Health & Wellness Guide

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S PREMIER COMMUNIT Y MAGAZINE

LIFESTYLE TM

A DIVISION OF VS MEDIA GROUP, INC.

2015

Special Health & Wellness Issue Meet the Doctor

A Look at Our Local Medical Professionals

Your Health

Doctors Dole Out Free Medical Advice www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Contents 2015 Features

Departments

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Editor’s Letter

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Your Health

5

A Pain in the Foot

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Dance Your Way to Good Health

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Living Well with Heart Disease

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Prevention Can Help You Stay Healthy

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Fight Eye Fatigue

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Know Your Options

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He Who Limps is Still Walking

This Southwest Orlando resident says being diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old was shocking, but she has learned so much about herself and what’s truly important in her journey.

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The Importance of Preventative Wellness

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Take the Bite out of Summer

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Class Act

A Survivor’s Story

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Fighting Breast Cancer One Mammogram at a Time

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Don’t Ignore Body and Belly Fat

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Get Back to Your Life

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Genes and Health

19

A Word of Advice

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Gout — A Surprising Form of Arthritis

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One Visit Dentistry

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More on Moles

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No More Lower Back Pain

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In a League of His Own

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Beat the Heat this Summer

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Don’t be Confused about Concussions

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Body After Baby

28

Put Yourself First

The top killer of women in the United States, preventing heart disease should be every woman’s top priority.

29

Making the Mediterranean Diet Work

30

Laser-Guided Vision

Health & Wellness

31

Save Your Skin from Sun Damage

32

Battling Insulin Resistance

33

Pap 101

34

Stop the Suffering

35

Taking Ownership of Your Health

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Men’s Health

While you may feel like Superman, you’re not invincible when it comes to your health. Read on to learn about common health issues for men and how you can prevent them.

Women’s Health

Follow these simple suggestions for a healthier, happier you.

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A Survivor’s Story

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With the support and guidance of her husband, Michelle Hartog beat breast cancer and bounced back with the best reconstruction option for her situation. Now she helps other women do the same.

Are We Beating Diabetes?

While cases of diabetes continue to increase, those afflicted refuse to let it win.

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Going Out Guilt-Free

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59

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Commit to Be Fit

Two local residents not only work hard at keeping healthy, but jump over some pretty high obstacles to do it.

When you’re trying to stay healthy, you shouldn’t have to skip out on eating out.

Instead, learn how to make healthy restaurant menu choices so you can indulge every once in a while without going overboard.

A Journey Through Plastic Surgery

We spoke to the area’s best cosmetic and plastic surgeons about everything from fillers to liposuction. Here is a resource to some of the most popular procedures broken down from Central Florida’s best providers.

Heart Strong

Each year, we cover the basics of healthcare and wellness in an effort to keep you healthy and happy. Read on to learn more about sleep, vaccinations and much more.

Central Florida Medical Guide

A Look at Our Local Medical Professionals

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

EDITORIAL+NOTES<

MELISSA JARDINA

A Guide to

Health This year’s digital Health and Wellness issue is full of health-related topics that are relevant to your everyday life. We hope you will keep it handy as an invaluable tool to stay on top of your health.

You will find articles from the area’s top medical professionals about preventative health care that can reduce your risk of developing illnesses that will cost you down the road. Or you can read about how making easy lifestyle changes, like finding fun ways to exercise or adopting a better diet, can lessen your risks too. There are also inspiring stories from people within your communities who have beat the odds when it comes to breast cancer, diabetes and taking charge of their health.

Looking for a dentist, eye doctor, primary care physician or a specialist?

This issue also includes a special Central Florida Medical Guide to assist you in your search. With the click of a button, you can learn more about these health care experts and find the right doctor for your needs.

This user-friendly digital issue includes a table of contents that clearly lists all of our health-related content, making it easy to find stories that

relate to you. Even better, all of the information featured within these digital pages is completely searchable. So if you want to read about how to keep your heart healthy and well, just search for “heart” and all of the related content will be right at your fingertips.

It is our hope that you will find this issue helpful in being the best and healthiest you that you can be and that you will share it with your friends and family so they can do the same.

Lyndsay Fogarty Managing Editor

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Health

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

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A Pain in

the Foot Plantar fasciitis is a common source of foot pain for runners that should be treated by a physician.

By Brad Homan, D.O.

R

unning has become an increasingly popular activity throughout the United States. Races such as 5k’s, 10k’s and marathons are prevalent in most communities, and recreational runners are common.

Whether you are running for a cause or for fun, you may find yourself with foot pain while training and even after you’ve crossed the finish line.

Both athletes and non-athletes suffer from foot pain. Causes include ligament sprains, bunions, and inflammation of the joints located in the foot. One common source of pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that starts at the heel and spreads the length of the bottom of the foot. It acts as a shock absorber for the foot and is therefore susceptible to a great deal of stress. As with any other structure of the body,

Dr. Brad Homan, medical director of sports medicine and chief or surgery at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, is uniquely trained in treating athletes of all ages.

when too much stress is placed on the plantar fascia – whether it be a sudden, unexpected step off a curb or chronic stress from running or walking on hard surfaces – the structure can become inflamed and painful.

Typically, the pain from plantar fasciitis begins at the heel where the structure originates. As the injury progresses, the pain extends from the heel to the toes. Usually, the first step after prolonged sitting or rising from bed in the morning will cause a sharp pain in the foot. Wearing shoes with poor support or high heeled shoes can worsen the injury.

Individuals with flat feet or high arches are susceptible to this injury, as are those with average arches but who suffer from tight calf muscles.

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by prolonged standing, running, and jumping sports.

Conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis is usually successful if the injury is addressed early enough.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, cold therapy, and a good stretching program can alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. In worse cases, a visit to an orthopedic physician or podiatrist is warranted. Leaving

plantar fasciitis untreated can result in chronic pain and worsening of the injury. Early physician intervention may include a prescription for both anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. The physical therapists can use different modalities to alleviate the pain and provide stretching and strengthening exercises. A physician can also provide a special splint, worn at night, to keep the lower leg and foot in a stretched position. If this intervention does not help, the next course of action may be an injection of a corticosteroid for more localized treatment of inflammation. In worst case scenarios, surgery may be required to repair or release the plantar fascia.

Prevention is key in regard to plantar fasciitis. Whether you are an avid runner or a female who wears high-heeled shoes to work every day, a comprehensive stretching program that focuses on stretching your calves, achilles tendon and toes will benefit you. Make sure your shoes have proper support and cushion, and don’t ignore foot pain. The earlier you begin treatment, the sooner you can get back to running or other activities you enjoy. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Dance Your Way to

Good Health

Living a healthy lifestyle, combined with regular check-ups with your physician, are the keys to a long and happy life.

By Judi Sheppard Missett, founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Inc.

D

ancing is a great way to have fun, get some exercise and burn calories. But besides all that, it also builds muscle, engages creativity and opens new learning channels within the brain. Experts have found that through dance, an individual builds strong emotional, cognitive, physical and social assets.

In addition, more calories are often burned through social dancing than are burned in a gym. Surprised?

The reason is because dancing is fun, so you’re more likely to stick with it.

Dancing with a group of like-minded people can give you a mental, as well

Judi Sheppard Missett founded the Jazzercise dance fitness program in 1969. Jazzercise is an international franchise business that hosts a network of 7,800 instructors teaching more than 32,000 classes weekly in 32 countries.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

as physical, boost. Here’s a short list of some of the other benefits you can expect from aerobic dancing in a group: Self Confidence Boost Aerobic dance is one of the best activities to increase self-confidence and satisfaction. Those who attend dance class improve self-esteem, selfimage, reduce stress, gain a sense of well being, and feel connected to a community.

Shimmy Your Memory A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frequent dancing reduces the likelihood of dementia and builds memory. If you change your routine, you’ll up the ante because rapid-fire, split-decisions brought on by unfamiliarity improves mental acuity.

Brain Biology All at once, dancing involves kinesthetic, rational, musical and

emotional processes. This increases neural pathways in the brain, known as neuroplasticity, and creates new pathways. This keeps your mind sharp, and strengthens how you perceive, learn, make decisions, and reason.

Positive Vibrations About 20 minutes into a onehour session, the body is flooded with pain relieving peptides. Participants experience a burst of positive mood and energy that carries them through the rest of the hour, if not the day.

Fun, Fun, Fun An article in Psychology Today found that Jazzercize provides professionally choreographed sets of moves that are safe, effective and — most importantly — fun. The fun element of aerobic dance is key to getting busy people who hate exercise into a gym.

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Living Well

with Heart Disease Knowing your risk factors and taking steps to change unhealthy lifestyle choices can help you combat heart disease.

By Dr. Suraj R. Kurup, Orlando Heart Center at Health Central Hospital

D

o you or someone you love suffer from heart disease? According to the American Heart Association, heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer in the United States.

In 2011, an estimated 26.5 million Americans had been diagnosed with heart disease, but making healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of having a serious cardiac incident.

The chance of developing heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and making lifestyle changes are crucial to preventing a heart attack and improving outcomes after having a heart attack.

Nine out of 10 heart disease patients (both men and women) have at least one risk factor. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chance of having a heart attack.

Risk factors you can’t change: • Family history of early heart disease • Age (men 45 years or older; women 55 years or older) Risk Factors you can change: • High cholesterol • High blood pressure • Diabetes • Cigarette smoking

• Overweight and obesity • Poor diet • Physical inactivity • Alcohol use No matter the risk factors, only you have the power to make changes to improve your health and reduce your risk of heart disease. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts.

Your plan for heart-healthy nutrition: • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• Eat three servings of fiber-rich whole grains each day.

• Eat fish at least two times each week. Choose fatty fish like salmon, sardines or trout.

• Choose lean meats and poultry without skin.

• Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.

• Limit soda, sports drinks, fruit juices and alcohol. Drink water, low-fat or skim milk instead.

• Cut down on calories, salt/sodium and portion sizes.

• Eat only healthy fats: • Select fat-free, 1 percent fat and low-fat dairy products.

• Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.

• Limit bad saturated fats found in foods like fatty meat, whole milk, butter, ice cream and cheese.

Your plan for heart-healthy activity: NOTE: Consult with your physician before beginning or changing any exercise program.

• Choose an activity you like.

Walk, bike, swim, or dance.

• Warm up and stretch before and after you exercise.

• Exercise at a comfortable pace.

• Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise each day.

What changes will you make to reduce your heart disease risks?

Suraj R. Kurup, MD is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology and cardiac computed tomography. Dr. Kurup graduated from Boston University of Medicine in 2000 after which he completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburg in 2003. Dr. Kurup also completed his cardiovascular disease fellowship at the Washington University of Medicine in 2009.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Prevention Can Help You Stay Healthy

Eating right and exercising are a given for maintaining your health, but there is more you can do to keep your body healthy and well.

By Jennifer Kingsley Wilson

T

here is no doubt that staying healthy is the key to living a productive and happy life. We know it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take daily vitamins and supplements. A healthy lifestyle should be everyone’s goal.

It’s a medical fact that eating better can reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other diet-related illnesses. There are various ways, nutraceutical vitamins, medical-grade supplements, vitamin injections, and other natural products that will enable you and your family to stay healthy.

Wellness Testing: This helps you to focus on preventing disease rather than treating the symptoms of an illness with prescription medication after the fact.

Jennifer Kingsley Wilson is the CEO of Healthy Cells Wellness and the CEO/founder of ARMSRx, a nationally recognized pharmacy benefit consulting firm specializing in saving self-funded employers, insurance companies, and payers on their Rx expenditures.

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Food Intolerance Testing: The white blood cells are inspected in an innovative diagnostic test that shows if you have any food or additive intolerance. The importance of this test is to prevent and reduce risks from eating those foods or additives that cause inflammation.

There are many people who do not know they have developed intolerance for certain foods or additives. Prolonged inflammation can produce various symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, indigestion, cramps, gastro problems, IBS, attention deficiency and headaches.

Micronutrient Testing: This blood test will determine if you have a vitamin, mineral or oxidant deficiency. It is important to know if you have a nutrient deficiency so treatment can begin as soon as possible to help your body perform at an optimal level. People that have a deficiency in B vitamins have been known to be energy deprived, sleep deprived, and have depression amongst other ailments.

Another youthful, non-invasive treatment is a fine light mask that reduces fine lines and wrinkles

caused by sun damage and aging including acne scars. LED light therapy photo rejuvenation produces results by the LEDs, stimulating the dermis, which is the protein responsible for the plumpness of the skin. This process penetrates the human skin cells and stimulates the body’s own cells to build new proteins (collagen) and elastin, causing elasticity of the skin. The light rays that are emitted from the fine light are beneficial for your skin, as they contain no UV rays. The collagen plumps up the skin to fill in fine lines and wrinkles while the elastin helps to firm skin that has begun to sag. This whole photo rejuvenation process results in skin that appears more youthful, smoother, healthier and more radiant.

A youthful appearance from the Lipo Light cellulite reduction procedure helps achieve a slim and sculpted body. The lipolysis procedure is when the lights penetrate the cell wall and emulsify the fat, flushing it out of your body by way of your lymphatic system. Lipo Light is non-invasive and you can see immediate results.

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Fight

Eye Fatigue Computer use can take a toll on your eyesight, but there are steps you can take to keep your eye muscles strong.

By Dr. Cynthia Ward, Lake Nona Eye Care

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omputer vision syndrome (CVS) is the physical discomfort felt after two or more hours in front of a computer screen or any other digital screen. The symptoms are eye redness and irritation, dry eyes, blurred vision, fatigue, back and neck pain, and headaches.

The use of computers or other digital devices is common in the modern workplace and school. Both adults and children are susceptible to acquiring CVS. Computers and electrical documentation systems are common culprits for adults, while computers/tablets and hand-held video games are the greatest contributors to children.

When you work in front of the computer, your eyes are in a constant state of focus. They have to work in order to keep the image you are looking at clear. That work is done by muscles, and just like any other muscle in your body, your eye muscles fatigue. Reading from a computer is much more demanding than reading text on paper. With a computer, your eyes are looking at a pixilated image and you also have to deal with flicker, screen glare and contrast. The viewing distance and angle varies from that of other near tasks, adding additional strain to the visual system.

CVS can be further aggravated by uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness, astigmatism, eye focusing and teaming deficiencies, and presbyopia (the age-related loss of focusing ability on near objects).

Even professionally prescribed eyeglasses may not be properly suited for computer/electronic device use.

If you find that you are adjusting your head, experiencing neck and back pain, or leaning closer to the monitor to obtain a clearer image, these may all be signs that you may need your prescription adjusted by your eye care professional.

During your annual comprehensive eye evaluation, your eye doctor can review your symptoms and the environmental factors that contribute to your discomfort during computer use. They will also check your prescription and your eyes ability to focus and work together. Eyeglasses or contact lenses prescribed for general use may not be the ideal correction. Eyeglasses designed to optimize your eyesight when looking at a digital screen may be required.

Special lens designs, lens powers, anti-reflective coatings or tints can maximize vision and comfort. In some cases, individuals who otherwise do not need vision correction can benefit from computer glasses.

When working on the computer, minimize visual discomfort on your own by following these tips: • Make sure your monitor is at its optimal position (at least 20 inches from your eyes and about four to five inches below eye level measured from the center of the screen.)

• Avoid glare from overhead lighting or windows, or consider an anti-glare screen.

• Blink. It may seem silly but your blink rate decreases when you are working on a computer, leading to dry eyes.

• Remember 20-20-20: Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, this will help to relax your eyes throughout the day.

• Ensure proper seat height and lumbar position.

Dr. Cynthia Ward of Lake Nona Eye Care specializes in optometry. She chose the field to make an immediate and positive impact on people’s lives.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Know Your

Options Ask plenty of questions to understand what your options are when consulting a neurosurgeon for a brain condition.

By Melvin Field, MD, FAANS

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ou’re 55 years old with a child in college. You exercise routinely and have never had any major medical problems. Then, all of a sudden, you develop severe stabbing pain in your face, jaw and teeth. It is making it hard to talk, eat or drink. Your husband can’t even kiss you on the cheek without causing severe pain. You go to the dentist who fixes some dental problems, but you just continue to get worse.

Ultimately, you visit a neurologist who tells you that you have trigeminal neuralgia and explains that you probably have a blood vessel or lesion pressing on a nerve in your brain. An MRI of your brain is performed and the doctor calls you at home to tell you that you have a brain tumor and need to see a neurosurgeon. Your mind starts to race.

Brain tumors are rare, right? Will

Melvin Field, MD, FAANS is the director of the Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery Program at Florida Hospital Orlando and the neurosurgical director of the Florida Hospital Neuroscience Institute. He is board certified in neurological surgery.

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I live to see my child graduate college? Where do I find a brain surgeon who treats my problem?

Although this scenario may seem like fantasy, it is quite common. Knowing what questions to ask when meeting the neurosurgeon can make all the difference in the world with regards to how this affects you and your family’s future and survival. Below are a few questions that can help in making an educated decision about whose hands you should place the most valuable part of your body in.

Common Questions to Ask a Brain Surgeon: • What is my diagnosis and how often do you see it?

• How rapidly does my problem usually progress?

• What are all the treatment options available for this problem?

• Which option do most patients choose and why?

• What option do you feel is best for me and why?

• How many years have you been treating this problem this way?

• Can this be treated without surgery or just observed?

• If I need surgery, is this emergent,

urgent or elective at my convenience?

• Might I need other treatments after surgery?

• Do I need to see other specialists before or after treatment?

• How long will I be in the hospital and how long before I can resume regular activity at home?

• What are the common risks of the treatment options?

• What should I expect in the recovery period?

• How often will I see you after surgery?

Who else from your team might be taking care of me as well?

• Are there any newer techniques or technologies in the past five years that aide in the treatment of my problem and will they be used for me?

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of your relationship with your neurosurgeon is trust and whether you believe that you are in the best possible hands.

If the neurosurgeon doesn’t want to answer your questions or if you are not sure the recommendations are in your best interest, then always consider a second opinion before making a forced decision that can have significant ramifications to you and your family’s future.

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He Who Limps is Still Walking Living with Peripheral Artery Disease.

By Dr. Pradip Baiju, Heart and Vascular Care PA.

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eripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 12 million Americans, of which only 25 percent are diagnosed and less than 4 percent are treated.

Did you know?

• I f you smoke you have an increased risk of PAD. • I f you are diabetic you have an increased risk of PAD. • I f you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol you have an increased risk of PAD. • I f you have a history of heart disease or stroke you have an increased risk of PAD. • Wounds left untreated in patients with PAD can lead to disabling amputations.

•P eripheral artery disease, if left untreated, has a five-year mortality rate comparable to cancer.

PAD is a common yet serious condition where deposits, called calcium or plaque, build up over time on the inner most walls of the arteries in your legs as well as your

heart and brain. If left untreated, it can result in increased leg pain, wounds that take months to heal, amputations and even death. In the United States, there are 65,000 amputations done yearly. Eighty-two percent of the amputations yearly occur due to PAD. Fortunately, with early detection, the disabling complications associated with this potentially life threatening disease can be prevented.

Detection: Achieved with simple non-invasive modalities.

• ABI (blood pressure in the arms and legs) • Ultrasound • CT and MRI (images of leg arteries) Prevention: Modifying the risk factors you can change.

• Stop smoking • Maintain a healthy blood pressure • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

• Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan Treatment: Life style modifications and minimally invasive procedures.

1. E xercise and lifestyle modifications • “Daily exercise is like the daily medications you can not miss.”

• Medications 2. M inimally invasive procedure to provide more blood supply to the legs • Atherectomy (removing the blockage) • Angioplasty and Stenting (opening the blood vessels) 3. I nvasive leg bypass surgery

Dr. Pradip Baiju has nearly 30 years of experience and is a double boardcertified interventional cardiologist specializing in non-invasive endovascular procedures. Heart and Vascular Care is excited to announce we are now seeing patients in Lake Nona and Orlando.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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The Importance of

Preventative Wellness Beginning a preventative wellness plan can help you live a happier and healthier life.

By Dr. Niral Patel, Windermere Medical Center

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ave you ever considered taking a proactive approach to your healthcare? When used properly, preventative wellness is a vital tool to manage your health, and yet many people choose to be reactive instead — only scheduling an appointment when something doesn’t feel right. The fact is many of the top risk factors related to illness are preventable. That’s why preventative care is so important for the continued health of you and your family.

What Exactly is Preventative Wellness?

