Health & Wellness - July 2023

July Special Section

The Exercise Coach: Pioneering the future of personal fitness

Brought to you by – The Exercise Coach®- Alpharetta

Redefining fitness in the 21st century, The Exercise Coach brings a unique, technology-driven perspective to health and wellbeing. We are not your traditional fitness facility; instead, we’re a revolution, intertwining cutting-edge technology with the wisdom of personal coaching.

Our distinctive approach is underscored by our patented Exerbotics equipment. A leap forward in fitness technology, Exerbotics uses data-driven methods to personalize every workout to your specific needs. It dynamically adjusts to your progress, providing optimal resistance and challenge with every move, helping you to grow stronger, fitter, and faster.

Shattering the myth of timeconsuming workouts, The Exercise Coach harnesses the power of Exerbotics to provide impactful training in just 20 minutes, twice a week. The scientific insight and efficiency brought by Exerbotics not only makes workouts

more effective but also more accessible to individuals with busy lifestyles.

Our philosophy goes beyond the equipment, fostering a nurturing atmosphere of inclusion and personal attention. Every client is paired with a dedicated coach who guides, motivates, and inspires, providing a workout experience that is as personal as it is transformative. We operate within private studios, ensuring an intimate setting away from the hustle and bustle of crowded gyms.

The Exercise Coach’s unique integration of advanced technology and personalized coaching marks a departure from the conventional, making fitness more effective, efficient, and accessible. Whether you are a seasoned athlete seeking new challenges or a time-crunched individual looking for smart fitness solutions, The Exercise Coach stands as a beacon of innovation in the fitness industry.

Discover the transformative power of smart, personalized exercise with The Exercise Coach. The future of fitness is here.

Flying free of skin cancer – Part 2

Brought to You by - Brent Taylor, MD, Premiere Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta

In last month’s article about aviation and skin cancer, we looked at FAA regulations relating to pilots, melanomas, and the importance of early detection. This month, we’ll look at the question of whether flying in general causes skin cancer. Are you assuming much risk of cancer by flying at 35,000 feet? What if you’re a frequent flier?

We know that pilots develop skin cancer at a higher rate than the general population. A large Nordic study of male pilots found that they developed 130% more melanomas than expected, 110% more squamous cell skin cancers than expected and 150% more basal cell skin cancers than expected. The risk of skin cancer increased with the time since first employment, the number of flight hours, and the estimated radiation dose from being at altitude.

What is not known is whether radiation received during flight is to blame for these skin cancers. Correlation does not always mean causation, and just because pilots had higher rates of skin cancer doesn’t mean that cosmic radiation solely is to blame. The “flight environment” includes a combination of exposures including ultraviolet light, decreased oxygen levels, ozone, disinfectants and other hazards and stressors that are uniquely combined in aviation. These confounding variables make confident blame of any one hazard difficult to prove. Still, cosmic radiation is known to cause DNA damage and is worth examining, especially given how much flying is being done by flight crew and passengers alike.

Both the atmosphere and earth’s magnetic fields provide protection against cosmic radiation. Radiation levels approximately double for every 4500 feet of increased elevation due to thinner atmosphere. Due to magnetic fields shielding less at earth’s magnetic poles, radiation levels are approximately double at the poles compared with the equator. The most radiation occurs during a flight at high altitude over one of the earth’s poles. In the European Union, airlines attempt to keep radiation levels below 6mSv per year. How much is a mSv?

We all receive about 1 mSv just from living at sea level in a year. We average an additional 1 to 2mSv from other sources such as flying, medical and dental x-rays, etc.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends no more than 20mSv per year for people working in occupations

such as nuclear power or radiology that involve radiation exposure. How did they come up with 20mSv?

A generally accepted figure is that every 1000mSv of excess radiation increases one’s risk of dying from cancer by 5%. The ICRP assumed that 5% excess risk of dying from cancer is a reasonable cutoff and that few people will spend more than 50 years in any given career. 1000mSv divided by 50 years is 20mSv per year.

