Healthy Living January 2013

When it comes to orthopaedic procedures as complex as total ankle replacements, reverse shoulder replacement and joint replacements of the hip and knee, why trust anyone besides a specialist?

Our board certified orthopaedic surgeons are specialists who are fellowship trained in their areas of expertise. They are known for their advanced skill, training and experience. It’s their names you will find scrawled on referral notes from physicians from across the state or featured on the front covers of a surgeon’s training manual. From conservative care for sports injuries to advanced ankle, shoulder, hip and knee replacements, trust the specialists trusted by other surgeons.

TWO OF FLORIDA’S MOST EXPERIENCED CATARACT SURGEONS ARE RIGHT HERE, NEAR YOUR DOORSTEP.

Each year, three million Americans have cataract surgery, and locally, those in the know choose the surgeons of Lake Eye. Over the past decade, Drs. Scot Holman and Scott Wehrly have performed thousands of successful, complicationfree cataract surgeries, preventing cataract-related blindness and restoring clear, healthy vision to multitudes of satisfied patients.

You could travel outside Lake County for cataract surgery, but you won’t find superior quality,

safety or precision than you will at Lake Eye. Drs. Holman and Wehrly are not only cataract surgery specialists, they are caring doctors who live and work locally, so your follow-up exam, treatment and questions can be addressed quickly, conveniently, and with a personal touch no outside surgery center can match.

After all, when you need care, you want it now, not when it suits the schedule of a doctor many miles from home.

If you or a loved one needs cataract surgery, Lake Eye provides world-class surgical experience, training and technology – right here in your neighborhood. Having your doctor close to home adds more than just convenience – it provides peace of mind.

available 5 days a week.

the Santa Fe Surgery Center, which is owned and run by our eye surgeons here in The Villages.

eliminate cataracts and restore crisp vision, including Toric ® , ReSTOR ® and TECNIS ® multifocal lens implantation.

® refractive

“bladeless,” stitch-free laser cataract surgery.

Board-certified ophthalmologists:

SCOT C. HOLMAN, MD and SCOTT R. WEHRLY, MD

Your eyes deserve unsurpassed safety, performance and personal attention.

Patrick K. Williams M.D.

Jose Rosado M.D., FACC David Lew M.D., FACC, FSCAI

Sanjeev Bhatta M.D., FACC

Leonardo Victores M.D.

Ilie T. Barb M.D.

We help you yourbecome best self.

January 2013

health pros

Prescription for relaxation 34

44

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Looking for healthcare at its finest? Look no further than Health Pros. Your exclusive provider directory.

Physicians spend their day living in a world of life and death situations, situations where the smallest mistake can have major repercussions. Aside from the stress of their jobs, they also work long, hard hours, leaving many of them with little time on their hands to spend with family and friends or relaxing. When they do have time to kick back and take it easy, just what is it that they do? Here are five dedicated area doctors and a close-up look at their interesting hobbies.

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

HEALTHYBODY

FITNESS

116 THE LOWDOWN ON THE PUSHUP

Get the upper hand on upper body strength.

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

SHAPE

118 COMMITTING TO EXERCISE

Stay motivated and fit in the New Year.

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

RECIPE

119 VASILOPITA — GREEK NEW YEAR’S CAKE

Start the year off with a slice of good luck.

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

120 FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES

Successfully navigate this burger joint’s tasty menu.

WRITER: JANICE VIERA

INSIDE

122 YOUR GUIDE TO MEDICAL IMAGING

Which scan is the right one for you?

WRITER: MARIANA DE JONGH, M.D.

LOOK

124 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A LOTION

Attack dry, flaky skin with the right moisturizer.

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD

FATIGUE

126 JET READY, JET SET, JET... NO?

Reduce the effects of jet lag with these helpful tips.

WRITER: JAMES ROACH

HEALTHYMIND

ESCAPE

128 HOBBIES: CREATING HEALTH

Improve your well-being by establishing emotional outlets.

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

ACTIVE

130 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Boost brain power with these energizing eats.

HEALTHYSPIRIT

INNERVENTION

132 I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR! Life doesn’t end when you are living with cancer.

WRITER: VICKY FOUST

CHEER

134 NEW YEAR’S ENCOURAGEMENT

Aim to uplift and inspire others.

WRITER: CHRISANN REID, LCSW

MENCOURAGEMENT

136 IN 2013, I WILL… Embracing the process of change isn’t as hard as it seems.

QUIET WATERS

137 CHANGES FOR TODAY

Resolve to live better all year long.

WRITER: RICK REED

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 PUBLISHER’S CORNER

14 EDITOR’S LETTER

18 HEALTH MATTERS

22 S’MOTHERHOOD

24 MEDICAL MYSTERIES

144 CALENDAR

146 COMMUNITY

154 VIEWS

HEALTHYFINANCE

OUTLOOK

140 WHAT’S AHEAD FOR 2013? Will money equal happiness this New Year?

WRITER: ELLEN B. WILCOX, GEPC

MONEY

142 FINANCIAL CHECKUP

Safeguard your fiscal well-being in 2013.

WRITER: CHRIS BRIDGES

BARGAIN

143 HAGGLING

Master the art of negotiating the best prices.

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

DON’T WAIT UNTIL A NEW YEAR WE DON’T NEED TO WAIT FOR F NEW THINGS. WE HAVE PLENTY OF NEW THINGS TO REJOICE R AND BE GLAD IN TODAY.

IDENTIFY YOUR BLESSINGS

As I entered into the holiday season this year I promised myself I would be truly engaged in the holidays and spend time with friends and family. Due to my hectic work schedule, I was feeling like I was disconnected from the people I love. Therefore, as everyone gathered together, I vowed to take time, slow down, and truly listen to them as we spoke.

I did just that. I spent time with old friends and reconnected with family members I hadn’t truly talked to in a while. What I hadn’t anticipated was what I would hear from them. On several separate occasions and from many different people, what they shared was the fact they were feeling unhappy. Life had been a challenge this past year, and they struggled to see the good awaiting them in the future.

As I listened to each one’s explanations as to why they were feeling unhappy, I was able to identify something in each of their lives they could be happy about. Each one of them had something happening or something surrounding them that could and should have been celebrated. So after listening to them, I gently encouraged them to try not to focus on the challenges they face but to focus on the beauty and blessings that surround their lives.

So many times we get caught up in the day-to-day bustle and forget to take time to see all the wonderful things that can be celebrated in each one of our lives. Sure, we all face challenges, as we always will. The face or circumstance of the challenge will change, but there will always be a new one waiting for you as soon as you come through the one you confront now.

With that in mind, the best we can do for ourselves is to take each one in stride. Slow down and look around you. There is beauty and love in each person’s life and in the world around us. Whether it is a pet, a sunset, a family, or friend... beauty and love are everywhere. We all have someone or something that can and will make us happy. These are the things to focus on. Focus your efforts and energy on the positive things. God gave us the gift of life to be thoroughly enjoyed — one day at a time, one moment at a time.

Focus on the Light in your life. It is said darkness cannot live in the presence of Light.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year,

KENDRA AKERS publisher kendra@akersmediagroup.com

DOUG AKERS vice president doug@akersmediagroup.com

JAMIE EZRA MARK chief creative officer jamie@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL // DESIGN

JIM GIBSON executive editor jim@akersmediagroup.com

TIFFANY ROACH managing editor tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

JAMES COMBS staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

SHEMIR WILES copy editor/writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

STEVEN J. CODRARO associate creative director steve@akersmediagroup.com

CIERRA CHAPPELL production manager cierra@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer/advertising josh@akersmediagroup.com

ANTHONY CASTO senior designer/editorial anthony@akersmediagroup.com

TINA MORRISON production director tina@akersmediagroup.com

contributing writers

RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

CHRIS BRIDGES

RUTH ANN BYRD

MARIANN DE JONGH, M.D.

TRACY DRAPER

MARY EDWARDS

FRED HILTON RICK REED

CHRISANN REID, LCSW

JAMES ROACH

JANICE VIERA

ELLEN B. WILCOX

HEATHER TOOTLE office manager heather@akersmediagroup.com

CALEB WAYNE JENSEN graphic designer caleb@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

contributing photographer STARK BRUMLEY-MARTIN RON VANDEVANDER

SALES // MARKETING TIM MCRAE vice president of sales and marketing tim@akersmediagroup.com

MIKE STEGALL senior marketing representative mike@akersmediagroup.com

HEIDI RESSLER marketing representative heidi@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION SCOTT HEGG distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers publisher

TEARS OF LIFE

After fifty-six years on Earth, I have only fully learned one thing: life is strange.

Most people make New Year’s resolutions seeking personal change. I never make them and hadn’t planned on making any this year.

However, change came on its own for me, and it feels more like a new life than a new year.

A few weeks ago, I was driving to work and the sun was shining directly into my face through my Jeep windshield. In the past, I have had several times in my life when I was looking at the sun or moon or stars, and I suddenly perceived them as different… they took on a special meaning to me. I saw them not just as shimmering pieces of light but as something much larger. I almost “felt” them as stars and planets. Well, it happened to me on this morning, only it was on a much grander scale. The sun had become this giant star in the sky. It was no longer just “another sunrise.” There was this magnificent star filling the expanse of blue sky before me, and I felt as if I was a part of both it and all the living things around me.

I suddenly felt the strongest urge to cry. Now anyone who truly knows me knows this is incredibly unusual. Since I was eleven-years-old or so, I can count the number of times I have cried on two hands, maybe one hand.

I immediately tried to repress the urge, and then a thought came to me. Why can’t I cry? I pulled over to the side of the road, and I said out loud, “God help me to cry.” And I did.

I didn’t just cry — I sobbed. I made up for many tearless years.

As I cried, I asked God for one more thing: to help mecry more often. And He did… and

a little more. I now cry when I think of my children’s faces and the struggles this life will put before them. I cry when I think of all my wife, Teresa, and I have been through and how we have survived it all. I cry at the sight of homeless people walking past my office window. I cried while rereading an old story I wrote on a Nazi war-camp survivor. I even have begun to tear up during movies.

It seems I can’t stop crying… and I love it. I am totally unembarrassed and completely unapologetic.

When I told a friend, she immediately said it was probably hormonal (“manopause”). I thought about it a bit, and maybe it is… or maybe it isn’t. Maybe it is enlightenment from God. If it is hormonal, then I only wish I could have gone through this about fifty years ago.

If testosterone coursing through my veins has kept me from experiencing the fullness of life that I have now then that hormone (and all the “manliness” that comes with it) certainly wasn’t worth it.

Either way it happened, hormones or God, I accept it and love it. I can feel life.

So, if you walk into my office and find me crying over the beauty of the bamboo plant my daughter gave me for decoration, don’t think a thing about it. In fact, if you take a good look at this beautiful plant, consider its wondrous creation, and feel the life that fills it, maybe we can have a good cry together. Life is so good.

Until next month — hold fast…

Digitize your life. Visit the Apple or Android app store today and download the Lake County Healthy Living online magazine app for your mobile device. For the best in enhanced magazine entertainment, join us online for the media experience of a lifetime.

Jim Gibson editor

We Love to See You

“I have been going to Dr. Barr’s office for years and truly appreciate his approach to dental care. I have had many problems with my teeth, and even when I had to be referred to a specialist, Dr. Barr took the time to follow through with them every step of the way. He always kept in touch to make sure I was receiving the best care possible. I also love his caring staff. I always feel a sense of relaxation when I step into his office.”

— Toni Cornell

Contributors

RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

Rick Bosshardt, M.D., graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1978. He founded Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery Associates, Lake County’s first practice to provide full-time cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery services, in 1989.

CHRIS BRIDGES

Christopher Bridges is a United States Air Force Academy graduate with an MBA from the University of Florida. As a financial adviser with Morgan Stanley, Chris focuses on comprehensive wealth management and investment strategies to help clients preserve, protect, and pass on their wealth. 352.751.7847 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC.

RUTH ANN BYRD

Ruth Ann Byrd, owner of Aesthetic Skin Solutions in The Villages, is a licensed aesthetician specializing in skin rejuvenation and clinical treatment of sun damage, rosacea, and acne. She is also licensed in electrolysis, laser hair removal, and permanent makeup. Ruth Ann is dedicated to helping individuals look their best by improving the health and appearance of their skin. She can be contacted at 352.874.3653.

MARIANN DE JONGH, M.D.

Mariana de Jongh, M.D., was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and attended medical school at Universidad Central de Venezuela. She performed her internal medicine residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center and her fellowship in gastroenterology at Tufts New England Medical Center. She is board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology, practicing as part of Gastroenterology Associates in Oakland Hills Professional Center. Call 352.751.4885.

TRACY DRAPER

Tracy Draper is an AFAA certified personal trainer with over ten years of experience in the profession. Sports were a big part of her teen years. After having children, she rekindled her competitive fire and won titles in triathlons, aquabike, and cycling events in Central Florida. Visit her at www.TrainingWithTracy.net.

MARY EDWARDS

Mary Edwards is a wife and mother to four young children, a business owner, and a blogger. She strives to teach others how to save money and improve their budgets. Mary also enjoys sharing her knowledge in community outreach programs and coupon classes. Mary is the owner and author at www.couponersunited.com.

FRED HILTON

Fred Hilton spent thirty-six years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and ten years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired in The Villages with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

RICK REED

Rick Reed has been writing since 1991 for several local publications. He won the Florida Historical Society’s Hampton Dunn Golden Quill Award for his local history column, Reminisce. Rick is also a two-time recipient of the Amy Award, a national Christian writing award. Married thirty-five years, Rick and Nancy have two children, Becca and Emily, and a not-so-miniature dachshund, Rusty.

CHRISANN REID, LCSW

Chrisann Reid is the owner and clinical director of Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc. Chrisann earned her bachelor’s degree at James Madison University in Virginia, majoring in both psychology and social work. She earned her master’s degree in social work at Florida International University in Miami. She is a licensed psychotherapist who works with persons experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Visit her website at www.counseling-health.com.

JAMES ROACH

James Roach is a 1996 graduate of the Naval Academy with a degree in economics. He has been a Navy pilot for fifteen years and is currently a commercial airline pilot based out of Orlando. James lives in Lake County with his wife, Tiffany, and their four children.

JANICE VIERA

Janice Viera has been a registered dietitian for twenty years. She is currently the clinical nutrition manager in the food and nutrition department for the Central Florida Health Alliance. Viera is a graduate of Northern Michigan University. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and has worked in various nutrition roles at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Health System.

ELLEN B. WILCOX

Ellen B. Wilcox is a graduate estate planning consultant. Educated at Gettysburg College, the University of Maryland in Paris, France, and Arizona State University, Ms. Wilcox brings more than thirty-three years of experience to her clients. She is president and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, a full service financial advisory company in Lady Lake. Ms. Wilcox may be reached at 352.259.1547.

ADVISORY BOARD

RICK BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS Plastic Surgeon

ROSANNE BRANDEBURG, MBA

Executive Director, Lake-Sumter Community College Foundation, Inc., Chairman, Lake County School Board

PATRICIA BURGOS

Environmental Program Manager Lake County Water Authority

RUTH ANN BYRD, LA, CME Aesthetic Skin Solutions

KATHERINE COOK

Founder of the Leesburg Center for the Arts

ISAAC DEAS

Interfaith Chaplain for Cornerstone Hospice

ROD ERB

Director of Marketing and Business Development, Moore Medical Group

TERRI FECHTEL

Liaison for Suncoast/Omni Home Health

GREG FRESCOLN

Principal, First Academy-Leesburg

SHERI HUTCHINSON

Public Information Officer, Community Outreach Manager, Lake County Health Department

CAROL MILLWATER

Executive Director, Lake-Sumter Medical Society

MANDY RICHARDSON

Marketing Manager, Mid-Florida Eye Center

ERIC ROUKEY

Physicians Consulting Group

B. E. THOMPSON

Director Of Development, Lifestream Behavioral Center

ELLEN WILCOX, GEPC Wilcox Wealth Management

JEFF WITTMAN

Licensed Nutritionist, Owner, Lake Nutrition Centers

The Healthy Living Advisory Board consists of a handpicked group of knowledgeable individuals representing a unique cross section of Central Florida business owners, professionals and individuals. They provide a critical review of our magazine and offer recommendations of approval or adjustment based on their distinctive skills and life experiences.

Matters

Born to lead

Recognized Central Florida business leader Robert Thompson officially became South Lake Hospital’s new director of development in September. In this role, he will oversee the South Lake Hospital Foundation and help formulate strategic visions for the hospital. One of his first duties was championing the South Lake Hospital Foundation Golf Invitational, which was held in November.

“I’m energized to be working for one of the best hospitals in Central Florida,” says Thompson, who was recognized as one of Orlando Business Journal’s Ten Most Influential Businessmen to Watch. “I am truly looking forward to expanding the hospital’s focus on health, wellness, and education in this new chapter in my career.”

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION TIPS

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Women are 100 times more likely to get breast cancer than men. Although, we have no control over some breast cancer risks such as family history of breast cancer, genetics, age, gender, and menstrual cycles, the good news is we can do several things to help lower our risk. NIH offers the following tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Many health-related problems stem from obesity.

• Watch your meat intake. NIH recommends people limit their intake of processed and red meats.

• Eat fruits and vegetables. They are packed with nutrients and contain antioxidants that fight free radicals and help reduce cancer-rate risks.

• Limit alcohol. More than two alcohol drinks per day increases breast cancer rates.

• Exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people work their way up to doing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. ■

Supporting Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO) is sponsoring a support walk for Alzheimer’s patients and their families at The Villages Polo Pavilion and Track. The walk will raise funds to help provide local families with various day-to-day forms of practical support, including respite care and education. The event is being held January 26th. Registration is from 7:30–8:45a.m. Scheduled events begin at 9a.m.

The AFO serves The Villages and surrounding communities. For more information, please call 352.551.1260. ■

A lifelong resident of Central Florida, Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. He spent the past five years as managing partner and vice president of strategy at Thompson Wesley Wolfe, a leading public relations, marketing, and creative firm in Orlando. ■

Kindness: It is in our blood

January is National Blood Donor Month. Automobile accidents, cancer, surgery, burns, childbirth, and other medical situations are part of the reason why someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, according to the American Red Cross (ARC).

Blood cannot be manufactured and must come from generous donors. Yet, the ARC says less than thirty-eight percent of persons in the U.S. are eligible to give blood. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important that eligible donors donate blood often. You may be saving a life. And since donating blood reduces excessive iron deposits in your body, which can potentially cause heart disease, you are improving your own health as well.

A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded, so you cannot get AIDS or other infectious diseases by donating blood. For more information, call Florida’s Blood Center at 352.241.7543 (Clermont), 352.728.1223 (Leesburg), or 352.742.7020 (Tavares). ■

Orthopaedic Surgeon Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic Surgeon Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Don’t let joint, muscle or foot pain sideline your life. Relief is right around the corner! Our doctors and friendly staff are ready to help with a wide variety of treatments:

Orthopaedic Surgeon of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic Surgeon

among the few designated to perform total joint replacement surgeries at The Villages Regional Hospital, which means exceptional care, close to home.

Diplomate, American Board

(352) 753-4366

(352) 728-3000

HAVE AN EMERGENCY?

TRY URGENCY…

In October, The Villages Regional Hospital opened its first Urgent Care Center. It will provide quality urgent medical care and a more convenient option than waiting for an appointment. The facility, which is located directly across U.S. Hwy. 441 from the hospital, is designed to handle many of the medical problems that can develop unexpectedly and demand immediate attention. The goal will be for most non-emergent patients to be seen, treated, and released as soon as possible.

“We have been providing quality patient care and services to The Villages for ten years, and we are proud to expand that commitment and offer a more convenient option of care for residents,” says Don Henderson, president and CEO of the Central Florida Health Alliance. ■

A sight to behold

The Hans and Cay Jacobsen Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to New Vision for Independence, Inc. The funds will be used for the organization’s Blind Babies program, which provides free early childhood intervention services for young children with visual impairments and their families.

New Vision is a nonprofit agency that provides rehabilitation, education, community education, and support services for people with low vision or blindness in Lake and Sumter counties. If you would like to learn more about New Vision, please call 352.435.5040. ■

Advanced primary stroke care available

Welcome to the team

Dr. Norman Samuels, a primary care physician, has joined Etheredge Chiropractic and will operate out of the practice’s location in The Villages. He will provide services for all areas of general medicine including, but not limited to, primary care, pain management, and bariatrics.

Dr. Samuels has an extensive background in general and bariatric surgery. Most recently, he has been practicing primary care, pain management, and also primary care in regards to medical weight loss. Originally from South Africa, Dr. Samuels has been involved with bariatric surgeries all over the world and was affiliated with the first comprehensive Obesity Surgery Center in Asia. ■

Keep glaucoma in your sights

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. This disease has been referred to as the “sneak thief” of sight because there are no symptoms, and once vision is lost, it is permanent. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than 2.2 million Americans and 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma. The World Health Organization says the disease is the second-leading cause of blindness.

People who are nearsighted, diabetic, or over age 60 are at higher risk for the disease. You are also at higher risk if the disease has been prevalent in your family. Receiving regular eye exams is critically important, especially since doing so can prevent unnecessary vision loss. Moreover, if the disease is caught in its early stages, eye doctors can oftentimes stop its progression. ■

After undergoing an on-site evaluation and demonstrating compliance with nationally developed standards for stroke care, Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) received recertification from The Joint Commission as an “advanced primary stroke center.” This represents the hospital’s third recertification since the initial certification in 2006.

“Research has shown that having an advanced primary stroke center in a community helps reduce morbidity, mortality, and disability related to stroke, and this is mostly due to the increased awareness in the community and the consistency of quality care at the primary stroke centers,” says Cynde Gamache, LRMC vice president and chief clinical officer. “When it comes to a stroke, time is critical. The sooner patients can receive the right care the better it will be for them.” ■

GRUB ADDICT

How do you do it? you ask. Well, really it is just a matter of not showering for three days until the hair gets this very natural-looking oily sheen to it... Oh wait — you weren’t asking about my hair.

How do I do it? Okay, here goes — first you start buying generic — batteries, tampons, and wine — so you can afford a gym membership. Then, you ensure your kid forgets his lunch box at least twice a week, or you sign up as “room mom,” forget to put oil in the car, and definitely make sure your entire family gets the flu so you never use the gym membership. Next, you’ll want to eat as many chicken nuggets off your kid’s plates as you can and finish off that Ben and Jerry’s to celebrate surviving bedtime.... Oh wait — you weren’t asking about my muffin top.

How do I do it? You mean the triplets-plus-one, don’t you? You want to know how I “do” life with all of these kids so close in age, right? Well, the answer is somewhat complex and unflattering, but basically it boils down to this:

Grubs.

Recently, as I picked my kindergarteners up from school and after they had moshpitted their backpacked selves into their booster seats, they excitedly began to tell me about their day.

“We learned about grubs today, Mommy!” they shouted from the back.

“Grubs?” I asked.

“Yup,” they said.

I knew they were studying caterpillars and the life cycle of the butterfly, but grubs were certainly an interesting angle. However, because the kids attend a school with a 4-H program and agricultural emphasis, I chalked the subject of “grubs” up to my own novice farm knowledge.

“Well, so what did you learn about grubs?” I asked. “Do you feed them to the chickens or something?”

My question was met with horrified silence.

Finally, one of my boys gravely managed to answer, “No, Mom. We don’t feed grubs to chickens because grubs are like poison. Grubs make you sick. They can even... well, they can even kill you.”

I was lost.

“Oh! Oh! The poor little chickens!” my daughter began to wail. It was at this point I noticed via the rearview mirror the big round stickers on their shirts — D.A.R.E. Just Say No... To Drugs.

“Are you talking about drugs?” I went with my Sherlock hunch.

“Yes — grubs, Mom. They are really, really bad for you. And we are (too smart for grubs!”) (They chanted the last part together.)

I had finally merged into the kindergarten freeway of thinking. Grubs were drugs. I struggled briefly over whether or not to correct them, but I found I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

Six years ago we had a five-year-old boy living in our home because he knew well the difference between grubs and drugs, not to mention about a dozen other street names, too. He knew what it felt like to wake up and not know when your mom will. He knew how to take a drug test because he’d been peeing in cups for his mom’s boyfriends for years. He was a kindergartener and didn’t just know but heartbreakingly lived the dirty, terrifying, and deep core pain of this word. These kindergarteners of mine with their “grubs” were an entire world apart. Their minds couldn’t even process the word correctly, let alone the concept.

I decided I was okay with this. I decided to let them live in the funny, innocent place of grubs for a while longer.

Incidentally, the answer to the question how do you do it? is ... grubs. I use grubs. Every day. I start off doing my best to teach and protect my children. I start off trying to discern when to speak, when to act, what to say, and what not to say. And then I fail miserably, and I spend my time wiping up the messes — theirs, but mostly my own. It is in this place of failure, of mopping up (some might even call it rock bottom), I turn to grubs.

I say, “God, just send me some grubs, please, will ya?”

Grubs is the ability to see my situation the way God must — with a sense of humor. It is the ability to levitate a bit and see my children and my life from a position of super-invested,

incredibly loving observer. It is my life, but I’m not bound up in it. Grubs got me through the sleep deprivation and the terrible two’s. Grubs get me through homework and the witching hour. Grubs, frankly, are why I am not up in a clock tower with a bucket of fried chicken and a high-powered rifle.

Grubs help me to let go of my kids a bit so I can remember to cherish them in their innocence and allow them their naivety. When my kids are teenagers and they say, “Mom. Seriously. Trust me. I can totally get my term paper written on Sunday,” I’ll just smile and reach for the grubs. When my daughter brings home her new boyfriend, Dick, and declares him her “one true love,” you can bet my husband and I will puff and pass.

“Mommy, does Daddy do grubs?” they ask from the back seat.

“Nope,” I say, “Daddy gets grub tested for work.”