Essentially, preventative wellness includes regular check-ups, age and gender appropriate lifestyle changes, identification and management of major health-related risk factors, consistent screening tests, and necessary vaccinations.

Dr. Niral Patel is a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Windermere Medical Center. He recently opened Windermere Medical Center, which features primary, pediatric, chiropractic and urgent care options for patients.

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The goal of preventative wellness is to keep you healthy while providing you with a better quality of life and reducing potential healthcare costs down the road.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, preventative medicine can still work for you. If you or someone in your family is currently experiencing health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, or cancer, you may benefit from implementing a preventative wellness plan with the help of your primary care physician.

Benefits of Preventative Wellness Although preventative medicine covers a wide spectrum of activities, from changing simple habits like how you wash your hands to screening for deadly cancers, each strategy is implemented to help you live a healthier, happier and longer life.

Typically, the main benefits for patients practicing a preventative wellness plan include better outcomes when a health condition does arise and lower long-term healthcare and insurance expenses for the entire family.

How Can I Start a Preventative Wellness Plan?

One of the first things you should do to begin a preventative wellness plan is to visit with your family physician. Your doctor will be able to recommend simple changes you can begin utilizing in your life to build the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. They will also be able to help you identify risk factors for your demographic and craft a custom wellness plan for your family.

Some things to consider with your preventative wellness plan include: • Vaccinations and screenings for your age/gender • Th e importance of a functional diet and exercise program •P roper eye and dental care •D aily hygiene habits •A lcohol and drug use • S afe sex practices By making a decision to take full responsibility for your health and quality of life, you hold the ultimate key to your well-being.

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Take the Bite

Out of Summer

Real patients, real solutions to delicate feminine matters.

By Christopher Walker, MD, FACOG, FICS

Protect yourself and your children from what bites and stings this summer season.

By Dr. Shari Geismar, D.O, Dr. Q Pediatrics

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ummer in Florida allows us to enjoy countless outdoor events at the fields, beaches and pools.

But we share our environment with many other organisms that thrive in our warm weather.

When it comes to flying insects, honeybees are unique among hymenoptera in that they may leave a stinger embedded in the skin. Members of the wasp family, including hornets and yellow jackets, generally do not lose their stingers in the wound.

When a bee stings, the stinger should be removed to avoid continued envenomation from the accompanying venom sac. Simply scraping away the stinger with a blunt object can accomplish this. Allergic reactions are more likely to occur if the stinger is not removed promptly. Whether a sting is from a bee or wasp, the area should then be cleansed with soap and water. Local wound care such as ice application and aloe may reduce pain and swelling. If swelling should occur, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are the mainstay of therapy. If more severe, a visit to the doctor may be needed for stronger antihistamines or steroids.

Children with a systemic reaction to stings, such as swelling distant

from the bite site, difficulty breathing or throat swelling are experiencing anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. After emergency care is administered to such patients, they should be referred to an allergist to prevent risk from future stings, which can be as high as 20-60 percent. Skin and serum testing may be recommended to test for all five flying insects. Allergy immunotherapy is beneficial in high-risk patients because it lowers the risk of future reactions to 10 percent for honeybees and less than 5 percent for the other flying insects. Current guidelines recommend continuing venom immunotherapy for three to five years, although some may need it for longer.

Also, commonly found in the summer on our children are ticks.

While Lyme disease is more commonly seen in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic States and the Northwest, Florida tick bites are frequent. The best defense against tick-borne infections is to prevent the tick bite from occurring. Avoidance of tick infested areas and the use of tick repellents and protective clothing are the best preventive measures. In addition, children should be examined when they return from any area where they might have been exposed. If a bite from a tick car-

rying the spirochete that transmits Lyme disease does occur, prompt removal can prevent transmission of the disease, since it takes 24-48 hours for a tick to transmit the disease to its host.

To remove a tick, grasp the tick firmly with tweezers or gloved fingers and pull up with steady, even pressure.

Do not squeeze the tick. The tick should be grasped as close to the skin as possible without twisting. The skin should be disinfected before and after removal, but there is generally no need for antibiotic treatment. Ticks should not be smothered with petroleum jelly or nail polish, nor should heating the tick with a match be attempted, as these methods are ineffective and can be dangerous.

For more information on these or other summer safety tips, contact a trusted medical professional. Have a fun and safe summer!

Dr. Shari Geismar, D.O. completed her Pediatric Residency at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women. She has been an associate of Dr. Qâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s since Dr. Q Pediatrics opened in 2004. Dr. G and Dr. Q have worked together and known each other for over twenty years.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Class Act

Working out in a group is not only fun but will keep you motivated to keep your fitness commitments.

By Toni Lemieux, The Body Club

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he hottest new trend in 2014 fitness is actually not so new.

Group fitness training is raging back into the fitness scene for a number of reasons. First and foremost, group fitness has proven that it can have long-lasting results that are sustainable by most everyone. Led by a qualified trainer to deliver the most safe, effective and motivating workouts, group classes have helped thousands of people achieve the body they have always wanted.

Let’s face it, walking into a gym after years of not working out or maybe never sustaining a consistent exercise program can be intimidating.

With scores of equipment and very little, if any, instruction, one can easily decide to try their luck with a home Toni Lemieux, founder and director of The Body Club in MetroWest, has been in the fitness industry her entire life. Toni and her husband, Keith have committed to offering incomparible customer service in a luxurious fitness facility unlike anything Orlando has to offer.

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exercise program. While this is certainly an option, statistics show that without self-discipline and accountability, this can be a difficult route for someone trying to create new and healthy habits. Among the many benefits of group fitness, the social aspect is a very powerful motivator.

Today there are many group fitness options. From martial arts inspired classes like BODYCOMBAT and Strike to dance classes such as Zumba and Sha’Bam. One of the newest trends in group fitness is small team training.

This training limits the class to between four and eight participants and offers one or two trainers per class.

This allows the participant to experience a more one-on-one training with the benefit of splitting the cost with others in the group. Classes such as boot camp, TRX, and Les Mills new GRIT program offer quick results and amazing changes in your body in a shorter period of time.

Another unique group fitness trend is creative arts. If you really love dance or are looking for a lower im-

pact type of program try a program like Barre, a ballet-inspired class that will really shape and tone your legs.

Don’t let the traditional stigma of pole fitness scare you. Imagine it as ballet or gymnastics on a pole, which helps with upper body strength, core strength and increased flexibility.

And of course, there is yoga and Pilates. Many forms of yoga exist today. You can even enjoy hot yoga, which has the added benefit of detoxifying the body while you work out.

Pilates, the traditional core strengthening program, has even added the Reformer and Gravity machine for an even more challenging workout.

Group fitness has come a long way since Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons — not to leave out Jack Lalane — and it certainly has something to offer for everyone. From men and women to children and seniors alike. If you are nervous about walking into a class for the first time, remember, everyone has experienced walking in for the first time. You will feel welcomed, challenged, motivated and very happy you did it.

YOUR+HEALTH<

Fighting Breast Cancer

By James C. Rosser, Jr., MD

One Mammogram at a Time

Early detection and being proactive about your health are key when it comes to surviving breast cancer.

By Beth Joannou, Florida Hospital East Orlando

W

hen Claudia Barr was in her thirties, two of her aunts died of breast cancer. Her doctor recommended she start screening mammograms at age 39, one year younger than the American Cancer Society recommends, because of her family history. At age 44, Claudia was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.

To her, it felt like a death sentence, but with the proper care and supervision of a knowledgeable cancer specialist, it didn’t have to be. “Mammograms are one of the most valuable tools for physicians in the fight against breast cancer, and regular screenings increase women’s survival rates,” says radiologist Jennie Yoon, MD. Even though Claudia found some piece of mind knowing she never missed a mammogram and hoped they caught the cancer early, she couldn’t help but feel scared and helpless. She made an appointment with a hematology and oncology specialist who explained the mammogram caught her cancer at a very early and treatable stage, and she began treatment immediately.

Claudia underwent a lumpectomy and

six weeks of radiation treatment. She never missed a day of work, and a few months after her diagnosis she became a breast cancer survivor.

When Claudia went into remission, her doctor recommended she receive diagnostic mammograms every six months. Accrediting her life to a screening mammogram, she never missed an appointment and was diligent about going every six months as the doctor ordered. Four years later, Claudia went in for one of her bi-annual diagnostic mammograms and discovered the cancer had come back in the same breast.

This time, Claudia’s only option was a mastectomy. She decided to do immediate reconstruction, and says, “Psychologically, the reconstructive surgery helped me to recover quicker.”

Today, Claudia is back to her normal life and is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She still has mammograms on her other breast every six months due to her family history and previous experiences with breast cancer. Claudia has since become a breast cancer advocate sharing her story and encouraging women to get screened regularly. Her

message to other women is to “know your breasts, be proactive, don’t miss a mammogram, and do self breast exams.

Early detection is key, and that’s why I am here today.”

The American Cancer Society recommends women get a screening mammogram every year starting at age 40 unless you have a family history like Claudia, or are considered at high risk.

Claudia survived breast cancer twice because she took ownership of her health and got screened regularly. She challenges other women to do the same.

If you’re due for your mammogram, make an appointment today.

Discuss any concerns with your doctor if you’re unsure whether your family history puts you at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Beth Joannou is the manager of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute Breast Care Program. She has 19 years of experience as an oncology nurse and is nationally certified in oncology and breast care.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Don’t Ignore Body and Belly Fat Reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes by determining your BMI and working toward a healthy weight.

By: Gitanjali Srivastava, MD

O

besity refers to excess body fat.

More than one-third of U.S. adults meet criteria for obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2) and still another two-thirds are overweight (BMI >25 -29.9 kg/m2). Obesity rates are not only highest in the nation, but the severity of the obesity has also increased.

Obesity causes numerous inflammatory, metabolic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, gynecological, and cancerous diseases, often leading to increased medical problems, complications, morbidity, and mortality early in life.

Florida, specifically Central Florida, has one of the highest obesity rates in the state: 27.8 percent. From 20092011, Orange County’s death rate for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava brings with her a wealth of knowledge as the founding medical director of the Florida Hospital Celebration Health Obesity Medicine and Surgery Institute. Her expertise in obesity medicine, pharmacotherapy, pediatric weight management, energy balance and expenditure earned her recognition as one of the first diplomates of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

adults — all diseases caused by obesity — were higher than overall state rates.

Many people may not even realize that they are overweight or obese since the average American weight has shifted on the heavier side. It is important to know your body mass index (BMI), which is an estimate of body fat, based on height and weight. This is quickly and easily calculable using a ‘free BMI calculator’ found on Google, where a height and weight can be plugged in. If the BMI is greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2, you meet the criteria for obesity and should immediately consult your physician.

Another simple measure of body fat is finding your abdominal girth. This can be easily done with a tape measure around the umbilicus, or belly button. The measurement has to be at the navel and not where you may traditionally wear pants or skirts. If this is greater than 35 inches in women or 40 inches in men, consult your physician immediately. You may have what is called metabolic syndrome, which may place you at risk for high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver and other metabolic abnormalities.

Most patients with obesity likely have increased deposition of their fat around their abdominal regions. Body fat and abdomen visceral fat are not inert; they actively secrete hormones as well as other factors into the blood stream which cause inflammation, insulin resistance leading to pre-diabetes and diabetes, increased fat deposits in the body, and long-term damage to organs. This inflammation can lead to plaque formation in the heart. This is particularly important to understand since increased belly fat is probably the most “dangerous” type of fat to have.

If you find that you are at high risk because of your BMI or abdominal girth (or both), take the first step toward a healthier weight by consulting a physician to determine any other underlying medical issues. Begin your journey for weight loss, as even 2 to 5 percent weight reduction can improve metabolic abnormalities, diabetes, and other diseases related to weight, not to mention the quality of life regained.

YOUR+HEALTH<

Get Back to

Your Life

An experienced urogynecologist will be able to produce the best outcome in a mesh removal procedure, which will get you back to the life you love.

By Dr. Christopher Walker, Urogyn Specialists of Florida

A

fter childbirth, approximately one in three women experience urinary stress incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when pelvic organs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most commonly the bladder, uterus or rectum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fall from the normal location in the body and push against the walls of the vagina. For many years, treatments for these delicate female matters included the use of transvaginal mesh to hold the pelvic organs in their original place.

Unfortunately, this product has shown many complications inclusive of pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and pain in the hips, legs and groin. The presence of any of the above symptoms is highly suggestive of a mesh-related complication. It is important to know that many times there are alternatives to the use of a mesh product. However, if the surgeon concludes that mesh repair is the best option, it is important to choose a physician who specializes in this area of gynecology. It is important for the physician to use lightweight mesh with a large pore size. This allows the blood vessels and natural tissue to grow in, which helps the body to accept the mesh material and allow it to

become part of the body.

Women suffering from complications related to transvaginal mesh should first make an appointment with a urogynecologist. Urogynecology is a highly specialized field that combines female urology with gynecology. In a situation where mesh removal is highly likely, a urogynecologist will be able to produce the best outcome. After a thorough examination, the urogynecologist will be able to identify the offending piece of mesh and remove only that portion. About three months later, when the patient has healed, the surgeon may need to continue the genital reconstruction process using a human biologic product.

After the process of surgical reconstruction, pelvic muscle and nerve rehab (pelvic floor therapy or PFT) is often ordered. This important aspect of therapy will be performed under the supervision of the urogynecologist in the convenience of the physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in most cases. PFT has been proven to aid patients by improving their sexual function, reducing or eliminating pelvic pain, and restoring nerve and muscle function within the pelvis (genital area),

especially after childbirth and throughout menopausaul years. PFT is a natural (conservative) option to surgery for many patients who suffer with embarrassing symptoms such as genital organ prolapse or urinary/fecal incontinence.

Thus, it is important to seek out a urogynecologist when diagnosed with conditions affecting the support of the female genital organs and to seek one who is experienced and willing to embrace non-surgical options. Ensure that your surgeon frequently performs mesh removal procedures and knows how to remove the material while doing the least amount of harm to the tissues of the body. This type of specialist will ensure that you will be able to get back to the activities you enjoy and the quality of life you deserve.

Dr. Christopher Walker, founder of Urogyn Specialists of Florida is an award-winning urogynecologist in the Orlando area who specializes in revision surgeries involving transvaginal mesh.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Genes and

Health

Gene testing has proved to be a significant tool in determining your likelihood of developing diseases and even how your body will react to medications.

By Frank Stone, MD, Medical Director, Celebration Health Assessment, Florida Hospital Celebration Health

W

e know that there are many factors that affect our health, both directly and indirectly. Our environment, our diets, our lifestyles, and even our genetic pre-dispositions can affect our health and determine our disease risk. Virtually every medical condition has some basis in our genetics.

But how do we measure the impact of genetics on our health?

We can explore our family histories to get an idea of our risks.

We know from experience and long-term studies that some disease conditions are more likely to be inherited than others. A few diseases (like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, for example) can be directly Dr. Frank Stone leads a clinical team of physicians, nurses and technicians that is unified in the advocacy of a healthy lifestyle and expertise in preventative medicine.

Celebration Health Assessment provides comprehensive analysis of current health status and guidance toward lifestyle improvements. Dr. Stone is a primary care physician at Florida Hospital Celebration Health and also serves on the medical staff for the Atlanta Braves.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

inherited, but for many conditions we do not inherit an absolute risk, but rather a tendency to develop certain conditions. In fact, many of our most common health conditions fall into this category: heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and even some cancers. But our family histories can tell us only part of the story. Have we inherited our grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tendency to develop heart disease? Or our second cousinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk of diabetes? Or perhaps we have inherited the potential for a condition that was not apparent in any of our relatives?

The science of genomics has progressed by leaps and bounds over the past few years. Technological advances have led to the ability to sequence an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire genome, or to efficiently and accurately assess multiple diseasespecific genes. These tests, which only recently cost thousands of dollars to perform, have now become much more affordable, and our ability to understand the implications and significance of these

tests continues to grow. A great deal of progress has been made in our ability to assess disease risk.

We can now predict, based on genomic testing, how an individual might respond to certain medications, and we can tailor medication profiles based on those results. We can even predict our likelihood to respond to certain diets or specific exercise regimens.

In some ways, this type of testing is still in its infancy. There continues to be limitations in exactly what genomic testing can tell us and how much weight we can give any particular result. Not all genes, for example, are expressed completely, and there are many genes that still need to be explored and understood.

But that knowledge is increasing on a daily basis at this time. Genomic testing is a promising tool that can add to the understanding of our long-term health risks. It can aid in our own personal assessment of the likelihood of certain conditions and can help to guide and motivate us in our quests for better health.

YOUR+HEALTH<

A Word of

Advice In honor of Men’s Health Month, here is some advice on preventative healthcare that’s worth taking.

By Dr. Robert Mosca, Center for Family Care at Florida Hospital East Orlando

M

en are typically much more comfortable giving advice than receiving it, let alone following the advice that is given by others. It’s no different with their health. But there is one thing that’s certain. When it comes to medicine, it is far easier to prevent disease than it is to cure, and it’s also a lot less expensive.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 75 percent of healthcare costs stem from preventable chronic disease, while only 5 cents of every dollar is spent on prevention itself. Focusing on preventative measures will not only help to stretch your dollars, but can help stretch your lifespan too.

As part of a physician’s health study, a selection of healthy male physicians, averaging age 72, were followed for 25 consecutive years.

This large-scale initiative was conducted to determine some of the risk factors that may affect a person’s life expectancy. The authors of this study found a 54 percent probability of survival to age 90 with the absence of five key factors: smoking, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and sedentary lifestyle. In contrast, subjects that

possessed all five traits had less than a 5 percent probability of reaching 90 years old.

There are many other significant risks not as well known as the five key health factors identified by the study, but can also be preventable and are influential in lifespan longevity. Did you know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women?

The United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) calculated that 14 percent of deaths by lung cancer can be prevented if each person eligible for an annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening receives one. Anyone between the ages of 55-80 years old that have averaged a pack a day for 30 years and either currently smokes, or quit within the past 15 years, is eligible for an LDCT screening.

current or former male smokers ages 65-75.

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 5 percent, and 90 percent of new cases occur in people aging 50 and older.

Regular colonoscopies and other screenings such as fecal occult blood testing or flex sigmoidoscopies are suggested for anyone ages 50-75.

Preventative hepatitis C screenings require a simple blood test, but serve an important purpose. People born between 1945 and 1965 account for 75 percent of chronic hepatitis C cases.

Discuss these screenings with your primary care provider, and remember that preventative care is a vital part of maintaining good health. You owe it to your future to be an active participant in your well-being.

Some other conditions to be aware of include: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) account for approximately 9,000 deaths in the United States annually, and the mortality rate for an AAA rupture is up to 90 percent.

One-time screenings with abdominal ultrasound are recommended for

Dr. Robert Mosca is a board-certified family medicine physician. Prior to joining Center for Family Care, Dr. Mosca provided care in both private practice and major medical centers throughout Florida. In addition to his clinical expertise, he has published research and educated medical, nursing and physician assistant students from a number of universities.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Gout –

A Surprising Form of Arthritis Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment of gout can help you successfully live with the disease.

By Dr Nimesh A. Dayal, MD, MRCP, MSc

T

he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes gout as a rheumatic disease that results from accumulation of uric acid crystals in your body’s tissues and fluids. What might surprise you is that gout is the most common and often painful form of arthritis. It affects eight million Americans, many who are men between the ages of 40 to 50 years. Untreated gout is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. Furthermore, untreated gout also causes significant joint destruction and deformities.

Gout is caused by the buildup of too much uric acid in the body.

Certain conditions cause uric acid to crystallize to form monosodium

Dr. Nimesh Dayal is an internist and rheumatologist treating patients at the Arthritis Center of Orlando in Ocoee, Florida, and the surrounding communities. He holds certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine in both internal medicine and in rheumatology.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

urate crystals. When these crystals enter the joints they cause severe, painful inflammation of the joints.

This is called gout.

Gout has several stages.

They include: •A symptomatic hyperuricemia: Without symptoms.

•A cute gout, or acute gouty arthritis: Sudden onset of pain and swelling.

• I nterval or inter critical gout: Period of time between flare-ups.

•R efractory chronic gout (RCG): Advanced stage.

