Healthy in Henry Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Henry County area and beyond.

IN HENRY

How Do Genetically Modified Foods Affect You? 5 Signs of a Heart Attack Do You Know YOUR NUMBERS?

Pritam Polkampally, MD

Kenneth Menchion, MD Vascular Surgeon

Interventional Cardiologist

“SOUTH ATLANTA’S PREMIER VEIN SPECIALIST.”

VASCULAR SERVICES Atlanta Heart Associates provides an extensive list of vascular services including vein ablation alongside the innumerable cardiology services we have proudly been providing to the community for 23 years.

In-Office Services: • Vascular Consultation • Non-invasive Arterial Imaging • Non-invasive Venous Imaging • Non-invasive Carotid Imaging • Hemodialysis Graft Imaging • Renovascular Disease • Wound Care

Hospital Services: • Venous Reflux Study • Vein Ablation • Lymphedema Treatment • Sclerotherapy

• Peripheral Vascular Angiogram • Peripheral Vascular Angioplasty • Peripheral Vascular Stenting • Carotid Artery Endarterectomy • Peripheral Vascular Bypass Surgery

• Renal Artery Angioplasty • Wound Care • Aortic Aneurysm Repair Endovascular • Aortic Aneurysm Repair Open • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy • Vein Stripping • Dialysis Access • Peripheral /Central Thrombolysis • Vena Cava Procedures

Locations

Stockbridge

350 Country Club Drive, Ste. A Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-692-4000

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East Point

Riverdale

483 Upper Riverdale Rd., Ste. C Riversale, GA 30274 770-907-9009

3886 Princeton Lakes Way, Ste. 160 Atlanta, GA 30331 404-761-9339

1260 Highway 54 W, Ste. 102 Fayetteville, GA 30214 678-545-1748

Locust Grove

Jackson

Griffin

Conyers

1136 Cleveland Ave., Ste. 205 East Point, GA 30344 404-761-9339 3758 Highway 42, Ste. 302 Locust Grove, GA 30248 678-432-3903

1502 West 3rd Street, Ste. D Jackson, GA 30233 770-504-1313

Camp Creek

747 South 8th Street Griffin, GA 30224 770-233-3309

www.atlantaheartassociates.com | Main Office: 770-692-4000

Fayetteville

1292 Wellbrook Circle, Ste. A Conyers, GA 30012 770-785-6317

FEATURES IN FOCUS SPRING 2016

Spring Genetically Modified Foods

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is in the air

Do You Know Your Numbers?

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Five Signs of a Heart Attack PAGE 10

Recipe for Veggie Pizza PAGE 15

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e H E A LT H Y I N H E N RY • S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 • VO LU M E 1 , N O. 1 f

CONTENTS

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Features 9

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?

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BE HEART SMART. THIS IS NOT JUST A MAN’S DISEASE

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TREATMENT FOR HEMORRHOIDS

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WHAT IS A UROGYNECOLOGIST?

The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Henry County area and beyond.

IN HENRY VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1, SPRING 2016

ANNETTE GODWIN Manager CAROL MASSEY Graphics/Layout Design AMANDA ELLINGTON Circulation Supervisor

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LEE UDELL ; STEPHANIE GORDON, MD; LAUREN KEEFER Writers No portion of this issue including publisher designed advertisements may be copied, scanned or reproduced in any manner without prior written consent from the publisher.

Healthy in Henry accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or pho足tographs.

To advertise in Healthy in Henry, please call 770-728-1436 or email Annette Godwin at agodwin@healthyinga.com.

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SACRED JOURNEY HOSPICE

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VEGGIE PIZZA RECIPE

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TREATMENT FOR SKIN CANCER

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CONTROLLING DIABETES

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k SPRING FEATURE

Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?

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written by Lee Udell

pring is right around the corner, gardens are waiting to be planted, and you’re already dreaming about those first fresh tomatoes to show up at your local farmer’s market. Of course, with winter still holding us in its chilly grip, all you can do right now is shop the produce section at your nearby grocery or farmers market, trying to eat healthy and natural, as much as possible.

However, when it comes to processed foods, many environmental groups and public-interest organizations are speaking out to increase consumer awareness of something called “genetically modified foods.” While they warn that these foods should be viewed skeptically, supporters of GMFs, as they’re called, tout the reduced costs and increased yields these genetically engineered crops produce.

So, what exactly are genetically modified foods – and, more importantly, why should you care?

While there are very, very few genetically-modified whole fruits and vegetables available on produce stands, highly processed foods, like vegetable oils or breakfast cereals, most likely contain some tiny percentage of genetically-modified ingredients, because the raw ingredients have been pooled into one processing stream from many different sources.

Also, the fact that soybean derivatives are widely used as food additives in the modern American diet virtually ensures that you’ve been exposed to

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GMF products.

That syrup you had on your pancakes this morning?

Made from GM corn. And that sweetener you added to your iced tea at lunch? Sugar from GM sugar beets.

These new crops are the result of genetic engineering – molecular biology techniques – that have created corn, soybeans, cotton and other crops with specific genes that help them resist pests and disease. In some cases, GMFs have enhanced nutritional content, like rice with additional vitamins and nutrients, or potatoes engineered to reduce the amounts of potentially harmful ingredients when fried.

According to the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 40 plant varieties have completed all of the federal requirements for commercialization. Not all these products are available in supermarkets yet, but there are probably more genetically modified foods in your grocery store than you thought.

