CareConnection
Innovative Healthcare in Your Backyard.
Volume 1
Put an End to Vaginal Discomfort In the Community
My Story. My Life. Adult Asthma Ask the Docs Holiday Gift Guide
A WellHealth Quality Care Publication
|
Issue 7
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Letter from the Medical Editor Here we are; we’ve made it to the end of the year. The next three months are one of the most joyful unless, of course, you have the flu. One of the many questions I answer on a daily basis is if the flu shot is worth getting. As a healthcare provider, it is something that I get to protect my health as well as my patients’ health, but you may still have some questions, such as: Will I catch the flu from the vaccine? No, the vaccine itself will not give you the flu. The vaccine is K. Warren Volker, MD, PhD CEO of WellHealth Quality Care
“
made from an inactivated virus that can’t transmit infection. It takes up to two weeks to garner protection from the vaccine. I had a flu shot last year, why do I have to get another one?
In the United States, on average, between 5
Influenza (the flu) changes each year. So getting vaccinated is
percent to 20 percent of the
important to continue to have immunity to the strains most likely
population will be diagnosed
to cause an outbreak.
with the flu annually. That’s around 63.7 million people
Can I spread the flu even if I feel okay?
“
each year. Yes, 20 percent to 30 percent of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms. While the flu shot won’t guarantee a sick-free winter season, it can aid in protecting you from an illness that is potentially lifethreatening. Remember to keep your health a priority, enjoy time with your family, and have a great end of the year.
Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Tips, stories, and guides for a
Healthier You In this issue:
Fall: 2016
Contents P.16 STORY. Living with adult asthma. LIFE. Facts and Triggers MY
MY
Asthma
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
P.22
Credits Medical Editor
Dr. K. Warren Volker
Managing Editor Meghan Bailey
Copy Editors Sarah Harper Nick Dawson Kristina Pool
Art & Design Brett Benton
Contributing Writers Dr. Jasmine Pedroso Dr. Lisa Lyons Dr. Teresa Charniga Brenda Materson-Brodie MSW, LSW, CSW Intern at Human Behavior Institute Brett Benton Kimberly Doan Meghan Bailey Sarah Harper
03.
Letter from the Medical Editor K. Warren Volker, MD, PhD
07.
Letter from the Editor Meghan Bailey
08.
In The Know: Prostate Health Life tips for a healthier prostate
09.
Focus On You Pumpkin spice, crisp leaves, and the blues
11.
Ask The Docs Your questions answered about asthma
12.
Ending your Vaginal Discomfort New advancements in women’s health
14.
A Foodie’s World Reasons to visit a dietitian
16.
My Story. My Life. Living with adult asthma
18.
In The Community Outside Las Vegas Foundation
20.
Stop The Puff How smoking affects your body
22.
Holiday Gift Guide Something for the whole family
25.
Control Is The Goal The facts behind diabetes
26.
Dedicated Doctors Southern Nevada’s best doctors
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Letter from the Editor Can you feel the crisp air starting to roll into Southern Nevada? Soon enough we will be putting on a light jacket, sipping coffee, and chuckling because we are still wearing flip flops in November while most of the country is shoveling snow from their driveways. These are the months that make surviving the summer heat worth it. Just because we don’t experience a traditional winter season doesn’t mean we don’t get sick, have stressful days, or experience new daily challenges. Everyone should be an advocate for his or her health. It is important to understand how your overall health impacts your day-to-day life. Whether it is a simple cold, or hiding something more serious like depression or anxiety, you need to
take steps to better yourself and to better the world around you. In this issue, we are guiding you through what you need to know about prostate health, adult asthma, the use of tobacco, diabetes, and when you should seek advice from a dietitian. Don’t put your needs on the back burner this holiday season, because maybe the best gift you could receive is one you give to yourself — happiness and health. Until 2017, Meghan Bailey
Shop Small Support Handmade Stay Local ---
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Images provided by local photographer: Britmoss.com or @britmossphotography
Meet local “Momprenuer” and the face behind Bare Soles Moccasins, the best place to go for genuine leather moccasins for your infant and toddler. Located right here in Las Vegas, local mom and owner, Brittney Andersen, handcrafts each pair personally. Bare foot walking is recommended for all children until the age of 4. Bare Soles Moccasins provides all kids with the benefits of bare foot walking with a safe and stylish moccasin to promote the best orthopedic bone and muscle growth. With moccs starting at $25, you can’t go wrong. Use: shopsmallLV for a discount July 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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Written by: Brett Benton
