1. No category

John Shuchart
Authors
Humorous
Book on
Protect Yourself
Against
SKIN CANCER
This Summer
TESTOSTERONE
A Man's Most
Vital Hormone
Clinical Research Trials
The BUILDING
BLOCKS of MEDICINE
THE TEXAS TENORS
Give Back
PERFORMING IN KC!
OVERCOMING
DEPRESSION,
Fighting the
MENTAL ILLNESS
STIGMA
www.kchealthandwellness.com
www.kchealthandwellness.com
www.kchealthandwellness.com
contents
6
Testosterone.
A Man’s Most Vital Hormone.
June 2015
20
8 The Texas Tenors Live In Concert
21
10
23
Benefiting The Mission Project and
First Downs For Down Syndrome
11
12
15
16
18
Discharge Planners
Are Patients Getting
The Best Referrals?
Clinical Research Trials
The Building Blocks of Medicine
Protect Yourself Against
Skin Cancer This Summer
Ingrown Toenails
Causes and Treatments
Humor Helps Author Overcome
Depression and Fight Stigma
Associated with Mental Illness
Dr. Matt Daggett, Trained by
Some of the World's Top
Experts, Brings the Newest
Orthopedic Shoulder and
Knee Procedures Home to
Kansas City
24
26
27
28
30
31
Traumatic Dental Injuries
in Children
The Tyramine / Headache
Connection
Helping Clients Win Social
Security Disability Cases
Men's Health FACTS For
Men's Health Month
Summer Goal Setting
Volunteer Drivers Needed
to Transport Cancer Patients
to Treatment
The Just for Her Event is
getting BIGGER and BETTER
in 2015!
Our Father
Follow the Leader
www.kchealthandwellness.com
6 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
June is Men's Health Month
Testosterone
A Man’s Most Vital Hormone
By Sandy Edwards, APRN
T
estosterone is a man’s most vital hormone and is critical to overall health and well-being. Every man experiences a gradual decline in hormone production as he gets
older. Beginning at age 30, his body starts to manufacture less
and less testosterone, losing roughly one to three percent per
year. Then, sometime between age 40 and 55, testosterone levels drop dramatically and signal the onset of Andropause, the
medical term for the male equivalent of Menopause. Throughout this process, men find themselves putting on weight, losing
muscle mass, feeling sluggish, feeling depressed and becoming
increasingly irritable. They remember a time when they had energy for work and family, but those days are now few and far
between. They find it harder to concentrate at work and their
workouts are cut short by pain or fatigue that didn’t previously
exist. The realization is even more troubling for those men who
begin to experience lack of sexual drive and impotence. If the
root problem, hormonal imbalance, is not treated properly men
can experience a number of physical and mental challenges.
Treating Low Testosterone with
BIO-IDENTICAL
HORMONE REPLACEMENT (FAQ’S)
Q: What is a bio-identical hormone
replacement therapy?
A: Bio-identical hormones are the same as those produced by
the human body. They are not synthetic or replicas. At Mirabile M.D., we use SottoPelle, a bio-identical hormone pellet
therapy, for the treatment of low testosterone in men. Pellets
are derived from wild yam and other natural plant-based ingredients. They are hand formulated in compounding pharmacies and possess the exact hormonal structure of the human
hormones. Pellets, once implanted, work automatically. The
hormones are secreted in tiny amounts into the blood stream
daily. When more hormones are needed due to stress or exercise, the body will respond and deliver more. No other form of
hormone delivery, whether capsules, pills, creams, or patches
can produce the consistent blood level of testosterone that
pellets can.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
7
Sandy Edwards, APRN
Q: Why SottoPelle®?
A: SottoPelle founder, Dr. Gino Tutera, is recog-
nized worldwide as a pioneer and leader in the
field of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Made by a highly-respected pharmacy, the
precision process used results in superior quality
pellets every time; pellets that can perform reliably week after week, month after month. This
ensures that each patient receives the full benefit
of a steady, accurate dose.
Q: What is the difference between pellets
and testosterone shots?
A: Pellets work with the brain to regulate hor-
mones. Pellet therapy is the only method of
hormone therapy that gives sustained and
consistent testosterone levels throughout the
day without any “roller coaster” effect. Other
forms of therapy simply cannot deliver such a
steady state of hormone levels. Also, the pellet
is placed in the subcutaneous fat, it is not metabolized by the inside GI tract, liver or kidneys
and any extra breakdown by the organs. Pellets
are released through the capillaries to match up
with the hormone levels in your brain and are
released as needed.
Q: Why Mirabile M.D.?
A: At Mirabile M.D., we are experts in the field
of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
Our owner and on-site physician, James Mirabile, MD, has over 20 years of experience treating women for hormonal imbalance. Dr. Mirabile
and his team saw a need for men experiencing
low testosterone. After much evaluation and research, Dr. Mirabile selected SottoPelle as the
bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for
both male and female patients.
