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I •E 18-PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27,198C Offer Free Screening Feet-Mirror Of Health Early symptoms of many diseases, particularly in people over 40, may be d e t e c t e d t h r o u g h examination of the feet. Some of these diseases are diabetes, anemias and types of arthritis, states Dr. Robert G. Ballard, director of the non-profit foot clinic at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine. '-'Your feet are frequently a mirror of your general health." he explained. "Because they are the farthest from the 'pump' or the heart, and they have gravity to contend with, your feet may suffer first , from a developing disorder in the body," While aging starts in the mid-20's in a number of areas in the body, said the podiatrist, it is at about age 40 when many of the foot begin to appear. Foot problems are evidenced in a number of ways, he ex­ plained, including foot skin condition and color, toe nail condition, foot sensitivity or lack of it, swelling and in­ fections of various kinds. As chief administrator of the college's foot clinic, Dr. Ballard is aware of the hundreds of patients seen annually with systemic diseases-diseases present to some extent throughout the body. Particularly in the clinic, the largest such facility in the world, a great cross section of the population is seen, and the presence of systemic diseases in all stages of development has been noted. More than 50,000 patients visits are made annually to the clinic at 1001 North Dearborn street. It is open for all types of podiatric care from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. In his commentaries on the systemic diseases, the podiatrist explained that dry skin, for instance, if limited to the lower extremities, can indicate insufficient blood supply or occlusive arterial disease. This disease in­ volves blocking or clotting in the arteries. The first signs of diabetes, pointed out Dr. Ballard, can often be localized infections of certain types and the slow healing of any skin opening in the foot. An early warning of rheumatoid arthritis may be evidenced by localized pain and particular deformities developing in the foot such as hammer toes, bunions and a flattening of the arch. great toe joint may be the first sign of gout, a metabolic disease which manifests itself in the foot more than 50 percent of the time. As for brittle, thickened or misshapen nails, stated the podiatrist, they may indicate a fungal disease or occlusive arterial disease. Skin tone of the foot shows evidence of the amount and type of blood flowing into it. The tone may be blue, black, white or yellow instead of the usual pink, with a number of possible problems causing the discoloration. Insensitivity in the foot, while the sign of a serious problem, is in itself a very dangerous condition, warned Dr. Ballard. A person can step on a nail or cut himself and not even realize it, and without immediate and proper attention, com­ plications can set in. These diseases and con­ ditions are based primarily in arterial problems that involve the lack of blood reaching the foot and therefore the disease can be detected readily by a podiatrist. Another type of circulatory problem relates to the veins when the foot is not able to get blood back to the heart. Varicose veins and phlebitis are caused by this condition. "As with all diseases, the earlier a systemic disease is detected, the easier it will be to treat and perhaps con­ trol," said Dr. Ballard, "and the foot is often an early indicator of developing problems." "It is advisable to have an annual check-up by your family podiatrist or at the college's clinic as a means of preventive medicine, par­ ticularly for those age forty and over," he added. The college's foot clinic will be offering free screening examinations to the public April 21-26 in observance of National Foot Health week. The brief but thorough exam, recom­ mended for children as well as adults, checks foot structure and function, foot and leg posture, foot skin and nail condition, muscular and neurological responses and vascular status. Further information on the screening program can be obtained by calling the college's Public Affairs office at 280-2915. (To Your Health A Service of McHenry Hospital Undergoing surgery should be the result of careful assessment by your internist or family practice physician, a specialist and- or surgeon trained in the area of your problem, possibly the second opinion of another physician and your decision after being presented with the facts. The facts should include not only the alternatives to surgery, but, the possibilities of alternative kinds of surgery. If you opt for surgery and are admitted to the hospital, you will be asked for blood samples in order to assess the condition of your blood clotting ability, blood type and chemical balance. Urine samples will show the sugar level, albumin and other chemicals present. These tests then help the physician and nurses to plan your care. A chest x-ray is necessary to know the condition of your lungs and chest as they are at the time of surgery. This will help your physician