Any number of factors can trigger gout flare-ups including consumption of alcohol, some dietary foods, illness, and dehydration. Acute gouty flareups can respond well to treatment with oral anti-inflammatory medicines, and can be prevented with medication and diet changes. Clear communication between you and your doctor can help you to reduce and manage your incidences of gout flare-ups, and can make a difference in reducing your risk of future joint destruction and organ damage.

Risk Factors • Genetics: Many people with gout have a family history of the disease.

• Gender and age: It is more common in men than in women and more common in adults than in children.

• Weight: Being overweight increases the risk of developing gout.

• Alcohol consumption: Alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body.

• Diet: Consumption of high-purine, high-fructose and highly processed foods.

• Lead exposure: In some cases, exposure to lead in the environment can cause gout.

Treatment • Immediately

seek treatment when gout symptoms first occur.

• Reduce

uric acid.

• Take

your medication(s) as prescribed.

• Communicate

with your physician about all the medications and overthe-counter products you take.

• Maintain

a healthy, balanced diet.

• Exercise.

Move regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.

YOUR+HEALTH<

One Visit

Dentistry

With CEREC®, your dentist uses a camera to take a digital picture of your mouth.

CEREC® technology reduces dental visits and maximizes patient time.

By Dr. Jorge Reyes, DMD, Eastwood Dental

L

et’s face it; very few of us have perfect teeth, free of decay and fillings. You can probably see a filling or two in your own mouth, which do just that—fill a cavity, or hole, in your tooth left from the excavation of decayed tooth structure.

In many cases, those fillings are made of metal material and can go bad, weaken the tooth or get additional decay under or around it. CEREC® is a method used by thousands of dentists worldwide since 1987 not only to replace these fillings, but also to restore any tooth that is decayed, weakened or broken to its natural strength and beauty. Better yet, it’s done with all-ceramic materials that are tooth colored in a single appointment. So, how does the CEREC® procedure work?

First, your dentist examines the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment. It could be a simple filling, or a full crown, depending on how much healthy tooth structure is remaining and the clinical judgment of your dentist. Next, he or she administers an anesthetic and prepares your tooth for the restoration, removing decayed and weakened tooth tissue. This preparation is just like he or she would do for many other restorative techniques.

Then, your dentist takes an opti-

cal impression of the prepared tooth.

Instead of filling a tray with impression “goop” that you must bite into and hold in your mouth until it hardens, your dentist coats the tooth with a non-toxic, tasteless powder. A camera is then used to take a digital picture of your tooth.

This process only takes a minute or two.

Next, the CEREC® machine helps the dentist create the restoration for your tooth. The CEREC® 3D software takes the digital picture and converts it into a 3-dimensional virtual model on the computer screen.

Your dentist then uses his or her dental expertise to design the inserting block into a milling chamber restoration using the CEREC® 3D computer program. Within a few minutes, your dentist clicks a button, and the restoration design data is sent to a separate milling machine in the office. A ceramic block that matches your tooth shade is placed in the milling machine.

About 10-20 minutes later, your allceramic, tooth-colored restoration is finished and ready to bond in place.

Finally, your dentist tries the restoration in your mouth to ensure proper fit and bite. The restoration is then polished and bonded to the prepared tooth. Your tooth is restored with no “temporary” or return trip necessary.

The CEREC® ceramics offer outstanding characteristics. They are biocompatible and metal-free and hence can be combined with existing metalbased restorations. Problems due to corrosion and incompatibility can be virtually ruled out. The aesthetic appearance of the restoration is not compromised by opaque metal structures. Thanks to their high translucency, CEREC® restorations blend in perfectly with the adjacent teeth. Gingival irritation and recession do not occur. In addition, the ceramic materials fulfill the highest standards in terms of fracture toughness, abrasion and aesthetics. Last but not least, they are suitable for adhesive bonding. The tooth and the ceramic material are permanently joined. Restorations called inlays and onlays are often made to replace large areas of defective tooth structure while saving sound enamel. Ask your dentist about CEREC® today.

Dr. Reyes earned his doctorate’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry in 2001. Since obtaining his degree, Dr. Reyes actively pursues continuing education to take advantage of new technology that helps to provide better education and comfort to patients and minimize the amount of time required to complete treatments.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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More on

Moles Insight on moles, their changes, need for removal and cancer risk factors.

ter, P.A.

By Christopher P. Crotty, M.D. he Skin, oles are benign growths. adult Caucasians MembranesMost have at least one mole

M

y for

gery

greater than 2 millimeters in size.

Some have an average number of 2530. A few may have more than 100 pigmented spots.

Approximately one out of 100 moles are present at birth or show up within one year. In children, moles can be very small, black, and usually start occurring around the age of three or four. Moles change as the child grows.

In adults, moles may become more raised, rounded, lose some of their color, and may eventually disappear. An average 30-year-old may have 30 moles, however, at age 70, there may only be seven or eight which are evident. In adults, a mole that changes significantly, or a new mole, which shows up after the age

matology y

Christopher P. Crotty, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon. He graduated from Notre Dame University and received his medical degree from University of Nebraska School of Medicine. He established Sand Lake Dermatology Center in 1988.

opher P. Crotty, M.D. 22

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

of 45, needs to be looked at with a little more discretion. Moles in adults should be removed if there is documented change, with increase in size being an important sign.

A dysplastic mole is an atypical mole, which occurs quite commonly. Studies have confirmed that patients with dysplastic moles are at an increased risk for melanoma.

However, it has not been shown or suggested that a dysplastic mole should absolutely be removed if it has not changed. Patients who have dysplastic moles do require careful and long-term surveillance. These moles may look different than the others and are usually larger. Dysplastic moles are erroneously referred to as pre-melanomas or precursors of melanoma. A prospective study following dysplastic moles over a 25year period affirmed the idea that these moles usually follow a benign course and the vast majority remain unchanged or even regress.

It may be inappropriate surgery if one is having six or seven moles removed each time they visit the dermatologist. It is not unusual, however, to have one or two moles removed, particularly if a mole has changed.

Risk factors for the development of melanoma may include the following: 1. A large number of moles (greater than 75-100). Individuals with that many moles are at a greater risk for melanoma than people who have fewer moles or who tan rather than burn after sun exposure.

2. A strong family history of blood relatives who have or have had melanoma.

3. Having disordered-appearing moles termed atypical or dysplastic or a family history of such moles.

In high risk populations, moles should be followed on a regular basis for change. Monthly personal skin examinations and yearly exams by a dermatologist are appropriate ways to follow someone at high risk or who has a large number of moles. An initial skin examination should occur during the teen years, particularly before one heads off to college or work. Sun protection and avoidance of tanning salons should be taught during grade school years.

YOUR+HEALTH<

No More

Lower Back Pain A minimally invasive treatment option for low back pain will get you back on your feet in no time.

By Richard C. Smith, MD, FACS

L

ow back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical attention. Over 80 percent of the population will miss some time from work during their lifetime due to low back pain. There are numerous causes for back pain ranging from a simple muscle strain to malignant tumors encroaching on the spinal nerves. One of the most common sources of persistent low back pain is lumbar disc herniations.

Disc Anatomy The spine is composed of bones called vertebrae. Each of these bones is connected by discs, which have a tough outer layer, called the annulus, and a gellike center called the nucleus. If trauma or the aging process causes damage to the annulus, then the nucleus may bulge or leak out into the area of the spinal nerves.

This condition is referred to as a herniated disc. Symptoms of this condition are back and leg pain, numbness and tingling, or weakness in the back and/or leg.

Treatment Most cases of lumbar disc herniations can be treated without surgery.

This can involve a period of rest followed by gradual strengthening of the core through physical therapy. Sometimes medications and targeted injections are sometimes used to reduce symptoms and assist in patient recovery.

In patients who do not respond to conservative care and are unable to live with the pain, surgical intervention is a potential option. For patients with certain types of lumbar disc herniations, a minimally invasive treatment option should be considered. This procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthetic with mild sedation.

A small incision is made in the back and a small tube, which is slightly narrower than a pen, is placed into the damaged disc. An endoscope connected to a video monitor is then used to visualize the anatomy and remove the portion of the disc that is irritating the nerve.

After the procedure, patients are observed for a short time and then can return home. After a day or two of rest, patients are able to resume non-strenuous activities and, after about a week, begin a physical therapy program to assist in a full recovery.

Not all patients with back pain require surgery, but for those that have not responded to conservative treatment, this minimally invasive discectomy is a potential treatment option. If you have back pain that persists for a week or more, consult with your physician for further evaluation.

Dr. Richard C. Smith is a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon who has practiced in Central Florida for nearly 25 years. He specializes in minimally invasive treatments of spine and joint disorders. He is the founding partner and president of Florida Center for Orthopaedics with offices in Ocoee, Orlando, and Pensacola.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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In a League of

His Own Dominick Guido reaches the century mark with heart care.

A

COURTESY OF FLORIDA HOSPITAL ORLANDO

Jose Arias, MD, cardiologist; Andrew Taussig, MD, cardiologist; Kevin Accola, MD, cardiovascular surgeon; and Jorge Suarez-Cavelier, MD, cardiovascular surgeon, performed Mr. Guido’s TAVR procedure at Florida Hospital Orlando.

24

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

n ace bowler for decades, Dominick Guido celebrated his 100th birthday in May, thanks in part to a minimally invasive aortic heart valve procedure.

Otherwise healthy and active for his age, Dominick was 99 when he required medical help after suffering a decreasing quality of life due to aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart that obstructs blood flow. Left untreated, the condition is fatal.

For patients with severe aortic stenosis, open-heart surgery used to be the only option. At his age, Dominick wasn’t a good candidate for traditional surgery.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), however, allows a specially trained cardiac team to treat older, but otherwise healthy, aortic stenosis patients.

The minimally invasive TAVR approach replaces the aortic valve, restoring the valve’s normal function. The new valve can either be inserted through an artery accessed via a small incision in the leg, or through a chest incision point between the ribs.

The TAVR procedure is beneficial to patients like Dominick who are functionally and mentally young but chronologically elderly. Extreme elderly patients are not

good candidates for open heart surgery, so having TAVR as an option can increase their quality of life tenfold.

Just three days after his 99th birthday, on May 15, 2013, Dominick became the second oldest patient in the nation to undergo TAVR. His successful procedure was performed locally by skilled surgeons and cardiologists who were supported by many members of the cardiac catheterization, operating room, echocardiogram, research, imaging and anesthesia teams.

After a stay in the hospital, where his age and attitude earned him star patient status, Dominick returned home to Longwood. The doctors who treated Dominick say that he is an amazing person and the perfect patient for TAVR. Since he’s not frail for his age, the procedure allowed him to return to his full, active life.

Dominick recently celebrated his 100th birthday on May 12, 2014 with many close family and friends, some of which traveled to Orlando for the occasion. He feels great, enjoys having an active lifestyle again and is looking forward to 105.

“The doctors keep telling me I’m amazing,” Dominick says. “I guess I am!”

YOUR+HEALTH<

Beat the Heat this Summer

There are many ways to protect yourself from the Central Florida heat.

By Dr. Melodie Mope

F

lorida is considered one of the world’s top destinations for family summer fun. Whether you live here year-round or are just visiting, you need to play it safe in the Florida sun, especially when it comes to heat-related illnesses.

You have to outsmart heatrelated illnesses. You can do this by using smart prevention and protection tactics against heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When you know you’ll be outside, check what the heat index is. Heat index measures the combination of the heat in the air temperature plus humidity. A dangerous heat index is 90°F or higher.

Whenever possible, stay indoors in an air-conditioned area when the heat index is high.

If you must go outside, protect yourself with these precautions: • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Wear a hat or use an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun.

• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.

• Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity.

• Drink extra water all day. Remember that heat-related illnesses are not only caused by high temperatures and fluid loss, but also a lack of salt in the body. Some sports drinks can help replenish the salt in your body lost through sweating.

• Drink fewer beverages with caffeine (such as tea, coffee and soda) or alcohol.

• Vigorous outdoor activities should be planned for cooler times of the day — before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

• During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids.

Dark-colored urine is an indication that you’re dehydrated.

• If you have a chronic medical condition, speak with your doctor about how to deal with the heat, about

drinking extra fluids, and about your medicines.

Seek immediate medical assistance if you or a loved one exhibits these warning signs: • Skin that feels hot and dry, but not sweaty • Confusion or loss of consciousness • Frequent vomiting • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Outsmarting heat-related illnesses through prevention and protection can save more than your summer; it can save your life.

Melodie Mope, M.D., of Summerport Family Medicine, is board-certified in family medicine.

She obtained her medical degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Don’t Be Confused About

Concussions Rapid concussion diagnosis and treatment is the key to a full recovery from the trauma.

By Dr. Leonardo Oliveira

A

s fall sporting activities gear up and the weather cools down, the number of concussions generally takes a sharp rise. While concussions are most commonly associated with activities like football and soccer, you don’t have to be an athlete to suffer from one.

Each year, approximately 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with concussions, and many are older people who are at the greatest risk for falls and auto-related injuries.

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury most often caused by sudden bumps or blows to the head and neck area. As a result of the sudden impact, the brain moves around in the skull causing chemical changes. These changes make the

Dr. Leonardo Oliveira is board certified in sports medicine and is an assistant professor at the UCF College of Medicine. He treats patients at UCF Pegasus Health, the college’s physician practice.

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brain more sensitive to stress and other injuries until it fully recovers.

It is important to recognize the warning signs for concussions and seek medical attention immediately for the following conditions: • Headache/neck pain • Dizziness/lightheadedness • Sensitivity to light or noise • Poor balance • Loss of consciousness • Confusion • Dazed or stunned behavior • Difficulty remembering Concussion symptoms can be tricky, so those around the injured person must pay close attention for the warning signs. Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks is an immediate effect of a head injury and can sometimes be the only sign. If not treated quickly and appropriately, it can have significant consequences.

Other warning signs include changes in behavior, worsening headache, persistent double vision, excessive drowsiness or stroke-like

symptoms (i.e. difficulty moving a limb, speech or facial droop). These warrant an evaluation by the closest emergency department.

Although treatment for concussions is individualized, most all physicians recommend physical and mental rest immediately after the injury. This includes no texting, video games, TV, reading or physical activity. It’s also important to understand that medications will mask the pain but do not heal the brain. In fact, anti-inflammatory medications can be dangerous because they potentially increase the risk of bleeding.

It is known that adolescents take longer to recover from concussions than their adult counterparts. The exact reasons are being investigated, but it’s partially due to the fact that the younger brain is still growing and maturing. A personal history of migraines also tends to increase the risks of prolonged symptoms.

It is paramount to have an evaluation and obtain clearance by a physician experienced in diagnosing and treating concussions before returning to normal activities.

YOUR+HEALTH<

Body After Baby Having a baby is a beautiful thing but it can be hard to get your body back after a pregnancy. A mommy makeover may be just what you need.

By Dr. Diana Lambie, Advanced Aesthetics for Plastic Surgery

P

ost-pregnancy surgical procedures — often called mommy makeovers — can provide an extra boost in getting pre-baby bodies back and are becoming increasingly popular. Local mommies are asking questions to determine if a mommy makeover is a good fit.

I gave birth several months ago.

I’ve been dieting and exercising but can’t seem to drop the baby weight.

How soon can I be considered for a mommy makeover?

Since your uterus is undergoing changes internally, it is recommended you wait a minimum of four to six months before considering a tummy tuck. This will give your weight a chance to minimize while giving the uterus the time it needs to heal completely. For breast surgeries, you should wait two to three months after you have finished nursing to give your breasts a chance to finish changing. Also, performing surgery on a lactating breast can lead to an increased risk of infection. While procedures can be performed on your breasts between pregnancies, it is best to wait until after your childbearing years to have a tummy tuck.

A post-tummy-tuck pregnancy can stretch the skin again and damage the muscle repair.

After breastfeeding, I have dropped several cup sizes. How can I get my pre-pregnancy breast size back?

If you feel like you don’t have enough volume or upper fullness, the only thing that will give you a fuller shape is a breast augmentation through the use of implants. If you feel like you have too much volume in your breasts, the best option is a breast reduction.

If you were happy with the shape of your breasts pre-pregnancy and want to make them appear firmer and less loose, a breast lift will help to get your breasts back to their pre-pregnancy position.

I’m back to my pre-pregnancy weight but I can’t get rid of the extra skin on my stomach. What are my options?

Realistically, the sagging skin, stretch marks and excess fat tissue that most women experience after pregnancy is irreversible no matter how committed you are to exercising and eating healthy. A full tummy tuck is recommended to not only repair the excess skin of the lower ab-

domen but also to repair the muscle separation internally. Most likely, simple liposuction would be insufficient in getting your pre-pregnancy body back. When combined with a tummy tuck, simple liposuction across the hips and waistline can combat “mommy hips” with the end result being a nice, hourglass shape.

I’ve had three children and my body just isn’t what it used to be.

How do I know if a mommy makeover is right for me?

The best way to determine if a mommy makeover is a good fit for you is to schedule an appointment with a plastic surgeon experienced in these types of procedures.

Diana Lambie, D.O., FACOS, of Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in elective female surgery.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>YOUR+HEALTH

Put Yourself First

It’s time to put your health first and make this October the “breast” ever.

By Olga Ivanov, MD, Florida Hospital Celebration Health

A

s a doctor, wife and working mother, there are days I can barely fit in time for lunch. I get it; we are all busy. As women, it’s easy for us to put our family’s needs in front of our own.

However, I can’t stress enough the importance of making sure you take the time to get your annual mammogram screening. In this instance, putting yourself first may be the best thing you ever did for yourself and your family.

Olga Ivanov, MD, FACS, is a boardcertified and fellowship-trained breast surgeon, and serves as the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Celebration Health in Celebration, Florida. Dr. Ivanov’s unique philosophy of care includes compassion, as well as an aggressive approach.

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Did you know that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in the course of their lifetime? That frightening statistic is backed up by one very reassuring note: Early detection saves lives. There is no definitive way to prevent breast cancer, but we can make an effort to catch it early enough to beat it.

Regular self-checks and annual mammograms are the key to early detection. When detected, early stage breast cancer has a survival rate of over 90 percent. Plus, when physicians are able to detect breast cancer at this early stage, patients are able to receive the benefits of seamless treatment plans.

Of course, there are countless reasons why you might be delaying or ignoring your annual screening mammogram. You are not alone. Fifty percent of eligible women in Central Florida aren’t

getting their annual screening mammograms. Some women are hesitant because they are afraid of the result while others believe that they are just too busy to fit one into their everyday schedule.

It’s time, however, to take control of your health and well-being. Your mammogram can be the first step in the right direction.

For the month of October, I’m challenging all readers to fight this terrible disease by getting screened and becoming committed to reducing latestage breast cancer cases.

There are really no excuses for putting off your annual mammogram. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, take the opportunity to put yourself and your health first. Make your annual mammogram appointment to get screened today. Let’s all strive to make this the breast month ever.

YOUR+HEALTH<

Making

the Mediterranean Diet Work

Diets can be hard to follow, but by making the changes reflected in the Mediterranean diet as a part of a lifestyle change rather than a strict diet, you’re sure to succeed.

By Elizabeth Clay, DO, Florida Hospital East Orlando

D

iet fads seem to be everywhere these days, and there’s a lot of confusion about which one to try, which one will work, and which one is best for your health. While there is no definitive answer, the Mediterranean diet is worth a try.

The Mediterranean diet is based on the dietary lifestyles found in Greece, Crete, and Southern Italy during the 1960s. Though most of the people suffered from poverty at that time, it was also known that chronic disease rates in this region were among the lowest in the world.

The drastic decline in chronic disease rates in the Mediterranean region were likely due to their eating habits at that time.

While olive oil and red wine seem to be the two foods that most people associate with the Mediterranean diet, there’s much more to it than that. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and white meats such as fish and chicken are also a primary part of the foundation of the modern day Mediterranean diet. The diet focuses on fresh foods, foods high in nutrients, and “good” fats. Foods such as refined or processed foods, sweets, dairy products, eggs, and red meat

are limited. Any food with added sugars, saturated fats, or trans fats are also limited. By consuming a diet high in nutrients, it helps to limit the supplements and vitamins required in addition to our normal diet. It also helps cut costs and allows the nutrients to be absorbed and used more effectively by the body.

In addition to the weight loss benefits, there are a variety of other health perks; specifically, several studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can aid in the following: • Lowering the risk of diabetes • Lowering blood sugars in those already diagnosed with diabetes • Lowering the risk of heart disease • Lowering the risk of stroke • Lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease • Lowering blood pressure • Reducing pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis Tips to make the switch to a Mediterranean diet: • Start slowly and make changes over time to minimize cheating.

