May 2013 Health & Wellness

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May 2013 1

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May 2013

Trinity Care at Home Can Help Trinity Care at Home is a private home care provider focused on restoring hope to the seniors for whom we care. Just like our sister company, the Dogwood Forest assisted living communities, we believe in inspiring the mind, body and spirit. When looking for a home care company consider the strengths of the company.

Look past the assistance with activates of daily living and companion sitter tasks. Ask about the training and development of the staff, their experience in the senior care industry and their commitment to help seniors thrive.

Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our seniors and do whatever possible to assist moms and dads to age in place in their home. Whether it be post-operative recovery assistance, or companion services we can help. Our staff is trained to care, assist with safety in the home and consider what is needed to improve a person’s quality of life. More importantly, our staff strives to develop a relationship and bond with your loved one and help them live their dreams.

We would be honored to serve your family.

Choose HOPE. Choose Trinity Care at Home.

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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May 2013 3

So Big Deal, a Little Inflammation

By Leslie Gaskill, M.D.

Male Menopause Is No Myth From Dr. Averel Snyder Co-Founder, AgeWell Men’s Institute While they don’t get hot flashes, aging men go through their own kind of change of life and have menopause-like symptoms. It’s called andropause. Starting about age 30, a man’s testosterone typically declines 10 percent each decade. At the same time, levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) increase, trapping much of the remaining testosterone and making it unavailable to the body’s cells.

Not all men go through andropause — though it’s estimated that 20 percent to 30 percent will experience it by their 50s. Andropause’s effects on a man includes low libido and problems with erectile function, as well as feeling depleted of energy, bone loss, muscle mass depletion, fat retention and depression. And since andropause can begin even more gradually than menopause — and since most people have never heard of it — it can be hard to recognize.

The only way to diagnose this condition is to have blood work done to test for testosterone levels.

There are many treatments for andropause including testosterone replacement therapy (also known as TRT). TRT is administered through injections and can help to enhance and replace testosterone levels and decrease the symptoms of andropause.

You can also decrease the impact of andropause by living a healthy lifestyle, including getting plenty of rest and exercise. Whether you are experiencing mild or severe effects of low testosterone, treatment is available and you should not wait.

Dr. Snyder is a Board certified Cardiothoracic surgeon and Certified in Age Management Medicine. He Co-founded

AgeWell Men’s Institute to help men better manage aging with bio-identical hormone replacement, exercise and diet.

See their ad for more information or visit their website at www.agewellmensinstitute. com.

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 though process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You 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

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

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7 Things to help you look good and be healthy this spring DRINK LOTS OF WATER

mals, (and Humans), that stretch are more flexible and healthy.

1 ounce of water for every two pounds you weight each day is recommended. Yes, I know it’s a lot, but you can do it. :) It will increase energy and overall body functions.

VeinInnovations opens new Johns Creek location VeinInnovations CEO David Martin cuts ribbon on the new Johns Creek location located at 4255 Johns Creek Parkway. VeinInnovations specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, including varicose and spider veins. Pictured from right to left is John Bemont, President of the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, VeinInnovations CEO David Martin; Surgeon, Dr. Alexander Park; Director of Business Development, Shelby Gutenberger; Business Development Coordinator Carey Sipp; Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce Members Will Caraway and Fred Van Patten; VeinInnovations Administrative Assistant Mayra Cisneros; Clinic Manager Laura Egan; Director of Operations Lucille Pretlow; Financial Case Manager, Shun Colvard; Registered Vascular Technologist Ashley Sanford; Medical Assistant Suzy Stephenson, and Ginger Wilson, Front Office Supervisor.

THINK ONLY POSITIVE THOUGHTS

What you focus on, you attract into your life, good or bad.

Consistently thinking about what you WANT ( not what you don’t want ), will help you get what you want. Write down what you want, or put it in your smart phone.

Read it, think about it, three times a day. Just do it.

EAT ONLY HEALTHY FOODS

Foods that are “ALIVE” are best. This means raw fruits and vegetables. It will be quality nutrition for your cells. Live enzymes mean better cell function and replication.

GET YOUR SPINE ALIGNED REGULARLY

GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Stress, hard work, accidents, and plain old wear and tear negatively affects your skeletal frame.

As your skeletal frame “gives in”, it negatively affects your health, such as decreased respiration.

Regular alignments not only help avoid pain, but alignments help you feel better and function better too.

Lack of enough rest leads to chronic fatigue and other disorders. Your body does most of its healing while you’re sleeping. Instead of relying on energy drinks, or coffee, get more sleep!