“How about you, Mommy? Have you ever done grubs?” And I assure my funny, innocent kindergarteners when it comes to grubs — I have never inhaled.

WRITER: TIFFANY ROACH // ILLUSTRATOR: JOSH CLARK

Grubs help me to let go of my kids a bit so I can remember to cherish them in their innocence and allow them their naivety.

WET HAIR AND COLDS: BELIEVE GRANDMA (OR LOUIS PASTEUR)

WRITER: FRED HILTON

Question of the day: What do French chemist Louis Pasteur, an early 20th century German scientist, Grandma, and wet hair have in common?

Pasteur and the unnamed German scientist made an unlikely couple, but they both did studies relating to chills and infection, according to The New York Times. In 1878, Pasteur decided to expose a chicken to anthrax and then chill it in a basin of water. The chicken developed the disease and died. Pasteur repeated the experiment with a chicken he fished out of the water after a few hours and warmed in a blanket. That chicken became sick but recovered.

A German scientist studying thousands of soldiers during World War I reported that those stationed in cold, wet trenches for seventy-two hours were four times as likely to develop colds as those kept in their warm, dry barracks.

Quite possibly, somebody’s

Grandma heard about one or both of those studies and formed her famous admonition: “You’ll catch your death of cold if you go outside with that wet hair!”

Pasteur, German scientists, and Grandma notwithstanding, we know better. “Going outside with wet hair may cause your mom to worry, but it won’t cause you to catch a cold or the flu,” we are told on MSN’s Healthy Living Web page. “Instead, these illnesses can only result after exposure to one of the many viruses that have the potential to infect your upper respiratory system.” Ditto, says Discovery Health “Being cold and wet does not cause colds.” Further, the article adds, you won’t catch a cold from being outside without your coat or going to bed with a wet head — even if the air conditioner is running full blast.

Writing for Yahoo!, Dena E. Bolton agrees. “Going outside with wet hair will not cause you to catch a cold. In fact, catching a cold has nothing to do with

whether or not your hair is wet. Colds are caused by a virus, not wet heads. There are over 200 cold viruses with rhinovirus being the most prevalent.” Bolton adds that you will get one thing for sure if you go outside on a cold day with wet hair. “It will make you cold and stupid.”

It might not be the brightest thing to do but going outside with wet hair is not going to give you a cold. You would be wise, however, to wrap your wet chicken in a blanket.

WHETHER YOUR GOAL is simple hair removal or the desire to enhance or restore your “look,” we can help.

EAR, AU DIOLOGY, AND HEARING AI DS

NOSE AND SINUS CON

SKIN, HEAD, AND NECK CANCER

PEDIATRIC

SLEEP

VOICE AND SWALLOWING DISORDERS

THYROID AND PARATHYROID

2013 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE TO HEART

HelenCOUSINS

I was diagnosed with an enlarged heart with an ejection fraction of 30 and it was suggested that I get a defibrillator. After a disappointing second opinion, I decided to take action and be proactive. I did my research for an alternative plan of supplements to help my heart. During a visit to Dr. Ugarte, my primary care doctor, I saw VLIFE Magazine with Dr. Qamar holding a heart that said “Patients are the Heart of the Practice” and I decided that he was the doctor for me. Both doctors practice conventional medicine and approved of my proactive plan. I met Dr. Qamar with my list of questions and apologized for taking up alot of his time. I was relieved when he told me that I should never apologize or leave any appointment without having every question answered. Today, through my supplements, three stents put in by Dr. Qamar and his continued patient-centered care, I have an ejection fraction of 50 and am on the high end of a normal size heart, no longer one step away from a defibrillator.

PUT

YOUR

HEART

INTO YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!

Do you know why our resolutions every January seem to turn into guilt trips every February? Because our hearts aren’t in it. Clearly, we need more incentive. So, for the resolution-challenged among us, we offer our list of the Top 12 New Year’s Resolutions with heart .

1. STOP SMOKING

Yes, we know. Smoking is bad for you, you heard. You know all the reasons, too. So, quit it. Your heart will thank you.

2. EAT YOUR VEGGIES (AND FRUITS)

Mom was right. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, folic acid, fiber and potassium — all nutrients that help prevent heart disease, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

3. HAVE A DRINK

Science tells us that moderate drinkers tend to have healthier hearts than teetotalers. Alcohol seems to raise HDL (good cholesterol). Wine is especially good. It thins the blood and helps keep arteries from taking in LDL (bad cholesterol). Moderate means 1 drink — 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

4. EAT CHOCOLATE

Dark chocolate (at least 70 percent cocoa) contains antioxidants called flavonoids that destroy cancer-causing free radicals. Dark chocolate also reduces cholesterol and boosts feel-good endorphins. Sweet.

5. LAUGH MORE

Research shows that a real knee-slapper has the same physical benefits as a miniworkout. In fact, 100 to 200 laughs equate to 10 minutes of jogging or rowing. Blood flow gets a 20 percent boost and reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

6. GET A DOG

Survival rates for heart attack victims are 28 percent higher for those with pets. Pets are relaxing — they reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in the blood. Plus, Fido may even get you up and out for a walk now and then — also good.

7. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

High blood pressure or cholesterol (LDL, HDL and triglycerides) will double your chances for developing heart disease in the next six years. Add smoking to the mix and your chances increase to eight times.

8. GET CHECKUPS

Heart disease is called “the silent killer” for a reason. This year, over 600,000 people won’t hear it coming until it is too late. So, listen to your doctor and beat our Number 1 cause of death.

9. SO EXERCISE ALREADY

This may be the most abused resolution of them all. Too bad, because exercise helps us physically, mentally, and emotionally. It helps our hearts, lungs, and bones, while reducing fat, blood pressure, and stress. Not enough for you? How about — you will look better in your clothes!

“I would tell anyone if they want a heart doctor who gives you 100% attention, encourages a proactive personal plan and is up-to-date on the newest procedures and the latest technology, then Dr. Qamar is the doctor for them.”

— HELEN COUSINS

10. LOSE WEIGHT

Most abused resolution number 2. But take heart and start slowly. Just a five to ten percent reduction in body weight can improve blood pressure, lower diabetes risk, and improve cholesterol. Keep it up and according to The American Institute for Cancer Research, a healthy diet and exercise can reduce cancer risk by thirty to forty percent.

11. BE A “HALF FULL” PERSON

Mayo Clinic researchers in 2002 proved that optimists reduce their risk of early death by 50 percent.

12. LOVE YOUR HIPS

Did you know hip fat contains a natural anti-inflammatory called adiponectin that prevents arteries from swelling and becoming blocked? It’s true. A Danish study in 1998 concluded that women with the biggest hips reduced their risk of coronary disease by 86 percent. Just saying…

So, put some heart into this year’s resolutions and have a happier, healthier New Year!

Only 21% of adults meet the federal guidelines for physical activity.

Less than 1% of U.S. adults meet the definition for “Ideal Healthy Diet”; essentially no children meet the goal.

Source:

Our Patients Say It Best...

Mary Ann Shipton says the TriCounty Podiatry team not only helped her overcome terrible pain but also saved her life.

A resident of The Villages, Mary Ann endured excruciating pain in her right leg for several months. Simple tasks such as walking to her car proved extremely difficult. She underwent physical therapy, but the pain seemed to intensify.

That’s when Mary Ann visited Dr. Felix Esarey at Tri-County Podiatry. Fearing something may be terribly wrong, Dr. Esarey ordered an ultrasound on Mary Ann’s right leg. His suspicion was confirmed, Mary Ann had a blood clot. At the recommendation of Dr. Esarey, Mary Ann immediately scheduled an appointment to have the clot removed.

She is now back to her normal self, living a pain-free life in The Villages. “I can honestly say that Dr. Esarey saved my life,” she says. “Had he not suspected a blood clot, I probably would not be here today. He is a wonderful doctor who is very thorough, personable, talented, and professional. I would not hesitate seeing him again if I ever develop leg or foot pain in the future. I trust and respect him that much.”

keeping

on the of cataract surgery

Mid Florida Eye Center recently celebrated 25 years of commitment to the local community. Our “history of firsts” includes helping pioneer innovations in nostitch/no-needle cataract surgery and opening the area’s first eye surgery center. Along with founders Dr. Jeffrey D. Baumann and Dr. Gregory J. Panzo, our physicians have invested in the community for decades. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to bring advancements in eye care, including specialized treatments for cataracts, to our patients in Central Florida.

130,000 cataract and laser procedures. Thanks to their far-reaching reputation, Mid Florida Eye Center is often one of few eye care practices in the nation chosen to participate in clinical research studies. Patients benefit from access to cutting-edge treatments—many of which are available at a reduced cost.

implant (IOL) will fit best. Also, if you’ve previously had LASIK or laser surgery, ORA could be your longawaited ticket to getting the results you’ve always wanted.

Our cataract surgeons—Dr. Baumann, Dr. Panzo and Dr. Charles—are known throughout the country for their skill and expertise. Their combined experience totals more than

Introducing the ORA System™ We’re always on the lookout for new technologies that benefit our patients. We recently invested in the ORA System™—a revolutionary technology used during cataract procedures to help surgeons achieve the best visual outcomes possible.

With ORA, we can accurately measure your eye’s unique characteristics to determine which intraocular lens

We never take a one-size-fits-all approach—and that goes for our selection of advanced technology lenses, too. We offer the latest IOL options including several options only available through our participation in national clinical studies.

His hobby is aflutter

As a little boy growing up in Lima, Ohio, Scott Wehrly enjoyed spending time outdoors. However, he was not always playing football or baseball with the neighborhood kids.

Instead, he would watch in amazement as colorful butterflies flew near him, gracefully fluttering their wings and flying freely through the air.

“When I was a boy I always had a fascination with insects, especially butterflies,” he says. “To me, butterflies are like little pieces of art because they are so interesting and beautiful.”

At age three, he began collecting these winged beauties. He hasn’t stopped since.

Today, his home in Tavares is lined with nine cabinets and 225 drawers that house thousands of mounted butterflies and moths. His impressive collection features specimens from around the world and sparkles with an amazing assortment of colors, including bright blues, vibrant yellows, and grassy greens. An untold number of species are represented in his collection, although Wehrly stopped keeping track years ago. Nobody could blame him, as being an ophthalmologist at Lake Eye consumes much of his time.

“I strongly considered a career in entomology and actually earned a degree in zoology,” he says. “However, I became drawn to medicine and truly enjoy being able to help improve the vision of my patients. Butterflies and moths are delicate, and so are eyes. The same type of respect translates in both fields.”

Certainly, his skilled surgical hands come in handy when mounting butterflies and moths, which he describes as a “very delicate” process. This process includes relaxing the specimen

so it does not stiffen after being killed, and then successfully flattening the butterfly so its wings can be displayed. Butterflies and moths then must be dried for several weeks before they can be mounted. Once they are mounted, he labels when and where a butterfly was captured.

“The basic goal is to preserve them without damaging them,” he says.

oes stiffen killed, ngs s must for e ted, aptured. he ging collection, and he has to draw erous to the wooded nd his home. He some specimens gh other avid orld, here is a network of collectors who trade se butterflies in the United States,” he “I

Dr. Wehrly has caught many of the butterflies in his collection, and he has ways to draw numerous species to the wooded property behind his home. He acquires some specimens through other avid butterfly collectors throughout the world, including Spain and Germany.

“There is a large network of collectors who trade or raise butterflies in the United States,” he says. “I know what region they live in and what I might be able to acquire from them. I particularly enjoy collecting specimens from South America and Central America because those regions have the greatest diversity of moths and butterflies in the world.”

mens from South America and Central America use have moths and rflies the mazingly,

ting“You’llendupwithamuchmorediversecollectionif

Amazingly, there is not one particular species that he prefers collecting. “You’ll end up with a much more diverse collection if you don’t simply hone in on one or two species,” he says.

Of course, Dr. Wehrly has already resigned himself to the fact he will never have a complete set. “There is so much diversity, and therefore, you cannot collect everything. There are 18,000 species of butterflies in the world and 180 species right here in Florida. And in each location around the world there are ten times as many moths.”

Whether he has a complete set or not is irrelevant. It is what Dr. Wehrly plans to do with his collection once he is gone that will enable future generations to admire these amazing creatures. “I’ll likely pass some down to my wife and children, but others will definitely go to a museum or university,” he says.

The artist’s touch

Feelings of peace and calmness overcome you the moment you meet Dr. David Burnsed. With his friendly smile and easygoing demeanor, you feel as if you have known him your entire life.

But his personality is not the only thing that lights up his house. You are equally impressed by his oil paintings that hang prominently on walls throughout his home. His seascape oil paintings, in particular, are fascinating depictions of magnificent scenes such as windy days with frothy waves crashing onto boulderstrewn shores.

Of course, a healthy love for seascape scenes comes natural for Dr. Burnsed, a native of Jacksonville who spent much of his youth near the beach. He is also an admirer of the late Winslow Homer, an

American artist whose famous seascape portraits are featured in the book Winslow Homer: Poet of the Sea.

“Winslow was a remarkable talent,” says Dr. Burnsed, a general surgeon in Lake County for thirty-seven years. “His ability to capture the essence of the sea and nature in general is second to none.”

Dr. Burnsed’s introduction into arts occurred as a freshman attending Florida State University. His roommate was a third-year fine arts major who spent much of his free time oil painting. Intrigued, he asked his roommate to teach him the basics of this art medium. He soon became hooked after several lessons, and the rest is history.

Although Dr. Burnsed has never officially catalogued his work, he estimates he has produced between 200 and 300 oil paintings throughout the years. He has sold some of his work and gave others away. His paintings have appeared in shows such as the Leesburg Art Festival, which gives him an opportunity to interact with and learn from other artists.

“I am definitely passionate about oil painting because it is different from what I do as a surgeon,” he says. “I’m fulfilled with what I do as a surgeon, but I am trying to achieve the best result instead of creating something wonderful.”

When beginning an oil painting, Dr. Burnsed uses a pencil to create an outline of his subject on canvas. He then applies color to fill in the outline. Once the paint dries, he may repaint the picture if he is unsatisfied with the overall detail and quality. In some instances, he will repaint the picture once more. Then, he lets it dry for one month and applies varnish to protect it from dirt and dust.

“After the third time, most artists consider the oil painting finished,” he says.

One of his favorite creations to date is a copy of a Winslow Homer painting depicting a seaman aboard a ship trying to navigate the waters with a sextant. “I think this is a magnificent painting even in my copy of it. I have it hanging in my study because I will never grow tired of looking at this particular oil painting.”

In addition to seascapes, Dr. Burnsed enjoys painting portraits of individuals and couples. “That is fascinating for me because I can idealize those people and convey a point of humanness,” he says.

For him, oil painting is the perfect complement to being a general surgeon, a profession that requires him to work long, unpredictable hours. “This is a hobby you can pick up and put right back down when an emergency call comes in,” he says. “Day-to-day hobbies need to be something you can practice comfortably and within your circumstances.”

Feet first in running

It was a beautiful day in Tampa as runners competed in the Gasparilla Distance Classic. With only several more miles to run, Dr. Carl Olliverre was hurting. He huffed and puffed with every step. His legs felt like they were going to collapse. Thoughts of quitting raced through his mind.

Then he looked at the clock and realized quitting was not an option. He was on pace to achieve a longtime dream. The dream? Qualifying to compete in the Boston Marathon after age fifty.

To achieve that, he would need to finish the marathon in under three hours and thirty-five minutes. Knowing it was well within reach, Dr. Olliverre mustered all the strength he had and pushed forward. By the time he crossed the finish line, there was little gas left in the tank. His body was depleted, but his heart felt a sense of joy as he looked at the clock, which read three hours and thirty-four minutes.

A dream was fulfilled on that sunny day in Tampa.

Of course, running has always been a passion for Dr. Olliverre, a native of Puerto Rico. He was raised in an athletic family and found that running was the sport in which he excelled. He was so good in high school that he landed an athletic scholarship to the University of Puerto Rico, where he became the school’s star half-mile sprinter.

After moving to Florida in 1992 to practice orthopedics and sports medicine, he continued running but decided to

change gears. One of his coworkers, Rissie Thieler, was a regional champion marathon runner. She introduced Dr. Olliverre to long-distance running, and the two practiced in the heart of the Clermont hills.

“I could barely finish a two- or threemile run,” says Dr. Olliverre, who practices at Florida Musculoskeletal Institute. “She would practically have to carry me.”

However, with continuous training, he vastly improved in long-distance running. Before long, it became a passion. “Endurance running is challenging yet rewarding because the more you do it the longer you can run and the faster you become. I became hooked.”

At age 34, he put his training to the test by competing in his first marathon at Walt Disney World. He finished the 26.2-mile run with an impressive time of three hours and fifteen minutes. “I was so pumped after that race,” he recalls. “I haven’t stopped running after that.”

After competing in numerous races throughout the years, he reached the pinnacle of his sport in April 2011 when he ran the prestigious Boston Marathon. He ran against 39,000 competitors and finished in three hours and fifty-seven minutes. The experience was surreal.

“The course was spectacular, and one of my favorite moments was seeing my wife and children in the crowd and stopping to high-five them,” he says. “I was proud to compete in this event because it separates casual runners from those who take running to the next level.”

Much to his surprise, he found that competing in the New York Marathon in November 2011 was even grander. As he and 47,000 other competitors ran the course, they were greeted and cheered on by bands, musicians, cheerleaders, and thousands of spectators.

“I’ve been to the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the World Series, and in my opinion the New York Marathon was every bit as impressive,” he says. “That experience was exhilarating, and finishing in Central Park was a great way to end a marvelous event.”

These days, Dr. Olliverre runs four to five times a week and averages nine miles on each run.

“When you are running, you leave all stress behind and do not have a care in the world,” he says. “For me, running will always be a passion.”

The “keys” to relaxation

Doctors do so much more than simply write prescriptions or administer shots. As most in medicine can attest, there is no typical day when one’s livelihood depends on the health and well-being of others. There are sleepless nights. Days can be draining with heavy patient loads. And family activities are often interrupted with patient phone calls.

So, what can doctors do to alleviate their hectic and stressful profession?

For Dr. Felipe Ortiz, he simply lets his fi ngers do the walking.

A pulmonologist/critical care doctor in Leesburg, Ortiz is an avid piano player. For him, having the ability to create music is nourishing to his mind, body, and soul.

“I pretty much work twelve-hour days every single day,” he says. “Being in the medical profession is extremely demanding. That is an understatement. I think all doctors need some kind of outlet to relieve stress. For me, that is playing the piano.”

A native of Colombia, Ortiz was born into a large family with seven siblings. His parents required that each child learn a musical instrument, and he decided he would fare best on a piano. He began taking piano lessons under the guidance of a private instructor and fell in love. One of his most memorable moments as a child was performing for a live audience at a museum in Bogotá. At age 20, he wowed an audience with a one-hour performance at a private fundraiser inside an auditorium.

“It is a lot of fun to look out in the crowd and see that people are enjoying the music you are producing,” he says.

Of course, that would mark the end of Ortiz’s public piano appearances. At age 25, he moved to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Miami before moving to New York and completing a fellowship at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

He has now resided in Lake County for fifteen years and is employed at Lake Pulmonary and Sleep Disorders Clinic. But despite the demands and rigors of attending medical school and being in the medical profession, he still has his fingers firmly positioned on a piano, creating musical magic and fulfilling his soul.

Most of the time he plays his CSM-1 piano on weekends, and sometimes he’ll find enough time to play twenty minutes after a hard day’s work. He rarely plays classical music from legends such as Bach or Beethoven.

“I stopped reading music and now make up whatever my fingers feel like playing,” he says. “I just sit down, think about the music I want to play, and let it roll. Making my own music is relaxing. I would describe my sounds as a blend between jazz, new age, and classical Spanish influence.”

These days, the hobby not only constitutes relaxation but also quality family time. His wife, Tabitha, and two sons, Mateo, 8, and Isaac, 5, gather around him while he’s playing the piano. Oftentimes, his sons will perform alongside him or dance to the music.

“I’m not sure if I am a good piano player; maybe I just have a very good piano that sounds very good,” he says and laughs. “However, whether I’m a good player or not doesn’t really matter all that much. I am just fortunate that I can enjoy my hobby with my family by my side.”

Few things could be as relaxing — and rewarding — as that.

“I stopped reading music and now make up whatever my fingers feel like playing,” he says. “I just sit down, think about the music I want to play, and let it roll. Making my own music is relaxing. I would describe my sounds as a blend between jazz, new age, and classical Spanish influence.”

A labor of love

ALake County dentist since 1975, Dr. Lee Tatro is widely known for restoring beautiful smiles for his patients with dental problems. However, few realize he uses those same skilled hands to transform decaying antiquated cars into mechanical works of art.

He has the collection to prove it — and it is quite an extensive one.

Tatro has been restoring and collecting antique European automobiles since 1967. That is the year he purchased a 1960 MGA. He has since restored seven other vehicles; some are parked inside a five-car garage near his home, while others are inside a metal building constructed by his son, Danny Tatro.

“I restore patients’ mouths for a living and am also passionate about restoring cars,” he says. “I am used to taking something that is beat up, busted up, or abused and putting it back together.”

His fervor for restoring automobiles dates back to his college years as a student attending Emory University in Atlanta. As a part-time employee at

Baker Motor Company, he learned the finer points of body work and print work. While in dental school, he landed a part-time job painting automobiles and oftentimes found himself working on cars such as Porsche and MGA. He has a penchant for British automobiles even though his collection is varied.

“British cars are tinker toys,” he says. “Honestly, I have not ever figured out why I like them so much. I guess it is the nature of the beast. I became hooked on British cars and stuck with them.”

Since buying his 1960 MGA, Tatro has added others to his collection: two 1954 MG TFs, a 1968 MGP, a 1970 MGB GT, a 1973 Jaguar XKE V12, a 1971 Saab Sonnett, and a 1960 Volkswagen. The restoration of each vehicle required lots of patience.

“It takes a long time to restore a vehicle,” he says. “I am very meticulous when I am doing this, and ultimately the vehicle will be better than when it was new.”

To locate parts, he scours the Internet or contacts members of car clubs throughout the country. Once he assembles the necessary parts, he uses his deft hands

to accomplish the body work, mechanical work, and painting. The 1954 MG TF proved to be his most challenging job to date, as he disassembled the car down to the frame and put everything back together.

“I’ve even used a sewing machine for the upholstery,” he says and laughs. “A restoration is not something you rush; you take your time and work on the car when you feel like it.”

His favorite car in the collection is the fern gray 1973 Jaguar XKE. For about fifteen years, he would drive the automobile in the Leesburg High School homecoming parade to prominently showcase the homecoming king and queen.

“The Jaguar is without a doubt the most unique car in my collection,” he says. “However, because of its V12, the engineering aspect of the restoration was more difficult.”

Tatro has no plans to sell any car in his collection.

“They may sit for several months before I move any of them,” he says. “However, I worked so hard on restoring them that I cannot imagine getting rid of them. I still enjoy tinkering with them every once in a while.”

Indeed, the detail, creation, and uniqueness of his dental work can only be matched by the intricate details he delivers in each restoration.

health pros

There are very few second chances in life — and in most cases there are none. That is why when it comes to your health, you want the very best the medical profession has to offer. You want a Health Pro.

These professionals have dedicated their lives to making your life better… and for them each and every life counts. You aren’t just a patient, you are a person with cares, feelings, and fears. You are a father, mother, sister, or brother who is a very important part of a wonderful whole — a family. These caring medical professionals understand that. They join you as a part of your family and treat you as if you are a member of their own.

The next time you have a health concern, look no further than Health Pros — the place where medicine, compassion, and family all come together in one exclusive place.

Easily navigate our HEALTH PROS healthcare directory by choosing the section that best fits your individual needs. Looking for a physician? Our PROFILES section allows you to get to know each doctor individually on a one-on-one basis. Maybe you are looking for a special practice. Just thumb through the PRACTICE section until your needs are met. And lastly, if you are considering a specific medical procedure, just search through our PROCEDURES section and you will be sure to find exactly what you need.

Florida Musculoskeletal Institute ......................................86

Family Physicians Group ..................................................88

Lakeside Foot & Ankle Center ..........................................89

Gulfcoast Spine Institute ..................................................90

Advanced Imaging Center ................................................92

Vascular Vein Centers ......................................................94

Premier Medical Associates .............................................95

Santa Fe Surgical Center .................................................96

441 Urgent Care ..............................................................97

Face 2 Face Aesthetics and Wellness ..............................98

Dr. Romulo J. Camogliano ................................................99

Leesburg Regional Medical Center ................................100

Lake Ear, Nose & Throat ................................................102

Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D. .....................................................103

The Foot and Ankle Center .............................................104

Florida Hospital Waterman .............................................106

MacInnis Dermatology ...................................................107

South Lake Hospital .......................................................108

Laser Trim Contours .......................................................109

health pros

On their toes

Tri-County Podiatry will help you put your best foot forward.

With more than sixty years of combined experience and a genuine love of people, the physicians at Tri-County Podiatry pride themselves on providing the best foot and ankle care while focusing on a patient’s individual needs.

The practice was started in 2006 by Dr. Felix Esarey, providing convenient services for patients, including on-site physical therapy for foot, ankle, and lower extremity disorders. In addition, Tri-County Podiatry offers digital X-rays and diagnostic testing for lower extremity vascular diseases. The practice also offers a wide variety of conservative and surgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions to help patients return to activity. “We are firm believers that surgery should always be the last option, and that all conservative measures should be exhausted first,” says Dr. Esarey.

After practicing in the Chicago area for twelve years, Dr. Johnny Wu relocated to Florida in 2008 to join Dr. Esarey, his podiatry school roommate, at Tri-County Podiatry. “We will often see patients with emergent problems on the same day they call the office so that the patient can avoid the emergency room or urgent care,” Dr. Wu says. “It is gratifying when we see a patient walk into the office in pain and see them leaving with relief and a smile on their face.”

