September 2013 Health & Wellness

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Health Wellness NorthFulton.com

September 2013

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Living and hearing a happy, healthy life Everyone wishes to live a happy healthy life. If you were to look at your health as a chain, you would see a connected series of links. Your brain, heart, lungs, eyes, and other organs are links which must all work together to keep the body functioning. Each link plays a vital role in the strength and performance of the chain and your overall good health.

But, what happens if one of the links, such as the ability to hear, fails to work properly? Dr. Deborah Woodward is a Doctor of Audiology and is committed to be “your link to better hearing”.

Correcting a hearing impairment requires detailed knowledge of how ears respond to sound and familiarity with the latest technologies and hearing devices. Patients ap-

preciate the “personal touch” Dr. Woodward gives. “It is important to establish a patient relationship based on professionalism and trust while focusing on their individual needs and lifestyle”, states Woodward. “Forget about what you know about hearing devices up to now. You’ll be amazed at how smart, how helpful, and how transforming better hearing can now be.”

The value of a strong hearing link is immeasurable. With Dr. Woodward’s expertise in providing solutions to hearing loss, patients regain their confidence in business and social situations and are not embarrassed by inappropriate responses in conversations. In many cases, family harmony is restored, and a patient’s selfesteem is regained with their ability to hear and understand

speech.

For the past twenty years, Dr. Deborah Woodward has been serving the hearing healthcare needs of the residents in the Johns Creek and surrounding areas and is now in private practice at the Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Aid Center.

Audiology services at Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Aid Center include hearing evaluations for both adults and children; testing for middle ear function; fitting of the latest hearing aid technology with a 45-day trial period for all hearing aids dispensed; hearing aid service and supplies; custom ear molds for swimming, noise protection for hunters and musicians; and Cochlear implant and BAHA evaluations with mapping and programming.

Woodward believes in

giving back to the local community. As a breast cancer survivor, Deborah is active in raising funds for the benefit of the Susan B. Komen charity. Dr. Woodward performs hearing screenings at health fairs, churches, and for several corporations. Elementary school children learn from Dr. Woodward how the ear works at Career Day events and staff members of assisted living facilities are educated on the use and care of hearing aids for their residents. The next Open House and Seminar events are September 24th and 26th.

Space is limited and it is highly recommended to secure a slot by contacting the office at 770814-1260.

At Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, you can expect a warm welcome and a caring Doctor of Audiology who

is sincerely interested in helping to keep your link to better hearing strong and healthy!

ADHD – not just in children anymore Adult ADHD is associated with multiple comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other personality disorders. Adult ADHD is a valid psychiatric disorder of adulthood distinct from these other conditions.

Adult attention deficit disorder differs from the childhood variant because the hyperactivity in adults may be replaced by other symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and inattentiveness. In fact, prior to 2002 there were no diagnostic guidelines, but there have been great advances since. Some of the symptoms that characterize Adult ADHD are:

ADHD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder among adults. The prevalence is thought to be 3.5%-5.3%, which accounts for more than 11 million cases in the United States alone. With increased public awareness, adult ADHD became a topic of great interest so clinicians should be able to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with this disorder.

Etiology is still uncertain. Genetics however is believed to play a prominent role, followed in importance by acquired injuries to the brain.

ADHD was widely thought to be strictly a disorder of childhood. Now there are numerous scientific papers and clinical trials that acknowledge the existence of an adult version of this disorder, which can be traced back to the younger years.

Before this time ADHD in adults was known as Minimal Brain Damage or Dysfunction (MBD).

1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school-work, work or other activities.

2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoke to directly.

4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand directions) 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (eg.

School assignments, pencils, keys) 7. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

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8. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, keep a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, failed relationships and traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to complete several tasks as once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

Treatment is very rewarding. The first medications to be approved by the FDA belonged to a non-stimulant group of medications: Atomoxetine. The FDA later approved stimulants such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts. Group delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended in some cases as a supportive treatment.

If you or someone you know may have Adult ADHD, call Johns Creek Family Medicine at 770-771-6591 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zack Charkawi.

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Live in the now At Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we are ready to help if you’re not ready to let hearing loss get in the way of enjoying your favorite activities. With more than twenty years of experience in bringing the best possible hearing care to this area, Dr. Woodward will work with you to find the hearing solution that best fits your individual needs and budget. Be free to enjoy all that life has to offer.

