October 2013 Health & Wellness

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Health&Wellness October Special Section

Health Wellness NorthFulton.com

October 2013

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Living a happy, healthy life today 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 770-814-1260.

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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“MY EXPERIENCE WAS AN AMAZING ONE.”

“goes above and beyond to make sure the patients are well taken care of ”

“EXCELLENT”

“It has truly been the best OB/GYN experience I have ever had”

“highly recommend”

“skilled and personal”

October 2013 3

“My experience with Dr. John and Ingrid Reyes has been wonderful.

I am so glad I picked them.”

“unique team style”

“understanding and caring professionalism. . . would recommend Modern OBGYN to any of our family and friends” “I couldn’t ask for more from an obstetrician”

“I feel blessed and fortunate to have come to this practice”

“I will be forever grateful in how they treated me and my husband through the process of my first pregnancy”

“My experience has been phenomenal!”

“so forever grateful and blessed to have found Modern OBGYN, thank you for making this experience a wonderful one”

“one of the best decisions I have ever made. . .

I was up and walking the very same day of the operation”

Husband and wife team of Dr. John Reyes and Dr. Ingrid Reyes, providing personal and compassionate care Emory Johns Creek Hospital Northside Hospital – Forsyth

Announcing our new office location: 10692 Medlock Bridge Road • Johns Creek, GA 30097

NOW OPEN

404.446.2496 W W W. R E Y E S O B G Y N . C O M Board Certified Specialists

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October 2013 4

USE IT OR LOSE IT »

End of year dental insurance benefits remaining The end of the year, as you know, is fast approaching. And, with the end of the year, comes the end of your yearly insurance and possibly flexible spending plan (FSA/ cafeteria) benefits. For those of you that are fortunate to have these benefits please remember that this plan is a “use it or lose it” plan. This means that any dollars left in the flexible spending or insurance plan on December 31 will be forfeited.

Please check for flex plan rules and dates with your HR. In order to avoid this forfeiture be sure to get all your medical related claims and receipts submitted by the effective year end date.

Also each year, your dental insurance company allots you a certain dollar amount of coverage for dental procedures that we offer here in the practice from routine exams to more complex, long-term

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procedures.

We want to make sure that you take full advantage of any remaining dental benefits.

Many times, you may be able to save money by completing your treatment before year’s end and avoid paying a new deductible next year, depending on your insurance.

If you have any questions about how much actual coverage remains on your insurance benefits, please call our team

so that we can check on that for you.

At that time, we can schedule you in at the earliest available appointment to ensure you take full advantage of all the insurance and/or flexible spending plan benefits you have paid for! Also get free laughing (nitrous) gas when you visit in September.

If you feel anxious about coming to the dentist, have sensitive teeth, suffer complex dental problems, or have an easily triggered gag reflex, talk to us about sedation.

And the good news about sedation dentistry is that it allows those who have been neglecting their oral care to make major advances in the health of their mouth and smile in just one visit. With sedation dentistry, I can perform complex dental treatments in one appointment where it would have taken multiple visits to achieve the same results in the past.

Or if you know anyone like this, help them by referring them to us. Call 678-894-7926 or visit www.JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com.

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October 2013 5

Comprehensive GI care from board certified specialists Join us in welcoming Dr. Sagar Garud to the practice As the premier gastroenterology practice in the southeast, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates’ (AGA) physicians have the knowledge and experience valued by patients suffering from digestive problems and liver disease.

At AGA’s offices in Alpharetta, Roswell and Cumming, Board Certified specialists evaluate and treat a wide range of disorders, including acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, constipation and diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease and hepatitis, intestinal polyps, ulcers and IBS. In addition, our physicians are experts in

performing colonoscopies and many are trained in the pain-free removal of hemorrhoids.

Our new associate in the Cumming and Roswell locations, Dr. Sagar Garud, joins the practice after completing a fellowship in gastroenterology at Emory University School of Medicine and a second fellowship in advanced therapeutic endoscopy at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

He also holds a master’s degree in epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

In addition to general gastroenterology, Dr. Garud has a special interest

in Barrett’s esophagus, pancreato-biliary diseases, bariatrics and gastrointestinal cancers.

For more information about Dr. Garud or any of our physicians, visit www.atlantagastro.com.

Our Physicians in Alpharetta, Cumming and Roswell: David Atefi, M.D. William Bizzaro, M.D. E. Chris Cameron, M.D. Robert M. Eisenband, M.D. Luis M. Galvez, M.D. Sagar S. Garud, M.D., M.S. Yasmin Karim, M.D. Hetal A. Karsan, M.D., FACP Kamil Obideen, M.D. Girish Poré, M.D.