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Why do we sometimes feel blue with the changing seasons? Brenda Masterson-Brodie, MSW, LSW, CSW Intern at Human Behavior Institute
I
s your mood falling along with the leaves of autumn? Are you tired, restless, on edge, irritable, or maybe even find yourself not wanting to socialize and enjoy life? Are you rationalizing to yourself that your low mood and weight gain are simply a result of your busy schedule? Don’t brush these symptoms off! They could be indicative of a disease or condition referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s not a coincidence that the acronym for Seasonal Affect Disorder is SAD. Many refer to this time of year as Late Fall Lethargy, or the Winter Blues. But, your low, sad mood, decreased energy, sleeping difficulties, sluggishness, lack of concentration, agitation, body aches and pains, and craving for carbohydrates are not necessarily a result of your busy, backto-school schedule, but rather warning signs that you could be experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder. Autumn also provides us with a lens, or sneak peek, of what’s to come. The fall and winter are full of festive gatherings, sugary snacks, gifts galore, and quality time spent with family. However, these happy moments are not always full of bliss for those who are isolated, disconnected, detached from family, or who constantly struggle with their mental and emotional health. For these individuals, fall and winter are a magnifying glass for what should’ve been, could’ve been, and still should be. This emptiness fills the waiting rooms in therapy and psychiatry offices alike. Clients report that they feel a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, and purposelessness in their lives. Therapists often hear things like, “I don’t know what’s wrong, but I don’t see it getting any better. I just want to be alone. There is no sense in leaving my house, as I have nowhere to go, and no one to go to.” Since psychiatric symptoms often present in a physical form, an adult may receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue
syndrome, or an unknown/unfound demyelinating disease by a primary care provider. However, the truth and root of these symptoms for both children and adults, can be, and usually is, our deeply embedded,
of serotonin, which elevates mood. Holistic approaches to healthy lifestyles are wonderful and easily accessible. However, if your autumn anxiety or winter blues do not dissipate along with the implementation of positive lifestyle
“The problem with carbohydrate cravings is that we don’t recognize them as a symptom of anhedonia. Stick with colorful foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apples, pears and figs; all of which are available during this season!” unmet psychological and emotional needs. The good news is that there are things you can do to maintain your mental and emotional health during the fall and winter. Make sure to get a healthy dose of sunlight. Open your blinds, curtains, and shutters. Clinicians refer to this as phototherapy, as sunlight is imperative to maintain the healthy brain chemicals needed to enhance mood. Become an early riser! Take long walks, go to the park, but try to spend at least two hours per day outside, even when it’s cloudy! Meditate, join a yoga class! Exercise to de-stress. Exercise helps our brain to release dopamine, which is our pleasure chemical. Exercise is commonly known as a natural antidepressant. Avoid alcohol and carbohydrates. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. The initial feel-good effects of alcohol do not last. You may think you feel better, more relaxed, less tense, but the alcohol is actually worsening your mood and disabling your brain’s natural ability to secrete the amino acids required to elevate mood.
changes, it is time to see a clinician for a comprehensive mental health assessment to rule in or out a possible mood or anxiety disorder. A good rule of thumb is to follow the two week rule. If your tiredness, low mood, irritability, hypersensitivity, physical complaints, and carbohydrate cravings have persisted for two or more weeks, it is time to meet with a doctor and/or therapist. Early intervention is essential and results in positive outcomes. Unaddressed symptoms of SAD can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior, social withdrawal, school and work performance issues, and substance abuse. Through early detection, accurate diagnosing, mental health counseling and medication management, the success rate for positive outcomes ranges from 70 to 90 percent, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It is never too late to seek assistance!
