Moline, IL, February 24th -  Scott Stewart, licensed acupuncture practitioner, and owner of Healing Lotus Acupuncture at 4300 12th Ave. in Moline, has just completed advanced certification in Tung's style acupuncture.

Dr. Tung's style acupuncture is an advanced style of acupuncture developed by Dr. Tung's family, and can be traced back over 300 years.  This form of acupuncture is unique, because it uses fewer needles with greater results.  The points chosen are often distal to the site of injury, or on the opposite side of the body.  This acupuncture system is particularly effective in cases of acute & chronic pain, but also treats internal disorders as well.

For more information regarding Tung's style acupuncture or Eastern medicine, please contact Healing Lotus Acupuncture at (309) 764-4753 and ask for Scott, or visit our website at:  www.HealingLotus.co

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Scott Stewart, MSAc., Dipl.Ac., LAc.

4300 12th Ave

Moline, IL

(309) 764.4753

healinglotustcm@gmail.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new three-year program to tackle diabetes will be launched in Rock Island County if legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, becomes law.
"This legislation will help not-for-profits continue their great work battling diabetes through education and exercise opportunities in our community," Smiddy said. "Initiatives like the diabetes pilot program that work to decrease disease in our communities are ideas the state should fund and expand to help more Illinoisans."
Smiddy is sponsoring House Bill 1514, which creates a three-year diabetes prevention pilot program in Rock Island County through a partnership with local nonprofits and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).  HFS will choose a provider for the task force and that nonprofit will receive Medicaid reimbursement for their effort to prevent diabetes in the community. Smiddy will push this measure through the legislative process this spring, with the hope of it becoming law and going into effect immediatly after being signed by the governor.
"By removing the financial burden the program currently places on men and women that administer this program, we can help the local nonprofit expand their ability combat this deadly disease and save lives," Smiddy said. "The health and vitality of our community remains a priority for me, and I'll continue to support initiatives that empower community groups to improve the well-being of our residents."
House Bill 1514 was introduced in February and awaits consideration in a House committee.
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Earlier this month, President Obama signed the Clay Hunt Act into law.  It's named after a soldier and member of Team Rubicon who took his own life.  Jake Wood introduced the President and gave a heart-felt message about his fallen friend.   Wood is a PV alum, a member of our Wall of Honor, and founder of Team Rubicon.

Here is the link to the signing ceremony with video of Jake  à http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/12/clay-hunt-act-what-president-just-signed

Here's information about Team Rubicon.  Wood started the group, after his time in the Marines, to help bridge the gap when a disaster strikes.  They've volunteered in Haiti and during Katrina, among other disasters across the globe à http://www.teamrubiconusa.org/

Community Health Efforts Recognized as Quad Cities Advances in Prize Selection Process

 

The Quad Cities region was chosen today as a finalist for the third annual RWJF Culture of Health Prize. As a finalist, the Quad Cities is one step closer to the RWJF Culture of Health Prize which honors communities whose efforts illustrate an enduring commitment toward building a Culture of Health for all residents.

Selected from more than 340 communities across the country, the Quad Cities joins 14 other finalist communities. Winners will be announced this fall.

"We are very pleased to have advanced as a RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalist community.  This is a wonderful recognition of the cross-sector collaborative efforts that have contributed to creating a healthier community," said Karla Steele, Quad City Health Initiative Board Chair.  "For more than fifteen years, the Quad Cities has been on a journey that engages partners from healthcare, public health, education, government, business and philanthropy to improve the vitality of the Quad Cities.  Participating in the Prize process has been an opportunity to celebrate our community's progress and partnerships."

To earn Prize finalist status, the Quad Cities had to demonstrate how its efforts to improve health outcomes for residents reflect the six RWJF Culture of Health Prize criteria, which include :

  • Defining health in the broadest possible terms.
  • Committing to sustainable systems changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions.
  • Cultivating a shared and deeply-held belief in the importance of equal opportunity for health.
  • Harnessing the collective power of leaders, partners, and community members.
  • Securing and making the most of available resources.
  • Measuring and sharing progress and results.