All this development comes as some consumers are questioning the safety of GMFs and demanding that foods made from them be labeled. Recently, two states – Oregon and Colorado – had initiatives on their ballots calling for labeling, though the measures failed in both states.

Learning more about both sides of the GMF debate can help you make up your own mind about this new wave of development in the foods you eat.

Why GMFs?

With the world population topping 7 billion – and expected to double in the next 50 years – ensuring adequate food supplies is sure to become an even bigger challenge. Supporters say GMFs can help meet this emerging need in a number of ways: kH erbicide tolerance: saves money and time by allowing growers to reduce the amount and frequency of herbicide application, while also limiting environmental damage kD isease resistance: resists many viruses, fungi and bacteria which can devastate crops kC old and drought tolerance: reduces the impact of unpredictable environmental conditions and allows growers to use more arid land, as other land is used to house growing populations kN utrition: squeezes more nutritional value into commonly consumed foods, like rice, to reduce malnutrition in third-world countries kP harmaceuticals: puts “edible” vaccines into produce, like potatoes, that are easier to ship, store and deliver than traditional injectible vaccines in third-world countries kP hytoremediation: creates plants that help clean up soil and groundwater pollution

Criticisms of GMFs

k Human health risks: With many children already allergic to peanuts or other foods, introducing a gene into a plant could create a new allergen. There may also be unknown effects on human health, though no research to this point has shown any such risk. k Unintended harm to other organisms: BT, a pesticide incorporated into some corn genes, has proven toxic to non-target insects in some studies, though the USDA and EPA have said these studies may be flawed.

However, this does suggest the potential risk of harm to non-target organisms. k Reduced effectiveness of pesticides: It’s possible insects may become resistant to GMFs, just as they have to other types of pesticides. k Gene transfer to non-target species: Crops engineered for herbicide tolerance and weeds could cross-breed, resulting in the transfer of the herbicide resistance genes from the crops into the weeds – creating “super weeds” unaffected by herbicides.

No matter what side you take on the issue of GMFs, one of the best ways to eat healthy is still as close as your own garden – or, failing that, your neighborhood farmers’ market. Some, like the Henry County Farmers Market in the Heritage Park Arena, McDonough, are open year round to offer seasonal pickings as they’re available.

Check their Facebook page or call (770) 288-8421 for hours and availability.

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general health

FEATURE

Resolve to

Know Your Numbers in 2016

By Eagles Landing Family Practice

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he New Year is always a great time to refocus on your health after a busy, sometimes over-indulgent holiday season. And while you can resolve to lose weight, exercise more or get the proper amount of sleep, knowing certain key markers will go a long way toward ensuring your health in 2016 and beyond.

Cholesterol Blood cholesterol is waxy substance produced by the liver.

Cholesterol level can be affected by your age, gender, family health history and diet, among other risk factors. When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries, causing blockages.

High blood cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. A total cholesterol score of less than 180 mg/dL is considered optimal.

Blood Pressure Blood pressure is defined as the force of blood against the arteries when the heart beats and rests. High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems. It is sometimes called the “silent killer” because often there are no symptoms, even though it may be causing damage to your arteries, heart and other organs. A blood pressure reading of less than 130/80

mm Hg is considered normal.

Blood Sugar Blood sugar is the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood and serves as the body’s main source of energy.

Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day but typically remain within a normal range. Levels outside the normal range may be an indicator of a medical condition. Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar levels are too high. Normal fasting blood glucose levels for nondiabetics should be between 3.9 and 5.5 percent.

BMI A person’s ideal body weight is determined by characteristics including gender, age, height, and frame. Your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are good indicators of whether you are at a healthy weight. A BMI of 18.6-24.9 and a waistline smaller than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is considered a normal or healthy weight.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must provide coverage for preventive care without copays, co-insurance or deductibles, including annual physical exams, recommended immunizations, and age/ risk appropriate screenings such as lab tests, mammograms and colonoscopies.

At Eagles Landing Family Practice, we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.elfp.com.

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women’s health FEATURE

Women Can’t Say

“This Is a Man’s Disease”

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f you’re a woman, you need to know that heart disease is most likely the biggest threat to your health. Cardiovascular disease—which includes stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure—is an even bigger killer for men; however, many women believe that they are somehow less vulnerable to the dangers.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that even when women are aware of their personal risks, they struggle to successfully manage the lifestyle changes that can improve their chances of avoiding heart problems. The goal of National Heart Month is to get out the message that prevention is the key.

Risk Factors

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that controllable risk factors include diet, physical activity, tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. Chronic high stress is also a detriment to women’s heart health.

Women Take Control

It may seem hard to change certain lifestyle habits, but it’s worth it to live longer. Here are some of the top ways women can turn around their controllable heart disease risks.

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes several days a

week. A brisk walk is a great choice.

• Tackle obesity by eating a balanced low-sugar, low-sodium, and healthy-fats diet. Eat as many homecooked foods as possible.

• Manage stress through exercise and relaxation techniques.

• Get at least eight hours of sleep per day.

• Work with a healthcare team to manage blood cholesterol and high blood pressure through medication and/or lifestyle modifications.

Heart Attack Signs in Women

1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

5. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to Piedmont Henry Hospital right away.

Be proactive for your heart health and make an appointment at Atlanta Heart Associates to have your health evaluated today.

