Sonoma Magazine Experts Guide to your Health 2021

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE DR. JESSICA AUGUST AND DR. SHU YANG, KAISER PERMANENTE, SANTA ROSA. Since 1945, Kaiser Permanente has been providing high-quality, affordable health care services and improving the health of our members and the communities we serve. Get the information you need to feel confident about getting vaccinated.

Find out how the COVID-19 vaccines work, what to do after you get your vaccine, and more.

COVID-19 vaccines were developed and rolled out quickly. Are they safe?

The COVID-19 vaccines were able to be developed quickly and safely because of decades of accumulated scientific research on vaccines, coupled with unprecedented funding for COVID-19 vaccine development, as well as worldwide collaboration. Even though the COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, no required study or regulatory steps were skipped. So far, hundreds of millions of people in the world have received the COVID vaccines. The benefit from the vaccine significantly outweighs the potential risk during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Are COVID-19 vaccines effective?

Although vaccinated people can get infection, the severity of disease is greatly reduced after vaccination. The vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing serious illness caused by the circulating variants, including the Delta variant. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccines are 85%-94% effective in preventing severe disease/ hospitalization/death. To put this in perspective, flu vaccines

are usually 40%-60% effective, and flu vaccinations prevented an estimated 7.52 million illnesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths during the 2019–2020 flu season alone.

Are there side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines?

Like most vaccines, the ones for COVID-19 can have side effects. Some people who’ve received the vaccine have reported fevers, fatigue, muscle aches, and soreness around injection sites. These side effects are normal and a good sign that the body is building immunity.

Can my child or teenager get a COVID-19 vaccine?

It depends on your child’s age. Until more studies are completed, there is no vaccine available for children 11 years old and younger. Children between 12 and 17 are approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine. All of the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and approved for adults 18 and older.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t contain the virus, so it can’t give you COVID-19.

Kaiser Permanente | 401 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 | 707-393-4000 | kp.org

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MICHAEL YANG, MD, JOHN HAU, MD AND BARBARA KANGAS, FNP Summit Pain Alliance is a medical practice specializing in pain management. We treat a wide variety of painful conditions. Our double-board certified physicians strive to offer highly effective and advanced treatment options with the utmost compassion. We have offices located in Santa Rosa and Petaluma.

What is pain management?

Pain management is a specialized field of medicine focused on the treatment and management of painful conditions through a combination of therapeutic options.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat ALL musculoskeletal and nerve pains. These include common pain conditions such as sciatica, arthritis, cancer, joint and spine. We can also help with neuropathy, fibromyalgia, headaches and complex regional pain syndrome.

What treatment options do you provide?

We believe in a comprehensive approach to pain management, including referrals to physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic therapies. We can provide trigger point injections, epidural injections, nerve blocks and ablations and various surgical implants.

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INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MANAGEMENT

We specialize in pain management intervention and believe in reducing and managing pain without reliance on prescription medication whenever possible. Our goal is always to improve the patient’s quality of life and get them back to doing what they enjoy.

What are the benefits of having an interventional pain procedure versus taking pain meds?

Taking pain medication is simply “putting a band-aid” on the problem without treating the underlying cause. If you stop taking the medication, the pain returns after a few hours. Interventional procedures treat the root cause of the pain.

Do you participate in reseach studies?

Yes, our clinical research department allows us to offer new pain management therapies. We partner with industry leaders to provide cutting-edge technologies and advancdements in pain relief. We use innovative technologies along with new treatments and practices to better serve our patients.

When is a good time to see a pain management specialist?

Whenever someone has pain that will not go away with over-the-counter medications or continues longer than expected.

Summit Pain Alliance | 392 Tesconi Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 | 1372 N. McDowell Blvd., Suite E, Petaluma, CA 94954 707-623-9803 | www.summitpainalliance.com

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CHIROPRACTIC AND NEUROPATHY DR. KATHY O’CONNOR, DC Dr. Kathy O’Connor is a graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa and has been in practice for 27 years. Dr. O’Connor uses a combination of time tested techniques and cutting edge technology that focuses on structural correction of the spine and soft tissue repair. This results in longer lasting stabilization of the spine which contributes to overall healthier living.

What does a doctor of Chiropractic do?

