“Genetic testing is also good at identifying women who may be at risk for early menopause, breast cancer, infertility or even obesity. There is the genetics of health and weight loss,” she added. “For instance, one person may absorb one carbohydrate just fine while another person will only store it as fat. I am passionate about individualizing a patient’s care down to their genetics.”

Whatever the needs of her patients may be, Dr. Peña finds her work fascinating. “Women are diverse,” she said. “No two people are ever the same and that makes us really wonderful.”

NEW AGE IN WOMEN’S MEDICINE

Christina

PeñaM.D.

PH. 305-227-8727 | 3850 Bird Rd Ste 402, Miami, FL 33146

By Frances Chamberlain

Dr. Peña isn’t one of those people who always dreamed of being a doctor. “When I was four, I started doing ballet,” she said. She then learned Flamenco, jazz and folklore. She minored in dance and performance at the University of Miami and was dancing backup for famous artists, as with Gloria Estefan in a Super Bowl.

Personal experiences showed her the challenges women face and the sacrifices they make selflessly placing others first. She knew someone had to take care of these women. “Entering this field I was able to see life as it happened. I could see the birth of life one day in obstetrics and I could see someone struggling to survive cancer the next. This field showed me the presence of God on a daily basis, and for that, I knew this was where I needed to be.”

Dr. Peña attended medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She did her internship at the Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. After another year of training at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, she completed her specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Houston in Texas. Before finally settling in Miami, Dr. Peña spent some time working in the emergency room, and labor and delivery unit at Schneider Regional Medical Center in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Her strong family values called her back to Miami where she was born and raised by her Cuban parents. She joined a medical group in Miami for a few years before deciding to branch off on her own. A solo practice has its challenges, she admits, but she likes the one-on-one relationship with her patients. “I get to know everything about my patients, and because of that,” she said, “I know I am thorough with her care and that I’m offering her the treatment options that would best serve her.”

South Florida

OB-GYNSPECIALIST

CHRISTINA PEÑA, M.D.

/Dr.ChristinaPena

22 HEALTHY VALLEY

CAVEAT IMPERATOR

HVHV HEALTHY BODY

We have all seen spider veins and many of us know someone who has had them treated. Unfortunately, we

have also heard of those who have given up on treating their spider veins because they “keep coming back.” Too often this results from either the physician’s lack of knowledge regarding the correct treatment for spider veins or unrealistic expectations by the patient.

Lately, it seems that we are inundated with ads for discount spider vein treatments, often by unqualified opportunists who seek to make a quick buck. The need for retreatment or lack of a definitive cure punish those who are ill informed. Likewise, it rewards the profiteers who are either unscrupulous or untrained to recognize and treat the real cause.

Unfortunately, the medical profession and state licensing boards have no rules as to who can treat venous disease. Therefore, it is not uncommon for inappropriate “specialties,” ranging from emergency medicine to pain management physicians, to sell themselves as “vein specialists.” Not only have these so called “vein specialists” misled patients but they have created a “board” to credential themselves, which is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, the credentialing body that certifies expertise in a field. This unrecognized credential leads to a false sense of security for the patient and potential for harm. Surprizingly, it is not illegal to call oneself, for example, a cardiologist, even without formal training; nor is it illegal to be “Board Certified” by a private company

that sells the title. With that being said, among the authentic board certifications, there is a significant difference between being certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine Subspecialty Board of Cardiovascular Diseases and the American Board of Cardiology.

Patients are often told that their insurance does not cover spider vein treatment, a statement that is completely false for many patients. Insurance companies do cover treatment for venous disease from appropriately trained and credentialed physicians when the criteria are met. Usually, the physician must specialize in interventional cardiology or radiology, vascular surgery or dermatology. Physicians in these areas have the background and supervised apprenticeship (residency and fellowship training) to treat not only the disease but the potential complications of the disease.

As in all things, it is best to perform due diligence. Here are some guidelines:• Check a treating physician’s credentials

and reputation in the community, prior to subjecting yourself to treatment that can result in far more serious con-sequences than a blemish or the need for retreatment.

• Rarely will you find appro-priately trained specialists running discount ads. Fur-thermore, the individual’s rep-utation within the community of peers is usually well known.

• The greatest compliment physi-cians can receive is to have their

patients be the prime sources of their re-ferrals. Therefore, inquiring with patients who have been treated by that specialist is always a good idea.

• Not all cardiologists are equal. Training and experience in interventional cardiology or, at least, invasive cardiology, is essential. Likewise, interventional radiologists are the only radiologists who are qualified, by virtue of their training, to perform invasive procedures.

• Not all vascular surgeons perform venous procedures. Calling oneself an expert or paying a service to do it for you does not make it so.

• Is the physician credentialed by your insur-ance company to do venous procedures? If not, it is likely that the doctor does not have the necessary training to meet insur-ance standards. Therefore, they should not meet your standards either.