Carbohydrates are a great, quick fix for low energy. We crave them when we experience lethargy and exhaustion. Carbohydrates produce tryptophan, which is the precursor to the production
Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
H Ask the Docs
Your Questions Answered About Asthma As the weather begins to change and we transition into autumn, you may notice a change in the air quality. This can be a major problem for adults and children who have asthma. We talked to Dr. Charniga and Dr. Lyons with WellHealth Medical Group to see what you can do to protect yourself during the transitioning seasons. CareConnection: Why is there an increase in asthma attacks in the fall and winter? Dr. Charniga: Fall and winter are typically the worst seasons for children with asthma because they are exposed to more triggers. Viral infections generally increase with cooler weather, and many school-age children are in close quarters with other children who may have a respiratory virus.
CareConnection: Is it possible to cure asthma? Dr. Lyons: The short answer is no, but we are always learning more about different areas of the condition to try and isolate what the root cause is. If someone is claiming they no longer have asthma, they may be experiencing a quiet time, in which they haven’t seen an attack in a long period of time. Asthma symptoms can come back at any time, so it is important to never stop taking your medication unless instructed to by your doctor. CareConnection: Is it safe for people with asthma to get a flu shot? Dr. Lyons: Flu shots are not only safe for everyone, it is recommended that everyone over the age of six months get a shot to reduce the chances of having the flu. Because both asthma
Dr. Lisa Lyons and the flu are respiratory conditions, people with asthma may experience more frequent and severe asthma attacks if they get the flu. If you have asthma, it is important that you get a shot instead of the nasal spray because it could trigger an attack.
QA &
CareConnection: How do I know if my child is having an asthma attack? Dr. Charniga: Pay attention to your child’s breathing. Very hard or fast breathing, sucking in the stomach or ribs in order to breathe, or breathing so hard that walking and speaking is impossible means they may be having an attack and you should call 911 immediately. It’s important to work with your child’s doctor to develop a plan for control so you can work towards preventing severe attacks.
CareConnection: What type of doctor should you choose to treat pediatric asthma? Dr. Charniga: Your pediatrician should work with you and your child to develop a plan that controls your child’s asthma. This means identifying triggers and prescribing medication that eliminates symptoms, meaning no coughing, wheezing, or visits to the emergency room and no limitations to play time. If your pediatrician is not meeting your child’s needs, you may want to get a referral for a pediatric pulmonologist or a pediatric allergist.
CareConnection: If I get a cold, can I take over-the-counter medication for it? Dr. Lyons: If you have asthma, you need to be extra careful when taking over the counter medications because they can negatively interact with asthma medication. Decongestants, for instance, can cause heart palpitations when used with bronchodilators. There are also studies showing cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine could trigger asthma symptoms because it dries the nasal passages. If you do get a cold, talk to your doctor about which over-the-counter medication you can take to relieve your symptoms.
Dr. Teresa Charniga
Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Ending Your Vaginal Discomfort
M
illions of women suffer silently with symptoms such as vaginal dryness, increased vaginal pH levels, itching, irritation, and even pain during intercourse. MonaLisa TouchTM has been shown to reverse the deterioration of the vaginal walls associated with a loss of estrogen. Estrogen loss can be due to aging, hormonal treatments for breast cancer, and other conditions. With treatment from MonaLisa Touch, women can regain their quality of life and sexuality. The treatment method is one of the most advanced techniques available. The laser technology delivers short CO2 ablative laser pulses to the vaginal wall, decreasing the symptoms seen with vaginal atrophy.
[
As many as 50 percent of post-
[
menopausal women suffer from vaginal atrophy, adding up to an estimated 16
This revolutionary treatment presents a new path for women who are experiencing vaginal atrophy. Mother Nature hasn’t gotten the memo that women are living longer lives and aren’t ready to give up on their sexuality. MonaLisa TouchTM gives women a choice they’ve never had before. After women have three outpatient treatments over 45 to 60 days, they will notice improvement in their day-today life. This percentage can be even higher in specific subcategories of women, such as those who have a history of breast cancer. In one study of breast cancer survivors, vaginal dryness was a symptom in 23.4 percent of the premenopausal patients, with that number skyrocketing to 61.5 percent in postmenopausal patients.