determine the type of anesthesia he feels is best for you. personally. Anesthesia is any number of medications used alone or combined, mainly to prevent pain during surgery. It can be injected into the vain, injected into your back or mixed with oxygen which you breathe during the surgery. The method and type of anesthesia depends on your physical condition and your physician's choice. Senior Hot Line | (Written under the auspices of Lieutenant Governor Dave O'Neal) Q. What is a Homestead Exemption? A. A reduction in assessed valuation for all senior citizens on the home in which they are living regardless of their income. Q. Who can qualify? A. Property owners who live in their own home and who are 65 or older on or before Jm.ft: | Q. CaikafiMfebled 'qualify fi Exemption? A. Not unless they are 65 or older. Q. How do I go about signing up for the Homestead Exemption? A. You must go to your local Tax Assessors office with the following in­ formation: a. proof of age (could be a birth certificate or a Medicare claim number) b. copy of title c.latest real estate bill or tax index number Q. How much is the tax deduction? A. It is $1,500 on the assessed value of your home. Q. Do you need to sign Up each year? A. The first year you are eligible you need to sign up at the Tax Assessor's office - from then on the Tax Assessor will contact you with a renewal application. However, be alert to the fact an oversight could be IENT BMSEtflUC the professional do-it-yourself carpet cleaning system First Hour of Rental made and you may need to contact them if you don't receive an application. Write Senior Action Centers, 160 N. LaSalle, Chicago, 60601 or 3 West Old Town Mall, Springfield, 62701 with questions or concerns about any government agency or program, or call statewide: toll free 800-252-6565 Thomas Jefferson once smuggled rice seed out of Italy for planting in ^South Carolina and Georgia. SUNRISE CARPET, INC, CARPCT-TNJ-VMYL I-- VISIT OUR SHOWROOM --I I Located Inside Pepper* Wotorbodi | SUPER PRE-SPRING SALE! Feb. 29th-11 to9 PM Mar. lst-12 to 5 PM BUY NOW AT WHOLESALE PRICES I •Salem 'Columbus *Trend *And more SAVE 30% ON OUR FINEST BRAND NEW 1980 STYLE CARPETS Custom Installation Available 100's OF SAMPLES TO CHOOSE FROM SAVE75' rw YAM OH AH PADjHKI FINANCING AVAILABLE! 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Also before surgery patients are asked to sign an "informed consent" form, which is a legal document stating that you agree to and know about the surgery you are having. v Patients are also asked to relinquish their dentures, glasses, contacts and anything of value they may be wearing so that they can be put away for safekeeping until the patient is well enough and alert enough to handle his own belongings. Ladies are tasked to remove their make-up and fingernail polish so that the natural color and condition of the Pregnant, NEED HELP? Call BIRTHRIGHT OFFICE OPEN 9 lo II A M AND FROM 7 To 9 PM MON IhiuFRI , 24 HOUR ANSWERING SERVICE 15-385-299' skin and nails can be ob­ served by the anesthesiologist during surgery. These, along with blood pressure, pulse and respiration equipment are constant indicators of the patient's condition. The physician may order an enema before surgery for purposes of internal and external cleanliness and to insure the patient's comfort while recovering. The patient will receive nothing by mouth from midnight of the day before surgery until a diet is reestablished after surgery. Immediately after surgery a patient is sent to the recovery room. Here, he is constantly monitored and expert medical and nursing staff are available for a length of time deemed necessary for the patient's condition to stabilize enough to then be transferred to his hospital room. An informed patient is better able to assist in his own recovery. 4-H NEWS LINCOLN CLOVERLEAFS The February monthly meeting began with both flag pledges led by William Nelson and Alan Liottas. Roll call and secretary reports were read by Sue Malenius. Laurie Nank gave the treasury report. Under new business, Jo<Ji Beutel distributed packets for the members to collect for the Heart fund drive. Jodi also gave committee' reports on Share The Fun and International day to be held at Johnsburg Junior high March 1 from 2-5 p.m. Mrs. Nelson showed a sample of the progress on the cookbook being assembled from the Lincoln Cloverleaf members recipes and announced that the book will be for sale to the public the first of March. Demonstrations contest will be held April 24 and Public Speaking contest will be May 8. Jodi Beutel and Bob Fink- beiner each had 4-H Project models featured in the February issue of Model Railroading magazine. Dolls, clothing, jewelry and china items were among the various collectables •» brought by members to be assembled in our, In­ ternational day display. Each member gave a short talk on the item she or he brought. Steve Smith, Reporter Editor's Quote Book I will not be concerned at other men's not know­ ing me; 1 will be con­ cerned at my own want of ability. Confucius Get Rid of Those Winter Blues! MR. C's formerly RUSTIC HARBOR 217 N. Front. 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