Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) has expanded a community-based initiative educating area Latinos about the importance of breastfeeding, while also providing valuable resources and services. As part of the program, bilingual breastfeeding peer counselors, who are specially trained by NCH lactation experts, are visiting moms in the hospital to offer added support and to bridge potential communication gaps.

“Engaging with moms immediately after delivery is crucial when it comes to lactation education. We want to ensure every mom fully understands the benefits of breastfeeding and is aware of the resources available once they go home,” said Karen Baker, NCH’s director of Community Services.

The breastfeeding peer counselors, who are bilingual in English and Spanish, serve as a complement to the hospital’s nursing staff and team of certified lactation specialists, who discuss the preventative health benefits of breastfeeding with new moms and help initiate breastfeeding before mom and baby go home. The breastfeeding counselors provide an added benefit as they connect with the Latina moms through shared language and cultural values, hoping to build a relationship that will continue after the hospital stay.

“Sometimes the only thing Spanish-speaking mothers need is encouragement and a connection to an expert in the Latino community,” said Baker, adding that new moms who don’t have a female support team around them can benefit from the presence and accessibility of a community-based peer counselor.

The breastfeeding peer counselors are an extension of NCH’s Promotoras de Salud Program – a nationally recognized model in which bilingual women from the community are trained to deliver important health information to the Latino population. When they’re not visiting moms in the hospital, breastfeeding peer counselors are out in the community discussing the benefits of breastfeeding, addressing how to overcome related challenges, and helping moms to find additional support services available at NCH or other local agencies.

According to Pat Tomlinson, RN, BSN, IBCLC, who oversees Lactation Services at NCH, the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are second to none, and formula should only be used if medically necessary.

“Breastfeeding is the number one preventive medicine for newborns because of its rich nutrition and health benefits,” said Tomlinson.

Research shows breast milk provides nutrients and antibodies that not only decrease the likelihood of adult obesity, but also the risk of childhood cancer and diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory and ear infections, and other conditions. Moms who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

NCH’s efforts to promote breastfeeding both at the hospital and throughout the community fall in line with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that encourages exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

To contact a bilingual breastfeeding peer counselor for free prenatal breastfeeding education and post delivery support, call NCH’s Promotoras de Salud Program at 847.776.9500 (ext. 3), or 847.718.7510. Anyone needing free breastfeeding support also can call NCH Breastfeeding Support Services at 847.618.5225.

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“Accreditation from The Joint Commission is a significant achievement for the hospital, and it speaks to the important role palliative care serves as we provide comprehensive, patient and family centered care,” said Karen Colby, director of NCH’s Palliative Care Program.

Palliative care is a relatively new medical specialty that aims to relieve the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for patients by focusing on comfort and healing. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a life-altering illness and is not only for terminally ill patients.

NCH is the first hospital in Illinois and among the first 10 acute care hospitals in the nation to receive this formal designation, which was developed in 2011 by The Joint Commission. The new accreditation sets standards and acknowledges hospitals that provide comprehensive and holistic palliative care services to patients and families.

The Joint Commission’s evaluation process included an on-site visit with clinical leadership at NCH, in addition to a review of the hospital’s model of care and its quality care measures, like pain management and satisfaction. Among the requirement for certification is that palliative care consultations and services are available around the clock to patients of any age, from newborns and young children to adults.

Palliative care is a relatively new medical specialty that aims to relieve the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for patients by focusing on comfort and healing. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a life-altering illness and is not only for terminally ill patients. Palliative care experts collaborate with the patient’s doctors to coordinate care that works simultaneously with treatments that have cure or recovery as a goal.

Timothy Short, MD, who is the Palliative Care medical director at NCH, explained that palliative care brings an added level of support and guidance to families during an overwhelming and complex medical situation. “Our experienced palliative care team will put together all the information and clinical perspectives in an understandable manner for patients and families to make informed decisions within the context of their personal goals and desires,” said Dr. Short.

To deliver this specialized level of care, NCH partners with Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter. The palliative care team is comprised of certified palliative medicine physicians, specially trained advanced practice nurses (APNs), a social worker and a hospital chaplain, who not only meet with patients and families in the hospital, but can also continue palliative care services once a patient goes home or transitions to a local skilled nursing facility.

