Sivakumar Sreenivasan, DMD Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Janet V. Johnson, MD Pediatrician
Dr. Fana Assafa, PhD, DNP, RN, CCLS Aesthetic Dermatology and Laser
Craig A. Smith, DDS General Dentistry
Stephen A. Price, DDS Cosmetic Dentistry
Sinclair R. Davis, DDS Advanced Dentistry
Mara Holton, MD Urology Jillian Campbell, DC, MSACN Chiropractor
Andrew Wong, MD Integrative Medicine
Bonnie Mazaris, RYTT-500 Energy Healing
Your Smile? Still Hiding
Your smile is more than just teeth — it’s how you greet the world. Whether you’re tired of covering your mouth in photos, hiding stained or crooked teeth, or feeling discomfort when you chew, Smiles International can help you take back your confidence and restore a radiant, youthful smile.
From routine care to advanced cosmetic dentistry, our experienced team delivers natural-looking results in a modern, comfortable environment. We specialize in:
• Invisalign® clear aligners for discreet straightening
• Teeth Whitening for a brighter, more youthful smile
• Veneers and smile makeovers to fix chips, gaps, and discoloration
• Complete family dental care — all in one place
Lose Years Off Your Face In Just One Hour
By Jacqueline D. Griffiths, MD New View Eye Center
Wrinkles may come with age, but so does wisdom. Whether your eye
lids are carrying excess skin, or your wrinkles have taken over your forehead, or your smile is outlined with parentheses, there are a number of procedures available to improve your look and feel.
Consult with your doctor to determine what products and procedures are best for the look you want to achieve. Such procedures can be surgical and non-surgical.
Procedures To Consider:
Blepharoplasty
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes can appear puffy or saggy. Eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective fat around the eye bulge.
The surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissues (skin, muscle, or fat) is called blepharoplasty. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform this procedure during their medical residency.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. The surgery is performed for either cosmetic or functional reasons. Sometimes excess upper eyelid tissue obstructs the upper visual field or can weigh down the eyelid and produce tired-feeling eyes. Most often, people choose blepharoplasty to improve their appearance by making the area around their eyes firmer. When blepharoplasty is performed to improve vision, rather than for cosmetic reasons only, it may be covered by insurance.
Botox and Xeomin
Did you know that ophthalmologists have been using botulinum toxin (Botox) since its experimental trials began in Florida in 1986? In 1989 the FDA approval signaled the use of botulinum toxin as a safe and effective treatment for use in the eyelids, eyebrows, and facial muscles for certain medical conditions. Ophthalmologists actually discovered its wrinkle reducing effects.
Both products are non-surgical FDA approved treatments that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines in the forehead, between the brows, and the “crow’s feet” on the side of the eyes in men and women ages 18 to 65.
Radiesse, Juvederm (Voluma & XC), Belotero
We live in exciting times when it comes to the science of beauty. Injectable fillers can replace the lost collagen and volume, giving us the full cheeks and firm skin of youth.
That’s something all those expensive creams, lotions, and serums just can’t deliver. In fact, it was ophthalmologists that discovered and reported one side effect of Lumigan – it increased eye lash length, while also darkening and thickening.
Jacqueline D. Griffiths M.D. earned her undergraduate degree at Yale and her medical degree from the University of Michigan. Her Ophthalmology residency was completed at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Dr. Griffiths has been in private practice since 1994. She started her own practice and laser center, NewView Laser EyeTM in 1999 where she serves as the Medical Director. NewView’s Mission is to provide Excellence in Ophthalmologic services by giving personalized attention to every patient.
Dr. Griffiths is Board Certified and began performing laser vision correction practically from its inception in this country. She has performed thousands of cases and participated with the CRS-USA LASIK trials to get the LASIK procedure approved by the FDA.
In addition to offering Custom LASIK and PRK, NewView offers Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery, Multifocal IOLs, annual eye exams, glaucoma and diabetic screening exams, and cosmetic services including Botox, Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm, and eyelid surgery. NewView Optical offers affordable high quality frames and lenses for the entire family (ages 5 and older).
Dr. Griffiths is the former Ophthalmology Section Chief of Reston Hospital Department of Surgery, the former Chief of Ophthalmology for the Reston Ambulatory Surgical Center in Reston, VA as well as Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, VA, Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Washington National Eye Center and others.
Guided Tissue Regeneration Saving Teeth by Rebuilding Support Structures
By Marc P. Stanard, DDS, PC
This advanced periodontal procedure offers patients a second chance at keeping their natural teeth — by restoring lost bone and tissue before extraction becomes the only option.
When gum disease or trauma leads to the loss of supporting structures around a tooth — including bone, periodontal ligament, and connective tissue — many patients assume that extraction or implant placement is their only path forward. Fortunately, that’s not always the case. Thanks to a technique called Guided Tissue
Regeneration (GTR), periodontists can now encourage the body to regrow critical tissue and stabilize teeth that would otherwise be lost.
GTR is most commonly used to treat infrabony defects — vertical bone loss caused by periodontitis. Left untreated, these defects deepen, and the surrounding teeth become increasingly mobile. GTR involves placing a small, biocompatible membrane between the gum and the bone. This membrane acts as a barrier, guiding the body’s natural healing process and giving bone and connective tissue the opportunity to regrow in the right place — while preventing unwanted gum tissue from filling the space. This barrier membrane can either be dissolvable or non-dissolvable depending on the size and location of the defect in the jawbone.
In many cases, bone grafts or growth factors are also added to promote regeneration and stability. As the area heals over several months, the regenerated tissue forms a new attachment to the root surface, improving
tooth support and prolonging the life of the tooth.
Not every patient is a candidate for GTR. Ideal cases involve good oral hygiene, non-smoking status, and localized defects where regenerative outcomes are most predictable. However, when appropriate, this technique can be a powerful tool for preserving natural teeth — often avoiding the need for extraction, bridgework, or implants.
• Improves the long-term success of periodontal therapy
• Can reduce the risk of additional tooth loss in the future
The best outcomes always come with early diagnosis. If you’ve been told you have bone loss or deep pockets, a periodontal consultation can help determine whether regenerative techniques like GTR might be an option for you.
At our office, we are committed to using the most effective techniques available to help patients protect and preserve their natural teeth — whenever possible.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial, and Dr. Marc Stanard, a periodontist and specialist in surgical implant dentistry, can help you achieve healthy teeth comfortably. We offer a wide range of specialized procedures and services to cater to your periodontal needs, such as bone surgery, scaling, and root planing, gum grafts, crown lengthenings, and sinus lifts.
Why you should choose Dr. Marc Stanard:
• We provide advanced, affordable dental care tailored to meet your unique needs.
• Our team offers oral hygiene instruction and education on gum disease, bone loss, and other dental health conditions.
• Dr. Marc Stanard has decades of experience and a passion for his work, and he’s earned numerous designations, affiliations, and awards, including Top DDS by Washingtonian and high ratings on Google and Yelp.
• Our office is friendly and welcoming, making it the perfect place to receive top-quality dental care.
In This Edition…
Your Health Magazine is on a mission. There are far too many people, insured or not, who do not go to the doctor when they should, and in millions of cases, don’t know who they should go to, or why.
People are encouraged to buy a new house, car, cell phone or big screen TV, and those companies make themselves very visible and their products easily attainable.
Information about, and from, local healthcare providers is not easy to find, and many times those services are difficult to access.
Information and encouragement always lowers fear and trepidation about anything, and this is especially true in healthcare. While general information is available on web-sites, specific information from local providers is almost impossible for people to find. This is one of the key reasons chronic and episodic conditions are not cared for. It is our mission to:
Make A Difference By Empowering and Encouraging People To Live Healthier By Going To the Doctor When They Should.
There is a lot of evidence that the health professionals who participate in Your Health Magazine have helped many people over the years. We at Your Health Magazine salute you!
G. Scott Hunter, Editor-in-Chief
One Town Center 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 102 Bowie, MD 20716 Office (301) 805-6805 • Fax (301) 805-6808 info@yourhealthmagazine.net
VIRGINIA OFFICE Office (301) 805-6805 info@yourhealthmagazine.net
The content in Your Health Magazine and provided on yourhealthmagazine. net is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, making changes to your health routine, or acting on any health-related information found on the Internet, or anywhere else.
If you would like to find out how you can participate in one of our upcoming editions, please contact the office nearest you. SERVING MARYLAND & VIRGINIA Since 1990 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Gregory Scott Hunter
By Lubrina Bryant, DPM District Podiatry, PLLC
Red feet in elderly individuals can be indicative of several underlying health issues. One common cause is peripheral artery disease, where reduced blood flow leads to inflammation and redness. Venous insufficiency is another condition where poor circulation results in blood pooling and skin discoloration.
Diabetes can also cause red feet due to poor blood circulation and increased susceptibility to infections. Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may lead to redness and irritation, while infections like cellulitis can cause inflammation and a reddened appearance.
Addressing these symptoms promptly is essential for managing the underlying conditions effectively. If you are a senior or are caring for an elderly person, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can monitor foot health.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling
in the feet and can hide many lifethreatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered.
Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact your local podiatrist. They will be ble to offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Our feet are important in our everyday lives. The problem is that we tend to neglect them. When this becomes a habit, it can cause significant trouble. Ignoring foot problems can mean pain, limited mobility, and expensive doctor’s visits. On the other hand, if feet are cared for and looked after regularly, they will perform without pain or complication.
By Mara Holton, MD Anne Arundel Urology
Urologic health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked—especially when it comes to women. Women’s urologic health involves the care and maintenance of the urinary tract and reproductive organs, and addressing the unique challenges that women face in this area is essential
Women’s Urologic Health Understanding, Prevention, and Care
for long-term health and quality of life.
Common Urologic Conditions In Women
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are among the most common urologic issues affecting women. Due to the shorter length of the female urethra, bacteria can more easily reach the bladder, leading to infections. Symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or strongsmelling urine. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and good hygiene practices can help prevent recurrent infections.
2. Overactive Bladder (OAB): OAB
is characterized by a sudden and frequent need to urinate, sometimes accompanied by leakage. It can be caused by factors like weakened pelvic muscles, nerve damage, or hormonal changes. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions.
3. Urinary Incontinence: Incontinence, or the involuntary loss of urine, affects women of all ages but becomes more common after childbirth and menopause. Stress incontinence (leakage during physical activity) and urge incontinence (a sudden,
Innovative Treatments
intense need to urinate) are the most common types. Treatments range from physical therapy and bladder training to medications and surgical procedures.
4. Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Also known as painful bladder syndrome, IC is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, pain, and frequent urination. Though its exact cause is unclear, treatments focus on symptom relief through dietary changes, physical therapy, medications, and bladder instillations.
5. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: This condition occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken, causing organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum to drop into the vaginal canal. Symptoms include pressure, discomfort, and difficulty with urination or bowel movements. Treatment may include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, or surgery.
Prevention and Care
Maintaining urologic health involves a combination of lifestyle choices, preventive care, and regular medical check-ups. Here are some key strategies:
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and supports overall kidney function.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wiping from front to back, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and avoiding harsh soaps can reduce the risk of infections.
• Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles: Kegel exercises can help prevent incontinence and support bladder control.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limiting bladder irritants like caffeine, spicy foods, and acidic beverages can help manage symptoms of overactive bladder and IC.
• Regular Medical Checkups: Annual visits to a gynecologist or urologist can help catch potential issues early and ensure comprehensive care. When To See a Urologist Women should consult a urologist if they experience recurring UTIs, incontinence, pelvic pain, or any other persistent urinary symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Women’s urologic health is an essential but often under-discussed aspect of medical care. By understanding common conditions, taking preventive measures, and seeking timely medical advice, women can maintain better urinary health and overall well-being.
Comfort and Alignment In Pregnancy How Webster-Certified Chiropractic Care Helps
By Jillian Campbell DC, MSACN
Effective Integrative Healthcare
Pregnancy transforms your body in remarkable ways – and sometimes those changes bring low-back pain, pelvic pressure, sciatica, or trouble sleeping. A chiropractor who specializes in prenatal care and is Webster certified focuses on gentle, targeted techniques to keep you comfortable and moving well through every trimester.
What the Webster Technique Is (and Isn’t)
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic protocol that assesses and corrects sacral and pelvic joint dysfunction, along with related muscle and ligament tension. By improving pelvic balance and mobility, it creates more room and ease for both mother and baby. While Webster care does not “turn” a baby, many providers use it to optimize the environment for fetal positioning – including in pregnancies where the baby is breech – by reducing restrictions that can affect how the uterus sits within the pelvis.
Why Prenatal Chiropractic Helps
As your belly grows, your center of gravity shifts, ligaments loosen under the influence of hormones, and the low back and hips absorb extra load. Gentle adjustments and soft-tissue work can reduce joint irritation, calm tight muscles, and improve gait mechanics. Many women report better sleep, less pelvic girdle pain, easier walking, and more comfortable sitting and standing after a short series of visits. Your chiropractor will also coach you on daily posture, supportive pillows for sleep, and simple home movements that reinforce each adjustment.
Safety First
Prenatal chiropractic care is drugfree and uses positions and techniques adapted for pregnancy (such as bellysupporting cushions and side-lying adjustments). A Webster-certified chiropractor is trained to screen for red flags and to coordinate with your OB/midwife.
Always seek medical care urgently for vaginal bleeding, fever, severe or worsening pain, sudden swelling, decreased fetal movement, or if you’ve been told you have a high-risk pregnancy – your chiropractic plan will be adjusted in partnership with your medical team.
Beyond Pain Relief:
Preparing For Birth
Balanced pelvic joints and relaxed
surrounding tissues can support more efficient movement patterns as you approach labor – think better hip mobility for walking, squatting, and position changes. Your chiropractor can tailor a plan for each trimester, then provide postpartum care to address neck and upper-back strain from feeding and holding your newborn, as well as core and pelvic stability as you return to activity.
When To Start
You don’t have to wait for pain. An early prenatal assessment sets a baseline and a prevention plan you can maintain through the third trimester. If your baby is breech or your hips feel “stuck,” ask about Webster-based care. With specialized prenatal chiropractic, you can feel supported, aligned, and ready for the season ahead – pregnancy included.
Fall Into Alignment This Season!
By Rupen Baxi, MD Oasis Advanced GYN Surgery
If your period soaks through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, lasts longer than 7 days, or brings clots larger than a
Heavy Periods Causes and Real Treatments That Work
quarter, that’s heavy menstrual bleeding—and you don’t have to live with it. A GYN can pinpoint the cause and match you with treatments that actually work.
Common Causes
Heavy flow often comes from one of a few fixable issues. Fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus) and polyps can enlarge the uterine surface and increase bleeding. Hormone imbalances—especially too
little progesterone relative to estrogen—disrupt the cycle’s “off switch.”
Thyroid disorders, bleeding or clotting conditions, and certain medications (like blood thinners) can play a role. Endometrial hyperplasia (thickening of the uterine lining) and, less commonly, endometrial cancer must be ruled out—especially after age 40 or with bleeding between periods.
After childbirth or with copper IUDs, heavier flow is also more common.
OASIS WOMEN’S CENTER
The bottom line: heavy periods are a symptom, not a personality trait.
How Your GYN Evaluates It
A targeted history looks at cycle length, flooding patterns, clots, pain, pregnancy risk, and anemia symptoms (fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness). Your clinician will likely order labs (pregnancy test, blood count for anemia, iron studies, thyroid tests) and may add a pelvic ultrasound to look for fibroids or polyps. Depending on age and risk, an office endometrial biopsy may be recommended to assess the uterine lining. This workup guides treatment so you’re not guessing.
Proven Treatment Options
You have choices—both medical and procedural.
• Non-hormonal medicine: Tranexamic acid taken only on heavy days can cut bleeding by up to half. NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce prostaglandins and can lessen flow and cramps when started at the first sign of bleeding.
• Hormonal options: The levonorgestrel-releasing IUD is one of the most effective treatments for heavy periods and contraception in one; many patients see dramatically lighter cycles or no bleeding after several months. Combined pills, the ring, or patch regulate and lighten bleeding; progestin-only pills or injections are alternatives when estrogen isn’t a good fit.
• Treat the source: For fibroids or polyps, options include hysteroscopic removal, uterine artery embolization (for certain fibroids), myomectomy, or—when childbearing is complete and other treatments have failed—hysterectomy.
• Endometrial ablation: A quick outpatient procedure that destroys the uterine lining to reduce or stop bleeding. It’s for patients done with pregnancy and only after the lining has been properly evaluated.
Don’t Ignore Anemia
Heavy periods frequently drain iron stores. If your ferritin is low or your blood count is down, iron therapy (oral or IV) will restore energy while you address the bleeding.
When To Call
Flooding through protection in under an hour, passing large clots, bleeding longer than a week, or any bleeding after menopause deserves a prompt visit. With today’s tools, you can expect lighter, predictable periods—and your life back.
– Caring & Kind Dentist & Team
– State-of-the-Art Equipment
– Laser Periodontic Therapy
– Affordable Gum Treatment
– Insurance Accepted & Filed
– Ultra-Sterile Environment
– No Referral Needed
– Comfortable Sedation Dentistry
Our patients mean the world to us, and many have trusted Dr. Smith for decades. Our team is always fully committed to making every visit comfortable, gentle, and pain-free. Our goal is to provide exceptional periodontal and implant care that has been the hallmark of Dr. Smith’s practice for many years.
You deserve the very best! Call today to secure your first visit on your journey to total health, wellness, and aging beautifully.
Your Heart Matters, So Here Is Hope
Nine Pillars Of Heart Disease Prevention
By Linda Penkala, Author, LMT Optimum Health For Life
It took an agonizing forced stay in Howard County hospital years ago, with a solid case of A Fib (atrial fibrillation) for me to get the memo to slow down, figure what went wrong with my heart, and make some lifestyle choices. As a wellness educator, I consolidated all that I learned into articles, PP’s
and my latest book, to help women realize the impact of stress, poor lifestyle choices, and how they can improve the odds of not dying from CVD. It takes more lives than men!
Here are my solutions, found in my book, The Pause to Relax, a Woman’s Guide to Robust Heart Health, with a beautiful infographic, because you matter:
Feel your best self within the safe space of relaxation, allowing stress to melt away! Breath in calming essential oils to reset and realign your body, mind, soul connection.
Linda Penkala, Author, LMT, Holistic Healthcare Presenter, and Wellness Catalyst shares her passion and heart for holistic lifestyle choices through:
• Keynote Presentations
• Massage Therapy
• Aromatherapy
• Book Signings
• Breathwork for Healing
• Her book, The Pause to Relax, A Woman’s Guide To Robust Heart Health
https://lifewave.com/lpenkala • Visit our new website! www.lindapenkala.com
@pausetorelax The Pause to Relax
Optimum Health for Life Linda Penkala
Makes a Valuable Holiay Gift Sold on Amazon!
Tips and advice from local doctors and practitioners, so you and your family can enjoy the holidays...without endangering your health. Your
Gorgeous Healthy TMJs = Gorgeous Smile?
By Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS Sleep & TMJ Therapy
When your Temporomandibular Joints (TMJs) are healthy and happy, you are too. This joint is perhaps one of the most important joints in the human body.
It allows us to eat, speak, laugh, yawn, and tends to be working all day
long. For this reason, it is more readily damaged than many other joints. Even if you are an athlete whose body is moving and exercising for most of the day, your jaw joints are moving as well. This can lend them to damage and this leads to inflammation that can affect your entire body. This does not include contact sports.
Because of the delegate nature of
the joints structure, the TMJs happen to be one of the most misunderstood joints in the human body. Most doctors would tell you that medical or dental school did mostly a cursory discussion of this very important joint. Yet when it is not working properly, it can wreak havoc with your entire body. This might seem far-fetched, but there are many cases in which a displaced TMJ disc can affect
Typical Dental Office
other parts of the body not just typical headaches, jaw pain or neck pain. The pinched nerves or blood vessels can affect the knee, the shoulder, the hip, and even the arch of the foot. Our office has seen these cases on so many occasions that it is no longer any oddity when the patient reports running is an option again. The reason is because the TM joints are well supported.
When a person has a TMJ problem, it is absolutely critical to diagnose the problem with an MRI. Unfortunately, most radiologists would admit that they have little to no experience in reading an MRI of the jaw joints. This is why you must seek a dentist or MD who has the radiologist with the expertise to read the images from the MRI. Our radiologist at the imaging center has the ability to identify disc degeneration which is a critical component in deciding how to treat the person.
Dr. Jeffrey Brown has limited his practice to focus only on TMJ Disorders, Craniofacial Pain Management and Sleep Apnea. By fixing slipped discs in the jaw joints, Dr. Brown can significantly reduce the pain patients experience in the head/neck region and other symptoms associated with jaw joint problems. Sleep & TMJ Therapy may be able to improve the quality of life for you or a loved one – we encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns.
“Dr. Brown and his staff are absolutely wonderful. I was diagnosed with Dystonia. I could not turn my head and had a ton of pain. My doctors offered no help and no advice besides Meds and Botox. Since having the appliance I have NO pain and I can turn my head. I would highly recommend them to anyone. I feel Dr. Brown and his staff really care about their patients and helping them to get better. They do not just numb the symptoms but fix the problem. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel like the old me again!”
