Health & Wellness - October 2023

October Special Section

Integrative Lymphatic Therapy

Light Touch Non-Invasive Full-Body Detox

Specializing

With Assisted Lymphatic Therapy you can effectively eliminate toxins from your body that have accumulated over the years and from daily life due to pollutants, environmental factors, skin care products, surgeries, diet, allergens, and life’s stress.

This treatment is a gentle and relaxing way to cleanse the metabolic and toxic waste built up in tissues and we move it out through the lymphatic system. The body then eliminates the waste through respective detox organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin. A major benefit is that the day after treatment (ALT), you will feel energetic, alive again!

• Therapy time dramatically reduced from daily to weekly ( approx. I hr.)

• Reduces edema (swelling) and lymphedema of many origins.

• Detoxifies bodily tissues and boosts immunity by enhancing pathogen removal.

• Relieves chronic joint and muscle pain and aids sinus drainage.

• Aids in tissue regeneration, including burns, scars, stretch marks, wrinkles.

• Relieves discomfort from fibrocystic breasts.

• Rerouting of lymphatic pathways after lymph node removal

*FDA

PROVIDED

Light Touch non-invasive full-body detox

Assisted Lymphatic Therapy

Brought to you by - Frank Diaz, Integrative Lymphatic Therapy

After spending the last 40 years working in higher education, owner/therapist Frank Diaz of Integrative Lymphatic Therapy, embarked on his second career becoming a certified lymphatic therapist after learning about the power and simplicity of the therapy. According to Frank, “I was very impressed with the ALT technology the very first time I experienced a treatment.”

Assisted Lymphatic Therapy (ALT) combines the general technique of Manual Lymphatic Therapy (MLT) with a handheld

device designed to stimulate the lymph in a more efficient and effective manner. The light touch method combined with the penetrating effects of the XP2™ accomplishes the equivalent of eight two-to-three-hour manual lymphatic drainage sessions.

The technology behind Assisted Lymphatic Therapy has been around for over 20 years. We use the FDA approved XP2™ assisted lymphatic drainage machine which is recognized as one of the most effective devices used in ALT combining multiple energy forms for maximum effect to deliver the best possible therapy to our clients.

According to Frank, “I am excited to bring Assisted Lymphatic Therapy to North Fulton.”

403 Macy Drive, Roswell, GA 30076 678-438-1142

integrativelymphatictherapy.com

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More than meets the teeth

Brought to you by - North Fulton Smiles

Many of our patients enjoy coming to see us because of the fresh, clean sensation they get after having their teeth cleaned, but going to the dentist entails more than just getting your teeth “scraped”. It is also a comprehensive oral health care experience that involves various procedures and services aimed at maintaining and improving your dental health. While getting a teeth cleaning seems like a basic procedure, there is more to a routine dental visit than just that.

A trip to the dentist often starts with a comprehensive oral exam. This involves checking for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, fractures, oral cancer, and any other dental issues. We will also review one’s medical history and any past medical conditions skillfully and carefully. Our clinical team is highly trained and knowledgeable and uses scans and x-rays judiciously to get an in depth look at the teeth, gums, and jawbone structure to be able to properly assess. Regular dental checkups are also crucial for early detection and prevention of dental issues. What is “regular” to you? Well, the ADA defines a regular routine visit as 2 times a year and 3-4 times a year for patients with periodontal disease.

An important and fun part of our

routine visits is how much we enjoy catching up with all of our patients and connecting on a personal level. Establishing that personal connection with one’s healthcare provider in fact elevates ones response to treatment, and instills a greater sense of well—being. We take the opportunity to educate and reinforce proper dental habits, diet and preventative techniques, and to recommend suitable oral care products. Dr. Bhat is able to skillfully diagnose potential problems before they become a major concern. By catching these problems early on, we can provide proper treatment and prevent further damage to your oral health.

Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Regular dental checkups can help manage these conditions, as Dr. Bhat can notice signs or symptoms that could indicate underlying health problems. Our teeth can be a window to other health issues and during regular visits such indicators can be identified and addressed. In this manner coming to see us regularly, you are also taking care of your overall health!

While that clean polished feeling of a prophylaxis cleaning feels great, rest assured that there is more than meets the eye during that visit and maintaining these visits sets one up for overall good health.