Sandy Edwards, APRN, started her
undergraduate education at Kansas State
University then transferred to Washburn
University in Topeka where she became
an RN with her BSN. She received her
MSN at University of Missouri Kansas City
(UMKC) in nursing education in 2002. She
served as a Nursing Professor at UMKC and
Johnson County Community College. In
2007, Sandy completed her Family Nurse
Practitioner training at the University of
Kansas Medical Center, and then passed
her certification boards as a Family Nurse
Practitioner. Sandy spent many years as
an RN 1st assistant in gynecology, cardiac
and neuro surgery. In 2012, Sandy began
working in bio-identical hormone pellet
therapy. She received training on various
pellet therapy treatments, including
SottoPelle. Sandy joined Dr. Mirabile’s
hormone therapy team in 2013. Sandy
enjoys helping her pellet therapy patients
return to a hormonal balance.
4550 West 109th Street, Suite 130
Overland Park, KS 66211
913-888-7546
www.MirabileMD.com
Mirabile M.D. combines Medi-Weightloss,
MedCosmetic, Gynecology and Bio-Identical Hormone
Replacement Therapy. Under the ownership of trusted
physician, James Mirabile, MD, we are your one-stop
shop for total wellness.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
8 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
THE TEXAS TENORS liVE iN cONcERT
bENEfiTiNG
THE miSSiON pROjEcT and
fiRST dOwNS fOR dOwN SyNdROmE
JUNE 13, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Arvest bank Theatre At The midland
THE TEXAS TENORS ARE EXciTEd TO ANNOuNcE THEiR RETuRN TO KANSAS ciTy TO pERfORm
A SpEciAl bENEfiT cONcERT fOR THE miSSiON pROjEcT ANd fiRST dOwNS fOR dOwN SyNdROmE.
Named #10 Classical Artist in the World
With their Emmy Award winning PBS special now airing across the country,
and Billboard chart topping albums, it's easy to see why The Texas Tenors have
become America's favorite tenors. Since their whirlwind debut six years ago
on NBC's America's Got Talent, The Texas Tenors have performed more than
800 concerts around the world, including a 24-city tour in the United Kingdom,
Shanghai, China and collaborations with some of the most prestigious symphonies, performing arts centers and arenas in the United States. People are clearly
enjoying their talent as they were recently named the #10 Classical Artist in the
world for 2014 according to Billboard magazine.
A Special Connection with The Mission Project
The Texas Tenors first connected with The Mission Project in 2011 through
founding member JC Fisher and his audiologist Dr. James Wise of Associated
Audiologists. Dr. Wise’s son Ben has Down Syndrome and is a participant with
The Mission Project. JC immediately felt a special connection with the organization as his uncle (also named Ben) had Down Syndrome. The Texas Tenors
performed their first benefit concert for The Mission Project that year at the grand
opening of the Kauffmann Center and continue to support and promote the work
of The Mission Project.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
The Mission Project continues its great work and vision enabling capable adults with developmental or
cognitive disabilities to live independently and safely
in their communities with minimal support.
• People with Down syndrome
attend school, work, participate in
decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many ways.
Through many generous donations, The Mission Project has been able to hire an executive director, who is
also a licensed Occupational Therapist, enabling the organization to take the programming to higher heights.
• All people with Down syndrome
experience cognitive delays, but the
effect is usually mild to moderate
and is not indicative of the many
strengths and talents that each individual possesses.
“In addition to our transportation program that gets all
of our participants to their jobs five minutes before their
shift and picked up immediately at the end of their shift,
we have been able to provide innovative programs that
teach skills in the areas of healthy living, technology,
socialization, and daily life independence. We have
also been able to expand our reach to accept new participants into our community and help families in other
parts of the KC metro area to connect with one another
and start-up communities of their own. 2015 has been a
significant year for growth for our organization, as we
have created new community partnerships and built a
volunteer program that has significantly improved the
quality and effectiveness of our programs,” says Executive Director of The Mission Project, Sarah Mai.
Down Syndrome Facts:
• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has
three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome.
This additional genetic material alters the course of
development and causes the characteristics associated
with Down syndrome.
• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring
chromosomal condition; one in every 691 babies in the
United States is born with Down syndrome.
• There are more than 400,000 people living with
Down syndrome in the United States.
• Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and
economic levels.
• The incidence of births of children with Down
syndrome increases with the age of the mother, but due
to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent
of children with Down syndrome are born to women
under 35 years of age.
• People with Down syndrome have an increased
risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital
heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so
most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.
• A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, small stature, an upward
slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the
center of the palm. Every person with Down syndrome
is a unique individual and may possess these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.
• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome
has increased dramatically in recent decades – from
25 in 1983 to 60 today.
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
9
• Quality educational programs, a
stimulating home environment, good
health care, and positive support
from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to realize their life aspirations
and lead fulfilling lives.
Autism Facts:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest
growing developmental disability with an average 17%
growth rate per year. One person is diagnosed with
ASD every 20 minutes.
• ASDs are reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and
socioeconomic groups.
• Changes in screening processes over the years
have led to an increase in screening toddlers for ASD,
resulting in a 12-18% increase in diagnosis of ASD for
children by the age of three.
• Individuals with ASD are unique. Each person has
strengths and areas of need and no two people with
ASD are alike.
• Coexisting conditions often are associated with
ASD.
• People with ASD have different reactions to their
sensory environment than their neurotypical peers –
over 87% of people with ASD have a heightened sensory response to touch, 87% to sound and 86% to visual
stimuli.
About The Mission Project
The Mission Project
is a local nonprofit
enabling adults with
developmental disabilities like Down
syndrome and autism
to live and work on
their own with minimal support.
