Healthy in Rockdale Spring 2016

SPRING 2016 The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Rockdale County area and beyond.

Organic or NON-ORGANIC? Chicken and Pasta DINNER LOCAL HEART Health Stories

Serving Rockdale & Newton Area Over 16 Years!

EASTSIDE INTERNAL MEDICINE, LLC BOARD CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

SYED WASIM MD, MPH

FARHANA QUASEM MD

Most Insurance Accepted!

Walk-Ins Welcome!

On-Site Lab & X-Ray! Doctor on Call 24/7!

MASOOD SIDDIQUEE MD, MRCP (U.K.)

• Hypertension/Diabetes/High Cholesterol • Women’s Wellness • Pap Smear • Drug Screens • Physicals & Sports Physicals • Worker’s Comp. Injuries • Asthma/Emphysema • Thyroid • Depression • Men’s Health • Erectile Dysfunction • STD Treatment • Minor Surgery • Heart Failure

2080 Eastside Drive, Conyers, Georgia • 678-625-7800 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 noon

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED 2 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

PHOTOS: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

FEATURES IN FOCUS SPRING 2016

Spring is in the air Organic or Not?...

That is the Question

PAGE 6

Spring Time Illness and Injury PAGE 12

All About Menopause PAGE 15

Local Heart Health Stories PAGE 21

SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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ISSUE GUIDE

SPRING 2016 CONTENTS 6. Organic or Not?…That is the Question 9. Everyday Steps to Sun Safety 10. Urogynecology and Gynecology Care 12. Spring Time Illness and Injury 14. Well-Woman Exams 15. All About Menopause 17.

Living with Diabetes Doesn’t Mean You Have to Feel Deprived

19. A Common Circulatory Disorder 21. Local Heart Health Stories 22. Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives 23. Chicken and Pasta Dinner 25. What Can You Do to Safeguard Your Hearing at All Ages?

26. Prepare Now to Plant Later 27. Healthy Ways to Handle Stress 28. What Is General Surgery?

30. Reduce Your Muffin Top 33. Understanding Women’s Cancers 35. What Are Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndromes?

37. When Choosing Medical Care, Know Your Options

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38. You and Your Reproductive System

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

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 6, SPRING 2016

ANNETTE GODWIN Manager CAROL MASSEY Graphics/Layout Design LEE UDELL; DAVID COOPER; NANCY KERSEY; DR. KATHLEEN LAMBERT Writers

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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 Rockdale accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or pho足tographs.

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

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k SPRING FEATURE

Organic or Not?…

That is the Question S

hoppers are often willing to pay a fat premium – as much as double the price – for anything with the word “organic” or “natural” on the label. But are these pricier foods really always the healthier option – and are they worth their higher price tags?

With more than 70% of Americans buying organic at least occasionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed strict standards on which foods can be labeled “organic.” Fruits, vegetables and grains must be grown on land free of prohibited synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge, and genetic engineering or irradiation aren’t allowed. Meat, poultry and milk must come from animals that are free of growth hormones and antibiotics usually given to conventionally raised animals. Also, they must be fed organic feed and have access to the outdoors – though this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re allowed to roam free.

All these caveats sound good to most consumers. But how do you know which organic foods are truly more healthful than conventionally produced foods –

6 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

and worth the extra money? For example, scientists say that non-organic bananas and oranges shed virtually all chemical residue when you peel them, so there’s no real benefit to buying organic fruits like these.

Most sources agree that, even after washing, some produce still carries higher levels of pesticides. The so-called “dirty dozen” must-buy organic foods are: • apples • cherries • grapes • imported chilies • nectarines/peaches • pears

• raspberries • strawberries • bell peppers • celery • potatoes • spinach

If you can afford the 50% premium for these foods, you should go organic.

However, when it comes to many other foods, save your grocery money and buy the cheapest ones available, because your risk of consuming any pesticide residues are almost nonexistent: • bananas • kiwi • mangos • papaya • pineapple • asparagus

• avocado • broccoli • cauliflower • corn • onions • peas

You can eat healthy and still save money when you buy the conventional produce listed above. Then use your savings to

written by Lee Udell

splurge on certain organic meats and milk. Experts generally agree that organic beef and poultry are worth the extra cost, as is organic milk. While these grocery items might cost you double the price of comparable conventional foods, they’re worth the money, because the hormones and antibiotics present in conventional beef, poultry and milk can directly affect your family’s health.

So, how can you buy the right organic foods for you family and still save money?

Comparison shop in your local grocery stores. Most have a section of organic produce, and they frequently offer this produce on sale. Be open to eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, so you can take advantage of special pricing, while also limiting exposure to any one specific type of pesticide residue. And select only produce that is subject to USDA regulations – produce imported from other countries isn’t grown under the same regulations.

One of the best ways to eat organic is to shop at your local farmers’ market.

Many farmers don’t charge a premium,

and produce grown locally doesn’t require storage and long-distance shipping, so fewer pesticides are used. Ramsey Produce on Usher Street in Covington is open year round to offer seasonal pickings as they’re available. Check their Facebook page or call (770) 403-3815 for hours.

Many local beef producers offer whole or half cows for sale, if you’re willing to buy an extra freezer for storage. Nearby, Verner Farms in Rutledge offers natural beef for sale. Learn more about them at www.vernerfarms.com or call 706-3425667. Additionally, some organic beef can even be mail ordered and shipped nationwide.

Local dairies may be a little harder to find, but many offer not only milk but also butter and cheeses made from the organic milk they produce. Some, like Johnston Family Farm in Newborn, offer their products through outlets like Bread and Butter Bakery in Covington, or you can visit the farm by appointment. Learn more about them at www.johnstonfamilyfarm. com or call 706-247-5023.

SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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NEW PATIENTS & MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED!

Katharine Simmon, PA-C

John Fountain, MD

Darryl Hodson, MD

Allen Filstein, MD

Katharine Simmon Has Joined Our Team!

770-785-SKIN (7546) 1349 Milstead Road • CONYERS Skin Cancer Removal • Mohs Surgery Routine Skin Exams • Mole Removal General & Surgical Dermatology 8 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

GaDerm.com

Everyday Steps TO SUN SAFETY

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written by Lee Udell

W

ith summer time quickly approaching, most people like to be outdoors. The benefits come with a dangerous tradeoff. Each year more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US. Whenever you’re outdoors, be smart about it.

EVERYDAY STEPS TO SUN SAFETY: Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are usually strongest.

Do not burn. It only takes one sunburn to increase your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer; suffering five or more sunburns doubles your lifetime risk.

Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. A tan is never safe, whether you acquire it on the beach or in a salon.

New sunlamps used in tanning salons emit UVR doses as much as 12 times that of the sun. Occasional indoor tanning bed use almost triples your chances of developing melanoma. In general, it is far safer to obtain vitamin D through D-rich foods and/or dietary supplements.

Cover up with clothing, broad-brimmed hat & UV blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, particularly bright or dark colored fabrics. Hats with a brim of 3” or greater offer significant protection from the sun for the face. Sunglasses block 99100% of the sun’s UV rays shielding your eyes and the surrounding skin from skin cancer.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, daily. If used correctly, SPF 15 sunscreen would prevent sunburn 15 times longer than if the product weren’t used.

However, a high SPF alone is not enough. SPF measures protection against UVB, but not against the sun’s deeply penetrating UVA rays, causing as much or even more damage. Always use SPF products with “broad spectrum” protection.

Use sunscreen every day, year-round, in every kind of weather.

• Sunlight reflects off snow, ice, sand and water, intensifying UVR effects by up to 80%.

• Overcast days: 70-80% of UVR travel through clouds.

• At high altitudes (mountains), the thinner atmosphere filters out less UVR.

