Health & Wellness February 2014

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February 2014 1

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Health&Wellness February Special Section

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February 2014

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Protect Yourself from Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke

By Joseph Ricotta, MD, MS, FACS Chair, Northside Vascular Surgery Medical Director, Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute Carotid artery disease occurs when cholesterol plaques clog the blood vessels (carotid arteries) that supply blood to your brain. It is a major cause of stroke, which is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans and the number one cause of disability in adults. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers from a stroke.

That translates to roughly 795,000 Americans annually, 130,000 of whom will die from their stroke according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The risk of developing carotid artery disease increases with age. However, certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions also increase your chances of arteriosclerosis and carotid artery blockage. These include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity and family history of stroke. Stroke can cause death or significant disability,

such as paralysis, speech difficulties, vision problems and cognitive or behavioral deficits.

There are many things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of developing carotid artery disease and stroke.

Get annual check-ups. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so get your blood pressure checked annually to know where you stand. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your blood pressure, including lifestyle changes and/or adding certain medications to your regimen.

Adopt a healthy diet. A low-fat, low-salt regimen that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables can reduce elevated blood pressure and eliminate or decrease the need for blood pressure medication. Eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high blood cholesterol and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis.

Get moving. Having a sedentary lifestyle increases your risks of developing carotid artery disease. Make exercising for at least 30 minutes for five days a

week a priority. Walking is a good choice.

Shed excess weight.

Being overweight makes it more likely you will develop high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes. These conditions make carotid artery disease and stroke more likely. Losing as little as 10 pounds can make a difference in blood pressure levels.

Quit Smoking. Smoking damages and clogs up arteries, raising your risk of carotid artery disease.

Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.

Limit alcohol use.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which causes high blood pressure. Try limiting alcohol to 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women.

Northside Vascular Surgery Northside Vascular Surgery provides

full service, state-of-the-art care for all vascular conditions, from the simplest to the most complex. For more information about carotid artery disease, stroke and other vascular services, go to www.nvs-ga.com.

The body is self-healing, given proper nutrition and care.

Alpharetta | Cumming | Dunwoody | Johns Creek Serving the Atlanta community since 1968.

Douglas L. Williams, MD, FAAP

Renee A. Alli, MD, FAAP

Stephen H. Smith, MD, FAAP

$10 Far-Infrared Massage Session Walk-in or by Appointment

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At Abundant Life Wellness, we work with you to address the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.

• Holistic Wellness for Adults and Children • Zyto Bioenergetic Assessment • Homeopathics and Botanicals • Lymphatic Drainage Therapy • Ionic Footbath • Broad-Spectrum Infrared Sauna • Facial Microcurrent • Advanced Relaxation Therapy Room • Detox Packages

Eileen M. Wrobleski Naturopath Certified Nutritional Counselor

Vivien Haupt, MSN, CPNP

For your convenience our offices are open Monday through Saturday.

Please visit our website or contact us by phone for office hours or to schedule an appointment.

Alpharetta Office: 3400A Old Milton Parkway Suite 510 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770.475.2233

Cumming Office: 416 Pirkle Ferry Road Suite J300 Cumming, GA 30040 770.889.9142

Dunwoody Office: 11 Dunwoody Park Suite 190 Dunwoody, GA 30338 770.392.6555

Johns Creek Office: 6300 Hospital Parkway Suite 125 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.814.8883

Visit us on the web at www.GeorgetownPediatrics.com

12670 Crabapple Rd., Suite 200 Milton, GA 30004

www.abundantlifewellnessga.com

770.663.7898

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February 2014 3

What was that?

Fact: You only hear what your hearing capacity PERMITS. Reality, for you, is now altered. ‘If you can’t hear it - how do you know you missed it?’

“Only my spouse complains.” “I ignore it. It doesn’t bother me.” “I just ask people not to mumble and speak up.”

“No one I know likes their hearings aids.” “After I fix my teeth.” IT IS TIME TO BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. People with untreated hearing loss experience a decreased quality of life. It has been proven to cause varied levels of sadness, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and poor social relationships. They also have more difficulty in their careers and often earn thousands of dollars less than their ‘hearing’ peers.

HELP IS AVAILABLE and an achievable solution is not as challenging as you may think.

Myth: “My insurance doesn’t cover hearing care.”

