July 2013 Health & Wellness

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July 2013 1

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July 2013

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Don’t Shake off Head Injuries New Concussion Institute at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth to Provide Comprehensive Care Every year in the United States, more than eight in ten sports-related concussions go unrecognized, putting the athlete at higher risk of long-term damage because of inadequate treatment.

Georgia recently recognized the severity of this problem with its Return to Play Act of 2013, which mandated developing return to play policies as well as education about the risks of SIMMONS concussions.

The Concussion Institute at GMC-Duluth, slated to open in August, is the newest innovation in concussion prevention and treatment. It will combine the latest technology with an interdisciplinary team of highly skilled experts. In addition, it will make the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing program (ImPACT) more widely available to studentathletes.

“We felt the community needed a comprehensive, cohesive approach,” said Tim Simmons, MHA, ATC, LAT, director of the Concussion Institute. “We’re very excited to have this multifaceted approach to concussion injuries and sports rehabilitation under one roof.

This means more convenience since student-athletes,

or others who suffer concussion, can line up all their testing and rehabilitation needs in one location. This means less time away from school or work.”

In addition to Simmons, the Concussion Institute will employ six full time staff members including Neuropsychologist Marla Shapiro, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., a clinical education coordinator, an athletic trainer and a physical therapist. The Institute will also have access to vestibular and other specialists as needed.

Concussion Isn’t Loss of Consciousness A concussion temporarily impairs how the brain functions and processes information. Symptoms are not always obvious. Although it is commonly assumed that concussions cause loss of consciousness, many people with concussions have not been “knocked out.”

There can be a variety of symptoms, which may appear right away, or several days after the injury. Some symptoms are physical, such as drowsiness and headache. Others are cognitive, like memory loss. In many cases, people with concussions are more emotional than usual.

The Key to Healing Concussion: Rest Healing from concussion requires complete rest.

This includes not just physical rest, but mental rest as well. Reading, computer work, video games and television should be limited until all symptoms have resolved. Gradual return to daily activities is also key, since being symptom-free does not mean the brain

injury has fully healed.

One key part of monitoring this healing process for student-athletes is the ImPACT program. This program provides neurocognitive computer testing in the preseason to establish a baseline. Then if a concussion is suspected, a follow-up test can confirm the injury and determine severity. Clinicians can track athletes’ recovery through additional follow-up tests. The ImPACT program provides invaluable information that can take the guesswork out of concussion management and promotes safe return-to-play decisions for athletes.

How GMC is Helping Athletes The Concussion Institute is the newest addition to the Sports Medicine Program at GMC-Duluth. Since 2005 this program has provided comprehensive care including ImPACT testing, educational events, and providing certified athletic trainers for professional teams, recreational leagues and high schools.

To learn more about the new Concussion Institute and ImPACT testing, visit gwinnettsportsmed.com or call 678-430-3223 for a physician referral.

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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July 2013 3

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 one of our top priorities. Our team of sports medicine experts utilizes the latest technologies, like our Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) program.

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

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

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

Transforming Healthcare

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July 2013 4

Snoozing in the Dental Chair New Treatment Offers hope for the Dental Phobic

By Dr. Ushma Patel from Center For Advanced Dentistry Millions of Americans avoid the dentist. Some had traumatic experiences as children.

Others suffered pain as adults.

Still more were swayed by stereotypes in movies or parental horror stories. No matter the reason, far too many of these individuals simply stopped seeking routine dental care

because they were frightened.

Even when they were faced with such warning signs as pain in their mouths or gums these individuals still failed to visit the dentist. Now they’re jeopardizing not only their dental state but their overall health status. If this sounds like you, we want to help.

Whether you’ve been postponing a simple dental checkup, construction and repair or a brand-new smile, now’s the time to take better care of yourself. Now’s the time to move forward into a healthier future. Modern dentistry offers

many new tools and options that make necessary treatments not only tolerable but even comfortable.

Are you afraid of the dentist or have been putting it off ?

For some people going to the dentist can be a terrifying experience. The drills, the smells and oh, that awful needle!

But now there’s a new way for the dentally challenged to get their needed treatment without having to go through all the fear and anxiety. And, what’s more, they likely won’t even remember going to the dentist.