Dr. Ivelisse Rosa joined Tri-County Podiatry two years ago after moving from New York, where she practiced for six years. Keeping the residents of The

Villages up and active is the best part of her job. In addition, Dr. Rosa says, “I enjoy the fact that this is such a close-knit group and we all enjoy what we do. I think it shows throughout our practice and creates a great environment and experience for patients.”

Dr. Larry Erlinder, who is the most recent addition to the Tri-County Podiatry team, practiced in Illinois for thirty-three years before becoming a full-time Florida resident in 2011. Dr. Erlinder explains, “Despite being a busy practice, we typically run on time. Sometimes an emergency arises or a patient may require additional time to address his or her concerns. However, we pride ourselves on spending as much time as we need to in order to address each patient’s problems and concerns.”

(left to right): Dr. Felix Esarey , Dr. Johnny Wu, Dr. Ivelisse Rosa, and Dr. Larry Erlinder.

“… this is such a closeknit group and we all enjoy what we do… it shows throughout our practice and creates a great environment and experience for patients.”

—Dr. Ivelisse Rosa

Uzoma Nwaubani, M.D.

There are certain conditions women are at risk of developing as they age. You may begin to notice something as simple as a sneeze or a hearty laugh can cause accidental bladder leakage. Or maybe you have started to feel heaviness in your pelvic region or experience discomfort during intercourse. Each of these problems can be embarrassing and also troubling.

However, both female incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are more common than women think. With the population Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani serves, she says she sees both ailments quite frequently. “About one in five women over the age of 50 have urinary incontinence. As women reach 70, the numbers increase to seven out of ten women. In addition, women, especially those who have given birth vaginally, have an increased risk in experiencing prolapse,” she says.

Many times when a woman discovers she has bladder control issues or a prolapsed uterus, it can affect her social life and lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn can cause other health problems such as obesity and heart disease.

Both conditions worsen with time, causing women to feel ashamed or needlessly endure increasing pain. Dr. Nwaubani firmly believes women shouldn’t be humiliated. Instead, they should fight and get back to living lively, worry-free, pain-free lives.

“Women should take their health seriously, and do research to find the right person to take care of their urogynecological needs so they can live life without restrictions,” she says. “At my urogynecological practice, we offer state-of-the-art surgical treatment and detailed management that may involve exercise, medications, surgery… anything to restore a woman’s quality of life and help her become active and social again.”

Dr. Nwaubani also offers total general gynecological care and can help women suffering from a host of intimate female issues including abnormal bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, and vulval abnormalities.

health pros

G. Edward Stewart II, M.D.

G.Edward Stewart II, M.D., is board-certified by the American Board of Allergy

Asthma and Immunology. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Dr. Stewart completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis and completed fellowships in Allergy and Immunology, and Clinical Laboratory Immunology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Stewart has an active appointment as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the University of South Florida, where he volunteers his time.

Thomas L. Johnson II, M.D.

Thomas L. Johnson II, M.D., is boardcertified in pediatrics, as well as allergy and immunology. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kentucky in Lexington in 2000. He performed his residency in pediatrics at the Wright State University Integrated Pediatric Residency Program in Dayton, Ohio from 2000–2003 and then served as Pediatric Chief Resident at Wright-Patterson Medical Center from 2003–2004. He completed his fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Johnson served as an officer in the United States Air Force from 2000–2009. He is the newest addition to our team, and we welcome his expertise.

health pros

Florida Heart and Vascular

Two Minds, One Dream

Dr. David Lew and Dr. Jose Rosado are living proof that two people can successfully build a friendship and also build a medical practice. Throughout the years, their friendship has survived the day-to-day stress of developing and managing Florida Heart and Vascular Center.

Dr. Lew opened the practice in 1991, and Dr. Rosado joined in July 1995. The original office, which had only two exam rooms, was located near the Leesburg Regional Medical Center North Campus. “We would work eighteen-hour days,” Dr. Rosado recalls. “We arrived at work at the same time and left at the same time. Because we worked so many hours together, we formed a strong and loyal friendship.”

Working long hours is not all they had in common. Both cardiologists also dreamed of bringing the most comprehensive, cutting-edge cardiovascular and peripheral vascular treatment to Lake County. This dream would become a reality throughout the years.

The practice developed a legacy of “firsts” in the county: the first to perform primary angioplasty without surgical backup as part of the national PAMI NO SOS study, prior to the availability of open heart surgery at LRMC; the first to preform the county’s first abdominal aortic stent grafting procedure in conjunction with vascular surgeons; and the first to preform carotid stenting with distal protection device as part of the national CREST study.

In addition, their practice is a training site for fellowship students and is also home to the area’s

first outpatient cardiac and peripheral vascular intervention lab for the management of patients with critical peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Of course, the latest achievement is forming Florida Heart and Vascular Multi-Specialty Group, which features an ever-growing staff of cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, general surgeons, general practitioners, registered nurses, and physician’s assistants. Like Dr. Lew and Dr. Rosado, they strive to provide quality medical care and service excellence. The formation of a multi-specialty group allows the practice to offer additional services, which includes treating varicose veins with laser sclerotherapy, conducting sleep study tests, and providing a comprehensive weight-loss program.

No doubt, these two fantastic friends who shared one dream have made a heartfelt impact on countless Lake County residents.

“We consider ourselves best partners and best friends.

Of course, we are working harder than ever before and handling more complex cases. It’s the passion that keeps us going.”

—Dr. David Lew

Kenneth Cohrn, M.D.

Healthy teeth make a healthy you

Good oral health is more important than most people realize. Not only is it nice to have strong teeth and a beautiful smile, having a healthy mouth also serves as a telling sign of a person’s overall well-being. However, when a dental problem arises, the experienced staff at Heritage Dental has a solution. Dr. Kenneth Cohrn, who has been in practice for more than thirty years and serving the tri-county area for

seventeen, says he and his staff take pride in always getting to the root of any issue.

“Our focus is problem-solving. That’s the key,” he says. “We believe in individualized care to fit each patient’s needs and pocketbook. A one-size-fits-all approach is not in our patient’s best interest.”

As a true general practice, most procedures can be performed in-house, allowing the treatment to be completed in a more timely manner. Furthermore, the staff at Heritage Dental makes every effort to provide professional, quality care in a relaxed, friendly environment.

“We try to minimize worry and form long-lasting, personal relationships with our patients,” Dr. Cohrn says. “We treat them with kindness and empathy to make for a stress-free and more meaningful experience.”

Heritage Dental is also very involved in giving back to the community and our local veterans through partnerships with various nonprofit organizations and special events. Personally, Dr. Cohrn also gives back to the community in a unique way as a board-certified forensic odontologist. Applying some of the same principles of general dentistry, he is able to analyze and examine oral evidence and dental records to help law enforcement resolve cases involving identification and bite marks.

“It’s challenging but also very satisfying,” he says, “I’ve had the opportunity to help families and bring closure to those who have lost loved ones, and that is pretty amazing.”

“We believe in individualized care to fit each patient’s needs and pocketbook.”

health pros

Srinivas Attanti, M.D.

Srinivas Attanti, M.D., FACC, is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology. He received his medical degree from J.S.S. Medical College in Mysore, India. He performed his internship in internal medicine at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Attanti performed his cardiology fellowship in heart failure research at the Bronx Veterans Administration Medical Center/Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, New York, and his cardiology fellowships in cardiology, critical care medicine, and interventional cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. He is a member of the American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

percent of heart catheterizations through the radial artery in the wrist as opposed to the more traditional groin access, which reduces bleeding and makes recovery easier. He stays abreast of the latest cuttingedge heart procedures to ensure his patients receive the best care possible, including PAD, endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, TAVI procedures (where the aortic valve is replaced via a catheter), carotid stents, and the emerging catheter-based ASD closures, where a hole in the heart is closed via a catheter instead of an open chest procedure.

Dr. Attanti is hugely compassionate and loves to help his patients. He takes time to listen and is upfront concerning any treatment plans he may use. Dr. Attanti performs approximately ninety-five

“I think it is critically important to be honest with patients, and therefore, I don’t hide anything,” he says. “We talk about it all — both the good and the scary. I tell them what the complication rates are for a given procedure and what that means to their health. Being honest is very important, especially when a patient is entrusting his or her healthcare to me. That’s a privilege and honor.”

“Being honest is very important, especially when a patient is entrusting his or her healthcare to me. That’s a privilege and honor.”

Vinod Miryala, M.D.

Vinod Miryala, M.D., FACC, is board-certified in cardiology, CT coronary angiography, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. He received his medical degree from Kakatiya Medical College in India and also attended the graduate medical education program at New York Methodist Medical College, which is affiliated with the Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell. He performed his residency and fellowship training in cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in both Ohio and Florida. He is a Fellow of the American College

of Cardiology and has been the chief of cardiology at The Villages Regional Hospital since 2008.

Dr. Miryala specializes in CT coronary angiography, an emerging non-invasive technology that uses CT scanning of the heart to diagnose coronary artery disease. This procedure, which only requires an injection of iodine and a simple CT scan, is replacing cardiac catheterization as the physician’s test of choice to determine narrowing or blockage of cardiac arteries. He also performs diagnostic cardiac catheterization procedures, primarily through a radial (wrist) approach, which is much more convenient and comfortable for the patient.

“Imaging technologies, including PET, 3D transesophagael echocardiography, and CT angiography, have made the greatest breakthroughs in cardiac care in the last two decades,” he says. “Whereas in the past surgeons were literally in the dark as what to expect when operating on a patient, now, using sophisticated cameras and computerized technology, the problem has been pinpointed well before the patient reaches the operating room.”

Dr. Miryala specializes in CT coronary angiography, an emerging noninvasive technology that uses CT scanning of the heart to diagnose coronary artery disease.

health pros

Javier M. Gonzalez, M.D.

Javier M. Gonzalez, M.D., FACC, is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. He attended medical school at the Universidad Del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia, and performed his general medicine internship at the Hospital Erasmo Meoz in Cucuta, Colombia. He was a staff physician at both the Hospital Integrado Landazuri and the Hospital San Juan De Dios in Colombia. He performed his internal medicine residency and his fellowship in cardiology at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

board-cerrdiovascuool at rnship mbia. He

Dr. Gonzalez’ journey from a small town in Colombia to his position at Citrus Cardiology Consultants has been a fascinating one. Working for the non-profit group Heart to Heart, Inc. as a guardian for a child with a congenital heart malformation, Dr. Gonzalez traveled from Colombia to the United States, and the trip changed his life. Not only did he decide to focus his medical studies on cardiology, he also decided to stay. Dr. Gonzalez left his general practice in his small hometown to study cardiology in the U.S., but what he didn’t leave in Colombia was his philosophy of global “whole patient” care. His focus is the heart health of his patients, but Dr. Gonzalez believes that by listening carefully, he can

support his patients’ emotional health and build a deeper connection for better treatment outcomes. Dr. Gonzalez balances work and family by spending as much time as possible outdoors with his children, where they share a love of fishing.

Dr. Gonzalez believes that by listening carefully, he can support his patients’ emotional health and build a deeper connection for better treatment outcomes.

Abel Rivero, M.D.

Balachander Govindarajan, M.D., is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology. Dr. Govindarajan received his medical degree from Madras (Chennai) Medical College in Madras, India, where he also completed his medical internship. He received his Masters in Preventative Medicine from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Dr. Govindarajan completed his residency in internal medicine at Michael Reese Hospital at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Illinois. He received his fellowship in cardiology at Michael Reese Hospital, his fellowship in cardiac electrophysiology at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, and was staff cardiologist at the Danville Veteran’s Administration Illiana Medical Center in Danville, Illinois. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

If you suffer from cardiac arrhythmias due to an electrical “short circuit” in your heart, it can be especially frightening. Dr. Govindarajan understands your concern; he is an expert in cardiac electrophysiology or “an electrician of the heart.” He can quickly diagnose the root cause of your problem and determine the proper treatment for you. “I love working in the cardiovascular field,” he says. “I can think of no other area of medicine where you can see positive results so quickly. We change lives, and in some instances, we change them instantly.”

Abel Rivero, M.D., is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, nuclear cardiology, and adult echocardiography. Dr. Rivero received his medical degree from the Central America Health Sciences University in Belize. He worked as a research fellow in nuclear cardiology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, before completing his residency training in internal medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark and his fellowships in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa. While at USF, he also served as chief fellow in the department of cardiology.

Dr. Rivero believes that treating the heart is not just in one’s chest, but in their entire body, mind and soul. “I try to help my patients find happiness in their lives, and not only through their physical health, but through remembering that their mental and emotional well-being is just as important.” Dr. Rivero lives in Lady Lake with his wife and two young sons.

Brian Saluck, D.0.

Brian Saluck, DO, FACC, FACOI, is boardcertified in interventional cardiology and has been with Citrus Cardiology Consultants for one year. Dr. Saluck is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and of the American College of Osteopathic Internists. He received his medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania, and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was co-chief resident from 2001–2002. He received his fellowships in clinical cardiology and interventional cardiology at the Clinical Cardiology Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Brown Mills, New Jersey, where he served as the Chief Fellow.

Dr. Saluck is active in community charities, having participated in Wish Granter and the Make-AWish Foundation. He lives in Lady Lake with his wife, Robyn, and their two children. “I like to have a handson personal approach with my patients,” he says. “I spend a lot of time talking with them and getting to know them and their personal traits. The more I know about my patients, the more I know about their health habits, and it helps me treat them properly and even helps me possibly prevent future health problems.”

“The more I know about my patients, the more I know about their health habits and it helps me treat them properly…”

— Dr. Brian Saluck

“… treating the heart is not just in one’s chest, but in their entire body, mind and soul.”

— Dr. Abel Rivero

The BioPro® Living Hip Stem

Horizontal Platform Support

health pros

Vrej Manoogian, M.D.

Comprehensive Orthopedic Care in Lake and Sumter counties

Make no bones about it. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vrej Manoogian is proud to have served the residents of Lake County for eleven years. During that time, his patients have enjoyed successful outcomes in total joint replacement, knee replacement, and spinal surgery.

However, his surgical skills are only one reason he has earned an outstanding reputation. He also meets the needs of his patients with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment approach that helps them achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. In addition, he is passionate and caring, and his bedside manner inspires confidence.

Perhaps the most endearing quality about Dr. Manoogian is his philosophy toward medicine. He will only use proven treatment methods to provide patients with the best orthopedic care possible.

Why is this important?

Those ads you see on television, read in newspapers, and hear on the radio continually tout new products as the “best thing to ever happen in the field of orthopedics.” These advertisements make the product sound so wonderful that patients become convinced it is the magical cure to their ailment. The product suddenly is in high demand, and sometimes surgeons may feel pressured to use the product, believing that otherwise the patient will go elsewhere.

While unproven products are pushed hard by advertisers, it is important to remember that taking a chance on them can be hazardous to your health and well-being. Unfortunately, some people

discover this too little, too late.

“In times of direct corporate advertising, patients and doctors need to take careful consideration before proceeding with the use of these products,” Dr. Manoogian says. “These products can be to the detriment of the patient and often have to be recalled due to material or technique failure. What companies claim work based on lab studies often does not prove true in the clinical setting. Often, the clinical longevity of these products comes up short of the anticipated results that are advertised.”

As a result, these products are pulled off the market, or surgeons stop using them altogether after realizing they are not beneficial to patients.

Dr. Manoogian is the inventor of the Living Hip prosthesis, which has a proven safety record. This device is used for total hip joint replacement and closely mimics the natural design of the hip joint. He has successfully used this product in hundreds of surgeries, allowing patients to walk without using a cane or walker.

“I give deliberate thought concerning the improvement of quality of care provided to each patient. My primary function is to be a patient’s advocate.”

Christopher J. Stanley, M.D.

Christopher Stanley, MD, FACOG, is boardcertified in obstetrics and gynecology. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of urogynecologic issues and a variety of progressive gynecologic disorders for which he performs some of the most advanced surgeries in Central Florida. Further, his expertise in laparoscopic, minimally invasive and alternative procedures, as well as nonsurgical options, enabled him to serve as a training center for several companies and currently teaches other area surgeons advanced surgical techniques, such as how to correct incontinence and reduce pelvic pain. Dr. Stanley is the medical director of minimally invasive gynecology at Florida Hospital Waterman and now sees patients once a week at Florida Hospital’s The Villages Center for Health in Lady Lake.

CENTER FOR GYNECOLOGY & PELVIC SURGERY

1210 Waterman Way | Tavares, FL 32778 | 8575 NE 138th Lane, Suite 101 | Lady Lake, FL 32159 | 352.253.4778 | www.CenterForGPS.com

health pros

Gary Allen, M.D.

Gary Allen, MD, FACS, is board-certified and fellowship-trained in cardiothoracic surgery. As the medical director of cardiothoracic surgery, his expertise complements the extensive list of advanced diagnostics and life-saving treatments at the Florida Hospital Waterman Heart Center. Serving residents in West Central Florida and the surrounding communities, Dr. Allen and his dedicated staff offer a variety of treatments and services for patients with disorders of the lung, airway, heart, and great vessels. He is one of very few surgeons who performs “beating heart” surgery in the majority of his open-heart surgery cases, where the heart is not stopped, only slowed down with medication. This revolutionary technique is less invasive and much safer, decreasing the risk of kidney or liver complications. Along with Dr. Stanley, Dr. Allen is expanding his practice to the residents of Lady Lake and The Villages by seeing patients regularly at Florida Hospital’s new The Villages Center for Health.

MISSION CARDIOVASCULAR & THORACIC SURGEONS

3120 Waterman Way | Tavares, FL 32778 | 8575 NE 138th Lane, Suite 101 | Lady Lake, FL 32159 | 352.343.1216 | www.MissionCardiac.com

Seble Z. GabreMadhin, M.D.

Seble Gabre-Madhin, MD, FACS, (“Dr. Sebby”) is a board-certified and Harvard-trained general surgeon who specializes in laser varicose vein ablation and minimally-invasive breast procedures including stereotactic and sentinel lymph node biopsies, alternates to open or surgical biopsies. She provides patients with expert, compassionate care for a broad range of surgery needs, from colon disease to varicose veins and from skin cancers to gallbladder. Dr. Sebby recently introduced laser vein ablation services to her patients, offering a quick, non-surgical option to relieve painful or bleeding varicose veins with little pain or downtime.

As a Fellow of the American College of Surgery, Dr. Sebby dedicates herself to learning the latest techniques in the field through continuous training. All procedures are performed at the state-of-the-art surgical suites at Florida Hospital Waterman using advanced laparoscopic and minimally-invasive measures to ensure enhanced patient outcome with faster recovery times, less post-surgical pain, and little or no scaring.

CENTER FOR ADVANCED SURGERY

3350 Waterman Way | Tavares, FL 32778 | 352.742.2223 | www.CenterForAdvSurgery.com

Michael W. Fountain, M.D.

Michael W. Fountain, DO, FACOS, is boardcertified in urology, with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery and treatment for conditions such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and enlarged prostate. A Florida native, Dr. Fountain graduated from Mount Dora High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida. After serving in the United States Air Force as a staff urological surgeon, Dr. Fountain and his family decided to return to Lake County to raise their family and give back to the community they love. Dr. Fountain and Dr. Stanley share suite 1210 in Florida Hospital Waterman’s Medical Office Building to provide a comprehensive center for gynecologic and urologic care.

UROLOGY SPECIALISTS OF LAKE COUNTY

1210 Waterman Way | Tavares, FL 32778 | 352.343.2364 | www.LakeCountyUrology.com

health pros

Don Burbank, D.D.S.

Committed to keeping people smiling

Improving people’s health one smile at a time, Dr. Don Burbank and the staff at Don Burbank, D.D.S. are proud to celebrate twenty-five years of dental-care excellence.

“It has been satisfying to provide services to this community for so many years,” Dr. Burbank says with pride. “My patients have been great. They are all very nice people, and I feel I am very lucky to serve them.”

He and his team are dedicated to providing personalized, first-rate dental service in a positive, relaxed atmosphere. His ultramodern facility comes equipped to help patients achieve a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

“Our office is very upscale but also homey at the same time,” Dr. Burbank says. “We take time with our patients and treat them like members of our family. We strive to be more personal than formal.”

Dr. Burbank developed his sense for exceptional customer service and commitment to quality from his father, Dr. Don Burbank, Sr., who was a wellrespected dentist in Leesburg for many years. “My father was a very good dentist, and I always wanted

to be like him,” he says.

A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry who enjoys continuing education, Dr. Burbank offers a number of customized dental procedures and treatments such as teeth whitening, implant restorations, veneers, and preventive dentistry. After a quarter century in his Lady Lake office, he still enjoys providing the highest level of care to all his patients, both old and new.

“The best feeling is when my patients no longer have to hide their teeth when they smile,” he says. “I get to witness their entire transformation, and that, to me, makes me a very lucky guy.”

“The best feeling is when my patients no longer have to hide their teeth when they smile.”

Sundeep Shah, M.D.

Dr. Sundeep Shah is a nephrologist who has trained at the Henry Ford Hospital in downtown Detroit and the University of Miami, where he was designated the Chief Fellow. Dr. Shah provides compassionate care and is well known around The Villages for his lively and logical approach to the serious matter of healthcare. As a primary care physician with a specialist background in hypertension, diabetic complications, and kidney disease management, he represents the ideal physician for all The Villages’ healthcare needs.

Amir Etemadnia, M.D.

Dr. Amir Etemadnia was recently voted the Number One internist in The Villages as supported by a Rate-MD patient survey. He has also added aesthetic medicine to his practice. Using the most advanced Botox and dermal filler rejuvenation treatments, Dr. Etemadnia understands the decision to change your appearance is important and requires thoughtful consultation and the finest products available. He and the staff at Premier Medical also offer weight-loss techniques provided by Laser Trim Contours, which uses Zerona and Venous Freeze.

Ayesha Butt,

M.D.

Dr. Ayesha Butt performed her residency training in internal medicine at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. She has mastered many of the challenging tasks of internal medicine and prides herself on establishing long-lasting patient relationships and having the ability to manage multiple complicated medical problems with ease. Recently becoming a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Butt is touted for her calm countenance and pleasant bedside manner, which is drawing patients to her budding practice.

Florian Gegaj, M.D.

Dr. Florian Gegaj completed his internship and residency training in internal medicine at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, one of the top teaching hospitals in the country. He offers an innovative technique, which treats all patients with bone, joint, and muscle tendon disease. By using an ultrasound-guided approach, cortisone (or cortisone derivatives) is injected precisely and painlessly into the site of the discomfort. All current studies have shown the injections are far more accurate than blind, unguided injections.

Hazem El-Arousy, M.D.

Dr. Hazem El-Arousy is a highly trained vascular surgeon who specializes in cardiovascular risk modification and prevention, peripheral vascular disease, carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysms, varicose veins, lymphedema, blood clots, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. He received his vascular surgery clinical scholar fellowship training from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. He has also been published in peer-reviewed national and international vascular journals and is strongly committed to evidence-based medical practice. He is currently conducting research in the diagnostic field of breast cancer.

J. Mandume Kerina, M.D.

A Specialist in Knee Replacement

Dr. Kerina is a nationally-recognized joint replacement surgeon who is the chairman of the Uni-Path Outpatient Partial Knee Replacement training program. As the founder of Tri-County Orthopaedic Center, he is constantly striving to bring innovative orthopaedic care home to Lake County.

Dr. Kerina specializes only in knee replacement surgery. Revitalizing the lives of his patients through the compartmental approach to knee replacements. He relies on technologies such as MRI-based, computer-assisted preoperative planning, patient-specific instrumentation, and intra-operative ligament balancing to perform partial and total knee replacements that are personalized and minimally invasive.

“Offering personalized, outpatient partial knee replacements is just one more way we’re working to improve our patients’ lives,” he says. Patients benefit from lower surgical complication rates and shortened recovery times due to these techniques. “Thanks to our doctors’ unwavering dedication to the local community, Lake County residents don’t have to travel to get world-class care.”

Claudia L. Thomas, M.D.

A Specialist in the Non-Operative Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Dr. Thomas specializes in the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain and osteoporosis.

Dr. Thomas has achieved the highest level of orthopaedic training possible. She completed her fellowship in orthopaedic trauma and spine surgery at the University of Maryland—one of the premier trauma programs in the country—and went on to become the first African-American female orthopaedic surgeon in the United States. She joined the faculty of Johns Hopkins in 1981 and remains a member to this day.

After a near-fatal bout with kidney disease in 1991, she was forced to relinquish her operating room scrubs. Later, she found her calling as a champion of osteoporosis awareness. “I want to shout it from the rooftops that complications from osteoporosis kill more women than breast cancer,” she says. “I see far too many women who have gone for years without realizing their bones are being silently broken.”

Isaac L. Mitchell, M.D.

A Specialist in Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Dr. Mitchell specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder replacements—and is one of the nation’s leading shoulder surgeons. He often travels across the country and internationally to conduct training seminars to instruct other surgeons on shoulder replacement techniques.

Recently, Dr. Mitchell and his team became the first ever to perform reverse shoulder replacement surgery live for a nationally broadcast National Medical Association training seminar. When comparing a reverse shoulder replacement to a regular shoulder replacement, Dr. Mitchell says: “A reverse shoulder replacement can provide patients who have rotator cuff tears or arthritis with the relief they can’t get from a regular shoulder replacement.”

Dr. Mitchell has lived in Lake County for over nine years and is involved in several local mentoring programs. “The youth are our future,” he says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to inspire future Lake County doctors.” Cou

Alfred J. Cook, M.D.

A Specialist in Sports Medicine

Dr. Cook specializes in sports medicine. He completed his fellowship in shoulder and sports medicine at Duke University and focuses his practice on minimally invasive shoulder and knee procedures.

His expertise allows him to bring cutting-edge surgical techniques to Lake County, including a minimally invasive shoulder surgery for patients who have massive rotator cuff tears. This procedure uses tissue graft augmentation to reconstruct the patient’s rotator cuff, allowing for a greater reduction of pain and increased functionality.