A pilot flying at 35,000 feet for 1000 hours each year can expect between 3 and 5mSv of excess cosmic radiation per year. This means that a pilot who works 40 years can expect 120 to 200mSv of excess radiation on average which means that a pilot’s chance of dying from cancer might be increased by about 0.6% to 1% on average. Of course, the chance of developing cancer but not dying from it is higher.

Is this risk acceptable?

My assumption is that everyone in the United States drives, and we are all willing (reluctantly) to assume the risk of death that comes from driving. Driving risk is a useful benchmark when contemplating other types of risk. Let’s assume you wouldn’t want to raise your risk of dying from cancer any more than your current risk of an automobile death, which is a lifetime risk of 1% in the United States. Well, about 200mSv of radiation exposure is expected to result in that increase. Assuming 0.004mSv per hour of commercial air travel, you would have to fly 50,000 hours in your lifetime to increase your risk of cancer death from high altitude radiation enough to equal your risk of dying in an automobile accident. Almost no pilot will reach that number, and certainly few if any passengers approach that number.

A more significant risk is probably unnecessary medical radiation. See https://www.health.harvard.edu/ cancer/radiation-risk-from-medicalimaging for a complete breakdown of radiation from common medical tests. Food for thought is that each CT scan of the chest averages 7mSv. A whole-body CT scan averages 20mSV or more, and a PET/CT scan averages about 25mSv. If a patient needs the scan, then the patient needs the scan. But unnecessary scans involving radiation are to be avoided. 25mSv is more than the annual radiation limit of 20mSv recommended by the ICRP, and someone receiving a PET-CT scan receives that radiation all in a single day.

When compared with the risks of driving a car or the risk of radiation from medical imaging, the risks of cosmic radiation while flying appear acceptable. Sit back and enjoy your flight.

Start the school year healthy with proper sleep and nutrition

Brought to you by

- Dr. Brandi Lewis, pediatrician at Wellstar Health System

Going back to school can be stressful for both parents and children, but it doesn’t have to be. Optimizing your child’s sleep and nutrition are two things that can help ensure a successful school year.

Setting a sleep routine

If you ask any child what the best things about summer are, they will say being able to stay up late and sleep in. During the summer, this isn’t a problem. However, continuing this routine into the school year can have detrimental effects. Inadequate sleep has been shown to negatively affect development, academics and memory. Here are some things you

can do to help your child get enough sleep:

• Practice good sleep hygiene by setting up a consistent evening and bedtime routine for your child.

• Ensure your child gets regular exercise, which has been shown to improve the quality of sleep.

• Try to establish a consistent bedtime and wake time.

• Adjust your child’s routine if it doesn’t allow them to get enough hours of sleep. The following are the recommended hours of sleep according to age:

• Preschool: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)

• School Age (six to 12 years): Nine to 12 hours

• Teens: Eight to 10 hours

• If possible, avoid screen time one to two hours before bedtime.

• If your child has problems falling asleep, staying asleep or snoring, seek advice from your pediatrician.

Importance of a healthy diet

As children go back to school, parents start to focus on academic achievement. Nutrition is important not only for overall health, but also for academic success. Healthy diets have been shown to have positive effects on memory, focus and academic accomplishment. Conversely, diets that are high in saturated fats, processed foods and junk foods have been associated with lower scores on standardized tests. Ensuring your child eats a wide variety of foods is the best way to safeguard proper nutrition and help them perform their best in school.

Here are some examples:

• Foods that are high in omega3s have been shown to have positive effects on memory, learning and brain development. Fatty fish such as salmon, flax seeds and chia seeds are a few examples of foods that are high in omega-3s.

• Diets that are rich in

antioxidants not only support good immune health, but also support a healthy brain. Encourage your child to eat a diverse diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits to increase antioxidant intake. Examples of foods high in antioxidants are berries, red grapes, tomatoes and spinach.

