Healthy in Newton Fall 2014

Fall 2014

ď Ľ The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Newton County area and beyond. ď Ľ

IN NEWTON

Local Breast

Cancer Survivors Importance of vision screening for your children 5 little known benefits of drinking water Foods that help prevent cancer

 H E A LT H Y I N N E W T O N • FA L L 2 0 1 4 • VO LUM E 1 , N O. 2 

CONTENTS

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

IN NEWTON VOLUME 1, NO. 2, FALL 2014

X Publisher: T. Pat Cavanaugh Editor: Michelle Kim

“Award-winning hospital… right here at home.”

RENOVATED AND EXPANDED to a 20-Bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

AWARDED ACCREDITATION BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY in Mammography, MRI, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, CT and Ultrasound.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ACCREDITATION for second time.

NAMED TO GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION CORE MEASURE HONOR ROLL: Trustee Category

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED as one of only 3 hospitals in the Greater Atlanta area by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer in Quality Measures for Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care.

Comptroller: Debbie Thompson Sales Director: Annette Godwin Graphics Manager/Layout Design: Carin DeBoer Photography: Darrell Everidge Contributing Writers: Lee Udell, Richard P. James, Jr., MD; Cathy T. Larrimore, MD; Amanda Bauer, MD; Dr. Jaymini Nayee, O.D.; staff reports

16 Fall 2014

IN NEWTON

for Primary Stroke Center by

Features Local Breast

Cancer Survivors Importance of vision screening for your children 5 little known benefits of drinking water Foods that help prevent cancer

8

IMPORTANCE OF VISION SCREENING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

14 NATIONAL RECOGNITION BY CONSUMER REPORTS for Outstanding Surgical Safety Outcomes.

ABOUT THE COVER Dr. Amanda Bauer and Kay Goff are two special women in Newton County who are heroes in the battle against breast cancer.

See story on page 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DARRELL EVERIDGE

SUBMISSIONS

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 Newton cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. To contact the editor by email, address correspondence to mkim@rockdalenews.com

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

AWARDED ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

X

5 LITTLE KNOWN BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

19

SAY GOODBYE TO UNWANTED FAT

26

foods that help prevent cancer

X ADVERTISING

Information regarding advertising and rates are available by contacting Annette Godwin by phone 770.883.6698 or email agodwin@rockdalenews.com.

X

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

the News Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

 H E A LT H Y I N N E W T O N • FA L L 2 0 1 4 • VO LUM E 1 , N O. 2 

CONTENTS

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

IN NEWTON VOLUME 1, NO. 2, FALL 2014

X Publisher: T. Pat Cavanaugh Editor: Michelle Kim

“Award-winning hospital… right here at home.”

RENOVATED AND EXPANDED to a 20-Bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

AWARDED ACCREDITATION BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY in Mammography, MRI, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, CT and Ultrasound.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ACCREDITATION for second time.

NAMED TO GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION CORE MEASURE HONOR ROLL: Trustee Category

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED as one of only 3 hospitals in the Greater Atlanta area by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer in Quality Measures for Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care.

Comptroller: Debbie Thompson Sales Director: Annette Godwin Graphics Manager/Layout Design: Carin DeBoer Photography: Darrell Everidge Contributing Writers: Lee Udell, Richard P. James, Jr., MD; Cathy T. Larrimore, MD; Amanda Bauer, MD; Dr. Jaymini Nayee, O.D.; staff reports

16 Fall 2014

IN NEWTON

for Primary Stroke Center by

Features Local Breast

Cancer Survivors Importance of vision screening for your children 5 little known benefits of drinking water Foods that help prevent cancer

8

IMPORTANCE OF VISION SCREENING FOR YOUR CHILDREN

14 NATIONAL RECOGNITION BY CONSUMER REPORTS for Outstanding Surgical Safety Outcomes.

ABOUT THE COVER Dr. Amanda Bauer and Kay Goff are two special women in Newton County who are heroes in the battle against breast cancer.

See story on page 4.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DARRELL EVERIDGE

SUBMISSIONS

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 Newton cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. To contact the editor by email, address correspondence to mkim@rockdalenews.com

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

AWARDED ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

X

5 LITTLE KNOWN BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

19

SAY GOODBYE TO UNWANTED FAT

26

foods that help prevent cancer

X ADVERTISING

Information regarding advertising and rates are available by contacting Annette Godwin by phone 770.883.6698 or email agodwin@rockdalenews.com.

X

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

the News Serving Rockdale County and Conyers

As we enter the month of October, we'd like to share with you the stories of two special women in Newton County who are heroes in the battle against breast cancer. written by Dr. Amanda Bauer

T

hroughout her nine-year career, Dr. Amanda Bauer has read thousands of mammograms. But she never gets jaded about the importance of her task, because she knows something that most other radiologists don’t: what it feels like to be a breast cancer survivor.

In 2007, Bauer was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which the Mayo Clinic describes as abnormal cells inside a milk duct. Considered the earliest form of breast cancer, it’s typically noninvasive, meaning it hasn’t spread out of the milk duct to invade other parts of the breast. The lack of any evidence of invasion was a huge relief to Bauer, and a biopsy confirmed there was no microinvasion. Her prognosis was positive.

“I went through all these emotions when I saw the images. I was shocked.

My colleague said: ‘Come here and look at this,’ and all of that was sinking in. But I think I went through (that) a lot quicker than most people, probably a half day,” said Bauer, who describes herself as “one of the most analytical people around.

Though cancer was found only in one breast, Bauer decided to have both breasts removed and rebuilt, to lessen the chance of any recurrence. Also, it’s easier to have a symmetrical chest when both breasts are reconstructed at the same time.

"Part of me feels guilty, saying I’m a cancer survivor, because my type of cancer was less invasive," Bauer said. "However, it did have consequences — I don’t have either breast.

Today, Bauer remains cancer free, and she sees her brush with breast cancer in a positive light. In her job as a radiologist for the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Newton Medical Center, Bauer spends part of her week working from home, reading mammograms on special five-megapixel, high-resolution monitors, and part of her week at Newton Medical Center, meeting with patients in person.

"The best part of (my cancer experience) is that I can help patients," Bauer said. "Sometimes, I see patients who may be distrustful of the medical profession, or a few who are angry and need to take it out on somebody. They’ll say, ‘You don’t know what it feels like’ or imply that. I can tell my story and immediately see in their face it makes a world of difference.

“This experience helps me to put myself in my patients’ shoes a little better when I’m delivering difficult news,” Bauer continues. “And it can also give patients going through a recent diagnosis some comfort in knowing I’m someone they can talk to about this.”

Kay Goff “My daddy always said, 'every place you go should be better for you having been there,'” says Kay Goff. And, indeed, during the last 10 years, many would agree that Newton County has been richly blessed by Mrs. Goff ’s presence.

Goff was recently retired and a volunteer at Newton Medical Center (NMC) when she helped found the Hope Boutique in 2004. “We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary,” says Goff, “and I’d guess we’ve helped over 450 women who have struggled with breast cancer and all that goes along with that diagnosis.”

deductible. Goff volunteers her time to run the boutique, along with other members of the NMC auxiliary and staff.

“I’d been volunteering with NMC since I retired in 2000,” Goff said, “but the first time I saw the Women’s Diagnostic Center, I knew immediately, this was where I needed to be.” A year and a half after she began volunteering at the Women’s Diagnostic Center, Goff ’s decision became personal.

In 2003, Goff was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and remains cancer-free today. In her personal journey, Goff became even more aware of what women need when they’re faced with the diagnosis.

“All of these items, like the wigs and bras, can make such a big difference for women battling breast cancer,” Goff said. “But one of the most important things we do is counsel with them about all the decisions they’re faced with — things such as breast reconstruction.

“I remember when I went through it, and the doctor was explaining my choices,” Goff said. “It was the most difficult thing I think I’ve ever dealt with. I didn’t feel trained or educated or equipped in any way to be making these kinds of decisions.”

Mrs. Goff earns patients’ trust, because she understands what they’re feeling and thinking. “In our society, women are all too often judged based on two things: their hair and their breasts,” Goff said. “After breast cancer surgery and treatment, they’ve often lost both of those physical attributes. So, they just want to hide. To be invisible.

Kay Goff (left) and Dr. Amanda Bauer (right).

“Our goal at the boutique is to help them feel better about themselves, and to help them understand their cancer and how they can best deal with it. In an intimate and comforting environment, we seek to educate. We help them get started with journaling. And we help them understand how important self care is — a difficult idea for women who have been used to caring for others all their lives.”

Goff ’s support for the breast cancer community in Newton County also includes managing the monthly breast cancer support group offered at NMC. The group meets the last Monday of the month at 12:30 pm in the basement of the Physician’s Pavilion. “Sometimes we have a guest speaker,” Goff said. “And sometimes we just have a ‘sisters meeting.’ The way I see it, as soon as you meet another breast cancer survivor, you immediately become sisters. I believe that God gives us this amazing gift to help us through it all.”

The boutique, located at the Women’s Diagnostic Center of Newton Medical Center, offers free scarves, hats, wigs, turbans, blankets, bras, prosthetic breasts, drain bags and pillows, make-up and educational material to breast cancer patients who have little or no health insurance or who are faced with a high HEALTHY IN NEWTON 5

As we enter the month of October, we'd like to share with you the stories of two special women in Newton County who are heroes in the battle against breast cancer. written by Dr. Amanda Bauer

T

hroughout her nine-year career, Dr. Amanda Bauer has read thousands of mammograms. But she never gets jaded about the importance of her task, because she knows something that most other radiologists don’t: what it feels like to be a breast cancer survivor.

In 2007, Bauer was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which the Mayo Clinic describes as abnormal cells inside a milk duct. Considered the earliest form of breast cancer, it’s typically noninvasive, meaning it hasn’t spread out of the milk duct to invade other parts of the breast. The lack of any evidence of invasion was a huge relief to Bauer, and a biopsy confirmed there was no microinvasion. Her prognosis was positive.

“I went through all these emotions when I saw the images. I was shocked.

My colleague said: ‘Come here and look at this,’ and all of that was sinking in. But I think I went through (that) a lot quicker than most people, probably a half day,” said Bauer, who describes herself as “one of the most analytical people around.

Though cancer was found only in one breast, Bauer decided to have both breasts removed and rebuilt, to lessen the chance of any recurrence. Also, it’s easier to have a symmetrical chest when both breasts are reconstructed at the same time.

"Part of me feels guilty, saying I’m a cancer survivor, because my type of cancer was less invasive," Bauer said. "However, it did have consequences — I don’t have either breast.

Today, Bauer remains cancer free, and she sees her brush with breast cancer in a positive light. In her job as a radiologist for the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Newton Medical Center, Bauer spends part of her week working from home, reading mammograms on special five-megapixel, high-resolution monitors, and part of her week at Newton Medical Center, meeting with patients in person.

"The best part of (my cancer experience) is that I can help patients," Bauer said. "Sometimes, I see patients who may be distrustful of the medical profession, or a few who are angry and need to take it out on somebody. They’ll say, ‘You don’t know what it feels like’ or imply that. I can tell my story and immediately see in their face it makes a world of difference.

“This experience helps me to put myself in my patients’ shoes a little better when I’m delivering difficult news,” Bauer continues. “And it can also give patients going through a recent diagnosis some comfort in knowing I’m someone they can talk to about this.”

Kay Goff “My daddy always said, 'every place you go should be better for you having been there,'” says Kay Goff. And, indeed, during the last 10 years, many would agree that Newton County has been richly blessed by Mrs. Goff ’s presence.

Goff was recently retired and a volunteer at Newton Medical Center (NMC) when she helped found the Hope Boutique in 2004. “We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary,” says Goff, “and I’d guess we’ve helped over 450 women who have struggled with breast cancer and all that goes along with that diagnosis.”

deductible. Goff volunteers her time to run the boutique, along with other members of the NMC auxiliary and staff.

“I’d been volunteering with NMC since I retired in 2000,” Goff said, “but the first time I saw the Women’s Diagnostic Center, I knew immediately, this was where I needed to be.” A year and a half after she began volunteering at the Women’s Diagnostic Center, Goff ’s decision became personal.

In 2003, Goff was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, and remains cancer-free today. In her personal journey, Goff became even more aware of what women need when they’re faced with the diagnosis.

“All of these items, like the wigs and bras, can make such a big difference for women battling breast cancer,” Goff said. “But one of the most important things we do is counsel with them about all the decisions they’re faced with — things such as breast reconstruction.

“I remember when I went through it, and the doctor was explaining my choices,” Goff said. “It was the most difficult thing I think I’ve ever dealt with. I didn’t feel trained or educated or equipped in any way to be making these kinds of decisions.”

Mrs. Goff earns patients’ trust, because she understands what they’re feeling and thinking. “In our society, women are all too often judged based on two things: their hair and their breasts,” Goff said. “After breast cancer surgery and treatment, they’ve often lost both of those physical attributes. So, they just want to hide. To be invisible.

Kay Goff (left) and Dr. Amanda Bauer (right).

“Our goal at the boutique is to help them feel better about themselves, and to help them understand their cancer and how they can best deal with it. In an intimate and comforting environment, we seek to educate. We help them get started with journaling. And we help them understand how important self care is — a difficult idea for women who have been used to caring for others all their lives.”

Goff ’s support for the breast cancer community in Newton County also includes managing the monthly breast cancer support group offered at NMC. The group meets the last Monday of the month at 12:30 pm in the basement of the Physician’s Pavilion. “Sometimes we have a guest speaker,” Goff said. “And sometimes we just have a ‘sisters meeting.’ The way I see it, as soon as you meet another breast cancer survivor, you immediately become sisters. I believe that God gives us this amazing gift to help us through it all.”

The boutique, located at the Women’s Diagnostic Center of Newton Medical Center, offers free scarves, hats, wigs, turbans, blankets, bras, prosthetic breasts, drain bags and pillows, make-up and educational material to breast cancer patients who have little or no health insurance or who are faced with a high HEALTHY IN NEWTON 5

If you experience difficulty hearing, now is the time to schedule your appointment with one of our high qualified, certified Audiologists.

Medical Conditions

{

your hearing health

M

How’s Your Hearing?

{

that affect

Have you noticed more difficulty understanding family and friends?

Does everyone just seem to be mumbling? Are you asking people to repeat themselves often? Are you having to turn the TV volume up?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to check your hearing…

any medical conditions, such as those listed below, can affect your hearing health. Treatment of these and other hearing losses can often lead to improved or restored hearing.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, some conditions can lead to irreversible hearing impairment or deafness. If you suspect that you or your loved one has a problem with their hearing, ensure optimal hearing healthcare by seeking a medical diagnosis from a physician.

Otitis Media The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media, the medical term for a middle ear infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This condition can occur in one or both ears and primarily affects children due to the shape of the young Eustachian tube (and is the most frequent diagnosis for children visiting a physician). When left undiagnosed and untreated, otitis media can lead to infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear, a ruptured ear drum, and hearing loss. If treated appropriately, hearing loss related to otitis media can be alleviated.

Tinnitus Tinnitus is the medical name indicating "ringing in the ears," which includes noises ranging from loud roaring to clicking, humming or buzzing. Most tinnitus comes from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.