Fact: Go to a credentialed Doctor of Audiology. They are able to contract with the major insurance companies. Complete diagnostic hearing testing is typically covered once a year and more plans are now including hearing aid benefits of some type. In comparison, most other location types cannot access or file for your

By Dr. Deborah Woodward Say What??

How many mailers are in your box each day for hearing devices? If you think hearing devices are being marketed more and more these days you are correct. But with “hearing stores” popping up in every other strip mall, the warehouse clubs, magazine ads, and the internet, the confusion for those in need of assistance is increasing at the same rate.

Facts, Myths, and Where do I start?

Fact: Over 36 million Americans – more than 1 in every 10 - have some level of reduction in hearing sensitivity AND most people are amazed when they learn that 65% of these are BELOW retirement age!

Myth: “If I had a real problem my family doctor would have told me.”

Fact: Family physicians rarely incorporate hearing screenings as part of your annual physical (especially if you are under age 55). With limited training in the areas of hearing loss and assistive devices, contacting a Doctor of Audiology should be your first step if a problem is suspected.

Myth: “I hear what I need to hear and get along fine.”

insurance benefits.

Myth: I will save money if I buy on-line or at my warehouse club. I can buy them at low cost, stick them in, and “Shazaam- I can hear!” Do not be fooled by thinking you can

pay one low price up front for your device(s) and you are good for years to come. The reality is that it takes the proper consultation, fitting, programming, and as needed FOLLOW-UP to become a happy and success-

ful long term hearing instrument wearer.

Fact: Like Dad used to say, you do get what you pay for.

See HEARING, Page 5

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It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia.

While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

4 February 2014

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So Big Deal, a Little Inflammation

By Leslie Gaskill, M.D. Exactly,….. BIG DEAL! Inflammation is not something to take lightly. Let’s put it this way, if you came across a smoldering fire in your house, you wouldn’t just walk away... would you? I suspect that you would consider this an important matter to tend to, because you know that even a small smoldering fire could quickly become a big rip roaring fire that could burn your house down. Your thought process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You

Is it hearing loss or ear wax buildup?

Learn the answer with a free video ear exam*

might even say “Whew, I am glad I caught that fire while it was small, and thank God that I just happened to walk in here and see this.” Yeh, it would be an emotional and financial disaster to lose your home. So what if we were talking about your life? All it takes is ONE fire to cause an event i.e heart attack and stroke.

There are many causes of inflammation that can ultimately cause your arteries to be fragile. The arteries can suddenly rupture as plaque pushes through the wall like a volcano. A clot is formed, blocking the flow and BOOM. You have a heart attack or stroke. What causes inflammation? Great question.

Stress, bad diet, migraines, autoimmune diseases( like lupus and psoriasis), smoking, cholesterol, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, liver disease, sleep disorders, and, periodontal disease to just name a few. Don’t get a false sense of security if you are a marathon runner, passed your stress test, calcium score, and

A simple, painless hearing screening will give you the answer you need to get on with your life.

If you have hearing loss, you’ll learn about the latest hearing instruments and technology from Dr. Robin Andrews, a board-certified doctor of audiology with over 30 years of experience in testing and treating hearing disorders.

even have a phenomenal cholesterol profile. Stay tuned to hear more from us and Plaque Busters in the national arena.

If you are serious about your life, and your life is a priority, we can help you before it is too late. We are very experienced in a prevention strategy that works! It is tailored to YOU, your body and your genetics!

Right now as spring approaches, most of you are wanting to “get the weight off”. We are excited about our new weight loss program and we will personally coach you. If you want to find out your genetic dietary pattern needs (we are all one of six patterns), we can help you learn how to eat for minimizing your risk of developing plaque and to help you lose weight most effectively for a lifetime.

Yes, it’s true: we are not all genetically programmed to eat the same way!

Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., LLC 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Ste 201, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097, 770-495-9995 www.drlesliegaskill.com and www.plaquebusters.net

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For your free screening call today: 770-676-7208

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11180 State Bridge Road #207 Johns Creek, GA 30022 (near Kimble Bridge Road)

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

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February is Children’s Dental Health Month

February 2014 5

“Unique” Begins with You

By Dr. Ushma Patel Center for Advanced Dentistry In February, for over sixty years, dentists, parents, and children all across America observe National Children’s Dental Health Month. This all began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on February 3rd, 1941, and the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day was held on February 8th, 1949. It has since grown into a monthlong celebration. Our message of the importance of oral health goes out to millions of children and adults in communities across the country, and includes such events as health fairs, dental office tours, and visits to the classroom by dentists and hygienists. Dr. Ushma Patel has volunteered at local schools giving educational programs to several children’s classes on how to take care of their teeth and talking to them about nutrition to keep them healthy.