• Having iron deficiency early in life can impact mental processing, memory and learning. If you suspect that your child may be low in iron or has been anemic in the past, you should discuss it with your pediatrician.

Adequate sleep and a healthy diet are essential for a thriving school year. To learn more about how sleep and nutrition can benefit your child, talk to your pediatrician.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Brandi Lewis at Wellstar Avalon Health Park by calling (470) 267-0380. Learn more at wellstar.org/schoolkidcare.

LEWIS

PROVIDED

Thank you for voting us Best Audiologist

Brought to you by

Atlanta Hearing Associates is dedicated to our mission to make each patient feel like they are a part of our family.

Atlanta Hearing Associates is a large audiology practice that encompasses 5 different locations throughout Georgia. Our offices provide comprehensive hearing tests, tinnitus assessments, ear cleaning, and hearing devices for all ages.

Every doctor you will meet is focused on your needs as a patient and works with every manufacturer to provide a personalized fitting. Each lo -

cation utilizes state of the art technology and family-oriented care to help guide our patients to the best hearing devices and information on hearing healthcare.

We also partner with different agencies to provide audiological care to veterans, ATF officers, reservists, police departments, Cochlear implants recipients, and community wellness groups.

We accept all major insurances for patients who have a hearing healthcare benefit that they are eligible to use.

Our offices are located in Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody, Lake Oconee, and Milledgeville.

Straight teeth without braces?

Brought to you by – The Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Can you really have straight teeth without braces? The short answer to this question is,Yes! We all remember when straighter teeth meant braces. You could have straight teeth. You just had to have metal bands, brackets, and wires on your teeth for 18-24 months. We all loved the results; we just didn’t like the process we had to go through.

Technology has come a long way over the last few years. The Atlanta Center for Dental Health offers Invisalign to all their patients. Invisalign is a revolutionary new way to straighten your teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth and gradually move them into a straighter, better position, and better bite to improve your appearance, comfort with chewing, the longevity of the teeth, and overall health.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is almost invisible, so you don’t have to worry about your smile being

altered by metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are a comfortable way to move the teeth and improve your appearance, bite, and health. Additionally, Invisalign is much more comfortable to wear than metal braces and can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth.

Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic consideration, it’s also important for your oral health. When your teeth are misaligned, it can cause overcrowding, which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Invisalign can help correct your bite and alignment issues, reducing your risk for these oral health problems.

Invisalign can also help improve your appearance. Straighter teeth can make you look and feel more attractive. When teeth are straight and properly aligned, it can make your smile look brighter and healthier. It can also help with speech and chewing problems that can be caused by crooked teeth. Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces. You don’t have to worry about frequent trips to the dentist for adjustments, and you don’t have to

worry about food getting stuck in your braces.

Invisalign is typically much faster than traditional braces, so you can enjoy your new, straighter smile in a matter of months instead of years. Overall, Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and improve your oral health. It’s comfortable, convenient, and nearly invisible, so you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile without the discomfort and hassle of traditional braces. If you’re considering straightening your teeth,

Invisalign is worth considering. Nearly everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. You are invited to call or stop by for more information or a complimentary consultation and smile outcome simulation.

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Jeffrey Priluck and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health are dedicated to your health and longevity. We provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler and Dr. Jeffrey Priluck have spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

PROVIDED

Has your oncologist ever talked to you about personalizing your cancer treatment? In other words, has he or she looked at unique aspects of your case, and tailored your treatments accordingly?

Of the various medical specialties, oncology is arguably the least personalized of all. Patients with a certain type of cancer typically receive the same first-line treatment. If that doesn’t work, they will receive

the next best – or second-line –treatment. Following treatment flow charts this way has been referred to by some critics as “cookbook medicine.” Sadly, there is some truth to that criticism.