The health of these nerve endings is important for acute hearing, and injury to them brings on hearing loss and often tinnitus. Hearing nerve impairment and tinnitus can also be a natural accompaniment of advancing age. Exposure to loud noise is probably the leading cause of tinnitus damage to hearing in younger people.

6 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

Medical treatments and assistive hearing devices are often helpful to those with this condition.

Swimmer's Ear An infection of the outer ear structures caused when water gets trapped in the ear canal leading to a collection of trapped bacteria is known as swimmer's ear or otitis external. In this warm, moist environment, bacteria multiply causing irritation and infection of the ear canal. Although it typically occurs in swimmers, bathing or showering can also contribute to this common infection. In severe cases, the ear canal may swell shut leading to temporary hearing loss and making administration of medications difficult.

Earwax Earwax (also known as cerumen) is produced by special glands in the outer part of the ear canal and is designed to trap dust and dirt particles keeping them from reaching the eardrum. Usually the wax accumulates, dries and then falls out of the ear on its own or is wiped away. One of the most common and easily treatable causes of hearing loss is accumulated earwax. Using cotton swabs or other small objects to remove earwax is not recommended as it pushes the

earwax deeper into the ear, increasing buildup and affecting hearing.

Excessive earwax can be a chronic condition best treated by a physician.

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is an inflammatory condition of the inner ear. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the inner ear that are mistaken for a virus or bacteria. Prompt medical diagnosis is essential to ensure the most favorable prognosis. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of AIED is important: sudden hearing loss in one ear progressing rapidly to the second and continued loss of hearing over weeks or months, a feeling of ear fullness, vertigo and tinnitus.

Treatments primarily include medications but hearing aids and cochlear implants are helpful to some.

Cholesteatoma A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This condition usually results from poor eustachian tube function concurrent with middle ear infection (otitis media), but can also be present at birth. The condition is treatable, but can only be diagnosed by medical examination. Over time, untreated cholesteatoma can lead to

bone erosion and spread of the ear infection to localized areas such as the inner ear and brain. If untreated, deafness, brain abscess, meningitis, and death can occur.

Did You Know?

Perforated Eardrum A perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear. A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge with possible pain. The amount of hearing loss experienced depends on the degree and location of perforation. Sometimes a perforated eardrum will heal spontaneously, other times surgery to repair the hole is necessary. Serious problems can occur if water or bacteria enter the middle ear through the hole.

The physicians at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist can advise you on protection of the ear from water and bacteria until the hole is repaired. Visit their website for more information or set up an appointment today for a consultation.

770-922-5458.

Article provided by www.entspecialist.com 

www.entspecialists.net Dr. Arthur Torsiglier • Dr. Donald Cote Dr. Adam French • Donna McGough, F-AAA Kristyn Meade, F-AAA • Susann Shriver, CCC-A

• Untreated hearing loss is associated with isolation, depression, memory problems, loss of income and marital problems • Amplification leads to a better quality of life, according to a 1999 study by the National Council on Aging.

• At least 29 million Americans have a hearing impairment; 20%

in adults ages 48-59; over 50% in adults over 75.

• Patients with diabetes are more than twice as likely to have hearing loss.

• Exposure to noise is the leading cause of tinnitus, and almost always accompanies hearing loss.

1370 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, Georgia / 770-922-5458 4181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102, Covington, Georgia / 770-385-0321 Call today for an appointment!

If you experience difficulty hearing, now is the time to schedule your appointment with one of our high qualified, certified Audiologists.

Medical Conditions

{

your hearing health

M

How’s Your Hearing?

{

that affect

Have you noticed more difficulty understanding family and friends?

Does everyone just seem to be mumbling? Are you asking people to repeat themselves often? Are you having to turn the TV volume up?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to check your hearing…

any medical conditions, such as those listed below, can affect your hearing health. Treatment of these and other hearing losses can often lead to improved or restored hearing.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, some conditions can lead to irreversible hearing impairment or deafness. If you suspect that you or your loved one has a problem with their hearing, ensure optimal hearing healthcare by seeking a medical diagnosis from a physician.

Otitis Media The most common cause of hearing loss in children is otitis media, the medical term for a middle ear infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This condition can occur in one or both ears and primarily affects children due to the shape of the young Eustachian tube (and is the most frequent diagnosis for children visiting a physician). When left undiagnosed and untreated, otitis media can lead to infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear, a ruptured ear drum, and hearing loss. If treated appropriately, hearing loss related to otitis media can be alleviated.

Tinnitus Tinnitus is the medical name indicating "ringing in the ears," which includes noises ranging from loud roaring to clicking, humming or buzzing. Most tinnitus comes from damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.

The health of these nerve endings is important for acute hearing, and injury to them brings on hearing loss and often tinnitus. Hearing nerve impairment and tinnitus can also be a natural accompaniment of advancing age. Exposure to loud noise is probably the leading cause of tinnitus damage to hearing in younger people.

6 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

Medical treatments and assistive hearing devices are often helpful to those with this condition.

Swimmer's Ear An infection of the outer ear structures caused when water gets trapped in the ear canal leading to a collection of trapped bacteria is known as swimmer's ear or otitis external. In this warm, moist environment, bacteria multiply causing irritation and infection of the ear canal. Although it typically occurs in swimmers, bathing or showering can also contribute to this common infection. In severe cases, the ear canal may swell shut leading to temporary hearing loss and making administration of medications difficult.

Earwax Earwax (also known as cerumen) is produced by special glands in the outer part of the ear canal and is designed to trap dust and dirt particles keeping them from reaching the eardrum. Usually the wax accumulates, dries and then falls out of the ear on its own or is wiped away. One of the most common and easily treatable causes of hearing loss is accumulated earwax. Using cotton swabs or other small objects to remove earwax is not recommended as it pushes the

earwax deeper into the ear, increasing buildup and affecting hearing.

Excessive earwax can be a chronic condition best treated by a physician.

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is an inflammatory condition of the inner ear. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks cells in the inner ear that are mistaken for a virus or bacteria. Prompt medical diagnosis is essential to ensure the most favorable prognosis. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of AIED is important: sudden hearing loss in one ear progressing rapidly to the second and continued loss of hearing over weeks or months, a feeling of ear fullness, vertigo and tinnitus.

Treatments primarily include medications but hearing aids and cochlear implants are helpful to some.

Cholesteatoma A cholesteatoma is a skin growth that occurs in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This condition usually results from poor eustachian tube function concurrent with middle ear infection (otitis media), but can also be present at birth. The condition is treatable, but can only be diagnosed by medical examination. Over time, untreated cholesteatoma can lead to

bone erosion and spread of the ear infection to localized areas such as the inner ear and brain. If untreated, deafness, brain abscess, meningitis, and death can occur.

Did You Know?

Perforated Eardrum A perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture in the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear. A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge with possible pain. The amount of hearing loss experienced depends on the degree and location of perforation. Sometimes a perforated eardrum will heal spontaneously, other times surgery to repair the hole is necessary. Serious problems can occur if water or bacteria enter the middle ear through the hole.

The physicians at Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist can advise you on protection of the ear from water and bacteria until the hole is repaired. Visit their website for more information or set up an appointment today for a consultation.

770-922-5458.

Article provided by www.entspecialist.com 

www.entspecialists.net Dr. Arthur Torsiglier • Dr. Donald Cote Dr. Adam French • Donna McGough, F-AAA Kristyn Meade, F-AAA • Susann Shriver, CCC-A

• Untreated hearing loss is associated with isolation, depression, memory problems, loss of income and marital problems • Amplification leads to a better quality of life, according to a 1999 study by the National Council on Aging.

• At least 29 million Americans have a hearing impairment; 20%

in adults ages 48-59; over 50% in adults over 75.

• Patients with diabetes are more than twice as likely to have hearing loss.

• Exposure to noise is the leading cause of tinnitus, and almost always accompanies hearing loss.

1370 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, Georgia / 770-922-5458 4181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102, Covington, Georgia / 770-385-0321 Call today for an appointment!

Schedule your appointment today!

G

eorgia Ophthalmologists offers a comprehensive list of visual health services including routine eye exams for all ages, diabetic exams and testing, diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders, glaucoma diagnosis and care, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, and treatment of ocular emergencies. Our surgical services include cataract removal, YAG laser procedures, surgical correction of common eyelid disorders such as ptosis and ectroption, and pterygium removal.

4167 Hospital Drive • Covington, GA 30014 • 770-786-1234

www.georgiavisioncare.com

Importance of Vision Screening for your children

A

s the summer winds down and children start heading back to the classroom, it is important for parents to think about their children’s vision. Vision is a dominant process in the growth, development and daily performance of children. In fact, 80 PERCENT OF WHAT STUDENTS LEARN IS THROUGH VISION. Yet 86 percent of all school-age children in the United States have not had a complete eye examination. Ever.

Students with poor vision can be misdiagnosed as learning impaired, as having attention deficient disorder or are just left behind from their peer group.

And these kids don’t know that they can’t see what their friend sees, because they don’t know what normal vision is like.

It also means that many children, by the time they have that first examination, may have a condition, such as amblyopia or lazy eye, which now cannot be treated as successfully. If they had had a complete eye examination earlier in their lives, the condition could have been more easily and successfully corrected.

Teachers can also help by letting parents know the importance of eye examinations and the link between good vision and successful learning. Children need to have a complete eye examination where visual acuity, eye health and vision skills are measured. And they need to have these examinations at an 8 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

written by Dr. Jaymini Nayee, O.D.

early age. Keep in mind that a vision screening, while a useful tool, is a limited process and cannot be used to diagnose an eye or vision problem, but rather to indicate a potential need for further evaluation.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants receive their first eye exam at 6 months of age, then age 3 and again just before starting first grade at age 5 or 6. School-age children who do not require glasses should be evaluated every two years and those that do wear corrective lenses, be it contact lenses or glasses should be examined annually by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

So as you pack away those bathing suits and beach towels, and bring out those backpacks remember that this is the perfect time to bring your children in for their first eye exams. After all, our children are our future therefore we must keep their young eyes as healthy as possible to keep them seeing clearly into it!

The Doctors and Staff at Georgia Ophthalmologists are committed to providing the highest level of ophthalmic care for you and your family. Our physicians take the time to listen to your needs and strive to achieve a collaborative approach to your treatment and care. Our doctors and medical staff actively participate in continuing education to ensure that we keep abreast of the most current treatment options and medications available today.

Jose Bigles-Geigel, M.D.

Jaymini Nayee, O.D.

Schedule your appointment today!

G

eorgia Ophthalmologists offers a comprehensive list of visual health services including routine eye exams for all ages, diabetic exams and testing, diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders, glaucoma diagnosis and care, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, and treatment of ocular emergencies. Our surgical services include cataract removal, YAG laser procedures, surgical correction of common eyelid disorders such as ptosis and ectroption, and pterygium removal.

4167 Hospital Drive • Covington, GA 30014 • 770-786-1234

www.georgiavisioncare.com

Importance of Vision Screening for your children

A

s the summer winds down and children start heading back to the classroom, it is important for parents to think about their children’s vision. Vision is a dominant process in the growth, development and daily performance of children. In fact, 80 PERCENT OF WHAT STUDENTS LEARN IS THROUGH VISION. Yet 86 percent of all school-age children in the United States have not had a complete eye examination. Ever.

Students with poor vision can be misdiagnosed as learning impaired, as having attention deficient disorder or are just left behind from their peer group.

And these kids don’t know that they can’t see what their friend sees, because they don’t know what normal vision is like.

It also means that many children, by the time they have that first examination, may have a condition, such as amblyopia or lazy eye, which now cannot be treated as successfully. If they had had a complete eye examination earlier in their lives, the condition could have been more easily and successfully corrected.

Teachers can also help by letting parents know the importance of eye examinations and the link between good vision and successful learning. Children need to have a complete eye examination where visual acuity, eye health and vision skills are measured. And they need to have these examinations at an 8 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

written by Dr. Jaymini Nayee, O.D.

early age. Keep in mind that a vision screening, while a useful tool, is a limited process and cannot be used to diagnose an eye or vision problem, but rather to indicate a potential need for further evaluation.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants receive their first eye exam at 6 months of age, then age 3 and again just before starting first grade at age 5 or 6. School-age children who do not require glasses should be evaluated every two years and those that do wear corrective lenses, be it contact lenses or glasses should be examined annually by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

So as you pack away those bathing suits and beach towels, and bring out those backpacks remember that this is the perfect time to bring your children in for their first eye exams. After all, our children are our future therefore we must keep their young eyes as healthy as possible to keep them seeing clearly into it!

The Doctors and Staff at Georgia Ophthalmologists are committed to providing the highest level of ophthalmic care for you and your family. Our physicians take the time to listen to your needs and strive to achieve a collaborative approach to your treatment and care. Our doctors and medical staff actively participate in continuing education to ensure that we keep abreast of the most current treatment options and medications available today.

Jose Bigles-Geigel, M.D.

Jaymini Nayee, O.D.

Symptomatic

S

Hemorrhoids

ymptomatic hemorrhoids are very common in the United States, as approximately 50 percent of the population will suffer from hemorrhoids by the age of 50! Common causes are thought to include constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy/childbirth, long periods of sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, heavy lifting and obesity, while common symptoms include itching, bleeding, swelling and prolapse.

Internal hemorrhoids often lead to the development of external hemorrhoids and symptoms, and are also commonly associated with pain. If hemorrhoids are left untreated, they can become progressively worse with time.

We all have three major hemorrhoids and they function by helping to maintain continence — helping the anal sphincters “seal” the opening during our daily activities. We just don’t tend to call them hemorrhoids until they start giving us problems. The problems occur when the hemorrhoid cushions “loosen,” and begin prolapsing into the anal canal during defecation, leading to the symptoms listed above.

The addition of 15gm of soluble fiber to our daily diet, along with the consumption of at least 6-8 glasses of water per day will help to limit the progression of the disease. Limiting the amount of time one spends on the commode and the avoidance of straining may also be effective in limiting the frequency of “flare-ups” that occur. There are a number of widely used over-the-counter remedies (typically creams, ointments, and suppositories) which may provide temporarily relief. In order to eliminate the hemorrhoids and not just mask the symptoms, there are a number of options available, including a surgical hemorrhoidectomy, which is

Small bits of

fitness

associated with significant pain and a prolonged recovery.

An excellent alternative to this is rubber band ligation with the CRH O’Regan System®. This non-surgical, painless procedure doesn’t require any prep or sedation and only takes a minute to perform. The physician will place a small rubber band around a portion of the hemorrhoid where there are no nerve endings, cutting off the bloody supply and causing it to fall off within a couple of days. Patients will typically require three treatments (one for each column) at 2 week intervals, and most are able to return to work the same day.

This safe and effective procedure allows us to treat 99% of hemorrhoid sufferers. The potential complications of pain and bleeding are rare (1%), the recurrence rate is very low (5% at 2 years) and the procedure is covered my most insurance plans.

I

s this a common question in your life? Many of us jam-pack so much stuff into our daily routines, seemingly there’s no time to relax for just one minute, let alone exercise. Lack of time is one of the most common excuses for not having a decent fitness regimen.