• Use meals that you like now and make simple changes to them.

• Incorporate more vegetables into meals and swap red meat for white meat.

• Buy unsweetened foods and sweeten them yourself with natural sweeteners.

• Think of exercise as a food group.

• Drink plenty of water.

This isn’t just a diet; it’s a lifestyle change involving eating habits, food choices, and exercise. It incorporates nearly all food groups without having to lose weight uncomfortably. Because of this, following the Mediterranean diet is much easier than many other diets and, therefore, will likely be easier to stick to. With all the benefits listed above, who wouldn’t want to try it?

Go on, start swapping foods and see what the Mediterranean diet can do for you and your health!

Elizabeth Clay, DO, is a resident physician at Florida Hospital East Orlando’s Center for Family Care.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>YOUR+HEALTH >YOUR+HEALTH

Laser-Guided Vision

With the help of laserguided technology, cataract surgery has entered a new frontier.

By Dr. Chirag J. Patel

C

ataracts affect more than 20 million Americans over the age of 40. The proportion of seniors over 80 years of age affected by the disease surpasses 50 percent, and the visually impairing disease affects nearly 100 percent of seniors over the age of 95.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. It is largely a result of the aging process; however, other contributing factors can accelerate the disease, such as diabetes, smoking, UV light exposure, and steroid medications.

How Does a Cataract Affect Vision?

The eye works just like a camera.

It has a lens and a film just like your point-and-shoot at home. A cataract

At Lake Nona Ophthalmology, Chirag J. Patel, MD, is a fellowship-trained comprehensive ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in medical retina disease and years of experience in non-invasive facial rejuvenation.

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is a clouding of the naturally clear lens in the eye. The clouding varies in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructs the passage of light.

As a consequence, seeing through a cataract is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. The clouded vision can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression on a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face. Most cataracts develop slowly and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disturb your eyesight early on, but with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with vision.

Treating Cataracts Fortunately, the treatment of cataracts has evolved dramatically over the past 20 years. Cataract surgery involves removing the natural lens of the eye and implanting an artificial lens that is typically made of acrylic. Traditionally, incisions in the cornea are made using handheld blades to access the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical instrument to manually create an opening in the lens capsule that holds the cataract. The goal is to make the corneal incisions precise, the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens. Most patients do very well with this conven-

tional treatment; however, as patients become more productive later in life, the demand for precise visual outcomes has also grown.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Enter Refractive Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (ReLACS), the newest wave of technology that has transcended the accuracy and precision of traditional visual outcomes. Although this new technique is not covered by medical insurance just yet, femtosecond laser technology is bringing new levels of safety, accuracy, and predictability to cataract surgery. ReLACS uses femtosecond laser technology to precisely create all incisions, a perfectly circular opening in the lens capsule, break up and soften the hard cataract, and reduce astigmatism.

No matter how well versed your surgeon may be in cataract surgery, no human can come close to a laser that is a millionth-of-a-billionth of a second fast.

This procedure, along with the variety of intraocular lens choices, has given patients options in terms of their vision.

The ultimate winner is the patient, who now has a highly predictable method to choose the type of visual outcome he or she desires.

YOUR+HEALTH< YOUR+HEALTH<

Save Your Skin from

Sun Damage Exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to unsightly spots on the skin that could lead to bigger issues down the road.

By Dr. Christopher P. Crotty

W

hat are actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are scaly patches on the skin that are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. These patches occur most often on the face, scalp, ears, hands and forearms.

AKs take a long time to develop and generally appear after the age of 40.

Risk factors include cumulative sun exposure, blonde or red hair and blue eyes, a tendency to freckle or burn after sun exposure, or a weakened immune system.

Not only are they unsightly, but AKs have the potential to progress to dangerous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin over time. Studies have shown that up to 10 percent of AKs may turn into SCC within an average of two years. Identification and treatment of AKs is therefore important.

How are AKs treated? The most common method is cryotherapy, where individual AKs are frozen with liquid nitrogen. However, there is a risk of developing a white spot after freezing. Topical prescription

medications such as imiquimod, 5-flurouracil, and ingenol mebutate are also commonly used. The application of these medications typically causes redness, stinging, and peeling of the skin. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), or blue light, has gained in popularity recently. This is a special procedure performed in a dermatologist’s office. During the procedure, a topical photosensitizing agent, Levulan, is applied to sun damaged skin. This agent is then activated with a blue light. Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red and swollen with some peeling for two to seven days. The advantages of PDT are that this procedure has relatively minimal side effects and rapid healing. Also, PDT treats the entire face or scalp rather than merely spot-treating AKs. Sometimes more than one treatment may be required initially, but most patients have excellent results after one session and follow up with yearly treatments thereafter.

Because AKs are a reflection of ultraviolet radiation damage, preven-

tion with sun protection starting early in life is important. While no wise person purposely tans or frequents tanning salons anymore, ultraviolet radiation can accumulate by simple daily activities such as going to the mailbox, driving around in the car, playing an outdoor sport, among other routine behaviors. Therefore, sunscreens are essential to the skin’s wellbeing, as well as wearing a hat and sunglasses. It is also best to perform outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as strong. Regular skin examinations with a dermatologist allow for identification of AKs or other concerning skin growths, as well discussion of the most appropriate treatment options.

Christopher P. Crotty, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist and skin cancer surgeon. He graduated from Notre Dame University, received his medical degree from University of Nebraska School of Medicine, and completed his residency in dermatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

He established Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando in 1988.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>YOUR+HEALTH

Battling Insulin Resistance Common weight-loss issues, junk food cravings and obesity concerns can be signs of insulin resistance and can lead to bigger health issues down the road.

By Damon Tanton, MD, Florida Hospital Orlando

D

o you have difficulty losing abdominal fat? Do you crave sweets and carbohydrates on a daily basis? Do you feel sleepy after eating, or shaky when you go without food for several hours? Do any of your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have diabetes or escalating levels of central obesity? If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then there is a high probability that you are one of the 80 million Americans with insulin resistance, also known as pre-diabetes.

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which your body becomes less able to utilize the insulin produced by your pancreas. This resistance, which develops in one out

Damon Tanton, MD, is the medical director of clinical practice at Florida Hospital Diabetes Institute and Florida Diabetes and Endocrine Centers.

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of every three American adults, results in a higher requirement of circulating insulin in order to maintain normal levels of glucose.

Once your body is no longer able to compensate completely, your glucose levels become elevated and diabetes ensues.

What are the Unhealthy Effects of Insulin Resistance?

Insulin is, by its very nature, an anabolic hormone. This means that its primary job is to build and store. Unfortunately, for most Americans, the principal effect of high insulin is the storage of central adiposity (fat). Simply put, the higher your circulating insulin levels, the higher your chances of developing the dreaded “tire” around your midsection.

Insulin, in fact, plays a central role in all of the components of the “metabolic syndrome,” namely elevated fasting glucose, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol and increased waist circumference. High insulin levels also contribute to elevated testosterone levels and irregular menstruation in women (PCOS), low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) in men and

low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Insulin resistance has even been linked to many forms of cancer!

How Can Insulin Resistance Be Identified?

The best way to diagnose insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes, is to actually measure insulin in the blood (normal fasting level is < 5 uIU/ml). Other helpful laboratory measurements include fasting glucose (normal < 100 mg/dl), HgbA1c (normal < 5.7%), and Glycomark (which approximates glucose peaks). Finally, a darkening of the skin creases in the neck, armpits and/or groin (so-called acanthosis nigricans) is a reliable clinical sign of insulin overproduction.

Can Insulin Resistance Be Treated?

Fortunately, high insulin levels can be normalized with a combination of lifestyle optimization (Low Glycemic Load Diet and exercise as tolerated) and may or may not include a medication called metformin. By aggressively treating at this early stage, you can prevent, or at least postpone, the progression to diabetes.

YOUR+HEALTH< YOUR+HEALTH<

Pap 101 Ever wonder if you need to get a Pap smear screening every year?

The answer is: Not necessarily.

By Virginia Pagani, MD, Dieguez, Oloufa & Pagani – OB/GYN

I

t is important to stay up-to-date with your gynecologic health for the early detection of cancer and other illnesses, especially if you have a family history. A common screening, and one that you’re surely familiar with, is the Pap smear. But do you know everything there is to know about this important test?

What is a Pap smear?

This screening test detects precancerous cells and prevents cervical cancer. Its purpose is not meant to find cancer, but to pick up pre-cancerous changes of the cervix that occur before cancer ever starts. Cervical cancer is a gradual change from normal cells into cancer; it does not develop overnight.

When should I get my first Pap smear? How often?

Pap smear screenings should start at 21 years old, independent of sexual activity. Every woman should have a Pap smear test. If the test result is normal in women from ages 21 to 29, repeating a pap smear every three years is recommended. For women between ages 30 to 65 years, Pap smears

should be every three or every five years, depending on if Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing is done together and the result is negative. After age 65, pap smears can stop if there is no history of abnormal pap smears.

If I had a hysterectomy, do I still need to get a Pap smear?

If there is no history of abnormal Pap smears, you do not need another pap smear after a hysterectomy. Annual visits with pelvic exams should continue. Certainly, if the indication for the hysterectomy was pre-cancerous or because of cancer in the cervix or uterus, then regular Pap smears are recommended.

What if the Pap smear is abnormal?

If the Pap smear is abnormal, you may need further testing or more frequent gynecologist checkups. A colposcopy (closer look in the cervix with a colposcope) might be necessary with possible biopsies. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary to treat with laser or a small surgery called a cone biopsy, to remove the abnormal cells and tissue. Fol-

low up Pap smears, sometimes as soon as six months apart, might be needed.

If it is normal, does it mean I don’t have to see my gynecologist for another three years?

Each year, you should see your gynecologist for a pelvic exam to rule out other issues like ovarian cysts and masses, vaginal dryness or lesions, vaginal infections, or urinary symptoms. During an annual exam, your gynecologist also performs a breast examination and might address other screening tests depending on your age. Tests and concerns may include a mammogram, diabetes testing, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weak bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis), or sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening.

Dr. Virginia Pagani is an OB/GYN accepting patients at Dieguez, Oloufa & Pagani – OB/GYN at two locations in Ocoee and Windermere. Dr. Pagani earned her medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico and completed her residency at Winnie Palmer Hospital through Orlando Health.

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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>YOUR+HEALTH

Stop the Suffering Know your options when it comes to the treatment of complications from the use of transvaginal mesh, and get back to your life.

By Dr. Christopher Walker, Urogyn Specialists of Florida

W

omen are suffering, and even losing their lives, due to complications from the use of transvaginal mesh in the treatment of organ prolapse and other sensitive female issues. The complications from this net-like implant are very much a reality. It is important for women to know their options and where to turn if they need treatment to correct painful issues from the use of this product.

How did all of this begin?

After childbirth and through menopause, gravity has a way of doing a number on women. Female organs begin to fall out of place or become weakened and damaged from the trauma experienced during the birthing process. Because of this damage, women from age 18 to 80 and older can experience urine leakage or have

Christopher Walker, MD, FACOG, FICS, FPMRS is the founder of Urogyn Specialists of Florida.

He is an award winning, double board-certified urogynecologist in the Orlando area who specializes in revision surgeries involving transvaginal mesh.

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loose bowels during simple exercise, while they laugh or sneeze, and during intercourse. For centuries, women believed this was part of the aging process. One in three women experience these embarrassing issues.

What’s all the talk about mesh?

The mesh that you’ve been hearing about in the news was the main way to correct these complicated female issues. So what is mesh? According to the Food and Drug Administration’s website, “Surgical mesh is a medical device that is used to provide additional support when repairing weakened or damaged tissue.” The first generation of mesh was a manmade, synthetic material that had small pores for tissue ingrowth. This left patients with a foreign — rather than natural — material in their bodies, causing vaginal pain, implant erosion, painful intercourse, and discomfort doing everyday activities such as sitting. Patients felt hopeless from being in constant pain so they sought legal help.

What do you do?

Now the question is, do you replace the mesh with something

similar? Do you go back to the same doctor for the corrective surgery? In order to restore your health, a revision surgery is necessary using a mesh-less technique.

Since mesh was designed to be a permanent fixture, this procedure is an arduous task that often requires multiple surgeries. There are also very few experts in this field with the knowledge of how to safely perform revision surgeries. These experts are called explant surgeons. If left untreated for years, the case can become more difficult and permanent injury may be the result.

What is the future of mesh?

Research and development have come a long way in creating biologic human grafting products that can be used in place of mesh.

Patients suffering from mesh complications should immediately seek out a board-certified urogyncologist. This type of physician specializes in urology and gynecology and can help produce the best results. End the pain for you or a loved one by choosing the right medical and/or legal team and restore your health.

YOUR+HEALTH<

Taking Ownership of

Your Health Focusing on prevention, and taking the necessary steps to detect any risks early on, is important in maintaining your health.

By Drs. Gary Visser and Adam Langley, PremierMED Family & Sports Medicine

L

istening to Benjamin Franklin’s advice, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” may have been able to fix the current healthcare crisis. In this statement, he wasn’t referring to gold or the British currency, but rather about preparing to prevent. Many of today’s healthcare issues could be improved by focusing on preventing the problem rather than dealing with it after the fact.

Physicians encourage their patients to follow simple guidelines to prevent illness. This includes not smoking or quitting smoking, exercising and stretching, eating a balanced diet in relation to activity, finding a hobby or other safe activity that is motivating and challenging, and participating in recommended health-screening tests.

While many of these recommendations can be accomplished with lifestyle choices, health screenings require the help of medical professionals.

Your doctor will discuss these tests, which should also include age and medically appropriate vaccines, during your annual physical exam. It should be noted that health-screening tests cannot treat a disease, but are recommended because early detection is crucial in effectively treating an illness.

Vaccines, on the other hand, are meant to prevent a disease or assist your body in fighting it off. In discussions with your doctor, knowledge of your fam-

ily medical history plays a vital role in proactively preventing an increased risk of developing a certain disease.

Preventative screenings are divided into two main categories: gender and age. While some cancers and illnesses are specific to men or women, lung cancer doesn’t discriminate based on age or gender. One of the newest recommended screening tests is the lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, but the American Cancer Society statistics show that more people die of lung cancer each year than colon, prostate, and breast cancers combined. While the best way to prevent it is by not smoking, screening tests focus on the detection of asymptomatic early-stage lung cancer to improve the survival rate and to try to prevent cancer-related deaths in highrisk patients.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends an annual lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for adults between the ages of 55 and 80 who have smoked a pack a day for 30 years

or the equivalent, and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years. Other techniques have been used to screen for lung cancer, but the LDCT technology has a greater sensitivity for detecting the cancer at this early stage.

Since the risk of developing lung cancer increases with age and exposure to tobacco smoke, the most effective way to prevent lung cancer has always been smoking cessation. If you are a smoker, make an appointment with an experienced medical professional who can discuss medical options to help you quit smoking and determine if you are at a high enough risk to need a lung cancer screening test.

Drs. Gary Visser and Adam Langley of PremierMED Family & Sports Medicine believe in hearing your personal story to customize recommendations for your unique situation, helping you discover and reach your health goals.

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David Cortes finished his first triathlon after getting fit through Heather Moncherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness classes.

Two local residents not only work hard at keeping healthy, but jump over some pretty high obstacles to do it.

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fit

By Kimberly Kimmel

BOBBY PIERRE PHOTOGRAPHY

A

lot of people begin a weight loss regimen by committing themselves to a new healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, not all that many stick to it and achieve their goals. Food deprivation turns into irresistible temptation, and exercising is replaced by watching “The Biggest Loser” on television.

Two inspiring local residents decided to make the switch for very different reasons but are staying committed to maintaining their healthy and fit lifestyles.

BOBBY PIERRE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Buddy System David Cortes, a mobile car detailer from Ocoee, wanted to get into serious shape and ultimately get a sixpack. He knew he would have to work hard but he made the commitment. “The main reason to lose the weight for me is I Corinthians 6:19-20. I thought, ‘Is my body God’s temple and how am I treating it?’ The quality of life depends on how you take care of your body,” he says.

David and his wife Lenida became inspired to get fit from watching a movie called “Sick, Fat and Nearly Dead.” They began juicing for the vitamin content and decided to do physical training. “We always wanted to be in shape, and we decided to do it together,” David says.

In January of 2013, the couple began working out under the advisement of personal trainer Heather Moncher, participating in training sessions at the First Baptist Church of Windermere where they’ve been attending services for years. The boot camp training, Pilates, kick boxing exercises and other instruction provided by these sessions were a challenge, but it was nothing the Corteses couldn’t handle.

For David, the challenge was going from feeling sluggish to pushing himself physically. The Corteses worked hard at getting into shape, which included training with Moncher twice a week, juicing and changing their diet to include just 1,300 calories a day. “We went through two detoxes and felt so much better,” he says.

David even trained for, and recently successfully completed, his first triathlon, which consisted of an almost mile-long swim, a 49-mile bike ride, and a nine-mile run. Lenida cheered him on with signs of encouragement as he completed each phase of the race.

The Corteses have nearly reached their main weight loss goals with David losing 34 pounds and Lenida shedding 18. “I’m pretty much there. My stomach doesn’t bulge and I can see definition. We don’t want to stop exercising because we might get sluggish again. My goal is to keep doing what I’m doing,” David says.

contest at work called “The Biggest Loser” and she also wanted the prize money. The goal was to lose as much weight as possible. Every person who entered paid $25.

Every week the group weighed in and paid another dollar. “If you gained weight, you paid an extra dollar for every pound gained. It was a nine-week program,” Houben says. Not only did she lose 31 pounds faster than anyone else in the group, she took home $310 in prize money.

She also vowed to keep losing weight on her own.

For Houben, it was great beating her co-workers and winning the prize money. But, she had a new obstacle along the way which was much more serious. She learned she had cancer. She felt getting into shape was even more important and took on her weight loss challenge with an added determination.

She still has more weight to lose, but she has gained physical, mental and spiritual strength along the way.

“To date I’ve lost 37 pounds. I’ve slowed down a bit, due to illness, but I’m going to pick it back up,” Houben says.

She says she has already accomplished more than

Willow Houben beat coworkers in a Biggest Loser challenge and is still on a healthy path.

A Healthful Prize Willow Houben, a paralegal in downtown Orlando, set her first goal of getting healthier last August. “I wanted to be healthier and look better,” Houben says.

But that wasn’t the only goal. There was a weight loss

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To learn more about getting fit, see our stories at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

BOBBY PIERRE PHOTOGRAPHY

she expected. Her arthritis is better and she feels the exercise keeps her strong enough to fight her cancer.

Houben says her greatest asset was remembering this was not a diet, but a lifestyle change. She advises: “Throw away your diet books.”

Although it can be tough to eat healthy and pass up the sweets and fat, Houben says she found that the better she ate, the more her body wanted to eat healthy. Her advice is to eat less carbs, shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all the fresh food is, and keep exercising. “The longer you sit and not exercise, the older your body becomes and the weaker you get. … If you want to live a long life, keep exercising.”

MENS HEALTH While you may feel like Superman, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not invincible when it comes to your health. Read on to learn about common health issues for men and how you can prevent them.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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HEALTHY HEARTS Taking care of your heart is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Heart disease and stroke are two of the top killers of Americans, with heart disease the No. 1 cause of death in the United States and stroke the No. 4 cause. According to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update 2014, about 2,150 Americans die each day from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. That’s one every 40 seconds.

You can do many things to stay heart healthy. Surprisingly, eating breakfast and resisting the temptation for a midnight snack are two very easy ways to reduce your risk of a heart attack. It was recently reported in the American Heart Association journal Circulation that men who regularly skipped breakfast were 27 percent more likely to have a heart attack or die from coronary heart disease than men who didn’t, and men who ate late at night (especially if they interrupted sleep to do so) were 55 percent more likely to develop heart disease than men who didn’t.

In addition to healthy eating patterns, following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 can keep your heart healthy, lower you risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve your overall quality of life. Each factor can impact heart health both on its own and when followed together with the entire seven. These factors include losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight, eating better, staying active, managing blood pressure, reducing blood sugar, quitting smoking, and controlling cholesterol.

What it all comes down to is this: it’s easy to keep your heart healthy if you just try.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT Whether you need help tracking your fitness or your calorie intake, there’s an app for that. Here are some helpful apps that will keep you feeling your best.

