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webmd.com the Magazine July/Aug. 2012 $4.95 20 fitness Walk your way to a better body Glow 21 mind when teens harm themselves Ideal space around the logo is the width of the letter ‘t’ in fit. Getters Expert sunless

23 kidsFIT_logo_box.eps What do youFIT_logo_box_sanford_webmd.eps know about BMi? Tanning Picks 18 25 parentingFIT_logo_no_box_sanford_webmd.eps FIT_logo_no_box.eps ready for Driving lessons?

FIT_logo_black_no_box_sanford_webmd.eps FIT_logo_black_no_box.eps 26 recipe Usage on dark backgrounds OH, Boy keep cool with cucumber soup Is SPd the FIT_logo_box_sanford_webmd.eps new adhd? 42 sleep FIT_logo_white_no_box.eps Do you have good sleep habits? FIT_logo_white_box_sanford_webmd.eps 38 43 diabetes Is type 2 in store for you? 44 heart the lowdown on cholesterol Up Close Also The Closer’s Kyra Sedgwick on shares her iPad! secrets for Get your free subscription today! marriage and living in an empty nest 32 Get the facts about

Hep C8 T 2 u e rn to pag July/August 2012 NEW! contents ® The app that keeps everything in one place. features Except for dinner. webmd.com the Magazine

parenting Oh, Boy 38 Sensory processing disorder: Is it a new childhood crisis or just the latest label for children, especially boys, • Access hundreds of who seem more active and articles and videos distracted than others?

developed and approved WebMD contributing by WebMD doctors. writer Gina Shaw explores the rise of behavioral and • Manage schedules for developmental disorders sleeping, feeding, diaper among children in the changes, and growth. United States. • Create a digital baby book and share photos and videos, plus tag spotlight Download WebMD them with milestones. the Magazine for FREE! 28 hepatitis Go to the App Store to get your free In the Shadows iPad subscription The majority of today, and access people with hepatitis bonus extras and C don’t even know the latest tools from they have it. WebMD.com.

cover story Flip Back Cover! Get Closer 32 Actor Kyra Sedgwick might be best known for her award-winning role in TNT’s The Closer and her longtime marriage to actor Kevin Bacon, but p.49 How to find the right kennel Hollywood is just one slice of life for this leading p.50 TV host Maria Menounos’ lady. Sedgwick tells WebMD contributing writer Gina four dogs provide the entertainment It does more than keep your family informed. Shaw why her marriage has lasted so long, how she’s in her life adjusting to her newly empty nest, what it was like p.52 Is your cat’s grooming excessive? It keeps you informed. being a working mom, and the impact her parents’ Know the signs To keep your baby healthy. divorce had on her own marriage. PLUS: Sedgwick shares her secrets to looking younger than her age. p.54 Pick the best breed for your family

Cover photo By Robert Ashcroft/Creative Photographers, Inc.

July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 1 27 ® departments July/August 2012 webmd.com the Magazine

Health Highlights 15 Editor’s Note 31 Get arthritis and pain relief with a month’s worth of expert tips. Healthy Start Keep cool this summer with My WebMD 16 A WebMD community member take the test you can take expert tips for skin, eyes, and fitness. 17 shares how she shed pounds and became a to your doctor runner after years of being overweight. assessments, quizzes, and reference WebMD Wire information on every page 17 What a long commute means for your health, why we love multitasking, Living Well sleep and how dogs in the workplace can make 18 Do you have good sleep habits? life better for everyone. 18 You Asked Gone streaking? Our 42 experts offer their sunless tanning product diabetes Click Here picks and foolproof application tips. 43 Is type 2 in store for you? 1 2 What’s new and most viewed on WebMD.com right now. heart 20Health Matters 44 The lowdown on cholesterol Medical File 20 fitness 14 Singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw Happy Feet Looking for a great exercise? raises awareness about malaria. PLUS: A Walking is one of the easiest and most WebMD Checkup Hunger Fix to switch to cravings that are effective ways to get fit. 45 Actor and comedian good for you. Joel McHale isn’t always in 21 mind funny mode. He reveals Harm’s Way Some kids embed objects how he balances his Ask the Experts under their skin. What’s behind this What emergency supplies family, health, 15 disturbing behavior? should you always keep in your car? and career. 22 patient Exam Room Toll Road Caregivers often pay a hefty 16 Brush up on the facts price when it comes to their own health. about toothpaste. 23 fit kids Heavy Duty Think your kid is overweight? Focus on creating healthy habits for the entire family. 25 parenting Test Drive Are your teens road-ready? Steer them in the right direction with one-on- one lessons.

26Healthy Eats 26 Anatomy of a Cucumber Cool off your summer menu with the low-cal cuke. 27 Stock Up Chef Domenica’s pantry 45 picks make it easy to create healthy meals 16 in no time.

July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 3 ® editor’s note from the executive editor webmd.com the Magazine

EXECUTIVE Editor • Colleen Paretty Vice president, Publisher • Heidi Anderson

Senior Editor • Susan Davis Associate Publisher • Dawn Carey Is there anything more delicious than a summer day? That lazy, do-nothing feel, ripe Senior Director, Editorial, WebMD.com • Stephanie Snipes Group Vice president of Sales Operations • Jonathan Katz peaches and fresh corn, tall glasses of iced tea, getting out into the woods or onto a beach

WebMD.com Art Director • John Kay Business Manager • John Krzeminski with your family, dunking your feet in cool, clear water. Well, I hope you do enjoy such pleasures, maybe on a hard-earned vacation this month Business & Marketing Senior Director • Jonathan Deaner Medical Editors or next. But I don’t have to tell you that in these hyper-speed times, sum- Chief Medical Editor • Michael W. Smith, MD Sales Operations Analyst • Kisha Jackson mer doesn’t really let up on life all that much—you still have work, errands, Lead Medical Editor • Brunilda Nazario, MD meal-planning, kids’ activities, and chores to juggle, just like always. For Senior Medical Editor • Louise Chang, MD Advertising Sales Medical Editors • Hansa Bhargava, MD, Laura J. Martin, MD parents especially, summer brings its own brand of hectic, and the slide New YOrk into back-to-school mode gathers steam fast. Contributing Writers Alisa Feiner • [email protected] • 212-624-3897 If it’s any consolation, here at WebMD the Magazine we’re spending our Christina Boufis, Daniel J. DeNoon, Pete Holfelder • [email protected] • 646-674-6825 summer working even harder, reimagining and refreshing the design, lay- Heather Hatfield, Katherine Kam, Lauren Paige Kennedy, Patti Mrozowski • [email protected] • 212-624-3750 out, sections, and overall look and feel of the magazine for the first time Susan Kuchinskas, Matt McMillen, Erin O’Donnell, Patria Rodriguez • [email protected] • 212-417-9542 Monica Kass Rogers, Gina Shaw, Stephanie Watson since we launched the publication seven—seven!—years ago in May 2005. CHICAGO “Refreshes” (or redesigns) are a big deal in the life of a magazine, a very

Carol Matthias • [email protected] • 312-416-9277 conscious turn of the page to a new chapter. In our case, that embraces the Meghan Rice • [email protected] • 312-416-9276 profound changes in media since 2005. Not as many people had smart- phones and of course no one had even heard of a tablet, much less owned Editorial, design, production management West Coast one. Social media was more of a novelty than the ubiquitous presence in Elise Perlmutter • [email protected] • 424-248-0616 Deputy Editor • Kim Caviness daily life it is today. And the magazine has long since grown beyond the

Senior Editor • Andrea Gabrick print copy in your doctor’s office. You can find each entire issue in digital ® form on webmd.com and as an interactive app on the iPad. Associate Editor • Rebecca Scherr So with the September issue, you’ll see a modernized, more engaging 111 Eighth Ave., Suite 700, New York, N.Y. 10011 Assistant Editor • Chloe Thompson magazine, one that draws you in and invites you to stay (we hope), one Interim Chief executive officer, that is even more relevant to your busy life. Because the one thing that isn’t Bookings Director • Wendy Zipes Hunter Chief Financial Officer • Anthony Vuolo [email protected] 954-344-0912 up for refreshing is the magazine’s mission since Day One: to be your rock- Chief Technology Officer • William E. Pence solid partner in healthy living. We’ve always believed that every minute of Art Directors • Glenn Pierce, Melissa H. Miller every day is in some way about health and well-being, from brushing your Executive Vice President, Consumer Services • Greg Mason Production director • Connie Otto teeth and packing your kids’ lunch bags to getting a flu shot. We have a 360-degree view of healthy living in mind as we think about how to fill the new pages. And Production Manager • Jerry Parks Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary • Doug Wamsley thanks to innovations like social media, we can bring you into those pages in ways we never Photo Editor • Ali Heck Southworth Senior Vice President, Legal • Michael Glick imagined before. You’ll see more people just like you, whose faces and stories, tips and sup- port will be a big part of the new mix. Advertising Traffic Manager • Jennifer Morgan Senior Vice President, Sales and Really, we couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities, and I hope I’ve whet your Sales Operations • Dorothy E. Kelly Gemmell Production Artist • Brenda M. Waugh Be the first to appetite for the September 2012 issue! Meanwhile, here’s to your own refresh this summer, Senior Vice President, Partnerships, know when the with days that are busy, yes, but also as fun, rewarding, and memorable as summer is meant Copy Editor • Sharon Congdon new issue is and Editor-at-Large • Clare Martorana to be. We both have an exciting fall to look forward to. Marketing Director • Rebecca Loveridge available. Sign Vice President, Best Practices • John Hopkins up for WebMD Marketing Coordinator • Kara Batt the Magazine Enjoy, Vice President, Editorial and Programming • Kristy Hammam issue alerts! WebMD the Magazine is distributed to doctors’ offices throughout the United States. A digital version is available online at WebMD.com and for download for the iPad® from the Apple Store®. WebMD the Magazine is not responsible for advertising claims. WebMD the Magazine (ISSN 1553- Senior Director, Public Relations • Katherine Hahn 9946), Vol. 8, No. 5, is published by WebMD, LLC. WebMD the Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of WebMD, LLC. WebMD’s mission is to provide objective, trustworthy, and timely health information. Our website and magazine provide content, Colleen Paretty tools, and information on a variety of health topics. All editorial content is reviewed by our board- Customer Service and Subscription Information certified physicians. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. Executive Editor, WebMD the Magazine Professionals • To manage your subscription, go to The contents of WebMD the Magazine, such as text, graphics, images, and other material (“Content”), are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional WebMD.com/magazine/subscribe. medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard Readers • Download a free subscription to WebMD the Magazine on your iPad. professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in WebMD the Go to the Apple Store (www.apple.com). Magazine. If you think you may have a medical emergency, P.S. I invite you to send us your nominations for WebMD the Magazine’s annual Health call your doctor or 911 immediately. Comments? Questions? Go to CustomerCare.WebMD.com or “Contact Us” t H ouser Heroes awards by Friday, August 17. Who is a Hero? Read about our stellar past winners at the bottom of every page on WebMD.com.

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4 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 5 ® healthy start good for you this month

wirethe health news beat at WebMD.com Hot Stuff 4 ways to keep your cool this summer Missing ZZ’s Water Works Nodding off at your desk? You’re notZ the only one. A CDC report says 30% fit tip When you’re working out in the great of U.S. adults—40.6 million workers—sleep six or fewer hours a day, rather outdoors, how much H2O do you need? than the recommended seven to nine. “You’ve got to drink up just to be able to Most at risk for sleep loss are people who work the night shift, especially Live Long replace the fluids that are lost each day,” those in the transportation, warehouse, and health care industries. Accord- If you’re one of the 12 million American says Pamela Peeke, MD, WebMD fitness ing to the report—based on data from a 2010 national survey—44% of cancer survivors, eating right, exercising, expert. The CDC recommends 16 to 32 night-shift workers are short-sleepers, compared with nearly 30% of daytime and maintaining a healthy weight can help ounces per hour when you do heavy skin care workers. Others who aren’t getting enough sleep include people who work extend your life, say new guidelines from exercise in hot weather. For more than more than one job, widows, divorcees, and recently separated partners. Peo- the American Cancer Society (ACS). an hour at a higher intensity (think Red Alert ple ages 30 to 44 are most likely to be sleep-deprived. The ACS has long recommended these long-distance running or weight lifting), Did you get a sunburn Sleep loss has consequences. Not only are the sleep-deprived more likely measures to help prevent some cancers, Peeke suggests reaching for a sports drink despite your best precau- to be injured, which could endanger the public in the case of, say, commer- but this is the first time it has issued for- to replenish the minerals and sodium your tionary efforts? WebMD skin cial drivers, but chronic sleep loss increases the risk for conditions like obe- mal guidelines for cancer survivors. ACS body needs—just don’t overdo it (see page 7). care expert Mohiba Tareen, sity, depression, heart disease, and diabetes. officials say the evidence now shows a MD, offers three steps for Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report healthy lifestyle has a direct effect on can- relief: Get out of the sun cer recurrence and survival. as soon as possible, take an For example, studies of breast cancer