3D MAMMOGRAPHY »

A major advance in the fight against breast cancer

By LYNN D. BAXTER, MD Director of Breast Imaging, Northside Radiology Associates, Northside Hospital

Dr. Deborah Woodward Audiologist

For appointments or to register for the September 24th and 26th Open House and Seminars, please call

770-814-1260.

4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Suwanee, GA 30024

www.johnscreekaudiology.com We accept CareCredit®

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women, aside from some non-aggressive forms of skin cancer. One in eight American women will develop the disease at some point in her lifetime.

Early detection is the key to improved survival and less invasive treatments. Mammography is the only test of any kind scientifically proven to decrease the death rate from breast cancer. In fact, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by 30% since mammography screening programs were introduced.

Because of this, the American Cancer Society and many other organizations recommend annual mammograms for almost all women beginning at age 40.

Some high risk women should begin screening even earlier.

Mammograms have also consistently been shown to reduce the death rate from breast cancer in many studies in many other countries, even through using film/screen technology from the 1970’s.

However, standard 2 dimensional (2D) mammography has some limitations. Because this

technology creates a 2D image of a 3 dimensional (3D)part of the body, tissues from one part of the breast can overlap with tissues from another part, creating a false impression of a mass on the image, or allowing normal tissues to mask a cancer.

Breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is a new advance in breast imaging technology that goes a long way toward overcoming these limitations. In 3D mammography, images are obtained from multiple angles around the breast and synthesized by a computer into a series of images 1 mm thick.

The radiologist can view them together like a “movie” where they view the inner structures of the breast, moving from one side to the other. This helps to eliminate the problem of overlapping tissues.

Studies so far have shown a 27 – 30% increase in cancer detection with 3D mammography and a 30 -40% decrease in the rate of recalls for additional imaging. Benefits have been proven for women with all breast densities.

Still, 3D mammography is not perfect, and it cannot find all cancers or prevent all recalls. It is currently only approved by the FDA for use

as a combination exam with standard 2D mammography.

As a result, the radiation dose from the combination exam is higher than that of a 2D mammogram alone ( but still within FDA limits, and actually lower than some old film mammograms).

All that being said, 3D technology shows tremendous promise towards overcoming some of the most common limitations of mammogram screening, and will continually improve breast cancer screening and diagnostic capabilities.

Northside Hospital Breast Cancer Center Northside Hospital is one of the leading providers of breast cancer services in the nation, diagnosing and treating more cases of breast cancer than anyone else in the Southeast.

Northside Hospital was the first facility to make 3D mammography clinically available in Atlanta, and has continued to expand its availability, now providing 3D services at the hospital’s Forsyth, Alpharetta and Atlanta locations. For more information about Northside Hospital’s premier breast cancer screening technology go to www.northside.com/cancerinstitute, or call 404-851-6577 to schedule an exam.

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September 2013 5

State of the art surgical options for women available in Johns Creek One of the most exciting advancements of modern medicine is the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Drs. John and Ingrid Reyes of Modern Ob/Gyn of North Atlanta have dedicated their practice to this philosophy.

“Minimally invasive surgery allows us to perform complex procedures through either small incisions or no incisions at all. Patients benefit from having less pain, shorter recovery times, and few or no scars.

In office procedures also allow patients to avoid general anesthesia, hospital costs, and a stay in the hospital, says Dr. John Reyes.

The most advanced surgical technique with use of the daVinci robotic surgical system allows surgeons to perform hysterectomies and remove fibroids through a few small incisions and patients can expect to be home the next morning, and back to their usual activities within a couples of weeks.

Recently, Dr. Ingrid and John Reyes were the first surgeons

to perform robotic surgery at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, which has the most advanced daVinci system available. Drs. Reyes also perform robotic surgery at Northside HospitalForsyth and Gwinnett Medical Center –Duluth.

Minimally invasive surgery also refers to in-office procedures which include treatment of heavy bleeding with endometrial ablation and incisionfree permanent sterilization.

“In office procedures are a safe and excellent option for many patients. It’s great to be able to offer these procedures to women because they can get back to their lives so quickly, oftentimes even the same day.

And typically, because these are seen as office visits, the cost to the patient is only their co-pay which makes such a big difference” says Dr. Ingrid Reyes.