Healthy 100 Habits: Consider this your own personal coach who will hold you accountable for your health. You can choose from a list of built-in habits like drinking eight glasses of water a day or create your own like setting aside time in your day for spiritual renewal. This free app includes custom reminders, motivations and the ability to share progress with friends and family.

Fooducate: This free app helps you track your food intake and exercise, choose healthier food alternatives, and teaches you how to eat for your health. You can scan the bar code of a product to see the food’s nutrition grade and to analyze its contents to find excessive sugars, trans fats, MSG and other additives.

Sleep Cycle: More than just an alarm clock, the Sleep Cycle app analyzes your sleep and wakes you up when you are in your lightest sleep phase so you wake up feeling completely rested. You are able to view detailed sleep statistics, sleep graphs and sleep notes that can help you determine which days you sleep the best and under what conditions.

Hot5: Full of five-minute workouts from yoga to cardio and everything in between, Hot5 is a free app that can also monitor your weekly progress and track the calories you’ve burned. It also has the ability to connect with the MyFitnessPal app.

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SCREENINGS GUIDE BY AGE Taking an active role in your health – when you’re feeling good and when you’re feeling bad – is a surefire way to keep in tip-top shape. The Men’s Health Network has created a guide to map out recommendations for when to see your doctor for health screenings.

During a physical exam, your doctor will review your overall health status, perform a thorough physical exam, and discuss any health-related problems or concerns. Often, your doctor will check your blood pressure at this time (this should be checked yearly for all ages) and recommend blood testing and a urinalysis to check cholesterol levels, diabetes risks, and kidney or thyroid dysfunction. Men ages 20-39 should have a physical exam every three years, ages 40-49 every two years, and men over 50 should

see their doctor for a physical yearly.

Men at high risk should speak with their physician and consider an annual prostate exam beginning at age 40.

Beginning at age 30, men should have an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening performed to check for heart abnormalities. Once age 40 rolls around, this screening should take place every two years, and men over 50 should be screened every year.

Fifty is really the magic number when it comes to health. At this age, colon cancer screenings should take place every three to four years, and prostate specific antigen blood test should take place every year.

Men should always perform monthly self-exams to check for testicular lumps; changing moles, freckles or early skin cancer; and signs of cancerous legions in the mouth.

STAYING ON TOP OF MENTAL HEALTH

RELAXING THE MUSCLES Heavy activity and competitive sporting events can take a toll on the body, resulting in sore muscles and sometimes even injury. When ice packs and heating pads don’t work, a massage therapist may be your best bet.

Massages aren’t just for relaxation and rejuvenation, although they are perfect if that’s what you’re looking for. Many spas offer sports massages for athletes of any kind, from runners to football players.

These types of massages can help relieve the pain associated with tight, overworked muscles, and they can

boost performance and prevent future injuries. Different techniques are used depending on if the therapy is performed before a sporting event or after, and if it’s to prepare the muscles or to work them out after an injury.

It’s important to do your research and choose an experienced massage therapist, especially if you’re having a sports massage while recovering from an injury. And before you even begin a workout or competitive sporting event, be sure to stretch fully, ensuring your muscles are properly prepared before you begin.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than six million men suffer from depression in the United States each year. Even if you have your dream job and a supportive family, no one is immune to depression. A family history, heavy stress, loss of a loved one or serious illness can leave you additionally vulnerable.

Signs and symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness and helplessness; decreased energy; a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies; and difficulty sleeping, concentrating, remembering or making decisions. It’s important to know and recognize symptoms before they become an issue, and to be treated by an experienced mental health professional. If left untreated, depression can lead to issues within the family, as well as financial difficulties.

From medicine to therapy, treatment for depression will vary based on the cause and severity. The good news is that with the proper treatment, the majority of people suffering from depression improve greatly and can return to a normal life. www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Women’s Follow these simple suggestions for a healthier, happier you.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

A Healthier You

T

here are certain tests that you know you should schedule every year, like a pap smear or mammogram, and others that you know you should schedule when you reach a certain age, like a colonoscopy. But there are even more medical tests that can help you stay healthy by being proactive about your health. These tests are oftentimes forgotten or put on the backburner because it’s just too much to schedule multiple doctor appointments into busy weekday schedules.

Florida Hospital Winter Park Memorial has created a plan for taking the stress out of juggling all of

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those doctor visits by offering the Winter Park Health Assessment (WPHA) to Central Florida residents. The program, which requires six to eight hours of one day in your life, tackles 26 hours worth of appointments. Tests include an EKG, blood work, stress test, hearing and vision test, coronary risk panel, chest x-ray, and a nutrition assessment.

Mammograms and pap smears are also included in the assessment, as is genomic testing (or DNA testing).

Genomic tests provide information on potential genetic risks like stroke, breast cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and oth-

er ancestral and inherited conditions.

“WPHA is for those seeking a healthier, happier lifestyle through preventative and proactive care.

From the first appointment to follow-up care, WPHA gives its guests the highest quality of possible care,” says WPHA Medical Director Frank Stone.

Results are immediate and physicians are able to create personalized health care plans that patients can take home the same day that the exams are performed. The WPHA program also includes quarterly checkins to ensure a higher level of health and wellness.

Good For You, Inside and Out

E

ating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help keep you healthy on the inside, increase your energy levels, and make you feel

good all around. The same foods that encompass a healthy diet can also keep the outside of your body – from your skin to your hair – just as healthy.

Pamela Legowski, a nutritionist at Florida Hospital, shared her knowledge of health and beauty in relation to some of the best foods for your diet.

Garlic: Garlic can add a ton of flavor to a meal without adding a ton of calories and fat. Antioxidant-rich garlic contains selenium and allicin and is a good source of zinc and sulfur. Because of these nutrients, garlic is an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agent and researchers have studied whether or not the ingredient is linked to weight loss and the reduction of cancer risks. Allicin is not heat stable though, so to gain the most benefits, garlic should be used in its raw form. While you may not want to go smearing raw garlic all over your face (or if you do, you may want to reconsider going out in public), the beauty benefits of garlic are many. Garlic makes a powerful moisturizer and helps to fight aging by removing oxidative damage. Make a mask by adding a teaspoon of Greek yogurt to a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of minced garlic. Use as a face mask for 10 – 15 minutes and then wash it off.

Strawberries: Not only do strawberries make for a delicious breakfast and a healthy alternative for a sweet snack, but they also help reduce your risk for heart disease since they are low in fat and calories and high in vitamins, water and fiber. If you’re diabetic or are pre-diabetic, be careful with your consumption of strawberries due to the high sugar content. Strawberries also have more vitamin C than oranges, which makes this fruit an easy DIY teeth whitener. Due to those tiny seeds all over the fruit, they also make for a great toner. Just grind five to ten strawberries in a mixer and add Greek yogurt and honey. To make it a deeper exfoliater add sugar. You can also add blueberries to help with hyperpigmentation.

Avocado: While avocadoes are high in fat, it’s a good kind of fat called monounsaturated fat, which your body processes differently. This fruit is also chock full of vitamins A, E, K and some B, as well as fiber. Because of the monounsaturated fat, avocados can increase your HDL (good cholesterol) and lower your LDL (bad cholesterol).

The high levels of fat make avocados a great moisturizer.

Mash up an avocado and add honey (for a better smell), then leave it on your face or hair for ten minutes before rinsing. When you’re done, your skin will feel soft and smooth. The vitamin C in the avocado helps with hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. If you’re unsure about avocado, olive oil has similar moisturizing effects because it contains the same type of fat. It’s even better for sensitive skin because it’s hypoallergenic.

Egg Whites: While eggs are an excellent source of protein, they are high in cholesterol. Removing the yolks and cooking only with the egg whites removes all of the cholesterol but maintains the protein, clearly making this a healthy option for meals and baking. If you use egg whites as a hair or face mask, you’re adding protein (and moisture) to the area, which will make hair less brittle and skin super soft.

For more heath and wellness information, visit our website at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

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This Southwest Orlando resident says being diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 years old was shocking, but she has learned so much about herself and what’s truly important in her journey.

“R

By Tarre Beach

osie O’Donnell saved my life. It may seem like a strange thing to say, but it really is the truth,” says Geri Bell, who works in MetroWest.

Being a loyal Rosie O’Donnell talk show watcher, Bell did what Rosie told all her viewers to do every October: perform a self breast exam. Then, one day in late 1999, Bell felt something in her breast. Since she was only 30 years old and had no history of cancer in her family, she didn’t think much of it. A few months later, she asked her mother about the walnut-sized lump in her breast, and her mom suggested she get it checked out.

After a mammogram and an ultrasound, her doctor recommended she see a breast surgeon. When she heard that, she knew things were serious. The breast surgeon visited Bell in post-op after removing the lump and said he could tell it was breast cancer by its color. “I never knew what a ton of bricks hitting you felt like until that very moment. I’ll never forget it,” Bell says.

The pathology reports confirmed the doctor’s suspicions. She had breast cancer. Bell says, back then, cancer seemed like a death sentence. She had her whole life ahead 44

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

of her, and now it was uncertain. In the coming weeks, Bell had a full lumpectomy and all of the lymph nodes under her right arm removed. The next few months of treatment also included chemotherapy and radiation.

Friends in Safe Places Bell says one of the things she found helpful was her oncologist’s “chemo room.” There, fellow patients, who were also being treated for breast cancer, would sit in recliner chairs together and receive their chemotherapy. To pass the time, many of the patients would chat. “I learned so much in the chemo room. All the women would all talk to each other and share our lives, our hopes, our treatments.

The nurses too; they were a great resource. It just felt so safe and informative there,” Bell says.

One of the best pieces of advice Bell got was that she could take control of the hair loss. As the side effects of the chemo started to set in, it was suggested she cut her hair shorter and shorter so that she — not the chemotherapy — would be in control of its length. When it was time to get a wig, Bell went to a specialty salon that had a private area where she had her head shaved and got fitted for a wig. “Everyone’s experience will be different and since I had no con-

SHIRLEY KAY TORRES

A Survivor’s Story

trol over being diagnosed with cancer, I found a way to take control the things that I could, like my hair.”

SHIRLEY KAY TORRES

What’s Important After her surgery and treatment, Bell desired to live what she calls a “clean life.” To her, this meant determining what’s important in the grand scheme of things.

“Sometimes I look back and I think ‘God, did I really get that frustrated about that traffic jam?’ or ‘Why did I waste so much time with that boyfriend?’ or ‘Why am I in this dead-end job?

What was I thinking?’ When you are faced with a life-threatening illness, you just get really clear about what you want and don’t want,” Bell says.

What became incredibly important to her was family, close friends, enjoying life and giving back. She started volunteering with her local chapter of the American Cancer Society. In the process, she found that she loved event planning and decided to change her career.

Lisa Burtin-Queena met Bell while working together on a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. While she didn’t know Bell during her diagnosis or treatments, she says Bell is such a positive person.

“Most people who meet Geri today would never know she is a cancer survivor. She is happy to share her story, but I think what is so great about Geri is that she is just so giving, caring and full of life,” Burtin-Queena says.

Ellen Masters has known Bell since before her diagnosis and says while she is super upbeat, Bell was stoic during “the cancer years.” “I love Geri to death, but I could tell she was keeping us all protected from what was going on inside.

But like she says, everyone has to do it their way. I’m just so glad to still have her in my life,” Masters says.

SHIRLEY KAY TORRES

Another Surgery In 2003, Bell’s mother, Susan Bell, was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. While her mother was in treatment in 2005, during Geri’s routine six-month check up, an ultrasound identified a hot spot in her right breast again.

Since it was the second time, Geri had no choice but to have a double mastectomy. Geri says the outcome of her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries was perky breasts that will never sag. “You’ve got to look for the silver lining in everything,” she says.

Geri, her mother, and her sister, Denise Curl, who is married and has three children, got tested for BRCA. All three women tested positive for the BRCA-1 gene. Geri says that even her sister took control of her own life and made the decision to have a double mastectomy and a full hysterectomy, which reduced her chance of receiving a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis dramatically. Today, Curl’s prognosis continues to be good. Unfortunately, Geri’s mom lost her battle after bravely fighting for five years.

Today, Geri is living her life and happy to share her story. “If I can tell a woman who has been diagnosed with breast cancer one thing, it’s just to take it one milestone at a time. Just take it one surgery, one treatment, one doctor’s appointment at a time. You don’t have to do it all at once. And in the meantime, just live! Keep a positive attitude and keep your head up. Be proud of who you are and what you will be going through. You will make it. It just takes time.”

For more breast cancer survivor stories, visit our website at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

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A Survivor’s Story With the support and guidance of her husband, Michelle Hartog beat breast cancer and bounced back with the best reconstruction option for her situation. Now she helps other women do the same.

By Leah Kircher

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Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

said she thought it was better than doing radiation in the long run. “No one wants to do chemo,” she adds.

Michelle is a nurse and has seen many other patients go through the same treatment, which was one of the main reasons for her hesitation, but she persevered and battled her way through to beat breast cancer.

She had her mastectomy on October 1, 2010, and has been cancer free for four years now.

Decisions, Decisions As a nurse, Michelle already knew a lot about her reconstruction options, but she still took the

time to do her research. Michelle says her husband, who is a boardcertified plastic surgeon, took on an active role throughout the research process. “My husband had a lot of input about the reconstruction,” says Michelle. “Ultimately, it was my choice though.”

Jeffrey’s medical knowledge – along with his support as a husband – had a big impact on Michelle’s overall experience. Jeffrey says he helped Michelle make the best decision for her treatment and reconstruction in a way that “any husband would support their spouse.”

Yet, he was able to use his expertise

SHIRLEY KAY TORRES

Fighting the Battle Although the primary site for Michelle’s breast cancer was her left breast, she decided to get a bilateral mastectomy. “I decided that I didn’t want to have to go through this twice,” she says. She opted to remove the second breast for reconstruction purposes as well.

Michelle and her doctor decided the best course of treatment for her was chemotherapy. Although Michelle really did not want to do chemo, she

Michelle Hartog joined Warriors on Water after beating breast cancer.

SHIRLEY KAY TORRES

I

n 2012, Michelle Hartog of Winter Park was told something that no one ever wants to hear, or expects to hear.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news came when she went for a routine mammogram, which she had been having yearly since she was 35. Michelle had no family history of breast cancer, none of the risk factors, and was living a healthy lifestyle.

“It can really happen to anyone,” she says. “It doesn’t matter who you are.”

Michelle and her husband, Dr. Jeffrey Hartog, had been married for 19 years at the time she was diagnosed.

Jeffrey says how fortunate they are to have caught the cancer so early. “I had the initial fear that comes from having someone you love feel threatened, and then I went into the role of helper and fixer,” he says.

A Message Out Of a Mess Since her breast cancer diagnosis, Michelle has become a proud advocate for women’s healthcare issues, including breast reconstruction options.

SHIRLEY KAY TORRES

to guide her through her options too. “I had the benefit of supporting Michelle through the eyes of a husband and also as a medical professional,” he says.

Michelle decided fat grafting was her best option. Fat grafting is a process that utilizes a patient’s own fat to re-shape the breasts. Michelle’s active lifestyle was one of the reasons she decided on fat grafting. She was a Pilate’s instructor, a woman who loved to stay fit, and she was worried how other reconstruction options would affect that.

Some procedures, such as implants, have been known to restrict arm movement and cause tightness in the upper body area. Fat grafting offers a relatively easy recovery with a quick return to normal activities.

Under the circumstances, Michelle found this very appealing.

Michelle began the reconstruction process at the same time that she got her second mastectomy.

Like most breast reconstruction options, she says, it takes time and patience. Her personal process took a full year and half, but she is more than happy with her results. In December, it will be a year since Michelle’s last procedure.

She stays active in the local breast cancer community, including her participation in a breast cancer survivor Dragon Boat team called Warriors on Water. The team will be participating in the 2014 Dragon Boat Festival held in Sarasota at the end of October. “It’s a little daunting to go there and see so many people and other survivors,” says Michelle.

Jeffrey’s practice, The Bougainvillea Clinique, is sponsoring her Dragon Boat team for the festival.

The practice also sponsors an annual Breastfest to raise money for breast cancer charities and to educate the public about treatment and breast reconstruction options. The Hartogs started this program before Michelle’s diagnosis, and they have continued to broaden it since.

Because Michelle was diagnosed at Winter Park Hospital, the couple feels compelled to donate to the Park

Mammography Scholarship fund. “I feel very grateful to the Winter Park Hospital and the whole system over there,” Michelle says.

She was also involved in the Winter Park Task Force, specifically when it came to the new Florida Hospital for Women at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.

She says the hospital got a lot of input from patients. “They asked how to make the facility a little bit more kind, if you will,” she says. “They asked their patients what they can do to make this better, and I think they’ve done a fabulous job with that.”

Michelle says she is lucky to have been able to meet so many people and other breast cancer survivors along her journey. She also feels lucky that her family and friends were so supportive. “I was very fortunate to be surrounded by so many friends and people who did very nice things for me. This experience has made me able to accept more help from others since I was always the one helping others.”

Although Michelle has learned to accept a helping hand, it’s in her heart to always offer her own as well by offering encouragement and support when it comes to learning more about their options for breast reconstruction.

For more breast cancer survivor stories, visit our website at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

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Are WeBeating

Diabetes?

While cases of diabetes continue to increase, those afflicted refuse to let it win.

By Kevin Fritz

COURTESY OF CLAIRE MAIOCCO

(Above) Even though she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Claire Maiocco doesn’t let it stop her from doing activities she loves.

(Below) Dr. Gerry Canlas changed his lifestyle to combat Type 2 diabetes.

COURTESY OF GERRY CANLAS

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D

r. Gerry Canlas of Downtown Orlando just turned 71. Claire Maiocco, a resident of Winter Park, is a 15-year-old sophomore at Trinity Preparatory School.

Desmond Edwards, Jr., is 40 and lives in MetroWest. Dr. Canlas hails from the Philippines, Claire is a native Floridian, and Desmond grew up in New York. At face value, these three seem to have nothing in common, but they do share a bond along with 29.1 million other Americans. They have diabetes, a disease still ridded with mystery — and not going anywhere soon.

A Tale of Two Types “Diabetes is on the rise,” says Pauline E. Lowe, director, programs and mission for the local Orlando office of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). That’s why the ADA is focusing so much on prevention, especially considering there are so many cases in the pipeline. While there are approximately 166,272 people diagnosed with diabetes in Orange and Seminole counties, close to 600,000 more have pre-diabetes. Without weight loss or moderate physical ac-

tivity, 15 to 30 percent of them will develop Type 2 within five years. Most cases of Type 2 are preventable; there is no known prevention for Type 1.

Because Type 1 historically was diagnosed mostly in children, it has been referred to as juvenile diabetes.

But since more cases of Type 1 are being discovered in 40- and 50-yearolds, the label “juvenile” is being phased out.

Martin Bernstine, executive director, JDRF, formally the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, says the number of adults diagnosed with Type 1 is up 30 percent in the Orlando area. “It’s not a lifestyle thing, like Type 2,” he says. “It’s an autoimmune disease, and we don’t know exactly what the triggers are.”

With Type 1, a patient is insulin dependent since the pancreas does not produce insulin. In Type 2, the body is insulin resistant so lifestyle changes and medications, many times, give the patient the control they need.

The ADA continues to step up its fight to prevent and defeat both types of diabetes. Last year, it sunk $35.75 million to support a broad spectrum of diabetes research.

Type 2 As a retired doctor, Gerry Canlas knew how important lifestyle

For more information about beating diabetes, visit our website at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

(Above) Pauline E. Lowe works with the American Diabetes Association to both prevent and defeat diabetes. (Below) With the help of medication and weight loss, Desmond Edwards is keeping his Type 2 diabetes in check.

COURTESY OF DESMOND EDWARDS, JR.

changes were to controlling diabetes long before it became gospel. Diagnosed 15 years ago during a routine exam at age 55, he now takes Metformin to control his blood sugar and live a normal life.

“The treatment is in the lifestyle changes,” he says. “I exercise, watch what I eat and am a well-informed patient.” He walks five miles a day, maintains his normal weight and takes the medication twice a day. Being from the Philippines, which has high incidences of diabetes, the anesthesiologist’s condition is hereditary.

ADA’s Lowe says lifestyle changes for preventing and beating diabetes were simply anecdotal eight years ago, but has since been clinically proven, just as Dr. Canlas thought. Today, for example, being obese is a trigger most everyone agrees on, especially Desmond Edwards.