Chiropractic champions a natural method of healing advocating a non-surgical, noninvasive and drugless approach to the treatment of patients. Grounded in a view of the individual as an integrated being, the Doctor of Chiropractic focuses on spinal health and wellness as the keys to overall health and well-being. The human body is controlled by nerves. Everything (circulation, breathing, elimination, etc.) is under the direction of this unbelievably complicated system. If the impulses of this network are transmitted normally to and from the brain, the body will be healthy and able to ward off disease.

Chiropractic adjustments relieve interference of these nerve impulses.

How is Dr. Kathy O’Connor’s approach different to others in her profession?

Dr. O’Connor utilizes a combination of hands on adjusting, as well as a computerized adjusting instrument that senses motion and the frequency (vibrations) of the vertebra. The instrument matches the frequency, essentially employing a biofeedback mechanism. This moves the vertebra much easier. The pressure can be adjusted to the patients tolerance. There is never any twisting of the spine. She also employs a Genesis One LED, a Class IV K-Laser and Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy when needed. The Genesis One and the K-Laser are the latest and most effective modality for speeding healing of tissues biochemically. Pain and inflammation are quickly reduced. It is FDA cleared to be 90% effective for treating Neuropathy resulting from Chemotherapy and Diabetes. The PEMF charges the cells, increasing oxygenation for optimum tissue repair and healing.

What is Therapeutic Laser Therapy and How Does it Work?

Genesis One and K-Laser Therapy are painless and proven to bio-stimulate tissue repair and growth. Pain management results are dramatic and it is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

These are just some of the painful conditions that have responded to laser treatments.

Neurogenic Pain Soft Tissue Injuries • Sciatica • Tendinitis • Fibromyalgia • Sprains, Strains

• Back and Neck Pain • Post Traumatic Injury • Repetitive Strain Injury • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Radiculitis • Knee pain (multiple types) • Shingles • Trigger Points • Herniated Disc • Plantar Fasciitis • Brachial Neuralgia • Tennis Elbow Degenerative Conditions • Muscle Spasms • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Shoulder Pain • Osteoarthritis • Knee pain What are the benefits of on-going Chiropractic care?

There are so many! The most obvious is pain relief.

When your spine is properly aligned, there will be less degeneration.

Better sleep! We heal at night when we sleep and good sleep benefits all functions of the body.

Reduce Stress! When you don’t have pain in your body, your mood is better.

Gain Confidence! The better your posture, the taller you stand and the more confidence you feel. Others will see you that way too!

A few of the many customer testimonials: After being completely unable to walk due to pain and no better after a two day stay in the hospital, I went to Dr. Kathy O’Connor, on pain medication and a walker. She adjusted my back and my pain went from a 10+ to a 5. The following day I no longer needed my walker and a total of five days later I went back to work! Hope is within Dr. Kathy O’Connor’s chiropractic office. Her healing hands, heart and equipment really work.

– Mark, Petaluma It was hard to believe that I could no longer walk. When two years earlier I had been exploring 10,000-foot high Sierra passes and pushing 20 miles down trail (with pack), I had become barely able to walk my dog two blocks at sea level. It was painful to stoop to garden. I hobbled up stairs.

Simple exertions made me grunt like an old man. What was happening to me?!? The personable Dr. O’Connor (“Kathy”) got me up and - literally - running again. Fabulous. Even my untrained eye can see the changes on the radiographs.

And the dog clearly thinks eight blocks is better than two.

They say she’s the best in town; I agree.

– Jeff, Petaluma

Dr. Kathy O’Connor | 5 Keller St Suit C, Petaluma, CA 94952 | (707) 778-1145 | www.dockathy.com

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SPECIALIZED MEMORY CARE Primrose focuses exclusively on adults with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia, offering residential care, respite care, hospice care and adult day care with unique operational protocols to enhance quality of life for residents, and offer a range of life-affirming and encouraging activities.

When did Primrose open?

Opening in 1997, Primrose was the first memory care specific facility in Sonoma County. Over the years we’ve been fortunate enough to retain our core staff for ten years or more. The continuity of staff and the quality of care we provide is an indispensable component of a safe and secure home for our residents.

What sets Primrose apart from other assisted living facilities?

Our memory loss programs incorporate the latest research findings, including aromatherapy, touch therapy, music and pets. We have 3½ acres, so our residents can experience the feeling of freedom in a safe, secure setting.

Is there one thing families should know in advance?

Adult children should talk with their parents, no matter how hard the conversation, about how they want to live if they develop dementia. Preparing for the journey is the single best thing I can tell people. The legal process, the emotional process: these need to be talked about.

Although I don’t sell insurance, buying long-term care insurance is good advice.