Pool Cues anti-inflammatory such as y/ G etty I m a ge s survivors show that diets including lots of Do cannonballs and contact lenses mix? ibuprofen, and drink water to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, “Swimming with your lenses is a definite help your skin’s cells renew. and fish are associated with a lower risk of ; P eter Da ze l no-no,” says WebMD eye health expert “A lot of people forget to death than diets high in processed and red Alan Kovarsky, MD. “The water you’re hydrate,” Tareen says. To meat, refined grains, sugar, and high-fat swimming in is, at best, chlorinated and reduce pain and itching, dairy products. clean, but it’s still not sterile.” Contact use lotions with soothing ; Anton P r a do/ VEER A healthy diet low in red and processed lenses become a reservoir for bacteria lurk- or cooling agents such meat appears to protect against cancer ing in the pool, he says, which could lead as camphor and menthol progression, risk of recurrence, and overall to eye infections. Even if you wear goggles, (Tareen likes Sarna Sensitive survival for a variety of cancers. Regular water can sneak in, so Kovarsky recom- lotion, $10.49; or Eucerin exercise appears to be linked with a lower mends taking contacts out before getting Calming Crème, $7.99). Or, risk for recurrence and improved survival

into the pool. she says, make a paste with tur a / G etty I m ge s ; O nepont/ VEER after treatment for breast, prostate, ovar-

two crushed aspirin tablets A l ph a ce ll / VEER s e from top right: ockwi ian, and colorectal cancers. c l mixed with cool water to Source: CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians eye smarts healthy apply directly to the burn. eats You know soda is bad for your teeth, but what about sports and energy drinks? Recent research found that, like soda, the popular drinks can damage tooth enamel. Get the Scoop Good To simulate the effect of drinking several sports or energy drinks a day, researchers at the Southern Nothing beats escaping summer heat with cold treats, but don’t let your ice cream Illinois University School of Dental Medicine immersed enamel samples from extracted human teeth breaks pack on the pounds. To satisfy your sweet tooth, WebMD director of nutrition into the drinks for 15 minutes at a time. They then transferred the enamel to artificial saliva for two Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, says she opts for a half cup of slow-churned ice cream— Sports? hours, repeating this four times a day for five days. The beverages were replaced with fresh ones daily. the technique gives it a mouthfeel of fattier ice creams without adding extra calories, she The researchers found that both energy and sports drinks harmed enamel. But the effect of energy says—low-fat or fat-free sorbets, and protein-rich Greek yogurt stashed in the freezer. drinks was twice as bad—causing on average a loss of 3% of the enamel, compared with 1.5% for “When it comes to toppings, think small and think about fruit,” she suggests. Use about sports drinks. two tablespoons roasted nuts, grilled fruit, or puréed berries for a sauce. If you can’t give up sports and energy drinks, try diluting them or rinsing your mouth with water right after drinking, the researchers suggest. Don’t brush immediately afterward, as this could spread

The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not endorse any the drinks’ acidity in your mouth, they say. Instead, wait about an hour, then brush. s Le la ez/ G etty I m a ge s ; Mas terfi l e; Britt E r la n s on/ C u l Jo s e Lui s e from top right: ockwi

specific product, service, or treatment. c l The American Beverage Association said the study did not mirror real-life conditions.

Source: General Dentistry

July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 7 ® wire symptomchecker Now better than ever! On the Clear • Save symptom lists for yourself and loved ones. • Detailed information based on possible conditions. Move theAir • Print reports to share with your doctor. People who live in the most polluted U.S. cities are breathing cleaner air than they have in more than a decade, according to a report from the American Lung Association. Still, more than 127 million people live in places with unhealthy air, the group says. The group’s annual State of the Air report ranks cities on ozone pollution as well as long-term and short-term particle pollution. Los Angeles remained the city with the worst ozone levels but is no longer leading for particle pollution (considered the most dangerous common type). On the list for worst year-round particle pollution were Bakersfield-Delano, Calif., and four other areas in the state: Hanford-Corcoran, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside, Visalia-Porterville, and Fresno-Madera. Santa Fe, N.M., topped the list of cities with the cleanest air, followed by Cheyenne, Wyo., and Prescott and Tucson, Ariz. The ALA report credits the federal Clean Air Act for cleaning up coal-fired power Losing a little weight and adding just 25 plants and reducing emissions from diesel-engine vehicles and SUVs. minutes of daily exercise can help people Source: State of the Air 2012 with type 2 diabetes hold on to their mobility as they age, a study shows. That’s important because people with diabetes are twice as likely to have mobil- ity problems as others the same age, says Task Master researcher W. Jack Rejeski, PhD, professor Multitasking may make us less productive, but we do it anyway—both out of habit and of health and exercise science at Wake because it makes us feel good, a study reports. Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. Researchers from Ohio State University gave 19 college students a cellphone-like device They may struggle to climb stairs or have to report all their activities, three times a day, for four weeks. The students rated what trouble pushing a vacuum. needs the activities met, and what motivated them to do each activity. The study looked at about 5,000 The findings show that multitasking satisfied emotional needs for the students, even if

people ages 45 to 74 with type 2 diabetes. learning and thinking skills were reduced. For example, if a student reads a chapter in a ss y/ G etty I m a ge s vid D e Lo Some were assigned to a program aimed biology textbook while catching an episode of Glee, multitasking gives him an emotional at helping them lose weight by cutting boost even if he doesn’t get as much out of the reading assignment. calories and doing moderate exercise for “They are not being more productive—they just feel more emotionally satisfied from

25 minutes a day. Others went to diabetes their work,” says researcher Zheng Wang, PhD, an assistant professor of communication at a r / G etty I m ge s ; Da education and support classes. Ohio State. In other words, multitasking made a dull but neces- After four years, people in the diet and sary task seem fun, less stressful, and more doable. exercise group had lost, on average, about Media mul- 6% of body weight. (For someone who titasking also u/ COR B I S; Bri a n Ha giw weighs 250 pounds, that’s 15 pounds.) appeared to be a nd For every 1% weight reduction, research- a habit for many ers calculated people cut their loss-of- students, the mobility risk by more than 7%. For every study finds. 1% improvement in fitness, the risk Source: Journal of Communication dropped by almost 1.5%. ert L R o b ert s e from top right: ockwi

Source: New England Journal of Medicine c l

8 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 • • • •

app for people living with NEW! A Better Day Starts Here. DayA Better Starts discussions withdiscussions your doctor. for better Custom reports condition. related tovideos your slideshows, and Articles, your goals. meet WebMD doctors to you help tips approvedDaily by more. levels, and pain log triggers, to easily journal Personal The essential iPhone chronic pain. a preventive cardiologistat Lenox HillHospitalinNew York City, says peoplewithlongcom- lesterol, belly fat, andbody massindex. indicators for diseaseanddiabetes,also checked heart including blood sugarlevels,- cho treadmill testandwas asked how week. exercise much heorshedideach Researchers high blood pressure. study shows. Workers day whodrivemore than10mileseach alsomay bemore likely tohave bad for lesslikely theheart—and togetenoughexercise, compared withothercommuters, a than 15milestowork are more likely fat tobeobeseandcarry around thebelly—especially People withlongcommutes have more toworry about thantraffic. Thosewhodrivemore Killer Commute such asmarksontheneck,such orropes andthelike tiedondoorknobs. NystromRobert oftheOregon Public HealthDivision. Also, watchfor signs, warning sayresearchers thereal number islikely higher. the game, theCDCsays. Butbecausethat includesonly deaths covered by themedia, more thanfive times. ing, 64%saidthey’d doneitmore thanonce, andalmost27%saidthey’d doneit isconsistentwithstudiesinotherlocales).(which Ofthosewhoreported participat- Source: While thestudy doesn’t prove commutes causethoseproblems, SuzanneSteinbaum, DO, The study included4,297adultswhodrove towork intwo Texas cities. tooka Each Talk toyour kidsabout the gameandlistentotheirresponses, says researcher From 1995to2007, thedeathsages of82children 6to19were attributedto In asurvey ofnearly 5,400Oregon eighth-graders, 6%saidthey’d thegame tried Pediatrics ® wire mutes need to offset the sedentary mutes needtooffsetthesedentary time spentinacar: “Forget the elevator. Take thestairs. Put Preventive Medicine a pedometeron. Do Source: everything inyour exercise,” shesays. power toeat well and American Journalof Games Danger rushes back in. back rushes they release thepressure andoxygen flow tothebrain. They geta “high” when towel, orrope tolimitoxygen andblood withabelt, intheirneck the mainartery can bedeadly. Players apply pressure to Choking Game. Byany name, thegame It’s Out, calledKnock Flatlining, andthe

top: Andy Ryan/Getty Images; Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

top: American Images Inc/Getty Images; Sally Anscombe/Flickr/Getty Images Source: well asbreaks involving exercise. betweenexchanges employees, as out onabreak, resulting inpositive would asktotake aco-worker’s dog example, employees withoutadog performance andsatisfaction. For employees that may improve job related communication between dogs at work fostered uniquedog- ees whohadtheirdogswiththem. thedaydeclined during for employ- ees, but self-reportedstress levels forin themorning allemploy- the day. levels Cortisol were similar and surveyed employees throughout them for cortisol thestress hormone toanalyze samples inthemorning day. each headquarters About 20to30dogsare at the 550 employees inGreensboro, N.C. manufacturing retail company with study suggests. for you andyour co-workers, a stress andimprove jobsatisfaction your dogtowork tohelpease Rough days at theoffice?Bring Da Dog Researchers alsofound thatResearchers collected saliva The researchers The study looked at aservice- International JournalofWorkplace Health Management ys Source: 1 in3 than onceaday vegetables teens whodon’t eat The numberof Source: study usedthem. to weight loss, but only afew peopleinthe dietmedications werescription alsolinked to lose10%ormore ofbody weight. Pre- Watchers orJenny Craigwere more likely joined weight-loss programs like Weight ate lessfat lostmore weight. Those who gest losers. Those whoexercised more and and 20%saidthey lost10%ormore. they lost5%ormore oftheirbody weight, said they toloseweight, hadtried 40%said Examination Survey.Nutrition Some63% intheNationalwho tookpart Healthand looked at more than4,000obesepeople weight-lossprescription pills. program, andaskingyour doctorabout fat, exercising more, joiningaweight-loss or fad diets. Sowhat doeswork? Eating less counter weight-loss supplements, andliquid to loseweight: “diet” foods, over-the- Here’s what doesn’t work well ifyou want LIFTERS WEIGHT CDC Several trends emerged amongthebig- This wisdomcomesfrom astudy that American JournalofPreventive Medicine

more

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click here highlights at Webmd.com In a few clicks you can help keep your family protected. Must-See TV 1. What bug bit you? When was your last eye exam? 2. Easy grilling recipes Whether it was Top 3. How to calm sunburn pain years ago or just Searches 4. Lyme disease symptoms last week, tune 5. Do you need a booster shot? in to WebMD 6. Healthy beauty: Anti- Eye TV for the aging tricks facts about 7. Foods your dog should never eat healthy vision 8. Is it the “blues” or depression? and smart 9. Autism: Life after eye care for high school kids and Here’s what’s hot on 10. The benefits of vitamin D adults. WebMD.com right now! *as of 6/1/2012

eye TV SEARCH Take Heart Do something to take care of your ticker every day and track your heart-healthy Shot Clock achievements with WebMD’s School will be starting again Healthy Heart Checklist. before you know it. Are your healthy heart SEARCH kids’ shots up to date? Keep track of your entire family’s vaccination history with Contact Dermatitis symptomchecker the WebMD Vaccine Tracker. top symptoms include The easy-to-use tool sends Itching  email reminders and helps  Burning or pain Red bumps SEARCH you manage everyone’s  Introducing the shot records—including Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin (most often on the your own. hands) comes in contact with something that causes either irritation or an allergic reaction. “Irritant” contact dermatitis Vaccine Tracker is more common; exposure to a variety of materials is often SEARCH the culprit, including acids, alkaline materials (such as soaps and detergents), solvents, rubber gloves, cement, hair dyes, pesticides, and various chemicals. It typically looks Kir k/ Gett y I ma g e s o w / Gett y I ma g e s; B ra n d X Pi c t u re s/ Ro bert New An easy-to-use tool that can help you: like a burn or red, rough skin, and may be itchy. “Allergic” contact dermatitis can show up immediately or months • track vaccinations for your entire family after exposure to things like adhesives, topical antibiotics, • prepare for school and sports admissions forms GO u l / Gett y I ma g e s; Gl fabrics, fragrances, hair dyes, nickel, poisonous plants, WATCH VIDEO • stay up-to-date with email reminders

and latex gloves. It may be a streaky, scaly, or patchy rash. Key in your symptoms : Fred Pa Treatment for both types includes avoiding the irritant or So you can spend your time recording the allergen in question, then moisturizers to keep the skin FIND THE ANSWER moist (which cuts down on inflammation), and anti-itch, other important stuff, like her first smile.

corticosteroid, or immune-suppressive skin creams. wi s e f r o m t op ri g ht vaccine tracker SEARCH ock c l Only at WebMD.com

12 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 medical file people and pages ask the experts Your questions answered Net Worth On the Road What to keep on hand for your summer travels Singer Gavin DeGraw works to fight malaria Q  I worry that my car will break down somewhere when I’m alone or I’ve read Singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw, 35, has been atop the with my kids. What emergency supplies that driving pop music world since his 2003 album Chariot went platinum. should I keep in my vehicle? while talking But three years ago, that world started to seem too small for him. on a cellphone “There’s a time, when you’re pop-culture oriented, that you think, A  Whether it’s a blown tire, a broken- is as bad as driving ‘I need to do something more important than this,’ ” DeGraw says. down engine, or a case of being just plain lost, drunk. Is that true? One of the world’s worst plagues caught his attention: malaria. having an emergency kit can reduce stress, Many people can’t imagine Malaria is both preventable and curable. Yet keep you safe, and get you back on the road not chatting on the phone it kills some 655,000 people a year, most of faster. Here’s what to bring. while driving. But the them children who have not yet developed Cellphone and charger Being able to call stories you’ve heard are enough immunity to the disease. Every minute for help can make the difference between life TRUE. Cellphone use of every day, an African child dies of malaria. and death. Make sure your phone is charged impairs driving just as DeGraw says he “asked around” about at all times. much as alcohol. Q  I’m traveling cross-country this sum- malaria-related efforts and learned about a Basic supplies Pack a quart of water per That’s just one of the mer and anticipating long hours in the car. global grassroots campaign called Nothing DeGraw’s malaria-awareness work has changed his music. person, plus energy bars and trail mix, which conclusions by David What can I do to stay safe and sane? But Nets (NBN; nothingbutnets.net). Created provide protein and carbs. Have at least one Strayer, a professor of by the United Nations Foundation in 2006, The refugees’ desperate situation wasn’t all DeGraw saw. “As blanket in the car, too, in case you get stuck psychology at the University A  Driving long distance presents all sorts of the group gives away insecticide-coated bed nets to protect chil- many horrific things as there are, you also have the opportunity to at night. of Utah, who has published potential hazards. The trick? Plan your trip care- dren from the nighttime-biting mosquitoes that spread malaria see there is something beautiful about the level of humanity that Baby supplies Extra formula, bottles, and a series of articles that show fully—where and when you’ll go, and how you’ll w I ma g es; K ei Ues ug i/Ge tt y es : T EK I ma g e/ Sc ien c e P h o t L i b rary/Glo parasites. “One net costs about 10 bucks. Four kids can sleep under people carry,” he says. “You see people doing their best to help oth- diapers are crucial if you have an infant in driving while talking on a take care of yourself on the road.