It’s called “Sedation Dentistry” and is available right now at Dr Ushma Patel’s dental office. Not all dentists are qualified or licensed to use this option. Approximately 1 in 8 dentists in Georgia is licensed to do Sedation.

“The way it works is quite simple,” says Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Suwanee dentist Dr. Ushma Patel. “One hour before the appointment the patient simply takes a pill that we have dispensed to them. By the time they arrive for their appointment they are very relaxed.”

The patient is then escorted to the dental chair. They gradually progress to a deeper level of sedation but are still able to respond to their environment and to questions from the doctor. Dr. Ushma Patel explains, “The patient will feel no pain and in fact will have little or no memory of the experience after it’s all over.”

The patient’s vital signs are constantly monitored throughout the treatment. “When they awaken a friend drives them home and in an hour or so they are pretty much back to normal,” says Dr. Ushma Patel.

“The best part is that they have no bad memories, and they don’t experience any pain or

USHMA PATEL

anxiety.”

The patient isn’t “knocked out” or in total sedation like they would be for a surgery.

The level of sedation isn’t that deep, but just deep enough so that they feel nothing but are still conscious Dr. Ushma Patel says, “We find that while some patients have a deep fear of dental treatment, there are many who also have a deeper fear of being “put under.” Their actual fear centers around losing control or not being able to perceive what’s going on around them. Sedation Dentistry is a happy medium. They are still under control and understand what’s happening – they just don’t feel anything or have any anxiety about it.”

Is Sedation Dentistry

See DENTAL, Page 5

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Thomas Eye Group Continues Growth in Suwanee Thomas Eye Group, which offers eye exams, glasses, contact lenses and LASIK, as well as medical, surgical and cosmetic services to patients ranging in age from infants to seniors, recently announced that Glenda B. Brown, O.D. has joined the team of doctors in the Suwanee office.

Dr. Brown is president of the Georgia Optometric Association, and she is widely known

Dental: Continued from Page 4 only for dental chickens? Dr. Ushma Patel says no. “Some people, while they are not at all afraid of dental treatment, are highly resistant to anesthetic.

They just can’t get numb. Other people simply don’t have the time to make repeated visits to the dentist and would rather have all their work done in one longer visit. Sedation Dentistry takes care of both problems.”

Since dental phobics tend

in the eye care community as a dedicated professional for the past 30 years.

In addition to Dr. Glenda Brown, the Thomas Eye Group Suwanee office is staffed by seasoned Thomas Eye Group professionals including Jeffrey A. Carlisle M.D., a board certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive ophthalmic care, LASIK and refractive to put off their dental care, sometimes for many years, they usually need quite a bit of treatment - sort of a Catch 22 situation. But with Sedation Dentistry, literally years of treatment can be accomplished in just a single visit.

For more information on Sedation Dentistry call Dr. Ushma Patel at 678-894-7926 or visit them on the web at www.JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com. If this sounds like you or a loved one or someone you know then please let them know that they have an option now.

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surgery; Kenneth R. Neufeld, M.D., a board certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon with specialized training in cosmetic and functional procedures around the upper face, brow and eyelids; Jeri S. Salit, M.D., a fellowship-trained, board certified pediatric ophthalmologist; and Alan Brown, O.D., a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry specializing in pediatric and adult medical eye care.

The Suwanee office, located at 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, was established at the end of 2012 to meet the

patient demand for services in Johns Creek, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, and Buford areas. It is the ninth Thomas Eye Group

location in the metro Atlanta area. For more information, visit www.thomaseyegroup. com or call 770-809-3366.

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July 2013 6

Stay Safe from the Heat this Summer

Why Weight? Know Your Healthy Weight Measurements Now!

By Amanda M. Walter, RN, MSN, CEN Clinical Specialist, Emergency Services at Northside Hospital Summertime is meant for throwing barbecues, going hiking and lounging around the swimming pool. As temperatures continue to rise, all this time spent outdoors only increases your chances of suffering from heat stroke or exhaustion.

Heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is the most serious form of heat injury and may cause damage the brain and other vital organs.

It can even be fatal. Heat exhaustion occurs after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have become dehydrated. Without proper care, heat exhaustion can eventually lead to heat stroke.