Dr. Cook also offers an alternative surgical technique for patients who suffer from knee pain: cartilage restoration. “Cartilage restoration can provide relief for patients who suffer from chronic knee pain or who have focused cartilage loss,” Dr. Cook explains. “For some, it may even be a viable alternative to a knee replacement.”

John T.

Williams, Jr., M.D.

A Specialist in Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery

Dr. Williams believes that no one should expect joint pain as a part of aging.

Following graduation from Howard University School of Medicine, Dr. Williams completed fellowship training at Joint Implant Surgeons, Inc., an orthopaedic surgery practice specializing in total hip and knee replacements, as well as orthopaedic research. Prior to joining Tri-County Orthopaedic Center, Dr. Williams spent 11 years as the Director of Total Joint Replacement at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.

He specializes in advanced joint replacement surgery of the knee and hip. This includes the anterolateral approach for total hip replacements. As a board-certified joint replacement surgeon, Dr. Williams has trained surgeons throughout the country on this minimally invasive surgical technique.

“The anterior approach method allows patients to return to normal activities much earlier than the traditional hip replacement,” Dr. Williams explains. “It’s one more way I can help patients restore their quality of life as quickly as possible.”

Cedric J. Tankson, M.D.

A Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery

As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Tankson specializes in helping patients who have arthritis, sports injuries, or fractures get back on their feet.

He completed his fellowship in foot and ankle surgery at the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction (Mercy Medical Center) in Baltimore, MD. He is Lake County’s first ankle replacement surgeon and the only orthopaedic surgeon in the Tri-County area qualified to perform this complex procedure.

“For patients who suffer from chronic arthritis pain in their ankle and want to stay active, an ankle replacement may be the best option,” explains Dr. Tankson. “Compared to an ankle fusion, which is the traditional treatment for ankle arthritis, an ankle replacement can help patients preserve their motion while significantly reducing their pain—and may require less recovery time.”

Meet Dr. Lal

Q. What sets GIC apart from other practices in the area?

A. I have a genuine concern for the health and comfort of my patients. Compassion is what drives me to provide the finest quality gastrointestinal care available in the area. I have been serving area residents at my practice, Gastro-Intestinal Consultants, for over a decade.

Q. What is your philosophy concerning patient care?

A. One of the most important things I do is get to know my patients. I believe in treatment as a whole when it comes to their care. I feel that the time I spend in getting to know them is crucial in making a proper diagnosis of their illness. I am meticulous in my examinations and find it of paramount importance to make the correct diagnosis, which in turn leads to the proper treatment.

Q. What services do you provide?

A. I offer a broad range of gastroenterology services with an on-site, state-of-the-art lab in my main office. I am also skilled in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which assists in diagnosing problems in the bile duct and pancreas. I perform on-site radio frequency ablation (RFA) for

Barrett’s esophagus and the early stages of esophageal cancer. I also offer colon cancer screening, upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and flexsigmoidoscopy, among other things.

Q. What are your credentials?

A. I received my medical training at Gutner Medical College in India. I performed my residency training in internal medicine at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in New York and completed my gastroenterology fellowship at the Henry Ford Medical Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. I opened my practice in Mount Dora in 2002 and invite you to come visit me and my staff at Gastro-Intestinal Consultants.

“Compassion for my patients and truly listening to their concerns is the foundation for the quality medical care we provide.”

—Dr. Lal Nagabhairu

Dr. Felix J. Esarey

Dr. Seaborn M. Hunt III

Dr. Seaborn Hunt, an Ocala native, is a board-certified Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and his medical degree from the University of Florida. He completed his residency at the University of South Florida with the prestigious honor of being chosen as the Chief Resident of Ophthalmology. He presently has a private practice in Ocala at Seaborn M. Hunt, M.D., PA, and he also works as a medical and surgical consultant for the Lange Eye Institute in The Villages.

Having done over 10,000 successful cataract surgeries, Dr. Hunt specializes in the most advanced cataract surgery in the U.S. Santa Fe Surgery Center is currently the only center in the area to have the Alcon LenSx® laser that allows surgeons to perform bladeless laserassisted cataract surgery and astigmatism correction. He expects that by adding the LenSx® laser to his already advanced no-stitch, no-shot cataract surgery, his premium multifocal lenses (ReSTOR® and TECNIS® for distance and near vision), and the Alcon TORIC lens implant that corrects astigmatism, patients will have the chance to achieve their best possible spectacle independent vision. “I believe this laser technology is the wave of the future in cataract surgery, and we are proud to be able to offer it to our patients.”

Dr. Felix Esarey graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science in 1993. Dr. Esarey went on to earn his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine in 1997 from William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. In 1999, he completed his Podiatric Residency Program at James A. Haley Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Tampa. Dr. Esarey finds the Santa Fe Surgery Center to be a fantastic asset both for patients and his thriving practice, TriCounty Podiatry.

“I love the surgery center. It makes an amazing difference when it comes to the ease of scheduling procedures,” he says. “We have set times at the center, and we know in advance there will be no one competing for our time slot. When you use a hospital operating facility, your procedure can be delayed for many reasons. We don’t have to worry about that here. What a pleasure it is for both doctor and patient to know that when your scheduled appointment time arrives, everything you need will be in place waiting for you.”

Dr. Johnny Wu

Dr. Johnny Wu graduated from the University of Michigan in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Dr. Wu went on to earn his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine in 1997 from William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. In 1998, he completed his Podiatric Residency Program at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. After completing his residency program at Columbus Hospital in 1999, Dr. Wu started his own practice in Bartlett, Illinois. He joined Tri-County Podiatry in 2008.

“The great thing about Santa Fe is the relaxed atmosphere,” says Dr. Wu. “When a patient is in a hospital setting it can be a bit overwhelming, as there can be several operating rooms being utilized at the same time. The surgery center isn’t like that at all; it’s calm and very patient-friendly. When the patient’s appointment time arrives, everyone and everything is ready. Nothing is hurried or late.

“Our trained nursing staff has many years of hospital experience and instead of having to spread their time and attention out over many patients, they are able to focus their attention directly on the patient in front of them. It is so important for the patient to know that the physician and the attending nurses have their attention directed on them and them alone.”

“The great thing about Santa Fe is the relaxed atmosphere,”

— Dr. Johnny Wu

“I love the surgery center. It makes an amazing difference…”

— Dr. Felix J. Esarey

Dr. Scott Wehrly

Dr. Scott Wehrly is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is fellowship-trained in cornea and external disease at Duke University. He is a leading corneal transplant, cataract, oculoplastic, and glaucoma surgeon who has performed over 12,000 successful state-of-the-art cataract surgeries, over 12,000 refractive surgeries, and thousands of additional ocular and laser procedures, restoring sight to visually-challenged patients.

Dr. Wehrly served as Chief of Ophthalmology at MacDill AFB in Tampa and Chief of Ophthalmology and Director of Laser Eye Surgery at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 2001, after seven years of military service in the U.S. Air Force, he joined Lake Eye Associates and is excited to offer his patients the latest in eye care at the Santa Fe Surgical Center.

Dr. Scot Holman

Lake Eye Associates physician Dr. Scot Holman, a Dallas native, is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He graduated at the top of his class at the University of Tennessee, where he completed his medical education and was nominated to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society, among other laurels.

Dr. Holman completed his residency at the University of Florida where he developed outstanding clinical and surgical skills while learning from some of America’s most esteemed ophthalmic surgeons. He has extensive experience in the latest cataract micro-surgical techniques and state-of-the-art lens implants. His specialization and expertise includes the TECNIS® Multifocal intraocular implantable lenses, the advanced ReSTOR® multifocal implant, and the Toric® implant that corrects astigmatism.

“I am so excited for what Lake Eye Associates now offers our patients here at the Santa Fe Surgical Center,” he says. “We perform cataract surgery with state-of-the-art equipment while providing the latest in innovative lens hardware. Operating at the center gives us more consistent results, makes our procedures more efficient, and costs our patients less money.”

Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

As she leaves an exam room, white-coated Physician Assistant Gina Mangin’s flawless skin and bouncy brunette hair are a testament to both her “good genes” and commitment to proper skin and hair care.

She is trailed by a PA student from Tennessee, who has come to learn from her, Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher, and Dr. Kevin Spohr, all experts in clinical dermatology and rejuvenating aged or damaged skin.

“I enjoy teaching. Educating patients and the community about skin conditions, treatments, and good skin care is at the heart of my patient-care philosophy,” says Mangin.

Many patients come for help with problems, including birthmarks, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancers. Others are cosmetic patients who just want beautiful skin. Boucher, Spohr, and Mangin, along with aesthetician Sharon Liles, have earned a reputation for being very good at treating patients with the latest procedures available, including

micrographic MOHS skin cancer surgery.

Patients are given tips on how to protect their skin and how to keep it healthy and glowing.

“Thickening the skin is the whole point of exfoliants and gentle acids,” says Mangin. “Have you noticed how nice your feet look after walking on the beach? That’s because you’ve been sanding them.”

Advanced Dermatology in Tavares is part of the largest group of dermatology practices in the U.S. In addition to their own advanced expertise, providers here have the vast resources of nearly sixty affiliated practices to draw on. Appointments are usually available within a few days.

Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher

health pros

State-of-the-(he)art cath care

Patients undergoing a cardiac cath at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence will experience state-of-the-art technology coupled with patient-centered care and recovery. Dr. Asad Qamar and his team of knowledgeable and compassionate medical professionals will educate and guide the patient before, during, and after the procedure.

The ICE facility houses two cath labs and unlike traditional medical facilities, private recovery rooms. The centralized nursing station allows for constant monitoring of each patient. The recovery rooms boast amenities often found in high-end boutique hotels that cater to the patient’s postoperative needs for ease and relaxation. Each room has an expansive picture window, allowing natural light to lend its calming properties during the recovery period. Individual flat-screen televisions adorn the walls for catching up on the news or latest episode of daytime talk shows. Loved ones can lend their support from a plush leather chair or sofa as the nursing staff monitors vitals and heart rhythms, while administering incision site wound care and offering instruction on what to expect when going home.

Patients are instructed to not eat or drink anything after midnight before their procedure. As an added benefit to patient care and comfort, ICE alleviates the patient’s hunger pains after they are cleared post-cath by offering snacks and drinks. As recovery times vary from patient to patient, concierge services include the coordination of delivery of hot meals from local restaurants if requested. Accommodation planning is available at one of ICE’s strategic hotel partners for those who have traveled a long distance and desire an extended stay close to the facility.

A cardiac catherization is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related disease. At the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, patients will not only receive the best in medical care and technology, they will also experience the warm and caring environment they deserve on the way to recovery and beyond.

Cardiac catherization (cath) is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure doctors use to view the heart’s arteries and pumping chambers to diagnose and treat heart disease, measure muscle function, and determine the need for interventional procedures or surgery.

health pros

Adam J. Barr, D.D.S.

Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

There are few things in life as important as healthy teeth and gums. Greeting friends with a beautiful inviting smile, enjoying a delicious meal, experiencing good overall health… these are all the wonderful benefits of a healthy mouth.

Dr. Adam Barr not only helps his patients achieve optimal oral health, he also makes sure they maintain it for a lifetime. When you develop a need for a dental procedure of any type, Dr. Barr uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure you get the best quality care available. His advanced training in minimally invasive dentistry gives him the capability to perform many procedures using the latest laser and air-abrasion technologies.

Dr. Barr is dedicated to providing first-class dental care in a welcoming environment. He makes sure each visit is pleasant, relaxing and most of all, comfortable.

“I want to provide the very best for my patients,” Dr. Barr says. “Their comfort and peace of mind is my utmost concern.”

His patients quickly attest to the fact that their comfort is his top priority. “I went to Dr. Barr for a crown and root canal,” says Tavares resident Nancy Kirkbride. “I was very nervous going in but his professionalism and calm demeanor greatly eased my apprehension. Dr. Barr is a perfectionist and never rushes through anything. I felt no pain during the root canal and even went shopping afterward.”

A second-generation dentist, Dr. Barr graduated with honors in 2006 from University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He has surrounded himself with a professional staff second to none. “I think our personalities make this practice unique,” he says and smiles. “Most of the staff has been here for more than ten years, and everyone here really enjoys what they do. It shows in our patients because they keep coming back for years and years.”

“People with good teeth eat better and have better overall health and quality of life,” he says. “At our office, we love seeing the difference we make in people’s lives.”

Investing in a healthy smile helps promote self-esteem and physical health.

health pros

Lake Eye Associates

Lake County’s forerunner in technologically-advanced eye care.

Statistics show that only half of the estimated 61 million adults in the United States at high risk for serious vision loss visit an eye doctor annually, even though regular eye exams dramatically reduce — even eliminate — this risk. This is why it is vitally important to have an experienced family eye doctor. Luckily, finding one is as easy as contacting Lake Eye Associates.

Lake Eye’s three state-of-the-art offices are equipped with the latest technology and skilled physicians experienced in everything from general care to the special needs of seniors, whose interests include more than just preventive care but also treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other age-related issues. All three offices feature full-service optical centers providing eye exams from boardcertified ophthalmologists and a full line of namebrand eyewear and contact lenses. The Villages is also home to the Santa Fe Surgery Center, which is owned and run by a team of local doctors including Lake Eye

surgeons Scott Wehrly and Scot Holman.

As Americans continue to live longer and stronger than previous generations, they demand a better quality of life and that includes preserving, improving, and protecting their vision from common problems such as glaucoma (the leading cause of blindness in the U.S.), dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and one of the most common problems in people age 55 and older, cataracts. Each year, three million Americans have cataract surgery, and as their knowledge of modern medicine becomes more sophisticated, they seek out the safest, most effective procedures available. Luckily, two of Florida’s most experienced cataract surgeons are right here in Lake County.

Lake Eye surgeons Scot Holman, M.D. and Scott Wehrly, M.D. have performed thousands of successful, complication-free cataract surgeries, preventing cataract-related blindness and restoring clear, healthy vision to multitudes of satisfied patients, most of

whom experience little or no downtime. “We have extensive experience performing the most advanced surgical techniques to eliminate cataracts and restore crisp vision, including Toric, ReSTOR® and Tecnis® multifocal lens implantation,” says Dr. Wehrly. Lake Eye is the region’s first — and currently only — surgical center to offer LenSx® refractive bladeless, stitch-free laser cataract surgery, which is the most accurate cataract surgery system ever created. Says Dr. Holman, “The LenSx® computer-controlled laser captures incredibly precise, high-resolution images of the eye, making it the most revolutionary advance in cataract treatment in at least a decade. The laser makes much more precise incisions than any human possibly could. It is completely pain-free, takes only about thirty minutes to perform, and recovery is typically quicker than with traditional surgery.”

Regarding Lake Eye’s commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve, Dr. Mark Vocci says, “In order to provide the best care to our patients, we have made a major investment in the latest hightech equipment, including the LenSx® laser, which can correct cataracts and astigmatism without using surgical blades, which is the most accurate, safest and quickest way to restore and protect one’s eyesight.”

Naturally, Lake Eye specializes in treating other common problems such as glaucoma, dry eye, a torn or detached retina, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), low vision, amblyopia (a.k.a. “lazy eye”), and refractive disorders including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. What may surprise people is that its doctors also treat the functional and cosmetic problems created by baggy or drooping eyelids. The surgeons of Lake Eye have extensive experience correcting drooping, sagging, and inward/

LAKE EYE ASSOCIATES

Leesburg | 352.365.2020

Tavares | 352.343.2020

The Villages | 352.750.2020 | www.LakeEye.com

outward turning of the eyelids so that patients can not only see better but look better, too. “For some people it is a necessary surgery to correct vision impairment,” says Dr. Vocci. “For others it is done to get rid of a tired, aged look that doesn’t reflect the vitality they feel.”

All of Lake Eye’s doctors agree that visiting an ophthalmologist early and regularly allows problems to be solved before they cause severe or permanent damage. “Regular eye exams can prevent, correct or arrest nearly all eye diseases and disorders,” says Dr. Holman. “For most people, a regular check-up and possible prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses are enough to enjoy reading, driving, sports and everything else life has to offer.”

Regular exams are especially important for people age 65 and older, and those with conditions that may affect their vision, such as diabetes. “Every diabetic age 30 and over should receive an annual dilated eye exam,” says Dr. Vocci. “We need to get more diabetics in for routine exams because we have several effective ways to treat diabetic retinopathy, including steroids and laser treatment. Detecting and treating diabetic eye disease with laser therapy can dramatically reduce severe vision loss.”

“We take a personal, in-depth interest in each patient’s care,” says Dr. Wehrly. “That’s why we go to great lengths to customize treatment, from eyedrops to surgery to diet and exercise. Because when you’re a patient, it feels good to have a doctor who is deeply knowledgeable about you and your history. We are the only team of experts most patients will ever need for a lifetime of healthy vision.”

As with all things, seeing is believing. So see for yourself, at the Lake Eye Associates office near you.

(left to right): Scot C. Holman, M.D., Mark J. Vocci, M.D., Scott R. Wehrly, M.D., and Shelby L. Terpstra, D.O.

“We take a personal, in-depth interest in each patient’s care.”

—Dr. Scott R. Wehrly

It’s All About Patients

We all desire to have a doctor who takes the necessary time to answer our questions and address our concerns. A doctor who spends quality time with patients to better understand and improve their overall health. A doctor who genuinely cares about patients and is thorough and detailed when it comes to helping them achieve optimal health.

Dr. Luna Beck is exactly this type of doctor, and that is precisely why so many people trust her with all their healthcare needs. Her desire to help others is a trait she developed during childhood. While attending boarding school in India, nuns would take her and her classmates to nursing homes and poverty-stricken areas to lend a helping hand to the ailing and less fortunate.

“That really made a big impression on me. I developed a passion for helping others and realized as a child that I wanted to become a doctor,” she says.

That caring attitude is on daily display at her Summerfield-based practice, Holistic Healing Center. Dr. Beck integrates holistic and traditional medicine to best promote healthy living and aging. Both an acupuncturist and chiropractor work in her office. Another large component of her practice is prevention, which she helps patients achieve through supplements, lifestyle changes, and a customized nutrition program.

“I utilize a natural, holistic approach to health before using medication,” says Dr. Beck, who is

board-certified in internal medicine. “Of course, some patients benefit from both holistic and traditional approaches. I like giving my patients options.”

Dr. Beck routinely treats problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid, menopause, andropause, and nutritional deficiencies. She also has privileges at The Villages Regional Hospital, allowing her to provide a much-needed continuity of care to her patients who are hospitalized.

“… I developed a passion for helping others and realized as a child that I wanted to become a doctor.”

—Dr. Luna Beck

health pros Roger Spencer, M.D.

The ghost of addiction in pain management

As more physicians begin to rely primarily on medications to treat chronic pain, there is a growing number of Americans becoming addicted to prescription pain medicines.

Dr. Roger Spencer, a veteran anesthesiologist and pain specialist with Central Florida Pain Management, believes that the biggest misconception is that narcotics treat pain. “They don’t treat pain,” he says. “They just temporarily relieve symptoms that soon return.”

Dr. Spencer has witnessed patients making the dangerous choice of taking prescribed pain medications to treat their emotional pain and not their physical pain.

“Unfortunately, I’ve seen more people do this than I should. Since joining the practice in August of last year I have sent twelve people to detox and told another thirty-four to attend a twelve-step program,” he says. “I’ve even had patients die, but we want to get them help before that happens.”

Along with his years of anesthesiology and pain management experience, Dr. Spencer says one of the main reasons he was brought aboard at Central Florida Pain Management is the fact he is addictiontrained, meaning he has the ability to identify people who are at risk for addiction and help those who are already dependent.

“We do perform random drug screenings and require patients to sign opioid contracts and monitor them as best as we can,” he says.

Nevertheless, Dr. Spencer believes the answer to truly treating pain depends on using multiple techniques such as interventional and pharmacological modalities to move beyond the simple use of narcotics to more advanced treatments such as nerve and joint blocks, epidural injections, and other sophisticated medical management.

“You have to treat pain at the source,” he says. “Only then can you truly begin to work toward being pain-free.”

… the biggest misconception is that narcotics treat pain. “They don’t treat pain,” he says. “They just temporarily relieve symptoms that soon return.”

Board-certified with the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Academy of Pain Management

Cesar Euribe, M.D.

Who is doing your pain management?

Managing pain is complex and requires special training to help chronic pain patients achieve a better quality of life. When it comes to choosing your pain management provider, Dr. Cesar Euribe of Central Florida Pain Management considers the anesthesiologist to be the best qualified physician to manage your pain.

Pain management naturally fits as a subspecialty of anesthesiology. Anesthesiologists created the specialty of pain management because they naturally have been taught during their years of training how to render patients pain-free in a surgical environment. Anesthesiologists eliminate pain during surgery and provide patients with a comfortable and safe surgical experience.

“The management of chronic pain was overlooked for many years. However, since anesthesiologists are natural providers of pain management, it became clear that we could use the same techniques used in surgery for the clinical management of patients with chronic pain,” Dr. Euribe says.

Anesthesiologists are trained from their early years on the use of interventional techniques to alleviate both chronic and acute pain. The skills are practiced daily by anesthesiologists, and through that experience they can provide safe and very effective nerve blocks, epidurals, and implants. While other specialties in medicine also provide pain management, the glaring difference is the core

training in the specialty of anesthesiology.

Specializing in anesthesiology means having a heightened understanding of medication and interventional techniques such as nerve blocks, which relieve pain by inserting needles into the body to numb nerves, joints, and spaces. They also are exposed to the management and implantation of devices such as pumps and stimulators.

“It really comes down to who would you like doing your injections,” Euribe explains. “Someone who took an extra class in pain management or someone who is extensively trained and experienced?”

Anesthesiologists eliminate pain during surgery and provide patients with a comfortable and safe surgical experience.

Board Certified in Anesthesia and Pain Management Fellowship Training at Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School

Hope for tomorrow

For more than twelve years, Lake Center of H.O.P.E. has been treating its patients with compassion, care, and understanding through psychiatric and counseling services. Practicing in Lake County since 1997, Psychiatrist Nick Ungson, M.D., is proud to offer an extensive range of treatments to his patients.

“I have a wide age range that I treat — from 13 to 90-year-olds — we have no restrictions. With new developments in the fields of biological treatments, we are able to treat a broader spectrum of disorders. Treatments are becoming much more tolerable with

the advancements in modern medicine, most with minimal to no side effects for our patients,” says Dr. Ungson.

A new procedure Dr. Ungson is hoping to incorporate into his Leesburg office — he also has an office located in The Villages — is transcranial magnetic stimulation. Chronic mental illness is many times difficult to put into remission. With the introduction of this ground-breaking procedure, patients receive thirty treatments lasting seven minutes each over the course of four to six weeks. A highly focused MRI-strength magnet stimulates the nerve cells that control mood. Patients remain awake and alert in the outpatient procedure, and for those patients who can benefit from this procedure, improvement in symptoms can be seen in as little as a few weeks. For many, it can eliminate some forms of depression entirely.

Dr. Ungson is pleased to provide his services to those who need it most. From substance abuse to depression — and everything in between — he is available to help you weather life’s storms.

… Psychiatrist Nick Ungson, M.D, is proud to offer an extensive range of treatments to his patients.

Citrus Cardiology Consultants

When it comes to comprehensive heart care at a state-of-the-art, full-service cardiac care center — think Citrus Cardiology Consultants. With six physicians on staff in their Lake-Sumter office to meet your every need, they supply high-quality, board-certified cardiac care that is second-to-none.

Citrus Cardiology offers highly-trained medical professionals, the latest therapies, emerging technologies, and current treatments in heart care — such as aortic percutaneous valve replacement and radial access for angioplasty. To stay current and directly involved with medical advances such as these, the physicians and staff at Citrus Cardiology are regularly

involved with research studies, registries, and clinical trials.

Among the services offered at Citrus Cardiology are prevention, early detection, and treatment of cardiac conditions; diagnostic and interventional procedures; ablation for abnormal heart rhythms; pacemakers and biventricular devices; nuclear, PET, and echo ancillary testing; and Coumadin and device clinics in-house.

Besides offering this comprehensive array of diagnostic and monitoring tests to handle all your cardiac needs, the practice also offers numerous home-monitoring options to help reduce the need for office monitoring. Our team of board-certified physicians, with sub-specialization certifications, ensures each patient receives exceptional care. Their in-office programs allow patients to enjoy a seamless continuum of care — all under one roof.

Citrus Cardiology also utilizes electronic medical records throughout their practice and in conjunction with area hospitals. Having access to real-time communication significantly enhances communication among the practice’s team of six non-invasive physicians, five interventionists, one invasive cardiologist, and two electrophysiologists. It also allows them to effectively communicate with patients’ primary physicians — even ones who are out-of-state.

Citrus also offers a comprehensive website where patients can discover more about the practice, meet the doctors and staff, and watch videos of select procedures to help alleviate any anxiety they may have. In addition, patients can request refill prescriptions and even securely pay their bill online with the website.

Most importantly, all of their services are offered in a warm, comfortable environment and administered by a team of healthcare professionals who genuinely care about each patient. That is why Citrus Cardiology is at the heart of compassionate cardiac care. Their focus is and will always continue to be offering the best cardiac care possible, one patient at a time.

health pros

Florida Musculoskeletal Institute

The doctors of FMI know how to eliminate pain — and they have the numbers to prove it.

Because Central Florida boasts a large busy, ambitious, and active senior population, it is naturally a popular area for medical practices that feature orthopaedic reconstructive and joint replacement surgery. However, Florida Musculoskeletal Institute is unlike other practices in many ways. FMI has been serving the area for thirty-five years. Its board-certified orthopaedic surgeons share a collective 100 years practicing a wide range of pain relief and mobility restoration treatments. Each and every FMI surgeon has performed hundreds of safe, successful surgeries. FMI’s doctors are specialists in leading-edge, safe, and proven-effective technologies.