- D. Thomas
“My daughter has been treated by Dr. Stack and Dr. Brown for the last 2 1/2 years, and we are very fortunate to have found them. Prior to that she was being treated by a neurologist at a Children’s hospital. She was on medications for tics and associated muscle pain, OCD/repetitive thoughts, sleeplessness and more (all possibly associated with Tourettes). Drs. Stack and Brown installed spacers to alleviate pressure on nerve bundles in the jaw, and subsequently braces to complete the process. Her symptoms have diminished significantly. She is off medication, her tics have all but disappeared, she can concentrate better in school, and she is once again cheerful and relaxed.”
- Susan
The next factor is something called ‘condylar angulation’ which means how the top of the jaw bones is angled relative to each other. The next diagnostic item needed is the CBCT x-ray. This is critical to diagnosis. With the MRI and the CBCT x-ray information, it becomes easier to identify the problems and treat them accordingly. This is the key to success: properly identify the displacement and prepare for proper treatment. It is amazing when you see the progression of someone who has suffered from TMJ disorder for many years and now function with a smile once again. Our office has countless cases of people who went from being disabled to being back to work and feeling themselves again. The before and after photos that are done clearly show how the head is straighter, the neck is aligned, the eyes and face are brighter, and the person can now smile! Their Gorgeous Smile is there because of the now Gorgeous Healthy TM Joints!
Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS
Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS
Saliva Testing What Your Saliva Can Reveal About Your Health
By Michael Rogers, DDS Fairlington Dental
Your saliva holds valuable information about what is happening inside your mouth. Dentists use advanced saliva testing through Bristle and OralDNA to detect hidden oral health issues before they become serious. This science-based approach allows us to provide more personalized care and improve outcomes for your oral and overall health.
Why Saliva Testing Matters
A traditional dental exam gives important insights, but it cannot always reveal which bacteria are
contributing to gum disease, decay, or inflammation. Saliva testing gives us a deeper look. It identifies the types and levels of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms present in your mouth, helping your dentist understand what is driving disease.
Bristle analyzes the full oral microbiome, identifying both beneficial and harmful bacteria that influence your oral and systemic health. OralDNA focuses on detecting bacterial species linked to periodontal disease and inflammation. Together, these tools help us move from treating symptoms to identifying and addressing root causes.
How It Works
Saliva testing is simple and completely noninvasive. You provide a small saliva sample, which is analyzed in a specialized lab. The lab identifies microorganisms present and measures your risk for various oral conditions.
When results return, your dentist will review your personalized report and use the findings to:
• Design a treatment plan that targets
harmful bacteria while supporting healthy balance
• Monitor your progress and track how your oral health changes over time
• Detect early warning signs before they develop into more serious issues
The Benefits Of Saliva Testing Early Detection
Many oral diseases begin quietly. Saliva testing helps identify risks before symptoms appear, allowing preventive action.
Personalized Care
Since your dentist knows which bacteria are involved, your dentist can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs rather than a one-size-fitsall approach.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Your dentist can repeat the test periodically to track your microbiome and ensure your oral environment stays balanced and healthy.
Whole-Body Health
Research continues to show that
oral bacteria influence the rest of the body. Inflammation and bacterial imbalance are linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and systemic inflammation. Understanding your oral microbiome helps protect your overall wellness.
When To Consider Saliva Testing
If you experience persistent gum bleeding, bad breath, chronic inflammation, or recurring dental problems, you should consult your dentist about saliva testing. Identifying bacterial imbalances early can help prevent complications and support your long-term health.
Advanced Periodontal Care
Oral health is connected to wholebody health. By incorporating saliva testing through Bristle and OralDNA into our periodontal care, your dentist can identify concerns earlier, personalize treatment, and help our patients achieve healthier, more sustainable results. Your saliva tells a story about your health. With the right insight and care, your dentist can use that information to protect your smile and support your well-being for years to come.
At Fairlington Dental, we understand the connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. As a result, we look at the whole person to discover the reasons a patient may have gum disease or a bad bite. A number of studies link heart disease and other serious conditions to the presence of periodontal (gum) disease. This research makes it vital that we take a Complete Health approach to your dental care. Dr. Rogers will listen to you, conduct a careful assessment, and carefully explain your proposed customized wellness plan. He will then take the time to answer all of your questions. You become a partner in your oral health goals!
Our team has mastered the techniques of gentle dentistry and is skilled at helping patients with any level of apprehension relax and grow comfortable with visiting the dentist. Anxiety and tension have a variety of sources, so it’s important for us to listen to your concerns as well as your goals and history. Then we address your anxieties and proceed with gentle treatment only when you’re ready. We deliver all of this in an office that is environmentally aware, while you enjoy a variety of spa-like amenities during your visit. One of our greatest joys is helping patients smile again, especially those who may not have seen a dentist in a while. You’ll be amazed at how the quality of life can change! We strive to create a partnership with you that starts the moment you walk through our door.
Submitted By Sivakumar Sreenivasan, DMD, MDS Dental Implant Center of Rockville
Can just four implants replace all of the teeth on the top or the bottom of your mouth? Thanks to advances in dental implant technology, that answer is a resounding yes.
Believe it or not, tooth loss is extremely common among adults, especially as we age. In fact, more than 35 million people in America are missing all of their upper and/or lower teeth. Rather than living with the discomfort and hassles of dentures, many people are opting for what is called “all-onfour” dental implant restoration.
All-On-Four: One Full Arch Of Teeth, Four Dental Implants
To fully understand this remark-
A Reason To Smile Again
All-On-Four Dental Implants
able technique for replacing teeth, you should first understand what a dental implant is. An implant is a small titanium screw that fits inside your jawbone and replaces the root-part of a missing tooth. Minor surgery is required to insert the implants. Once the implant is in place, a crown is attached to give you a highly realistic-looking and functional prosthetic tooth.
Here’s where it gets really interesting: You do not need a dental implant for each and every one of your missing teeth. All you need is four precisely placed implants on the top of your mouth, and four on the bottom, to restore your full smile. That’s the beauty of the all-on-four. And because the implant is made of titanium, it has the unique ability to fuse to living bone and function as part of it. So eventually, the dental implant becomes part of the jawbone and serves as a strong, long-lasting foundation for your new teeth.
Besides ensuring that your implants are permanently fixed in place,
this bone fusion has another important benefit: it prevents future bone loss in the jaw. This helps to maintain a more youthful facial structure – and better oral health. But perhaps the biggest surprise about the all-on-four is how quickly it can transform your life.
What’s The All-On-Four Dental Implant Procedure Like?
It can be scary to get implants for the first time. Most of that fear is probably due to the uncertainty, so here is the step-by-step process for getting an All-On-Four dental implant.
First, your dentist will want to make sure your comfortable, so either local or general anesthesia will be administered.
Second, the dentist or surgeon will prepare your mouth for the implants, which involves removing your remaining teeth that are failing. They will then remove any diseased or infected tissue from your jaw and gums.
After the implants have been placed, they will thoroughly clean the surgical sites and suturing all the incisions. Then you’ll be taken to a recovery room where you can relax and take time to wake up from the anesthesia.
How
Do
You Know
If The All-On-Four Procedure Is The Right Option For You?
At your All-On-Four consultation, you’ll receive a 3D CT Scan. This scan will help determine if you need implants and assist your doctors in creating your treatment plan. So if you want to learn more about dental implants, simply schedule a consultation with an All-On-Four provider. It’s the best way to find out how dental implants can change your life.
Next, they will begin the implantation process. This means they will insert the titanium screws into your jawbone. Most likely, they will place two implants toward the front of your mouth and two towards the back of your mouth so the “anchors” can evenly bare the force of the denture.
ADVENTIST MEDICAL GROUP
PRIMARY CARE SERVICES FOR YOU
Choose Adventist Medical Group Primary Care in Fort Washington, Maryland, to provide a full range of primary care services for adults.
Learn to better manage your health and prevent illnesses with personalized care from our experienced, primary care providers. Our specialists in family medicine and internal medicine work as a team to deliver expert care when you need:
• Same-day Sick Visits
• Women’s and Men’s Health and Wellness Exams
• Health Physicals, Health Maintenance and Preventive Care
• Geriatric (Senior) Wellness Exams
• Vaccinations and Immunizations, including Flu Shots
• Health Management for:
• Asthma and Allergies
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
You also benefit from coordinated care that helps you effectively handle all aspects of your health—from preventive medicine and preoperative appointments to management of chronic health conditions.
To schedule an appointment, please call 240-724-6018
10709 Indian Head Highway, Suite D1 Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 AdventistMedicalGroup.org
Elambert Richardson’s journey to founding Elon Roshell Day Spa & Health is a remarkable story of resilience, healing, and dedication to helping others. Richardson’s path began with a profound personal struggle and evolved into creating a sanctuary of well-being that includes innovative treatments like a unique salt cave.
Richardson, once a preschool teacher, faced a debilitating injury that altered the course of her life. Despite extensive physical therapy, her pain persisted,
leading to depression and a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Her doctor presented her with a stark choice: find a way to live or succumb to her condition. This critical moment propelled Richardson to seek healing beyond conventional methods.
Richardson shared another poignant aspect of her struggle: the hostile work environment that led to her depression and ultimately, PTSD. She recounts instances of mistreatment, including being ostracized by colleagues and subjected to demeaning messages.
Despite enduring chronic pain and emotional distress, Richardson finds solace in helping others and is embarking on a journey of healing by sharing her story.
A pivotal turning point came with her reading of “The Ministry of Healing,” a book that highlighted the therapeutic power of helping others. This revelation ignited her determination to overcome her depression and explore a career in healthcare. Richardson began volunteering at her children’s school, pursued higher education, and ultimately
Looking for a natural way to boost your health and wellbeing?
Come experience our natural health and wellness spa services, including:
• Cryo For Skin – Anti-Aging Skin Tightening Now Available!
• Salt Cave & space available for Family and Small Group Spa Events
• Massage Therapy • NEW Hyperbaric Chamber
• Oxygen Therapy • Red Light Therapy • Halo Therapy
• Infrared Sauna • Ionic Bath
• Salt Cave
WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS • 12:30 – 3:00 PM
Join our natural health sessions focused on whole foods, lifestyle education, and community support. We explore the 9 Pillars of Health by Barbara O’Neill, offer samples and recipes, and provide weigh-ins and accountability from a faith-based perspective.
Visit us today to discover the benefits of natural health and wellness services for yourself. Book an appointment now and enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating experience at our spa.
Welcome to our new massage therapist, Kelsey! Schedule a massage with her today.
found her calling in massage therapy. Overcoming Adversity
Richardson’s journey was further challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her business to close for 15 months. During this time, she also contracted the virus, requiring oxygen therapy. Remarkably, this treatment provided significant relief from her chronic pain. “The oxygen was so good. I mean, that was the first thing that, really like, I had no pain,” she recounted.