the net, and they are pretty much safe,” DeGraw says. ers. You get to see the great elements of human nature.” f rom le ft the car. So is a spare set of clothes. cellphone—hands-free or Don’t get drowsy. A 2010 study by the AAA But DeGraw did more than buy a few nets. He joined an NBN/ The experience changed his music. “It finds its way into the Car tools Every not—is the same as driving Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 16.5% of U.N. mission that traveled to refugee camps in Uganda, where he songwriting,” he says. “There is the sensibility of having had this car should with a blood alcohol level of all fatal car accidents are caused by driver drowsi- helped distribute the nets to ramshackle camps housing more than rude awakening to a whole other level of suffering.” That may be have a tire .08, the legal limit. ness. Get enough shut-eye before and during your 630,000 displaced people. “As a musician on the road, you think why some critics are finding more texture and grit in DeGraw’s gauge, spare In one study he found trip. Watch for warning signs while you’re driving: you see a lot,” he says. “But when you see people living in huts new album, Sweeter, than in his previous work. tire (with lug that talking to a passenger yawning repeatedly, having difficulty keeping your made of leftover scraps of wood and old license plates, it reminds He recently raised $5,000 for the charity through a project with wrench and improves driving, because eyes open, or not being able to remember the past you that you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” Billboard Magazine, which in turn bought 500 bed nets.—Daniel J. DeNoon jack), jumper “there is another set of eyes few miles. Find a safe place to take a nap if needed. cables, and on the road, a person who Back up your spine. To prevent lower-back flares (make knows to be quiet if the pain on the road, use a lumbar support pillow. healthy read sure you know driving gets difficult.” Make sure you’re not sitting too far away from Sneak Peeke how to use In his most recent the pedals and steering wheel. Take lots of breaks them). Add a research, Strayer found from driving. Ever wonder why you overeat or obsess MPH, FACP, in her new book habits to the curb by “rewiring” flashlight so that a conversation that Breathe deep. Use “relaxation breathing” to about certain foods? I mean really (out in September) The Hunger your brain so that dopamine-bliss you can see triggers mental imagery—a counter stress. Simply breathe in through your understand the biology behind the midnight Fix: The Three-Stage Detox and is used for “good rather than evil.” what you’re doing description of a vacation, for nose, hold it for a count of five, and then breathe refrigerator raids and the super-sized snack Recovery Plan for Overeating “False Fixes” (like that attacks? The reason appears to go all and Food Addiction. afternoon candy bar) become at night, plus gloves to protect your hands. instance—is most disruptive. out through your mouth. Do this at least three the way back to when the human body Peeke, author, assistant “Healthy Fixes” (good-for-you First-aid kit A basic kit will give you what “Driving and mental imagery times, drawing your attention to the position of developed a built-in reward system driven clinical professor of medicine foods, yes, but also activities you need to patch up wounds, wrap a sprain, both use the same part of your shoulders and ribs. If you still feel wound up, largely by a chemical called dopamine. at the University of Maryland, like dancing). Your innate reward or treat a headache. the brain,” Strayer says. “So stop and rest. Our pleasure-seeking brains propelled us to and WebMD’s “Everyday system wins, your health wins. the imagery will block out reproduce, create, innovate, and yes, eat. Fitness” blogger, harnesses new “We will be looking for our fixes the driving environment. But “certain facets of modern living have neurochemistry research that reveals the for the rest of our lives,” Peeke writes, People literally won’t see hijacked this system to get us to consume inner workings of this reward system. She “but we have the ability to choose which Hansa Bhargava, MD what they’re looking at.” Patricia A. Farrell, PhD more and more,” writes Pam Peeke, MD, shows you how to kick unhealthy food fixes.”—Colleen Paretty WebMD CHILDREN’S HEALTH EXPERT WebMD MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT Tommaso Boddi/Ge tt y I ma g es Get expert answers to all your health questions. WebMD.com

14 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 15 exam room A closer look at everyday objects my WebMD personal stories from Webmd.com members

The headline By Catherine Grunden On the Run WebMD.com community member I’ve been heavy my entire life. Even in my kindergarten Oral History Let There photos, I was chubby. In late high school, I gained more weight. In ancient times, Be White In college, I reached 260 pounds—I think because I was on my toothpaste was made The abrasive own. I had a driver’s license, a job. I could go out to dinner, eat from ingredients such particles in when I wanted. Nobody was watching over me. as crushed eggshells and whitening Being heavy didn’t make me feel bad, though. I was pretty powdered pumice or ash. toothpastes are confident. I didn’t realize I was as big as I was until I started looking at old photos a few months ago. It was pretty shocking. bigger than those in About three and a half years ago, I lost 40 pounds. Then I got regular toothpastes, pregnant with my first child. I lost that pregnancy weight, then so surface stains got pregnant again. After my second baby was born, I lost all but are removed 10 pounds of that extra weight, so I weighed 230 pounds. It Takes Tube more effectively. Two things pushed me to start seriously losing weight. First, The first commercial Some whitening I was done having kids, so I knew my body wouldn’t be going toothpaste, in the through any more major changes. And second, my father had a toothpastes also 19th century, was sold heart attack at age 54, as had my grandfather. I knew I needed contain a small in jars. In the 1890s, to take better care of myself. amount of peroxide. My first step was to start the Couch to 5K program (www. Colgate introduced c25k.com), which helps sedentary people work up to running toothpaste in a tube. a 5K race in just nine weeks. I always thought runners were so cool, but to be one seemed like an impossible goal. A friend Dental Dollars and I decided to try it together. Toothpaste sales are I had to start inside on a treadmill because I was too expected to reach embarrassed to be outside. I cried that first day because I could Go With $12.6 billion by only run for three one-minute periods—and you’re supposed the Fluo to do it eight times. Eventually I worked through it, and we 2015 (up from Fluoride, which ran a 5K last October. Now I can run for more than an hour at about $7 billion strengthens tooth enamel a time. I’m hoping to train for a 10K soon, maybe even a half in 2007). marathon some day. and helps reduce tooth Of course, diet is important, too. In the beginning, I didn’t decay, didn’t become change what I was eating. I just changed how much I was eating. a popular addition to I didn’t want to give up bad stuff. Then I got tired of being hungry all the time so I started making healthier choices. I toothpaste until the 1950s. New Wave started cooking more, rather than ordering in. I also learned The wavy layer of about portion sizes and calories. toothpaste that sits I have four children: a 16-year-old stepdaughter, a 10-year- on the head of a old stepson, plus two sons, 3 and 1. I operate a day care in my Plaque Attack toothbrush is home, and I sell shirts for little boys on the side. Running is my Toothpaste’s primary called a “nurdle.” alone time. I’m outside. I’m getting fresh air. I’m not getting interrupted. I use it for my prayer time. purpose is to help —Chloe Thompson remove plaque buildup Right now I weigh 159 pounds, so I’ve lost 71 pounds since I on teeth. set my mind to losing weight. A lot of people ask, “What’s your After two kids and a lifetime of being secret?” like there’s a pill or a program or a trick of some kind. overweight, Catherine Grunden set her But the truth is I did it on my own, with a lot of hard work and mind to running and lost 71 pounds. some online fitness tools. I know I’ve been good to myself, and

Stephen H ill I’m being a good role model to my children. That’s what counts.

Read more stories and share your own in our communities. WebMD.com

16 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 17 livingwell livingwell expert a’s to your beauty q’s expert a’s to your beauty q’s

Mist Opportunity See color build as you A. In addition to exfoliating your skin apply Neutrogena to even out the surface, my best advice is to Micro-Mist Airbrush Whenever I use use your hand to really blend the product Sunless Tan. Glow Getters Q. in. Even distribution is key. Then moisturize, self-tanner, I always have at least one streaky, which keeps the cells that trap the self-tanner Skip the streaks with sunless tanning product picks solution on the skin longer, making your faux blotchy spot. What can I do? and foolproof application tips tan last. Incidentally, it’s not a good idea to Pouf Positive Amber Hermann, 32, paralegal, Abingdon, Va. put moisturizer on right before you self-tan, Smooth skin with because then the formula can’t stick to the a loofah or mesh sponge in the Smooth Move Streaks and spots do happen, but you skin cells. The exception to this is to apply a A. shower. Olay Skin Smoothing have a much greater chance today of achieving tiny bit first to knees, elbows, ankles, and feet Cream Scrub gently Strike Gold an even, natural-looking tan compared with to help the self-tanner go on evenly. smooths and preps skin. Fast-track a sunless decades ago. Then, as now, self-tanners used a I am a fan of Neutrogena Micro-Mist tan with Jergens Natural Glow Express colorless sugar called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Airbrush Sunless Tan ($10.99), which Body Moisturizer. which interacts with surface skin cells to produce provides just a hint of color with each a tanned appearance within about an hour. application. If you’re prone to dryness Streaks develop because of uneven application before or after self-tanning, try Avène or an excess of built-up cells on your skin. Moisturizing Self-Tanning Lotion To avoid a “blotched job,” exfoliate the ($22), infused with thermal spring water, areas you’re going to tan before applying self- to soften and hydrate skin. tanner. My preference for face and body is a When I self-tan, I start by gently scrub- scrub with particles that are perfectly round so bing my skin with a loofah or mesh sponge they glide over the skin, removing cell debris ($2 to $4) in the shower to remove dead without irritation. Try Olay Skin Smoothing skin cells so the tanner goes on more evenly Cream Scrub ($6.99) or Kiss My Face So and lasts longer. Then you should dry the Refined Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub($15), a skin thoroughly, apply self-tanner from head skin polisher with gentle jojoba beads. to toe, and rub it in well, avoiding heels and After you exfoliate, mix your self-tan- knuckles (where the skin is thick and will ning product—I like Jergens Natural Glow absorb too much of the self-tanner). Water Works Avène Moisturizing Self-Tanning Screen Play Express Body Moisturizer ($8.99) for a Smooth an extra layer of tanner onto Lotion is infused with hydrating L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion gradual, even tan—with a little body moistur- your face. Since skin is thinner on the face, spring water. SPF 20 provides sun protection and a glow. izer so it spreads evenly. Allow the product to it often takes more product to get a head- dry completely before topping your skin with to-toe match. Wash your hands afterward another light layer of moisturizer. Try PCA so the tanning cream doesn’t get stuck Skin Body Therapy ($44), a cream that pro- between your fingers and turn the skin DON’T go overboard. If to fix any imperfections vides therapeutic levels of moisture and helps unnaturally dark. you start with a lighter yourself or get a pro to Golden tone, you can always build even things out. keep skin free of cell debris. If you want a self-tanner and SPF in up to a darker shade—but I usually recommend self-tanning at night, one product, try L’Oreal Sublime Bronze DO use sunless tanner Rules you can’t go the other way! sparingly around rough, so you can wake up, shower, and slather on Self-Tanning Lotion SPF 20 ($9.99). But Ricky Croft, a self-tanning DON’T self-tan for the dry areas such as knees, your daily body moisturizer. Most self-tanners be sure to apply a lotion with an SPF of at expert at Sunless Inc., first time before a big elbows, and ankles, don’t protect you from UV rays, so a daily least 30 before heading outdoors.—Ayren a manufacturer of self- event. Plan ahead, and which tend to darken sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more is a must. Jackson-Cannady tanners, shares the do’s build up a tan in the more quickly. weeks prior. This results Carolyn Jacob, MD, and don’ts of getting your DO avoid oil-based Jennifer Linder, MD, in a less drastic, more clinical instructor of dermatology, founder and medical director, glow from a bottle. lotions and makeup even glow. It will also Soft Sell University of California, Chicago Cosmetic Surgery before sunless tanning. ensure your color isn’t Smooth skin and boost moisture with San Francisco and Dermatology These prevent even PCA Skin Body Therapy. Mint Condition streaky or blotchy for the application and can be The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts event, as you’ll have time hard to rinse off. Kiss dead skin goodbye with Kiss My Face and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not C hung L ee So Refined Jojoba & Mint Facial Scrub. endorse any specific product, service, or treatment. chung lee endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Bronze better with tips from the Healthy Beauty center.

