A Growing Program for PinnacleHealth Heart Patients

Currently entering its second summer in operation, the seasonal vegetable and herb garden at

Blog contributed by
  Kimberly A. Fowler, MSN,
RN, CNS-BC, CHFN

PinnacleHealth’s Heart Failure Center will once again give heart failure patients one of the tools they need to stay healthy—fresh produce. From tomatoes and peppers to herbs such as thyme and rosemary, there’s bound to be something to satisfy patients’ taste buds, and eating fresh, non-processed foods helps them maintain heart-healthy diets.

Where We Began
Last summer, the nurses at the Heart Failure Center, along with a local Boy Scout troop, built raised wooden gardens at our PinnacleHealth Community Campus.

One of my favorite parts of the project: It was—and still is—funded entirely by volunteer efforts. This allows us to make fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs available to our heart failure patients who may not otherwise have access due to financial or other reasons. We also have a low-sodium pantry, stocked by voluntary donations, to provide low-sodium and salt-free staples such as canned goods and proteins such as tuna and peanut butter.

Cool Crops

Last summer, the vegetable crop consisted of peppers, tomatoes, onions, red beets and a variety of greens. The herb section of the garden boasted parsley, thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano and chives to

give heart failure patients fresh seasoning alternatives for their food, allowing them to reduce sodium intake without giving up flavor.

We had a kickoff class to highlight the contents of our gardens last summer. It’s wonderful to hand out fruits, vegetables and herbs and know we’re helping our patients and their families make a difference in their nutrition habits.

PinnacleHealth’s Heart Failure Program can help you manage your heart disease and live life to the fullest capacity. For more information on the program click here: http://bit.ly/1GhTGq7

7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

Blog contributed by Vincent Bottaro, PA-C

The brain is by far the most complex organ in the human body controlling every bodily function through an intricate network of cells called neurons.  There are billions of neurons in the brain and spinal cord.  By using chemical and electrical signals, the brain can control everything from body temperature and heart rate to muscle movement and so much more.

Although the brain is quite powerful, it is still prone to countless diseases. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and stay mentally and physically active in order to prevent neurological conditions and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Below are seven simple things you can do to keep your brain healthy:

• Stay Mentally Active. Reading a book, doing puzzles, and painting or drawing will help keep your brain sharp and slow down brain aging and even dementia.  As the old saying goes if you don’t use it, you may lose it. 
• Exercise Regularly. Staying physically active will help increase the number of blood vessels that bring oxygen to the brain which can improve memory and help avoid mental decline. 
• Eat More Foods with Antioxidants. Eat foods such as beans, whole grains and nuts which are high in antioxidants and can neutralize free radicals in the body that can cause damage to brain cells.  A healthy diet can help control diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and cholesterol - all of which can harm the brain. 
• Wear a Helmet. Use protective devices such bicycle helmets and seat belts which can help prevent traumatic brain injury.  
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep.  It is thought that the brain can actually synthesize complex information.  Even a short 20-30 minute nap can boost concentration and memory.
• Have fun. Doing things that are fun and pleasurable can help stimulate dopamine, the major chemical that transmits information between brain cells also known as neurons. 
• Have an Active Social Life.  Being social and interactive can prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by keeping neuron connections strong.

To learn more about the PinnacleHealth Neurosurgery and Neurosciences Institute click here: www.pinnaclehealth.org/neuro

Myth or Fact: Does Cold Weather Really Affect Joint Pain?

Dr. Jajoria

When the mercury drops, we may have to deal with snow, ice, frostbite and other weather-related inconveniences. As if that isn’t bad enough, many of my patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions are also more likely to experience increased joint pain.

I see this in my practice every winter, and studies have confirmed my observations. In a study conducted in Finland, 30 percent of participants experienced cold-related musculoskeletal pain. And the temperature at which participants experienced cold-related musculoskeletal pain increased by 1°C per 10-year increase in age.

Another study, which focused on how cold temperatures affect patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, showed that participants experienced an increase in pain the day after a cold snap began.

Why does this happen? When temperatures drop, atmospheric pressure increases. Higher atmospheric pressure also increases pressure in the joints, which can cause pain—especially in patients with arthritis. And with weather forecasters predicting higher-than-average amounts of snow and occasional below-zero temperatures in 2015, this is not good news for joint pain sufferers who live in our cold winter region.

Here are some recommendations to help you take care of your joints this winter:

• Get some exercise: Light- to moderate-intensity exercise can help to loosen stiffness in your joints. And, it will help create warmth in your body and keep off excess weight, which can also ease joint discomfort.
• Prevent swelling: Talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce or prevent swelling in problem joints.
• Stay warm: Simple comfort measures, like warming up the car before you go outside, avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold, dressing in layers, sleeping under an electric blanket (if necessary), and keeping your home warm can help you cope with joint pain.

If your joint pain is severe, prolonged, or does not respond to home treatment, talk to your doctor. Are you looking for a Rheumatologist? Visit the PinnacleHealth Rheumatology Associates to learn more: pinnaclehealth.org/rheumatology

And, try to hang in there until some balmy days arrive—spring will be here before we know it!