"The RWJF Culture of Health Prize finalists are transforming their communities to make them healthier places to raise a family, provide jobs, and educate their children," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, RWJF president and CEO. "These inspiring finalists are one step closer to being named 2015 Prize winners this fall."

The RWJF Culture of Health Prize is one pillar of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The Rankings show communities where they can improve; the Roadmaps show communities how to take action to expand opportunities for healthier choices, and the Prize honors communities that represent solutions-driven leadership at its finest. Together, these pillars serve as a platform for the Foundation's vision to build a Culture of Health, now and for generations to come. Find out more at www.rwjf.org and www.countyhealthrankings.org.

The Quad Cities' Prize application has been facilitated by the Quad City Health Initiative with support from the following community partner organizations:  Achieve Quad Cities, Bi-State Regional Commission, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Community Health Care, Eastern Iowa Western Illinois Trauma Informed Care Consortium, Genesis Health System, Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees, Quad Cities Food Hub, Rock Island County Health Department, Scott County Health Department, Two Rivers YMCA, United Way of the Quad Cities Area and UnityPoint Health-Trinity.

The Quad City Health Initiative is a cross-sector community partnership working to create a healthy community.  A 25-member community Board oversees the organization, which was established in 1999.  The Initiative seeks to be our community's recognized leader for creating collaborative action on health and abides by the core values of commitment, collaboration and creativity.  For more information, please call 563-421-2815 or visit our website at www.qchealthinitiative.org.

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Medication Will Mask The Pain, Not Cure The Underlying Problem, Expert Says

TMJ = temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Nearly everyone on occasion experiences a throbbing headache that interferes with concentration at work or school, or saps the joy from the day.

But sometimes the source of that headache can be surprising. For many people, the pain that emanates from the head can be traced back to their teeth, their bite relationship and the alignment of the lower jaw.

"Pain doesn't happen randomly or because of bad luck," says Dr. Fred Abeles, author of the book "Break Away: The New Method for Treating Chronic Headaches, Migraines and TMJ Without Medication" (www.FredAbeles.com).

"There's a cause and effect to almost everything in the human body."

With many headaches, Abeles says, the cause is the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, the place at the front of the ear where the lower jaw and the temporal bone on the side of the head meet.

Sometimes the bite and the lower jaw are out of alignment, putting additional strain on muscles, which leads to the headaches. And for many, TMJ headaches aren't going away because people try to mask the pain with medication rather than correct the underlying cause, Abeles says.

But how do you know a headache is caused by TMJ? Abeles says these are some of the warning signs.

•  Your jaw clicks or pops. Any joint in your body should work silently and seamlessly, Abeles says. If your jaw clicks or pops when you open or close it, it's a clear sign that the lower half of the joint is not in the proper position. Even if the popping and clicking don't produce pain, he says, the muscles that have to support and stabilize the joint become fatigued and will produce pain.

•  Your bite feels off. The TMJ is the only joint in the human body that has 28 teeth stuck between the opening and closing motion of the joint to complicate things, Abeles says. Every other joint is completely controlled by muscles, and the position of the joint, its movement and range of motion are mediated by muscle.

The TMJ's position is dictated by where our teeth come together in our bite. So if your bite feels off or your teeth don't fit together well, there's a good chance your TMJ joints are off, too.

•  You have pain around your forehead, temples, back of head or radiating down your neck. Ninety percent of pain comes from muscle, Abeles says. If your muscles are not functioning well because of fatigue from supporting one or both of your TMJ joints in an improper position, they produce pain. It's much like when you exercise or work hard and feel muscle pain later, he says. The only difference is that TMJ is more subtle and chronic.

•  You have forward head posture. Our heads are supposed to be centered over our shoulders. If yours is in front of your shoulders when you are upright, you have "forward head posture." That relates to your bite and your airway. The human head weighs about eight to 10 pounds. The farther forward it is off the center axis, the more strain it places on neck muscles and vertebrae.

•  You snore. Snoring is a red flag that respiration during sleep is disturbed, Abeles says. Several factors can lead to snoring, but one of the most important is the position of the lower jaw, he says. If your lower jaw is a little too far back, then the tongue is farther back as well.

