Healthy in Henry - Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017 The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Henry County area and beyond.

IN HENRY

Benefits of Being Active

Enjoy the Outdoors THIS SUMMER WHAT COLOR is Your Food?

SUNBURN AND Skin Cancer

Great docs.

Just around the block.

Conveniently schedule your primary care appointment today.

Dr. Omotayo Akinmade

Dr. Joi Nichols

Dr. Charmille Hare

Piedmont Physicians at Stockbridge

Piedmont Physicians at Locust Grove

150 Eagle Spring Court, Suite A Stockbridge, GA 30281 678.289.7700

5040 Bill Gardner Parkway, Suite 310 Locust Grove, GA 30248 770.898.4339

Dr. Jim Latimer

Dr. Andrea Miles

Dr. India Robinson

Piedmont Physicians at McDonough 101 Regency Park Drive, Suite 150 McDonough, GA 30253 770.957.4195

piedmont.org/find-a-doctor 2 HEALTHY IN HENRY | SUMMER 2017

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

5. A New Non-Surgical Procedure…ThermiVa IN HENRY

6. Enjoy the Outdoors This Summer

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6, SUMMER 2017

8. How to Spend More Time Outdoors 9. What Color is Your Food?

10. Easy Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol

Graphics/Layout Design: Carol Massey

12. The Silent Killer

Contributing Writers:

Lee Udell; Tim Reichert

15. Enjoy Your Season in the Sun and Still Play It Safe 16. Be Aware of Ticks When Enjoying the Outdoors 18. ThermiVa…Vaginal Rejuvenation Made Easy

SUBMISSIONS

ADVERTISING Information regarding advertising and rates are available by contacting Debbie Burgamy at 770-307-6235 or dburgamy@covnews.com.

HEALTHY IN HENRY

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c/o The Covington News 1166 Usher Street, Covington, Georgia 30014 Phone 770-787-6397 / Fax 770-787-6451 www.covnews.com

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23. Berries – Guilt-free Delights!

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22. Get Fit the Smart Way

Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and writing not accompained by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Response time varies and Healthy in Henry cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. To contact the manager by email, address correspondence to dburgamy@covnews.com.

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21. Sunburn and Skin Cancer

SUMMER 2017 | HEALTHY IN HENRY

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Caring for Southern Women’s Healthcare.

Shobha C. Rao,

Jeffery D. Lovinger,

Deborah E. Haynes,

Steven M. Lopatine,

Laxman Ramani,

M.D., FACOG, FPMRS

M.D., FACOG

M.D., FACOG

M.D., FACOG

M.D., FACOG

Amy Rodatus,

Amanda C. Phillips,

Clarisa Haugabrook,

Annie Cruz,

Pam Garrett,

M.D.

M.D., FACOG

M.D., FACOG

M.D.

RN, CNP

Eagles Landing OB/GYN Associates, the premier obstetrical and gynecological medical practice in Stockbridge, GA. We are a group of specialists with specialized nurses, technicians, and support personnel that allow us to manage the total health care of today’s women.

Are you experiencing: vaginal sagging, vaginal dryness, mild bladder incontinence, orgasmic dysfunction? Are you interested in tightening up your inner vagina and/or outer labia? Eagles Landing OBGYN is excited to offer ThermiVa. No Downtime. Non-Surgical. Safe. Effective.

Ask if ThermiVa might be right for you!

ADDITIONAL SERVICES 350 Country Club Dr., Suite D Stockbridge

(770) 474-1919

• In-Office Tubal Ligation • Weight Management • Urinary Incontinence Therapy • Prolapse Surgery

• Bone Density • Digital Mammography • Endometrial Ablation • Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

New patient forms available online at www.elobgynassoc.com 4 HEALTHY IN HENRY | SUMMER 2017

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women’s health FEATURE

A New Non-Surgical Procedure...

ThermiVa written by Lee Udell

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he natural aging process, genetics and childbirth can all contribute to changes which affect feminine wellness. Multiple births, a particularly strenuous vaginal childbirth, and the effects of menopause can cause physical changes which rob women (and their partners) of their sense of well-being and happiness.

Excessive relaxation of the vaginal muscles can lead to daily discomfort, a loss of sexual satisfaction, and even incontinence. Until recently, however, the only solution – labiaplasty – required surgery. Of course, surgery carries risks, such as scarring, infection, bleeding and even nerve damage.

But, today, for women interested in feminine rejuvenation, there’s a new non-surgical procedure called ThermiVa.

➤ What are the benefits?

During clinical trials, some patients reported that the tightened vaginal tissue resulting from the treatment provided them with improved sensation and increased vaginal moisture during intercourse. Women and their partners noticed the tightened vaginal canal, resulting in a more satisfying sexual experience.

A lesser-known benefit of ThermiVa is improvement of incontinence, an issue which affects many women after childbirth or as a result of aging. Patients often report improved muscular coordination around the bladder, reducing urinary leakage accidents with activity and the symptoms of urinary urgency.

What’s more, patients often report feeling more comfortable in body-conscious clothing.

➤ What is ThermiVa? ThermiVa is a noninvasive, in-office treatment that is painless, and requires no downtime for women.

ThermiVa treatments use radiofrequency energy to gently heat tissue to rejuvenate collagen, without the need for anesthesia, numbing shots or creams. Patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately following treatment.

