Medical Answer Book, 2013-2014 by Appen Media Group

Medical 2013-2014

Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘

Health care reform Changes you need to know

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth We reveal the best of the best

Ask the expert

The most skilled in the biz answer your questions

NEED

WANT

Advanced healthcare close to home.

To be treated like family.

Is it possible to get what you NEED and WANT from a hospital? You need top doctors and you want them to treat you like a person, not a number. You need the latest treatments and you want a medical team that will walk you through every step. With an award winning hospital offering the latest medical technology and compassionate care, you’ll find what you need and want at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth. Conveniently nestled between Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road, Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth is easily accessible for all metro Atlanta residents, particularly those in Duluth, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Norcross and Suwanee. Find out more at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org.

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘

Checking in Welcome to your 2013-2014 Medical Answer Book—your community guide to local health and medical services. This is our fifth annual issue and we encourage you to contact us if your medical or health-related business missed this issue and you want to be included in the 20142015 edition. The Medical Answer Book is primarily home-delivered to more than 45,000 North Fulton and South Forsyth homes. Additionally, 5,000 are distributed throughout the year to area institutions including the cities, chambers, welcome centers, homeowner associations, realtors and other newcomer-oriented locations. If attracting new patients—especially those relocating to the area—is important to your medical practice, I know of no more effective vehicle to reach this

market. We now publish four different Answer Books—one each quarter—including Answer Books for Medical/Health, Education, Relocation and Lifestyles/ Destinations. All contain a wide range of information available from many different sources. The Answer Book, however, is the only source that compiles all of that information in an easy-to-read format. Plus, it's available online. If you are new to the area, our Answer Books provide a wonderful and useful resource to the community—its institutions, people, destinations and much, much more. We have published the Answer Book since 1990 and have more than 60 editions under our belt. We constantly update these publications and in recent issues have included a number of custom

to your 2013-2014 Medical Answer Book® maps designed to help residents navigate our community in areas ranging from education, recreation, destinations and places to live, dine, work and play. If you have questions about the Answer Book please contact us at 770-4423278. Online versions are also available on NorthFulton.com at the bottom of the home page.

EDITORIA L Amelia Appen Jonathan Copsey Hatcher Hurd

RAY APPEN Publisher

Mapping it out

P RODU C TION Kelly Brooks David Brown Arthur J. McNaughton Suzanne Pacey A DV ERTIS ING Phyllis Anderton Hans Appen

18 A sk the expert

Helen Bausano Kaylie Belcik

Content submitted by our adver tisers

39 Sponsored section

On the cover

photos by abby breaux/staff

46 Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth 55 Emergency & community resource table 56 Timeline of medical appointments

Every year, Appen Media Group polls its readers to vote for the ‘Best of the Best’ medical facilities, doctors and services in North Fulton and South Forsyth. This year, Resurgens Orthopaedics, with locations in Cumming, Johns Creek and Roswell, was voted the best practice for sports medicine, physical therapy and orthopaedics. Pictured above are Resurgens' own, from left, Jason Schneider, M.D.; Jason Velez, D.O.; Jeffrey Garrett, M.D.; John Mowbray, M.D.; Angelo DiFelice, Jr., M.D.; Eli Finkelstein, M.D.; Frank Joseph, M.D.

EDITORIAL 48 F ood Allergy Kids of Atlanta announces Food Allergy Awareness Week 49 Facing bans, smokers choose vapor 51 What is ADHD? 52 M other's instinct: child's cancer diagnosis nabbed just in time 53 School immunizations 53 Summer rains fuel mosquito bites 54 Got (raw) milk? 54 What every woman needs

Katie VanBrackle news@northfulton.com

11 Hospital profiles

52 Top five tips for new parents

Aldo Nahed Candy Waylock

FEATURES Health care reform

Ray & Christina Appen TO ADVERTISE IN THE 2014-2015 ANSWER BOOK CALL: 770-442-3278

In the pages 6

PUBLISH E RS

59 Q&A on prostate cancer 60 Q&A on breast cancer

Abby Breaux Linda Cohen Mike Dorman Wendy Goddard Susan Hernandez June Meltzer Jade Rogers advertising@northfulton.com Reproduction of the content of The Answer Book—including all maps— is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a Trade-marked title. All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, the Relocation Answer Book, the Medical Answer Book, and the Lifestyles Answer Book. On-line versions are accessible on NorthFulton.com at the bottom of the home page. Contact us at 770-442-3278.

60 Weight loss surgery FAQ

319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 www.northfulton.com

61 N eeded medical procedures for seniors to maintain optimum health

Email additions/corrections for the next edition to news@northfulton.com

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘

Health care reform overhauls benefits Biggest changes for individuals, young adults, small and large businesses By JESSA PEASE Most Americans have heard the term Affordable Care Act, but many might not understand what it really means, and more importantly, what it means for them personally. Currently, individuals have a choice in whether or not they have health insurance. Employers are also not mandated to offer coverage for their employees, meaning, there are no penalties if they choose not to offer any. All of that is going to change when the 2,000-page law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014. On Oct. 1, the market exchange for health insurance will be required to be available and announced to all Americans and the actual exchange and benefits eligibility will occur Jan. 1, said Trinette Edge, manager of human resources for Atlanta-based Cousins Properties. Because the health care reform is so complex, it can be broken up into categories so

citizens can better understand how they will be impacted. Individuals: One of the main components of health care reform is the individual mandate, which requires that all U.S. citizens have some form of minimum essential health insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Any citizen who does not have the required benefits will have to pay the greater of 1 percent of their total income or $95 in penalties, said Todd Gordon, president of the Benefits Group. The main difference in this category is no person can be turned away from health insurance because of previous health conditions. “People won’t have to worry about not being insurable,” said Ted Officer, president of USA-Health Insurance. “The rates are the same as your next door neighbor, who is all the same demographics as you, even if they have health issues and you don’t.” Gordon said there are only

four factors health insurance can be based on for individuals and small group policies: geographic location, family composition, tobacco use and age. All tobacco users are subject to health insurance rates 50 percent higher than non-tobacco users. Financial assistance for health care coverage from the federal government will also be available for people within 100 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. “If you are single and make $11,000 a year, you get most of your health insurance paid for including co-pays and deductibles,” Officer said. “If you make $45,000 a year, you get a little of it paid for. It’s a sliding scale.” Young adults: One of the four factors

Jan. '15

Mandate for employers with 50 or more fulltime employees Dec.

Nov.

Oct.

Sept.

Aug.

July

June

May

April

Open enrollment ends Mar. '14

Feb.

Coverage begins Jan. '14

Dec.

Nov.

Oct. '13

Open enrollment begins

Source: healthcare.gov

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Ambulatory patient services Emergency services Hospitalization Maternity and newborn care Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment 6. Prescription drugs 7. Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices 8. Laboratory services 9. Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management 10. Pediatric services, including oral and vision care Source: http://healthaffairs.org

Timeline of Health Insurance Marketplace

Insurance plans for individuals and small businesses must provide at least 10 categories of essential health benefits:

health insurance can be based on is age, and young people are going to be hit the hardest, Officer said. Currently, age is factored at a 7-1 ratio, meaning a 60-yearold would pay seven times as much as a 20-year-old. In 2014, that will be narrowed to a 3-1 ratio, Officer said. A 60-year-old will only be

allowed to pay three times more, but the 60-year-old’s rates are going to stay the same or possibly go down a small amount, according to Officer. The 20-year-old’s rate is going to increase significantly. “That’s going to be the hardest part of this thing,

See REFORM, Page 62

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘

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Audiologists 1. Audiology HEARS – 6130 Southard Trace, Cumming – 770-7812376 – www.audiologyhears.com 70. Johns Creek Audiology 4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Suwanee, GA 30024 www.johnscreekaudiology.com 770-814-1260 Child Services 2. Angels Over Forsyth - 3651 Peachtree Parkway, Suite E, PMB 350, Suwanee – 770-569-0776 – www.angelsoverforsyth.com 3. Hands on Forsyth - 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming – 770-2051701 – www.handsonforsyth.org Chiropractic 59. Catalyst Physical Medicine - 4914 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta - 770-667-0099 - www.catalystphysicalmedicine.com 4. Discover Chiropractic – 2360 Bethelview Road, Cumming – 678456-9122 – www.discoverrehab.com 60. Vickery Chiropractic - 5830 Clarion Street Suite 101, Cumming - 678-947-4449 - www.vickerychiro.com Counseling Services/ Mental Health 5. Family Counseling Associated of North Georgia – 102 Mary Alice Park Road Suite 504, Cumming – 1-888-850-4891 – www.familycounseling4ng.com 6. Kids Creek Therapy – 3905 Johns Creek Court #250, Suwanee – 770-888-5221 – www.kidscreektherapy.com 7. The Center for Psychotherapy of North Georgia – 634 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming – 678-513-7676 Dentists 8. Advanced Dental Associates –

Forsyth County Medical & Seniors Guide

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285 Elm St., Cumming – 770-887-2915 – www.advanceddentalassociates. com 9. Avenue Dental – 983 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming – 770-8884444 – www.avenue-dental.com 10. Bryan Family Dentistry – 403 East Maple St., Cumming – 770887-3223 – www.bryanfamilydentistry.com 11. Cumming Dental Associate – 1200 Bald Ridge Marina Road, #200, Cumming – 770-781-8560 – www.cummingdental.com 12. Cumming Dental Care – 416 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming – 770889-1990 – www.cummingdentalcare.com 13. Cumming’s Family Dentist – 309 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming – 770205-9226 – www.cummingsfamilydentist.com 14. Children’s Dentistry of Cumming – 407 East Maple St., #109, Cumming – 678-445-5444 – www.childrensdds.com 61. Dental Town - 410 Peachtree Pkwy Bldg 400 Suite 4250, Cumming - 770-887-8807 www.johnscreekdentaltown.com 15. The Dentist – 1024 Market Place Blvd., Cumming – 770-844-6771 62. Family & Cosmetic Dental Care - 2627 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 440, Suwanee - 770-888-3384 - www. myjohnscreekdentist.com 63. Hiser Orthodontics - 285 Elm Street Suite 101, Cumming - 770888-7798 - www.Hiserortho.com 64. Dr. James Lamb DMD, MS, PC - 285 Elm Street Suite 103, Cumming - 678-455-7828 16. Lemons Dental Esthetics –

Locations on map are approximate

4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Building B, Suwanee – 770-418 – 1414 – www.lemonsdental.com 17. Dr. Robert Shackelford – 3915 Johns Creek Court, Suwanee – 770-442-8472 18. North Georgia Smiles – 1595 Peachtree Parkway #207, Cumming – 770-888-8282 – www. northgeorgiasmiles.com 19. Pediatric Dentistry of Forsyth – 3810 Windermere Parkway #501, Cumming – 770-889-9600 – www. drjasonbongiovi.com 65. Walton Orthodontics - 2609 Peachtree Pkwy Suite C, Suwanee 770-663-0955 - www.drwalton.com Dermatologists 20. Aesthetic Dermatology PC – 960 Sanders Road, #300, Cumming – 770-205-0104 – aestheticdermpc.com 21. Atlanta Center-Dermatologic – 327 Dahlonega Road, #1501, Cumming – 770-844-1902 – www. atlcetnerforderm.com 22. Atlanta Vein Specialists – 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek – 678-315-3511 – www.atlveins.com 23.Dermatology & Skin Cancer Prevention Center – 3275 Market Place Blvd., #250, Cumming – 770389-9116 – www.dermskincancerprevention.com 24. Georgia Dermatology Center – 1505 Northside Blvd., #1500, Cumming – 770-781-5077 – www. dadermctr.com 66. North Georgia Vein Institute - 2950 Buford Hwy Suite 140, Cumming - 678-513-1600 - www. NorthGeorgiaVein.com 25. Vein Solutions – 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming – 678-513-4275 – www.veinsolutions.com

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Family Health 26. Advanced Gastroenterology Associates – 4275 Johns Creek Parkway #A, Suwanee – 678-4751606 – www.advgastro.com 27. Atlanta Podiatry – 4355 Johns Creek Parkway – 770-418-0456 – www.atlpod.com 67. Campbell Family Medicine 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming 678-474-4742 - www.Campbellfamilymedicine.com 68. Champion Physical Therapy 540 Lake Center Pkwy Suite 107, Cumming - 770-205-3939 - www. championpt.net 28. Lanier Family Healthcare – 5830 Bond St., #200, Cumming – 770205-5518 – www.lfhllc.com 69. Morrow Family Health - 1400 Northside Forsyth Drive Suite 200 - 770-781-8004 - www.morrowfammed.com 29. North Georgia Diabetes – 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming – 770-886-3842 30. South Atlanta Urology – 5400 Laurel Springs Parkway #1403, Suwanee – 678-845-0390 HOSPITALS 70. Northside Hospital 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr, Cumming, GA 30041 770-844-3200 Internal Medicine 31. Comprehensive Internal Medicine – 3890 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee – 770-622-9002 – www. cimedicine.com 32. Internal Medicine of Johns Creek – 3340 Paddocks Parkway, Suwanee 33. Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians – 4365 Johns Creek Parkway, Ste. 400, Suwanee – 678957-1910 – www.johnscreekprimarycare.com Senior Care 34. Sarah Care Adult Daycare – 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek – 770-476-8400 – www. sarahcare.com Senior Centers 35. Forsyth County Senior Center – 2 Tri-County Plaza, Cumming – 770-844-7500 Senior Living 36. Belmont Village – 4315 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee – 770813-9505-www.johnscreek. belmontvillage.com 37. Cumming Manor – 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming – 770781-2300 38. Laurel Creek Manor - 7955 Majors Road, Cumming - (678) 456-8363 - www.laurelcreekmanorcommunity.com 39. The Oaks at Post Road - 3875 Post Road, Cumming - (770) 8862630 - www.oaksseniorliving.com 40. Villas at Canterfield - 745 Atlanta Road, Cumming - (770)

888-4929 - www.thevillasatcanterfield.com Shelters/Outreach 41. Habitat for Humanity – 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming – 770886-4939 42. Hightower Association Food Bank – 1120 Pilgrim Road, Cumming – 770-205-2464 43. IM In A Family Receiving Homes, Inc – 3482 Keith Bridge Road #126, Cumming – 770-889-7950 44. The Place of Forsyth County – 2550 The Place Circle, Cumming – 770-887-1098 – www.theplaceofforsyth.com Sleep Assistance 45. Fusion Sleep – 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee – 678990-3962 – www.fusionsleep.com Surgery Centers 46. Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions – 6920 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee – 678-205-8400 – www. advancedplasticsurgerysolutions.com OB/GYN 47. Alpharetta Women’s Health Group – 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming – 770-888-3358 – www. awhg.org Pediatricians 48. Alpharetta Pediatrics – 102 Pilgrim Village Drive #300, Cumming – 678-947-4588 – www.alpharettapediatricsonline.com 49. Cumming Pediatric Group PC – 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive #3600, Cumming – 770-888-8888 – www.cummingpediatricgroup.net 50. Lakeside Pediatrics – 204 Canton Road, Cumming – 770886-5437 51. Rainbow Pediatric Clinic – 1670 Buford Highway, Cumming – 770-7811606 – www.rainbowpedclinic.com 52. Roswell Pediatric Center – 110 North Corners Parkway #100, Cumming – 770-888-2882 – www. roswellpediatrics.com 53. Vickery Pediatrics – 410 Peachtree Parkway #4260, Cumming – 678-990-2501 – www. vickerypeds.com Urgent Cares 54. Atlanta Cancer Care – 1505 Northside Blvd. #4600, Cumming – 770-205-5292 – www.altantacancercare.com 55. Cumming Family Medicine – 765 Lanier 400 Parkway, Cumming – 770-205-1294 – www.cummingfamilymedicine.com 56. Northside Urgent Care and Family Medicine – 5610 Bethelview Road, Cumming – 70-205-2804 – www.northsideurgentcare.com 57. Primecare Urgent Care – 1628 Market Place Blvd., Cumming – 770-292-9982 YMCA 58. Cumming – 6050 Y St., Cumming – 770-888-2788 - www. ymca.net

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East of 400 Medical & Seniors Guide

Locations on map are approximate

Audiologists 99. Johns Creek Audiology 4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Suwanee, GA 30024 www.johnscreekaudiology.com 770-814-1260

chiropractic 61. Atlanta Spine and Sport - 3719 Old Alabama Rd Suite 400-A, Alpharetta - 678-620-3668 - www.atlantaspineandsport.com Counseling 75. Nancy Shertok, MSW, LCSW - 162 Prospect Place, Alpharetta678-929-5905 - www.yourtherapyconnection.blogspot.com 76. Lisa Van Der Merwe, LCSW, PC - 162 Prospect Place, Alpharetta - 770-356-4408 - lvcounseling.com Dentists 1. Atlanta Dental Spa – 1875 Old Alabama Road, Suite 130, Roswell – 770-998-3838 – www. atlantadentalspa.com 2. Children’s Dental Zone – 3719 Old Alabama Road #400, Alpharetta – 770-777-1222 – www.childrensdentalzone.com 3. Christy Haffner DMD Pediatric Dentistry – 3300 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta – 770-777-9400 – www.drchristyhaffner.com 4. Dent1st Dental Care – 9775 Medlock Bridge Road #I, Johns Creek – 770-476-9595 – www. dentfirst.com 5. Esthetic Dental Solutions – 2650 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta - 678-352-1333 – www.estheticdentalsolutions.com 62. FAGD Family Dental Care 3005 Old Alabama Rd Suite 320, Alpharetta - 770-475-7551 - www. sabledds.com 6. Golsen Family Dentistry – 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta – 770-667-0669 – www.golden.com 7. Grady Dental Care – 10710

Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek – 678-957-0770 – www. gradydentalcare.com 8. Imagix Dental – 11125 Jones Bridge Road, Ste 200, Alpharetta – 770-596-0529 9. Johns Creek Dental Creations – 9590 Medlock Bridge Road #B, Johns Creek – 770-623-1427 – www.briangboothyp.com 10. Johns Creek Dental Excellence – 9925 Haynes Bridge Road #700, Johns Creek – 770-663-0333 11. Jones Bridge Dental Care – 11925 Jones Bridge Road #200, Alpharetta – 770-772-0606 – www.1866mydentist.com 12. Mint 32 – 3005 Royal Blvd. South #150, Alpharetta – 770417-0100 – www.mint32.com 63. Muccioli Dental - 6300 Hospital Pkwy Suite 275, Johns Creek - 678-389-9955 - www.mdentalsmiles.com 13. North Bridge Dental – 10955 Jones Bridge Road #129, Alpharetta – 678-319-0210 – www.wizforteeth.com 14. Old Milton Dental – 4165 Old Milton Parkway #190, Alpharetta – 678-624-0370 – www.oldmiltondental.com 64. Ricci Orthodontics - 10475 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite 114, Johns Creek - 678-417-9848 www.ricciortho.com 15. Sandra Vargas Dental Care – 5805 State Bridge Road, Suite L, Duluth – 678-474-4917 – www. smilegeorgia.com 16. Walls & Hendricks – 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek – 770-813-0079 – www. shawnwallsdds.com 73. Newpark Orthodontics 4190 Old Milton Pkwy Suite 21, Alpharetta - 678-389-9400 - www. newparkortho.com

74. PolkaDot Pediatric Dentistry - 4190 Old Milton Pkwy Suit 2K, Alpharetta - 678-389-6669 - www. polkadotdental.com Dermatologists 17. Aesthetic Specialty Centre – 1825 Old Alabama Road, Suite 201, Roswell – 770-393-9000 – www.aestheticspecialtycentre.com 18. Atlanta Dermatology, Vein and Research Center – 77800 Atlantis Place, Alpharetta – 770-360-8881 – www.dermandvein.com 19. Dermatology Center of Atlanta – 9900 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek – 770-497-0699 – www.dermatology-atlanta.com 20. Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine – 6300 Hospital Parkway, Duluth – 770-771-6591 – www.johnscreekdermatology.com 21. North Atlanta Dermatology – 6610 McGinnis Ferry Road #200, Johns Creek – 770-814-8222 – www.naderm.com 65. The Fountain Laser Hair Removal - 4245 Johns Creek Pkwy Suite E, Suwanee - 770-623-3334 - www.thefountainlaser.com Family Heath 22. Alpharetta Family Practice – 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Ste 585, Alpharetta – 770-475-3200 23. North Chattahoochee Family Physicians – 11459 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek – 770-4971555 – www.ncfpinfo.com 24. North Fulton Primary Care – 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite C270, Alpharetta – 770-442-1911 – www.napc.com 72. Renew Health Medical Center - 11550 Jones Bridge Rd #4, Alpharetta - 678-297-0901 - www. renewforhealth.com 66. Dr. Leslie S. Gaskill, MD - 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg 200 Suite 201, Johns Creek - 770-495-9995

- www.drlesliegaskill.com Hospitals 25. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – 3795 Mansell Road, Alpharetta – 404-785-6880 – www.choa.com 26. Emory Johns Creek Hospital – 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek – 678-474-7000 – www. emoryjohnscreek.com 27. Gwinnett Medical Center – 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth – 678-312-6800 – www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.com 28. Northside Hospital – 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta – 770667-4000 – www.northside.com 29. Regency Hospital – 11175 Cicero Drive, Alpharetta – 770772-4345 – www.regencyhospital. com Imaging centers 67. Johns Creek Diagnostic Center - 6920 McGinnis Ferry Rd. Suite 300, Suwanee - 678-8352299 - www.jcdcinfo.com Medical Supply 30. Mobility Express – 1580 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 3, Roswell – 770-998-9984 – www. mobility4all.com OB/GYN 31. Chattahoochee Gynecology – 6610 McGinnis Ferry Road, Johns Creek – 770-813-8742 33. Modern OB/GYN – 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 204, Johns Creek – 404-446-2496 – www. reyesobgyn.com Pediatricians 34. Children’s Medical Group – 6918 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee – 770-622-5758 – www. cmg-pc.com 35. Dunwoody Pediatrics – 3300 Old Milton Parkway #200, Alpharetta – 770-664-9299 – www.dunwoodypediatrics.com 36. North Point Pediatrics – 11975 Morris Road #210, Alpharetta – 770-664-0088 – www.northpointpediatrics.com 37. Pediatrics and Genetic – 3586 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta – 770-346-0132 – www.pediatricsgenetics.com 38. Pediatric Place – 9570 Nesbit Ferry Road #201, Alpharetta – 770-640-8119 – www.thepediatricplace.com 39. Pediatric Physicians PC – 1111 Alderman Drive, Alpharetta – 678-527-1555 – www.pediatricphysicianspc.com 40. Roswell Pediatric Center – 3400 Old Milton Parkway #C545, Alpharetta – 770-751-0800 – www.roswellpediatrics.com Senior Care 41. Cambridge Health Home Care - 3060 Royal Blvd South #155, Alpharetta - (404) 935-5900 www.cambridgehealth.org 42. Dependable Homecare Services - 5510 Commons Lane, Johns Creek - (770) 881-7101 dependablehomecare.net 43. Easy Living Service, Inc – 120 Prospect Place, Alpharetta – 770442-8664