Examine your skin head-to-toe once every month: • Start with your head and face.

• Check hands (including nails), elbows, arms, underarms, torso and trunk.

• Use a hand mirror and a full-sized mirror to check your back, the back of your neck, and other hard-to-see places.

• Check legs and feet, including soles, heels, toes, and nails.

Look for skin changes of any kind. A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode or bleed or a sore that does not heal within two weeks could be signs of melanoma. How to check: o Asymmetry o Border is irregular o Color changes or appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black or multicolored o Diameter is bigger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser) o Evolves or changes in any way (change in texture, size, or thickness; appears after age 21) See your dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam.

Regular total-body checkups are the best way to make sure your skin is healthy and stays that way.

Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin disorders including: skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer removal, Mohs skin cancer surgery, skin exams, mole removal and treatment of psoriasis, eczema, acne, rashes, warts and other skin irritations.

Georgia Dermatology’s providers and staff are very experienced and handle each patient’s condition with skill and professionalism. Call us today at (770) 785-SKIN (7546) or visit us online at GaDerm.com to schedule your annual skin exam.

SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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women’s health FEATURE

Urogynecology and Gynecology Care

E

written by Lee Udell

very day, millions of women silently wrestle with issues that cause untold embarrassment, inconvenience and discomfort. While many people think that urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are uncommon issues, affecting only a small number of elderly or disabled women, the truth is that these issues are remarkably common. In fact, data from Yale University shows that about 35% of women who visit their gynecologist’s office for routine care have urinary incontinence (UI), while 40% experience moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse.

Prolapse and incontinence frequently occur together. And, indeed, pelvic floor conditions are more common than hypertension, depression, or diabetes in women.

Yet, if you’re like many women, seeking help for these conditions can be a source of embarrassment or fear - or even hopelessness. The stigma of Ul and other pelvic floor conditions is enough to keep many women from admitting their concerns, even to their own physicians. And living with these conditions can be devastating psychologically, as well as socially, emotionally and physically.

The good news is that, while problems like these are common, they aren’t considered normal or inevitable, regardless of age or health, and many effective forms of treatment are available.

The field of urogynecology is a specialized area of both urology and gynecology that focuses on treating women who are faced with these sensitive issues. Urogynecologists receive extensive training in the treatment of conditions that affect the female pelvic organs, as well as the muscles and connective tissue that support these organs.

Treatment for incontinence and prolapse protrusion of the bladder or vagina from your body - can be either non-surgical or surgical. The first step in getting help is to see a physician who has experience treating these types of conditions and learn about what may be causing your problem.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history, conduct a physical exam, and discuss with you which tests are appropriate.

Your physical exam

10 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

may reveal signs of medical conditions that can cause incontinence, like treatable blockages from bowel or pelvic growths. Tests may include an ultrasound, cystoscopy (using a tiny camera to see inside your urethra and bladder), a urinalysis, and urodynamics to measure pressure in the bladder and the flow of urine.

Depending upon your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health, your physician may recommend conservative, non-surgical therapies as the first approach to treat your pelvic floor disorder. These include medications, pelvic muscle exercise, lifestyle and dietary modifications, use of a vaginal support device called a pessary, and biofeedback.

If your condition doesn’t improve, your doctor may suggest surgery. Many of the available surgical procedures for incontinence and prolapse are minimally invasive, including some roboticassisted surgeries that may offer a more effective treatment option. Using tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, your surgeon can operate with greater precision and control, so your recovery is faster and less painful, with a better clinical outcome.

These are just some of the procedures your doctor may consider to treat your incontinence or prolapse. Of course, your p h y s i c i a n ’s recommendations will depend on your diagnosis.

Providing Individualized Ca

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PROCEDURES WE PROVIDE

STEPHANIE GORDON, MD

TRENT RICE, MD

L N VU, NP LA

MARIA EPLING, NP

• DaVinci Robotics Gynecological Surgery • Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, and Laparoscopic Assisted Hysterectomy • Myomectomy for Fibroid Tumors • In-of ESSURE Tubal Ligation • Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Problems, Endometriosis, Tubal and Adhesive Diseases

• Hysteroscopic Surgery • Colposcopies for Abnormal Pap Smears and LEEP Procedures • Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder Leakage Endometrial Ablation for • In-of Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

Please visit our website at womenscenterga.com for all the information you need about our off ce!

CONYERS • 2750 Owens Drive • 678-413-4644 STOCKBRIDGE• Newly Expanded Of • 140 Eagles Spring Court • 770-302-0878

MOST MAJOR MEDICAL SPRING INSURANCE 2016 | HEALTHY INACCEPTED ROCKDALE 11

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Spring Time

S

Injuries & Illness

pring Fever? More like spring fractures, stubbed toes, bruises, bumps and sprains. After the Winter Doldrums, we’re all ready to get outdoors and get moving. But too many cold days cooped up indoors can lead to spring injuries from sports or outdoor chores, because our bodies aren’t ready for all the activity.

So, when an emergency strikes, do you head for the emergency room – or is an urgent care facility a better choice?

According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), an urgent care center is recommended when your condition isn’t life threatening or risking disability, but you’re concerned and can’t see your regular doctor soon enough.

Typical problems or conditions that can be handled at an urgent care clinic include: • sprains • rashes • back pain • body aches • non-severe burns or cuts • minor broken bones • eye irritation, swelling or pain • allergies • coughs, colds, sore throats or sinus infections • earaches • low-grade fevers • mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea “There’s no question that hospital emergency rooms play an important role by providing lifesaving services,” says Dr. Andrew Smith with Georgia Primary and Urgent Care, “but many injuries and illnesses are more appropriate for

12 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

written by Lee Udell

an urgent care center. Unnecessary emergency room visits can mean increased costs and longer wait times for patients seeking treatment for true emergencies.”

Most urgent care centers provide walk-in medical treatment and offer extended hours, compared to regular doctors’ offices, so you can visit during late evening hours or even on weekends. Typical wait times at urgent care facilities are usually less than 30 minutes, while ER visits often require hours of waiting. And reimbursement by insurance companies for urgent care centers is comparable to general/family practice reimbursement, which is well below the average co-pay for emergency department visits.

If you live in the Conyers area, Georgia Primary & Urgent Care at 1301 Sigman Road NE can help with those springtime minor injuries and illnesses. Call 678-609-4912, or visit them Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., or Saturday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.a

GEORGIA PRIMARY & URGENT CARE k

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FEATURE

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Walk Welc -ins ome!

Benjamin Fernando, MD, Harmon A. Smith, MD Randy Riner, PA

WE TREAT THESE CONDITIONS AND MORE: ✓ Allergies

✓ Sore throats, ear aches

✓ Asthma

✓ Vomiting, diarrhea

✓ Minor injuries and burns

✓ Skin rashes, infections

✓ Sick children

✓ Sutures/Suture removal

✓ Urinary tract infections

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✓ Animal and insect bites

✓ Minor lacerations

✓ Women’s Health

✓ Sprains

✓ High blood pressure

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

Mon-Fri: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm • Sat: 8:00 am-4:00 pm

678-609-4912

1301 Sigman Road NE • Suite 230 • Conyers, Georgia 30012 Most Insurance Accepted

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of Rockdale Medical Center SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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women’s health

written by Lee Udell FEATURE

Well-Woman Exams

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ou’re a healthy young woman, and you’re thinking to yourself: I never miss a period – they’re like clockwork – so why do I need to see my OB/GYN every year? Or you’ve already stared menopause in the face and conquered hot flashes, so you think your days of seeing the gynecologist are over.

Well, not so fast, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “The annual health assessment is a fundamental part of medical care,” says ACOG, “and is valuable in promoting prevention practices, recognizing risk factors for disease, identifying medical problems, and establishing the doctor-patient relationship.”