Participants have their own apartments in Mission, KS.
Like others their age, they hold jobs, pay bills, cook meals
and socialize with friends. They exercise, travel together
and serve their community. In short, they live fully.
A unique organization, The Mission Project is a
triumph for participants and their loved ones. We
www.kchealthandwellness.com
hope you'll support us as we continue to grow and
reach out to other adults with disabilities who would
thrive in a program like ours. To learn more, visit
www.themissionproject.org.
About First Downs
for Down Syndrome
First Downs for Down Syndrome (FDFDS) is a
501(c)3 organization that teams with the Kansas
City Chiefs Offensive Line to raise money for Down
Syndrome organizations, raise awareness of Down
Syndrome and to create positive images of those
with Down Syndrome. FDFDS is supported solely
through tax deductible contributions and participating in special events and fundraisers held throughout
the year. To learn more, visit www.fdfds.org.
Purchase Tickets!
The Texas Tenors and The Mission Project invite everyone to come out and enjoy a night of fabulous music
supporting the wonderful work of The Mission Project
and First Downs for Down Syndrome.
Tickets may be purchased by phone at
1-888-9-AXS-TiX (1-888-929-7849),
online at:
http://www.midlandkc.com/events/detail/273006,
or at the Midland Box Office:
1228 main Street, Kansas city, mO.
Additional information on Down Syndrome
and Autism can be found at the missionproject.org.
The Texas Tenors
www.thetexastenors.com
10 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
DISCHARGE
PLANNERS
ARE PATIENTS GETTING
THE BEST REFERRALS?
By Trish Carcopa, BA Health Management, Health Writer
T
he end of any week of the month, hospital patients are being discharged.
The referral from the Social Worker is as directed:
If the patient has a skilled need that is medical, the referral goes to Home
Health Care. Skilled needs are those that will require a nurse to provide care
and supervision. This medical support is considered short term.
Unfortunately, for those who may need assistance in activities of daily living such as dressing, feeding, toileting and bathing, you find out quickly that
Medicare does not provide this coverage. Most often the family is provided
a long list of private pay providers. Note: The greater Kansas City area list can
be as much as 400 plus for consideration. Confusing and exhausting for the
family to say the very least!
WHERE IS THE HELP?
Where is the help for the family to make the best choice in choosing a private
pay/private duty provider?
STARTING at ADMISSION is the very best place to choose a private pay/private duty provider and ENDING with the SOCIAL WORKER as DISCHARGE is
COORDINATED.
BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS
Hospitals recognize that in keeping quality high, those private duty in-home
care providers who meet the following shared standards should be preferred
providers. High Quality Home Care Standards are:
• Joint Commission Accreditation
• Licensed by the State
• Insured Liability Coverage
• Complete Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screens for Employees
• Employee Certified Nurse Assistance/Home Health Aides who are active
and in good standing on the state registry.
• ADDED VALUE DETERMINATION – FULL TIME RN ON STAFF
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE COVERAGE
SERVICES FOR THE INSURED MUST BE PROVIDED BY LICENSED/ACCREDITED
PRIVATE DUTY CARE PROVIDERS. The individual must meet two of the activities of daily living needs to qualify. Activities of daily living are personal assistance with bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting or dementia.
Discharge planners who qualify referrals for patients at discharge eliminate the confusion and potential readmission to the hospital. Qualification
of referrals ensures that the individual will meet criteria of coverage and eliminate the financial burden of starting care and paying for care with
providers who have NOT met health insurance claim guidelines.
Strengthening collaborations across the health care delivery spectrum is key in ensuring that patients and families can make the final choice.
Informed consent is the result of having the facts for determination of quality.
The mission of hospital care is to act in the best interest of the patient. In upholding this goal, hospital discharge planners collaborate with
preferred providers who are qualified to share in meeting the mission. To learn more about the in-home care options BrightStar Care has to offer,
please call, 913-535-0255. Knowledge Is Power. Use It To Your Best Benefit.
SEEK HIGHER STANDARDS OF CARE
PARTNER WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS WHO HAVE EARNED
THE JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITATION GOLD SEAL
BrightStar Care®
of Overland Park
10100 W 87th St.
Overland Park, KS 66212
www.kchealthandwellness.com
COMPLIMENTARY
IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT!
call 913-535-0255
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
CLINICAL
RESEARCH TRIALS
11
The Building Blocks of Medicine
T
By Jody Ehrhardt, CCRC
imes are changing and thankfully so are the general views on clinical research trials. Gone are
the days when people only looked at study participants as lab rats. Now, more and more people are
seeing the reasons behind and the benefits of clinical
research trials.
In recent years, awareness groups have done a lot to
bring the need for research participants to the forefront. Campaigns such as the Ice Bucket Challenge
and Dress in Blue Day for Colon Cancer have stressed
the importance of clinical research and made volunteering for a trial more main stream. After all… “It’s
your involvement that helps researchers to ultimately
uncover better ways to treat, prevent, diagnose and
understand human disease,” (National Institutes of
Health, nih.gov).
FACTS ABOUT CLINICAL RESEARCH TRIALS
Once people learn the facts about clinical research trials, they are definitely more inclined to participate. As
physicians, healthcare workers, and clinical researchers, it’s imperative that we work hard to educate the
public every day on this important issue. And that education begins with simple explanations.