“As a patient, you want a physician who treats you as a unique individual,” says Dr. Cowin. “Even as surgeons, our philosophy is to treat our patients conservatively and approach surgery as a last resort. We have many effective options that allow our patients to return to their normal activity level without surgery. Patients should be able to count on a practice’s success rate, safety stats, and the expertise of their doctors to provide safe and lasting results.”

FMI offers patients a wide range of options to treat pain, stiffness, and weakness, including sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff repair, cartilage repair, trauma, and fracture care, podiatry and osteoporosis evaluation. Additionally, FMI offers most types of joint replacement procedures including customized “perfect fit” knee joints, gender-specific knee replacement, shoulder replacement, and anterior approach hip replacement, which utilizes a custom table to enable surgical entry from the front of the hip instead of the side or back. “I love this procedure,” says Dr. Ollivierre. “It reduces cutting into the surrounding muscles so recovery is faster,

pain is reduced, and most patients are up and moving the very same day. It is truly revolutionary. FMI was the first to offer this procedure locally and, even though I’ve performed it many times, the ingenuity still impresses me.”

The doctors of FMI have the surgical, educational, and hands-on experience few local surgeons can match. And, as experts, they encourage people seeking pain relief to do their homework by checking a physician’s credentials and asking neighbors and friends about their experiences with orthopaedic specialists in the area. “Although a lot of people travel in from other locales to see our doctors, most of our patients live here in the area. We live in the same community, so our reputation is everything. And we’re proud that most all of our patients surveyed would recommend us to friends and family. That is the ultimate testimonial,” says Dr. Huntt.

Of their practice’s recent anniversary, Dr. Grey states, “I can say that our thirty-five years of helping thousands of people feel good again is an excellent beginning. We will never stop researching, learning, and applying the most effective technologies and procedures. And we will always work to ensure each patient feels like our number one priority.”

(left to right): Chad Watkins, DPM, FACFAS; Carl Ollivierre, MD, FACS; Monique Grey, MD; Andrew Huntt, MD; John Cowin, MD

The doctors of FMI have the surgical, educational, and hands-on experience few local surgeons can match.

Comprehensive care at your convenience

hile healthy living commonly involves exercise and eating right, it is also as critical to find a medical home focused on complete healthcare.

“We understand a patient needs a doctor when they are healthy and when they are sick,” says Dr. Nayana Vyas, founder and owner of FPG. “By understanding the needs of the patient when they are healthy, we are able to provide better care when they are sick.”

At FPG, nearly all facets of healthcare are under one roof. In addition to nearly 100 primary care doctors, the group has home health monitoring, pharmaceutical services, multiple specialty practices, and transportation. There are several FPG Seniors Clubs, promoting a healthy lifestyle. At the hospital, FPG hospitalists and case managers are there to assist.

“Consolidated care is the way healthcare should be delivered because we see significantly better results, including fewer readmissions and shorter hospital stays,” Vyas says. “The patients are also not as stressed because of fewer test and a better understanding of their needs.”

Family Physicians Group (FPG) is such a place.

Whealthcare. is such a

FPG has focused on a cal hoome me years, en the pa p ti tient’s c naate t d at a level that knows the best prim i ary doctor

FPG has focused on being a patient-centered medical home for more than twenty-five years, ensuring the patient’s complete medical needs are coordinated at a level that knows the patient best — the primary care doctor.

While FPG has provided services as a patientcentered medical home for decades, it was recently recognized at the highest level as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Also, FPG was named an Accountable Care Organization, a healthcare organization responsible for properly coordinating healthcare services for people with traditional Medicare in order to improve quality of care while reducing healthcare cost.

health pros

“Painful feet?... Limp in and leap out”

Dr. Karsten Weber and Dr. Alex Stirling of Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center have been the leading lower extremity specialists for years in the Lake County area. They understand that pain of the foot and/or ankle can greatly interfere with a patients’ ability to work and live successfully. Due to such an increased demand in their practice recently, the Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center physicians have recently added two new podiatric physicians and have opened a second office in the Lady Lake/Villages area.

Dr. Weber established his practice six years ago in Leesburg and was joined shortly thereafter by Dr. Stirling. Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center is now proud to announce the addition of Dr. Jason Hancock and Dr. Nicole Hancock. Lakeside Foot and Ankle Center is a collection of extensively trained podiatric surgeons specializing in every aspect of podiatric care. They utilize a vast array of conservative care before employing surgical intervention. “It is our goal to get our patients back on their feet as quickly as possible while using the most up-to-date techniques and procedures available,” says Dr. Weber.

Our practice encompasses the complete realm of podiatric care. We treat every foot ailment from ingrown toenails and warts; to bunions and hammertoes; to diabetic foot care, lower extremity wound care; to complete rear foot reconstruction.

Our patients understand that we are here for them. Our podiatric physicians are available in multiple locations with extended hours. Our newest office is located in Lady Lake. We have work-in appointment times blocked off every day for patients with emergent conditions that need to be seen the same day. We are on staff at many of the area hospitals and provide in-hospital consulting services.

Join the Lakeside Foot and Ankle Family. “Limp on in and we will help you Leap on out.”

(left to right): Dr. Karsten Weber, Dr. Alex Stirling, Dr. Nicole Hancock, and Dr. Jason Hancock

“It is our goal to get our patients back on their feet as quickly as possible…”

Gulfcoast Spine Institute

Dr. Bono & Dr. Ronzo D.O. Get You “Back”

You have heard horror stories about traditional spine surgery: how it requires large incisions, how much blood you may lose, how much postoperative pain you will feel, and how much time you will spend in the hospital.

Therefore, you avoid seeking treatment and continue to endure pain. As your pain worsens, you fi nd yourself missing work and unable to participate in fun activities such as dancing, golfi ng, or even walking. You gain weight due to a lack of mobility.

You don’t have to spend your life suffering and remaining on the sidelines. Nationally renowned physicians Dr. Frank Bono and James Ronzo, D.O. of Gulfcoast Spine Institute have performed thousands upon thousands of successful minimally invasive spine surgeries. That’s quite an impressive achievement, especially when you consider that less than ten percent of spine surgeons in the United States actually perform minimally invasive spine surgery.

Patients of Drs. Bono and Ronzo enjoy very favorable outcomes. They experience reduced operating times, less soft tissue damage due to reduced muscle retraction, less painful surgical incisions, reduced blood loss, faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, and less scarring.

Minimally invasive surgery is primarily used for spinal fusion (which often is performed on degenerative discs), deformity corrections such as scoliosis, removal of herniated discs, stabilization

on Track

of fractures, and laminectomies. All minimally invasive techniques are Medicare-approved, and this provides peace of mind for patients who are discovering their physicians no longer accept Medicare, claiming that reimbursement rates are too low and paperwork is too much of a hassle.

At Gulfcoast Spine, most patients with Medicare and secondary insurance pay little to no out-of-pocket expenses. And because the doctors operate out of Medicare-approved facilities, there are also no “facility fees” for those who have Medicare and a secondary insurance.

You don’t have to spend your life suffering and remaining on the sidelines.

An Impeccable Image

It is fair to say that nobody enjoys visiting an imaging center. If a person is going there, a doctor feels something is medically wrong, and the patient oftentimes fears the worst.

Fortunately, Advanced Imaging Centers offers the latest technology in a relaxing, patient-friendly setting. The staff goes above and beyond to provide an inviting setting with the patient’s comfort in mind.

“Service is important to us, and the patient’s experience is important to us,” says radiologist Jayson Lord, M.D. “We understand that they are anxious, which is why we provide quick turnaround times with our tests. We try to be efficient as possible while doing a thorough job.”

That has been the philosophy since Lord and two of his college classmates at the University of South Florida Michael O’Neil, M.D., and Charles Domson, M.D., started the company ten years ago in Leesburg. They have since opened offices in The Villages and Clermont.

“Because we are physician-owned, our goal is patient care rather than profit,” Lord says. “When a patient chooses us, or a doctor chooses to send their patient to us, we must provide the patient with personalized service, and the ordering provider with expert results. This has become routine thanks to our dedicated team of staff and radiologists.”

Advanced Imaging Center currently offers a wide range of imaging services, including MRI, CAT scans, ultrasound, mammography, Dexa, and X-rays. For the convenience of patients, the com-

pany recently added in-house ultrasound-guided biopsy for mammography patients. If something suspicious shows up on a mammogram, a woman can undergo an ultrasound-guided biopsy at Advanced Imaging Centers instead of being referred to a hospital.

“This is another example of how much we pride ourselves in offering superior patient services,” Lord says. “Our goal has always been to offer expertise in radiology in a comfortable, friendly environment.”

(left to right): Dr. Jayson Lord, Dr. Michael O’Neill, and Dr. Charles Domson

“When a patient chooses us, or a doctor chooses to send their patient to us, we must provide the patient with personalized service, and the ordering provider with expert results. This has become routine thanks to our dedicated team of staff and radiologists.”

— Dr Jayson Lord

Vascular Vein Centers

Vein disease is overlooked by the general public and many times even by the medical profession. Varicose veins and edema are often viewed as merely cosmetic issues. Often, patients with dry, scaly skin or brownish discoloration on the inside of the lower leg are told nothing can be done. Untreated vein disease can be progressive and lead to lifestyle changes and debility. Patients with heaviness, aches, pressure

sensations, leg swelling, and varicose veins should be evaluated by a phlebologist — a medical specialist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein problems.

Vascular Vein Centers (VVC) has been the leader in venous therapy in Central Florida for over twelve years, and our board-certified specialists all have at least twenty years of experience in dealing with vein problems and treating ulcers resulting from vein disease. In fact, Dr. Samuel Martin was a founder and the medical director of the first wound care center in Central Florida.

At VVC, our mantra is “Healthy Legs, Healthy Life.” We use the latest medically proven technology to give complete and compassionate care.

Samuel Martin, M.D., FACS, Founder and Medical Director

Over thirty-four years of vascular experience; the first fellowship-trained vascular surgeon in Central Florida; diplomat of the American Board of Phlebology

Hugo Hart, M.D., FACS

Board-certified general surgeon with over thirty years of experience; recently completed a mission trip to the Dominican Republic treating venous disease with the latest technology donated by VVC.

Daniel Arnold, M.D., FACS

Board-certified general surgeon; former attending physician at the St. Cloud Wound Care Center. Dr. Arnold also specializes in facial aesthetics.

Professional affiliations: Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Phlebology, Florida Vascular Society, Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum.

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Premier Medical Associates & Urgent Care

For more than twenty-five years Premier Medical Associates & Urgent Care has served our community with first-class medical care delivered with care and compassion.

Urgent and same-day appointments are available at a cutting-edge facility fully staffed with comprehensive and competent medical providers who are board-certified leaders in the healthcare arena.

Premier Medical offers a number of vital testing and services in-house to accommodate their patients. These services include non-invasive cardiovascular tests, nuclear stress tests, insulin pumps, sleep studies, nerve conduction studies, etc. They also offer flu, pneumonia, and shingles shots to the general public. Additionally, certain locations have a pharmacy and full laboratory on-site, as well as extended hours for the urgent care facilities.

What truly sets Premier apart is their uncommon practice of making house calls! Through their Wellness on Wheels program, they offer superb healthcare throughout the tri-county area. The modern-day house call means patients are able to be treated where they live, whether it is in their own home, a nursing home, a group home, hotel, assisted living facility, or hospice. Anyone is eligible for a house call; it’s not necessary to be homebound.

Premier Medical’s providers are available from 9a.m.–5p.m. Monday through Friday and offer the same level of care patients would expect to receive at their full-scale health care facilities but in the conveniences of home. Many of the in-home services include comprehensive care for a number of medical problems, acute or urgent care, preventive medical services such as physical exams and prostate screening, blood drawing, electrocardiogram, and X-ray and medical imaging studies.

Premier Medical has multiple locations throughout Lake, Sumter, and Marion counties with five convenient locations in The Villages, Leesburg, Ocala, and Bushnell. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 352.259.2159.

You are in Qualified Hands at

Santa Fe Surgical Center

Santa Fe Surgical Center boasts a hospital-trained staff with an average of fifteen years experience in the medical field. Unlike hospital care, where attending staff are many times overloaded with the number of patients they must manage, we offer individualized personal care that will make your surgical experience the very best possible. Our highlyskilled nurses will give you the attention and care you deserve. The warm, friendly, and qualified staff will make your surgical experience a positive one, assuring you are in qualified hands.

Tim Reed, M.D., medical director for the Santa Fe Surgical Center, is a board-certified anesthesiologist.

“We’ve been in operation for over an year now and I am excited for the opportunity to work at one of the premier facilities for outpatient surgery in the Lake County area. It is great to work with such a fantastic group of nurses, surgeons, and medical staff who all have one common goal — the best possible outcome for each and every patient we see.”

Santa Fe Surgical Center is a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center owned and operated by Innovative Surgical Solutions Management, LLC. With over twenty years of experience and 100 surgical centers nationwide, Innovative Surgical Solutions has the practical skills and knowledge it takes to make Santa Fe the place to go for all your outpatient surgical needs.

“Our customer satisfaction rating has been perfect,” says center administrator Nancy Kastner. “We pride ourselves on providing both convenience and professionalism for the patients we serve. Our Santa Fe center is fully accredited, and we accept all private insurance plans and Medicare.”

441 CareUrgent

Not all urgent care centers are created equal. The team at 441 Urgent Care knows that in order to be exceptional, one must provide exceptional care. That certainly rings true for this dedicated team of doctors, physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners, and administrative staff.

With offices in Summerfield and The Villages, 441 Urgent Care is proud to offer treatments to residents in surrounding areas with exceptional care but without the wait time that a typical emergency room requires. “Urgent care facilities help bridge the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency room. Patients appreciate the extended hours we offer and know that they will receive the care they want and deserve,” says PA Adam Santos.

Another plus to this practice is their van service. For $10, patients can be taken to any doctor’s office or urgent care within twenty miles and returned home. “This has been a big hit with our patients. They appreciate this convenience, especially because many no longer drive,” says PA Santos.

441 Urgent care offers extended hours to meet the needs of patients almost any time, day or night. The Summerfield office is opened from 8a.m. to midnight and The Villages location is opened 8a.m. to 8p.m. with both offices opened 365 days a year.

PA Santos says, “If you call or are here before 8p.m. or midnight, respectively, we will leave the light on for you.”

“Urgent care facilities help bridge the gap between your primary care physician and the emergency room. Patients appreciate the extended hours we offer and know that they will receive the care they want and deserve.”

—PA Adam Santos

Face 2 Face Aesthetics and Wellness

We all desire to look as young as we feel. Face 2 Face Aesthetics and Wellness helps clients achieve exactly that.

The company, which opened in November, offers a wide array of services for a client’s aesthetic, cosmetic, and wellness needs. Bothersome issues such as rosacea, facial veins, brown spots, and unwanted hair can be effectively dealt with. Or, clients can simply enjoy having their skin rejuvenated.

health pros

Dr. Dino Madonna, who is well known and respected for achieving excellent results in cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery, provides leadership and guidance. One big advantage, he says, is that Face 2 Face provides a team approach utilizing estheticians, massage therapists, pedicurists, and manicurists. As a result, clients can receive continued maintenance and care for improved long-term results.

“I’m excited because this allows me to provide a more comprehensive array of facial aesthetics and skin care from start to finish. Previously, follow-up after invasive surgical procedures such as face and neck lifting or laser resurfacing may have been sporadic. With the team we now have, clients can continue coming back and maximizing their results under professional guidance. We plan to continue expanding and optimizing the services we provide.”

There are other advantages as well. “Oftentimes, people talk to me about rejuvenation but do not want to undergo a major procedure,” Dr. Madonna says. “This gives me other alternatives to help them look good and feel good about themselves.”

Even better, the services are offered under the scope of Lake ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery, which has a long history of providing exceptional services to residents of Lake and Sumter counties. Procedures offered at Face 2 Face include chemical peels, facials, manicures, pedicures, microdermabrasion, and massage and laser treatment for hair reduction, facial veins, and sun damage. Botox, Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm treatments are also offered, and the company offers a complete line of skincare products.

For more info, visit www.Face2FaceFL.com

Where patient care is Number One

When it comes to exceptional patient care with a compassionate and welcoming flair, Dr. Romulo Camogliano and his dependable staff have you covered. And as another step toward improving and expediting patient care, Dr. Edgar Cardenas has joined Dr. Camogliano and Janet Baker King, ARNP, to be able to meet the growing medical needs of the community

“We put the care of the patients first. We strive to be an extremely professional and family-oriented practice where people can come in and feel relaxed and stress-free,” Dr. Camogliano says.

For many years, Dr. Camogliano’s office has been touted as a well-established, hometown family medical practice with friendly, knowledgeable staff and the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology. His dedication to keeping people on the path to

total wellness has garnered him a stellar reputation throughout The Villages, which he has proudly served for eighteen years.

Dr. Camogliano and his team offer a wide range of primary care services including annual physicals, women’s annual exams, diabetes screening and glucose monitoring, and blood pressure and cholesterol screening and monitoring. They also offer a number of in-house services such as daily lab draws, bone density scans, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms, eliminating the stress of having to visit other sites for testing.

Moreover, with privileges at both Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital and also at Lady Lake Specialty Care and The Club Health and Rehabilitation Center at The Villages, Dr. Camogliano says he can follow patients every step of the way in their treatment. “From your home, to the hospital, to a skilled nursing facility, I make sure my patients continue to receive the highest level of care.”

health pros

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Beat Goes On

Cardiac catheterization is extremely beneficial in helping physicians detect problems such as narrowed arteries. For patients, however, it is a tedious recovery. They have to lie flat for six hours to prevent bleeding.

Not anymore.

Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s Heart Institute performs cardiac catheterizations using a radial access approach. The radial artery, which is located in the wrist, is closer to the surface and easier to access. And instead of lying flat for six hours, patients can sit upright immediately following the procedure.

“According to the Journal of American College of Cardiology, the complication rate through the radial approach is near zero percent,” says Eugene Claudio, manager of the Heart Institute. “Patients love being able to sit up and drink coffee as opposed to having to lie flat several hours. This is a safe alternative to accessing the femoral artery, and we want the radial approach to become the primary approach.”

Another procedure is accessing the pedal artery in the ankle to treat peripheral artery disease. This approach is extremely beneficial for patients who may have been told their limb is unsalvageable.

“The pedal approach allows us to open up arteries so their wounds can heal in some cases,” Claudio says. “We have started working closely with our Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center to identify such patients.”

Utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as these is why Leesburg Regional Medical Center does not miss a beat when it comes to cardiovascular care.

“Surprisingly, most patients who undergo cardiac catheterization are candidates for a transradial artery procedure,” says Claudio. “In fact, transradial procedures make it possible in some cases for patients to go home the same day of their angioplasty a few hours later. Instead of spending the night in the hospital, you can sleep in your own bed!”

To find a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, visit www.LeesburgRegional.org and click “Find a Physician” or call 352.323.1000.

“Patients love being able to sit up and drink coffee as opposed to having to lie flat several hours. This is a safe alternative to accessing the femoral artery, and we want the radial approach to become the primary approach.”

Stop suffering with sinus problems

Despite the seemingly endless bouts with runny noses and stuffy heads, you can now breathe easy. That’s because Lake ENT offers the most advanced and least invasive sinus relief procedures available.

Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure that involves the insertion of a guide wire catheter with a tiny balloon through a patient’s nostril. This minimally invasive procedure widens the sinus passageway and spares the removal of bone and tissue.

“This procedure has been performed for seven years and has a ninety percent success rate nationally,” says Dr. Michael Freedman, who began utilizing the procedure at his practice in Cleveland before joining Lake ENT two years ago. “Patients enjoy a faster recovery time, less downtime, and minimal bleeding.”

Of course, there are other advantages: The procedure is performed in-office, saving patients from paying hospital bills. Moreover, patients can

drive themselves to and from the office and return to normal activities the following day. Finally, health insurance companies pay for the procedure.

“Most sinus diseases and infections can be successfully managed with medication, and we always take a conservative approach before we explore surgery,” Dr. Freedman says. “However, patients who do need surgery need to know that this procedure is very safe and effective. I find it very gratifying when patients tell me they are experiencing fewer headaches, less drainage, and wake up with less stuffiness. Everything we do here for sinus care is based on a patient’s quality of life.”

(left to right): Michael A. Freedman, D.O., Dino Madonna, M.D., S. Dwight Vaught, M.D., and Judith C. Milstead, M.D.

“Everything we do here for sinus care is based on a patient’s quality of life.”

— Dr. Michael Freedman

Eddie Orobitg, DMD

CEREC technology — nothing hurt. It’s incredible. Dr. Eddie is my new dentist.”

The morning of Bill Gurski’s recent dental appointment to replace a lost filling using a new technology called CEREC, he was tempted to cancel. “I would have made an appointment for a year from now if I wasn’t worried about an abscess,” said Gurski.

Instead, Bill “white-knuckled” it to see Dr. Eddie Orobitg, who his friend had recommended.

What happened next took Gurski by surprise. “There was nothing to it,” said Gurski, who has had a “dreadful fear of dentists” since childhood. “It was literally pain free.”

“I’ve gone to the same dentist for more than thirty years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Gurski, 68. “Everything was easier than I expected. The modern X-ray photography, the

“Technology is changing our everyday lives,” says Dr. Orobitg. “Many people aren’t aware that technology is also impacting dentistry in new and exciting ways. CEREC is a leading-edge technology we’re really happy about bringing to our patients. We’re now creating permanent, totally realistic restorations (crowns, inlays/onlays and veneers) that look and feel just like real teeth… in only one visit. No more temporary crowns. No second visits. No re-numbing. And there is less sensitivity. The marvels of dental technology have brought the lab to us.”

“I didn’t expect to be interviewed, but I’d tell anybody, CEREC is great,” said Gurski.

Will Gurski keep his next appointment? “I won’t hesitate next time. Dr. Orobitg, his staff, and his technology are terrific.”

“Dental miracles” in just one visit… patients Love CEREC Restorations

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Fat Pad Restoration

Dr. Richard Benjamin of The Foot and Ankle Center can get you on your feet again!

Can’t find the source of your foot pain?

Nothing can slow you down like foot pain. And nothing can cause foot pain like “fat pad atrophy.” Many people have never heard of fat pad atrophy, but it is becoming an increasing problem as our aging generation’s “Golden Years” become more and more active.

What is fat pad atrophy?

The bottom of the foot has several “pads” of fat that act as shock absorbers with every step you take. As you age, and through the wear and tear of use, these pads atrophy or thin. As they do, every step you take can cause excruciating pain. Many times this syndrome can go undiagnosed for years. For many, the wrong diagnosis or improper treatment has led to years of debilitating pain and disability.

The Foot and Ankle Center has the answer to pain caused by foot pad atrophy. In fact, Dr. Richard Benjamin wrote the book on its treatment — literally. Three years ago he created the Benjamin Fat Pad Restoration procedure that cures foot pain caused by this painful disease. He is now one of only three podiatrists in the U.S. who perform the procedure… and he personally taught both other physicians how to perform it.

An answer to your foot pain

“I invented an outpatient procedure that has patients in and out of surgery in three hours,” says Dr. Benjamin. “Using this minimally invasive technique, I make a small incision on the bottom

of the foot where the second and third toes meet the foot. I then underscore and free-up the tissue to create a pocket approximately 4 by 7 centimeters in size. I then insert either a Graft Jacket or BioTape pad into the pocket I created and stitch it closed. Amazingly, our patients are able to walk out of the surgical unit immediately following the procedure.”

The Graft Jacket or BioTape material then bonds with the surrounding tissue of the foot, recreating the original pad. Within three weeks patients are pain-free and back out on the golf course or walking and exercising, and within six weeks they are back to pickleball or tennis. Over 1.5 million procedures have been performed with absolutely no rejection of the inserted pad.

“Of course, surgery is always the last option after arch supports or orthotic inserts, but it is always good to know there is a permanent solution to fat pad atrophy,” says Dr. Benjamin.

And it is always comforting to be able to receive treatment from the man who wrote the book on the successful treatment of foot pad atrophy… Dr. Richard Benjamin!

Dr. Benjamin is board-certified in foot and ankle surgery. He is a former adjunct professor of surgery at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, is the former president of the American Association of Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons, and is an international and national speaker on foot surgery and wound therapy. He has been in practice since 1980.

Need a Hand?

Surgeons who perform knee surgery at Florida Hospital Waterman are given an extra hand — in the form of a robot. MAKOplasty robotic partial knee resurfacing was introduced at the hospital two and a half months ago. So far, the results have been excellent, with patients experiencing smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and less rehabilitation.

Dr. Jon Radnothy of Radnothy-Perry Orthopaedics in Tavares was the driving force in bringing this stateof-the-art technology to Florida Hospital Waterman. “MAKOplasty offers as precise results as you can pos-

“I was Dr. Radnothy’s first patient to undergo this procedure. I was amazed at the results. I immediately had lots of flexibility and experienced no pain and did not have to take drugs. I would wholeheartedly recommend this procedure to anyone who is undergoing a knee replacement.”

sibly obtain,” he says. “There are only a small number of hospitals who are willing to invest in this technology. That speaks volumes as to how much the administration of Florida Hospital Waterman cares about residents of Lake County.”

Before the surgery, a CT scan is used to make a three-dimensional image of a patient’s knee. Then, the surgeon calculates a customized surgical plan that precisely pinpoints where arthritic knee surfaces need to be removed and where an implant should be placed. An added benefit is that healthy bone, ligaments, and tendons are spared.

“This technology allows the surgeons to precisely execute the pre-operative plan,” says Heather Wood, who serves as director of surgical services.

Florida Hospital Waterman is the only hospital in Lake, Marion, Sumter, Citrus, and Putnam counties to offer MAKOplasty robotic partial knee resurfacing. The procedure typically lasts between forty-five minutes to one hour.

