February Special Section
2 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Q&A By Dr. Brent Taylor Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta As a Mohs surgeon, my primary job is treating the three most common skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carciDr. Taylor noma, and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the skin cancer that often causes the most confusion, partially because it shares the name “squamous cell” with other squamous cell cancers that do not arise from the skin. Recently, patients have asked questions about cutaneous (skinderived) SCC, and their questions and answers are worth repeating given how common this cancer is and how many readers are likely either affected by it or have a loved one with cutaneous SCC. Q: Is squamous cell of the skin the same as squamous cell of the lung? A: No, SCC of the skin and SCC of the lung are not directly related. The reason that they share the word “squamous” is because in both locations, these epithelial cells look similar under the microscope. Cells in these locations overlap one another similar to how scales of a fish or shingles on a roof overlap, and “squama” is latin for scale. SCC of the skin and lung differ markedly in terms of what causes cancer (for example, ultraviolet damage vs smoking), how they are treated, and prognosis. Q: Why, then are cells growing in such a similar fashion in the skin and the lungs? A: In both locations, squamous cells come in contact with air, and the overlapping design of squamous cells allows them to decrease evaporative water loss and protect underlying tissue from damage caused by outside air or irritants. In the case of the lungs, the “outside” air happens to be inside our bodies while we breath, but the same principle applies. Squamous cells offer protection and a more limited exchange of “outside” influences with deeper body tissues. Q: Is squamous cell of the skin as serious as squamous cell of the lung? A: In general, no. Because SCC of the skin arises on the skin, we usually notice it when it is not advanced, and patients and dermatologists can typically catch SCC of the skin very early. Approximately 1 million SCCs of the skin are diagnosed each year, and only about
15,000 deaths occur. In contrast, about 25-30% of lung cancers in the US are squamous cell carcinoma. According to cancer.org, there will be about 225,000 new cases of lung cancer in 2019 and about 140,000 deaths. Mohs surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the skin offers a higher than 99% cure rate for small squamous cell carcinomas. Often, the squamous cell carcinomas of the skin that result in death are either long-neglected and allowed to grow or occur in an immunocompromised patient such as a transplant patient who may have an SCC grow so quickly that it is able to spread before it is eliminated. Q: Are there other treatments besides Mohs surgery for squamous cell of the skin? A: Yes, for a shallow SCC called “squamous cell carcinoma in situ”, patient may often choose between Mohs surgery, a wide excision and even topical creams. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma is often best treated with either surgery or radiation. If an SCC has already spread, a multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy and/or radiation may be necessary and will require the assistance of an oncologist. If you or a loved one has sun-damaged skin or a history of squamous cell carcinoma (of the skin), consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta for your skin care needs. Dr. Brent Taylor is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and board certified dermatologist offering state-of-the-art skin cancer treatments and care.
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What you need to know about low vision Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta February is Low Vision Awareness Month and a timely reminder of the importance of focusing on your eyes and how well you can see. According to the National Eye Institute, over 135 million people worldwide experience low vision. It’s most common in those who are 65 or older. Low vision itself is a condition where you or your older loved one may have corrective lenses, medication or even past surgeries, but still can›t see well. Here’s what you need to know about low vision. It’s More than Just One Symptom People with low vision may find they have difficulty with certain tasks, even when using their glasses. Reading, cooking, sewing, matching colors, or recognizing faces can be difficult. Your older loved one may complain that it’s never bright enough to see well, even if there are plenty of lights on. Traffic and store signs may pose greater challenges while driving. Everyone has a slightly different experience with low vision. There Are Multiple Causes Low vision isn’t caused by just one illness or situation. People with diabetes, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and other health problems can develop low vision. It may also be experienced by people with prior injuries to their eyes during their lifetime. There’s no solid test for who will develop it and who won’t, so it’s not always a simple problem to predict.