Clinical trials are not just for healthy individuals. Clinical trials will not cause you to grow a third eye. Clinical
trials are not just about seeking compensation.
When former trial participants were asked why they
volunteered, common responses included the ability
to help others, access to cutting-edge or more specialized care, the opportunity to learn more about their
condition, and curiosity.
HOW THEY WORK
Clinical trials are rigidly regulated and the safety of
the volunteer is the biggest concern. When someone
decides to look into participating, the first step will always involve the Informed Consent. According to the
U.S Department of Health and Human Services, informed consent must disclose the potential research
information needed to make an informed decision; facilitate the understanding of what has been disclosed;
and promote the voluntariness of the decision about
whether or not to participate in the research. After
this process, the volunteer will understand all benefits
and risks to participating, all procedures that will be
completed, and all expectations, both from the themselves and their researcher.
PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
Once a clear understanding of the trial and the reasons behind it are secured, most volunteers are happy
they decided to participate. Past volunteers rave about
their experience and cite more personal care, more
frequent examinations, more in-depth testing, and
longer visit times as reasons why they felt good about
their decision to participate.
AREAS OF INTEREST AND CLINICAL RESEARCH
INCLUDE:
Arthritis, Barrett’s Esophagus, Celiac Disease, Chronic
Constipation, Crohn’s Disease, Hypertension, Irritable
Bowel Syndrome, Joint and Muscle Pain, Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis, Seasonal Allergies, Small Intestinal
Bacterial Overgrowth, Ulcerative Colitis and Vaccines.
ExPERIENCE OUR COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH
We are dedicated to making research studies a success
for our sponsors, volunteers, and physicians because
we believe that clinical research trials are the building blocks of medicine. Whether you are seeking new
treatment for an illness, want to help advance treatment for a loved one affected by disease, or are just
curious about clinical research, please start a dialogue
with your physician and call Ehrhardt Clinical Research
to learn more, 816-318-8488.
CURRENT TRIALS
for
COPD, Crohn’s Disease
and Ulcerative Colitis
VOLUNTEERS HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS
• Get free medical care and possibly medication
for your condition
• Some trials may compensate for your time
• Have a chance for access to new treatments
• Help others by participating in research to
advance medicine
• Our caring, knowledgeable, patient-focused staff
is always available by phone
• Our studies are conducted in a convenient,
comfortable facility in Belton.
PHYSICIANS ExPAND YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
•
•
•
•
•
Offer the latest treatments to your patients
Earn supplementary income
Sponsors reimburse directly - no insurance claims!
Advance your career with research experience
Expand your market into new health care
delivery areas
• Let ECR handle all the administration, freeing you
up to focus on practicing medicine.
816-318-8488
www.ecrtrials.com
Contact Ehrhardt Clinical Research
816-318-8488
The Building Blocks of Medicine
www.kchealthandwellness.com
12 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
Protect Yourself Against
Skin Cancer
This Summer
By Andy Dean, PA-C
S
ummer is here, and with nicer weather comes more time
outdoors, thus the perfect opportunity to review the
main types of skin cancer and their characteristics.
Most Common Type of Skin Cancer
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma
(BCC). It’s also the slowest-growing and least aggressive. In dermatology, we often say, “If you have to get skin cancer, BCC is the
one you want.” Typically, it looks like a pinkish-red bump on an
area that has gotten a lot of sun. It usually looks translucent or
“pearly,” and sometimes you can see some spidery blood vessels. Though they’re usually pretty mild-mannered at first, with
time they can start to itch or bleed. Any spot with these characteristics that persists for two to three months or more needs to
be checked.
BCCs aren’t very aggressive; they rarely spread throughout the
body. However, they are still cancerous and will continue to
grow; they can invade muscle and bone if left untreated. This is
easily avoided; most BCCs can be excised (removed via a minor
procedure done under local anesthetic, with some stitches that
are removed in a week or two).
Symmetrial
Asymmetrial
Borders are
even
Borders are
uneven
One color
Multiple Colors
Smaller than
1/4 Inch
Larger than
1/4 Inch
Second Most Common Type of Skin Cancer
The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell
carcinoma (SCC). SCC is more aggressive than BCC, and can metastasize throughout the body if it is not treated. Like BCC, sun
exposure is the most common cause. Most SCCs look like crusted
sores, but sometimes they can ulcerate. They sometimes itch
and become tender to touch, like a spider bite. Most SCCs can
be excised the way BCC can. If you’ve had either type, we usually
screen you at least twice a year.
SCC has a precursor called actinic keratosis (AK). AKs are “precancerous” – they aren’t malignant, but can become SCC if left
untreated. Often you can feel AKs with your finger more easily
than you can see them. They usually have a hard, sandpaperlike crust, or can look and feel like scabs. They may itch. There
are several options for treating AKs, including freezing with liquid
nitrogen, topical chemotherapy creams or a specific type of light
treatment. Patients who have had AKs need to be screened at
least yearly.
Ordinary Mole Changing in size,
shape and color
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K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
Melanoma – The Most Dangerous
Melanoma, however, is the most dangerous
type – if not treated, they almost always spread
throughout the body and may be fatal. A melanoma’s thickness determines how serious it is –
thinner is better. If it is less than one millimeter
thick, usually we are able to excise it and screen
the patient three to four times a year. Melanomas one millimeter thick or greater often need to
be managed by an oncologist to make sure they
haven’t spread.