A Vision Of Wellness
After her recovery, Richardson experienced a life-changing dream that inspired her to create a comprehensive health and wellness center in Calvert County. This vision became Elon Roshell Day Spa & Health, featuring an array of services designed to promote natural health and wellness, including an oxygen bar, hyperbaric chamber, and a signature salt cave.
The salt cave is a central feature of Richardson’s spa. Constructed with real salt bricks, the cave offers a serene environment where visitors can experience the benefits of inhaling medical-grade salt. These benefits range from improved skin health and respiratory relief to overall relaxation. “It’s good for your skin. If you have eczema, it’s good for different skin conditions. Also your lungs. For me, I have asthma. And after having this, I haven’t had to really carry my inhaler,” Richardson explained.
Elon Roshell Day Spa & Health offers a variety of wellness services, including massage therapy, facials, waxing, oxygen therapy, red light therapy, infrared sauna, and ionic foot baths. This holistic approach addresses both physical and mental well-being, providing a comprehensive healing experience.
Elambert Richardson also hosts a weekly Wellness Wednesday event at the spa. For just $25, attendees can experience the salt cave and participate in free small group health and wellness events. These events, largely led by Jeanette Umstead, a health coach at the spa, focus on Bible-based teachings of the 8 laws of health. These teachings emphasize principles such as a plantbased diet and the importance of rest, believed to contribute to long lifespan and overall well-being when followed.
Elambert during that time of great sadness, and now. Finding rest, happiness, and restoration!
The Fatigue Puzzle Five Body Systems That Commonly Drain Your Energy
By Andrew Wong, MD Capital Integrative Health
1) Sleep: Your Daily Reset
Poor or fragmented sleep heightens inflammation and disrupts hormones that steer thyroid function and blood sugar, so it’s often the first domino. Aim for 7–9 consistent hours, keep a one-week sleep diary (bed/wake times, awakenings), and note red flags like loud snoring, gasping, or needing caffeine to feel functional by mid-morning. If nonrestorative sleep or snoring is persistent, ask about a home sleep study
to evaluate for sleep apnea—treating it can markedly improve daytime energy and metabolic balance.
2) Thyroid: The Metabolic Thermostat
When thyroid output is low, cells make less energy, and fatigue pairs with feeling unusually cold, weight changes, dry skin, hair thinning, or slowed bowels. Because sleep loss and inflammation can skew thyroid signals, track symptoms alongside your sleep diary. If several signs fit, request TSH with reflex free T4; based on your history, your clinician may add TPO antibodies and sometimes free T3 to clarify the picture and guide treatment.
3) Iron Status: Oxygen Delivery
Iron is essential for carrying oxygen to tissues; even without overt anemia, low iron stores can sap stamina, focus, and exercise tolerance. Watch for brittle nails, frequent headaches, shortness of breath on routine exertion, or restless legs—especially if periods are heavy
or you follow a low-iron diet. Instead of guessing with supplements, ask for ferritin, a complete blood count, and iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation) so dosing can be safe and targeted.
4) Blood Sugar: Peaks and Crashes
Big glucose swings can cause afternoon slumps and brain fog, and poor sleep makes those swings more likely. Notice whether you feel shaky, hungry, or foggy 1–3 hours after a high-carb meal. For a simple trial,
lead meals with protein and fiber for a week and see if energy stabilizes. If fatigue persists or risk factors are present, ask for fasting glucose and A1C; some people benefit from fasting insulin or a clinician-guided glucose log to spot patterns.
5) Chronic Inflammation:
The Background Noise
Smoldering inflammation diverts resources, disturbs sleep, and worsens insulin resistance, keeping you tired. Clues include morning stiffness over 30 minutes, bleeding gums, irritable
Implants, Implant Crowns, Invisalign, CEREC, Crowns, Root Canals, Cosmetic Dentistry, iTero Digital Scanner, Tooth-Colored Fillings and Extractions.
Dr. Afreen Sayeed
Alliances, Smiles
Featured Health Professionals
Local Professionals Empowering and Encouraging People To Live Healthier
Jeffrey L. Brown, DDS
TMJ & Sleep Apnea Treatment
Meet Jeffrey L. Brown
Dr. Brown’s practice focuses on TMJ, sleep apnea and orthodontics. This allows Dr. Brown and his team to provide individualized, focused care for patients dealing with these specific issues. Every day, his practice helps patients of all ages with facial development, sleep issues, chronic headaches, migraines, neck pain, movement disorders, and much more. His training also includes multiple disciplines involving the cranial bones in the skull, and the discs in the jaw joints. Through treatment, Dr. Brown is able to reduce these symptoms, align cranial bones, avoid extractions, and greatly reduce the need for traditional braces. His expertise allows him to identify issues early on which promotes proper facial development using dental appliances. If there is an internal imbalance, whether an adult or child, the body does not develop or function properly. When the cranial bones are lined up correctly, patients are able to function, sleep and generally live better.
With that in mind, the team at Sleep & TMJ Therapy takes a whole-body approach when treatment planning. They work hand in hand with physical therapists and osteopathic doctors for a better success rate. Dr. Brown is devoted to helping patients of all ages live a symptom free life.
Degrees & Certifications
Dr. Brown earned his degree from Georgetown Dental School and completed residencies with Emory University Hospital for Dental Sleep Medicine and the ALF Appliance Therapy Institute.
Outside the Office
When not seeing patients, Dr. Brown is a sought-after speaker. He has lectured all over the world, including D.C., Dubai, Seoul, London, Norway and Toronto. He has also been featured on Channel 9’s Good Morning Washington, several podcasts, and numerous magazines and journals.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Brown is a diplomate of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Gnathological Orthopedic, Academy of Integrative Pain Management American Dental Association, a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and Legacy Provider for the ALF Interface Academy.
Do you have TMD or Sleep Apnea?
TMD Symptoms: Noise in the jaw joints when opening and closing your mouth, difficulty chewing, limited opening, tender facial muscles, ear ringing, uncomfortable bite, jaw locking, headaches, migraines, dizziness, vision issues as well as pain in the jaw area which can radiate to the ears, head, neck, shoulders, and back.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms: Snoring, waking up gasping for air, feeling tired and irritable in the morning, difficulty controlling weight, concentration problems, morning headaches, episodes of not breathing, waking with a sore throat, forgetfulness and mood changes. If you believe you may be suffering from TMD or Sleep Apnea, don't wait... Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown: 703-821-1103.
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Nov 11-15 & Be Entered to Win 4 Free Commanders Tickets
A native of New Jersey, Dr. Stephen Price attended the University of Connecticut on a football scholarship, and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University School of Dentistry in 1973.
For over 50 years Dr. Stephen Price has been doing procedures such as implant placements, full mouth reconstruction, porcelain crowns, and surgical extractions. He is most proud of all of the smiles that he has created in patients that have completely changed their lives. says Dr. Price and his team set themselves apart in the industry by listening to their patients’ wishes and needs, and understanding their apprehension. They go the extra mile to make them feel comfortable during treatment, and treat their patients like family.
In 2017 Dr. Price, an Elite Invisalign® provider and a Certified Invisalign® instructor, was honored as the best treatment winner at the Invisalign® Summit in Maryland. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Northern Virginia Dental Society, and the Virginia Dental Society.
Featured Health Professionals
Janet V. Johnson, MD
Meet Janet V. Johnson
Dr. Janet V. Johnson was born in Brooklyn, NY. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Hunter College in Manhattan, NY. She pursued a career in research medicine as a research assistant at Downstate Medical School in the Department of Gastroenterology. Obtaining her masters degree in Physiology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Johnson received her medical degree from State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1991. She completed her Internship and Residency at Howard University/ DC General Hospital in 1994.
After becoming Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Johnson worked as an Emergency Room Pediatric Physician at DC General Hospital and for a local pediatrician before she began her practice: Loving Care Pediatrics in Hyattsville, MD in 1998. She is continuing to pursue CME credits to maintain board certification. Concurrently, she serves as a Clinical Instructor to nursing students at Howard University Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program; John Hopkins Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program; Marymount Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program; and University of Maryland Baltimore Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program. She also serves as a Clinical Instructor for medical assistant students at Stratford University; Fortis College, Brightwood College and Career Technical Institute. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP). Dr. Johnson is also a member of the Prince George’s Community Advisory Group (CAG), Washington Adventist Health Ministry Network and the Medical Advisory Committee for Amerigroup Insurance. Dr. Johnson has given lectures on Teen Suicide and Teen awareness on HIV/AIDS to youth groups in Washington, DC and continues to publish articles in Washington Woman’s Journal and Your Health Magazine in Prince George’s County. She served as Medical Director of the Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy and Health Equity Festival, which provides free dental care. She annually gives talks “Suicide Is Not an Option” and “Teen HIV/AIDS Awareness” to a group for youth summer program in Washington, DC. She integrates Christian prayer into her practice when appropriate and regularly incorporates social justice topics into her magazine articles.
Dr. Fana Assafa, PhD, DNP, RN, CCLS is an internationally recognized aesthetic dermatology and laser expert with over 20 years of clinical excellence in Aesthetic procedures. As the Founder and CEO of Fana Skin Care an Aesthetic Dermatology Laser and Wellness Clinic and the visionary behind FANA – bnatural, a globally distributed, FDA-monitored medical-grade skincare line. Dr. Fana stands at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic dermatology, laser therapy, and longevity health.
Dr. Fana’s clinic, based in Silver Spring, MD, USA is a comprehensive center of excellence specializing in culturally sensitive dermatologic care, particularly for ethnic skin. Over the years, she has cultivated a word-of-mouth referral base and successfully treated over 50,000 patients across five continents, including heads of state, royals, diplomats, and discerning patients who seek her unique expertise, outstanding skill, impressive knowledge, warm bedside manner, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care in advanced anti-aging treatments, liquid and thread facelifts (LTF), full-spectrum laser procedures for all skin types and her result driven pioneering work in gut-skin hyperpigmentation protocols, addressing root causes of discoloration by combining clinical skin treatments with advanced holistic wellness strategies
Her reputation as a Master Injector and aesthetic trailblazer has led to her appointment as Lead Clinical Instructor at the American Institute of Aesthetic and Laser Medicine, where she trains physicians across the U.S. and internationally on the safe and effective use of lasers, dermal fillers, neurotoxin, and thread lift procedures.