18 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 19 Reviewed by Reviewed by fitness matters Brunilda Nazario, MD mind matters Patricia A. Farrell, PhD WebMD mental health expert working out what will work for you WebMD LEAD MEDICAL EDITOR a head start on emotional wellness Happy Feet Harm’s Way Looking for a great exercise? Walking is one of The Climb Some kids embed objects under their skin. What’s Listen Up If you’re already fit, walk- behind this disturbing behavior? Teens may try to hide the easiest and most effective ways to get fit ing may seem too easy. self-embedding. Clinical Here’s how to kick up the psychologist Peggy Walking while listening to podcasts and intensity for a more chal- A 17-year-old girl jammed six metal staples self-injury, or NSSI, says Peggy Andover, PhD, an Andover, PhD, says it’s audiobooks makes it easy for Janet Zinn to stick to her lenging workout. into the soft skin near her wrist. A 15-year-old girl assistant professor in the psychology department at important to stop it. daily exercise program. “I walk at least three miles, “A walking Speed up. “The easiest pushed a length of pencil lead under the skin of her Fordham University and a clinical psychologist. It’s Look for signs. If your sometimes six or 10,” says Zinn, 52, a psychotherapist buddy provides way to up the ante is to forearm. One 18-year-old inserted 35 objects over a most common among teenagers, but new research kid wears turtlenecks in in New York City. accountability.” simply walk faster,” says period of two years, including staples, a comb tooth, a shows children as young as 7 self-injure. Andover has the summer or refuses After one year of walking regularly, Zinn dropped Therese Iknoian, MS, fork tine, a cotter pin, and nail polish wands. found a fairly even split between the genders. to be seen in a bathing more than 60 pounds. She has kept the weight off for a author of Fitness Walking. The dangerous practice of pushing objects directly Researchers have not given much attention to self- suit, he or she may be year and continues with her main form of exercise. You may even want to try into the flesh or inserting them into cuts is called embedding, according to Andover, but psychologists trying to cover up self- race-walking, which uses embedding injuries. Walking requires no equipment aside from a have some theories about why people more muscles and burns Talk about it. When supportive pair of walking shoes. “Exercise doesn’t more calories. do it. It may be a coping strategy: a way have to be hard to be effective,” says Julia Valentour, to calm anger, anxiety, or stress. It may your child mentions Head for the hills. Walk- that a friend has MS, exercise physiologist and program coordinator be a way to signal emotional distress, ing up hills increases done this, or you see for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). “The intensity. So does increas- or it might be a behavior learned from a news report about recommended 30 minutes [five days a week] can be ing the incline on a tread- It may be others. Andover says many people who self-embedding, use broken up into two 15-minute sessions or even three mill. But don’t hang on to a coping self-embed report that friends or family the opportunity to 10-minute sessions, making it easy to weave walking the treadmill as you walk members also have done it. discuss why kids hurt into a busy lifestyle.” or you’ll negate the ben- strategy While some researchers consider themselves and how to Weight loss isn’t the only benefit of a walking pro- efits, Iknoian says. or a embedding and other forms of NSSI a stop it. gram. Regular walking helps lower cholesterol, reduces Change the surface. signal of symptom of borderline personality dis- Get your child into the risk of type 2 diabetes, increases bone strength, “Walking on trails and emotional order, Andover says it happens in people therapy. If you find and improves circulation. Here are simple ways to keep maneuvering around with other disorders, as well as in out your child has your walks interesting and help you stay motivated. rocks increases muscular distress. people without another diagnosis. Her embedded an object Use a pedometer. Bit by bit, boost your daily steps. demand,” Iknoian says. research has also discovered a troubling into his or her flesh, “Wear a pedometer for a week to see which days you Snow, sand, and even connection: Many people who report take it seriously. do the most number of steps,” Valentour says. “Then try grass make walking more self-injury also report suicidal thoughts Therapy can help with of a challenge. the problem that’s to repeat the activities of that day and add another 500 Find support online. Programs such as the American and suicide attempts. Use Nordic poles. Walk- causing this behavior. steps the following week.” Keep it up until you reach Heart Association’s StartWalkingNow.org have helped self-embedding. While it’s not a new trend, it’s often Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is used to A psychiatrist can 10,000 steps a day. thousands of people get started walking. Designed by ing poles get upper body misdiagnosed, ignored, or under-reported. treat borderline personality disorder, also seems to help muscles involved. “You prescribe medication, Keep a journal. Record each day’s walk. It serves as a ACE, the free online program includes a monthly news- Doctors sometimes discover self-embedding by reduce self-injury. DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral increase the cardio work- such as an SSRI motivator by allowing you to see your progress, Valen- letter with health tips and recipes, an online activity out when using poles, accident, most often when an embedded site becomes therapy that teaches patients skills to cope with and (selective serotonin tour says. and nutrition tracker, and access to an online journal. It plus they take the stress infected. Radiologists who reviewed three years of change unhealthy behaviors. Andover is developing a reuptake inhibitor), that Get a partner. “A walking buddy provides account- also allows you to connect with others for support and off of knees when walking patient records at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in new cognitive behavioral treatment specifically for NSSI. can be effective. ability. Neither wants to let the other person down,” motivation, and a search option helps you find walking downhill,” Iknoian says. Columbus, Ohio, found that of 600 people treated to What can parents do? Talk to your teen. “Parents Valentour says. paths in your area. Add resistance. Throw on remove foreign bodies from soft tissue, 11 had inserted should realize that asking the question won’t start the Sign up for a race or charity walk. Making the com- Beginners start by walking five to 10 minutes, a weighted backpack or them deliberately. behavior. It won’t put an idea into his or her head,” mitment gives you a goal to shoot for, which may while advanced walkers start with more challenging weight vest. Why do people do this? Self-embedding is a Andover says. “It will potentially open up the lines of motivate you to stick with a program. options.—Linda Melone psychiatric disorder involving deliberate, non-suicidal communication.”—Susan Kuchinskas ope z/ Gett y I ma g e s

Brisk walking at 4 mph burns 334 calories, while As many as 6% of teenagers admit to ac h o L M ariana P strolling at 3 mph burns 221 calories. I ma g e s Oj o I ma g e s/ Glow inserting objects under their skin.

Walk this way to find more exercise ideas. WebMD.com Get inside your kid’s head at the Teen Health center. WebMD.com

20 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 21 Ideal space around the logo is the width of the letter ‘t’ in fit.

Reviewed by patient matters Louise Chang, MD raising kids By Hansa Bhargava, MD making the most of your health WebMD SENIOR MEDICAL EDITOR Health advice for kids’ sake FIT_logo_box.eps WebMD medical editor FIT_logo_box_sanford_webmd.eps

Toll Road HeavyFIT_logo_no_box_sanford_webmd.eps DutyFIT_logo_no_box.eps Stress less Caregivers often pay a hefty price when Family consultant Jo Think your kidFIT_logo_black_no_box_sanford_webmd.eps is overweight? FIT_logo_black_no_box.epsFocus on creating Kid Stuff it comes to their own health McCord, MA, explains Usage on dark backgrounds What can you do if your how to ease some of the healthy habits for the entire family child is overweight? These stress of caregiving. simple tips can help. Since Jeanne Erdmann’s mother was tremendous, they tend to get sick,” says Jo McCord, A 10-year-old boy came into my office last that more than half of kids ages 9 to 13 said they were Call a family meeting. FIT_logo_box_sanford_webmd.eps Lead by example. Studies diagnosed three years ago with dementia, she has taken MA, family consultant with the nonprofit Family Prevent strained family week and promptly asked, “Am I too chubby?” His stressed about their weight. show that if parents eat on the daily responsibilities of bathing and dressing her Caregiver Alliance. “Caregivers go to the doctor so often mother added, “I read about BMIs as a way to determine Watch your child for signs of distress. Perhaps your relationships by keeping FIT_logo_white_no_box.eps well and exercise, kids are mom, preparing her meals, making sure she takes her with the care receiver that they are simply too tired to all members informed if someone is overweight. What is a BMI anyway? What daughter is overly attentive to how she looks, say- likely to follow suit. medicine, and managing her finances. go to the doctor for themselves.” about a loved one’s does it mean?” FIT_logo_white_box_sanford_webmd.eps ing things like “My tummy looks big” or asking “Are Cook more often. If you Caregivers who reach condition. Bring in an The body mass index, BMI for short, is a calcula- my thighs fat?” Maybe your son avoids clothing that eat out three times a out for help can tap outsider, such as a social tion that uses height and weight to estimate how much exposes his body, such as swim trunks, or wants to skip week, try going one less into information and worker, counselor, reli- body fat a child has. The result is then compared with school activities. time. On Sunday, spend Caregivers spend resources to make their gious leader, or friend, to those of kids of the same age and gender to determine Take these cues seriously. Whether it’s you an hour cooking an average of 20 jobs less stressful. Yet the help smooth over conten- if the child falls within a healthy weight range. (You or your child who is concerned, see your food you can tious situations. hours per week challenges of caregiving can use an online BMI tool to check your child.) doctor. She can calculate your child’s BMI eat later in the are often compounded Dole out tasks. McCord and screen week—grill enough chicken on caregiving. by caregivers’ tendency to says caregivers often feel him for ill- they need to go it alone. Tell your child it’s not breasts for two become isolated, McCord nesses that are But don’t assume friends about how he looks meals, or make a big says. “There’s a lot of and family aren’t willing linked to being over- pot of chili. need for emotional sup- or his body shape but weight. She can also help you to help. “Make it easier Get your family moving. port that goes unmet.” by giving them something about being healthy. find ways to make lifestyle Take just 30 minutes on Support groups and specific to do,” she says. changes that improve your Saturday and Sunday to caregiving classes, either Get outside help. whole family’s health. do an activity with your in person or online, give National, state, and local Then, refocus the conver- kids. Play Frisbee in the caregivers a forum where disease-specific organi- sation. Tell your child it’s not park or take a nature they can connect with zations can put you in about how he looks or his walk. During the week, others going through the touch with day respite body shape but about being take after-dinner walks. “It wears you down. I think it’s the grind of hav- same experience. They’re also a great way to learn about programs and in-home healthy. Explain that a person Keep TV out of ing someone there every day who needs more and legal, financial, and medical resources needed to best services that provide a with a healthy body can run bedrooms. Many studies more attention,” says Erdmann, a medical journalist care for someone. much-needed break for faster, be a stronger soccer show that kids with TVs in Wentzville, Mo. Although she says she’s happy to Although guilt comes with the caregiving territory, caregivers. You can also player, do well at school, and in their bedrooms tend to hire a care manager, a be there for her mom, Erdmann acknowledges the it’s one emotion worth brushing aside. “Caregivers feel better and happier—and be overweight. professional who helps Get enough sleep. Seven- toll caregiving takes. often feel they can’t enjoy themselves because the per- families plan and coordi- how good eating habits, to 12-year-olds need 10 Caring for a friend or family member who is son they’re caring for is compromised,” McCord says. nate care. Call your local It’s worth doing, because a child who is overweight physical activity, and enough sleep all help. to 11 hours of sleep a chronically ill, disabled, or aging can be emotionally But when caregivers fail to keep in touch with personal caregiver resource center, is not only at higher risk for diabetes, hip fractures, and The boy in my office did turn out to be overweight. night, and teens need and physically demanding. Caregivers, who are interests and friends, they lose connections they need area agency on aging, other health problems, but his happiness is in jeopardy I said this just meant he needed to have healthier habits. eight to nine. Make sure predominantly middle-aged women, spend an average more than ever. senior center, or other as well—as my young patient illustrates. You might We talked about what he and his family could do to your child powers down

community resource. y/G ett y I mages of 20 hours per week on caregiving responsibilities, Erdmann still tries to find ways to let off steam. “We think a child doesn’t worry about body size until he improve their health and fitness. It worked—when an hour to 30 minutes a commitment that interferes with work and can lead laugh a lot. You have to find the humor and just hold reaches his teens, but I’ve noticed younger children are I saw him several months later, he was a happier, before bedtime. to health problems. “The stress they are under is so on to the good times as long as you can.”—Lisa Zamosky also concerned. In fact, a recent KidsHealth poll found healthier boy.

More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid Children who are obese have a nearly 80% /G ett y I mages K ei j i I wai care for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Chu rc h ill /G ett y I mages ; Jo n E. K ell R o b ert likelihood of being obese adults.

Get support in the Caregiving community. WebMD.com Get healthy, family-fun tips in the Raising Fit Kids center. WebMD.com

22 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 23 Reviewed by parentingsex mattersmatters Laura J. Martin, MD WebMD Medical editor NEW! expert advice for kids’ sake Today, I’m ready to take charge of my pain. And I’m not doing it alone. Test Drive Are your teens road-ready? Steer them in the Drivers Ed Budget cuts have forced right direction with one-on-one lessons many school districts to eliminate drivers education When Welmoed Sisson registered Car accidents are the leading cause of death for programs, leaving parents her teens for classes at a local driving school, teenagers in the United States and sent 350,000 no option but to pay for she learned their lessons would include a mere teens to emergency rooms in 2009. Newly licensed private training. Find six hours behind the wheel. Sisson knew her drivers have the highest risk of accidents, according a good program with Personal journal to easily kids, Ian and Diana, wouldn’t develop safe to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. these tips from Laurence • Steinberg, PhD. log pain levels, triggers, and driving habits without more practice, so she “Driving isn’t just about knowledge. It’s a skill Request referrals. Ask more. supplemented their drivers education with one- that needs to be learned,” says Laurence Steinberg, on-one lessons with mom. PhD, psychology professor at Temple University and neighbors and co-workers with licensed teens to author of You and Your recommend driving • Daily tips approved by Adolescent: The Essential Guide WebMD doctors to help you schools and instructors. for Ages 10–25. “Parents “Other parents can meet your goals. need to take an active tell you about good role in teaching their teachers—and about • Articles, slideshows, and kids to drive.” those who haven’t been videos related to your Build on the skills so good,” Steinberg says. condition. they learned in driving Research the options. school and teach them The local AAA office how to drive well in and your insurance • Custom reports for better Newly bad weather, nighttime, company may also have discussions with your doctor. licensed and bumper-to-bumper recommendations. Call drivers have traffic. But don’t stop a few driving schools there. “A lot of parents to compare. Steinberg advises focusing on the highest think that once their risk of programs that offer in-car teenagers get their lessons. And check with accidents. licenses, it’s the end the Better Business of their involvement, Bureau about complaints. when it’s just the Take a road trip. Visit the “I wanted them to have a good start,” recalls beginning,” Steinberg says. He advises parents to schools and inquire about Sisson, 51, a marketing director in Boyds, Md. “I set clear expectations for new drivers, including no the training. “Ask about let them progress at their own pace to help them cellphones or other teens in the car. If your teen the instructors’ credentials feel more confident behind the wheel.” doesn’t follow the rules, suspend privileges. and how much practice Sisson spent 10 months offering instruction and Sisson believes that modeling good driving students get behind the encouragement from the passenger seat. The extra behaviors and insisting her teens follow her lead has wheel,” Steinberg advises. time behind the wheel helped: Both kids have been helped them stay safe behind the wheel. “I feel really More practice time means ticket- and accident-free. secure about giving them the keys.”—Jodi Helmer more experienced drivers.