The following local surgeons perform MAKOplasty:

SAMIR C. GURU, D.O., www.guruortho.com; DONALD PERRY,M.D., www.rpocenter.com; JON RADNOTHY, D.O., www.rpocenter.com. www.rpocenter.com.

(left to right): Dr. Samir Guru, Dr. Jon Radnothy, and Dr. Donald Perry

— Gene Smith

health pros

MacInnis Dermatology

Living in the Sunshine State means great weather for exciting outdoor activities and miles of gorgeous beaches where people can relax while basking in the warm Florida sunshine. But beware, too much fun in the sun can damage your skin and, in some cases, lead to skin cancer.

On the cutting edge of comprehensive dermatological care, Dr. Colleen MacInnis of MacInnis Dermatology offers MOHS surgery to treat those suffering from this serious disease. MOHS is a highly specialized, extremely precise surgical technique that removes the cancer microscopically, minimizing damage to any surrounding healthy tissue.

“Using the MOHS surgery technique, we can remove all types of skin cancer. Because the surgery is performed layer by layer until all signs of the cancer is removed, it does take some time. The upside is it produces minimal scarring because it only takes what is damaged. It also has an extremely high cure rate,” Dr. MacInnis says. “It is over ninety-nine percent effective.”

What truly sets MacInnis Dermatology apart is its impressive range of services and inviting atmosphere. From the top of your head to the tip of your toes, the staff at MacInnis Dermatology caters to each client’s hair, nails, and skin needs with the utmost professionalism and a touch of genuine hospitality.

“We treat everyone like they are family. People appreciate our team approach, and as a result, they want to come see us,” says Dr. MacInnis.

Though Dr. MacInnis is fairly new to Lake County, but has many years of experience, her practice continues to grow by leaps and bounds. “We stay very busy, and it is all thanks to word-of-mouth,” she says. “We’ve grown our practice at an amazing rate, and we are extremely pleased. It really speaks to how we treat every patient. We always make sure when people visit us they have the very best experience.”

What truly sets MacInnis Dermatology apart is its impressive range of services and inviting atmosphere.

Robotics Boost Benefits of Single-Incision Gallbladder Surgery

For a skilled general surgeon like Dr. Christopher Johnson, gallbladder surgery is fairly routine.

In fact, for the past four years, Dr. Johnson has been removing patients’ problematic gallbladders through a single incision in the belly button, a procedure that typically results in better recovery time and less pain for his patients than open surgery.

Earlier this year, however, the FDA gave surgeons and their patients even more options when it approved single-site gallbladder surgeries using the da Vinci robotic system. Dr. Johnson, surgical chief at South Lake Hospital, says he and fellow surgeons are excited about the approval because it gives them greater control of the procedure.

“With da Vinci, we have 3-D, high-definition imaging that gives us incredible visibility,” Johnson says. “The images are as good, if not better, than even open surgery.”

Johnson also points out the surgical team’s maneuverability is improved, too. “The instruments are more flexible and integrated, which makes them more effective during the procedure.”

For patients, single-site gallbladder surgery produces significantly less scarring because the entry point is the navel, where there are naturally hidden areas to make an incision. The surgery is minimally invasive, so most patients typically experience a shorter, less-painful recovery.

South Lake Hospital is the only Lake County hospital with the da Vinci surgical system. The hospital’s specially trained surgeons are also using the robotic technology to perform gynecological, urological, and other general surgeries.

“What I am most impressed with is how this technology elevates the level of care and quality we provide our patients,” says Johnson, who served two terms as the hospital’s chief of staff and sits on its Medical Executive Committee. “It’s an important innovation for physicians because it has a direct positive impact on our patients.”

For more info about the da Vinci system at South Lake Hospital, visit www.southlakehospital.com.

Laser Trim Contours

Laser Trim Contours of The Villages is committed to offering ground-breaking, aesthetic treatments to help you look better, younger, hotter, and thinner.

With the introduction of the Zerona (which is a cold low-level laser procedure) and Venus Freeze (which is a magnetic contouring procedure), both of which are FDA-approved, clients can have their true shapes revealed without the downtime, pain, or bruising that is involved with traditional inchloss. These revolutionary procedures can help take up to four inches off your butt, thighs, and waist in as little as six sessions in two weeks — with zero

pain and zero surgery.

Both treatments, which are only offered through Laser Trim Contours, have distinctive qualities that differentiate them from other body-contouring products on the market.

Zerona is used to shrink the fat cells and minimize cellulite while helping to push it through the lymphatic system, ridding your body of unwanted fat.

Venus Freeze utilizes heat-activated magnetic pulses and radio frequency waves to assist in the reduction of wrinkles and cellulite. This helps to give back that youthful appearance, svelte figure, tight derriere, and radiant unlined face — the things that are a part of the aging process.

Kristine Howard and Lori Garrard are certified technicians with Laser Trim Contours. They are extensively trained and certified in the utilization of the Zerona and Venus Freeze procedures.

Both love the unique procedure rooms. Each room boasts a small waterfall, dim lighting, soft music, candles, and aromatherapy oils to help create a soothing atmosphere for the client — much like a relaxing day at the spa, which is exactly the tone they set out to achieve. What a relaxing way to become a brand new you!

What a relaxing way to become a brand new you!

Groundbreaking Diagnostic Advances at Lake Medical Imaging Lead to Early Diagnosis, Successful Disease Management

Lake Medical Imaging

Continues to Set Benchmarks for Best Practices

Dr. Cathrine E. Keller Managing Physician

For close to 50 years, Lake Medical Imaging has earned its standing as one of the most respected diagnostic imaging practices in the country. The practice continues to garner national recognition for the quality of patient care and safety from some of the field’s most respected professional organizations and was the recipient of the Best Practices in Patient-Centric Radiology Award at the 2011 RSNA (Radiology Society of North America) conference.

Since Lake Medical Imaging’s first physicians began providing radiology services to Leesburg General Hospital (now Leesburg Regional Medical Center) in 1965, the practice has grown to be one of a few full-service diagnostic imaging centers in our region specializing and fully accredited in MRI, CT, PET (Positron

Emission Tomography), women’s imaging, needle core breast biopsies, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. The 22 Board Certified Radiologists at Lake Medical Imaging are devoted to providing accurate diagnosis and the best patient care and have recently introduced several groundbreaking technologies.

Pinpointing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, following lung cancer. Until now, it was difficult to accurately determine a patient’s prostate cancer severity and minimize the number of prostate biopsies required, which is currently between 12 and 30

samples. By using a new advanced MRI image analysis system called VividLook®, Lake Medical Imaging Radiologists are able to better localizesites of potential cancer from within the complex vasculature of the prostate.

“This exam serves as an enhancement to prostate ultrasound,” said Dr. Cathrine Keller, managing physician for the group. “The additional information the MRI gives serves to guide the biopsy and support treatment planning, and can be used with the Urologist’s prostate ultrasound to help direct biopsy of cancer localized by the MRI.”

Picturing Parkinson’s

The practice was recently chosen as one of only 12 sites in the southeastern U.S. approved to perform a new, FDA-approved imaging test called a DaT scan, which allows physicians to differentiate between Parkinson’s Disease and other tremor disorders.

“Until now, many patients have had to wait years before getting a definitive diagnosis,” said Radiologist Dr. George Kainz.

“Performing DaT scans is a game changer. It’s going to lead to earlier and clearer diagnosis for patients with tremors,” he said.

“That’s critical, because Parkinson’s is treated differently from disorders such as Essential

Tremors. An earlier diagnosis means patients can start receiving the right treatment sooner, potentially slowing the progress of this devastating disease.”

Evaluating Alzheimer’s

Lake Medical Imaging’s Nuclear Medicine department recently began to perform brain scans utilizing Amyvid, a radioactive agent approved by the FDA and indicated for brain imaging of beta-amyloid plaques in patients with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s Disease and other cognitive decline.

“It is

do not have Alzheimer’s pathology,” said Dr. Keller. “The Amyvid scan offers physicians a tool that, in conjunction with other diagnostic evaluations, can provide information to help physicians evaluate and effectively treat their patients as well as to monitor response to therapy . . . This is a huge breakthrough for patients in cognitive decline.”

Patient Safety a Priority

“We’re the first imaging center locally to routinely incorporate thyroid and breast shields, to distribute record cards to patients to track their radiation exposure, and we’re one of the first practices in the

nation to join the National Image Wisely (adult) and Image Gently (pediatric) radiation safety campaigns,” said Dr. George Kainz. “We are very proud of how we’re using technology to enhance patient care and safety.”

estimated that one in five patients clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer’sprobableDisease during life

“After suffering from varicose veins for years, I started looking for an office that focused solely on vein procedures. I saw an ad for Comprehensive Vein Centers and decided to give them a try. It was the best decision I have ever made. PA Tran is knowledgeable, friendly, and caring — everything you want in a medical provider. His staff is exceptional, and I always know I am in capable hands. The best part is that I can finally wear shorts again!”

SYLVESTER

COTTO VILLAGES RESIDENT

PRBLEMS WITH YOUR PROSTATE?

Does this sound familiar? As you grow older do you realize you are getting up more often at night to urinate? Have you come to accept this as an inevitable part of aging as did your father or his father before him?

“Men no longer need to suffer from frequent urination because they are getting older,” says Dr. James Young, a downto-earth urologist with twenty-nine years of experience at Urology Associates of Lake County in Eustis. Although the cause of these symptoms is most likely an enlarging prostate (BPH), a normal part of the aging process in men, treatment options are more numerous and less invasive than those offered to our fathers and grandfathers.

Years ago there were two options for treating an enlarged prostate: surgical excision via an open operation (knife) or much more commonly by performing a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), commonly referred to as a “roto-rooter” by patients and physicians. Both required hospitalization as well as major anesthesia and could be fraught with complications such as bleeding, infection, loss of bladder control and even death.

“In my career I have performed over 3,000 TURPs; however, I no longer perform any,” says Dr. Young. “There are presently too many excellent alternatives to consider a hospital operation for the vast majority of patients with BPH.”

“When I see a new patient I perform a physical examination and properly evaluate the patient’s symptoms, thus diagnosing the underlying problem(s),” he says. “Next, I describe to the patient what’s normal and then explain what is abnormal with him. Lastly, I teach him his treatment options. If I’ve done a good job of teaching, he will select the correct option for himself.”

While prescribing medications for BPH can be done by primary care physicians, only urologists are trained to thoroughly evaluate the bladder and prostate (including ruling out prostate cancer), as well as providing extremely effective minimally invasive,

office-based therapies as alternatives to lifelong medical therapy.

One such option is Prostiva-RF Therapy, a procedure performed by Dr. Young in his office under local anesthesia that usually takes less than thirty minutes. Prostiva utilizes low level radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) the obstructing component of the enlarged prostate. “I am very happy with the results I have achieved for my patients using Prostiva-RF Therapy,” says Dr. Young, who has successfully treated more than 900 patients with this procedure. “Medtronic is a $13 billion-a-year, publicly traded corporation that perfected the technology for Prostiva and produces the necessary hardware. Recently, Medtronic produced an educational DVD for international distribution to inform patients and physicians worldwide regarding the benefits of Prostiva therapy. Seven of the eight patients featured on the DVD are my patients. I am very proud Medtronic selected my practice to feature the benefits of Prostiva-RF Therapy. However it is sort of a bad news/good news thing. The bad news is neither my patients nor myself received a penny for our participation. The good news is Medtronic gave us all the DVD’s we want, so if anyone wants one all he needs to do is drop by my office at 801 Northshore Drive in Eustis, and we will give him one!”

And with an office staff with nearly as much experience as the doctor, (many have worked with Dr. Young more than twenty years) you don’t spend a great deal of time waiting to see him. “We pride ourselves in being timely in seeing our patients. We respect our patient’s time as much as we do our own,” adds Dr. Young. “Patients appreciate this; many of our patients tell me I have the best office staff on the planet. I consider that a huge compliment.”

So if you are getting up at night and can’t get back to sleep because you are thinking about what may be wrong with you, it’s time to check in with Dr. Young and have him check you out.

“Many men accept frequent bladder urges as part of aging. And while it is part of the aging process, it’s not like death and taxes. There is something you can do about it,” he says.

JAMES W. YOUNG III, M.D.

Practicing in Lake County since 1982 with extensive experience in evaluation and management of prostate problems.

EDUCATION

Board Certification: American Board of Urology, February 1984

Medical Degree: University of Arkansas, 1977

College: University of Mississippi, 1973. B.A. Chemistry and English RESIDENCY

University of Arkansas, 1978-82. Urology

INTERNSHIP

University of Kentucky, 1977-78. OB/GYN

CURRENT MEDICAL LICENSURE

Florida and Arkansas

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Medical staff of Florida Hospital Waterman Florida 1982 – present

Vice-Chief of Medical Staff 1987–88 Waterman Medical Center

Chief of Medical Staff 1988-90 Waterman Medical Center

352.751.4990

920 Rolling Acres Road, Suite 201, Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.357.6786 801 Northshore Drive,

THE LOWDOWN ON THE PUSHUP

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER // PHOTOGRAPHER: FRED LOPEZ

Some of the very best exercises we can do require no extra accessories, a club membership, or fancy workout clothes. If you have a T-shirt, shorts, a willing mind, an able body, and 6-foot by 6-foot space to work with, then you will be set up for the exercises shown below. The old timey pushup is a fantastic exercise that works the entire core, plus the triceps. The modifications shown here will make full use of your body from head to toe.

PUSHUP HOLD

WORKING MUSCLES:

Anterior deltoids, abdominals, triceps, pectorals

STEP 1: Start on hands and knees with hands directly underneath the shoulders; elbows straight but not locked.

theshoulders;elbowsstraightbutnotlocked

the shoulders; elbows but not locked

STEP 2: Straighten out legs one at a time, and engage the abdominals by intentionally pulling them in toward your waistband.

STEP 3: Squeeze the glutes, and breathe in through the nose slowly, exhaling through the mouth. Repeat five to eight times.

2: the and breathe in the nose the mouth. five to times.

SHOULDER TAPS

WORKING MUSCLES:

Anterior deltoids, abdominals, triceps, and pectorals. Better balance is a benefit of this exercise, as well.

abdominals benefit of pr left han ulder. Repe

, this exercise, as well. eviously

STEP 1: Attain pushup hold position previously mentioned.

STEP 2: Shift weight on to your left hand, and use the right hand to tap your left shoulder. Repeat ten times per shoulder, alternating hands.

LEG LIFTS

WORKING MUSCLES:

d, and use the hand at

Anterior deltoids, abdominals, triceps, pectorals, external hip rotators, gluteus medius, minimus and maximum, hip flexors. Balance skills are an added benefit.

STEP 1: Attain pushup hold position, hold for five seconds.

STEP 2: Bring the right knee up toward the right armpit in a controlled manner. Return to start.

STEP 3: Repeat on the left side. Perform eight to ten repetitions on each side.

TRAINERS TIP:

The numbers of repetitions assigned are simply a guideline. If, for example, three is all you can do with good form and no discomfort, then do three at a time. You will get stronger!

PRECAUTIONS:

The flexion caused in the wrist joint can be uncomfortable. Be sure to move the wrists in all directions as you rest between sets. Another option is to lower yourself to your elbows.

If the abdominals are not strong enough to hold your form in an extended position, simply drop one or both knees to support the lower back.

Breathe evenly and continually as you work. Holding your breath will tense your muscles and cause your blood pressure to rise.

SHAPE

COMMITTING TO EXERCISE

WRITER: TRACY DRAPER

Are you one of the fifty percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions in the first week of January only to feel defeated by spring time? Welcome to the club! Studies show that only about ten percent of those who set out with good intentions are actually able to see them through. With statistics like that, it is easy to start out with a losing attitude. However, if you will carefully read and implement the suggestions below you will increase your chances of success many times over.

There is a huge difference between interest and commitment. How would you like for your spouse or significant other to say, “Oh, I am interested in you” versus “Oh, I am committed to you”? Simply being interested is a good start but will not stand the test of time nor keep you going when difficulties come your way. Interest wanes when circumstances get difficult. Interest is easily lost when it becomes inconvenient to put in the hard work. On the other hand, commitment is for the long haul. It takes time, but if you change your thinking and embrace the commitment, you will succeed in whatever fitness goals you have for the New Year. Here are some tips that will surely increase your chances for success:

C – CHANGE YOUR THINKING from “I hope I can” to “I know I can.”

O – ORGANIZE YOUR GOALS. Start with your long-term goal (six months to one year) What do you want to accomplish? Be specific; make it measurable, not subjective. Cut it in half, and make that your short-term goal (so that you can measure and be halfway there by “x” date). Now cut the short-term goal in half again, and write out what you must do daily or weekly to reach that goal. Taking baby steps is the way to go.

M – MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH YOURSELF. No one else will make it happen. Write on your calendar that you will work out three to five days a week for a minimum of thirty minutes (if that fits your goal, for example).

M – MOVE ALL OBSTACLES OUT OF YOUR WAY. Enlist support and help from family, friends, or co-workers who will share your ups and downs with you. Is junk food a problem? Get it out of your house! Excuses are big obstacles; remove them from your mind and mouth.

I – INTENTIONAL EXERCISE MUST BE A PRIORITY. It cannot be, “Am I going to exercise today?” but “What kind of exercise am I going to do today?”

T – TREAT YOURSELF AS YOU MEET YOUR GOALS with something that will keep you moving in the right direction. Do not use food as a treat, rather as an accessory that will keep you excited about your new lifestyle of fitness. A new pair of workout shorts and top, a piece of equipment to use at home, a new DVD, or signing up for a 5K walk / run for charity are among neat treats that will keep you revved up as you reach your mini-goals.

Your thoughts will either be your biggest enemy or your best pal. Be sure to keep your mind focused on the fact that you are committed to this fitness goal in the New Year. When negativity comes your way it is up to you to choose to ignore it. The more you practice your new thinking the more your confidence will grow, the more disciplined you will become and the closer you will be to your destination!

RECIPE

BODY

VASILOPITA — GREEK NEW YEAR’S CAKE

Yield: One ten-inch round pan

Prep time: Thirty minutes

Cook time: One hour

Ready in: One hour and thirty minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

2 cups white sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

6 eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup warm milk (110F)

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

¼ cup blanched slivered almonds

2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

Nutrition Facts

Preheat oven to 350F. Generously grease a ten-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light. Stir in the flour, and mix until the mixture is mealy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Combine the baking powder and milk, add to the egg mixture, and mix well. Then combine the lemon juice and baking soda, and stir into the batter. Pour into the prepared cake pan.

Bake for twenty minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and sprinkle the nuts and sugar over the cake, then return it to the oven for twenty to thirty additional minutes, until cake springs back to the touch. Gently cut a small hole in the cake and place a quarter in the hole. Try to cover the hole with sugar. Cool cake on a rack for ten minutes before inverting onto a plate.

Serve cake warm. Each person in the family gets a slice starting with the youngest. The person who gets the quarter in their piece enjoys good luck for the whole year!

Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com. Submitted by Paul Menikos.

EAT FIT/NOT FAT

FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES

WRITER: JANICE VIERA

When it comes to burger restaurants, we sure are not lacking! From drive-ins to momand-pops to big burger chains, we all have our favorites and for many that is Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Without much more than burgers, hot dogs, and fries on the menu, it is tough to find much that is nutritionally sound at most burger joints, but you can do it. Moderation is the key to healthy living, and we stress not giving up the foods you love; just watch portion size and frequency to keep your good health and weight in check.

A Five Guys regular hamburger is really a double beef patty, so go for the “Little” choice. Load up on the added veggies to provide more fiber, and they will give you that full feeling. Be aware of the fries. A serving will add an additional 310 calories and another fifteen grams of fat. Sharing an order would be wise! Peanuts in the shell are provided while you wait to be served. Be careful of the additional calories here, too.

We all have days when our food intake is not the best. Be aware of these days, and make the effort to be more active to restore the balance of your healthy lifestyle!

BEST LITTLE HAMBURGER

Calories: 480

Fat: 26g

Saturated fat: 11.5g

Protein: 26g

Carbohydrate: 39g

Cholesterol: 65mg

BE AWARE

BACON CHEESEBURGER

Calories: 920

Fat: 62g

Saturated fat: 29.5g

Protein: 51g

Carbohydrate: 40g

Cholesterol: 180mg

Sodium: 1,310mg

BETTER HAMBURGER

Calories: 700

Fat: 43g

Saturated fat: 19.5g

Protein: 39g

Carbohydrate: 39g

Cholesterol: 125mg

Sodium: 430mg

Sodium: 380mg

INSIDE YOUR GUIDE TO MEDICAL IMAGING

WRITER: MARIANA DE JONGH, M.D.

My doctor has ordered an X-ray — or was it a CT scan? — or an MRI? — or was it an ultrasound? It’s hard to keep track. Medical imaging — this is the incredible science (and sometimes, the art) of looking within the human body without the doctor using a single blade or the patient shedding a single drop of blood. One of the major advances is that virtually all imaging studies are saved digitally on computers. Digital images can be viewed on-screen within minutes. A radiologist views and interprets the results and sends a report to your doctor, who then explains the results to you. If necessary, your imaging results can be made available to your doctor in minutes.

X-rays are the “old school” form of medical imaging. Accidentally discovered by German scientist Wilhelm Rontgen in 1895, X-rays are waves of electromagnetic energy, which behave in a very similar way to light rays. This painless test produces images of what is inside your body when the X-rays pass through tissue, which is low-density,

and are blocked by denser material, like bone. For some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium (such as iodine or barium) is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the X-ray images.

Medical X-ray machines are often grouped into two categories: “hard” or “soft” X-rays. Soft X-rays, which operate at a relatively low frequency, are used to diagnose fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, lung infections or conditions, enlarged heart, bowel obstructions, or swallowed items. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a soft X-ray is so small that the risk of any damage to cells in your body is extremely low.

On the other hand, hard X-rays use very high frequencies designed to destroy molecules within specific cells. When hard X-rays are used, tissue is destroyed, which is why these are often used in radiotherapy, particularly for the treatment of cancer.

Ultrasound is a safe procedure that uses low-power, high frequency sound waves to produce relatively precise images of structures within your body. Ultrasound may be

used, for example, to assess a fetus, diagnose gallbladder disease, evaluate flow in blood vessels, assess a breast lump, check your thyroid gland, study your heart, and diagnose some forms of infection. Ultrasound is also used as a therapeutic tool for treating musculoskeletal problems, kidney stones, and gall stones. The benefit of ultrasound images is that they capture internal movement in real time. Therefore, doctors can observe how blood flows through the vessels, how internal organs are working, or the physical health and progress of a fetus. There are no direct risks from a diagnostic ultrasound exam. It is non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the same risks as X-rays or other types of ionizing radiation.

Computerized tomography (also called CT) combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body. Tomography originates from the Greek word “tomos,” meaning “slice” or “section,” and “graphia,”

meaning “describing.” Therefore, looking at CT images is like looking down at single slices of bread from a loaf. Your doctor will be able to look at each of these slices individually or perform additional visualization to view your body from different angles, far more detailed than an X-ray. A CT scanner emits a series of narrow beams through the human body as it moves through an arc, unlike an X-ray machine which sends just one radiation beam. In some cases, CT images can be combined to create 3-D images.

A CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and used to diagnose disorders of the muscle or bone; localize a tumor, blood clot, or infection; guide certain surgeries, biopsies, or treatment with radiation therapy; detect and subsequently monitor conditions such as heart disease, cancer and masses, lesions, or cyst of various organs such as the lung, liver, pancreas, and kidneys (among others); and detect internal injuries and/or internal bleeding.

puted-tomography-ct-scan-of-the-body: CT scan; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/

SOURCE: Radiation-Emitting Products; http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/MedicalImagin g/MedicalX-Rays/default.htm: X-ray machine; HYPERLINK “http://www.faqs.org/ health/topics/96/X-ray-machine.html#ixzz2Dzp5sZAA” http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/96/X-ray-machine.html#ixzz2Dzp5sZAA: What Is An Ultrasound?; http://ehealthmd.com/content/what-ultrasound: Ultrasound; http:// www.mayoclinic.com/health/ultrasound/MY00308: Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body; http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/com

ct-scan/MY00309: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI);http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri Radiation E xposure From Medical Diagnostic Imaging Procedures Health Physics Society Fact Sheet; http://hps.org/documents/meddiagimaging.pdf (Accessed December 4, 2012)

THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION

When being subjected to any form of ionizing radiation in medical testing, no matter how low the dose and no matter what test is being performed, it is of importance to keep in mind that the effects of radiation exposure are considered to be cumulative. This means that even though you may be subjected to what is considered to be low doses of “soft” radiation, the damage done to the cells of the body add up as the number of procedures you are subjected to increases.

According to the Health Physics Society, the normal person is exposed to 300 millirems (mrem) of background radiation each year just through living on the Earth. The typical chest X-ray delivers only 4 mrem of radiation, so it is considered to be a very low dose of radiation. However, certain procedures such as an angioplasty heart study may deliver up to 5,700 mrem at one time. And health physicists also warn that different machines deliver different doses for the same type of test.

However, please remember that the HPS insists that the necessity of medical testing far outweighs any dangers from radiation exposure.

Doctors use the lowest dose of radiation possible. Newer machines and techniques may expose you to less radiation. Sometimes a contrast dye is used for CT scans to help highlight the areas of your body being examined. If a 3-D image of the abdomen is required, the patient may have to drink a barium meal. The barium appears white on the scan as it travels through the digestive system. Contrast material can enter your body in a variety of ways, including, orally, intravenously (IV), and/ or rectally. The main risks associated with CT are the possibility of an increased lifetime risk of cancer due to X-ray radiation exposure and possible allergic reactions or

kidney failure due to the contrast that is sometimes used to improve visualization. Still, when medically indicated, CT scans have many benefits that generally outweigh potential risks.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that, unlike X-rays, uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body.

Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. When you lie down, a radio frequency is used to knock your hydrogen atoms out of line. You won’t feel a thing, but as they move back to their natural alignment, each hydrogen atom in your cells will emit a

tiny electric signal. The MRI scanner has strong magnets that will detect the electric signal. A computer uses these signals to create a detailed image of your soft tissues. The MRI machine can also be used to produce 3-D images that may be viewed from many different angles. MRIs allow doctors to see structures inside joints like tissues or tendons and diagnose a variety of problems like brain aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumors, heart function, the extent of heart disease, and blockages of blood vessels; and diagnose and subsequently monitor tumors and other abnormalities of many organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, uterus and ovaries, and bone and joint disorders such as arthritis, infection, or cancer. More recently, MRIs have been used in addition to mammography to detect breast cancer. When a doctor can see these structures inside they are able to correctly diagnose and treat the injury or disease much earlier.

Tell the technologist if you have any metal or electronic devices in your body, as they can be dangerous in an MRI.

It is also important to discuss any kidney or liver problems with your physician and the technologist. Problems with these organs may impose limitations on the use of injected contrast agents during your scan.

Now, back to your doctor visit — it is likely that medical imaging will continue to be a subject that is sometimes hard to grasp or comprehend. Particularly when you, as a patient, receive and read a written report of a study you had done. The degree of detail in each report and the many findings that can be labeled as “abnormal” can be overwhelming. Now that medical imaging has become so precise, a lot of these findings labeled “abnormal” end up being non-significant, variations of what is “normal” and something that we may need to keep an eye on but is by no means dangerous. Keep in mind, physicians complete many years of training to be able to describe to us what lies within our bodies and distinguish what is normal from what isn’t… sometimes with only a picture to go on.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A LOTION

WRITER: RUTH ANN BYRD

The skin is the body’s largest organ, with its intricate design providing a protective barrier for the entire body. Dry skin can develop tiny cracks that let in bacteria and compromise the skin’s ability to function properly. Unless you want to outlive your skin you must take care of it. Drinking lots of water and eating foods high in healthy fats containing essential fatty acids (flaxseed, fish oil, avocado) will nourish the skin from the inside just as daily application of moisturizers will condition and nourish the skin externally.

Do body lotions differ from facial lotions? The answer is yes: Facial skin differs from body skin. The face has more pores. It is thinner and more vascular. These characteristics make facial skin more reactive and sensitive to harsh chemicals. Body lotions are not generally formulated for use on

the face, and vice versa.

So what does one look for in a body lotion? For the true story, you must read the ingredient list, not the catchy slogans on the front label. You will then see that the first three ingredients in basic drugstore variety body lotions are usually water, glycerin, and mineral oil in this order — regardless of the price tag. These economical ingredients help improve dry skin by sealing in moisture. The remaining ingredients are usually a combination of fragrance, additives, and preservatives to make the lotion smell, look, and feel better on the skin. Very few will be fragrance-free. Move on to the more expensive isle of the drugstore, and you will find “natural” lotions. These packages are usually an attractive shade of beige with green logos. The words “natural” on the label may mean anything or nothing at

all. Although the implication is there, very rarely does “natural” mean there are any significant percentages of superior ingredients in the product. Again, read the ingredient list, not the label, and you will see.

The best (and most expensive) body lotions will be found in spas, health food stores, and physicians’ offices. These will contain ingredients such as lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cells, improve skin cells ability to maintain moisture levels, and promote collagen production. There are also special formulations to assist in firming the skin and some that may temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. Other key ingredients to look for are vitamins A, B, C, and E, and oils from avocados, coconuts, olives, and shea butter. For best results, consult a skin care specialist. Organic ingredients are by

far the healthiest choice when possible. Look for the USDA Organic seal as proof of true organic authenticity. Higherquality ingredients usually mean higher price tags, but this is usually offset by the need for less product per application due to less dilution.

Love the skin you are in. Be good to it, and it will thank you in the years to come.

For skin that glows, follow these simple steps when applying body lotion: Exfoliate daily with a dry body brush prior to bathing. Brush with long, gentle strokes toward the heart. This will direct the blood flow toward the heart, and allow the lymphatic system to clear toxins more effectively. After bathing, towel dry, and immediately massage in body lotion with twelve percent lactic acid. Apply extra lotion to very dry areas such as elbows and heels. Allow to dry thoroughly prior to dressing.

SOURCES:

BODY FATIGUE

JET READY, JET SET, JET... NO?

WRITER: JAMES ROACH // PHOTO ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

When it comes to travel, it is not just a matter of remembering your passport, your departure time, and whether or not you packed clean underwear that leaves you feeling exhausted by the time you hit baggage claim. Internally, our bodies are physically affected by travel, as well.

Jet lag, also known as time zone change syndrome, occurs when people travel from east to west or west to east. Traveling north to south and vice versa does not produce jet lag because there are no time changes. Jet lag occurs when the “body clock” or circadian rhythm — the internal monitor that tells us when to eat, sleep, etc. — becomes disrupted. Circadian rhythm is set by cues such as light exposure, mealtimes, and social interaction. Crossing time zones causes those cues to disrupt the internal clock. The eventual cure is to get the body resynchronized to the new time zone.

Your body may express and feel this internal disruption in the following ways:

• Headaches

• Feeling “heavy-headed”

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Irritability

• Mild depression

• Difficulty concentrating

• Loss of appetite

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

If you travel often, you may find that symptoms of jet lag are more severe when traveling from west to east rather than east to west. Also, symptoms tend to affect older people more severely than younger people — which is why your 5-year-old is bright-eyed and bushytailed before you have even unzipped the suitcase. Studies have also shown physically fit people who eat a wellbalanced diet are affected less than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Jet lag increases in severity the more time zones crossed. Some experts say the lower oxygen levels in a pressurized aircraft can create a lethargic feeling, thereby increasing the severity of jetlag symptoms.

There are some ways to help your body adjust to the time and travel changes:

1. Simulate your schedule before you leave. Adjust your bedtime and mealtimes slightly to better match the new time zone (i.e., if heading west, stay up later).

2. Try to match the schedule during the flight. If you are on a redeye, try to sleep. If you are on a daytime flight, try to stay awake.

3. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeine several hours before sleeping.

4. Attempt to move around/walk during the flight. Avoid heavy exercise right before bed as this can delay sleep.

5. The effectiveness of using sleep aids to combat jetlag is debated in the medical community. If you think an aid like melatonin might help you, you will want to run it by your doctor before you try it. And you will need to plan taking it one to two hours before bedtime, and plan to sleep for at least ten hours. These sleep aids are for short-time use only.

6. Natural light therapy is arguably the best “all natural” method for combatting jet lag. Exposure to sunlight helps adjust our body clocks. Try to spend as much time as possible outside, and use a light box if necessary to create more light while inside.

7. Eat a healthy diet. High carb and fatty foods right before bed can be disruptive to sleep.

8. A hot bath right before bed can help relax the body.

9. Minimize sleep disruptions. Wear earplugs or an eye mask on the plane. Try to eliminate distractors while in hotels, like early-morning light through a window.

While NASA estimates you will need one full day to recover for every one hour time zone you cross, WebMD suggests you will need one day for every two time zones crossed. Ultimately, the key to curing jet lag is the same: time.

HOBBIES: CREATING HEALTH

WRITER: RICHARD T. BOSSHARDT, M.D., FACS

As a physician, I am interested in anything that improves health and well-being. By the former, I mean our physical state while the latter is the sum total of our emotional, psychological, and spiritual condition. Last month I wrote about stress, which I believe is one of the major contributors to health problems in this country. There are a variety of ways to beat stress. One of them is having a hobby.

A plastic surgery colleague of mine assembles models of World War II era vehicles, ships, and airplanes. To equate his models with those we usually see done by kids and teenagers is to compare a masterpiece work of art to something done by amateurs. His attention to detail is stunning, and each completed piece is a perfect miniature of the real thing down to the tiniest detail, including simulated wear and tear, battle scars, etc. He even puts them in a realistic diorama setting to reproduce the environment in which they were found be it air, land, or water. He spends countless hours over each one. He does not make a cent on these models. He builds them for the satisfaction and because he finds it stimulating and fun.

Hobbies are activities that we engage in for the sheer pleasure they give us. While making money from a hobby can certainly be done, if that becomes the focus it is no longer a hobby but a job. Some people might say that making money is their hobby. My brother-in-law is one of those entrepreneurs whose passion is “the deal.” He loves brokering business deals and starting up businesses. Once a particular project is completed, however, he moves on to the next. He has brokered hundreds of deals and started dozens of businesses. While he makes a lot of money doing these things, I think he would do them even if it didn’t pay.

I checked out a list of the 50 most popular hobbies. Numbers 1–4 were, respectively, reading, watching television, family time, and going to the movies. Number 10 was exercising — my favorite. Number 17 was sleeping, and 22 was relaxing. I never imagined the last two could be pursued as a hobby!

While hobbies are enjoyable by their very nature, from a medical perspective, do they provide any health benefits to those who practice them? The answer, I am pleased to say, is yes indeed!

For one thing, hobbies can give our life meaning. Dr. Viktor Frankl (1905–1997) was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist. He was also Jewish and spent three years in the concentration camps in World War II. His experiences there led him to develop the school of psychiatry known as logotherapy. Dr. Frankl posited that all people have — as one of their basic underlying motivations in life — a need for life to be meaningful. People who find meaning in life can weather its vicissitudes while those who do not may succumb to them. By giving us an outlet for our creativity, providing a goal, and/or offering a challenge, hobbies can provide our lives with meaning.

Hobbies can benefit our mental health in tangible ways. In one mental institution in England, therapists helped patients with schizophrenia and major depressive disorders to develop long-lost hobbies. They found that those who successfully did this showed measurable improvements in their mental health and general well-being.

A stress blog from the Mayo Clinic weighs in on hobbies, albeit indirectly. It discusses mindfulness, which is described as a state of “focused,

deliberate attention to a task or thought to quiet the mind and eliminate distractions.” This is a pretty good definition of the state of mind when pursuing a hobby. Medical evidence is mounting that this can benefit the immune system. Research has shown that one of the underlying constants of many disease processes, from heart disease to cancer, is inflammation. Studies have further shown that the state of mind described by “mindfulness” can decrease inflammatory marker proteins in the blood of subjects. Combined with other interventions such as a healthy diet, rest, and exercise, a hobby can potentially not just add quality to our lives, but prolong them, as well.

People are not meant to sit around doing nothing, or simply working throughout their lives for a paycheck. I could not have said it better than Brian Jay Stanley who, in a short essay, wrote: “To know someone truly, look at what he does when no one is paying him. My wife makes jewelry, my father gardens, I write, my grandfather cleared brush from the woods by his house. Seeking the common core of varied hobbies, I notice in all a devotion of

effort toward a self-imposed goal. To accomplish something is every hobby’s purpose, but what is the purpose of the accomplishment? We are less interested in the accomplishment than the accomplishing. Hobbies express an entrenched urge to create, to add patches of order to the universe. In our hobbies as in our careers, we stack the world’s raw scraps into meaningful shapes — arranging dirt into flower beds, stones into necklaces, words into paragraphs. We curse a Saturday that sees no progress on our projects, not because anyone needs what we produce, but because we need to produce. At work we long for leisure; in leisure we keep working.”

ACTIVE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT N

ot thinking clearly? Your brain may need some refueling. Try these high-octane foods, and see if you can’t get your mental engine revving.

LEAFY GREENS

Popeye’s muscles weren’t the only part of his body getting a boost from cans of spinach. Leafy greens, like spinach, kale, and collards, beef up the brain, while taking a few years off, too. A 2006 study in Neurology showed people who ate two or more daily servings of vegetables — especially leafy greens — had the mental focus of people five years their junior.

APPLES

This historically famous fruit may be a key player when it comes to warding off Alzheimer’s. Apple peels contain a powerful antioxidant called quercetin, which is a disease-fighting antioxidant that protects cells throughout the body — including brain cells. And based on portion, apples have among the highest concentration of quercetin. So increase your memory function and have an apple a day to keep the doctor... now how does that line go?

COFFEE

It is the go-to in the morning when it comes to clearing the cobwebs, and college students swear by it when it comes to cramming. Caffeine is a stimulant that temporarily raises insulin levels, sending sugars into the brain and fueling it temporarily. For years, symptoms of ADHD have been treated with caffeine, aiding in concentration.

But when it comes to coffee, it seems men and women are not created equal. According to a study released by the University of Barcelona, men feel more alert more quickly than women after drinking a caffeinated beverage. The research indicates that men reported feeling less drowsy after only ten minutes and sustained the mental boost for a half-hour. Women also got a “kick” from

As

the espresso but rated it weaker than the men did. Also, the study indicates women are more influenced by the placebo effect when it comes to caffeine. When the female participants were given decaf to drink, they reported feelings significantly more alert than the men did, who reported just a slight boost.

GUM

While it may not be considered a food, chewing gum has some benefits when it comes to concentration, anxiety, and fatigue. A 2011 study found that participants who chewed gum during a stressful task were more alert afterward than when they did the task without gum. After two weeks, the participants who chewed gum twice a day scored significantly lower on their state of anxiety than those who did not. A Baylor College of Medicine study also found that students who chewed gum while studying and taking tests showed a significant increase on their math scores and final grades... and they had notably better breath.

a general rule when strolling the produce aisles, think color. Anything brightly colored is brain food, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that maintain brain health and enhance mental performance. Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199605/the-brain-power-diet

SPIRIT PIRIT RI

INNERVENTION R

I AM A CANCER SURVIVOR!

WRITER: VICKY FOUST

Iam told a cancer survivor is cancer-free… but I disagree with that because every day that I wake up, I feel I am a cancer survivor. You see, I have Stage IV cancer, and I have been told I will never be cancer-free. But I am a survivor. In fact, I am so busy surviving and living that I don’t have time to worry about having cancer.

Where did this all start?

When I was 67, I felt a sharp pain in my left breast. I checked it out in the mirror and saw a dimple and immediately thought — this can’t be good! Even though there was no history of breast cancer in my family I went for a mammogram, and that was immediately followed by a biopsy.

While waiting for the biopsy report, my husband, Ken, and I arrived home from work to see a beautiful rainbow in our backyard. It was on the grass, not up in the sky where rainbows are usually found. The rain was coming down like the deluge Noah saw before he got on the ark, and immediately, I said to Ken, “It’s a sign!

Everything will be okay!”

Then we went to the doctor’s office for the results of the biopsy. Everything wasn’t okay. We heard the dreaded word “cancer”… then “stage two,” “aggressive,” “invasive”. The surgeons gave us options, but we chose the complete radical mastectomy. The doctor said he could do it in two weeks. Ken asked, “Can you do it in one?” The doctor agreed, and the day before my 68th birthday, I had my left breast and seventeen lymph nodes removed.

During the night, the nurse asked if I needed a pain pill but explained she couldn’t give it to me until 5a.m. I said, “I have no pain. Whatever the anesthesiologist gave me must still be working.”

The nurse replied, “There was no pain killer in the anesthesia.” When 5a.m. rolled around I said, “I’m still not feeling any pain. I don’t need a pill.” During the entire time of my recovery, even though we filled the prescription for the pain

WE EACH HAD A DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT CAME TO MY RECOVERY. MY HUSBAND’S PHILOSOPHY WAS THIS: STUFF THE BRA, AND KEEP THE PARTY GOING! MY SON’S WAS: YOU ARE NOT 16 AND LOOKING FOR A HUSBAND! MINE WAS: I JUST WANT TO LOOK NORMAL.

pills, I never took even one. The bandages were uncomfortable at times, but there was never any pain.

When it came time to go home from the hospital, my husband and son, Charlie, came to get me. Charlie asked the doctor if he could take me home on his motorcycle. He told him he had brought two helmets! They all laughed at him. I have two wonderful men in my life!

We each had a different philosophy when it came to my recovery. My husband’s philosophy was this: Stuff the bra, and keep the party going! My son’s was: You are not 16 and looking for a husband! Mine was: I just want to look normal. After all, it wasn’t an arm or a leg taken off. That would have been much harder to get used to.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” — Winston Churchill

A LONG ROAD AHEAD

This was just the beginning of a long, hard journey. The first problem we encountered was the fact I seem to have sensitivity to prescription medications… and I was on a lot of them. As two years went by, I was on Tamoxifen, then Arimidex, then Aromasin, then Exemestane.

Then they found out the cancer had metastasized to my left hip, and they took me off all my meds. I started radiation therapy on my left hip, and we found it had spread to my right hip… more radiation. It then started up my back and the radiation treatment followed close behind.

Doctors then found it had spread to my liver and adrenal glands, and I was put on the chemotherapy drug Abraxene for six months.

Following a PET/CT scan they found two spots on my spine, so once again I began rounds of chemo.

I now attend the Livestrong exercise program at the YMCA. It is a twelveweek program that is held two times a week.

Since 2007, I have felt terrific! If the doctors didn’t keep telling me I have cancer, I wouldn’t even know I have it. I do volunteer work. I belong to twelve clubs and organizations.

I have twelve doctors looking after me. Every year, my company, R & R Garage Doors, Inc., hosts a cancer fundraiser cruise to raise money for the American Cancer Society Hernando Resource Room. They give free wigs, prostheses, bras, and turbans to uninsured or underinsured patients who can’t afford to buy them. Next year will be our seventh annual cruise.

When I found out I had cancer, I emailed my relatives and friends to ask for their prayers. Ken said I sent out so many emails that I must have emailed the pope, but I didn’t. I pray morning and night for my family, friends, other people who have cancer… and then for me.

I belong to a Cancer Support Group. It is so uplifting! (Get the pun?) What a fantastic group of women! They are always

raising money for Hernando ladies who can’t afford to pay for mammograms and other good causes.

Since I lost my long dark hair from the chemo, I started wearing a short blond wig. Most of my friends don’t recognize me. I have to say, “It is me, Vicky. I am having chemo, I am bald, and this is a wig.” And boy, it is true! Blonds have more fun! The men give me lots more attention… and their wives certainly don’t like that.

I am 73 now. I have had cancer for six years and look forward to each new day. Like I said… when I saw the rainbow I knew everything would be okay.

P.S. My biggest goal right now is to finish my “chocolate cookbook.” It will be the greatest chocolate cookbook ever! The problem is that the recipes are all handwritten, and I haven’t learned how to type.

NEW YEAR’S ENCOURAGEMENT

WRITER: CHRISANN REID, LCSW

Encouragement — sounds simple enough… kind words, expressions, actions that help to motivate or inspire one to do their best. Yet, I frequently find this word to be confused with its nemesis — discouragement.

Let me give you an example: a woman in my office, who has been struggling to lose weight, discusses her personal frustration with her husband who believes he encourages his wife to stick with her diet by reminding her of how fat she currently looks. Now he states that he truly believes he is in fact encouraging her and motivating her to turn down that second helping of dinner because he knows that she does not want to look fat. However, by the look on her face, she clearly does not feel inspired by those words to stick to her diet. What she is feeling is defeated, discouraged, and somewhat angry at her husband for calling her fat!

Now, is it her husband’s fault that she does not stick with her diet? Of course not. But could he have found words that might have been more encouraging? Absolutely! When we decide

to make a change toward selfimprovement, we must take personal responsibility and accountability to follow through on whatever thoughts, actions, or behaviors will create that change. However, her husband could have offered more valuable encouragement by stating how impressed he has been with his wife for making difficult decisions and sticking with her commitment to lose weight.

As we start a New Year, how many will be making New Year’s resolutions? How many have made these same resolutions in previous years? What might be the difference this year? It may be your personal commitment level, your ability to self-motivate, or how realistic the goal is in the first place (another topic for another day!). If all of these are where they need to be, then it might just come down to the right words of encouragement.

Here is a thought… maybe even a challenge, perhaps. What if you make it your New Year’s resolution to successfully encourage someone else who is trying to attain their New Year’s resolution? What would it take to do that?

First and foremost, there needs to be a clear understanding of the difference between encouraging and discouraging. Ask yourself: are the words I am using kind, positive, nurturing, or inspiring? Using the word “fat” to describe someone does not fit any of those adjectives.

What if you have had a friend who has been unemployed and has just survived a very difficult financial year? They might make a vow that this year will be better, but they still have not found a job. What do you say to encourage them? Do you ask them how many resumes are they going to send out this week, and remind them that they have been slacking in this area? Or do you describe what a trusted and loyal employee you know them to be, and you are confident that the right employer will discover them soon?

Take a moment to think of how you might encourage a child having a difficult time at school, a friend trying to recommit to the gym, or a colleague trying to quit smoking. What if the person who needs encouragement the most doesn’t even recognize

they need it? Times have been very tough for a lot of people for a very long time. Sometimes when people get stuck for too long in one place they don’t realize their gradual decline. Perhaps a once positive person has begun to see everything in the world from a very negative, “glass-half-empty” perspective. What would it take to encourage them to turn things around and be reminded of the happy-go-lucky perspective they are capable of having and that you have seen in them on many occasions?

Just by the very act of searching within yourself to find the best words or actions to inspire another person to achieve their best will bring its own rewards back to you tenfold. The very process forces you to think and create your own positive thought patterns, which can only bring happiness into your own life.

Try this exercise for a moment. Think of someone who you know could use a new smile on their face. Now see yourself saying or doing something that will help to put that smile there. Now stop, and take a look at your own facial expression. My guess is that

you are smiling... at least just a little!

Through the use of technology and social media, there are many opportunities to offer encouragement during someone’s day. Sending an

uplifting text to a close friend or family member who you know is facing a difficult day takes very little time and yet can make a significant difference. The point is that encouragement can be

about something big, such as helping someone reach their New Year’s resolution, or just small day-to-day opportunities to encourage someone. Either way, offer some encouragement. What

does that really cost you? In my book, it cost you nothing and brings you many rewards in return. So let this be the year that you make it your goal to pass it along!

MENCOURAGEM

IN 2013, I WILL…

t is that time of year again, and I stink at doing this. Yes, you know what I am talking about. It is the season when we make well-intended commitments that we just can’t maintain. The holidays are almost behind us — if we can just get over the huge hurdle we call the annual New Year’s resolution — then things

So what is it going to be this year? There are so many good options: lose the bulge and workout more; learn something new; eat health; get out of debt and save; spend more family time; go more places; be less stressed; volunteer; drink less; go to church every week. Those are all so commonplace. Actually, they are things I really ought to be doing anyway. Perhaps I should be more creative with my plans for my resolutions? Maybe there is something more

Hmmm, I could resolve to not do New Year’s resolutions this year, Maybe I could do a Google or Bing search for masculine New Year’s resolutions? I would just as soon wrestle a Florida black bear or juggle alligators, and now that I consider that idea a little more, I think I really didn’t think that through. The Internet may not be a good place for resolution ideas. I could ask my wife or one of the folks at work. I could just as soon ask my mother-in-law — I bet she has some ideas for me. Maybe not.

NOW I HAVE A QUANDARY.

I have it! I resolve in 2013 to read the instruction manuals for the stuff I got for Christmas. No, that won’t work, I think I threw them out with the boxes. How about: I resolve to be more environmentally active in the New Year by doing less laundry and wearing more deodorant. No, no . . . that won’t sell with the family or the office!

When it gets down to it, these New Year’s resolutions are really all about making change. It means that I need to decide about what improvement in my life or circumstances I am willing to change. Genuine self-examination can be overwhelming, but it is actually

a good thing for all of us to do. Sometimes we need to make major life changes; sometimes they are less significant things that need tweaking in our lives. Change is hard. Change that is bona fide is not without cost, either. The truth is sometimes when we make those resolutions for change, we are trying to swim against the riptide of our lives for the past twenty, thirty, forty, or more years.

See. I really wasn’t kidding about this resolution thing. Asking me to make New Year’s resolutions is like sending me to RedBox to rent a good movie for “date night.” I am a miserable failure at picking out good movies, but I still do it — and I am going to try to make a resolution.

I found out from the resolution-making experts (Psychology Today), that more than fifty percent of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions quit keeping them within six months, and that the next year only ten percent of people keep their New Year’s commitment. I also learned from all my research on making New Year’s resolutions that it takes at least twenty-one days to create a new habit. So what that means is that every day for three solid weeks I am going to have to intentionally and honestly try to do whatever it is that I resolve to do in 2013. If I start on January 1st, then around January 22nd whatever I resolve for this year will start to feel right and commonplace. That is not quite as daunting as thinking about having to follow through for 365 days. I can stand anything for three weeks… well, almost anything.

If I look at it like this and just think about “doing whatever I resolve to do today and plan to do it again tomorrow,” then I can make it happen in my life. I think the goal of a short-term and dayto-day accomplishment is attainable, even by an attention-deficitdisorder resolution-maker like me. I could even take it a step further and share my new purpose with a friend or my spouse. They can remind me when I lose sight of the goal and help me get back on the wagon toward change. Whew, that is a burden off my mind!

Wait a minute, I still have to figure out what I am going to resolve to do this year…

QUIET WATERS SPIRIT

CHANGES FOR TODAY

WRITER: RICK REED

Solomon, considered by many to be the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” Was he confessing his lack of attaining prior New Year’s resolutions?

Could that describe you? Is it same old same old every New Year?

Solomon added, “Is there a thing of which it is said, ‘See, this is new’? It has been already in the ages before us.”

He might be talking of broken resolutions or character traits or more honestly, continual sins. We all have sins that hound us, that nip at our heels. And we vow every January 1st to change them.

Not the most encouraging way to begin a new year is it? How many embrace the hope of the New Year only to succumb to its broken promises soon after?

Putting too much emphasis on the New Year can be just as harmful as spending too much time dwelling on the past. We only have today. We can’t change yesterday, and we aren’t promised tomorrow. Giving too much time to either is wasteful. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

My point isn’t avoiding resolutions. It is don’t wait until a new year. We don’t need to wait for new things. We have plenty of new things to rejoice and be glad in — today. God told us in Isaiah 43:18–19: “Remember not the former things, nor

consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” We can spend too much time remembering old things — both good and bad.