350 Country Club Drive, Suite A, Stockbridge, GA 30281, 770-692-4000.

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FEATURE

Pain-Free Treatment Available for HEMORRHOIDS

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hanks to a non-surgical procedure called the CRH-O’Regan Disposable Hemorrhoid Banding System, patients do not need to suffer in silence from hemorrhoids. This safe and effective technique enables patients to be treated quickly, return to work the same day and resume normal activity with very little discomfort.

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women – especially pregnant women – and about half the population will get them by age 50. Hemorrhoids are actually swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus and can be extremely uncomfortable. For most women, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem resulting from the pressure of the fetus on the abdomen, hormonal changes and pressure on the blood vessels during childbirth. For both men and women, they can be caused by constipation, diarrhea, obesity, heavy lifting, or long periods of sitting.

Most patients only decide to see a gastroenterologist when the bleeding, pain, burning or itching becomes unbearable. When

symptoms do become a problem, the physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates (AGA) have been trained and certified in the CRHO’Regan Disposable Hemorrhoid Banding System to offer patients relief. In the past, surgery was frequently recommended to treat internal hemorrhoids. But this method uses a small rubber band to strangulate the base of the swollen vein and cut off the blood supply to the hemorrhoid. Some patients may need more than one treatment, but they can be spread out a couple of weeks apart.

The procedure itself is minimally invasive and is over 90% effective. Plus, it does not require anesthesia, lasts less than five minutes and is typically performed in the office. Many patients go back to work after their appointment and resume normal activity. With this procedure, patients can finally end their discomfort for good.

The physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates see patients at more than 35 locations across metro Atlanta. To make an appointment, call 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242], or visit www.atlantagastro.com.

Advantages of the O’Regan Banding Technique • Highly effective treatment for hemorrhoids • Minimal pain or discomfort • Patients can quickly resume normal activity and return to work • No anesthesia needed • Very quick procedure lasting about 5 minutes • Performed in office or endoscopy suite

Fayetteville

Locust Grove

Stockbridge

1260 Highway 54 W • Suite 103 • 770.486.7000

3758 Highway 42 • Suite 301 • 678.432.8246

7402 Davidson Parkway • 770.507.0909

1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242] www.atlantagastro.com AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

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Dr. Stephanie Gordon

Specializing in Gynecology & Urogynecology Surgery Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Trent Rice

Care We Provide:

Procedures We Provide:

• Well Women Health Care and Comprehensive Annual Exams

• Davinci Robotics Gynecological Surgery

• Pap Smears, Breast Exams, and

• Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, and Laparoscopic Assisted Hysterectomy

• Full Range of Contraception Options

• Myomectomy for Fibroid Tumors

• Menopausal Management - Traditional and Alternative

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• Adolescent and Pediatric Gynecology • Infertility Workups Marcia Harmon, CNM

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (including pellets, injections and compounding cream)

• Hysteroscopic Surgery

• Bladder Problems and Incontinence

• Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder Leakage

• Accidental Bowel Leakage or Chronic Constipation Management • Pelvic Relaxation or Prolapse Management

Maria Epling, CNP

• Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Problems, Endometriosis, Tubal and Adhesive Diseases • Colposcopies for Abnormal Pap Smears and LEEP Procedures

•I Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

• Treatment for Fibroids, Endometriosis, Abnormal Bleeding, and Ovarian Cyst

• Procedures for Accidental Bowel Leakage including Interstim and Solesta Injections

• Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment

• In office Anesthesia Provided by

• Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Most Major Medical Insurance and Medicare Accepted 140 Eagles Spring Court • Stockbridge, GA 30281 • 770.302.0878 2750 Owens Drive • Conyers, GA 30094 • 678.413.4644

www.womenscenterga.com

Lanie Vu, NP

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Privileges at Piedmont Henry & Rockdale Hospitals

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women’s health FEATURE

What is a Urogynecologist?

By: Stephanie Gordon, MD A urogynecologist is a surgeon who has specialized in the care of women with pelvic floor disorders.

The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues in the lower part of the pelvis that provides support for a woman’s internal organs, including the bowel, bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum.

Pelvic floor disorders can occur when women have weakened pelvic muscles or tears in the connective tissue due to excessive strain on the pelvis due to childbirth, repeated strenuous activity, menopause, chronic disease, or pelvic surgery. Other factors that can weaken the pelvic floor include repetitive heavy lifting, tobacco use, and genetics.

Dr. Stephanie Gordon is one of only 10 Board Certified Urogynecologists in the state of Georgia.

She is double Board Certified in the subspecialty of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery as well as General Gynecology. With this background, she is able to take care of the Well Woman as well as to give cutting edge medicine to the patient with complicated gynecology issues.

What type of problems can Dr. Gordon manage and treat?

Incontinence: loss of bladder or bowel control, leaking of urine or feces.

Prolapse: descent of the pelvic organs, a bulge and /or pressure; dropped uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum.

Pain: discomfort to the lower back, pelvic, bladder, or urethra- including Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome, pain with sex.

Overactive Bladder: frequent need to void, bladder pressure, urgency, leaking of urine on the way to the bathroom.

How can Dr. Gordon treat these problems?

With conservative (non-surgical) or surgical therapy depending on your wishes, the severity of your condition, or your general health. Conservative options include medications, pelvic exercises, behavioral and diet modifications, vaginal devices (pessaries), Pelvic Floor Therapy (including InTone), and Biofeedback and Electrical Stimulation.

Safe and effective surgical procedures are also utilized to treat incontinence and prolapse.