Guidance. Knowledge. Support. From the most trusted brand in health information. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are A Better Day Starts Here. A n d e r sen Ross/Getty Im a g es four times more likely to crash than older drivers.

Are your teens driving you crazy? Share in the Parenting community. WebMD.com

July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 25 Reviewed and recipe by By Domenica Catelli, Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD chef, cookbook author, healthyeats WebMD Director of Nutrition healthyeats Mom-a-licious founder nutritious and delicious nutritious and delicious Anatomy of a cucumber Stock Up

Summer is supposed to be a carefree time, with barbecue dinners, Family Ties Fit Fruit pool parties, and fireflies. But for parents, Cucumbers belong to the plant family A half cup of sliced cucumbers has 8 even summertime is often hectic. It can be a Cucurbitaceae, which includes calories and contains more than 10% of the recipe for family dinner disaster—grabbing melons, squash, and pumpkins. recommended daily intake of vitamin K. burgers at the drive-through or running down the supermarket’s freezer aisle looking for Garden Variety Water Weight precooked meals. Cucumbers come in many sizes, shapes, A cucumber is more than 95% water. Here’s a better way: Keep your freezer and textures, and colors, including white, pantry stocked with a few basics so you’re yellow, and even orange. always ready for a quick dinner—one you can Cool It make in 30 minutes or less. This is what I like Cucumber slices over the eyes may help to have on hand. reduce puffiness, thanks to a combination of Chicken breasts Pound boneless, skinless Skin Type the fruit’s water content and caffeic acid. breasts until they’re thin, then freeze them. Two common kinds of cucumbers grown They thaw in under 30 minutes. Or throw in the U.S. include slicing and pickling. them, still frozen, onto a hot grill pan, where Slicing cucumbers are usually large with For the Record (depending on thickness) they can cook in a thick skin, while pickling cucumbers are The world’s largest cucumber, grown in southern about 10 minutes. Add a big salad and rice, and smaller with a thin skin. China, was 67 inches long and weighed 154 pounds. you’ve got a full meal. Pasta Keep several whole grain or vegetable-based (like spinach) varieties on Salt of the Earth Under the Sea hand, including spaghetti, penne, and egg Pickles are cucumbers that have been Sea cucumbers are not related to the produce noodles. For a super-nutritious quick meal, add soaked in a brining solution made of variety. They are just named after its oblong sautéed or roasted veggies (think asparagus, salt, vinegar, and water. shape.—Chloe Thompson zucchini, green beans, or broccoli), olive oil, and some grated cheese. healthy recipe Pot o’ Beans healthy recipe Canned beans They’re inexpensive, tasty, and packed with protein and fiber, and they’re Makes 6 servings Directions Per serving: ColdCold Creamy Creamy Makes 6 servings Directions key to many last-minute dishes. Just rinse them 1. Drizzle bottom of heavy- 112 calories, Ingredients CucumberCucumber Soup Soup well to remove salt (or buy the no-salt variety). 3 15-oz cans Italian bottomed pot with extra Ingredients 1. In a heavy-bottom 4-quart pot, heat butter and 3.4 g protein, WithWith Avocado Avocado olive oil over medium heat. Sauté leeks 5–7 13.5 g Try adding a bit of chopped garlic and tomato 1½ tsp extra virgin white (cannellini) virgin olive oil. 1 tsp unsalted butter carbohydrate, to white or cannellini beans for a delicious side olive oil beans, drained and minutes until tender. Add garlic and continue thoroughly rinsed 2. Stir in onion, herbs, and chili 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil sautéing 2 more minutes. 6.2 g fat dish with lamb, chicken, or beef. ½ small onion, chopped flakes. Cook until onions are 3 leeks, washed and sliced (1 g saturated ¼ cup canned soft, about 5 minutes, then 2. Add cucumber and chicken stock. Simmer until fat), 2 mg Simmer garbanzo beans (also called chick- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, tomato purée sage, or combination, add garlic. 1 clove garlic, minced cucumber is softened (about 6–8 minutes). cholesterol, peas) with Indian spices (like garlic, coriander, ½ cup chicken broth, 3 g fiber, finely chopped Sauté 2 more minutes. Add 4 cups (about 3 large) cucumber, peeled, 3. Pour small batches of cucumber soup into a and cumin), sprinkle with chopped fresh (or 1½ tsp dried) low-sodium 3. seeded, and cubed 6 g sugar, beans, tomatoes, and chicken blender and purée until smooth. 254 mg cilantro, and serve with rice. Red kidney or 1 pinch chili flakes handful chopped parsley 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock broth. 4. Return puréed soup to pot and add 1 tsp of dill, sodium. black beans are a classic base for chili, burritos, 1 tbsp garlic, finely cracked black pepper 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, divided sherry or vinegar, salt, pepper, and yogurt. Whisk Calories from or tacos. chopped dash of salt 4. Cook 5 minutes. Serve with 2 tsp sherry or red wine vinegar to thoroughly blend. fat: 50% chopped parsley, pepper to Spices and other flavors Flavoring is the taste, and a dash of salt. ½ tsp salt 5. Cover and refrigerate soup until chilled, about trick to quick meals that taste like something freshly ground pepper 2–3 hours. you cooked for hours. Red chili flakes, black

8 oz fat-free plain Greek yogurt 6. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with pepper, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon, and Per serving: 270 calories, 17 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat, 11 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 80 mg sodium. eative/Getty Im a g es n / S toc k foo d Cr eative/Getty : Ric k Le w /Getty Im a g es; Jessica Dixo

1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed avocado and the remaining dill. to p Lisa Ro m e r i n / F oo d Pix/Getty Im a g es garlic can spice up a last-minute dinner. Calories from fat: .06%

Cool off with more cucumber recipe ideas. WebMD.com Spill the beans in the Food & Cooking community. WebMD.com

26 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 27 ◗ This Hepatitis Spotlight was created by WebMD’s Editorial staff under WebMD’s sole editorial controla nd is brought to ◗ this content is selected and controlled by WebMD’s editorial staff and is you by our sponsor. This Spotlight was not edited by the supporting company. ◗ brought to you by jane iredale. ◗ spotlight

Liver Diseases at the University of Miami’s First, anyone who received a blood hepatitis Miller School of Medicine. transfusion or organ transplant before “Most people who have chronic 1992 might have contracted the virus hepatitis C—that means they’ve had it without knowing it. “We didn’t have any for some time—are disproportionately way of detecting the virus in the blood between ages 45 and 65,” Schiff explains. supply until then,” Schiff says. In the Indeed, one in 30 baby boomers has been In addition, baby boomers who came infected with hepatitis C, accounting for of age during the 1960s and ’70s might 75% of those who have this “silent killer,” have experimented with intravenous according to the CDC. Typically, their only drugs, putting them at risk for contracting symptom is fatigue, which often flies the virus. “We’re not talking about hard- under the radar. “Many people say, ‘Well, core addicts,” explains Schiff. “They may I’ve been feeling tired for some time, and have done [IV drugs] four or five times. C the I thought, I’m getting older, and [that’s] They shared needles.” probably the reason,’ ” Schiff says. In June, the CDC issued new guide- How It Progresses Signs lines recommending people ages 45 to 65 For every 100 people infected with HCV, hould you be tested for be routinely screened for the hepatitis C 75 to 85 will develop a chronic form of Shadows hepatitis C? Talk with your virus (HCV) with a blood test. “It’s going the disease—meaning it persists indefi- Hepatitis C is alive and well—but many Sdoctor if you answer “yes” to be test and treat, and that’s very good,” nitely (or until treated), attacking the liver to any of the following, advises people who have it don’t know it Schiff says. and causing liver cells to die. Though the Eugene Schiff, MD. liver is able to regenerate or grow back, Have you ever injected Starting Point it can form scar tissue as it attempts to yourself with a needle or Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, repair itself. As decades go by, the disease shared needles? This might be usually caused by a virus. You’ve probably can progress to cirrhosis, where so much an uncomfortable conversation As many as 4 million heard of the most common types: hepa- scar tissue has built up that the liver can to have with your physician, people in the United States have titis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. While no longer function properly. but a one-time sharing of a you can get vaccinated against hepatitis A Your chance of developing cirrhosis needle during drug use experi- hepatitis C, according to new research, mentation decades ago could (caused primarily by ingesting contami- roughly correlates with the number of and about 15,000 people die of mean you’re infected. nated food or water) and hepatitis B (pre- years you’ve had hepatitis C, Schiff says. Before 1992, did you hepatitis C-related liver failure or dominantly spread through sexual contact Anywhere from 5% to 20% of those receive a blood transfusion, liver cancer every year. In fact, more and from mother to newborn), there is chronically infected with the disease organ transplant, or any blood Americans now die from hepatitis C no vaccination for hepatitis C. Transmit- develop cirrhosis after 20 to 30 years, product? ted through contact with the blood of according to the CDC. The progression Have you had a sexual each year than from HIV, according an infected person, it is the most com- to cirrhosis occurs more quickly in men, partner who had or has to a recent study published in the mon blood-borne infection in the United those who are HIV positive, and those hepatitis C? Though sexual transmission of the virus is low, Annals of Internal Medicine. Even more States, the CDC says. who drink alcohol. Once you have cir- Transmission occurs by contaminated rhosis, you’re at risk for developing liver it occurs more frequently in startling: 75% don’t know they have blood transfusions, blood products, and cancer. “About 1% to 5% of chronic hepa- those who have multiple sexual partners and in people with organ transplants. Hepatitis C is also titis C patients [in the United States] with the virus—and they might have had it HIV, according to the CDC. spread through injections given with con- cirrhosis will get a primary cancer of the for decades. How is this possible? Have you ever had jaun- taminated syringes, needle-stick injuries liver,” says Schiff. dice? Jaundice—yellowing of “In general, it’s relatively asymptom- in health care settings, use of injected But, mysteriously, not everyone who your skin and the whites of atic,” that is, with few, if any, symptoms, drugs, or being born to an HCV-infected becomes infected with HCV develops a your eyes—is an obvious sign says Eugene Schiff, MD, professor of medi- mother. Less commonly, it can be trans- chronic form of the disease. Anywhere of hepatitis. cine and director of the Schiff Center for mitted through sex with an infected from 15% to 25% of infected people Are you between the ages person or by sharing personal items con- “will spontaneously clear it right off of 45 and 65? “Ask your doc- taminated with infectious blood. the bat without any medication,” Schiff tor to test you,” says Schiff. says. Others can be cured with antiviral “That’s in keeping with the Reviewed by new CDC guidelines.” By Christina Boufis, WebMD Contributing Writer Who Gets It drugs, which can eliminate the virus Brunilda Nazario, MD Why do so many middle-aged adults have from the body and thus prevent liver WebMD LEAD MEDICAL EDITOR

T yler Campbell P hoto g raphy/Getty Ima e s Steve Wrubel/Getty Ima g e s hepatitis C? problems.

Get all the facts about hep C at the Hepatitis Health center. WebMD.com

28 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 29 What will help you lose weight? health highlights mark your calendar Introducing the WebMD Food & Fitness Planner

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July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 31 Kyra Sedgwick opens up about her Kyra Sedgwick has to jump on another phone. It’s her husband calling. She and actor Kevin Bacon will celebrate long-lived marriage, their 24th wedding anniversary this September, and there’s a melty her recently empty tenderness in her voice when she says, “Hi, honey…is everything OK?” There’s a pause, and you can hear the smile—that screen- nest, and life as a illuminating Sedgwick smile—in her voice as she says, “OK, I love working mom you, bye.” Right there is a clue as to just why Sedgwick and Bacon are one of Hollywood’s admired veteran couples. Though they married young and, some might say, hastily—she was just 22 when they met on the set of the PBS adaptation of the play Lemon Sky; they married within less than a year and conceived their son on their honeymoon—they are still going strong nearly a quarter-century later.

getcloserBy Gina Shaw, WebMD Contributing Writer Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD WebMD SENIOR MEDICAL EDITOR

July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 33 done. On this visit”—she’s calling during children’s lives, Sedgwick reflects the real- parents. I think many were surprised at a jaunt back to Los Angeles—“I was seeing ity of most parents after their nest empties, the level of pleasure they derived from this some folks from the show who are filming says Christine Proulx, PhD, an assistant new relationship with their children, as [TNT’s upcoming series] Major Crimes, and professor in the human development and well as being able to spend more time with I was thinking that I really didn’t miss it. family studies department at the University their spouse.” I love Brenda so much, but maybe it will of Missouri, whose research seems to dem- That’s one thing Sedgwick plans to take me a few years to feel nostalgic and onstrate that the loneliness of the “empty make the most of. She’s said her heart still miss her.” nest” is largely a myth. skips a beat when she sees Bacon enter Something she is feeling a bit nostalgic For a study published in the Journal of a room—or when he writes one of his for these days: her kids’ time at home. Both Family Issues, she interviewed 142 couples many love songs for her (in addition to his Travis and Sosie are out on their own now, who were at the same stage of life as Sedg- famously versatile acting career, Bacon has although Sedgwick says she and Bacon wick and Bacon—watching the youngest a band with brother Michael; they released don’t feel like empty nesters quite yet. “The of two or three children leaving home. A Philadelphia Road: The Best of the Bacon Brothers kids are still around, but it’s different. I majority, she says, found themselves truly last month). “My favorite song he’s written think I grieved an entire year over the pro- enjoying their changed roles. for me is ‘Kikko’s Song’—my nickname is cess, and I still get boo-hooey sometimes, “They liked the shift from always hav- Kikko. ‘Angelina’ is another good one—my but I’m so grateful that they’re still talking ing to monitor their children day to day, other nickname is Angel. It’s about me, not to me and they want me to be part of their to becoming more of a peer or mentor,” Angelina Jolie,” she says, laughing. “The lives,” she says. “I do miss that level of need says Proulx. “It was very fulfilling for the songs are so sweet.” and intimacy we once had. As a parent, you have such a great job, and you feel like you’re pretty good at it—then you kinda get fired. But it’s also the exact right nature Kyra’s Top 4 of things, and I take solace in that.” In her wistful but comfortable accep- As hard as actor Kyra Sedgwick works to nurture her marriage and family, she tance of her new, less-urgent role in her also takes time to care for herself. That’s one reason she constantly appears on lists of women celebrities who look much younger than they are. “I spent the whole year last year thinking I was 46, so on my birthday, when I realized I had only been 45 and I’d just turned 46, that was awesome!” she says. How does she do it?