"If the tongue is slightly farther back than optimal it vibrates against our soft palate, closes off our airway and we snore," Abeles says. The snoring doesn't cause the headache, he says, but it could be a sign the lower jaw is too far back. As a result, the muscles that support the jaw in an improper position produce the headache pain.

About Dr. Fred Abeles

Dr. Fred Abeles is known as one of the most sought after TMJ experts in the United States (www.FredAbeles.com). He's famous for getting results where all other have failed and getting those results without the use of surgery, needles or drugs. He is author of the new book "Break Away: The New Method for Treating Chronic Headaches, Migraines and TMJ Without Medication." Abeles is the Clinical Instructor and Regional Director for the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies - one of the most prestigious post-graduate teaching centers in the world today. Dr. Abeles has been featured on NBC and CBS, consults with leading dental manufacturers on the development of new dental products, been on the cover of the profession's biggest magazines and instructed dentists throughout the United States and Canada on state-of-the-art techniques for treating headaches and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Modifications Help Create A Home Environment That's Safe and Supportive

Not every person struggling with dementia lives in a nursing home or assisted-living facility.

In fact, more than 15 million Americans - usually family members or friends - provide unpaid caregiving to people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, according to a 2014 report by the Alzheimer's Association.

Although it's wonderful so many are willing to assume that responsibility, it's also important they take steps to make sure the home is a safe place, says Kerry Mills, co-author with Jennifer Brush of the book "I Care: A Handbook for Care Partners of People With Dementia." (www.engagingalzheimers.com)

Part of that is to focus on potential hazards. The concept is not unlike new parents making a house "childproof." Many of the concerns are similar, such as stairs, electrical sockets, sharp objects and swimming pools.

At the same time, it's easy to go too far, Mills said. Ideally, the environment for the person with dementia should be as unrestricted as possible.

"For example, if your loved one enjoys cooking for a hobby and can safely cut and peel vegetables, then by all means, encourage it," Mills says.
Mills suggests several ways to make a home safer for someone with dementia.

•  For the front and back doors. Use bells on the doors, motion sensors that turn on lights or alerts, or other notifications that make the care partner aware when someone has gone out. Add lamps or motion-activated lighting so people can see where they are going when they are entering or leaving the house.

"Another way to discourage someone from wanting to leave the house is to make sure that he or she gets plenty of outside exercise whenever possible," Mills says.

•  For stairways and hallways. Add reflective tape strips to stair edges to make stairs more visible. Remove obstacles, such as mats and flowerpots, to minimize risks of falls on or by the stairs.

Also, install handrails in hallways and stairways to provide stability, and install a gate on the stairway to prevent falls. Improve the lighting around hallways and stairs by installing more ceiling fixtures or wall sconces.

•  For the bathroom. Install grab bars and a raised toilet seat to help both the individual with dementia and the care partners so they don't have to lift the person on and off the toilet.

Add grab bars inside and outside the tub, and a non-skid surface in the tub to reduce risks of falls. You can also add colored tape on the edge of the tub or shower curb to increase contrast and make the tub edge more visible.

Lower the water temperature or install an anti-scald valve to prevent burns, and remove drain plugs from sinks or tubs to avoid flooding.

•  For the possibility the person becomes lost. Provide your loved one with an identification or GPS bracelet in case he or she wanders. Label clothes with the person's name, and place an identification card in his or her wallet with a description of the person's condition. Notify police and neighbors of the person's dementia and tendency to wander.

About Kerry Mills

Kerry Mills, MPA, is an expert in best care practices for persons with dementia both in the home and in out-of-home health care residences and organizations. She is a consultant to numerous hospitals, assisted livings, hospice, home care agencies, senior day care centers and nursing homes. In her twelve-year career in health care, she has served as executive director and regional manager for numerous long-term dementia facilities. She is an outspoken advocate for persons with dementia, lecturing in Hong Kong, Canada, China, Europe and the United States. Her book, coauthored with Jennifer A. Brush, "I Care," (engagingalzheimers.com), is the 2014 Gold Award Winner of the National Mature Media Awards.