Your well-woman exam is about a whole lot more than just giving you a clean bill of health. Here’s five reasons why your annual check-up is so important: 1. Enjoy some bonding time. The better you and your doctor know one another, the better care you’ll get. Your doctor will be more aware of changes that could signal cause for concern. And you’ll feel more comfortable discussing “delicate” female issues, so you can catch a small issue before it becomes a big problem.

2. Ask questions – Get answers. This is your chance to ask

about anything that’s on your mind, in a caring, compassionate and confidential environment.

3. Be savvy about medical science. Technology changes rapidly, but your OB/GYN stays abreast of innovations, from diagnostic testing to birth control. Visiting every year means you’ll know more about what new options are available, so you can make better informed decisions.

4. Keep tabs on your health. Your doctor can screen you for a variety of health conditions, depending on your age, family medical history, and lifestyle habits. You can even catch up on vaccinations.

5. Baby your baby. Get to know your OB/GYN now, and you’ll be comfortable making the switch from preventive care to prenatal care to labor and delivery.

Are you looking for an OB/GYN you can trust to provide quality healthcare at every stage of your life?

Schedule a consultation with one of the physicians at New Beginnings Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare.

Call their Conyers office today, at 678-413-0858.

New Visions...New Horizons...

For all your New Beginnings women’s healthcare needs!

KATHERINE YOUNG VERONICA GARRETT MD

M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

NAOMI HARRIS SHANNON MAYFIELD

M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

C.N.M.

Call Us Today To Schedule Your Visit!

• Adult & Adolescent Gynecology • Normal & High-Risk Obstetrical Care • Contraceptive Management • Management of Fibroids • Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery • Gynecological Surgery • Disorders of the Cervix • Family Planning • Ultrasound • In-Office • Infertility • Essure Tubal Ligation and Endometrial Ablation • Menopause Management • Hysterosonogram

Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare at It’s Best!

1415 Milstead Road, Suite A • Conyers, GA 30012 • 678-413-0858 • Se habla español

WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR HEALTH PLANS ~ CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

14 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

written by Lee Udell

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women’s health FEATURE

All About Menopause

enopause is a natural part of a woman’s life cycle. During menopause, a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and produce fewer female hormones. Periods become unpredictable and then cease altogether.

In the U.S., the average age of onset for “natural” menopause is 51. Women who start menopause before age 45 are considered to have early menopause. Menopause that occurs before the age of 40 is called “premature.”

A number of factors can cause early or premature menopause. For many women, it’s simply “in the genes.” If your mother started menopause early, then you’re six times more likely to do the same. But genes only tell half the story.

Anything that damages your ovaries or stops estrogen production can cause premature menopause. This includes chemotherapy treatment for cancer or surgery to remove the ovaries. Other factors, like smoking or having a very low body mass index (BMI), can lead to early menopause, as well.

To diagnose premature menopause, your doctor will probably perform a physical exam and draw blood to rule out other conditions, such as pregnancy or thyroid disease.

Low estradiol levels can signal the beginning of menopause. And rising levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) indicate that your ovaries are slowing down their production of estrogen.

When you start menopause much earlier than normal, your doctor may be concerned about issues other than the most obvious concern: the end of your fertility. Estrogen increases “good” HDL cholesterol and decreases “bad” LDL cholesterol. It also relaxes blood vessels. And it shields bones, preventing them from thinning.

Losing estrogen earlier than normal can put you at increased risk for: • heart disease • osteoporosis • colon or ovarian cancer • depression

• dementia • periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss • cataract formation On the positive side, early menopause could actually protect you from other diseases, especially estrogen-sensitive cancers like breast cancer. Women who experience menopause later are at greater risk of breast cancer, simply because their breast tissue is exposed to estrogen longer.

One day, there may be a genetic test to determine a woman’s likelihood of beginning menopause early. But, in the meantime, see your doctor regularly for check-ups and be proactive about your reproductive health. If you’re experiencing early menopausal symptoms, your doctor can help with symptom relief, while also addressing potential risk factors.

Dr. Veronica Garrett, at New Beginnings Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare, offers SottoPelle® Therapy for women faced with early menopause. SottoPelle® is a unique approach that can help women age gracefully in wellness, by restoring the beneficial hormonal balance of earlier years. The unique pellet implant system corrects hormone deficiency in three ways: • Replenishes your body 24/7 with hormones identical to those it once produced • Uses the precise physiological dosage your body is accustomed to • Delivers hormones in a manner that your body recognizes and flourishes with Precision pellet insertion, accurate pellet dosing, and meticulous hormone compounding ensure reliable, consistent and safe dosage of hormones. Low-dose pellet implants, about the size of a Tic Tac®, are placed under the skin in the hip area. Blood flow over the pellets begins to release just the right amount of hormones into the blood stream. This allows the pellets to easily maintain consistent blood levels, which is why SottoPelle works so well for so many women.

All the doctors at New Beginnings Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare in Conyers are committed to providing a supportive, nurturing and welcoming environment, while promoting health awareness and education. If you believe you may be experiencing early menopause, call 770-918-1619 today to schedule an appointment.

BOTOX Cosmetic is administered by a healthcare professional as a simple, nonsurgical treatment that is injected directly into the muscles between the brows. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.

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SottoPelle® Therapy is a unique, sciencebased approach to restoring key hormones to a healthy balance. The SottoPellet® Method uses the highest quality pellet implants to deliver the lowest possible dose of hormones into the blood stream when the body needs them. Our precision therapy works around the clock for 3 months or longer.

JUVEDERM® XC is the smooth gel filler that your doctor uses to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. With just one treatment, you’ll get smooth and natural-looking results that last up to a year.

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Veronica Garrett M.D. 1415 Milstead Road N.E., Suite B Conyers, GA 30012 Call Today 770-918-1619 SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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Rockdale Endocrinology Associates Call Today for an Appointment

770-679-1280

Sumana Reddy, MD Specializing in the treatment of: Ovaries (Female) Testicles (Male)

1567 Milstead Road, Suite B Conyers, GA 30012

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• Thyroid Disease • Metabolic Disorders • Menopause • High Blood Pressure • Osteoporosis • Cholesterol Problems • Infertility • Diabetes Disorders • Hormonal Imbalances

Most Insurance Accepted Including Medicare

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FEATURE

Living with Diabetes Doesn’t Mean

You Have to Feel Deprived I f you’re diabetic, you might find yourself continuously wondering, “What and how much can I eat?” or “Is it time for me to eat?” Well, it’s time for you to stop worrying! Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to feel deprived or stay constantly worried about what and when to eat.

A diabetes diet is really nothing more than a healthy eating plan that’s high in nutrients, low in fat and added sugar, and moderate in calories. In fact, it’s actually a healthy diet for anyone! Eating the right foods in the proper amounts will help improve your blood glucose, your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, as well as keeping your weight on track.

If you’re confused about how much you can eat when you have diabetes, it’s important to know how much food is actually in a “serving.”

While we sometimes think of the amount of food we put on our plates as a “portion,” you shouldn’t confuse “portion” with “serving.” Since portion sizes might vary from person to person – you’ll probably give your growing teenage son a larger portion than your mother – you need to learn to think in terms of “servings” – the well-defined amounts of foods in the various food groups.

• Measure your food. With a measuring cup and food scale, measure your food once or twice a month at home. This will help you visualize what a proper portion of food – say 1/3 cup of rice – looks like on your plate.

• Estimate serving sizes. Use your hand as a tool to approximate portion sizes. For example, when

you’re dining out, put your fist next to your plate to gauge how much food you’re eating. Your fist will be equal in size to approximately 1 cup. The palm of your hand is roughly equal to 3 ounces. The tip of your thumb equals about 1 teaspoon, and your entire thumb is roughly equal to 1 tablespoon.