Warning Signs:
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
When looking for melanomas, it’s helpful
to remember “ABCDE.” Please have a lesion
checked if:
A The lesion is (A)symmetrical – the two halves
are not mirror images of each other.
B The (B)order is irregularly shaped and fuzzy
(as opposed to a sharp, distinct round/oval border).
C The lesion has several different shades of
(C)olor, particularly dark blue or black.
D The lesion grows in (D)iameter noticeably to a
size of 6 mm or more (about the size of a pencil
eraser).
E (E)volution – any lesion starts changing and
takes on any of the above characteristics.
Most Skin Cancers are Preventable
The vast majority of skin cancers are preventable.
Wear your sunscreen when outdoors (SPF 30 or
higher, and reapply every two to three hours),
wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing like long sleeves, and take care during the
hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Be sure to contact KMC Dermatology
if you have any suspicious lesions.
You can reach our Shawnee location at
(913) 631-6330.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
www.KMCHAIRCENTER.com
13
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K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
www.kchealthandwellness.com
15
16 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
By Jim Blasingame
Humor Helps Author Overcome Depression
and Fight Stigma Associated with Mental Illness
J
A Man’s Got to Take a Lot of Punishment to Write a Really Funny Book. – Ernest Hemingway
ohn Shuchart has taken more than his fair
share of punishment in his 65 years. A successful entrepreneur and Leawood, Kansas resident, Shuchart has survived a staggering number of traumatic incidents that began
when he was just an infant, continued through
adulthood, and led to his long battle with depression. Shuchart chronicles the “punishment” and his recovery from depression in his
new book, “You are not the brightest of my four
sons” … and other depressing things that have
been said to me.
Raised in an Emotionally
Abusive Home
Here’s a short list of the kinds of ill treatment
and manipulation that Shuchart endured in the
first half of his life:
*Shuchart was raised in an emotionally abusive
home. When he was five years old and about to
undergo an emergency appendectomy, his father leaned over John as the gurney was about
to be pushed through the double doors into the
operating room, and stated matter-of-factly,
“They’re going to cut you open like a chicken.”
Needless to say, young Johnny had to be restrained.
*At the age of eleven, John was sent across the
country to spend the summer in a program designed to “fix” a so-called right brain/left brain
problem that had been diagnosed by his mother.
The program consisted of young John being prohibited from using his right hand for anything
for weeks, and it reinforced the idea that there
was something wrong with him.
*An average student, and a year younger than
his academically brilliant older brother, John
was routinely referred to as “stupid” by his parents, even though he became fluent in Russian
during high school. The book’s title is actually a
comment directed at John by his mother.
*Shuchart’s father, on two separate occasions,
demanded that John give him a huge sum of
money ($30,000 and later $50,000) or he would
commit suicide. In another incident, John went
to his uncle and grandfather to collect funds to
reimburse an insurance company from whom
his father had been embezzling money.
Two Life-Threatening Accidents
In addition to the emotional abuse heaped on
John by his parents, Shuchart suffered two lifethreatening accidents that exacerbated his depression. The first happened when his twelveyear-old son, Scott, was cutting their rain-slicked
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K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
backyard on the family’s riding lawnmower. Incredibly, the back of the mower became tangled
in the family swing set, pulled the front wheels
off the ground, and released precisely at the
moment that John slipped, coming to the aid
of his son. The mower landed on John, bouncing off of his leg, onto his midsection, and then
toward his head – with the blade spinning. The
wounds required more than 300 stitches, and
Shuchart was lucky to be alive, but rather than
feel fortunate, he ruminated on the experience
as an embarrassing, humiliating event.
“Look at all of the public figures, the celebrities and athletes that have shared their experiences with mental illness.
These are very accomplished
people,” Shuchart said. “Now
is the time to educate the public about conditions like depression and bipolar disorder,
and encourage people to talk
about it, and get the care and
the treatment they need.”
The other accident occurred 15 years ago.
Shuchart endured a near-fatal motor vehicle
accident that led to a deeper, more sustained
depression. A truck carrying concrete blocks
t-boned him at an intersection. The impact exploded every window in Shuchart’s SUV, broke
his seatbelt, and slammed him into the passenger side of the vehicle. Miraculously, Shuchart
walked away.
“We can help patients, their
friends and family understand
that these conditions are illnesses, just like AIDS or cancer,”
Shuchart said. “We shouldn’t
be afraid or ashamed to talk
about these disorders. Talking
about them is how we will end
the stigma.”
Unfortunately, the physical trauma from the accident began to surface months later and led to
Shuchart undergoing 15 different surgeries to
relieve pain and restore function in his wrists
and shoulder. His continuous battle with pain
led to an addiction to prescription medications,
a deep depression and ultimately a planned
suicide before he sought treatment. Shuchart
discovered that he could effectively use humor
to reframe traumatic events from his past and
“un-stick” the negative, depressing emotions
tied to them. He shares his approach in “You are
not the brightest of my four sons,” a story that is
touching, funny, and ultimately uplifting.