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Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
The treatment has also provided a new option for breast cancer survivors suffering from vaginal atrophy and low estrogen levels. Because MonaLisa TouchTM is a non-hormonal option, cancer survivors will not develop cancerous cells. This treatment is a great alternative to messy, expensive creams and, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy.
Who is a candidate? Women who currently suffer from vaginitis, chronic bladder infections, vulvodynia, pelvic pain syndrome, vulva vestibulitis, as well as breast cancer survivors make great candidates for this procedure.
As told by: Erica Stockwell, DO Written by: Kimbery Doan
million women affected.
Demand The Best For Your Inner
Harmony Studies have shown as many as 50 percent of women suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, and pain. Now, there is an answer.
MONA LISA
Touch
MonaLisa TouchTM is the only laser therapy approved by the FDA to restore women’s pelvic health. It delivers gentle laser energy to the treated area, resulting in the generation of new collagen and elastin.
Schedule a no-cost consultation today:
(702) 255-3547 NATURAL / LIFE-CHANGING / PAINLESS QUICK / SAFE / NO DOWNTIME lvmis.com|
wellhealthmedicalgroup|
@whmedicalgroup
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Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
Written by: Meghan Bailey
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
3D
mammography
There is so much information out there today regarding screening mammography that it’s difficult to know what to do. And with the recent introduction of 3D mammography into the picture, now there’s one more thing to consider. So we thought we would try to help clear up the confusion and give you the facts about this new technology.
40% increase in Cancer Detection
Not all 3D is the Same
15% Decrease in false positives
Are You Dense?
Need we say more? As a stand-alone statistic, this really says it all. 3D Mammography, or Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, is a breakthrough in breast cancer detection. When combined with standard 2D mammography, studies show up to a 40% increase in breast cancer detection as compared to using 2D mammography alone. This is a game-changer for women, especially those who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and will need more frequent screening, and added peace of mind.
A false positive is when a study is interpreted as showing an abnormality when in reality the study was normal. Tomosynthesis is an especially effective screening technique for women with dense breast tissue, and has demonstrated a reduction in false positives by approximately 15 percent.
10% Decrease in subsequent imaging
Because standard 2D mammography is not as accurate as 3D, patients are called back to conduct additional exams such as breast ultrasounds, breast MRI and breast biopsies. As a patient, when you get that call to say that you need to come back for further testing, it causes a great deal of stress and anxiety. 3D mammography has been shown to decrease these stressful subsequent exams by 10 percent.
When evaluating the different 3D technology, one brand stood out – the GE SenoClaire system. Only GE’s system delivers a screening mammogram with no more radiation than standard 2D mammography. Unlike the Hologic “Genius” system, GE’s SenoClaire 3D exam is conducted simultaneously with the 2D mammogram, so it delivers NO more radiation than your previous 2D digital mammogram, and only takes a few minutes more. In this case, LESS is definitely MORE!
Forty percent of women in the U.S. have dense breast tissue. And dense breast tissue is the Achilles heel of standard digital mammography. Dense tissue shows up as white on a mammogram, as does cancer. 3D mammography overcomes this issue in the way that it creates the images. As the scanner sweeps over the breast in an arc, it takes the images (called slices) of the breast from all different angles, making it harder for cancer to hide. This greatly enhances our radiologists’ ability to detect abnormalities and identify suspicious structures in the breast more easily.
Still not sure if 3D Mammography is for you?
Don’t hesitate to call us with your questions, or get more information at: www.sdmi-lv.com/3Dmammogram. 3D mammography is available at all seven Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging locations. Physician referral required. Call (702) 732-6000 to schedule yours today. Sponsored by Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
My Story. My Life.
Living with Adult Asthma
ADULT ASTHMA Asthma is a disease of increased responsiveness of the airways to various stimuli including allergens and irritants that cause obstructions of the airways. Constriction of muscles around the airway and inflammation result in swelling of the lining and increased secretion of mucous. This causes difficulty in breathing and coughing. The most common causes of an asthma flare-up are infection, exercise, allergens, and air pollution (an irritant). Many people associate asthma with children, and in many patients, symptoms will disappear or significantly reduce after puberty. After the age of 20, symptoms may begin to reappear whether you were diagnosed as a child or not. “I was in my late 20s when I started to notice my cold was lingering too long,” recalled Clarity Fernandez, “I had a hard time breathing, was very congested, coughing a lot, but none of the over-the-counter cold and flu medicines were helping. When I went to see my doctor, we discussed what symptoms I was having. She examined my ears, nose, throat, and she had me complete a lung function test. This is when I found out that I had adult onset asthma.”