Before you head out for a day of fun in the sun, brush up on these sun-savvy tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy this summer: 1. Stay Hydrated.

Heat exhaustion can develop over several days if fluids aren’t properly replenished. If you’re going to be in the sun all day, be sure to drink 16 to 32 ounces of fluids, such as

water, fruit juices or sports beverages, each hour. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as these can worsen your dehydration.

2. Know the symptoms Heat exhaustion and heat stroke share some of the same symptoms—confusion, nausea, dizziness, headache and high body temperature.

A person with heat exhaustion usually perspires heavily, while someone with heatstroke has lost the ability to sweat.

If you are overheated, out of breath or your heart is racing, stop what you’re doing and move indoors immediately to rest—especially if you feel lightheaded. If you or someone you know has lost the ability to perspire, seek medical attention immediately.

The CDC recommends taking a cold shower or bath, and using other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.

During heat stroke, the body has lost its ability to cool itself and only cool water can lower body temperature quickly.

3. Keep cool and use common sense.

Avoid being out in the midday heat as much as possible.

When you do go outside, wear loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Expo-

sure to air conditioning, even just for just a few hours a day can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

If it’s sweltering inside your home, take a break and find a place where you can enjoy a free blast of AC: People-watch at the mall, browse the selections at your local library or bookstore or sip an iced tea at a coffeehouse.

Emergency Services at Northside Hospital The state-of-the-art Emergency Department at Northside Hospital provides 24 hour, 7-days-a-week emergency services to any medical, surgical or obstetrical patient.

A team of board-certified physicians and nurses, who all are certified in BLS (basic life support), ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) and PALS (pediatric advanced life support), offer high quality, compassionate care.

With HealthExpress, patients with less severe injuries (once triaged) are seen by a registered nurse, physician assistant or nurse practitioner to expedite care and get them home quicker.

For more information, visit www.northside.com/emergencyservices.

Written by: Dr. Measha Dancy, M.D. Obesity has been deemed a worldwide epidemic. Globally, one billion adults are overweight with 300 million of them being clinically obese.

The best way to determine if you are overweight is by learning your BMI or body mass index.

The BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. A BMI over 24 is considered overweight and greater than 29 is considered obese.

Most people are concerned about the fat they see but the real problem is the fat they don’t see. It is actually the fat that surrounds the internal organs that is the culprit.

Waist circumference, measured above the hip bone, is the best measure of this risk.

The goal is to have a waist circumference of less than 40 inches for a man and less than 35 inches for a woman.

Knowing these measurements is so important because obesity related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, are some of the leading causes of preventable MEASHA death.

At Comprehensive Internal Medicine we are committed to promoting the health and wellness of our patients using evidence-based medicine while emphasizing a preventative and healthy lifestyle.

We use an integrative approach to prevent, diagnose and treat various medical conditions, from common illnesses to chronic diseases.

Comprehensive Internal Medicine, 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 543, Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-600-6267, www.cimedicine.com.

Comprehensive Dental Services for Adults of All Ages and Children • High Blood Pressure • Heart Disease • High Cholesterol

•Alergy/Asthma • Kidney Disease • Women’s Health

• Menopause • Thyroid Disease • Obesity

• Diabetes • Annual Physicals

Please Welcome Dr. Measha Dancy, M.D.

We offer state-of-the-art, premium quality dentistry with a warm relaxing feel. Our office features a warm and inviting decor to enhance the patient experience and advanced dental technology to improve patient care.

Graduated Cum Laude from Spelman College here in Atlanta and then went on to North Carolina to attend the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Wayne State Univeristy/Detriot Medical Center. She returned to Atlanta and joins Comprehensive Internal Medicine after spending 10 years as a Hospitalist working with both St. Joseph’s and Northside Hospitals. Dr. Dancy is a Board Certified Internist and her special interests include sickle cell disease, obesity/weight management, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction.

CLEANINGS AND EXAMS • COSMETIC DENTISTRY FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION IMPLANTS • PROSTHODONTICS

Jacqueline Pearson, M.D. M.S.

Anju Bhushan, M.D.

Arezou Fatemi, M.D.

Kelly M. Day, M.D.

Ryan Bozof, M.D.