Health & Wellness Monthly Special Section Advertising DEADLINE: 1st Tuesday of every Month

770-442-3278

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October 2013 6

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

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 Administra-

tion 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 underDr. Robin Andrews, Board Certified Audiologist standing 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.

What is a Prosthodontist?

Muccioli Dental is 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.

Their training consists of rigorous clinical and didactic preparation in the basic sciences, head and neck anatomy, biomedical sciences, biomaterial sciences, function of occlu­sion (bite), TMJ, and treatment planning and experience treating full-mouth recon­struction cases, and esthetics. There are only 3,200 prosthodontists in comparison to 170,000 general dentists in the United States.

Another feature our office has that is very different is an on-site dental laboratory. This allows direct communication with our laboratory technicians and gives our doc­tors the ability to be hands-on during the fabrication process of our restorations.

This unique facet of our practice helps us ensure the highest quality standards and customized appearance of our dental restorations.

Our dentists and staff work hard to provide a tranquil and caring environment that is relaxing and comfortable for our MUCCIOLI patients. Our amenities include a beverage bar, warm scented towels, headphones for music or TV viewing; free Wi-Fi, and soothing hand treatments.

We offer our patients a state-of-the-art office with low radiation x-rays and only utilize the best rated materials for your treatment.

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 want to be the dental practice you trust to care for the dental needs of your entire family!

Conveniently located across from Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

678-389-9955 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 275 Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.MDentalSmiles.com

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October 2013 7

Genetic Testing for Cancer: FAQ from Gwinnett Medical Center With the recent publicity about celebrity Angelina Jolie dealing with her hereditary cancer risk by undergoing surgery, discussion of genetic testing for cancer has been in the news.

While there’s lots of information and misinformation around this issue, here are some facts and frequently asked questions from Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC): Who might consider genetic testing for cancer?

“Anyone with a personal or strong family history of breast, ovarian, colorectal or endometrial cancer may benefit from genetic counseling and testing services,” says Cindy Snyder, DNP, APNG, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner and advanced practice nurse in genetics who specializes in cancer risk assessment at GMC. “These counseling and testing services help you better understand your personal risk of developing cancer.”

What do genes have to do with cancer?

Cancer results from changes in a person’s genes that usually occur over many years.

While lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use may contribute to some of these changes, abnormal genes that are passed from generation to generation may also contribute to the development of cancer.

What percentage of all cancers are inherited?

“It’s important to remember,” says Snyder, “that only five to 10 percent of all cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations, and not everyone who carries them will develop cancer.”

What is involved in the counseling process?

• A detailed review of your family history • An assessment of cancer risks for you and your family • A discussion of the pros and cons of genetic testing • Supportive counseling to help you make the best decision for you and your family How is genetic testing done?

A sample of cells from the inside of your mouth or blood is taken and sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific changes in the DNA. Test results are then provided in writing to your healthcare provider.

Will my information be protected?

“Yes,” says Snyder. “Federal and state laws prohibit the use of genetic information as a preexisting condition.”

Will insurance pay for the cost of these services?

Check with your insurance or managed care company to find out if prevention services are covered under your plan.

What do I do if I find out I’m at high risk of cancer?

Gwinnett Medical Center offers a High Risk Clinic with services to develop an individualized plan for prevention and early detection of cancer.

“We appreciate the concerns involved with genetic testing,” says Snyder, “and will work with you to help you make informed decisions.”

What else should I know?

“There are many issues to consider when deciding if genetic counseling and testing are right for you,” says Snyder.

“We begin with an hourlong consultation, and then if you choose to have genetic testing, a follow-up appointment is set to discuss the results.”

To learn more about genetic counseling and testing, call 678-312-3235 to speak with GMC’s cancer genetic specialist.

Genetic Testing for Cancer: FAQ from Gwinnett Medical Center

Dermatology and Family Medicine Family M F Medicine 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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October 2013 8

Confused by Medicare?

Are you like the millions of other seasoned citizens that are confused by all of the changes going on with Medicare? Do your friends try to give you advice on what they have done to plan for their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage? Or do you just go through the stacks of solicitations that come each September and October telling you that their plan is the best?

A much simpler way to deal with Medicare annually is to use the services of a professional agency that has a staff of experts in Medicare planning. Affordable Medicare Solutions in Suwanee has over 50 years of experience on staff

to help you at NO charge.

Our staff specializes in Medicare Education and is sought after for teaching Senior groups, clubs, HOA’s NABB and church groups about the annual changes in Medicare. We meet with our clients annually and teach them how to properly decide which plans meet their needs. Medicare plans often have networks that change, coverage that changes and premiums that change.