➤ What can women expect from ThermiVa treatment?

The treatment itself creates a warm sensation with no pain either during or after treatment. There is no downtime after the treatment, and women can immediately return to normal activities – including sexual activity – the same day. There is no discharge or odor after treatment.

Typically, the ThermiVa treatment protocol calls for a three-treatment series, each about a month apart.

However, some patients are satisfied with their results after only one or two treatments. Some results of treatment are immediate, and they can be expected to continue and improve with each treatment.

➤ How does ThermiVa treatment work?

Using controlled, therapeutic radiofrequency energy, ThermiVa gently contracts and tightens the external labia and vaginal canal, while stimulating collagen production.

Treatment can also help in tissue and nerve healing.

An S-shaped hand-held wand with a thermistor – an accurate sensor for measuring temperature – emits radiofrequency waves in a calculated method, allowing the practitioner to control the temperature of the treatment and ensure patient comfort and safety. Over time, the treatment will continuously tighten stretched or loose tissue in these areas.

Treatment can address both the labia majora and vaginal areas in about 30 minutes, so busy patients can receive treatment and carry on with their daily lives.

Maintenance treatments are recommended once or twice per year, depending on the patient.

➤ Is ThermiVa safe?

ThermiVa treatment can safely be performed as soon as six weeks after childbirth and in between pregnancies.

It is perfectly safe, with few side effects. No burns, blisters, organ or nerve damage have been reported. And it offers a safe alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. ➤ How can I learn more about ThermiVa? Eagles Landing OBGYN offers ThermiVa in their Stockbridge office. Call 770-474-1919 to schedule an appointment today and talk with a physician at Eagles Landing OBGYN to see if ThermiVa is right for you.

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k SUMMER FEATURE

Enjoy the Outdoors This Summer

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s springtime slips into summer, warmer days beckon, calling for more time spent outdoors. But some of us have a hard time fitting in outdoor activities, thanks to busy work and home-life schedules. And it’s often hard to justify spending time on fun, when there’s so much else to be done.

The good news is that outdoor activity can actually provide many valuable benefits, so it’s a lot more than just fun: it can actually be life-enhancing!

Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after you’ve been outdoors having fun with others? Well, there’s real science behind that sense of well-being. That’s because the time you spend in the outdoors can lead to all kinds of good things, like reduced weight, lower stress levels, and even stronger ties with family and friends.

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along a nature trail or a strenuous hike up a steep mountain path, outdoor recreation promises a range of physical, emotional, social and intellectual benefits that make it all worthwhile.

Build a Better Body

Feel-Good Factor

Regular outdoor activity leads to a wide range of health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, weight loss, reduced risk of diabetes, less arthritis pain, and a lowered risk for certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week – or as little as 75 minutes of vigorous activity – can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk for chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sports such as hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, or simply taking a brisk walk give you a multitude of ways to enjoy the outdoors, while staying motivated to exercise.

Studies show that the combination of physical activity and an outdoor setting reduces stress levels and provides relief from anxiety and depression. Spending time with outdoor activities can lead to an increase in positive moods and a reduction in cortisol levels, the hormone the body releases when stressed. Those who exercise regularly also report increased confidence and an overall feeling of wellbeing. And nothing beats the positive effects of breathing fresh air for producing a sense of serenity and relaxation.

Get Social

Put Your Mind to It

Adults and kids alike benefit socially from outdoor physical activity. From toddlers to seniors, everyone can take advantage of opportunities to meet others and build relationships, by participating on a team, visiting social settings such as outdoor parks and recreation areas, and getting involved in community-wide activities such as gardening or community improvement.

Research suggests that people who exercise experience longer, deeper and more restful sleep. You wake up each day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, so you have more energy and alertness all day long. What’s more, you can concentrate better and more easily handle those little challenges that arise each day, because you’re well rested.

You might even find that you’re calmer and more creative.

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During the summer months, there are so many outdoor activities to pursue, whether you’re going solo or hanging out with family or friends. Here are some suggestions to get you started: • Go fishing: Young and old alike enjoy spending time around the water, angling for fish. You can take out the boat for a day at the lake, or stroll the banks of a creek, hoping to reel in dinner on the end of your pole.

• Discover your surroundings: Become a tourist in your own city. Visit museums, amusement parks, aquariums and science centers, or take in a ball game.

• Take a dip: When the first heat wave hits, head for the swimming hole and jump right in. Not only will a swim cool you off, it’ll also provide a low-impact workout.

• Fly a kite: Making a kite can be a fun and creative family activity, and when you head to the park, everyone will love seeing it take flight.

• Be a pedal pusher: Find a local bike path and squeeze in a little cardio workout while pedaling around and enjoying the sights.

• Be a birder: Birdwatching incorporates not only the physical activity of following the birds, but also the opportunity to learn more about nature and your environment.

These are only a few of the ways you and your family can enjoy the outdoors this summer. But no matter how you choose to spend your outdoor time, you can be sure you’ll get big benefits out of your time with nature. And your improved mood and sense of well-being will make you more likely to return to the outdoors every chance you get.