Shima Mansouri, P.A.-C

Disease states we treat:

Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Gardasil (HPV vaccine) • Tetanus Zostavax (Shingles vaccine) • Pneumovax (Pneumonia vaccine) Same Day Scheduling Available • Accepting Most Insurance Plans & Medicare

If you are looking for a Johns Creek dentist you can trust us to provide dental care for your entire family, please call Muccioli Dental Today!

678-389-9955

6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 275 • John Creek Conveniently located across from Emory Johns Creek Hospital www.MDentalSmiles.com

Now accepting patients at our new location: 960 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 543 • Atlanta, GA 30342

Johns Creek (770) 622-9002 3890 Johns Creek Pkwy, #360 Suwanee, GA 30024 South Forsyth County

Alpharetta (678) 205-9004

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11975 Morris Rd, #140 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Off Old Milton Pkwy near GA 400

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5 Tips to Avoiding Weight Gain during Summer Vacation Season To keep ship shape over the summer season, AgeWell Men’s Institute prescribes the following set of simple rules: 1. Drink plenty of water. Sometimes when you have a craving for something sweet, you are simply dehydrated. Drink a glass of cool water to see if that quells your craving.

2. Eat more fruit or nuts. Keep fruit and nuts or string cheese at the ready so you have a reasonably healthy treat when you have a hunger pang or craving. Fruit and nuts both offer a good mix of fiber and vitamins to help you feel sated – and the nuts offer additional value with protein and fat.

3. Don’t surround yourself with temptation. If the cookies are in the pantry or ice cream is in the freezer, it’s that much harder to say no. It’s fairly easy to control what you eat, if you don’t add to the temptation.

4. Stay active. Do some exercises you can do anywhere in 10 minutes flat. Try running on the beach. Do 10 minutes of laps in the pool. Try a set of burpee ladders. What’s that? You begin with a pushup and spring up to the bottom of a squat, then stand and jump as high as you can before repeating the movement pattern. Try this for 10 minutes.

5. Choose foods wisely. Remember if it didn’t swim, run, fly, grow out of the

July 2013 7

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July 2013 8

Focus on Upper Cervical Russell A. Friedman, B.S.M.E., D.C., of AlternaHealth Solutions is an Upper Cervical specialist who focuses on the upper area of the spine which is closest to the head and the brain stem.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic is measurable, predictable and uses an extremely light touch (no more pressure than is needed to take a pulse) without any twisting, popping, or cracking.

Upper Cervical measures body misalignment using digital and laser posture diagnostics and 3D opposing x-ray views.

The diagnostics allow for corrective results. Not only do you feel better after a correction, you can actually see the difference in the pre- and post- xrays. In 2010, Dr. Friedman introduced Quantum Spinal Mechanics3 (QSM3), a progressive Upper Cervical Chiropractic protocol.

QSM3 is changing the practice of chiropractics all over the country, attracting both the science-minded allopath and the natural health practitioner.

Chronic conditions such as TMJD, migraines, vertigo, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and unsuccessful spinal surgeries respond to Upper Cervical procedures and have clinical significance as repeatable and successful. Dr. Friedman’s Success Plan uses the QSM3

protocol as a foundation in combination with other health essentials such as nutrition, hydration, exercise, muscle symmetry and emotional work.

Today, Dr. Friedman’s in-depth and practical approach to correcting the spine and infusing health with the Success Plan has made him one of the most sought after chiropractors in the southeast.

MIGRAINES? VERTIGO? FIBROMYALGIA? TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA? NUMBNESS? HYPERTENSION? FATIGUE?

North Atlanta Medical & Digestive Care

TIRED OF TAKING PILLS WITH NO END IN SIGHT? True health comes from Corrective Care – not covering symptoms with medications. This foundational approach has attracted patients to us from all over the country, referred by doctors locally, nationally, and from such prestigious institutions as The Mayo Clinic in Florida.

Call AlternaHealth Solutions to access a new path to true health and pain-free living.

Russell A. Friedman, DC

No Charge Consultations offered until July 31, 2013.

“I had suffered with migraines, vertigo, and jaw pain constantly for over 30 years. Ninety days later, with care from Dr. Friedman, I have my life back.” — Sandy P. “I had severe pain in my neck, arm, and back. I had two previous spinal operations and a metal plate inserted in my back … I am now pain free. He is amazing.” — David F.