Senior Living 44. Benton House - 5050 Kimball Bridge Road, Johns Creek - (770) 754-5446 - www.bentonhouse.com 45. Cambridge Memory Care - 4040 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta - (678) 266-4065 www.cambridgeassistedliving.org 46. Dogwood Forest – 4125 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta – 678366-7700 – www.dogwoodforestnorthpoint.com 47. Eden Brook - 4125 N Point Pkwy, Alpharetta - (678) 366-7700 - www.sunriseseniorliving.com 48. Gardens of Roswell - 9212 Nesbit Ferry Road, Alpharetta (770) 992-0505 49. Ivy Hall Assisted Living - 5690 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta (770) 814-0114 50. Ivy Hall at St. Ives - 5835 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Alpharetta - (770) 476-1777 51. Parc @ Duluth – 3315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth – 770-622-6880 – www.duluth. parccommunities.com 52. Sunrise of Ivey Ridge - 2950 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta (770) 475-6622 - www.sunriseiveyridge.com 53. Sunrise of Johns Creek 11405 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek - (770) 814-0505 www.sunrisejohnscreek.com 54. Tapestry House – 2725 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta – (770)-649-0808 – www.tapestryhouseassistedliving.com Surgery Centers 55. North Fulton Health Center – 3155 Royal Drive # 125, Alpharetta – 404-332-1958 68. Hearthside Johns Creek 11340 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek - 770-418-0555 - www. hearthsidejohnscreek.com Urgent Cares 56. Atlanta Cancer Care – 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta – 770-770-1314 – www.atlantacancercare.com 57. Northside Urgent Care and Family Medicine – 11180 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta – 770754-0788 – www.northsideurgentcare.com 69. Physician’s Express Care 11705 Jones Bridge Rd Suit A 201, Johns Creek - 770-772-1830 - www. GetExpressCare.com 58. Reagan Medical Center – 10160 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek – 678-387-1600 – www.reaganmedical.com 59. Sugerloaf Medical PC – 1300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee – 770-831-3018 – www. sugarloafmedical.com 70. Wellstreet Urgent Care Alpharetta - 10945 State Bridge Rd. #501 - 404-996-0194 - www. wellstreet.com 71. Wellstreet Urgent Care Johns Creek - 3005 Old Alabama Rd. #6000, Johns Creek - 404-9960198 - www.wellstreet.com YMCA 60. Alpharetta – 3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta – 770664-1220 - www.ymca.net

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

NORTH FULTON COUNTY

HOPEWELL RD

West of 400 Medical & Seniors Guide

Locations on map are approximate RD CIS N

FRA

CHEROKEE COUNTY

MILTON

L EL

RED

70 40 10

COGBURN RD

BETHANY RD

82 86 12 9

46 45 41 80 47 24 11 43 66 17 26 29 2 34 22 67 25 3 89 77 33 88 71908328 38 31 69 73 23 13 55 19 21 5 39 35 27 85 14 37 16 30 1 6115 64 18 8 68 44 4 36 54 53 68 52 7 87 62 42 60 78 63 50 49 58 6 81 56 57 ROSWELL 59 48 51 32

MOUNTAIN PARK

ING ST

CUMM

ALPHARETTA ACADEMY ST

BB TY UN

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

CANTON

HOPEWELL RD

770-442-1050 80. Roswell Pediatric Center, PC - 12385 Crabapple Rd. Suite 100, Alpharetta - 770-343-9900 - www. roswellpediatrics.com Prosthetists 29. Custom Ocular Prosthetics – 401 S. Main St. #B6, Alpharetta – 770-667-1166 30. Pinnacle Prosthetics – 80 Mill St., Roswell – 770-998-5547 Senior Care 31. Advantage Senior Care – 404312-6423 – www.advantageseniorcareinc.com 81. Cara Vita Home Care - 648 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell - 770-6431712 - www.caravitahomecare.com 32. CareMinders Home Care - 178 79 South Main Street, Suite 310, Alpharetta, GA 30009 – 770-9736400 - www.careminders.com 33. Comfort Keepers – 2475 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 200, Alpharetta – 770-753-6457 34. Golden Home Services – 11205 Alpharetta Highway, STE F5, Roswell – 678-242-0084 35. Life Balance Home Care - 290 S. Main Street, Ste. 500 Alpharetta, GA 30009 - 770-663-4100 - www. lifebalancehomecare.com 86. Seen Your Way - 1218 W. Paces Ferry, Suite 204, Atlanta - 404-981-2273 - www.seenyourway.com 36. Senior Helpers - 294 S Main St # 300 - Alpharetta - (770) 442-2154 – www.seniorhelpers.com 37. Visiting Angels - 11775 Northfall Lane Suite 207, Alpharetta - (678) 277-9930 - www.visitingangels. com/alpharetta Senior Centers 38. Alpharetta Senior Center 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta - (678) 297-6140 39. Crabapple Senior center 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta - (770) 751-9397 40. Roswell Senior Center - 1250 Warsaw Road, Roswell - (770) 640-1583 Senior Living 41. Arbor Terrace - 12200 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta - (678) 894-7803 - www.at-crabapple.com 12. Benton House - 762 N. Main St., Alpharetta- 678-319-3000 www.bentonhouse.com 42. Chambrel at Roswell - 1000 Applewood Drive, Roswell - (770) 594-4600 - www.brookdaleliving. com/chambrel-at-roswell 43. Churchill Manor - 143 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta - (770) 667-6078 – www.churchillmanor.net 82. Cottonwood Estates - 255 Vaughn Drive, Alpharetta - 678-9996810 - www.seniorlivinginstyle.com 44. Crabapple Hall - 200 Pine Valley Drive, Alpharetta - (770) 664-9264 - www.crabapplehall.com 45. Dogwood Forest - 253 North Main Street, Alpharetta - (770) 410-9169 - www.dogwoodforestalpharetta.com 46. Elmcroft of Roswell - 400 Marietta Highway, Roswell - (770) 650-0555 - www.elmcroftal.com 47. Freedom Pointe Roswell - 75

11775 Pointe Place, Roswell - 770475-3600 - www.roswell-dentist. com 11. Windward Dental Care – 12850 Highway 9 North, #400, Alpharetta – 770-569-7580 – www.windwarddental.com Dermatologists 13. Goodman Dermatology – 2500 Hospital Blvd., #280, Roswell – 770-754-0787 Family Health 14. Cash Family Health – 11285 Elkins Road, Roswell – 678-7603800 15. Complete Family Healthcare – 2520 Northwinds Parkway, #150, Alpharetta – 770-772-3500 78. Family Eyecare of Roswell - 910 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 100, Roswell - 770-992-6789 - www. FamilyEyecareofRoswell.com 79. Longevity Health Center - 1745 Woodstock Rd, Roswell - 770-6424646 - www.longevityhealthcenter. com 16. Northside Primary Care - 11800 Northfall Lane #1401, Alpharetta – 678-867-0904 - www.draazrumsyed.com Hospitals 17. North Fulton Regional Hospital – 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell – 770-751-2536 – www.nfultonhospital.com 18. Piedmont Hospital – 104 Prominence Point Parkway #104, Canton – 770-704-6988 – www. piedmont.org 19. St.Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta – 1400 Hembree Road, Roswell – 678-319-4736 – www.stjosephsatlanta.org Internal medicine 20. Eagle Medical Center - 804 Bombay Lane, Roswell - 770-754-9880 www.myeaglemedicalcenter.com 21. Elite Care Internal Medicine 1240 Upper Hembree Road, Suite D, Roswell - 770-667-0810 – www. elitecareim.com 22. Spectrum Internal Medicine – 401 South Main Street, Alpharetta – 678-319-9901 – www.spectruminternalmed.com OB/GYN 23. Alpharetta Women’s Specialists – 1360 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101, Roswell – 770-817-1970 – www.awsobgyn.com 24. Isis – 401 South Main Street, Suite B-8, Alpharetta – 770-5212229 – www.isisobgyn.com 25. Providence Women’s Healthcare – 1300 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell – 770-6770-6170 – www. providencewomenshealthcare.com Pediatricians 83. Children’s Special Services, LLC - 7501 Auden Trail, Atlanta - 770-394-9791 - www.childrensservices.com 26. Children’s Therapy Works – 11940 Alpharetta Highway #150, Alpharetta – 770-754-0085 – www. childrenstherapyworks.com 27. Main Street Internal Medicine and Pediatrics – 401 South Main St. #C5, Alpharetta – 678-2052437 – www.msimap.com 28. North Fulton Pediatrics – 1285 Hembree Road, #100, Roswell –

WOODSTOCK

Audiology 68. Atlanta Hearing Aid Services - 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell - 770-992-5353 - www.atlantahearing.com 69. Northside Hearing - 1360 Upper Hembree Rd. Suite 201, Roswell - 770-751-7437 - www. northsidehearingcenter.com 1. Optimal Hearing – 600 Houze Way, Suite B-3, Roswell – 770-6419087 – www.optimalhearing.com Child Services 2. Giving Children a Chance 11805 Northfall Lane, Suite 803, Alpharetta – 770-255-1018 – www. gcacofgeorgia.com 3. Jacob’s Ladder - 407 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell - 770-998-1017 – www.jacobsladdercenter.com Counseling 70. Winward Psychology - 4895 Winward Pkwy Suite 203, Alpharetta - 678-566-5000 - www. winwardpsychology.com Dentists 4. Alluring Cosmetic Dentistry – 800 Mansell Road, Roswell – 770-6429900 – www.alluringcosmeticdentistry.com 71. Bloor Family Dentistry - 2500 Hospital Blvd Suite 320, Roswell - 770-663-4435 - www.webuildgreatsmiles.com 72. Crabapple Dental - 12670 Crabapple Rd. Suite 110, Alpharetta - 678-379-4066 - www. crabappledental.com 73. DeMercy Dental - 10930 Crabapple Rd. Suite 140, Roswell - 770-641-8010 - www.demercydental.com 74. Dentistry at Milton - 980 Birmingham Rd. Suite 506, Milton - 678-990-3358 - www.dentistryatmilton.com 75. Good Dental Care - 910 Woodstock Rd. Suite 110, Roswell - 770-518-7475 - www.GoodDentalCare.com 5. Ivy Dentistry – 11775 Northfall Lane #107, Alpharetta – 770-6192909 – www.ivydentistry.com 76. Milton Pediatric Dentistry - 980 Birmingham Rd. Suite 507, Milton - 678-352-1033 - www.kidshappyteeth.com 77. Oral Surgery Associates & Dental Implant Centers - 10930 Crabapple Rd. Suite 160, Roswell - 678-7810050 - www.georgia-oms.com 6. Roswell Family Dentist – 380 Market Place, Roswell – 770-9986000 – www.roswellfamilydentistry. com 7. Roswell Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics – 10930 Crabapple Road, Roswell – 678-352-1090 – www.kidshappyteeth.com 8. The Martin Dental Center – 45 W. Crossville Road, Suite 505, Roswell – 770-993-7472 – www.themartindentalcenter.com 9. Dr. Michael Leach DDS– 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 201, Alpharetta – 770-521-8855 – www. thekidstoothdoc.com 10. Dr. Scott Flemming DDS– 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta – 770-475-4241 88. Dr. Stuart Coe Dentistry -

Magnolia Street, Roswell - (770) 645-1900 - www.brookdaleliving. com SANDY SPRINGS 48. Hearthstone Assisted Living 350 Market Place, Roswell - (770) 552-1091 49. Manor on the Square - 550 Barrington Drive, Roswell - (770) 993-8040 - www.manoronthesquare.net 50. Merrill Gardens at Roswell - 655 Mansell Road, Roswell - (678) 8947820 - www.merrillgardens.com/ assisted_living 51. Parc Alpharetta - 1000 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta - (770) 346-9011 www.watertonresidential.com 83. Roswell Senior Living - 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell 770-4504875 - www.pacificaroswell.com 52. Somerby of Alpharetta - 100 Somerby Drive, Alpharetta - (770) 650-9577 - www.somerbyofalpharetta.com 53. The Veranda of Roswell - 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell - (770) 5219913 - www.verandaroswell.com 90. Hembree Senior Care Center 1130 Upper Hembree Road Roswell, GA 30076, 678-485-7362 Shelters/Outreach 54. Find a way home – 89 Grove Way, Suite 101, Roswell – 678-3812000 – www.findawayhome.org 55. Fulton Families Matter – 929 Zion Circle, Roswell – 770-9930207 56. Habitat for Humanity – 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell – 770-5879679 57. Homestretch – 89 Grove Way, Roswell – 770-642-9185 – www. homestretch.org 58. Lost Ones, Inc – 1158 Canton St., Roswell – 770-993-0055 59. North Fulton Community Charities - 11270 Elkins Rd., Roswell,

770-640-0399, www.nfcchelp.org 60. The Drake House – 10500 Clara Drive, Roswell – 770-5874712 – www.thedrakehouse.org Surgery Centers 84. Byrd Aesthetic - 11050 Crabapple Rd, Roswell - 770-5871711 - www.byrdaesthetic.com 85. High Field Open MRI - 10630 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell - 770649-8500 - www.highfieldopenmri. com 61. Grady Health System – 1143 Alpharetta St., Roswell – 404-6161550 – www.gradyhealth.org Urgent Cares 86. American Family Care - 12994 Highway 9 N, Alpharetta - 678-2058155 - www.americanfamilycare. com 62. Atlanta Cancer Care – 1357 Hembree Road Suite 230, Roswell – 770-740-9664 – www.atlantacancercare.com 63. Bethany Bend Urgent Care – 13081 Highway 9 North, Alpharetta – 678-671-3890 – www.bethanybendurgentcare.com 64. Doctors Express – 12315 Crabapple Road Suite 108, Alpharetta – 678-762-9292 – www. doctorsexpressalpharetta.com 65. Georgia Urgent Care – 1360 Upper Hembree Road #100, Roswell – 678-393-6482 – www. georgiaurgentcare.com 66. Roswell Urgent Care Center – 660 W. Crossville Road #110, Roswell – 678-436-5266 – www. roswellurgentcare.com 87. SmartCare - 540 East Crossville Rd. Suite 210, Roswell -770-5101850 - www.smartcareuc.com 67. Urgent Care of Atlanta – 5304 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta – 770-777-2062 – www.urgentcareatlanta.com

Hospital Profiles

What hospital is right for you? We profile the best hospitals in the area looking at areas of specialty, number of beds, locations and more.

Northeast Georgia Medical Center Number of beds: 557 Number of doctors: More than 500 Areas of specialty: Heart and Vascular, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Joint Replacement, Orthopedics, Neurosciences, Women and Children’s Services, Cancer Services, Bariatric Weight Loss Serving the community since: 1951 Future expansions: Building Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton in south Hall County; the 100-bed hospital is scheduled to open in spring 2015. NGMC Braselton will be the state’s first net-new hospital, meaning it’s not a replacement or relocation, in more than 20 years. The No.1 message to the community: Northeast Georgia Medical Center is one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals (Healthgrades®) and one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals (Truven Health Analytics®) – and it’s the only hospital in Georgia named to either list for 2013. So the next time you or a loved one need health care, make sure your decision is based on quality – not just convenience – and consider Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Other Healthgrades Awards for 2013: • No. 1 in Georgia for Cardiology • No. 1 in Georgia for General Surgery • No. 1 in Georgia for Coronary Interventions • No. 1 in Georgia for Gastrointestinal Care • Top 5 percent in the nation for Critical Care • Top 5 percent in the nation for Pulmonary Services • Top 5 percent in the nation for Women’s Health

• Joint Replacement Excellence Award What the hospital is best known for: NGMC and its Ronnie Green Heart Center have been rated in the top 5 percent in the nation for Heart Services for eight years in a row (2006 – 2013, Healthgrades®). In addition to providing everything from advanced diagnosis of heart disease to heart surgery and interventional procedures like stents, NGMC continues to add the latest treatment options. NGMC is the only hospital in Georgia offering Robotic Angioplasty, performing minimally invasive heart valve reconstructions and participating in clinical trials of eSVS Mesh – a new technology that could change the way heart bypass surgery has been done since the 1960s. Other locations: Medical Plaza 400 is a multispecialty medical office building, located on Ga. 400, that’s home to an Urgent Care center; an Imaging Center with in-house MRI and CT staffed by an on-site radiologist; and several physician specialties including Sports Medicine, Neurology

and Urology. More information: • Awards – nghs.com/awards • Find a Physician – nghs.com/doctors • Heart Services – nghs.com/heart • Medical Plaza 400 – nghs.com/400

• NGMC Braselton – nghs.com/braselton 743 Spring St. NE Gainesville, GA 30501 770-219-3840 www.nghs.com

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

North Fulton Hospital Number of Beds: 202 Number of Doctors: 400 Areas of Specialty: Accredited Community Cancer Center, Emergency Services, Neurosciences, Pain and Spine Center, Women’s Health Services, Orthopeadics, Inpatient Rehabilitation, Surgical Services, Gastroenterology, Trauma, Cardiology, Stroke Center, Intensive Care/Critical Care Recent and Future Expansion: In Fall 2012, North Fulton Hospital (NFH) moved its diagnostic imaging center, Roswell Imaging Center, and its Pain and Spine Center to the new North Fulton Medical Plaza directly across from the hospital. Roswell Imaging Center features a comprehensive suite of equipment and services to meet routine radiology needs and houses NFH’s outstanding Breast Cancer Center, recently certified as a Quality Breast Center of

Excellence. In the second floor of that same building, the hospital relocated and expanded its outpatient Pain and Spine Center, featuring two new procedure rooms as well as other services to treat patients. During the first months of 2013, NFH welcomed the North Fulton Hospitalist Group, a new group of hospitalist physicians on staff in the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide comprehensive care to patients during their stay in the hospital. NFH expanded its surgical capabilities by investing in equipment to provide advanced minimally invasive procedures including the Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement and spine surgery using the Mazor Spine Robot, both of which offer patients the potential for a quicker recovery with less pain. In May 2013, NFH opened its first Urgent Care Center at 5655 N. Alpharetta

Highway, and a second Urgent Care Center is under construction in Crabapple. In the near future, NFH will be adding an interventional cardiologist, general cardiologist, and pulmonary/CC/Sleep physician in order to better meet the needs of patients. No. 1 Message to the Community: For 30 years, North Fulton Hospital (NFH) has been serving North Fulton County and surrounding counties through its team of more than 800 employees, 400 doctors, and 200 volunteers. NFH has grown with the community and for the community, and is deeply committed to providing the very highest level of expertise, safety, and compassion to our patients and their families. How the Hospital is Best Known: North Fulton Hospital is committed to providing each and every patient with quality care – but it’s not just a pledge. It’s a dedica-

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

tion that’s been proven time and again, not only by the great personal feedback received from patients and their families, but by the recognition of several national and state accrediting agencies and third party assessment organizations: • American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer: Community Hospital Cancer Program Accreditation Award with Commendations • National Consortium of Breast Centers: Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence • Leapfrog Group: Hospital Safety Score – “A” • Joint Commission: Advance Primary Stroke Certification • Joint Commission: Top Performer on Key Quality Measures • Joint Commission: Hospital Accreditation • American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines • Achievement Awards: Gold Plus for Heart Failure and Gold Plus for Stroke Care

• United Health Premium Specialty Center designation for Surgical Spine • Blue Cross/Blue Shield Center of Excellence for Spine Surgery • Aetna: Elective Delivery Infant Safety Recognition • American Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certification • American Association for Respiratory Care Quality Respiratory Care Recognition • Georgia Hospital Association Quality Honor Roll: Chairman Category • Institute for Healthcare Improvement 5 Million Lives Campaign participant and partner • American College of Radiology Accreditation for North Fulton Hospital Radiology: Magnetic Resonance • Imaging (MRI), Computated Tomography (CT), and Ultrasound; and for North Fulton Hospital Outpatient Imaging Center: Mammography, Computed Tomography (CT) and Ultrasound. - Provided by North Fulton Hospital

Now Offering Robotic Spine Surgery Recovering from spine surgery can put your normal routine on hold. Spine surgery with Mazor Robotics at North Fulton Hospital enables us to perform procedures with less pain and fewer incisions, pinpointing the exact location with extreme accuracyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;using minimally invasive surgery with less radiation. And minimally invasive surgery allows you to be discharged sooner and return to your normal daily routine faster. So maybe that family vacation is closer than you think.

www.northfultonpainandspine.com Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘

Philip R. Wolfe President & CEO

Gwinnett Medical Center Number of beds: 553 (system wide) Number of doctors: More than 800 Hospital space (square footage): approximately 1.4 million square feet between both campuses Annual Patients: 403,106 (ER discharges, surgical patients and outpatient visits) Areas of Specialty: Bariatrics, Cardiology, Imaging, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Neuroscience, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Women’s Services Serving the community since: 1946 The No. 1 message to the community: As the hospital most preferred for all health needs in Northeast Metro Atlanta¹, Gwinnett Medical Center is an award-winning not-for-profit healthcare network. GMC includes two

hospitals (Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville and Gwinnett Medical CenterDuluth), Glancy Rehabilitation Center, Johns Creek Orthopedic Surgery Center, the Center for Surgical Weight Management and numerous outpatient imaging and rehabilitation facilities. At GMC every facet of our healthcare system is designed with the patient in mind. And GMC is repeatedly ranked in the top five percent in the nation for clinical quality. As one of “America’s safest hospitals,” according to Forbes2 we’re taking the lead as the best healthcare provider in the region. Gwinnet Medical Center-Duluth: Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth is optimally located to serve Duluth, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Suwanee and surrounding

communities, GMC–Duluth features six floors, 81 beds and six family suites; a natural, healing environment to enhance patient comfort, restaurant-style room service, patient-directed visitation program and other hotel-like amenities. Specialty care includes the Concussion Institute, Center for Orthopedics, Glancy Rehabilitation Center, Center for Sleep Disorders, Gwinnett SportsRehab, the Center for Surgical Weight Management and a 24-hour Emergency Department. GMC-Duluth is also home to the state’s leading Sports Medicine program. Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville: Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville is a full-service hospital that features the Strickland Heart Center for total cardiac care,a from PCI (stenting and angioplasty) to open heart surgery to cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, GMC-Lawrenceville offers comprehensive medical specialty services and centers of excellence including the Center for Orthopedics, Center for Neuroscience, Chest Pain Center and the Center for

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Sleep Disorders. The Lawrenceville campus is also the site of the Gwinnett Breast Center, Gwinnett DaySurgery, Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion, Gwinnett Extended Care Center, Wound Treatment Center, Pain Management Center and Gwinnett SportsRehab. GMC-Lawrenceville’s 24-hour emergency care includes a Level II Trauma Center and Children’s Emergency Center. What GMC is best known for: The Concussion Institute at GMC-Duluth is the first comprehensive concussion education, prevention, treatment and management program in the Southeast. The Strickland Heart Center is home to Gwinnett’s first open heart surgery program. Gwinnett Medical Center is the first healthcare system in Georgia to have a fully accredited continuum of acute stroke care. The Center for Surgical Weight Management at GMCDuluth is Gwinnett’s only comprehensive bariatric program, and is accredited as a Level 1 accredited bariatric center.