• Read food labels. This is undoubtedly the easiest way to understand the exact portion size for a given food and learn exactly what’s in it.

• Try portion-control dishes. Purchase plates and cups that indicate how much of each food group should be included in your meal. Or if you don’t want to buy new plates, simply visualize your plate divided into fourths.

Each food group – protein, grains, veggies and fruit – should take up one quarter of the plate.

As for when you should eat, just space meals evenly throughout the day – about every 4-6 hours – and never skip meals. Try to eat about the same amount of carbs at each meal, including breakfast. Your healthcare provider may advise a light snack before bedtime, to keep blood sugar from getting too low at night.

Likewise, a snack before or during exercise could also help keep blood glucose at constant levels.

Once you get the hang of eating a healthy diet, you can relax and dig into a wide variety of delicious meals and snacks. You’ll feel good and manage your blood sugar levels without constantly focusing on your eating.

And you’ll even enjoy other benefits, like a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as certain types of cancer.

Your physician can guide you on the dietary plan that’s right for you. Dr. Sumana Reddy at Rockdale Endocrinology Associates in Conyers, specializes in the treatment of metabolic disorders like diabetes. For an appointment with Dr. Reddy, call 770-679-1280 today.

SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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“Take me to Atlanta”

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Life and Limb Saving Vascular Care Available.

Rockdale Medical Center now offers minimally invasive procedures for patients with abnormal aortic aneurysms and peripheral vascular disease.

• Angioplasty & Stenting Procedures • Highly trained interventional Vascular Specialists • Rockdale Vascular Associates, member of Piedmont Clinic

Welcome to our newest member of Rockdale Vascular Associates

Carl Gonzales, MD Robert Davies, MD

Erikaa Mann, PA-C

If you are experiencing leg, abdominal or back pain call Rockdale Vascular Associates,

678-609-4927

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PIEDMONT HEART INSTITUTE

18 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

RockdaleMedicalCenter.org

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A Common

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Circulatory Disorder P

eripheral artery disease (PAD), a rather common circulatory disorder, is characterized by narrowerthan-normal arteries, caused by blockages. It affects about 10 million people in the U.S., and is present in 1 of every 20 adults over 50. If you’re diabetic and over the age of 50, your chances of developing PAD go up to 1 in 3. Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe damage to the limbs and organs.

Narrowing of the arteries is generally the result of atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by deposits of plaque (fatty material) on the inner walls of the arteries.

Reduced blood flow to the limbs – typically the legs – prevents them from receiving an adequate blood supply, which decreases the oxygen and nutrients available to the tissue. This generally manifests itself as leg pain, though as many as half of people diagnosed with PAD are symptom free.

Treatment of PAD has two major goals: 1) to manage symptoms, such as leg pain, so you can resume physical activities, and 2) to stop the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body, to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. You may be able to accomplish these goals with lifestyle changes. If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of complications. An exercise program that includes walking is another effective way to treat PAD. However, if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may require medication to lower cholesterol, reduce high blood pressure, control blood sugar, prevent blood clots and/or provide relief of symptoms like leg pain.

In some cases, severe blockages and advanced PAD will require minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

“Endovascular” literally means “inside blood vessels,” and these surgical procedures require fewer, much smaller incisions than traditional surgery.

An endovascular procedure is performed inside your artery using a thin, long tube called a catheter. Through a small incision in the groin, the surgeon guides the catheter to the blocked area in the blood vessel.

From there, the surgeon will perform an endovascular treatment, such as balloon angioplasty or stenting. In balloon angioplasty, the blocked artery is opened by pressing plaque against the vessel wall with a balloon

inserted with a catheter. A stent, or mesh wire tube, may also be placed in the artery following angioplasty to support the cleared vessel and keep it open.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE ENDOVASCULAR PROCEDURES? 1. Go home the same day – They’re performed in-office on an outpatient basis, which translates to no hospital stay.

2. Faster recovery with less pain – Since there are no major incisions or heavy anesthesia involved, the procedure is less painful and enables the body to heal quicker, so you’re back on your feet with very little downtime. Many patients can return to work in about two weeks, while open surgeries typically require a six- to eight-week recovery.

3. Better overall results – Endovascular procedures employ very precise technology, allowing your surgeon to accurately target the issues and resolve them successfully.

4. Safer – Since endovascular procedures don’t require the large incisions of “open” surgery, they make the process of removing PAD blockages safer by limiting the risk for infection and other complications. What’s more, they’re often a good alternative for patients who have had prior open procedures and been told they’re too high-risk for another open procedure.

Dr. Robert Davies, Dr. Carl Gonzales and Erikaa Mann, PA-C, with Rockdale Vascular Associates in Conyers, are committed to providing the most effective care for patients with PAD. In addition to treatment of immediate and chronic conditions, such as PAD, they strive to educate patients and their families to allow for early detection and possible prevention of future problems. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Davies or Dr. Gonzales, call 678-609-4927. J

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Our Purpose in

Is to Save Yours Rockdale Medical Center now offers PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) procedures for patients with heart attack symptoms.

At Rockdale Medical Center our highly skilled emergency physicians, cardiologists and nursing teams are providing a higher level of expertise for treating heart attack symptoms.

Our experienced cardiology and vascular physicians also provide: • Elective Angioplasty and Stenting • Diagnostic and Therapeutic Vascular Procedures • Pacemaker Placement At Rockdale Medical Center, our purpose in life is to Save Yours.

20 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

1412 Milstead Avenue Conyers, GA 30012 1-800-424-DOCS(3627) www.rockdalemedicalcenter.com

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Keep Your Heart Healthy and Treat It Locally By: David Cooper, Founder and President of Premier Platforms, Inc.

E

ach February, American Heart Month helps raise awareness of heart disease and how you can improve or maintain heart health. But until recently, I never thought much about it – or considered that I might be the person raising awareness of heart disease – or the dangers associated with it. I’m 58-years-old, physically fit, not a smoker, and I eat a mostly healthy diet – with a few exceptions for butter and red meat.

However, in August, while training for an Alaskan hunting and camping trip, I began experiencing a burning sensation in my lungs – the type of feeling you have when you’re breathing in freezing cold air – and a shooting pain down both of my arms.

These were not the symptoms I would have associated with heart disease, but lo and behold, I went to my doctor, took a stress test and was sent to Rockdale Medical Center (RMC) to see a heart specialist. I had 90% blockage of the main artery of the front wall of the heart artery.

That same day, while I was on the table at RMC, a doctor from Piedmont Hospital put a stent in my heart. I was fully awake during the procedure, and on the computer monitor next to me, I could see my heart – the veins, the arteries – and the doctor showed me exactly where my blockage was. The next day, I went

O

n Tuesday, November 17, 2015, I began my normal work day in the Rockdale Medical Center (RMC) Outpatient Mammography department. I was working alone at the front desk when I immediately started to feel a dull pain that started in my left ear, traveled down my jaw line and soon became extreme pressure in my chest. I knew that something was very wrong. Trying to stay calm, I made my way to the back of the department where my co-workers, Kathy, Judy, Bonnie and Dr. Stiles, quickly assessed that I was in need of medical attention.

My coworker’s helped to save my life that day. They quickly recognized that I was displaying the signs and symptoms of a heart-attack and ordered a STEMI-ALERT (STEMI stands for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction), an emergency code for a heart attack. This alert notifies the appropriate staff that someone with a suspected heart attack is at or en-route to the hospital’s

home. I never felt threatened. I never felt scared. I felt like a VIP, and everything happened locally, right here in Conyers.

After my procedure, I went to RMC for cardiac rehab. There, the hospital team helped me learn how to monitor my heart rate and gave me the resources I needed to exercise and practice my daily health routine at home. Today, thanks in part to what I learned from the team at Rockdale, I exercise five days a week.