770.641.9797

w www.alternahealthsolutions.com Call today to see how different we are.

Check us out on Facebook for specials and promotional offers.

Jeff H Ye, MD, Ph.D.

• Trained at Yale University affiliated hospitals.

• Internal Medicine Board Certified.

• Expert diagnosis and treatment of difficult, complicated diseases.

• Advanced medical care: diabetes/needle-free treatment, obesity/effective weight loss program, fibromyalgia, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, coronary artery disease, COPD. • Successful treatment of digestive disorders: abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, GERD, Crohn’s disease, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C, pancreatitis.

Testimonials: “I lost 130 lbs in just 13 months following Dr. Ye’s program and his instructions. I feel much better about myself physically and emotionally. I have battled with my weight my entire life. It is very refreshing to be able to do things I want to do in life now.”

Jennifer D. “I tell everyone we know about Dr. Ye. He has helped find things no one else could.

I am in better shape than I have been in 60 years. He and his staff are wonderful.”

Marcella H. “Dr. Ye is a very compassionate doctor. He explains everything to you so you can understand. I feel much better under his care.” Connie C.

Accept Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial Evening/Weekend Appointment Available 4020 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-346-0900 Walk-in Welcome Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Wed 11am-7pm, Sat 9am -1pm

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We are here to make a difference one tooth at a time Muccioli Dental proudly serves the residents of Johns Creek and the surrounding areas with comprehensive dental services ranging from dental cleanings and exams to full mouth rehabilitation.

Whether you are in need of general dental services or complex restorative care, we are the dental practice you can trust to care for the dental needs of your entire family!

Our office is conveniently located in the Johns Creek Medical Pavilion directly across from the Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Our family-owned and operated dental practice features a general dentist, Dr. Lydia Muccioli, and a Prosthodontist, Dr. Randy Muccioli.

This combination allows us to provide comprehensive dental services to adults of all ages as well as children. We are proud to be one of a handful of dental practices in Johns Creek and all of the Atlanta area that has a Prosthodontist on staff. Dr. Randy Muccioli is specially trained to provide complex restorative, esthetic and cosmetic dental services.

A Prosthodontist trains three

years longer than a general dentist and is skilled in the replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of natural teeth. There are only 3,200 prosthodontists in comparison to 170,000 general dentists in the United States.

Our dentists and staff work hard to provide a tranquil and caring environment. Some of our amenities include an on-site dental laboratory, a beverage bar, and headphones for music or TV viewing during treatment and low radiation x-rays.

The doctors believe in quality and doing things right. They stand behind their work.

We do not want to just serve you today….We want to be there to meet the dental needs for you and your family for many years to come.

If you are looking for a dental practice that provides top quality dentistry in a warm and relaxed setting, then we invite you to come in and tour our office and meet our friendly dentists and staff. For more information please call 678389-9955 or visit our website at www.MDentalSmiles.com.

Alternatives to Hysterectomy 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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July 2013 9

New Therapies for Weight Loss Jeff H. Ye, MD, Ph.D Defined by body mass index, obesity is associated with common medical problems including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, GERD, obstructive sleep apnea. The basic strategy for weight loss is decreased energy intake and increased energy consumption.

FDA approved two new drugs for weight loss in June 2012. They are Lorcaserin (Belviq) and Phentermine/Topiramate(Qsymia). Qsymia is more effective in selected population while Belviq has shown only moderate effect. Certain off-label use of anti-depressant medication Wellbutrin and anti-diabetic medications Metformin, Victoza and Byetta have been shown to be effective in treating obesity as well.

I have successfully used those medications

combined with diet/exercise to achieve weight loss in my patients for several years. We have a step-wise, comprehensive and individualized program with careful evaluation of patient’s history and physical examination. The program includes diet, excise and closely monitored medications. Patients are given instruction on reaching negative energy intake and commit to exercise program to increase energy consumption. If used appropriately, the program can help you achieve desired weight loss and maintain it over long term.

If you have any questions about weight loss and obesity-associated medical problems, please contact Dr. Jeff Ye, North Atlanta Medical & Digestive Care at 770-346-0900. We can help you with the best individualized treatment plan.

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