Our Gwinnett Breast Center program, which offers individualized care with a patient-centered approach offers screening imaging, same day surgical consults, on-site scheduling and diagnostic imaging, and is accredited by the National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers. National leader in minimally invasive surgery including Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery and daVinci Robotic Surgery that offers patients a virtually scarless surgery that minimizes hospital stay and recovery time. Gwinnett Medical Center–Duluth : 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth, GA 30096 678-312-6800 Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville: 1000 Medical Center Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 678312-1000 1 Based on 2005-June 2013 National Research Corporation Market Insights Results 2 Rebecca Ruiz and David Whelan; “Full List: America’s Safest Hospitals”; accessed 4-20-2009

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘

Lynn Jackson, Administrator

Northside Hospital Forsyth Number of beds: 217 Number of doctors: More than 2,200 Hospital space (square footage): Close to 1 million square feet Annual patients: (2012) 11,090 Admissions, 176,900 Outpatient Visits Areas of specialty: Maternity, emergency, diagnostic and interventional cardiology, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, breast care, neurosurgery, sleep disorder, spine care, imaging, plastic surgery, orthopedics, urology, GI services, cancer care and radiation therapy Serving since: 2002 Future expansion: Northside will soon complete construction on a fourth medical office building (MOB) on the Northside Hospital-Forsyth campus. Adjacent to the south side of the Women’s Center, the new four-story, 100,000-square-foot MOB will house a variety of physician specialties and practices to support the growing Women’s Services volume.

The no. 1 message to the community: The Northside Hospital Healthcare System is an extensive network of state-of-the-art medical facilities, leadingedge technology and pioneering experience, and is dedicated to the health and wellness of the communities it serves. Atlanta’s “Most Preferred Hospital for Overall Healthcare Services,” as voted by consumers in the National Research Corporation’s Healthcare Market Guide, Northside is committed to balancing clinical excellence with high-quality, compassionate care. Comprising three acute care, stateof-the-art hospitals and more than 80 outpatient facilities across north metro Atlanta, the healthcare system offers a full range of medical services. How the hospital is best known: • A Leader in Women’s Healthcare. Northside Hospital is a leader in maternity and newborn services and has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for providing “An Outstanding Maternity Experience” for four consecutive years. In 2013, Northside Hospital-Forsyth celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Women’s Center. In that time, the Center’s growth has been exceptional, far surpassing all projections. More than 10,200 babies have been

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

born in the Women’s Center since it opened Aug. 6, 2008. • Excellence in Cardiac Care. The Northside Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute’s board-certified cardiologists and vascular surgeons have the highest level of expertise in diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and circulatory system. In Forsyth, the hospital is an accredited Chest Pain Center and is designated a UnitedHealth Premium® Cardiac Specialty Center for outstanding quality cardiac care services. Northside recently expanded its award-winning program to offer the latest in vascular surgery services. Available at Northside HospitalForsyth, Northside Vascular Surgery is one of the most skilled vascular programs in the Southeast and the only one in the nation equipped to treat high-risk patients with custommodified endografts for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. • The Cancer Institute. The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is recognized nationally as a leader in cancer diagnosis, treatment and research. In fact, Northside is the only Atlanta hospital chosen to be a Community

Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. It’s this same experience and expertise that provides comprehensive cancer care services at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. In Forsyth and nearby, patients have access to a full array of services including radiation therapy, imaging, surgery and support services – regardless of their cancer diagnosis. • Pioneers in Surgery. Northside is a leader in providing state-of-the-art surgical services and offers the latest in minimally invasive techniques for bariatric surgery. • For 30 years, Northside has successfully guided patients through life changing weight loss surgery, from initial consultation to long-term followup. Northside was the first hospital in Georgia to introduce single-incision laparoscopic weight loss surgery, which is available at Northside Hospital-Forsyth, and recently added robotassisted laparoscopy to its long list of advanced bariatric services. A team of dedicated, experienced physicians and staff ensures that Northside is poised to continue leading the charge against obesity for many more years to come.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital Number of beds: 110 Number of doctors: More than 850 Hospital space: 282,000 square feet Annual patients: 58,164 patients (inpatient, outpatient, ER) Areas of specialty: Advanced Cardiology, Primary Stroke Center, Bariatrics, Neurology, Women’s Services, Emergency Services Serving the community since: February 2007 The No. 1 message to the community: The hospital is best known for providing compassionate care in a truly stateof-the-art setting with hotel like amenities.

Advanced imaging, diagnostics and surgical capabilities. Cardiac Cath Lab, Only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Area, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, 24/7 Emergency. Comprehensive community hospital, offering complete range of health care services – world class, Emory care in a community hospital setting. 6325 Hospital Parkway Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.emoryjohnscreek.com 678-474-7000

— Provided by Emory Johns Creek Hospital

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Content in Ask the Exper t section submitted by our adver tisers

John Reyes, MD, FACOG (Left), Ingrid Reyes, MD, FACOG. Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Modern OBGYN of North Atlanta. 404-446-2496, www.reyesobgyn.com

Robotic surgery Question: What is robotic surgery? Answer: Robotic surgery is minimally invasive surgery combining the skill of the surgeon with the technology of a robotic assisted surgical system. You may hear robotic surgery referred to as da Vinci robotic surgery because this is the current FDA-approved system used in hospitals. Robotic surgery employs 3D high definition visualization and tiny, wristed instruments that are controlled by the surgeon to perform higher level dexterity, precision and control. Question: What is robotic surgery used for? Answer: Robotic surgery is used for many different types of

surgeries. Most commonly, robotic surgery is used in gynecology, general surgery, oncology and urology procedures. These surgeries include hysterectomy, cancer surgeries, gallbladder removal, bariatric surgery and colon surgeries. Robotic surgery can also be used in cardiac, thoracic and ENT cases. Generally, this technology is employed by the surgeon for cases that are anticipated to be more complex or difficult cases. Question: Who benefits from robotic surgery and how? Answer: Robotic surgery can be better than traditional surgeries for patients who have had previous surgeries, have more complicated pathology, are obese or

who have other complicating factors. Patients can benefit by having less blood loss, shorter recovery time, less pain, better visualization for the surgeon and a more precise surgical technique. Surgery with the da Vinci surgical system may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Question: How does the “robot” work? Answer: Robotic surgery with the da Vinci system combines the benefits of laparoscopic surgery with the dexterity of traditional open surgery. This allows a surgeon to perform complex procedures

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Question: How safe is robotic laparoscopically, that would surgery? previously have required a Answer: At this time, robotic large open incision to perform. surgery is as safe as any other After the patient is asleep and surgical method. Surgeons perpositioned, laparoscopic ports forming the surgery should be (small 8 mm access holes with well-trained and highly experisleeves) are placed into the paenced in the da Vinci system. tient’s abdomen as in traditional Surgeons are first trained in laparoscopy. their general field of surgery The da Vinci surgical cart is and then receive further training then attached to the ports and in using the robotic assistance. specialized laparoscopic instruSurgeon ments are experience inserted. Unis the key like traditional At no time to having laparoscopic does the safe robotic instruments surgery perwhich have robotic formed. limited freedom of movesystem work Question: ment, these instruments autonomously. Are there any downsides are designed to robotic like a human surgery? wrist, with the Answer: There are no risks or ability to bend, rotate, flex and complications that are unique so on. The surgeon controls the to a robotic approach. For any movements of these instrugiven surgery, there are known ments from a console located risks and complications. The next to the patient. most important things as a By manipulating hand grips patient is to ask your doctor within the console, the comspecifically what are the risks, puter translates these moveare there alternatives or nonments into movements by the surgical options and how experilaparoscopic instruments. enced is the surgeon. Generally, At no time does the robotic using the robotic surgery system system work autonomously. may have higher overall healthThe surgeon is always in care cost. complete control of the robotic A robotic approach to sursystem. All decisions are made gery may not always be the best by the surgeon. The surgeon option for a patient or for their works in a console and with type of surgery. the use of the 3D visualization Robotic surgery should be system, performs the surgery by used by experienced and skilled making the robotic arms replisurgeons for cases that would cate his/her movements within clearly benefit from its use. the console.

Restore your health. Energize your life. Get back in motion.

THE FIRST CHOICE FOR ORTHOPAEDIC CARE. As Georgia’s largest orthopaedic practice, patients trust Resurgens to provide specialized expertise, broad experience, and comprehensive musculoskeletal care. From diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation services, we’re here for you. CUMMING 1100 Northside Forsyth Drive Suite 340 Cumming, GA 30041 (770) 886-8111

PHYSICIANS Jeffrey J. Albert, M.D. Irfan Ansari, M.D. Herschel I. Beker, M.D. David J. Covall, M.D. Angelo DiFelice, Jr., M.D. Eli A. Finkelstein, M.D. Jeffrey P. Garrett, M.D. Ronald A. Hall, M.D. Edward H. Holliger, IV, M.D. Stephen B. James, D.O. Frank R. Joseph, M.D. Sami Khan, M.D.

JOHNS CREEK 6335 Hospital Parkway Suite 302 Johns Creek, GA 30097 (404) 575-4500

D. Kay Kirkpatrick, M.D. G. Dale Lane, M.D. Douglas W. Lundy, M.D. Mark S. McBride, M.D. John G. Mowbray, M.D. Sourendra Raut, M.D. Yvonne E. Satterwhite, M.D. Jason A. Schneider, M.D. David G. Scott, M.D. Jason W. Vélez, D.O. Kristen L. Willett, D.O. Robert K. Yarbrough, M.D.

ROSWELL 1285 Hembree Road Suite 200A Roswell, GA 300 (770) 475-2710

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Chronic refractory diarrhea

Question: What is the definition of chronic refractory diarrhea? Answer: It usually means diarrhea for more than two weeks and not responding to usual treatment. The World Health Organization defines diarrhea as having three or more loose or liquid stool per day, or as having more stools than is normal for that person. Question: What is the cause of diarrhea? Answer: More than several hundred causes of diarrhea have been identified. Common causes of chronic diarrhea are classified as following:

1. Osmotic diarrhea, like lactose intolerance, laxative abuse. 2. Malabsorption, like celiac disease, bowel resection, chronic pancreatitis, small bowel bacterial overgrowth. 3. Secretory diarhea: hormonal secreting tumor like carcinoid, bile salt and villous adenoma. 4. Inflammatory bowel diseases: Crohn’s diseases, radiation enteritis and microscopic colitis. 5. Motility disorders: irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes mellitus. Some patients might have more than one cause for his diarrhea. All causes should be identified before an effective treatment can be applied. Question: What is the treatment for chronic refractory diarrhea and do you have any medication which can control all

diarrheas? Answer: Effective therapy depends on identification of the causes. Different causes require different specific treatments. No medication can treat all types of diarrhea. The common anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Lomotil might slow down diarrhea sometimes but more often delay the diagnosis and the cure. Question: Can you give several examples to show how to cure chronic refractory diarrhea? Answer: Yes, I do have a lot of cases of chronic refractory diarrhea with successful treatment outcome. I just cite a few here. Case 1. A 38-year-old gentleman had terminal ileal and cecal resection due to abscess. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and was treated with

anti-inflammatory medication for more than five years. His diarrhea did not improve. He has seen several GI specialists but nobody could help him. I carefully reviewed his chart and found that he did not have Crohn’s disease. The abscess was caused by perforated diverticulitis. His diarrhea was caused by bile salt which was not absorbed due to resection of terminal ileum. I changed his treatment plan and his diarrhea resolved. Case 2. A 63-year-old woman had diarrhea for more than 20 years. She was evaluated by GI specialist early in 90’s and was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Her symptoms have been getting worse over the last several years. After review of her history, I suspected that she might have celiac disease. The work-up

confirmed my diagnosis. She was put on Gluten-free diet and her diarrhea resolved. Case 3. A 68-year-old woman had refractory Clostridium difficile colitis over a year. She had multiple hospitalizations and diarrhea recurs each time she stopped oral Vancomycin. She told me that she was bankrupt due to this infection. After careful review of her chart, I decided to do fecal transplant. It only costs $20 and her diarrhea resolved without recurrence for good. Case 4. A 70-year-old gentleman had chronic diarrhea for five years. He was diagnosed with villous adenoma associated diarrhea. He had multiple colonoscopies and removed more than 20 polyps but his diarrhea did not stop. I did colonoscopy and removed several polyps. I also did random biopsy which showed microscopic colitis. The treatment plan changed and diarrhea resolved.

Heavy, tired, restless legs? Today’s vein disease treatments are fast, effective, and more than 90 percent are covered by insurance.

David Martin, RN, CRNFA, and president and CEO of VeinInnovations answers typical questions regarding symptoms of and treatments for venous disease. Martin founded VeinInnovations in 2002 as the first facility of its kind in Atlanta to offer every available technique for the treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose/ spider veins. VeinInnovations recently opened its second clinic in Johns Creek, with surgeons David Park, MD, and Alex Park, MD. VeinInnovations is widely regarded as the Atlanta area leader in office-based, minimally invasive treatment of venous disease. More than 90 percent of treatments done by VeinInnovations are covered by insurance. For more information,

please visit www.vein innovations.com Question: What is venous insufficiency? Answer: In the lower half of your body, your calf muscles help pump deoxygenated blood back up to the heart and lungs to be re-oxygenated. In healthy leg veins, the one-way valves, which open and close to assist the return of blood, stay closed, allowing blood to reflux or flow backward, where it pools, making the legs feel heavy and tired. Pooled blood can also cause varicose veins as well as blue or purple spider veins and changes in the skin›s surface. Left untreated, venous insufficiency can also result in swelling and venous stasis ulcers. Question: What are symptoms of vein disease?

Answer: Varicose or spider veins -- with or without swelling, pain, fatigue, or restlessness in the legs -- are key visible symptoms. Other symptoms include restless legs, cramping, discomfort that worsens throughout the day or while standing, redness or skin changes in the legs, and ulcers. Question: My legs hurt at night. How do I know if I have venous health issues? Answer: A Doppler ultrasound scan of your legs can confirm or rule out venous health issues; VeinInnovations offers complimentary ultrasound cosmetic screenings. However, if you have symptoms of vein disease, it is best to have a full ultrasound study, which, when medically indicated, is covered by insurance.

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Question: How do men and women differ with regard to vein disease? Answer: Women are more likely to seek treatment for pain and the appearance of their legs. Men often wait until they are in a great deal of pain, or until heavy, tired, restless legs slow them down in work, golf, tennis, running, or gardening. Women often first experience varicose, spider veins, pain, and swelling during pregnancy, as hormonal changes impact the elasticity of veins, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Question: My mother had her veins stripped 20 years ago and it was horrible. How is treatment different today? Answer: Today’s treatments for vein disease are quick, relatively painless, and done in-office, with local anesthesia. Many patients

have procedures done during the lunch hour and are back at work within an hour or two. Question: What makes treatment today so much easier? Answer: New technology that became available about 13 years ago revolutionized vein disease treatment. Today, we use the latest radio frequency and laser energy, as well as Doppler ultrasound technology, to achieve better results (98 percent success rate) than those achieved by traditional surgery, which required a hospital stay and a lengthy recovery. Carey Sipp Executive Coordinator, Business Development csipp@veininnovations.com 404-408-9566, 678-731-9815 for medical appointments www.veininnovations.com

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For advice on hearing loss Question: Is hearing loss common? Answer: Yes, it is estimated that

over 34 million Americans experience some form of hearing loss. Six out of ten people with hearing loss are men, and 60% of men with hearing loss are under retirement age. Question: How will I know if I

have a hearing loss? Answer: Problems following a conversation or the need to keep the TV or radio turned up are symptoms of hearing loss. You may be experiencing an annoying ringing sensation

Live in the now

in your ears. Family members and co-workers may be noticing inappropriate responses or your withdrawal from social activities. Question: Is there a test to determine the extent of any hearing loss? Answer: An initial test as part of a routine healthcare checkup may be given by a primary care physician. A complete diagnostic evaluation should be administered by a Doctor of Audiology who is uniquely qualified to diagnose the cause and extent of hearing loss. The ears are first examined, and the Doctor of Audiology then proceeds with a number of tests done in a calibrated sound booth.

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.

4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B Suwanee, GA 30024 Dr. Deborah Woodward Audiologist

770-814-1260

www.johnscreekaudiology.com We accept CareCredit®

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Question: What can I do to improve my hearing if a hearing loss is determined? Answer: Once hearing loss is confirmed, the Doctor of Audiology may recommend medical intervention if needed, discuss hearing aid options, and provide extensive counseling for patients and family members. Question: Can untreated hearing loss get worse? Answer: Yes. Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a range of physical and emotional conditions including irritability, anger, fatigue, tension, stress and depression. Question: If hearing aids are recommended, where can I get the facts about the best hearing aids for my lifestyle and budget? Answer: Choose a trusted Doctor of Audiology who will offer options tailored to your listening

situations, lifestyle and budget and who is knowledgeable of the proper fitting, adjustments and latest technology available in hearing aids. Question: I’m bombarded with hearing aid advertisements and am uncertain of which hearing aids to choose. How can I be sure that I am making a good decision regarding the purchase of hearing aids? Answer: Although hearing aids look similar, they are not all alike. Don’t be lured into a purchase of hearing aids that may not be appropriate for your need or budget. Ask about the manufacturer’s customer service background to insure that the hearing aids can be serviced properly if needed in future years. Question: Does Medicare pay for hearing aids? Answer: Hearing aids are not currently covered by Medicare. A few insurance plans have a hearing aid benefit or allowance. To find out whether your insurance covers hearing aids, call the member services number on your insurance card for verification. Question: Is there a reputable Doctor of Audiology in the area? Answer: Yes. Doctor Deborah Woodward has a long-standing reputation in the community for outstanding patient care and is located in the Johns Creek area. An appointment with Dr. Woodward can be arranged by calling Johns Creek Audiology & Hearing Aid Center at 770-814-1260.

Are you sick and tired of being tired?

By Dr. Brian Ouellette

Question: Do you see many people that suffer from Fatigue? Answer: Fatigue is a one of the most common reasons people seek help at Renew Medical Center. Fatigue is most often a symptom of an underlying problem. At Renew Health Medical center our team of holistically minded medical doctors, Chiropractors, physicians assistant, medical assistant and rehab specialist search for the root cause of why someone is suffering from fatigue. Once uncovered, we treat the underlying condition naturally, with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes. When necessary natural supplements are given that do not have harmful side effects. Some of the most common causes of fatigue are hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, and food sensitivities, as well as poor sleep patterns, and stress. Many people that suffer from fatigue find themselves needing caffeine just to make it through the day. Others turn to processed sugary foods to get the lift they need. Caffeine, and processed foods do give a temporary lift, however, there is a price to be paid by the crash that follows. Question: How does Renew Health Medical Center help people that suffer from fatigue? Answer: At Renew Medical Center we focus on finding the cause of the problem. Often times the problem is a hormonal problem , such as subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients are often both surprised and relieved when we discover a thyroid problem when previous thyroid

testing was negative. At Renew Health we look for biomarkers that are not normally tested. By looking at these biomarkers we are able to help patients with subclinical hypothyroidism not only improve their energy levels but often times lose weight with ease. Question: Why is it that so many women complain of fatigue? Answer: During peri-menopause and menopause women often experience fatigue as well as weight gain and sleep problems related to changing hormone levels. When we balance the hormones naturally these women are able to get a restful nights sleep and eliminate daytime fatigue, while easily losing weight and eliminating the brain fog that often accompanies this time of life. Question: What are some other causes of fatigue? Answer: When looking for the source of fatigue it is not uncommon to find the culprit to be undiagnosed food Sensitivities. Food Sensitivities cause generalized inflammation in the body causing the immune system to be in overdrive. The body often becomes sensitive to the foods we eat most often. For this reason, the standard American diet sets us up to develop food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can cause generalized fatigue as well a depression, joint pain, digestive problems like bloating, constipation and diarrhea as well as weight loss resistance and weight gain. Most people have heard of food allergies that can cause someone severely allergic to require immediate medical attention yet few are aware of how continuing to expose ourselves to foods we may be sensitive to can cause extreme fatigue

as well as set ourselves up for chronic diseases. Stress can cause fatigue by causing spikes in cortisol levels throughout the day. These spikes in cortisol which happen in “flight or fright” not only cause the body to become

depleted of necessary nutrients and cause fatigue but also cause weight loss resistance. Question: When should someone suffering with fatigue seek your help? Answer: If you find your-

self pushing through the day, not feeling well rested upon waking and find yourself having a difficult time losing weight, call our office at (678) 688-9996 to schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors.