One of the reasons for this special annual event is that many people are still unaware of the important role early dental care plays in our children’s overall health. We strongly recommend that parents take action early to ensure the health of their children’s teeth because attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life.

Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care,

Hearing: Continued from Page 3 But better hearing can be achieved at even entry-level price points from today’s plethora of high quality solutions.

Those making the decision for the first time to better their quality of life are, in most cases, unaware of what the commitment entails or what questions to ask. Each person is unique and there is no “one solution fits all”, however, EVERY person will need some level of continued service and expert consultation.

Warehouse clubs, and internet sites typically run on the business model of the seemingly attractive low upfront pricing with short warranty periods and, either zero, or very limited follow up services included.

The right medical provider will offer you the CHOICE

Unlock the Power of Personal Your hearing profile is part of what makes your life as personal as your fingerprint. With the correct hearing instrument, you can now experience a level of hearing performance that is tuned to YOUR life and at a richer level of detail – anytime and anywhere. a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong.

Please make sure that we see your child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and certainly no later than the child’s first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treat-

ments provide your child with “smile insurance” for a lifetime!

If you wish for any further information on any aspect of your child’s dental and oral health, please call us at 678894-7926 or visit us on the web at www.HiTechSmiles. com. We’d be happy to help in any way we can!

between a competitive yet still more inclusive ‘pay-as-yougo’ plan, or the more accepted plan that includes unlimited service and office visits plus longer warranties to ensure and continually enhance user satisfaction.

There are three types of current wearers of Hearing technology. Group 1 consists of those who were not consulted or fit properly and just chased the lowest price, have the devices in the drawer, and therefore perpetuate the “Hearing aids are a rip-off and don’t work” mentality.

Their investments were wasted. Group 2 consists of those who sought out a qualified provider and received the individual attention needed to change their quality of life for the better. Many of these are the ones you did not even know wore aids! Their investments are paying dividends every day. As for Group 3? It

consists of those who wish they had their money back from starting in Group 1 and are transitioning into Group 2!

Where do I begin?

Consult with a Doctor of Audiology or a licensed Audiologist to properly determine the unique course of direction for YOUR individual success.

These providers are medically trained and continually certified as hearing technology and options evolve.

The knowledge and patience of your service provider to fit you with the very best option that meets your hearing needs AND budget will ensure that you can truly transform your quality of life.

Dr. Deborah Woodward at the Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Center has helped, and continues to direct, thousands of people in their individual journeys to hear more of what they did not even know they were missing.

Choose to enjoy better hearing in 2014

Winner

Best Audiologist

Dr. Deborah Woodward

Dr. Deborah Woodward Doctor of Audiology

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth

2013

4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Suwanee, GA 30024

770-814-1260

www.JohnsCreekAudiology.com We accept CareCredit®

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Health & Wellness • Sponsored January 2014 Section 6

Milan Eye Center chosen to be the first to use the Ziemer Laser What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery?

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract.

The natural lens of the eye yellows and becomes cloudy with age as a result of biological changes of the proteins inside the lens. The function of the human lens is to focus incoming light onto the back of the eye.

As your lens ages, light from the outside worlds be-

comes more and more distorted as it enters your eye.

Difficulty reading, needing more light to read, experiencing glare and haloes at night and, even poor sleep patterns can be explained by cataract formation.

The treatment for cataracts involves a painless, 10 minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a man made intraocular lens implant.

It is the most common surgical procedure in the US and around the world and is considered to be an extremely successful and safe procedure

with a success rate approaching 99.5%.

What is laser cataract surgery?

With traditional cataract surgery, all the steps of the surgery are customarily performed “manually” by the surgeon using handheld tools.

Laser cataract surgerythe next evolution of cataract surgery with the Ziemer Z6 laser offers a greater amount of precision, predictability and safety to these steps leading improved visual outcomes and more precise targets. With the Ziemer Z6 Laser System, your surgeon can offer you un-

Cataracts?

Worry no more!

Bladeless laser surgery is now available.

Milan Eye Center is the first practice in the United States to offer bladeless cataract surgery of its type.