That’s why it’s extremely important to continue regular eye exams. If there is ever a noticeable change in your older loved one’s vision, make it a priority to visit the eye doctor and get it checked out. This can be due to low vision or an early sign of other health conditions, which can allow for early diagnosis and intervention. Get creative about finding solutions. While the impact of low vision on everyday life can cause anxiety and depression, your older loved one can still live a very normal life. Depending on the severity of symptoms, vision rehabilitation and support groups can help your older loved one meet their day to day vision challenges. Finding the right tools and resources is the biggest step that you can take to give them the independence they need and want. This may be the ideal time to consider the benefits and peace of mind professional in-home care can provide. The companionship and assistance a carefully matched, heart centered Home Helpers caregiver provides can help your older loved one stay happy, healthy and safe as they age in place. A Home Helpers Caregiver has the skills to assist with all personal care, help around the house, transportation and specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. Our highly personalized care can boost self-confidence and connect with their youthful spirit. We’re here to help when life gets more challenging. For a free in-home consultation and customized plan, contact Home Helpers of Alpharetta today at (678) 430-8511.
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4 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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How to keep your athlete safe from in the cold In cold weather, bodies lose heat faster than they can produce it, which can lead to serious health problems. Young athletes who participate in cold-weather sports and sporting events during winter months may be at risk for cold-related illnesses or injuries. But, there are steps to stay healthy and injury-free when temperatures start to drop, including: • Be aware of current and forecasted weather before going outside. • Wear layers so you can remove or add clothing as conditions and exertion levels change. • Be careful not to wear too many layers, as you might overheat and get sweaty. • Stay hydrated with water or a sports drink. • Maintain a well-balanced diet. • Have extra shoes, socks and gloves with you to replace wet clothing. When dressing in layers, keep in mind that moisture-wicking fabrics can help keep skin dry make good base layers; middle layers made of fleece or natural fibers provide good insulation; and waterand wind-resistant outer layers will help reduce the loss of body heat. Hypothermia and frostbite are two of the most common issues athletes encounter when they play or compete in cold temperatures. Hypothermia usually occurs when it’s very cold outside, but it can also strike when temperatures are merely cool and an athlete gets wet or sweaty and then becomes chilled. Signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, fumbling hands and memory loss. Frostbite caused by freezing that leads to loss of feeling and color in affected areas, such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. It can per-
manently damage the body and, in severe cases, lead to amputation. Redness, pain or numbness are the first signs of frostbite. Other signs are when the skin turns white or grayish-yellow, feels unusually firm or waxy, or goes numb. When an athlete shows signs of hypothermia or frostbite, he should move to a warm room or shelter, remove any wet clothing, warm up under layers of dry blankets or clothing, and seek medical attention. Extended exposure to cold, wet conditions can also lead to itchy and swollen red patches of skin known as chilblains. These spots or blisters usually clear up in a matter of weeks. To prevent and treat chilblains, dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing and limit the amount of skin that is exposed to the elements. If you notice chilblains on your body, keep in mind that they should go away on their own and don’t put your hands or feet under hot water or near a heater, causing a drastic change in temperature; or massage or put lotions or creams on the affected area. While all athletes are at risk for coldrelated illness and injury, young athletes are at greater risk for cold-weather injuries, as are athletes who are diabetic, female or African-American, because they are genetically predisposed. Extra precautions should be taken when playing outdoors. Visit choa.org/sportsmed for more information about our locations, team and helpful resources. This is general information and not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about the health of a child.
