Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 July 2002 — Page 37

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGED?

HEALTH Continued from D8

The department conducts leadscreening activities in residential areas throughout Marion County with increased efforts in high-risk neighborhoods. New additions to the health fair this year will be the following: Safety ville and the Indianapolis SAFE KIDS Coalition (ISKC): Safetyville isa mobile van that will be hitting the streets of Indianapolis later this year. Participants at this year's health fair will get a first look at this new mobile safety education unit. The program will focus on injury prevention and safety issues, such as bike/scooter helmets, car seats, water safety and others. The van is equipped with a large screen television to show videos and a wireless microphone so that participants will be able to hear and participate. Members of the ISKC will be on hand to promote various injury prevention areas. Asthma Screening (Chronic Disease): this booth will provide asthma screenings for children 8 years old and up with parental consent and for adults as well. A Spirometry test will be performed and described to each participant by a trained health professional. The object of a Spirometry test is to assess breathing function. It is used to detect the presence or ab-

sence of lung dysfunction suggested by history or physical signs and symptoms of problems related to breathing. This would include smoking history, family history of lung disease, cough, shortness of breath and wheezing. Respiratory Therapists from the Asthma Alliance of Indianapolis will be on hand to oversee these screenings and answer questions. Bio-terrorism: a vehicle will be on display, along with information for citizens about existing 1 services. This department monitors and controls handling of chemicals, infectious waste and other materials, and provides response to hazardous material emergencies. In addition to the Marion County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health, representatives from area hospitals, community-based organizations, clinics, and other health providers will be on hand to display their own services and a wealth of good health information, along with over $500 worth offree health screenings. Check the graphic portion of this article to find out what screenings will be administered and what time to attend.

CONTRACTUAL SERVICE

PAINTING

COMMERCIAL TECH PAMT1MG Beautify Your Business • Interior • Exterior 2920 N. Keystone Ave. PM 262-8450 • Cell* 370-5341 Fax* 262-8450

For Advertising Rates Call 924-5143

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

SANDY LEVITICUS BRYANT 244 North College Ave Rut (317) 639-3318 ' Phone (317) 464-1463 •Auto-Truck-Motorcycle Accidents *SHp & R* Accidents *Wrongful Death Actions *WMs& Estates

Angelic Cleaning Services tiesidenti* (Basic & Spring Oeaning •Construction Cteanup <Wtl meet or beat your cost •Mm Ins/Outs -Grt certificates are avalade •Commercial 'Bonded & Insured (317) 297-2532

Telecommunications Consultants Edward A. Cage SMm 4 Installation Major Business Phone Systems Offers New Phone Sytern Discount (317) 291-5992 /1-800-791-1247

Your Memories Your Choice Your Monument Company Williams * BluHt Monument Company 2451 Dr. Andrew J. Brawn Ave., 317-923-2381

Since 1988, we have helped hundreds of

Dft JACQUALYN F. GREEN Marriage and Family Counseling, Diversity and Leadership Consulting 4755 Klngsway Dr. Ste. 300 Hours By Appointment Min OKiJcm

Indianapolis residents buy affordable homes! MffeyltotYMP QJX Indiampolis To find out contact us at fffe" omss-uMa attpzx,, ■nutoHi

4>4 wDR. EDNA FAYE KEMP Jl Jv A General Dentistry “Gentle Dental Care for The Entire Family" 5660 Caito Drive, Bldg. 3, Suite 130 Indianapolis, IN 46226 (317) 545-KEMP (5367) Fax 5456230

INSURANCE

Problems of the Foot and Ankle 3231 N. Meridian, Suite 500 Most Insurance Accepted 926-3668 — 926-foot

SECURITY

5627 N. Georgetown Rd. ct. Indpls, IN 46254 317-803-2241

ADT Seciirity Services, Inc Tyrooa Warran Sales Representative 12166 N. Meridian St. Carmel. IN 46032 Telephone: 317-816-2172 Fax: 317-846-0463

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 924-5143

Need Help Finding a Doctor... RIGHT WHERE YOU LIVE

Raymond Gotanco, MD Aegis Medical is pleased to announce that Raymond Gotanco, MD has joined us in our downtown office Dr. Gotanco is an internal medidne physician and is currently accepting new paberfe ages 18 and older. He received his medical degree from Southern Illinois University in Springfield, IL and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada in Reno, NV. Dr. Gotanco has special interests in diabetes management, preventive medidne and cardiovascular disease. We invite you to cal Aegis Medical at pi 7) >62-5564 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gotanco. AEGIS - Methodist Professional Building 1801 ML Senate BM, Suite 400 • tndtanapofis. IN 46202

www.mmgdoctor.com

Crohn’s disease: Victim or victor?

