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Sponsored Section • Health & wellness
July 2014
Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | July 2014
Varicose vein myths and facts From Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth When a vein wall weakens or a valve begins to work incorrectly, or when re-circulating blood that should be moving toward the heart actually moves away, blood can pool. Pressure can build up, causing veins to become twisted, enlarged and sometimes painful. This venous insufficiency is more commonly known as varicose veins. Contributing factors include: genetics, obesity, multiple pregnancies, trauma and/ or a profession that requires standing for long periods of time. Varicose veins are also common in people over the age of 60. Unfortunately there are a lot of myths about varicose veins: here’s a quiz to test your knowledge about this all-toocommon condition: Myth or Fact? Varicose veins don’t hurt.
Myth: Varicose veins are sometimes painful or throbbing. Plus the underlying backup of blood in the vein can lead to leg heaviness and fatigue, swollen limbs, skin changes, itchy legs and even skin ulcers. Myth or Fact? Varicose veins are only a cosmetic condition, not a medical one. Myth: Venous insufficiency or varicose veins are not just cosmetic issues.” says Brandon Kang, MD, pioneer in vein treatment at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth. “If not properly treated, symptoms can progress and cause more serious medical problems.” Myth or Fact? Only women are affected by varicose veins. Myth: Nearly 25 percent of all women and 15 percent of all men suffer from uncomfortable and unsightly varicose veins. Myth or Fact? Pregnancy may cause varicose veins.
Fact: During pregnancy there is a larger volume of blood, so women may experience varicose veins, especially in the last months of pregnancy. Myth or Fact? Surgery is the only lasting way to treat varicose veins. Myth: No two veins are the same and treatment options are individually based. Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth offers both conservative and corrective treatments. Conservation treatment includes compression stockings and leg elevation. Corrective methods include Sclerotherapy and the newest laser treatment, VenaCure EVLT. In Sclerotherapy, a tiny needle is injected into the affected vein, delivering medication that irritates the lining of the vein. The vein collapses and is then reabsorbed. The VenaCure EVLT laser vein treatment uses laser energy that pulses through the
vein, causing the vein to collapse and seal shut. This minimally invasive procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can be performed in the physician’s office. The results are more than 95 percent effective. “Laser treatment of varicose veins has revolutionized vein treatment and is quickly becoming the standard of care,” says Kang. “This procedure is safe, quick, very effective, and virtually painless and requires minimal recovery time. There
is no large incision, so there is no scarring.” Gwinnett Medical CenterDuluth offers treatment options for spider veins and varicose veins that are more precise and less invasive, so there is no need to worry about those unsightly, uncomfortable veins. To schedule a free consultation, which includes an ultrasound examination, call 678-304-7008. Use code EVLT when you schedule your appointment.
ADHD – not just in children anymore Adult ADHD is associated with multiple comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other personality disorders. Adult ADHD is a valid psychiatric disorder of adulthood distinct from these other conditions. Adult attention deficit disorder differs from the childhood variant because the hyperactivity in adults may be replaced by other symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and inattentiveness. In fact, prior to 2002 there were no diagnostic guidelines, but there have been great advances since. Some of the symptoms that characterize Adult ADHD are:
ADHD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder among adults. The prevalence is thought to be 3.5%-5.3%, which accounts for more than 11 million cases in the United States alone. With increased public awareness, adult ADHD became a topic of great interest so clinicians should be able to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with this disorder. Etiology is still uncertain. Genetics however is believed to play a prominent role, followed in importance by acquired injuries to the brain. ADHD was widely thought to be strictly a disorder of childhood. Now there are numerous scientific papers and clinical trials that acknowledge the existence of an adult version of this disorder, which can be traced back to the younger years. Before this time ADHD in adults was known as Minimal Brain Damage or Dysfunction (MBD).
1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school-work, work or other activities. 2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. 3. Often does not seem to listen when spoke to directly. 4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand directions) 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities. 6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (eg. School assignments, pencils, keys) 7. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. PAID ADVERTORIAL
8. Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, keep a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, failed relationships and traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to complete several tasks as once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards. Treatment is very rewarding. The first medications to be approved by the FDA belonged to a non-stimulant group of medications: Atomoxetine. The FDA later approved stimulants such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts. Group delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended in some cases as a supportive treatment. If you or someone you know may have Adult ADHD, call Johns Creek Family Medicine at 770-771-6591 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zack Charkawi.