“When I was first diagnosed with Type 2, I was overweight (270 pounds) and did not have a single thought about working out,” he says.

“I realized after seeing people I cared about struggle with diabetes that I wanted to beat it.”

Edwards changed his eating habits and started to exercise, which included cycling 100 miles in the ADA Tour de Cure in 2013 and 2014. Doctors prescribed Metformin and Glipizide. He lost 50 pounds, and a yearplus later, he is off his medication. “I can see the results of my hard work and determination,” he says.

One hundred years ago, the average life expectancy for a 10-year-old child with diabetes was about one year, according to the Defeat Diabetes Foundation. At age 30, you had four years to live. A newly diagnosed 50-year-old might have lived eight years. Edwards, Canlas and Claire are fortunate to be diagnosed at a time when advancements in medicine have helped diabetes patients live somewhat normal lives.

COURTESY OF PAULINE E. LOWE

Living with Type 1 Claire Maiocco was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 4 years old. Of the millions of people with diabetes, only about 5 percent have Type 1.

“We were totally freaking out,” says her mom, Kathy, about the day she and her husband, Robert, were told of the diagnosis. “You have a normal kid one day, then it’s all about blood sugar and shots. We had to take a four-hour crash course in how to keep our kid alive.”

It took some adjustment time, but today it’s business as usual for the family of three. Claire has gone from two to five insulin shots a day to wearing an insulin pump that creates its own doses mimicking the pancreas with some manual prodding. She monitors her blood sugar throughout the day and mentally calculates the amount of carbohydrates she ingests.

But it never gets her down.

“I just keep doing what I have been doing,” she says. “I never let it stop me from doing anything — swimming, surfing, rock climbing. I never will.” Not only that, she excels at what she does, especially in swimming. She’s an All-American; her times are in the top 100 in the nation. This past summer, Claire was a member of two Girls State Relay records with Trinity Prep Aquatics. This month, she is back in the pool, setting out to break more records.

“She has to be disciplined,” says Kathy. “It is more complicated to be an athlete with Type 1, but it can be done.” She commends Rocco Aceto, Trinity Prep Aquatics head coach, with staying astutely aware if Claire’s energy levels change.

Not surprising, Claire hopes to become a mentor to others with Type 1. “I want to tell them that they can do anything. You cannot let it control you. Accept it and manage it. You can’t let it manage you.”

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Going Out

Guilt-Free When you’re trying to stay healthy, you shouldn’t have to skip out on eating out. Instead, learn how to make healthy restaurant menu choices so you can indulge every once in a while without going overboard.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

I

t’s fairly easy to stick to a healthy diet when you have the right mindset and take the time to prepare your own meals. In your kitchen, you purchased the ingredients so you know exactly what you’re eating. You can also control what you’re putting into your meal, from the amount of salt and fat to the amount of food you put on your plate.

So what do you do when you just can’t (or don’t want to) avoid going out to eat? Keep in mind that, while there is much to take into consideration, on average women should consume 1,800 calories in a day and men should consume 2,200-2,300 calories. But, sometimes, one meal from a restaurant will take up your entire calorie count for the day. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, be mindful of the menu and the choices you’re making.

Make the Right Choices Liza Derbalian-Cordero, registered dietician and director of health and wellness at CareHere in Orlando, is used to giving advice about how to successfully navigate restaurant menus and make healthy lifestyle choices. “Enjoy what you like but always practice moderation instead of focusing on diet foods or fat-free and low-calorie options,” she says. “Be mindful when you’re eating; pay attention and savor each bite.”

A huge struggle when it comes to eating out is the portion size of the

dishes. Make a healthy choice by asking if you can order a lunch portion instead of a dinner portion. If that isn’t an option — maybe the restaurant you’re at doesn’t serve lunch — then order an appetizer or a side salad with an added protein instead. When ordering salads, ask for your dressing on the side so you can control the amount you consume. You can also choose to share a meal with someone else in your party, although there may be a plate-sharing fee if you go this route.

When sharing, the dish will be split for you in the kitchen, so you can resist the temptation of overindulging.

Another big diet buster is the breadbasket. If you just can’t say no to the predinner snack, Derbalian-Cordero suggests taking one piece and moving the basket to the end of the table or asking your server to remove it completely. Removing the temptation from your reach is the best way to ensure you won’t go back for more.

At the end of the meal, you don’t have to resist the sweet temptation of dessert, although Derbalian-Cordero warns to watch the portion size of your selection because some are best fit for multiple diners. In the mix with sugary and calorie-laden cakes and pies, many restaurants have included fruit on the menu, which is the best-case scenario for soothing your sweet tooth. Another guilt-free choice is ice cream. Order one scoop without any extra sauce, and if gelato or sorbet is an option, go for that www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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CELEBRITYCHEF4U.COM

Enjoy the Mingos style of cooking with a restaurant-quality meal in your home with the brand’s healthy lifestyle program.

instead. “They have the same amount of sugar but are lower in fat,” Derbalian-Cordero says.

Overanalyze the Menu It’s easy to be tricked by tasty menu descriptions. If you see something that says “crunchy” or “crusted” make sure it’s not fried before you order it. For sauces with garlic or lemon flavors, double check with your server to make sure it’s not cream-based, which is common with those descriptions. “Anything with cream may mean there are high fat products in it,” Derbalian-Cordero says.

At the same time, if you order something that is sautéed, ask how much oil is in it so you can make adjustments if you find it is drenched in oil while cooking. “Olive oil is good, but too much isn’t.”

Look for specific buzzwords like steamed, grilled or baked for proteins like chicken, fish or steak. Sautéed proteins can also be a healthy choice as long as you ensure the amount of oil used in the cooking process is under control.

When it comes to sauces, don’t avoid them. Instead, look for menu descriptions that say “wine-based” or “brothbased” to avoid the possibility of creamy sauces that can ruin your diet. When you’re feeling uncertain about your options, Derbalian-Cordero says, “Don’t be afraid to ask the wait staff for changes.”

These days, restaurants are making it easier for guests to visit when they are trying to stick to a healthy diet. Cooper’s Hawk Winery, with locations in Waterford Lakes and on International Drive, offers the Life Balance Menu, a lighter

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side of the kitchen that covers each section of the regular menu. Each healthy alternative includes the calorie count in the description so you can keep track of what you’re eating. Dandelion Communitea Cafe in Thornton Park offers a vegan menu that doesn’t include artificial flavoring or GMOs. The establishment prides itself in serving nourishing dishes that are low in salt, sugar and fat by using natural ingredients that are full of nutrients.

Have a Restaurant-Style Meal at Home Prime seafood restaurant Mingos, with locations in downtown Orlando and East Orlando near the University of Central Florida, is known not only as a stellar sit-down restaurant but also for its healthy lifestyle program. This addition offers diners an affordable personal chef experience right in their home and takes serious consideration of nutritional dietary needs, restrictions and goals without compromising flavor.

“It’s all about convenience and having a personal chef make your meals,” says Executive Chef Luis Negron.

“We’ll do the work for you while you sit back, relax and know you’re treating yourself to a healthy lifestyle.”

Using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, menu options have limited sodium, unhealthy fats and other preservatives so diners have the opportunity to taste the natural flavors of the food while following a healthy diet. With vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo and healthy lifestyle offerings, Negron says each menu “reflects the Mingos style of cooking and flavors yet has a broader offering of cuisines.” Each program offering includes three to five meals a day including a snack and dessert.

For the best of both worlds — a restaurant-quality meal in the privacy of your own home and knowledge that you’re eating a healthy meal — the Mingos healthy lifestyle program makes the right choices for you.

For more information about healthy dining and the restaurants mentioned in this story, visit our website at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

Journey through We spoke to the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best cosmetic and plastic surgeons about everything from fillers to liposuction. Here is a resource to some of the most popular procedures broken down from Central Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best providers.

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Botox Provider: Dr. Chirag J. Patel, Lake Nona Ophthalmology Reason: Botox injections are used for aesthetic purposes, making patients look younger by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a relief for chronic migraines. “The reason it helps with migraines is it relaxes the muscles around your face that get so tense,” says Dr. Patel. “It relieves the tension around where your nerves are traveling that causes the headache.”

Ideal candidate: Men and women who are looking to maintain a youthful appearance, or who are experiencing frequent painful migraines.

What to expect: Botox injections are performed in a quick, in-office appointment.

In the treatment of migraines, injections should be performed every three to four months. It is sometimes covered by insurance, but patients must prove that other treatments haven’t provided relief from the migraines.

Blepharoplasty Provider: Dr. Edward Gross, Primera Plastic Surgery Reason: Improves field of vision for upper eyelids by removing fat and lax skin from the upper and lower eyelids.

Ideal candidate: Patients ages 35 and up with heavy eyelids and drooping.

What to expect: After the procedure, patients can expect temporary discomfort, bruising, swelling and dryness. While patients can expect a smooth recovery, they will have about a week of downtime.

Rhinoplasty

Botox Provider: Dr. Edward Gross, Primera Plastic Surgery Reason: Look younger by reducing frown lines and wrinkles in the upper and lower face, including forehead creases, neck bands and laugh lines.

Ideal candidate: Patients over the age of 25 with frown lines, forehead creases or crow’s feet.

What to expect: Botox is a non-invasive treatment that is performed quickly, usually within just a few minutes. There is minimal discomfort and no downtime.

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Provider: Dr. Edward Gross, Primera Plastic Surgery Reason: Beauty benefits include correcting bumps and curves in the nose and correct prior injury. This procedure can also be used to repair blocked breathing passages, which improves breathing, clears sinus passages and reduces snoring. “Although we do not participate with insurance, many patients seek care with us due to our ability to correct aesthetic and functional problems in one procedure,” says Dr. Gross.

Ideal candidate: Any patient over the age of 15-16 years old with undesirable features of the nose, prior injury, ethnic appearance, etc.

What to expect: A smooth recovery, no exercise for two weeks, avoidance of sun for three months post-surgery. Patients can expect one week of downtime post-surgery.

Breast Reconstruction using Autologous Fat Transfer (AFT) Provider: Dr. Jeffrey Hartog, Bougainvillea Clinique Reason: Fat is taken from one area of the body through a gentle liposuction and is used to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy, to salvage complications from other types of reconstruction procedures, and to heal radiated tissue after breast cancer radiation treatment. This procedure can be combined with breast implants when needed.

Ideal candidate: Breast cancer survivors who have undergone a mastectomy and want a more natural option than silicone or saline implants.

What to expect: AFT is an outpatient procedure that is virtually scar-less. Patients can have the natural appearance of their breasts restored without the use of artificial implants. The use of the patient’s own fat allows for a more rapid recovery time.

NaturalFill Provider: Dr. Robert Mendoza, The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery Reason: NaturalFill is a procedure that injects a patient’s own fat into their breasts to improve the shape and appearance of their breasts, filling depressions, and filling the upper poles for loss of volume after pregnancy. It can also be used to cover the edges of implants in thin patients where the implant edges are palpable.

Ideal candidate: Someone who wants to improve the shape of the breasts and/or receive a modest increase in size. Women who desire a larger size will still need traditional breast implants.

What to expect: Expectations are similar to AquaLipo since that procedure is performed first to generate the fat. The only restriction is that patients can’t sleep on their stomach for two to three weeks.

Aqualipo Tummy Tuck Provider: Dr. Diana Lambie, Advanced Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery Reason: Skin laxity in the lower abdomen after childbirth or extreme weight loss.

Ideal candidate: From weight loss patients to someone who is perfectly in shape. The weight of the patient doesn’t matter because the problem is with the laxity of the skin and the muscle separation in the abdomen.

What to expect: Tummy tucks are painful.

It’s the repair on the inside that hurts, but the pain is transient and can be easily controlled. Depending on the patient, downtime can be anywhere from one week to 10 days.

Provider: Dr. Roger Bassin, The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery How it differs from traditional liposuction: “It is performed under local anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia,” says Dr. Bassin. “It is gentler than traditional liposuction because a spray of water is used to separate the fat from its connective tissue. This allows us to obtain more intact fat cells that can be used for our NaturalFill (fat transfer) procedures.”

Ideal candidate: The patient should be close to their desired body weight and have one of two problem areas that they can’t get rid of.

What to expect: When compared to traditional liposuction, there is less bruising and discomfort. Most patients can return to work within one to two days.

Cellulaze Provider: Dr. Roger Bassin, The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery Reason: This is the first treatment that improves the appearance of cellulite longterm after only one treatment. Others require six to eight treatments plus maintenance treatments to get similar results. “Previous cellulite treatments involved rollers and/ or suction devices that caused a localized inflammation that improved the appearance of cellulite temporarily, but improvement disappeared as the inflammation went away,” says Dr. Bassin.

What to expect: Some bruising and discomfort for several days. Most patients will see a 50 percent to 70 percent improvement in the appearance of cellulite. Most patients can return to work and most activities within one to two days.

SmartLipo Provider: Dr. Roger Bassin, Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery How it differs from traditional liposuction: The SmartLipo procedure is performed under local anesthesia instead of regular anesthesia and is gentler. The laser, with a thin fiberoptic fiber, is used first to liquefy the fat.

The laser also heats up the collagen to stimulate cells to lay down more collagen and help tighten the skin.

What to expect: Much less bruising and discomfort than traditional liposuction.

Most patients can return to work within one to two days.

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Heart Strong The top killer of women in the United States, preventing heart disease should be every womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priority.

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By Kevin Fritz

O

COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

coee middle the University of Central Florida’s school teacher College of Medicine, explains when Gloria Boisvert modern treatment of heart disease was 37 years old was taking hold in the 1980s, a when her life large concentration of preventive came precarimeasures applied mostly to men. ously close to ending. A “It was affecting high school athlete and a more men, so the medimember of the military cal community was for 12 years — undergopaying more attention ing more physicals than to males,” he explains. the everyday person — It wasn’t until the late she had no reason to 1990s that the magnibelieve her heart was on tude of heart disease the brink of an attack. in women was recogGloria Boisvert Her only aliment was nized. “On the patient gestational diabetes, a type of diaside, most women for years bebetes that starts during pregnancy. lieved that cancer was their “I didn’t make the connecbiggest worry.” tion between diabetes and heart Thanks to the AHA’s Go Red disease,” she says. That is, until a For Women movement, more revisit with her doctor for what she search and swifter action for womthought was an anxiety attack, en’s heart health is being advocatproved much worse. Within 48 ed. For two years, Boisvert served hours, she had undergone coronary as spokesperson for Go Red For artery bypass surgery to restore Women, touring the country to blood flow to her heart muscle. bring awareness to the killer that Boisvert’s story is one of the almost took her life. thousands being told by women Boisvert believes in the ten who are now beating heart disease. years AHA has been running the Unfortunately, they are also typical Red campaign, more women are in their beliefs at the time of their aware heart disease is their numincidents: only one in five Ameriber one killer, and they are makcan women believe that heart dising healthier choices. Studies show ease is her greatest health those healthy choices threat. have resulted in 330 But the grim truths fewer women dying from remain. Heart disease heart disease per day. is now the number one AHA is also working killer of women, more with insurance companies deadly than all forms of to allow gynecologists to cancer combined, acscreen for heart disease. cording to the Ameri“Many women use the can Heart Association gynecological visit as Dr. Bernard Gros (AHA). While one in 31 their physical,” says Dr. American women dies from breast Gros. “We need gynecologists to cancer each year, 1 in 3 dies of screen for these risk factors.” heart disease. That’s approximately a woman a minute. Perhaps more Lifestyle Changes alarming is that since 1984, more Boisvert had a lot to live for — women than men have died each and still does. At the time of her year from heart disease. surgery, she had a 9-year-old son, a Dr. Bernard Gros, a practic5-year-old daughter and a husband ing cardiologist at UCF Pegasus of 15-plus years. Four years after Health, the physician practice of surgery, she ran a 10K and conCOURTESY OF UCF PEGASUS HEALTH

tinues to exercise and eat well. But recovery wasn’t easy.

“There are side effects to open heart surgery,” says Boisvert. “My chest bone was broken, and I underwent six weeks of cardio rehab.

It’s a daily struggle.”

“Women do poorly after having a heart attack,” says Dr. Swathy Kolli, who practices at the Orlando Heart Center, a twenty-fivephysician cardiology group. “Depression is common and there are a lot of quality of life issues. Women tend to have more procedural complications in the hospital than their male counterparts and recovery is longer. And once diagnosed with a heart attack or coronary heart disease, it is not going away.”

According to the Women’s Heart Foundation, after suffering a heart attack, women are almost twice as likely as men to have a second one within the first six years.

Dr. Kolli notes that practicing a healthier lifestyle is not just preventative, but the treatment as well. The items that help prevent heart disease make up the list that needs to be followed after suffering a heart attack or undergoing heart surgery, such as not smoking, eating healthy and exercising.

Following such guidelines will make one heart healthy, however, she says only 5 percent of women are truly heart healthy.

“I am always telling my patients, whatever you do, do it in moderation. Eat fruits and vegetables, especially the colorful ones as they are good for health.”

A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom) found women who eat at least three servings of antioxidant-rich blueberries and strawberries a week can cut their risks of having a heart attack by 32 percent, compared to those who ate them once a month or less.

Dr. Kolli adds the Mediterranean diet has also shown to

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minimize the risk of having a heart attack.

Risk Factors & Symptoms The AHA has found that 64 percent of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms — but they may not have been looking for the right clues. Boisvert felt winded and had heartburn. Most often, women feel arm and jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness and an overall sick feeling, like the flu. Women should also look out for dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, and extreme fatigue.

“We have gotten better over the

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years,” says Dr. Kolli. “But a lot of women do not want to believe heart disease will affect them. Women tend to brush off symptoms.”

Adds Boisvert, “Women don’t think it’s going to be them. Only 50 percent dial 911 when they have symptoms.”

While smoking, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, family history, being sedentary and overweight, and not eating healthy are typical risk factors for men and women, new risk factors for women have been recently published, adding gestational diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and postmenopause to the list.

The AHA notes there is an increased risk for women developing high blood pressure if they are

20 pounds or more overweight, have a family history of high blood pressure, or have reached menopause. And since overeating and not exercising can cause plaque to accumulate and clog arteries down the road, the AHA recommends having cholesterol checked at age 20, or earlier if there is a family history of heart disease.

“Heart disease is 80 percent preventable,” says Boisvert. “Most is lifestyle-related. Everybody has the opportunity to make a single change in the life.”

For more information about women and heart disease, visit our website at CentralFloridaLifestyle.com.

Health& Wellness Each year, we cover the basics of healthcare and wellness in an effort to keep you healthy and happy. Read on to learn more about sleep, vaccinations and much more.

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Catch Those Zzz’s

Relieve Pain with Acupuncture

By Dr. Robert S. Thornton, Florida Hospital Center for Sleep Disorders

By Lyndsay Fogarty

Diet and exercise are vital to good health—sleep is just as important. Sleep problems can impact your home life and career. Creativity and critical thinking are difficult when you are sleepy. You become accident prone, judgment-impaired, and more likely to make mistakes.

There are two kinds of sleep problems: mild or occasional insomnia and more serious sleep disorders including sleep apnea. Because they can be serious, sleep problems may require evaluation and possible treatment from your physician and/or qualified sleep specialist.

Poor sleep habits (known as sleep hygiene) is common among most individuals. The following simple sleep hygiene rules provide restful sleep so that you’re refreshed upon awakening.

• M aintain a regular bedtime schedule, but only go to bed when you feel you can go to sleep. Relax before bedtime with calming activities. Sleep in a dark, quiet, comfortable, cool bedroom.

• Turn off electronic screens earlier in the evening, especially in the hour before you go to bed. Text messaging, watching television, playing video games and doing other computer work can disrupt your ability to fall asleep. Silence your cell phone — a chirping phone may wake you up at night.

• Limit heavy meals before bedtime. Do not consume caffeine, chocolate, nicotine or alcohol near bedtime. Do not drink large amounts of liquid before bedtime.

• Avoid worrying while falling asleep.

Find a time during the day to mull over your problems. A bed is a place to rest, not to worry.

• Exercise routinely, not just before bedtime.

• I f you cannot fall asleep within a reasonable time (20-25 minutes), get out of bed and go to another room. Do something relaxing until you feel you can go to sleep.