16 million adults in America are living with asthma
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“I can tell when I am about to have a complete flairup, so I take the necessary steps to make sure my episodes are limited. During the conversation I had with my doctor, we chose the best antihistamines for me, and I was even told to use an air purifier in my bedroom at night. If the medication doesn’t help enough, I can always visit my doctor to see if I should get an inhaler.” “My best advice for someone who has been diagnosed recently, or may be experiencing symptoms, is to work with your doctor, and take steps toward prevention. For example, I will check the weather and pollen count, and take antihistamines to avoid my symptoms flaring up.”
ASTHMA TRIGGERS 44 thousand adults have an asthma attack every day
Environmental:
Air Pollution, Dust, Mold, Animal Dander
Seasonal:
Temperature Changes, Pollen Allergens
Exercise-Induced: Stress-Induced:
Aerobic Sports, Strenuous Activity Life Changes, Panic, Depression, Anxiety
As told by: Clarity Fernandez Written by: Meghan Bailey
KNOW THE FACTS
Around 30 percent of adult asthma cases are triggered by allergies. Exposure to allergens or irritants such as pet dander, cigarette smoke, chemicals, mold, dust, or other substances commonly found in the person’s environment (e.g. home or workplace) might trigger the first asthma symptoms in an adult. Asthma can be controlled, but there’s no cure for asthma.
Educating. Entertaining. Inspiring. Issue after issue. Summer 2014
WomanMagazine.Vegas | Advertising Inquiries 702.685.4673
WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
In the
Community
Q: What is the Outside Las Vegas Foundation and how does it serve the local community? A: The Outside Las Vegas Foundation (OLVF) is a collaborative, Las Vegas Valleywide partner in creating a community that enjoys, values, and protects unique outdoor spaces. They work across neighborhoods and jurisdictions to increase the quantity and quality of outdoor amenities, introduce and educate the public, and inspire a respect of the outside world. Their goal
is to provide the experience or opportunity that sparks lifelong fascination of the great outdoors.
• Offers interpretive training • Maintains “Adopt a Trail” • A partner of “Get Outdoors Nevada”
Q: Who benefits from the work that the Outside Las Vegas Foundation provides?
If you would like to help the Outside Las Vegas Foundation, please contact them at (702) 997-3350 or visit outsidelasvegas.org.
A: The Southern Nevada comunity! Outside Las Vegas Foundation plays a major roles in the following initiatives: • Implements Nevada Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights • Funds “Meet Your Mojave Field Trips”
OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS FOUNDATION
EDUCATION
VOLUNTEERISM COLLABORATION
ENJOY. VALUE. PROTECT. •BUILDING COMMUNITY AROUND TRAILS AND OPEN SPACES • COORDINATING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS • PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
SOUTHERN NEVADA. THIS IS OUR BACKYARD. outsidelasvegas.org
Discover
THE VALLEY HEALTH SYSTEM
Wherever you are in Las Vegas Quality care you can count on
Our integrated network of hospitals serves residents of Las Vegas and southern Nevada. Centennial Hills Hospital • Desert Springs Hospital • Spring Valley Hospital • Summerlin Hospital • Valley Hospital Our newest facility – Henderson Hospital – will open this Fall. Watch for details.