Tired all the Time? Just don’t feel like yourself? It may not be your fault Fatigue • Fuzzy Brain • Sleep Problems • Insomnia All symptoms of poorly functioning Adrenal Glands causing your Hormones to be out of balance.

Adrenal and Hormone imbalances affect overall health leading to Thyroid, Bowel and eventually Heart problems.

Age Well – Thrive

Voted Best Nutritionist and Best Weight Loss Practice 2013

Best Nutritionist

Best Weight Loss

Renew Health Medical

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth

2013

Weight Loss • Digestive Disorders Fatigue • Thyroid & Adrenol Disorders In-depth Testing

www.RenewHealthMedical.com w ww.R RenewHealthM Alpharetta

Milton

11550 Jones Bridge Rd 12315 Crabapple Rd Suite, 144 Suite 4 Alpharetta, GA 30022 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-261-3222 678-688-9996

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For advice on Medicare planning covered fully up front 100% for covered items – Pre-Paying for Your Care.

(This information is for general educational purposes only – please call for more details) Question: What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements? Answer: Medicare Advantage is Part C of Medicare. You do not leave Medicare when you select a Medicare Advantage Program. Medicare Supplements are insurance plans ON TOP of Medicare Part A and B. The easy way to consider the difference is that with Medicare Advantage you typically pay copays as you go along – Pay As You Go. Whereas with Medicare Supplement Plan F (the most popular option) you are typically

Question: Is there a monthly premium difference with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements? Answer: Yes, typically Medicare Advantage plans are very low cost – often lower than $30 per month. Medicare Supplements generally range from $100 to $300 per month in Georgia. Question: I have heard that I must use certain doctors with Medicare Advantage, is that true? Answer: Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans work when you use doctors that accept Medicare. But not all doctors do. And not all doctors accept Medicare Advantage Part C. So you need

to ask the billing office at your provider that question. Also with Medicare Advantage you will typically have a Network to choose from first. If you choose an HMO (which we steer away from) you will only have that list of doctors to use. But if you choose a PPO or POS option with flexible Out of Network benefits, you will have the best success. Question: I have heard that once I choose a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan that I am stuck with that choice forever, is that true? Answer: No, each year Medicare Beneficiaries have the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) to revise their plan choices including Rx Part D plan choice. You do have

other opportunities to change called Special Election Periods (SEP). These are detailed by the government and we use them often to help our clients make changes outside of the Annual period. Question: My Part D Rx plan works well – why would I need to review and possibly change it? Answer: Every year the providers of Part D Rx plans must re-file their plan designs and formularies with Medicare. Formularies (list of covered drugs) also can change during the year. So each person should take a few minutes and check their drugs to make sure they are still covered. But that does not answer the question fully! It is also very important to see if the drug

TIER has changed. If a drug goes from $10 to $50 per month that is a $480 annual change in cost to you! So the right approach is to have our office run a comparison for you that checks ALL of the Rx Part D plans in your county. It is amazing how often we save customers $1,000 or more annually on this simple but thorough check. Question: Why should I use a professional, highly trained brokerage to do Medicare Planning annually? Answer: Medicare does not allow us to charge for these reviews. They are at no charge to you. So you can check your plan choices, your Rx list and more at no risk. We represent all

See MEDICARE, Page 34

If you’re anxious about today’s health plans... Let us show you our educational approach to managing your Health plan or Medicare plan budget. We represent ALL major insurers. • Senior & Disabled Medicare Plans – Medicare Supplements – Medicare Advantage – Medicare PartD (Rx) Plans • Family & Personal Health Plans • Dental & Vision • Long Term Care

770-945-5261 Call today for your NO CHARGE advisory service. 24

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www.AffordableMedicareSolutions.com

“EXCELLENT”

“It has truly been the best OB/GYN experience I have ever had”

“highly recommend”

“skilled and personal”

“MY EXPERIENCE WAS AN AMAZING ONE.”

“goes above and beyond to make sure the patients are well taken care of ”

“My experience with Dr. John and Ingrid Reyes has been wonderful. I am so glad I picked them.”

“My experience has been phenomenal!”

“unique team style”

“understanding and caring professionalism. . . would recommend Modern OBGYN to any of our family and friends”

“so forever grateful and blessed to have found Modern OBGYN, thank you for making this experience a wonderful one”

“I feel blessed and fortunate to have come to this practice”

“I couldn’t ask for more from an obstetrician”

“one of the best decisions I have ever made. . . I was up and walking the very same day of the operation”

Op our 69 enin new Jo 2 M g O exp hn ed CT an s C lo OB de re ck ek Br ER 1 d ofﬁ , G id ST ce A ge loc 30 Ro ati 09 ad on 7

“I will be forever grateful in how they treated me and my husband through the process of my first pregnancy”

Husband and wife team of Dr. John Reyes and Dr. Ingrid Reyes, providing personal and compassionate care

Board Certified Specialists

W W W. R E Y E S O B G Y N . C O M

404.446.2496

ing

Northside Hospital – Forsyth

•

An n

Emory Johns Creek Hospital

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Urology of Greater Atlanta Question: What is Overactive Bladder (OAB) and what are the symptoms? Answer: Overactive bladder is not a disease but a constellation of symptoms that includes urgency (a sudden and strong sense to urinate) and frequency (going to the bathroom several times each day). It may be associated with incontinence (leakage of urine) and nocturia (excessive urinating at night). It is a common condition that affects millions of men and women of all ages. Question: What is the evaluation for OAB? Answer: A visit to the doctor will likely include a review of

the details of the symptoms, a general review of your prior medical and surgical history, and a thorough physical examination including a prostate exam for men and a pelvic exam for women. A test of your urine is also usually done to look for urinary tract infections or microscopic levels of blood in the urine, which may prompt additional testing including urine culture, cytology (evaluation of your urine under a microscope by a pathologist), ultrasound, or cystoscopy (a look into your bladder in the office via a scope or camera). It is often helpful to bring a detailed voiding diary—a 24- to 48-hour account of fluid intake and bathroom visits, including an estimation of volume. Question: What are the treatment options for OAB? Answer: Behavioral therapy, or

lifestyle changes, is a mainstay of treatment. Avoiding certain foods, including caffeine, acidic foods, spicy foods, and alcohol, is often very helpful. Understanding the relationship between when you drink fluids and urination is also helpful. Some patients opt for physical therapy, where a specialist can help isolate the muscles involved in normal voiding. Medications range from pills to gels to patches, and have been around for years. Fortunately, there have been many recent advances including a new class of medication and refinements to minimize side effects from current options. Neuromodulation helps recreate normal neurologic impulses made by the body to help the bladder relax. While not a new concept in urology, the use of neuromodulation is rapidly

growing. Botox has recently been FDA-approved to treat patients with difficult to treat OAB. Question: What should I do if I am bothered by symptoms of OAB? Answer: I encourage you to work with your doctor to see if your symptoms are from OAB and no other reasons including infection, lifestyle, medications, or other sources. Your doctor can also help you navigate the options and determine the best course of action together. Benjamin C. Lee, MD FACS Dr. Lee received his MD degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his residency in surgery and urology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and has been in private practice

Benjamin C. Lee, MD FACS since 2005. Dr. Lee is certified by the American Board of Urology. In addition, he is fully trained and certified to perform robotic surgery on the computerized da Vinci Surgical System.

Prostate screening, UGA Urology Early detection of prostate cancer should be offered to men who could benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer as well as the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men. The chance that you may have prostate cancer increases with age. At age 60 you have a one in five chance, age 75 a one in two chance and at age 90 close to 90 percent of men have prostate cancer and do not even know they have it. The real question is… if I have prostate cancer is this going to impact my quality of life? Knowing the facts and treatment options of prostate cancer will help answer these types of questions.

Question: Should I get PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) screening for Prostate Cancer? Answer: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), is a protein produced by the prostate that can be detected in a simple blood test. The prostate enlarges and produces more PSA with advancing age. More than half of men develop symptoms of enlargement, BPH, after the age of 50. Common complaints include slowing of the urinary stream, frequent trips to the bathroom at night and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These may also be the symptoms of prostate cancer. Larger prostates emit more PSA and levels increase accordingly, so that as men age, symptoms are more bothersome and PSA levels in the blood increase. For the past 30 years, routine screening with annual Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and PSA

were recommended for men 50 and older to detect prostate cancer early at a potentially curable stage of the disease. Those at a higher risk, including African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer were checked starting at age 40. With more routine screening, detection has doubled as more than 240,000 men will be diagnosed in 2013 and the death rate from prostate cancer has declined by almost 50 percent. Before PSA was available, two of three men diagnosed with prostate cancer had advanced an incurable form of the disease. Today, more than 90 percent of men have a localized, curable disease at the time of diagnosis, thanks to annual DRE and PSA screening. As our ability to detect prostate cancer has improved, more men have submitted to biopsy and treatment.

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Presently, men between 55 and 69 years of age, and those at higher risk are identified as those who will benefit most from routine testing. Men who deny any symptoms and are less than age 50 or older than age 70 should consult their physician to determine whether testing is necessary. Even if you are otherwise healthy, I encourage you to consider the risks, benefits and costs of PSA screening with your health care provider. When considering PSA screening you need to ask yourself the following questions. What would I do if the blood test result was abnormal and would lead to a prostate biopsy? If the biopsy revealed cancer would I want to receive treatment? If I get treated, what quality of life issues will I need to

James M. Libby, MD, FACS consider? Knowing the facts about prostate cancer and smart use of PSA can save lives, which is why I encourage you to consult

See UROLOGY, Page 36

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Global Dance Question: What is Global Dance? Answer: Global Dance is a dance studio that utilizes movement and dance for fitness for all men and women of all ages and sizes. We offer diverse dance and exercise forms including Middle Eastern folkloric dance, Belly-Fitness/Dancing, Salsa, Zumba, Bollywood, American Tribal Style, Yoga, and Contemporary and Ballet for character building. What makes us different is that we assume that everyone was born to dance. Our emotionally safe, no-judgment environment accepts each person where they are. Our classes range from beginner, building

basic movement inherent in everyone, to advanced, in a workshop setting with a technical focus. We also host professional guest instructors and run special events/parties for groups. Question: What are the medical benefits of being a part of this dance family? Answer: When you come to the Global Dance Studio, your body, mind and spirit will connect. The dance program has shown that consistent participation has improved self-esteem, confidence levels, and contentment because the movement is fun, achievable and motivating. Physically, our students have shown significant weight loss, improved toning especially in the core area and increased muscle definition. The high energy low

impact structure of movement improves fitness and core strength while also helping with joint movement. Students learn muscle isolation and impactful breathing techniques. We have also seen individual memory enhancement and a sense of achievement in all our students. Question: What is Atlanta S.E.E.Ds for girls (ages 6 to 18 years)? Answer: Atlanta “Self Esteem, Empowerment and Education through Dance (S.E.E.Ds®)”, directed by Liezel Lane, offers the finest instruction in Middle Eastern Arts for girls in a way that promotes self-discovery and self-actualization through a high level of mentorship which prepares them for independence. The mission of Atlanta SEEDs School® is to mentor

A diﬀerence you can see. Total eye care: • Comprehensive Ophthalmology • Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus • Cataract Surgery • LASIK and Refractive Surgery • Optometric Services • Eyewear and Contact Lenses for all ages • Retina, Glaucoma, and Cornea Services • Oculoplastic Surgery and Cosmetic Services

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young women in order to create healthy and strong individuals who are socially and fiscally responsible to themselves and their community. This mission is accomplished through the vehicle of dance, specifically American Tribal Style dance, talking circles, journal writing and presentations. The Goal for each girl is: To find her own voice and be able to listen to it. To have better self-esteem and confidence. To be able to plan and achieve goals, generate choices, create options, gain resources and support. To be ready to face financial independence. To have respect, appreciation and be able to care for her own body. To respect, appreciate and be able to care for others in the community. To respect and appreciate diversity and culture.

We accept 15 girls per class for one academic year of after school classes. Once per week they are taught the elements of American Tribal Style dance, a rich, diverse, artistic, cultural dance form that spans the regions of India, the Middle East, North Africa and Spain. Also studied is American Tribal Style Dance expression through the varied and complex music of these same cultures. The girls also participate in talk-

See DANCE, Page 36

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Providence Women’s Health Care

Question: I have a friend who says she’s getting a new type of prenatal care called “centering.” What is “centering?” Answer: Centering is a new model of prenatal care that incorporates three major components: Assessment of the pregnancy, education and support. Patients meet with the care provider and other group participants for an extended period of time. Most groups meet for two hours, at regularly scheduled visits over the course of their pregnancy for a total of 10 visits. Centering promotes greater patient involvement in prenatal care, personal empowerment

and community-building. At the start of a typical session, patients have a brief individual assessment with the care provider, take part in selfcare activities that include taking their own blood pressure and weight, use self-assessment tools to begin thinking about key topics, enjoy refreshments and have informal conversation with the other participants. When the group “circles up,” there is discussion started by the care provider about heath topics that builds on the group’s understanding and shared experiences. Groups are lively, interactive and patient-centered. There are essential elements of centering. The Centering Healthcare Institute has found that by following these elements everyone has a better prenatal experience. Some of the important ele-

ments include routine prenatal exams behind a privacy screen, “roundtable” discussions encouraging input from all small group participants, building relationships between new and experienced moms while socializing in a relaxed environment and evidence-based teaching by a healthcare provider. Family support members are encouraged to join the group. Some of the things that patients appreciate about centering: Meetings are on the same day and at the same time, so that they can plan in advance for all their appointments. Group members appreciate getting to know other women with similar due dates. Realizing that many things happening in pregnancy are happening to all the women in the group.

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

They are more prepared for delivery and breastfeeding is more successful. Feeling support from other group members when problems arise. Prolonged pregnancy, which decreases the prematurity rate. Presently, there are only eight locations offering CenteringPregnancy® in the entire state of Georgia. The only one available in the North Fulton area is found in Roswell/ Alpharetta. A special space for group meetings was built to provide these essential elements and facilitate the concept of group prenatal care. To find out more about CenteringPregnancy, call us at 770-670-6170 or visit www. providencewomenshealthcare.com. Providence Women’s Healthcare is very proud to be the first private

practice to introduce and provide this emerging model of prenatal care. The obstetricians and nurse-midwives of Providence Women’s Healthcare are working with the March of Dimes to improve pregnancy outcomes and patient satisfaction. Come join in the fun and see the future of prenatal care, today!

For advice on sports medicine Question: What are some common sports injuries that you see in your practice? Answer: In a typical day, an orthopaedic surgeon can see several different sports injuries such as rotator cuff tear injuries, ACL tears, meniscal injuries, sprains and strains of all joints, labral tears, shoulder injuries, golfer and tennis elbow, broken bones, ankle injuries, groin and hip injuries, and achilles tendon tears. The list of sports injuries can go on and on. Question: If you have a sports injury, what can you do about it? Answer: The best thing you can

do immediately is R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). If you do not get relief by doing this then you should speak to your primary care physician or orthopaedic surgeon. -Ron Hall, M.D. Question: What are common shoulder injuries? Answer: There are many activities such as tennis and heavy gardening that can damage the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff tendon is vulnerable to injury in individuals over the age of 40 years due

to diminished elasticity of the tendon. Minor trauma such as a ground level fall or lifting a heavy box can damage the shoulder. Repetitive muscle contractions from overhead activity can lead to inflammation and micro-tears of the tendon which can ultimately cause significant structural damage. The initial treatment is to relieve the inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. Rest takes the form of activity modification which means stopping the offending activity such as sports. As the pain subsides with everyday activity, then one must begin a strengthening program to rehabilitate the rotator cuff. These exercises are performed below shoulder level usually with rubber tubing.

Once strength has returned and pain has resolved with normal daily activities, then you can resume sporting activities. There needs to be a gradual resumption of sports to prevent recurrence of symptoms due to the weakness that has occurred. -Angelo DiFelice, M.D. Question: What are common knee injuries? Answer: Some common knee injuries include Ligament tears and strains (ACL, MCL, PCL, and LCL), Cartilage injuries (meniscus tears), as well as Arthritis. There are many proactive

ways to prevent knee problems. Maintaining normal body weight decreases stress across the knee and decreases risk of injury. Maintaining a strength training program that focuses on quadriceps and hamstring strengthening also protects the knee. Knee braces during athletic activities also act like an added “insurance policy” against injury. And finally, less impactful exercising, such as biking, swimming, and elliptical, put less stress across the knee and typically allows for improved long term function. -Irfan Ansari, M.D.

North Atlanta Medical & Digestive Care • Trained at Yale University affiliated hospitals. • Internal Medicine Board Certified. • Expert diagnosis and treatment of difficult and complicated diseases. • Advanced medical care: diabetes/needle-free treatment, obesity/effective weight loss program, fibromyalgia, sexual dysfunction, hypertension, coronary artery disease, COPD. • Successful treatment of digestive disorders: abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, GERD, Crohn’s disease, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C, pancreatitis. • Innovative diagnostic technology, in-office endoscopy services.

Jeff H. Ye, MD, PhD

Testimonials: “I tell everyone we know about Dr. Ye. He has helped ﬁnd things no one else could. I am in better shape than I have been in 60 years. He and his staff are wonderful.” Marcella H. “I am thrilled with the progress we have made on treating my stomach problems. For years I suffered before coming here. He gives a quick diagnosis and the treatment plan has made me feel so much better. I now don’t worry about travel or food. My energy levels are improving and I am starting to lose weight.” Jeannie H. “Dr. Ye makes you feel very comfortable during your visit. He is very good at explaining what he has found wrong with you and the options you have on getting help with pain and sickness. He is also good at working with you about getting the best medication that works for you.” Bryan S. “He is very professional. Down to earth. He listens, lets me ask questions and takes the time to answer my concerns.” Laura B. “Dr. Ye is a great doctor. He really cares about his patients. He looks at every possibility there is to diagnose a problem. Since coming here my blood sugar has dropped considerably. I would recommend him to anyone.” Jean H.

4020 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005 • 770-346-0900 • www.jeffyemd.com Accept Medicare, Medicaid, most Insurances, discounted self-pay. Evening/Weekend/Same-day appointment. Convenient in-house lab tests. Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

It’s not just urgent care, it’s children’s care When it comes to the health of your child, he deserves care from a team that’s 100 percent dedicated to pediatrics. Minor illnesses and injuries can happen at any time. When they do, you don’t have to settle for anything less than doctors and nurses specially trained to care for your child or teen. Our five Urgent Care Centers offer the expertise of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta pediatric team. Our doctors have the experience to identify and treat common pediatric conditions, and they take time to make sure your child gets the quality care he deserves. Our goal is to have your child feeling better as quickly as possible. With our onsite laboratory and X-ray services, we are able to diagnose children in one place.

Our Urgent Care Centers: • Are staffed with board-certified pediatricians—not just nurse practitioners • Have access to Children’s, including 1,700 doctors trained in more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs • Have X-ray services onsite that use up to 50 percent less radiation than some adult facilities • Can send prescriptions right to your pharmacy • Are open when most pediatricians aren’t—including nights, weekends and holidays Our convenient metro Atlanta locations are open: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. holidays

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Text CHOA to 4ER411 (437411) or visit choa.org/wait for urgent care wait times.* The Children’s Urgent Care Centers closest to you: • Children’s at Forsyth 410 Peachtree Parkway Suite 300 Cumming, GA 30041 • Children’s at North Point 3795 Mansell Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow. Our specialized care helps children get better faster and live healthier lives. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 20 neighborhood locations, Children’s is the largest healthcare provider for children in Georgia and one of the largest pediat-

ric clinical care providers in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the country by U.S.News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit choa.org for more information. *Wait times are updated every 15 minutes and are estimates based on the average time it takes for a patient to be placed in an exam room. Standard messaging fees will apply for texting. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.

When it’s urgent care,

you can still get

children’s care. Minor illnesses and injuries can happen at any time. When they do, you don’t have to settle for anything less than our doctors and nurses, who are specially trained to care for your child. For Urgent Care Center wait times,* text CHOA to 4ER411 (437411) or visit choa.org/wait.

* Wait times are updated every 15 minutes and are estimates based on the average time it takes for a patient to be placed in an exam room. Standard messaging fees will apply for texting. ©2013 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

Children’s at Forsyth - 410 PeaChtree Pkwy., Cumming Children’s at north Point - 3795 mansell road, alPharetta Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

URGENT CARE, EMERGENCY CARE »

Finding the Right Care Question: What is the difference between Urgent Care and

Emergency Care? Answer: Choosing the kind of medical care you need depends on your situation. If you are injured or ill, going to the

hospital emergency room may seem like an appropriate choice. But if you are not facing a real emergency, you may have other choices.

