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Health&Wellness November Special Section
Health Wellness NorthFulton.com
November 2013
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State of the art surgical options for women available in Johns Creek One of the most exciting advancements of modern medicine is the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Drs. John and Ingrid Reyes of Modern Ob/Gyn of North Atlanta have dedicated their practice to this philosophy. “Minimally invasive surgery allows us to perform complex procedures through either small incisions or no incisions at all. Patients benefit from having less pain, shorter recovery times, and few or no scars. In office procedures also allow patients to avoid general anesthesia, hospital costs, and a stay in the hospital, says Dr. John Reyes. The most advanced surgical technique with use of the daVinci robotic surgical system allows surgeons to perform hysterectomies and remove fibroids through a few small incisions and patients can expect
to be home the next morning, and back to their usual activities within a couples of weeks. Recently, Dr. Ingrid and John Reyes were the first surgeons to perform robotic surgery at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, which has the most advanced daVinci system available. Drs. Reyes also perform robotic surgery at Northside HospitalForsyth and Gwinnett Medical Center –Duluth. Minimally invasive surgery also refers to in-office procedures which include treatment of heavy bleeding with endometrial ablation and incision-free permanent sterilization. “In office procedures are a safe and excellent option for many patients. It’s great to be able to offer these procedures to women because they can get back to their lives so quickly, oftentimes even the same day. And typically, because these
are seen as office visits, the cost to the patient is only their co-pay which makes such a big difference” says Dr. Ingrid Reyes. Drs. Reyes provide free monthly seminars to inform the community about these treatment options. “We both love to share this knowledge and experience with the community. It’s best for patients to understand their options”. Modern Ob/Gyn stands by its promise to bring the most advanced and sophisticated options to this community.“We are here to do our very best for the women of this community. This is why we went to school and trained for so long—we really value the work we do and how we can help our patients. It’s a blessing to be able to do minimally invasive and robotic surgeries on patients suffering from long-standing issues such
as infertility from endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic adhesive disease. Afterwards, we can help them become pregnant, and come full-circle to care for them during their pregnancy and delivery. It’s the full spectrum of caring for what’s so important to a woman’s life—her health and her family, that’s the best part.” Modern Ob/Gyn’s husband and wife team of Dr. John and Ingrid Reyes provide comprehensive women’s care. Some of the many services provided include personalized prenatal
care for pregnancy, annual well women exams, conception and infertility counseling, as well as management of abnormal pap smears, irregular cycles, ovarian cysts and many other women’s health care needs. Husband and wife team Dr. John Reyes and Dr. Ingrid Reyes of Modern Ob/Gyn are located at 10692 Medlock Bridge Rd. in Johns Creek. To schedule an appointment or to register for an upcoming seminar, visit their website at www.reyesobgyn.com or call the office at 404-446-2496.
ADHD – not just in children anymore Adult ADHD is associated with multiple comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other personality disorders. Adult ADHD is a valid psychiatric disorder of adulthood distinct from these other conditions. Adult attention deficit disorder differs from the childhood variant because the hyperactivity in adults may be replaced by other symptoms such as anxiety, impulsivity and inattentiveness. In fact, prior to 2002 there were no diagnostic guidelines, but there have been great advances since. Some of the symptoms that characterize Adult ADHD are:
ADHD is a relatively common psychiatric disorder among adults. The prevalence is thought to be 3.5%-5.3%, which accounts for more than 11 million cases in the United States alone. With increased public awareness, adult ADHD became a topic of great interest so clinicians should be able to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with this disorder. Etiology is still uncertain. Genetics however is believed to play a prominent role, followed in importance by acquired injuries to the brain. ADHD was widely thought to be strictly a disorder of childhood. Now there are numerous scientific papers and clinical trials that acknowledge the existence of an adult version of this disorder, which can be traced back to the younger years. Before this time ADHD in adults was known as Minimal Brain Damage or Dysfunction (MBD).
