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Healthy In Rockdale Spring 2014
How to Encourage Kids to be More Physically Active Strawberries are a S.M.A.R.T. way to Improve Brain Health! MAY is Better Hearing Month Understanding a Stroke SPRING 2014 Taking great care of our patients is our pride & our joy. EASTSIDE INTERNAL MEDICINE, LLC Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine 2080 Eastside Drive • Conyers, Georgia • 678-625-7800 • Hypertension/Diabetes/High Cholesterol • Women's Wellness Most su In rance Accepted! • Pap Smear • Drug Screens • Physicals, Sports & DOT Physicals • Worker's Comp Injuries • Asthma/Emphysema • Thyroid • Depression • Men's Health • Erectile Dysfunction • STD Treatment • Minor Surgery • Heart Failure On-Site Lab & X-Ray! Doctor on Call 24/7! Walk-Ins Welcome! Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm • Saturday 8:00am - 12:00 noon QUASEM MD Farhana WASIM MD, MPH Syed SIDDIQUEE MD, MRCP (U.K.) Masood FEATURES IN FOCUS SPRING 2014 Spring Is among us How to Encourage Kids to be More Physically Active Strawberries are a S.M.A.R.T. way to Improve Brain Health! PAGE 33 PAGE 6 MAY is Better Hearing Month PAGE 48 ISSUE GUIDE SPRING 2014 WOMEN'S HEALTH 15 What causes irregular menstrual cycles? GENERAL HEALTH 8 Why wait until Monday? 11 Understanding a stroke 12 Bladder training techniques 14 IBS: Signs & symptoms, causes and what to expect 17 What is Blood Pressure? 20 When minutes matter, seconds count 23 Protecting yourself from skin cancer 24 How to eat healthy while on vacation 29 Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening 30 The Wound Center 34 How to cut sugar from your diet without going insane 37 Understanding varicose veins 38 A guide to understanding blood test results 42 Osteoporosis 46 What is a sports physical? 49 5 little known benefits of drinking water 50 Fungal infections 18 Spring into summer at Panacea Plastic Surgery 41 Contraceptive implant 44 Hormone replacement therapy 45 Family planning & contraception T. PAT CAVANAUGH Publisher MICHELLE KIM Editor DEBBIE THOMPSON Controller ANNETTE GODWIN Sales Director CARIN DEBOER Graphics Manager/Layout Design AMANDA ELLINGTON Circulation Supervisor Healthy in Rockdale Magazine is published by The News of Rockdale. No portion of this issue including publisher designed advertisements may prior be copied, scanned from or the reproduced in any manner without written consent publisher. Healthy in Rockdale accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or photographs. These will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Healthy in Rockdale Magazine is available free to subscribers of The News. To subscribe to The News or The Covington News, please call 770787-6397. the NEWS Serving Rockdale County and Conyers •fitness FEATURE ENCOURAGE KIDS PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Article provided by Staff Reports HOW TO to be more W hen today's parents reflect on their childhood, many likely recall seemingly endless days spent playing outdoors. But when today's kids become tomorrow's parents, chances are their recollections won't recall nearly as much time spent idling the days away under the sun. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 17 percent of American children and adolescents between the ages of 2 to 19 are obese. The rise in overweight or obese children is likely a byproduct of several factors, not the least of which is that many of today's kids prefer to play a video game on the couch instead of going outdoors and being physically active. The potential ramifications of youngsters choosing a more sedentary lifestyle are dangerous, as it increases their risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, respiratory ailments and joint problems, among other things. What's more, numerous studies have found that obese or overweight children are more likely to become obese or overweight adults, which highlights the importance of embracing a physically active lifestyle as a youngster. Parents know it's not always easy to get kids to be more physically active. But the following are a few tips parents might find useful when encouraging their kids to embrace a more active lifestyle. • Give toys that encourage physical activity. Kids love toys, and their toys will often dictate how they spend their days. Instead of buying the latest video game console, give kids toys that encourage them to be active. This can include balls, bicycles, jump ropes, or even a backyard swingset. Kids who embrace these activities at a young age are more likely to continue doing so into adolescence and adulthood. • Reduce time spent in front of the television. Parents who can effectively minimize the amount of time their child spends in front of the television, whether reducing their time spent watching television or playing video games, will likely be more successful at instilling a love of physical activity as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents limit their child's time in front of the television to one to two hours per day, and that includes the time children spend playing video games. To further reduce kids' time watching TV, don't allow televisions in their bedrooms, as that will only make it harder to monitor just how much time kids are spending in front of their TVs. • Remember that physical activity should be fun. Not all kids are athletic, and some will likely bemoan participating in recreational sports leagues. But that doesn't mean parents should give up on encouraging physical activity. Instead, find a physical activity that your child finds fun and encourage his or her participation. This might be nontraditional kids' sports like cycling or jogging or activities like dancing, hiking or even bird watching. Panola Mountain State Park has a calendar full of events such as guided hikes, moonlight hikes, bird watching, archery, and more. To see the schedule, go to http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain. In Rockdale County, Johnson Park, 2781 Ebenezer Road SW in Conyers, offers a covered pool, softball fields, tennis courts, and basketball gymnasium in addition to a trail. Earl O'Neal Sports Complex on Old Covington Road in the east side of Rockdale County, has a softball complex, football complex and soccer practice fields. The JP Carr Gym, at 1080 Hardin Street in Conyers, 6 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 { Set a positive example. Kids, especially younger children, look up to their parents and often try to emulate what Mom and Dad are doing. Parents can make the most of that adoration by setting a positive example and being physically active themselves. Go for a nightly bike ride or a walk around the neighborhood with your youngsters in tow. Or put that elliptical machine in the basement to good use. Whatever physical activity you choose, you can bet your children will express an interest in it as well, and that's a great way to make them more enthusiastic about having a healthy and active lifestyle. } offers basketball courts in a gym and two outdoor basketball courts. The South Rockdale Park, at 3909 East Fairview Road in Stockbridge, includes a playground, covered pavilions, picnic tables and at least three Adirondack shelters and camping fire rings. For the full list of county parks, go to www. rockdalecounty.org and go to the "Recreation and Maintenance" and "Parks and Recreation" section. For water-activities such as swimming, go to www.rockdaleswimleague.com to connect with local swim teams. For boating or fishing, Rockdale's Black Shoals Park and the 650-acre Randy Poynter Reservoir offers anglers prime opportunities; 3001 Black Shoals Road in Conyers, 770-761-1611 or 770-278-7529 or www.rockdalecounty.org For walking and biking together as a family, Rockdale has more than 20 miles of paved walking/running/bike riding trails that run next to landmarks such as the library, monastery, parks and more. These are a great way to get some fresh air and explore Rockdale. Trail heads can be found at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit on Ga. 212, South Rockdale Park at 3909 East Fairview Road, at Johnson Park at 2781 Ebenezer Road SW, along Parker Road over the Parker Road Bridge into Olde Town, and ending at the Nancy Guinn Library at 864 Green Street SW. The Arabia Mountain/South River Trail, a paved PATH trail, also runs past the Panola Mountain State Park and Mall at Stonecrest, covering 20 miles; for a map of a self-guided bike tour, go to http://arabiaalliance.org/uncategorized/self-guided-bike-tour/ Whatever physical activity you choose to do together, you can bet your children will express an interest in it as well, and that's a great way to make them more enthusiastic about having a healthy and active lifestyle. Kids who embrace physical activity from a young age are less likely to be overweight or obese as adults. SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 7 •general health FEATURE Why Wait Until Monday? M illions of Americans are a few pounds overweight, and many are obese. If you are one of those overweight or obese, weight has probably been a struggle for you for most of your life. You start diets, only to get discouraged because you are not losing weight as quickly as you would like, so you go off the diets, binge, and gain even more weight. Dieting and losing weight is a vicious circle that just keeps going around and around. Why is this? Because millions of us do not diet the right way, and we never actually learn what it takes to be healthy and fit. It really doesn't take that much to get into great shape. And if you put your mind to it, you can do it. So, you're probably thinking, "Okay, I'll start my diet on Monday." Getting in shape is not just about dieting, and if you are really serious about becoming healthier, why would you want to wait until Monday? Why not start right now? It's not as difficult as you might think to lose weight and get in shape. It really just involves a few simple lifestyle and dietary changes, and if you really want to get in shape, you won't mind making these changes. It does take a little bit of willpower and dedication at first, but in no time at all, you will be so used to the changes that they will just be a part of your normal life, and you will notice that you are losing weight and feeling and looking much better. really terrible diet. It's time to start cutting out the greasy foods and tasty snacks. Don't worry, if you begin following a healthy, well-balanced diet, it will be no problem for you to enjoy your favorite treats once in a while. You may be wondering what a healthy diet is. There are so many different diet plans out there. It can become really confusing to figure out which diet is the right one for you. There is a diet that is right for everyone. It is called eating healthy, and really, this is nothing but plain old common sense. You don't need to go out and buy special diet foods, or foods that are labeled "diet" or "low calorie." Instead, start buying fresh foods that are good for you. Fruits and vegetables are very important for a healthy diet, as well as lean red meats, fish, poultry, dairy products (low-fat, of course), and eggs. These are not the only foods you can incorporate into your healthy diet. There are all kinds of delicious foods that you can eat that will help promote weight loss and still give you the nutrients you need. If you have a sweet tooth, you can enjoy raisins, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips in small amounts. The fruits are loaded with vitamins and the dark chocolate is full of anti-oxidants. If crunchy treats are your vice, unsalted nut mixtures with seeds and dried fruits are always a healthy option, and because they are loaded with protein, they will provide you with energy for working out, which is also important when it comes to getting in shape. You Need to Exercise and drink plen- What's the First Step? The first change that needs to be made is to your diet. Sometimes, dietary changes are actually quite insignificant, unless of course you have a ty of water, too We all need to get a certain amount of exercise every day, and for those of us who want to lose weight and get in shape, a bit more exercise may be required. Exercise keeps our muscles strong and healthy, and without the right amount of exercise, we can actually lose the use of our muscles, and our joints don't work as well as they once did, causing aches and pains that many of us try to pass off as aging. If you are extremely overweight and have not done much exercise in some time, you will have to start out slowly. If you have chosen walking as your form of exercise, start off by only taking five to ten minute walks at a slow pace. As your body gets used to the exercise, you can increase the length of your walks, as well as the intensity. Remember, no matter what kind of shape you are in, before doing any type of exercise, it is important to do stretches and other warm-up exercises, which will help to keep you from getting any muscle injuries. If you really want the water you drink to help you lose weight, you should follow the "8x8" rule recommended by most nutritionists: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day for weight loss and to maintain an ideal weight. You might need to drink more water if you exercise a lot or sweat heavily, or less water if you drink other beverages like herbal tea (make sure they are decaffeinated). 