Attaluri, Heartland Center for Motility offer advanced GI treatment for the Quad Cities and surrounding areas 

Advanced GI Motility expertise and testing that was previously only available in large, teaching institutions is now available in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. That's because Gastroenterology Consultants has opened the Heartland Center for Motility that enjoys the expertise and experience of Dr. Ashok Attaluri.

Dr. Attaluri joined the practice in July after several years of honing his training in the specialty at the University of Iowa. The highly published and educated expert in the arena of GI and Motility has now brought that expertise and knowledge to the Quad Cities.

About 20-30% of the U.S. population suffers from one or more of these Functional GI disorders:

Heartburn: Acid Reflux, Non-Acid reflux,  Dysphasia (difficulty swallowing), Non-Cardiac Chest pain, Gastroparesis (abnormal stomach emptying), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, diarrhea, Fecal incontinence, Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, fullness, etc.

Often these conditions are the result of an acute GI problem that can be diagnosed and treated by a gastroenterologist using traditional methods such as colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and related tests. However, more often than you may think, the problem can be more complex and related to a much deeper issue such as:

• Abnormal Motility:  Abnormality in the activity of the GI tract
• Abnormal Sensation: Sensitivity in the nerves of the GI tract that can cause pain and discomfort
• Brain-Gut Dysfunction: Disharmony in the way the brain and the GI system communicate

When one or more of these areas are not functioning correctly, patients need advanced testing and expertise.

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AMES, Iowa - As consumers check their refrigerators and freezers for recalled fresh and frozen ground turkey products, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach encourages following food safety best practices all the time.

"Food recalls and salmonella outbreaks certainly get people thinking more about food safety," said Catherine Strohbehn, an ISU Extension specialist and professor in hotel, restaurant and institution management. "However, Iowans should always be mindful about food safety when purchasing, storing, preparing and serving food. That's why Iowa State provides consumers, foodservice operators, students and educators with 24/7 access to research-based, unbiased information on food safety and quality at www.iowafoodsafety.org."

On Aug. 3, Cargill initiated a voluntary recall of approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey products produced at its Springdale, Ark., plant, as reported on the Cargill News Center website. As of Aug. 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 78 people in 26 states had been confirmed with SalmonellaHeidelberg infections and that eating ground turkey was the likely source of this outbreak. One person from Iowa has been affected. CDC provides a summary of the situation at http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/heidelberg/index.html.

"Symptoms of most salmonella infections are the usual of any foodborne illness ? diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps manifesting eight to 72 hours after ingesting the contaminated food. Affected individuals also may experience chills, headaches and sustained vomiting. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced with the flu, so often people don't realize they have a foodborne illness," Strohbehn said. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.

Cargill has posted a list of recalled ground turkey products at http://www.cargill.com/news-center/news-releases/2011/NA3047807.jsp, Strohbehn noted. Consumers should return opened or unopened packages to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Strohbehn recommends the following general food safety best practices:

Cook foods thoroughly to recommended end point temperatures. For poultry, this is a minimum of 165 F. Use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking times listed on the package, because oven temperature sensors will vary. Looking and touching are not good indicators of doneness ? only a calibrated thermometer can tell for sure.

Keep cold foods cold either by refrigeration (below 41 F) or by freezing. Put cold foods away after shopping first, rather than after canned goods. Don't leave potentially hazardous foods out at room temperature for more than two hours. In summer, don't leave these foods out for more than one hour.

Separate raw from cooked or ready-to-eat foods, and separate clean from soiled ? chefs use the term mise en place, or everything in its place. Be mindful of this concept when working in the kitchen.

Keep it clean. Keep hands clean and keep materials that contact food clean. Clean means washing and rinsing using cleaning cloths and brushes designated for food surfaces only. Consumers may wish to sanitize certain surfaces after cleaning, such as the cutting board. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach with 1 gallon of water and allow contact for at least 7 seconds. Let the product air dry.

More information is available from the ISU Extension Food Safety Project website, www.iowafoodsafety.org.

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New Laws Will Increase Coverage of Preventative Care, Patients' Right to Know

CHICAGO - August 9, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed four new laws designed to improve the health of residents throughout Illinois. The new laws will: require insurance coverage of diabetes management education programs; improve dental care for children; increase education on the importance of preventative cardiovascular screenings; and allow patients to access a vast online database of information regarding Illinois' 46,565 physicians and surgeons.

"Preventative care is the key to staying healthy. Cardiovascular checkups, proper diabetes management and good dental health for our kids will save and improve lives by helping people prevent minor health issues from becoming emergencies," Governor Quinn said. "Another key to good health is a great doctor, which is why we're ensuring that all of the important information needed to select a physician is online and available 24 hours a day."

Governor Quinn today signed House Bill 2249, which requires insurance companies to cover education programs to help diabetics maintain their A1C levels within normal ranges. The A1C test measures how well diabetes is managed over time by calculating the percentage of hemoglobin that is coated with sugar. Patients with high A1C levels have poor blood sugar control, which raises the risk for complications. The A1C test has become the industry standard diagnostic test and is considered the most useful diagnostic tool available according to the American Diabetes Association. Sponsored by Rep. JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch) and Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), this law goes into effect Jan. 1.