Drs. Reyes provide free monthly seminars to inform the community about these treatment options. “We both love to share this knowledge

and experience with the community. It’s best for patients to understand their options”.

Modern Ob/Gyn stands by its promise to bring the most advanced and sophisticated options to this community.“We are here to do our very best for the women of this community.

This is why we went to school and trained for so long—we really value the work we do and how we can help our patients.

It’s a blessing to be able to do minimally invasive and robotic surgeries on patients suffering from long-standing issues such as infertility from endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic adhesive disease. Afterwards, we can help them become pregnant, and come full-circle to care for them during their pregnancy and delivery. It’s the full spectrum of caring for what’s so important to a woman’s life— her health and her family... that’s the best part.”

Modern Ob/Gyn’s husband and wife team of Dr. John and Ingrid Reyes provide comprehensive women’s care. Some

of the many services provided include personalized prenatal care for pregnancy, annual well women exams, conception and infertility counseling, as well as management of abnormal pap smears, irregular cycles, ovarian cysts and many other women’s health care needs.

Husband and wife team Dr. John Reyes and Dr. Ingrid Reyes of Modern Ob/Gyn are located at 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 204 in Johns Creek.

To schedule an appointment or to register for an upcoming seminar, visit their website at www.reyesobgyn.com or call the office at 404-446-2496.

Dermatology and Family Medicine Family Medicine F M Geriatrics Diagnosis & Treatment Of Adult ADHD

Dr. Zack Charkawi

Johns Creek Family Medicine for the Extra Level of Care

• Comprehensive medical care for the entire family for pediatric adult and geriatric patients • Caring, thorough, and individualized philosophy • Well trained warm and efficient staff • Accepting new patients and sick walk in • Office welcomes most insurances including Medicare

Sign up for our new educational newsletter

6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.771.6591 www.johnscreekdermatology.com

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September 2013 6

Fear as a motivator

By CAROLINE SPARKS FNP-BC, RN, MSN EVP Clinical Operations at AgeWell Men’s Institute A few weeks ago a patient who is well-known to me, seemed quiet when he entered the office. When I approached him to say hello, he paused and glanced at the floor. “My father died suddenly last week and he was only 72 years old.” He explained that his father was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes at the age of 50 and never followed a diet and exercise plan to reduce his blood sugar and weight. “I knew that he wasn’t taking the best care of himself, but I never thought he would die so soon.” His expression changed from sad to stoic when he uttered, “this is why I take testosterone, and I need to take care of myself, lose weight and enjoy my life right now.”

Often I hear stories of family histories riddled with obesity, heart disease, and mood disorders that have influenced patients’ decisions to take a new approach on how they live their life. Fear of death or the inevitable mental and physical deterioration can have a positive effect on daily life choices. Everyone hopes for a great quality of life, however, making improvements on food choices and exercise frequency are the initial steps to achieving your goals.

There are no short cuts to achieving a healthy lifestyle, but there are many resources that can influence how quickly you can reach optimal outcomes. Be an avid reader of current and reputable medical studies in nutrition, obesity and hormone replacement therapy. Websites

such as US National Institute of Health at www.nih.gov contain useful information on managing the aging process. You can also see information on anti-aging research at http://www.agewellmensinstitute.com/learnmore.php.

Caroline Sparks, is the EVP of Clinical Operations at AgeWell Men’s Institute in Milton. A board certified family nurse practitioner for 15 years, Caroline has developed patient-centric wellness and complex disease management programs for national companies. See their ad for more information or visit their website at www.agewellmensinstitute.com.

Alternatives to hysterectomy

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Picture this scenario. You are having issues with heavy bleeding at menstruation. You go to your gynecologist and are told you need a hysterectomy. This will require a major surgery, a prolonged recovery time and inability to get back to work and your daily life for quite a while.

Is this the only solution? The answer is probably no. We now have many more alternatives to hysterectomy than ever before.

In the category of medical alternatives to hysterectomy there is the possibility of oral contraceptives and hormonal Depo-Provera infections. These medications are traditionally used for contraception but are safe for women to use until menopause if no medical health issues exist. They can decrease monthly bleeding substantially and even be manipulated so that there are fewer menstrual cycles. Oral contraceptives can also decrease acne and perimenopausal side effects as well.