An accomplished academic, Dr. Fana’s advanced specialty training and education from Harvard Medical School, the John Hopkins University, University of Louisville, Master fellowship/work at Cultura Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center in Washington, DC, in addition to global early hands-on expertise gained under her training that spans Europe, the Middle East and South Korea well before the introduction of Dermal Filers, neurotoxin and Thread lift treatments to the United States. Learning from industry top icons and pioneers has given her a very rare advantage, global perspective and technical edge in aesthetic dermatology.
Dr. Fana has been honored with several industry awards, featured on international TV, and recognized as “Top Aesthetic Practitioner,” “Top International Injector,” and as an expert in pigmentary disorder (MELASMA) treatment.
She has received Excellence in Service Award from the county executive of Montgomery County, MD and she is regularly invited to speak at global aesthetic conferences.
Her passion is serving and educating patients to achieve healthy inner and outer glow while feeling, empowered and confident at every stage of life.
Dr. Fana is a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS), a Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer, a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Certified in Lifestyle Medicine and Weight Management and a member of the American MedSpa Association (AmSpa).
Dr. Fana’s services include:
• Non Surgical Liquid Facelifts, Threads, and Dermal Fillers
• Safe removal of unwanted dark spots and discoloration
• Advanced Laser Skin Treatments for all skin types
• Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Radiofrequency, and Ultrasound Skin Tightening therapies
• Customized Wellness, Weight Loss, and Longevity plans
• GUT health management for total wellness
• Glutitatione injections
• FANA- bnatutal medical grade skin care
Learn more at: IG - @Fanamedicalskincareusa or www.fanaskincare.com
Featured Health Professionals
Local Professionals Empowering and Encouraging People To Live Healthier
Dr. Sreeni came to the United States as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in the year 1990 and put himself through dental school again at Boston University and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Sreeni manages a wide variety of problems relating to the Mouth, Teeth and Facial Regions. He practices a full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with expertise ranging from Corrective Jaw Surgery to Wisdom Teeth Removal. His passion is in implant surgery and he is well known for same day placement of implants following teeth removal be it for single teeth or a complete “makeover” (Smile in a day). He can also diagnose and treat Facial Pain, Facial Injuries and TMJ disorders and perform Bone Grafting and Sinus lift procedures.
Dr. Sreeni completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York in 1994 and has worked as an Attending providing anesthesia services for children and adults in the ambulatory outpatient center of the hospital.
Dr. Sreeni is an Advanced Cardiac Life Support instructor with the Adventist group. He is also certified in Pediatric advanced life support and is very capable of handling emergencies that could possibly arise in the office. Dr. Sreeni’s staff are trained in assisting with IV Sedation/ General Anesthesia within our state of the art office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery. The goal of our office is to provide professional service with compassion and an understanding of the patients’ perspective.
Dr. Mary Alexander, periodontist, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of South Carolina and continued her education in dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dental Surgery where she received her DDS degree. Prior to and during her dental studies, Dr. Alexander received funding and support from the National Institutes of Dental Research for her involvement in the periodontal research.
After obtaining her DDS degree Dr. Alexander spent one year at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, in general practice residency focusing her training in the area of anxiety patient management. She then attended Harvard University and earned her clinical specialty in periodontics and a doctorate in medical science. Her doctoral research was focused in the study of bone function and metabolic disease of the bone.
Dr. Alexander received extensive training in dental implantology, periodontal plastic surgery, bone regenerative procedures and sedation dentistry. All aspects of Dr. Alexander’s training are incorporated in her periodontal practice assuring patient’s thorough and comprehensive periodontal treatment.
Featured Health Professionals
Local Professionals Empowering and Encouraging People To Live Healthier
Craig A. Smith, DDS
General Dentistry/ Family Dentist
Meet Craig A. Smith
Dr. Craig Smith is committed to health through dentistry, ensuring you have optimal oral health which contributes to your overall health and well-being.
Quality service, advanced technology and a passionate commitment to education means patients receive the best that dentistry has to offer.
Dr. Smith’s Philosophy: Always listen to the patient and in turn respond in an educational manner so that the patient will understand.
Degrees, Training, and Certificates: Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) - Howard University College of Dentistry; 2 Year General Practice Residency; Chief Resident - Harlem Hospital Center (Affiliate of Columbia University); Certified Invisalign Provider
Professional Memberships: National Dental Association
Areas of Interest: All phases of dentistry - cosmetic, implant, crowns and bridges, root canals, veneers, preventive care, Invisalign and whitening.
Hobbies: Mountain biking, racquetball, golfing, and boating. My interests are to continue to deliver quality dentistry and to further reach out to the community to help to increase the peace.
Additional: Many patients do not understand the importance of a healthy mouth, as health problems could arise. I want to educate all of my patients on health through dentistry.
Meet Michael Rogers
Michael Rogers, DDS, is pleased to be able to offer beautiful smiles to his neighbors in Arlington and the surrounding communities. Dr. Rogers earned his dental degree from UCLA after graduating cum laude from Harvard University. Prior to entering private practice, he served a general practice residency at Sepulveda Veteran’s Hospital. Dr. Rogers has invested significant time into ongoing education, seeking to learn emerging dental technologies and techniques in the areas of cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, orthodontics, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and safe amalgam replacement. His most recent training in airway management has allowed him to offer a cure for sleep apnea using an intraoral device known as the DNA appliance. He is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and also of Mercury-Free Dentists. He has served as a guest author for TMJ News & Views, and when that publication ceased, began his own quarterly newsletter. You may have seen one of his television interviews on “A New Me” or the local PBS station, or seen his articles and features in Ladies’ Home Journal, Arlington Magazine, and New Beauty
Dr. Rogers is an active participant in the community as a sponsor for Encore Theater, Little League of Alexandria, Abingdon Elementary, and the local Fairlington Farmer’s Market. He and his wife Terri enjoy spending time with their daughter Megan and her husband Corey traveling around the country and the Caribbean.
Featured Health Professionals
Sinclair R. Davis, DDS
Dr. Davis was born in Richmond, VA to an American father, a Pathologist, and an Argentine mother, a Child Neurologist, and tagged along when they moved with his two older brothers to Bethesda, MD at 3 years old. He graduated Walt Whitman High School before attending Washington College in Chestertown, MD, where he graduated with Honors in three and a half years, majoring in Psychology and Philosophy. He then taught extemporaneous writing and remedial math at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD. for 1 year before attending the University of Marlyand School of Dentistry during which he completed multiple extended externships in oral surgery at the Washington Hospital Center in 1989 and 1990 and graduated in 1991. He then completed an Oral Surgery Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and began his private practice in. 1993, in the Washington D.C. area with special focus on Oral Surgery, Endodontics, and Aesthetics, his three passions in dentistry.
Dr. Davis and his wife, an Economist from Peru, immensely enjoy raising their 10-year-old son. Dr. Davis loves wide variety of music, especially Classical, Latin American, Folk, Blues and Bluegrass. An avid reader, he is keenly interested in languages and linguistics, science, politics, and philosophy. He also enjoys sports (especially basketball, a sport in which he excelled in his youth) and vintage automobiles.
Sinclair Davis, DDS and the team treat patients of all ages and strive to meet and exceed their oral health goals. The team listens to a patient’s needs from the time they walk in the door until their treatment is complete. They want patients to feel proud of their smiles and eager to show them off.
Dr. Mara Holton grew up in Maryland and has practiced with AA Urology for more than a decade since completing her residency.
Dr. Holton earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Vermont before attending medical school at Temple University in Philadelphia. She then completed her general surgery internship and urologic surgery residency at University of Maryland Medical System. While in residency, Dr. Holton practiced the full breadth of urologic training and surgery. Additionally, while there, she spent a year doing research dedicated to interstitial cystitis / pelvic pain alongside leaders in the field.
In clinical practice, Dr. Holton treats all urologic conditions but has a special interest in female incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction along with the noninvasive treatment of kidney stones. She is trained in the all of the most current and minimally invasive options to facilitate patients ability to recover from procedures quickly so that they can get back to their lives and families.
As the managing partner of her group, Dr. Holton has overseen the expansion of AA Urology over the past several years and is excited by the growing presence of the group while maintaining the practice ethos of compassionate care in our communities. She is also very involved in the advancement of independent physician practices as a critical resource for patients and participates in advocacy as a board member of national organizations, including the Large Urology Group Practice Association.
In her free time, Dr Holton enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her family and dogs.
I am a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, trained at Tufts, Georgetown, and Arizona, that is passionate about helping people regain and restore their energy. I first got into holistic medicine by watching my mom heal from thyroid issues using organic food and vitamins. More recently, I was able to recover from my own fatigue and depression after tearing my Achilles tendon, through a combination of functional fitness, healthy nutrition, mindset, community, and natural healing methods such as peptides and nutraceuticals. At CIHealth.org, located in Potomac, MD, we see patients with complex, chronic conditions such as Lyme disease, mold toxicity, chronic pain and fatigue, post-Covid syndrome, autoimmune conditions and recurrent gut issues. We serve and treat kids with autism and ADHD. We also specialize in responsible weight loss, hormone balance including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and peptide therapy. The amazing thing we offer is a truly integrative team approach, from primary care, functional medicine and nutrition; to IV therapies including ozone, chelation, and regenerative medicine; to wellness therapies such as acupuncture, aesthetics, and red light therapy. I feel truly blessed to be able to wake up and be part of a dedicated team helping to serve and uplevel our patients’ health every day.
Dr. Jillian Campbell has always enjoyed living an active lifestyle. After a mountain biking accident left her with chronic pain, she gained a first-hand appreciation for the importance of chiropractic care in comprehensive pain management. She believes that staying active, fit, and committed to healthy lifestyle goals is essential to long-term health.
Dr. Campbell has specialized training to support pregnant and postpartum women. She values the opportunity to help mothers navigate the physical demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery, offering care and support as they return to work and daily routines.
Her passion for whole-body wellness extends to Manual Therapy and Rehabilitation Exercise. She works with patients of all ages to improve mobility and health through Chiropractic Care, Corrective Exercise, Nutrition, and Accountability Support.
Dr. Campbell is Webster Technique certified, dry needling certified, and a certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. She is also experienced in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Kinesiology Taping.
She earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Master’s in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. Before becoming a chiropractor, she served as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst and Strategic Warfare Officer in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Dr. Campbell and her husband enjoy traveling and outdoor adventures like snowboarding, paddleboarding, hiking, and biking with their two dogs.
Dr. Campbell is excited to join Effective Integrative Healthcare and help patients feel better, move better, and live better.
Featured Health Professionals
Local Professionals Empowering and Encouraging People To Live Healthier
Bonnie has been involved in healing arts since she was young, starting with her family as a caregiver and coach. She mentored her family and friends before she ever knew what energy work was. Through hard times and emotional times, Bonnie has served as a vessel to all who needed her loving, healing energy. Bonnie has been training in yoga since 1976, Energy and Healing field since 1990 and also has experience in the field of wellness.