What’s important to know when dealing with dementia patients?

Remember those affected with dementia, no matter how impaired they are, are still wonderful people and have something to contribute. We’ve learned enormously from our clients.

What are some of the satisfactions that come from the job?

Being successful when other facilities have failed with difficult and challenging dementia patients. We strive for fewer medications and offer a facility that’s life affirming and outdoor-oriented in as homelike a situation as possible.

Primrose, Special Alzheimer’s Living | 2080 Guerneville Rd., Santa Rosa | 707-578-8360 | www.primrosealz.com

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JOHN WOTRING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY SHAZAH KHAWAJA, MD, FACOG, is an obstetrician and gynecologist with The Modern Woman in Santa Rosa. Dr. Khawaja is board-certified and specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, SHAZAH KHAWAJA - MD, FACOG minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and uro-gynecological procedures. She is also certified in non-surgical, elective gynecological procedures, including MonaLisa Touch and Votiva.

I am pregnant. Is it okay that I have some cramping or bleeding?

It is okay to have some cramping or stretching of the ligaments around the uterus. This stretching can cause cramping that in some patients can be more severe than others. It is always best to see your provider to make sure no other problems are occurring. However, if you are dealing with ligament pain, Tylenol is often sufficient to relieve that discomfort.

Bleeding, on the other hand, can be normal but an assessment by your obstetrician is important. Sometimes bleeding can be due to placement of the placenta. At other times it can be completely normal after doing something strenuous or intercourse.

What can I do to prevent leakage?

Urinary incontinence is often categorized into two types: stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

Remedies for stress incontinence can include pelvic floor therapy (Kegel exercises), vaginal pessaries, Votiva radiofrequency treatment, and some minimally invasive surgeries.

Urge incontinence treatment can be improved with bladder retraining, dietary modifications, medications and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), a lowrisk, non-surgical treatment. PTNS works by indirectly providing electrical stimulation to the nerves responsible for bladder and pelvic floor function.

including: annual exams, contraceptive consults, gynecological concerns, breast exams, cancer screening and menopause management.

Is there anything I can do to minimize pain during sex?

Depending on the cause of your pain, there are a number of ways to treat this common condition among perimenopausal and menopausal women. Simple remedies include trying sensual activities like massage.

Take pain-relieving steps before sex: empty your bladder, have a warm bath, or take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

After consulting with your gynecologist, you may learn that the reason you experience pain during sex is due to vaginal dryness. For some women, estrogen creams can be beneficial. Newer non-invasive, nonsurgical technologies, like MonaLisa Touch and Votiva, help restore your body’s organic response to sexual stimulation so that you can self-lubricate during sexual activity. MonaLisa Touch uses laser energy to help restore vaginal elasticity and lubrication to improve vaginal health. Votiva is an advanced form of treatment that utilizes heat and RF technology to provide relief from painful sex, especially for women following a recent vaginal delivery. We perform both procedures in-office and neither require anesthesia.

Do midwives only treat pregnant women?

No, actually. In our practice in Santa Rosa, each of our midwives holds master’s degrees in nursing. They are highly skilled at providing a range of thorough, individualized care to women and their families throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum periods.

Not all of our midwifery patients are pregnant or postpartum. In fact, approximately 60 percent of our patients are pregnant. The other 40 percent of a typical midwife’s patients receive care for a variety of needs, The Modern Woman 990 Sonoma Ave, Suite 18, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 | 707-579-1102 | modernwomansr.com

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NORTH BAY EYE ASSOCIATES Here at North Bay Eye Associates we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality care for you and your family. Our practice includes several optical offices, an ambulatory surgery center, and a research facility. We believe that supporting our patients through every step of their eye health journey sets us apart. We have locations across the North Bay; visit our website today to find out which location is closest to you.

Dr. Jason Bacharach, MD, Co-Founder When do I need to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist?

Unlike the traditional optometrist you see for your vision checkup, ophthalmologists are trained physicians and surgeons who diagnose and treat eye disorders. If you have or think you may have glaucoma, cataracts, an eye muscle disorder like strabismus, or are interested in laser eye surgery, it’s important to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. If the above scenarios do not apply, you may not need to see an ophthalmologist until you are 40+ or your optometrist refers you. Here at NBEA we have both optometrists and ophthalmologists to help you with all eye care needs.

How can eye health impact your overall health?