Close to home when you need us. Learn more at
valleyhealthsystemlv.com
Centennial Hills Hospital • Desert Springs Hospital • Henderson Hospital (Fall 2016) Spring Valley Hospital • Summerlin Hospital • Valley Hospital
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of The Valley Health System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 162137
Back to School Headquarters EYE PHYSICIANS & REFRACTIVE SURGEONS Pediatric & Adult Eye Exams Cataract Surgery Laser Eye Specialists Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Evaluations Medical & Laser Treatment for Glaucoma Dry Eye Therapy LASIK & PRK Refractive Surgery Cosmetic & Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Contact Lens Exams & Dispensing
Seeing Patients at: 2598 Windmill Parkway / Henderson 9455 W. Russell Road, Ste. 100 / Southwest Las Vegas 8230 W. Sahara Avenue, Ste. 121 / Summerlin 2020 Goldring Avenue, Ste. 401 / Las Vegas Medical District 6850 N. Durango Drive, Ste. 400 / Centennial Hills 3640 S. Highway 160, Ste. 101 / Pahrump
(Formerly Nevada Eye & Ear)
For Appointments Call
702-896-6043 or Toll Free 888-425-2745 www.nevadaeyephysicians.com
Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Stop The Puff! How smoking, e-cigarettes, and vaping affect your body
Smoking can lead to serious life-threatening diseases such as cancers of the kidney, throat, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, cervix, ovaries, breasts, and most common, the lungs. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is accountable for 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women and 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men. The number of chemicals that are found in tobacco roughly equates to 4,000. The main chemicals are nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that has serious side effects such as an irregular heartbeat, chest pains, severe rashes, swelling, and even seizures. Carbon Monoxide is a highly toxic gas that binds strongly to hemoglobin, a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Once carbon monoxide binds to your hemoglobin, it will take the space available for oxygen in the cell. Eventually, your blood will lose all of its ability to transport oxygen, and you will suffocate. Tar - a sticky residue that is extremely dangerous for your body. Not only does it stain your teeth and fingers, but when it’s inhaled, it creates a yellowish film on the inner layers of your lungs. This prevents your lungs from working at full capacity and can lead to shortness of breath or even suffocation.
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In 2003, the first e-cigarette, a non-tobacco smoking product, was created to save money and lower the risk of toxic chemicals typically found in traditional cigarettes. Although there are fewer chemicals in e-cigarettes, these products still contain nicotine, a addictive substance that can cause very serious side effects. According to the FDA, e-cigarettes, vaping pens, and hookahs have all tested positive for detectable levels of toxic cancer-causing chemicals. E-cigarettes may seem less safe than normal cigarettes, but they still contain many of the same hazardous chemicals. With the number of smokers increasing in the past 50 years, there has been a significant increase in second-hand, smokerelated health problems. Second-hand smoke happens when smoke enters the lungs involuntarily from tobacco-related products being used by others. This involuntary entrance into the lungs has led to more than 7,330 deaths from lung cancer and 33,950 deaths from heart disease each year. According to the American Lung Association, this equates to around 2.5 million preventable deaths in the last 50 years. Adults, teenagers, and children die every year from second-hand smoke. Your next exhale could be the death of someone around you. With many people realizing they need to quit for their health, there has been an increase in availability of resources to aid people in quitting for good. The American Lung Association has listed steps to help aid the process. First, know your reason for quitting. Second, talk to your doctor for tools to help you can stop smoking. Third, use help lines and groups for support. Lastly, stay proactive while quitting and thereafter. Don’t put yourself in temptations way. Live a healthier life and stop smoking today.
Written by: Brett Benton
M
ore than one billion people in the world, and more than 40 million people in the United States smoke cigarettes every day. It’s no secret that smoking is bad for your health, but many would argue that non-tobacco smoking products like vapes or e-cigarettes have different effects on your body, and that these products don’t affect the people around you. These are common beliefs, but more and more research is suggesting that they are wrong.
Women
The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. Don’t catch yourself running to the big box stores last minute to get that perfect gift. We’ve selected multiple gifts for the family and pets in your life.