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How to Spend More Time Outdoors

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etting outside to their exercise outdoors. enjoy the great The following are three outdoors can great ways to spend more reduce the likelihood time enjoying all that that a person will live a nature has to offer. sedentary lifestyle that · Take up hiking. can negatively affect longWhile some hiking term health. But many trails are best left to adults are spending too seasoned hikers, many much time indoors. are built for hikers of In its 2014 OUT is all ages and abilities.

IN national survey, the Men and women who National Recreation and are overweight should Park Association found not be intimidated by adults should know that some playtime in the that 28 percent of adults Nature awaits, and hiking, as even the great outdoors is not just for kids. in the United States do simplest trails can help not spend time outside daily. The survey, conducted them get back on a healthy track. Men and women on behalf of the NPRA, asked 1,005 adults to share who incorporate hiking into their regular routines their opinions and behaviors regarding outdoor can lower their risk of heart disease and improve their time. While 35 percent of respondents said work was blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The American getting in the way of their spending time outdoors, 39 Hiking Society also notes that research has shown percent said their computers, tablets, smartphones, that hiking can positively affect mood by helping to and televisions were keeping them indoors. combat the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Though it might be difficult to cut back on hours at · Ride a bike to work. Adults whose homes are in the office, adults do have the capacity to cut back on close proximity to their offices may want to try riding their screen time. Using that newfound free time to a bike to work instead of relying on their cars or get outdoors can pay dividends for years to come, as mass transportation. Cycling improves cardiovascular the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and fitness and increases muscle strength and flexibility.

Disability notes that the potential consequences of In addition, the stress-relieving properties of exercise living a sedentary lifestyle are severe. According to the can certainly be ascribed to cycling, which may even NCHPAD, one study indicated a 40 percent decrease help adults prevent stressful episodes by relieving in cancer mortality among physically active persons them of the burden of sitting in rush hour traffic. compared to those who were inactive. Physical activity · Grow your own foods. While the cost of fruits also helps to prevent insulin resistance, which is the and vegetables may not be busting your monthly underlying cause of type 2 diabetes. budget, growing your own fruits and vegetables is While you don’t need to get outdoors to be physically a cost-effective way to find more time for the great active, men and women who find themselves bored outdoors. In addition, a study from researchers in by workouts at the gym or at home may be more the Netherlands suggested that gardening is better likely to embrace physical activity if they can get for fighting stress than reading indoors.

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WHAT COLOR is Your Food?

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ou can keep your family healthy by adding color and taste to every meal. Sometimes we tend to eat the same or similar things over and over again and slip into so-called ‘food ruts’. One way to switch things up and encourage healthier food choices is by simply incorporating a variety of colors into your family’s meals.

Different colored fruits and vegetables provide distinct – and equally important – vitamins and minerals that your body needs to be healthy. The foods listed below are nutrition powerhouses that your family will love.

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Purple and blue options are loaded with antioxidants and can improve memory, mineral absorption and urinary tract health, and may reduce cancer risks in the digestive tract.

• Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums and raisins • Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage and purplefleshed potato Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing LDL cholesterol levels, as well as improve vision and immunity.

• Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes, strawberries and watermelon • Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes

White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health, reduce cancer risks, and Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help stimulate a healthy GI tract. promote healthy vision, lower blood pressure, regulate the • Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches digestive tract, and boost immune system activity.

• Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, • Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, pears, honeydew, kiwi and lime turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn • Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green • Probiotic: cultured buttermilk, kefir and yogurt peppers and leafy greens such as spinach The physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients see patients at more than 50 locations, including offices in that promote healthy vision and immunity, promote collagen Fayetteville, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Stockbridge and formation and healthy joints, work with calcium to build healthy accredited endoscopy centers in Riverdale and Stockbridge. bones, and reduce the risk of some cancers.

With four pediatric offices to serve infants, children, and • Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach, teens – Alpharetta, Duluth, Marietta, and Sandy Springs – oranges and pineapple getting the right kind of care for the whole family is easy. To • Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet make an appointment, call 1.866.GO.TO.AGA [468.6242], potatoes or visit www.atlantagastro.com.

Knotted up inside?

Relax. Call your digestive experts.

We can help.

Fayetteville | 770.486.7000

Locust Grove | 678.432.8246

Riverdale | 678.904.0094

Stockbridge | 770.507.0909

www.atlantagastro.com

AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

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EASY WAYS TO Lower Your Cholesterol

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aily physical cholesterol, while others activity, including might only need to make walking, is one certain lifestyle changes easy way to reduce your to lower their cholesterol. cholesterol levels as well Men and women should as your risk for heart discuss a plan of attack disease. to lower their cholesterol High cholesterol is an levels with a physician, issue for many men and who will determine if women, who may or may medication should be a not know that excessive part of the plan. Even if cholesterol in the blood medication is a factor, can increase a person’s the following are some risk of cardiovascular lifestyle changes men disease. That’s a genuine and women with high concern for many people, or moderate cholesterol as the American Heart levels can make to reduce Association notes that their risk of cardiovascular cardiovascular disease disease. is the leading cause • Shed those extra of death in the United pounds. According to the States. Statistics Canada Mayo Clinic, losing as little Daily physical activity, including walking, is one easy cholesterol levels as well as your reports that heart disease way to reduce your as 5 to 10 percent of your risk for heart disease. accounted for 21 percent body weight can greatly of all deaths in 2008 (the most recent year for reduce cholesterol levels. There are a number of which statistics were available), placing it behind ways to lose weight, but the most successful way only cancer among the leading causes of death to lose weight and keep it off typically involves in Canada. adopting a more active lifestyle and coupling The link between high cholesterol and that with a healthy diet. The AHA recommends cardiovascular disease has long since been 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This can established, but the good news is that even men include any number of activities that get you off and women with considerably high cholesterol the couch and exercising, including walking, biking, levels can greatly reduce their risk of one day swimming, and jogging. developing cardiovascular disease. Some may need An additional benefit of exercising to lose weight the help of prescription medication to lower their is that it can raise your so-called “good” cholesterol (also known as high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), which can protect you against a heart attack. Many

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medical experts believe HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the cholesterol is then passed from the body.