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6 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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Benefits of the well woman exam By: Dr. Christy Kenkel, Modern OBGYN It’s that time again, time for the well woman exam. The anticipation of this event may not always make our hearts flutter with glee, but this doctor’s visit can be one of the most important days of the year. In truth, well woman exams are vital to our health because they Dr. kenkel help detect problems that can become larger, perhaps dangerous burdens if they go unchecked. A well woman exam, at its least, helps us maintain healthy, vibrant lives, and at its most, can be life-saving. A well woman exam generally consists of pelvic and clinical breast exams in addition to discussing lifestyle habits, safe sexual practices, contraception options, and recommended screening exams and vaccinations that vary based on age, lifestyle habits, and genetic risk factors. Here, I’ll touch on the recommended screening exams you may encounter at your well woman exam. For sexually active women under the age of 25, yearly STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis is recommended. This protects future fertility, protects against ectopic pregnancy, and prevents the spread of dangerous diseases. Testing in ages over 25 is certainly recommended if there are symptoms of infection or high-risk sexual practices. Between the ages of 21-65 (with some exceptions after 65), regular pap smears are recommended. Roughly 80% of women have been exposed to high risk HPV by the age
Dr. j. REYES
Dr. I. REYES
DR. KIM
In truth, well woman exams are vital to our health because they help detect problems that can become larger, perhaps dangerous burdens if they go unchecked. of 50. Importantly, virtually all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the high risk HPV. Pap smears check for the presence of high risk HPV, and to see if cervical cells exhibit abnormalities caused by this virus. If there are advanced cervical cell abnormalities, outpatient procedures can be performed to remove the portion of affected tissue at risk for morphing into cancer. Without first having a pap smear, these cell changes would be missed, and a patient could be at risk for cervical cancer, a dead-
DR. NATU
Dr. pereira
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ly disease. The HPV vaccines are strongly recommended in hopes of alleviating the burden this virus creates. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is either the most common or second most common cause of death from cancer among women of most races. Screening recommendations vary based on which guidelines are followed. The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology recommends yearly clinical breast exams and mammograms between the ages of 40-74. The frequency of screening tests can be increased depending on a patient’s risk factors. Referrals for mammograms and breast imaging can be made at the annual well woman exam. Even if we as patients feel anxious or burdened by the idea of visiting the gynecologist for our well woman exam, let us remember that ultimately it enables us to enjoy vibrant lives by keeping our bodies safe. As gynecologists, it is our commitment to help you achieve that. To schedule an appointment call 404-446-2496 or visit us online at www.reyesobgyn.com.
Age healthier with these five tips (NAPS — As your wisdom grows with age, so can the number of pill bottles in your medicine cabinet. For those “young-at-heart” seniors, sticking to healthy habits is the key to aging well. With some simple steps, you can keep a healthy routine that also gives you more time to do the things you love. Joe Koren, pharmacy manager at Walgreens, shares his top five tips for managing your health with a busy schedule: 1. Consult the experts You know to go for regular checkups with your general practitioner, but don’t forget that pharmacists can also be accessible experts to answer questions about your health. In fact, your pharmacist is a licensed professional who provides different health care services including immunizations and can help you understand why and how to take your medications to support effective treatment. Some pharmacies offer extended hours, and 24-hour chat with pharmacy staff is available whenever you need it. Many locations also have health care clinics to treat minor injuries and illness, which can be a convenient and cost-efficient alternative to a doctor’s visit.
2. Let your smartphone help you With a packed list of to-dos, friends to meet and grandchildren to watch, medication routines can easily slip the mind. Luckily, your mobile phone is a helpful tool to keep track of your medications, right in the palm of your hand. For example, the Walgreens app can help you set daily pill reminder notifications, so you never miss a dose. You can also find close-by health care providers and arrange a video call for a face-toface consultation with a physician or specialist through the app. If using your
See TIPS, Page 9
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8 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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The New Strong Gaining control over your fitness and your life For many people, aging equals lower metabolism, weight gain and less energy for activities you enjoy. This is directly related to loss of lean muscle. While you can’t avoid getting older, there are some steps you can take to stop the process of muscle loss and start rebuilding healthy, lean muscle. It doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you haven’t exercised in years. You can still regain lean muscle that improves your shape and increases your metabolism. Our downfall is inactivity. Too much sitting is the new smoking. Our bodies were meant to be active, stay active and be strong. When we stop doing meaningful exercise, we lose ground. What is meaningful exercise? A critical component of stimulating the improvements we seek from exercise is the achievement of momentary muscular failure in each exercise performed. With steady-state activities, like walking on a treadmill or biking, there is no mo-
mentary muscular failure involved. Unless activity is demanding, it is practically worthless from an exercise perspective. However, if an activity is sufficiently demanding to take the targeted muscles to momentary failure, then it qualifies as meaningful exercise. Muscle failure should be viewed as a means of signaling the body that it needs to get stronger in order to meet the demands being placed upon it. What is the SuperSlow Zone solution? The SuperSlow Zone protocol is the original and genuine slow-motion, personal strength training workout. The exercise protocol has been proven successful in both building muscle and increasing resting metabolism, thus allowing the body to burn more calories at rest. SuperSlow Zone provides a safe and effective workout in a short amount of time so that you can get in, get out, and get on with your busy life!