EXERCISE DAILY

Study after study shows regular exercise has multiple benefits.

“If you don’t use it , you lose it”. Start with walking and gradually increase your time and effort.

Exercise whether you want to or not!

STRETCH OFTEN

Are you as flexible as you used to be? Really? Touch your toes right now. Can you?

Stretching insures that you keep your flexibility and helps prevent falls and accidents. Ani-

Dr. John A Webster has over 28 years of experience in Chiropractic Care and sees patients at Roswell Health and Injury Center, 11490 Alpharetta Hwy, Ste. 100. 770442-3343

Choose Hope.

Choose Trinity Care at Home

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Our Care Services:

We understand the range of emotions facing your family as you look for the best care solution Task Care - help with for your loved one. We support the desire of life’s daily tasks seniors to live in their own home me if Personal Care Tasks: they are able. We know that thee bathing, dressing, toilet best care plan for seniors is onee assistance, grooming, that focuses not just on body, but on mind, body and spirit. rit. shaving, oral hygiene This is why the Trinity Care at and eating Home team serves its clients Simple meal with both a helpful hand and perparation and serving a hopeful heart.

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A Trinity Lifestyles brand, management company for the Dogwood Forest Assisted Living communities.

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Muccioli Dental “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,

Alternatives to Hysterectomy

By Laura Tsakiris MD Chattahoochee Gynecology

Doctors Lydia and Randy Muccioli. 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.

Comprehensive Dental Services for Adults of All Ages and Children

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.

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

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

May 2013 6

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

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.

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May 2013 7

Avoid Hamstring Injury Through Stretching

By Dr. Tim Micek, MD The hamstring muscle, which comprises a group of three muscles that run along the back of your thigh, allows you to bend your leg at the knee. When one or more of these muscles gets stretched too far, a hamstring strain occurs. Athletes and/or people who play sports that involve a lot of running, jumping, and sudden starting and stopping like basketball and tennis, are especially vulnerable to hamstring injury.

Hamstring injuries can range from mild to severely agonizing, and can make it impossible to walk or even stand. Though there is no way to completely avoid hamstring injuries, the following tips may help spare you from a painful strain or tear in the future.

Warm Up Before Activity.

Tight muscles are more vulnerable to injury, so it’s critical to warm up your muscles before engaging in any strenuous activity. This could mean jogging in place for a couple of minutes or doing some jumping jacks to loosen up the muscles.

Cool Down with a Stretch.

After working out, stretch your hamstrings while they are still warm to avoid injury. Regard-

less of how often you break a sweat, stretch your hamstrings at least two to three times a week for the maximum benefit.

Athletes should stretch their hamstrings daily. Hamstring flexibility is also important for the health of your back, hips, and knees. For a good basic stretch, sit down with your legs in front of you and try to reach your toes while keeping your hips squared and feet vertical.

Don’t Bounce. Bouncing while stretching can cause small tears in the muscle.

When tears heal, they leave scar tissue that makes the muscles even tighter. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds each and don’t stretch beyond your limits. If you’re feeling pain, not just tension, you’re pushing too far.

Gear Up. Wear well-fitting shoes and proper gear when playing sports or engaging in strenuous activity to protect your muscles and prevent falls and injury.

Minimize any muscle imbalance. Strengthen your hamstrings by regularly performing exercises targeted to those muscles. Leg curls using a weight-lifting machine, and basic standing squats are great for toning your legs and strengthening the hamstrings.

Give Yourself a Break.

Avoid overuse and intense training while hamstrings are sore or tired from exercise.

Muscle fatigue reduces the ability of the hamstring to absorb energy, thereby resulting in injury. And remember, if

you have already sustained an injury, take time for it to heal completely before returning to strenuous activities to prevent injury recurrence. In some cases, a recurrent hamstring injury may be more severe than the original injury.

Atlanta Orthopaedic Specialists: Founded in 1991 on a platform of dedicated patient-centered care, Atlanta Orthopaedic Specialists (AOS) has been Atlanta’s leader for the treatment of disorders involving the bones, muscles and joints for more than twenty years. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon and specialist, Dr. Micek treats all athletic injuries, specializing in shoulder and knee procedures. For more information, or to make an appointment, please go to www. atlorthopaedic.com, or call 770-667-4343.

Still the #1 place to celebrate a birthday A birthday. It’s the day we celebrate our entire lives. Northside would be proud to be part of your baby’s special day. No one is more prepared or has more experience. We’ll make the big day a celebration from day one.

Visit us online at www.northside.com.