Milan Eye Center is excited to announce that we have been chosen to be the first practice in the United States to use the Ziemer Z6 Laser for bladeless laser surgery. Now, Atlanta residents have the option to have a safer, quicker and more precise way of removing cataracts by utilizing our new bladeless laser procedure.

Look for our ad series and visit us at www.MilanEyeCenter.com for more information on specific services and ways to learn more.

2011 and 2012 One of America’s Top Doctors by U.S. News and World Report

Milan R. Patel, M.D. Niraj Desai, M.D. Cataract & Refractive Cataract & Refractive Surgeon Surgeon

Gina Borgnini, O.D. Optometrist

Priyal Gadani, O.D. Optometrist

6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325 | Johns Creek 970 Sanders Rd, Suite 100 | Cumming

Learn more: www.MilanEyeCenter.com | Call for a consultation: 678-688-4575

matched accuracy and a more predictable and customized cataract procedure.

Based on your medical history and pre-operative evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available for your desired visual result.

Together you can discuss a treatment plan which may include using the LDV Z6 to create the precise laser incisions in the cornea along with an advanced lens implant that may allow for improved near, intermediate or distance vision.

This tailored treatment may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery.

How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery?

In traditional cataract surgery, incisions in the cornea are made using handheld instruments including blades to access the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical device to manually create a circular opening in the lens capsule of the eye that holds the cataract.

The Ziemer Z6 laser can be used to make the corneal incisions precise and the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible, in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens.

Your surgeon can also use the laser to break up and soften the hard cataract. Softening the lens with the laser enables your surgeon to then remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery.

What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery?

• A highly customized treatment • A treatment with little or no discomfort • A more precise and predictable treatment • A gentler and easier cataract removal • Generally, a more rapid visual recovery due to reduced inflammation • The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multifocal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contacts after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery?

Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable candidate based on your eye anatomy, type of cataract and type of lens implant that you desire.

Most patients are candidates for having some of the steps of cataract surgery performed with the Ziemer Z6 laser.

How long has the procedure been performed?

Thousands of cataract procedures have been successfully performed using femtosecond laser systems, and femtosecond lasers have been used in eye procedures for decades.

The most familiar use of femtosecond laser technology is LASIK. Femtosecond lasers represent an advanced standard in precision laser cataract surgery and the Ziemer Z6 platform was FDA cleared in 2013.

What should I expect on the day of surgery?

Your day in surgery should be no different than a routine cataract case. The Ziemer Z6 laser is positioned next to the surgeon and is utilized seamlessly during the cataract surgery process. You will be given mild IV sedation that will likely keep you pleasantly unaware of the goings on in surgery.

There is no pain, needles or stitches as part of the procedure.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you can generally expect your vision to be improved within 24 hours.

Generally, patients experience no pain after surgery.

Slight scratchiness of the eye is common and they prescribed eye drops will help with any of these symptoms.

Many patients return to work or normal activities the next day and even drive themselves to their post-op day one appointment!

How long does the procedure take?

You can expect to be at our center for 2 hours. And you will be in the procedure room for 20-25 minutes.

Call Milan Eye Center at 678-688-4575 for more information.

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February 2014 7

Have You Got Rhythm?

Here’s what it really means when your heart skips a beat “While heart arrhythmias are common,” said Niraj Sharma, MD, a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist with Gwinnett Medical Center, “their causes can be hard to pinpoint. They are initiated by electrical signals that fire too fast, too slow or irregularly.”

So if your heart flutters, you feel light on your feet – as if you’re floating on air – and your pulse is sky-high. Are you in love…or are you in trouble?

Here are some guidelines: Steadying the Beat Here are four types of rhythm disorders and what you can do about them: Ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation This dangerously racing heartbeat condition is caused by abnormal electrical pulses in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). This rhythm can become irregular without warning, causing insufficient oxygen to be delivered to the brain. When this happens, patients experience sudden cardiac arrest unless medical help is provided immediately.

“The most effective way to correct the rhythm and prevent fibrillation,” said Dr. Sharma, “is with an implantable cardiac defibrillator. No amount or type of drug is nearly as effective.”

Gwinnett Medical Center recently became only the second hospital system in Georgia, and the only one in North Metro Atlanta, to conduct a subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (SICD) procedure.

SICD enables a defibrillator to be placed directly under the skin without touching the heart, an amazing innovation in cardiovascular care that does not involve placement of a wire inside the heart.