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Tips: Continued from Page 6 smartphone comes with its challenges, ask one of the pharmacy staff or a family member to help set it up for you. 3. Simplify your prescription refills Multiple prescriptions can mean multiple trips to the pharmacy each month. A trained pharmacist can recommend convenient refill options such as aligning multiple refill trips to one single date, switching to 90-day refills or having eligible prescriptions sent directly to your home. All these services can make it easier to stay on your medication schedule and help save time. 4. Find perks in your Medicare D plan So you’ve signed up for your Medicare Part D plan, but are you using it
to save money? Fortunately, many prescription drug plans include Walgreens in their preferred pharmacy network, which could mean a convenient way to lower your co-pays. A little bit of research into the right combination of plan, provider and pharmacy can go a long way to help you save money. 5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle They say age is only a number, and when you’re in control of your health, that’s very true! With the time and money you’ll save from these tips, think about how you can embark on and maintain an even healthier lifestyle. Why not challenge yourself to walk for at least 30 minutes a day, connect with friends and family, or take the time to prepare nutritious meals? These five small steps can all contribute to a healthier life, and free up time and head space for the things you really love.
Complimentary Continuing Education Event & Dinner for Social Workers, Case Managers & RN’s.
The Memory Center Atlanta offers all inclusive care The Memory Center Atlanta is the Southeast Region’s most unique, allinclusive, residential memory care community for people living with Alzheimer’s and any other form of dementia. A diagnosis of dementia does not mean that you cannot keep many aspects of your current lifestyle. It simply means you may need assistance maintaining that lifestyle. At The Memory Center Atlanta, we strive to ensure you truly live with us. Daily activities include Music, Dancing, Local Entertainment, Outings, Art Therapy, Pet Therapy, Religious Services and more. Enjoy a drink in the Chattahoochee Tavern, grab a movie in the Fox Theater or enjoy an ice cream cone at the Bull Dog Café. All residents experience socialization and activities and those who need 24/7 medical care will benefit from the care provided at The Memory Center Atlanta. We are proud to
have Dr. Mohan, a locally and nationally renowned expert in the field of geriatric healthcare, as the Medical Director. Dr. Mohan works with our team of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants to provide 24/7 care within the comfort of your loved one’s new home. Don’t let a crisis determine where your loved one can receive care. Deciding on memory care early enough, will allow your loved one the opportunity to have the best quality of life and that decision is priceless. Schedule a tour of The Memory Center Atlanta and learn more about how our entire team works together to provide a seamless transition for your loved one into their new home. Located at 12050 Findley Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30097, less than ½ mile in from Medlock Bridge Rd. and directly behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital. Call Today – (770) 476-3678.
Chris Brannon, J.D. Brannon Napier Elder Law, LLC
The Probate Process in Georgia
Thursday, February 28th from 5pm – 7pm The discussion will be framed around the plot of a John Grisham novel, Sycamore Row and what John Grisham got wrong about probate. Space is limited so RSVP to Jeanie Christian at 404.821.0500 or jeanie@georgia-elderlaw.com. Event held at The Memory Center.