Hospitals typically provide a full range of services for common medical conditions as well as some level of emergency care. Urgent care centers offer medical care for conditions that need attention, but are not lifethreatening. And in a doctor’s office, patients usually receive personalized service due to an established working relationship. More than 370,000 Americans are treated in emergency departments daily. Emergency departments care for patients based on severity of illness or injury, not the order in which patients arrive. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, warning signs of a medical emergency include: • Problems breathing • Chest or upper abdominal pain • Fainting or sudden dizziness • Changes in vision • Uncontrollable bleeding • Coughing or vomiting blood • Confusion or changes in mental status You do not need an appointment to go to the emergency room, but you may have to wait if other patients have more pressing medical needs. Some hospitals post their emergency room waiting times online, so you can check before going to the hospital. You also may want to contact your insurance carrier about coverage for a visit to the emergency room since you could have a higher co-pay than you would for a doctor visit. If you need medical care

for a condition that is not a serious, immediate threat to life or health, you may want to go an urgent care center when you cannot see your primary doctor right away. You do not need to have an appointment at an urgent care center. These clinics typically provide treatment for minor illnesses, cuts, burns, puncture wounds, fractures, bites, stings, sprains and strains. They often charge approximately the same as a doctor’s office, or slightly more, with less waiting. These clinics also may offer convenient on-site laboratory and X-rays, as well as extended hours in the evening and on weekends. The primary difference between an urgent care center and your primary doctor’s office is that you can walk in to an urgent care center without an appointment. While the wait at a center may be shorter, there is a trade-off. Compared with your regular doctor’s office, center staff may not be familiar with your medical history and your records will not be on file if you are not a regular patient there. In addition, some centers do not accept insurance from certain carriers. Ultimately, the hospital emergency room is the best place to be if you need emergency medical care. In other situations, depending on when they occur and your ability to make an appointment to see your doctor, an urgent care center may be a more convenient, time-effective choice.

Medicare:

annually.

Continued from Page 24 of the major providers and will show you all of your choices. Often the choice for one spouse is different for the other spouse and saves the family thousands of dollars

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Keith Nabb has for 20 years been a Health and Medicare Planning professional. Affordable Medicare Solutions has a dedicated staff of 7 who are committed to an educational approach to finding the best value for their clientele.

Prosthodontist Question: What is a prosthodontist? Answer: A prosthodontist is one of nine dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontists train a minimum of three years longer than a general dentist and are highly skilled in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth. Dr. Randy Muccioli is specially trained to provide complex restorative, esthetic and cosmetic dental services. Question: What does the extra training consist of ? Answer: The three extra years of specialized training a

prosthodontist goes through consists of rigorous clinical and didactic preparation in the basic sciences, head and neck anatomy, biomedical sciences, biomaterial sciences, function of occlusion (bite), extensive dental laboratory procedures, complex treatment planning and experience treating full-mouth reconstruction cases. Question: How common or uncommon are prosthodontists? Answer: Throughout the United States, there are only 3,200 prosthodontists. For comparison, there are 170,000 general dentists. Muccioli Dental is proud to be one of the few dental offices in Johns Creek and the Atlanta area that has a prosthodontist on staff. Question: What else sets Muc-

X-rays and only utilize the finest materials for the treatment we provide. Our amenities include a beverage bar, warm scented towels, headphones for music or TV viewing, free Wi-Fi and soothing hand treatments. Question: So you offer a wide range of services at Muccioli Dental? Answer: Absolutely. Dr. Lydia Muccioli, general dentist, and Dr. Randy Muccioli, prosthodontist, offer all general dental services and complex restorative care. We are a dental practice you can trust to care for the dental needs of your entire family.

cioli Dental apart from other dental offices? Answer: We have an on-site dental laboratory which allows us to fabricate certain restorations, fabricate and repair dentures and make porcelain corrections, custom stain and glazing for our ceramic crowns. We carefully evaluate all of our

crowns, bridges and veneers under a microscope to ensure quality fabrication and proper fit. In addition to this, our dentists and staff work hard to provide a tranquil and caring environment that is relaxing and comfortable for our patients. We offer a state-of-the-art office with low radiation digital

Question: Where are you located? Answer: We are conveniently located in the Johns Creek Medical Pavilion across from Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Muccioli Dental proudly serves the residents of Johns Creek and the surrounding areas.

GENERAL AND SPECIALTY DENTISTRY

Dr. Randy Muccioli Prosthodontist

Dr. Randy Muccioli is a dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of teeth, cosmetic and implant dentistry.

Dr. Lydia Muccioli General Dentist

Dr. Lydia Muccioli provides comprehensive dental services for the entire family including children.

CLEANINGS AND EXAMS FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION COSMETIC DENTISTRY FILLINGS • CROWNS • VENEERS BRIDGES • ROOT CANALS • IMPLANTS 6300 HOSPITAL PARKWAY, SUITE 275 JOHNS CREEK Conveniently located across from Emory Johns Creek Hospital

678-389-9955

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ASK PAM »

Your expert in senior care for the past 7 years Question: My Father-in-law is moving to Milton soon to live with us. He has been in and out of the hospital and is considered a fall risk, what are our options? Pam: There are several options to look at. The first is for us to come and provide transitional care for him at your home. We can provide care from one hour to 24/7 or live-in. This initial extra care that we can provide will help with the transition and help to determine

his current needs to develop a long-term care plan. After this initial transition period, we can discuss further care at home or other living options for him. Question: I live in an Assisted Living here in Roswell and I need some extra help. I really want someone to help me with daily chores, errands and doctor appointments. Can Senior Helpers assist me? Pam: Yes, we would love to

YOUR EXPERT IN SENIOR CARE

• Alzheimer and Dementia Care • Transportation and Errands • Bathing, Dressing and Light Housekeeping

• 24/7 and Live-in Caregivers • Assisted Living Placement Assistance • Custom and Flexible Schedules

help you! Our loving caregivers can help you with your daily needs and drive you to doctors appointments or any errand or event that you have. Question: My husband is having issues remembering things that he has always known, like where the cups are in the kitchen and how to get to the grocery store. Is this a sign of Alzheimer’s? If so, can he stay at home with me? Pam: The first step would be to have us come out and meet with you and your husband (if appropriate). During this initial meeting, we will discuss immediate solutions to keep your husband safe at home. Senior Helpers has partnered with Alzheimer and Dementia expert, Teepa Snow, to develop a specialized Memory Care certification for all of our caregivers. This certification has drastically improved the quality and effectiveness of care that we provide to our clients that have memory care issues. Our

Urology: Continued from Page 26 your healthcare provider to help you decide whether early screening is right for you.

Dance: Continued from Page 28

Senior Helpers: Matt Fredenberg, Elizabeth Jackson, Pam Hodgson, Hutch Hodgson

770.442.2154 Ask about our interactive caregivers. 36

ing circles and journal writing during which they discuss issues affecting them. Each girl identifies a personal goal that she would like to achieve during the course of the program. Guest speakers cover a wide range of topics from nutrition and body

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

goal is to keep you and your husband together and as independent as possible! Question: My Mother is being discharged from North Fulton Hospital and she needs extra help, Is this common? Pam: Yes! It is very common for us to provide care for clients after a hospital stay, we call this our Hospital to Home Recovery Program. Many clients use our services for longer shifts at first to monitor and figure out their exact care needs and then taper down the hours as they recover. Our goal is to monitor this transition for Your Mother and only provide the specific care that she needs. Question: My wife is beginning to have some issues with remembering things and it makes me nervous for her to be alone while I’m at work, what do you suggest? Pam: Our caregivers are certified in an Alzheimer and Dementia Program (Senior Gems) that focuses on maintaining as

much independence for your wife as possible while focusing on her specific care needs. We care for many clients while their loved ones are at work. One of the best things about our services is that it is custom to every client. So, if your wife wants to go to the grocery store one day and for a walk at the park the next day, we can do it! Senior Helpers Caregivers can assist with providing companionship, light housekeeping, meal preparation, fall risk care, transportation, as well as help with bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living. The next step is for Pam to come and meet with you and your loved one. During this Free assessment, Pam compiles a care plan specific to your loved one. Senior Helpers 770-442-2154 294 South Main Street #500 Alpharetta, Ga. 30009

James M. Libby, MD, FACS Dr. Libby received his MD degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. He completed his residency in urology

at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, as well as a fellowship in urologic oncology. Dr. Libby is certified by the American Board of Urology, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and has been in private practice in urology since 1987.

awareness to financial education. Many successful women of various fields that are of particular interest to the girls address the class each week. There are Student Salons (student performances) each session. Entrance into the program does not depend on demonstrated talent, standard beauty, or ability to pay the fees for the program.

If you know a girl who loves to dance, may not have formal dance training, may benefit from a positive peer group and community of mentors, this program will be the best thing that ever happened for her. Contact Liezel for more details: liezel@globaldancesite.com 770-235-8202 www.globaldancesite.com

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Improving your sex drive Question: I just don’t care about sex anymore. What can I do to improve my sex drive? Answer: All too often, women don’t view their sexuality as part of their overall health. The truth is, a fulfilling sex life contributes to a sense of wellbeing -- and a lack of satisfaction can lead to unhappiness in many relationships. So, please make concerns about sex one of the first topics you discuss with your doctor. Don’t be shy about speaking up! Sexual dysfunction is defined as persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response or desire. Actually, any aspect of your

sex life that you are distressed about, is a problem. • Is your sex drive extremely low? • Is it difficult to stay aroused during intercourse? • Do you have difficulty with orgasm? • Is it painful when you have sex? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions and you want to make a positive change, you should schedule an appointment with the gynecologist. While there isn’t a female equivalent for Viagra -- there are many approaches women can take to boost their level of satisfaction. An important part of my job is helping women understand that sexuality is connected to good health.

Your overall health has a significant impact on your sex life. Diabetes, heart disease, neurological illnesses, and hormonal imbalances can all have a negative effect. Alcohol and drugs are bad for romance, too. Medications, especially antidepressants, can trigger the “off ” switch to libido. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation often lose their desire for sex, as well. The solutions are as unique as the women we see. It might start with a simple anatomy lesson to better understand how our bodies work. Sometimes getting more help around the house, means more energy for a romantic evening.

Treatments are often simple too, such as lubricant for a patient who has been through menopause and is experiencing vaginal dryness. Painful intercourse caused by medical problems -- including endometriosis, pelvic mass, ovarian cysts or scar tissue– can be more difficult. In complex cases, patients benefit from an interdisciplinary approach. For example, a woman who has suffered sexual abuse at some point in her life might work with a therapist as well as her doctor. If you have a concern, let’s talk about it. You have a right to a fulfilling sex life! Nadine Thompson, M.D., earned her medical training at the State University of New York Health Science Center

and completed her residency at the Orlando Regional Medical Center. She is a board certified gynecologist specializing in sexual dysfunction. For more information or to make an appointment, call: 770.670.6170 Providence Women’s Healthcare is comprised of a select group of women’s health specialists, serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and surrounding metro Atlanta. They focus on gynecologic issues that can be complex – conditions that are often addressed by special consultation, advanced treatment or surgery. Providence Women’s Healthcare is located at 1300 Upper Hembree Rd. in Roswell or 4395 Johns Creek Parkway in Suwanee.

Is Your Love Life Lacking? Want to Have More Sex? Better Sex?...

Then let us introduce you to Dr. Nadine Thompson, a specialist in Female Sexual Dysfunction. Dr. Thompson comes to us from the Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Delaware. After completing her medical education at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY, she did an OB/GYN residency at the Orlando Regional Health System. Realizing the lack of attention given to Female Sexual Dysfunction, she received a Post Graduate Certiﬁcation at the Sex Therapy Training Institute of New York. Dr. Nadine Thompson

Providence Women’s Healthcare Services:

With years of experience, the providers at Providence Women’s Healthcare demonstrate professionalism and expertise at every level. We offer a full range of obstetrical, gynecological and midwifery services from your initial exam, to childbirth, through menopause and beyond. Our goal is to offer patient centered medical care based on mutual trust and communication.

“I want to address women’s medical needs while improving their quality of life.” – Dr. Nadine Thompson

ALPHARETTA

1300 Upper Hembree Rd Suite D Roswell GA 30076 Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:00pm

JOHNS CREEK

4395 Johns Creek Pkwy Suite 130 Suwanee GA 30024 Wed. & Fri. 9:30am-4:00pm

Appointments: (770) 670-6170

www.providencewomenshealthcare.com

OBSTETRICS • GYNECOLOGY • FEMALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION 38

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KeyWorth Bank provides experience that’s worth banking on There was a time when simply being a good doctor and providing outstanding care would ensure a doctor’s success. This is not the case today. Consider all of the complexities ranging from healthcare reform, one-sided contracts with managed care organizations, deeper cuts to Medicare, enormous malpractice insurance rates, claims appeals, and the complexities of electronic medical records. The business side of medicine has become a distraction for doctors, taking away valuable patient time and resulting in lost revenue for the doctor and the practice. A key component to assisting doctors with today’s complexities is a solid financial institution. A strong bank can help doctors be financially prepared for practice transitions, expansions, office renovations and investment in new technologies. Having a banking team with experienced financial professionals that specialize in medical banking can make a difference.

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A key component to assisting doctors with today’s complexities is a solid financial institution. our needs that we have never seen in the Atlanta banking community.” Neil Stevens, Executive Vice President of KeyWorth Bank, says, “This is exactly what we had in mind when assembling our medical banking team. We know that the last thing doctors have is excess time.” Stevens says, “At KeyWorth, we understand a practices unique business situation and help physicians and dentists navigate through today’s complex environment.”

In addition to a variety of checking accounts, online banking services, money markets, and CDs, there are several extra benefits that dentists and physicians should look for in a bank. One such benefit is Remote Deposit Capture – saving trips to the bank through a web-based application that reduces the risk of check fraud. Merchant service offerings should

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Comprehensive GI care from experienced specialists Long considered the premier gastroenterology practice in the southeast, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates’ (AGA) physicians offer the knowledge and experience valued by patients who are suffering from digestive issues and liver disease. At AGA’s Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek and Roswell locations, our Board Certified physicians evaluate and treat a wide range of disorders, including acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, constipation and diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, liver disease, hepatitis, intestinal polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. In addition, many of our physicians are trained in the painfree removal of hemorrhoids, which can be performed right in the office.

For most patients, gastrointestinal problems can be diagnosed and often treated using endoscopic techniques instead of surgery. At AGA, many endoscopic procedures - like colonoscopies and upper GI endoscopies (EGD) - are performed on an outpatient basis at one of our state-of-the-art endoscopy centers or at local hospitals, including Emory Johns Creek Hospital, North Fulton Regional Hospital and Northside Hospital-Forsyth. As part of AGA’s mission to provide comprehensive care to every patient, specialized services are offered through several distinct groups within the practice. These include: • Advanced Center for GI Therapeutics • Center for Crohn’s Disease

and Ulcerative Colitis • Center for GI Imaging • Southeastern Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders • The Liver Center In addition, the practice provides nutrition counseling and infusion services, as well as access to clinical trials through the practice’s research division, AGA | Center for Clinical Research. Since its formation more than 35 years ago, Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates has been committed to providing patients with quality and cost-effective healthcare. Today, with more than 30 offices across metro Atlanta and North Georgia, that mission has not changed. To find out more about Atlanta Gastroenterology As-

sociates, visit www.atlantagastro.com. Or find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ atlantagastro. Our Physicians in Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, and Roswell • David Atefi, MD Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell • William Bizzaro, MD Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell • E. Chris Cameron, MD Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawsonville, Roswell

• Robert Eisenband, MD Roswell, Saint Joseph’s • Luis Galvez, MD Cumming, Roswell, Saint Joseph’s • Sagar Garud, MD Cumming, Roswell • Yasmin Karim, MD Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell • Hetal Karsan, MD Alpharetta, Roswell, Saint Joseph’s • Kamil Obideen, MD Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell

See GAS, Page 52

Are you an athlete with tired, heavy, achy legs? Your hurting legs could be from training for the race – muscle aches or joint pain. But that pain could also be caused by something called venous insufﬁciency.

When valves in leg veins don’t work properly, blood ﬂows backward, making legs feel heavy or restless; may or may not result in varicose or spider veins.

Don’t let varicose veins, spider veins, or tired, achy legs keep you from feeling good and looking good. Get your legs done! Atlanta Darrell Caudill, MD, FACS - Medical Director Frank Ferrier, MD, FACS 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 340

Johns Creek Alexander Park, MD, FACS David Park, MD, FACS 4255 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite D

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When seconds count, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has a pediatric-trained transport team to transfer critical patients to our hospitals for treatment. Children’s conducted 5,104 ground and air missions in 2012. Children’s operates seven pediatric ambulances—one of which was purchased with funds raised by the community and is designated to serve Forsyth County—and two helicopters. These transport vehicles and helicopters are specially equipped: They are mobile pediatric intensive care units. Children’s also has the only dedicated pediatric helicopter in Georgia. The helicopter is completely customized for pediatric patients. While the transport team works to stabilize the patient and place him in the helicopter or vehicle, the team also takes the time to discuss with the parents what is being done to care for their child and how sick or injured their child is at that moment. Parents can ride with their child in Children’s-operated ground and helicopter emergency transport as long as they can remain calm and be a reassuring presence for the child. Having a parent travel along with the child is beneficial for many reasons, but most importantly, it allows the parent to arrive at the hospital with the child. When parents ride with us, we walk side by side through the door, rather than the parent arriving an

See CHILDREN, Page 44

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Don’t shake off head injuries The Concussion Institute at Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth is the first comprehensive concussion center in the Southeast. Every year in the United States, more than eight in 10 sports-related concussions go unrecognized, putting the athlete at higher risk of long-term damage because of inadequate treatment. Georgia recently recognized the severity of this problem with its Return to Play Act of 2013, which mandated developing return to play policies as well as education about the risks of concussions. The Concussion Institute at GMCDuluth is the newest innovation in concussion prevention and treatment. It combines the latest technology with an interdisciplinary team of highly skilled

experts. In addition, it will make the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing program (ImPACT) more widely available to student-athletes. “We felt the community needed a comprehensive, cohesive approach,” said Tim Simmons, MHA, ATC, LAT, director of the Concussion Institute. “We’re very excited to have this multifaceted approach to concussion injuries and sports rehabilitation under one roof. This means more convenience since student-athletes, or others who suffer concussion, can line up all their testing and rehabilitation needs in one location. This means less time away from school or work.” In addition to Simmons, the Concussion Institute employs six full time staff members including Neuropsychol-

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Although concussions in football have been in the news, other sports, and even leisure activities like bicycling, also carry a risk of concussion.

We’re very excited to have this multifaceted approach to concussion injuries and sports rehabilitation under one roof.” Tim Simmons, MHA, ATC, LAT, Director of the Concussion Institute

ogist Marla Shapiro, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., a clinical education coordinator, an athletic trainer and a physical therapist. The Institute will also have access to vestibular and other specialists as needed. Concussion Isn’t Loss of Consciousness A concussion temporarily impairs how the brain functions and processes information. Symptoms are not always obvious. Although it is commonly assumed that concussions cause loss of consciousness, many people with concussions have not been “knocked out.” There can be a variety of symptoms, which may appear right away, or several days after the injury. Some symptoms are physical, such as drowsiness and headache. Others are cognitive, like memory loss. In many cases, people with concussions are more emotional than usual. Key to Healing Concussion: Rest Healing from concussion requires complete rest. This includes not just physical rest, but mental rest as well. Reading, computer work, video games and television should be limited until all symptoms have resolved. Gradual re-

turn to daily activities is also key, since being symptom-free does not mean the brain injury has fully healed. One key part of monitoring this healing process for student-athletes is the ImPACT program. This program provides neurocognitive computer testing in the preseason to establish a baseline. Then if a concussion is suspected, a follow-up test can confirm the injury and determine severity. Clinicians can track athletes’ recovery through additional follow-up tests. The ImPACT program provides invaluable information that can take the guesswork out of concussion management and promotes safe return-to-play decisions for athletes. How GMC is Helping Athletes The Concussion Institute is the newest addition to the Sports Medicine Program at GMC-Duluth. Since 2005 this program has provided comprehensive care and educational events, as well as certified athletic trainers for professional teams, recreational leagues and high schools. To learn more about the new Concussion Institute and ImPACT testing, visit gwinnettsportsmed.com or call 678-312-5000 for a physician referral.

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Time to take spider and varicose veins seriously Do you have a bulging vein on your leg? Or maybe little blue spider-like veins on your legs? If so, you are among millions of women and men who suffer from vein disease. In fact, 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from vein problems, and an amazing 50 percent of people over 50 have varicose veins. What’s startling is that only 1.9 million people seek medical treatment for their vein problems. For too long, people believed that treating spider or varicose veins was just for cosmetic reasons. But the truth is you need to see a doctor about discolored, enlarged veins because they often indicate Chronic Vein Disease

(CVD) and other serious issues. “You shouldn’t ignore discolored or enlarged veins,” said Dr. Peter Wrobel, Director of the North Georgia Vein Institute in Cumming, Ga. “Left untreated, diseased veins can cause pain, throbbing, swelling, and even serious medical conditions such as blood clots.” Patients today have a variety of treatments available from traditional sclerotheraphy to high tech radiofrequency ablation – to treat vein disease. Medical insurance and Medicare covers most varicose procedures. Usually, patients experience little or no pain and discomfort with the vein treatments. In fact, according

to Dr. Wrobel, treatments are usually performed out-patient, and most patients go back to work the next day or even the same day.” Basically five different vein treatments are available today: Radiofrequency ablation – Here a tiny catheter is placed through a small incision made in the affected vein. The catheter, using radiofrequency energy, heats the vein wall, causing it to shrink and seal off. Laser ablation – This minimally invasive is used primarily on larger, engorged veins. A tiny laser fiber, inserted into the diseased vein, heats and irritates the vein’s lining. The vein collapses and slowly disappears. Phlebectomy – In this

procedure, micro incisions are made next to the diseased varicose vein. Then the vein is removed through the incision. Sclerotherapy – This is the time-tested procedure for treating spider veins. A sclerosing solution is injected into spider veins. The solution causes the vein or veins to react, swell, and stick together. The diseased vein collapses and stops functioning. Perforator Sclerotherapy – In this procedure, often used on larger varicose veins, a foaming schlerating agent is injected into the diseased vein. The vein reacts to the fluid, collapses, and stops functioning. The first step to vein health is an ultrasound for screening and diagnosing. With that ultrasound information, a vein specialist gauges the involvement of any below the surface veins and determines the most effective treatment.