(N APSI)—Strained marriages, cancelled social commitments, even fears about traveling too far from a bathroom, are among the casualties of dealing with Crohn's disease, a chronic condition that usually affects the intestines. Unfortunately, many people with the disease suffer in silence because of improper diagnosis or a feeling that “it’s all in my head.’’ It isn’t. Some 500,000 people in the U.S. suffer from Crohn’s disease, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), a national education and support group. Crohn’s is chronic and incurable, and currently, a total “victory” over the disease isn’t possible. Understanding the disease, however, and getting proper medical treatment as well as emotional support, can make you feel more like a victor than a victim. Crohn’s disease can be misdiagnosed since its symptoms may mirror other diseases. If you frequently suffer from any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor. • Cramps and abdominal pain. • Persistent diarrhea. • Rectal bleeding. • Fever. • Loss of appetite and/or weight loss. Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract. It usually affects the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and/or the

first part of the large intestine (colon) but can occur in any section of the gastrointestinal (GI)

tract.

Many factors, genetic and environmental, may act together to cause the disease. Crohn's disease occurs more commonly in adolescents and young adults but anyone, at any age, can be af-

fected.

Your doctor may take X-rays to understand what part of the GI tract is affected and use a colonoscope or sigmoidoscope to help confirm a diagnosis. Both scopes are illuminated tubes that make it possible to see into the rectum and the large bowel. It is possible to achieve periods medication can control the symp- Often the final step in dealing of remission or improvement torns Q f disease flares with fewer with Crohn’s disease — and bewhen symptoms subside or go side effects than other steroids. In- coming a victor—is getting emoaway completely. These periods dividual results may vary. tional support. Explain the disease of remission are usually inter- The medicine is not for every- to your family and friends and comrupted by flares (active episodes one; j t j s contraindicated in pa- municate that there may be times of the disease) when the symp- tients with known hypersensitivity when you need additional rest or toms return or become worse. to budesonide. People who take have to cancel plans at the last The main goals of Crohn s dis- ^lis drug may require supplemen- minute, ease treatment are to provide re- ta | t»eatment with a systemic lief from symptoms and reduce g| U cocorticosteroid if they are un- There are a number of resources the numberof flare-ups Entocort dergoing surgery and subject to that can provide support and keep EC (budesonide) capsule tsapre- otherstressfiil situations. They need you posted on new developments scnption drug approved last fall to f 0 n 0W their doctors’ directions in treatments. Patients can call the by the Food and Drug Adminis- when switching to Entocort EC Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of tration (FDA) designed to treat f rom a systemic America (CCFA) at 1-800-932-and control the symptoms of giucocorticosteroid. This will help 2423 or visit the Web site at www. Crohn s disease. For many people them avoid health risks. Patients ccfa.org. More information on with mild to moderate active taking corticosteroids should try to Entocort EC, including product Crohn s disease involving the il- avo jd exposure to infections such information, is at eum and/or ascending colon, the as chicken pox or measles. www.EntocortEC.com.

ENTOCORT EC Is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate active Crohn's Disease involving the ileum and/or the ascending colon.

Patients cautioned about taking multiple medications

(NUE) —With bil-

lions of prescriptions written every year, the risks of drug interactions have many in the

medical community

concerned. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 80 percent of Americans take some form of medication including pre-

scription drugs, over-the-counter remedies and dietary supplements. According to John R. Horn, pharmacist and professor of pharmacy at the University of Washington in Seattle, patients taking multiple medications must be aware of potentially dangerous

drug interactions.

“People don’t know how the various treatments they’re taking work in combination with each other. Even commonly used oral medications can interact with each other because they must travel throughout the body in order to work,” Horn said. “For instance, diabetics need to be especially careful when mixing their blood glucose lowering medications with other treatments, such as an oral

antifungal.”