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A technique used in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture assists in pain relief by inserting thin needles into the skin along strategic points on the body. In Chinese culture, this method is believed to balance the flow of the body’s energy, and acupuncture points lie along this energy flow. In the Western world, these acupuncture points are viewed as places to stimulate nerves, muscle and connective tissue, resulting in increased blood flow and a boost in the body’s natural painkillers.

Acupuncture is often used to relieve symptoms of conditions and illnesses such as fibromyalgia, lower back pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain and more. Treatment varies depending on the condition, but most plans consist of multiple visits to an acupuncturist over a period of time.

Throughout the process, thin needles are inserted into the skin at the point in which your condition will be relieved, whether it is at the point of pain or farther from it. Once placed, these needles may be gently moved to aid in treatment. Other times, you will be asked to relax while they remain in place.

Just like any traditional medical treatment, it’s important to do your homework when choosing an acupuncturist. Ask for recommendations, check credentials, be sure they are certified, and go in for a consultation before you commit to treatment so you can go with someone you trust. With any treatment, there are risks and it’s the same with acupuncture. Maintain open communication with your acupuncturist of choice, disclosing any medications or disorders that could complicate your treatment.

If you’re suffering from chronic pain and are looking for an alternative to pain medication, it’s worth a shot to research local practitioners in the area to see if acupuncture is the right treatment for your pain.

Stop Stroke

By Lyndsay Fogarty The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association work together, hand in hand, to raise awareness and provide helpful information about preventing strokes. During this cardiovascular disease, a blood vessel that is carrying oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or it bursts, causing the portion of the brain that can’t get oxygen to die. In addition to risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, family history and more, they have established four important warning signs. If you see any of the below symptoms in a loved one or friend, call 9-1-1 to get help right away.

Always remember the term “fast” if you suspect a stroke.

• Face Drooping: Is one side of the face droopy or numb? Ask the person to smile.

•A rm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms.

• Speech Difficulty: Is there slurred speech, are they unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence such as, “The sky is blue.”

•T ime to Call 9-1-1: If any of these symptoms are present – and even if they go away – get them to a hospital immediately.

Get a Mammogram, Give a Mammogram

Living with Irritable Bowel Disease

By Lyndsay Fogarty

By Lauren Pierce

During the month of October, Sand Lake Imaging and Shepherd’s Hope, a faith-based non-profit organization serving the uninsured and underserved in Central Florida, are partnering for a giving campaign to fight breast cancer.

For Pink October, new patients visiting Sand Lake Imaging for their mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, will give back to uninsured women in the area who might otherwise skip this lifesaving screening as a result of high cost or lack of health insurance. For every new patient, Sand Lake Imaging will donate a free mammogram to an uninsured Shepherd’s Hope patient who is in need of the same screening.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, as well as 62,570 new cases of non-invasive/early form breast cancer, and that about 40,000 women will lose their fight against the devastating illness. The importance of having a mammogram performed every two years for women who are 50 to 74 years old can’t be stressed enough. According to the Center for Disease Control, regular mammograms can detect breast cancer up to three years before it can be felt. This year, doing your part in taking control of your breast health can help other women in need take control of theirs too.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both agonizing and incurable illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract, can affect as many as 700,000 Americans.

A chronic illness where patients experience periods when the disease flares up, Crohn’s disease is classified in a group of conditions called Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) along with ulcerative colitis. However, Crohn’s mainly affects the end of the small bowel and the beginning of the colon and is more prevalent among young adults. It can also affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, the thickness of the bowel wall, and the inflammation in the intestine can skip, leaving some areas affected and some unaffected. Ulcerative colitis is also chronic but only affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) by causing inflammation and open sores on the lining. This illness is generally the result of an unusual response by the body’s immune system and is most prevalent among older men.

Individuals suffering from IBD should be careful to eat a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding foods that may cause painful flareups. There is no one particular diet that eases the symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, so diets must be tailored to each individual based on which disease they have and what part of the intestine it is affecting. Elimination tests and food diaries can help determine foods that are causing flare-ups.

To better understand these diseases and to find a cure, The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), a non-profit, volunteerbased organization, strives to continuously research them. CCFA has remained one of the top research organizations with over 50,000 members.

Vaccinations: Not Just for Kids

By Lyndsay Fogarty Vaccinations are common among children as they get older and move through the school system. But you don’t just stop getting vaccinated when you turn 18. Many illnesses can be prevented with one single vaccination if adults choose to get them.

According to the American Lung Association, influenza and pneumonia — including pneumococcal pneumonia — were the 9th leading cause of death in the country in 2010. It is also estimated that 900,000 Americans contract pneumococcal pneumonia annually, resulting in as many as 400,000 hospitalizations. This can be prevented with vaccinations, including the flu shot and the PPSV vaccine, which protects against 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. Older adults with chronic lung diseases and adults who smoke are specifically at risk for illnesses that could trigger respiratory infections and should consider being vaccinated.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for teen boys and girls who didn’t get the vaccine when they were younger, young women through age 26, and young men through age 21. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots over a six-month period and can protect against cervical cancers in women. The Gardasil variety also protects against genital warts and other cancers of the reproductive system, and it is the only brand that is available for males.

Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccinations are available for children and adults. While you were likely vaccinated for these illnesses as a child, an adult booster of Td, a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine, is recommended every 10 years. According to the Center for Disease Control, women should receive the Tdap vaccination, which is similar to the Td vaccine but also offers protection against pertussis, during each pregnancy, preferably in the third trimester.

If you’re unsure about adult vaccinations, the Center for Disease Control website is an excellent source for determining when you are in need of a disease-fighting vaccine. Also, be sure to discuss vaccinations with your doctor during your annual physical.

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A Look at Our Local Medical Professionals A D IV ISION OF VS MEDIA GROU P, INC.

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“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.

Live the life you have imagined.” This quote by Henry David Thoreau is something that Dr. Chirag Patel of Lake Nona Ophthalmology lived by when pursuing his dream of helping others through medicine.

Dr. Patel attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate and medical degrees. He then completed a one-year training program in internal medicine at Richmond University Medical Center and a three-year residency in ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. He pursued fellowship training in medical retina disease and research at the UF Health in Jacksonville.

During his residency, Dr. Patel worked with his mentor, Dr. Elahi, a renowned ophthalmic plastic surgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He taught Dr. Patel advanced aesthetic techniques, as well as the importance of a strong doctor-patient relationship.

As a comprehensive ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in medical retina, and years of experience in non-invasive facial cosmetic rejuvenation, Dr. Patel performs surgeries involving the eye and eyelids, such as cataract surgery, eyelid lifts, and laser vision correction; additionally, he performs aesthetic procedures. He is a member of American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, New York Academy of Medicine, and Florida Society of Ophthalmology.

Outside of the office, Dr. Patel enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, photography, playing sports and rooting for his Gators!

Chirag J. Patel, M.D. Lake Nona Ophthalmology 9685 Lake Nona Village Place Suite 204 Orlando, FL 32827 407.857.3937 NonaEyeMD.com

Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Jason J. Sotto, of Pediatric Dentistry in Winter Garden, has been practicing as a board-certified pediatric dentist for more than three years in Central Florida. He earned his degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where he also completed his two-year residency. He received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Florida’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Sotto is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, Southeast Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Greater Orlando Dental Association.

Seeing his father and grandfather’s passion for dentistry motivated Dr. Sotto to follow in their footsteps and become a dentist. Participating in two international dental mission trips helped him to realize that he had a talent for making children feel comfortable during their treatment. These trips are what led him to the field of pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Sotto uses behavior management to treat most of his patients. He has a gift and is able to make dental visits easy and fun. It is extremely important to Dr. Sotto to treat his patients how he would expect his own children to be treated.

Dr. Allison Miller, a Florida native who graduated from Winter Park High School, joined the team at Pediatric Dentistry this year. By Combining her clinical skills with a mother’s touch, she treats her patients like family and prides herself with building lifelong relationships with each one.

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

Lake Nona Ophthalmology

Jason J. Sotto, D.M.D. Pediatric Dentistry 3720 Winter Garden Vineland Road Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.347.5956 DrSotto.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Southwest Orlando Eye Care

Sand Lake Dermatology Center

Dr. John Nowell of Southwest Orlando Eye Care has been practicing optometry for 25 years and has spent 20 years practicing in Orlando. Dr. Nowell received his Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and later earned his doctorate from The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry.

Dr. Nowell is a board-certified optometric physician specializing in optometry. He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, Central Florida Society of Optometric Physicians (where he was a president in the past), Ocular Nutrition Society, West Orlando Rotary Club and West Orange Chamber of Commerce. He also offers volunteer vision care for The Coalition for the Homeless, Grace Medical, Lions Club and Vision USA. Dr. Nowell likes to educate his patients about their eye conditions and offer the best options to treat it. Some of his services include comprehensive eye exams, contact services, Lasik consultations, ocular nutritional counseling, emergency eye care and the treatment of ocular diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eyes. “Treat every patient like a family member,” he says. “This will ensure that we are providing the best eye care, eye wear and service to every patient.”

When not at the office, Dr. Nowell likes to go kayaking, fishing, biking and hiking. He also enjoys playing golf and tennis and working out at the gym.

Southwest Orlando Eye Care has a large optical boutique with over 1,000 designer frames to choose from.

Also available is a sunglass boutique with trendy, highend fashion designs.

With an emphasis on compassionate patient care, Sand Lake Dermatology Center has been a well-respected dermatology practice since opening its doors 26 years ago. Sand Lake Dermatology Center offers the latest in general, cosmetic and surgical dermatology services as well as Mohs micrographic surgery for advanced skin cancer treatments. Dr. Christopher Crotty and Dr. Allison Arthur are both Mayo Clinic-trained physicians who are double board certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Highly trained medical providers, including board-certified physician assistants Theresa Helsel, Nicole Hill and Gina Mangin, welcome the challenge of difficult diagnostic and therapeutic diseases of the skin, hair and nails. Having all of the providers working together in one office allows Sand Lake Dermatology Center to utilize a team approach, with physicians, physician assistants and nurses collaborating to provide the best care for each patient.

The skilled staff uses advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools such as patch testing, Excimer laser, photodynamic Blu-U light therapy, PUVA and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. When it comes to cosmetic dermatology, the providers make every effort to help patients achieve a natural, youthful means of non-surgical skin rejuvenation.

The providers perform intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser treatments for photorejuvenation, hair removal and scarring.

Sand Lake Dermatology Center also offers Botox, dermal fillers and sclerotherapy for spider veins.

With the addition of Nancy Foster, a certified and licensed esthetician with over 15 years of experience, Sand Lake Dermatology Center offers chemical peels, microdermabrasion, oxygen facials, and complimentary consultations. We want you to leave our office feeling confident in the health of your skin.

John Nowell, O.D. Southwest Orlando Eye Care 7009 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 110 Orlando, FL 32819 407.271.8931 SouthwestOrlandoEyeCare.com

Christopher P. Crotty, M.D. Allison K. Arthur, M.D. Sand Lake Dermatology Center 7335 W. Sand Lake Road, Suite 200 Orlando, FL 32819 407.352.8553 www.SandLakeDermatology.com

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

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UCF Pegasus Health

Husband and wife team Keshini Parbhu, M.D. and Deepak Raja, M.D. of Orlando Eye Institute have been treating Central Florida residents for over three years.

Dr. Parbhu earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her medical degree from Vanderbilt University, where she also completed a residency in ophthalmology. She completed her fellowship in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Specializing in ophthalmology and ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Parbhu performs functional and cosmetic blepharoplasty and ptosis repair most frequently. She is a member of American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr. Raja earned his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, an ophthalmology residency at Vanderbilt Eye Institute in Nashville, and a cornea and anterior segment fellowship at University of Minnesota.

Board certified, Dr. Raja performs cataract, glaucoma and pterygium surgeries, corneal transplants, and the removal of superficial cancers. He is an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and is a member of the Cornea Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology and Florida Society of Ophthalmology. Dr. Raja is also the chairman of Ophthalmology of the Orlando Health system.

The doctors are excited to announce Orlando Eye Institute’s move to The Grove in November 2014. The new location will allow the physicians to treat the residents of Central Florida more efficiently in the brand new 4,200-square-foot facility.

UCF Pegasus Health, the physician practice for the UCF College of Medicine, provides primary and specialty care under one roof. Each physician is board-certified in their area of specialization, including internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, geriatrics, nephrology, rheumatology, sports medicine and adolescent medicine (age 16+).

The clinic operates in a way that makes life as easy as possible for patients. For example, bloodwork can often be drawn at the time of the appointment, depending upon the specific test ordered. An in-house radiology center provides DEXA scans, the preferred method of measuring bone density. Additional radiology services will be available in the coming months. And, echocardiograms, cardiac stress tests and Holter monitoring can be conducted in the cardiology lab that recently received echocardiography accreditation in adult transthoracic and adult stress testing from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission.

The clinic also opens a number of programs to the community like a Friday morning therapeutic yoga class developed to improve heart health, relieve arthritis pain and help control diabetes (available for a small fee). And free to the public are support groups for caregivers and people with diabetes; as well as a speaker series that focuses on health-related topics. For details and to register, visit UCFPegasusHealth.org.

The clinic was an important step for the UCF College of Medicine’s growth where faculty physicians can “practice what they teach.” A staff of registered nurses and certified medical assistants support the physicians. Most major health insurance plans are accepted.

Keshini Parbhu, M.D. Deepak Raja, M.D. Orlando Eye Institute New Location!

4750 The Grove Drive, Suite 230 Windermere, FL 34786 407.704.3937 OrlandoEyeInstitute.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

Orlando Eye Institute

UCF Pegasus Health 3400 Quadrangle Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32817 407.266.3627 (DOCS) UCFPegasusHealth.org www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Maguire Family Medicine

Maguire Family Medicine

Since moving from Long Island, N.Y. to practice family medicine in Central Florida, Dr. Suvy Kuriakose joined the Maguire Family Medicine staff to continue her passion of providing healthcare to whole families.

Dr. Kuriakose earned her medical degree at the University of Debrecen Medical School and Health Center in Hungary and received her family medicine residency through the North Shore-LIJ at Southside Hospital in Bayshore, N.Y. She is board certified in family medicine, and during her final year of residency she was honored with the Special Commendation Award for outstanding contributions in clinical care, academic performance, leadership and teaching.

At Maguire Family Medicine, Dr. Kuriakose specializes in a variety of family medicine where she mainly focuses on primary and preventative care, women’s health, spirometry, occupational medicine and subacute rehabilitation.

Family medicine has been a significant part of her life ever since Dr. Kuriakose can remember. She was born into a family who devoted all their time to spiritual healing and helping others. To honor her family, Dr. Kuriakose chose to carry on the tradition of lending a helping hand to others by choosing a profession that would allow her to heal patients physically. Her parents continue to support her dreams and have helped her to reach her goals as a family doctor.

In her spare time, Dr. Kuriakose loves to spend as much time with family as she can. She also enjoys gardening and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

At Maguire Family Medicine, Dr. Amy Jackson is well equipped to practice family medicine and strives to provide families with the healthcare they need.

Dr. Jackson’s dream of providing healthcare to whole families was inspired by her family practitioner while growing up in Indiana. She was able to see the influence a family doctor could have on a family’s health and was in awe that her doctor would take extra time to spend with her. Another significant reason for Dr. Jackson’s interest in family medicine is that she has a bone disease. This resulted in her spending a great deal of time with doctors and learning about the profession.

To make her dream a reality, Dr. Jackson earned her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and her medical degree from Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Jackson completed her residency at Florida Hospital in East Orlando where she was Chief Resident during her final year. She is board certified through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. During her residency, Dr. Jackson was honored with awards for research investigation and community service as well as the Osteopathic Teaching Resident of the Year for the state of Florida.

Since she began practicing at Maguire Family Medicine in 2006, Dr. Jackson has seen patients 5 years old and older. Her specialties include preventative care and acute or chronic medical visits. She also perform procedures such as pap smears, trigger point injections and minor skin examinations.

Suvy Kuriakose, M.D. Maguire Family Medicine 2731 S. Maguire Road Ocoee, FL 34761 407.877.1990 MaguireFamilyMedicine.com

Amy Jackson, M.D. Maguire Family Medicine 2731 S. Maguire Road Ocoee, FL 34761 407.877.1990 MaguireFamilyMedicine.com

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

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At Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani, OBGYN, Dr. Virginia Pagani devotes her time to providing the best obstetrics and gynecology services she can for her day-to-day patients.

Dr. Pagani earned her medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico and recently completed her residency at Winnie Palmer Hospital through Orlando Health. Besides her education, Dr. Pagani is also a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Since her medical specialties are obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Pagani mainly provides care for pregnant women and delivers babies. Besides her main procedures, she also carries out diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy and laparoscopic procedures including hysterectomy and tubal ligations.

Dr. Pagani chose this profession because obstetrics and gynecology is a field of significant diversity. She relishes in being able to provide primary care for pregnant women and their babies during pregnancy as well as delivery. Dr. Pagani also has an interest in hands-on work, and her practice does involve surgery and minor procedures that enable her to do so.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pagani had many mentors to help her along the way but Dr. Bhullar, a past director of the Winnie Palmer program, was a top mentor for her.

He demonstrated a variety of techniques and procedures and taught her the value of working as a team.

Besides her medical life, Dr. Pagani enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and going to the beach.

Virginia Pagani, M.D. Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 381 Ocoee, FL 34761 407.578.0033 DieguezAndOloufaOBGYN.com

Windermere Dermatology & Aesthetics Sharon A. Stokes, M.D. is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She earned her medical degree and completed her residencies in both internal medicine and dermatology at the LSU School of Medicine.

Her professional affiliations include American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, American Contact Dermatitis Society, Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgeons and American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.

Elisa Endicott, PA-C graduated from Nova Southeastern University as a physician assistant with honors in 1998. She also received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Stetson University with honors. She is certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and the Florida Association of Physician Assistants. Elisa has been serving central Florida’s dermatologic needs for 16 years.

Windermere Dermatology & Aesthetics is a cutting edge clinical practice providing a combination of general, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic services, including removal and/or treatment of moles, warts, spots, rashes, skin cancer, acne and psoriasis. Cosmetic dermatology services include injectable fillers such as Voluma, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero and Radiesse using state-of-the-art microcannulas, resulting in less pain, with reduced bruising and swelling. We also offer chemical peels, and, of course, Botox. An on-site medispa offers microdermabrasions, customized facials and Jane Iredale make up consultations with color matching and famed red carpet facials using Teoxane advanced Swiss formulated products.

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN

Sharon A. Stoke, M.D. Elisa Endicott, PA-C Windermere Dermatology & Aesthetics 7798 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 100 Windermere, FL 34786 407.876.0994 AmazingSkinDoc.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Summerport Family Medicine

Simmonds Dental Center

At Summerport Family Medicine, Dr. Melodie Mope strives to promote family health care and the benefits produced by treating the whole family. Family health care sets the foundation for this practice and Dr. Mope.

Dr. Mope is board certified in family medicine and earned her medical degree from St. Matthews University School of Medicine. She also finished her residency at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. During her residency, Dr. Mope’s article, “Pap or not to Pap”, was published through the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians and she completed a mission trip to Guatemala to supply medical treatment to more than 100 children.

Dr. Mope’s vision of a family-based practice and the desire to become a physician dates back to when she was only 4 years old. She was motivated to seek out this profession by her own family doctor who showed a great deal of interest in her family’s overall health. Dr. Mope has made it Summerport’s mission to eagerly accept just about any medical condition a family might have including sick family members at any age, regular check-ups, sports physicals, emotional or mental discussions, family planning and screenings of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, Summerport also offers lab testing and procedures at its Windermere location so patients are able to access everything they need at one place.

Dr. Mope is devoted to welcoming appointments on time in order to eliminate wait time.

Dr. Sonia Simmonds dreamed of becoming a dentist so that she could change the lives of the people in her community, and she does just that through her Central Florida practice. “I change lives one smile at a time through preventive and comprehensive dental care,” she says.

She attended the Howard University School of Dentistry to earn her degree, and completed a general practice residency at Howard University Hospital. She also completed her IV sedation training at University of Alabama, and spent many hours in advanced training at the Frank Spear Institute, The Pankey Institute, and Carl Misch International Implant Institute. Dr. Simmonds has been in practice for 14 years, seven of which have been in Central Florida. She previously practiced in Maryland and Washington D.C. Dr. Simmonds performs many cosmetic dentistry procedures including full mouth rehabilitations with crowns, bridges, implants and dentures. She respects each and every one of her patients, treating them like a member of her own family at each visit. She runs her practice with her favorite quote by Keshavan Nair, “With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity.”