1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school-work, work or other activities. 2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities. 3. Often does not seem to listen when spoke to directly. 4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand directions) 5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities. 6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (eg. School assignments, pencils, keys) 7. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli. PAID ADVERTORIAL
8. Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Some children with ADHD continue to have it as adults. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it. They may feel that it is impossible to get organized, keep a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD. These adults may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, failed relationships and traffic accidents. Like teens, adults with ADHD may seem restless and may try to complete several tasks as once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards. Treatment is very rewarding. The first medications to be approved by the FDA belonged to a non-stimulant group of medications: Atomoxetine. The FDA later approved stimulants such as methylphenidate and mixed amphetamine salts. Group delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended in some cases as a supportive treatment. If you or someone you know may have Adult ADHD, call Johns Creek Family Medicine at 770-771-6591 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zack Charkawi.
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How do you know if trouble with hearing Ask Pam…Your Expert in Doctor’s Hearing Center is now open in Johns Creek to provide hearing care for the general community, diagnostic hearing and balance services for physicians and industry or academic hearing screenings. We offer hearing consultations, audiologic testing, the latest technology in hearing aids, hearing aid repairs, wax removal, tinnitus or ringing in the ears treatment and advice on hearing health programs available. Dr. Robin Andrews is an expert on correcting hearing problems. Physicians trust Dr. Andrews and for over 30
years have been referring patients to assist in patient diagnosis and management. He has been in private practice since 1984 and has helped many Georgians with their hearing health. Dr. Andrews specializes in the treatment of hearing loss due to nerve damage and diagnostics for balance and dizziness. He has worked with Neurologists, Primary Care Physicians, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons, Veterans Administration and many industries. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condi-
Senior Care for the past 8 years PAM HODGSON, Senior Helpers
tion presented to the primary care physician. The first is heart disease and the second is low back pain.
See HEARING, Page 7
Senior Helpers, when experience matters. Caring for a loved one can be challenging and straining, don’t take a risk, use Senior Helpers, the experts in Senior Care. Sometimes a little extra help is needed around the Holidays, plan ahead this year! You may need someone to stay with your Mom while you visit family or run errands or you may need assistance getting your Father bathed and ready for a special event... You don’t have to do it alone. Allow Senior Helpers to provide the extra care you need this Holiday Season! Q; My Father is moving in with us from Nebraska and we will need help caring for him at home. I know that Senior Helpers can assist us with caring for him, but is a caregiver available around the clock? Pam; We would love to help care for your Father during the move. Our caregivers can actually go to Nebraska and help make the entire transition smooth. And, yes, our caregiv-
• Alzheimer and Dementia Care • Transportation and Errands • Bathing, Dressing and Light Housekeeping • Fall Risk Care
ers are available around the clock. Often times, around the clock ( or 24/7 care) is needed during a transition time like this. The good thing is that our care is flexible and your Fathers schedule can change and adapt as he settles in. Whether your loved one is dealing with the normal struggles of aging or coping with the effects of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, there’s no need to go it alone– let Senior Helpers help! Call Senior Helpers today at 770-442-2154.
• Caregivers Available from 1 hr./day to 24/7 and Live-in • Assisted Living Placement Assistance • Custom and Flexible Schedules
Senior Helpers: Matt Fredenberg, Elizabeth Jackson, Pam Hodgson, Hutch Hodgson
770.442.2154 Ask about our assisted living placement.
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Hearing better means living better Live in the now Hearing better is living better.
At Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we are ready to help if you’re not ready to let hearing loss get in the way of enjoying your favorite activities. With more than twenty years of experience in bringing the best possible hearing care to this area, Dr. Woodward will work with you to find the hearing solution that best fits your individual needs and budget. Be free to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Dr. Deborah Woodward Doctor of Audiology
4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Suwanee, GA 30024
770-814-1260
www.JohnsCreekAudiology.com We accept CareCredit®
Everyone wishes to live a happy healthy life. If you were to look at your health as a chain, you would see a connected series of links. Your brain, heart, lungs, eyes, and other organs are links which must all work together to keep the body functioning. Each link plays a vital role in the strength and performance of the chain and your overall good health. But, what happens if one of the links, such as the ability to hear, fails to work properly? Dr. Deborah Woodward is a Doctor of Audiology and is committed to be “your link to better hearing”. Correcting a hearing impairment requires detailed knowledge of how ears respond to sound and familiarity with the latest technologies and hearing devices.