Another new alternative to hysterectomy is the Mirena IUD. This devise recently received FDA approval for use in managing heavy menses.

It can easily be placed in an office visit without anesthesia. After the first few months most patients will have either no menses or very light menses.

The device can be left in for 5 years and is very safe in all age groups.

If you prefer not to use a medication or are reluctant to use an IUD another

alternative would be an endometrial ablation. This is a procedure that in some cases can be done in an office setting or as an outpatient at the hospital.

The lining of the uterine cavity is treated so there is either no menses or very light menses each month. The nice feature with this procedure is that recovery time is very quick.

Most people are back to work within a 24-hour time period and the results last for years.

So the next time your doctor days you need a hysterectomy, be sure to discuss these options. While the need for hysterectomy still exists in some cases there are more alternatives than ever before.

Laura Tsakiris MD Chattahoochee Gynecology

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September 2013 7

Straighten teeth fast with the new Inman Aligner Did you once spend years undergoing painful orthodontic treatment and unsightly braces only to see your teeth slowly slip back to their former wonky ways or are you one of many who are generally unhappy with the alignment of your teeth and longing for a beautiful, straight smile?

Dr. Ushma Patel at the Center for Advanced Dentistry is proud to introduce a new and leading edge cosmetic dentistry procedure that is taking the US by storm – The Inman Aligner.

Only certified Inman Aligner dentists can provide them and Dr. Patel has achieved this certification and provides Inman Aligners in her practice. This revolutionary device allows protruding or crowded teeth to be transformed in a matter of weeks!

So how does it work?

The Inman Aligner is a clear plastic retainer with two spring loaded aligning bars that fit easily over the front four teeth.

Unlike a regular brace, the Inman Aligner provides a constant gentle pressure on the teeth, easing them back into place far more quickly than traditional braces.

Apart from its aesthetic benefits, the Inman Aligner is easy to use and can be insert-

For the duration of the treatment bi-weekly visits are required to review progress and adjust the aligner.

ed and removed at any time, allowing eating, brushing (and kissing) to continue as normal.

Once teeth have moved to the desired position, a very discreet retainer holds them in place, so they remain in their new position.

During the first consultation, an impression is made of the teeth and in the second, teeth are smoothed in between to make room for movement and the aligner is fitted.

Dr. Patel: “The Inman Aligner is the greatest innovation in dentistry of recent years.

It’s fast, affordable and kind to the teeth. It really is the best way to straighten crowded front teeth.”

For further details on this and many of the other services we provide, please visit www.hitechsmiles.com or call 770-623-8750 to reserve your appointment today!

Dr. Ushma Patel Center for Advanced Dentistry 6916 McGinnis Ferry Road Suite 500 Suwanee, GA 30024

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September 2013 8

Elegance meets affordability at Cottonwood Estates

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Cottonwood Estates is setting the new standard for gracious independent senior living in Alpharetta, Georgia. We take great pride in providing our residents affordable retirement living without sacrificing style, comfort, or amenities.

Cottonwood Estates offers the fun and excitement of a vibrant retirement community along with the independent lifestyle

that our residents value.

We know that the time saved by not having to cook, clean, and do yard work is now time well spent on family, friends, and hobbies. Our residents benefit from chef-prepared meals, scheduled transportation, weekly housekeeping, and a variety of health and wellness classes.

Residents can also enjoy the on-site beauty/barber shop,

theatre, chapel, library, billiards room, computer room, along with many more amenities.

We offer a variety of activities from exercise classes to crafts, in-house movies, planned social events, live entertainment, and group outings. Our caring staff is always open to suggestions and feedback for new activities, outings, and even meal options.

Family and friends are always

welcome at Cottonwood Estates.

Plus, a private dining room is available to entertain, host parties, receptions, birthdays, or holidays. We want the seniors who call Cottonwood home to be comfortable and enjoy every square inch of it!

Cottonwood Estates offers studio, one, and two bedroom suites with no buy-in fees or hidden costs. All utilities except telephone are included in the monthly rent, and pets are welcome too. Our residents breathe easy knowing their budget will be balanced and easy to manage. Whether you have visited us before or are hearing about us for the first time, we would love to have you as our guest for a delicious complimentary meal and personal tour. We think you’ll agree – this is the gracious retirement lifestyle you’ve been looking for. We are located at 255 Vaughan Drive in Alpharetta. For more information please call us at 678-2420334.