Sedgwick and her longtime love and husband of almost She’s fierce about exercise. “It’s like a Sedgwick thing. Sedgwicks for centu- 24 years, Kevin Bacon. 1ries have either been exercise addicts, or they kill themselves,” she laughs. She’s a fan of the ultra-bendy dance-cum-yoga body sculpting workout known as the Bar Method, and she’s also discovered a new super-intense interval routine As a parent, you have such a great job, and you feel like called the Tabata Protocol. “You can do it running or on an exercise bike, and it’s very intense. I used to like spinning, but I hurt my knee.”

you’re pretty good at it—then you kinda get fired. But it’s also : F ra z er Harrison / Gett y I ma g es the exact right nature of things, and I take solace in that. She cries. “I talk about my feelings in a lot of different venues, and I let 2them come out, and I cry,” she says. “I spent so many years on The Closer “We don’t take each other for granted,” Sedgwick pauses, clearly thinking she’s firmly rooted in New York City, but the living Brenda’s life six months out of the year, and some of my emotions got says Sedgwick, who will be 47 in August. just said something really sappy. “I’m a ter- show was produced in Los Angeles. A few squashed down pretty low. Since I finished the show, I’ve been letting all that As most two-career couples with kids can rible gardener, by the way,” she declares. months ago, she wrapped up filming the flow. I don’t wear mascara now, and it’s great!” attest, that’s an easy trap to fall into. “So “I managed to kill a ficus in my house! last season of the series, which starts July 9. many other things seem to be much more They’re, like, indestructible.” Now, she’s looking forward to the release She cuts herself some slack. “I wish I hadn’t given myself such a hard time urgent. You’re feeling comfortable and safe of one of the first films she’s starred in 3about working when the kids were younger,” she says. “I’d be giving myself in your marriage, and you think you can Nest Test since The Closer began, an Exorcist-type drama a hard time about the work while I was at work, but I couldn’t be home, so I put it on the back burner and go, well, that’s Since 2005, Sedgwick’s marriage—and her called The Possession, with Jeffrey Dean Mor- wasn’t in either place. I regret that. I’ve learned to let myself off the hook.” OK, because this other thing is much more relationship with kids Travis, now 23, and gan, due out at the end of August. urgent: kids, work, Hollywood, whatever. Sosie, who just turned 20—has weathered Much as she loved playing Brenda, She de-stresses by window shopping—online. Sedgwick’s favorite guilty “And all of a sudden you realize that frequent separations required by her star- Sedgwick says it was time for her to move 4pleasure is to log on to pricey shopping websites and fill her virtual cart with the thing you’ve taken for granted hasn’t ring role as deputy chief Brenda Leigh on. “I miss the people and the camaraderie everything she wants. “I load up bags, but I don’t actually check out,” she says.

been nurtured and it’s not healthy. I try to Johnson in TNT’s The Closer, a part that net- and making something like that, but I don’t /T r u n k A rc h i v e ; D imitrios Kam b o ris /W ire I ma g / Gett y es . ri gh t S irota a g e : Pe ggy “Net-a-Porter is fun because the prices there are so outrageous, you’re like, ‘I’m take care of my marriage like a precious ted her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe miss doing it,” she explains. “I gave 150% Sedgwick and Bacon with their daughter, Sosie. definitely not clicking yes to check out!’ ”—GS

garden.” Award. The Bacon-Sedgwick household is every day, and I was definitely ready to be p re v io u s

34 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 35 biggest load of s***. They’d rather have “But it took years later until I let myself me in the next room wanting to commit When I first had have the feelings and know how deeply I suicide than happy on the road.’” was affected by the divorce of my parents. That’s a child’s birthright, Sedgwick my kids, I thought, When I did realize it, I thought, ‘I will says. “They should have their parents there ‘I really wish I was never do that! I’m so grateful this will all the time, but that’s not the way the never happen to my kids.’ world works. Like Freud said, we need love the person who “I don’t think I would have stayed and work.” She believes the family separa- in a desperately unhappy marriage, but tions required for doing The Closer taught could be happy and divorce was something I would have her how to handle that. “Before I left to avoided at almost all costs. But I didn’t start filming the show, someone told me to fulfilled only being have to. It was easy. I’m lucky. I couldn’t keep my heart where my feet were. I tried a mom.’ But that’s be happier, really.” to do that. My heart was really at home, of course, but I wanted to show up and really not me. be present for this.” From left, Sedgwick in Man on a Ledge, Phenomenon with John Travolta, and The Closer. Now she’s focused on the upcoming release of The Possession, which represents a bit of a departure for her. “It’s cool, man,” she says. “Ole [director Mom at Work Ole Bornedal] is like the Martin Scorsese Although the sweet-but-steely detective of Denmark. I’d never done a movie like Brenda Leigh Johnson is the role that this before, and I don’t think it reinvents SplitDecision made her a household name, Sedgwick has the genre, but it’s really good. I play a worked steadily ever since she won a part mom who’s splitting up with her husband erhaps no one in the United States knows more about adult children on the soap opera Another World when she and the divorce is affecting the children. of divorce and how they approach their own relationships than Judith was just 16. When her kids were younger, The movie is a metaphor about what PWallerstein, PhD, a psychologist and former senior lecturer at the Univer- she and Bacon had a rule not to work at the happens when something evil gets into a sity of California, Berkeley. Wallerstein’s groundbreaking 25-year study tracked same time. Sedgwick averaged about a role family that loves each other, and how they more than 100 children from the time their parents separated (the youngest per year in films like Singles, Phenomenon, and have to come together. And there’s this child was 3 at the time) into young adulthood. The Woodsman, but she was still very much a little girl in it, Natasha Calis, who’s like the Most of these young people want to make sure they don’t make the mis- working mom—and she’s clear-eyed about next Jodie Foster.” takes their parents made. “They tend to do it carefully, and they want their the sacrifices that required. children to have everything they didn’t have,” says Wallerstein, who chronicled “When I first had my kids, I thought, ‘I Separate Peace her findings in The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25-Year Landmark really wish I was the person who could be With her rather dramatic family history, Study. “They say over and over again, ‘I don’t want my son or my daughter to happy and fulfilled only being a mom,’” Sedgwick’s cards might have predicted a have the childhood I had.’ ” she says. “But that’s not me. I heard Meryl much less sunny personal life. Her father Wallerstein, also the author of What About the Kids? Raising Your Children [Streep] talking the other day”—and here is one of the New England Sedgwicks, Before, During, and After Divorce, often advises adult children of divorce how she laughs at herself. “You know, ‘Meryl, an old-money and old-drama family in to build healthy relationships of their own. my friend’—but we actually are friends!— which mental illness, drug addiction, Don’t sweep it under the rug. Talk about the sometimes-forbidden topic of anyway, she was talking about how no and suicide figured along with judge- why the divorce happened. “Go back to your parents and ask why. ‘Why did one in her family likes her to go to work. ships and names on the Declaration of you divorce? Looking back, do you think it was a good reason?’ ” Wallerstein It’s true!” Independence. One of her cousins was says. “Children of divorce rarely feel they have permission to ask those ques- Sedgwick says she won’t pretend there the model Edie Sedgwick, who became tions, but this is exactly what they have a right to know.” aren’t drawbacks to working when you’re famous as artist Andy Warhol’s muse in the mom of young children. “There’s a the 1960s and died of a drug overdose Take your time. “Often, what I see is that during [young adults’] 20s, great line in this movie [This Is My Life, in the early 1970s. they experiment with different relationships and then they’re able to make a released in 1992] with Julie Kavner, where Kyra was just 6 when her parents split, choice,” Wallerstein says. The big problem they have to overcome, she says, is she plays a single mom who is a comedian and says it wasn’t until well after she and that they don’t have a frame of reference for a happy marriage. and starts to make it when her kids are like Bacon had married that she truly under- “Whatever you can rescue out of your experience would be useful to pass 10 and 14,” Sedgwick says. “She comes stood the impact of that trauma. “I was on,” Wallerstein advises. “It’s a great gift to be able to say to your child, back from a tour and they’re furious at her so young when I got married. I felt like ‘There’s no connection between my divorce and your relationships. What hap- for having left. Someone says, ‘Oh, they Kev was this raft I clung to. I suddenly y of TNT N etwor k y Ev erett C ollection ; o u rtes Pict u res / co rtes y Ev erett C ollection ; B u ena Vista / co u rtes : My les A ronowit z/Su mmit E ntertainment pened to me doesn’t have to happen to you. Divorce isn’t in the genes.’ ”—GS don’t really mean it—they just want their felt at home and safe for the first time in

mom to be happy.’ She says, ‘That’s the from left v e P h oto g ra ph ers , inc A s h croft /C reati R o b ert my whole life when I met him,” she says.

Unlock more healthy relationship secrets. WebMD.com 36 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 parenting Oh,Boy

By Gina Shaw, WebMD Contributing Writer

hen Washington, D.C., mom Sara Durkin’s son was 3, she got a call Some parents one day from his preschool. “They said he wasn’t sitting in circle time, he wasn’t sharing as much as he should, and he liked to be the center of young children, of attention,” she recalls. There were other issues as well. He didn’t like especially boys, group activities, although he did like to play one-on-one with other children. He was busy and physical, but he didn’t want to ride a bike often hear and seemed a bit clumsy. about sensory The school suggested that Durkin take her What’s going on here? Is there something son to see an occupational therapist. “They said really wrong with our kids—especially little processing that he might have sensory processing disorder boys? Or is “sensory processing disorder” the or something like that,” she recalls. Occupa- new ADHD—that is, a diagnosis of the moment tional therapy (OT) helps adults do better at that may well apply to certain kids who truly disorder. Is it a their job and daily tasks. OT helps children be need professional help, but could also be over- more comfortable and successful at play and applied to turn typical young-child behavior new childhood in school. into an illness? Durkin and her husband thought he was just It’s true that behavioral and developmen- crisis or just the being a 3-year-old boy, and that in some ways— tal disorders are on the rise among America’s such as seeking the company of adults and enjoy- children. One in every six children now has latest label? ing the limelight—he was simply taking after his been diagnosed with a developmental disability, father, a national TV news correspondent. They such as autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities, elected to skip OT. according to research from the Centers for Dis- Then within a few months she heard from ease Control and Prevention. That’s 1.8 million several other D.C. families. Their sons, all more children than were diagnosed with similar around the same age, had also been referred for conditions in the late 1990s. And nearly twice as occupational therapy (by different schools) with many boys as girls have these conditions. the suggestion that they might have sensory But what’s not entirely clear is how much of processing (or integration) disorder (SPD) or this rise is due to a real increase in behavioral attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “I have one neighbor who’s a speech pathologist and another who’s an audiologist, and they both Reviewed by told me [SPD] is one of the most over-diagnosed Hansa Bhargava, MD

disorders these days,” Durkin says. WebMD Medical Editor Viant/Getty I ma g es Paul