Prescription drug plans need to

be simply reviewed each year to make sure that the formulary has not dropped your drug. But even more important – will the cost of your drugs increase dramatically come January 1st?

Call our office today to set your review appointment – there is never a charge for our services! 770-945-5261 ext 610.

State of the art surgical options Live in the now for women in Johns Creek

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.

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®

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 Hospital- Forsyth and Gwinnett Medical Center –Duluth.

Minimally invasive surgery also refers to in-office procedures which include treatment of heavy bleeding with endometrial ablation and incision-free 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 pel-

vic 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 10692 Medlock Bridge Rd. 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.

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October 2013 9

Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease

By GORDON J. AZAR, JR., MD, Cardiovascular Physicians of Atlanta

You always hear about how healthy habits can help stave off your risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, but a new research study from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention backs up that claim. Heart disease accounts for roughly 800,000 deaths annually. However, the study estimates that as many as 200,000 of these deaths are preventable. In other words, roughly one in four deaths from heart disease could be avoided through regular screenings, early treatment and the adoption of healthy behaviors.

A range of factors can raise your risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke. While you can’t do anything about your age, gender, heredity and race, there are many factors you can control: Quit smoking. A smokers’ risk of developing heart disease is 2-4 times that of nonsmokers. Exposure to second-hand smoke also increases risk, even for nonsmokers. It’s never too late to quit. Your risk of a heart attack starts to decrease within weeks of quitting.

Follow a heart healthy diet.

A diet rich in fruits and veggies and low in salt can help keep your blood pressure within a normal range. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, talk to your doctor about medicines that might work.

Also, reduce your consumption of saturated and trans fats. This will help improve your LDL (bad) cholesterol level. Use more olive oil and other unsaturated oils, and check food labels for the term “partially hydrogenated” to steer clear of trans fats. Some people may also need medicine to lower LDL. Get active. Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease - the more vigorous the activity, the greater your benefits. Plus, daily exercise can help keep you at a healthy weight. People with excess body fat, especially around the waist, are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other factors. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.

Manage your diabetes. Diabetes seriously increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even when glucose (blood sugar) levels are under control. A woman with diabe-

tes is 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease than a woman without diabetes.

Reduce stress. Too much stress over time, and unhealthy responses to it, may create health problems in some people. Find healthy ways to manage stress – join a yoga class, start meditating or make time for yourself each week to do something you love.

Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol raises blood

pressure, can cause heart failure and lead to stroke. It also adds calories, contributing to obesity and makes it harder to lose weight. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, limit yourself to one drink a day.

Cardiovascular Physicians of Atlanta CPNA is one of the largest providers of cardiology services to the North Fulton area, and has offices in metro Atlanta, Roswell, East Cobb and Al-

pharetta. All physicians and physician extenders at CPNA are board-certified and use evidence-based medicine protocols to ensure that patients benefit from the latest technologies and treatments.

For more information about CPNA’s services go to www.cpnapc.com or call 404.847.0049 to schedule an appointment.

GENERAL AND SPECIALTY DENTISTRY

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Dr. Randy Muccioli Prosthodontist

Dr. Randy Muccioli is a dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, cosmetic and implant dentistry.

Dr. Lydia Muccioli General Dentist

Dr. Lydia Muccioli provides comprehensive dental services for the entire family including children.

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• Senior & Disabled Medicare Plans – Medicare Supplements – Medicare Advantage – Medicare PartD (Rx) Plans • Family & Personal Health Plans • Dental & Vision • Long Term Care

770-945-5261 Call today for your NO CHARGE advisory service. www.AffordableMedicareSolutions.com

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October 2013 10

Introduction to adrenal fatigue, what you need to know

By Dr. LISA CATTURULLA Renew Health Medical Fatigue and lethargy are some of the most common complaints amongst adult patients. If you have symptoms such as tiredness, fearfulness, allergies, frequent influenza, arthritis, anxiety, depression, reduced memory, difficulties in concentrating, insomnia, worn-out, and the inability to lose weight after extensive effort you may be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.

Adrenal Fatigue has a broad spectrum of nonspecific, yet often debilitating

symptoms. The onset of this condition is often slow and insidious. Patients are told that they are stressed and need to learn to relax more. Yes, we all know that “stress kills” to a large extent. But, the question is how?

The real truth is that stress and Adrenal Fatigue are not a mysterious entity at all. Our body has a built-in mechanism to deal with it. Being able to handle stress is a key to survival, and the control center in our bodies is the adrenal glands.