Prioritizing Wellness: The power of mental health screenings

Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center

In the fast-paced whirlwind of life, it’s easy to overlook our mental well-being. Just like we schedule regular checkups for our physical health, it’s equally crucial to assess our mental health. At The Summit, we believe that taking mental health screenings is a pivotal step towards holistic well-being.

These anonymous screenings serve as a compass guiding you towards the support you may need. They provide an opportunity to recognize and address potential concerns early on, preventing them from escalating into more significant challenges. By participating in these assessments, you’re taking an active role in your mental health journey.

For many, seeking help can be

daunting. However, brief mental health screenings are a noninvasive, confidential way to begin that journey. They create a safe space for introspection, allowing you to reflect on recent emotions and thought patterns. Additionally, these screenings serve as a valuable tool for our dedicated counselors, enabling them to tailor their support to your unique needs.

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier you? Start by taking a mental health screening at tinyurl. com/SCCScreening to gain valuable insights into your well-being. Afterward, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Summit at summitcounseling.org to schedule your first appointment with our compassionate and experienced counselors. Your mental health matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Staying in Motion with Joint Replacement Surgery

Brought to you by - Dr. Eric Kiskaddon, hip and knee replacement orthopedic surgeon at Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Wellstar orthopedic specialists have a keen understanding of how bones, joints, tendons and muscles work together to keep you moving well. When a condition causes pain or keeps your body from behaving as you’d expect, you may benefit from joint replacement surgery to help correct the problem. Whenever possible, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver focused care with fewer complications and less recovery time.

KISKADDON

Many patients whose quality of life could benefit from such a surgery are hesitant to have the procedure done because they have had friends or family members who have had a total joint replacement with a poor outcome. Understanding what to expect and how to help patients optimize their health before surgery is crucial to any successful joint replacement surgery.

Before undergoing total joint replacement surgery, it is important for patients to be as medically prepared and strong as possible. This means working on range of motion exercises for the affected joint and doing light strengthening exercises on a consistent basis. By managing diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping use of nicotine products, patients can reduce the risk

of infection after surgery and improve recovery.

Patients are often concerned about having to stay at the hospital following surgery. Many joint replacement patients can now go home on the day of surgery with home health and physical therapy services. Pain control techniques are much better than in years past and surgeons now use a variety of methods to treat pain including nerve blocks and medications. Patients walk the day of surgery with an assistive device like a walker. Most patients do not require a blood transfusion anymore because of better anesthesia techniques, as well as medications we now use to slow blood loss.

After surgery, patients will likely need to use a walker for anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Most patients don’t need an assistive device by three to four weeks after surgery, but this does vary. Total recovery time is two to three months. There are excellent resources available to patients on both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons websites. It is also important for patients to consider choosing a surgeon who has additional fellowship training in hip and knee replacement, is willing to take the time to answer their questions and who they ultimately trust to perform the surgery.

Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers expert joint care in North Fulton. Call (470) 267-0410 to make an appointment at our Roswell location.

EXPERT ORTHO CARE

Our orthopedic specialists at Wellstar offer complete care for all types of bone, joint and soft tissue injuries and conditions. From diagnosis and treatment through rehabilitation and recovery, we’ve got your back—and all your other bones and joints too.

We provide orthopedic care for all ages, starting at birth and continuing through adulthood. Our pediatric orthopedic providers know that kids are not just little adults. Their bones and joints are still growing, and they need specialized expertise when an injury or disease slows them down.

Learn more about our comprehensive orthopedic care at wellstar.org/ortho.

Fraxel & the magic of Microtreatment

Imagine that you are ten years old, returning from recess and running up the stairs with a sharp stick you found on the playground. Your best friend Susie-Lou distracts you. You trip, and the stick pierces your arm. You are upset, but Susie shares her bubble gum, and the school nurse cleans and dresses the injury and makes you feel better. In the months that follow, you develop a scar at the site of the injury.

Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.

He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.

Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 18 years experience as a Dermatology PA. We are excited to welcome her, as she brings with her experience in general dermatology and cosmetic dermatology.

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

Next, imagine you’re at the pediatrician, and you receive a shot. The same basic circumstance happened. A sharp object pierced your skin. However, in the months that follow, no scar develops where you had the shot. The tiny needle leaves no mark. Why is that?