38 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 parenting

child may wrinkle his nose and say that autism and ADHD. Even those who do Does Your Kid Need a Diagnosis? Grandma’s perfume is stinky, but a child think it exists are cautious about applying with SPD might refuse to play at someone the SPD label. else’s house because he thinks they all smell “I see it all the time in kids, and I do Maybe, maybe not. First, consider taking one or more of these steps to help him yucky. (The Sensory Processing Disorder refer for further evaluation by occupational or her adjust to a school environment. Foundation has a checklist of symptoms at therapists,” says Kawa. “But it does not yet www.spdfoundation.net.) appear in any of our diagnostic manuals, Discuss alternate activities. “You might just have a kid who isn’t developmentally The concept of SPD has been around and it’s not something like depression that ready for a 20-minute circle time,” says Allison Kawa, PsyD. “After 10 minutes, for a long time—it was first described in has been well researched and defined with perhaps he can be allowed to go to a beanbag chair and look at a book.” the 1960s by occupational therapist A. Jean a large body of evidence.” Ayres, PhD—but the diagnosis gained trac- “It can be a legitimate diagnosis,” Hold your child back from kindergarten. “Don’t start him early, especially if he has a tion in the late 1990s with the publication Healy adds, “but I also think that a lot of late summer or early fall birthday,” John Schinnerer, PhD, advises. “Hold him out of The Out-of-Sync Child, by educator Carol highly sensitive kids get lumped with a a year, let him be a kid and develop socially, mentally, and emotionally.” Stock Kranowitz, MA. The Sensory Processing label that’s not to their benefit. In extreme Disorder Foundation claims that as many as cases, it’s clear there’s a problem that Look at simple things like nutrition, sleep, vision, and hearing. Evaluating these one in every 20 people—both children and needs help. But in milder situations, it’s areas may help you identify an easily correctable problem that might be causing adults—in the United States is affected by very unclear if it makes sense to label behavioral issues. “My own son was a very wiggly little guy, and was even more so the condition. It often seems to be worse in these kids.” when he would eat sugary breakfast cereals,” says Ahsan Shaikh, MD. “When we children, though. started giving him more protein in the morning, a lot of his behaviors went away.” What Can Parents Do? Note, however, that sugar doesn’t necessarily cause heightened activity in kids. problems, and how much can be attributed What if you realize that the school might to greater willingness to diagnose children Is there something really wrong with be on to something? A referral to an occu- Consider changing schools. “A lot of kids are sensitive, but that doesn’t mean they who seem more active or distracted than pational therapist can pretty much never have sensory integration disorder,” says Maureen Healy, MA, MBA. “They may just others, but who in the past might not have hurt, says Shaikh. “This isn’t medication. do better in a different school—for example, a more open-ended, nontraditional received a “behavioral disorder” label. our kids–especially little boys? It doesn’t have side effects,” he says. environment.”—GS “Schools often make these calls with This phenomenon may be occurring partly “There are a lot of adaptive, common- good intentions; often they want to find sense things that a good occupational out what’s going on with a child who isn’t because we ask much more of preschool-age therapist can to do help a child with sen- a way to establish what the condition If your child does have sensory ‘fitting in’ with the regular model of school- children than we have in previous decades. sory issues.” isn’t—ruling out SPD or ADHD, but still issues, Shaikh says, identifying them ing,” says Maureen Healy, MA, MBA, a child For example, perhaps your son has identifying support that can take place in and intervening at an early age can be development expert who has advised public been fighting a lot at recess. The occu- the classroom to help your child.” enormously helpful. “One child was just school programs in New York, Connecticut, analyze, and resist impulsive behavior— “Sensory dysregulation tends to get pational therapist may find that he has a Many providers, such as child psychia- slamming into people, and [his parents] California, and North Carolina. matures more slowly in boys. better with neurological maturation, but problem with knowing where his body trists or psychologists, may be willing to realized that he just needs to feel things This phenomenon may be occurring “Boys are just antsy and full of energy, in many cases, it does not go away alto- is in space, so when another child bumps do a short “second opinion” consultation pushing up against him,” he recalls. partly because we ask much more of and part of that is because the ‘brakes’ in gether,” says Allison Kawa, PsyD, a Los into him, he lashes out. over the phone, says Kawa. “You can tell “Every once in a while, the school has preschool-age children than in previous their brain aren’t fully wired yet,” says Angeles child psychologist. “A good OT will give him exercises to them that the school has brought up x, him crawl through plastic tunnels back decades. “We’ve compressed the curriculum Ahsan Shaikh, MD, a child and adolescent “Most people learn coping strategies better develop that positional sense,” says y, and z concerns about your child, and and forth on his hands and knees, to get more and more over the years, to the degree psychiatrist for EMQ FamiliesFirst, a men- as they grow up. For example, people Shaikh. “In general, with young kids, the ask what they think. They may say that it that need for stimulus out of him, and that what we’re expecting of younger tal health and social services agency with with sensitivity to light often find fluores- more ‘nonmedical’ work—teaching and sounds like you need an ADHD evaluation, then he goes back into class and does fine. children is developmentally inappropriate,” offices throughout California. cent lights irritating. As adults, they might training—that can occur, the better off or that it’s ‘typical boy stuff’ and suggest If you’re a kid who struggles with this, says John Schinnerer, PhD, a former school choose to bring floor lamps into their you are.” waiting a few months to see if it’s still a every part of the day can be a bit irritat- psychologist now in private practice in The ABCs of SPD office to avoid having to use them. But you shouldn’t take a referral from problem. Or they may tell you to come ing. Getting his needs met by modifying California and the author of Guide to Self: The So what is sensory processing disorder? It’s “Remember, we all engage in sensory a school straight to an occupational thera- right in because it sounds like your child is his day can make a world of difference.” Beginner’s Guide To Managing Emotion and Thought. been compared to a “neurological traffic seeking behavior (such as tapping a pencil pist, advises Melanie Fernandez, PhD, a really struggling.” Durkin’s son started a new school last “Not being able to sit in circle time for jam,” in which sensory signals received by or chewing a pen cap while concentrat- clinical psychologist and director of The To find a qualified child psychologist fall, one that seems to be a better fit for his 20 minutes or resist touching the person sit- the brain—about everything from the taste ing) and sensory avoidance (I personally Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Program or psychiatrist, contact the nearest major personality. But his year at the old school ting 6 inches away from them? That’s totally and texture of a food to the intensity of a hate touching cold, mushy things like raw at New York City’s Child Mind Institute. medical center or use the search tool ended well, and the teachers didn’t men- normal for a 4- or 5-year-old boy. I’d say touch—become garbled and disorganized. meat). It is when these needs or aversions Instead, consult your pediatrician, and provided by the American Academy of tion occupational therapy again. that for probably more than half of young People with SPD may be oversensitive (or interfere with our functioning and cause perhaps seek an evaluation from a child Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (www. “I know they had his best interests at boys, school just isn’t made for them.” undersensitive) to stimulation of any of the dysregulation that we have a disorder,” psychologist or psychiatrist. aacap.org). heart,” she says. “Some of the things they And why are parents of boys getting five senses. Kawa adds. “That diagnosis will help identify the Since occupational therapy can cost complained about early on, he’d already most of these phone calls? That may have Some examples: A typical child may But not everyone is convinced that SPD most effective approach,” she says. “For thousands of dollars out of pocket, you’re stopped doing. I think in a lot of kids, it’s to do with how boys’ brains are wired. cover her ears when the train with its loud is a distinct disorder at all—many sug- example, the real issue might turn out more likely to get insurance coverage for it just a question of maturity. They don’t all The prefrontal cortex—the brain’s “CEO,” whistle rockets by; a child with SPD may gest it is only a symptom related to other to be ADHD, which occupational therapy if the referral comes from a pediatrician or mature at the same pace, and that doesn’t

which helps us to make decisions, organize, fall into hysterical fits of terror. A typical behavioral or developmental disorders, like Westen d 61/Getty I ma g es doesn’t treat. An evaluation may also be a child psychologist or psychiatrist. always mean there’s anything wrong.”

What’s your childraising challenge? Ask our parenting experts. WebMD.com 40 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 41 sleep DIABETES Did you know? Did you know? During middle age, sleep patterns change: We wake up more during 7 million the night than in our younger years. Americans have diabetes but don’t know it. Do you have GOOD Is type 2 in sleep habits? store for you?

Schraderj4, a member of the WebMD sleep disorders Alliej025 worries she’s at risk for diabetes. “My sister community, doesn’t have a problem falling asleep. Her had diabetes and lost both legs and her life last year,” issue, she writes, “is STAYING asleep! I sleep for about alliej025 writes in the WebMD diabetes community. an hour at a time, sometimes a little more or less. It “I do not want to end up like she was. I know that affects everything in my life now as I am always tired, being overweight doesn’t help. I also have numbness can’t remember things I’ve known for years, can’t uestions and tingling in my feet, legs, and hands. Is any of this uestions concentrate on simple tasks.” Schraderj4 may have a Q for your doctor enough to be concerned?” What do you think? Take the Q for your doctor problem with “sleep hygiene.” Do you know how the quiz to learn more about the risk factors for type 2. following affect your shut-eye? Do my sleep problems indicate I may have a sleep If I have pre-diabetes, will I definitely develop 1disorder? Is so, what type? ●1 Young people get type 2 diabetes more often than 1diabetes? Can I avoid it? ●1 Do you watch TV, eat, or discuss emotional issues in bed? older people.  Yes  No Are my sleep problems caused by an underlying  True  False What’s the best way for me to control my blood medical or mental illness? sugar levels? ●2 Do you smoke or drink alcohol or caffeine before sleeping? 2 2 ●2 Being overweight increases your risk of getting type 2  Yes  No Will a sleep medication help? Are prescription diabetes. How can I lose weight and exercise safely if I ●3 Do you exercise before bedtime? 3sleep medications habit-forming?  True  False 3have diabetes?  Yes  No Should I see a sleep specialist? Will I need to ●3 If a family member has diabetes, your own risk increases. Will I need to inject insulin? What other ●4 Does your pet sleep with you? 4undergo overnight testing?  True  False 4medications can help me?  Yes  No ●4 Caucasians are the ethnic group most likely to get diabetes. sleep well diabetes  True  False newsletter newsletter Sign up for the latest news Sign up for the latest news Answers: 1. Use your bed only for sleep or sex; other activities can make it and lifestyle management and lifestyle management harder for you to fall asleep. 2. Nicotine is a stimulant and so can disrupt tips—delivered directly to tips—delivered directly to sleep. Caffeine is also a stimulant, so avoid it late in the day. Alcohol may Answers: 1. False. In general, the risk of type 2 diabetes goes up with age help you fall asleep, but later in the night it can affect the quality of your your email inbox! Go to and people age 45 and older are more likely to get it than younger people. your email inbox! Go to sleep. 3. Regular exercise makes it easier to fall asleep and contributes to WebMD.com and search However, greater numbers of people younger than 40—including teens and WebMD.com and search people in their 20s—now develop the disease as a result of the U.S. obesity sounder sleep, but do it at least three hours before bedtime. 4. Keep pets for “newsletters.” for “newsletters.” out of your bed so they don’t wake you or trigger allergies. epidemic. 2. True. Too many pounds can hamper your body’s ability to use insulin properly, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. 3. True. A parent, If you improve your sleep habits and still don’t sleep well, talk with your brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes raises your risk. 4. False. Native doctor. Americans, Alaska Natives, African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders get type 2 diabetes more often than Caucasians. SEARCHRCH SEARCHRCH Source: National Sleep Foundation; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the sleep disorders Source: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, and the diabetes Sleep Disorders Health Center Diabetes Health Center

42 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 43 HEART WebMD checkup 10 questions about your life and well-being Did you know? Fruits, vegetables, and Joel actor/comedian whole grains contain no cholesterol. McHale them with love even if they are tiny and don’t understand The lowdown on what’s going on. cholesterol Did your son’s illness encourage you to pay more attention to your own health? No. I drink just as much as I used to. Kidding. I am not a smoker, but I didn’t ever think about my health at all. I didn’t think about An_243681 got a wake-up call when she received eating more whole grains or drinking more wheatgrass juice. her most recent cholesterol results. “398!,” she tells WebMD’s cholesterol management board, “and the Is there anything you wish you had known about health when you ‘bad cholesterol’ was 200! Help. I’m trying to manage were younger? my diet but it’s so difficult...any tips?” WebMD’s I used to run so much. I wish I had known how rough that could Cholesterol Management and Eating & Diet centers have uestions be on your knees. Now I do push-ups. lots of good pointers. Before you look there, take this Q for your doctor What is your best health habit? Your worst? quiz to find out how much you already know. How do I know if I am at risk for a heart attack? I eat a lot of vegetables, and I do a lot of push-ups. At random times, I will just drop on the floor and do some push-ups. I’ve usually 1 If a food product’s package says “low cholesterol,” it’s What are my risk factors? ● 1 done a couple hundred by the end of the day. My worst [health also low in fat. habit] is too much wine and going crazy for sweets.  True  False Can I control my cholesterol through lifestyle 2changes alone? Is it easy to switch off after work? Do you ever bring your TV ●2 The best age to have your cholesterol level checked personality home with you? is 50, because that’s the peak age for heart attacks in Do I need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs? It’s part of the person you are, so you can’t really switch it off men. 3Will I need to take them long-term? completely. At home, I can become very distracted by work You star in two hit TV shows: NBC’s comedy series Community and sometimes. I do need to get off the phone and put it down.  True  False How low can I realistically expect my cholesterol E!’s satirical The Soup. You’ve got a new movie, Ted, which came to go? What should I aim for? out this summer. How tough is it to balance career and family? Have you passed on the funny gene to your sons? ●3 Women don’t get heart disease very often, so they 4 Here’s one strategy: Never sleep. That way you can get everything Both are hams in their own way. They definitely can tell jokes. When don’t need to worry about cholesterol. done. Seriously, though, at all times, I make time for the family, even I make a bad joke, Eddie says, “Daddy, no more jokes for a year.”  True  False though I’m not very organized about that. I take them with me on heart health trips when I can. I try to get home to dinner every night, but it’s You have been married more than 15 years. How do you and your 4 There is no cholesterol in peanut butter. really difficult to get home all the time. I try to keep a rhythm no wife keep your relationship fresh? ● newsletter matter how crazy it gets. I hurl myself at my family whenever I can. You have to choose your spouse every day. Tell yourself that this is  True  False Sign up for the latest news the person that I love and want to be with. It has to be something and lifestyle management Your first son, Eddie, had open-heart surgery as a newborn. How did you do consciously, then it becomes subconscious. you and your wife make it through that frightening time? tips—delivered directly to Answers: 1. False. The two don’t necessarily go hand in hand. For example, He was born with two large holes in his heart. It was horrific; we You’ve often said that 90% of what’s on TV sucks. Does that make coconut oil has no cholesterol but is high in saturated fat. 2. False. ­Everyone your email inbox! Go to couldn’t believe it. But we just started dealing with it. There’s noth- it hard for you to stay positive about your profession? age 20 and older should have a blood test to check for cholesterol levels at WebMD.com and search ing else you can do but proceed. It was a dark tunnel, but we came I’m always very positive because someone is paying me. Seriously, least every five years.3. False. Heart disease is the top killer of both men and women. Because cholesterol plays a role in heart disease, women must watch for “newsletters.” out the other end. For other parents, it’s a tunnel that never ends. just like all art and architecture, 90% of TV is crap but the other their levels, too. 4. True. Dietary cholesterol comes from animal products (such 10% is spectacular. Even with the advent of 1,000 cable channels, as meat, eggs, and dairy products), not plant foods (such as peanuts). What advice do you have for parents who find themselves faced the ratio stays the same. But I think the jury’s out on whether I’m in with serious health issues with their children? the 10%. I think I am, but then I’m pretty arrogant. Plus, it would You have to dump your life into your child. You have to live for be weird for me to say “my shows suck.” I’m very fortunate to be cholesterol SEARCHRCH Source: American Heart Assocation and the Cholesterol Management J ustin S tephens /AUGUST them. That’s when you really have to be a parent and shower with the shows that I’m on.—Matt McMillen Health Center Read Joel McHale’s full interview. WebMD.com