Horn has conducted extensive research on drug interactions and potentially risky drug combinations, which he outlines in his book The Top 100 Drug Interactions: A Guide to Patient Management (2002 H&H Publications). Horn suggests that even patients with common ailments, such as a yeast infection, need to be careful. “It’s critical that patients educate themselves about all available treatment options so they can choose the safest one. Even for

John R. Horn, pharmacist

something as simple as a yeast infection, women now have lots of options.” For example, women can now choose to use a prescription oral treatment such as Dilfiican or a 1-dose topical treatment, such as Monistat 1 Combination Pack, which can be purchased over the

counter.

Horn suggests that if there are topical treatments available, patients should consider using them before trying an oral medication, as they are less likely to cause a negative drug interaction. “Before initial treatment, patients should always ask their doctor about all readily available treatment options,” Horn said. “If appropriate, they should consider using topical treatments which permit the medication to reach the source of discomfort with less likelihood of side effects. Topical treatments for some medical conditions, such as yeast infections, may be most suitable and safer.” Horn has three tips he encourages all patients to follow toensure their safety when taking multiple treatments: • Tell your doctor about all the treatments you’re taking including prescription, over-the-counter, and dietary and herbal supplements. • Go to the same pharmacy so the pharmacist will be aware of all the drugs you’re taking. • Read and follow the label instructions for all the treatments and supplements you are using and pay special attention to warnings and contraindications.

Generic drugs can save money for consumers

(NAPSI) — Learning more about generic drugs could be good for your health. If your pharmacist ever asks you to substitute a generic drug for your prescription, here aire some facts you should know. Coatings, colorings or shapes may vary, but the active ingredient in a generic drug is chemically identical to the brand-name drug. When a patent expires on a brand-name drug, generic manufacturers may apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permission to produce that drug. Generic drugs must meet the same stringent FDA requirements and inspections for chemistry, manufacturing controls and labeling, and must produce the same clinical results. However, since generic producers don’t spend as much for research and development, advertising or marketing, their products can be sold at lower prices — sometimes up to 75 percent less, i Many familiar drugs, such as ibuprofen and prednisone, were once brand-name prescription drugs. “Generic formulations have a long track record and have been proven safe,” said Merle Fossen, Pharm.D., director of Pharmacy Affairs for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy in Alexandria, Va. “About 45 percent of all prescriptions filled are for generic drugs.” You may want to ask your doctor if switching to a

Affair* on May 2001. In Mo

generic is appropriate for you. Or, ask your pharmacist for more information about what generic equivalents may be available for your prescriptions. The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy is a professional association of managed care pharmacists who serve patients and the public by the promotion of wellness and rational drug therapy. You can learn more about AMCP and managed care pharmacy at www.amcp.org.

Comments sought for WIC State Plan

The Indiana State Department of Health will welcome public comment on the Indiana Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) State Plan on Aug. 9. The WIC State Plan will be available for public viewing and comment from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 9 in the WIC Conference Room on the 2nd Floor of the State Department of Health, at 2 N. Meridian St. At that time, citizens will have the opportunity to express their opinions about the contents of the plan. Any citizen or group

may submit written or oral comments during the public viewing time. Oral comment periods may be limited, depending on the number of participants. Written comments will be accepted until 4: p.m. on Aug. 9. The WIC State Plan is a compilation of the program’s goals and objectives for the upcoming year, along with answers to specific questions posed by the United States Department of Agriculture/Food and Consumer Services (USDA/FCS). The WIC Program is funded

by the USDA/FCS to provide supplemental foods, nutrition education and medical and social referrals to assure adequate nutrition for proper growth and development. The program targets pregnant and postpartum women, nursing mothers, and children from birth to age 5. Individuals eligible for the WIC Program include members of the target population with household income at or below 185 percent of the poverty guidelines and are nutritionally at risk. The goals of the WIC Program are:

• To improve pregnancy outcomes. • To reduce the incidence of infant mortality and low-birth-weight babies. • To improve the health and nutrition of infants and children up to age 5, the critical period of growth and development. • To contain health care costs through good nutrition. Anyone needing further information on the public viewing time or the WIC State Plan may caQ Cheryl Moles, at (317) 233-5590.