But do you realize that in the time it might take you to go through your email, you could fit in a good workout? We’re not talking about giving up 60 minutes either; all you need is 10.

Just 10 minutes?

Forget the "all or nothing" mentality when it comes to exercise. Fitness does not live or die by 60-minute workouts; there is middle ground. Short spurts of exercise, when they accumulate, have been shown to share similar benefits of longer workouts.

Your body will reap numerous benefits just by becoming more active. This approach is perfect for times when you don’t have time for a regular workout, or when you want to start off slowly and build up a routine.

SPECIALIZING IN DIGESTIVE DISEASES & NUTRITION BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS

Fred A. Levin MD, FACP, FACG

Karen L. Weiss-Schorr MD

A. Steven McIntosh MD, FACG

David N. Socoloff DO

Razvi M. Razack, MD (Not Pictured)

770-922-0505 EASTATLANTAGASTRO.COM 1269 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, GA

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

7229 Wheat Street Covington, GA

• • • • • • • • • • •

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders Non-Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapy Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Video Capsule Endoscopy Offering Monitored IV Infusion Therapy Anesthesia Care Chronic Constipation for Your Endoscopy Liver Disease

Easier Than You Think Treat these 10 minutes like you would a regular workout. Take 1-2 minutes to warm up and get the muscles ready, including stretch7229 Wheat Street 1269 Wellbrook Circle Follow with at least 7 minutes of exercise Covington, ing.

GA 30014 Conyers, GA 30012 at a medium or high intensity. Then make sure 1000 Cowles Clinic Wayto| Cypress Bldg.,aSuite C-300 | Greensboro, GA 30642 include 60-second cool down.

Since it’s brief, it’s important to work at a Anesthesia Careall of the fairlyMonitored high intensity to obtain NOW for Your Endoscopy OFFERING benefits.

Specializing in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition: n

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention

n

Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders

n

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

n

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

n

Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders

n

Non-Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapy

Work at raising your heart and respiration rates. Just like regular workouts, try to include cardio, strength training and flexibility work in your shortened routine. Either knock out all three during the 10 minutes, or plan a 10-minute segment for each area.

Example: Push out 10 cardio minutes on the stationary bike. For strength, do push-ups, wall sits or lift dumbbells. For flexibility, it’s helpful to just stretch every day. Work different muscle groups and keep it simple. After 10 minutes, you will feel healthier and be on your way to developing solid fitness habits.

But I Still Don’t Have Time It only takes 30 minutes a day, broken up into manageable chunks of 10. Start with a quick exercise when you wake up. The second session? A lunch break is possibly the perfect time to re-energize and get the blood flowing again. The last 10-minute blitz could come in the evening, even while you are watching TV. It’s an ideal way to involve the family as well.

Go for a power walk after dinner with your spouse or ride bikes with the kids.

It is all about convenience; if you try, you can fit exercise into your schedule no matter where you are. Do it at home or at work, outside or in the living room. Start building exercise spurts into your daily routine and you’ll start feeling better.

Remember, exercise comes in all shapes and sizes.

HEALTHY IN NEWTON 11

Symptomatic

S

Hemorrhoids

ymptomatic hemorrhoids are very common in the United States, as approximately 50 percent of the population will suffer from hemorrhoids by the age of 50! Common causes are thought to include constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy/childbirth, long periods of sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, heavy lifting and obesity, while common symptoms include itching, bleeding, swelling and prolapse.

Internal hemorrhoids often lead to the development of external hemorrhoids and symptoms, and are also commonly associated with pain. If hemorrhoids are left untreated, they can become progressively worse with time.

We all have three major hemorrhoids and they function by helping to maintain continence — helping the anal sphincters “seal” the opening during our daily activities. We just don’t tend to call them hemorrhoids until they start giving us problems. The problems occur when the hemorrhoid cushions “loosen,” and begin prolapsing into the anal canal during defecation, leading to the symptoms listed above.

The addition of 15gm of soluble fiber to our daily diet, along with the consumption of at least 6-8 glasses of water per day will help to limit the progression of the disease. Limiting the amount of time one spends on the commode and the avoidance of straining may also be effective in limiting the frequency of “flare-ups” that occur. There are a number of widely used over-the-counter remedies (typically creams, ointments, and suppositories) which may provide temporarily relief. In order to eliminate the hemorrhoids and not just mask the symptoms, there are a number of options available, including a surgical hemorrhoidectomy, which is

Small bits of

fitness

associated with significant pain and a prolonged recovery.

An excellent alternative to this is rubber band ligation with the CRH O’Regan System®. This non-surgical, painless procedure doesn’t require any prep or sedation and only takes a minute to perform. The physician will place a small rubber band around a portion of the hemorrhoid where there are no nerve endings, cutting off the bloody supply and causing it to fall off within a couple of days. Patients will typically require three treatments (one for each column) at 2 week intervals, and most are able to return to work the same day.

This safe and effective procedure allows us to treat 99% of hemorrhoid sufferers. The potential complications of pain and bleeding are rare (1%), the recurrence rate is very low (5% at 2 years) and the procedure is covered my most insurance plans.

I

s this a common question in your life? Many of us jam-pack so much stuff into our daily routines, seemingly there’s no time to relax for just one minute, let alone exercise. Lack of time is one of the most common excuses for not having a decent fitness regimen.

But do you realize that in the time it might take you to go through your email, you could fit in a good workout? We’re not talking about giving up 60 minutes either; all you need is 10.

Just 10 minutes?

Forget the "all or nothing" mentality when it comes to exercise. Fitness does not live or die by 60-minute workouts; there is middle ground. Short spurts of exercise, when they accumulate, have been shown to share similar benefits of longer workouts.

Your body will reap numerous benefits just by becoming more active. This approach is perfect for times when you don’t have time for a regular workout, or when you want to start off slowly and build up a routine.

SPECIALIZING IN DIGESTIVE DISEASES & NUTRITION BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS

Fred A. Levin MD, FACP, FACG

Karen L. Weiss-Schorr MD

A. Steven McIntosh MD, FACG

David N. Socoloff DO

Razvi M. Razack, MD (Not Pictured)

770-922-0505 EASTATLANTAGASTRO.COM 1269 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, GA

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

7229 Wheat Street Covington, GA

• • • • • • • • • • •

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders Non-Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapy Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders Inflammatory Bowel Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Video Capsule Endoscopy Offering Monitored IV Infusion Therapy Anesthesia Care Chronic Constipation for Your Endoscopy Liver Disease

Easier Than You Think Treat these 10 minutes like you would a regular workout. Take 1-2 minutes to warm up and get the muscles ready, including stretch7229 Wheat Street 1269 Wellbrook Circle Follow with at least 7 minutes of exercise Covington, ing.

GA 30014 Conyers, GA 30012 at a medium or high intensity. Then make sure 1000 Cowles Clinic Wayto| Cypress Bldg.,aSuite C-300 | Greensboro, GA 30642 include 60-second cool down.

Since it’s brief, it’s important to work at a Anesthesia Careall of the fairlyMonitored high intensity to obtain NOW for Your Endoscopy OFFERING benefits.

Specializing in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition: n

Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention

n

Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders

n

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

n

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

n

Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders

n

Non-Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapy

Work at raising your heart and respiration rates. Just like regular workouts, try to include cardio, strength training and flexibility work in your shortened routine. Either knock out all three during the 10 minutes, or plan a 10-minute segment for each area.

Example: Push out 10 cardio minutes on the stationary bike. For strength, do push-ups, wall sits or lift dumbbells. For flexibility, it’s helpful to just stretch every day. Work different muscle groups and keep it simple. After 10 minutes, you will feel healthier and be on your way to developing solid fitness habits.

But I Still Don’t Have Time It only takes 30 minutes a day, broken up into manageable chunks of 10. Start with a quick exercise when you wake up. The second session? A lunch break is possibly the perfect time to re-energize and get the blood flowing again. The last 10-minute blitz could come in the evening, even while you are watching TV. It’s an ideal way to involve the family as well.

Go for a power walk after dinner with your spouse or ride bikes with the kids.

It is all about convenience; if you try, you can fit exercise into your schedule no matter where you are. Do it at home or at work, outside or in the living room. Start building exercise spurts into your daily routine and you’ll start feeling better.

Remember, exercise comes in all shapes and sizes.

HEALTHY IN NEWTON 11

There’s something for the whole family at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit: • Take a self-guided tour of the Monastic Museum at the Visitor Center; watch the video about the life of the monks at the Monastery.

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

• Learn about the art of Bonsai, and shop for unique garden gifts at The Monastery Garden Center.

• Visit the Abbey Store, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack at the Café, and review one of our many books about faith and Christianity.

Kay Goff at the entrace to "Hope Boutique."

• Take a walk and explore some of the many unique features of the Monastery which include: ~ the Prayer Walk; where you can learn about Cistercian Saints ~ Magnolia Lane ~ Feed the ducks at the Monastery Lakes • Make the Stations of the Cross at the Monastery Stations along the lake.

• Plan a bike ride or walk along the Rockdale River trail through the Monastery property.

Raising funds for the Hope Boutique is a never-ending task.

On September 28, from 4-5:30 pm, Mack McKibben and his Drive Time Band will play a free concert on the Covington Square, and the Hope Boutique will offer tables for the performance to sponsors. On Oct. 3 at 11:30 am, the Hope Boutique will hold its annual fashion show and luncheon in the recreation building at First Baptist Church of Covington. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available at the NMC auxiliary office or at the Women’s Diagnostic Center. To learn more about these events, call the Hope Boutique at 770-385-4169 or Kay Goff at 770-786-0498.

The Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Monastery grounds are open to the public every day.

The following scheduled Monastery services are open to the public every day: 4:30 AM Vigils • 7:00 AM Morning Prayer and Mass 12:15 PM Midday Prayers • 5:20 PM Vespers (Evening Prayer) • 7:30 PM Compline (Night Prayer)

BE INSPIRED... at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. isitors are welcome year-round at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the inspirational home of Georgia’s Trappist Monks. Nestled on 2,300 acres in Conyers, the Monastery offers a scenic and peaceful environment to explore.

Experience a day in the life of a monk, or learn about the Trappists in Georgia at the Historic Museum. See the beautiful Abbey Church. Browse through the Bonsai Garden, Bonsai Nursery and gift shop. Visit the Abbey Store for monk-made biscotti, fruitcake, fudge, free trade items and the largest selection of Christian books in the state.

Stay for the day – or experience our overnight retreats.

www.trappist.net For more Conyers information call 1.800.CONYERS

There’s something for the whole family at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit: • Take a self-guided tour of the Monastic Museum at the Visitor Center; watch the video about the life of the monks at the Monastery.

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

• Learn about the art of Bonsai, and shop for unique garden gifts at The Monastery Garden Center.

• Visit the Abbey Store, enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack at the Café, and review one of our many books about faith and Christianity.

Kay Goff at the entrace to "Hope Boutique."

• Take a walk and explore some of the many unique features of the Monastery which include: ~ the Prayer Walk; where you can learn about Cistercian Saints ~ Magnolia Lane ~ Feed the ducks at the Monastery Lakes • Make the Stations of the Cross at the Monastery Stations along the lake.

• Plan a bike ride or walk along the Rockdale River trail through the Monastery property.

Raising funds for the Hope Boutique is a never-ending task.

On September 28, from 4-5:30 pm, Mack McKibben and his Drive Time Band will play a free concert on the Covington Square, and the Hope Boutique will offer tables for the performance to sponsors. On Oct. 3 at 11:30 am, the Hope Boutique will hold its annual fashion show and luncheon in the recreation building at First Baptist Church of Covington. Tickets for the event are $10 and are available at the NMC auxiliary office or at the Women’s Diagnostic Center. To learn more about these events, call the Hope Boutique at 770-385-4169 or Kay Goff at 770-786-0498.

The Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Monastery grounds are open to the public every day.

The following scheduled Monastery services are open to the public every day: 4:30 AM Vigils • 7:00 AM Morning Prayer and Mass 12:15 PM Midday Prayers • 5:20 PM Vespers (Evening Prayer) • 7:30 PM Compline (Night Prayer)

BE INSPIRED... at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. isitors are welcome year-round at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the inspirational home of Georgia’s Trappist Monks. Nestled on 2,300 acres in Conyers, the Monastery offers a scenic and peaceful environment to explore.

Experience a day in the life of a monk, or learn about the Trappists in Georgia at the Historic Museum. See the beautiful Abbey Church. Browse through the Bonsai Garden, Bonsai Nursery and gift shop. Visit the Abbey Store for monk-made biscotti, fruitcake, fudge, free trade items and the largest selection of Christian books in the state.

Stay for the day – or experience our overnight retreats.

www.trappist.net For more Conyers information call 1.800.CONYERS

5

Chiropractic Care M

ost people seek out chiropractors for some kind of surface issue, such as back or neck pain. Indeed, back pain has become a major concern in the United States, with 75-85% of us experiencing back pain at some point in our lives.

An estimated 50% of working adults experience chronic back pain, and it’s become the number one reason for missing work.

Usually back pain doesn’t have a malicious cause, such as arthritis, fracture, cancer or some other serious medical condition, but is more mechanical or structural in nature. The traditional “outside in” approach to back pain has cost Americans about $50 billion a year, yet often doesn’t address the real cause of pain or result in complete pain relief.

Often, back pain sufferers turn to prescription medications for relief. New prescription anti-inflammatory drugs are marketed extensively by the pharmaceutical industry, but the hefty price tag – as much $20,000 for an annual prescription – and the long list of potential side effects, such as liver problems, hepatitis B, increased risk of cancers,

Little Known Benefits of Drinking Water T

he benefits of drinking water have been much discussed in the media.

Water helps keep you hydrated, which is important because every single cell in your body needs it in order to absorb nutrients and expel waste products. But what are some of the less well known benefits of drinking water?



Drinking Water Keeps You Young Drinking plenty of water is great for your skin.

If you don't drink enough water, you'll suffer from dry skin, and you'll be likely to use more creams and lotions to moisturize. However, creams and lotions don't strike at the root of the problem.

Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you don't drink enough water, your body will try to retain it in order to conserve resources. This retention makes your skin puffy and can even lead to bloating.



Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight There's a reason why most diets and fitness

14 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

programs ask you to drink a lot of water. One of the benefits of drinking water is that it helps you lose weight.

Water suppresses your appetite, so you don't eat as much. Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention, because your body won't try to retain water if it's getting enough.

Drinking water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you're not drinking enough water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body. When you drink plenty of water, your kidneys don't need any extra help, so your liver will be able to metabolize stored fat more efficiently.

Drinking water flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation.



Drinking Water Helps You Build Muscle Another benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That's because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle.

 Drinking Water Makes You Smarter

Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order

to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs. Drinking eight to ten cups of water per day can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30%!

Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that your body's electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to.

 Drinking Water Is Good for Your Joints

One of the lesser known benefits of drinking water is that it helps keep your joints strong, healthy and lubricated. Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible, so that your movements are smooth and pain free.

and lupus, make these drugs a less than desirable solution. Prescription pain relievers can deliver a quick fix, but do nothing to fix the problem causing the pain. What’s more, they’re highly addictive and contributed to 13,800 deaths last year caused by prescription drug overdoses.