44 WebMD the Magazine | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | WebMD the Magazine 45 The HEALTHY DOG AND CAT GUIDE Created for Your Vet’s Office

webmd.com Summer 2012

Dog Puppy Love Find the right breed for your brood Show 54 TV host Maria Menounos’ four pooches provide the entertainment in her life Fur 50 Warning Does your cat groom too much? 52

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Kyra Sedgwick shares the secrets to a long and happy marriage. Special Flip Issue! ask the experts Your questions answered

Boarding Pass How to find the right kennel

Q  My family is leaving for summer vacation soon. How do I choose the best My dog’s kennel for our dog? nose is hot and dry A  “Don’t wait,” says Nana Will of Gold today. Does Hill, Colo., a dog trainer for more than 20 that mean he’s sick? years. Will conducts seminars to train doggy The common belief that a day care staffers at her facility and does healthy dog has a cold, wet consulting work across the country. “Start nose and a sick dog has a checking kennels out now, not right before hot, dry nose is FALSE. you have to leave. Ask your friends Here’s why: The or your veterinarian for references. Visit temperatures of dogs’ noses the facility you’re considering and get a fluctuate day to day, even Q  My cat is more than 10 years old. tour,” she says. hour to hour. It’s hard to How can I help her age well? Ask the staff about the services they offer say exactly why (it could be and if there are structured daily activities. Can the environment or it could A  Cats tend to age more gracefully than you bring your own dog food to keep your be what they’ve been up to dogs, but as the years go by, they can’t jump to dog on the same diet? See what the sleeping recently). But a dog can be the top of the refrigerator anymore. Their appe- quarters are like, perfectly healthy and have a tites wane. They sleep more. and ask who warm, dry nose. A dog can Marty Becker, DVM, a veterinarian at the provides the be really sick (think heart North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint, bedding. disease or critically injured) Idaho, has this advice to help your cat age well. What’s and have a cold, moist nose. Schedule twice-annual “wellness” visits. their vet- The moistness of your “There’s a grace period for many illnesses: If erinary dog’s nose is also not an you catch it early on, it’s usually less expensive care? indicator of health, says and treatment is much more successful. We Take note Steven Marks, DVM, can do routine tests, such as blood tests or of how they clinical associate professor urinalysis, to pick up on the very earliest signs handle the dogs of critical care and internal of health problems,” Becker says. and the facility’s medicine at North Carolina Make favorite spots easy to reach. Give her cleanliness. State University’s College of ramps or steps so she can get to the window to If your dog hasn’t Veterinary Medicine. “In a bird-watch. been at a kennel for very dehydrated dog, yes, Buy a litter box with shorter sides. A tall litter a while, and you’re the nose might be dry,” he box can be hard for her to get in and out of. leaving on a long- says. “But dogs can have Get your cat close to her ideal body weight. fo rm / Gett y Ima g es ; Juli a C hr i ste att term vacation, it’s moist noses because they’re Your cat may also need a special diet to treat : Pl probably best to healthy, and they can have specific health conditions, such as a kidney diet board your dog moist noises when they have or a liver diet. Ask your veterinarian. for a night or two a nasal disease. It’s just not Make sleep and food appealing. Give her before you go to a reliable sign.” softer bedding. Heat her food to release the aro- get him used to Better indicators of a mas. Cat fountains help encourage cats to drink, it, she adds. dog’s health are symptoms which can be a big problem with older cats. such as not eating, not y. r ig ht : Bl eacher + E verard P h o t og raph y. drinking, or behaving oddly. Audrey Cook, BVM&S Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP

on the c o ver WebMD PET Health EXPERT WebMD PET health EXPERT

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WebMDPets | Summer 2012 49 Dog

left and above: Bleacher + Everard Photography Show make life entertaining life make Maria Menounos Entertain yourpups withtipsfromthePet Healthcenter. “But generally, he’s thehappiest dogyou wailingnos makes sound. ahigh-pitched Apollo getsjealous, hedoesthis”—Menou- like alittleperson,” shesays. “And when (who was inapuppy mill)isapoodle. shepherd,rescued) isaGerman and Athena thrown from amoving carbefore hewas Benjamin are bichons, Apollo (whowas laughs. “They alljustcametome.” Baby and out that shedoesn’t have a “white fetish.” her dogsare white, but shequicklypoints and Undergaro—is neatly labeled. All of with the exceptionof her four rescue dogs nized that nearly everything inherhouse— newsentertainment Extra series issoorga- up stray pupsonthestreets ofLos Angeles. ing things into her life—including picking time andpeaceofmindtofitsomany fulfill- orderly. Shesays that’s what hasgiven herthe Menounos now countsherselfamongthe andproducer Kevenwriter Undergaro, You poorthing, Idon’t know how you were livinglike that.’” done, she says. “He was genuinely sad. Hesaid, amess! ‘It was such clean outmy desk, andhefound ancient to-dolists” that never got gether. Infact, shefreely admitsshe used tobeaslob. Menounos hasn’tment superstar Maria always had her act to- It’s slightconsolation tousmereknow mortals that- entertain By MelanieD.G. Kaplan, “After Imoved toL.A., my boyfriend tookituponhimselfto “Benjamin hassomany expressions, he’s “That’s justa coincidence,” Menounos Today, the34-year-old hostofthe TV But thankstoheruber-organized man, WebMD Contributing Writer ’ pooches was the mostwonderful ofmy experience finale ofDancing With theStarsonABC.“It Derek Hough nearly madeittotheseason CW’s CBS’s video game. She’s appeared onNBC’s, Scrubs Skool, and did voice work for a James Bond in thefilmTropic Thunder, inKickin’ starred ItOld the entire Obama family. She played herself having conductedtheonly TV interview with Tonight. Shealsoholdsthedistinctionof youngest personever tohostCBS’s Entertainment film incollege, and at 23, shebecame the Boston. and Shestudiedbroadcast journalism age, helping herparents cleannightclubsin developed astrong work ethic at anearly just loves toplay. And behappy.” atomboy,much but needsherhugs. She “She’s justlike me—independentandvery appreciative lover onthe planet.” And Baby? pool.” Shesays Athena isthe “most soulful, from because herescuedthe thebichons will ever meetinyour life—and he’s ahero Most recently, Menounosandpartner to Greek immigrants,Born Menounos One TreeHill. Without a TraceWithout , HBO’s and The Entourage , WebMD.com

her to-dolist. this star, we can be sure she’ll be on top of about. Butnomatter what’s inthestarsfor are afew “secret” projects shecan’t yet talk to seethemwandering.” find thehousewhere they belong. It’s sosad often, I’ve justhadthiscrazyintuitionand where they comefrom. Somehave tags, but she says. “I’m usuallyandfigure out lucky thesedogswhentheycatch were running,” of hercar. “I realized Ineededsomethingto water bowls, treats, andleashesinthetrunk dale HumaneSociety, but now shejustkeeps for strays. Sheusedtovolunteer at theGlen- Menounos manages torove thecity, looking Foundation. ambassador for Industry theEntertainment tion. Shealsoservesasa diabetes awareness autism to the environment and pet adop- causes rangingfrom type2diabetes and com), helpsraiseawareness which for Action Hollywood! (takeactionhollywood. ting inthefront row.” andglitter—andmyand fringe parents sit- little-girl dancerecital, withmy costumes to do. Sowiththisshow, Igottohave my to dance was something I’d always wanted life, handsdown,” shesays. how“Learning WebMD P et health expert As for Menounos’ nextbigthing, there On topofallthat (andadogallergy), Menounos created thenonprofit Take William Draper, DVM WebMDPets R eviewed by |Summer2012 51 Fur excessive I 52 ronment, as a move such oranew animalorbaby inthehouse. may getlessexercise andstimulation thanoutdoorcats. bored, stressed, oranxious. This ismore likely inindoorcats, who ing, scratching, behaviors orlicking oftendevelop incats whoare Boredom, anxiety, orcompulsivedisorder. Compulsive chew- and over again, shecouldbefeeling painordiscomfort inthat area. Pain. Ifyou seeyour orbitingat catthesamespotover licking to flakyskinthat orscratching gets for relief.your catlicking started winterairornutritionalinadequaciescancontribute skin.Dry Dry they’re allergic tosomethingintheirenvironment. Allergies. Justlike people, cats may develop itchy, skinif irritated scratching, licking, orchewing. parasites, including ticks, mites, and ringworm, can also prompt or without scabs on the neck, fleas might be the problem. Other fleas. If you notice hisloweryour cat licking obsessively, back with Because they’re excellentgroomers, cats may remove alltracesof Parasites. best courseofaction. Here are someofthemostcommonculprits. ing, thecauseand tohelpdetermine soseeyour veterinarian than malestolick, chew, orpullontheirfur. breeds.Siamese cats andotherOriental Female cats are more likely behaviors candevelop inany animal, they are more commonin stomach. Although compulsive cat scratching, licking, orchewing be thedisappearance ofherfur, or alongherback ofteninstrips probably herintheact. catch Ifyou don’t, your firstcluemay your cat’s skinandcoat. chewing can becomecompulsive, annoying you anddamaging grooming goesintooverdrive? Cats are meticulousgroomers, but what happens whenthe s your cat’s grooming Compulsive inacat’s disordersoftenbeginwithchanges envi- Several medicalproblems canalsoleadtocompulsive groom- If your cat is doing any of these things compulsively, you’ll health pet WebMDPets Your cat canhave fleas without your knowing it. |Summer2012 ? L Warning earn the signs Sometimes licking, scratching, and fears—may alsohelpreduce anxiety. to associate somethingpleasurable, like atreat, withsomethingshe her tothingsshefears. Counter-conditioning—training your cat it helpstodesensitizeyour cat by slowly andcarefully exposing able andisgettingenoughstimulation andexercise. You may find state ofmind. Make sure your cat feels safe, loved, andcomfort- physical cause for your pet’s behaviors, toimprove try your cat’s Address anxietyorboredom.Ifyou andyour vet canfindno tion, oramitriptyline, helpsfightanxiety. which factors, avet clomipramine, canprescribe ananti-anxietymedica- or antibiotics. If your cat’s compulsion is caused by psychological her skin, may your veterinarian steroids, prescribe antihistamines, Use medication. skinistoblamements ifdry for your cat’s andlicking. scratching maynarian fatty certain prescribe acids or othernutritionalsupple- have several totry dietsbefore you findonethat works. Your - veteri you whetherfood determine allergies are theproblem. You may Change foods. parasites caneliminate your cat’s problem behaviors. treatmentrecommend theright for your pet. Taking care ofthese fleas, mites, orotherparasites are present, can your veterinarian tation incats, take your cat for toyour acheckup. veterinarian If Get ridofparasites. Because it can be hard to diagnose flea infes - behaviors? Here are someways toaddress theproblem. Parker,By Hilary What canyou andyour vet doabout compulsive grooming Putting cats onasix-week exclusiondietcanhelp Depending onhow badly your cat hasdamaged WebMD P ET HEALTH EXPERT WebMD Contributing Writer D. WestM DV H amryka, R eviewed by

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Puppy Puppy Which breed is best for your family? dog can be a destructive dog.dog canbeadestructive Behonestwithyourself about how timeyou much want to usually needbothphysical andmentalexercise, orthey’re goingtobeunhappy. An unhappy consider thesporting, herding, andworking breeds. Keep inmindthat dogsbred towork mellow pet, don’t getadogthat was bred for hunting. Ifyou want a high-energy dog, Assess yourlifestyle.Thinkabout your family’s activitiesandlifestyle. Ifyou want aquiet, be fine withkids.”with children—will herds andcollies. But, DiNardo says, “all breeds—if socialized properly andbrought up retrievers. Someoftheherdingbreeds are highly trainable aswell, shep- asGerman such their owners. They’re alsoamongthemostpopularfamily dogs, like goldenandLabrador ing breeds were oncebred towork side-by-side withhumans, takingdirection from be family-oriented, rather themselves than attaching to one person. For example,- sport Consider the kids. Dogsthat are highly trainable are usually eager topleaseandtend these typesofdogs. Attend adogshow andmeetthebreeders. Once you’ve narrowed down your choice to a few breeds, who know talk to some experts mine exercise andgrooming requirements, andthetemperamenttrainability ofeach. Do yourhomework. assistant vicepresident ofthe KennelAmerican Club(AKC), offers these pointers. consider purebred dogs. How doyou findthebestone for your family? GinaDiNardo, a littlemore about what that cuteballoffurwilllooklike inayear. Ifthat’s thecase, them withsomefishorahamster. Butthistime, only acaninewilldo. Your kidshave beenbeggingfor apuppy for years.You’ve beenable totemporarilyappease Although many peopleare happy togetamixed-breed puppy, otherswant toknow pet health pet Search the Search AKC website andlookat thebreeds that interest you. Deter By SandyEckstein, spend onyour new dog. Lotsofdogsdon’t require a great dealofexercise, but many othersdo. Think aboutsize.Ifyou have- young chil dren, alarger, more durable breed might WebMD PETHEAL be best. pullsonan When asmallchild Love ear orstepsonafoot, alarge dogis more acceptingofthiskindrough treatment. Mark J.Stickney, DVM WebMD Contributing Writer Reviewed by TH EXPR T -

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