We use our eyes for almost everything we do, from watching a favorite show or driving to connecting with those around us. Our eyes can also be good indicators of possible health issues. Conditions that might be detected in an eye exam include high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and even potential strokes. When we practice healthy habits, we give our body the best chance to flourish. An easy first step is to eat foods that are filled with Omega3’s and Vitamin A, C, D, and E; these not only support the health of your eyes, but your entire body.

I have frequent headaches, especially when working. Is this an eye issue?

Chronic headaches may be an indicator that your prescription is changing and it’s time to schedule an eye exam. You may be experiencing headaches from spending extended time on the computer. With much of our days spent in front of a screen, it’s essential to give your eyes time to rest and reset. Tricks like the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent eye strain and improve focus. Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps the surrounding muscles distribute the workload and gives your eyes the quick break they need to help you continue your work.

Adopting this habit can prevent tension headaches as well as neck and shoulder pain caused by computer overuse. It still may be important to see your PCP to rule out any underlying issues.

I have worn glasses most of my life, am I a good candidate for LASIK? LASIK is effective in treating astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, and more. After a consultation and eye exam, your ophthalmologist will tell you if you are a candidate for LASIK. Many factors determine this, including eye health, the severity of vision loss or astigmatism, and the presence of other illnesses or diseases. If you’re interested in LASIK and want to see if you are a candidate, call our office for an evaluation appointment.

Interested in research? So are we.

Ever wanted to be a part of a research study? At North Bay Eye Associates, we strive to stay ahead of the eye care game. Our goal is to help you obtain the clearest vision possible using advanced technologies. This means we work toward new and improved methods. We are currently conducting clinical trials on glaucoma implants, dry eye disease, cataracts and blepharitis. We’re interested in finding individuals who want to participate in our research: if you qualify you’ll be reimbursed for your time. If you’re interested, we can put you in touch with our research facility to see if any of our current studies are right for you.

North Bay Eye Associates | 707-588-7939 ext.5008 | www.northbayeye.com

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OPTOMETRY & OPHTHALMOLOGY

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INTEGRATIVE ORTHOPEDIC MEDICINE GAIL M. DUBINSKY, M.D. Dr. Gail Dubinsky has practiced in Sebastopol for 30 years, providing consultations, second opinions and non-surgical treatment of back, neck, shoulder, hip, other joint and soft tissue pain, injuries and conditions, including motor vehicle accidents. She specializes in osteopathic manual therapy techniques, and making the benefits of yoga, including simple breath and meditation practices, accessible to virtually everyone. She is the creator of the DVD programs “RSI?”, “Rx: Yoga!” and “Yoga for Gardeners”. Plus, she has her YouTube channel, Gail Dubinsky MD Yoga.

What is different about how you approach a patient?

I take the time to listen, do a thorough structural physical examination and practice laying on of hands.

Considering the whole person with an orthopedic problem, not just the painful area, allows me to arrive at the most accurate diagnosis and formulate the most effective treatment.

I address lifestyle, stress and nervous system imbalance as primary contributors to ongoing pain and disability. My goal is to help patients live a more sustainable life. This is the true foundation for healing.

How do you integrate yoga into your work?

After teaching classes in a variety of settings for more than 25 years, I now work one on one with my patients to provide them with tools to help stretch, strengthen, balance, relax and integrate. Almost everyone can derive benefits from basic yoga postures or exercises, which are infinitely modifiable for specific needs and limitations.

Equally important are simple breath and meditation practices to reduce stress and anxiety, or vitalize one’s energy. All can be done in just a few minutes a day, with no need for special clothing or equipment.

How do you use osteopathic manual therapy in your practice?

I offer a hands-on technique called Zero Balancing and aim to balance the structure and energy of the body, whether it be spine, joints, soft tissue, or even the abdominal organs. I also utilize a technique called CounterStrain which emphasizes the fascia or connective tissue through the entire body.

Again, my focus is integration of the whole system, not just where the pain manifests.

Why do you do what you do?

People are seeking alternatives before, instead of, or in combination with drugs, injections or surgery. Those modalities have their place, but not enough other options are offered.

Too many people tell me I’m the first doctor who has physically touched them in the months or years they’ve sought help to alleviate their pain.

What unique qualifications do you bring to the table?

My 40-plus years of continuing education in orthopedic and repetitive strain injuries, osteopathic manual therapies, and therapeutic yoga informs my ongoing practice.

I’ve been involved in holistic healing since medical school, plus experience with injured workers and pain clinics later in my career, providing a broad knowledge of both conventional and alternative realms to guide individualized treatment plans, often collaborating with other health practitioners.