I also learned that by making simple changes to your lifestyle – whether it’s exercising more, eating healthier or reducing your stress levels – you can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease.

These daily routines should coincide with regular visits to your doctor to monitor your blood pressure and check your cholesterol.

Even though heart disease is preventable and controllable, it remains the leading cause of death for both men and women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, approximately 735,000 people in the United States have heart attacks and 610,000 die from heart disease – that is one out of every four deaths. And not too many months ago, I learned that if it can happen to me - a physically fit, health-conscious guy - it can happen to anyone.

We’re incredibly lucky to have amazing doctors; kind, attentive nurses; and innovative heart services right here in Conyers at Rockdale Medical Center. Take it from me and go see your doctor for health screenings and participate in heart healthy exercises.

These little steps can help you keep your heart healthy.

Footnote: To learn more about steps you can take today to improve your heart health, talk to your physician, call RMC or visit www.heart.org.

emergency room (ER).

The quick actions of the RMC staff helped a STEMI team, comprised of highly trained nurses, techs and an interventional cardiologist, be prepped and ready to go once I arrived in ER, where an assessment of my condition was done, and I was transported to the Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) lab. When it was discovered that I had an 80% blockage in one artery and 100% blockage in another one, the team went straight to work stinting the 100% blockage. I was able to return on December 2nd to have the second stint placed in the other artery.

I am now in the Cardiac Fitness program offered at RMC and am impressed with the professional team who help individuals make the lifestyle changes necessary following a heart attack.

I feel I would not have survived the heart attack if it had not been for the excellent and immediate care from everyone involved at RMC. I am now retired after a 24 year career at RMC and doing very well. My recovery is due to the people at RMC who saved my life, including the Cardiac Cath team guided that day by Dr. Enrique Flores. I am thankful for their outstanding care. I want to encourage everyone to learn about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack for women and men. It could save your life!

Nancy K. SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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FEATURE

Colon Cancer Screening SAVES LIVES!

nyone can get colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.; it is also the most preventable.

A colonoscopy is considered the single best method for detecting colon cancer in its early stages. Screening colonoscopies are recommended for every adult beginning at age 50, and for African Americans, at age 45. For those with a family history of colon cancer, or other risk factors, screening could start at a younger age. For example, if one of your parents was diagnosed with the disease at 55, then you should get screened at 45 – 10 years before the age of their diagnosis.

During the procedure, a trained gastroenterologist will check for any signs of cancer and remove existing polyps that may turn into cancer over time. Since a colonoscopy is performed under light sedation, most patients have little if any discomfort, and the procedure itself usually takes less

than 30 minutes.

While there is evidence that more people are getting screened than in previous years, only about half of those ages 50 or older are getting this life-saving test.

What are you waiting for? Take charge of your health.

Talk to your physician about scheduling a screening colonoscopy.

The physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates see patients at more than 35 locations across metro Atlanta, including an office in Conyers and Lithonia and an accredited endoscopy center in Lithonia. To make an appointment, call 1.866.GO.TO. AGA [468.6242], or visit www.atlantagastro.com.

PREVENTABLE T R E ATA B L E

B E ATA B L E

You call a plumber for clogged pipes.

Who do you call for your digestive pipes?

Protect your internal plumbing.

Call the experts.

1501 Milstead Road | Suite 120 | Conyers, Georgia 30012

678.745.3033 www.atlantagastro.com AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

22 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

Chicken and Pasta Dinner INGREDIENTS 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 8 oz. cooked, drained pasta or rice (wheat pasta or brown rice is a healthier choice) 3 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup yellow summer squash 1 cup chopped red and green peppers Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste For extra flavor you can add oregano and basil to taste.

DIRECTIONS Prepare each part of the dish separately. For a little extra family fun, let your children help cut up the veggies. Change it up to the veggies they love. They’ll enjoy the meal better if they take part in cooking.

1. Chicken: Add 1½ Tbsp of olive oil to a 12-inch heated skillet until sizzling; add chicken and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, 5-8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Cover and set aside.

2. Noodles: Cook and drain. Set aside.

3. Vegetables: Add 1½ Tbsp of olive oil to a large skillet. Add the vegetables, stirring occasionally, 6-9 minutes or until vegetables are cooked to your family’s taste.

Use individual serving bowls. Place the pasta in first, then add the vegetables. Slice the chicken into thin pieces, and place on top of vegetables and rice. Enjoy!!!

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YOUNGER,

YOUNGER,

YOUNGER...

LOUDER,

LOUDER,

LOUDER...

WHAT IS IT

DOING TO OUR

HEARING?

DR. DONALD COTE DR. ARTHUR TORSIGLIERI DR. ADAM FRENCH DONNA McGOUGH, F-AAA KRISTYN MEADE, F-AAA SUSANN SHRIVER, CCC-A

11370 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, Georgia

770-922-5458 24 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

4181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102 Covington, Georgia

770-385-0321

What Can You Do to Safeguard Your Hearing at All Ages? k

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on’t wait until it’s too late to start taking care of your ears! One in 8 people in the U.S. – over 30 million people over the age of 12 – has hearing loss in both ears. In fact, hearing loss is the third most common physical condition, behind arthritis and heart disease.

The usual culprit is prolonged exposure to high levels of sound, which not only causes permanent hearing loss, but can cause tinnitus – an annoying ringing in the ears. Age-related hearing loss, caused by the gradual breakdown of the tiny hair cells in your inner ears, can be worsened by noise exposure over a lifetime, whether it be from a noisy work environment, frequent exposure to noisy machinery like lawn mowers or blowers, or listening to loud music.

Hearing is the sense that connects us to each other.

People of all ages are at risk of hearing loss from high sound levels, but it can easily be prevented by taking a few simple steps.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HEARING? There are plenty of ways you can prevent noiseinduced hearing loss and keep age-related hearing loss from getting worse.

• Avoid too much noise: If you have to shout to be heard over the noise around you, it’s loud enough to damage your hearing. Over time, sounds from motorcycles, concert speakers, power tools and even earphones are loud enough to hurt your ears.

• Enforce quiet time: Choose appliances and other devices that have low noise ratings, and ask the manager at your gym or favorite neighborhood restaurant to turn

general health

FEATURE

down the background music.

• Limit the loud sounds of life: You can’t always avoid a jackhammer on the street corner or the blaring of a passing ambulance, but you can limit the amount of time you’re around those kinds of sounds.

• Wear hearing protection: If you’re heading to the drag races or planning an afternoon of leaf blowing, make sure you’ve got earplugs or earmuffs. Earplugs, made of foam or rubber, and earmuffs that fit completely over your ears can reduce noise by up to 30 decibels.

• Don’t smoke: Research has shown that, along with noise and age, tobacco use can increase your risk for hearing loss.

• Remove earwax carefully: Built up earwax can muffle sound, but don’t use a cotton swab to clean it out. That can push wax even deeper into your ear canal.

Instead, use an at-home irrigation kit to soften wax and gently flush it out. For compacted wax in your ears, you may need to visit your doctor.

• Know the risks of your medications: About 200 medications, including some antibiotics and cancerfighting drugs, are known to damage hearing. Check with your doctor to be sure your medications won’t hurt your hearing, or if you must take a medicine that could harm your ears, be sure your doctor checks your hearing and balance before and during your treatment.

• Have your hearing tested: Make an appointment for a hearing test if you have trouble hearing conversations, are around loud noises regularly, hear ringing in your ears, or have close relatives with hearing loss. Prompt treatment of ear problems can prevent further hearing loss, and your doctor can offer solutions for severe hearing loss, including hearing aids or other treatments.