As an integrative oncologist, I believe that treatment should be as personalized as possible. This means that we must first peel back the various layers of each patient’s diagnosis before making treatment decisions. The type of cancer is certainly important, but that is only part of what makes each patient’s

cancer unique.

For example, we must also consider each patient’s medical history, family history, work history, relationships, emotional health, and stressors as well. These details, coupled with advanced testing on the tumor tissue itself, are all important when crafting the optimal treatment protocol for each patient. This is what personalized cancer treatment is all about!

If you would like more information about my innovative cancer clinic, please visit my website at tcfam.com.

OralID: Revolutionizing Early Oral Cancer Detection

Brought to you by - Roswell Dental Care, Dr. Destinee Hood

As oral healthcare professionals, one of our primary objectives is to provide our patients with the highest level of care possible. To achieve this, we are constantly keeping up with the latest advancements in technology and treatment options. In recent years, a groundbreaking tool known as OralID has emerged, redefining how we detect and diagnose oral cancer. In this article, we will explore the significance of OralID and its role in the early detection of potentially life-threatening oral diseases.

Why Early Detection Matters: Oral cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and unfortunately, the survival rates for late-stage diagnosis are disheartening. However, research has shown that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. To combat this issue, the dental community has been actively seeking innovative solutions, and OralID has paved the way for a brighter future in oral cancer detection. What is OralID? OralID is a state-of-the-art oral screening device that utilizes fluorescence technology to identify abnormal cells in the mouth. It involves the use of a handheld device that emits a harmless blue light into the oral cavity. The healthy tissues absorb the light while abnormal tissues or potential lesions appear dark. This quick and painless procedure allows us, as dentists, to detect lesions that may be otherwise undetectable by the naked eye.

The

Benefits of OralID:

1. Non-invasive: Unlike traditional screening methods, such as biopsies, OralID is a non-invasive technique that does not require taking any tissue samples. This means minimal discomfort for patients during the screening process.

2. Early detection: By using OralID, we can identify potential abnormalities at their earliest stages, providing patients with a higher chance of successful treatment and positive outcomes. Early intervention can save lives.

3. Time-efficient: OralID allows us to perform screenings quickly and efficiently during routine dental check-ups. This means there’s now a higher likelihood of detecting issues in their earliest stages without requiring additional appointments or invasive

procedures.

4. Peace of mind: Regular oral cancer screenings using OralID can provide patients with peace of mind, knowing that their oral health is being thoroughly monitored. Early detection allows for timely intervention, reducing anxiety and potential complications down the road.

How to Prepare for an OralID Screening: Preparing for an OralID screening is simple and straightforward. You should avoid consuming any foods or drinks that may stain your teeth, such as coffee or colored beverages, as these can affect the clarity of the screening results. Additionally, it is essential for patients to maintain good oral hygiene practices by brushing their teeth thoroughly before the appointment.

As your dental healthcare providers, Drs. Hood and Remaley remain committed to staying at the forefront of oral health advancements, and OralID is yet another remarkable tool we are proud to utilize. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology, we can save lives, ensure successful treatment outcomes, and ultimately promote a healthier and happier community. For enhanced comfort during treatment, we offer conscious sedation including FREE nitrous oxide for anxious patients. You can rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding on many levels. Remember, prevention and early detection are key. Call to schedule your regular dental check-up today and experience the confidence that comes with being proactive about your oral health. Please call us at 770998-6736 for more information.

(Photos here – cutline) Photo of what is seen under white light and blue light filter.

Looking ahead: the four to "fore" in life's fairways

“Fore” is defined as a warning cry in golf to alert others about the flight of the ball. While this term is commonly used in the sport, its essence can be applied to various aspects of our lives. Looking ahead is vital in mental health, physical health, interpersonal effectiveness, and intrapersonal connection.

• Mental health: Psychological and social well-being. It’s essential to recognize warning signs, such as feeling sad, withdrawal from activities or socializing, trouble sleeping, or difficulty coping with stress - the “fore” reminding us to take action and seek support.