• Embrace heart-healthy foods. One of the more effective, yet often most difficult, ways to lower cholesterol is to make dietary changes, forgoing unhealthy fare for more heart-friendly foods. The idea of changing one’s diet does not appeal to many people, but a more hearthealthy diet does not have to be devoid of taste. You can still eat red meat and dairy products, but keep them to a minimum, as both red meat and dairy can raise your “bad” cholesterol. Also known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, bad cholesterol can combine with other substances to form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible, increasing one’s risk of heart attack and stroke. Red meat and dairy tend to have a good deal of saturated fat, which the Mayo Clinic suggests should account for less than 7 percent of your daily caloric intake.

There are many ways to make more hearthealthy dietary choices, some of which include selecting whole grains (including whole wheat pasta and whole wheat flour), loading up on fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber (which can lower cholesterol) and choosing entrees for foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as certain

types of fish, which help lower LDL cholesterol.

• Stop smoking. Smokers have a surefire way to reduce their cholesterol, though some may find it more difficult than making any dietary changes.

Quitting smoking has an almost immediate impact on the health of your heart, which is at a lower risk of attack within 24 hours of quitting smoking.

Within one year of quitting, your risk of heart attack is half that of someone who continues to smoke, and in 15 years your risk of heart disease will be similar to that of someone who has never smoked.

In addition, quitting smoking may improve your HDL cholesterol level. Though it might not be easy, quitting smoking might be the most effective way to improve your cholesterol levels while lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease.

More information about lowering your cholesterol is available at www.heart.org.

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THE SILENT KILLER

Hypertension can have deadly consequences.

But, good news - it’s treatable

By Tim Reichert | Eagles Landing Family Practice

It’s a common but dangerous condition. One in three adults (about 70 million), including 35% of adults in Georgia, have it, but only half have it under control. It will cost the nation approximately $46 billion this year. It often has no signs or outward symptoms, meaning many people don’t know they have it.

The consequences of untreated hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, are clearly no laughing matter. “There’s a reason we like to say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Dr. Collyn Steele, a board-certified physician with Eagles Landing Family Practice (ELFP). “Regular, annual screenings can detect potentially serious conditions like hypertension and prehypertension. Once we know, we can evaluate the patient and determine whether medication, lifestyle changes or both are needed.”

Why are annual physicals a particularly important tool in fighting hypertension? It’s the very reason behind the condition’s nickname, “the silent killer.” Early warning signs and symptoms often go undetected for long periods of time. And while you may not “feel” the effects of hypertension in your everyday life, there is no question it is quietly taking a toll on your health.

High blood pressure is one of major causes of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to the CDC, hypertension was listed as a primary or contributing cause in more than 410,000 American deaths in 2014, or more than 1,100 deaths each day.

So, what exactly is high blood pressure? Blood pressure readings measure the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, which carry blood from your heart throughout your body. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall during the day, but if it stays high for a long period of time, it can damage your heart and cause other health problems.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg At risk: 120-139/80-89 mmHg Hypertension: Greater than 140/90 mmHg

People with prehypertension and diabetes are at risk for hypertension. Unhealthy behaviors and habits also can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including: • • • • •

Smoking tobacco.

Eating foods high in sodium and low in potassium.

Not getting enough physical activity.

Being obese.

Drinking too much alcohol.

The good news is that blood pressure is manageable, as long as you know your numbers. Reducing sodium in your diet, exercising daily, quitting smoking and possibly taking medication can help keep your numbers at a healthy level.

Talk to your doctor about hypertension. A simple, painless screening could save your life. *Statistics and additional information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Eagles Landing Family Practice (ELFP) is open seven days a week and offers extended hours to provide the primary care you need at the time you need it. Visit www.elfp.com for more information about our providers and services at our nine locations across Henry, Butts and Rockdale counties, or call 770-268-4412.

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THERE ARE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO HELP CONTROL YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE.

MAINTAIN MAINTAINA A HEALTHY HEALTHYWEIGHT WEIGHT

EXERCISE EXERCISE REGULARLY REGULARLY

USE USEMEDICATION MEDICATION AS ASPRESCRIBED PRESCRIBED

Source: cdc.gov EAT EATA A BALANCED BALANCEDDIET DIET REDUCE REDUCE SODIUM SODIUMINTAKE INTAKE

LIMIT LIMITALCOHOL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION CONSUMPTION

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Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is one of the largest cancer care providers in the Southeast.

Northside leads the statewide network of the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program which gives you access to the latest research and treatments.