Dr. Gordon also provides advance gynecology care including: Well Woman Annual Exams, Contraception including hormonal and non-hormonal therapies, ESSURE tubal ligation in office, Nexplanon, Mirena and Paraguard IUDs, traditional tubal ligation. Treatment for heavy menstrual cycles-including endometrial ablation in office (Novasure, Thermachoice, and HTA).

Myomectomy (fibroid removal) and Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) –over 95% of these can be performed vaginally or through a laparoscope (tiny incisions on abdomen)-can be performed with the Da Vinci Robotic system with only an outpatient admission to the hospital.

Menopausal Management -including natural therapy, bio-identical hormones, compounded creams, injections, pellets, and traditional hormone replacement.

Pediatric and adolescent gynecology-HPV vaccines, acne, heavy/painful cycles, endometriosis, STD testing, and chronic infections.

Infertility work ups and therapies.

For your convenience-In office ultrasound, bladder testing, surgical procedures with IV anesthesia available with anesthesiologist.

For more information, visit our website at www.womenscenterga.com SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN HENRY

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FEATURE

SACRED JOURNEY HOSPICE: Now Accepting Scholarship Applications By: Lauren Keefer The Sacred Journey Hospice Foundation is seeking outstanding student applicants for our 2016 Scholarship Programs. The general scholarship program offers up to ten $1,000 scholarships to students in the local community pursuing a career in the medical field. This scholarship is also available to students who have lost a parent, sibling, or guardian.

We are looking for students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher living in Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Butts, or Spalding Counties who have been accepted or are enrolled in an accredited college or university and are passionate about their fields of study. This is a renewable scholarship opportunity.

“It really helped me be able to focus on and enjoy my freshman year,” said Mallory Cobb, a 2014 recipient and Healthcare Promotions major at the University of Georgia. “It went towards my meal plan

and housing, and not having to worry about those bills made a difference.”

The 2016 Rheda Wanstreet Scholarship will award another deserving student in the local community with a $1,000 scholarship to pursue a degree in the same areas as above, but will be bestowed upon a current hospice employee or volunteer; or the child, stepchild or grandchild of a current hospice employee or volunteer. This award is given in memory of Ms. Wanstreet, a longtime hospice volunteer and friend, and recipients should embody her spirit of service to others.

“School can be a financial strain. The science courses I take often require books that cost $200 or more,” said Reginald Dunson, a 2015 recipient who is studying for his nursing degree at Georgia Perimeter College.

“The scholarship helped offset the cost of my books.”

To apply for the 2016 Sacred Journey Hospice Foundation scholarship programs, please visit sacredjourneyhospice.org to download the application, required materials list, and instructions.

All applications must be received by April 15, 2016 to be considered.

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Not a week goes by without someone extolling the virtues of Mediterranean cuisine and its central ingredient, olive oil. But considering that there are approximately 2,000 varieties on the market, making a choice among the rows of bottles on grocery store shelves can be daunting. Here are a few pointers about olive oil so you can get the best value for price.

First of all, a little lesson: the olive is a fruit, of which there are more than 500 varieties around the world. Almost all the olives we eat and use are produced by six countries in the Mediterranean basin.

You can give the nod to red wine and dark chocolate

Let’s start with the positive effects of red wine in preventing heart disease. Resveratrol is the ingredient in red wine we should all be thankful for. This is one of the most powerful antioxidants around, as it reduces the amount of saturated fat in the arteries. This same antioxidant is also a powerful cancer-fighting agent.

Red wine has other advantages as well: it’s good for slowing down the skin’s aging process and preventing acne. Moderate consumption of this delicious nectar is also good for bone health. It helps us live longer, while protecting us against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

are antioxidants that are also present in red wine.

Dark chocolate containing at least 70 per cent cacao also improves blood circulation.

So, next time you’re drinking a glass of red wine, be sure to drink a toast to the scientific studies that have turned our guilty pleasures into healthy habits. Cheers!

WHAT WILL IT BE USED FOR? All olive oils can be used cold, while only some are suitable for cooking. As olive oil loses its flavour when it reaches temperatures of over 70°C, you’re better off keeping your best, most expensive olive oil for your salad dressings or to dribble over your favourite recipes when serving them.

Lastly, olive oil keeps for about 18 months to two years, so you should look for a bottle that has an expiry date printed on the label. Store your extra virgin olive oil at room temperature in an opaque bottle, away from the light.

If consumed in moderation, red wine and dark chocolate can improve heart health.

As for dark chocolate, our stomach bacteria turn it into compounds that reduce inflammation in cardiovascular tissue and reduce the risk of stroke.

Furthermore, it’s a great source of flavonoids, which

VIRGIN OR EXTRA VIRGIN? Extra virgin olive oil is a premium oil with a flawless taste. Its acidity has to be less than 0.80 per cent, and its refined taste and fruity ar oma distinguish it from other olive oils. Virgin olive oil is a lower-quality product.

The term “light” refers to the taste of the oil rather than its fat content, as all olive oils are 100-per cent fat.

PHOTO: THOMAS NORTHCUT / THINKSTOCK

Foodies love giving in to the temptations of fine red wine and the best dark chocolate. And more and more studies are giving them a good reason to do so, particularly because of their health benefits for the heart. Of course, the key word here is moderation, meaning a glass of red wine and just a few pieces of dark chocolate per day.

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

Which olive oil is the right one for you?