Understanding Employer Options for 2015 health coverage made easy by local company

West Des Moines, Iowa -Since the launch of the Health Insurance Marketplace on October 1, 2013, employers have been met with a series of delays, lack of information as well as confusion regarding Marketplace products and Medicaid Expansion. New options exist now for employers to potentially save thousands while helping their employees get covered and avoid penalties.

Most people do not realize exactly what the penalties are and won't realize them until after the second enrollment period during tax season when it will be too late to enroll for 2015 and the penalty increases. The deadline to enroll is FEBRUARY 15, 2015. (SEE attached infographic explaining penalties)

Focus OneSource is currently working with both small and large employers to educate and better understand their options in the Health Insurance Marketplace and/or enrollment outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Topics include :

·                  the range of options available with a group health plan and individual health insurance;

·                  the impact of health care reform on individual coverage;

·                  potential subsidies available to individuals and/or employers;

·                  new laws and income tax implications under health care reform;

·                  answers to any questions or concerns regarding the new statewide and

national approach to health insurance.

 

"With the ever-changing landscape of the health insurance industry, employers owe it to themselves and their employees to understand all the options.  The ACA employer responsibility provision takes effect starting in 2015, so it is important that employers evaluate these options to know what will best suit them and their employees," Michael Teachout, Vice President of Focus OneSource.

 

For more from Focus OneSource, go to focusonesource.com or call (515)369-7550.

 

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A Change In Thinking Can Lead To A Change In
Behavior And Results, Says Sought-After Speaker

Hard times that sap your energy and leave you frustrated are an inevitable part of life.

Maybe you lost a job. Maybe your finances took a turn for the worse. Maybe your personal life is in disarray or a health problem emerged forcing a lifestyle change.

Such setbacks can leave people feeling afraid, uncertain, angry or unsatisfied, says Darlene Hunter, a renowned speaker and author of "Win-Ability, Navigating through Life's Challenges with a Winning Attitude," (www.darlenehunter.com).

Overcoming those emotions, she says, comes down to a person's mindset and perspective.

"Your attitude is a critical factor that can either hold you back or help you move forward," Hunter says. "Everyone needs to take the time to do a pulse check on where they are in their thinking. Is it positive or negative?"

A positive attitude comes easily when life is rosy. The real trick is persevering when things go awry so you can continue to strive toward your goals.

"The important thing to remember is that we cannot give up just because things do not work out the way we want," Hunter says. "We must be persistent and press our way through to the end."
Hunter offers five tips that can help change your thinking, which in turn will change your behavior and, ultimately, change your results.

•  Be a planner. To live your dream, you need to know what you want and have a plan for getting there. "Planning your day, week and month are critical ingredients to living your dream and purpose," Hunter says. The "how" and "why" elements are important factors in planning, as they guide you in the direction you want to go.

•  Be goal oriented. Once you set goals, the next step is to work on completing them. That's why it's important to set goals you can accomplish. Each time you can check a goal off your list, you are one step closer to what you ultimately want to achieve. "The sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching even the smallest goals will help you keep moving and striving to get your desired end," Hunter says.

•  Be driven for results. When you are driven, Hunter says, you have a compulsive and urgent desire to accomplish what you are seeking, whether it's a bonus, a promotion, additional knowledge in a particular area or some other goal. The important factor is to always know what you are seeking. Results-driven people focus on meeting objectives and delivering on the goals they set.

•  Have a winning attitude. You must be determined, dedicated and devoted to succeed. "You should never give up on your goals and dreams simply because something goes wrong or you are not getting where you hoped to be fast enough," Hunter says.

•  Be focused. When you are focused, you have a clear perception and understanding of what you want to accomplish and where you need to go to get there. "Think about long-distance runners who will run a 26-mile marathon," Hunter says. "They find their pace and then they stay with it. They may get weary and tired, but they find their zone and stay focused and concentrate on what is needed to get to the end."

"Plenty of stories can be told about people who failed in the beginning, but made it to the top of their profession because they did not give up after being told they weren't good enough," Hunter says.
"The ability to keep trying and pushing no matter how many failures or obstacles you hit is the power of perseverance and is what 'Win-Ability' is all about."