Patients appreciate the “personal touch” Dr. Woodward gives. “It is important to establish a patient relationship based on professionalism and trust while focusing on their individual needs and lifestyle”, states Woodward. “Forget about what you know about hearing devices up to now. You’ll be amazed at how smart, how helpful, and how transforming better hearing can now be.” The value of a strong hearing link is immeasurable. With Dr. Woodward’s expertise in providing solutions to hearing loss, patients regain their confidence in business and social situations and are not embarrassed by inappropriate responses in conversations. In many cases, family harmony is restored, and a patient’s selfesteem is regained with their
ability to hear and understand speech. For the past twenty years, Dr. Deborah Woodward has been serving the hearing healthcare needs of the residents in the Johns Creek and surrounding areas and is in private practice at the Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Aid Center. Audiology services at Johns Creek Audiology include hearing evaluations; fitting of the latest hearing aid technology with a 45-day trial period; hearing aid service and supplies; custom ear molds for swimming; noise protection for hunters and musicians; and Cochlear implant and BAHA evaluations with mapping and programming. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 770-814-1260 or via email at info@johnscreekaudiology.com
So Big Deal, a Little Inflammation By Leslie Gaskill, M.D. Exactly,….. BIG DEAL! Inflammation is not something to take lightly. Let’s put it this way, if you came across a smoldering fire in your house, you wouldn’t just walk away...would you? I suspect that you would consider this an important matter to tend to, because you know that even a small smoldering fire could quickly become a big rip roaring fire that could burn your house down. Your though process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You might even say “Whew, I am glad I caught that fire while it was small, and thank God that I just happened to walk in here and see this.” Yeh, it would be an emotional and financial disaster to lose your home. So what if we were talking about your life? All it takes is ONE fire to cause an event i.e heart attack and stroke. There are many causes of inflammation that can ultimately cause your arteries to be fragile. The arteries can suddenly rupture as plaque pushes through the wall like a volcano. A clot is formed, blocking the flow and BOOM. You have a heart attack or stroke. What causes inflammation? Great question. Stress, bad diet, migraines, autoimmune diseases( like lupus and psoriasis), smoking, cholesterol, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, liver disease, sleep disorders, and, periodontal disease to just name a few. Don’t get a false sense of security if you are a marathon runner, passed your stress test, calcium score, and even have a phenomenal cholesterol profile. Stay tuned to hear more from us and Plaque Busters in the national arena. If you are serious about your life, and your life is a priority, we can help you
before it is too late. We are very experienced in a prevention strategy that works! It is tailored to YOU, your body and your genetics! Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., LLC 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Ste 201 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 770-495-9995 www.drlesliegaskill.com www.plaquebusters.net
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Meal Ideas from GMCD Monday night you’re tired, Wednesday you’re on the go, and Friday night you’re ready to celebrate the weekend. Wouldn’t it be nice if your dinner menu moved with the rhythm of your week? With a little planning, it can. Here’s a guide to help: Monday The weekend is over. Work deadlines await. And just thinking about the week’s demands makes you hit the snooze button. Again. And again. RELAX. We’re about to make work week re-entry a little more palatable, at least at the dinner table. REINVENT LEFTOVERS. “There are many ways to serve leftovers without eating the same meal every day,” says Cris Hartley, RD, LD, CDE, director, Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth. For dinner on Monday, reheat Sunday’s roasted chicken and serve it on whole-wheat buns with barbecue sauce. Or serve it over pasta with fresh veggies. Or shred it and make it into a casserole. GO LIGHT. Maybe you’re feeling guilty from dining out all weekend and want a fresh start. Try grilled chicken or salmon on top of salad greens. Or leave a broth based soup to simmer in the Crock-Pot while you’re at the office. Wednesday: By Hump Day, your mind is on the weekend, but your body has two more days to go. In fact, your spouse is working late, your son has basketball practice, and your daughter needs help with her algebra. You need a quick fix. SHOP AHEAD. “This is no time to be grocery shopping after work,” Hartley says. It’s stressful and busy, plus you’ll end up buying junk. Instead, do meal planning and shopping on the weekend so you’ll be ready for this midweek crunch. MAKE IT QUICK. Don’t attempt to cook an involved meal when you’re pressed for time;