This offers an important alternative particularly for patients who have no vascular access or younger patients who may require multiple defibrillators during their life.

Bradycardia When an inactive person’s resting heartbeat falls below 60 beats per minute, the arrhythmia is known as bradycardia.

As a result, blood flow to the brain may be insufficient and cause fatigue, dizziness or fainting. Bradycardia becomes more likely with age.

Although treatment isn’t always necessary, tests can evaluate whether it is neces-

sary to implant an electronic pacemaker under the skin to speed up the heart rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation Supraventricular tachycardia, with its racing, uncomfortable and irregular rhythm, is a faster-than-normal heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical pulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria).

This irregularity is not usually life-threatening, but because it prevents the atria from properly delivering blood to the ventricles, the likelihood for a stroke increases fivefold.

“With atrial fibrillation, tests should be done to further evaluate the patient for the potential cause and to assess their risk for stroke,” said Dr. Sharma.

“Usually this condition can be treated with medication or cardioversion, an electric shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.”

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) PVCs, with their skips and flutters, are the most common arrhythmia, according to Dr. Sharma. “They originate within an irritable area of the heart’s lower chambers,” he said, “disturbing the electrical signals and causing an irregular, or extra, beat.”

In a normal heart, causes

LESLIE S. GASKILL, M.D. For All Your Primary Care and Family Medicine Needs • Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Gynecological Care • Integrative Medicine

• Laser Acupuncture • Cutting Edge Prevention of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Diabetes

See article at www.drlesliegaskill.com on “In the News” tab.

Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., L.L.C. 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 201 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-495-9995 Drlesliegaskill.com Plaquebusters.net

of PVCs include heart-pounding, stressful activities, high anxiety or a rush of adrenaline.

Most PVCs are harmless and almost everyone will experience them.

Determining whether your beat-gone-bad is something se-

rious or simply a case of lovesickness could save your life.

Visit gmcheart.com to browse through our cardiac patient library, see patient stories and find a cardiologist near you.

Or call 678-312-5000 to find a physician.

Doctor’s Hearing Center offers Worry Free Hearing Care Solutions Doctor’s Hearing Center is now open in Johns Creek to provide hearing care for the general community, diagnostic hearing and balance services for physicians and industry or academic hearing screenings. We offer hearing consultations, audiologic testing, the latest technology in hearing aids, hearing aid repairs, wax removal, tinnitus or ringing in the ears treatment and advice on hearing health programs available.

Dr. Robin Andrews is an expert on correcting hearing problems. Physicians trust Dr. Andrews and for over 30 years have been referring patients to assist in patient diagnosis and management. He has been in private practice since 1984 and has helped many Georgians with their hearing health.

Dr. Andrews specializes in the treatment of hearing loss due to nerve damage and diagnostics for balance and dizziness. He has worked with Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons, Veterans Administration and many industries.

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition presented to the primary care physician. The first is heart disease and the second is low back pain.

How do you know if you have hearing loss or diminished hearing?

Do You • Hear but don’t understand what

people say?

• Ask people to repeat what they say?

• Get complaints that your TV is too loud?

• Have difficulty understanding women and children?

• Ringing or noise in your ears?

• Miss common sounds like telephones and doorbells ringing?

Hearing loss can occur if you have a family history of hearing loss, noise exposure, diabetes or heart disease.

Join us in our excitement to be here in Johns Creek by taking that next step to help yourself or someone you know or love. Call 770-676-7208 or stop in at 11180 State Bridge Road, Suite 207, to set up an appointment to get the expert hearing care you need and deserve.

Dr. Robin Andrews Audiologist, Board Certified

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Health & Wellness • Sponsored January 2014 Section 8

Up Close & Personal With U.S. Olympic Snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler (NAPS)—Gretchen Bleiler took up snowboarding at the age of 10 during gym class in Colorado and was hooked instantly. Her passion led to a successful career on the slopes. She won an Olympic silver medal in Torino in 2006, made the 2010 U.S. Olympic team and grabbed four X Games gold medals. As an Olympic Legend, Bleiler shares some top tips to stay focused and at the top of your game each day.

Wake Up On The Bright Side A morning meditation sets the tone for your entire day and helps you focus. Bleiler, who is training to become a meditation instructor, maintains that “this one simple act helps to ground me and keep me in the moment.” Set aside a few minutes a day first thing in the morning and, eventually, work up to 30 minutes.