8 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 We Have Your Family Covered! High Blood Pressure • Diabetes Sore Throats • Asthma Bronchitis • Ear Aches Sheryl Canady, MD Board Certified 1775 Parker Road, Suite C-240 Conyers, Georgia • 678-609-6282 Where courtesy, respect and your well being is our goal. An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. IS IT A IS IT A IS IT A STROKE? With a Stroke, With a Stroke, is With a Stroke, is is So it's a good thing that Rockdale So it's a good thing that Medical Center's ERRockdale is now a Medical Center's ER isCenter now a So it's a good thing Stroke that Rockdale Certified Primary Certified Primary Stroke Medical Center's ER isCenter now a Certified Primary Stroke Center BRYAN RIGGEAL, MD BRYANDirector, RIGGEAL, MD Medical Center Medical Rockdale Stroke Program Medical Director, Rockdale Medical Center Rockdale Neurology Associates Stroke Program BRYAN RIGGEAL, MD Rockdale Neurology Associates Medical Director, Rockdale Medical Center Stroke Program Rockdale Neurology Associates STROKE? STROKE? TIME TIME LOST LOST BRAIN TIME LOST. LOST BRAIN LOST. BRAIN LOST. Riggeal. Dr. Riggeal is fellowship trained in Epilepsy from Emory University. Dr. Bryan Riggeal is fellowship trained in Neuro-Opthalmology from Emory University Please call our office to schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Candice Dr. Bryan Riggeal is fellowship trained in Neuro-Opthalmology from Emory University Department of Opthalmology. Riggeal. Dr. Riggeal is fellowship trained in Epilepsy from Emory University. Department of Opthalmology. Dr. Bryan Riggeal is fellowship trained in Neuro-Opthalmology from Emory University Both Doctors Bryan and Both Doctors Bryan and Department of Opthalmology. Candice Riggeal are board Candice Riggeal are board certified in Neurology. Both Doctors Bryan and certified in Neurology. Do you suffer from Seizures or Do you suffer from Seizures or been diagnosed with Epilepsy? been diagnosed with Epilepsy? Do you suffer Seizures or Dr. Candice Please call our office to schedule your from new patient appointment with Please call Dr. our office to your new patient appointment with Dr. Candice Riggeal. Riggeal isschedule fellowship trained in Epilepsy from Emory University. been diagnosed with Epilepsy? CANDICE RIGGEAL, DO CANDICE RIGGEAL, Neurology, Epilepsy DO CANDICE RIGGEAL, DO Neurology, Epilepsy Neurology, Epilepsy Candice Riggeal are board certified in Neurology. 1255-B Commercial Drive, Conyers, Georgia 30094 1255-B Commercial Drive, Conyers, Georgia 30094 770.278.0154 • rockdaleneurology.com 770.278.0154 • rockdaleneurology.com An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. 770.278.0154 • rockdaleneurology.com An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. 1255-B Commercial Drive, Conyers, Georgia 30094 general health FEATURE• Understanding a Stroke E ach year, 795,000 Americans have a stroke. It's the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, and one American dies of a stroke every four minutes. Stroke causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease. A stroke occurs when oxygen-rich blood cannot reach brain cells. Without oxygen, brain cells start to die. One reason oxygen-rich blood cannot reach brain cells is that the arteries to the cells are blocked. Blood clots are the most frequent cause of blocked arteries. In some instances, blood clots form in another part of the body and travel to the brain. Another type of clot is caused by cholesterol deposits that build up in the arteries blocking blood flow. Approximately 85 percent of strokes are caused by blocked arteries. A second type of stroke is caused when bleeding occurs in the brain or on the surface of the brain. Bleeding occurs when an artery bursts due to high blood pressure. In other instances, a weakened artery wall eventually bursts. This type of stroke is sometimes called a brain bleed. The pressure from the leaked blood damages surrounding brain cells. Bleeding also reduces the amount of blood that reaches brain cells. Sometimes, an individual may experience stroke symptoms that last for only a short period of time. This is called a ministroke. Ministrokes leave no permanent damage but increase the risk for more serious strokes. Symptoms of Stroke A stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has the following symptoms: • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding. • Sudden problem seeing in one or both eyes. • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or trouble walking. • Sudden severe headache with no known cause. It's critical that people receive treatment within three to four hours after symptoms appear. Delayed treatment results in greater disability. Why are some people more prone to having a stroke? People with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are at increased risk for having a stroke. Other risk factors include a family history of stroke, alcohol or drug abuse, stress and depression and certain medical conditions. Race and age are also risk factors. African-Americans have the highest risk for stroke. Nearly 75 percent of all strokes occur in people older than 65 years. How is stroke treated? Both types of stroke are treated with a combination of surgery, medication and rehabilitation. Treatment also consists of lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, exercise, a healthy diet and weight reduction. Strokes caused by blocked arteries: • Medications called clot busters are administered as soon as possible. To be effective, these med cines must be administered within three hours after symptoms appear. • Doctors may remove the clot by inserting a tiny device that physically grabs and removes the clot. • A flexible catheter is inserted into the groin and threaded to the tiny arteries of the brain. Your doctor can deliver medicine through this catheter to break up a blood clot. • A blood thinner may be prescribed. This may include aspirin or prescription medications. Medication to reduce cholesterol levels may also be prescribed. • Rehabilitation is provided. Strokes caused by bleeding: • Surgery may be required to repair weakened arteries. • If the bleeding causes pressure around the brain, a small opening is made into the skull to relieve pressure. • Medications are given to lower high blood pressure. • Rehabilitation is provided. Stroke results in various disabilities. Recovery may take weeks, months or even years. Often, stroke affects language, speech and memory. Muscle and nerve problems, along with bladder and bowel problems, are common effects of stroke. Stroke victims may have problems walking and a loss of balance and coordination. A serious stroke may result in partial paralysis. Additionally, some stroke victims have problems swallowing and eating. Stroke victims may also have difficulty controlling their emotions. Occupational therapists work with patients to help restore some of these lost functions. Many stroke victims have some type of long-term disability. The disability depends on the brain tissue that is damaged. The good news is that more than 50 percent of people who have a stroke are able to function and live independently. The others require caregiver assistance. Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize the risk for having a stroke? Stroke prevention focuses on decreasing known risk factors: • Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for having a stroke. • Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake. Smoking and heavy drinking increase the risk for stroke. • Control your cholesterol. Have your cholesterol levels tested on a regular basis. • Control your diabetes. Untreated diabetes can damage blood vessels. Eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat. Eliminate high-sugar drinks. • Exercise regularly. Make physical activity a routine part of your everyday life. • Discuss birth control with your physician. Birth control pills increase the chance of having blood clots, especially for women who are older than 35 years. • Do not sit for long periods of time. This may cause blood clots to develop in a leg, and they may travel to the brain. • For brain bleeding, treating hypertension is the most effective intervention. Increased physical activity decreases the risk of stroke by 25 to 30 percent. SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 11 •general health FEATURE Bladder n overactive bladder, also known as urge incontinence, causes a sudden urge to urinate even when your bladder isn't full. For some people, the condition is simply a nuisance. For others, the urge can't be controlled, which leads not only to training techniques Tame Incontinence Without Surgery A incontinence but also a potentially severe negative impact on quality of life. Bladder training can go a long way toward helping with urinary incontinence. Bladder control training entails learning to urinate on a schedule (timed voiding) and doing pelvic muscle exercises. Here is a step-by-step guide to bladder-training from Dr. Gordon at The Women's Center. Keep track: For a day or two, keep track of the times you urinate or leak urine during the day. Calculate: On average, how many hours do you wait between visits to the bathroom during the day? Choose an interval: Based on your typical interval between needing to urinate, set a starting interval for training that is 15 minutes longer. In other words, if you usually make it for one hour before you need to use the bathroom, your starting interval should be one hour and 15 minutes. Hold back: On the day you start your training, empty your bladder first thing in the morning and don't go again until you reach your target time interval. If the time arrives before you feel the urge, go anyway. If the urge hits first, remind yourself that your bladder isn't really full, and use whatever techniques you can to delay going. Try the pelvic floor exercises (also called Kegels), or simply try to wait another five minutes before walking slowly to the bathroom. It is important to speak with your physician about your incontinence. Once you broach the subject, your physician will ask questions to help determine what kind of incontinence you may have. Tests may also be needed to rule out potential causes contributing to incontinence such as infections, diabetes, or other medical issues. If you do not have a physician, call The Women's Center today for an appointment with Dr. Gordon. 12 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 Specializing in Gynecology & Urogynecology Surgery Well Women Health Care and Comprehensive Annual Exams Pap Smears, Breast Exams, and In-Office Ultrasounds | Full Range of Contraception Options Menopausal Management - Traditional and Alternative | Adolescent and Pediatric Gynecology Infertility Workups | Hormone Replacement Therapy | Bladder Problems and Incontinence Treatment for Fibroids, Endometriosis, Abnormal Bleeding and Ovarian Cyst Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment | Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Dr. Stephanie Gordon r Most majo l medica e and insuranc medicare accepted! Lanie Vu, NP Marcia Harmon, CNM Maria Epling, CNP Visit us online @ www.womenscenterga.com 2750 Owens Drive, Suite A, Conyers, GA 30094, 678.413.4644 140 Eagles Spring Court, Suite B, Stockbridge, GA 30281, 770.302.0878 Procedures we provide: • Da Vinci Robotics Gynecological Surgery • Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, and Laparoscopic Assisted Hysterectomy • Myomectomy for Fibroid Tumors • In-office ESSURE Tubal Ligation • Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Problems, Endometriosis, Tubal and Adhesive Diseases • Hysteroscopic Surgery • Colposcopies for Abnormal Pap Smears and LEEP Procedures • Repair of Pelvic Prolaspe, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder Leakage • In-Office Endometrial Ablation for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding Medical Privileges at Rockdale Medical Center & Piedmont Henry •general health FEATURE IBS: Signs & Symptoms, Causes and What to Expect I rritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs when muscles in your large intestine contract faster or slower than normal. This causes pain, cramping, gassiness, sudden bouts of diarrhea, and constipation. People may have alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea, or diarrhea-predominant IBS or constipation-predominant IBS. Although the symptoms can be hard to live with, IBS doesn't cause permanent damage to your intestine. Between 10 - 20% of the population has IBS at some time. IBS also makes up 20 - 50% of visits to gastroenterologists, or doctors dealing with digestive system problems. IBS often starts in teens or young adults, but it can occur at any age and is often associated with stress. It affects almost twice as many women as men. More than 80% of IBS patients in the United States are women, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of IBS may include: • Cramping pain in your lower abdomen • Bloating and gas • Diarrhea or constipation, or bouts of both • Immediate need to move your bowels when you wake up or during or after meals • Relief of pain after bowel movements • Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements • Mucus in your stool Up to 60% of people with IBS have psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Some people with IBS have low levels of the brain chemical serotonin. IBS may affect how the body is able to absorb nutrients, so that some people may not be getting all of the nutrients they need. What Causes It? Researchers don't know what causes IBS, and the intestines of people with IBS appear normal when examined. It may be caused by a disturbance in the muscle movement of the intestine or a lower tolerance for stretching and movement of the intestine. Risk factors may include a low-fiber diet, emotional stress, use of laxatives, a bout of infectious diarrhea, or other temporary bowel inflammation. Diet is also plays a major role in IBS. Some doctors believe that food allergies cause some cases of IBS, although studies have been mixed. Fatty foods, artificial sweeteners (sucralose or Splenda and saccharine or Sweet'N Low), chemical additives (dyes and preservatives), red meat, dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and sour cream), chocolate, alcohol, and carbonated beverages (sodas) may trigger or aggravate episodes in some people. Gluten contained in wheat and barley can also be a problem for some people with IBS. What to Expect at Your Provider's Office During your appointment at East Atlanta Gastroenterology the physician will feel your abdomen to check for signs of pain. Other tests may include a rectal exam, pelvic exam (for women), sigmoidoscopy, stool sample testing, blood and urine tests, ultrasound, and x-rays to rule out other conditions. Specializing in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition: ✥ Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention ✥ Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders ✥ Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) ✥ Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders ✥ Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✥ Liver Disease ✥ Chronic Constipation ✥ IV Infusion Therapy ✥ Inflammatory Bowel Disease Board Certified Physicians Fred A. Levin, MD, FACP, FACG ✥ A. Steven McIntosh, MD, FACG David N. Socoloff, DO ✥ Karen L. Weiss-Schorr, MD 1269 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, GA 30012 1000 Cowles Clinic Way Cypress Bldg. Suite C-300 Greensboro, GA 30642 7229 Wheat Street Covington, GA 30014 770-922-0505 - EastatlantaGastro.com women's health FEATURE• What Causes here are multiple reasons why your cycle may be irregular, but the most common cause is the ovaries' failure to release an egg every month. However, changes in diet, weight, exercise, stress, travel, and work (like going from a day shift to a night shift) can also mess with your cycle. In some cases, irregular periods may be a symptom of a bigger health issue, including: • Thyroid or bleeding problems • Uterine fibroids • Ovarian cysts or polycystic ovarian syndrome Other health problems that may trigger changes in your menstrual cycle include diabetes, cancer, drug and alcohol abuse, and HIV infection. Irregular Cycles: When to Call the Doctor Watch out for cycles that have been fairly predictable and then become unpredictable. Having excessive bleeding, bleeding in between cycles or IRREGULAR Menstrual Cycles? T any other abnormality of the cycle that was not present before could be the beginning of a problem. You should call your doctor if: • You bleed for more than seven days in two consecutive months • The bleeding is heavy enough to make you feel weak or have a rapid heartbeat • The bleeding is so heavy that you soak through a pad every hour • You bleed heavily between your normal cycles • You have excessive pain or cramps while you are bleeding • You think you may be pregnant and bleeding How Are Irregular Cycles Treated? Hormonal contraception is the first-line treatment for irregular bleeding. Options for treatment include pills, vaginal rings, patches, devices that are implanted under the skin, and IUDs (intrauterine devices) containing hormones. If medication does not work, a procedure called endometrial ablation can be performed in women who no longer want to become pregnant. The operation removes a thin layer of the lining of the uterus and can stop menstruation completely or reduce blood flow significantly. As a last resort, hysterectomy may be necessary to solve the problem. It is very important to discuss your concerns with you physician. If you do not have a physician call, Radiant Women's Health today to schedule an appointment to talk over your concerns with Dr. Birt. Do not be afraid to share your concerns, I guarantee she has heard it all before — no need to be embarrassed. 1403 Manchester Drive NE Conyers, GA 30012 phone: 770-860-0123 email: email@example.com www.radiantwomenshealth.com facebook.com/radiantwomenshealth We Listen. We Care. We Help! Family Practice • Disease Prevention • Pediatrics • Geriatrics • Obstetrics-GYN • Sports Medicine • Diabetes • High Blood Pressure • Allergies so you can rest assured you're residents for over 15 years, getting the specialized healthcare needs of area We've been serving the attention you need and deserve! of Conyers Dr. Alvin V. Griffin 1039 E. Freeway Drive • Conyers, GA • 770-922-0076 An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. general health FEATURE• What is W BloodPressure hen the heart beats, it creates pressure that pushes blood through a network of blood vessels and capillaries throughout the body. Blood pressure is the pressure that the blood applies to the inner walls of the blood vessels as it circulates. Blood pressure is reported as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mmHg; "mmHg" stands for "millimeters of mercury," the units used to measure blood pressure). Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. According to the AHA, blood pressure measurements are divided into the following categories: • Normal: Systolic pressure is less than 120 AND diastolic pressure is less than 80 • Pre–hypertension: Systolic pressure is between 120 and 139 OR diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 • High blood pressure (Stage 1): Systolic pressure is between 140 and 159 OR diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99 • High blood pressure (Stage 2): Systolic pressure is 160 or higher OR diastolic pressure is 100 or higher • Hypertensive crisis (emergency care needed): Systolic pressure is higher than 180 OR diastolic pressure is higher than 110 Since blood pressure changes from minute to minute and is affected by activity and rest, body temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, and medications, a single reading indicating HBP does not mean that an individual has HBP. A physician checking for HBP will normally take several readings over a period of time, and if systolic pressure stays at 140 or above OR diastolic pressure stays at 90 or above during that time period, a diagnosis of HBP will likely be made. High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, so it is important for individuals to know their own blood pressure. Beginning at age 18, men and women should have their blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. Screening may be recommended more frequently or begin at a younger age if risk factors are present. Risk Factors There are several factors that can increase an individual's risk of developing HBP. These risk factors include: • Age • Race or ethnicity • Family history • Gender • Certain chronic conditions • Consuming too much sodium (salt) • Drinking too much alcohol: Not enough potassium in diet • Being overweight or obese • Physical inactivity • Smoking Dangers of HBP Untreated HBP is dangerous because it forces the heart to work harder to move blood through the body, which places stress on – and leads to deterioration of - the heart, kidneys, and eyes. This deterioration can lead to strokes, heart attacks, kidney disorders, eye disorders, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and other health conditions. Possible health consequences of HBP include damage to the heart and coronary arteries, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, vascular dementia, pulmonary edema, and erectile dysfunction. Prevention and Treatment Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is critical to both preventing and treating HBP. Healthy lifestyle modifications include consuming a healthy diet, being physically active, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress. •women's health FEATURE Spring into Summer at PANACEA PLASTIC SURGERY Summer is just around the corner! Let the experts at Panacea Plastic Surgery help make this your best summer yet. Whether you desire laser hair removal, freezing away fat for good, getting rid of unwanted spider veins, or breast augmentation, there's something for everyone this summer at Panacea Plastic Surgery. Come in today for your complimentary consultation with our board certified plastic surgeons, Drs. Abboushi and Singh. Laser Hair Removal Get swimsuit ready with laser hair removal. The last thing you want to worry about on your way to the beach is shaving and dealing with unsightly razor burn. In as little as 6-8 sessions, you can be hair free for good. Panacea Plastic Surgery is offering special summer discounts for laser hair removal. Call and schedule your appointment today! CoolSculpting Want to get rid of those love handles in time for swimsuit season without the downtime of surgery? Come in today for a consultation to see if Coolscultping is right for you. In as little as two sessions, we can cool away your fat from unwanted areas in no time. You can see amazing results in your arms, abdomen, back, and thighs! Spider Vein therapy Nothing is worse than trying on that perfect new pair of shorts or sundress only to notice unsightly spider veins. In just a couple sessions, you can be free of spider veins and ready to show off your beautiful legs to the world. Using laser therapy, we are able to specifically target those unwanted areas in just a short visit with us. Breast Augmentation Swimsuit season is just around the corner. Let the Doctors at Panacea Plastic Surgery help you achieve your best contour ever. Come in today for a complimentary consultation to discuss breast enhancement with implants. A short procedure with minimal downtime and amazing results can get you in the swimsuit of your dreams. Skin Care Be sure to protect your skin as the temperature rises. Come in today and try a sample of our Revision moisturizer. It's packed with all the sunscreen you need and tinted to provide a little coverage too! And don't forget about erasing those fine lines and wrinkles with in office Botox and Juvederm. For more information on our special promotions and to learn more about our practice, please visit panaceaplasticsurgery.com or call us at 770-929-0634. 18 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 A New Dynamic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery! Breast Surgery: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reconstruction & Breast Reduction. Facial Rejuvination: Eyelift, Necklift, Facelift & Chemical Peel. Body Contouring: Thigh Lift, Vaginal Rejuvenation, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction & Fat Transfer. Non-Invasive Therapies: Laser Hair Removal, Scar/Vein Treatment, Laser Skin Tightening, BOTOX & Juvaderm (Fillers). Emory Trained • Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Dr. Kimberly Singh & Dr. Nour Abboushi Certification matters! Drs. Abboushi and Singh offer the highest level of quality results with experience and safety. The very second you walk through our door, you will experience something unique and personal. 1368 Wellbrook Circle • Conyers, Georgia 770-929-0634 www.panaceaplasticsurgery.com Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation. •general health FEATURE WHEN MINUTES MATTER, SECONDS COUNT Rockdale Medical earns stroke treatment center certification By Staff Reports R ockdale Medical Center recently earned a high certification as a stroke treatment center from The Joint Commission, meaning local stroke physicians, nurses, pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists and case managers, collaborates on patient care throughout the treatment process." "I also want to acknowledge the commitment of our partner, National EMS, for their role in helping Rockdale Medical Center to achieve Primary Stroke Certification," Armstrong said. "Many times they are the first line of patient care and are able to identify a stroke, or stroke symptoms, while in the field. Having this information before the patient arrives at the hospital mean our Emergency Department personnel save valuable minutes in treatment time." RMC will be able to display The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval, their Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. Displaying the seal signifies that RMC is providing the "next generation of stroke care," and will help patients easily identify this facility as one of quality that has surpassed numerous goals in the treatment of stroke. "In achieving Joint Commission advanced certification, Rockdale Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its stroke patients," said Jean Range, executive director of The Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification, in a press release. "Certification is a voluntary process and The Joint Commission commends Rockdale Medical Center for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves." The Joint Commission, the organization that accredits hospitals, recognized RMC with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. That means RMC has demonstrated that its program meets critical elements of performance to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients. The Joint Commission made sure that RMC stroke patients are offered treatments that match a medical industry standard program. But it also made patients have a higher chance of getting treatment within the critical "golden hour." Previously, stroke patients being transported by ambulance would have to be taken all the way to downtown Atlanta to the closest stroke treatment center, as required by law – a trip that could take 30 minutes or more. Each minute without treatment during a stroke means more brain matter dies. Being able to bring patients to RMC "means we're saving more brain and preventing disability," said Dr. Bryan Riggeal, neurologist and director of the Stroke Program at RMC, which started in December 2012. "You can come to your local community hospital for stroke treatment and care without having to drive out of town," said Karen Young, R.N. and director of RMC's Emergency Room, who has had family members impacted by strokes. "The medication you can receive for certain types of strokes, you can now receive faster… It's important for the public to know they can come straight here." Having certification also means a team of doctors, specialized nurses, therapists, dieticians, pharmacists and more is mobilized when a stroke patient is admitted to the stroke ward. About third of stroke survivors experience another stroke, but wrap-around services like these often result in more effective lifestyle changes in the patient and fewer additional strokes said Riggeal. "The ability to provide excellent care is a result of outstanding teamwork," said RMC CEO Deborah Armstrong. "Under the direction of Dr. Brian Riggeal, neurologist/Stroke Program Director, and Emergency Department Director/ Stroke Coordinator Karen Young, R.N., an in-house stroke team, made up of 20 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 sure RMC tailors the treatments to each patient's particular situation and needs. The certification also checked that stroke patients are offered ways to self-manage their disease. The Joint Commission also checked various behind-the-scenes programs, such as ensuring that medical records transfer properly when a patient sees different doctors or therapists. RMC underwent a rigorous on-site reviewin December, and is required to update the Joint Commission on its practices. A Joint Commission expert reviewed RMC's compliance with the requirements for The Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification program as well as primary stroke center