• Check the Board of Medicine to assure yourself that this particular physician has not had his or her license revoked, sus-pended or modified in any way, nor has he or she lost or relinquished hospital privileg-es to avoid disciplinary action.

Once you have decided on a specialist whom you are with, you will want to have some questions answered before deciding to undergo treatment. Reasonable questions to ask are:1. Will the specialist be doing the treatment? 2. Will I see the specialist before, during and

after treatment? 3. How can I get a hold of the specialist if I

have a problem?4. What are the possible complications of the

procedure? 5. Does the specialist have specific training in

invasive procedures? 6. Is this covered by my insurance and, if not,

why not? (Call your insurer to check for yourself if the answer is no.)

7. How many treatments will I require and are they all covered?

8. Does the specialist perform other invasive procedures?

9. Does the specialist have hospital privileges to do this procedure?

10. Is the performing physician affiliated with any universities or medical schools?

11. Does the physician teach students or other colleagues this specific procedure?

Regarding medical tourism: Few credentialed physicians are willing to treat the “medical tourist” who went out of country to get a deal

on treatment and returned with a far more difficult condition to treat with

a lower likelihood of a successful outcome. Caveat imperator!

Buyer beware!

It seems that lately adds inundate us with discount spider veins treatments often by unqualified

opportunists who seek to make a quick buck.

By Manuel Abella, MD

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24 HEALTHY VALLEY

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Call us today to receive an information package with all our services and to schedule a private tour of your nearest MCCI location.

1-888-670-MCCI (6224)www.mccigroup.com

By Virgilio Sanchez Jr., MD

>

Heart disease is our nation’s number one killer, accounting for 1 out of every 4 deaths each year! The primary cause of heart attacks and strokes is the gradual clogging, hardening and damage done to the inside walls of our blood vessels.

Heart attacks major warning signs and symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort• Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or

upper stomach• Shortness of breath• Nausea,lightheadedness, or cold sweats

You can prevent and even reverse heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Here are 10 strategies to help you protect your heart:

1. Eat a healthy wholefood diet - Eat at Least 8 to 10 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables a day, which contain important disease fighting micronutrients. Also eat Lots of beans and legumes, raw nuts, seeds, avocados, whole grains and some lean meats. Reduce or avoid processed foods. These usually contain high amounts of sugar, salt, harmful trans-fats and artificial chemicals.

2. Avoid too much sugar - which can raise your blood pressure and damage your arteries. Maintain a fasting blood sugar between 70- 85 mg/dl.

3. Get Moving - Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity is a must for having a healthy heart. Exercise helps you

HEART DISEASE:An Epidemic That Is Preventable and Reversible

maintain normal weight. Excess weight is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

4. Don’t smoke and tobacco use - Smoking or using tobacco are the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease.

5. Take time to relax - We live in a fast-paced hectic world that’s often stressfuL Take some time daily to meditate. Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes, take slow, deep breaths and think peaceful thoughts.

6. Take care of your teeth - People with periodontal disease are more likely to have heart disease and suffer a heart attack than those with healthy gums. Floss daily!

7. Check your cholesterol - Your total cholesterol should be under 200 and your LDL should, be ideally, under 80. But more important, your ratio of HOL to total cholesterol should be more than 24%. Your ratio of triglycerides to HDL should be below 2.

8. Know your blood pressure - Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.

9. Limit alcohol - In addition to raising blood pressure, too much alcohol can add unneeded calories to your diet. If you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount—one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

10. Get regular health screenings - Regular screenings can tell you what your risks are and whether you need to take action.

Make sure to consult your healthcare professional for any questions concerning your heart health or when to begin any exercise regimen.

If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attock, you should mil 911 immediately.

HEALTHY BODY

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM VENOUS DISEASE OR SPIDER VEINS?Pain, swelling, itching, heaviness, varicose veins and skin changes in your legs

VENOUS DISEASE AFFECTS UP TO 20 PERCENT OF ADULTS. Vein problems are among the most common chronic

conditions in North America. In fact, more people lose work

time from vein disorders than from artery disease. By the age

of 50, nearly 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men have

significant leg vein problems.

305-221-6161 | 8200 SW 117 Ave.,a Suite 414 Miami, FL 33183

Have your legs examined by a Board Certified

Cardiologist

SclerotherapyVenous Ablation

Microphlebectomy

Manuel Abella, MD, FACC, FCCPAssistant Clinical Professor of Medicine Herbert Wertheim

College of Medicine Florida International University

www.abellaheart.com

Dr. Manuel Abella is a well-known cardiologist who has been practicing in our community for over 23 years. He completed his post-graduate training at Wayne State Affiliated Hospitals in

Detroit, Michigan. In addition, he completed a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology.