Using the latest technology to provide the most effective treatment possible, our team of physicians, nurses, researchers and support staff is dedicated to your health and well-being.

Our cancer centers offer: › › › ›

Board–certified medical oncologists & hematologists Latest evidence-based treatments Access to groundbreaking clinical trials Second opinion consults

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Genetic screening and testing Counseling and support groups Nutritional counseling services Pain management services Rehabilitation services

northside.com/cancerinstitute

Atlanta Cancer Care

Georgia Cancer Specialists

7813 Spivey Station Blvd.

Suite 210 Jonesboro, GA 30236

1045 Southcrest Drive Suite 200 Stockbridge, GA 30281

770-507-0070 AtlantaCancerCare.com

678-289-0549 GACancer.com

Dr. Gurinderjit Sidhu

Dr. Lijo Simpson

Dr. Gerald Goldklang

Dr. Rao Moravineni

Dr. Padrica Hopkins-Menchion

Dr. Ruth Sarmiento

Dr. Jorge Spinolo

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Enjoy Your Season in the Sun and Still Play It Safe

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s children, summertime meant endless outdoor fun. As teens, it meant sunbathing with baby oil, to ensure the darkest tan. Fastforward to adulthood, where a thinning ozone layer and a higher incidence of skin cancer have made us wary of enjoying sunlight. But while cancer is a serious concern, you don’t have to become a summer shut-in.

Use these tips to help you safely enjoy your season in the sun.

Avoid 10 to 4 For years, health experts and meteorologists alike have warned us to stay indoors during the heat of the day. Avoid the peak hours of the sun. Its rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to schedule outdoor activities around those times.

Slather On the Sunscreen Liberally apply sunscreen about 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Because the sun emits two types of harmful rays-UVA and UVByour sunscreen should provide “broad-spectrum” protection against both, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher.

Reapply, Reapply, Reapply.

Reapplying sunscreen may be the most neglected step in the sun-safety regimen. Don’t just put it on and forget it. Sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours while you’re outdoors, and every 45 minutes if you’re swimming.

Hat’s It! Head out with a hat that protects your face, neck and ears. Choose one with a wide brim at least three to four inches around for suitable coverage.

The bucket and wide-brimmed farmer’s hats, in a lightweight straw or cotton twill, are two classic, stylish choices.

Seek Shade Seek shade, but do so with caution. While trees and umbrellas provide protection, you still need to protect yourself under them. The sun’s rays can scatter, penetrate and reflect to reach you.

Dress for the Occasion Covering up in dark, tightknit fabric is the best way to protect your skin, but it’s no fun in the summer heat. Fortunately, some companies now make lightweight clothing with effective sun protection. These items bear an ultraviolet protection factor or UPF (think of it as an SPF for fabric) of 15 to 50 on their labels.

Check out online retailers sunsolutionsclothing.com and sharksuit.com, which offer attractive options with a UPF. Play Movie Star You’ve got a better reason to shield your eyes.

The eye area is incredibly vulnerable. Prolonged sun exposure can damage your eyes and increase your risk of developing eye disease. I recommend sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.

Cancer is a long journey and, for thousands of survivors, the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is where it begins. For more information, visit northside.com/cancerinstitute or call 404-531-4444.

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Be Aware of Ticks When Enjoying the Outdoors W earing long Disease-spreading pants and ticks can be sleeves extremely hard to and tall socks can detect because of discourage ticks from their diminutive size, latching on when especially when people are enjoying they are in the larva the outdoors. or nymph stages.

When the weather Therefore, preventing warms, yards beckon, tick bites remains hiking trails look even the single-best more inviting and way to stay ahead even a patch of grass of Lyme disease Wearing long pants and sleeves and tall socks can can be a welcoming and other illnesses. discourage ticks from latching on when people are enjoying the outdoors. respite. Lots of fun Understanding can be had outside, tick habitats and but caution is needed. While this time of behavior can make it easier to avoid them. year is prime for outdoor frolicking, it’s also a time when tick populations explode.

Where to Find Ticks Ticks are small crawling bugs in the Ticks will congregate anywhere the arachnid (spider) family.There are hundreds animals they feed upon live. Primarily they of different kinds of ticks in the world. The are located in wooded and grassy areas.

Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation says Adults will climb up on tall grass waiting there are at least 40 species of tick in for an animal to pass by so they can climb Canada alone. The creature subsists on aboard. Nymphs and larvae will live in meals of blood from a host animal. layers of decomposing leaves under trees.

Ticks can carry bacteria, viruses and Moisture is a friend to ticks, which are less other pathogens that can cause serious active in sunny, dry areas. Therefore, the disease in humans and other animals, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states LymeDisease.org. Ticks feed and says removing leaf litter, clearing tall grasses mate mostly on deer, but rodents, birds, and brush and mowing the lawn frequently lizards, and just about any other animal can help.The following are additional ways can be a host to these nondiscriminatory to create tick-safe zones at home. bugs. Animals carry the diseases, which · Stack wood neatly in a dry area. are then passed through the tick to others. · Keep playground equipment and

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entertaining spaces away from trees and yard edges. · Discourage unwanted animals with fencing. · Prevent tick migration into yards with a three-foot-wide barrier of gravel between lawns and wooded areas. · If desired, employ acaricides (tick pesticides) to reduce the number of ticks in your yard.

