Spring 2013 - Memorial Hospital of South Bend

A This Joltre you lookingfor a seriousenergy boost? Youmay be tempted bythe latest “energydrinks” that promiseto deliver boundlessvitality, enhancedphysical performance or even weightloss. But beware: Whatever theirshort-term benefits may be, thesebeverages have the potential to behazardous to your health, too.Drinks such as Red Bull ® , FullThrottle ® and Monster ® use heavydoses of caffeine to provide thatrush of energy. The U.S. Food andDrug Administration recommendsthat cold beverages contain no morethan 65 milligrams of caffeine per12-ounce serving. Energy drinksusually contain between 100 and140 milligrams. They often use otherstimulant ingredients like ephedrine,guarana or ginseng to add to the kick.“It’s important to remember thatthese are not healthy drinks. TheyMay Be More ThanYou Bargained Formay offer a burst of energy, butultimately, like pop, they are not somethingyou should drink regularly,” saysTravis Casper, M.D., family medicinephysician at Portage Medical Group.Caffeine is a diuretic, and excessamounts can cause seriousdehydration, especiallywhen mixed withalcohol. Caffeine alsoboosts blood pressureand heart rate,potentially causingheart palpitations. Itcan also cause anxiety,stomach problems and, of course,sleeping difficulties.Don’t drink energy beverages whenyou’re exercising because of therisk of severe dehydration. Skip theenergy drinks altogether if you havehigh blood pressure, heart diseaseor mental health problems, or if youare pregnant or nursing.“There are plenty of healthy alternativesto energy drinks, like wateror 100 percent orange juice,” saysDeanna Huss, family nurse practitionerat Portage Medical Group.Need a Health Care Provider?Would you like to know more about the outstanding providers at PortageMedical Group? Call 574-647-4530 or visit memorialmedicalgroup.org.Travis Casper, M.D.Deanna Huss, FNPCardiopulmonary Rehab Has New HomeThe health and well-being of peoplewith breathing- and cardiac-relatedproblems is improved short andlong term when they participate incardiopulmonary rehab, accordingto published research.Memorial Leighton Heart & Vascular’sCardiopulmonary RehabilitationProgram is helping restore the longtermhealth of people with heartM. Shakil Aslam, M.D.and lung problems by uniting cardiac and pulmonaryrehab into a single program under one roof.Physicians and nurses work together to create an individualizedcare plan for every patient involving educationto manage disease, exercise, nutrition and other healthrelatedissues. The spacious facility features a variety ofexercise equipment—free weights, treadmills, stationarybikes, a rowing machine and stretch bands—all designedto improve endurance, strength and overall function.Benefits of Cardiac rehabilitationM. Shakil Aslam, M.D., director of Memorial’s cardiac rehabilitationprogram, shares some benefits of cardiac rehabilitation:D Helps you live longer and lessen your chances for anotherheart attackD Improves symptoms related to your heart or lung conditionD Reduces your chances of hospitalizationLet Us Help YouTo learn more about how this programcan help you, call 574-647-7620 orvisit qualityoflife.org/heartrehab.Spring 2013 | qualityoflife.org17