It’s important to recognize when your ears are in danger and to safeguard them so you can enjoy listening to friends and family, music, and all the other sounds you love for the rest of your life. The doctors at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, with offices in Conyers and Covington, want to help protect your hearing. Schedule a visit today by calling 770-922-5458 or 770-385-0321.

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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.

26 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

Healthy Ways to Handle Stress

S

written by Lee Udell

tress affects people of all ages, and the symptoms of stress can be extremely unpleasant.

In a study released earlier this year by the Statistic Brain Research Institute and the American Institute of Stress, participants reported experiencing physical symptoms of stress including fatigue, headache, upset stomach, and muscle tension, among other things. Among those who reported feeling physical symptoms of stress, 77% admitted to feeling those symptoms regularly, citing job pressure and money as the primary causes of their stress.

How men and women handle stress can impact both their immediate and longterm health, as stress has been linked to a host of problems and ailments, including sleep dysfunction and heart disease. Many people cope with stress in unhealthy ways, which may only exacerbate the effects of stress on the body.

Certain methods of handling stress may work for some people but not others, but the following are a few healthy ways to combat stress. ➺ Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Many adults turn to alcohol at the end of a stressful day, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that relying on alcohol to cope with stress may only create more problems down the road, and those problems will only increase your stress levels. In addition, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. ➺ Rely on a support network. Coworkers, family and friends have stressful days, too, and such confidantes can help you handle stress in healthy

ways. The ADAA recommends men and women dealing with stress let their support circle know how they can help relieve stress. After a stressful day, many people simply need to talk to someone – which can feel like a weight’s been lifted off their shoulders. Let your support network know you’re there for them when they experience stress as well. ➺ Get daily exercise. Exercise pays a host of dividends, not the least of which is relieving stress.

At the end of a stressful day, get some exercise instead of pouring yourself a drink or indulging in an unhealthy meal. When the body is physically active, the brain secretes endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that make you feel good.

Regular exercise also helps you get a fuller, deeper sleep, which can be disrupted by stress. ➺ Eat a healthy diet. Diet also can affect how your body handles stress.

Certain foods can tame stress. For example, oatmeal can boost levels of a calming chemical known as serotonin in your brain. That calming effect can make it easier to cope with stress. Other foods may help strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C, for instance, may help curb levels of stress hormones such as cortisol while simultaneously strengthening the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish such as salmon and tuna, may help prevent surges in stress hormones, while also protecting against heart disease and depression, two serious conditions that studies have linked to elevated stress levels.

Handling stress in healthy ways like these can help men and women ensure that stress isn’t compromising either their immediate or long-term health.

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written by Lee Udell

What is General Surgery?

When we hear the terminology “general surgery,” many of us have an ill-defined image of what this encompasses. Of the 14 fields of surgery, general surgery is likely the most comprehensive, covering a wide range of surgical conditions. But by no means should you think that general surgery is any less a medical specialty.

G

eneral surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents, including the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland.

The specialty also deals with diseases involving the skin, breast, soft tissue, trauma, peripheral vascular surgery and hernias.

General surgery is a discipline that requires knowledge of and familiarity with a broad spectrum of diseases or conditions which might require surgical intervention. General surgeons perform consultation and surgery on medical conditions from cancers to vascular disorders to endocrine problems to trauma.

Some general surgeons specialize further into such areas as solid organ transplantation, bariatric surgery (for weight loss), or pediatric surgery.

General surgeons must be knowledgeable and proficient in not only the performance of essential operations or procedures. They must also have extensive knowledge of anesthesia, transfusions, wound healing, infection, fluid management, shock and resuscitation, pain management, nutrition and radiology, just to name a few.

Thanks to today’s high-tech instrumentation and advanced technology, procedures such as major abdominal surgery – think hysterectomy – have been replaced with minimally invasive A general surgeon has specialized knowledge and laparoscopic techniques that typically reduce experience related to the diagnosis, preoperative, pain, accelerate recovery, and reduce cost – all operative, and postoperative management, including without sacrificing good outcomes. the management of complications, in 9 primary With their broad-ranging expertise, general components of surgery: surgeons save lives every day, through • Alimentary tract procedures like appendectomy or curative • Abdomen and its contents cancer surgeries. General surgeons work closely • Breast, skin, and soft tissue with other specialists involved in a patient’s care • Head and neck, including trauma, vascular, to help diagnose and provide timely surgical endocrine, congenital and oncologic disorders intervention for complex conditions. particularly tumors of the skin, salivary glands, “At Rockdale Surgical Associates, we’re all thyroid, parathyroid, and the oral cavity about you,” says Dr. Rajiv Desai. “We want to be • Vascular system, excluding the intracranial vessels partners in your care, addressing your questions and heart and concerns and meeting you where you are.

• Endocrine system, including thyroid, parathyroid, We’re focused on treating you to the best of adrenal, and endocrine pancreas our abilities and getting you back to life, with a • Surgical oncology, including coordinated minimum of pain or discomfort.” multimodality management of the cancer patient by If you or a loved one is facing the possibility screening, surveillance, surgical adjunctive therapy, of general surgery, the doctors of Rockdale rehabilitation, and follow-up Surgical Associates are experienced in surgically • Comprehensive management of trauma, including treating a variety of conditions. Dr. Desai and musculoskeletal, hand, and head injuries. The Dr. Andrew Harper do more than treat patients responsibility for all phases of care of the injured – they’re invested in the health and well-being patient is an essential component of general surgery. of the community they serve. To schedule an • Complete care of critically ill patients with underlying appointment, call 770-922-4024 today. surgical conditions, in the emergency room, intensive care unit, and trauma/burn units

THE SCOPE OF GENERAL SURGERY

28 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

ROCKDALE SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

Dr. Andrew Harper

Dr. Rajiv Desai

THE DA VINCI SURGICAL SYSTEM

Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery Hernia, Ventral Hernia, Gallbladder, Colon Surgery

1301 Sigman Road NE • Suite 190 • Conyers, Georgia 30012

770-922-4024

ROCKDALE PHYSICIAN PRACTICES Remarkable People. Remarkable Medicine.

Medical Center Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center

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Has Your Muffin Top Become a Pound Cake? written by Lee Udell

f you are ready to say goodbye to that stubborn belly pouch, love handles, your double chin and saddlebags on the thighs, then say hello to CoolSculpting®. This innovative, non-invasive process can help you lose those stubborn bulges of fat safely, in the comfort of your doctor’s office. Requiring less time and money than traditional invasive treatments, CoolSculpting is FDA approved and clinically proven to reshape your body, often in only a single treatment.

And it’s equally effective for both men and women.

The idea that cold can selectively affect fat led to the innovative cooling process developed by scientists at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. The CoolSculpting procedure uses a precisely controlled cooling method to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin, without damage to neighboring tissue.

Attachments of varying size and shape are applied, using a vacuum, and after ensuring secure attachment, cooling is initiated. Each treatment plan is completely customized by a licensed aesthetician to satisfy the patient’s wants and needs. The treated fat cells are then permanently eliminated from your body through natural waste products.

“Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” says Jill Murphy, CoolSculpting Team Leader for Dermatology Consultants.

Each cycle is applied for exactly 60 minutes, and Mrs. Murphy says most patients experience only minor discomfort. “After the first 5-8 minutes, you really feel nothing,” she explains. “You can read, you can watch a movie, you can listen to music.”

The CoolSculpting fat freezing procedure is completely non-surgical, so you can typically return to normal activities immediately. Side effects are minimal and patients continue normal daily activities after leaving treatment.

30 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

Each treatment should yield about 20-25% fat reduction in the treated area. Typically, when both love handles and full abdomen are treated, you’ll see a one- to two-inch decrease in the waistline. After the initial treatment is complete, most patients are satisfied with the results on that area. Because of the high satisfaction rate clients frequently request additional treatments in other areas.