PHOTOS: STOCKBYTE / JUPITERIMAGES / EISING / MEDIOIMAGES / PHOTODISC / THINKSTOCK

VEGGIE PIZZA 1 can (11 oz) refrigerated thin pizza crust ¼ cup cream cheese 16 oz sour cream 1 packet Ranch dressing 8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese

fresh very small broccoli florets fresh very small cauliflower fresh very small carrots

Steps 1 Heat oven to 400° F. Grease 12-inch pizza pan. Unroll dough; place in greased pan. Starting at center, press dough to edges of pan. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Cool crust, about 30 minutes.

2 In small bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Ranch Dressing mix until blended. Spread over cooled crust. Top with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and refrigerate until serving. Option: You can use any vegetables your family prefers.

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Saturday mammog Now available.

Between juggling a busy schedule, family, home and work, it can be hard to find time for you. Our appointments are designed to provide an easy way for today’s busy woman to get a screening mammogram. More appointments, more days of the week with more comfort provided by a caring and experienced staff.

Call 678.604.1055 to schedule your appointment.

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Piedmont Henry Breast Health Center Henry Physician Center 1240 Eagle’s Landing Parkway Suite 200 Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 678.604.1058 Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 pm., Saturday

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Make Morning Workouts Work For You!

general health

FEATURE

Many men and women struggle to find time to exercise. If hectic schedules dominated by professional and personal commitments have made it difficult to make exercise part of your daily routine, you might want to consider skipping the snooze button so you can work out in the early morning hours.

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arly morning workouts have their ups and downs. Glucose levels in the body tend to be low in the morning, when many people wake up with a relatively empty stomach. Low blood glucose levels can cause feelings of nausea and weakness and possibly make you feel faint. In addition, since you likely aren’t moving much while you’re asleep, your joints and muscles are likely less mobile early in the morning than they are in the evening, which can make morning workouts difficult and, if you don’t allow yourself more time to warm up, put your body at greater risk of injury. But morning workouts also can energize you throughout the day, and many people find it easier to consistently exercise in the early mornings than at night, when distractions or long days at the office can affect your motivation to workout.

Early morning exercise routines can be difficult to adjust to, but there are some ways to make the adjustment to such regimens go more smoothly.

F Make sleep a priority. Prioritizing sleep makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning, when you will face the daily temptation to hit the snooze button and roll over. But if you aren’t sleep deprived, you will find it easier to skip the snooze phase of your morning routine and get right out of bed. Skip the late night talk shows and call it a night earlier, making sure you get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Once you establish a new sleep schedule, you will find it easier and easier to get up and hit the gym in the morning.

F Designate more time to warm up. Early morning workout routines require athletes to warm up more than they would when exercising at other times of the day. As previously noted, your body is perhaps at its least mobile right when you get out of bed, so set aside more time to warm up when you workout in the mornings.

Five to 10 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise before you begin your workout can be enough to increase your body temperature and loosen your body up so it’s ready for exercise.

F Don’t go it alone. The buddy system is effective for many people regardless of when they exercise, but it can be especially beneficial for men and women who want to start working out in the

morning. If someone is waiting for you at the gym or if your significant other is up and ready to go, you’re far less likely to skip a morning workout than you would be if you are going it alone.

F Eat at your own discretion. Some people simply cannot eat before a workout, while others find working out on an empty stomach makes them faint and weak. The problem many people who work out in the early morning encounter with regard to eating before their workouts is they simply don’t have the time to eat and afford their body enough time to turn that meal or snack into fuel that will benefit their workout. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that eating a meal 45 minutes before a moderate-intensity workout enhances exercise capability. But morning exercise enthusiasts typically find they do not have that spare 45 minutes to wait around while their bodies absorb a meal. Eating healthy before exercise, and giving your body adequate time to absorb that meal, can definitely fuel your workout.

But if that 45 minutes ultimately compromises your ability to workout, you may want to have a glass of orange juice or a drink that contains carbohydrates so your body has some fuel as you exercise.

Many adults find that mornings are the only times they can consistently exercise. Adjusting to such a routine can be difficult, but there are some ways to make that adjustment easier.

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FEATURE

MOHS SURGERY

for the Treatment of Skin Cancer An estimated two million new cases of skin cancer in the U.S. are projected each year.

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he most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.

With early detection and treatment, skin cancer is highly curable. Skin cancer is easily diagnosed with a skin biopsy. There are different treatment options for skin cancer including excisional surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), electro surgery (burning), radiation, prescription medications, and the specialized surgical technique of Mohs Micrographic Surgery. The Mohs surgery procedure has proven to be up to 99 percent effective for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the most common types of skin cancer.

Mohs surgery, developed in 1938 by Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, is microscopically controlled surgery that involves the complete evaluation of the surgical margins for skin cancer removal.

Mohs surgery is typically an office-based procedure performed safely under local anesthesia, which reduces recovery time and has fewer side effects than general anesthesia. During Mohs surgery, the skin cancer is removed layer by layer and the tissue is processed at an on-site laboratory. The tissue slides are examined by the Mohs surgeon who performs the pathology services, all while the patient remains in the office. If more cancer remains, the Mohs surgeon removes more tissue precisely from only the area with remaining cancer, and this additional layer of tissue is processed and microscopically examined. This process continues until all of the cancerous tissue is removed. Mohs surgery allows for the complete removal of the skin cancer, yet minimizes the removal of healthy tissue, leaving the smallest possibly surgical wound. After Mohs surgery confirms that all of the skin cancer has been removed, the surgical defect is immediately ready for repair. There are several options for repair that include allowing the wound to heal on its own or surgically repairing the defect. Frequently, the Mohs surgeon also performs the

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reconstructive surgery with a sutured linear repair, skin graft, or skin flap. In some cases, the repair of the wound is performed by another surgical specialist.