An alternative to these costly and worrisome treatments is chiropractic. “Being a chiropractor, I don’t simply look to mask or cover up symptoms and health challenges,” said Dr. Adams of Covington Family Chiropractic. “I want to find out why patients have the problems to begin with. I have an "inside out" approach when it comes to health.”

Chiropractic medicine is based on the belief that improper function of the spine due to slight misalignments—called subluxations—can cause poor health or function, even in areas far removed from the spine and spinal cord itself. Chiropractic is a natural form of health care that uses spinal adjustments to correct these misalignments and restore proper function to the nervous system, helping the body to heal naturally. Patients for whom

traditional medicine has failed often find relief in chiropractic treatment, based on this “whole-body” approach.

If you suffer from back or neck pain, or other musculoskeletal pain, chiropractic medicine may offer the solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more about chiropractic medicine, contact Dr. Adams at 770-6896987 to schedule a spinal check up and get started on the pathway to better health.

COVINTON FAMILY

CHIROPRACTIC A better health through natural chiropractic care!

Dr. Jamie Adams Wellness ChiropraCtor

770.689.6987

www.cfchiropractic.com

2125 Pace Street Covington, GA 30014

5

Chiropractic Care M

ost people seek out chiropractors for some kind of surface issue, such as back or neck pain. Indeed, back pain has become a major concern in the United States, with 75-85% of us experiencing back pain at some point in our lives.

An estimated 50% of working adults experience chronic back pain, and it’s become the number one reason for missing work.

Usually back pain doesn’t have a malicious cause, such as arthritis, fracture, cancer or some other serious medical condition, but is more mechanical or structural in nature. The traditional “outside in” approach to back pain has cost Americans about $50 billion a year, yet often doesn’t address the real cause of pain or result in complete pain relief.

Often, back pain sufferers turn to prescription medications for relief. New prescription anti-inflammatory drugs are marketed extensively by the pharmaceutical industry, but the hefty price tag – as much $20,000 for an annual prescription – and the long list of potential side effects, such as liver problems, hepatitis B, increased risk of cancers,

Little Known Benefits of Drinking Water T

he benefits of drinking water have been much discussed in the media.

Water helps keep you hydrated, which is important because every single cell in your body needs it in order to absorb nutrients and expel waste products. But what are some of the less well known benefits of drinking water?



Drinking Water Keeps You Young Drinking plenty of water is great for your skin.

If you don't drink enough water, you'll suffer from dry skin, and you'll be likely to use more creams and lotions to moisturize. However, creams and lotions don't strike at the root of the problem.

Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

If you don't drink enough water, your body will try to retain it in order to conserve resources. This retention makes your skin puffy and can even lead to bloating.



Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight There's a reason why most diets and fitness

14 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

programs ask you to drink a lot of water. One of the benefits of drinking water is that it helps you lose weight.

Water suppresses your appetite, so you don't eat as much. Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention, because your body won't try to retain water if it's getting enough.

Drinking water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you're not drinking enough water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body. When you drink plenty of water, your kidneys don't need any extra help, so your liver will be able to metabolize stored fat more efficiently.

Drinking water flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation.



Drinking Water Helps You Build Muscle Another benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That's because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle.

 Drinking Water Makes You Smarter

Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order

to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs. Drinking eight to ten cups of water per day can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30%!

Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that your body's electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to.

 Drinking Water Is Good for Your Joints

One of the lesser known benefits of drinking water is that it helps keep your joints strong, healthy and lubricated. Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible, so that your movements are smooth and pain free.

and lupus, make these drugs a less than desirable solution. Prescription pain relievers can deliver a quick fix, but do nothing to fix the problem causing the pain. What’s more, they’re highly addictive and contributed to 13,800 deaths last year caused by prescription drug overdoses.

An alternative to these costly and worrisome treatments is chiropractic. “Being a chiropractor, I don’t simply look to mask or cover up symptoms and health challenges,” said Dr. Adams of Covington Family Chiropractic. “I want to find out why patients have the problems to begin with. I have an "inside out" approach when it comes to health.”

Chiropractic medicine is based on the belief that improper function of the spine due to slight misalignments—called subluxations—can cause poor health or function, even in areas far removed from the spine and spinal cord itself. Chiropractic is a natural form of health care that uses spinal adjustments to correct these misalignments and restore proper function to the nervous system, helping the body to heal naturally. Patients for whom

traditional medicine has failed often find relief in chiropractic treatment, based on this “whole-body” approach.

If you suffer from back or neck pain, or other musculoskeletal pain, chiropractic medicine may offer the solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more about chiropractic medicine, contact Dr. Adams at 770-6896987 to schedule a spinal check up and get started on the pathway to better health.

COVINTON FAMILY

CHIROPRACTIC A better health through natural chiropractic care!

Dr. Jamie Adams Wellness ChiropraCtor

770.689.6987

www.cfchiropractic.com

2125 Pace Street Covington, GA 30014

I

t’s a fall Friday night and football season has kicked off in Newton County and schools throughout our nation. One expects to see Sharp Stadium filled with fans, cheerleaders jumping in the air and football players gearing up for a great game. But over the past three years, fans have also become familiar with the faces of athletic trainers on the sidelines, making sure the athletes stay healthy and in the game.

Newton Medical Center is proud to provide Newton County School System with the Athletic Training Program to oversee injury prevention and recovery in the student athletic programs. The program started in 2012 and is administered by Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. According to the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association, only 30 percent of High Schools have an athletic training program and only 10 percent are fulltime, making Newton County School System ahead of the game. Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine staffs a fulltime athletic trainer at each Newton County school – Alcovy, Eastside and Newton – as well as in Social Circle City Schools and Perimeter College.

Brandy Dodge, ATC, LAT, is the athletic trainer for Alcovy High School where she works closely with the football team’s Head Coach Kirk Hoffman.

“It’s such a comfort as a coach knowing medical assistance is out there. Before having the athletic trainers in the schools, coaches had the responsibility. Needless to say, the athletic trainers have taken over a huge area. Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has not only fulfilled the need in our schools, but has exceeded it. The safety of our athletes is in great hands with Ms. Brandy,” says Hoffman.

Injury Prevention In addition to the football games, the athletic trainers can be found at practices and sporting events for baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, softball, track, volleyball and wrestling where they spend most of their time on injury prevention.

Athletic trainers usually start their day by monitoring the weather, the playing field and the equipment to ensure it’s safe to pursue play. One of the most important duties of the athletic trainer is to monitor the heat index to prevent heat illness and cramping. Sometimes practice has to be limited or special

16 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

protective gear may be used, and of course ensuring athletes are properly hydrated all go into playing it safe.

The athletic trainers administer therapeutic treatments and preventive measures – such as taping and bracing – per physician orders for athletes who need therapy prior to practice or the game. Athletes also participate in conditioning programs developed by the athletic trainers.

The athletic trainers check on practice and sporting events by visiting each field or gym where they are available for injury evaluations.

On a typical day, Kelsy Ney, ATC, LAT, the athletic trainer for Newton High School, may start her day jumping in as a stand-in coach at volleyball practice, and then run out to check on the football team, while on her way to the softball game – all within an hour’s time. Students are trained to support the athletic trainers by being at each event to assist with prevention measures, injury assessment and to make contact with the athletic trainer when necessary.

After an Injury In the event of an injury, the athletic trainers serve as the first responder where they will assess the injury and treat accordingly.

Equipment is readily available to assist the athletic trainer in evaluating the injury and removing protective gear to ensure breathing and blood flow are not hindered. Proper protocol is followed if there is a suspicion of a neck injury, concussion or other injuries.

The athletic trainers will determine if the player may or may not return to participation. If emergent medical treatment is needed, the athletic trainer will determine if the parents are able to take their child to the hospital, such as for a suspicion of a simple fracture, or if the EMS needs to be called.

When one of her Alcovy High School athletes are injured and require emergent care at Newton Medical Center, Brandy will go with the athlete and parents to the hospital.

In addition to being on the sidelines of practice and games, she stays by the side of her students to answer any questions parents may have, even if it’s 10 o’clock at night.

Back in the Game The goal of the athletic trainers is to help an injured athlete return to health and ultimately to get back in the game that he or she loves so much.

According to Kelsy, “I love being an athletic trainer for Newton High School. I get to help the athletes in a time of dire need. I help them get back to what they love doing as soon as possible.”

Following any emergent treatment of an injury, athletic trainers oversee the “Return to Play” protocol of the students while also communicating the physician’s orders with the parents and coaches. From attending doctor appointments, obtaining copies of school excuses to working with the student to get him or her back to health, the athletic trainer keeps everyone connected.

“I have the greatest coaching staff and parent network at Alcovy High School. We all work so well together, I’m fortunate to be part of the team,” says Brandy.

Parents offer a vital role in the prevention and injury recovery of their children.

The most important thing parents can do is follow the advice of the athletic trainers. The guidelines are set in order to prevent injuries and the athletic trainers are there to enforce them on the field while parents can ensure the guidelines are followed off the field.

Parents are also encouraged to communicate with the athletic trainers who are in the schools for that very purpose.

Brandy encourages parents to “utilize the athletic trainers and the connection we provide to your child’s health.”

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine serves middle Georgia with

world class trained physicians Dr. Reneé S. Riley and Dr. Ryan J. Tomlins who can also be found at the home games of sporting events to assess injuries and accompany athletes to the hospital when necessary. Both physicians trained at the highly acclaimed American Sports Medicine Institute founded by Dr. James R. Andrews.

Dr. Reneé Riley has extensive training in athletic and sports-related injuries. As a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, she has a particular expertise and interest in knee, shoulder and elbow injuries. Dr. Riley is also experienced in arthroscopic procedures, total joint replacements, fracture treatment and many other surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Dr. Ryan Tomlins specializes in non-surgical treatment of athletic and sports-related injuries. Dr. Tomlins is certified in Tenex Health TX™ therapy, which treats diseased soft tissue and rapidly restores musculoskeletal function. He is the director of the Concussion Program for the Newton County School System and certified to treat golf injuries by the Titleist Performance Institute.

When injured athletes continue their care with Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the athletic trainers for each school have better access to the physicians and can discuss the care directly. With the access to the doctors, the athletic trainers are able to provide a team approach for recovery.

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is located in the Physicians’ Pavilion next door to Newton Medical Center at 4181 Hospital Drive, Suite #204 in Covington, Ga. For more information, visit www.Georgia-Ortho.com or call 770-788-6534.

JEFF CHER: Principal, Eastside High School

“

“

Be Healthy…

In the Game!

The physicians and athletic trainers at Georgia Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have served our student athletes in a variety of settings with exceptional care and attention. Because of their support and quality service, our athletic programs are safer and more successful.

Pre-Participation Sports Physicals Each spring, Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine serves the Newton County community with a pre-participation sports physical event open for all area schools. The team of physicians and athletic trainers offers a full day of physicals to prescreen athletes who may be at risk for specific conditions at a reduced cost of $20. Half of the funds raised are donated to each school’s athletic program.

“When we do a sports physical, we are looking from a different perspective than other physicians,” says Dr. Ryan Tomlins.

Specific traits in one’s health or family history, such as asthma or heart conditions, could potentially save the life of an athlete. When the athletic trainers are aware of these conditions, they can treat and monitor athletes for their specific needs.

I

t’s a fall Friday night and football season has kicked off in Newton County and schools throughout our nation. One expects to see Sharp Stadium filled with fans, cheerleaders jumping in the air and football players gearing up for a great game. But over the past three years, fans have also become familiar with the faces of athletic trainers on the sidelines, making sure the athletes stay healthy and in the game.

Newton Medical Center is proud to provide Newton County School System with the Athletic Training Program to oversee injury prevention and recovery in the student athletic programs. The program started in 2012 and is administered by Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. According to the Georgia Athletic Trainers’ Association, only 30 percent of High Schools have an athletic training program and only 10 percent are fulltime, making Newton County School System ahead of the game. Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine staffs a fulltime athletic trainer at each Newton County school – Alcovy, Eastside and Newton – as well as in Social Circle City Schools and Perimeter College.

Brandy Dodge, ATC, LAT, is the athletic trainer for Alcovy High School where she works closely with the football team’s Head Coach Kirk Hoffman.

“It’s such a comfort as a coach knowing medical assistance is out there. Before having the athletic trainers in the schools, coaches had the responsibility. Needless to say, the athletic trainers have taken over a huge area. Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has not only fulfilled the need in our schools, but has exceeded it. The safety of our athletes is in great hands with Ms. Brandy,” says Hoffman.

Injury Prevention In addition to the football games, the athletic trainers can be found at practices and sporting events for baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, softball, track, volleyball and wrestling where they spend most of their time on injury prevention.

Athletic trainers usually start their day by monitoring the weather, the playing field and the equipment to ensure it’s safe to pursue play. One of the most important duties of the athletic trainer is to monitor the heat index to prevent heat illness and cramping. Sometimes practice has to be limited or special

16 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

protective gear may be used, and of course ensuring athletes are properly hydrated all go into playing it safe.

The athletic trainers administer therapeutic treatments and preventive measures – such as taping and bracing – per physician orders for athletes who need therapy prior to practice or the game. Athletes also participate in conditioning programs developed by the athletic trainers.

The athletic trainers check on practice and sporting events by visiting each field or gym where they are available for injury evaluations.

On a typical day, Kelsy Ney, ATC, LAT, the athletic trainer for Newton High School, may start her day jumping in as a stand-in coach at volleyball practice, and then run out to check on the football team, while on her way to the softball game – all within an hour’s time. Students are trained to support the athletic trainers by being at each event to assist with prevention measures, injury assessment and to make contact with the athletic trainer when necessary.

After an Injury In the event of an injury, the athletic trainers serve as the first responder where they will assess the injury and treat accordingly.

Equipment is readily available to assist the athletic trainer in evaluating the injury and removing protective gear to ensure breathing and blood flow are not hindered. Proper protocol is followed if there is a suspicion of a neck injury, concussion or other injuries.

The athletic trainers will determine if the player may or may not return to participation. If emergent medical treatment is needed, the athletic trainer will determine if the parents are able to take their child to the hospital, such as for a suspicion of a simple fracture, or if the EMS needs to be called.

When one of her Alcovy High School athletes are injured and require emergent care at Newton Medical Center, Brandy will go with the athlete and parents to the hospital.

In addition to being on the sidelines of practice and games, she stays by the side of her students to answer any questions parents may have, even if it’s 10 o’clock at night.

Back in the Game The goal of the athletic trainers is to help an injured athlete return to health and ultimately to get back in the game that he or she loves so much.

According to Kelsy, “I love being an athletic trainer for Newton High School. I get to help the athletes in a time of dire need. I help them get back to what they love doing as soon as possible.”

Following any emergent treatment of an injury, athletic trainers oversee the “Return to Play” protocol of the students while also communicating the physician’s orders with the parents and coaches. From attending doctor appointments, obtaining copies of school excuses to working with the student to get him or her back to health, the athletic trainer keeps everyone connected.

“I have the greatest coaching staff and parent network at Alcovy High School. We all work so well together, I’m fortunate to be part of the team,” says Brandy.

Parents offer a vital role in the prevention and injury recovery of their children.

The most important thing parents can do is follow the advice of the athletic trainers. The guidelines are set in order to prevent injuries and the athletic trainers are there to enforce them on the field while parents can ensure the guidelines are followed off the field.