On the Go When enjoying the great outdoors, avoid tall grasses and stay on trails. Wear tall socks or pants during hikes to prevent ticks from latching on. A thorough inspection of the body is adviseable each time people return indoors. Check hidden areas, such as behind the knees, under the arms and in other skin-fold areas, for ticks.

Tick populations grow as the weather warms. Ensure spring and summer fun is not dampened by tick-related illness.

Sniff out the truth about pesky fleas and ticks

Surprising Facts About Fleas and Ticks Fleas and ticks rely on blood for food. They are the vampires of the pet realm, silently stalking companion animals wherever they go. Once fleas and ticks find a victim, they are bound to stay around for a while, enjoying the free meal.

Fleas, in particular, can grow quite fond of a cat or dog - reproducing and quickly building an infestation. Few people are enamored with fleas and ticks, but learning a little more about them can help pet owners understand their behaviors and how to best keep their pets safe.

Ticks and fleas are pesky critters that can carry disease. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a tick or flea problem to get the situation under control. Preventative collars and medications can help repel fleas and ticks as well.

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women’s health FEATURE

ThermiVa…

Vaginal Rejuvenation Made Easy

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written by Lee Udell

new feminine rejuvenation system, called ThermiVa, is offering women a bold option for improving their love lives and boosting their self-esteem. This radically simple, non-surgical solution is helping women reclaim the confidence and aesthetics of their youth, in spite of multiple child births, strenuous vaginal childbirth, or the effects of menopause.

Vaginal laxity, dryness and genital irritation can range from a slight annoyance for these women to imposing a major barrier to enjoyment of a satisfying quality of life, particularly sexually. ThermiVa uses radio frequency to tighten the external (labia) and internal (vaginal) areas of a woman’s vaginal region. The result is reduced vaginal dryness, decreased urinary leakage, and enhanced sexual responsiveness, for both a woman and her partner.

With ThermiVa, women can alleviate: • Vaginal laxity: tightens the vagina at the opening and along the full length of the vagina, noticeably heightening sensation for both the patient and partner.

• Vulvar laxity: tightens labial tissues and reduces sag, resulting in softer, smoother skin and greater comfort in tight clothing.

• Vaginal dryness: adds softer, thicker skin and more moisture both internally and externally, making daily life, as well as sexual intercourse, more comfortable, without the use of lubricants.

• Stress incontinence: reduces accidents and leakage and possibly even reduces urge symptoms, helping women avoid the need for mesh slings in their vagina.

• Orgasmic dysfunction: increases sexual sensitivity and produces more coordinated, stronger muscular contractions, enabling women to achieve orgasm in a shorter period of time.

What’s more, ThermiVa does all this without surgery or the associated recovery time. For instance, until recently,

the only other option for women – labiaplasty – involved all the risks of surgery, along with other concerns, such as scarring, infection, bleeding and even nerve damage.

With ThermiVa, women need worry about none of these.

How ThermiVa Works ThermiVa is a painless, noninvasive, in-office treatment which requires no downtime for women. ThermiVa treatments deliver controlled thermal energy to gently heat the labial and vaginal areas. A small, single-use wand directs heat deep into tissues to encourage the natural production of collagen and shrink tissues. Most patients find the heat level quite comfortable – similar to a hot stone massage treatment – and there’s no need for anesthesia, numbing shots or creams.

Total treatment time is less than 30 minutes, and women are able to resume all activities – including sexual intercourse – immediately after treatment. A complete course of therapy consists of three treatments, each about a month apart.

Some results of treatment are immediate, and they can be expected to continue and improve with each treatment.

Most patients and their partners notice the tightened vaginal canal following the first treatment, resulting in a more satisfying sexual experience right away. However, the ultimate outcome typically takes a few months to fully realize. Over time, the treatment will continuously tighten stretched or loose tissue.

Once treatments are completed, women can expect to enjoy the benefits of ThermiVa for at least 9 to 12 months before a maintenance session may be required.

So, for women who may be experiencing that out-ofcontrol feeling when their bodies change – especially when it affects the most intimate part of their lives – ThermiVa may bring restored self-confidence, renewed well-being, and a revived relationship.

Is ThermiVa right for you? Schedule a consultation with a physician at The Women’s Center today, at either their Stockbridge office – 770-302-0878 or the Conyers office – 678-413-4644. They’ll help you determine your best option for feminine rejuvenation and discuss how this groundbreaking procedure can help you achieve your goals for a happier, more confident life.

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The Women’s Center, PC Providing Individualized Care for Women

Appointments readily available that will fit into your busy schedule!

UROGYNECOLOGY AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY • Well Women Health Care and Comprehensive Annual Exams • Pap Smears, Breast Exams, and In-Office Ultrasounds • Full Range of Contraception Options • Menopausal Management — Traditional and Alternative • Adolescent and Pediatric Gynecology • Infertility Workups

STEPHANIE GORDON, MD

TRENT RICE, MD

• Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bladder Problems — Unwanted Urine or Bowel Leakage • Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder and Bowel Leakage — Abnormal Bleeding and Ovarian Cysts • Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment • Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

KIMBERLY MATHIS, NP

MARIA EPLING, NP

KATISHA PATTERSON, NP

PROCEDURES WE PROVIDE • ThermiVa, a non-surgical procedure that can be done in the doctor’s office to address those issues of vaginal laxity, vulvar laxity, vaginal dryness, stress incontinence and orgasmic dysfunction • DaVinci Robotics Gynecological Surgery • Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, and Laparoscopic Assisted Hysterectomy • Myomectomy for Fibroid Tumors • In-Office 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 • In-Office Endometrial Ablation for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding • Bowel Leakage, Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder/Bowel Leakage

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

MOST MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED

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

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NEW PATIENTS & MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED!