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is one of the most prevalent

conditions, afflicting almost every adult in one way or another. Despite effective diagnostic tools and treatment programs, most conventional physicians were simply not informed of Adrenal Fatigue and not prepared to take Adrenal Fatigue as a serious threat to health.

Common Causes of Adrenal Fatigue: Chronic stress is very common in western society. The most common causes of stress are work pressure, changing jobs, death of a loved one, moving homes, illness, and marital disruption. Adrenal Fa-

tigue occurs when the amount of stress overextends the capacity of the body to compensate and recover.

Stressors that can lead to Adrenal Fatigue include: • Anger • Chronic fatigue • Chronic illness • Chronic infection • Chronic pain • Depression • Excessive exercise • Fear and guilt • Gluten intolerance • Low blood sugar • Mal-absorption • Mal-digestion • Toxic exposure • Severe or chronic stress • Surgery • Late hours • Sleep deprivation • Excessive exercise • Excessive sugar in diet • Excessive caffeine intake from coffee and tea • Chronically infected root canal One of the most commonly overlooked causes of Adrenal Fatigue is chronic or severe infection that gives rise to an inflammatory response. Such

Dr. Brian Ouellette, left, and Dr. Lisa Cattarulla. infection can occur sub-clinically with no obvious signs at all. Parasitic and bacterial infections including Giardia and H. pylori are often the main causes.

If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms please call our office today.

We can schedule a personal in-depth consultation, examination and the necessary lab work to get you feeling like yourself again.

He’s not your average Joe

By CAROLINE SPARKS FNP-BC, RN, MSN, EVP Clinical Operations at AgeWell Men’s Institute

We’re honored to serve you 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

Last February, I met with a 47 year man who was referred to AgeWell by his personal trainer. After months of four day- a-week, hour long, intense workouts, only a few pounds of weight were lost. “My trainer took me aside and told me that something was wrong.

That maybe my testosterone level was low.” Joe mentioned that he had stopped drinking alcohol recently to help reduce the 215lbs off his 5’10” frame, but was disappointed it that it was taking such an enormous amount of effort for such a small amount weight loss.

The trainer was correct.

Joe’s testosterone was below the normal range. Six weeks after beginning testosterone therapy, Joe started to notice that his clothes fit better, especially in the waist. “I went down two notches on my belt size and my work outs are better than ever.” As Joe started to see improvement, he was able to continue his diet and exercise routine knowing that his efforts would not be futile.

Five months of exercise, diet and testosterone produced impressive results for Joe. His percentage of body fat (PBF) was reduced by 28% and he gained 9% in muscle mass.

The result was a taut belly, stronger upper body and a

much happier Joe. Gone was the middle age, out of shape man that looked like he enjoyed too much red wine and pasta.

In just six weeks on Testosterone supplementation, with exercise, most men can tell a significant difference in their energy and endurance level… as well as noticeable improvement in their PBF. 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 patientcentric wellness and complex disease management programs for national companies. See their ad for more information or visit their website at www.agewellmensinstitute.com.

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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

Massage as part of your total health and wellness routine Touching is a natural response to pain. Think of when you bumped your head. What did you do? Rubbed it, right?

There is scientific proof of the benefits of massage - from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the tensions of our stressful lifestyles.

Massage does more than just relax your body and mind there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur when you receive massage therapy. These include improved circulation, relaxed muscles, reduced joint pain, and shorter recovery times for workouts and surgery.

If you’ve been hesitant to try massage therapy, it’s time to try LaVida Massage. LaVida

Massage of Cumming is a brand-new massage and wellness center that offers therapeutic massage at affordable prices in a friendly, genderneutral setting. Licensed massage therapists apply customized treatment using proven techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, and Neuro-Muscular. Additional therapies for pre-natal, migraine, and Sports massage are also offered.

Massage therapy is a holistic healthcare tool that everyone should use. No matter how you view it - as therapeutic, as rejuvenation, for stress release, or for pain management - massage therapy is beneficial to everyone – young, older, male, female, active or sedentary.

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October 2013 11

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October 2013 12

Cancer doesn’t affect everybody the same way.

That’s why at Gwinnett Medical Center you’ll have access to a team of more than 20 cancer specialists, including physicians, nurses and technologists. This is how we design individualized plans that can help you beat cancer.

Additionally, our nurse navigators are here to walk you through every step of beating this disease—from giving you information about the latest treatments to holding your hand during difficult days to providing follow-up care. Their singular purpose is to make sure your needs and wants are satisfied.

Gwinnett Medical Center—the only hospital in the region committed to Transforming Healthcare.

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

Transforming Healthcare