Mohs surgery is appropriate and often the best treatment option for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers that are located in cosmetically sensitive or functionally critical areas such as around the eyes, nose, lips, ears, face, scalp, hands, feet, or genitals. Additionally, Mohs surgery is appropriate for large, recurrent, aggressive, rapidly growing, and ill-defined skin cancers. However, Mohs surgery is not warranted for all skin cancers, particularly small or superficial skin cancers located on the trunk, arms, and legs. Determining the best treatment option for skin cancer involves careful consideration by the patient and the dermatologist or other skin care provider.

The diagnosis of skin cancer can cause significant concern and fear for patients. Many times, the involvement of the cancer beneath the skin may be much more than meets the naked eye. If left untreated or if incompletely removed, the skin cancer can continue to progress and be disfiguring or even potentially life-threatening. Of the many treatment options for skin cancer, Mohs surgery is considered the “Gold Standard� because it offers the highest potential cure rate (99 percent for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and it offers superior cosmetic results by leaving healthy tissue intact. Mohs surgery is a highly effective advanced technique for the treatment of skin cancer that provides the patients with quick resolution, rapid recovery, and peace of mind.

Dr. John Fountain, Dr. Darryl Hodson, Dr. Allen Filstein and Katharine Simmon, PA-C at Georgia Dermatology offer general and surgical dermatology to you and your family.

Call the office today at 770-785-SKIN (7546) to schedule an appointment or visit the website at GaDerm.com for more information.

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FAMILY OUTING

and Staycation!

Self-Guided Tour Activities There is so much to do and see at the Monastery.

Some of the many activities their guests enjoy on their visits include:

snack at the Cafe and review one of our many books about faith and Christianity • Take a walk and explore some of the many unique features of the Monastery which include:

• A self-guided tour of the Monastic Museum at the Visitor Center, including a video about the life of the monks at the Monastery

o The Prayer Walk where you can learn about Cistercian Saints

• Visit the Abbey Church and join the monks for mass, mid-day prayer or vespers

o Feed the ducks at the Monastery Lakes

• Learn about the art of Bonsai and shop for unique garden gifts at The Monastery Garden Center • Visit the Abbey Store, enjoy a cup of coffee or a

o Magnolia Lane • Make the Stations of the Cross at the Monastery Stations along the lake • Plan a bike ride or walk along the Rockdale River trail through the Monastery property.

Bring your family and your pets and spend a day at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit!

Visit the website for details www.trappist.net

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The Power of a Positive Attitude A

balanced diet, exercise, genetics, and developing cardiovascular disease and aging even certain medications can work in prematurely. concert to make a person healthy. But Conversely, maintaining a positive attitude can a person’s demeanor be good for your health. also can factor into Studies have shown that personal health. thinking positively can The Mayo Clinic lower rates of depression says that whether and anxiety, increase life or not a person is expectancy and provide an optimist or a greater resistance to pessimist can affect certain illnesses, such many areas of his or as the common cold. her health and wellA 2012 preliminary being, and those who study from researchers see the glass as halfat Stanford University full may ultimately be found that daughters of healthier than those mothers suffering from who see it as halfdepression were able to empty.

Laughter and positive thinking can be good witness their own stress Positive thinking levels go down on a realfor your health. can make it easier to time brain scan as they manage stress. The body responds differently switched from negative thoughts to happy ones. based on an individual’s mood, and it may Researchers are unsure why positive thinking produce stress hormones if a person’s outlook is has such profound effects. But in addition to negative. Such stress hormones can compromise limiting stress-releasing hormones, positive the immune system, increase blood pressure thinking may inspire people to live healthier and even reduce the body’s ability to burn lifestyles that make them more likely to get fat effectively. Thinking negatively and being routine physical activity and eat a healthy diet. on edge also can increase a person’s risk for Happy people also may be less likely to use

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LAUGHTER IS GOOD MEDICINE

Laughter combined with positive thinking is a prescription for good health. Research shows laughter relaxes the entire body, relieving physical tension and stress for up to 45 minutes.

Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases infection-fighting antibodies. Endorphins that promote an overall sense of well-being and relieve pain can be released from a hearty bout of laughter. Furthermore, laughter can increase blood flow throughout the body, which protects against hypertension and heart attack. tobacco products or alcohol as a coping mechanism when dealing with elevated stress levels, and such people will not have to deal with the side effects that can come with these unhealthy behaviors.

Becoming a more positive thinker can take a little effort for those without a natural inclination for optimism. But because positive thinking boasts such significant health benefits, men and women might want to try the following methods to embrace their optimistic side.

DE xercise. Start an exercise regimen, as physical activity naturally reduces stress and can improve mood.

D Embrace humor. Surround yourself with others who bring a smile to your face. Look for ways to laugh as much as possible. Rather than go out to dinner or a bar with friends, head to a comedy club. Choose comedies at the movie theater and find humor in everyday happenings.

D Identify areas that need change. Think about moments in life that may bring you down or inspire negative reactions. If work is problematic, figure out ways to make it better and work toward improving the situation.

