Empty Nest, February 2015 by Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group

Empty Nest February Special Section

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Sponsored Section • EMPTY NEST

February 2015

The clear alternative to braces Brought to you by Haynes Bridge Dental Care What Is Invisalign®? Invisalign® is a method of straightening the teeth using clear plastic retainer-like devices rather than metal brackets. These devices blend with natural teeth, making them nearly invisible. They can also be removed when eating or brushing. Dr. Nelson is Invisalign® Certified. How Much Does Invisalign® Cost? Cost will depend on the length of treatment required. The cost of treatment does not include replacement retainers, which will become necessary if yours become lost or broken. Although Invisalign® is a cosmetic procedure, some insurance plans may partially cover it. We accept all major credit cards as well as financing through CareCredit®. Our exclusive Dental Concierge Membership may make dental care more affordable. Is Invisalign® Right for Me? If you would like to straighten your teeth and are devoted to wearing your

braces at least 22 hours per day, Invisalign® can be an excellent choice. Why Choose Haynes Bridge Dental Care? Invisalign® is a revolutionary orthodontic procedure that requires a dental professional who is up to date with the latest developments in the industry. The goal of both our dentists is to be on the cutting edge of technology to provide optimum dental care to all our patients. Located in Johns Creek, Georgia, Haynes Bridge Dental Care is a digital dentistry practice that incorporates the most advanced dental technologies into every patient visit. By using these technologies, we save our patients time and money. Our patients from Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth, and Suwanee enjoy greater comfort, convenience, and satisfaction with their oral healthcare experiences, and we love seeing their beautiful smiles! Call today to schedule your FREE initial consultation with Dr. Gary Nelson or Dr. Clint Baugham! 470-297-6700

Alpha Family Medicine Care is provided by Shyla Reddy, MD, and her medical team. Dr. Reddy has more than 15 years of primary care experience. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. She completed Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology fellowship from Emory University. Our goal is to establish an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focusing on integrated care. We advocate for our patients in a complex health care system. We provide a range of medical care services in a person centered medical home. We also provide health-risk assessments, screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a

healthy lifestyle. We manage chronic illness, often coordinating care provided by other subspecialists. From heart disease, stroke and hypertension, to diabetes, cancer, and asthma, we provide ongoing, personal care. We specialize in helping older adults live healthy, productive lives. Whether you or a loved one is elderly and dealing with complex health care needs, dementia, frailty, falls, or simply having trouble with a new transition of life, you can turn to our Geriatrics team to provide you with the help you need. We strive to enable their autonomy and improve their quality of life, addressing the needs of the whole person.

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While most people are excited at the prospect of straightening their teeth, not everyone is thrilled about the idea of wearing metal braces. Invisalign® allows Johns Creek area patients to straighten their teeth virtually unnoticeably, making orthodontic treatment much more pleasant. People choose Invisalign® over traditional braces because of their many benefits, a few of which are the following: • Provide a more pleasing appearance • Easier to keep clean • Comfortable to wear • No restrictions on what a patient may eat

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February 2015

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Do you have Balance in your life? By: Angela Butler-Hackett, TRS Parc Communities Fitness & Wellness Director Our average life expectancy is increasing and our ability to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle well into our later years will depend, to a large degree, on how well we maintain our personal fitness level. Most of us equate quality of life in later years to being active, independent and pain free. “There is strong scientific evidence that regular physical activity produces major and extensive health benefits in older adults… in addition, physical activity is associated with higher levels of functional health, a lower risk of falling, and better cognitive function.” (World Health Organization, 2010) One of the major concerns of older adults is falling and lack of balance. More than 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 fall every year. Maintaining balance is the result of a complex interaction of many systems

and subsystems of the human body. As we age, changes occur that reduce the efficiency of these systems, which in turn jeopardizes our balance. Balance is very complex. Our medications, diseases and physical limitations can all affect our balance as well. Five skills needed for proper balance: 1. Ability to walk and turn the head at the same time. 2. Ability to extend the hip and back. 3. Ability to reach down and pick up something. 4. Ability to reach up. 5. Ability to stand on one foot for five seconds. If you are having concerns about your balance, please contact your doctor and/or physical therapist. There are comprehensive programs that focus on improving balance. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself now so that you will have a long, healthy, and active life.

Exceptional Senior Living!