"This new legislation will add educational programs to diabetes self-management training to ensure that patients are receiving the full scope of information they need to manage their disease," said Rep. Hernandez, one of the bill's co-sponsors. "Managing the body's glucose levels, or A1C levels, is one more important way for those living with diabetes to reduce complications."

The Governor also took action today to improve access to dental care for low-income children. Effective immediately, Senate Bill 1948 requires the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to work with the dental community to develop and promote "dental homes" for children covered under CHIP, All Kids and Medicaid programs. Under the dental home concept, dentists would collaborate to deliver comprehensive, coordinated and family-centered preventive and restorative oral health care services. The new law builds on a national campaign by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to address the dental needs of children in Head Start programs by creating partnerships with dentists and relevant organizations. The law was sponsored by Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago) and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez (D-Cicero).

"This new law will help to address the issue of dental care for children who are part of the All Kids program or other state insurance program that cover our youth," stated Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee.  "Currently, there are very few dentists available in some areas of the state and even fewer who accept patients under the state insurance system."

"Providing a dental home for children goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to promote preventive health care measures for children and families that keep them healthy, instead of just paying the bills after they get sick," HFS Director Julie Hamos said. "Our goal is to improve the oral health of children. Establishing a dental home will help assure that children receive comprehensive dental services - both ongoing preventive services and treatment, if needed."

House Bill 3039 requires insurers to provide annual information regarding the importance and value of early detection and proactive management of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases kill more women than the next five causes of death combined. Minority women are especially impacted; nearly half of African American women (45 percent) have some form of cardiovascular disease, compared to 32 percent of white women. The new law was sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Chicago) and Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago) and takes effect immediately; doctors have 60 days to update their information.

"All too often we give more attention to uncommon causes of death and injury like plane crashes and tornadoes, than we do to the foremost cause of death and disability in our country: cardiovascular disease," said Lilly.  "This important legislation will help raise the public's level of awareness about cardiovascular disease and will encourage them to take preventive measures that will enable them to live a longer and healthier life."

House Bill 105, the Patients' Right to Know Act, requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to make physician profiles available for public inspection, including an online database. The database will compile a wide range of information, including: years in practice, hospital privileges, educational information, disciplinary actions, Medicaid participation, journal articles and translation services offered. Sponsored by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) and Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago), the bill takes effect immediately.

"This is important information, and we wanted to make it as accessible and transparent as possible," Rep. Flowers said. "Today, you can do your banking online, take a virtual tour of a home, and it's important that we bring that technology to bear on one of the most important decisions you can make - who to choose as your doctor."

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MILWAUKEE, WI - Traveling can be exciting and a chance to get away from the hustle of the real world, but it also can derail a person's healthy routines.  People may become relaxed with their nutrition selections or think that it's too much effort to exercise.  With numerous opportunities to travel - whether for business, family vacations, or weekend getaways - TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, along with the Produce for Better Health Foundation, shares hints to help stay on the wellness track, cut out calories, and feel satisfied.

Eat healthy on the move.
• Bring your own meal for the flight or car ride.  Homemade sandwiches and fresh fruit are a great option.  Not only will you be able to control what you eat, but you will also save time and money.
• Pick up prepackaged fruit and vegetables at the grocery store.  You can also buy peanut butter in a tube or small container to pair with fruit or granola bars.

Be smart with snacks.
• Have a sweet tooth?  Keep dried fruit, which provides disease-fighting antioxidants, handy for snacking instead of candy.  It can also be mixed with nuts and sunflower seeds to create trail mix.
• Pack peppers, celery, or carrots to snack on during a trip.  Resealable containers are perfect for dips, such as ranch dressing, peanut butter, or hummus.
• Frozen grapes make great bite-size snacks and are delicious with low-fat cheese.

Eat out without overdoing it.
• Do your research.  Check out your destination online and look at restaurant menus before the trip.  This will give you an opportunity to find places that serve healthy options.
• Practice eating small portions.  Bring half the meal home or share an entrée with a friend.  Consider choosing two appetizers instead of one entrée.

Give thought to your drinks.
• Switch from soda to low-fat milk, water, or tea with one sugar or a non-nutritive sweetener.
• Opt for tomato juice or vegetable juice on the plane.
• Out for coffee or a smoothie?  Order the smallest size available, request coffee with fat-free or low-fat milk, skip the whipped cream, ask that the smoothie be prepared without added sugar, and look at nutrition facts, if possible.

Watch portions sizes, but don't deprive yourself.
• Use the half-plate rule.  Make fruits and vegetables 50 percent of what you eat at every meal.
• Don't skip your favorite dessert or fried foods.  Eat smaller portions of these foods - just make it a treat, not a regular occurrence. 
• Don't cut out meals.  This may lead to eating too much later in the day.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success.  Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

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