Parents are also encouraged to communicate with the athletic trainers who are in the schools for that very purpose.

Brandy encourages parents to “utilize the athletic trainers and the connection we provide to your child’s health.”

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine serves middle Georgia with

world class trained physicians Dr. Reneé S. Riley and Dr. Ryan J. Tomlins who can also be found at the home games of sporting events to assess injuries and accompany athletes to the hospital when necessary. Both physicians trained at the highly acclaimed American Sports Medicine Institute founded by Dr. James R. Andrews.

Dr. Reneé Riley has extensive training in athletic and sports-related injuries. As a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, she has a particular expertise and interest in knee, shoulder and elbow injuries. Dr. Riley is also experienced in arthroscopic procedures, total joint replacements, fracture treatment and many other surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Dr. Ryan Tomlins specializes in non-surgical treatment of athletic and sports-related injuries. Dr. Tomlins is certified in Tenex Health TX™ therapy, which treats diseased soft tissue and rapidly restores musculoskeletal function. He is the director of the Concussion Program for the Newton County School System and certified to treat golf injuries by the Titleist Performance Institute.

When injured athletes continue their care with Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the athletic trainers for each school have better access to the physicians and can discuss the care directly. With the access to the doctors, the athletic trainers are able to provide a team approach for recovery.

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is located in the Physicians’ Pavilion next door to Newton Medical Center at 4181 Hospital Drive, Suite #204 in Covington, Ga. For more information, visit www.Georgia-Ortho.com or call 770-788-6534.

JEFF CHER: Principal, Eastside High School

“

“

Be Healthy…

In the Game!

The physicians and athletic trainers at Georgia Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have served our student athletes in a variety of settings with exceptional care and attention. Because of their support and quality service, our athletic programs are safer and more successful.

Pre-Participation Sports Physicals Each spring, Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine serves the Newton County community with a pre-participation sports physical event open for all area schools. The team of physicians and athletic trainers offers a full day of physicals to prescreen athletes who may be at risk for specific conditions at a reduced cost of $20. Half of the funds raised are donated to each school’s athletic program.

“When we do a sports physical, we are looking from a different perspective than other physicians,” says Dr. Ryan Tomlins.

Specific traits in one’s health or family history, such as asthma or heart conditions, could potentially save the life of an athlete. When the athletic trainers are aware of these conditions, they can treat and monitor athletes for their specific needs.

Providing 10% OFF Dermatological Care For The Entire Family

PROVIDING DERMATOLOGICAL CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Say Goodbye

aesthetic services & products for the months of Aug. & Sept.

years

Convenient Hours 7:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday

dermatologyconsultants.org

Dione Marcus, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist Michelle Juneau, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist Benjamin Kelly, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist - Mohs Surgeon PROVIDING DERMATOLOGICAL

CELEBRATING

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

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aesthetic services & products for thefor months of Aug. of & Sept. aesthetic services & products the month Sept.

years

Convenient Hours 7:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday

Services:

to unwanted fat!

4151 Hospital Drive Covington, GA 30014 770-784-0343

4151 Hospital Drive

Covington, GA 30014 General ~ Surgical ~ Cosmetic Dermatology 770-784-0343 Aesthetic & Laser Treatmentsdermatologyconsultants.org Botox® & Fillers Featuring CoolSculpting® to Reduce Fat

{

I

f you’re ready to say goodbye to muffin tops, love handles and saddlebags on the thighs, then say ®

®

hello to CoolSculpting . CoolSculpting was developed by Harvard Scientists and offered only by

{

CELEBRATING

licensed Physicians. This innovative, non-invasive process can help you lose those annoying bumps and bulges of stubborn fat safely, in the comfort of your doctor’s office. Requiring less time and money than traditional invasive treatments, CoolSculpting is clinically proven to reshape your body. And it’s equally effective for both men and women.

There are numerous advantages to this technology when compared to traditional surgical methods such as liposuction. CoolSculpting requires no medication, anesthesia, and patients may resume normal activity, including exercise, immediately following the procedure. The technology is extremely safe and effective to reduce fat cells by 20-25%. CoolSculpting is cleared by the FDA to treat Love Handles, Abdomen and thighs.

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. An applicator is applied, using a vacuum, and when the applicator is securely attached, the cooling begins. Over the next two to four months the crystallized fat cells break down and are naturally flushed from the

BEFORE

body through our lymphatic system. The areas treated will naturally flatten out during this time.

Each treatment should yield about 20-25% in fat reduction. Typically, when both love handles and full abdomen are treated, you could see a one – to – two inch decrease in the waistline. After the initial treatment cycle is complete, you can attain further reductions with additional procedures. Many find one treatment fully addresses their personal goals.

"Once they're gone, they're gone," said Jill Murphy, CoolSculpting Team Leader for Dermatology Consultants in Covington.

One session lasts about an hour, and Dr. Michelle Juneau says that most patients experience only minor discomfort. "After the first 15 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. Often times, patients return to work after their CoolSculpting session is over.

“Dermatology Consultants has performed over 2,400 treatments in three years,” Dr.Juneau says.

“We’re a Certified CoolSculpting Practice with highly trained and knowledgeable staff in our Covington Marietta and Buckhead locations.

To learn more about CoolSculpting, call Dermatology Consultants at 770-784-0343 or visit their website at www. http://dermatologyconsultants.org/. The skilled and helpful staff at Dermatology Consultants will be glad to discuss and design a plan that suits you best.

AFTER

HEALTHY IN NEWTON 19

Providing 10% OFF Dermatological Care For The Entire Family

PROVIDING DERMATOLOGICAL CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Say Goodbye

aesthetic services & products for the months of Aug. & Sept.

years

Convenient Hours 7:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday

dermatologyconsultants.org

Dione Marcus, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist Michelle Juneau, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist Benjamin Kelly, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist - Mohs Surgeon PROVIDING DERMATOLOGICAL

CELEBRATING

CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

10% OFF

aesthetic services & products for thefor months of Aug. of & Sept. aesthetic services & products the month Sept.

years

Convenient Hours 7:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday

Services:

to unwanted fat!

4151 Hospital Drive Covington, GA 30014 770-784-0343

4151 Hospital Drive

Covington, GA 30014 General ~ Surgical ~ Cosmetic Dermatology 770-784-0343 Aesthetic & Laser Treatmentsdermatologyconsultants.org Botox® & Fillers Featuring CoolSculpting® to Reduce Fat

{

I

f you’re ready to say goodbye to muffin tops, love handles and saddlebags on the thighs, then say ®

®

hello to CoolSculpting . CoolSculpting was developed by Harvard Scientists and offered only by

{

CELEBRATING

licensed Physicians. This innovative, non-invasive process can help you lose those annoying bumps and bulges of stubborn fat safely, in the comfort of your doctor’s office. Requiring less time and money than traditional invasive treatments, CoolSculpting is clinically proven to reshape your body. And it’s equally effective for both men and women.

There are numerous advantages to this technology when compared to traditional surgical methods such as liposuction. CoolSculpting requires no medication, anesthesia, and patients may resume normal activity, including exercise, immediately following the procedure. The technology is extremely safe and effective to reduce fat cells by 20-25%. CoolSculpting is cleared by the FDA to treat Love Handles, Abdomen and thighs.

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. An applicator is applied, using a vacuum, and when the applicator is securely attached, the cooling begins. Over the next two to four months the crystallized fat cells break down and are naturally flushed from the

BEFORE

body through our lymphatic system. The areas treated will naturally flatten out during this time.

Each treatment should yield about 20-25% in fat reduction. Typically, when both love handles and full abdomen are treated, you could see a one – to – two inch decrease in the waistline. After the initial treatment cycle is complete, you can attain further reductions with additional procedures. Many find one treatment fully addresses their personal goals.

"Once they're gone, they're gone," said Jill Murphy, CoolSculpting Team Leader for Dermatology Consultants in Covington.

One session lasts about an hour, and Dr. Michelle Juneau says that most patients experience only minor discomfort. "After the first 15 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. Often times, patients return to work after their CoolSculpting session is over.

“Dermatology Consultants has performed over 2,400 treatments in three years,” Dr.Juneau says.

“We’re a Certified CoolSculpting Practice with highly trained and knowledgeable staff in our Covington Marietta and Buckhead locations.

To learn more about CoolSculpting, call Dermatology Consultants at 770-784-0343 or visit their website at www. http://dermatologyconsultants.org/. The skilled and helpful staff at Dermatology Consultants will be glad to discuss and design a plan that suits you best.

AFTER

HEALTHY IN NEWTON 19

Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC

Family-Centered

Cesarean Birth

written by Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

A ;

Anticipating the birth of their twins many weeks earlier than her due date, Stephanie Sorrows and her partner, PJ Stinchcomb, were apprehensive. “My son was normal size, but my daughter was much smaller because she was not g r o w - ing. I thought my babies would be rushed to the nursery after they were born.” Stephanie had her Cesarean section at Newton Medical Center where Dr. Cathy Larrimore of Covington Women’s Health Specialists and Clinical Nurse Manager Susann Whittle, RN are initiating Family-Centered Cesarean Births. “I cried when the nurses put my daughter and then my son on my chest! I was very happy. PJ helped me hold the babies who were both crying and healthy.” Dr. John Warner, Chief of Anesthesia at Newton Medical Center, provided the anesthesia as well as the photography. “Dr. Warner made me feel like an important part of the birth. He made the experience memorable for me,” PJ recalled.

Traditional Cesarean delivery often isolates the mother from her partner and from the newborn. This can prevent important early emotional and physical bonding between the mother, the baby and the father. Recent studies show the importance of skin to skin contact of the baby and the parents immediately after delivery.

Preventing early maternal-infant bonding can slow the initiation of breastfeeding and impact maternal behavior later as the baby grows.

Dr. Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

OFFICE PROCEDURES • Hysteroscopy • Colposcopy • LEEP

Stephanie Sorrows with her twin babies.

The Family-Centered approach to Cesarean delivery encourages early interaction of the mother and father with their baby. The birth care team celebrates the momentous birth experience and encourages early mother–infant –father bonding. Josh Hughes and his wife Holly had a wonderful experience when their son, Blake, was born by Cesarean in 2010, but Josh noticed differences between his son’s birth and the family-centered approach undertaken when his daughter Madison was born. Josh said, “From start to finish, the experience was more supportive.” While they were only able to spend a short amount of time with Blake after his birth before he was taken to the nursery, they were able to hold Madison and bond with her for an extended length of time before both mother and baby were taken to the recovery room.

Experience the joys of natural birth even if Cesarean delivery is needed. Family-Centered Cesarean, with its focus on early bonding and skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, is not routinely used with preterm births, deliveries which are emergencies or in cases where the baby is a high risk or is not breathing normally after delivery.

SUITE DEVOTED TO MIDWIFERY CARE NORMAL AND HIGH RISK PREGNANCY • Family Centered Maternity Care • 3D/4D Ultrasound • Trial of Labor after Cesarean COMPREHENSIVE WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE • Annual Exams • Infertility • Osteoporosis • Fibroids • HPV Testing and Vaccination • Abnormal Pap Smears • Endometriosis • Contraception Options • Menopause-HRT • Bio-identical Hormones

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Lynn M. Stock, CNM, Janice D. Joiner, CNM, Kerry G. Dewberry, WHNP

Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

Physician’s Pavilion at Newton Medical Center

4181 Hospital Drive, Suite 104 & 100, Covington

770.385.8954 www.cwhs-larrimore.com

188296-1

20 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

Member of American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery

SURGICAL GYNECOLOGY Hysterectomy • Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Laparoscopy • HTA – Novasure Minimally Invasive Surgical Services

Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC Holly Hughes, with her husband Josh and their 2 children.

Our Incredible Staff

Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC

Family-Centered

Cesarean Birth

written by Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

A ;

Anticipating the birth of their twins many weeks earlier than her due date, Stephanie Sorrows and her partner, PJ Stinchcomb, were apprehensive. “My son was normal size, but my daughter was much smaller because she was not g r o w - ing. I thought my babies would be rushed to the nursery after they were born.” Stephanie had her Cesarean section at Newton Medical Center where Dr. Cathy Larrimore of Covington Women’s Health Specialists and Clinical Nurse Manager Susann Whittle, RN are initiating Family-Centered Cesarean Births. “I cried when the nurses put my daughter and then my son on my chest! I was very happy. PJ helped me hold the babies who were both crying and healthy.” Dr. John Warner, Chief of Anesthesia at Newton Medical Center, provided the anesthesia as well as the photography. “Dr. Warner made me feel like an important part of the birth. He made the experience memorable for me,” PJ recalled.

Traditional Cesarean delivery often isolates the mother from her partner and from the newborn. This can prevent important early emotional and physical bonding between the mother, the baby and the father. Recent studies show the importance of skin to skin contact of the baby and the parents immediately after delivery.

Preventing early maternal-infant bonding can slow the initiation of breastfeeding and impact maternal behavior later as the baby grows.

Dr. Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

OFFICE PROCEDURES • Hysteroscopy • Colposcopy • LEEP

Stephanie Sorrows with her twin babies.

The Family-Centered approach to Cesarean delivery encourages early interaction of the mother and father with their baby. The birth care team celebrates the momentous birth experience and encourages early mother–infant –father bonding. Josh Hughes and his wife Holly had a wonderful experience when their son, Blake, was born by Cesarean in 2010, but Josh noticed differences between his son’s birth and the family-centered approach undertaken when his daughter Madison was born. Josh said, “From start to finish, the experience was more supportive.” While they were only able to spend a short amount of time with Blake after his birth before he was taken to the nursery, they were able to hold Madison and bond with her for an extended length of time before both mother and baby were taken to the recovery room.

Experience the joys of natural birth even if Cesarean delivery is needed. Family-Centered Cesarean, with its focus on early bonding and skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding, is not routinely used with preterm births, deliveries which are emergencies or in cases where the baby is a high risk or is not breathing normally after delivery.

SUITE DEVOTED TO MIDWIFERY CARE NORMAL AND HIGH RISK PREGNANCY • Family Centered Maternity Care • 3D/4D Ultrasound • Trial of Labor after Cesarean COMPREHENSIVE WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE • Annual Exams • Infertility • Osteoporosis • Fibroids • HPV Testing and Vaccination • Abnormal Pap Smears • Endometriosis • Contraception Options • Menopause-HRT • Bio-identical Hormones

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Lynn M. Stock, CNM, Janice D. Joiner, CNM, Kerry G. Dewberry, WHNP

Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

Physician’s Pavilion at Newton Medical Center

4181 Hospital Drive, Suite 104 & 100, Covington

770.385.8954 www.cwhs-larrimore.com

188296-1

20 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

Member of American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery

SURGICAL GYNECOLOGY Hysterectomy • Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Laparoscopy • HTA – Novasure Minimally Invasive Surgical Services

Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC Holly Hughes, with her husband Josh and their 2 children.

Our Incredible Staff

SLEEP

Getting Outdoors and Excercising is one way to effectively manage and cope with stress

Apnea written by Lee Udell

S

noring has long been the stuff of sitcoms and stand-up comedy. But one of the most common causes of snoring — sleep apnea — is no laughing matter.