• Physical health: Being sound in

body, mind, and spirit. Engaging in regular self-care and exercise can maintain our physical wellbeing. Heed the “fore” in physical health to preserve your overall wellness!

• Interpersonal effectiveness: How we relate to others. To hit a metaphorical “hole in one,” focus on active listening, clear communication, and empathetic understanding.

• Intrapersonal connection: How we connect with ourselves. Is your inner dialogue positive and understanding, or is a “fore” warranted if you tend to speak to yourself negatively? Take steps to shift your inner dialogue and increase self-love.

Just as in golf, the “fore” serves

as a crucial warning in life. By being attentive and proactive in these vital areas, we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Let us look ahead

and prioritize our well-being, both on and off the golf course of life. To learn more about our services, visit summitcounseling.org!

Brought to you by - Lanota Fludd, Staff Therapist at Summit Counseling Center

Healthy transitions: The first steps

to you by – Michelle Wilson, Wilson Legal, PC

This month I talked to a client, (we’ll call her Alice) whose husband, (we’ll call him Mike), has a form of dementia. Hank needs more of his wife’s help every day. She does his medicines for him, tells him where to go in the car, and stops him from showering a second time before bed because he forgot that he already showered. She’s afraid to leave her husband for a 2-week vacation because his son and daughter-in-law only help begrudgingly. She feels indispensable and she hasn’t seen her family in 2 years. In situations like this, it’s important to understand how much care is needed and to take care of yourself before exhausting yourself

caring for another. After a recent surgery, Alice was dependent on friends to bring her meals, wash her hair and change her bandages.

I asked her to track the time she spends caregiving for Hank. When someone has dementia, transition can be really hard. If you hire a caregiver early, then you have time to interview and find someone you and your spouse really like. If you wait until you have an emergency, you’re looking for anyone who’s available and that person is then suddenly in your space. I showed her the care.com website and gave her a care log page to use to track her caregiving time. Relieved, Alice committed to tracking her caregiving time and looking at the website.

Eldercare attorneys help families to transition with dignity. If you know of someone who is having trouble letting go of how life used to work for them, send them to Wilson Legal for help with their new beginning.

Brought

WILSON

PEXELS

Transforming weight loss: The power of Semaglutide

Brought to you by - Hydralive

Losing weight can be a challenging and frustrating journey for many individuals. Despite various diet and exercise regimens, some people struggle to achieve their desired weight loss goals. Fortunately, there is a new and promising treatment option available at Hydralive Therapy in Milton - Semaglutide. This groundbreaking medication has shown remarkable efficacy in helping individuals lose weight and improve their overall health.

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). GLP-1 RAs work by mimicking the actions of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1). This hormone helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. By mirroring the effects of GLP-1, Semaglutide helps reduce hunger and control cravings, ultimately leading to weight loss.

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Semaglutide for weight loss. In a landmark study called the STEP trial, participants who received weekly injections of Semaglutide experienced an average

weight loss of about 15-20% of their body weight over a 68- to 68-week period. This is a significant achievement considering the challenges often associated with losing weight and maintaining the weight loss long-term.

What makes Semaglutide particularly appealing is its convenience and adherence. It is self-administered once a week via injection, making it convenient. The ease of administration helps ensure the medication becomes seamlessly integrated into a routine.

At Hydralive Therapy in Milton, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight loss. Alongside Semaglutide, our team of medical professionals provides support and guidance to help individuals make necessary lifestyle modifications and adopt healthy habits. This holistic approach helps ensure the best chance of achieving long-term success in weight loss.

If you are looking to achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health, contact us today at (470) 3594815 to learn more about Semaglutide and how it can help you on your journey to a healthier, happier life.

The Georgia Politics Podcast focuses on all things under the gold dome. Show host Preston Thompson covers the most noteworthy updates to the legislative session of Georgia’s House of Representatives and State Senate.