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12050 Findley Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30097 (Behind Emory Johns Creek Hospital)
10 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
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How to prevent cancer By Jonathan Stegall, MD February is National Cancer Prevention Month, so now is a great time to talk about how to prevent cancer. To be honest, we aren’t doing a very good job of this in our society. The lifetime risk of developing cancer has been steadily rising, to the point that roughly 40% of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their Dr. Stegall lives. Why are we seeing so much cancer today? You might wonder if cancer is simply due to genetic causes,
but that is actually a very small cause of cancer today (about 5% based on most estimates). Rather, cancer is mostly due to poor lifestyle choices. If you want to significantly reduce your odds of developing cancer, be sure to eat a plant-based diet full of fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains. Organic is best. Avoid processed, sugary food. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water. Exercise regularly. Don’t smoke. Enjoy alcohol in moderation. Get plenty of sleep. Seek to minimize stress. Embrace a strong support system of family and friends. Oh, and be sure to see your doctor for regular check-ups, including the recommended cancer screening tests. Hopefully you won’t get cancer, but if you do, early detection is key.
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residents with a dementia challenge. This approach helps families relate to their loved one in a meaningful, engaging way. They offer personal appointments and tours for families to come and learn more about the Arbor Advantage and their 60-day guarantee of satisfaction. This exemplary resort-style community offers beautiful apartments for Seniors at every stage of their care needs. They have several floorplans for Assisted Living and in their Bridges neighborhood. Families love Bridges higher engagement activities designed for early cognitive challenges. Their Evergreen Memory Care Neighborhood is available for when higher care is needed on their dementia journey. They also offer a furnished suite when needed. Families can now focus on the relationship with their loved one in a less stressful manner and begin to feel the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones are exceptionally cared for by a well trained caring team of professionals. Call Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek at 770-676-2410 to schedule a personal tour.
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Personal care community the way it used to be One inclusive fee, no levels of care and a two-year rent guarantee; all this to simplify your life Finding the right mix of “peace of mind” and economic value for the services rendered to a frail loved one can be a difficult situation. To avoid surprise expenses it is imperative that families carefully explore all available options. This can seem to be a daunting task but in the end the security of knowing your care choice is one that you can feel good about long term is worth the extra effort. A move can be hard on an aging loved one; every effort made to assure it is a positive long-term decision will be worth it. Hearthstone Personal Care Community prides itself on easing this process by providing peace of mind and financial certainty for our families thru transparency of care at one simple allinclusive rate. From the time that you enter our doors, you will feel the warmth and compassion that is an integral part of daily life here. Our team values each
person’s individuality and his or her personal needs with the respect that each person deserves. We work to enhance the life of each individual producing comfort and security.
Come for a tour of our cozy, tranquil assisted living community located in the heart of Roswell. We are a small, 24 suite property providing the utmost in personal care and attention for your loved one
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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month By Dr. David Remaley Roswell Dental Care National Children’s Dental Health Month is devoted to educating children and providing dental care services to children throughout the country on the first Dr. REMALEY Friday in February. It stresses the importance of sipping, snacking and the effect that it has on causing tooth decay. Tooth decay in children is a REAL problem. Nearly one in four children under the age of five has cavities according the U.S Centers for Disease control and Prevention. Now more than ever, kids are faced with a bewildering array of food choices -- from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health. Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before. It’s clear that junk foods and drinks gradually have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. For example, in the U.S., on average, individuals consume approximately 50 gallons of sugary beverages per year! Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks. Consuming too much sugar can also affect your overall health, such as becoming overweight/obese, or getting heart disease or type 2 diabetes. When sugar is consumed over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth. Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found
Reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay • Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth. • Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods. - If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless – Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid. • Monitor beverage consumption – Children should make healthy beverage choices such water and low-fat milk. - Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. – • Schedule regular dental visits preferably every 6 months for a routine cleaning and yearly cavity detection x-rays. in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids. Roswell Dental Care was recently designated for the 4th year as the ”BEST OF THE BEST” Dental Practice in North Atlanta by Appen Newspaper for 2018. Dr. Remaley has been serving and treating families in Roswell and the North Atlanta area for over 30 years. As your dentist, Dr Remaley will make your comfort and peace of mind a top priority. He offers a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services designed to meet the needs of the entire family He will thoroughly explain all your options during your private consultation. He will assure that you feel confident in the solution you choose before beginning any treatment. For enhanced comfort we offer FREE nitrous oxide for dental anxious patients. You can rest assured that the experience for your entire family will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on all levels. WE ALWAYS ACCEPT NEW PATIENTS. Give our office a call at (470) 375-9244 to schedule an appointment for you or another family member.