D Be supportive of yourself. Consider what you would say to others and then treat yourself the same way. Would you be overly negative g d or derogatory toward a complete stranger? Probably not, and power there is no reason to be harsh with yourself, either. Push negative positive thoughts away. power D Volunteer. One way to see the world in a more positive g d helpful light is to help others who may be less fortunate than you. g d Volunteering not only helps others, but it also can g d positive beneficial help you put your own problems in positive g d power beneficial en usiastic perspective. Volunteering also helps helpful en usiastic positive you feel good about your efforts, which power positive can translate into positive thinking. helpful g d en usiastic helpful beneficial g d DT hink like a child. Take a cue from youngsters positive power supportive and find joy in the little things. Let children be the supportive en usiastic leaders in activities and mimic what they do. You power just may find yourself laughing more and enjoying g d g d yourself. Being silly for a little while is one way to positive g d positive helpful g d g d g d recapture the feelings of youth. e ective beneficial positive supportive Positive thinking is more than the subject matter of e ective e ective supportive self-help books. It’s a viable way to improve personal g positived e ective health and live longer. e ective g d g d

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CONTROLLING DIABETES

W

with Diet and Exercise

hen you have type 2 diabetes, exercising and watching what you eat can help you control your blood sugar, stave off hunger and feel full longer.

Diabetes is when your blood sugar – or glucose level – is higher than normal. Balancing what you eat and your physical activity are key to managing your diabetes – and may even help you reduce or eliminate medical therapies to treat your diabetes.

Having diabetes shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying a wide variety of foods, but learning to eat certain foods in moderation, while incorporating foods lower in carbohydrates, can help you feel satisfied, while reducing blood sugar levels. For example, these foods can help you keep blood sugar in check and keep you healthier overall: F raw, cooked or roasted vegetables F greens F water infused with a lemon wedge, flavored ice, or hot or cold tea with lemon or a cinnamon stick

F melon or berries F whole-grain, high-fiber foods such as dried beans or lentils F “good” fats, like olive oil, avocado or fatty fishes F proteins such as Greek yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, eggs and lean meats Adding exercise doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or bench-press 300 pounds. You can get active and stay active doing things you enjoy, from dancing to gardening to playing tennis with friends. Try to include aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility and stretching exercises, and balance exercises, and strive to incorporate more activity throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of riding the elevator. Pick the farthest parking space from the mall entrance. Get up every hour while you’re at work, stretch, and take a quick walk around your office. In short, take every opportunity to get up and move.

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Your doctor can help you safely begin an exercise program and offer more suggestions for eating healthy. Omotayo Akinmade, M.D., with Piedmont Physicians in Stockbridge, focuses on preventive medicine and treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes, treating the whole individual and emphasizing the patient-provider relationship. If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you may have diabetes, call Dr. Akinmade’s office to schedule an appointment today at 678-289-7700.

When you’re sick today, tomorrow isn’t soon enough.

Same-day Appointments

Virtual Visits

Get care on your time, in good time. piedmont.org/now 26 HEALTHY IN HENRY | SPRING 2016

Online Scheduling

Urgent Care

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ENCOURAGE A LOVE OF…

Physical Activity in Youngsters

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ccording to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, children and adolescents should engage in physical activity for 60 minutes or more each day. While fulfilling those requirements might not have been a problem for kids who grew up before the dawn of the Internet, nowadays kids are spending less time playing outside and more time on their computers or other devices.

That reality is problematic for parents who want their kids to embrace physical activity thanks to the positive impact that exercise can have on kids’ physical and mental well-being. Parents hoping to instill a love of physical activity in their youngsters may find that taking a more active role by exercising with their kids is an effective way to get them off the couch and away from their computer screens. w Turn errands into exercise opportunities. Many parents take their children along with them when running errands. When such errands don’t necessarily require the use of a car, consider riding bicycles instead. Kids who otherwise don’t enjoy errands may now find them more fun, all the while fulfilling their daily recommended quotas for exercise and spending quality time with their parents. w Include kids in your own athletic pursuits. Parents might not be able to take younger kids along with them to the gym, but that does not mean your youngsters must be excluded from all of your athletic pursuits. If you have any upcoming athletic activities or challenges on your schedule, such as a new recreational sports season or community fun run or 5K, let kids tag along as you train or practice. Parents of

adolescents can inquire at their local gyms if they offer discounted memberships to teens. If so, take kids along with you on trips to the gym so they learn the value and benefits of daily strength and conditioning exercises. w Make more time to play. Parents may already have busy schedules, but finding time to play with their kids is a great way to get youngsters to embrace physical activity. Kids might be reluctant to shoot hoops in the driveway if no one is willing to join them, but they will likely be far more willing to do so if mom and dad are willing to play with them. This is not only a good way for parents to ensure their kids get enough exercise, but also a great and fun way for moms and dads to make time for physical activity. w Recognize that physical activity does not have to mean organized sports. Some kids have no interest in team sports while others do not have the athletic ability to compete after a certain age.

Parents who want their kids to exercise more should recognize that there are plenty of ways to be physically active that do not involve organized team sports. Hiking; riding bicycles; swimming at a nearby pool, lake or ocean; and even going for nightly walks are all physical activities that people of all ages and athletic abilities can enjoy.

Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.

While getting kids to put down their tablets and gaming system remote controls may not be easy, parents who resolve to exercise with their children might find their youngsters more receptive to regular physical activity.

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FEATURE

Tips for preparing your vegetable garden Are you feeling the urge to grow your own vegetables now that spring is here? What a great idea. Planting your own garden is a rewarding activity that will not only save you money but will also provide you with vegetables overflowing with goodness and flavor.

during the first year. You’re much better off trying your hand at a small vegetable garden to start with. Remember that you’ll need to devote some time to this activity.