In April, NCH was announced as a LIVESTRONG® Community Impact Project award recipient, which was a significant milestone in the hospital’s quest to apply for Advance Certification for Palliative Care from The Joint Commission.

The LeapFrog Group, a national not-for-profit organization that promotes hospital transparency, in early June released its patient safety review of 2,652 hospitals from across the country, with each receiving a letter grade indicating overall performance in safe patient care. Of the 108 acute care hospitals evaluated in Illinois, NCH is among the 49 hospitals to earn the highest mark with the “A” letter grade.

The Hospital Safety Score is a single score product compiled from 26 publicly reported measures of hospital safety data including rates of infection and injury, as well as preventable medical and medication errors.

“I applaud the LeapFrog Group for raising the level of accountability and for empowering consumers with a resource that guides them in making informed decisions when selecting their hospital of preference,” said Bruce K. Crowther, NCH’s President and CEO.

With approximately 400 people dying each year in the United States due to medical errors, and one in four Medicare patients leaving a hospital with a new and potentially-fatal issue, building awareness about a hospital’s performance and the efforts that can reduce likelihood of patient harm is important as ever before.

“At NCH, we’re strongly committed to the safety and well-being of each patient who enters our doors, whether they’re here for an outpatient service or an overnight hospital stay,” said Crowther. “Our staff continually review best practices in safe patient care and have rolled out numerous initiatives and programs aimed to maintain a high level of quality and patient safety.”

For additional information and scores from Hospital Safety Score, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) is holding a free joint replacement seminar from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, in the NCH auditorium at 800 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights. Attendees should park in the Visitor Garage on the east side of the hospital, and enter the building through the East Entrance.

Orthopedic surgeons James Hill, M.D., and Terry Younger, M.D., as well as experts in nursing and therapy, will share information on the latest treatments and therapies for joint pain, including joint replacement. The doctors will explain total knee, total hip, anterior hip and the new MAKOplasty® procedures.

Before and after the two-hour seminar, attendees can meet the RIO® robot used in MAKOplasty® surgeries for people with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. The surgeon-controlled robotic arm system offers a minimally invasive approach to resurfacing the arthritic portion of the knee, saving as much of the patient’s original knee as possible. This state-of-the-art surgery delivers the potential for a more rapid recovery, shorter hospital stay and natural-feeling knee. Most patients return to their daily activities in two to three weeks.

Come learn why Northwest Community Hospital is on the leading edge of joint replacement. Registration is required by calling HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU (4968) or visiting the hospital online at www.nch.org/jointpain. Light refreshments will be served at the seminar.

The salads include a variety, ranging from iceberg lettuce to slaw mix, and are sold under the brand names River Ranch, Farm Stand, Hy-Vee, Shurfresh, and The Farmer’s Market.

Older people and people with suppressed immune systems are at risk of potentially fatal illness. Listeria can cause miscarriages in pregnant women. Healthy people may experience high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea from listeria food poisoning.

The Listeria contamination was found during a routine, random FDA inspection of salads in the marketplace.

The recalled retail and food service salad bags have either “Best By” code dates of 12MAY2012 – 22MAY2012 or a Julian date between 116 and 125.

Among a small group of specially trained surgeons in the country is Robert Aki, MD, who performed the area’s first da Vinci® Single-Site™ cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) at NCH on May 15. The minimally invasive procedure is traditionally called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however, Dr. Aki is using robotic assistance to remove the gallbladder through an incision of approximately one inch.

“The Single-Site procedure uses advanced robotic technology that is more precise, and the 3D visualization of the surgical field is superior as compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach,” Dr. Aki said as he explained the technically advanced procedure.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits comfortably at a console, viewing a 3D, high-definition image of the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the instrument arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into more precise movements of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient.

Patients who have their gallbladder removed with the assistance of the da Vinci robot experience both medical and cosmetic benefits. Patients have less scarring and experience potentially shorter recovery times, with many patients able to go home the very same day.

Dr. Aki adds that most people who require gallbladder removal are candidates for the robotic, single-incision surgery. According to the American College of Surgeons, surgery is the recommended treatment for gallbladder pain from gallstones and non-functioning gallbladders.