“Dermatology Consultants has performed over 4,500 treatments and is the state’s only Diamond Certified practice,” Ms. Murphy says. Diamond Crystal status is a distinction awarded to the most elite CoolSculpting providers throughout the world. “We are the premiere CoolSculpting practice in the MetroAtlanta area, and our aestheticians are graduates of CoolSculpting University in both their California and Virginia headquarters. We also offer dual sculpting in our Covington, Buckhead and Marietta locations so we can treat multiple areas on a person at one time!”

Dr. Michelle Juneau, a partner in Dermatology Consultants says, “We are honored to be named the first Diamond Crystal practice in Georgia with more treatments performed than any other office to date. We are thrilled to be the first office in the metro Atlanta area to offer a long-lasting solution for fat under the chin as well as fat accumulation on the inner knee and the thigh, just above the knee. We are pleased to announce that we will have just received our third Cool-Mini system in our Covington location, making this treatment option available across the entire practice.”

For your complimentary consultation and assessment, call Dermatology Consultants at 770-784-0343 or visit their website at www.best. dermatologyconsultants.org. The skilled and welltrained staff at Dermatology Consultants will be glad to discuss and design an enhancement plan that suits you best.

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DermatologyConsultants.org SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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ANSWERS

change life-limiting to life-affirming.

Key Facts about Colorectal Cancer - Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.

- Early detection is key; when caught in the beginning stages, colorectal cancer is highly treatable.

- Beginning at age 50, colorectal cancer screening is recommended.

- People with a family history should begin screening even earlier, as recommended by their doctor.

- A diet rich in vegetables, legumes and whole grains and limited in processed and red meat has been correlated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

DIRECT ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS

ADVANCED RESEARCH

THE LATEST TREATMENTS

Be Proactive GCS is The Cancer Answer速 and provides patient-focused care anchored by prevention, early detection, advanced treatment, clinical research and compassionate caregivers.

ROCKDALE OFFICE 1501 Milstead Road, Suite 110, Conyers, GA 30012 (770) 760-9949

GACancer.com 46 PHYSICIANS | 500 SUPPORT STAFF | 27 OFFICES STRONG

32 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

KATHLEEN LAMBERT, MD

SHERINE THOMAS, MD

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Understanding

Women’s Cancers

By Dr. Kathleen Lambert

J

ust because you’re beyond the “childbearing years” doesn’t mean you can ignore your doctor. In fact, as you grow older, your risk for certain cancers actually increases.

Breast Cancer In the United States, one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Mammography is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, but it should be combined with monthly breast selfexams and an annual clinical breast exam from a health care professional.

Healthy breasts vary in size, shape and texture. The key to finding a problem is understanding what’s normal for your body, keeping up with annual check ups and alerting your physician immediately if you recognize any changes.

Cervical Cancer This year alone, more than 13,000 American women will develop invasive cervical cancer. Warning signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse. Although mortality rates have been in a steady decline since the use of the Pap test began, more lives could be saved with routine screenings.

The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). A vaccine that protects against HPV is available for females between the ages of 11 and 27. There’s also a greater risk of cervical cancer if you smoke, eat poorly, have a long history of oral contraceptive use or have a family history of cervical cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Ovarian cancer is often described as a “silent” cancer because its symptoms can be very subtle. Contrary to what some women believe, a Pap test rarely detects ovarian cancer, so it’s important to pay attention to warning signs, which include a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic region, abdominal swelling, pain during intercourse and abnormal bleeding.

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer Like ovarian cancer, there’s no specific good screening for uterine cancer. Although a pelvic exam and Pap test can detect occasional cases, 90 percent of women with these cancers are diagnosed as a result of postmenopausal bleeding or irregular vaginal discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor for an immediate medical evaluation.

Dr. Kathleen Lambert is a hematologist-oncologist at the Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) Rockdale office, 1501 Milstead Road, Suite 110 in Conyers.

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SPECIALIZING IN

DIGESTIVE DISEASES & NUTRITION • Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention • Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) • Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders • Non-Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapy • Pancreatic and Billiary Disorders • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Video Capsule Endoscopy • IV Infusion Therapy • Chronic Constipation • Liver Disease

BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS

FRED A. LEVIN MD, FACP, FACG

DAVID N. SOCOLOFF DO

RAZVI M. RAZACK MD

KAREN L. WEISS-SCHORR MD

A. STEVEN MCINTOSH MD, FACG

770-922-0505

EastAtlantaGastro.Com

34 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2016

1269 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, GA

7229 Wheat Street Covington, GA

1075 South Main Street Suite 200 Madison, GA

1000 Cowles Clinic Way Cypress Building, Suite C-300 Greensboro, GA

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general health

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Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndromes?

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written by Lee Udell

olon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. today, with an estimated 130,000 cases and more than 50,000 deaths annually. Among the general population, the life-time risk of developing colon cancer is about 6%. But among individuals who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with colon cancer, the risk increases to 18%.

Several gene mutations, or abnormalities, that cause colorectal cancer – and allow it to be transmitted to family members – have been found. These mutated genes can be inherited from either or both parents, and hereditary colon cancer syndromes can affect multiple members of the same family.

While children of people who carry these genes have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease-causing gene, patients who do inherit the syndrome have an extremely high risk for developing colon cancer – as high as 90-100%. Fortunately, these syndromes are somewhat uncommon and account for less than 5% of all colorectal cancers.

What are Hereditary Colon Cancer Syndromes?

The two major subtypes of hereditary colon cancer are called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

• HNPCC, the more common form of hereditary colon cancer, tends to cause colon cancer, usually in the right colon, in a patient’s 30s or 40s. Patients diagnosed with HNPCC often have at least three family members and two generations of family with colorectal cancer, typically developing before age 50. About 80% of those who inherit this gene develop colorectal cancer, and they are also at increased risk for other related cancers, such as kidney, ovarian, uterine, and stomach cancer.

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by hundreds, possibly even thousands, of precancerous colorectal polyps (adenomatous polyps).

Unless the condition is detected and treated early (treatment involves removing the colon), an affected individual will almost certainly develop cancer of the colon or rectum. FAP most commonly begins to appear when a patient is in their 40s, but may appear even earlier. These patients are also at risk of developing other cancers, such as thyroid or stomach cancer.

Patients who have hereditary colon cancer syndromes usually have no symptoms and are unaware they have colon polyps or early colon cancers. However, if you have relatives who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your healthcare provider can evaluate the pattern of colorectal cancer to determine if you should be concerned. Genetic counseling, followed by genetic testing, should be considered for individuals as well as their family members when there are: • individuals in the family with early onset of colon cancer, before age 50 • individuals in the family with numerous colon polyps • families in which multiple members have colon cancer • families with members with numerous colon polyps • families with members having colon cancers at young ages • families with members having certain non-colon cancers such as cancers of the uterus, thyroid, ureters, ovaries, small intestine, etc.

Fortunately, blood tests are now available to test for these hereditary syndromes, once a syndrome has been suspected within a family. Family members who don’t carry the mutation have not inherited the syndrome, but those who have the mutation should begin early screenings for colon and other cancers. However, even if no cancer syndrome is identified in genetic testing, first-degree relatives of someone with colon cancer are still considered at increased risk for developing colon cancer and should consider early screening.

If you have family members who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, early diagnosis is critical in protecting your health. The physicians at East Atlanta Gastroenterology have more than 70 combined years of experience in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. With full-service locations in Conyers and Covington, East Atlanta Gastroenterology can consult with you and provide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for each individual patient.

Schedule an appointment today by calling 770-922-0505.

SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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Open seven days a week with extended hours until 7 p.m.

Urgent Care Access, Primary Care Cost

Same-day appointments and walk-ins accepted.