Make Breakfast Count “If I’m fueled properly, my day is so much easier and it all be­gins with breakfast,” says Bleiler. She loves a bowl of her favorite cereal but, when rushing out the door, she opts for a new Kellogg’s® Nutri-Grain Fruit & Oat Harvest cereal bar to keep her satisfied as she conquers the half-

pipe. The healthy, on-the-go cereal bar delivers a hearty combination of protein, real fruit and whole grains that helps Bleiler thrive, not just survive, the whole morning.

Surround Yourself With Motivators Your well-being can be easily influenced by those around you. Surround yourself daily with those who are a joy to be with, and whose presence supports and encourages you. Others may drain you of your energy. Bleiler’s husband, family, coach and positive friends help remind her that her medals are a wonderful achievement, but if you’re so focused on the goal, you’re missing the journey of getting there.

Learn More Keep tabs on Bleiler at facebook.com/GretchenBleiler and @GretchenBleiler. Learn more about how you can rise and thrive with new Kellogg’s® Nutri-Grain Fruit & Oat Harvest cereal bars that keep Bleiler at the top of her game at www.facebook.com/NutriGrain.

Superstar Gretchen Bleiler, one of the top snowboarders in the world.

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February 2014 9

Georgetown Pediatrics, P.C. specializing in Pediatric Medicine Founded in 1968 in the Dunwoody area, the practice serves patients primarily in its four locations, Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, and Dunwoody markets.

Our doctors are all board certified as Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics and our nurse practitioners all hold the Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners certification. We are comPettaway mitted to delivering the highest quality of care with unparalleled execution to patients from birth to the age of twenty-one.

As board-certified practitioners, we practice medicine according to the guidelines mandated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for

Disease Control, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Our providers also have areas of interest ranging from early childhood development, asthma, obesity and weight management, infectious diseases, and all other areas of general pediatrics.

We are also excited to introduce our two newest providers joining the staff, Dr. Glenda Pettaway and Dr. Richelle Gonzalez Gonzalez at our Alpharetta location, 3400-A Old Milton Parkway, Suite 510.

For more information about our practice, please visit us at www.georgetownpediatrics.com, like us on Facebook or meet us at our Expectantly Expecting Class on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Homeopathy for Detox and Weight-Loss Success

When the body’s ability to expel toxins through the liver, kidneys, colon, lungs, lymph and skin is impaired, symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, headaches, allergies and weight gain can be experienced. Detoxification simply means removing these toxins, and while nutrition-based regimens stimulate the body to cleanse, they do not facilitate complete release and drainage of deeply-harbored cellular toxins, which then congest the extracellular matrix (ECM) and result in a “healing crisis” with flu-like symptoms. Traditional detoxes also do not address the interdependency of organ systems, as the optimal functionality of one depends on the other.

For instance, the brain-spine-ECM connection directly supports the digestive, renal and lymphatic systems, so to detox an organ within these systems, the brain should also be supported.

Homeopathy is key to addressing organ interrelationships and completely expelling deeply-harbored toxins, with elements called sarcodes (blueprint for healthy organ tissue); nosodes (stimulate the immune system to target specific toxins); and tonification elements to assist drainage through the elimination pathways.

Homeopathic support during detox ultimately leads to weight loss. Toxins,

typically stored in fat cells, are endocrine disrupters that increase estrogen and insulin levels, leading to increased fat storage. Releasing toxins allows cells to function normally and the body to properly metabolize fat. To schedule a consultation to address your detox or weight-loss needs, call Abundant Life Wellness 770-6637898, or visit www.abundantlifewellnessga.com.

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.

Health 10 February & Wellness 2014 • Sponsored Section

www.northfulton.com

Health & Wellness • Sponsored January 2014 Section 10

For Johns Creek residents, Gwinnett Medical Center is the closest hospital providing the latest innovation in cardiac technology.

GMC is one of the few hospitals in Georgia—and the only hospital in North Metro Atlanta—to offer subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (SICD) procedures.

SICD enables a defibrillator to be placed directly under the skin without placement of a lead inside the heart. This alternative is revolutionary and particularly useful for patients with compromised vascular access or younger patients who may require multiple defibrillators during their lifetime.

This innovation, coupled with two electrophysiology labs opening in spring 2014 that will set a new standard for cardiac care in the Southeast, is just another example of how Gwinnett Medical Center is Transforming Healthcare.

For a physician referral, call 678-312-5000.

gmcheart.com