Yes, we need to remember what God has done for us as we move forward, not backward.

In Isaiah 62:2-4, God told us, “And you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married.”

Why wait until the New Year or even tomorrow; God’s love and mercy is new today — and every day. Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:21–24: “But this I call

to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”

God equips us. We can’t change without His Spirit. He told us in Ezekiel 36:26–29: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

As Paul reminded us in 2 Corinthians 6:2: “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Have a truly happy New Year.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL A NEW YEAR. WE DON’T NEED TO WAIT FOR NEW THINGS. WE HAVE PLENTY OF NEW THINGS TO REJOICE N AND BE GLAD IN TODAY.

OUTLOOK FINANCE

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR 2013?

WRITER: ELLEN B WILCOX, GEPC

It has been theorized that one of the leading New Year’s resolutions is to handle financial matters more carefully and astutely. If this is one of your goals for this New Year, I hope you will read on with great interest.

To be sure, the past five years have not been financially healthy for many.

Unemployment, crashing home values, and market uncertainty have all raged. At times there have been glimmers of hope, but nothing truly reversing the overall trends. Indeed, neither monetary policy nor massive government stimulus money has produced or sustained a much-needed return to economic growth and stability.

It is widely believed that the year 2013 may find many different forces influencing financial markets. Portfolio growth is apt to hover in the low single digits in the U.S. stock and bond markets. The key approach investors need to embrace will surely be the avoidance of losses. To quote an astute football coach, “The best offense is a good defense!” In other words, protection of existing assets should be at the top of the to-do list for investors. This may seem like a negative approach, but I believe it will be an important direction for most.

Investor confidence has not been running high in recent months, and federally determined fiscal policies will have the power either to enhance or to further depress that outlook in the

early months of this year. Along with U.S. policies, there will remain the issues already well-known and highly scrutinized in Western Europe.

With the recently re-elected president now being supported by a majority in both houses of Congress, it is likely that at least some of the key monetary policies and policy makers will remain in place. This brings at least the likelihood that interest rates will remain relatively low, as well as stable, throughout the year. This could bode well for home buyers, which would in turn reduce the current inventory. There is already a modicum of joy emanating from home builders with new construction showing a modest uptick. At odds with this, however, is that credit will not be easy to acquire for the average citizen.

This could curtail consumer spending.

Tax rates will also affect spending patterns for most Americans. Regardless of the exact percentages recently put forth, there will most probably be little immediate effect but rather a gradual change. This could encourage retailers to keep prices low, facilitate frequent sales, and reduce inventories. Anything curtailing inventories will also curtail manufacturing, so don’t expect to see a robust uptick in new job openings.

U.S. investment markets, both stock and bond markets, may be in for a bumpy ride, at least until Washington

embarks on a clear path to avoid severe recession and restore economic stability. In the domestic stock market, companies paying dividends should be more desirable for most investors. Generally speaking, this means large U.S.-based multinationals. Look for those providing goods and services that we all need and use daily. I often refer to these companies as “the household names we all know and love.”

One caution on the dividendpaying corporations: Corporate tax changes handed down by government could discourage some companies from paying dividends. This may be especially true for those companies that just recently began paying dividends. If the new-to-dividendpaying corporations opt out because their tax break is diminished, the effect

“No amount of material possession produces wealth. Enjoying what we already have is what really makes us wealthy!”

(Anonymous)

could be to enhance the popularity of the remaining dividend-paying companies, thus possibly pushing their share prices up. (Remember that the stock market operates in a “supply and demand” mode!)

For investors considering bonds, the basic watchwords are always credit risk and interest-rate risk. Another consideration is long-term versus short(er)-term. Putting it all together to achieve an acceptable rate of return, as well as an appropriate risk tolerance, may necessitate a serious look in the mirror and a pragmatic visit with a competent financial adviser. In general, shorter terms and slightly higher risk bonds tend to perform in periods of low inflation. As inflation risks rise, reverse strategies may be needed.

With more than thirty years of experience as an adviser, I can say without hesitation that for nearly all investors bonds are the least understood entity. If you have resolved to enhance your financial well-being in this New Year, make it your goal to learn more about bonds. This is crucial to strategic investment planning.

Another key element to all investment planning is balance. It is important to “cover all bases” when constructing a portfolio, whether your goal is growth or income (or a combination of both). This means considering the inclusion of foreign

investments in your portfolio. For 2013, most investors should think about keeping their overall percentage of foreign investment below seven percent. Even for the risk averse, it is best not to eliminate the category or asset class altogether. Just be sure to understand the risks and the uncertainty of world political and economic conditions.

Finally, I would caution all investors to remain flexible. To sum it up, the year 2013 provides both challenges and opportunities. The challenges are to remain confident in our capital markets and to retain a positive outlook toward our personal and national commitment to restoring economic stability. Given such a positive and confident outlook, I believe the opportunities will present themselves. My own New Year’s resolution is to remain open to those opportunities for myself and for each of my clients so that our goals and objectives will be pursued and ultimately achieved. I wish the same for each of you.

Ellen B Wilcox is a graduate estate planning consultant and a registered principal with, and offers securities through, LPL Fin ancial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Ms. Wilcox is president and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, in Lady Lake, which is not affi liated with LPL. She may be reached at Ellen@Elle nWilcox.com or www.ellenwilcox.com .

FINANCE MONEY

FINANCIAL CHECKUP

Now that the holidays are behind us, it is time to break out our New Year’s resolutions. There is one staple that has to be on most of our lists... diet. After a wonderful season of delicious, impossible-to-say-no-to desserts, it is time to renew our gym memberships, get back into fighting shape, and schedule our annual physical with our doctor. While getting back into shape and getting a physical can improve our longevity of life, a good financial checkup can really make a difference in helping to improve our quality of life.

The first step should be to assess our financial goals and priorities. These definitely change as we go through life and really are the basis for how we spend our money today and in the future. Whether it be a new child or grandchild you want to help with education expenses or just a desire to retire a little bit earlier than previously planned, it is good to start with the big picture before getting into the details.

Once you have examined your direction by updating your goals, it is time to take a snapshot of how you

ended the year by developing your personal financial statement. This is a detailed cataloging of your assets and liabilities as of the end of the year that will help you recognize your progress. Once you have this complete, you can update your budget and analyze your previous year’s cash flows to see where your money was spent. This is a great time to make adjustments for the upcoming year.

Next, it is time to dust off your older insurance policies, and give them a thorough review. It is a good idea to have a financial professional review the policy with you and explain the benefits, as well as any limitations. Over the last few years, insurance carriers have redesigned their insurance products to be more competitive in the market and also provide additional benefits to meet client needs.

One of the most commonly overlooked items is a beneficiary review on all your accounts and policies. Believe it or not, it is not uncommon for an ex-spouse to be left on an old IRA, life insurance policy, or bank account. Divorce is just one

of many reasons a beneficiary might change, so a periodic review is an excellent way to help ensure your money goes where you want it to when you pass on.

Along the same lines, estate planning is a critical review item. It has two basic goals. First, it helps enable you to pass your assets on according to your wishes, not the courts. Second, it allows the transfer to take place with the least amount of money lost to taxes and probate costs. A good estate planning attorney is important for everyone so the first goal is met. But for families with larger estates, there can be enormous tax savings by seeking to maximize estate exemptions and deductions.

All of us fall victim to our busy schedules. Making time for a financial checkup seems like it often ends up last on the list. The truth is that just like a physical, if you keep putting it off, it might be too late. Knowing your financial affairs are in order and having a plan in place is the key to getting a good night’s sleep, which will come in handy for your new early morning workouts.

The information provided is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all in vestors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you in vest. Individuals should consult with their tax/legal advisors before making any tax/legal-related investment decisions as Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax/legal advice. The views expressed herein a re those of the speaker and may not necessarily refl ect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affi liates.

Chris Bridges is a fi nancial advisor with the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. Since life insurance is medically underwritten, you should not cancel your current policy until your new policy is in force. A change to your current policy may incur charges, fees and costs. A new policy will require a medical exam. Surrender charges may be imposed and the period of time for which the surrender charges apply may increase with a new policy. You should consult with your own tax advisors regarding your potential tax liability on surrenders.

WRITER: CHRIS BRIDGES

BARGAIN FINANCE

HAGGLING

WRITER: MARY EDWARDS

We all love to save money when we shop. We use coupons, shop the sales, and utilize rebates. But what about price-haggling? Do stores still allow haggling?

The definition of haggle is to “wrangle” over the value of something. Using the power of negotiation to save some serious cash while grabbing the items we want is still possible. The first place that comes to mind where sellers are lenient on prices are garage sales. We can definitely score some great deals and haggle prices at garage sales. I have also had luck at farmers markets, craft sales, art sales, and flea markets. At farmers markets and craft fairs, you will get the best prices at the end of the sale as sellers would prefer not to pack everything up and take it home. If it’s food, like bread or produce, the prices are marked down very low at the end of the sale.

We can also haggle online! Start with research. Check different websites to uncover the best prices you can find. You can use Google Shopper to help. Write down all the prices, and write down the website where you found the lowest prices. Once you find the best price (remember to factor in the shipping costs), you will want to look for a “chat” option on the site. Many online stores offer a live person to chat with. Ask if there are current coupon codes you can use or free shipping offers to utilize. If you are shopping on Amazon, consider messaging the seller, and ask if they would be willing to lower their price to beat what their competitors are offering. Send them the link to the site(s) where you found the lower prices.

Another tip for online shopping is to fill your “online shopping cart” with your products, and then leave the site. Many companies will email you within the next 24–48 hours reminding you that you have a cart and haven’t checked out yet. Often they will offer a discount code or free shipping offer to get you back online to continue checkout. Not all companies do this, but it has happened to me quite a few times!

If the retailer refuses to lower the price, ask if they will give you a future deal. Possibly a coupon for a future purchase or free shipping on your next purchase in their store. Don’t give up! Retailers want your business.

In cultures where haggling is part of the way of life, like much of Asia and the Middle East, it is considered offensive to refrain from haggling. Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-haggling.htm

JANUARY 2013 5

Dade’s Battle (January 5–6)

Travel back in time during this authentically reproduced battle reenactment. History tells that in late December of 1835, Maj. Francis L. Dade and 107 men were attacked and defeated by a force of Seminole Indians at the site of the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in Bushnell. This battle marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War. This annual event will also feature cannon firing, tree cutting, barricade building, muskets and tomahawks, soldier and Seminole camps, food, and more. Admission is a $5 donation per person. Children 6 years old and under get in free. There are special rates for Scout groups and military and first responders in uniform. For more information, call the park at 352.793.4781.

12

Sweet Treats for a Cause (January 12)

You won’t want to miss this first-ever fashion show, dessert bar, and shopping fundraiser for the Safe Climate Coalition of Lake County. Taking place from 12:30–4p.m. at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora, the event is designed to raise money for scholarships that will be awarded to selected Lake County high school students who desire to participate in the arts but lack the funds due to financial hardship. Additional information: www.facebook.com/ SweetTreatsForACause or call 352.552.5467.

Biggest Winner Challenge (January 14)

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This partner challenge put on by Chick-fil-A and Performance 360 of Clermont is designed to help launch South Lake into 1,000 pounds of weight loss in five weeks. The twoperson team who loses the most body weight percentage will win $5,000. Entry fee is $99 per person, which gives access to Performance 360, Saturday group training sessions, and the chance to win the major cash prize! No membership necessary, and participants may workout wherever they choose. Grand finale and check giveaway will be held at Chick-fil-A in Clermont on February 19th at 6p.m.

15 Health, Wellness & Beauty Seminar (January 15)

Learn about the latest, cutting-edge, non-surgical and surgical procedures and how they can reverse the signs of aging to enhance your appearance for a young and natural-looking you. All participants will be eligible for complimentary cosmetic consults and reduced fees for cosmetic procedures. You can also be entered into drawings for a chance to win fabulous gifts to help you look your best in 2013! Come join Dr. Bosshardt and Dr. Marzek for light refreshments, and don’t forget to invite a friend! The seminar is 6:30–8p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Clermont.

25 Taste of Wellness (January 25)

Visit more than seventy health and wellness vendors and get a tasty bite from many local restaurants at this event,

publisher of every month. everywhere.

in just our first 4 years

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which will be held at the Leesburg Community Center, 109 E. Dixie Ave. Enjoy fun entertainment for all ages, free mini spa services, and chances to win lots of raffles and prizes. Proceeds go to World Wellness Education. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Visit www.worldwellnesseducation.org or call Traci Brosman at 352.455.1025 for more information.

Crappie Masters Florida Championship (January 25–26)

Anglers depart from Lake Dora at Wooton Park in Tavares at daylight to fish the Harris Chain of Lakes. They return late afternoon for official weigh-ins. Free admission to weigh-in. For more information call 352.742.6176 or email lfarrell@tavares.org.

Villagers for Hospice (January 26)

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Bring your own snacks and beverage for this indoor tailgate/ dance party. Decorate your table with your team colors, banners, jerseys, pom-poms, and more. You could win in a variety of contests including best decorated table, best cheer, best costume, best team/fight song, and best touchdown dance. Tickets are $20 per person and all the proceeds go to Cornerstone Hospice of The Villages. The party starts at 6p.m. at the La Hacienda Recreation Center. For ticket information, call Marty Newton at 352.350.2788 or John Katsoulis at 352.205.7488.

Manatee Festival (January 26–27)

It’s fun for the whole family! The 27th annual Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival will feature Central Florida Zoo presentations, arts and crafts, dancing, face painting, children’s finger painting, food, sand sculpting, and much more! Proceeds benefit the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, educational scholarships, and other Greater Orange City organizations. Held at Valentine Park in Orange City, this event starts at 10a.m. on both days. For more information call 386.775.9224.

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Chip in for Lake Cares (January 29)

Held on the lush rolling hills of the Las Colinas golf course at Mission Inn Resort, this charity golf tournament will have men, women, and mixed (two men and two women) divisions. All proceeds will benefit the Lake Cares Food Pantry. Golfers will receive eighteen holes of championship golf, a cart, range balls, a luncheon/awards ceremony, and chances for nice raffle gifts and 50/25/25 prizes. Hole sponsorships are available for $50. To receive an entry form or be a hole sponsor, email Robyn Hassell at pgrobyn@yahoo.com or call 352.324.6111.

31 Fourth Annual Bunco Party (January 31)

Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll as Altrusa International of Lake County presents an event that raises much-needed support for domestic violence prevention and awareness, educational scholarships, and literacy programs throughout Lake County. Event includes food, fun, door prizes, and a chance to win the $500 grand prize. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with Bunco starting promptly at 7p.m. Held at Colony Cottages Recreation Center on County Road 466A in The Villages. Tickets are $30. Call 352.267.1420.

A WALK TO REMEMBER

Dr. Asad Qamar and other employees of Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence (ICE) held a four-mile walk to promote healthy hearts. The walk began and ended at ICE’s main campus at 4730 SW 49th Road in Ocala. Registration was free, but charitable donations were accepted for the Ocala Women’s Shelter. “We wanted to do something for our patients, their families, and the community to help bring attention to the fact running and walking benefits those with and without heart disease,” said Dr. Qamar, who founded ICE.

1. Zoey and Heather Tootle

2. Gwen Treherne, Nancy Burbank, and Marian Ganther

3. Melanie Stevens and Kim Panzer

4. Steven and Nicole Welfel

5. Clockwise: Evan, Adrian, Kate, Ariana, and Luke Lewis

PHOTOGRAPHER: RON VANDEVANDER

Make No Bones About It.

The BioPro® Living Hip Stem

Horizontal Platform Support Ho

Comprehensive Care:

People from all over the United States and countries around the world have come to Dr. Vrej Manoogian for total knee and hip replacement. He designed “The Living Hip”, a unique hip prosthesis that is unmatched in its ability to imitate the natural functions of the hip joint. The direct anterior approach, combined with “The Living Hip” prosthesis, has provided a revolutionary treatment for patients with hip arthritis. Since opening his Mount Dora-(near Orlando, Florida) based practice in 2001, Dr. Manoogian has paid meticulous attention to the proper alignment and ligament balancing for his total knee replacements, giving his patients outstanding results. Dr. Manoogian is boardcertified and fellowship-trained.

MAKING A CASE

Case managers from throughout Central Florida flocked to Mission Inn Resort and Club to attend the Third Annual Case Management Symposium. The event allowed case managers to listen to nationally recognized speakers and earn up to eight Continuing Education Units (CEUs). During the two-day event, participants also enjoyed a cocktail reception, learned about team-building concepts, and attended the Case Manager of the Year ceremony.

1. Amie Deak, Lita Sergio, and Leah Jackson

2. Tanya Blair

3. Amy Cearley and John Lazo

4. James Combs

5. Jody Hernandez

PHOTOGRAPHER: STARK BRUMLEY-MARTIN

Rajab Abu Khadrah, MD, FACG Khalid Maqsood, MD, FACP, FACG

TRUE SURVIVORS

They have battled one of the deadliest diseases known to man. They have suffered through the pain of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. They have reached deep within their hearts just to find the strength to fight another day. Yet, through it all, they have remained strong in body and faith. Cancer survivors gathered in Lady Lake for InterCommunity Cancer Center’s Second Annual Cancer Survivors’ Reunion. In addition to food and entertainment, cancer survivors had a unique opportunity to share their amazing stories of bravery and hope.

1. Haydee Hill, Carl Anderson, and Carlos Maldonado

2. Elizabeth and Lacee Gerard

3. Shirley and Ronald Marx

4. Judy Trongon and Susan Hernandez

5. Pat Stanton and Agnes Cooke

PHOTOGRAPHER: RON VANDEVANDER

Our Family of Volunteer Physicians

Rajab Abukhadrah, M.D.

Paul Adams, M.D.

Adnan Ahmed, M.D.

Ahmed Al-Hazzouri, M.D.

Gary Allen, M.D.

Roy Ambinder, M.D.

Jon Anderson, M.D.

Victor Argumedo, M.D.

David Bajayo, M.D.

Jeffrey Baumann, M.D.

Stacy Berckes, M.D.

Adam Berger, M.D.

Marcus Bethea, M.D.

Manoj Bhatia, M.D.

David Bjerken, M.D.

Jason Boardman, M.D.

Richard Bosshardt, M.D.

Jeffrey Brabham, M.D.

Joseph Bradfield, M.D.

Clifton Bridges, M.D.

David Brunetti, M.D.

Kenneth Buddendorff III, M.D.

Samuel Bundz, M.D.

Don Burgos, M.D.

Alejandro CaballeroLopez, M.D.

Angel Cancel, M.D.

Raul Carrillo, M.D.

Matthew Casavant, D.O.

Pairoj Chang, M.D.

Keith Charles, M.D.

Duane Cook, M.D.

John Cowin, M.D.

Phillip Dascher, M.D.

Humberto Delgado, M.D.

John Dennie, M.D.

Jose Diaz, M.D.

Rosendo Diaz, M.D.

Carole Early, M.D.

Steven Effren, D.P.M.

Christopher Esbensen, O.D.

Cesar Euribe, M.D.

Martin Fisher, M.D.

Herman Flink, M.D.

Michael Fountain, D.O.

Jon Furbee, D.O.

Seble Gabre-Madhin, M.D.

Joseph Gartner, M.D.

Kenneth Gatson, O.D.

Adam Gerber, M.D.

Scot Ghivizzani, M.D.

Elias Gizaw, M.D.

Samuel Goss, D.O.

Ralph Gousse, M.D.

Joseph Gurinsky, M.D.

Richard S. Hamilton, M.D.

Nathan Hanflink, D.O.

Richard Held II, M.D.

Lori Helman, O.D.

Timothy Henne, D.P.M.

Manuel Herrera, M.D.

Victor Higuera, O.D.

Scot Holman, M.D.

Steven Houston, M.D.

Julie Hughes, M.D.

Andrew Huntt, M.D.

Maen Hussein, M.D.

Orlando Icaza, M.D.

Sindhu Jacob, M.D.

Hal Jacobson, M.D.

Christopher Johnson, D.O.

Brian Jones, O.D.

George Kainz, M.D.

Andrew Karen, M.D.

Chris Kechriotis, M.D.

Catherine Keller, M.D.

Kenneth Kupke, M.D.

Michael Levine, M.D.

Yi Liu, M.D.

David Lucas, M.D.

Yin Fein (Tammy) Luk, M.D.

Raoul Maizel, M.D.

Khalid Maqsood, M.D.

Peter Marzek, M.D.

Borys Mascarenhas, M.D.

Elias Mavrofrides, M.D.

Lovell Mayle, M.D.

Marilyn Mayne, D.O.

J. Laird McMullen III, M.D.

Ruth Meneses-Taylor, M.D.

Theresa Mills, M.D.

David M. Misch, M.D.

Suk J. Moon, M.D.

Wistar (Tim) Moore, M.D.

Suresh Nadella, M.D.

Celia Nelson, M.D.

Hugh Nguyen, M.D.

E.T. Nikolaidis, M.D.

Carl Ollivierre, M.D.

Felipe Ortiz, M.D.

Mahrad Paymani, M.D.

Wendy Perrott, M.D.

Steven Pillow, M.D.

Sandy Price, M.D.

Robert Purdon, M.D.

Radha Rajulapati, M.D.

Ethiraj Ramchander, M.D.

Pablo Reyes Jr., M.D.

Robert Richardson, M.D.

Mamie Rodgers, M.D.

David Rizzuto, M.D.

Kenneth Sampong, M.D.

Thomas Sanders, M.D.

Marc Scwartzberg, M.D.

Anton Serafini, M.D.

Sampathkumar Shanmugham, M.D.

Scott Shapiro, M.D.

Nitesh Shekhadia, M.D.

Andrew Sher, M.D.

Jeffrey Sheridan, M.D.

Jack Shorr, O.D.

Michel Snyder, M.D.

Christopher Soprenuk, M.D.

Christopher Stanley, M.D.

Kenneth Stark, M.D.

Jerome Sturm, M.D.

Daniel Sullivan, D.O.

Christopher Swinney, M.D.

Shelby Terpstra, D.O.

Charles Thompson, M.D.

Michael J. Tolentino, M.D.

Mayssa Toppino, M.D.

Dan Tran, M.D.

Rambabu Tummala, M.D.

Frans Van Dijk, M.D.

Amit Varma, M.D.

Kristine Verkaik O.D.

Howard Vesser, M.D.

Mark Vocci, M.D.

Chad Watkins, D.P.M.

Scott Wehrly, M.D.

David Weyn, M.D.

Maurice Yoskin, M.D.

Ernesto Zavaleta, M.D.

Deborah Zeagler, M.D.

Our Partners Clinics

(Free & Sliding Scale)

Apopka Shepherd’s Hope

Apopka Family Health Center

Community Medical Care Center, Leesburg

Community Primary Health Clinic, Eustis

Lake County Health Department, Umatilla

Leesburg Community Health Center

South Lake Health Clinic, Clermont

South Lake Family Health Center, Groveland

St. Luke Medical & Dental Clinic, Eustis

Thomas Langley Medical Center, Sumterville

Hospitals

Florida Hospital Waterman, Eustis

Leesburg Regional Medical Center

South Lake Hospital, Clermont

Medical Service

Providers

Alliance Labs

Bay Pharmacy

Burry’s Pharmacy

Central Florida Eye Center

Central Florida Pathology

Clermont Radiology

Endosurgical Anesthesia Associates

Eustis Optical & Hearing Aid Center

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute – Waterman

Lake County Anesthesia

Associates, P.A. – Leesburg

Lake County Anesthesia

Associates, PLLC – Eustis

Lake Eye Associates

Lake Medical Imaging & Vascular Institute

LifeStream Behavioral Center

Community Supporters

BMO Financial Group

Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery

Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County

Healthy Living Magazine

Lake Medical Imaging & Vascular Institute

Mid-Florida Surgical Association

Mount Dora Golf Club, Ladies Group

South Lake Hospital, Medical Executive Committee

Board of Directors

Jason Boardman, M.D. –President

Hugh Nguyen, M.D. –Medical Director

Anita Young – Treasurer

Ernesto Zavaleta, M.D. –Immediate Past President

Linda Bennett – Ameriprise Financial Services

Donna Gregory – Lake County Health Department

Medical Imaging

Medical Professionals, P.A

Medicap Pharmacy

Physicians Imaging

Radiology Associates of Central Florida

uth Lake Anesthes

Services

Vista Clinical Diagnostics

Rick Hankey, Sr. – LifeStream

Rick Sr LifeSt

Behavioral Center

Dolly McCranie – The Villages Hospital

Government

HEALTHY VIEWS

Date: 12/19/2012

Time: 7:25p.m.

Exposure Program: Manual

Shutter: 1/160

F-Stop: f/10

ISO: 100

Focal Length: 35mm

FRED LOPEZ CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Pain Free. Worry Free. Live Free.

If you suffer from painful or bleeding varicose veins, there is a solution you can easily live with and love—freely, really, finally. Dr. Sebby has performed hundreds of VenaCure vein ablation treatments, a non-surgical option that promises amazing results with little pain or downtime.

Center for Advanced Surgery led by Seble Gabre-Madhin, MD, FACS, board-certified and Harvard-trained general surgeon, provides excellence in laser vein ablation procedures for men and women. As the director of the Laser Ablation Vein Program at her last position in Delaware, she has performed hundreds of varicose vein procedures with success.

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from painful early to mid-stage osteoarthritis of the knee, total knee replacement may NOT be your optimal treatment solution. Now available at Florida Hospital Waterman, MAKOplasty® Partial Knee Resurfacing is an innovative option that spares healthy bone and surrounding tissue, resulting in rapid relief from pain, rapid recovery, and rapid return to daily activities.

Osteoarthiritis shouldn’t slow you down. If you have knee pain or stiffness with activity and have not responded to anti-inflammatory medication or other treatments, you may be a good candidate for the MAKOplasty® procedure.

Call 352.253.3388 for more information or to find a seminar near you.