The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." Breathing pauses during sleep can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing starts back with a loud snort or choking sound.

The experience can move the sleeper out of deep sleep and into light sleep, so sufferers tend to feel tired, even after what they consider a full night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is very common, affecting more than 18 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age.

Unfortunately, a lack of awareness by the public and health care professionals means the vast majority of sleep apnea patients go undiagnosed. But untreated, this disorder can have serious consequences, from high blood pressure to heart attack to stroke.

If you feel excessively tired or if your partner complains that you snore, you may suffer from sleep apnea. Only a physician can diagnose apnea, based on your medical history and a sleep study, which is usually conducted overnight at a sleep lab.

This non-invasive, painless process can provide your doctor with the data to make an accurate diagnosis and determine which of the three types of apnea you have.

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. Less common central sleep

apnea occurs if the area of your brain that controls your breathing doesn't send the correct signals to your breathing muscles. Some patients suffer from a combination of the two types of sleep apnea.

Once your physician has a diagnosis, he can decide if your condition should be treated with lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, or surgery. The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea involves lifestyle changes and the use of a machine called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which uses a mask that gently blows air to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, don’t keep losing sleep over it. Visit your primary care physician or see a specialist like Dr. Michel Jeannot at Walton Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, at 678-9289700 or toll-free 866-562-1866.

ROCKDALE LOCATION COMING SOON! Our Commitment is to Improve the Quality of Life for Every Patient

Dr. Michel Jeannot is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Disease.

or many adults, stress is an ever-present part of life. Though statistics on stress can be easily manipulated, it's safe to assume many men and women experience significant stress, especially when the economy is struggling, as it has been over the last several years.

The prevalence of stress serves to highlight the emphasis men and women must place on reducing it and, whenever possible, preventing it. Though it might prove impossible to eliminate stress, learning to manage that stress can improve your quality of life significantly. When attempting to manage stress, it can help to ask yourself the following questions.

What is the cause of my stress?

Stress can be caused by a number of things, but for many people, the main cause of their stress is work. In fact, a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that 40 percent of workers found their job was very or extremely stressful. Stress at the workplace has become even more overwhelming in recent years as the economy has sagged and workers who managed to keep their jobs were asked to do more to make up for smaller staffs.

If work isn't stressing you out, then it might help to maintain a stress journal, where you can track stressful incidents in the hopes of identifying just what it might be that's stressing you out.

Services Coming to Your Area: -Sleep Center -Full body Pulmonary Function Testing -Cardio Pulmonary Rehabiliation -Sleep Apnea Treatment (CPAP Set-Up) Coming to Conyers in October 2014, Conyers in October 2014 Open Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

678-928-9700 or 866-562-1866 Call Us to Set Up an Appointment

F

www.waltonpulmonary.com

How can I manage this stress?

Stress levels can worsen depending on how you respond to stressful incidents. For many people, effective stress management revolves around finding healthier ways to cope. Unfortunately, it's common to respond to stress in a host of negative ways. Overconsumption of alcohol, smoking, over- or undereating, withdrawing from friends and family, and sleeping too much are common, yet very unhealthy, ways to respond to stress.

Managing and coping with stress involves finding solutions that benefit your emotional and physical health. Drinking too much or avoiding family and friends certainly won't accomplish either of those things, so find healthier responses, which can include a better diet, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol

consumption, and exercising more. If your solution to stress improves your overall health and involves something that makes you feel better both emotionally and physically, then you might begin to notice that the stress is no longer so overwhelming.

Can I prevent stress?

Stress prevention can be difficult, though it's not impossible. Since so many people cite work as their primary cause of stress, it might be impossible to eliminate stress entirely. But there are ways to prevent unnecessary stress from overtaking your life.

• Recognize you have limits. High rates of unemployment have left many working men and women feeling as though they need to keep stretching themselves at work in order to keep their job and stay afloat. But you must learn to say "no" if stress has become overwhelming. Don't take on added responsibilities if your workload is already excessive.

• Avoid the source of stress. When possible, avoid the source of your stress.

For example, if you spend ample time each day sitting in a traffic jam, consider an alternate route to work or even public transportation.

• Learn to manage your time more effectively. Many overstressed people find there simply isn't enough time in the day to get things done. Managing time more effectively, which includes planning ahead and not procrastinating, can help turn a hectic, stressful schedule into one that's far more manageable.

• Make time to relax. Part of stress management and prevention is making time to relax and have fun. Spend time outdoors and don't skip outings with family and friends. Use your alloted vacation time even if you just stay at home and relax. Taking time out for yourself can help you recharge and put you in a better position to cope with stress when it returns.

Living with stress is something with which men and women have grown accustomed. But employing some management and prevention strategies can help you avoid succumbing to stress and can improve your quality of life as well.

HEALTHY IN NEWTON 23

SLEEP

Getting Outdoors and Excercising is one way to effectively manage and cope with stress

Apnea written by Lee Udell

S

noring has long been the stuff of sitcoms and stand-up comedy. But one of the most common causes of snoring — sleep apnea — is no laughing matter.

The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." Breathing pauses during sleep can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing starts back with a loud snort or choking sound.

The experience can move the sleeper out of deep sleep and into light sleep, so sufferers tend to feel tired, even after what they consider a full night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is very common, affecting more than 18 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of 40, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age.

Unfortunately, a lack of awareness by the public and health care professionals means the vast majority of sleep apnea patients go undiagnosed. But untreated, this disorder can have serious consequences, from high blood pressure to heart attack to stroke.

If you feel excessively tired or if your partner complains that you snore, you may suffer from sleep apnea. Only a physician can diagnose apnea, based on your medical history and a sleep study, which is usually conducted overnight at a sleep lab.

This non-invasive, painless process can provide your doctor with the data to make an accurate diagnosis and determine which of the three types of apnea you have.

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. Less common central sleep

apnea occurs if the area of your brain that controls your breathing doesn't send the correct signals to your breathing muscles. Some patients suffer from a combination of the two types of sleep apnea.

Once your physician has a diagnosis, he can decide if your condition should be treated with lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, or surgery. The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea involves lifestyle changes and the use of a machine called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which uses a mask that gently blows air to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, don’t keep losing sleep over it. Visit your primary care physician or see a specialist like Dr. Michel Jeannot at Walton Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, at 678-9289700 or toll-free 866-562-1866.

ROCKDALE LOCATION COMING SOON! Our Commitment is to Improve the Quality of Life for Every Patient

Dr. Michel Jeannot is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Disease.

or many adults, stress is an ever-present part of life. Though statistics on stress can be easily manipulated, it's safe to assume many men and women experience significant stress, especially when the economy is struggling, as it has been over the last several years.

The prevalence of stress serves to highlight the emphasis men and women must place on reducing it and, whenever possible, preventing it. Though it might prove impossible to eliminate stress, learning to manage that stress can improve your quality of life significantly. When attempting to manage stress, it can help to ask yourself the following questions.

What is the cause of my stress?

Stress can be caused by a number of things, but for many people, the main cause of their stress is work. In fact, a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that 40 percent of workers found their job was very or extremely stressful. Stress at the workplace has become even more overwhelming in recent years as the economy has sagged and workers who managed to keep their jobs were asked to do more to make up for smaller staffs.

If work isn't stressing you out, then it might help to maintain a stress journal, where you can track stressful incidents in the hopes of identifying just what it might be that's stressing you out.

Services Coming to Your Area: -Sleep Center -Full body Pulmonary Function Testing -Cardio Pulmonary Rehabiliation -Sleep Apnea Treatment (CPAP Set-Up) Coming to Conyers in October 2014, Conyers in October 2014 Open Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

678-928-9700 or 866-562-1866 Call Us to Set Up an Appointment

F

www.waltonpulmonary.com

How can I manage this stress?

Stress levels can worsen depending on how you respond to stressful incidents. For many people, effective stress management revolves around finding healthier ways to cope. Unfortunately, it's common to respond to stress in a host of negative ways. Overconsumption of alcohol, smoking, over- or undereating, withdrawing from friends and family, and sleeping too much are common, yet very unhealthy, ways to respond to stress.

Managing and coping with stress involves finding solutions that benefit your emotional and physical health. Drinking too much or avoiding family and friends certainly won't accomplish either of those things, so find healthier responses, which can include a better diet, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol

consumption, and exercising more. If your solution to stress improves your overall health and involves something that makes you feel better both emotionally and physically, then you might begin to notice that the stress is no longer so overwhelming.

Can I prevent stress?

Stress prevention can be difficult, though it's not impossible. Since so many people cite work as their primary cause of stress, it might be impossible to eliminate stress entirely. But there are ways to prevent unnecessary stress from overtaking your life.

• Recognize you have limits. High rates of unemployment have left many working men and women feeling as though they need to keep stretching themselves at work in order to keep their job and stay afloat. But you must learn to say "no" if stress has become overwhelming. Don't take on added responsibilities if your workload is already excessive.

• Avoid the source of stress. When possible, avoid the source of your stress.

For example, if you spend ample time each day sitting in a traffic jam, consider an alternate route to work or even public transportation.

• Learn to manage your time more effectively. Many overstressed people find there simply isn't enough time in the day to get things done. Managing time more effectively, which includes planning ahead and not procrastinating, can help turn a hectic, stressful schedule into one that's far more manageable.

• Make time to relax. Part of stress management and prevention is making time to relax and have fun. Spend time outdoors and don't skip outings with family and friends. Use your alloted vacation time even if you just stay at home and relax. Taking time out for yourself can help you recharge and put you in a better position to cope with stress when it returns.

Living with stress is something with which men and women have grown accustomed. But employing some management and prevention strategies can help you avoid succumbing to stress and can improve your quality of life as well.

HEALTHY IN NEWTON 23

Choosing a Hospice Provider written by Lee Udell

W

Newton Medical Center is pleased to announce an exciting, new program in concussion care through Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and the Newton County School System W

ith school back in, students expect to be tested on their academic skills for grades but what about their cognitive abilities for sports? Through the new Concussion Program at Newton County School System, athletes that participate in high-risk impact sports will take the ImPACT test, the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. The ImPACT test is nationally recognized and is in use by many teams in the MLB, NHL, NFL, WWE and NASCAR. As director of the Concussion Program, Dr. Ryan J. Tomlins of Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, along with Reneé S. Riley made a presentation to the school board this past May. “When we were reviewing the current policy that’s in place for the Newton school board and comparing that to the mandatory Georgia law that was put into effect back in 2013 by Governor Deal we noticed that it was pretty much the same thing,” Dr. Tomlins said. “So we wanted to not only have the minimal requirements but we wanted to take things a step further and add a little additional care to go above and beyond the general requirements of the state to try to provide even better care for athletes in Newton County.”

Some of those extra steps that make Newton County stand out from other athletic programs include having a fulltime athletic trainer in each school, using the ImPACT as part of a comprehensive concussion program and having a graduated “Return to Play” protocol in place.

By testing before the event of a concussion, the ImPACT provides a baseline for each athlete’s cognitive ability that is available for comparison after a concussion takes place. When choosing which sports would be included in the ImPACT, the Concussion Program identified the athletic programs most likely to involve impacts based on data from past concussions. For example, the golf team will not be tested whereas the football,

basketball, soccer, cheerleading and wrestling teams will be. At the beginning of the school year, students in the identified athletic programs will sit down and take the ImPACT in a computer lab on campus. Even though the test does not count towards one’s grades, everyone is encouraged to take the test seriously as it’s critical to capture the most accurate baseline for comparison in the event of a concussion. After the test, each athlete will receive a printout with his or her baseline.

Newton County’s “Return to Play” protocol is aligned with the best practices set and reviewed by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the Zurich Guidelines. Part of the protocol for a concussion includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3, known as SCAT3, to rate 20 symptoms on a scale of one to five.

In the event of a concussion, Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine staffs a certified athletic trainer at each school who is skilled to look for symptoms which may be associated with a concussion. The athletic trainers immediately evaluate the student using the SCAT3.

Some of the symptoms include headache, pressure in head, neck pain or blurred vision, for example. The assessment helps identify the significance of the concussion while also looking for a reason to do a CT scan.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, additional imaging is not necessary.

Dr. Tomlins will provide parents with a cheat sheet of signs, such as vomiting or double vision, to watch for during the first 24-48 hours that require immediate hospitalization. Even though it’s no longer recommended to wake up the athlete throughout the night - as it only resulted in worsening symptoms and tired parents - it’s still advised that parents monitor their child in order to identify any of the delayed symptoms that may occur after a concussion.

The next step in the process is to simply rest and usually do nothing else until the athlete is symptom free.

“Sometimes the hardest thing in medicine is doing

nothing at all. And not doing anything, is usually the best answer for a concussion,” explains Tomlins.

Athletes recovering from a concussion require complete brain rest which means a break from all school work as well as texting, social media, watching TV and even reading a book. Engaging in school work or other activities can make symptoms worse.

Normal recovery from a concussion is seven to ten days. The athlete follows up with the physician in one week to rate the SCAT3 symptoms again. Rest is continued until the athlete is symptom free. If an athlete does not recover during the normal timeline, he or she may take the ImPACT again to compare cognitive ability with the baseline before the concussion. The decision to return to play will be determined using the input of the athlete, parents, coaches, athletic trainer and physician.

Ensuring athletes are symptom free and fully recovered is important to prevent Second Impact Syndrome which can occur after a person suffers a second concussion possibly leading to a severe disability or even a fatality.

Once the decision to return to play is made, activities are slowly introduced through the five-step Return to Play protocol. An example in the protocol includes no contact until the fifth day as well as the athlete must participate in a full contact practice before a real play.

After completing the steps outlined in the protocol, then the athlete can return to play.

Newton County parents can feel assured that the safety of our athletes is in great hands through the Concussion Program. Parents can learn more about concussion recovery and safety by visiting impacttest.com as well as momsteam.com.

For more information on the Concussion Program, please call Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 770-788-6534.

hen a loved one is diagnosed with a gravely serious or life-limiting illness, choosing the right hospice provider may seem like an overwhelming task. As a family member or care giver, you’re probably unfamiliar with the choices for end-of-life care. And you’re making a difficult decision at what is already a difficult time in your life.

First, understand that hospice isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” program. Hospice services are tailored to meet your individual needs and customized to provide the care that you and your family request. And options range from in-home care to community hospice providers.

“Each hospice offers unique services and partners with specific community providers – so it’s important to call the hospices in your area and ask them questions to find the one with the services and support that is right for you,” says J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

Here are some things to consider: • Location: Hospice isn’t a place. It’s a level of care for individuals and their families as they face a life-limiting diagnosis. Hospice care can be pro-

vided where the patient lives, whether it’s at home, the home of a loved one, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.

• Quality: Wheretofindcare.com has an online searchable database of hospice providers by state. Patients and their families and caregivers can compare hospice agencies by their consumer quality score.

• Levels of care offered: Choose a provider that can offer the kind of care needed, whether it’s basic routine care, comfort care, respite care, or inpatient care.

• Staff: Medicare requires that all hospice agencies have physician participation, nursing services, home health aid services, social services and spiritual care. But these may not all be staff positions, so consider a provider’s staff and how fully those services important to you are supported.

• Recommendations: Talk with friends, family, colleagues, and others you trust to learn about their experiences with the providers you’re considering.