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May 2013 8

Zoom in for Whiter Teeth for the Holidays

By Dr. Ushma Patel Center for Advanced Dentistry Natural tooth color can be altered by any number of things. Teeth can be stained by tobacco, foods and beverages such as tea and berries, and by deposits of calculus or tartar. Teeth can also be discolored internally through the effects of aging, injury and certain illnesses. The result can be a yellowish, dingy-looking smile.

Severe staining can even occur as a result of taking tetracycline during childhood.

A generation ago, only people in the public eye had “movie star” smiles, but all that has changed. Today, the procedure is quite easy, inexpensive and within the budget of most working people.

The most commonly used procedure is called bleaching. This can be done either in the dentist’s office (chair side bleaching like Zoom), or after an initial office visit, at home by the patient (night bleaching). For most patients a combination of both procedures is recommended for optimal results.

In either approach, a bleaching agent is carefully applied to the teeth (at home, the patient uses a custom fitted mouth guard) until the teeth

achieve the desired amount of whiteness. Teeth whitening doesn’t remove any of the tooth’s structure and even teeth that have had root canals can be easily whitened.

I’ve researched various options and of course, as a dentist, many companies try to engage me in offering their products. But the one I feel is not only the safest, but the most effective and beneficial to my patients is the Zoom!™ Teeth Whitening System. The process is painless and occurs in one visit, generally in less than 90 minutes. Teeth appear six to ten shades whiter (and sometimes more), and patients notice the results instantly.

Even if you have highly sensitive teeth, ask me about products that are formulated to minimize sensitivity so you, too, can enjoy the benefits of a whiter brighter smile.

A bright, gleaming smile can go a long way to improve your appearance. The results can be dazzling! As

always, happiness is spread with a smile, make yours one you are proud to share! Patients who have Zoom! are so astounded by their instant and noticeable results that they can’t resist admiring their smile in their car’s rear view mirror after they leave the office. For more information and a complimentary consultation on the latest advancements like Veneers or Six Month Smiles Cosmetic Braces System call Dr. Ushma Patel at (770) 623-8750 or visit her at http://www.JohnsCreekCosmeticDentist.com.

Mention this article for a $199 TEETH WHITENING SPECIAL (Regular $299) for Take Home custom fitted whitening gel trays and professional strength gel. $400 for Zoom In Office Teeth Whitening. For the best results a combination of both is recommended. (Special Price of $500 for both, expires 11/30/11). Give the gift of health this holiday season, gift certificates available.

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Stroke Awareness: Be a Hero May is Stroke Awareness Month, and learning how to recognize and respond when someone has a heart attack or a stroke, can make you a hero. Here are the basics from Gwinnett Medical Center, the region’s leader in cardiac and stroke care.

The Set-Up Heart attacks and most strokes are triggered when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the heart or brain. That internal event sets off a cascade of physical symptoms -- telltale signs that mean it’s time to call 911 for emergency help. It’s not just how fast you get to the hospital. Paramedics start treating you on the way.

If you’re on the scene when a friend, a loved one or even a stranger has a heart attack or a stroke, you can go from bystander to lifesaver if you know what to look for.

Heart on Their Sleeve Rarely does a heart attack create dramatic Hollywood-esque pain. Most people describe a feeling of heaviness, oppression, fullness or tightness. That tends to cause a delay in the recognition of the symptoms as coming from the heart. This delay in treatment puts the heart muscle in jeopardy.

Someone having a heart attack may say they have: Chest pain or discomfort Pain or discomfort in the arm, back, neck, jaw or stomach Shortness of breath Nausea, lightheadedness or a cold sweat When in doubt, call 911 and let the experts decide. It takes well-trained physicians and nurses and lab tests and often imaging tests to confirm a heart attack.

Spot a Stroke FAST Strokes cause numbness or loss of function on one side of the body. Our brain has two hemispheres, and strokes are usually on one side or the other, so asymmetry -- drooping or limpness on just one side -- in the face or body is a red flag for an observer.

The acronym FAST can help you remember the signs of stroke: FACE: Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS: Does one arm drift down when the person raises both?

SPEECH: Is speech slurred or strange?

TIME: If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to act fast and call 911 right away. Clot-busting drugs may be an option if a person gets to the hospital in the first few hours after stroke symptoms begin.

A small number of strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain, which can produce an excruciating headache. But for the most common type of stroke caused by a blood clot within a narrowed artery, there typically is no pain.

At Gwinnett Medical Center, we are nationally recognized leaders in stroke care, with multiple accreditations and awards.

To learn more about our comprehensive stroke care, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/stroke. To learn more about our comprehensive cardiac care, including an online heart health risk assessment, visit gmcheart.org.

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