YoRiQi is a self-healing technique that consists of light exercise and stretching with Kundalini, Korean, Yen, restorative Yoga methods and finding the energy flow with tapping the body to release stagnant energy. This brings in a new fresh flow of energy and enhances the circulation and breath. It includes vibrational dancing and laughter Yoga to take your experience to the next level. You will then relax to a beautiful sound bath meditation, that takes you to an even higher level of completion.
Services: Through the art of healing herself and others she has many other modalities which include long distant healing, acupressure and clearing chakras. She offers Reiki, a form of energy healing. Reiki is also called palm healing or hands-on healing as a form of alternative medicine. Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui.
Methodology: She starts with a combination of clearing the stagnant energy and opening up the chakras. She includes a light shaking for relaxation, light tapping or touching, and light or heavy acupressure if needed.
Bonnie will also use her warm healing energy with her hands to embrace your body and soul with universal loving, healing energy that flows from her heart.
Call for group, birthday, couples sound bath healing meditation information. For a faster response please text me for class occupancy and private healings. I will get back to you ASAP. All COVID-19 regulations are in process. For your safety we are taking as many precautions as possible for a safe environment. Bring your own mat and a small pillow. Couple of blankets if you will be coming for healing sound bath meditation.
Personal Interests: Bonnie enjoys cooking, music, dancing and the arts.
Benefits of Reiki: Reiki is very beneficial for cancer, colon problems, abdominal pain, breathing problems, headache, back, legs, knees, feet, hands, throat and heart and many more. You may experience emotional releases of stress and a series of three of more treatments will stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
Renee Bovelle, MD Ophthalmology
Board Certified, Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology
Degrees, Training and Certificates: UCLA Medical School; Yale University Hospital for Residency; Louisiana State University for Cornea and Refractive Fellowship
Professional Memberships/Associations: American Academy of Ophthalmology; American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery; International Society of Refractive Surgery
Areas of Interest: All laser custom LASIK; Cataract Surgery; Botox; Dermal Fillers; Cornea Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Practice Philosophy: Envision Eye and Laser is committed to delivering superior ophthalmic care with state-of-the-art technology and patient education in a caring, compassionate environment. We cater to a diverse population of adults and work with your primary care physician to improve the quality of your overall health and life. Your best vision is our focus.
Meet Bonnie Mazaris
Featured Health Professionals
Janice Trent, AuD
10111 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, Suite #102 Bowie, MD
6196 Oxon Hill Road Suite #240, Oxon Hill, MD
Meet Janice Trent
Dr. Trent has a passion for helping people. She has practiced Audiology since 1984, in a number of clinical settings. Her diverse career has included 16 years of teaching and clinical supervision at Howard University, Washington, DC and Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Trent has also worked as a clinical audiologist in hospital settings and private ENT practices. Education:
Clinical Doctoral Degree – Audiology-University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Master of Education – Audiology- Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Bachelor of Science – Communication Sciences and Disorders – Hampton University, Hampton, VA
Dr. Trent holds her Maryland State Licensure in Audiology. She is a Certified Clinical Audiologist (CCC-A) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Presently, she serves on the Board of Directors for ASHA as Vice President for Audiology Practice.
Foot doctor Lubrina Bryant, DPM is dedicated to getting to the root of your foot or ankle problem.
District Podiatry, PLLC specializes in general foot, ankle and leg care. Having chronic foot and ankle pain can affect the quality of your life and finding the right foot and ankle specialist can be just as difficult. We know how hectic life can be and we are committed to making our practice and care convenient and accessible.
From routine checkups to minor foot surgery, Lubrina Bryant, DPM is a podiatrist who is equipped to handle all your foot and ankle needs.
Services Include: Routine Foot Care, Diabetic Foot Care, Wart Removal, Ingrown Toenails, Foot, Ankle or Heel Pain, Toenail Fungus, and Bunions.
Krystle Dean-Duru, DDS
About Krystle Dean-Duru
Family dentistry has been a way of life for me, and the passion for caring for children is in my genes. My mother, Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru, also a pediatric dentist, was my first inspiration towards family dentistry. Having started my journey in family care working as a pediatric dental assistant at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, I spent many summers as my mother’s mentee. Watching what seemed like magical healing art she deployed while treating her patients and knowing the need and the power of proactive preventive dental health for children, I chose a career specializing in pediatric dentistry.
It is an honor to join my mother in practice at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry where I get to fulfill my commitment to helping each child and parent have a positive and transformative dental experience, with compassion and fun! Having matured as an integrative laser pediatric dental surgeon and absorbing the ethos of Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, I work tirelessly to stay abreast of emerging research, and improve the quality of life for children by learning from the world’s leading researchers and clinicians. Through these means, we are continually integrating critical aspects of oral structure, craniofacial development, and its impact on the pediatric airway in the service of providing optimal patient outcomes. Caring for children is so powerful and rewarding and with that, understanding the importance of utilizing gentle and minimal intervention therapies. Treating the source of their issues—instead of the symptoms—and focusing on early prevention, has been critical to my role in educating parents and assisting their blossoming child’s development into a healthy and resilient adult.
I hold an undergraduate degree from Columbia University in New York, where I studied Psychology. I received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and completed my Pediatric Residency at Interfaith Department of Dental Medicine in Brooklyn, New York, where I served in a leadership role as Chief Resident. Board certified, I am a proud Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
When not helping my young patients build happy smiles, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, growing in my faith, improving my dancing skills, learning boxing moves, traveling — and cheering on Washington sports teams!
“Dr. Krystle,” as she is known by her patients, is thrilled to join her mom, Dr. Lynda, in practice. Patients and parents compliment her fun, compassionate approach. They are also impressed by her commitment to helping each child and parent have a positive dental experience. Having matured as a dental surgeon, she is constantly working to enhance her capabilities in the field.
Lynda Dean-Duru, DDS
About Lynda Dean-Duru
Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru pursues pediatric dentistry with a passion rooted in her fascinating personal story.
For Doctor Lynda, the pathway to dentistry started during her own childhood experience with a dentist’s impact in her native Nigeria. As the eldest of nine children (including seven brothers), she witnessed a total transformation in the health of one of her little brothers after his aches and pains were totally resolved under the care of a well-trained dentist. As a result of this transformative experience, young Lynda determined to extend that kind of care to others as her life’s calling. She went on to earn her dentistry degree from the University of Benin, her General Practice residency from Howard University Hospital, her Pediatric Dentistry Specialty Training from Children’s National Medical Center, Board Certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and her Fellowship Laser Certification from the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
Doctor Lynda has undertaken much continuing education in Orthodontic training and is a fellow of the United States Dental Institute and a member of the prestigious Gnathos education group in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a certification in Oral Myology from the International Association of Oral Myology (IAOM). She has completed levels 1 and 2 of the Advanced Light force functionals (ALF) therapy, ALF Interface Academy Foundations, Genesis, and other courses.
Doctor Lynda is part of an Integrative team of healthcare providers seeking to deliver optimal health to our pediatric population by education, awareness, and collaborative care. She also has a special interest in treatment that focuses on infants’ breastfeeding and prevention of sleep apnea in children.
She is a member of numerous professional and civic associations and provides tens of thousands of dollars in pro bono screenings and procedures along with other community service in Northern Virginia every year.
Relieving Menstrual Discomfort
– A Holistic Approach
By Quansheng Lu, CMD, PhD, LAc Wholelife Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Center
Dysmenorrhea, a prevalent issue among women globally, is characterized by periodic pain during, before, or after
menstrual periods. This pain is caused by abnormal uterine contractions due to an excess of harmful prostaglandins. For some women, these pains can be intense enough to disrupt daily activities for several days each month.
Common symptoms of dysmenorrhea include cramping, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, and a pulling sensation in the inner thighs. Women may
Guest professor, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Chief TCM Physician, WFCMS; M.S. in TCM, Beijing University of TCM PhD in integrated medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Fellowship, Georgetown University & Children’s National Medical Center 3 patents, 8 books of TCM, 30 papers, 30+ years of experience in TCM
Low back pain • eczema • arthritis • allergies • cough • insomnia • paralysis obesity • nephritis • hepatitis • infertility • PMS • side effects of cancer treatment 416 Hungerford Drive, #300 Rockville, MD 20850 5022 Dorsey Hall Drive, #101 Ellicott City, MD 21042
Doesn't Your Child Deserve the Best
experience headaches, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. There are two types of dysmenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs without any physical abnormalities and typically begins within three years of the onset of menstruation. Contributing factors include allergies, poor diet, high estrogen levels, being overweight, smoking, and stress. Many experts link the uterine muscle contractions to prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation. Secondary dysmenorrhea results from gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
In Chinese medicine, pain is seen as a symptom of an underlying issue, which can stem from either an excess pattern or a deficiency pattern. Excess patterns involve blockages of Qi and blood or the retention of heat, dampness, or wind. Deficiency patterns arise from insufficient Qi and blood or an imbalance in the kidney and liver.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine use acupuncture and herbal medicine
to treat dysmenorrhea. Their strategies include expelling wind, dissipating cold, eliminating dampness, moving Qi, invigorating blood, nourishing the blood, clearing heat, and tonifying the kidneys.
A recent review examined the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating primary dysmenorrhea. The review included ten trials with data from 944 participants, with six trials focusing on acupuncture and four on acupressure. The results showed that acupuncture provided better pain relief compared to a placebo.
In Chinese medicine, ginger has long been used to alleviate dysmenorrhea due to its anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and circulatory properties. Ginger inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, which contribute to menstrual cramps. Another common Chinese medicine ingredient for treating dysmenorrhea is peach kernel. By integrating traditional Chinese medicine practices such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, women can find relief from dysmenorrhea and improve their well-being during menstrual cycles.
Preventing Childhood Obesity
By Janet V. Johnson, MD Loving Care Pediatrics
About one in every five children in the United States has obesity, with certain groups being more affected than others. It is never too early (or too late) to start teaching about eating right and living well. Whether your child is overweight or not here are some key ways to help prevent childhood obesity and teach your children healthy habits that will last a lifetime Consume less, burn more. Managing the number of calories that go in and
increasing the number of calories that are used up with exercise. This is the key to childhood obesity prevention. Eating healthy foods should be fun. Make sure you give your child several healthy choices and let them help with dinner from meal planning, grocery shopping to cooking the meal. Family dinners should be a priority. Our life schedules can be very busy and hectic, however take time to have a meal where the family sits down together daily. Studies have shown that children in families that sit together for dinner several nights a week are more apt to adopt healthy eating behaviors, habits and perform better in school.
Follow the 5-2-1-0 rule. Strive to eat five serving of fruit and vegetables daily. Spend less than two hours daily with electronic devices. Spend one hour per day doing something active. Zero limit sweet drinks or have none. Drink more water and low-fat milk.