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28 HEALTHY VALLEY

HEALTHY BODY

ADDING LIFE TO YOUR YEARS

By Alvaro Restrepo, MD, Texas Oncology–McAllen

I see a number of patients each week in my oncology practice. Many are in various stages of cancer treatment, but others are returning for a regular check-up after completing what was often an intense course of therapy designed to maximize the chances for cure or, at least, disease control. Some are cured, some are not, but for all the experience of having cancer, there are consequences that may last a lifetime.

Many patients talk about how their lives have changed as a result of their disease. These changes create a “new normal” that patients adjust to when they complete treatment. I enjoy the opportunity to see all of my patients, but always I am inspired by the “thrivers”—the people who have embraced their new normal and kicked it up a notch or two.

Patients thrive on various tracks. Some may go from couch potatoes to ultra-marathoners; others may volunteer at their community cancer centers and become part of other patients’ support networks. Thriving can mean finding new hobbies and interests, or it can be as simple as living in the moment.

Cancer treatments can change a person in any number of ways, some of which are outward and easily noticed. Treatments may result in changes to a patient’s physical appearance or cause side effects like lymphedema or hormonal changes. Some patients are motivated to make lifestyle changes that help reduce their risk of cancer returning such as quitting tobacco, starting a regular exercise program and eating a healthier diet.

Other changes are more psychological in nature. A common worry is that the cancer may return, a fear that lingers in the back of many patients’ minds. Many patients deal with a sense of loss or loneliness when their active treatment ends. Even though our community cancer centers allow patients to stay close to the critical support of

family and friends, patients have created schedules around doctors’ appointments and treatment sessions. They have also bonded with their fellow patients, their caregivers, nurses and physicians, but won’t be seeing them as regularly. I value close relationships with my patients, but one of the greatest joys in cancer treatment is seeing a patient transition back into life outside of the practice.

Our oncologists and healthcare teams can help maintain the positive changes and work to minimize the more unpleasant ones. Support groups, as well as consistent encouragement and companionship from loved ones, can help make the transition to survivorship easier.

Our community-based treatment setting gives our patients a big advantage because they are already near their support networks. Starting to make lifestyle changes while they complete treatment makes those positive changes easier to stick with in the “new normal.” Many survivors feel a great—and well-earned—sense of accomplishment and are well on their way to thriving.

As a community-based practice, my colleagues and I are deeply invested in our patients, our friends and neighbors, and in our community’s well-being. Our patients don’t just disappear once they leave our clinic; they remain fellow members of our community. I hope that when our paths cross, I find them thriving.

30 HEALTHY VALLEY

HV HEALTHY BODY

Today, more than ever, it has become a great challenge for many of us to successfully

manage all aspects of our lives. These areas include, but are not limited to: family, work, friendships and time for self. The challenge to effectively balance these key areas is further multiplied when we are dealing with parents or parenthood. Oftentimes, both parents in the household are employed full-time, making time spent as a family unit exceedingly difficult and scarce.

Because we are all complex beings and have numerous facets, in order to feel completely fulfilled we have an innate need to experience satisfaction on many levels: as a parent, friend, spouse, professional and individual. What usually happens, is that people become engrossed and stuck in one or two areas of their lives (i.e., work , children) while all of the other important areas that make us a whole and complete entity inevitably get neglected. It eventually becomes a pattern or vicious cycle encapsulating a person’s life, which then, inherently, brings forth a lack of fulfillment and disharmony with the person’s vision of his or her “ideal life.” This lack of fulfillment is often the catalyst that leads people to seek help to enable them to better cope with the many demands that face them on a daily basis. It should also be stated, at this point, that in a society that is highly driven by social media (i.e., Facebook), there is a tremendous impact on our desire to devote quality time to those we deem most important in our lives, as well as our decision to remain actively engaged with those in our presence. So, how can we best go about devoting equitable amounts of time and energy to all areas of our lives that we consider significant? The answer is simple: time management.

Because most work schedules demand 40 hours per week, when at home with your spouse and children, making a conscious decision to set aside all distractions (such as cell phones, other technological devices, work- -related matters, etc.) and making a concerted effort to remain present and in the moment with family members will aid in the process of establishing an allotted amount of time devoted Simone Jacquemin, M.S.

Certified Life Coach, Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy/Mental health Counseling

to family. This time can be spent however the family deems enjoyable

i.e., playing board games, engaging in meaningful dialogue, playing

sports together as a family. In addition, weekends are the best days of the week

to capitalize on time spent with family. Attending basketball practice or soccer games

as a family unit is also time well spent.

Setting aside some time to nurture the friendships we’ve built over time is also vital to our mental and emotional well- -being. Spouses can decide to take turns on alternating weekends to get together with friends, either with or without their spouse. Marital symbiosis and individuation are both considered “normal” aspects of the development of a marital relationship. Therefore, spending time together and apart are both qualities of a healthy marriage.