At NCH, surgeons perform various types of robotic-assisted surgeries in addition to gallbladder removal, including surgical procedures for gynecological, prostate, kidney, urological and colorectal conditions. Intuitive Surgical – the maker of the da Vinci system – has designated NCH a da Vinci robotic training center, teaching surgical excellence to surgeons nationwide. In fact, NCH is one of only twenty-two centers in the United States and is the very first gynecological center in the tri-state area of Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.

For more information on robotic surgeries at Northwest Community Hospital, visit nch.org/roboticsurgery.

The good news is you don’t have to be sidelined trying to figure out how to fix that bothersome injury on your own. Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) is hosting a free Sports Injury Clinic for anyone seeking expert advice about a sports related injury or sports performance concern. The Clinic will be held Monday, May 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the NCH Wellness Center at 900 West Central Road in Arlington Heights.

At the Clinic, NCH licensed athletic trainers and physical therapists will take a brief history and perform a physical screening to identify what may be limiting an athlete’s physical activity. Attendees are given documented recommendations for follow-up care and encouraged to share findings of the screening assessment with their physician.

“The Clinic is a great resource for active adults and local athletes who are looking for a convenient, quick and cost-free physical screening assessment,” said Karen McCauley, director of NCH’s Physical Rehabilitation Services.

The Sports Injury Clinic is just one component of NCH’s comprehensive Sports Medicine Program. If the need for a formalized rehabilitation plan arises, these specially trained experts can help athletes, who are 14 years and older, return to activity quickly and safely. The goal is build an athlete’s speed, agility, strength and/or endurance.

“Our team uses the latest rehabilitation methods and tools to develop customized exercise programs,” McCauley explained. “Since the program is based out of NCH’s Wellness Center, recuperating athletes have access to the facility’s expansive fitness center, warm water therapy pool and lap pool.”

To reserve a time for a free screening assessment at NCH’s Sports Injury Clinic, call 847.618.3575. Appointments are limited. For more information about the Sports Medicine Program and other physical rehabilitation services at NCH, visit www.nch.org.

A team consists of a dog and its handler, who must be the owner of the pet and at least 18 years old. Therapy dogs can be any breed, but must be in good health, obedient, enjoy people and get along with other dogs.

Volunteers need to complete an application. Qualifying dogs will go through a two-hour temperament and obedience evaluation by professional dog trainers on Saturday, June 16. Teams that pass will attend a three-day training course at the hospital that includes mock and trainer-supervised patient visits, and a briefing on hospital policies and infection control practices. The training – held July 14, 15 and 21 – will prepare teams for hospital visits. There are modest fees to help offset the costs of the temperament evaluation and training.

Since its launch in 2007, NCH’s Animal-Assisted Therapy program has achieved great success and popularity. Animal-Assisted Therapy is a proven method of improving a patient’s physical health by providing a higher level of emotional comfort while serving as a diversion from their illness. The NCH program has grown to 60 dog and handler teams that make hospital-wide visits.

A loving dog can assist in reducing a patient’s stress, pain, anxiety and loneliness. Interaction between patients and pets can raise a person’s spirits and improve their physical well-being by lowering blood pressure and accelerating recovery times.

“The animals provide a dimension of care that is unlike any other therapy,” said Diane Colville, manager of Animal Assisted Therapy at NCH. “Patients simply love the dogs. Our teams have made more than 46,000 patient visits in nearly five years.”

The pets certainly are warmly received. One parent in Pediatrics said her daughter smiled for the first time in days when seeing the dogs. A patient in the Ambulatory Infusion Clinic reported that pet therapy lifted her spirits and made her day. A patient on the Medical Pulmonary floor appreciated that the dogs made her feel calm.

For more details on NCH’s Animal-Assisted Therapy program and to download an application for the upcoming training opportunity, visit the hospital’s website at www.nch.org/animalassist. Sponsorships are available to support the dog and handler teams.

Mark Kirk suffered a stroke about 15 weeks ago, had three brain surgeries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and was transferred Februrary 10, 2012 to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) for post-stroke therapy. He was released from the RIC on Friday, May 4, 2012.

“I suffered a stroke on the 21st of January and thanks to the doctors, nurses and professionals of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, the RIC, I’m walking again.”