Eagles Landing Family Practice provides care at your convenience with our nine locations throughout Henry, Butts, DeKalb and Rockdale counties, including a location near you: CONYERS OFFICE

1101 Nor Tec Dr | Conyers, GA 30013 678-374-7514 HOURS

Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Honey Creek Rd SE

Honey Creek Rd SE

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Same access. Lower cost.

Conyers Nor Tech Dr

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We understand that you don’t have the luxury to schedule when you get sick.

That’s why Eagles Landing Family Practice is open seven days a week and offers extended hours to provide the care you need at the time you need it.

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Cowan Rd SE

Whether you schedule an appointment or walk in, our medical care is always billed as a primary care visit, without the additional facility fees associated with urgent care centers or emergency rooms, making us a lower-cost choice for quality care in our community.

Eagles Landing Family Practice offers many services and exams including, but not limited to: • Sick visits • Gynecological services • Skin care

elfp.com

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• Wellness exams • On-site laboratory • Vision care

• Immunizations • On-site x-ray • EKG

For more information visit elfp.com/walk-in.

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general health FEATURE

When choosing medical care, know your options

By Eagles Landing Family Practice

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n this day and age, there are so many choices about where to seek care. As a culture of instant gratification, we expect nothing less when it comes to our health.

You want to receive the care you need at the time you need it, but knowing what kind of care is needed and where you should get it is key. Understanding your options will make it easier to make a decision when you are in need of immediate care.

URGENT CARE VS. PRIMARY CARE Unless you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, always start by calling your primary care physician, if you have one. They know your medical history and understand any underlying conditions you may have. Hopefully they have built a trusting relationship with you to help you make informed healthcare decisions about necessary treatments or testing based off of what is best for your particular healthcare situation.

The good news is many primary care physicians have recognized the need for after hours care. Providing access just like urgent care centers, many primary care offices now accept walk-in appointments and stay open later and on weekends to provide consistent access and patient-centered care. In addition, most have after-hours coverage by phone to help you make the decision about whether you need to seek immediate care or can be seen the next day. Symptoms that might lead you to call for a same-day appointment or to walk into your primary care physicians office include: • Allergic reactions • Simple fractures • Colds and flu • Strep throat • Nausea and fever • Strains and sprains • Sinus infections • Minor illnesses and injuries The good news is, whether you are seen on a walk-in

basis or after hours, primary care is typically the lowest cost care setting because all visits are billed as primary care office visits, without the increased fees commonly associated with urgent care centers or emergency rooms. It is always good practice to be sure to consult your insurance provider so you know what types of charges that may be passed along to you.

EMERGENCY ROOM Emergency room visits should be reserved for severe and life-threatening conditions. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they have the widest range of services, diagnostic testing and access to specialty physicians. Of course, this access also comes with the highest price and often a longer wait depending on the severity of your condition.

Symptoms for which you need to seek care in an emergency room include: • Signs of heart attack including persistent chest pain, especially if it radiates to your arm, jaw or is accompanied by sweating, vomiting or shortness of breath • Signs of stroke including difficulty speaking, slurred speech, headache, weakness on one side of the face, or sudden signs of confusion • Severe shortness of breath • Poisoning • Complicated fractures • Major injury such as head injury or trauma • Coughing up or vomiting blood When in doubt, always seek emergency care by calling 9-1-1 or consult your personal physician.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to use your best judgment in deciding where to seek care.

Being informed ahead of time can help you make the right decision when you are facing illness or injury.

Eagles Landing Family Practice (ELFP) is open seven days a week and offers extended hours to provide the immediate primary care you need at the time you need it. Even if you are not a current patient, you can schedule a same-day appointment or walk in to any of our nine locations across Henry, Butts, Rockdale and DeKalb counties. See our full page ad for more information about ELFP, our locations, services and extended hours or by visiting elfp.com/walk-in.

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women’s health FEATURE

You and Your Reproductive System

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written by Lee Udell

s a woman, your reproductive system is a delicate and complex system. Taking care of yourself and making healthy choices can help protect you and your loved ones, now and throughout your entire life.

What’s more, protecting your reproductive system also means having greater control of your health, if and when you become pregnant. During childbearing years, good reproductive health helps ensure your ability to safeguard the health of a baby you may have at some time in the future.

Common reproductive health concerns for women in their childbearing years can include: • Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue which normally lines the uterus can also grow on a woman’s ovaries, behind the uterus, on the bowels or on the bladder. This “misplaced” tissue can cause pain, infertility and very heavy periods. Some women may have no symptoms until they attempt unsuccessfully to become pregnant.

• Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age.

They occur when muscle cells and other tissues grow in and around the wall of the uterus. While their cause is unknown, common risk factors include being African-American or being overweight. Symptoms may include: heavy or painful periods, frequent urination, painful intercourse, lower back pain, or reproductive problems such as infertility, miscarriages or early labor.

• Gynecologic Cancers: The five main forms of gynecologic cancers include cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer.

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• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Occasionally, a woman’s ovaries or adrenal glands may produce more male hormones than normal.

Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may develop in the ovaries.

These are more common in obese women. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Symptoms of PCOS may include infertility, pelvic pain, excess hair growth on the face/ chest/stomach, baldness or thinning hair, or acne/ oily skin.

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Women may contract these infections – caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses – from infected sexual partners. More than 20 different STDs can affect both men and women, but often the health problems are more severe in women. STDs in pregnant women can also cause serious health problems for the baby.

Women’s health – and particularly women’s reproductive health – are high priorities for the physicians at Advanced Gynecology Associates. With offices in Newton, Rockdale and Walton Counties, Advanced Gynecology Associates offers a wide range of services, including: routine and yearly exams; cancer screenings; infertility evaluation, testing and treatment; contraception counseling and procedures; PMS management; STD screenings; and advanced minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Sharon Hodges and Regina Bogle, NP-C, have recently joined Dr. Thomas Lyons, Advanced Gynecology Associates, and see patients at the Conyers office (1301 Sigman Road NE, Suite 170 ). Dr. Hodges also sees patients in Social Circle on Fridays (200 Brookstone Place).

Call 678-609-4913 to make an appointment. e

Providing Women with Advanced Gynecological Care Dr. Sharon Hodges and Nurse Practitioner, Regina Bogle NP-C, have joined the Advanced Gynecology Team!

Thomas L. Lyons, MD Gynecology & Gynecologic Surgery 1301 Sigman Rd. NE Suite 180, Conyers, GA 30012 678.609.4913 cwcrs@mindspring.com • www.thomasllyons.com

Sharon Hodges, MD Gynecology 1301 Sigman Rd. NE Suite 180, Conyers, GA 30012 678.609.4913

Gynecology 5154 Cook Street, NE Covington, GA 30014 770.788.1778

To schedule an appointment with our doctors,

678.609.4913

1301 Sigman Road, NE, Suite 180, Conyers

Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center SPRING 2016 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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“Postal Customer”

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

The Birth Place is the total package – specialized medical care delivered in a home-like setting.

Comfort and Amenities With input from physicians and moms, like you, every aspect of our center has been designed with patients and their families in mind–from the comfortable family waiting room with adjoining outdoor garden area, to spacious rooms designed to feel more like home.

Comprehensive Care Your mother-baby nurse is expertly trained to understand both parent and newborn needs, so your medical care is second to none.

Better Communication Mother-baby nursing improves the lines of communication between the family, nurses and doctors. We are always happy to answer your questions.

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At the Rockdale Medical Center Birth Place, we have an entirely new birth experience.

Our family-centered care means the focus is on the togetherness of the family, so you can cherish every moment. It’s an entirely new philosophy that recognizes the birth of a baby is also the birth of a family.

Great medical care in a more personal package.

Your family is at the center of ours.

Family-centered care is all about allowing you to create a personal birth experience.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 800-424-DOCS (3627).