requirements, such as collecting Joint Commission core measure data and using it for performance improvement activities. Developed in collaboration with the American Stroke Association and launched in 2003, The Joint Commission's Primary Stroke Center Certification program is based on the Brain Attack Coalition's "Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers." Certification is available only to stroke programs in Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals such as RMC. RMC is a 138-bed acute-care hospital at 1412 Milstead Ave. in Conyers. "The stroke certification team from Rockdale Medical Center and National EMS worked for more than a year to earn accreditation as a stroke center from The Joint Commission." SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 21 change life-limiting to life-affirming. Key Facts about Skin Cancer • • • • • Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers, and melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer related deaths Melanoma is fifth most common cancer for males, and the seventh most common cancer for females in the U.S. Your risk for melanoma is much higher if you have fair skin, a family history of the disease and spend a lot of time outdoors Early detection is key; when caught early, melanoma has a very high cure rate Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outdoors, and re-apply often. Avoid going out during the sun's peark hours (10am-2pm) ANSWERS DIRECT ACCESS TO SPECIALISTS ADVANCED RESEARCH THE LATEST TREATMENTS Be Proactive GCS is The Cancer Answer® and provides patient-focused care anchored by prevention, early detection, advanced treatment, clinical research and compassionate caregivers. ROCKDALE OFFICE 1501 Milstead Road, Suite 110 Conyers, GA 30012 (770) 760-9949 GACancer.com 46 PHYSICIANS | 500 SUPPORT STAFF | 27 OFFICES STRONG KATHLEEN LAMBERT, MD SHERINE THOMAS, MD general health FEATURE• SKIN CANCER By Kathleen Lambert, MD Georgia Cancer Specialists Protecting Yourself from • Ditch the tanning bed. Tanned skin is damaged skin, whether that tan comes from the sun or from a bed. In the US alone, 419,000 new skin cancer cases are attributed to indoor tanning each year . In fact, a recent study reveals that the number of skin cancer cases due to tanning beds is higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking worldwide. What's more, continued exposure also brings wrinkles, brown spots, blotchiness and leathery looking skin--- not exactly the "look" you're trying to achieve when fake baking. our skin is the largest organ in your body, protecting it from injury and infection. Shielding your skin from sun exposure can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and potentially save your life. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer for those living in the United States and more than two million cases of skin cancer will be newly diagnosed each year. And it doesn't just affect those who like to layout or visit tanning beds --everyday activities can leave your skin exposed to the sun and increase your risk for cancer. Protect yourself this sunny season so you can enjoy being outside – cancer free. • Plan ahead. If possible, avoid being outdoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are the most harmful. If you are outside during peak hours, seek shade or covered areas. • Wear and reapply sunscreen. Choose an SPF of at least 30 and apply at least 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating or swimming because sunscreen particles break apart after exposure to the sun. When you're having fun outside, it's easy to forget to reapply, but remember unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes. And don't forget to apply sunscreen on overcast days too --- clouds do not block UV rays; they filter them—and sometimes only slightly. Y • Be thorough. Skin cancer can occur in places you don't expect – the backs of your hands and feet, eyelids, ears, in between your toes and your lips. Be thorough when applying sunscreen and try using a sunscreen stick for a non-messy, easy-to-carry option. • Accessorize. Wear tightly woven, bright-colored clothing that covers most of the body. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and choose wrap-around sunglasses that absorb 100% of UV rays to help protect your eyes and the surrounding skin. • Choose wisely. Remember, children can be more sensitive to certain products. When using a new product for your kids, dab a small amount on their wrist. Consider packing their sunscreen choice to school or daycare, too. • Check medications. Some medicines, including acne treatment and birth control, can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure. Check with your doctor to see if yours may have such an effect. • Protect yourself indoors. Many adults think that they only need to wear sunscreen if they are going to be outside. Wrong. Driving and working in a building with many windows also puts your skin at risk for sun damage. UV rays easily penetrate through glass. Wear sunscreen every day to protect yourself year round. Single-use packs can be easily stored in the glove department of your car or at your desk. SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 23 •general health FEATURE hen you go on vacation, remember that you shouldn't derail your healthy eating habits. Entering your getaway with some ideas about how to eat healthy while still enjoying yourself (and indulging a little) will keep you on track. After all, nobody wants to return from vacation with an extra couple of pounds as a souvenir. Here's how to eat healthy while you're away without feeling restrained. Have Healthy Snacks Readily Available Make your vacation food indulgences count; don't waste calories on a bag of potato chips in the airport or a mid-afternoon cookie at a local coffee shop. Take healthy snacks with you (or purchase them when you arrive) and keep them nearby so that you won't give in to your mid-meal hunger with empty calories. By not vacationing from your healthy snacking habits, you'll give yourself the leeway to enjoy something a little extravagant for dinner or dessert. Share Your Meals Going on vacation means dining in restaurants frequently. It's part of the experience and the fun. The danger is that restaurants usually serve enormous portions laden with all kinds of fat and calories you wouldn't consume if you had cooked them at home. Rather than limit yourself to garden salads the entire time, plan to share your meals with someone with whom you're vacationing. You still might not be eating the healthiest by splitting a plate of cheese enchiladas, but it's definitely less detrimental to your diet to share than to eat the entire plate on your own. W How to Eat Healthy While on Vacation Go Easy on the Alcohol Paradise doesn't feel complete without a cold bottle of beer or a fruity blended cocktail, but consuming too many will significantly increase your daily calorie intake. A classic margarita, for example, contains several hundred calories. Your best option is to limit yourself to a cocktail every other day while you're on vacation. If you absolutely must have a drink every day, limit it to one and switch from cocktails to wine or light beer every other day. As you would when not on vacation, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to curb cravings. Split Dessert Just as you should share calorie-laden meals, split desserts between two or more people, too. It's one of the best ways to prevent yourself from over-indulging without feeling deprived. Avoid Fast Food Whether you drive or fly to your destination, it's hard to escape the presence of fast food restaurants. When you're in a hurry or have limited options available for meals (as is common during road trips), resorting to a value meal is all too convenient. Plan ahead when you're traveling. If driving across country, pack sandwiches and fruit in a cooler. If you're flying, you can almost always find a kiosk or store selling fruit, yogurt and packaged salads. It all gets back to making smart choices on the ordinary meals so you can take more liberties with dinner or dessert. Remember, a vacation isn't an excuse to throw all of your healthy eating habits to the wind. Aim to still consume well-balanced meals and nutrient-rich foods while on vacation the majority of the time. By doing so, the indulgences you do consume won't be a big deal. ď'Ą 24 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 O ur doctors have over 25 years combined experience. As a team, we will provide for the healthcare needs of our patients by utilizing up-to-date medical standards and integrated technology to the best of our abilities. We realize that our talents and abilities are gifts from God and must be used wisely. We will respect and honor every individual as a child of God. Dr. Michael J. Manning Dr. Jonathan E. Henderson Dr. Onika Popo-James Dr. William Delp Diabetes • High Blood Pressure Sports Medicine • Allergies • Pediatrics Same Day Appointments Available! Se habla espanole 770-922-3522 • www.mybfp.com 2215 Exchange Place SE • Conyers, GA 30013 An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. rockdalemedicalcenter.org "Award-winning hospital… right here at home." NAMED TO GEORGIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION CORE MEASURE HONOR ROLL: Trustee Category NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED as one of only 3 hospitals in the Greater Atlanta area by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer in Quality Measures for Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care. RENOVATED AND EXPANDED to a 20-Bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). AWARDED ADVANCED CERTIFICATION for Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission AWARDED ACCREDITATION BY THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY in Mammography, MRI, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, CT and Ultrasound. NATIONAL RECOGNITION BY CONSUMER REPORTS for Outstanding Surgical Safety Outcomes. ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ACCREDITATION for second time. Dr. Andrew General Surgeon Dr. Harper has practiced in the Conyers & Covington communities since 1990. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. Harper Please call the office today to schedule your appointment! Dr. Harper accepts all major insurance plans including Medicare & Medicaid. 1301 Sigman Road, Suite 225 Conyers, Georgia 30012 770-922-4024 An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. general health FEATURE• importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening C olorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately, and the second leading cause when both sexes are combined. It is expected to cause about 50,310 deaths during 2014. The death rate (the number of deaths per 100,000 people per year) from colorectal cancer has been dropping for more than 20 years. There are a number of likely reasons for this. One is that polyps are being found by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening also allows more colorectal cancers to be found earlier, when the disease is easier to cure. In addition, treatment for colorectal cancer has improved over the last several years. As a result, there are now more than 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States. Regular colorectal cancer screening or testing is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal cancer. Screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease. It can take many years (as many as 10 to 15) for a polyp to develop into colorectal cancer. Regular screening can prevent many cases of colorectal cancer altogether by finding and removing certain types of polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also result in finding colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable. Several tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer in people with an average risk of colorectal cancer. Ask your doctor which tests are available where you live and which options might be right for you. People who have no identified risk factors (other than age) should begin regular screening at age 50. Those who have a family history or other risk factors for colorectal polyps or cancer should talk with their doctor about starting screening when they are younger and/or getting screened more frequently. Keep this in mind! Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society's estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2014 are: • 96,830 new cases of colon cancer • 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer • the lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20 (5%). This risk is slightly higher in men than in women. A number of other factors can also affect a person's risk for developing colorectal cancer. SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 29 •general health FEATURE The Wound Center Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and its Application for Healing A patient treated in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber typically lies or sits comfortably while being administered 100% oxygen. Pressure within the chamber is slowly elevated above normal atmospheric pressure. Depending on the particular protocol and condition being treated, pressure is increased to at least the equivalent of 1.4 atmospheres, or to as much as 3 times normal atmospheric pressure. A monoplace hyperbaric oxygen chamber accommodates a single patient during treatment, while multiplace chambers accommodate multiple patients. Also dependent on the particular condition and protocol, patients on average receive 30–40 treatments, with each treatment lasting 60-90 minutes. A protocol may start with two chamber sessions a day through an initial period, reducing the frequency to once a day through the duration of protocol. Other protocols call for treatments one to three times a week for 10 weeks. Benefits are frequently seen quite early in the protocol. Under elevated pressures within the chamber, hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying red blood cells, becomes saturated with oxygen. Oxygen, in addition, dissolves more readily in blood plasma, hyper-oxygenating the blood. Normally, 98% of oxygen in blood is carried by hemoglobin, the remaining 2% being dissolved in the blood plasma. While under hyperbaric pressures and breathing 100% oxygen, the individual's hemoglobin becomes saturated, while plasma oxygen levels also increase. This hyper-oxygenated condition, called hyperoxia, is sustained for as long as two to four hours after HBOT has ended. In wounds or injuries where normal blood flow is hindered, the increased oxygen tension in the plasma allows cells to receive oxygen, even in the absence of red blood cells. A number of beneficial processes result. The hyper-oxygenation of blood initiates several natural healing processes, such as fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. A reduction in immune cell signaling and inflammatory cytokine signaling occurs, with a concurrent reduction in inflammation. Wound healing is promoted by HBOT through improved red blood cell deformability and flow, the reduction of edema, and neovascularization (growth of new blood vessels where they may not otherwise occur). A high level of evidence exists to show HBOT significantly reduces the risk of amputations due to diabetic foot ulcers. Benefits are seen in the treatment of other non-healing wounds as a result of trauma or radionecrosis (tissue destruction due to radiant energy exposure). HBOT and Diabetic Wound Healing Hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to aid in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. In the disease progression of diabetic foot ulcers, expression of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF1α) is suppressed and inhibited from providing a homing signal which directs EPC to the wound. An exogenous application of SDF-1α to the wound enhances the homing signal, allowing progenitor cells to congregate and stabilize the ulcer. HBOT enhances mobilization of EPC and acts synergistically with SDF-1α homing EPC to the wound, by promoting revascularization, and wound healing. Summary Hyper-oxygenation of the blood and tissues through hyperbaric oxygen therapy acts through multiple modes of actions to positively affect healing and oxygenation of hypoxic tissues in a non-invasive intervention. HBOT is known to stimulate progenitor cells, effecting repair and regeneration of both hard and soft tissues. Infections in deep tissues and bone benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy through direct antibiotic action, or synergistically with other standard treatments. Inflammatory factors are suppressed with oxygen treatments aiding in the healing processes. Research continues in a number of areas where HBOT shows promise, including stroke, brain injury, and neurological conditions. A patient giving consideration to hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an avenue of relief from any of the conditions mentioned above should have a thorough history and physical examination by a qualified physician trained in hyperbaric medicine, to assess the risks and benefits that this potentially powerful therapy may offer them. Our record of success at Patients Medical is greatly encouraging, and we are pleased to offer our patients hyperbaric oxygen therapy using state-of-the-art equipment in a comfortable, pleasant clinical setting. 30 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 ROCKDALE MEDICAL CENTER'S Hyperbaric Brian D. Allen M.D. Healing Center & Wound R ockdale Medical Center's Comprehensive Hyperbaric & Wound Healing Center specializes in the treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds. The Hyperbaric & Wound Healing Center is an out-patient, hospital-based program. Each patient receives a customized comprehensive care plan developed in conjunction with our physicians and your primary care physician or specialist. Our team includes vascular and plastic surgeons. Advanced wound care therapies to speed your recovery may include: Specialty wound ointment and gels ~ Total contact casting ~ Wound vacs Bioengineered Tissue grafts ~ Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hyperbaric & Wound Healing Center ~ Rockdale Medical Center 1412 Milstead Avenue ~ Conyers, Georgia 30012 ~ PHONE 678-413-7738 ~ FAX 678-413-7739 An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. Meet the Newest Members of our Medical Community We are pleased to welcome Dr. April Speed to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Speed opened her Conyers office, Just Breast, in February. She provides 100% breast services to women, men and adolescents. Dr. Speed is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, The Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Dr. Speed serves on several Boards, including the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta affiliate, and the Georgia Perimeter College. Dr. Speed believes in providing breast care with "Dignity and Detail." Awards ASCO Diversity and Oncology Award Recipient 2009 Practice Information Just Breast 1364 Wellbrook circle Conyers, Ga 30012 678.210.2846 Fax 678.210.2839 www.draprilspeed.com Residency and Training University of Wisconsin Marshfield Clinic Marshfield, WI Medical Degree NDMVPS Medical College Nashik, India Master's In Public Health Northern Illinois University DeKalb, IL We are pleased to welcome Dr. Amit Deokar to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Deokar interests are Primary care for children from birth to 21 years, with a special interest in Adolescent Health. Dr. Deokar is a big advocate of Preventative Medicine and Public Health to his patients and their families. Dr. Deokar is fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi. Residency and Training Morehouse School of Medicine Medical Degree Morehouse School of Medicine Fellowship MD Anderson Cancer Center Professional Memberships American Academy of Pediatrics-Member American Board of PediatricsDiplomat Practice Information Childrens Medicine of Rockdale 1765 Parker Rd Ste B210 Conyers Ga 30093 770.761.0672 Fax 770.761.0784 www.rockdalekids.com Monday – Friday 8:30-5:00 From family practices and OBGYNs to specialists in orthopedics, surgery, heart care and more, call 800-424-DOCS to find the care you need close to home or work. www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org general health FEATURE• did you know? Strawberries are a way to Improve S.M.A.R.T. By David Grotto, RD, LDN Features Reporter Brain Health! Repair Thinking)! { A Did you know that the antioxidants found in strawberries help protect and repair cells from damage that can speed up the aging process and contribute to cognitive decline? Strawberries are a great example of a super-smart fruit that is super-nutritious, super-delicious and rich in antioxidants. Just think SMART - (Strawberry's Marvelous Antioxidants } s our population ages, this type of thinking is more important than ever. Most people have experienced occasions where they can't recall someone's name at a high school reunion or can't remember where they placed the car keys. But chronic cognitive challenges, such as senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease, are on the rise. Dementia affects nearly 3.5 million Americans each year, with nearly 2.5 million of those cases being diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly enough, many of the same risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and cancer can also increase our risk of developing dementia: obesity, poor blood glucose control, high blood pressure and a high-sodium diet, excess alcohol, saturated and trans fats, and lack of adequate antioxidants. Following a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of physical activity and adequate rest, a low sodium diet consisting of lean proteins, low fat dairy products, moderate alcohol and healthy fats, and plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, may serve our brain just as well as the rest of the body. Strawberries are rich in the antioxidant vitamin C which has been found to modify the risk of Alzheimer's disease. One cup (about eight) of strawberries contains 160 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Strawberries also contain plant nutrients called flavonoids, which are thought to maintain proper functioning of brain neurons during the aging process since they reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can damage neurons. They also enhance signaling between brain cells. All of this helps support cognitive function. And the good news is that these brain-friendly plant chemicals slowly increase in concentration in the brain with regular consumption. Adding fresh and frozen California strawberries to your diet is a smart and delicious thing to do. Thanks to California's ability to grow strawberries year-round, you won't have to give much thought to when you can find them - you can simply enjoy strawberries at peak freshness, anytime! Enjoy and stay "smart"-healthy today! SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 33 •general health FEATURE How to Cut Sugar from your Diet Without Going Insane M any people have a love-hate relationship with sugar. They may love how it tastes, but they also may hate the effects sugar can have on their bodies. As a result, many men and women would love to reduce their sugar consumption. The American Heart Association reports that the average adult in the United States consumes 22 teaspoons of added sugar every day, which equals 150 pounds per year. Teenagers consume even more, averaging 34 teaspoons every day. Healthy fruits, vegetables and some dairy products each contain sugar. But refined sugar is what can compromise a person's health. When more than 10 percent of a person's total calories come from added or refined sugar, this can prove harmful to both the mind and body. Researchers estimate that the 130,000 new cases of diabetes documented between 1990 and 2000 could be attributed to the increase of sugar-sweetened drinks. Those who drink 1 to 2 servings of sweetened beverages are 26 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetimes than those who avoid such drinks. According to a 2008 study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, high-glycemic foods, or those that are quickly broken down into glucose by the body, can lead to elevated rates of breakouts and acne. That's because sugary foods and drinks may fuel inflammation and the production of excess sebum in the skin, resulting in pimples. When a person consumes more sugar than he or she needs, the excess may be stored in the body as triglycerides, a type of blood fat. Both high triglycerides and low HDL levels contribute to the hardening of your arteries. This condition increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Fluctuations in sugar levels can affect mood and metabolism. Fortunately, men and women looking to curtail their sugar consumption can do so in a variety of ways. • Enjoy a sugar-free or low-sugar breakfast. You may begin the day with a sugar rush if you consume too much sugar at the breakfast table. This will inevitably result in a sugar crash, after which you may overeat or gravitate toward more sugary products. Starting the day with whole grains and lean proteins is a healthier way to fuel the body at breakfast time. • Stock up on fruits and vegetables. When you crave something sweet, grab a piece of fruit or a sweet vegetable, such as corn or beets. You will be consuming fewer calories and eating less processed sugar. • Opt for whole grains. Whole grains have a lower glycemic index than refined grains, which means they won't turn into a sugary powder keg in your body. They also will help you to feel fuller longer, which reduces the temptation for overeating. Use whole grain pastas and breads when cooking, and opt for these foods when dining out. • Research the amount of sugar in foods. Read labels and ingredients to determine if sugar is hiding in the foods and beverages you consume. Anything that ends with the suffix "ose" is a derivative of sugar. Some restaurants will even add sugar to foods that don't need them to make them irresistible and addicting, which is often the case with kids' meals. • Cut sweetened drinks from your diet entirely. �Many people consume a substantial amount of sugar in their beverages. To avoid overconsumption of sugar, opt for water, unsweetened teas or diluted 100 percent fruit juice if you need something sweet. By cutting down on sugar, a person can gradually reduce his or her dependency on the sweet stuff and not even miss it. 34 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 to stay They're counting on you From annual exams and screening tests to treatment of illness or injury, count on us for a full range of health services to fit your needs and your busy schedule. Healthy. • Diabetes • Bronchitis • Hypertension • Fever • Flu • Asthma • Earache Conyers Medical Clinic 2601 Salem Road, Conyers, GA • 770-922-1880 Ganesh N. Kini M.D. An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. Quality Vascular Care Rockdale Vascular Associates is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality of vascular surgical care possible. In addition to treatment of immediate and chronic conditions, we strive to educate our patients and their families to Robert C. Davies, MD FACS, FAPW-CA allow for early detection and possible prevention of future difficulties. Our Specialties • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair • Peripheral (Legs) Arterial Angioplasty/Stenting • Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment • Carotid Artery Repair • Pacemaker Placement • Dialysis Access • DVT Treatment Varicose Vein Treatment If you have symptoms of leg heaviness, aching or cramping, leg or ankle swelling, restless legs, skin changes, burning or itching skin, or lower leg ulcers, you may have superficial venous reflux disease. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) What are AAA symptoms? Most people with AAA do not experience symptoms. That's because the aneurysm grows slowly and can rupture without warning. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) PAD affects 12-20% of Americans age 65 and older. 12-14 million people in the US have PAD. Patients over 50 with diabetes have a risk three times greater than others. To learn more about these and other treatments & disorders, call and schedule your office appointment today! 