– Mark Kirk

Senator Mark Kirk posted a YouTube video on his official website on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 that chronicled his rehabilitation since his stroke on January 21, 2012. He demonstrated his ability to speak and walk after suffering a stroke. He is also part of a walking study that studies the biomechanics of his gait. In the “Gait Analysis” Senator Mark Kirk’s body is translated into a stick figure that emphasizes the angular velocity of joints, the relationship of motion of all joints and body movements, and activity of muscles.

Gait analysis is used to assess, plan, and treat individuals with conditions affecting their ability to walk. Gait analysis is also commonly used in sports biomechanics to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify posture-related or movement-related problems in people with knee injuries or other leg or hip injuries.

Gait analysis studies Step length, Stride length, Cadence, Speed​​, Dynamic Base, the Progression Line, Knee Angle, Hip Angle, and Foot Angle.

Muscle activity study during gait analysis is known as Dynamic Electromyography, which detects electric potential generated by muscle cells and reveals levels of skeletal muscle activation and motor unit recruitment of muscles. Motor unit recruitment is defined as the successive activation of the same and additional motor units causing increasing strength of voluntary muscle contraction. In healthy individuals, the brain and central nervous system can increase the strength of muscle contraction by (1) spatial recruitment — increasing the number of active motor units to increase the amount of muscle fibers or muscles firing, and (2) temporal recruitment — increasing the firing rate of individual motor units within a muscle to increase the force or tension of contraction.

The study of gait after a stroke allows more specific diagnosis, which can result in optimal intervention strategies and the possibility of future developments in rehabilitation engineering.

Finding Dr. Right takes place on Wednesday, May 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the NCH Wellness Center, 900 West Central Road on the Arlington Heights campus of Northwest Community Hospital. The May event will allow busy people to conveniently meet one-on-one with pediatricians and OB-GYNs to determine who is right for them.

“This gives people a chance to sit down with a number of great male and female doctors to get a good feel for their personalities and expertise without the hassle of setting up several appointments,” said Jackie Speckin, director of Strategic Marketing for NCH.

Finding Dr. Right is based on the concept of speed dating, which involves brief chats with potential suitors. In this case, prospective patients will talk with each physician for five minutes and then rotate to the next doctor at the sound of a bell. Attendees should not seek medical advice during these brief sessions.

“We keep things moving in a fun way because we know people have limited time,” Speckin said. “It’s a fast way to get your important questions answered while learning about a physician’s approach to healthcare.”

Physician referral specialists will be on hand to help coordinate next steps when community members find a doctor who meets their medical needs. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.

Seats are limited at this free event, so registration is required by calling HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU (4968). Attendees can also register online by visiting NCH’s website at www.nch.org.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the finding posed “no risk to the food supply or to human health”, and swiftly assured consumers and global importers that there was no danger of meat from the California dairy cow entering the food chain.

There is no evidence that humans can catch mad cow disease — Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)– from drinking milk from an infected cow. The risk of transmission generally comes when the brain or spinal tissue is consumed by humans or another animal, which did not occur in this case.

The cow is not believed to have contracted the disease by eating animal feed, which is a scarier scenario because of the greater chance of spread of the disease to other cows.

The carcass of the cow is under examination and quarantine, and will be destroyed following an investigation, which includes tracing the history of the animal.

BSE is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in cattle that causes a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord. BSE has a long incubation period, about 30 months to 8 years, usually affecting adult cattle at a peak age onset of four to five years, all breeds being equally susceptible.

BSE is transmitted to human beings by eating food contaminated with the brain, spinal cord or digestive tract from infected carcasses.

The human form of the disease is known as Creuzfeldt-Jakob disease or CJD, which is incurable and fatal. BSE in cows is believed to be the cause of CJD in humans.

Northwest Community Hospital (NCH) is holding a free joint replacement seminar from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, June 6, in the NCH auditorium at 800 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights. Attendees should park in the Visitor Garage on the east side of the hospital, and enter the building through the East Entrance.

Join orthopedic surgeons Richard Mannion, M.D., and Terry Younger, M.D., as well as experts in nursing and therapy on May 1 as they share information on the latest treatments and therapies for joint pain, including joint replacement. The doctors will explain total knee, total hip, anterior hip and the new MAKOplasty® procedures. Orthopedic surgeon James Hill, M.D., will accompany Dr. Younger in leading the seminar on June 6.