Allen Filstein, MD

Jason Arnold, MD

Katharine Simmon, PA-C

John Fountain, MD

Darryl Hodson, MD

Dr. Jason Arnold 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 20 HEALTHY IN HENRY | SUMMER 2017

GaDerm.com

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S

general health

FEATURE

Sunburn and Skin Cancer

unburn can be a temperature. Many people painful, unsightly only spend time outdoors consequence of too on hot days; hence, the much unprotected time reason they may only suffer spent in the sun. But sunburn in late spring and sunburn is more than just summer. Since sunburn can a temporary nuisance. occur at any time of year, According to the Skin Cancer it’s imperative that skin is Foundation, sunburn can covered up and sunscreen cause long-lasting damage is applied regardless of to the skin and increase a what time of year a person person’s risk of developing is enjoying the great skin cancer. outdoors.

Applying sufficient amounts of sunscreen with a Sunburn tends to be so common, particularly minimum sun protection factor of 30 can help adults Am I out of the woods once and children reduce their risk for skin cancer. during the warmer months my skin peels? of the year, that many people may consider it a People who have experienced sunburn may have relatively harmless byproduct of spending time noticed their skin peeling in the days after they were outside under the sun. But the United Kingdomburned, though not every sunburn victim’s skin peels. based charitable organization Cancer Research UK Peeling is how the body rids itself of the damaged notes that getting painful sunburn just once every cells that can lead to cancer. But just because a two years can triple a person’s risk of developing sunburn victim’s skin peels post-sunburn does not melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. A mean that person has necessarily dodged the skin better understanding of sunburn and its relationship cancer bullet. Some damage may remain after skin with skin cancer may encourage more people to peels, and that remaining damage can still make prioritize protecting their skin when spending time sunburn sufferers vulnerable to skin cancer. in the sun.

I’ve been sunburned. Now what?

What is sunburn?

A sunburn, even a particularly bad sunburn, does Sunburn occurs when the DNA in skin cells not guarantee a person will develop skin cancer. has been damaged by UV radiation. Many people But frequent sunburns increase a person’s risk of associate sunburn with skin that peels or blisters, the disease, so people who have been sunburned, but any skin that turns pink or red in the sun has whether it’s just once or several times, should revisit been sunburnt. what they’re doing to protect their skin before going back out in the sun. Wearing protective clothing, Am I always vulnerable to sunburn? including long sleeve shirts and protective hats, Though many people may only get sunburns and applying strong sunscreen with a minimum sun on hot days, that’s not because the skin is not protection factor, or SPF, of 30 are just a couple of susceptible to sunburn year-round. In fact, sunburn ways to protect skin from sun damage. can occur any time of year because it’s caused by More information about sunburn and skin cancer ultraviolet radiation, which has nothing to do with the prevention is available at www.skincancer.org.

The dermatologists at Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Conyers specialize in treating all types of skin disorders, including skin cancers.

Call 770-785-SKIN (7546) today for an appointment, and protect your skin for life.

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general health

FEATURE

Get Fit the Smart Way

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xercise is an important component of a healthy tears may occur. Take the time to warm up; otherwise, lifestyle. Many people establish bold fitness goals you may find yourself on the sidelines. with a mind toward getting in shape. It’s tempting · Wear the appropriate equipment. Invest in quality to jump right in, especially when friends or relatives athletic shoes and other equipment made for the reach their own fitness goals. However, inactive men activity you will be performing. The right equipment and women risk injury when diving right in and not can help prevent injury. Athletic shoes that fail to taking a gradual approach to fitness and weight loss provide adequate support can increase your risk of regimens. To reap the injury. Good shoes most rewards from do not have to cost a exercise, take the fortune, as there are proper precautions and plenty of brands that follow these guidelines. will work quite well. If · Speak with you need suggestions, your doctor before discuss your exercise beginning an exercise regimen and goals regimen. Get medical with a podiatrist or clearance before you orthopedist. Orthotic begin a new exercise inserts can be used to regimen, especially modify footwear and if you have any provide additional preexisting medical support. You also conditions. Your doctor Staying motivated and avoiding injury can help people get in shape and may need equipment maintain healthy lifestyles for years to come. may suggest certain specific to a given modifications that can reduce strain on certain parts activity. For example, wrist supports and quality gloves of the body or advise you on the most effective activities are essential for kickboxing classes. Speak with a trainer for people with your condition. Healthy individuals may or gym employee if you need assistance. be cleared outright and can begin their fitness regimens · Take weather into consideration. Ice, snow, rain, immediately. It’s also wise to inform doctors of fitness and wind can make jogging or other outdoor activities plans and goals so they can help track your progress. more challenging, if not dangerous. Always exercise · Don’t eat heavy meals before exercising. Avoid caution when your workout regimen involves exercising large meals before engaging in strenuous physical outdoors. Stay indoors if you see thunder and lightning. activity. A light, healthy snack gives you a little fuel · Stay hydrated. The Better Health Channel of the without affecting your ability to exercise. After eating, Victoria State Government says a person can lose the body diverts blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract around one and a half liters of fluid for every hour of to aid with digestion. Exercising while this blood flow exercise. Drink water before, during and after each is centralized in the gastrointestinal tract may cause exercise session. If you need water while exercising, muscle cramps or generalized weakness. Nutrition take small sips. experts at the University of California, Los Angeles, · Be aware of your body. Take notice of how you feel. If say that people who exercise strenuously on a full something doesn’t feel just right, then stop immediately, stomach also may experience reflux, hiccups, nausea, rest and/or seek medical attention. and vomiting. Wait at least an hour after eating full · Pace yourself and take the time to rest. Don’t try to meals to exercise. do everything all at once. Slowly build up your durability · Warm up. It’s important to warm up muscles before and stamina by gradually increasing the intensity of beginning a workout. Stretches, light movements and your workouts. Give yourself time to recover between range of motion exercises can improve flexibility and workouts as well. prepare the body for more to come. If muscles aren’t Exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Remember fully stretched and warm, injuries like strains and tendon to do so safely and effectively.