You shouldn’t ignore discolored or enlarged veins.” Dr. Peter Wrobel Director of the North Georgia Vein Institute

The best physician for diagnosing and treating Chronic Vein Disease is one who specializes in vein disease procedures and who has extensive medical training in phlebology. At North Georgia Vein Institute, Dr. Wrobel and his trained nursing team are experienced in phlebology, vein health, and in the leading vein disease treatments. For a free vein screening and start to healthier veins and a healthier you, call 678.513.1600.

Say Goodbye to Ugly Varicose Veins at North Georgia Vein Institute Get your life back by getting rid of: • Aching • Swelling • Cramping

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Our mission is to provide comprehensive vein disease evaulation and treatment in a uniquely comfortable spa enviroment with state of the art technology and expertise. “Healthy Veins. Healthy Life” Cumming, GA 30041 Phone – 678-513-1600 | Fax – 678-513-0071

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Children: Continued from Page 41 hour or two later. There is a big difference between caring for adults and caring for children—not only in size of body parts, injuries and illnesses, and equipment required, but also in

how healthcare professionals comfort patients. Our teams are trained to understand pediatric patients’ needs, both physical and emotional differences that make treating babies, children and teens unique. When emergencies happen, our teams have the training and equipment necessary to act quickly and

deliver care to critical patients. Every day, lifesaving work happens at Children’s. From performing organ transplants to transporting critical patients to our hospitals, we care for our community’s children and teens. Children’s in your neighborhood: Children’s at Forsyth 410 Peachtree Parkway

Suite 300 Cumming, GA 30041 Services at this location include: • Diabetes and Endocrinology • Laboratory services • Neurophysiology (EEG) • Orthotics and Prosthetics • Radiology • Rehabilitation Services • Specialty Care • Sports Medicine • Urgent Care Children’s at North Point 3795 Mansell Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 Services at this location include: • Diabetes and Endocrinology • Specialty Care • Urgent Care Children’s at Webb Bridge A service of Children's at Scottish Rite hospital 3155 North Point Parkway, Building A, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Services at this location include: • Laboratory

Keyworth: Continued from Page 39 also be considered, allowing practices to accept credit, debit and gift cards. Perhaps the biggest benefit a medical practice should seek is multiple financing options, including SBA loan programs. Some practices may need to purchase new equipment to remain current in the latest medical innovations. A strong bank, like KeyWorth Bank, has money to lend and helps practices obtain better loan terms in many cases. Additional financing solutions such as real estate or construction loans, working capital lines of credit and practice acquisition loans could be a tremendous benefit throughout a practice’s lifecycle. Dr. Charles Machemehl

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

• Radiology • Sports Medicine Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow. Our specialized care helps children get better faster and live healthier lives. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 20 neighborhood locations, Children’s is the largest healthcare provider for children in Georgia and one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the country by U.S.News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit choa.org for more information. III, of Johns Creek Family Orthodontics remarks that his bank has been critical to the financial success of his practice. “KeyWorth Bank is very strong and stable,” he says, “It’s reassuring to know my bank and team of professionals will be around when I need them. Speaking of “being around, the Medical Banking specialists at KeyWorth go out of their way to meet with doctors and dentists on their schedule. “It’s not about ‘banker’s hours’ anymore,” states KeyWorth President and CEO Jim Pope, “It’s about the most effective way to get business done.” To sum it all up, there IS a difference in banks when it comes to medical banking. A team of professionals that understands those differences can put the focus quickly back on the patient. Now that’s experience worth banking on!

Best Dermatologist

Best Internal Medicine

Johns Creek Dermatology

Johns Creek Family Medicine

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth

2013

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Best of North Fulton &

South Forsyth 2013

Allergist

Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic- 401 South Main St., Suite C-1, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-475-0807 www.atlantaallergy.com

Assisted Living Facility

Benton House- Alpharetta 678319-3000, Johns Creek 770754-5446, Sugar Hill 770-9040099 www.bentonhouse.com

Assisted Living Service

Gardens of Roswell- 9212 Nesbit Ferry Rd. – Alpharetta, GA 30022, 770-992-0505 www.gardensofroswell.com

Audiologist

Johns Creek Audiology and Hearing Aid Center- 4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B, Suwanee, GA , 770-814-1260, www.johnscreekaudiology.com

Cardiologist

Piedmont Heart Institute1357 Hembree Rd #150, Roswell, 770-664-6075 www.piedmont.org Cardiovascular Physicians of North Atlanta- 1285 Upper Hembree Rd Roswell, GA 30076, 770- 343-8565 www.cpnapc.com Cardiovascular Specialists, Dr. Laura Gonzalez- 5669 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Suite 170, Atlanta, GA 30342,

You Voted, We Reveal

404-252-8377 www.cvsmd.com Atlanta Heart Specialists4375 Johns Creek Pkwy Suite 350, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770622-1622, 1505 Northside Boulevard, Suite 2500, Cumming, GA 3004, 678-679-6800, 5671 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, Suite 320B, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, 678-679-6800 www.atlantaheartspecialists. com

Chiropractor

Willis Chiropractic- 317 N Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 770-740-8740, www. willischiropractic.com

Dentist

Crabapple Dental- 12670 Crabapple Road, Suite 110,

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Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678379-4066 www.crabappledental.com

Dermatologist

Johns Creek DermatologyDr. Shereen Timani, 6300 Hospital Pkwy., Suite 100, Johns Creek, GA 30097, 770771-6591,www.johnscreekdermatology.com

ENT

ENT Institute- 3330 Pres-

ton Ridge Road, Suite 240, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-740-1860 www.entinstitute.com

Endocrinologist

Southeastern Endocrine, Dr. Chip Reed- 1475 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076, 678- 325-2250 www.seedreed.com

Gastroenterology Advanced Gastroenterol-

ogy Associates- 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building A, Suite 340, Alpharetta; 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 2000, Cumming; 3890 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite 250, Johns Creek; 1340 Upper Hembree Rd, Suite A, Roswell,1-866-468-6242 www.atlantagastro.com or call

Internal Medicine

30022, 678-688-9996 www.renewforhealth.com

OB/GYN

North Atlanta Women’s Specialists- Johns Creek 770-623-0910, Atlanta 404256-4667, Marietta 770-9771510, www.awhg.org

Oncologist

Johns Creek Family Medicine- Dr. Zack Charkawi, 6300 Hospital Pkwy., Suite 100, Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-771-6591 www.johnscreekfamilypractice. com

Nutritionist

Renew Health- 12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 144, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678261-3222, 11550 Jones Bridge Rd #4 Alpharetta, GA

Georgia Cancer Specialist- 3330 Preston Ridge Road Suite 110, Alpharetta, GA 30005, (678) 566-6995, 6300 Hospital Parkway Suite 300 Johns Creek, GA 30097, 770623-8965, www.gacancer.com Other locations available

Ophthalmologist

Thomas Eye Group- 11690 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, 30076, 770-475-5515; 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 101, Suwanee, 30024, 770-809-3366

www.thomaseyegroup.com

200-D, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-772-5540, 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 316 Johns Creek, GA 30097, 404-5754505, www.resurgens.com Other locations available

Optometrist

Thomas Eye Group- 11690 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, 30076, 770-475-5515; 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 101, Suwanee, 30024, 770-809-3366 www.thomaseyegroup.com

Orthodontist

Awbrey Orthodontics- 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-751-1688 www.awbreyortho.com

Orthopedics

Resurgens Orthopedics1285 Hembree Road, Suite

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Best Urgent Care

Bethany Bend

Best of North Fulton & South Forsyth

2013 Dr. David Smith Board Certified in Emergency Medicine

13081 Highway 9 Alpharetta, GA 30004 (Located in the Target Shopping Ctr.)

Ph: 770-521-6690 • Fax: 770-521-6609 www.bethanybendurgentcare.com

Hours: M-F 9am-8pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-8pm • Walk-ins Welcome

Open 7 Days/Week • No Appointment Necessary Accepts most insurance plans • Self Pay

Pediatrician

Surgery (General)

Pediatric Dentist

Surgery (Cosmetic)

Roswell Pediatrics12385 Crabapple Rd #100, Alpharetta, GA, 770- 3439900, 3400-C Old Milton Pkwy, Suite 545, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-751-0800, 110 North Corners Pkwy, Suite 100, Cumming, GA 30040, 770-888-2882 www.roswellpediatrics.com

SureSight EyeCare- 3975 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 2, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678624-7766 www.suresighteyecare.com

gery- Dr. Pausa-4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 102, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678319-9930, www.drpausa.com

Children’s Dental Zone- 3719 Old Alabama Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 770-777-1222 www.childrensdentalzone.com

Podiatrist

Village Podiatry- 1350 Upper Hembree Rd., Suite 100, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-6638011, www.vpcenters.com Atlanta Podiatry- Atlanta Podiatry-4355 Johns Creek Pkwy, Ste 200, Johns Creek, GA 30024, 770-418-0456, www.atlpod.com

Physical Therapist

Resurgens- 1285 Hembree Road, Suite 200-D, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-772-5540, 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 316; Johns Creek, GA 30097, 404-575-4505 www.resurgens.com Other locations available

Sleep

Fusion Sleep- 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite A, Suwanee, GA 30024, 678990-3962 www.fusionsleep.com

Sports Medicine Resurgens- 1285 Hembree Road, Suite 200-D, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-772-5540, 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 316, Johns Creek, GA 30097, 404-575-4505 www.resurgens.com, Other locations available

Surgery (Oral)

Oral & Maxillofacial Sur-

North Atlanta Surgical Associates- 3400 Old Milton Pkwy Suite C440, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-297-9707, 2500 Hospital Boulevard Suite 410, Roswell, GA 30076, 770886-1074 www.northatlantasurgery.com, Other Locations available

Premier Image Cosmetic & Laser- 10779 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076, 770-645-4310, 4553 N. Shallowford Rd., Atlanta GA 30338, 770-457-6303 www.picosmeticsurgery.com

Urgent Care

Bethany Bend Urgent Care13081 Highway 9, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-521-6690 www.bethanybendurgentcare. com

Urologist

North Fulton Urology- Dr. Rutland, Dr. Kriteman-1357 Hembree Road Suite 250, Roswell, GA 30076, (770) 4757550, www.gaurology.com/ north-fulton-urology.com

Vein Specialist

Vein Innovations- 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Suite 340, Atlanta, GA 30342, 678-731-9815, 4255 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite D, Suwanee, GA 30024, 678731-9815 www.veininnovations.com

Veterinarian

Loving Hands Animal Clinic & Pet Resort- 13775 Hwy 9, Alpharetta, GA, 30004 770-667-9022 www.lovinghands.com

Weight Loss

Weight Watchers- 7391 North Point Pkwy #1420, Alpharetta, 770-998-1919, Mansell Crossing Northpointe, 7391 Northpointe Pkwy Ste 1420, Alpharetta 800- 516-3535 www.weightwatchers.com

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta announces Food Allergy Awareness Week By KATHLEEN STURGEON Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta joined Gov. Nathan Deal as he signed a proclamation announcing May 12 – 18 as Food Allergy Awareness Week in Georgia. FAKA and members of the community joined Deal May 21 during the FA Kids 2013 event. Karen Harris, president of FAKA, said her main goal with the week is to encourage Georgians to know more about anaphylaxis, an allergic reaction that is sudden and can be deadly, and to understand the value of food allergy management. “Schools are an important partner to us. In Forsyth County, stock epinephrine has already been used to treat students who have shown symptoms of anaphylactic shock,” said

Johns Creek Full Service 770-418-2772

Harris. “We urge all Georgia school districts to provide training to educators and implement stock epinephrine in all of their schools.” Georgia CPR partnered with FAKA to expand education and outreach efforts to help support Georgia schools with emergency procedures in treating anaphylaxis and in helping with the management of students with food allergies. Harris, and medical advisor Dr. Luqman Seidu, trained CPR instructors during recent in-service anaphylaxis training. Forsyth and Fannin County schools are the only counties in Georgia that have implemented stock epinephrine in all of the schools. Forsyth also trains educators to comprehend basic food allergy facts, avoid food allergens, recognize a reaction and enact emergency protocol. Forsyth Schools health services

Alpharetta Full Service 770-753-2300

Duluth Full Service 678-475-5120

www.KeyWorthBank.com

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Gov. Nathan Deal, center, met with from left Benjamin Karp, Karen Harris, Connie Trent and Susan Acker, to kick off Food Allergy Awareness Week. facilitator Connie Trent is thankful for the stock of epinephrine and realizes how often it is needed. “Forsyth County Schools uses epinephrine three to four times each school year in response to an anaphylactic reaction,” said Trent. “The fact that the epinephrine is in the school and can be used immediately saves lives — minutes count.” Georgia is one of about 30 states to enact statewide legislation to allow schools to stock epinephrine. In addition to helping those whose epinephrine auto-injector isn’t immediately accessible during a reaction, this legislation helps to save the lives of

Marietta (Loan Office) 770-407-2222

those who experience an anaphylactic reaction and do not have a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen. Last year, Diallo Robbins Brinson, 15, from Bibb County, died of an allergic reaction to macadamia nuts consumed in a restaurant. Another customer in the restaurant had an EpiPen, but it was for a small child and not enough to keep him alive. This incident brought to the forefront a need for EpiPens. Eligible Georgia schools can now qualify to receive free EpiPens for schools. All schools are eligible for an additional set for the next school year if implemented by the fall.

Facing bans, smokers choose vapor By CHRISTOPHER FREIBERG In June, Starbucks Coffee Company announced a policy that banned smoking 25 feet from the entrance of the store. Smokers in the area and across the nation expressed their disapproval with the ban and some refused to adhere to the new policy as they felt it impeded their smoking rights. The recent debate has brought to light shifts in attitudes towards the smoking community and culture. In the ongoing battle between smokers and nonsmokers, many people have turned to electronic, or e-cigarettes, a smokeless, digital “vapor cigarette” as a viable nicotine

option in a smoke-free society. “The preferences of adult smokers are changing,” said David Howard, spokesman for R. J. Reynolds Vapor, a company that specializes in tobacco technology and vapor products. “It’s our focus to provide innovative products for adult tobacco consumers to consider in response to the ever-changing preferences.” Smokers in need of their nicotine fix can technically take the vapor cigarettes indoors, Howard said. There is no tobacco in the product— when a customer inhales it activates a power unit which heats an element over liquid nicotine. The process yields a tobacco-less vapor that customers inhale.

“Because there is no combustion, there’s no smoke,” Howard said. Even without the smoke, some local ordinances and business policies such as Starbucks include e-cigarettes in their ban. “We take seriously our responsibility to provide all cus-

tomers a safe, healthy environment that is consistent across our company-owned stores,” said Jamie Riley, spokeswoman for Starbucks. “We are confident our great customers will continue to support and cooperate with us on this without disruption to business.” Despite innovative changes

in the cigarette industry, some of the basic health concerns from traditional tobacco cigarettes follow the new product. “It would be hard for a medical person to endorse the use of e-cigarettes,” said Dr. Michael Lipscomb, medical director of the emergency department at North Fulton Hospital. “The only use I see

See SMOKING, Page 50

Introducing Dr. Kenney of North Atlanta Surgical Associates Dr. Kenney is a native of Florida but was raised in a Navy family in San Diego, CA. He received his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Sonoma State University and his Master’s Degree in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at San Diego State University. He attended medical school at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ and graduated in 2001. Part of his surgical training was obtained in the US Army, first at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, and then at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. After leaving the service, Dr. Kenney resumed his surgical training at Los Angeles County/ University of Southern California Medical Center, the largest post- graduate training center in the US. He then completed his training in General Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA. Dr. Kenney’s extensive surgical training includes advanced laparoscopic surgery, surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, hernia and breast surgery. Dr. Kenney also practices robotic surgery and single site robotic surgery. He has privileges at North Fulton Hospital and Northside Hospital Forsyth.

North Fulton 2500 Hospital Blvd, Ste 410 Roswell, Ga 30076 p)678-393-0013 f)678-393-0130

Cumming 980 Sanders Rd, Ste 100 Cumming, GA 30041 p)770-886-1074 f)770-205-4717

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Continued from Page 49 would be for a person to use them to transition off traditional cigarettes with the clear goal of getting off cigarettes altogether.” Little is known about e-cigarettes’ true harm, Lipscomb said. The label warnings do not always match the amount of nicotine in the cigarettes

Relocation Answer Book » THIRD QUARTER 2014 «

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Exceeding expectations, enriching cherished lives. www.ivyhallseniorcommunity.com 50

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and despite vapor companies’ claims, the product contains harmful carcinogens. Lipscomb likened the vapor cigarette to nicotine gum as both smoking alternatives provide the stimulating effects of a cigarette, but avoid the negative social stigma associated with smoke. “It’s likely a lesser of two evils,” said Lipscomb. In 2011, the percentage of

traditional cigarette adult users, who had tried e-cigarettes, increased from 10 percent in 2010 to 21 percent, according to a February study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. While consumer awareness of e-cigarettes rose from about four in 10 adults in 2010 to six in 10 adults in 2011, much about the product is unknown to the scientific research community, the report said.

ADHD: WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW »

What is ADHD? What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have six or more of the following symptoms: • Has difficulty following instructions • Has difficulty keeping attention on work or play activities at school and at home • Loses things needed for activities at school and at home • Appears not to listen • Doesn’t pay close attention to details • Seems disorganized • Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead • Forgets things • Is easily distracted The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least six of the following symptoms: • Fidgety • Runs or climbs inappropriately • Can’t play quietly • Blurts out answers • Interrupts people • Can’t stay in seat • Talks too much • Is always on the go • Has trouble waiting his or her turn

What can I do to help my child?

A team effort, with parents, teachers and doctors working together, is the best way to help your child. Children who have ADHD tend to need more structure and clearer expectations. Some children benefit from counseling or from structured therapy. Families may benefit from talking with a specialist in managing ADHD-related behavior and learning problems. Medicine also helps many children.

What medicines are used to treat ADHD?

Some of the medicines for ADHD are methylphenidate (some brand names: Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine (brand name: Dexedrine), pemoline (brand name: Cylert), atomoxetine (Strattera), and a combination

drug called Adderall. These medicines improve attention and concentration, and decrease impulsive and overactive behaviors. Other medicines can also be used to treat ADHD.

What can I do at home to help my child?

Children who have ADHD may be difficult to parent. They may have trouble understanding directions. Children who are in a constant state of activity can be challenging for adults. You may need to change your home life a bit to help your child. Here are some things you can do to help: Make a schedule. Set specific times for waking up, eating, playing, doing homework, doing chores, watching TV or playing video games and going to bed. Post the schedule where your child will always see it. Explain any changes to the routine in advance. Make simple house rules. It’s important to explain what will happen when the rules are obeyed and when they are broken. Write down the rules and the results of not following them. Make sure your directions are understood. Get your child’s attention and look directly into his or her eyes. Then tell your child in a clear, calm voice specifically what you want. Keep directions simple and short. Ask your child to repeat the directions back to you. Reward good behavior. Congratulate your child when he or she completes each step of a task. Make sure your child is supervised all the time. Because they are impulsive, children who have ADHD may need more adult supervision than other children their age. Watch your child around his or her friends. It’s sometimes hard for children who have ADHD to learn social skills. Reward good play behaviors. Set a homework routine. Pick a regular place for doing homework, away from distractions such as other people, TV and video games. Break homework time into small parts and have breaks. Focus on effort, not grades. Reward your child when he or

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at work. They may be much more active and/or impulsive than what is usual for their age. These behaviors contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behavior.

For this reason, children who have ADHD are sometimes seen as being “difficult” or as having behavior problems. ADHD is common, affecting 4 to 12 percent of school-age children. It’s more common in boys than in girls. You may be more familiar with the term attention deficit disorder (ADD). This disorder was renamed in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Things that don’t cause ADHD

• Bad parenting (though a disorganized home life and school environment can make symptoms worse) • Too much sugar • Too little sugar • Aspartame (brand name: Nutrasweet) she tries to finish school work, not just for good grades. You can give extra rewards for earning better grades. Talk with your child’s teachers. Find out how your child is doing at school--in class, at playtime, at lunchtime. Ask for daily or weekly progress notes from the teacher.

Will my child outgrow ADHD?

We used to think children would “grow out” of ADHD. We now know that is not true for most children. Symptoms of ADHD often get better as children grow older and learn to adjust. Hyperactivity usually stops in the late teenage years. But about half of children who have ADHD continue to be easily distracted, have mood swings, hot tempers and are unable to complete tasks. Children who have loving, supportive parents who work together with school staff, mental health workers and their doctor have the best chance of becoming well-adjusted adults.

Source: www.familydoctor.org.

What should I do if I think my child has ADHD?

Talk with your child’s doctor. A diagnosis of ADHD can be made only by getting information about your child’s behavior from several people who know your child. Your doctor will ask you questions and may want to get information from your child’s teachers or anyone

• Food additives or colorings • Food allergies or other allergies • Lack of vitamins • Fluorescent lights • Too much TV • Video games else who is familiar with your child’s behavior. Your doctor may have forms or checklists that you and your child’s teacher can fill out. This will help you and your doctor compare your child’s behavior with other children’s behavior. Your doctor will do vision and hearing tests if these tests haven’t been done recently. Your doctor may recommend trying medicine to see if it helps control your child’s hyperactive behavior. A trial of medicine alone cannot be the basis for diagnosing ADHD. However, it can be an important part of evaluating your child if ADHD is suspected. It might be hard for your doctor to tell if your child has ADHD. Many children who have ADHD aren’t hyperactive in the doctor’s office. For this reason, your doctor may want your child to see someone who specializes in helping children who have behavior problems.

What causes ADHD?

Children who have ADHD do not make enough chemicals in key areas in the brain that are responsible for organizing thought. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don’t work well. This causes the symptoms in children who have ADHD. Research shows that ADHD is more common in children who have close relatives with the disorder. Recent research also links smoking and other substance abuse during pregnancy to ADHD.