For more information about hospice care, visit www.longleafhospice.com. The site offers in-depth information about hospice, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, web links, and resources that can help you choose the best hospice care for your unique situation.

The Hospice You Choose Really Can Make A Difference.

Our hospice experts have the character, skill and ability to deliver quality care to all our patients. We promise to help you live all of your days with dignity.

Committed to our local communities and now open in Covington Our mission is to surround patients and their families with

compassionate care

that enables them to embrace the end of life with

dignity, courage and peace.

2712 Lawrenceville Highway | Suite 200 Decatur, Georgia 30033 1132 Floyd Street | Covington, Georgia 30014 Phone: 770-939-9179 | Fax: 770-621-3083 www.LongleafHospice.com © Longleaf Hospice. 2014

Choosing a Hospice Provider written by Lee Udell

W

Newton Medical Center is pleased to announce an exciting, new program in concussion care through Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and the Newton County School System W

ith school back in, students expect to be tested on their academic skills for grades but what about their cognitive abilities for sports? Through the new Concussion Program at Newton County School System, athletes that participate in high-risk impact sports will take the ImPACT test, the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. The ImPACT test is nationally recognized and is in use by many teams in the MLB, NHL, NFL, WWE and NASCAR. As director of the Concussion Program, Dr. Ryan J. Tomlins of Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, along with Reneé S. Riley made a presentation to the school board this past May. “When we were reviewing the current policy that’s in place for the Newton school board and comparing that to the mandatory Georgia law that was put into effect back in 2013 by Governor Deal we noticed that it was pretty much the same thing,” Dr. Tomlins said. “So we wanted to not only have the minimal requirements but we wanted to take things a step further and add a little additional care to go above and beyond the general requirements of the state to try to provide even better care for athletes in Newton County.”

Some of those extra steps that make Newton County stand out from other athletic programs include having a fulltime athletic trainer in each school, using the ImPACT as part of a comprehensive concussion program and having a graduated “Return to Play” protocol in place.

By testing before the event of a concussion, the ImPACT provides a baseline for each athlete’s cognitive ability that is available for comparison after a concussion takes place. When choosing which sports would be included in the ImPACT, the Concussion Program identified the athletic programs most likely to involve impacts based on data from past concussions. For example, the golf team will not be tested whereas the football,

basketball, soccer, cheerleading and wrestling teams will be. At the beginning of the school year, students in the identified athletic programs will sit down and take the ImPACT in a computer lab on campus. Even though the test does not count towards one’s grades, everyone is encouraged to take the test seriously as it’s critical to capture the most accurate baseline for comparison in the event of a concussion. After the test, each athlete will receive a printout with his or her baseline.

Newton County’s “Return to Play” protocol is aligned with the best practices set and reviewed by the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the Zurich Guidelines. Part of the protocol for a concussion includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3, known as SCAT3, to rate 20 symptoms on a scale of one to five.

In the event of a concussion, Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine staffs a certified athletic trainer at each school who is skilled to look for symptoms which may be associated with a concussion. The athletic trainers immediately evaluate the student using the SCAT3.

Some of the symptoms include headache, pressure in head, neck pain or blurred vision, for example. The assessment helps identify the significance of the concussion while also looking for a reason to do a CT scan.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, additional imaging is not necessary.

Dr. Tomlins will provide parents with a cheat sheet of signs, such as vomiting or double vision, to watch for during the first 24-48 hours that require immediate hospitalization. Even though it’s no longer recommended to wake up the athlete throughout the night - as it only resulted in worsening symptoms and tired parents - it’s still advised that parents monitor their child in order to identify any of the delayed symptoms that may occur after a concussion.

The next step in the process is to simply rest and usually do nothing else until the athlete is symptom free.

“Sometimes the hardest thing in medicine is doing

nothing at all. And not doing anything, is usually the best answer for a concussion,” explains Tomlins.

Athletes recovering from a concussion require complete brain rest which means a break from all school work as well as texting, social media, watching TV and even reading a book. Engaging in school work or other activities can make symptoms worse.

Normal recovery from a concussion is seven to ten days. The athlete follows up with the physician in one week to rate the SCAT3 symptoms again. Rest is continued until the athlete is symptom free. If an athlete does not recover during the normal timeline, he or she may take the ImPACT again to compare cognitive ability with the baseline before the concussion. The decision to return to play will be determined using the input of the athlete, parents, coaches, athletic trainer and physician.

Ensuring athletes are symptom free and fully recovered is important to prevent Second Impact Syndrome which can occur after a person suffers a second concussion possibly leading to a severe disability or even a fatality.

Once the decision to return to play is made, activities are slowly introduced through the five-step Return to Play protocol. An example in the protocol includes no contact until the fifth day as well as the athlete must participate in a full contact practice before a real play.

After completing the steps outlined in the protocol, then the athlete can return to play.

Newton County parents can feel assured that the safety of our athletes is in great hands through the Concussion Program. Parents can learn more about concussion recovery and safety by visiting impacttest.com as well as momsteam.com.

For more information on the Concussion Program, please call Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 770-788-6534.

hen a loved one is diagnosed with a gravely serious or life-limiting illness, choosing the right hospice provider may seem like an overwhelming task. As a family member or care giver, you’re probably unfamiliar with the choices for end-of-life care. And you’re making a difficult decision at what is already a difficult time in your life.

First, understand that hospice isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” program. Hospice services are tailored to meet your individual needs and customized to provide the care that you and your family request. And options range from in-home care to community hospice providers.

“Each hospice offers unique services and partners with specific community providers – so it’s important to call the hospices in your area and ask them questions to find the one with the services and support that is right for you,” says J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

Here are some things to consider: • Location: Hospice isn’t a place. It’s a level of care for individuals and their families as they face a life-limiting diagnosis. Hospice care can be pro-

vided where the patient lives, whether it’s at home, the home of a loved one, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.

• Quality: Wheretofindcare.com has an online searchable database of hospice providers by state. Patients and their families and caregivers can compare hospice agencies by their consumer quality score.

• Levels of care offered: Choose a provider that can offer the kind of care needed, whether it’s basic routine care, comfort care, respite care, or inpatient care.

• Staff: Medicare requires that all hospice agencies have physician participation, nursing services, home health aid services, social services and spiritual care. But these may not all be staff positions, so consider a provider’s staff and how fully those services important to you are supported.

• Recommendations: Talk with friends, family, colleagues, and others you trust to learn about their experiences with the providers you’re considering.

For more information about hospice care, visit www.longleafhospice.com. The site offers in-depth information about hospice, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, web links, and resources that can help you choose the best hospice care for your unique situation.

The Hospice You Choose Really Can Make A Difference.

Our hospice experts have the character, skill and ability to deliver quality care to all our patients. We promise to help you live all of your days with dignity.

Committed to our local communities and now open in Covington Our mission is to surround patients and their families with

compassionate care

that enables them to embrace the end of life with

dignity, courage and peace.

2712 Lawrenceville Highway | Suite 200 Decatur, Georgia 30033 1132 Floyd Street | Covington, Georgia 30014 Phone: 770-939-9179 | Fax: 770-621-3083 www.LongleafHospice.com © Longleaf Hospice. 2014

Foods

Berries

That Help Prevent

Cancer

Grapes

written by Lee Udell

M

aybe you have a history of cancer in your family. Maybe you’re currently battling some form of cancer – or you’re a cancer survivor. Or maybe you just want to be proactive and do everything you can to keep yourself healthy and ward off the threat of cancer. Whatever your situation, experts generally agree that there are certain foods you should include in your diet to lower your cancer risk and keep you healthier overall.

Thousands of studies on diet, physical activity, and weight conducted for the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research point to the benefits of eating mostly foods of plant origin. That’s in large part because plant-based foods are low in calories and fat and power-packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that may help reduce your cancer risk.

But perhaps one of the better reasons is that the key to preventing cancer lies more in an overall healthy lifestyle, which is supported by these types of foods.

“I think people can get a little too preoccupied with theoretical connections between cancer and certain foods, when they would be better off focusing on better established ways of reducing their risk of cancer — weight loss, exercise, and a healthier diet,” says Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) in Washington, D.C. Beyond ensuring a healthier diet, however, plant foods probably offer protection against cancer in a number of ways. Natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals, help protect cells from harmful compounds in food and in the environment, as well as prevent cell damage and mutations. Phytochemicals

include antioxidants, such as vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which can control the growth of cancer cells and even help repair DNA. Vegetable, fruits, whole grains and beans are also rich in vitamins and minerals that can help produce and repair DNA and control cell growth.

Additionally, some foods have a more direct effect on specific types of cancer, such as high-fiber plant foods lowering your risk of colon cancer.

Best of all, fruits and vegetables are low in calories. The AICR has reported that excess body fat particularly increases the risk of seven cancers: pancreas, esophagus, colon and rectal, kidney, endometrial, postmenopausal breast, and gallbladder. So, a lower calorie diet can improve your overall health, while also lowering your cancer risk.

For all these reasons — from anti-cancer benefits to weight management — the AICR suggests you fill at least two-thirds of your plate with plant-based foods. The remaining one-third, or less, can be made up of animal foods, preferably lean poultry, seafood, and very limited amounts of red meat. Add flavor to your plate with moderate amounts of healthy oils, herbs, spices, citrus and vinegars.

So, what foods should you load up on to give your body the best chance of steering clear of cancer? According to the AICR, these are some of the foods you'll want to eat plenty of, starting right now.

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries all get top marks for the Vitamin C, flavonoids and ellagic acid they contain. These nutrition powerhouses have anti-cancer properties that seem to help prevent colon cancer, lung cancer, and cancers of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

• Dark green leafy vegetables: Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that remove unstable molecules called free radicals from your body before they damage it. They're found in spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, and some studies show they could protect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

• Garlic: The same sulfur compounds that cause “garlic breath” may also stop cancer-causing substances from forming in your body, speed DNA repair, and kill cancer cells. Garlic also battles bacteria, including H. pylori (think ulcers and stomach cancer), and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Peel and chop garlic cloves and let them sit 15 - 20 minutes before cooking, to get the most benefit.

Tomatoes

Garlic • Grapes: Both grapes and grape juice are rich sources of resveratrol, a type of natural phytochemical. The skin of the grape contains the most resveratrol, and red and purple grapes contain significantly more resveratrol than green grapes.

• Green tea: Tea contains compounds called catechins, which may help stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent cellular mutations. In Japan, green tea consumption has been linked to reduced risk of stomach cancer among women.

In China, green tea drinkers were found to have a lower risk of developing rectal and pancreatic cancers compared to non-tea drinkers. Regular tea drinkers – even of teas other than green tea – have also been shown to be at reduced risk for colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, and lung cancers.

• Tomatoes: Lycopene, the phytochemical that gives tomatoes their rich red color, has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate, breast, lung and endometrial cancers. Research suggests that lycopene protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer by boosting the immune system. It may also stopping growth of tumors by interfering with abnormal cell growth.

Spinach

Green Tea HEALTHY IN NEWTON 27

Foods

Berries

That Help Prevent

Cancer

Grapes

written by Lee Udell

M

aybe you have a history of cancer in your family. Maybe you’re currently battling some form of cancer – or you’re a cancer survivor. Or maybe you just want to be proactive and do everything you can to keep yourself healthy and ward off the threat of cancer. Whatever your situation, experts generally agree that there are certain foods you should include in your diet to lower your cancer risk and keep you healthier overall.

Thousands of studies on diet, physical activity, and weight conducted for the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research point to the benefits of eating mostly foods of plant origin. That’s in large part because plant-based foods are low in calories and fat and power-packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that may help reduce your cancer risk.

But perhaps one of the better reasons is that the key to preventing cancer lies more in an overall healthy lifestyle, which is supported by these types of foods.

“I think people can get a little too preoccupied with theoretical connections between cancer and certain foods, when they would be better off focusing on better established ways of reducing their risk of cancer — weight loss, exercise, and a healthier diet,” says Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN, nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) in Washington, D.C. Beyond ensuring a healthier diet, however, plant foods probably offer protection against cancer in a number of ways. Natural plant compounds, called phytochemicals, help protect cells from harmful compounds in food and in the environment, as well as prevent cell damage and mutations. Phytochemicals

include antioxidants, such as vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene, which can control the growth of cancer cells and even help repair DNA. Vegetable, fruits, whole grains and beans are also rich in vitamins and minerals that can help produce and repair DNA and control cell growth.

Additionally, some foods have a more direct effect on specific types of cancer, such as high-fiber plant foods lowering your risk of colon cancer.

Best of all, fruits and vegetables are low in calories. The AICR has reported that excess body fat particularly increases the risk of seven cancers: pancreas, esophagus, colon and rectal, kidney, endometrial, postmenopausal breast, and gallbladder. So, a lower calorie diet can improve your overall health, while also lowering your cancer risk.

For all these reasons — from anti-cancer benefits to weight management — the AICR suggests you fill at least two-thirds of your plate with plant-based foods. The remaining one-third, or less, can be made up of animal foods, preferably lean poultry, seafood, and very limited amounts of red meat. Add flavor to your plate with moderate amounts of healthy oils, herbs, spices, citrus and vinegars.

So, what foods should you load up on to give your body the best chance of steering clear of cancer? According to the AICR, these are some of the foods you'll want to eat plenty of, starting right now.

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries all get top marks for the Vitamin C, flavonoids and ellagic acid they contain. These nutrition powerhouses have anti-cancer properties that seem to help prevent colon cancer, lung cancer, and cancers of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

• Dark green leafy vegetables: Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that remove unstable molecules called free radicals from your body before they damage it. They're found in spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, and some studies show they could protect against cancers of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

• Garlic: The same sulfur compounds that cause “garlic breath” may also stop cancer-causing substances from forming in your body, speed DNA repair, and kill cancer cells. Garlic also battles bacteria, including H. pylori (think ulcers and stomach cancer), and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Peel and chop garlic cloves and let them sit 15 - 20 minutes before cooking, to get the most benefit.

Tomatoes

Garlic • Grapes: Both grapes and grape juice are rich sources of resveratrol, a type of natural phytochemical. The skin of the grape contains the most resveratrol, and red and purple grapes contain significantly more resveratrol than green grapes.

• Green tea: Tea contains compounds called catechins, which may help stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent cellular mutations. In Japan, green tea consumption has been linked to reduced risk of stomach cancer among women.

In China, green tea drinkers were found to have a lower risk of developing rectal and pancreatic cancers compared to non-tea drinkers. Regular tea drinkers – even of teas other than green tea – have also been shown to be at reduced risk for colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, and lung cancers.

• Tomatoes: Lycopene, the phytochemical that gives tomatoes their rich red color, has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate, breast, lung and endometrial cancers. Research suggests that lycopene protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer by boosting the immune system. It may also stopping growth of tumors by interfering with abnormal cell growth.

Spinach

Green Tea HEALTHY IN NEWTON 27

Certain Types of Skin Cancer are at a great risk for developing sun damage & skin cancer.

Y

our skin type is one of the main factors in your risk for skin cancer.