1301 Sigman Road NE, Suite 130 • Conyers 678-609-4927 • www.rockdalevascular.com An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. general health FEATURE• Understanding VARICOSE VEINS L ots of people have varicose veins -- enlarged, twisted veins that don't move blood as effectively as they should. For most people, it's a cosmetic issue, but for some people varicose veins may cause pain. In some cases serious complications, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), skin ulcers, and blood clots, can happen. Veins move blood from your body to your heart. When the one-way valves in your veins get weak, they may allow blood to flow backward and pool in your veins. Your veins then get bigger. Varicose veins usually show up in the legs and feet, because standing and walking increases the pressure on these veins. They look like bulging, bluish cords beneath the surface of your skin. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and closer to the surface of your skin. Up to 60% of people in the U.S. have varicose veins. They are more common in women than men. You may be able to take care of varicose veins at home, or your doctor may recommend treatment. Signs and Symptoms You may have the following signs and symptoms along with varicose veins: • Noticeable dark-blue blood vessels, especially in the legs and feet (not "spidery"-looking veins, which are smaller) • Aching, tender, heavy, or sore legs • A burning feeling in your lower legs • Swelling in the ankles or feet, especially after standing • Breaks in the skin • Itching around the vein • Skin ulcers near your ankle, which are ser ous and require immediate medical attention What Causes It? Varicose veins develop when your veins stretch and their valves, which stop blood from flowing backward, don't work anymore. Primary varicose veins happen when the walls of your veins become weak. Many people get them as they age, as do many pregnant women. Secondary varicose veins are most often caused by problems with veins that lie deep among the muscles and carry about 90% of the blood back to your heart. These problems include blood clots and can be serious. Who's Most At Risk? You are at risk for varicose veins if you have the following conditions or characteristics: • Family history -- if other members of your family have varicose veins, your risk is greater • Female -- three times more common among women • Age -- veins fail as we get older • Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, premenstrual period, and menopause • Standing for long periods • Being overweight • Certain diseases • Abnormal blood flow between arteries and veins What to Expect at Your Provider's Office If you have pain, burning, or sudden swelling associated with varicose veins, you should see your health care provider right away. Your health care provider will do a physical exam of your legs while you are standing. Your doctor also may do tests to SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE see how well your veins are working and to distinguish between primary and secondary varicose veins. Your doctor may also do an ultrasound test to look for blood clots. Treatment Options In many cases, you can take care of mild pain from varicose veins on your own. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing, get regular exercise, lose weight, elevate your legs now and then, and wear compression stockings. Prevention Regular exercise helps veins work better. Weight loss and exercise also lower the likelihood of getting blood clots. 37 general health FEATURE• Understanding VARICOSE VEINS L ots of people have varicose veins -- enlarged, twisted veins that don't move blood as effectively as they should. For most people, it's a cosmetic issue, but for some people varicose veins may cause pain. In some cases serious complications, such as phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), skin ulcers, and blood clots, can happen. Veins move blood from your body to your heart. When the one-way valves in your veins get weak, they may allow blood to flow backward and pool in your veins. Your veins then get bigger. Varicose veins usually show up in the legs and feet, because standing and walking increases the pressure on these veins. They look like bulging, bluish cords beneath the surface of your skin. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and closer to the surface of your skin. Up to 60% of people in the U.S. have varicose veins. They are more common in women than men. You may be able to take care of varicose veins at home, or your doctor may recommend treatment. Signs and Symptoms You may have the following signs and symptoms along with varicose veins: • Noticeable dark-blue blood vessels, especially in the legs and feet (not "spidery"-looking veins, which are smaller) • Aching, tender, heavy, or sore legs • A burning feeling in your lower legs • Swelling in the ankles or feet, especially after standing • Breaks in the skin • Itching around the vein • Skin ulcers near your ankle, which are ser ous and require immediate medical attention What Causes It? Varicose veins develop when your veins stretch and their valves, which stop blood from flowing backward, don't work anymore. Primary varicose veins happen when the walls of your veins become weak. Many people get them as they age, as do many pregnant women. Secondary varicose veins are most often caused by problems with veins that lie deep among the muscles and carry about 90% of the blood back to your heart. These problems include blood clots and can be serious. Who's Most At Risk? You are at risk for varicose veins if you have the following conditions or characteristics: • Family history -- if other members of your family have varicose veins, your risk is greater • Female -- three times more common among women • Age -- veins fail as we get older • Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, premenstrual period, and menopause • Standing for long periods • Being overweight • Certain diseases • Abnormal blood flow between arteries and veins What to Expect at Your Provider's Office If you have pain, burning, or sudden swelling associated with varicose veins, you should see your health care provider right away. Your health care provider will do a physical exam of your legs while you are standing. Your doctor also may do tests to SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE see how well your veins are working and to distinguish between primary and secondary varicose veins. Your doctor may also do an ultrasound test to look for blood clots. Treatment Options In many cases, you can take care of mild pain from varicose veins on your own. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing, get regular exercise, lose weight, elevate your legs now and then, and wear compression stockings. Prevention Regular exercise helps veins work better. Weight loss and exercise also lower the likelihood of getting blood clots. 37 •general health FEATURE a guide to understanding results Blood Test B lood tests, sometimes called blood panels, are one of a physician's most basic tools. Not that long ago, doctors diagnosed patients through observation and the patients' answers to questions. Today, we have a wide range of testing options to choose from, with blood tests being among the most basic. Blood tests allow a doctor to see a detailed analysis of any disease markers, the nutrients and waste products in your blood as well as how various organs (e.g., kidneys and liver) are functioning. Below, I've explained some of the commonly measured indicators of health. During a physical examination, your doctor will often draw blood for chemistry and complete blood count (CBC) tests as well as a lipid profile, which measures cholesterol and related elements. Here are some descriptions of several common test components. Chemistry Panel (or Metabolic Panel) Fasting glucose (blood sugar) Blood sugar levels can be affected by food or beverages you have ingested recently, your current stress levels, medications you may be taking, and the time of day. Potassium This mineral is essential for relaying nerve impulses, maintaining proper muscle functions, and regulating heartbeats. Diuretics, drugs that are often taken for high blood pressure, can cause low levels of potassium. Sodium Irregularities in sodium levels may indicate dehydration; disorders of the adrenal glands; excessive intake of salt, corticosteroids, or pain-relieving medications; or problems with the liver or kidneys. Bilirubin This provides information about liver and kidney functions, problems in bile ducts, and anemia. BUN/creatinine ratio This test shows if kidneys are eliminating waste properly. High levels of creatinine, a by-product of muscle contractions, are excreted through the kidneys and suggest reduced kidney function. Calcium Too much calcium in the bloodstream could indicate kidney problems; overly active thyroid or parathyroid glands; certain types of cancer; problems with the pancreas; or a deficiency of vitamin D. Lipid Panel (or Lipid Profile) Total cholesterol This test measures combined levels of both LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. Triglycerides These fats are found in the bloodstream and may contribute to heart disease and other health problems. HDL (Good) cholesterol Also known as good cholesterol, HDL protects against heart disease. Low scores are risk factors for heart disease. LDL (Bad) cholesterol Also known as bad cholesterol, LDL is the substance that clogs arteries and is linked to heart disease. Complete Blood Count (CBC) WBC (white blood cell) leukocyte count White blood cells help fight infections, so a high white blood cell count could be helpful for identifying infections. RBC (red blood cell) erythrocyte count We have millions of red blood cells in our bodies, and this test measures the number of RBCs in a specific amount of blood. It helps us determine the total number of RBCs and gives us an idea of their lifespan. Hemoglobin (Hgb) Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which makes blood bright red. More importantly, hemoglobin delivers oxygen from the lungs to the entire body; then it returns to the lungs with carbon dioxide, which we exhale. Low levels of hemoglobin may indicate anemia. To get accurate readings, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions in preparing for tests. You may, for example, be asked not to eat and to drink only water for anywhere from a few hours to 12 hours beforehand. Please follow these instructions, or your results may be skewed, requiring additional tests or even unnecessary medications. If you don't understand something in your results, remember it's okay to ask questions. Doctors are busy people, but you are entitled to the information. If your doctor can't provide it, ask the nurse or physician's assistant for help. Knowing where you stand with these important parameters is essential for being proactive and owning your own health. 38 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 I nternal Medicine Associates of Rockdale, P.C. is a medical practice for the care of general medical needs of adults. Our Dr. Sabrina Wyllie-Adams and Dr. Trinidad Osselyn are now accepting new patients! Call today for your appointment. 1301 Wellbrook Circle ~ Conyers practice has been part of the Rockdale County medical community since 1981. All of our physicians are board certified and our professional staff represents over 200 years of medical practice experience. 770-922-3023 770-602-2970 2800 Hwy. 138 SW, Suite A ~ Conyers imardoctors.com Seated: Dr. David Almand, Dr. James deGive, Dr. John Hyland, Dr. John Entrekin Standing: Jason Anderson, PA, Dr. Mary H. Stephens, Dr. Elizabeth deGive, Dr. Trinidad Osselyn, Dr. Grace Loy, Dr. Virginia Hyland, Dr. Debora Goodrich, Dr. Sabrina Wyllie-Adams An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. Sophisticated and innovative healthcare for women www.advgynassoc.com Gynecology & Gynecologic Surgery Holly Imlach, MD Erin Mayfield, DO Gynecology 1380 Milstead Ave. NE, Suite E Conyers, GA 30012 678.609.4913 5154 Cook Street NE Covington, GA 30014 770.788.1778 At Advanced Gynecology Associates we seek to provide the highest level of patient care through our highly skilled health care professionals using state of the art technologies. We are devoted to addressing the individual needs and demands of patients in a warm and caring environment. Our Services Include: ➢ General gynecologic care ➢ Minimally invasive surgery Includes pelvic ultrasound in office Advanced laparoscopic & hysteroscopic surgery ➢ Urogynecology da Vinci® Hysterectomy Urodynamics in office da Vinci® Myomectomy Urinary and fecal incontinence evaluation Single Incision Surgery and treatment ➢ Contraception counseling and procedures ➢ Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery for Essure (in office tubal ligation) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Implanon (progesterone implant) ® da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy Mirena IUD ➢ Infertility evaluation, testing and treatment ➢ Treatment for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Uterine endometrial ablation ➢ GYN surgery of all types (in office or outpatient surgery) See our website for detailed information about the above services. www.advgynassoc.com An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. women's health FEATURE• CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT T he contraceptive implant is a small flexible tube about 40mm long that's inserted under the skin of your upper arm. It's inserted by a trained professional, such as a doctor, and lasts for three years. The implant stops the release of an egg from the ovary by slowly releasing progestogen into your body. Progestogen thickens the cervical mucus and thins the womb lining. This makes it harder for sperm to move through your cervix, and less likely for your womb to accept a fertilized egg. At a glance: the implant • If implanted correctly, it's more than 99% effective. Fewer than one woman in 1,000 who use the implant as contraception will get\ pregnant in one year. • It's very useful for women who know they don't want to get pregnant for a while. Once the implant is in place, you don't have to think about contraception for three years. • It can be useful for women who can't use contraception that contains estrogen. • It's very useful for