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

MOTHER’S INSTINCT »

Child’s cancer diagnosis nabbed just in time Family seeks financial assistance By CAROLYN ASPENSON A mother’s instinct is never wrong. Maggie Graham can attest to that. Her 5-year-old daughter, Olivia, complained of hip pain that was so strong she woke up screaming in the middle of the night. The hip pain plus a slight fever and a strange bruise on the child’s leg led Graham to schedule an appointment with Olivia’s pediatrician. Their regular doctor wasn’t available and the one they saw assured them it was simply growing pains. “I don’t remember growing pains being so powerful they woke me up screaming,” Graham said. Knowing she had a 5-year-old

check-up scheduled a few days later, Graham decided to discuss it with their doctor. The pediatrician did a complete blood count test, and Graham and her daughter left. They hadn’t even made it out of the parking lot when they were called back up. “Olivia’s blood work showed nothing,” Graham said. “No platelets, no white or red blood cells.” Graham said if her daughter had fallen and hit her head that day, she wouldn’t have survived. “She would have bled out,” Graham said. Graham rushed Olivia to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where an oncologist was waiting. “I think I was in shock then, but I knew it was bad,” she said. Less than 24 hours later, Olivia

was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer that primarily affects children between the ages of 2 and 5. “The success rate is 85 percent,” Graham said, “but she will need chemotherapy for about three years.” Graham said Olivia has a strong spirit and her courage is carrying their family through the hard times. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “Her strength is amazing.” Olivia’s cancer hasn’t just impacted

the family emotionally. “I’ve had to quit working to be with her and take her to her chemo treatments several times a week,” Graham said. “Of course, there is no place I’d rather be, but the financial burden has been hard.” The Grahams have a Tahoe, so gas is expensive. Graham is also 5 feet, 2 inches tall, so manipulating her daughter in and out of the SUV isn’t easy on mother or child. “Recently, the air conditioner went out,” Graham said. “If it’s not one thing, it’s another, but I hate to see her suffer during that drive.” Graham’s church, First Baptist Church of Dawsonville located at 900 Ga. 9 in Dawsonville, has established a fundraiser for the family. The fundraiser was held July 19 and July 20, but donations will continue to be accepted in Olivia’s name at the church. “We are hoping to help the family with gas and other expenses now that Maggie isn’t working,” church secretary Wanda Davis said. “Anything anyone can do to help is appreciated.” For more information on Olivia and how to help, visit www.gofundme.com/ Oliviasfight or call First Baptist Church of Dawsonville at 706-265-2612.

a bottle or clean their plate. 5. Reward with fun, not food: Just like with kids at any age, babies

should not be rewarded with food. Try to find other things your baby enjoys to help reinforce good behavior.

Olivia Graham, 5, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Top 5 tips for new parents By MEGAN ANAYA As a new parent, we know lots of people are giving you endless “advice” for raising a healthy baby. Relax, the experts at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are here to make it easy for you to understand the best nutrition and physical activity needs for your baby. Our nutritionists boiled it down to these five tips. 1. Start with iron: Your baby needs only breast milk or formula for the first four to six months. After this time, you may add in iron-rich foods. Plain, pureed meats or iron-fortified infant cereals are good choices. Always feed infant cereal to your baby using a spoon, not the bottle. 2. Nix the juice: Did you know

every ounce of juice provides nearly a teaspoon of sugar? Instead, introduce your baby to a variety of veggies and fruits. They have more nutrition than juice, and introducing them early helps your baby learn to love their veggies and fruits. 3. Embrace the mess: Experimentation is key for getting your little one to eat the right foods. Don’t worry about the mess – let your baby touch his food (the more color and texture, the better) and allow him to feed himself. Try finger foods like small pieces of ripe banana or avocado, well-cooked squash or potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta and finely chopped chicken. 4. Trust your baby: Kids are born with a natural regulator and will let you know when they are hungry and when they are full; never force them to finish

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Gas: Continued from Page 40 • Girish Poré, MD Alpharetta, John’s Creek For Appointments • Alpharetta: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building A, Suite 340 678.987.1485 • Cumming:1505 Northside Boulevard, Suite 2000 770.781.4010 • Johns Creek: 3890 Johns

Creek Parkway, Suite 250 678.775.0293 • Roswell: 1340 Upper Hembree Road, Suite A 770.569.0777 Since many health insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician, please check with your individual carrier before scheduling an appointment. AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in the state of Georgia.

School yourself on school immunizations K-12 Georgia students are required to have Form 3231 filled out By KATHLEEN STURGEON Immunizations are something many children dread, but they are necessary to enter any Georgia school. When students first enroll into any K-12 Georgia school, regardless of age, it is required they have Form 3231 filled out. This form lists the various immunizations that are required and what they are, including MMR, which stands for mumps, measles and rubella, hepatitis B and DTP, which stands for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Parents may have questions about the immunizations, including why their children must have these shots to enter school. The lead nurse for Fulton County Schools, Lynne Meadows, stresses the Georgia state law requires immunizations for school attendance. Meadows said that students from out of state are also required to fill Form 3231. “Georgia has their own requirements,” said Meadows.

“But most of the states’ immunizations are very similar; so many children already come to the state with the required immunizations.” Families moving into the state will be reminded of which immunizations their children need. They will also receive reminders if they don’t complete Form 3231. “If they don’t have the immunizations, they are given information about the immunizations and where they can get them prior to registering for school,” said Meadows. “Many of our kids who come from out of state won’t already have a provider, so we have a relationship with the health department of our county, and children can go there at any time.” Parents may also worry about not already having a doctor in state. “Families don’t have to have a primary health provider,” said Meadows. “All they have to have is a parent with them to get their immunizations.” Not wanting to give their

children the immunizations may also raise issues for parents. According to state law, there are only two exemptions from getting the required shots — religion and medical. Connie Trent, lead nurse for Forsyth County Schools, said that the shots are not just for Fulton and Forsyth County schools, but all of Georgia. Trent said there are three options to the immunization law. “You either get the Form 3231 with all the vaccines, or you can do a medical waiver where the doctor writes on the form that it’s a medical exemption, and those are good for a year,” said Trent. Trent said the doctors will explain why they child is exempting the shots. “Maybe the child is in chemotherapy, or they are not able to get the vaccine at this point,” said Trent. “There’s also a third option, a religious waiver for those if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.” Schools must keep up with the immunizations records or else they will get in trouble. Trent said the health department will send letters to parents giving them 30 days to be compliant.

Immunizations Required

• Georgia requires students to be immunized against measles, mumps, polio, rubella, whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza and varicella. • Two doses of mumps, measles and rubella, MMR; or two doses of measles vaccine, two doses of mumps vaccine and one dose of rubella vaccine; or laboratory proof of immunity against measles, mumps or rubella. If child is under 4 years old, at least one dose is required. • Two doses of varicella, chicken pox, vaccine or documentation of disease or laboratory proof of immunity. If child is under 4, at least one dose is required. • Have the required doses of hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, DTP and polio vaccines. • If your child is under 5 years of age, he must have protection against pneumococcal disease, and need the Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine, PCV. The number of doses needed will depend on the child’s age. Your child must have at least three doses of HIB. • If your child was born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, he must have two doses of hepatitis A, hep. A, vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity. The first dose must be given on or after the first birthday with spacing of six months or greater between doses. • If your child was born on or after Jan. 1, 2006, he must have at least four doses of polio, OPV and/or IPV. The final dose must be given on or after the fourth birthday and must be at least six months from the third dose.

Source: fultonschools.org Source: http://healthaffairs.org

“The health department comes in and audits us,” said Trent, “and the schools do get fined if they’re not compliant. So it’s important that we make sure, and of course, we want to

keep all of our kids healthy and avoid getting these diseases.” Visit http://health.state. ga.us/programs/immunization/ faq.asp for more information and frequently asked questions.

Summer rains fuel mosquito bites Asian tiger mosquito population gets boost By CHRISTOPHER FREIBERG Recent downpours have plagued communities with millions and millions of tiny biting pests — mosquitoes. Forsyth County mosquito populations have been on the rise lately, and Joe Conlon, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association, says it is due to breeding habitats from the rain. “When you have really heavy rains, at first it destroys habitat,” Conlon said. “But as the rain recedes, it leaves

pockets of water where mosquitoes can breed.” The breeding grounds can be widespread and closeto-home, Conlon said. They range from depressions in the ground to tree holes and even discarded containers as small as bottle caps. William Tyson, coordinator for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said stagnant water less than an inch deep will support mosquito growth.

“Look for empty clogged gutters, leaf-filled drains, drain outlets from air-conditioners, plastic wading pools, dog dishes and potted plant saucers,” Tyson said. “The goal is to eliminate as many sources of standing water as possible.” Tyson’s proposed method to eliminating the breeding grounds involves draining pools of water. Tougher spots that cannot be drained such as bird baths can be handled with “mosquito dunks” – chemical treatments that eradicate the bug at its larval

See MOSQUITO, Page 62 Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

What every woman needs! How do you know which skin care products are essential? Dr. Leslie Gray of Dermatology Center of Atlanta shares her musthaves and explains what four skin care products every woman (and men, too!) really should use. 1. Sunscreen Everyone should apply a full-spectrum sun screen with an SPF of 30 or more on their face daily. It should include a physical block like titanium or zinc oxide and/or UVA protectors for the best protection. 2. Antioxidant Lotion Before applying sunscreen, apply a quality lotion containing antioxidants to diminish the effects of freeradicals that eat up collagen and affect your skin’s elasticity. 3. Retin A Retin A is still the gold standard for helping to reverse sun damage, boost collagen and improve skin texture. When used properly, Retin A won’t cause adverse side effects. 4. Restorative Skin Cream We recommend therapies for patients based on their skin care needs. Neocutis Bio-restorative Skin Cream with PSP (Processed Skin Cell Proteins) is a healing cream used for natural and chemical-induced skin issues, from rosacea and wrinkles to post-treatment reactions. This can also be used with other products, including retinoids. -Provided by Dermatology Center of Atlanta. To learn more about your skin care needs, contact Dermatology Center of Atlanta at 770-497-0699

got (raw) milk? Local farmers do, people want it By KATHLEEN STURGEON Raw milk is getting sour treatment lately. There have been at least five outbreaks in the U.S. of campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection linked to raw milk. In Georgia, the law dictates that farmers can sell raw milk — but only for animal consumption. Raw milk is consumed in countries outside of the United States all the time. And within the U.S., the raw milk movement is trying to showcase the benefits. These benefits can include adding more protein, good carbohydrates and fats to someone’s diet, as well as vitamins and minerals. However, the negative aspects get all the attention, including the national case of an Amish dairy farmer, Vernon Hershberger, who was acquitted in Wisconsin May 25 on three of four criminal charges, which included operating an unlicensed retail store that sold raw milk. Raw milk, or unpasteurized milk, is 150 times more likely to cause foodborne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This is amplified by news reports of contaminated raw milk and food poisoning. Milk pasteurization became a common practice in 1886 by German agricultural chemist Franz von Soxhlet. But a strong proponent of unpasteurized milk is the Weston A. Price Foundation. Celeste Skouscn, of Johns Creek, volunteers for the foundation and drinks raw milk herself. Skouscn had to do some research to find a farmer, but she eventually got in contact with a farmer who sells raw milk and other raw products around the Atlanta area. She continues to buy raw products from the same farmer. Locally, the Rockmart, Ga.-based Carlton Farms visits nine metro Atlanta

Medical Answer Book™ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Photo by JESSA PEASE

The Carlton Farms mobile market sells many different products including raw milk, honey and meat.

areas weekly to sell locally grown food, meat and raw milk for “pet consumption.” In Cumming, the mobile market stops each Wednesday at a local church, Chalcedon Presbyterian Church, 302 Pilgrim Mill Road, and averages about 40 customers. On Thursday mornings, consumers line up at Fish Family Chiropractic, 455 West Crossville Road in Roswell. Chad Carlton, co-owner of Carlton Farms, understands that everyone is busy and doesn’t have the time to stop at farmers markets. His family sells products to customers who order the night before. This ensures nothing goes to waste. As a seller of local products, Carlton understands that while raw milk is his top seller, he has to respect the law and all the milk he sells has a label stating it is not for human consumption. The law doesn’t stop Skouscn and several other people from buying the raw milk for personal consumption. Skouscn interprets the law as a restriction on sellers, not buyers and the law doesn’t address what consumers do with it. “It’s not fun to buy milk that has a big skull and crossbones on it. But from a practical standpoint, I know it’s a super healthy food and it’s wonderful

for my family,” Skouscn said. “For me, the benefits far outweigh the risks.” Because of the bad reputation raw milk gets, two Forsyth County farmers contacted for this story did not want their names used. Farmer No. 1 prefers to sell raw goat milk to his customers because he believes it’s the best milk for children to consume, besides human milk. A bigger problem, according to Farmer No. 1, is fast food. “If you think about how unhealthy so many of our food choices are that are legal and approved with the Food and Drug Administration, and how many people die as a result of heart disease, they come from all this unhealthy fried food,” said Farmer No. 1. “We have a lot of people dying from bad food in this country, yet fresh, raw and high quality food is bad.” The hazard of cross contamination is one reason why another Forsyth farmer, Farmer No. 2, makes sure her customers understand the label on her milk that states it is not for human consumption. “What people do with it when they take it home is up to them,” said Farmer No. 2. “I look at it as if someone were to go to the store to buy a bottle of bleach and when you get home if you want to consume it, that’s up to you.”

Emergency & Community

Resource Table ORGANIZATION

PURPOSE

PHONE #

Website

United Way

To find help

211 or 404-6141000

211online.unitedwayatlanta. org/

North Fulton Community Charities

Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton

770-640-0399

www.nfcchelp.org

Community Assistance Center

Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

770-552-4015

www.ourcac.org

DFACS

Food Stamps/TANF/ Medicaid

404-252-2180

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/fultoncounty-dfcs-office

FACAA/LIHEAP

Energy Assistance

404-320-0166

www.facaa.org

St. Vincent de Paul

Financial Assistance

770-458-9607

www.svdpatl.org

404-730-5841

www.hafc.org

Housing & Homeless Housing Authority of Fulton Co.

Section 8 and Public Housing

Did we miss your resource? Contact Susan at 770-442-3278 ex.100

PURPOSE

ORGANIZATION

PHONE #

Website

Credit Counseling/ Legal/ Police CredAbility

Consumer Credit Counseling

404-527-7630

www.credability.org

NID Housing Counseling Agency

Foreclosure Information/ assistance

404-612-0405

www.atlhca.com

HOPE

24 Hour HotlineForeclosure assistance

888-995-4673

Atlanta Legal Aid

Legal Assistance

404-524-5811

www.atlantalegalaid.org

Anonymous Police Tip Hot Line

Roswell – Crime/ Drugs

770-641-3959

www.roswellgov.com

City of Alpharetta

Alpharetta – Crime/ Drugs

678-297-6307

www.alpharetta.ga.us

City of Johns Creek

Johns Creek – Crime/Drugs

678-474-1610

www.johnscreekga.gov/ services/police.aspx

City of Milton

Milton Police Department General

678-242-2570

www.cityofmiltonga.us/index

Homestretch/Housing Initiative

Transitional Housing

770-642-9185

www.homestretch.org

Roswell Public Housing

Public Housing

770-993-6226

www.roswellhousing.org

Rape Hotline

24 Hour Hotline

770-887-1121

www.fultoncountyga.gov/ contact-us-solicitor

The Drake House

Emergency housing women with children

770-587-4712

www.thedrakehouse.org

Grady Rape Crisis Center

Crisis line

404-616-4861

www.gnesa.org/content/ grady-rape-crisis-center

Metro Fair Housing

Housing Discrimination

404-524-0000

www.metrofairhousing.com

Salvation Army

General Assistance

404-352-3597

www.salvationarmy.org

Birth/Death Records

404-613-1260

www.fultoncountyga.gov/ dhw-vital-records

Gateway Center

Emergency Shelter

404-215-6600

www.gatewayctr.org

IRS

Tax Issues

800-829-1040

www.irs.gov

Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta

Homeless prevention, newcomers

Social Security

800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov

404-817-7070

www.hopeatlanta.org/

Social Security, Disability, SSI

Tags/Titles

Fulton County Office

404-730-6100

http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov

North Fulton Career Center

VA Health, Housing, Benefits

www.va.gov

404-612-2273

Veterans Administration

800-827-1000

Employment

EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)

Info on County programs

404-613-7944

Employment Discrimination

www.fultoncountyga.gov/ divisions-and-programs

800-669-4000

Fulton County Housing & Human Services MARTA

bus, rail schedules, fares

404-848-4711

www.itsmarta.com

Department of Labor

Unemployment Office

866-873-5676

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service

800-715-4225

bhlweb.com/tabform/

www.fultoncountyga.gov

Employment www.fultoncountyga.gov/ wia-home www.eeoc.gov/field/atlanta www.dol.state.ga.us

Family & Childrens Services

Government Fulton County Records

Health

A Beacon of Hope

Pregnancy Counseling

678-893-5290

www.abeaconofhope.com

Child Abuse and Neglect

To report abuse

404-699-4399

dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/howreport-child-abuse

North Fulton Regional Health Center

Public Health (in Alpharetta)

404-332-1958

GA Council on Child Abuse

Info, resources

800-532-3208

www.preventchildabusega. org

North Fulton Service Center

Common Ground (co-located services)

404-612-3917 or 404-612-6372

Child Support Assistance

Child Support Enforcement

877-423-4746

dcss.dhs.georgia.gov/

North Fulton Health Center Grady

Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)

404-616-1550

www.gradyhealthsystem.org/

Northside Behavioral Health

Mental Health

404-851-8960

www.northside.com/ medical_services

Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)

pediatric primary care

770-643-1792

www.choa.org/AboutChildrens/Locations-andDirections

Good Samaritan Atlanta

primary care clinic downtown

404-523-6571

www.goodsamatlanta.org/

Georgia Highlands

primary care clinic serving North GA

678-887-1668

www. georgiahighlandsmedical.org

North Fulton Hospital

Hospital - Roswell

770-751-2500

www.nfultonhospital.com

Grady Memorial Hospital

Hospital

404-616-1000

www.gradyhealth.org/

Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)

Pediatric Hospital

404-785-5252

www.choa.org/

Emory Johns Creek

Hospital - Johns Creek

678-474-7000

www.emoryjohnscreek.com/

Northside Hospital

Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth

404-851-8000

www.northside.com/

Families First

Counseling

404-853-2844

www.familiesfirst.org

Fulton County Schools

General Information

404-678-3600

www.fultonschools.org

Fulton Co. School Social Workers

Information

404-763-6774

www.fultonschools.org

G.E.D.

Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC

678-387-4458

www.nfcchelp.org/ education

Head Start

3-4 Year Olds

678-585-9100

www.georgiaheadstart.org

Child Dev. Center North Fulton

Child Care

770-992-4006

www.cdakids.org

Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)

24 Hour HotlineDomestic Violence

770-887-1121

www. forsythcountyfamilyhaven. info

PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)

24 Hour HotlineDomestic Violence

404-873-1766

padv.org/

Jewish Family and Career Services

Family and Career Counseling

770-677-9300

www.yourtoolsforliving.org

St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta

Hospital - Sandy Springs

404-581-7001

www.stjosephsatlanta.org

Senior Services North Fulton

Meals on Wheels, Transportation

770-993-1906

www.ssnorthfulton.org

Gwinnett Medical Center - Duluth

Hospital

678-312-6800

www.gwinnettmedical center.org

Appen Media Group | 2013-2014 Edition | Medical Answer Book™

Timeline of Medical Appointments

1 month 2 months 4 months 6 months 9 months 12 months 15 months 18 months 19-23 months 2-3 years 4-6 years 7-10 years 11-12 years 13-18 years 19-21 years 22-26 years 27-49 years 50-59 years 60-64 years >64 years Hep B - Hepatitis B RV - Rotavirus DTaP - Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis Hib - Haemophilus influenza type B PCV - Pneumococcal IPC - Inactivated Poliovirus For all persons in this category who meet the age requirements and who lack documentation of vaccination or have no evidence of previous infection

Flu - Influenza MMR - Measles, Mumps, Rubella Hep A - Hepatitus A MCV4 - Meningococcal HPV - Human Papillomavirus TDaP - Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Range of recommended ages for catch-up immunization

* Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Group Health Cooperative. 56

Medical Answer Bookâ&#x201E;˘ | 2013-2014 Edition | Appen Media Group

Recommended if some other risk factor is present

Shingles

Bone Density, Aortic Aneurysm

Glaucoma, Eye Disease, Thyroid

Prostate, Breast Cancer screens

Zoster

Tdap

HPV

MCV4

Hep A

Varicella

MMR

Flu

IPV

PCV

Hib

DTaP

Hep B

Birth

Newborn

Within just days of birth and discharge from a hospital, a child should visit a pediatrician. This type of physician specializes in the care of children, whose bodies are different from adults. A pediatrician will tell you if a newborn has any medical problems that cause concern, what their initial weight is and what you can expect for their growth, development and eating habits.

detail their health history. Questionnaires help physicians to pinpoint risk factors, and evaluate family history issues and other general health concerns. Once an adult enters the workforce and obtains health care coverage, a questionnaire is mandatory and must be filled out in order to qualify for health care. Typical questions refer to past medical history, family history, whether the person is a smoker, consumption of alcohol, drug use and any prior surgeries.

Toddler Years

20s to 40s

During this time period, a child often sees a doctor more frequently than not, simply because of their developing immune systems and the exposure to childhood germs. However, in the absence of germs or injuries, it is a good idea to have a well visit once per year until the age of 10. Doctors will usually recommend the standard continued course of immunizations, including the chicken pox vaccine, which is not given until the child is at least 1 year old.

5 years Old

Adults should undergo cholesterol and blood pressure checks every 5 years, along with Tetanus and diphtheria boosters every 10 years. There are really no other recommended tests, unless a patient has an increased risk factor or family history of a specific disease or disorder. Skin checks for irregular moles and changes in the skin are recommended for everyone. Regular dental check-ups (twice per year) also provide optimal dental health. The influenza vaccine is now recommended for all ages.

A child that is ready for Kindergarten will need to go to the pediatrician to be screened and immunized, in most cases. The screenings consist of hearing, vision and sometimes blood pressure or cholesterol tests. Also, the doctor’s office can give you the necessary forms for enrollment in a public school. Not crazy about vaccines, but still want to enroll your child in school? Schools now accept waivers (available at your school office) that allow parents who do not immunize to request enrollment for their child in school without having such vaccinations.