Look for ways to help the schools become healthier regarding access to
Please see “Childhood Obesity,” page 35
By Elizabeth Shin, DDS Bethesda Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry
Let me start with something important: I’m not against fluoride.
In fact, I’ve used it every day in my dental practice for almost 30 years—across hospitals, universities, the military, private clinics, and even on Native American reservations. I’ve seen fluoride varnish reverse early cavities, and fluoride toothpaste strengthen enamel in the children who needed it most.
But now, like many health professionals who care deeply about children’s well-being, I’m asking a serious question: Is putting fluoride into everyone’s tap water still the best way to protect our kids’ teeth?
It might have made sense 80 years ago. But with everything we now know— about fluoride, nutrition, modern health risks, and exposure sources—it’s time to take another look.
A Strange Origin: From Industrial Waste To Public Health Policy
Fluoride didn’t enter public water systems because of dentistry. It began as industrial pollution.
In the early 1900s, major corporations like ALCOA (Aluminum Company of America), DuPont, and fertilizer manufacturers were facing lawsuits. Their factories were releasing toxic fluoride gases that damaged crops, sickened livestock, and harmed communities nearby.
Meanwhile, a dentist in Colorado— Dr. Frederick McKay—noted that patients had unusual brown stains on their teeth. Oddly, those teeth were less prone to cavities. By 1931, ALCOA chemist H.V. Churchill found the cause: natural water in some areas contained fluoride—up to 13.7 parts per million (ppm).
Suddenly, fluoride wasn’t just a pollutant. It had a potential upside.
Then came the pivot. In 1939, Dr. Gerald Cox of the Mellon Institute— closely tied to ALCOA—suggested adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay.This wasn’t driven by public demand—it served an industrial purpose.
Dr. H. Trendley Dean at the National Institutes of Health later promoted fluoridation. But his research would eventually be criticized for poor design, missing control groups, and cherry-picked data. Investigative journalist Christopher Bryson, in The Fluoride Deception, highlighted how politics and flawed research helped launch a national policy.
In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first U.S. city to fluoridate its water—not with medical-grade fluoride,
It’s Time To Rethink Water Fluoridation
but with an industrial byproduct of fertilizer manufacturing.
The public was never consulted. What the Science Actually Supports: Topical Fluoride Works Fluoride used on the teeth— in toothpaste or varnish—does work. It reverses early decay, strengthens enamel, and protects against acid attacks. That’s why pediatric dentists like me use it every day.
But swallowed fluoride? That’s a different story.
Drinking fluoride doesn’t do much to prevent cavities between teeth—the most common and hardest kind to reach in children.
Does Water Fluoridation Still Make Sense?
Despite nearly 80 years of water fluoridation, here’s what we see:
• Over 1 in 5 children (ages 6–11) in the U.S. have untreated cavities.
• Countries like Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan don’t fluoridate their water—and yet have similar or better dental health outcomes.
• These countries emphasize topical fluoride, education, and access to care—not mass exposure through drinking water.
Even in affluent communities, interproximal decay—cavities between teeth— is on the rise.Water fluoridation does little to prevent these.
Fluoride Exposure Is Coming From Everywhere
Today’s children are exposed to fluoride from multiple sources:
• Swallowed toothpaste (especially in toddlers)
• Foods and drinks made with fluoridated water
• Tea, processed juices, and infant formula
• Pesticides on produce
• Mechanically processed meats
Depending on diet and behavior:
• Infants may ingest 1.2–1.6 mg/day
• Children: 1.6–2.2 mg/day
• Adults: up to 2.9 mg/day—or more in hot weather or during exercise.
Fluoride is quickly absorbed in the gut, but only partially excreted. In children (with immature kidneys) and in adults with kidney disease, much more fluoride is retained in the body.Over time, it accumulates—in the bones, brain, and pineal gland.
And It’s Not Just Swallowing
– It’s Bathing, Showering, and Washing
Fluoride exposure doesn’t only come through drinking water.
A 1984 study found that up to 64% of water-borne contaminants—including fluoride—can enter the body through the skin during activities like showering, bathing, and hand-washing.
While European health authorities argue that dermal absorption is minimal under typical pH levels, other experts note that repeated exposure through warm water
may increase uptake, especially in vulnerable individuals.
In short, fluoride exposure isn’t limited to what we drink. It touches every part of daily life.
So...Who Oversees The Fluoride That Goes Into Our Water?
Oversight of fluoride in tap water is fragmented—and unclear:
• The EPA sets a maximum contaminant limit (4.0 mg/L), but it doesn’t promote or regulate fluoridation programs.
• The FDA regulates fluoride in toothpaste and supplements—but not in municipal water systems.
• The CDC offers guidelines (currently 0.7 mg/L), but has no enforcement authority—fluoridation decisions are left to local and state agencies.
And the fluoride used? It’s not pharmaceutical-grade. It’s fluorosilicic acid, an industrial waste product captured from fertilizer plant smokestacks.
Federal law doesn’t require each shipment to be tested. Trace levels of arsenic, lead, and radionuclides have occasionally been detected—even if below legal thresholds.
No single agency is fully responsible for its quality or safety.
What About Low-Income Communities?
Supporters often say fluoridation helps poor children. But here’s the reality:
• Baltimore, MD has fluoridated water— and high rates of childhood decay.
• Los Angeles has been fluoridated since 1961—yet low-income areas still face a dental health crisis.
• Detroit and Cleveland, both fluoridated, show similar patterns.
The issue isn’t lack of fluoride. It’s lack of education, prevention, access to care, and nutrition counseling.
The Bigger Picture:
Diet, Development, and Decay
Children today eat softer, more processed foods. They chew less. That affects more than digestion—it changes their faces:
• Smaller jaws
• Narrower dental arches
• Crowded or rotated teeth
• Harder-to-clean spaces between teeth
These structural changes make interproximal cavities more likely—regardless of fluoride.
And yet, policy still centers around fluoridation. We’re missing the forest for the trees.
Who Really Benefits?
• Fertilizer manufacturers — They profit by selling fluorosilicic acid, a byproduct that would otherwise require costly disposal. Turning industrial waste into a revenue stream provides substantial financial benefit.
• Chemical distributors — They buy fluoride compounds at low cost and resell them to municipal water systems at a markup as part of their treatment contracts.
• Public agencies — By promoting fluoridation as a low-cost preventive measure, agencies maintain the appearance of an inexpensive public health policy, even though dental costs have continued to rise.
Importantly, despite common belief, aluminum companies do not profit from municipal water fluoridation. ALCOA, the largest U.S. aluminum producer, sold its fluoride production facility over 70 years ago and no longer benefits from these sales.
Is There a Smarter Approach?
Many countries already know:
• Use fluoride varnish at dental visits
• Apply silver diamine fluoride to stop small cavities
• Offer supervised brushing programs in schools
• Provide parent education on bottle use and nutrition
• Improve access to care for underserved children
These strategies are ethical, efficient, and effective.
Final Thoughts: Awareness First
Fluoride is a fascinating story—part science, part history, and part public policy. What began as an industrial challenge grew into one of the largest public health experiments in history. Along the way, we’ve learned much about fluoride’s benefits, its limitations, and its risks.
This article isn’t meant to demand change or push an agenda. It’s meant to share what we know now—so that parents, communities, and health professionals can have more informed conversations.
A good comparison is antibiotics. When used properly, antibiotics can save lives and prevent suffering. But when they’re given too broadly, too often, or in the wrong way, they can cause harm—such as antibiotic resistance or unintended side effects. Fluoride, too, can be extremely beneficial when used topically and in controlled doses. But applying it universally through drinking water exposes people in ways that may not be necessary or even optimal today.
The truth is layered: fluoride can help, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding its history, its biology, and the many sources of exposure, we can better place it in context with modern nutrition, preventive care, and overall child health.
Ultimately, the goal is not alarm, but awareness. With knowledge, families can ask better questions, weigh the evidence, and make thoughtful decisions for their children and their communities.
References will be supplied upon request.
For more information, contact Dr. Shin at 301-941-7374 or visit the website at BCCPediatricDentistry.com
Women and Dry Eye
By Renee Bovelle, MD Envision Eye and Laser Center
Dry eye syndrome is among the most common eye conditions. In healthy eyes, a thin layer of tears coats the outside surface of the eye, keeping it moist and washing away bits of debris that might fall into the eyes. Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye doesnt make enough tears, or doesnt make effective tears, or the tears that it does make evaporate too quickly and leave the eye dry and vulnerable.
People with dry eyes often experience dryness, stickiness and stinging or burning of their eyes. The eyes are often red and irritated. Sometimes the eyes water excessively in an effort to soothe the irritation, but these reflex tears are usually not adequate to fix the problem, and all they do is spill over the eyelid and run down the cheek.
The cause is unknown, but the disease becomes more common as we age. Dry eyes affects women 2 3 times more often than men. This is thought to be related to hormones. Male hormones seem to be good for the tear glands, and female hormones seem to be bad for the tear glands. Women
who were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause are at higher risk for developing dry eyes. Compared to women not receiving HRT, women using estrogen alone were 70% more likely to develop dry eyes, and women on both estrogen and progesterone were 30% more likely to develop dry eyes. One in 20 women over the age of 50, and one in 10 over the age of 75 have dry eyes. This amounts to over 3.2 million women with dry eyes in the U.S. alone.
Patients with Sjgrens syndrome suffer from dry eyes and dry mouth, because their bodies mistakenly produce small molecules that attack their moisture-producing glands, in addition to causing other problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Ninety percent of these patients are women.
Dry eye syndrome may sound like more of a nuisance than a serious problem. But if left untreated, severe cases of dry eye syndrome can result in permanent loss of sight. These include problems such as inflammation, infection, and scarring of the eye surface.
If you have dry eye syndrome, there are numerous treatments available to help protect your eyes and your sight. For many dry eye sufferers, small changes in their daily habits can make the problem better. For others, tear replacement drops, medications, and plugs to block tears from escaping once they reach the eye surface are all effective in reducing or eliminating dry eye symptoms. Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan thats right for you.
Childhood obesity
unhealthy food options, vending machines and fried foods.
Empower your child to make their own healthy decisions and be part of childhood obesity prevention efforts.
Be a role model by trying to eat right and get exercise. Eat healthy snacks to stress that you are serious about childhood obesity prevention.
Healthy Eating Tips For Families On the Go
Pack school lunches with whole grains, fruits, lean, all-natural meats and healthy snacks, such as nuts and dried fruits.
Get rid of the sugar-filled neon-colored “breakfast” cereals. There are dozens of great-tasting, all-natural, organic cereals. Also, try a breakfast smoothie.