She is a fellow of The International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of Central Florida Dental Implant Study Center. When she isn’t treating patients, Dr. Simmonds enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, skiing and traveling.

Melodie Mope, M.D. Summerport Family Medicine 13528 Summerport Village Parkway Windermere, FL 34787 407.614.8320 SummerportFamilyMedicine.com

Dr. Sonia Simmonds Simmonds Dental Center 1601 Park Center Drive, Suite 1 Orlando, FL 32835 407.253.3787 SimmondsDentalCenter.com

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

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Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN

Dr. Carlos Trillo has been practicing surgery for nearly 25 years, with 15 of those years spent in the Central Florida area. Before moving to Central Florida, Dr. Trillo practiced in New York City and Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

Dr. Trillo earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency training at St. Luke’sRoosevelt Hospital Center. He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a fellow of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Trillo chose this profession because when it came time to choose, he found this field to be intellectually challenging, exciting, and altruistic.

Dr. Trillo is a board-certified surgeon and specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures that include general abdominal surgery, hernia repair, laparoscopic abdominal surgery and breast surgery. At Trillo General Surgery, his patients range in age from teens to adults.

Besides Dr. Trillo’s specialties, the Trillo General Surgery staff dedicates themselves to welcoming a variety of patients for the diagnosis and treatment of problems involving the abdomen, breast, certain neck conditions, enlarged lymph nodes, skin lesions and growths, and other conditions such as trauma or injuries.

In his free time, you could find Dr. Trillo outdoors, either out on the green playing golf or out in the woods hunting. When he isn’t outdoors, he prefers to wind down by playing music at home.

Dr. Shereen Oloufa chose to practice medicine because she “loves being a part of special moments in a woman’s life and wanted to contribute to health and well-being.”

Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Oloufa has been in practice for over 10 years at Health Central Hospital. She earned her bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering at the University of Illinois, an MBA at the University of Hawaii, and her medical degree at Penn State University. Dr. Oloufa completed her residency training at Geisinger Medical Center, where she specialized in obstetrics and gynecology.

While in school, Dr. Oloufa earned a medical student teaching award from Jefferson Medical School, the Milton S. Hershey Dean’s Community Service Award from Penn State University, and later earned the American Academy of Family Practitioners’ National Leadership Award. Dr. Oloufa offers services in prenatal care, obstetrics and gynecology with minimally invasive surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility procedures, endometriosis and urinary incontinence.

At Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN, the physicians offer comprehensive, board-certified gynecologic care, including annual preventative exams, reproductive and contraceptive management, and treatment for menopause or other gynecologic conditions. The belief behind the practice is that maintaining your gynecologic health is an integral part of your overall health. Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN is a part of Orlando Health and is located within Health Central Hospital.

When she isn’t practicing medicine, Dr. Oloufa enjoys cooking and playing with her children.

Carlos Trillo, M.D. Trillo General Surgery 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 496 Ocoee, FL 34761 407.296.1871 TrilloGeneralSurgey.com

Shereen I. Oloufa, M.D. Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 387 Ocoee, FL 34761 407.578.0033 DieguezAndOloufaOBGYN.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Trillo General Surgery

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Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN

Arthritis Center of Orlando

For Dr. Carlos Dieguez, if there is one motto to live by it is, “work hard and be honest.” Growing up in a medical family, Dr. Dieguez was inspired to help others feel their best and enjoys being around other people.

Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Dieguez has been practicing medicine since 1993. He attended Santiago de Compostela Medical School in Spain and went on to Texas Tech University, where he received his obstetrician training. Some of the procedures he performs include abdominal/vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic assisted total vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation, and postpartum bilateral tubal litigation.

At Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN, the physicians offer comprehensive, board-certified gynecologic care, including annual preventative exams, reproductive and contraceptive management, and treatment for menopause or other gynecologic conditions. The belief behind the practice is that maintaining your gynecologic health is an integral part of your overall health. To keep their patients healthy, well and active in their families’ lives, the practice offers a full range of services. Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN is a part of Orlando Health and is located within Health Central Hospital.

While Dr. Dieguez may not have much free time between seeing his patients, he does enjoy several relaxing activities such as reading, running, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Nimesh Dayal is a board-certified rheumatologist who is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa. He serves patients across the Central Florida area, treating clinical problems involving joints, soft tissues, autoimmune disease and others. Board certified in rheumatology and internal medicine, Dr. Dayal earned his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

He completed his internal medicine training at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland and the Reading Hospital and Medical Center in West Reading, Pennsylvania. Dr. Dayal was a post-doctorate clinical research fellow in rheumatology at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and he completed his training in clinical rheumatology at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Dayal specializes in the care of rheumatological diseases and conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, tendonitis/bursitis, inflammatory muscle disease, vasculitis, and joint pain. He has presented at regional and national scientific meetings of the American College of Rheumatology, sharing his knowledge of the field.

Dr. Dayal practices at the Arthritis Center of Orlando, which serves Orange, Lake, Sumter, Osceola, Polk and Seminole counties. It is Orlando Health’s newest rheumatology practice that is located within Health Central Hospital. In addition to the many conditions Dr. Dayal treats at the Arthritis Center of Orlando, the practice also offers in-office infusion therapy for appropriate patients with diseases like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and several others.

Dr. Carlos Dieguez Dieguez, Oloufa and Pagani – OB/GYN 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 387 Ocoee, FL 34761 407.578.0033 DieguezAndOloufaOBGYN.com 70

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Nimesh A. Dayal, M.D., MRCP, MSc Arthritis Center of Orlando 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 488 Ocoee, FL 34761 407.296.1540 ArthritisCenterOfOrlando.com

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Herschel Lasik and Cataract Institute

At Windermere Dentistry, Matthew D. McKissock, D.M.D., FAGD and Rupal Thakkar, D.M.D. offer treatment in all aspects of general, family, implant and cosmetic dentistry. One of the many things Windermere Dentistry’s patients say they enjoy is both Dr. McKissock and Dr. Thakkar take time to talk with them about their dental needs and procedures in a calm and friendly environment.

Windermere Dentistry is a general dentistry office that also focuses on cosmetic smile makeovers with veneers. Additionally, they provide in-office tooth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, Invisalign, root canals and implants utilizing CT technology.

Dr. McKissock completed his dental education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and a one-year residency in advanced general dentistry at Evans U.S. Army Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colo. He has owned and operated Windermere Dentistry since April 2002. Dr. McKissock was honored with a fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry. This status is the most recognizable designation within the dental profession and serves as a model to measure professional excellence. Also, Dr. McKissock completed the 10-month New York University dental implantology maxiCourse and practices CT-guided implantology.

Dr. Thakkar earned her bachelor’s in biology and psychology from Syracuse University in New York before entering Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston. In August 2005, Dr. Thakkar joined Windermere Dentistry. Dr. Thakkar is trained and proficient in all areas of general dentistry. She has a special interest in health-focused dentistry. She also treats sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring, with dental sleep appliances.

Herschel Lasik and Cataract Institute is a comprehensive vision correction center that provides life-changing options for patients of any age, including All-Laser LASIK, Visian ICL and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery with premium lens implant options.

Kelly Herschel M.D. believes in getting to know his patients; that’s why he personally sees his patients from the first consultation and exam through every appointment. He enjoys learning about you, your unique eyes, your lifestyle and working with you to achieve your vision goals. LASIK and PRK are performed on the surface of the eye, the cornea, so choosing an experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist like Dr. Herschel, who is fellowship-trained in both cornea and refractive surgery, is ideal.

Dr. Herschel has over 25 years of vision correction experience performing Advanced All-Laser LASIK, PRK, Visian ICL, Clear Lens Exchange and Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery. Consequently, our patients have options beyond LASIK and for any stage of life. Whether you are a candidate for LASIK or other advanced technologies, you will have choices tailored to your individual needs that many other centers do not offer.

Dr. Herschel’s education and training include: bachelor of science degree in math and physics (magna cum laude), Vanderbilt University; medical degree, University of Oklahoma; fellowship in ophthalmic pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, DC; twoyear cornea, external disease, and refractive surgery fellowship, LSU Eye Center, New Orleans; and a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery, Beraja Eye Institute, Miami.

Come see why those who know choose Dr. Herschel!

Matthew D. McKissock, D.M.D., FAGD Rupal Thakkar, D.M.D. Windermere Dentistry 4769 The Grove Drive, Suite 100, Windermere, FL 34786 407.909.1099 WindermereDentist.com

Kelly Herschel, M.D. Herschel Lasik and Cataract Institute 1911 N. Mills Ave. Suite 100 Orlando, FL 32803 407.894.8081 LasikEyeOrlando.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

Windermere Dentistry

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Precision Periodontics and Dental Implants

Associates in Dermatology

Dr. Ryan Mendro has dedicated his career to helping Central Florida residents restore happier, healthier smiles.

As a periodontist, he is uniquely trained in the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and the placement of dental implants. He finds dentistry, and periodontics in particular, the perfect combination of art and science, which allows him the opportunity to not only treat disease and restore health, but also to help give people back their smile!

Dr. Mendro earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida, his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Columbia University, and his Master of Science and Certificate in Periodontics also at the University of Florida.

Dr. Mendro is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and also has a fellowship status with the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry. At Precision Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr. Mendro provides many procedures including treatment for gum diseases and the placement of dental implants. He also performs the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), a treatment for gum disease that doesn’t require stitches or scalpels. Dr. Mendro is also one of a select few periodontists in Florida who is certified to provide the pinhole surgical technique (PST), a revolutionary alternative to conventional gum grafting for the treatment of receding gums.

In his spare time, Dr. Mendro enjoys working out, outdoor activities that let him bask in the Florida sunshine, and spending time with his fiancé.

They don’t call Florida the Sunshine State for nothing. But all this sun soaking has a cost and, for some people, this could mean skin cancer. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Those are the staggering statistics that drive Dr. Michael Steppie, president and medical director of Associates in Dermatology, an established, growing medical and surgical dermatology practice that has served Central Florida for 25 years. As a member of the prestigious Skin Cancer Foundation’s Amonette Circle, Dr. Steppie has been a featured skin cancer expert on WebMD and interviewed by publications like Men’s Health.

The practice has gained a solid reputation while specializing in the Mohs micrographic procedure, the most precise method available to remove skin cancer tumors. In addition to other surgical excisions of benign moles and skin lesions, the practice also treats diseases of the skin, hair and nails. Associates in Dermatology boasts a staff of expert physicians, including Lisa Shirley-Williams, MD, FACP, who has over 30 years experience within the medical field. She is board certified in dermatology and internal medicine. Another highlight of the practice is one of Associates in Dermatology’s elite physicians assistants, Mario Monteleone, PA-C, MPAS who has been practicing in all areas of dermatology for over 15 years.

Numerous other dedicated physicians and physicians assistants are part of this state-of-the-art dermatology practice, as well as nurse practitioners and paramedical clinical estheticians.

Associates in Dermatology also performs cosmetic dermatology and accepts most health plans.

Ryan L. Mendro, DDS, MS Precision Periodontics and Dental Implants 2666 Maguire Road Ocoee, FL 34761 407.905.6777 PerioPrecision.com

Michael Steppie, M.D. President, Medical Director Associates in Dermatology 12 Locations including Dr. Phillips / Ocoee / Celebration 800.827.SKIN (7546) DermOrlando.com

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

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Florida Center for Orthopaedics is committed to providing superior medical services and orthopaedic care in convenient locations throughout the Orlando area. The board-certified physicians work hand in hand with patients in diagnosis, treatment, physical therapy and recovery, acting as partners in this individualized care.

Dr. A. Denise Carter has been practicing medicine in Central Florida since 1992.

Board certified in family medicine and specializing in non-surgical sports medicine, Dr. Carter earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed her fellowship in sports medicine under the guidance of Dr. James Andrews. She describes her work as “cognitive” because she makes a diagnosis and a plan to get her patients back in the game, whether it is a sport or back to their life.

Dr. Paul Shuler has been practicing orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine for 13 years. He graduated from Michigan Technological University and Michigan State University and is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Shuler mainly performs shoulder and knee arthroscopy, total knee and hip replacements, carpal tunnel release and trigger finger release. Other treatments include rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction and additional knee and hand surgeries.

Dr. Richard Smith is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine care and minimally invasive spine and joint surgery. He graduated from Hahnemann University Medical School and completed his orthopaedic surgery training at the Medical College of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the North American Spine Society, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American College of Surgeons, and a member of Spine Universe.

Dr. Jay N. Wright earned his medical degree from University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed his residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation with a sub-specialty in pain medicine and is board certified in both specialties. He is a member of International Spine Intervention Society and American Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

The physicians have a tradition of providing open communication when caring for patients. They say, “We want you to tell us everything you can, ask all your questions, and have complete confidence in your care.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

Florida Center for Orthopaedics

A. Denise Carter, M.D. Paul Shuler, M.D. Richard C. Smith, M.D., FACS Jay N. Wright, M.D. Florida Center for Orthopaedics 1555 Boren Drive Ocoee, FL 34761 407.292.2156 FL-Ortho.com

www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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Carlos J. Gurreonero, D.M.D., P.A.

Champion Orthodontics

Dr. Carlos J. Gurreonero accomplished his dream of opening a dental spa in Central Florida four years ago, providing general family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, all with a gentle touch. For Dr. Gurreonero, helping others runs in the family. “My father, a retired dentist, is very passionate about his profession and loved helping people. He has shown me how our profession can impact the life and the well being of a person,” he says. Dr. Gurreonero’s wife, Susan, is also a dentist.

Dr. Gurreonero received his Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and microbiology from the University of Central Florida and his dental degree at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He completed his general practice residency at the Miami V.A. Medical Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He also received extensive training in the prestigious Dawson Academy, one of the leading post-graduate continuing education centers in the world.

Dr. Gurreonero enjoys working with both children and adults in his state-of-the-art dental spa, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

At his dental spa, numerous procedures are offered including preventive care, digital low radiation X-rays, cleanings, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, fillings, root canals, extractions, tooth whitening and implant dentistry.

Dr. Gurreonero’s philosophy is, “We will treat you as if you were our own family.” With that in mind, he created a dental spa that is vastly different from traditional dental offices. From chair massages to the spa-like atmosphere, patients will be comfortable and receive top-notch quality dental care.

Alexis Shrager, DMD, came to the United States from Russia as a teenager, speaking no English and facing a life full of challenges and obstacles. She is now a successful orthodontist who wants her patients to know that no matter what life throws at them, they should never give up and always strive for their goals just like she did.

She received her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and completed her residency training at the University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Shrager is the founding orthodontist for Champion Orthodontics – with offices in Winter Garden and Dr. Phillips – and is one of only two orthodontists in West Orange County who is a boardcertified diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Shrager and her staff are committed to providing children and adults with the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-friendly environment. She personally knows what an incredible difference in health and selfesteem that a beautiful smile can make, which is why she is dedicated to giving each of her patients a fabulous smile. “I love what I do. I make people smile and I reflect often in amazement that I have the privilege of actually doing this kind of work,” she says.

She is inspired by her grandmother, who was one of the first women in the 1940s to receive a college degree, had a successful business, and raised three children. Dr. Shrager enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Joseph, and their three children, Harry, 12; Sophia, 8; and George, 5. Dr. Shrager believes in working hard and loving what you do.

Carlos J. Gurreonero, D.M.D., P.A. Dr. Gurreonero’s Dental Spa 8865 Commodity Circle, Suite 6 Orlando, FL 32819 407.219.5931 GCDentist.com 74

Central Florida Lifestyle | 2015

Dr. Alexis Shrager Champion Orthodontics 3311 Daniels Road, Suite 104 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.656.0990 7932 W. Sand Lake Road, Suite 105 Orlando, FL 32819 407.351.5691 ChampionOrthodontics.com

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Dr. Hunaldo J. Villalobos is a board-certified neurosurgeon who has been practicing in the Central Florida area for eight years. He was inspired to enter the medical field by his family of surgeons, and he credits Dr. Walter Grand, M.D. as his mentor throughout his schooling. He completed his neurosurgical residency at the University at Buffalo, New York. Dr. Villalobos is fellowship trained in both neurosurgical oncology and neurosurgery trauma and critical care from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York.

Specializing in neurosurgery, Dr. Villalobos performs invasive spine and brain surgery at the Central Florida Neurosurgery Institute. At the top of his field, he has lectured both nationally and internationally on topics like neurosurgical conditions and techniques for a variety of organizations, including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Association of Neurosurgeons.

Dr. Villalobos has also been published in medical journals and has contributed to book chapters on the topic of neurosurgery.

Dr. Villalobos is a diplomat of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Pan-American Medical Association.

In his practice, Dr. Villalobos goes by the motto, primum non nocere, which is Latin for “first do not harm.”

When he is not with patients, Dr. Villalobos enjoys staying active through Taekwondo, cycling and CrossFit.

Hunaldo J. Villalobos, FAANS, FACS Central Florida Neurosurgery Institute 801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 720 Orlando, FL 32801 407.288.8638 CFNeuro.com

Neurology & Epilepsy Center of Central Florida Through the experience of Dr. Rolando Ania and Dr. Denise Taylor, the Neurology & Epilepsy Center of Central Florida is dedicated to excellence in the total care of the neurologic patient. Through close follow up, testing, and medical treatment, the physicians seek to assist patients in attaining their maximum level of functioning and quality of life.

Drs. Ania and Taylor are board certified in neurology and epilepsy and are currently accepting new patients. Dr. Taylor specializes in epilepsy and women’s issues in neurology, including the treatment of migraines and seizures associated with the menstrual cycles and pregnancy. While the practice places particular emphasis on women’s neurological issues, it also focuses on other ailments that are common to both men and women. This includes migraines, seizures, comprehensive evaluation of epilepsy, drug trial participation, and routine, prolonged and ambulatory EEG studies.

General neurological conditions that are covered by the practice include Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, migraines, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, stroke, neurological disorders and tremor. Treatments are individualized to the specific patient, but some include BOTOX, electromyography and nerve conduction studies.

In addition to ensuring patients are treated with the utmost care, the Neurology & Epilepsy Center of Central Florida is also dedicated to promoting awareness about neurologic diseases and treatment, and enriching the knowledge base of its patients through education and research.

CENTRAL FLORIDA MEDICAL GUIDE

Central Florida Neurosurgery Institute

Rolando Ania, M.D. Denise Taylor, D.O. Neurology & Epilepsy Center of Central Florida 7300 Sandlake Commons Boulevard MedPlex A, Suite 227 Orlando, FL 32819 407.781.0660 NeurologyAndEpilepsyCenterOfCentralFlorida.com www.CentralFloridaLifestyle.com

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It is our hope that you will find this special “Central Florida Medical Guide” section helpful in the selection of your next physician, and keep this Health and Wellness issue as a medical resource.

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Winter Springs Specialty Pharmacy At Winter Springs Specialty Pharmacy, Dr. Tam Tu and Dr. Tina Nguyen dedicate themselves to “treating customers like family.” Together they collectively have 23 years of pharmacy experience in the Central Florida area.

Dr. Tu received her doctor of pharmacy from Florida A&M University and has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Central Florida. She is responsible for educating the patients and healthcare providers through seminars and specializes in bio-identical hormones, pain management and veterinary medicine compounding.

Dr. Nguyen earned her doctor of pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University and has gained specialized training in the area of compounding and cosmeceuticals. She is responsible for managing the pharmacy’s student rotation program and specializes in bio-identical hormones, dermatology and pediatric compounding.

Both are part of Professional Compounding Centers of America, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists. At their Winter Springs location, compounding and wellness are their focus. They specialize in non-sterile compounding and are an independent authorized clinic for Ideal® protein weight loss program and carry different lines of pharmaceutical grade vitamins. The pharmacy also uses state-ofthe-art technology.

Dr. Tu chose this career path because after working 14 years in retail pharmacy, she decided to move forward with Dr. Nguyen to provide customers with more individualized healthcare. Dr. Nguyen also worked many years in retail pharmacy before deciding to form a partnership with Dr. Tu in order to fulfill her passion for helping out others and paying close attention to detail.

Tam Tu, PharmD Tina Nguyen, PharmD Winter Springs Specialty Pharmacy 5942 Red Bug Lake Road Winter Springs, FL 32708 321.316.4615

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