About Darlene Hunter

Darlene Hunter, (www.darlenehunter.com), is president of Darlene Hunter & Associates, LLC, a motivational / inspirational speaker, author, life and business coach, and award-winning radio talk show host. Her new book, "Win-Ability, Navigating through Life's Challenges with a Winning Attitude," is her fourth on the theme of perseverance. She is the host of "The Darlene Hunter Show", winner of the Fishbowl Radio Network 2013 Distance Show Of The Year Award. Hunter has been a top performer in management for more than 30 years.

Uncontrolled diabetes can be life-threatening. Help prevent these serious diabetes complications by learning the warning signs.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of many serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. But by keeping your diabetes in check ? that means maintaining good blood sugar control ? and knowing how to recognize a problem and what to do about it should one occur, you can prevent many of these serious complications of diabetes.

Heart Attack

Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. If you experience any of the following heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately:

  • Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning
  • Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke

If you suddenly experience any of the following stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. As with a heart attack, immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. Stroke warning signs may include :

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body
  • Feeling confused
  • Difficulty walking and talking and lacking coordination
  • Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason

Nerve Damage

People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection can develop. Untreated infections can result in gangrene (death of tissue) and ultimately amputation of the affected limb. A recent large study from Sweden of 2,480 patients with diabetic foot ulcers found that certain factors increased the likelihood of amputation, including being male and having had diabetes for longer than 23 years.

Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections, causing skin problems. Various skin conditions are linked to diabetes, and even the most minor cuts or sores can turn serious fast. Any bumps, cuts, or scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an antibiotic cream and monitored carefully.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

  • Inflammation and tenderness anywhere on your body
  • Red, itchy rash surrounded by small blisters or scales
  • Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, including your fingers and toes
  • Sharp pain that gets worse at night
  • Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult
  • Bladder infections and problems with bladder control
  • Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women

Kidney Disease

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.

Typically, you won't notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs
  • Leg cramps
  • A need to go to the bathroom more often at night
  • A reduction in your need for insulin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and paleness
  • Itching

The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes-related kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

Eye Problems

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (which affects the blood vessels in the eye), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss.

Call your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

  • Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Floaters, black or gray spots, cobwebs, or strings that move when you move your eyes
  • A sensation of seeing "flashing lights"
  • Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms; therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar regularly, as indicated by your doctor. When symptoms of hyperglycemia occur, they may include :

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling hungry even after eating

If you frequently have high blood sugar, tell your doctor. He or she may need to make changes to your medication and suggest diet and lifestyle modifications to help you gain and maintain better blood sugar control.

The key to preventing many of the complications of diabetes is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. To do this, eat right, exercise, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, and don't smoke.

Report any unusual signs or symptoms to your doctor. Together you can work to prevent these diabetes-related health complications.

For more diabetes news, follow @diabetesfacts on Twitter from the editors of @EverydayHealth.

In preparation for the rapidly-approaching end of open enrollment in the Illinois Health Marketplace on February 15th, The Project of the Quad Cities/Get Covered Illinois will be initiating 24-hour consumer access and hosting several special enrollment events.

This Saturday, February 7th, counselors will be enrolling consumers at the following two locations and times:
-Ybarra Gomez VFW Post 8890 (12-3pm; 1810 1st Street, East Moline)
-Blackhawk Township Office (12-3pm; 230 4th Street, Milan)

Beginning at midnight on February 7th and continuing until midnight on February 15th, licensed counselors will be available around the clock by telephone to assist any Rock Island County residents who have not obtained qualified health coverage or who have questions about any part of the Affordable Care Act. Anyone seeking information about enrollment deadlines, insurance plans, Medicaid eligibility, or tax penalties can get immediate assistance by calling (309)269-9306.

Residents who still lack health coverage are urged to contact TPQC at their earliest opportunity to sign up for a marketplace plan or if eligible, apply for Medicaid. The penalty for lacking qualified health coverage in 2015 increases to $325 per uninsured adult, up to a maximum of $975 per household!!!

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