At University Hospitals, our mission is you. Fight off the Flu Fight Off the Flu and Other Illnesses – Put the Odds In Your Favor matory cascade that can cause conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease,” says Dr. Buchinsky. Practicing healthy habits can alter the expression of bad genes, preventing disease manifestation. Research has proven how habits such as exercise, meditating, yoga and deep breathing, can alleviate stress. This proactive approach, which protects and strengthens the immune system, is also relevant when it comes to facing an illness like the flu. “Prevention is the best intervention, and the best prevention is getting the flu shot,” says Dr. Buchinsky. “Nothing is foolproof, but it cuts your chance of getting the flu by about 80 percent. “If you are among the unlucky 20 percent, don’t be alarmed, as it will still be a less aggressive illness.” Here is some more “anti-flu” advice: when feeling ill, stay away from work and social gatherings. “You are contagious for the first two days once the symptoms start,” Dr. Buchinsky says. The usual tips apply when it comes to avoiding the flu, and to getting better if you do get ill: Wash hands, often. Get plenty of rest, to recover and stay healthy. And yes, chicken soup can make you feel better. Take anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen for flu symptoms such as achiness (but it’s always best to check with your doctor, too.) If someone in your family becomes ill with the flu, others who live in the household might be able to stave it off by getting a prescription for anti-viral medications, such as Tamiflu or Relenza. However, if you do get the flu and take these medications within 48 hours, its duration will be reduced by one to two days. As usual, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, Dr. Buchinsky says. “So I definitely recommend that you get the flu shot.” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information about how to stay healthy, but here’s a simple way to think about it: Address the aspects of health you can control, and don’t stress about what is out of your control. That’s the philosophy shared by Roy Buchinsky, MD, director of 3999 Richmond Road wellness for University Hospitals. chwood, Ohio 44122 This philosophy applies even to chronic disease. 2 2 73 UHAhuja.org “While you could blame your parents and grandparents for your genes, there are also gene switches that can be turned on and off,” explains Dr. Buchinsky. “By creating a positive environment, though, one can alter the expression of genes so that a positive outcome is achieved.” Building a positive environment means engaging in healthy behaviors – such as getting regular physical activity, eating whole foods, avoiding toxins such as cigarette smoke, and not allowing stress to turn into distress. “Stress can set up an inflam- Dr. Roy Buchinsky is a regular contributor to UH’s Wellness webinars. For information on upcoming webinars, call 216.285.4069. The usual tips apply when it comes to avoiding the flu, and to getting better if you do get ill: Wash hands, often. Get plenty of rest, to recover and stay healthy. And yes, chicken soup can make you feel better. Welcome Dr. Alanna Cooper Jewish Studies Program Manager Joins The Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University T he Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University continues to enhance its programming and community offerings with the hiring of Dr. Alanna Cooper as the Jewish studies program manager. Dr. Cooper, who holds a PhD in cultural anthropology, is an educator and author with experience in adult education administration. She will be integral in growing the Jewish studies programming at Siegal. In her position, Dr. Cooper will work closely with Executive Director Brian Amkraut to create innovative and unique Judaic offerings for Northeast Ohio. She comes to Cleveland from the Boston area, where she was most recently the director of Jewish adult education at the Jewish Federation of the North Shore. “We are so fortunate to bring on board a scholar and creative programmer as experienced and enthusiastic as Dr. Alanna Cooper,” said Director Brian Amkraut. “Her position on the Siegal administrative team is a wonderful addition to the university and the greater community.” In addition to programming, Dr. Cooper will also teach classes for the university program, including the upcoming fall class, “Images of a Jewish World,” which will draw upon photographic works to explore Jewish life in Yemen, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the United States. Dr. Cooper is the author of Bukharan Jews and the Dynamics of Global Judaism (Indiana University Press). Her arti- cles have appeared in scholarly journals as well as the popular press, including Jewish Social Studies, AJS Review, Anthropology of East Europe Review, The Jewish Daily Forward, the Jerusalem Post and Jewish Review of Books. She has held research and teaching positions at Harvard University, University of Massachusetts, University of Michigan and Boston University. Dr. Cooper resides in Beachwood. The Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University offers academically based, non-credit, continuing education programming throughout Northeast Ohio. For more information visit www. cwru.edu/lifelonglearning. November 2014 n Beachwood Buzz 41