you’ll only set yourself up for failure. Try these 30-minute ideas: penne pasta tossed with frozen vegetables or chicken stir-fry with instant brown rice. If on-the-go is what you need, pack turkey wraps with sliced carrots and celery. Friday: TGIF, baby—it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’re in the mood to stay home or hit the town, here are a few Friday foods to consider. PICK PIZZA. Many people order pizza on Friday, but why not make your own? Some stores sell pizza dough in the bakery section. Add tomato sauce, low-fat cheese and your favorite vegetable toppings and, voila, you have a healthy Friday night meal—and a fun family tradition. GO FOR THE GRILL. Whether it’s seafood, lean steaks or turkey sausages, firing up the grill is a great way to kick off the weekend. And don’t forget the veggies! Potatoes, corn, peppers and onions cook great on the grill—and mean no mess in the kitchen. INDULGE A LITTLE. Without a big rush to finish homework or hit the hay, maybe it’s time to eat out. And if a less-thanhealthy dish catches your eye, give yourself permission to indulge a little; after all, it’s Friday. “Just don’t overdo it,” Hartley says. After all, just like death and taxes, Monday is sure to come. Need Help With Meal Planning? For healthy recipes that will please the whole family, visit pinterest.com/gwinnettmedical. For more comprehensive help with meal planning, the registered dietitians at the Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth can help you design a meal plan to meet your diet goals and your lifestyle. Your individualized plan can help you stay on track regardless of the situation. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 678-312-6040.
Hearing:
• Miss common sounds like telephones and doorbells ringing? Hearing loss can occur if you have a family history of hearing loss, noise exposure, diabetes or heart disease. Join us in our excitement to be here in Johns Creek by taking that next step to help yourself or someone you know or love. Call 770-676-7208 or stop in at 11180 State Bridge Road, Suite 207, to set up an appointment to get the expert hearing care you need and deserve.
Continued from Page 4 How do you know if you have hearing loss or diminished hearing? Do You: • Hear but don’t understand what people say? • Ask people to repeat what they say? • Get complaints that your TV is too loud? • Have difficulty understanding women and children? • Ringing or noise in your ears?
Dr. Robin Andrews Audiologist Board Certified
We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care. Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care. Visit us online at www.northside.com
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Recovery and Prevention Tips for Foot and Ankle Sprains
Dermatology and Family Medicine
Family M F Medicine Geriatrics Diagnosis & Treatment Of Adult ADHD
Dr. Zack Charkawi
Johns Creek Family Medicine for the Extra Level of Care
• Comprehensive medical care for the entire family for pediatric adult and geriatric patients • Caring, thorough, and individualized philosophy • Well trained warm and efficient staff • Accepting new patients and sick walk in • Office welcomes most insurances including Medicare
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6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.771.6591 www.johnscreekdermatology.com
Wear shoes that fit well and are activity specific. Exercises focusing on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance are also important components to preventing common injuries of the foot and ankle. Dr. Travis Jones is a podiatrist at Northside Cherokee Orthopedics and Sports Medicine whose interests include reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
for post traumatic deformities, foot and ankle trauma and diabetic limb salvage. Northside Cherokee Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is a full-service orthopedic practice that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the muscles, bones and joints. To make an appointment, call (770) 517-6636, or go to northsidecherokeeortho.com for more information.
LESLIE S. GASKILL, M.D. For All Your Primary Care and Family Medicine Needs • Family Medicine • Internal Medicine • Gynecological Care • Integrative Medicine
• Laser Acupuncture • Cutting Edge Prevention of Heart Attacks, Strokes and Diabetes
See article at www.drlesliegaskill.com on “In the News” tab.
Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., L.L.C. 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 201 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-495-9995 Drlesliegaskill.com Plaquebusters.net
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Your feet and ankles are made up of several bones and ligaments. Ligaments are strong, flexible tissues JONES that connect the bones to one another, providing stability to many joints. A sprain occurs when the foot lands awkwardly, causing some ligaments to pull, stretch and tear. When the injury occurs to the middle part of the foot, it is called a foot sprain. Ankle and foot sprains are among the most common types of injuries, especially among athletes. Still, simply tripping or stumbling on uneven ground is enough for anyone, athlete or not, to endure a sprain. Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking on the affected foot or ankle are some of the most common symptoms of a sprained or fractured foot or ankle. If you suspect you have sprained your foot or ankle, remember the RICE method: Rest. Stay off the injured foot or
ankle. Ice. Apply ice around to the affected area as soon as possible and reapply it for 15–20 minutes every three or four hours for the first 48 hours after injury. Compression. Snuggly wrap an elastic bandage (such as an Ace® wrap) around the affected foot or ankle. Elevation. Keep your foot or ankle elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Oral medications, such as ibuprofen, may also be used to help reduce inflammation. Temporary bracing may be important to help reduce inflammation and help hold ligaments in place to heal properly. A brief course of physical therapy has also been shown to help in recovery. More serious injuries such as fractures of the foot and ankle can often be mistaken as a common sprain. If your condition does not improve or you begin to experience increased pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking, it's important to seek out care with a physician. In order to help prevent injuries, it’s important to warm up properly before physical activity and undergo a proper stretching routine.
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By TRAVIS JONES, D.P.M., Northside Cherokee Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
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Massage as part of your total health and wellness routine
Touching is a natural response to pain. Think of when you bumped your head. What did you do? Rubbed it, right? There is scientific proof of the benefits of massage - from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the tensions of our stressful lifestyles. Massage does more than just
relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur when you receive massage therapy. These include improved circulation, relaxed muscles, reduced joint pain, and shorter recovery times for workouts and surgery. If you’ve been hesitant to try massage therapy, it’s time to try LaVida Massage. LaVida Massage of Cumming is a brand-new massage and wellness center that offers therapeutic massage at affordable prices in a friendly, gender-neutral setting. Licensed massage therapists apply customized treatment using proven techniques such as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, and Neuro-Muscular. Additional therapies for pre-natal, migraine, and Sports massage are also offered. Massage therapy is a holistic healthcare tool that everyone should use. No matter how you view it - as therapeutic, as rejuvenation, for stress release, or for pain management massage therapy is beneficial to everyone – young, older, male, female, active or sedentary.
Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Picture this scenario. You are having issues with heavy bleeding at menstruation. You go to your gynecologist and are told you need a hysterectomy. This will require a major surgery, a prolonged recovery time and inability to get back to work and your daily life for quite a while. Is this the only solution? The answer is probably no. We now have many more alternatives to hysterectomy than ever before. In the category of medical alternatives to hysterectomy there is the possibility of oral contraceptives and hormonal Depo-Provera infections. These medications are traditionally used for contraception but are safe for women to use until menopause if no medical health issues exist. They can decrease monthly bleeding substantially and even be manipulated so that there are fewer menstrual cycles. Oral contraceptives can also decrease acne and perimenopausal side effects as well.
Another new alternative to hysterectomy is the Mirena IUD. This devise recently received FDA approval for use in managing heavy menses. It can easily be placed in an office visit without anesthesia. After the first few months most patients will have either no menses or very light menses. The device can be left in for 5 years and is very safe in all age groups. If you prefer not to use a medication or are reluctant to use an IUD another alternative would be an endometrial ablation. This is a procedure that in some cases can be done in an office setting or as an outpatient at the hospital. The lining of the uterine cavity is treated so there is either no menses or very light menses each month. The nice feature with this procedure is that recovery time is very quick. Most people are back to work within a 24hour time period and the results last for years. So the next time your doctor days you need a hysterectomy, be sure to discuss these options. While the need for hysterectomy still exists in some cases there are more alternatives than ever before. Laura Tsakiris MD Chattahoochee Gynecology
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