A Fundraising
Opportunity
for Nonprofits
Fighting the Stigma Attached
to Mental Illness
Additionally, Shuchart has partnered with Kansas City comedian David Naster to develop a
one-of-a-kind workshop for therapists and social
workers, teaching them how to work with their
patients by using humor in their struggles with
mental illness. The four-hour workshop qualifies
for continuing education units (CEU’s) for industry professionals.
Shuchart continues to work on his recovery
from depression. He also has become a champion in the fight against the stigma associated
with mental illness. Shuchart is a board member
for the Kansas state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Kansas, an active supporter of the Greater Kansas City Mental
Health Coalition, and has formed The Shuchart
Group, an organization dedicated to ending the
stigma attached to mental illness.
Shuchart wants people to understand that having a mental illness doesn’t prevent you from
accomplishing great things and leading a rich,
fulfilling life. Publishing his book is the first step
in his crusade to fight the stigma.
Shuchart is marketing his book
as a fundraising opportunity for
nonprofits that provide support
for people with mental illness.
Nonprofits will earn $5 for each book they sell.
Individuals interested in the book can go to the
book website (www.notthebrightest.com) and
designate a nonprofit group to receive the $5
donation generated from their book purchase.
Training Workshop for Therapists
and Social Workers
Speaking Engagements
Free of Charge
For a man who has taken so much punishment
from life, Shuchart is standing strong. Shuchart
will carry his crusade to end the stigma to nonprofit groups across the country, booking speaking engagements (free of charge) to expand the
fight against the mental illness stigma and helping these important organizations raise funds.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
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“These nonprofits have a greater financial need
than national booksellers,” Shuchart said, “and
we are committed to this unique marketing arrangement. Nonprofits keep about 30% of the
total cost of the book which is a healthy sum
when there’s no risk involved on their part.”
“I have to lead by example,” Shuchart said. “By
writing this book, by creating the workshop,
by speaking to groups, I’m standing out front,
saying to everyone and anyone who will listen,
‘I have a mental illness. I have owned six businesses. I wrote a book. I have great friends and
family, and I’m okay!’”
To learn more about John Shuchart and his
book “You are not the brightest of my four
sons”… and other depressing things that
have been said to me,
or to schedule him to speak with your group,
call 314-610-2170,
email jim@theshuchartgroup.com
or visit the website at
www.notthebrightest.com.
18 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
www.kchealthandwellness.com
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
www.kchealthandwellness.com
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20 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
www.kchealthandwellness.com
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
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The Tyramine /
headache connecTion
T
By Larry Pribyl, DDS
yramine is a monoamine compound that is produced in foods from the
natural breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine. It is not added to foods.
Tyramine levels increase in foods when they are aged, fermented, stored
for long periods of time, or are not fresh. Certain anti-depression medications in
the MAOI classification can interact with even healthy foods. This may cause
an increase in blood pressure. Examples of foods that contain high amounts of
tyramine include aged cheese, soy sauce, aged meats, pickled fish, tofu, sauerkraut, red wine, summer sausage, sauces containing fish or shrimp, miso soup,
beer on tap and yeast extract.
It was discovered that patients who were taking anti-depression drugs began
developing high blood pressure and headaches when they ate foods containing
tyramine. It was found that people on these drugs cannot break down tyramine
properly and therefore were advised to limit the foods they consume that contain tyramine.
In the late 1960s, researchers began suspecting that tyramine could also play a role
in migraines. One researcher noted that some people with migraines who also had
a deficiency of MAO had headaches after they ate foods containing tyramine.
The link between certain foods and migraines
Scientists did several studies and found links between the consumption of certain
foods and people suffering from migraines. A study in 2010 found that people
reported a trigger effect from eating cheese and hot dogs.
Experts are still trying to understand how tyramine can trigger migraines. One explanation is that tyramine can cause nerve cells in your brain to release the chemical norepinephrine. Having higher levels of tyramine in your system – along with
an unusual level of brain chemicals – can cause changes in the brain that lead to
headaches.
Headaches may be due To Tmj
If you’re sure your migraines are not related to your diet, they could be a result of
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. If you also have any popping, clicking,
jaw joint pain, ear pain or cannot open your mouth very wide, you could be suffering from TMD (commonly called TMJ). Give our office a call at 816-795-1000.
Larry Pribyl, DDS, has been in private practice over thirty five years. He has his
Master of Excellence: American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, he is a Diplomate:
American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, and a Diplomate: Academy of Clinical
Sleep Disorders Disciplines. He specializes in treating head, neck, and facial pain as
well as dental sleep medicine. His training comes from experts in these fields where
he has acquired hundreds of continuing education hours in post graduate studies.
Keep a Headache diary
If you have headaches and suspect certain foods bring them on, try keeping a headache diary for several months. Write down the time and date when you experience
a migraine and take notes on how it feels exactly, as well as writing down what you
have eaten recently. Have you been exposed to other common headache triggers,
such as a change in altitude, change in temperature, strong smells, bright lights,
loud noises, changes in sleep habits, or unusual stress? Remember that headaches
may begin for 24 hours after you’ve eaten a trigger food. Keeping a food diary will
also be helpful to recognize patterns and links to headaches and foods containing
high levels of tyramine.
low Tyramine Headache diet
The National Headache Foundation has some great resources on their website to
track your headache patterns and forms to keep track of your diet. They also have
a Low Tyramine Headache Diet for your information.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
www.kchealthandwellness.com
18 Health & Wellness May
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
2015 - Kansas City
t is a frustrating feeling to work hard your
whole life to support yourself and your
family only to suffer a debilitating injury or
illness that cuts your career short. It's even more
frustrating when Social Security, the government
safety-net that you have been contributing to for
years, denies your claim to collect Social Security
Disability benefits.