women who find it difficult to take a pill at the same time every day. • If you have side effects, the implant can be taken out. You can have the implant removed at any time, and your natural fertility will return very quickly. • When it's first put in, you may feel some bruising, tenderness or swelling around the implant. • In the first year after the implant is fitted, your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. This usually settles down after the first year. • A common side effect of the implant is that your periods stop (amenorrhea). It's not harmful, but you may want to consider this before deciding to have an implant. • Some medications can make the implant less effective, and additional contraceptive precautions need to be followed when you are taking these medications. • The implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the implant, you'll help to protect yourself against STIs. How the implant works The implant steadily releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream. Progestogen is similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is released by a woman's ovaries during her period. The continuous release of progestogen: • stops a woman releasing an egg every month (ovulation) • thickens the mucus from the cervix (entrance to the womb), making • it difficult for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an unfertilized egg makes the lining of the womb thinner so that it is unable to support a fertilized egg When it starts to work If the implant is fitted during the first five days of your menstrual cycle, you will be immediately protected against becoming pregnant. If it is fitted on any other day of your menstrual cycle, you will not be protected against pregnancy for up to seven days, and should use another method, such as condoms. Advantages and disadvantages of the implant The main advantages of the contraceptive implant are: • it works for three years • the implant does not interrupt sex • it is an option if you cannot use estrogen-based contraception, such as the combined contraceptive pill, contraceptive patch or vaginal ring • you do not have to remember to take a pill every day • the implant is safe to use while you are breastfeeding • your fertility should return to normal as soon as the implant is removed • implants offer some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (the mucus from the cervix may stop bacteria entering the womb) and may also give some protection against cancer of the womb • the implant may reduce heavy periods or painful periods after the first year of use • after the contraceptive implant has been inserted, you should be able to carry out normal activities Contact Advance Gynecology and Associates today for an appointment with Dr Imlach. During your consultation she will review the best birth control option for you. SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 41 •general health FEATURE O I Osteoporosis steoporosis is a disease of the bones, especially in elderly adults. As we age, our bone metabolism may get out of balance. We may lose too much bone structure or not make enough new bone to maintain a healthy skeleton, leading to osteoporosis. Women are at greater risk for osteoporosis than men because of the relationships between estrogen and bone health. DIAGNOSIS: Osteoporosis is a silent disease. It does not cause any problems or symptoms unless an osteoporosis related fracture occurs. You cannot tell whether you are osteoporotic or not without bone density testing. A bone density test is the best way to determine if you have low bone density or osteoporosis. The bone density test can predict your risk of developing osteoporosis in the future. This test is commonly known as a DEXA scan. That stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. This test uses a small amount of x-rays to measure your bone density or bone mass. For most women, a DEXA scan should be done near age 50 years and every few years after that. Your doctor can help you determine when and how often to have the test. CONCLUSIONS: As we age, we are at risk for developing osteoporosis. The presence of osteoporosis increases our risk of spine, hip and wrist fractures. These injuries can significantly impact our health and quality of life. Proper diet and exercise help prevent osteoporosis. Bone density testing can determine whether we have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it. RESOURCES: Bone Density Testing is offered at Rockdale Medical Center Outpatient Imaging and can be scheduled by calling 770-918-3730. More information can be found on the National Osteoporosis Foundation Web site at www.nof.org. t is generally believed that most of us will reach our highest bone mineral density (also called "bone mass") around age 35 years (actual age when this occurs is highly variable). Most all of us will then have a slow decline in bone mass as we get older. Osteoporosis causes us to be at a higher risk for fractures, especially fractures of the hip, spine and wrist. When we are osteoporotic, those fractures can occur with minimal injury, sometimes just from walking or sneezing. These fractures are painful and can cause significant disability. When these fractures occur in the elderly, studies have shown an increased risk of multiple related health problems including inability to carry out normal activities of daily living, loss of ability to live independently at home and even an increased risk of death after the fracture. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 52 million Americans have osteoporosis. Every year, 2 million fractures osteoporosis related fractures occur. Many of the people who suffer from osteoporosis related fractures are elderly. Health care costs for treatment and management of osteoporotic fractures and related health problems are estimated to be $19 billion per year. There are two approaches to fighting this disease and avoiding osteoporosis related fractures: 1) Prevention of osteoporosis and related fractures; and 2) Early Detection to facilitate treatment if needed. PREVENTION: The two most important things we can do to support our bone health and prevent osteoporosis are to have adequate Vitamin D and Calcium in our diet, and to get adequate exercise. Interestingly, a significant risk factor for osteoporosis is low body weight or being very slim or thin. When it comes to bone health, normal or above normal body weight is better than being too thin. Prevention of falls in the elderly can decrease the risk of suffering an osteoporosis related fracture. As we age, multiple factors develop that may increase our risk of falling. Add to that risk the increased likelihood of low bone density results in significant risk of hip, spine or wrist fractures related to a minor fall. As we age, we should be mindful of adapting our surroundings and modifying our behavior to decrease risk of falls. 42 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 See Breast Cancer Six Years Before You Can Feel It The Women's Center at Rockdale Medical Center and the Radiologists of Diagnostic Imaging Specialists, PA are committed to finding and treating breast cancer at any stage. Call 770-918-3707 to schedule your mammogram appointment. We now have Saturday appointments from 8am-12pm. In addition we offer: • Walk-in screening appointments • Convenient appointment times throughout the day • Diagnostic Mammograms • Diagnostic Breast Ultrasound • Stereotactic Breast Ultrasound Biopsies • Bone Density Scans •women's health FEATURE Hormone Replacement THERAPY I t is a common misconception that women are the only ones who need hormone replacement therapy as they age. Many men are often led to believe by their physicians that feeling constantly tired, having the inability to gain muscle mass and lose fat, decreased libido and foggy thinking is all a part of growing older. Accepting these symptoms as a part of aging can negatively impact your ability to perform at work, relationship with friends and family and most importantly, how you enjoy your life. You'd be amazed at how impactful hormones and hormone replacement therapy for men are to your well being. And when they're out of balance, so is everything else in your life. Every man experiences a gradual decline in hormone production as he gets older. Beginning at age 30, his body starts to manufacture less and less testosterone, losing roughly one to three percent per year. Then, sometime between 40 and 55, testosterone levels drop dramatically and signal the onset of Andropause or Low Testosterone, the medical term for the male equivalent of menopause. After this happens, a man finds himself deficient in sexual desire, gaining weight, losing muscle mass and not feeling motivated, depressed and moody. Most men who don't have hormone replacement therapy believe they have to live through these symptoms as part of "ageing". Nothing could be further from the truth! SottoPelle® hormone replacement therapy can bring back your vitality. Since 1992, SottoPelle® Therapy has helped thousands of men achieve the natural healthy balance of hormones their bodies need to maintain optimum well being. Our natural hormonal therapy patients report that they feel fantastic once again! Call today for a consultation with Dr Garrett. 770-918-1619. Exclusively being provided by Veronica Garrett M.D. 1415 Milstead Road N.E., Suite B Conyers, GA 30012 Call Today (770) 918-1619 women's health FEATURE• Family Planning Determining when and how to start a family are important decisions. Contraceptives and family planning is a huge part of a woman's life. Determining when and how to start a family are important decisions. The staff at New Beginning's Comprehensive Women's Health Care is trained to help you decide if you are ready for a family or which contraceptive will work best for you. You should feel comfortable talking these issues through with Dr. Garrett. Her practice is committed to guiding and advising women on these critical questions throughout her lifetime. What are the different types of contraception? There are three main types of contraception. They include: • Barrier method – will block sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg. • Hormonal method –controls the hormones in a woman's bloodstream, preventing her from ovulating. These can be prescribed as pills or injectables. • Permanent methods – total sterilization. &Contraception What contraception works best for your family? New Beginning offers a wide variety of reversible contraceptive methods including: • The pill • Hormonal patch • Vaginal ring • Plan B® pill • Diaphragm • Depo Provera • IUDs- copper IUD, progesterone (Mirena®) IUD Dr. Garrett and her staff can also discuss the pros and cons of other types of contraception available without a prescription, including condoms, sponge, the rhythm method and spermicides. • Adult & Adolescent Gynecology • Normal & High Risk Obsterical Care • Contraceptive Management • Management of Fibroids • Robotic Laparoscopic Surgery • Gynecological Surgery • Disorders of the Cervix • Family Planning • Ultrasound • In-Office Essure Tubal Ligation and Endometrial Ablation • Infertility • Menopause Management • Hysterosonogram New Beginnings For all your women's healthcare needs! New VisioNs...New HorizoNs... day Call Us To le To Schedu ! Your V isit Kenya Prade C.N.P. Veronica Garrett naomi Harris sHannon mayfield M.D., F.A.C.O.G. M.D., F.A.C.O.G. C.N.M. 1415 Milstead Road, Suite A • Conyers, GA 30012 678-413-0858 ~ Se habla espanol Comprehensive Women's Healthcare at It's Best! WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR HEALTH PLANS ~ CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT! •general health FEATURE What is a Sports Physical? I n the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it's safe for you to participate in a particular sport. Most states actually require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. But even if a PPE isn't required, doctors still highly recommend getting one. The two main parts to a sports physical are the medical history and the physical exam. Medical History This part of the exam includes questions about: • serious illnesses among other family members illnesses that you had when you were younger or may have now, such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy • previous hospitalizations or surgeries • allergies (to insect bites, for example) • past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures) • whether you've ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise • any medications that you are on (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications) The medical history questions are usually on a form that you can bring home, so ask your parents to help you fill in the answers. If possible, ask both parents about family medical history. Looking at patterns of illness in your family is a very good indicator of any potential conditions you may have. Most sports medicine physicians believe the medical history is the most important part of the sports physical exam, so take time to answer the questions carefully. It's unlikely that any health conditions you have will prevent you from playing sports completely. Answer the questions as well as you can. Try not to guess the answers or give answers you think your doctor wants. Physical Examination During the physical part of the exam, the doctor will usually: • record your height and weight • take a blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm) reading • test your vision • check your heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat • evaluate your posture, joints, strength, and flexibility Although most aspects of the exam will be the same for males and females, if a person has started or already gone through puberty, the doctor may ask girls and guys different questions. For example, if a girl is heavily involved in a lot of active sports, the doctor may ask her about her period and diet to make sure she doesn't have something like female athlete triad. A doctor will also ask questions about use of drugs, alcohol, or dietary supplements, including steroids or other "performance enhancers" and weight-loss supplements, because these can affect a person's health. At the end of your exam, the physician will either fill out and sign a form if everything checks out OK or, in some cases, recommend a follow-up exam, additional tests, or specific treatment for medical problems. Why Is a Sports Physical Important? A sports physical can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your participation in a sport. For example, if you have frequent asthma attacks but are a starting forward in soccer, a physician might be able to prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage so that you can breathe more easily when you run. Your doctor may even have some good training tips and be able to give you some ideas for avoiding injuries. For example, he or she may recommend specific exercises, like certain stretching or strengthening activities, that help prevent injuries. A physician also can identify risk factors that are linked to specific sports. Advice like this will make you a better, stronger athlete. When & Where Should I Go for a Sports Physical? You should have your physical about 6 weeks before your sports season begins so there's enough time to follow up on something, if necessary. Neither you nor your physician will be very happy if your PPE is the day before baseball practice starts and it turns out there's something that needs to be taken of care before you can suit up. If you do not have a physician, Georgia Primary and Urgent Care's staff will help you through the process as you begin your sports physical. 