Alpharetta’s newest option for gracious retirement living is

Now Open A N D F I L L I N G FA S T !

255 Vaughan Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Beautiful new suites are still available – Call now for your complimentary meal & tour 678-242-0334

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September 2013 9

25 YEARS OF CARING »

Glancy Rehabilitation Center, a service of Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth Legacy When Sunil Bhole, MD, was completing his residency at Emory University School of Medicine, he saw there was a need for comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services in northeast metro Atlanta. So he approached Gwinnett Medical Center about developing a program in Duluth. As a result of his passionate proposal, Glancy Rehabilitation Center opened in 1988 with Dr. Bhole, board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, serving as medical director.

Located in the renovated space that once held the community’s beloved Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital, Glancy Rehabilitation Center has served more than 17,000 patients in its first 25 years.

“From the beginning,” said Dr. Bhole, “Gwinnett Medical Center was enthusiastic about providing this level of expert care. Over the years we’ve grown our inpatient rehabilitation service from the initial eight beds to 30 beds. Our facility includes the latest in rehabilitation technology as well

as a 4,000-square-foot therapy gym and spaces dedicated to outpatient rehabilitation and support services.

“When someone has a stroke, traumatic brain injury, amputation or other serious neurologic or orthopedic condition,” added Dr. Bhole, “our goal is to help him or her return to mainstream life. Our services are designed to help patients progress toward the highest possible level of function and to prepare them for the next step in their rehabilitative process.”

Individualized Rehabilitation Under Dr. Bhole’s clinical leadership, the program at Glancy Rehabilitation Center is now ranked in the top three percent in the nation and has earned the highest level of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the designation as a Stroke Specialty Program.

Both these accreditations were achieved by demonstrating that the program meets the highest national and interna-

tional standards of quality for rehabilitative care.

At Glancy Rehabilitation Center, patients get a team approach to rehabilitation. The patient’s team includes rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, case managers, pharmacists and recreation specialists, as well as other specialists as indicated, such as speech language pathologists, certified therapeutic respiratory therapists, or a neuropsychologist. Glancy Rehabilitation Center’s nurses are specialists in rehabilitation, and many have earned advanced certifications in their field.

Experts in Rehab This extensive experience and educational background gives the team an approach which understands that patients with neurologic and/or orthopedic conditions often are going through more than just recovery. Some patients, such as amputees, are learning a new way of life. In addition to receiving therapy with state-ofthe-art technology, rehab also involves “low-tech” techniques,

Glancy Rehabilitation Center’s Medical Director Sunil Bhole, MD, (center) started the program in 1988. He is pictured with Ginger Geiger, RN, CRRN, nursing manager (left) and Mona Lippitt, CTRS, program director. Geiger has also worked at the center since it opened. such as community outings to practice newly-acquired skills.

This multidisciplinary approach to treatment ensures that patients are able to progress as quickly as possible.

And being an affiliate of Gwinnett Medical Center ensures that physicians providing a broad-spectrum of specialty care are available to see patients at Glancy Rehabilitation Center, making consultations more convenient for patients and their family members.

With its first quarter century completed, Glancy Rehabilitation Center looks to the future. “We continue to treat each patient as if he or she were our only patient,” said Dr. Bhole. “I look forward to continuing to lead this terrific team into our second quarter century.”

Learn more about Glancy Rehabilitation Center by visiting gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/ glancyrehab, or by calling 678312-6000.

!

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September 2013 10

NEED

A team of concussion experts.

WANT

Doctors who cared how much sports meant to her.

While Gwinnett Medical Center has long specialized in a variety of sports injuries, improving the standard of care for athletes who suffer concussions is another one of our top priorities. At the new Concussion Institute at Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth, our highly trained staff has extensive concussion treatment training and utilizes the latest technologies, like our Immediate PostConcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) program.

Our goal is to begin treating concussions as soon as possible in order to reduce the chance of follow-up concussions, especially among students. This is one of the reasons why Gwinnett Medical Center has placed certified athletic trainers in numerous high schools across the area.

This unique approach is one more reason we’re the only hospital in the region committed to Transforming Healthcare.

See Rachel’s story and others at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stories.

Transforming Healthcare