Health Wellness NorthFulton.com
September 2013
SPONSORED SECTION
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. PAID ADVERTORIAL
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.