Finally, time spent alone is an equally important feature of a successfully balanced life. It is both healthy and natural to want to spend time by ourselves. Often, this is when we are able to truly hear our own thoughts. Also, these moments of solitude are when we can better gain clarity on an issue plaguing us in our professional or personal lives and are the times we can become most creative and imaginative. If your spouse or elected babysitter is able to manage the children for a couple of hours, it can prove quite beneficial to your mental health. Alone time can be spent reading a novel, exercising or enjoying a cup of coffee without distraction or interruption.

Just as time spent in the company of others helps to develop one’s sense of self, so too, time spent alone further heightens a person’s self- -awareness and helps the individual to refuel and refocus. Essentially, this oneness with the self furthers the level of productivity in the above- -mentioned professional, social and family spheres. So, here’s to finding a copacetic and healthy balance in your life!

BALANCING IT ALL:

By Simone Jacquemin, MS

Family

Friends Work

Alone Time

FOODS

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ALT

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32. BRAIN EXUBERANCE

34. COMMUNITY EVENTS

36. EVENTS CALENDAR

32 HEALTHY VALLEY

As we all know, the brain acts as the control tower of the body, directing the operations of the entire human organism. A healthy brain depends on our lifestyle, which should include balanced nutrition, stress management, physical exercise and brain stimulation.

A perfectly blended beverage containing beet root, green tea, honey, blueberries, almonds and ginger may provide just what our brains are looking for.

Beet root is a superfood for the brain because of its high concentration of nitrates, which widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to the brain.

Green tea is high in EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), a potent compound that appears to protect neurons from age-related damage and contains antioxidants and theanine, an amino acid that helps the brain focus and relax.

Honey contains all 22 essential amino acids, which provide the building blocks of protein for brain cells.

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that protect brain cells from free-radical damage.

Almonds have dopamine and protein, boosting the brain’s motivation and focus.

Ginger helps support a robust metabolism.

By Carolina Portes

BRAIN EXUBERANCE

PREPARATION

1. Add tea bag to steaming hot water and let steep for 3 minutes. Remove tea bag.

2. Stir honey into tea until dissolved.

3. Using a blender, blend all ingredients, including the tea, until smooth and creamy.

4. Serve and drink immediately.

Drink and fill your brain with wellness!

HV RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

1 green tea bag

3 tbsp water

1 cup blueberries

2 tsp raw honey

½ cup unsalted whole almonds

½ cup peeled and grated raw beet

½ tsp fresh lime juice

dash of ground ginger

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04/30/15

April 30 2015

INNOVATIVE CANCER INSTITUTE OPENED

EVENTShm

Innovative Cancer Institute inaugurated the division of Stereotactic Radiosurgery at 5995 SW 71 St, South Miami in September 2014. The state-of-art facility houses the first Edge™ Radiosurgery unit in the southeastern United States. No knife procedure that reaches anywhere in the body under the direction of Drs. Beatriz Amendola and their team.

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” X 4.75”

1/2 PAGE (NO BLEED)7.5” X 4.75”

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COMMUNITY EVENTShv

Every Wednesday (except 2nd Wed.)

Chair Yoga for Parkinson’s12:45pm – 1:45pmOffered by The ParkOptimists, a Parkinson’s Support GroupSt. Matthews Episcopal Church7410 Sunset Dr., South MiamiFor more information, call 305-243-0609 or 305-951-4933.

Every Wednesday

DBSA Depression and Bipolar Suppt. Alliance Mtgs.6:00pmAges 18+The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is the Nation’s Leading Peer Led Support Group for people diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar DisordeTamarac Community Center8601 W. Commercial Blvd., TamaracFor more information, call 954-724-2445.

Every 4th Wednesday

Alzheimer’s 4th Wednesdays Support Group12:30pm – 2:00pm Ages 21+Mount Sinai Medical Center The Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders4300 Alton Rd., Miami BeachFor more information, call 305-674-2121.

APRIL 11

Brain Bowl1:30pm and 3:30pmJoin others in the Brain exhibit as families compete against each other in the Battle of Brains.Museum of Discovery and Science401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale For more information, call 954-713-0930.

APRIL 14

Infant CPR (newborn to 1 yr.)6:30pm – 9:30pmBaptist Hospital, South Bldg., 3rd Fl., Classroom 58900 N. Kendall Dr., MiamiFor more information, call 786-596-8748.

APRIL 18

Walk MS7:00amVillage of Merrick Park358 San Lorenzo Ave, Coral GablesFor more information, call 305-529-0200 or go to www.walkms.org.

APRIL 24

Annual Latino Health & Wellness Expo 9:30am – 3:00pmMiami Airport Convention Center777 NW 72 Ave, MiamiFor more information, call (305) 261-4200 or 305-534-1903 or go to www.sflhcc.com.

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