Have non-perishable healthy snacks in your car for when your little one is hungry on the road. Dried fruits, nuts and healthy individuallypackaged snacks are a good option.
If you take the time to make a healthy, homemade meal, they are safe to be placed in a vacuum-sealed container and put in the freezer, they can often keep for several weeks.
Not an essential nutrient, performs several vital functions Natural laxative and may lower cholesterol concentration in the blood. A highfiber intake also supplied greater amounts of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and folate, as well as the minerals magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and phosphorus.
HEALTH DIRECTORY
ACUPUNCTURE
Eastern Medical Holistic Healing Center, Angel Wood, 240755-5925. www.acupuncture4wellness.webs.com
ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE
Holistic Family Health - Thermal Imaging, Herndon, VA. 703-635-6324 For More information visit www.fhtid.com
BEAUTY/SKIN
A Better You, Dr. ClarkeBennett, 410-672-2742.
BREAST HEALTH
University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. 11340 Pembrooke Square, Suite 202, Waldorf, MD 20603. 240-607-2010. UMCharlesRegional.org
CHINESE MEDICINE & ACUPUNCTURE
Wholelife Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, 301-526-9898, 416 Hungerford Dr., Rockville www.wholelifeherb.com
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants Center of Rockville – Dr. Sreenivasan Sivakumar, DMD, MSD –301-294-8700 – 77 South Washington Street, Suite #205, Rockville, MD 20850 – www.DrSreeni.com.
DENTISTRY
Karl A Smith, DDS, 2550 N. Van Dorn St., Suite #128, Alexandria, VA. Call 703-894-4867, Visit www.drkarlsmith.com
Richard Hughes, DDS, 703444-1152, 46440 Benedict Dr., Suite #201, Sterling, VA. www. SterlingImplantDentist.com
Marc P. Stanard, DDS – 202887-5441 – 1350 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite #305, Washington, DC 20036 – wdcperioimplant.com.
EYE CARE
Visual Eyes, Alexander Nnabue OD, 301-324- 9500.
FERTILITY
Montgomery Women’s Fertility Center – 301-946-6962 – MontgomeryFertilityCenter. com – Rockville, MD.
HOLISTIC WELLNESS COACH
Nutrition Lifestyle Digestion and More – Lisa@LisaThorne.Me – Text 269861-7565.
HYPNOSIS/YOGA
Toni’s Happy Hour Yoga and Holistic Wellness Center • 6504 Old Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748 • 301-449-8664.
MEDICAL SPACE
Charles L. Feitel Company, 301-571-9333, www.medicalanddentalspace.com.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
House Calls, LLC. 301-3466732. callingonbeth@gmail. com. www.CallingOnBeth.net.
NUTRITION
Nutritional Healing Center, Thomas K. Lo, DC, MA, 240-651-1650, 7310 Grove Road, Suite 107, Frederick, MD 21704. doctorlo.com.
Good Health Nutrition Services,LLC – 1300 Mercantile Lane, Suite 129-37, Largo, MD 20774 – 301-341-4680 –www.ghnutritionservices.com – We accept Insurance.
OPHTHALMOLOGY
NewView Laser Eye Center – Jacqueline D. Griffiths, MD – Reston (703) 834-9777 – Visit us at www.NewViewEye.com.
ORTHODONTICS
All Smiles Orthodontics – 9010 Lorton Station Blvd., Suite #260, Lorton, VA 22079 – www. AllSmilesBraces.com – For info call us at 703 337-4414.
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Active Physical Therapy. Various Locations across Maryland and Washington, DC. Active-physicaltherapy.com.
PODIATRY
Largo Foot and Ankle Health Center, Ade Adetunji, DPM, 301-386-5453.
District Podiatry – Lubrina Bryant, DPM – 202-388-5303 – 1140 Varnum Street, Suite #30, Washington, DC 20017 – www.DistrictPodiatry.com.
SENIOR CARE
Chevy Chase Home Care. Help at a time you need it most. Any Ages. Any situations. Any shifts. MD, DC, VA. www.CHCHhomecare. com 202-374-1240.
UROLOGY
AA Urology – Odenton, 1106 Annapolis Road, Suite #250, Odenton, MD 21113 – Glen Burnie, 305 Hospital Drive, Suite #303, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 – Bowie, 4201 Northview Drive, Suite #201, Bowie, MD 20716 – West Campus Surgery Center, 7855 Walker Drive, Suite #102, Greenbelt, MD 20770 – Greenbelt , 7855 Walker Drive, Suite #100, Greenbelt, MD 20770.
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By Matthew Skancke, MD & Rami Makhoul, MD Metro Colon and Rectal Surgery
The Importance Of Early Detection and Screening
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among women – and it’s increasingly being found at younger ages. Today, average-risk screening starts at age 45, not 50, because evidence shows earlier detection prevents cancers and saves lives. Adults 45–75 should be screened regularly; screening after 75 is individualized based on overall health and prior testing.
Why Early Detection Matters
Most colorectal cancers begin as small polyps in the colon or rectum with no obvious symptoms. Screening can find and remove these polyps before they turn cancerous or catch cancer at an earlier, more curable stage. Several options exist – including colonoscopy, stool-based tests (like FIT or stool DNA-FIT), and others – so patients and clinicians can choose the best test and interval.
Earlier-Onset Disease Is Rising –Especially Rectal Cancer
While overall rates in older adults have declined with screening, incidence is rising in people under 55 – about 1–2% per year in recent years – and roughly 1 in 5 new diagnoses now occur in those younger than 55. Rectal cancers are notably contributing to this trend, with growing numbers diagnosed in people in their 40s. These patterns are why symptoms in younger adults deserve prompt evaluation, even before age-based screening begins.
Risk Factors Women Should Know
Risk increases with age, but women in their 40s and 50s are not exempt. Family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), certain hereditary syndromes, type 2 diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diets high in red or processed meats all raise risk. Discuss your personal and family history with your clinician to see if you need earlier or more frequent screening than average-risk guidelines.
Symptoms Women Often Overlook
Don’t ignore warning signs – at any age. Red-flag symptoms for earlier-onset disease include rectal
Colorectal Cancer In Women
The Importance of Early Detection & Screening
bleeding (blood in or on the stool) and abdominal pain; changes in bowel habits (new or persistent constipation/ diarrhea), unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, fatigue, or unintended weight loss also warrant evaluation. Studies show many younger patients have months of delay from first symptoms to diagnosis – timely work-up (often
including colonoscopy) is critical.
Reducing Risk Through Lifestyle Changes
You can lower risk by eating a fiber-rich diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol.
These steps, plus on-time screening starting at 45, form the strongest defense against colorectal cancer. If you’re 45 or older, get screened. If you’re younger than 45 but have risk factors – or any of the symptoms above – talk with your clinician about the right test now, not later. Early detection and prompt attention to symptoms save lives.
Feel Confident Entrusting Your Health In Our Hands
Our practice has been providing quality care to the Washington Metro community for over 25 years. Our physicians are board-certified in colon and rectal surgery and have specialty training in the diagnosis and treatment of colon and rectal diseases and disorders. Our mission is to provide you with exceptional service in a friendly and professional environment.
DENTAL
VISION
BEAUTY
HYNOSIS
SENIOR
Ready To Get Healthy?
Your HEALTH Magazine publishes and distributes health information people need. We produce special sections to focus on particular health topics each month, and profiles of local health professionals. It Makes a Difference! Here’s what you can look forward to:
December HEALTHY HOLIDAYS plus NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! – Professionals to help you and your family have a happy, healthy Holiday Season, plus professionals to help you lose weight, get fit, and eat better in the New Year! Will include Profiles from your Local Healthy Holiday & New Year Health Professionals.
January MEET YOUR LOCAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS – Biographical profiles of a wide variety of local health professionals (Primary Care, Specialists, Integrative, Fitness, and more), highlighting their credentials, expertise, education, practice philosophy, areas of interest, and more!
February CARDIO HEALTH and DIABETES plus MENTAL HEALTH – Professionals to help you keep your Heart Healthy, Diet in check, Diabetes under control, Quit Smoking, and Sleep Sound. Will include Information and Profiles from your Local Heart, Stroke, Diabetes, and Fitness Professionals.
March COMPLEMENTARY and INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE – Chiropractic, Hypnotherapy, Holistic Healthcare, Nutritional Therapy, Acupuncture, Yoga, Physical Therapy, and much more! Will include Profiles from your Local Integrative Health Professionals.
April BEAUTY, SKIN CARE, & GORGEOUS SMILES – Dermatology, Aesthetics, Body Contouring, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, the Latest Lasers, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss, Cosmetic Dentistry, Eye Wear, and more! Will include Profiles and Information from your Local Beauty and Dental Health Professionals.
If you are a Health Professional interested in including your
The Modern Woman’s Guide To Work-Life Wellness
Redefine Success
Balancing career, family, and personal well-being is one of the greatest challenges for modern women. In a world that often praises productivity and multitasking, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of overcommitment and exhaustion. True wellness, however, comes from learning how to align your work, health, and happiness—not by doing more, but by doing what matters most.
Work-life wellness begins with redefining what success means to you personally. It’s not just about titles or income—it’s about fulfillment, growth, and balance. Setting realistic goals allows you to measure success by your own standards, not by comparisons with others. Reflect regularly on what brings you joy, motivation, and peace, and adjust your schedule or commitments accordingly.
Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Boundaries are essential for maintaining both mental and physical health. Many women struggle with saying “no” because they fear disappointing others or appearing uncommitted. But boundaries protect your time, energy, and relationships. Try setting clear start and end times for work, silencing notifications after hours, and communicating your availability openly with colleagues and family.
Prioritize Self-Care As a Necessity, Not a Luxury Wellness is not something you earn after finishing your to-do list—it’s what enables you to perform at your best. Regular exercise, nourishing meals, adequate sleep, and time for hobbies are fundamental. Even small daily habits, such as stepping outside for fresh air, practicing deep breathing, or journaling for five minutes, can have a significant impact on mood and energy.
Stay Connected and Supported Isolation can amplify stress. Make time to nurture friendships, join professional networks, or find a
mentor who understands your challenges. Having supportive relationships provides emotional grounding and practical perspective when juggling competing demands.
Embrace
Flexibility, Not Perfection
The ideal balance between work and life doesn’t look the same every day. Some weeks, career priorities take the lead; other times, family or rest must come first. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on adaptability—being kind to yourself when plans shift or goals evolve.
The Takeaway
Work-life wellness is not about dividing time equally—it’s about living intentionally. By setting boundaries, caring for yourself, and staying connected to your values, you can cultivate a sustainable rhythm that supports both your ambitions and your well-being. The modern woman doesn’t have to choose between success and health—she can have both, with balance and purpose.