Bianco Primary Care As medical students, husband and wife Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco saw a problem emerging in healthcare. Time after time they heard their physician preceptors tell patients that there was only time to discuss one health concern during appointments. With costs growing and reimbursements from insurance and Medicare shrinking, doctors are being forced to see more patients each day. The practice of medicine has become quantity focused rather than quality focused. Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco want to change this. Bianco Primary Care is a new type of general practice that gives doctors and patients more time together. This time allows patients the ability to talk with their doctor about health concerns without feeling rushed. They are able to take the time to listen, to develop a personal relationship with their patients and to offer more than just an additional prescription. This caliber of care is delivered within the concierge or

subscription model of primary care. In this type of medical practice, patients pay an annual fee that guarantees them more time with their physician. This fee, about the cost of a daily Starbucks coffee, allows the physician to have a smaller patient pool for their practice, giving them the ability to see fewer patients in the day and spend more time with those patients. Joining a concierge medical practice restores the strong doctor-patient relationship that many of us can still remember. Becoming a patient of Bianco Primary Care means same day or next day appointments that start on-time, having access to your doctor by phone or email 24/7, and developing a personal relationship with your doctor. Additionally, Drs. Michael and Shelley Bianco offer nutrition counseling, coordination with specialists and house-calls. Bianco Primary Care is accepting new patients, call for a 30 day no cost trial with Bianco Primary Care.

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February 2015

Diabetes linked to hearing loss Brought to you by North Fulton Ear Nose & Throat Associates

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Take control of your hearing and your life Hearing loss and balance disorders are not just age-related. Other medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infection, and primary disorders of the ear can be the cause. If left untreated, people with hearing loss are up to five times more likely to suffer from dementia. Studies have shown that hearing amplification can drastically improve patients’ quality of life.

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Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., L.L.C. 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd. Bldg. 200, Suite 201 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770-495-9995 Drlesliegaskill.com Plaquebusters.net

A link exists between adults with type 2 diabetes and hearing loss. In diabetic people age 60 or older, high blood sugar causes tiny blood vessels in the inner ear to break, disrupting sound reception. Diabetes often results in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The link between CKD and hearing loss has been known for decades. The kidney and the Stria Vascularis of the cochlea share physiologic, ultrastructural and antigenic similarities and therefore, the link between diabetes and hearing loss may be indirect but does exist. It is recommended that diabetic patients have their hearing screened upon identification and then annually thereafter. The effects of untreated hearing loss include embarrassment, irritability, avoidance of or withdrawal from social activities and personal relationships and impaired memory. Auditory deprivation means “use it or lose it”! Although we detect sounds with our ears, our brain makes sense of the sounds. Over time, the brain’s ability to understand speech is often affected by hearing loss. Once the

ability to understand is lost, it can be difficult to regain. Wearing hearing instruments can assist the brain in maintaining the ability to understand speech. A peer reviewed study conducted by the National Council on Aging provides evidence of the benefits of hearing aids, including improved overall health, better interpersonal relationships and a reduction in frustration, anxiety and depression. To learn more or schedule a consultation call North Fulton ENT in Roswell 770-343-8675 or Cumming 770-8865821 www.NorthFultonENT.com

So big deal, a little inflammation By Leslie Gaskill, M.D. Exactly,….. BIG DEAL! Inflammation is not something to take lightly. Let’s put it this way, if you came across a smoldering fire in your house, you wouldn’t just walk away...would you? I suspect that you would consider this an important matter to tend to, because you know that even a small smoldering fire could quickly become a big rip roaring fire that could burn your house down. Your thought process might be something like, “don’t panic, just put the fire out; and put the fire out fast.!” You might even say “Whew, I am glad I caught that fire while it was small, and thank God that I just happened to walk in here and see this.” Yeh, it would be an emotional and financial disaster to lose your home. So what if we were talking about your life? All it takes is ONE fire to cause an event i.e heart attack and stroke. There are many causes of inflammation that can ultimately cause your arteries to be fragile. The arteries can suddenly rupture as plaque pushes through the wall like a volcano. A clot is formed, blocking the flow and BOOM. You have a heart attack or stroke. What causes inflammation? Great question. Stress, bad diet, migraines, autoimmune diseases( like lupus and psoriasis), smoking, cholesterol, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, PCOS, liver disease, sleep disorders, and, periodontal disease to just name a few. Don’t get a false sense of security if you are a marathon runner, passed your stress test, calcium score, and even have a phenomenal cholesterol profile. Stay tuned to hear more from us

and Plaque Busters in the national arena. If you are serious about your life, and your life is a priority, we can help you before it is too late. We are very experienced in a prevention strategy that works! gaskill It is tailored to YOU, your body and your genetics! Right now as spring approaches, most of you are wanting to “get the weight off”. We are excited about our new weight loss program and we will personally coach you. If you want to find out your genetic dietary pattern needs (we are all one of six patterns), we can help you learn how to eat for minimizing your risk of developing plaque and to help you lose weight most effectively for a lifetime. Yes, it’s true: we are not all genetically programmed to eat the same way! Out of all of Dr. Gaskill’s patients that have followed & complied with her cardiovascular prevention method for the past 7 1/2 years, none have had a heart attack or stroke! We also utilize functional/naturopathic medicine in addition to traditional Western medicine to successfully treat a large number of illnesses, including chronic fatigue, pulmonary disorders, food and chemical sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome, ADD, obesity, migraines, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, digestive disorders, skin disorders, anxiety, depression & insomnia. www.drlesliegaskill.com and www.plaquebusters.net Leslie S. Gaskill, M.D., LLC 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Ste 201 Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 770-495-9995