At the Law Offices of Sharon J. Meyers, in
Kansas City, Missouri, we understand how the
frustration caused by not being able to go to
work is compounded by the stress of facing
mounting bills and not having sufficient income
to pay them.
Our first message is not to panic if your initial
application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) has been denied. Some 80 percent of firsttime applicants are denied benefits by the Social
Security Administration.
0VS$PNQFOTBUJPO)JOHFT6QPO:PVS4VDDFTT
We take all SSDI and SSI cases on a contingency
fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney
fees unless your claim is approved.
It is common and important to appeal a denial
of an initial SSDI or SSI claim. The key is to be
persistent. And it helps to enlist the services of
an experienced Social Security disability
lawyer who understands the complex application process.
0VSFYQFSJFODFEMFHBMUFBN— and it truly is a
team effort at the Law Offices of Sharon J.
Meyers — has helped thousands of Missouri and
Kansas residents receive the full disability
benefits they deserve. We are a local firm that was
established in 1981, and we are entirely focused
on Social Security disability law.
23
We know what sort of information wins Social
Security disability cases. Once you select us to represent you, we take the lead in gathering all of the
medical records and additional information that is
necessary to support your claim. We handle all communication with your doctors, submit all forms to
the Social Security Administration and monitor
every deadline for you. We present your strongest
legal arguments to the decision-makers who will
approve your claim, including the administrative
law judge (ALJ), if your case reaches that level.
5IF*NQPSUBODF0G5SFBUJOH&BDI$BTF
*OEJWJEVBMMZ
Although we have seen every sort of situation
imaginable in more than 30 years of practicing
Social Security disability law, we still review each
case on its own merit. We use the best practices,
but we don't follow formulaic approaches.
Bringing your unique story to life for those who
will review — and ultimately approve — your
claim is the best way to ensure success.
It is our mission to help hard-working Kansas and
Missouri residents obtain the benefits they have
earned. The first step to receiving your benefits is
providing us with the opportunity to review the facts
of your case during a free consultation, so we can
recommend the best steps to take.
To talk with a Social Security disability lawyer
serving Kansas and Missouri, call 816-753-3929 and
schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us
online at www.SharonMeyersLaw.com and someone
from our legal team will get in touch with you.
4050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 210
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-753-3929
Fax: 816-753-0274
www.SharonMeyersLaw.com
www.kchealthandwellness.com
www.kchealthandwellness.com
Attorney
Sharon J. Meyers
Attorney Sharon J.
Meyers comes from a
family of successful
lawyers. She received her
Juris Doctorate from the
University of MissouriKansas City School of
Law in 1981. She has
been in private law practice since 1981, specializing in the area of Social Security disability law. Ms. Meyers has firsthand personal
experience with disability benefits, having
battled leukemia 25 years ago and relying on
disability income to help get her through that
fight. She is a sustaining member of the
National Organization of Social Security
Claimants' Representatives, the Missouri Bar
and the National Lawyers Association. She also
is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan
Bar Association, and both Kansas and Missouri
Federal District Courts. She serves on the board
of directors of the National Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association.
24 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
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K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
www.kchealthandwellness.com
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26 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
Rachel Lewis
By Rachel Lewis
S
Goal Setting
ummer is finally here! The months when
students are free from homework and
classes have officially arrived. Unfortunately, life doesn’t just get put on hold for three
months while you kick back and relax. So why
don’t you use this summer to do something that
interests you or explore activities you never really
thought were up your alley?
Expand Your Horizons
Summer is a great opportunity to expand your horizons. In fact, studies have shown that teens with
a range of activities and extra-curriculars that take
place outside of the classroom often do better in
school, in college (including admissions), and continue to have richer experiences throughout their
lives. Summer is an excellent time to try something
new and expand your worldview.
Take this opportunity to set a goal for yourself to
try something new. Whether that’s getting a job or
an internship, going to camp, learning a new skill,
or anything else you can come up with. Use goals
as the extremely powerful tool that they are to develop a purpose, a passion, or a direction this summer. Goals are the driving force behind all achievement, so put them to work for you. Just remember
to make it a SMART goal as explained next.
What are SMART Goals?
Specific:
Identify and clearly state what you
want to achieve or accomplish.
Measurable: Make sure that your goal is observable or quantifiable. This way you
can measure your progress and
determine exactly when your goal
has been accomplished.
Attainable: Your goal needs to be able to be
reached by you in the time that you
have.
Realistic:
Even though it might be a challenge,
there has to be the likelihood for
success. Be realistic, but don’t sell
yourself short on what you can
achieve.
Timely:
“Someday” goals are seldom
achieved. Make sure that you set
your target date so you can set tasks
and schedules.
A Wealth of Free Time and Opportunity
Summer offers you a wealth of free time and opportunity to do something different and gain new
experiences. Set aside time to set a goal for what
you want to achieve this summer.
Summer Leadership Program
As a reminder, Success Skills Weekly is offering a
summer leadership program in conjunction with
the Leadership Institute of Greater Kansas City.