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Five health benefits of BLUEBERRIES

Fruit-filled PAVLOVAS

These easy-to-make treats can be prepared using any combination of berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries — the choice is yours!

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 4 PAVLOVAS) • 2 tsp. cornstarch • 1 tsp. white vinegar • 4 egg whites at room temperature • 1 cup + 2 tbsp. of sugar • 3 cups fresh berries (you can use frozen ones to make the coulis) • Fresh mint leaves PREPARATION 1. Preheat the oven to 280 ºF (137 °C).

2. In a small bowl, dilute the cornstarch in the vinegar. In a large bowl, rapidly (but neatly) mix the egg whites. Once the mixture becomes more solid, gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Next, gently incorporate the cornstarch.

3. On a cookie sheet, make four nest-shaped mounds of approximately 4 inches in diameter

with your meringue mixture (you can use either a spoon or a pastry bag to do this) and bake for 60 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. While the meringues are cooking, blend 1-1/2 cups of fruit and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a mixer until a smooth coulis forms. Using a mesh filter, get rid of any remaining seeds or grainy bits. For a thicker coulis, place the mixture in a small casserole dish and let sit in the fridge for 8 to 10 minutes.

5. Once the pavlovas have cooled, fill them with fresh fruit and carefully pour the (cold) coulis over each. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

Blueberries make a low-calorie, high-flavour addition to breakfasts, desserts and snacks galore. Plus, these tiny berries boast a variety of health benefits. Here are five.

1. Cancer prevention. Blueberries are full of powerful antioxidants — perhaps more so than any other fruit!

This means they play a vital role in preventing certain types of cancer as well as cardiovascular disease. They’re a true ally when it comes to healthy aging!

Wait, STRAWBERRIES aren’t fruit?

Whether you prefer them topped with chocolate (or whipped cream), as a jam or in a smoothie, there’s a lot to love about tasty strawberries. But did you know that this red, juicy summer fruit isn’t actually fruit at all?

the ovary after the blossoming period — think of grapes or the famous tomato, similarly mistaken for a vegetable. Fake fruit, on the other hand, comes from a part of the flower other than the ovary.

Technically speaking, the strawberry is a “fake fruit.” According to botanists, a fruit is a seedbearing structure in flowering plants formed from

Now, let’s reconsider our beloved strawberry. When you slice into its flesh, do you ever encounter seeds?

Not likely. Furthermore, strawberries derive from the flower’s receptacle or torus — the thickened part of a stem from which the flower’s organs grow — not the ovary.

Strawberry plants do, however, produce real fruit. These are called achenes; they’re the “seeds” that dot the fake fruit’s exterior.

Regardless of whether or not they’re considered fruit, one thing’s for certain: strawberries will forever be deliciously sweet.

In botany, strawberries are considered “fake fruit” because they don’t stem from the ovary of a flowering plant after it blossoms.

2. Natural anti-inflammatory. In addition to their abundance of antioxidants, blueberries also have antiinflammatory properties that slow down the progression of degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

3. Healthy bones. Rich in vitamin C, blueberries help ensure healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums.

And their power doesn’t end there! They also protect the body from infection and accelerate the healing of wounds.

4. Digestive aid. These delicious berries are also high in potassium, a nutrient that’s essential to the breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins during digestion.

5. Better eyesight. Finally, did you know that eating blueberries could help reduce ocular fatigue, improve night vision and even prevent blindness?

HOW TO PICK YOUR BERRIES Choose a batch of firm, plump, purplish-blue berries, paying careful attention to any split or shrivelled ones.

Avoid stained containers, as this is usually a sign of damaged fruit. Blueberries can be stored in the fridge for up to a week before spoiling, provided they are kept in a closed container. To ensure they stay fresh longer, try freezing them, and make sure to wash them just before serving.

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Postal Patron

Proud Sponsor of the Georgia Revolution FC

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage PAID Permit #15 Monroe, Ga