February 2015

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FAQ – Bladeless cataract surgery What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery? Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract. The natural lens of the eye yellows and becomes cloudy with age as a result of biological changes of the proteins inside the lens. The function of the human lens is to focus incoming light onto the back of the eye. As your lens ages, light from the outside worlds becomes more and more distorted as it enters your eye. Difficulty reading, needing more light to read, experiencing glare and haloes at night and, even poor sleep patterns can be explained by cataract formation. The treatment for cataracts involves an almost painless, 10 minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a man made intraocular lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the US and around the world and is considered to be an extremely successful and safe procedure with a success rate approaching 99.5%. What is laser cataract surgery? With traditional cataract surgery, all the steps of the surgery are customarily performed “manually” by the surgeon using handheld tools. Laser cataract surgerythe next evolution of cataract surgery with the Ziemer Z6 laser generally offers a greater amount of precision, predictability and safety to these steps leading to potentially improve visual outcomes and more precise targets. With the Ziemer Z6 Laser System, your surgeon has the potential to offer you unmatched accuracy and a more predictable and customized cataract procedure. Based on your medical history and pre-operative evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available for your desired visual result. Together you can discuss a treatment plan which may include using the LDV Z6 to create the laser incisions in the cornea along with an advanced lens implant that may allow for improved near, intermediate or distance vision. This tailored treatment may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery? In traditional cataract surgery, incisions in the cornea

are made using handheld instruments including blades to access the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical device to manually create a circular opening in the lens capsule of the eye that holds the cataract. The Ziemer Z6 laser can be used to make the corneal incisions precise and the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible, in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens. Your surgeon can also use the laser to break up and soften the hard cataract. Softening the lens with the laser enables your surgeon to then remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery. What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery? • A highly customized treatment • A treatment with little or no discomfort • A potentially more precise and predictable treatment • By and large, a gentler and easier cataract removal • Generally, a more rapid visual recovery due to reduced inflammation • The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multifocal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery? Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable candidate based on your eye anatomy, type of cataract and type of lens implant that you desire. Most patients are candidates for having some of the steps of cataract surgery performed with the Ziemer Z6 laser. How long has the procedure been performed? Thousands of cataract procedures have been successfully performed using femtosecond laser systems, and femtosecond lasers have been used in eye procedures for decades. The most familiar use of femtosecond laser technology is LASIK. Femtosecond lasers represent an advanced standard in precision laser cataract surgery and the Ziemer Z6 platform was FDA cleared in 2013. What should I expect on the day of surgery? Your day in surgery should be no different than a routine cataract case. The Ziemer Z6 laser is positioned next to the surgeon and is utilized seamlessly during the cataract surgery process. You will be given

mild IV sedation that will likely keep you pleasantly unaware of the goings on in surgery. Not only is it potentially painless, there are no needles or stitches as part of the procedure. What should I expect after surgery? After surgery, you can generally expect your vision to be improved within 24 hours. Generally, patients experience no pain after surgery. Slight scratchiness of the eye is common and they prescribed eye drops will help with any of these symptoms. Many pa-

tients return to work or normal activities the next day and even drive themselves to their postop day one appointment! How long does the procedure take? You can expect to be at our center for about 2 hours, and you will be in the procedure room for only 20-25 minutes. Please call 678-688-4575 or visit our website at milaneyecenter.com for more information on how to schedule your Cataract evaluation at Milan Eye Center where compassion meets excellence in eye care.

Is Seeing the Crossword Puzzle Harder than Solving It? Could be Cataracts.

Milan R. Patel, M.D. Niraj Desai, M.D. Cataract & Refractive Cataract & Refractive Surgeon Surgeon

Kiran Sajja, M.D. Oculoplastic Surgeon

Anjum Cheema, M.D. Glaucoma & Cataract Surgeon

We have the answer. Whatever the problem Milan Eye Center can help. We are excited to announce that we have been chosen to be the first practice in the United States to use the Ziemer Z6 2013 and 2014 Laser for bladeless laser cataract surgery.

M I

C A L A N L

E Y E

C E N T E R

6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325 | Johns Creek 970 Sanders Rd, Suite 100 | Cumming 201 Kimberly Way, Suite 106 | Canton 1995 Mall of Georgia Blvd, Suite A | Buford

Learn more: milaneyecenter.com | Call for a consultation: 470-326-0330

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