A vegetable garden measuring 2.5 square metres will require about 45 minutes per week of maintenance work.

Organizing your first vegetable garden requires a little planning. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sun per day and is sheltered from the wind. Make sure you have a source of water nearby. The size of the garden should be in proportion to what you want to plant. A tip: don’t go overboard

There are four essential steps to preparing the ground: weeding, turning the soil, aerating and adding compost and a natural fertilizer. Wait until the ground has dried out so as not to end up with soil that is compact and difficult to work with. Although it may seem tedious, preparing the soil is of paramount importance; the lighter and looser the soil, the better your chances of success.

Wait until all risk of ground frost has passed before you plant anything. By the way, there’s one thing you can be sure of: your patien­­ce will be fully rewarded when the time comes to harvest your crop.

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Pampering your yard Has winter been hard on your lawn?

Don’t panic. The first thing to remember is not to rush outside and start work on the grass when the ground is still soaking wet. The time to get out the leaf rake and pick up all the debris is when you can walk on the grass without sinking in.

be patches of grass that are completely dried out. To ensure that weeds don’t take over all the bare spots, aerate your lawn and sow grass seed as soon as possible.

A tip: use quality seed. Better to pay a little more than end up with a bag of seed that may contain weeds.

Make the most of a beautiful day to remove any protective covering from your trees and shrubs. Cut back dead and damaged branches, being careful not to damage the buds. Remove annuals, prune perennials and clean your rockeries if you didn’t get around to doing these chores last fall.

Go gently, taking care not to trample on perennials that are already beginning to show. Add compost (and some soil, if necessary), and cover your beds with a good layer of mulch.

No time to take care of yard work in the spring? Hire a freelance gardener; he or she will love pampering your yard for you.

You may have noticed that field mice or other rodents have made furrows across your lawn. There may also

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Plan Ahead for

I

PEACE OF MIND

n life, we’re always making plans. Planning for a new home.

Planning our children’s educations. Planning our next vacation. Even planning for retirement.

But something many of us never think to plan are our end-of-life decisions.

Did you know that there are more than 100 decisions that have to be made in the first 24 hours following a death? These decisions place even more strain on our loved ones at a time when they’re already faced with heartbreaking loss.

WHY PLAN AHEAD? Preplanning is one of the most caring things you can do for your loved ones. It provides them with a clearer picture of your final wishes and offers them reassurance about how you would really prefer to be remembered.

These plans may be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.

The preplanning process allows you to plan at your own pace, equipped with facts and ample information, so that you feel comfortable about the choices you make.

You can also prefund your arrangements to avoid placing future financial burdens on your family. Making arrangements in advance also allows you to prefund at today’s prices.

When you plan ahead for one of life’s most significant events, you can: • Ease your family’s emotional burden. Eliminate some of the stress and emotional upheaval of this traumatic time, when decision making can seem so overwhelming. What’s more, your family will know that you’ve taken the time to plan calmly and with ample information in hand, helping to alleviate

emotional overspending.

• Make informed decisions. Many cemeteries and crematories can provide you and your family with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed end-of-life decisions. During pre-planning, staff members can review your options and help you clarify what your priorities and wishes are.

You can also choose to meet with a representative in the comfort of your own home.

• Ensure your wishes are carried out. Preplanning gives you the opportunity to ensure that all necessary documentation and information are stored in a single location, often securely placed with the provider of your end-of-life arrangements. Your family will have access to all the items they need to be sure your final wishes are fulfilled.

By preplanning, you can take care of decisions related to: • cemetery property (ground burial – mausoleum - cremation garden) • memorial type and inscription • funeral services • casket or urn • clothing • flowers • music • favorite Bible passages or other readings • locations for visitation, memorial services and funeral • other special requests Taking a few moments now to prepare for the future and identifying what steps you need to take can ensure your peace of mind today – and greater peace of mind for your loved ones in the future, as they celebrate and honor your memory.

At Eastlawn Memorial Park, the dedicated staff is always available to assist you. Their preplanning counselors can meet with you at their McDonough location or come to your home. With their help, you can decide how you want to be remembered and allow your loved ones to focus on memories of your life, at their time of need. For a free planning guide or for more information, visit them at 640 McGarity Road or call 770-957-8330.

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Where Will Your Family Celebrate Your Life?

At Eastlawn Memorial Park we have several options.

Our compassionate preplanning counselors are ready to speak with you and your family about your final resting place.

F Traditional ground burial with flat and upright memorials F Cascading Waters Cremation Garden with many personalized options F Mausoleum with above ground entombment and cremation niches F Veteran’s Garden for veterans and their families

Eastlawn Memorial Park 640 McGarity Road McDonough, GA 30252

770-957-8330

EastlawnMemorialPark.com

Call Today for a FREE Planning Guide SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN HENRY

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“Postal Customer”

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 15 Monroe, GA ECRWSS

We have the latest technology to treat your heart and a level of personal care to ease your mind.

-from our heart to yours

Same Day Appointments

Stockbridge • Riverdale • Fayetteville • Locust Grove Jackson • Griffin • Camp Creek • East Point • Conyers Country Club A, Drive, Ste. A GA 30281 350 Country350 Club Drive, Suite Stockbridge, 770-692-4000 Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-692-4000 www.atlantaheartassociates.com 32 HEALTHY IN HENRY | SPRING 2016