46 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 URGENT CARE We treat a wide range of urgent but non-emergency conditions including: Sprains, Strains & Fractures, Lacerations & Minor Wounds, Physicals & Drug Screening, Flu, Fever, Cough & Cold, Rashes & Allergic Reactions, Animal & Insect Bites, Skins Rashes & Infections, Women's Health, Diabetes Dr Benjamin Fernando , Andrew Smith, MD and R. Riner, PA trusted Covington Location! 5294 Adams Street, NE Covington ~ 770-787-5600 Now Offering Flu Shots & Shingles Vaccines Most Insurance Plans Welcome Walk-Ins Accepted Dr. Wendell Smith conyersurgentcare.com 678-609-4912 Open 6 Days a Week Monday-Friday 8am-7pm Saturday 8am-12Noon Conyers Medical Park ~ 1301 Sigman Road, NE Suite 230 ~ Conyers We offer on-site lab and x-ray services for your convenience! ALWAYS CALL 911DIALDIAL 911 IN CASE OF A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY DIAL 911. An Affiliate of Rockdale Medical Center. •general health FEATURE Y MA tter is Be Hearing Spring is here, are you hearing those birds singing? If not, it is the perfect time to go get your hearing checked! During May, the hearing care industry encourages adults to get screened for hearing loss. Audiologists nationwide make an effort to educate the public about signs of hearing loss, reasons for hearing loss, caring for your hearing, and dangers of noise exposure. May is also a good time to learn about new hearing aid technology. Hearing Loss is Gaining Ground About 34 million Americans have hearing loss – that is 11% of the population. Further, the number of Americans with hearing loss has doubled over the past 30 years as younger people experience hearing loss due to noise exposure, and, as Baby Boomers age. Recent studies show that neglecting hearing loss can accelerate its progression; while correcting hearing loss with hearing aids can keep hearing impairment from getting worse. Hearing loss has also been linked to memory loss and loss of income Month Good News about Hearing Aids Over the years, Better Hearing Month has successfully convinced many people to have their hearing tested! Hearing aids help over 90% of hearing losses, and, first-time hearing aid wearers report satisfaction ratings exceeding 90%. Hearing aids can help you: • Understand speech in both quiet & noisy situations • Fully enjoy phones, TVs, computers & stereos • Hear sounds in the world around you • Remain safe & independent • Feel less stress & fatigue due to straining to hear Good hearing contributes to your health and happiness in so many ways. If you–or others–have noticed changes in your hearing, you may have some questions about hearing loss and today's hearing aids. Having the right information at hand will help you understand how common hearing loss is, and how easy and "invisible" it can be to treat. ....you may have some questions about hear- ing loss and the options available to you. Make an appointment today at The Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist of Conyers with an audiologist. Hearing? HOW'S YOUR Better Hearing Month If you experience difficulty hearing, now is the time to schedule your appointment with one of our high qualified, certified Audiologists. Have you noticed more difficulty understanding family and friends? Does everyone just seem to be mumbling? Are you asking people to repeat themselves often? Are you having to turn the TV volume up? www.entspecialists.net Donna McGough, F-AAA • Kristyn Meade, F-AAA Susann Shriver, CCC-A Offices in Conyers & Covington. Call today for an appointment! 770-922-5458 general health FEATURE• 5 Little Known Drinking Water he benefits of drinking water have been much discussed in the media. Water helps keep you hydrated, which is important because every single cell in your body needs it in order to absorb nutrients and expel waste products. But what are some of the less well known benefits of drinking water? Benefits of T Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that your body's electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to. Drinking Water Keeps You Young Drinking plenty of water is great for your skin. If you don't drink enough water, you'll suffer from dry skin, and you'll be likely to use more creams and lotions to moisturize. However, creams and lotions don't strike at the root of the problem. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you don't drink enough water, your body will try to retain it in order to conserve resources. This retention makes your skin puffy and can even lead to bloating. Drinking Water Is Good for Your Joints One of the lesser known benefits of drinking water is that it helps keep your joints strong, healthy and lubricated. Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible, so that your movements are smooth and pain free.. Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight There's a reason why most diets and fitness programs ask you to drink a lot of water. One of the benefits of drinking water is that it helps you lose weight. Water suppresses your appetite, so you don't eat as much. Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention, because your body won't try to retain water if it's getting enough. Drinking water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you're not drinking enough water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body. When you drink plenty of water, your kidneys don't need any extra help, so your liver will be able to metabolize stored fat more efficiently. Drinking water flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation. Drinking Water Helps You Build Muscle Another benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That's because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle. Drinking Water Makes You Smarter Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs. Drinking eight to ten cups of water per day can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30%! SPRING 2014 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE 49 •general health FEATURE F Fungal Infections nasty enough to interfere with your daily activities. The good news is, it's something you may be able avoid, but you first have to know what causes it. Keep reading to learn about when and why nail fungus may appear. In a perfect world, just knowing what causes fungal infections in nails would be enough to avoid getting them, but unfortunately there are some risk factors you have no control over. For example, men are more likely to contract nail fungus than women. Age is another factor; in fact, the older you get, the greater your chances are of contracting nail fungus, especially for those aged 60 or older. A family history of nail fungus also plays a part in the likelihood of you getting it. Fungi are plant-like parasites, and they exist on your body even when you are not suffering an infection. Although nail infections can be caused by yeast, the most common culprits of fungal nail infections are dermatophytes. In fact, 90 percent of fungus-related toenail infections occur when dermatophytes set up residence on your toes. So, what's so appealing about your toenails? They're a food source for the fungi. Keratin, the main protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails, is apparently a tasty treat for dermatophytes. Fungi tend to prosper in dark, moist areas. Covering your feet with non-breathable socks and keeping them stuffed into tight shoes all day creates the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. But swearing off shoes and socks and going barefoot all the time still doesn't mean you won't get nail fungus; in fact, you can pick up nail fungus from walking around barefoot in certain places. If you have even the tiniest cut on your foot, those sneaky little organisms can move right in. Whether the odds are simply stacked against you or you've forgotten to wear your flip-flops in the locker room shower one too many times, getting a nail fungus does not mean you're doomed to thick, painful nails for the rest of your life. There are several ways to treat fungal infections. Once Dr Williams has made a firm diagnosis, there are three main ways to treat fungal nail infections. One is to take oral anti-fungal medication. However, though oral medications are the most effective treatment, they are known to have problematic side effects such as liver damage. In addition, because oral medications work as your nails grow, this method could take four months or longer to get rid of the infection]. An alternative to pills is topical treatments such as anti-fungal creams, which have the best chance of success if the infection is caught at an early stage. However, if the infection is very advanced or causing severe pain, Dr Williams may opt for the third method -- removing the infected nail and surrounding skin via surgery. In any case, fungal infections are hard to eliminate completely and may recur even after a successful treatment. ď'Ą ungus is one of those words that just sound bad. Even if you don't know what it is, you definitely wouldn't want it growing on your body. Yet as many as 14 percent of Americans have nail fungus, and in the 60-and-over population, that number can soar up to 40 percent. Fortunately, there are telltale signs of nail fungus you can watch for, and if you end up among those who've contracted the condition, there are ways to effectively treat it. You can get fungal infections on your fingernails and toenails. If you want to be on the lookout for nail fungus, it manifests itself in several common symptoms. Pay attention to any changes in the texture or color of your nails. In some cases, fungi cause streaks of yellow discoloration to appear under the nail. In other cases, the fungi appear as white specks or streaks on the surface of the nail. Depending on the type of fungus, your nail may become thicker and separate from the nail bed, or your nail may become weak and break apart or crumble, yet remain attached to the nail bed. Changes in color and texture aren't the only signs to watch out for; some fungal infections can spread from the nail to the surrounding skin on your fingers and toes causing inflammation, redness and irritation. In advanced cases, these infections can become quite painful, and they may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor of decay. Nail fungus not only looks bad; it can also be { Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection underneath the nail caused by fungi. The nail may become brittle and appear gray, yellow, brown or black. Typically, there are no painful symptoms, however, the toenail might change in appearance or shape. If someone ignores toenail fungus, the infection can spread and possibly impair your ability to work and walk. The infection can spread to the skin of your feet. } Fungal infection of the toenails (distal subungual onychomycosis) 50 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | SPRING 2014 Are your toes ready for summer? We specialize in quality medical and surgical care for all types of foot and ankle problems, including nail fungus. Now Accepting Blue Cross/Blue Shield HMO & POS! • Heel/Ankle Pain • Infected/Ingrown Nails • Planter Warts • Bunions & Hammertoes • Corns & Callouses • Flat Feet • Diabetic Feet • Nerve Pain/Neuromas • Sprains & Injuries • Tumors • Joint Replacement • Arthritis • Fractures Dr. James E. Williams, Jr. Ankle & Foot Specialists of Rockdale PC 1025 East Freeway Drive • Conyers 770-929-3338 • www.anklefootspecialists.com Rockdale Medical Center. An exceptional place to have your baby. The Birth Place at Rockdale Medical Center now has one of the region's finest Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Our $5.5 million expansion assures that mothers in Rockdale, Newton and surrounding counties can deliver babies closer to home in a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that provides the highest quality of care. Special Amenities: Unique, soothing environment with sunny atriums, lush gardens and comforts of home Dedicated physicians, nurses and staff Individualized special care plans 17 private labor and delivery rooms 28 private mother baby rooms Free parking 20 new NICU rooms and private family waiting areas Specialized mother-baby nursing care Board-certified lactation consultants Childbirth, Infant Care and Sibling education On-site baby photographs by Bella Baby Photography Free Wi-Fi access Features… New state-of-the-art Level III NICU Remodeled labor-and-delivery rooms and bathrooms 2 new procedure rooms for c-sections and other birth-related surgeries New recovery rooms New 4-bed triage room New labor-and-delivery nurses station and lobby To join us for a tour of The Birth Place or register for Childbirth Education and Support classes, please call 800-424-DOCS (3627). To learn more about The Birth Place, our services and classes, please visit: www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org/thebirthplace