40s for Men

Early Childhood

40s for Women

From the ages of 6 to 10, annual well visits to the pediatrician are sufficient.

10 Years Old

Children usually go for another round of vaccinations.

11-18 Years Old

Keep in mind that at any point in the teen years when a child is participating in sports, most schools will require the student to undergo a routine physical to make certain that the student is healthy enough to participate in athletics.

18 Years Old

Many colleges require a physical examination upon acceptance to their school, and the paperwork involved with those tests may be required in order to attend classes. Along with proof of a physical exam, colleges will want to verify that a college-aged student has had all the required childhood immunizations. Young women at this age may also begin to schedule visits to a gynecologist, in order to schedule an annual Pap smear test. Women should begin breast self-examinations as well. At this stage of early adulthood until senior care, most adults will begin to fill out questionnaires that

For men, 40 is the age at which doctors may begin to recommend a prostate cancer screening. Based on risk factors or family history, this recommendation may come earlier. But between the ages of 45 and 50, most men will receive the test for prostate cancer. The American Urological Association recommends a first PSA (prostate specific antigen) test at the age of 40 for most men. In a man’s mid-40s, doctors recommend a screen for Type-2 Diabetes as well.

Guidelines for mammograms change often, but as of now, doctors recommend a mammogram every year or two for women who are 40 and older. Beginning at age 45, doctors also recommend a

cholesterol check for women and a blood pressure check every other year. A bone density scan may be performed if the patient is concerned about their specific risk of osteoporosis.

50s for Men

By the age of 55, doctors begin to recommend testing for glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. Both men and women at this stage will most likely be checked for thyroid imbalances, eyesight deficiencies and blood sugar issues.

50s for Women

Once women reach the age of 50, doctors recommend that in addition to the battery of screens used in their 40s, women also begin colon cancer screenings.

60s

Doctors are beginning to recommend the Shingles vaccine around the age of 60 for both men and women. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot that provides protection against the emergence of Shingles. Hearing evaluations are also important at this age, since nearly 33 percent of the population age 65 and older experiences hearing loss.

65 and Older – Men

Men are now encouraged to undergo testing for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This screening only occurs once, and is typically done after the age of 65.

Women

In addition to all of the previous tests, doctors may now begin to perform a bone density test. With age, women lose calcium, which causes bone breakage and weakness. A bone density scan will provide information on the strength of a woman’s bones. Since the incidence of falls also increases at this age, doctors highly recommend this test. Doctors can also administer a pneumococcal vaccination, which is a one-time shot, providing protection against pneumonia. Information compiled from Group Health Cooperative (ghc.org), pgeverydaysolutions. comand webmd. com.

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Q&A on Prostate Cancer What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Most of the time, prostate cancer does not initially cause symptoms. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include the following: • Urinary problems: • Not being able to urinate. • Having a hard time starting or stopping the flow of urine. • Needing to urinate often, especially at night. • Weak flow of urine. • Urine flow that starts and stops. • Pain or burning during urination. • Difficulty having an erection. • Blood in the urine or semen. • Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs. Although these symptoms can be symptoms of cancer, they are much more likely to be caused by noncancerous conditions. It is important to check with a doctor. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer forms in the tissues of the prostate. Except for skin cancer, cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in American men. It was estimated that more than 186,000 men in the United States would be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. In most men with prostate cancer, the disease grows very slowly. The majority Ray Appen In 2010, when I was 56, my PSA count jumped a bit too much for my primary care doctor. I was tested (needle biopsy) and the sample was sent to the lab. It came back positive - with a small number of prostate cancer cells in a couple quadrants. At that point I decided to treat the cancer the radiation/seed route in lieu of surgery or “watch and wait.’ I went through the process – the day surgery to implant the seeds and then six weeks of radiation. Since then my PSA has dropped

of men with low-grade, early prostate cancer (which means that cancer cells have been found only in the prostate gland) live a long time after their diagnosis. Even without treatment, many of these men will not die of prostate cancer, but rather will live with it until they eventually die of some other, unrelated cause. Nevertheless, it was estimated that nearly 29,000 men would die from prostate cancer in 2008. Who’s at risk for prostate cancer? An important risk factor is age; more than 70 percent of men diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 65. African American men have a substantially higher risk of prostate cancer than white men, including Hispanic men. In addition, dramatic differences in the incidence of prostate cancer are seen in different populations around the world. Genetic factors appear to play a role in prostate cancer development, particularly among families in which the diagnosis is made in men under age 60. The risk of prostate cancer rises with the number of close relatives who have the disease. Some evidence suggests that dietary factors may increase or decrease the risk of prostate cancer. What other prostate conditions can cause symptoms

like these? As men get older, their prostate may grow bigger and block the flow of urine or interfere with sexual function. This common condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is not cancer, but it can cause many of the same symptoms as prostate cancer. Although BPH may not be a threat to life, it may require treatment with medicine or surgery to relieve symptoms. An infection or inflammation of the prostate, called prostatitis, may also cause many of the same symptoms as prostate cancer. Again, it is important to check with a doctor. Can prostate cancer be found before a man has symptoms? Yes. Prostate cancer screening is looking for the disease before a person has any symptoms. Two screening tests commonly used to detect prostate cancer in the absence of symptoms are the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas, and a blood test that detects a substance made by the prostate called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Together, these tests can detect many “silent” prostate cancers that have not caused symptoms. Due to the widespread use of PSA testing in the United States, approximately 90 percent of all prostate cancers are cur-

rently diagnosed at an early stage, and, consequently, men are surviving longer after diagnosis. How reliable are the screening tests for prostate cancer? Neither of the screening tests for prostate cancer is perfect. Most men with an elevated PSA level do not have prostate cancer (false positives), and some men with prostate cancer have a low PSA level (false negatives). The DRE is also associated with false positives and false negatives. Using the DRE and PSA together will miss fewer cancers (greater sensitivity) but also increases the number of false positives and subsequent biopsies in men without cancer (lower specificity). The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) has a Prostate Collaborative Group that is exploring a variety of strategies to find better ways to detect prostate cancer early. In addition, NCI’s prostate cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) is funding projects to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biological markers, or biomarkers, of prostate cancer besides PSA. How is prostate cancer diagnosed? A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be confirmed only by biopsy. During a

See PROSTATE, Page 61

A few questions answered: • The needle biopsy doesn’t hurt. It’s not a big deal.

• The radiation was no big deal. I didn’t lose my hair and really felt few side effects. It doesn’t hurt and the sessions last about 15-20 minutes each. • Most folks I have spoken with who did radiation have had to take medication for about the first year or so to help urinate. The radiation essentially destroys the prostrate / urethra – including the cancer cells and then the significantly like it is supposed to and I am getting on with my life with little to no significant residual side

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healthy tissue grows back – but it takes time.

I also know at least two folks who were treated in Jacksonville, Fla.

• The first week after the surgery you typically have to use a catheter. That was probably the most aggravating aspect. But within a week that is typically gone.

• Once you have had prostate cancer you will be amazed at how many of your friends and people you know have had it also. The numbers are so surprising.

• I didn’t spend a lot of time researching alternatives but there are more now – including proton therapy which sounds like the least invasive of all treatments.

• In hindsight, I almost feel guilty writing about prostate cancer because so many of the other cancers and treatments are so much worse.

effects. That is my very short summary and what follows is a short list of

points that I feel could answer questions for those who are or will be faced with the same illness.

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Q&A on breast cancer What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Screening mammograms can also find microcalcifications (tiny deposits of calcium) that sometimes indicate the presence of breast cancer.

When does the National Cancer Institute recommend that women have screening mammograms? Women age 40 and older should have mammograms every one to two years. Women who are at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.

How are screening and diagnostic mammograms different? Diagnostic mammograms take longer than screening mammograms because they involve more x-rays in order to obtain views of the breast from several angles. The technician may magnify a suspicious area to produce a detailed picture that can help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

What are the factors that place a woman at increased risk of breast cancer? The risk of breast cancer increases gradually as a woman gets older. However, the risk of developing breast cancer is not the same for all women. Research has shown that the following factors increase a woman’s chance of developing this disease: Personal history of breast cancer— Women who have had breast cancer

Weight Loss Surgery FAQ What is your Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI is calculated by using a formula that considers the ratio of height and weight. Adults over 20 should have a BMI between 18.5 at 25; anything over 30 is considered obese; anything over 40 is considered morbidly obese, placing you at a very high health risk. To calculate your BMI, visit www.atlantabariatriccenter.com.

Are you a candidate for bariatric surgery?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the basic standards for qualifying for weight loss surgery are: • For men at least 100 pounds overweight and women at least 80 pounds overweight, with a BMI of 40 or more. • The presence of health problems related to obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or

other conditions. • An ability to participate in treatment and long-term follow-up. • An understanding of the operation and the lifestyle changes you will need to make.

What are the options for bariatric surgery?

• Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y The surgeon divides the stomach in two parts; the large portion of the stomach is closed off with staples to create a smaller pouch. The smaller stomach, your new pouch, restricts the amount of food you can eat at one time. The small intestine is cut below the duodenum and reattached to the new stomach pouch, leaving a shortened path for food to travel through so less food is absorbed. • Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding An adjustable gastric band is

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are more likely to develop a second breast cancer. Family history—A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer increases if her mother, sister, and/or daughter have been diagnosed with the disease, especially if they were diagnosed before age 50. Having a close male blood relative with breast cancer also increases a woman’s risk of developing the disease. What are the chances that a woman in the U.S. might develop breast cancer? Age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. The older a woman is, the greater her chance of developing breast cancer. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. The NCI fact sheet Probability of Breast Cancer in American Women provides more information about lifetime risk. This fact sheet is available at http:// www.cancer.gov. What is the best method of detecting breast cancer as early as possible? Getting a high-quality screening

placed around the top part of the stomach dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The size of the band is adjusted using a port placed under your skin. Adjusting the band changes how much you can eat and how quickly food leaves the new pouch so patients feel full sooner and longer. • Gastric sleeve procedure The sleeve limits food intake by reducing the size of the stomach. A stapling device is used to divide the stomach vertically, leaving behind a thin vertical sleeve of stomach. The excised portion of the stomach is removed. *Talk to your doctor about specific risks associated with each of these procedures and which one might be right for you.

How do you prepare for bariatric surgery?

Like all major surgeries, the best preparation is to understand the risks and potential benefits, and to closely follow your doctor’s orders. To mentally prepare yourself: • Understand the surgical process and what to expect afterward. • Talk to people who have had weight loss surgery.

mammogram and having a clinical breast exam (an exam done by a health care provider) on a regular basis are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early. Checking one’s own breasts for lumps or other unusual changes is called a breast self-exam, or BSE. Breast self-exams cannot replace regular screening mammograms or clinical breast exams. In clinical trials (research studies), breast self-exams alone have not been found to help reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer. What are the benefits of screening mammograms? Several large studies conducted around the world show that breast cancer screening with mammograms reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer for women ages 40 to 69, especially for those over age 50. Studies conducted to date have not shown a benefit from regular screening mammograms, or from a baseline screening mammogram (a mammogram used for comparison), in women under age 40. Source: National Cancer Institute

• Write a letter to yourself and your surgeon explaining your reasons for having the surgery and outlining your plans to maintain your weight loss after surgery. • Start a journal about your experience. Record how you feel now, the obstacles you encounter, the things you hope to be able to do after surgery. • Get support from friends and family. It helps to know you have people behind you.

What is life like after bariatric surgery?

The modifications made to the gastrointestinal tract will require permanent changes in eating habits that must be followed for the rest of one’s life to keep the weight from returning. According to statistics, about 80 percent of patients have long-term success following bariatric surgery. It is important to note that every surgeon does not perform the exact same weight loss surgery procedure and that the dietary guidelines will be different for each surgeon and each type of procedure. What is most important is that patients adhere strictly to their surgeon’s recommended guidelines.

Needed medical procedures for seniors to maintain optimum health First and foremost: Get regular checkups. However, these other tests are also necessary as you age.

Hearing test: If you are over age 65, get your hearing checked. Many people lose their hearing slowly as they age. One out of three Americans between ages 65 and 74 has a hearing problem. Half of adults over age 75 have a hearing problem. If you have hearing loss, you are not alone. Start by asking your doctor for a hearing test. Your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist. Pneumonia shot: If you are age 65 or older, ask your doctor for a pneumonia shot. This shot is called PPV. Pneumonia is a serious illness that can sometimes lead to death, especially in older adults. The good news is that some types of pneumonia can be prevented. If you get the pneumonia shot at age 65, you should be protected from the most common type of bacterial pneumonia for the rest of your life.

Prostate: Continued from Page 58 biopsy, a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of urinary and sex organs in men, and urinary organs in women) removes tissue samples, usually with a needle. This is generally done in

Bone density test: A bone density test will find out how strong your bones are. The test will tell you if you are at risk for osteoporosis. If you are age 65 or older, schedule a bone density test. If you are age 60 to 64, talk to your doctor about testing your bone density. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend getting a bone density test every two years. A bone density test doesn’t hurt. It’s like an x–ray or scan of your body. It only takes about 15 minutes. Flu shot: Get a seasonal flu shot every year to prevent the flu. The seasonal flu shot is especially important for adults ages 50 and up. It’s also a good idea to get a flu shot if you live or work with people at high risk for complications from the seasonal flu. For example, get a flu shot if you live with an adult age 65 or older or work in a daycare or nursing home.

Colorectal cancer test: If you are age 50 or older, get tested regularly for colorectal cancer. All it takes is a visit to the doctor to have a special exam called

the doctor’s office with local anesthesia. Then, a pathologist (a doctor who identifies diseases by studying tissues under a microscope) checks for cancer cells. Men may have blood tests to see if the cancer has spread. Some men also may need the following imaging tests.

a screening. You may need to get tested before age 50 if colorectal cancer runs in your family, so talk to your doctor. There are many ways to have your colon checked. Some tests are done every one to two years. Other tests are done every five to 10 years. How often you get screened will depend on your risk of colorectal cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you and how often you need to get screened.

Vision test: If you are age 65 or older, have your eyes checked every one to two years. People with diabetes should have their eyes checked more often. Regular eye exams help your doctor find eye problems early, when they can be easily treated. There are two types of doctors that can perform an eye exam: optometrists and ophthalmologists The doctor will put drops in your eyes to enlarge (or dilate) your pupils. A dilated eye exam is the only way to find some types of eye disease. You will read charts with letters and numbers to check your vision. The doctor will also do tests to look for problems with your eyes, including glaucoma.

Bone scan: A doctor injects a small amount of a radioactive substance into a blood vessel, and it travels through the bloodstream and collects in the bones. A machine called a scanner detects and measures the radiation. The scanner makes pictures of the bones on a computer screen or on film. The pictures

Aneurism test: If you are a man age 65 to 75 and have ever smoked, talk with your doctor about abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Your doctor may order an ultrasound test to check for AAA. An ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body. The risk of AAA increases as you get older, and it’s more likely to happen in people between the ages of 60 and 80. Men are much more likely than women to have an AAA. You are eight times more likely to develop an aneurysm if you smoke. Aneurysms usually grow slowly with no symptoms. If they grow large enough to burst (or break open), aneurysms can cause dangerous bleeding and death. If AAA is found early, it can be treated to stop it from bursting.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

may show cancer that has spread to the bones. Computerized tomography (CT) scan: An x-ray machine linked to a computer takes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Doctors often use CT scans to see the pelvis or abdomen. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A strong magnet

linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Prostate cancer is described by both grade and stage. Grade describes how closely the tumor resembles normal glandular tissue of the prostate. Stage refers to the extent of the cancer. Source: www.cancer.gov.

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Reform: Continued from Page 6 because even now, I can’t convince a 25-year-old that he should spend $100 a month on health insurance, instead of entertaining himself or going out,” Officer said. “Now that rate is going to rise between $200 and $250, it’s going to be a harder sell.” Large business employers and employees: Another important employer mandate, commonly referred to as the “pay or play mandate,” applies to businesses that have 50 or more equivalent full-time employees. This mandate will go into effect in 2015. The Obama administration caught the U.S. business community by surprise when it announced a one-year delay, until Jan. 1, 2015, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA or ACA) mandate that employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees provide health care coverage to their full-time employees (those working on average 30 or more hours per week) or pay steep penalties. “Right now, most em-

Mosquito: Continued from Page 53 stage. Once the mosquitos take flight, however, homeowners can turn to insecticides and aerosol foggers to tackle their bug problem, Tyson said. Insecticides (ideally those registered by the Environmental Protection Agency) are most effective when dispersed uniformly. Foggers provide a quick, but temporary solution. “By reducing breeding sites and taking a few simple precautions, you can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, and the number of mosquito bites on you,” Tyson said. As these household, insect-repellent measures

ployers have a minimum requirement of having to be a full-time employee – working 40 hours a week – to be eligible for insurance,” Edge said. “If you were deemed to be a part-time employee working 32 hours a week and not eligible for benefits, under the healthcare reform you would be eligible.” The law doesn’t say that an employer has to provide insurance, Gordon said, it actually just says businesses have a choice. If a business chooses not to provide health insurance, they will pay a penalty. If they choose to offer health insurance, they still may have to pay a penalty depending upon whether it meets a minimum actuarial value and that it is affordable to employees. Affordability means employees will only pay up to 9.5 percent of their income for health insurance. Employers are going to bring current plans up to the new reform or terminate their current plan and face financial penalties for not offering healthcare for their employees, Edge said. There are two taxes under the employer mandate referred

fend off the average pest, one species found increasingly prevalent in Georgia seems to put up more of a fight. The Asian tiger mosquito, or Aedes albopictus, is a potentially harmful mosquito that Conlon said is the primary pest mosquito in many places on the East Coast. “What’s particularly pernicious about it is that standard mosquito control practice is generally not effective,” Conlon said. “It likes to feed on the lower limbs between the knee and ankle and feeds all day.” The Asian tiger variety is difficult to control because sprays are generally done at night and target mosquitoes when they are in flight. These pesky day-flyers evade pesticides by hiding under leaves and chairs when it is dark.

I think with large businesses, it will be a combination of doing a full assessment of their employees.”

making existing employees eligible for healthcare benefits versus reducing the hours and bringing on more employees.”

Trinette Edge Manager of Human Resources for Cousins Properties

Small business employers and employees: “Pay and play mandate” doesn’t apply to small businesses that have less than 50 or equivalent full-time employees, but there are rules as far as what the benefits can look like for their employees. Small businesses have to include 10 minimum essential health benefits (see box). “For small businesses, the big change is that we are moving to a community rating pricing structure,” Gordon said. “Health insurance rates for individuals as well as small group policies of less than 50 can only be based on those four factors.” Officer said a lot of small companies will dump their group plans and give an allowance for healthcare instead. “They will give a fixed rate a month and employees can get their own insurance,” Gordon said. “They will set it up as a health reimbursement arrangement, so that someone is monitoring it ensuring it is used only for health insurance.”

Health coverage

• About 3 million 18-24 year-olds in the U.S. currently purchase their own insurance. • About 44 million people in U. S. have no health insurance, and another 38 million have inadequate health insurance.

to as the “sledgehammer tax” and the “tack-hammer tax,” according to Gordon. The sledgehammer tax applies to businesses of 50 or more who choose not to offer insurance to their employees. If they have an employee who goes to the exchange and qualifies for a federal subsidy, a $2,000 tax per employee – excluding the first 30 employees – will be charged to the company, Gordon said. The tack-hammer tax is when the employer offers coverage and it is either not affordable to the employee or doesn’t meet the minimum actuarial value, Gordon said. When the employee goes

to the exchange and qualifies for a federal subsidy, the company is charged a $3,000 tax for that individual. If a large business decides to offer health insurance, it would be a group rate and the plan would be based on the average sex, age and claims history of the group. Edge said the company will determine what they paid in claims the previous year and charge a percentage to the employees before dividing it up. “I think with large businesses, it will be a combination of doing a full assessment of their employees,” Edge said. “They will also do a full assessment of the cost of

Remember 3 “D’s”

Joe Conlon, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association, recommends the three “D’s” to prevent and protect homeowners from mosquito bites: DRAIN – Get rid of standing water (discarded bottle caps, plastic sheeting over swimming pools and wood piles, stump holes, tree holes) DRESS – Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing during the day. Mosquitoes prefer dark colors, because they can see them better. DEFEND – Use an effective EPA-registered repellant.

“If you go out on your porch in the morning to have a cup of coffee and you come in with bites all over your leg, it’s from this mosquito,” he said. The Asian tiger has not been implicated in any disease

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transmission in the U.S., Conlon says, but in the lab, it was found capable to carry five different mosquito-borne viruses. Heavy rains may bring heavy mosquito presence, but

with the right tools and methods, homeowners can reclaim their territories. “Trying to get rid of this mosquito is solely in the hands of homeowners and property owners,” Conlon said.

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O U R S TA F F

Welcome to

North Fulton Women’s Specialists

Sowmya Reddy, MD Board-Certified OB/GYN

The specialized care you want. The personal attention you deserve.

Sheila V. Garnica, MD Board Certified OB/GYN Certified Menopause Practitioner

OB/GYN SERVICES

IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES

• Preventive Exams and Pap Smears

• Birth Control

• Preconception, Family Planning and Contraception Consults • Prenatal Care and Delivery

(IUD, Nexplanon, Depo Provera) • Treatment for Heavy or Frequent Periods

• Teenage and Adolescent Care

• Investigation of Incontinence

• Menopause/Peri-Menopause Management

• Colposcopy and LEEP

• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery • Waterbirths

(treatment for abnormal paps) • Ultrasonography

Alexandre K. Eaccarino, DO

To learn more about the services and physicians at North Fulton Women’s Specialists, visit NorthFultonWomensSpecialists.com. Now accepting new patients and most major insurance plans. Same-day appointments available; call (770) 410-4388.

Michele P. Clark, MSN, CNM Certified Nurse-Midwife

www.NorthFultonWomensSpecialists.com 64

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