That may be something that you want to try to
gain 12 hours of leadership training for your resume. Set a goal to try something new so you can
get ahead and stay ahead.
Call To Learn More!
For information on the Success Skills Weekly program or the Summer Leadership Program at the
Leadership Institute of Greater Kansas City, please
contact us at info@SuccessSkillsWeekly.com or
call 1-877-872-5019 for more information.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
Rachel Lewis graduated with honors from
the University of Kansas in just three and a
half years in December, 2010, and has already written a book
and started her second
business. She has been interviewed by the
New York Times, USA Today, Fox Business
and has been cited in an article in Forbes
on successful businesses. She has worked
with students from middle school through
college helping with goal setting, confidence building, study skills, and getting
ready for "the real world." She launched
Success Skills Weekly with her mother and
brother to assist students with critical skills
that are needed for success, but not being
taught anywhere. Rachel is a member of
the Junior League of Kansas City, and was
selected as a Belle of the American Royal
in 2011 and has been an active volunteer
for the BOTAR and the American Royal organizations. She is also an Assistant Dance
and Cheer Team Coach at her high school
alma mater.
1-877-872-5019
www.SuccessSkillsWeekly.com
If you would like more information about a
success skills program for your middle school,
high school or college age student, please visit
www.SuccessSkillsWeekly.com, email Rachel
directly at rachel@successskillsweekly.com or
call 1-877-872-5019.
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
27
Volunteer Drivers Needed
to Transport Cancer Patients to Treatment
T
he American Cancer Society is currently looking for volunteer drivers in the Kansas City
area so that all patients have transportation
when they need it.
Getting to and from medical treatments is one of
the greatest barriers cancer patients face in beating
the disease. To ensure patients get to those muchneeded treatments, the American Cancer Society
provides free rides through its Road To Recovery®
program.
An estimated 14,440 Kansas residents and 34,680
Missouri residents will learn that they have cancer
this year; however, getting to their scheduled treatment may be a challenge.
“One cancer patient requiring radiation therapy
could need anywhere from 20 to 30 trips to treatment in six weeks,” said Deb Parsons, mission delivery senior manager for the American Cancer Society.
Road To Recovery Program
“A patient receiving chemotherapy might report for
treatment weekly for up to a year. In many cases, a
patient is driven to hospitals or clinics by relatives
or friends, but even these patients must occasionally seek alternative transportation. That’s where the
Road To Recovery program comes in,” she said.
The program not only helps patients, but is also rewarding for the volunteer, according to Deb.
Those who can drive as little as one weekday morning or afternoon a month can give cancer patients
peace of mind and the chance to get to their treatments.
Volunteer drivers must have a current valid driver’s
license, a good driving record, access to a safe and
reliable vehicle, and proof of adequate automobile
insurance.
A Life-Saving Program
We’ve heard from many patients who have said the
Road To Recovery program saved their life. In addition, many of our drivers are survivors and became
drivers because they know how hard it is to find
rides to all the treatment dates. Road To Recovery
is truly a life-saving program!
Volunteer as a Driver
or Sign Up for Assistance
Individuals who would like to volunteer as a driver
or who need transportation assistance in the Kansas City area should contact the American Cancer
Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.volunteer
learning.cancer.org. Volunteer drivers set their
own schedule and drive based on their availability.
Become a driver and save a life.
www.kchealthandwellness.com
1-800-227-2345
www.volunteerlearning.cancer.org
28 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
The Just for Her Event is getting
and
in
BIGGER BETTER 2015!
T
NEW: the KC Local Marketplace, DYI classes
and non-profit partner, the Komen Foundation
he Just for Her Event is taking place June 12-14th at the Overland Park
Convention Center. Over 10,000 women will enjoy great shopping, entertainment and the addition of the KC Local Marketplace, DYI classes
and much more.
“We have added new sponsors, new vendors and many new elements to
our event to make it even bigger and better in 2015,” explains Aimee Jacobson, President of Just for Her Events, Inc. “We know that our guests enjoy
great shopping and this year we have over 300 unique vendors including
fashion, beauty, home décor, food and accessories. We have selected a collection of great products and know that our guests will enjoy many new
vendors this year.”
KC LOCAL MARKETPLACE will feature over 80 Kansas City based business
owners including handcrafted. The KC Marketplace will also include an opportunity for guests to enjoy several DYI classes during the weekend event.
THE JUST FOR HER NON-PROFIT PARTNER FOR 2015 IS THE SUSAN G.
KOMEN FOUNDATION. The event will feature “Survivor Sunday” celebrating
survivors at the event. Learn more about the Komen Foundation and sign up
for the Race for the Cure with a discounted rate at the Just for Her Event!
THE JUST FOR HER EVENT – JUNE 12th – 14th
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER
WWW.JUSTFORHEREVENT.COM
www.kchealthandwellness.com
JustForHerEvent.com
Tickets: $5 Online, $8 at the door
June 12-14, 2015
Friday 5pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Overland Park Convention Center
Presented by McCarthy Auto Group & Lauren Wants To Know
www.kchealthandwellness.com
Non-profit partner
30 Health & Wellness J u n e 2 0 15 – K a n s a s C i t y
www.kchealthandwellness.com
K a n s a s C i t y – J u n e 2 0 15 Health & Wellness
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