There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. Individuals with skin types I and II face the highest risk of developing skin cancer, while types V and VI are at the lowest risk. That is because those with more pigmentation have more natural protection from the sun. However, people with darker skin can nonetheless get skin cancer. Like light-skinned people, they should be cautious of the sun and have regular examinations by a doctor.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly head-to-toe self examination of their skin, so that they can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. Skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable. Learn about the warnings signs of skin cancer and what to look for during a self examination. If you spot anything suspicious, see a doctor.

Performed regularly, self-examination can alert you to changes in your skin and aid in the early detection of skin cancer. It should be done often enough to become a habit, but not so often as to feel like a bother. For most people, once a month is ideal, but ask your doctor if you should do more frequent checks.

You may find it helpful to have a doctor do a full-body exam first, to assure you that any existing spots, freckles, or moles are normal or treat any that may not be. After the first few times, self-examination should take no more than 10 minutes — a small investment in what could be a life-saving procedure.

28 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.

• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, afflicting more than two million Americans each year, a number that is rising rapidly. It is also the easiest to cure, if diagnosed and treated early. When allowed to progress, however, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death.

{

{ DO YOU KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE?

Join the fight against skin cancer by donating to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Fund public education and early detection programs, medical seminars, and groundbreaking research.

Visit skincancer.org.

If you do not have a dermatologist contact Georgia Dermatology of Conyers today for an appointment.

The physicians and staff will answer your question and ease your concerns. 770-785-7546.

Certain Types of Skin Cancer are at a great risk for developing sun damage & skin cancer.

Y

our skin type is one of the main factors in your risk for skin cancer.

There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. Individuals with skin types I and II face the highest risk of developing skin cancer, while types V and VI are at the lowest risk. That is because those with more pigmentation have more natural protection from the sun. However, people with darker skin can nonetheless get skin cancer. Like light-skinned people, they should be cautious of the sun and have regular examinations by a doctor.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly head-to-toe self examination of their skin, so that they can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. Skin cancers found and removed early are almost always curable. Learn about the warnings signs of skin cancer and what to look for during a self examination. If you spot anything suspicious, see a doctor.

Performed regularly, self-examination can alert you to changes in your skin and aid in the early detection of skin cancer. It should be done often enough to become a habit, but not so often as to feel like a bother. For most people, once a month is ideal, but ask your doctor if you should do more frequent checks.

You may find it helpful to have a doctor do a full-body exam first, to assure you that any existing spots, freckles, or moles are normal or treat any that may not be. After the first few times, self-examination should take no more than 10 minutes — a small investment in what could be a life-saving procedure.

28 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.

• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, afflicting more than two million Americans each year, a number that is rising rapidly. It is also the easiest to cure, if diagnosed and treated early. When allowed to progress, however, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death.

{

{ DO YOU KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE?

Join the fight against skin cancer by donating to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Fund public education and early detection programs, medical seminars, and groundbreaking research.

Visit skincancer.org.

If you do not have a dermatologist contact Georgia Dermatology of Conyers today for an appointment.

The physicians and staff will answer your question and ease your concerns. 770-785-7546.

Winter Allergic Dealing with Seasonal Asthma Challenges Allergic Asthma Y

ou may not think of winter as being a season for allergic asthma, but it all depends on what your particular allergy and asthma triggers are. There are definitely certain allergens, as well as irritants, that are more likely to present problems during the winter months, when colder weather forces you to be cooped up indoors for more hours each day. And, before you know it, you're dealing with sneezing, wheezing and coughing once again.

Common winter allergy and asthma symptoms can include: • Sneezing • Nasal stuffiness • Runny nose • Itchy, watery, burning eyes • Itchy mouth or throat • Wheezing • Coughing • Difficulty breathing • Tight feeling in the chest Kids with allergic asthma may also have what is known as the allergic salute, where they rub their noses upward because of itching and have allergic shiners, which are dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion. These are all just the typical symptoms of winter allergy and asthma sufferers.

Common Winter Allergens and Irritants Allergic asthma symptoms can come and go at any time of the year. Winter presents some unique challenges, in that both indoor and outdoor triggers can set off symptoms. Being indoors so much exposes you to substances that you may not notice so much when you're splitting your time between the indoors and outdoors during the other seasons. Plus, turning on the furnace can stir up dust, pollen and other allergens from filters, vents and carpets.

Some common indoor allergens that are especially active in the winter are: • Dust mites • Animal dander • Indoor molds • Insect and mouse allergens In addition, there may be some triggers that are known as irritants that are more likely to be encountered in the winter. Irritants don't produce the allergic reaction that allergens do, but they do further irritate already inflamed airways in people with allergic asthma.

The most common irritants during the winter months would be: • Cold outdoor air • Smoke from wood fires in fireplaces and stoves • Secondhand smoke from tobacco smoking

30 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

It's also important to note that if you live in an area that never really gets that cold, such as Florida or other southern United States, outdoor allergens, such as pollen and molds, may never really go away completely, triggering symptoms year-round.

Influencing Factors Most indoor triggers are affected more by the cleanliness of the indoor environment than anything else.

It's almost impossible to ever get rid of indoor allergens entirely but keeping a clean home does help. Winter weather will vary greatly from region to region, but if you live in a place where winters are cold, then cold, windy air can be a frequent irritant whenever you leave the home.

Cold weather may also mean more wood fires and smoke to irritate your airways. In certain areas too, such as the mountain west in the United States, temperature inversions can cause smoke and pollution to lie like a blanket over the lower atmosphere for days at a time. In more temperate climates, winter may bring lots of rainy damp weather, which can mean higher levels of mold spores.

How Winter Allergies and Asthma Are Diagnosed If you notice that your allergic asthma symptoms crop up — or worsen — during the winter months, there's a good chance that you have winter allergies. To find out for sure, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor may decide to refer you to an allergist, who can do formal allergy testing to find out exactly what triggers you may be reacting to.

The good news is, there is no reason why you just have to "grin and bear it" during the winter with allergies and asthma symptoms. There are easy steps you can take to keep symptoms from interfering with your life, work and school. A combination of preventive actions and medication are usually all it will take.

Preventive Actions You Can Take Here are some of the best preventive actions you should work on: • Pay attention to weather forecasts for your area.

When the weather is especially dry and cold or wet and rainy, it may make sense to stay indoors as much as you can. If you must go outdoors in cold weather, wear a neck scarf or gaiter that you can pull up over your mouth to warm the air you breathe in.

• Maintain a clean environment. Vacuum and dust the house at least weekly to keep dust mites and other allergens from settling.

• Avoid having wood fires in the home if you are sensitive to smoke. If you don't want to stop using your fireplace or woodstove, then at least make sure it's well-maintained and vented.

You'll find a number of other strategies for avoiding mold here and for avoiding dust mites. There are a few more tips on avoiding pet dander and secondhand smoke here.

Medications You Can Take There are a number of medications that can be used to treat winter allergies and asthma. For asthma, you should be taking your inhaled steroid every day as prescribed to prevent symptoms, and using your rescue inhaler if symptoms do arise. (If you need to use it twice a week or more, though, it's time to call the doctor for a more effective preventive medicine.) Medications used to treat winter allergy symptoms can include: • Oral Antihistamines. Antihistamines are the most tried and true medications for treating most allergy symptoms. They work directly on the underlying allergic response. They can include first-generation medicines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlortrimeton (chlorpheniramine). These are cheap and available over the counter and generally effective but can make you feel drowsy. The newer antihistamines, such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra are effective and nonsedating but may be more expensive. Claritin and Zyrtec are both available over the counter, but Allegra is not. Some antihistamines are also combined with a decongestant to combat nasal congestion.

• Nasal decongestant sprays. These can work well for relieving nasal symptoms on a short-term basis, but they cannot be safely used throughout the fall allergy season.

If they are used too much, they can actually make nasal symptoms worse.

• Nasal steroid sprays or nasal chromolyn sodium.

These prescription nasal sprays, such as Flonase, are some of the most effective medicines, and because they act only where needed, they are also some of the safest.

• Eye drops. There is a wide variety of eye drops that can be used for eye allergies. Use caution in using drops, such as Visine Allergy, though, as they can make symptoms worse if overused. Natural tears type eye drops are the gentlest and may work for mild symptoms. More severe symptoms may respond well to an antihistamine eye drop, such as Alaway or Zaditor, both of which are available over the counter. There are also prescription eye drops available that may be helpful.

For those who want a more "natural" approach, a saline nasal rinse/irrigation is both gentle and effective.

The idea is to wash out molds, other allergens and mucus from the nasal passages by flushing them with salt water (saline). These preparations are available over the counter in most drug stores.

Article provided by Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N. Asthma.about.com 

Winter Allergic Dealing with Seasonal Asthma Challenges Allergic Asthma Y

ou may not think of winter as being a season for allergic asthma, but it all depends on what your particular allergy and asthma triggers are. There are definitely certain allergens, as well as irritants, that are more likely to present problems during the winter months, when colder weather forces you to be cooped up indoors for more hours each day. And, before you know it, you're dealing with sneezing, wheezing and coughing once again.

Common winter allergy and asthma symptoms can include: • Sneezing • Nasal stuffiness • Runny nose • Itchy, watery, burning eyes • Itchy mouth or throat • Wheezing • Coughing • Difficulty breathing • Tight feeling in the chest Kids with allergic asthma may also have what is known as the allergic salute, where they rub their noses upward because of itching and have allergic shiners, which are dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion. These are all just the typical symptoms of winter allergy and asthma sufferers.

Common Winter Allergens and Irritants Allergic asthma symptoms can come and go at any time of the year. Winter presents some unique challenges, in that both indoor and outdoor triggers can set off symptoms. Being indoors so much exposes you to substances that you may not notice so much when you're splitting your time between the indoors and outdoors during the other seasons. Plus, turning on the furnace can stir up dust, pollen and other allergens from filters, vents and carpets.

Some common indoor allergens that are especially active in the winter are: • Dust mites • Animal dander • Indoor molds • Insect and mouse allergens In addition, there may be some triggers that are known as irritants that are more likely to be encountered in the winter. Irritants don't produce the allergic reaction that allergens do, but they do further irritate already inflamed airways in people with allergic asthma.

The most common irritants during the winter months would be: • Cold outdoor air • Smoke from wood fires in fireplaces and stoves • Secondhand smoke from tobacco smoking

30 HEALTHY IN NEWTON

It's also important to note that if you live in an area that never really gets that cold, such as Florida or other southern United States, outdoor allergens, such as pollen and molds, may never really go away completely, triggering symptoms year-round.

Influencing Factors Most indoor triggers are affected more by the cleanliness of the indoor environment than anything else.

It's almost impossible to ever get rid of indoor allergens entirely but keeping a clean home does help. Winter weather will vary greatly from region to region, but if you live in a place where winters are cold, then cold, windy air can be a frequent irritant whenever you leave the home.

Cold weather may also mean more wood fires and smoke to irritate your airways. In certain areas too, such as the mountain west in the United States, temperature inversions can cause smoke and pollution to lie like a blanket over the lower atmosphere for days at a time. In more temperate climates, winter may bring lots of rainy damp weather, which can mean higher levels of mold spores.

How Winter Allergies and Asthma Are Diagnosed If you notice that your allergic asthma symptoms crop up — or worsen — during the winter months, there's a good chance that you have winter allergies. To find out for sure, make an appointment to see your doctor. Your doctor may decide to refer you to an allergist, who can do formal allergy testing to find out exactly what triggers you may be reacting to.

The good news is, there is no reason why you just have to "grin and bear it" during the winter with allergies and asthma symptoms. There are easy steps you can take to keep symptoms from interfering with your life, work and school. A combination of preventive actions and medication are usually all it will take.

Preventive Actions You Can Take Here are some of the best preventive actions you should work on: • Pay attention to weather forecasts for your area.

When the weather is especially dry and cold or wet and rainy, it may make sense to stay indoors as much as you can. If you must go outdoors in cold weather, wear a neck scarf or gaiter that you can pull up over your mouth to warm the air you breathe in.

• Maintain a clean environment. Vacuum and dust the house at least weekly to keep dust mites and other allergens from settling.

• Avoid having wood fires in the home if you are sensitive to smoke. If you don't want to stop using your fireplace or woodstove, then at least make sure it's well-maintained and vented.

You'll find a number of other strategies for avoiding mold here and for avoiding dust mites. There are a few more tips on avoiding pet dander and secondhand smoke here.

Medications You Can Take There are a number of medications that can be used to treat winter allergies and asthma. For asthma, you should be taking your inhaled steroid every day as prescribed to prevent symptoms, and using your rescue inhaler if symptoms do arise. (If you need to use it twice a week or more, though, it's time to call the doctor for a more effective preventive medicine.) Medications used to treat winter allergy symptoms can include: • Oral Antihistamines. Antihistamines are the most tried and true medications for treating most allergy symptoms. They work directly on the underlying allergic response. They can include first-generation medicines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlortrimeton (chlorpheniramine). These are cheap and available over the counter and generally effective but can make you feel drowsy. The newer antihistamines, such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra are effective and nonsedating but may be more expensive. Claritin and Zyrtec are both available over the counter, but Allegra is not. Some antihistamines are also combined with a decongestant to combat nasal congestion.

• Nasal decongestant sprays. These can work well for relieving nasal symptoms on a short-term basis, but they cannot be safely used throughout the fall allergy season.

If they are used too much, they can actually make nasal symptoms worse.

• Nasal steroid sprays or nasal chromolyn sodium.

These prescription nasal sprays, such as Flonase, are some of the most effective medicines, and because they act only where needed, they are also some of the safest.

• Eye drops. There is a wide variety of eye drops that can be used for eye allergies. Use caution in using drops, such as Visine Allergy, though, as they can make symptoms worse if overused. Natural tears type eye drops are the gentlest and may work for mild symptoms. More severe symptoms may respond well to an antihistamine eye drop, such as Alaway or Zaditor, both of which are available over the counter. There are also prescription eye drops available that may be helpful.

For those who want a more "natural" approach, a saline nasal rinse/irrigation is both gentle and effective.

The idea is to wash out molds, other allergens and mucus from the nasal passages by flushing them with salt water (saline). These preparations are available over the counter in most drug stores.

Article provided by Kathleen MacNaughton, R.N. Asthma.about.com 

at the Intersection of Compassion and Technology

Do You

Know

?

The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Newton Medical Center offers a full range of outpatient interventional radiology procedures to improve or return you to health. Many common problems can be treated without the need for major surgery with image guided medicine. Our board certified interventional radiologists provide consultations and numerous technologically advanced treatments such as: • Vein Ablation – this procedure is offered as an alternative to surgery for treating varicose veins in the lower leg • Fibroid Embolization – this procedure is offered as an alternative to surgery for treating benign fibroid tumors in the uterus • Prostate Enlargement Treatment – this procedure can help male patients with a condition called BPH, noncancerous enlargement of the prostate • Varicocele Treatment – this procedure can help male patients with scrotal varicoceles which can lead to infertility. This procedure can also help female patients with varicose veins in the pelvis which can cause pain and pressure 5126 Hospital Drive NE

|

Covington, GA 30014

|

770.786.7053

Tell your physician you want your diagnostic imaging at Newton Medical Center!

www.newtonmedical.com

For general information about interventional radiology, please call 770.385.4329. For more information about our services and procedures, and to schedule an appointment, call:

770.385.4436