Go from the office to date night seamlessly in these beautiful knot earrings. ($199.99) tiffany.com Knot Earring
Kids Capture your moments with this vintage point-and-shoot camera with custom exposure controls. ($59.99) bestbuy.com Fujifilm - instax mini 8 Instant Film Camera
Never run out of fast and easy food recipes with this cookbook full of delicious foods. ($15) damndelicious.net Damn Delicious Cookbook
Your kids will love these stylish and adorable moccasins ($25) mkt.com/baresolesmoccs BareSole Moccasins
Written by: Meghan Bailey & Brett Benton
* Local Las Vegas product
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Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
Men
Show your team spirit with this unique, eye-catching 3D stadium wall art from sportula.com. ($199.99) sportula.com Denver Broncos 3D Wall Art
Pets This subscription box is sure to make each month a holiday for your four-legged loved ones. ($35/month) barkbox.com BarkBox - The monthly subscription box for your dogs
Your dog will have hours of fun with this creative and funny chew toy. Plus, you will get a good laugh. ($12)
Don’t settle for lower quality sound when you’re working out. These Bose headphones deliver the best sound quality without breaking the bank. ($99)
moodypet.com Humunga Stache the mustache for your dog
bose.com SoundSport in-ear headphones
This interactive laser toy will keep your cat entertained for days. Just plug and play. ($15.99)
Have a clean shave every day with this subscription box to Dollar Shave Club. ($6/monthly)
amazon.com FroliCat BOLT Interactive Laser Pet Toy
dollarshaveclub.com
Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Written by: Kimbery Doan & Brett Benton Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
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WellHealth Quality Care Healthcare. The WellHealth Way.
Dedicated Doctors: ALISSA DOUGHERTY, MS, RD, LDN, shares her passion for a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people of all ages to observe within and regain their life. Before moving to Las Vegas in 2016, Alissa worked at the University of Chicago where she helped patients with diabetes and weight management issues regain their health through meal planning, physical activity, and medication management. Alissa works with patients to find balance through healthy lifestyle changes, taking into consideration their sometimes hectic schedules. Alissa is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and played for the women’s soccer team. She continued her education at Benedictine University in Illinois where she completed her Dietetic Internship and received her Masters of Science Nutrition and Wellness. Alissa is currently working towards obtaining her CDE.
MELISSA GUTIERREZ, MD, received her Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University with a double major in Biology and Spanish. She then earned her medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine. Her residency was completed at Phoenix Integrated Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center. Dr. Gutierrez’s professional memberships include American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and American Medical Association. Dr. Gutierrez takes a special interest in advanced advanced pelvic, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries. She completed a two-year fellowship with Las Vegas Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Women’s Pelvic Health Center. Dr. Gutierrez is also actively involved in clinical research and works with residents from UCLA Harbor and University of Nevada School of Medicine.
JIM CHRISTENSEN, MD,
treats the entire spectrum of asthma conditions and diseases. He is also interested in unusual variations of uticaria and treatment of pediatric patients with HIV/Aids. Dr. Christensen lives with his family in Green Valley and holds several academic appointments in clinical training programs in Southern Nevada. Dr. Christensen was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine in 1990. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Primary Care at Touro University Nevada. Dr. Christensen is also a founder of NARES2, the Nevada AIDS Research and Education Society/Nevada Access to Research and Education Society. NARES2 is a non-profit, community-based research consortium dedicate to improving people’s lives through healthcare research and education.
BRENDA MASTERSON-BRODIE, BA PSYCH, MSW, CSW INTERN, is the Clinical Social Work Intern, Clinical Intake Supervisor, & Community Liaison at the Human Behavior Institute (740 South Jones Blvd.). She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in ethics & philosophy from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she was a merit scholar and a teaching assistant in the philosophy department. In 2003, she completed her master’s degree in social work/welfare at Stony Brook University in New York. While at Stony Brook, Brenda was awarded two graduate research assistantships as well as bestowed the Reginald C. Wells Fellowship. Masterson also works with children, adolescents, and adults with emotional and behavioral dysregulation. She completes diagnostic mental health assessments and provides therapy and crisis intervention to individuals, couples, and families. She is a strong advocate for human rights and believes that each of us can be an agent of change.
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Fall: 2016 WellHealthQC.com
With unique entertainment, hundreds of retailers and dozens of restaurants, everyone experiences Town Square Las Vegas differently. Discover your Town Square today.
mytownsquarelasvegas.com
NEW Town Square App is now available for Android and Apple devices.
#mytownsquare
100+ brands & boutiques | 20+ dining destinations | 18-screen AMC theatre | 9,000 sq. ft. children’s park