Before and after the two-hour seminars, attendees can meet the RIO® robot used in MAKOplasty® surgeries for people with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee. The surgeon-controlled robotic arm system offers a minimally invasive approach to resurfacing the arthritic portion of the knee, saving as much of the patient’s original knee as possible. This state-of-the-art surgery delivers the potential for a more rapid recovery, shorter hospital stay and natural-feeling knee. Most patients return to their daily activities in two to three weeks.

Come learn why Northwest Community Hospital is on the leading edge of joint replacement. Registration is required by calling HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU (4968) or visiting the hospital online at www.nch.org/jointpain. Light refreshments will be served at the seminars.

“This award means a lot to the community, giving area residents confidence that, in the event of a stroke, specially-trained experts are readily available to intervene at a moment’s notice.” said Janice Lau, stroke program coordinator. “At NCH, we strongly adhere to evidence-based guidelines that give patients the best chance of making a full recovery.”

To receive the award, hospitals must achieve an 85 percent compliance with all “Get With The Guidelines” indicators for two consecutive 12-month intervals, and a 75 percent compliance with six of 10 stroke quality measures. The measures include aggressive use of medications and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability while improving the lives of stroke patients.

Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States, and the third-leading cause of death. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every four minutes.

“Northwest Community Hospital is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients,” said Dr. Lee Schwamm, chair of the “Get With The Guidelines” National Steering Committee.

NCH has been designated a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission since 2006, meaning that the hospital’s stroke care encompasses all the critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving stroke outcomes. Rapid diagnostics and interventions at NCH play key roles in restoring patients to their maximum level of functioning.

“We are fortunate to have a multi-disciplinary stroke care program, with access to specialists and advanced tools to optimize care for our patients with stroke, brain aneurysm or hemorrhage, and other acute neurological disorders,” said Dr. Laura Goldstein, chief of Neurology.

For more information about Northwest Community Hospital’s award-winning stroke services, visit www.nch.org/stroke.

NCH’s free Urinary Incontinence Screening will be held on Thursday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Northwest Community Hospital campus in Arlington Heights. At the screenings, certified continence nurses will meet privately with each attendee to review urinary symptoms, address concerns, and discuss healthy bladder habits and non-surgical treatment options. Attendees will be equipped with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions for relieving their urinary problems.

The signs of a urinary incontinence problem are the urge to rush to the bathroom; urine leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing or other activity; frequent bladder infections; or any other issues related to urination.

To schedule a free 30-minute private screening with an NCH certified continence nurse, call 847.618.4YOU (4968), or visit www.nch.org. Registration is required and space is limited, so sign up early. The screening is a consultation only, and does not include a physical examination, or blood and urine tests.

The outbreak was first confirmed April 4, 2012 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 93 people were stricken.

Many of the sick reported eating sushi, sashimi or similar foods in the week before symptoms began, according to the CDC.

So far no source has not been identified, so no avoidance instructions exist. Sushi is suspected.

The incidence of illness is known as Salmonellosis, which includes diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after salmonella infection. Usually the illness lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

The April 2012 outbreak of salmonellosis is caused by a rarer subspecies of Salmonella (Salmonella Bareilly), and was reported mostly in eastern states. No deaths have been reported, but many episodes of sickness and some hospitalizations have resulted from the illness.

Join Gastroenterologist Willis Parsons, MD, on Thursday, April 12, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – Not Always a Benign Problem.” Dr. Parsons will explain the serious health issues and cancer risk caused by chronic heartburn and GERD, including Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to esophageal cancer – the most rapidly rising cancer in the United States. He will review facts and symptoms, suggest when to consult a physician and explain diagnostic procedures and treatment options.

To learn more about heartburn, GERD and Barrett’s esophagus, register for this free seminar by calling 847.618.4YOU (4968), or visit www.nch.org/heartburn.

“We are humbled by the overwhelming support that’s been expressed by the community throughout this campaign,” says Karen Colby, who oversees palliative care at NCH. “This award will directly impact our ability to support those who are affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. We want to offer our appreciation to those who voted in support of our palliative care program.”