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Is it time to consider cataract surgery? Some cataracts are caused by a traumatic eye injury or certain diseases – like diabetes. However, due to the inevitable change of the natural lens of the eye, the most common cause of cataracts is aging. These changes usually begin in the late thirties. “It is believed that chronic exposure to UV light make cataracts progress faster,” says Dr. Larry Heit, M.D. “However, Dr. LARRY HEIT cataracts are inevitable.” The National Eye Institute says that by 80 years old, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Symptoms of cataracts vary by the individual, maturity of the cataract, and the type of cataract. A Nuclear Sclerotic cataract can cause nearsightedness and blurry vision. A Cortical cataract can cause excessive glare which can make driving more difficult, especially at night. A Posterior Capsular cataract can also cause excessive glare and sensitivity to bright lights. Certain cataracts can also
make colors more muted and lose their vibrancy. If a cataract is not fully developed, vision loss can temporarily be treated with changing glasses or contact lens prescriptions. Good sunglasses with 100% UV protection and a nutritious diet may also slow the cataract’s progression. Eventually, each type of cataract will become fully developed and surgery will be required. “It is the most successful operative procedure in all of medicine,” says Dr. Heit. “Many people see as well or better than they did when the cataract first developed.” It may be time for someone to consider cataract surgery when they notice it interfering with their quality of life. “Eventually, our natural lens becomes so cloudy it significantly degrades our vision,” says Dr. Heit. At Thomas Eye Group, they offer several cataract surgery options by some of the most highly experienced cataract surgeons in Atlanta. Over 90 percent of their patients who’ve had cataract surgery enjoy improved vision and many are able to resume normal activities within hours of surgery. Thomas Eye Group is one of the largest full service eye care practices
in the southeast with a location in Roswell as well as Hillandale, Lilburn, Newnan, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Suwanee and Woodstock. They provide routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, as well as medical and
cosmetic services. The Thomas Eye Group Roswell office is located at 11690 Alpharetta Highway. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.thomaseye.com or call (770) 475-5515.
14 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
NSW NORTHSIDE WOMAN
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February is Children’s Dental Health Month
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Pick up Northside Woman at any of the following locations: Alpharetta 2B Whole Bakery Alpha Soda ARIA Salon BELSO Home Studio Brazilian Wax by Andreia Cactus Car Wash Capstone Chiropractic Cuzi Fresh Café Expedia Cruiseship Centers Exquisite Living Fresco Art Galerie & Café Honey & Hazel Boutique Iroff & Son Jewelry Mammoth Car Wash & Detail Salon Marmi Shoes – Avalon Metropolitan Club Never Enough Thyme Queen of Hearts Southern Porch Youthtopia Med Spa Cumming ARIA Salon Atlanta Diamond Design Celebration Village Senior Living Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Don’s Farmers Market Paul Martin Interiors
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By Dr. Ushma Patel, D.M.D and Dr. Brittany Corbett, D.D.S Center For Advanced Dentistry In February, for over 70 years, dentists, parents, and children all across America observe National Children’s Dental Health Month. This all began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on February 3rd, 1941, and the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day was held on February 8th, 1949. It has since grown into a month-long celebration. Our message of the importance of oral health goes out to millions of children and adults in communities across the country, and includes such events as health fairs, dental office tours, and visits to the classroom by dentists and hygienists. Dr. Ushma Patel has volunteered at local schools giving educational programs to several children’s classes on how to take care of their teeth and talking to them about nutrition to keep them healthy. One of the reasons for this special annual event is that many people are still unaware of the important role early dental care plays in our children’s overall health. We strongly recommend that parents take action early to ensure the health of their children’s teeth because attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health
throughout life. Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s selfesteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong. Please make sure that we see your child within six months of the eruption of the first tooth as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), and certainly no later than the child’s first birthday. Preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments provide your child with “smile insurance” for a lifetime! Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease. 5X times more common than Asthma. Tooth decay is entirely preventable. 3 out of every 5 children are affected by tooth decay. 51 million school hours are missed due to oral health problems. Every $1 spent on prevention in oral care can save you $8-$50 on restorative and emergency procedures. If you wish for any further information on any aspect of your child’s dental and oral health, please call us at 770-8847151 or visit us on the web at www.HiTechSmiles.com. We’d be happy to help in any way we can! We do see many children of our adult patients. P.S- Kid’s, don’t forget to enter into our Kids Contest to win an electric toothbrush in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month!