After personally experiencing and rehabilitating from several injuries, including dealing with insurance and legal aspects; I’m able to truly understand, support and empathize with patients going through a stressful process.

Here is a case example: A.S., age 74, came to me with severe right hip and leg pain, searching for alternatives to lumbar spine fusion surgery recommended after an MRI showed severe spinal stenosis. I examined her and found a severely restricted right hip, and ordered X-rays that showed extremely advanced arthritic degeneration.

No previous doctor had done a physical exam. She underwent the appropriate hip replacement, instead of invasive spinal surgery that likely would have not relieved her pain.

I think this note from a local patient expresses it well: “Thank you for the work that you do and for the person that you are.”

Gail M. Dubinsky, M.D. | 6800 Palm Avenue Suite I, Sebastopol | 707-829-7596 www.gaildubinskymd.com | dubinsky@rxyoga.com

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DR. MARCUS AND REBECCA PORRINO Dr. Marcus and Rebecca Porrino are licensed Naturopathic Doctors practicing general family medicine at their clinic in Sonoma since 2008.

They received their doctorates from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon, the country’s top Naturopathic medical school.

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

In California, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are licensed to diagnose and treat illness; similar to an MD, who practices as a general practitioner or family practice doctor. NDs can order laboratory tests, imaging and utilize these tools, as well as an extensive history and physical exams, to diagnose and manage illness. NDs use a small formulary of medications when needed, but prefer less invasive methods first.

Key Principles in the Naturopathic Approach: • Taking time with patients allows for better health care.

• The body is capable of healing and self-regulating. Give it support to do so.

• Doctor and patient are partners in the healing process.

• All aspects of the patient’s life matter: diet, lifestyle, relationships, and spirit.

• Natural medicine, from nature, is less invasive, therefore should be used first whenever possible.

• Prevention is good medicine.

What else do you do?

• GI Issues, IBS, Food sensitivities • School and Sports Physicals • Fertility and Hormone Support • Men’s Health (prostate and sexual health) • Women’s Health (annual exams, PAPs, gynecology, HPV alternatives, etc) • Adjunctive Cancer Treatment Support • And Much More!

Will the doctors work with my primary care physician or refer to a specialist?

Absolutely.

We have good relationships with many of the physicians in Sonoma and Marin counties. We believe in a team approach.

We will refer to a specialist when we feel it is necessary.

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NATUROPATHIC FAMILY MEDICINE

What are your patients saying about you?

“I have been sick for 25 years, since the removal of my thyroid.

After 6 months working with Dr. Rebecca, I have felt better than I had since I was a teenager. —TR, 60 years old, Sonoma I probably would never have gone to a naturopathic doctor if i hadn’t been referred by friends. I am so glad I took the leap.

—HB, Petaluma I was taking 7 medications — including 2 infusions every month — for my rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. I am down to one medication, I have lost 80 lbs, I no longer have “flares”, I eat better and feel better than I ever have before. —DT, Suisun City I am off my Lipitor. I never liked that stuff. Thank you Dr. Marcus for creating a program for me that keeps my cholesterol in check.

—JB, Napa After years of prescriptions, over-the-counter sprays and pills, i finally have the tools I need to manage my allergies without them.

Thank you, Dr. Marcus. —TS, Sonoma “I feel as though I am well taken care of here. I don’t feel rushed.”

EQ, Sonoma “I really feel at ease in your hands.” —DM, Sonoma “Thank you, Dr M., for all your wonderful help and thoughts for when I was going through my cancer surgery and treatment.”

—AH, Petaluma “You are the first doctor that has touched me in many years.

Thank you for taking the time.” —DO, Rohnert Park “Wow. That was the most satisfying medical experience i have ever had. Thank you.” —LO, Sonoma “Thank you. I feel a sense of direction. I am so glad I decided to come in.” —LM, Calistoga “I feel as though I am well taken care of here. I don’t feel rushed.”

EQ, Sonoma “My digestion has been awful since my gall bladder surgery. No one had any solutions for me until i came here. Now I can manage it myself.” DA, Sonoma “For years, I have been looking for someone to look after me and my family with a philosophy of health and prevention. Someone who knows about nutrition and natural medicine, isn’t quick to grab the prescription pad…Glad we found you.” —OW, Napa”

Sonoma Naturopathic Medicine | 710 W Napa Street #1 | 707-996-9355 | www.sonomanatmed.com

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