More than 200 qualified hospitals, cancer centers, university students and community organizations in eight regions across the United States were selected to participate in LIVESTRONG’s online voting campaign. Over a two-week period, more than 4,000 votes from the community were cast in support of NCH receiving a $10,000 financial award from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

NCH will use the award to apply for Advanced Certification for Palliative Care, which was developed by the Joint Commission in 2011 to set standards and acknowledge hospitals providing state-of-the-art palliative care services. As part of the award, NCH also will receive tools and training to assist in qualifying for the Certification.

Palliative care helps to relieve the symptoms and stress of serious illness, and improves quality of life for patients by focusing on comfort and healing. Palliative care begins at any stage of a life-altering illness, working simultaneously with treatments that have cure or recovery as a goal.

NCH partners with Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter to provide patients with this level of care in the hospital setting. Specialized palliative medicine clinicians who are experienced at coordinating complex medical care work with the patient, family and doctors to deliver a personalized plan of coordinated care and support.

The 2012 Community Impact Project will offer nearly $1.4 million in implementation awards to 90 finalists – like NCH – across the country. The Lance Armstrong Foundation, now known publicly as LIVESTRONG, was established in 1997 by the cancer survivor and champion cyclist to serve people living with cancer and empower communities to take action against the world’s leading cause of death. Since its inception, the organization has invested more than $70 million in community-centered organizations.

Study participants consumed chocolate an average 2.0 times per week and exercised about 3.6 times per week. Frequency of chocolate consumption was associated with greater intake of calories and saturated fats and higher Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D), which all related positively to Body Mass Index (BMI). Chocolate consumption frequency was not associated with greater activity, but it was associated with lower BMI. This inverse relationship whether or not the study adjusted for age and sex, as well as for calories, satfats, and depression.

CES-D is a research tool that measures depression. High BMI is usually considered a risk factor for the development of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.

The medical researchers look forward to, or recommend a study of the metabolic benefits of chocolate in the diet. Increasingly, research is showing that the quality or character of calories is important, just as the quantity of calories is important regarding the impact of diet on metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that, when occurring together, increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The American Heart Association/Updated NCEP is defined as follows …

Elevated waist circumference:
Men — greater than 40 inches (102 cm)
Women — greater than 35 inches (88 cm)

Elevated triglycerides: Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol:
Men — Less than 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L)
Women — Less than 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L)

Elevated blood pressure: Equal to or greater than 130/85 mm Hg or use of medication for hypertension

Elevated fasting glucose: Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or use of medication for hyperglycemia

Beatrice A. Golomb, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues described the findings in a research letter published in the March 26 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. No PubMed.gov abstract of the study is available at the time of this post.

It often begins with no reliable symptoms, yet can turn into a serious health issue. That’s why it’s important to get the facts about colon cancer and find out when screenings should begin.

With March being national Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Northwest Community Healthcare is hosting a free community health seminar. “Colon Cancer Facts & Fiction,” presented by Dr. Michael Hersh of the NCH Medical Group, takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, in the NCH auditorium, 800 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights. Attendees should park in the Visitor Garage on the east side of the campus.

Dr. Hersh is a board-certified gastroenterologist who will discuss colon cancer statistics, risk factors, and screening guidelines and options. He will also answer questions and dispel common misconceptions.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Approximately 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and almost 50,000 people will die from it. Screening can prevent cancer through the removal of pre-cancerous polyps, and for those with colon cancer, improve survival through early detection.

While the March event is free, registration is required because space is limited. Attendees can sign up online at nchmedicalgroup.com or by calling HealthConnection at 847.618.4968. Complimentary refreshments are available for 30 minutes before the seminar begins.

Attendees should also know that the NCH Medical Group is conducting a clinical research study to investigate the use of molecular detection of colorectal cancer. A clinical research project specialist will be on hand to provide information to those who may qualify for participation in the study.

For more details about Northwest Community Hospital and its comprehensive services, visit the hospital’s website at nch.org.

The swimming pool at the fitness center has been closed since October 2011, after failing to comply with a state law mirroring the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act, which protects against a dangerous issue with older pool drains. Several fitness centers had swimming pools that were temporarily closed to comply with the new law.

LA Fitness was permitted to reopen this morning at 10:00 a.m.

The fitness center has also had a serious problem with locker room theft recently.