Health & Wellness • Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | February 2019 | 15
Dr. Tamakuwala joins Emory Women’s Center As your gynecologist or obstetrician, you can expect your appointments with me to be both comfortable and stress-free. I am committed to explaining every step of your visit as we go along and with an assistant in the room to provide additional support, exams run smoothly for everyone.
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About Sejal Tamakuwala, DO: Sejal Tamakuwala, DO is an Assistant Professor in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of
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complicated deliveries to your annual well-woman exam, I genuinely enjoy the full spectrum of both obstetrics and gynecology. If you need minimally invasive surgery, which uses special technologies to
Medicine. Dr. Tamakuwala attended New York Institute of Technology- College of Osteopathic Medicine and trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hutzel Women’s Hospital and the Detroit Medical Center in Michigan, which boasts the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institutes of Health, a world-renowned research center in obstetrics, and it was here that she had the opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant minds in high-risk obstetrics. If you are interested in making an appointment with Dr. tamakuwala, call 404-778-3401.
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Sejal Tamakuwala, DO
limit the size of surgical incisions and reduce the need for opioid pain medications, please know that I can meet that need for you as well. I am looking forward to bringing my expertise to the Johns Creek community, where I will both take care of patients and finally get to have some real southern comfort food! If you are interested in making an appointment with me, call 404-778-3401 and ask for Dr. Tamakuwala.
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The truth is, very few people like to go to their OB/GYN. Conversations about your reproductive health and annual exams, like a pelvic exam, can be uncomfortable. It is my mission to help all of my patients feel comfortable telling me about any problems that they are experiencing because I know that this is the only way I can help them. My name is Sejal Tamakuwala, DO, and I am excited to be joining the Emory Women’s Center practice at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. As your gynecologist or obstetrician, you can expect your appointments with me to be both comfortable and stressfree. I am committed to explaining every step of your visit as we go along and with an assistant in the room to provide additional support, exams run smoothly for everyone. As an OB/GYN, I often see patients throughout most of their adolescent and adult lives, beginning with the start of menstruation to contraception counseling, pregnancy and delivery, and menopause and beyond. I also specialize in providing OB/GYN care for those who have a history of anxiety or sexual trauma. Whether performing gynecologic surgeries such as hysterectomies and
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16 | February 2019 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com
Health & Wellness • Sponsored Section
Emory Clinic Gynecology and Obstetrics is excited to announce that we are expanding our services to include general gynecologic and obstetrical care with the opening of our second location, Emory Women’s Center at Findley. We want to attend to your pregnancy and delivery needs with care and compassion. Our specialty clinic, offering gynecologic oncology and urogynecological care, continues to provide the specialized reproductive health treatments you seek. And with our new location, Emory Women’s Center at Findley will connect you with general OB-GYN providers and Certified Nurse Midwives to care for you during your pregnancy and deliver your baby. If you are seeking kindness in patient attention and superior quality in patient care, we welcome you. We assure you that we will strive to continuously focus on you as an individual and your personalized health goals. We take the trust you and your family have placed in us seriously, make an appointment today.