A large injury in normal skin heals with a scar. A tiny injury in normal skin heals with no scar. But now for the twist: What do you imagine will happen if you make a tiny injury in scarred skin? Will it heal back into the same scar that it was before? Will the scar get worse? Or will magic happen?

Amazingly, if you pierce a scar with a small enough injury, your body will actually replace some of the damaged scar with normal skin. All this assumes proper sterility and technique, but you read that correctly….

Poke normal skin with a large sharp object and you get a scar. Poke a scar with a small enough sharp object, and you get normal skin.

If you just poke a scar with a single small needle, the improvement in the scar will be too small to notice. But what if you could introduce microinjuries on a larger scale? A hundred vaccine needles entering a scar? Well, if you pack those small injuries too closely together, then your body perceives the small injuries as one big injury, and you still get a scar. But if you separate the needle injuries enough in a sterile manner with no complications, then the body will perceive the injuries as separate and distinct and heal in such a way that scar gets replaced with normal skin.

This discovery underlies multiple amazing treatments in dermatology.

When I was in San Diego at my fellowship at Scripps Clinic, we participated in a collaboration with the naval hospital to treat veterans with burns. Scripps owns a very powerful laser that can cause microscopic burns to be introduced into the skin of patients with very thick burn injuries. The laser beams were “fractionated” – separated into individual beams so that the body perceives them as individual injuries instead of one large injury. Similar to

hundreds of small needles in our thought experiment, these microscopic laser beams enter the skin, create microinjury zones, and replace scars with normal skin. My mentor shared with me that beams must be separate enough that the most scarred tissue that you can hope to replace in any one session is about 5%. More aggressive treatment could actually be counterproductive because some of the beams of light would be too close together and be perceived as one large beam and worsen a scar. But 5% turns out to be enough. Veterans with burns underwent one treatment per month for ten to twenty months. I witnessed patients whose scars tethered their heads to their shoulder gradually gain mobility in their necks as the skin became soft and pliable instead of hard, rope-like and restrictive. These treatments restored not only a more normal appearance but also range of motion and function.

Fractionated lasers repair damaged/ wounded skin. Wounded skin can take on many forms such as burns and thick scars from injury but also common damage from a lived life: aesthetic attributes such as discoloration, acne scars, wrinkles, and laxity. All of these are merely visible damaged skin. Fraxel® is a brand of fractionated laser that is an effective solution for many aesthetic concerns. Fraxel® uses small laser beam injuries to replace damaged or aged skin with skin that is healed and improved. Collagen formation, skin tightening, and blemish elimination occurs during wound healing after fractionated laser treatment. The Fraxel® DUAL in our office utilizes a shallow wavelength of light to address superficial cosmetic concerns such as freckles and brown spots while simultaneously using a second wavelength to treat more deeply, reduce wrinkles and assist with skin tightening. For most cosmetic applications, one to three treatments can produce very satisfying aesthetic results.

Fractionated laser treatments really are magical. I still marvel at the fact that large injuries scar, but small enough injuries heal.

Is Fraxel® right for you?

In our practice, Kathryn Filipek, PA-C performs cosmetic treatments including Fraxel®, microneedling, Excel V laser treatments, filler, Botox®, sclerotherapy and more. If you are interested in learning more about these and other exciting treatment options, please call Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. We are a full-service dermatology practice with true expertise in Mohs surgery, general dermatology including skin exams and aesthetic treatments. We hope that you enjoyed this peek into laser technology and fractionation. It is our privilege to take care of you.

Dr. Brent Taylor

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

Mouth breathing

Mouth breathing is a condition in which a person breathes through their mouth instead of their nose. It can be caused by several factors, including nasal congestion, allergies, and enlarged adenoids. Mouth breathing can have a number of negative consequences for your health, including:

• Dry mouth: Breathing through your mouth dries out your mouth, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

• Poor sleep quality: Mouth breathing can disrupt sleep by causing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

• Increased risk of infection: Breathing through your mouth can increase your risk of respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu.

• Changes in facial structure: Mouth breathing can lead to changes in facial structure, such as a long, narrow face and an overbite. This is especially important during midface development, between ages 5-9.

If you think you or your child may be a mouth breather, it’s important to see a doctor to get diagnosed and treated. There are a few things that can be done to help mouth breathers, such as:

• Treating the underlying cause: If the mouth breathing is caused by a medical condition, such as allergies or enlarged adenoids, treating that condition can help to improve mouth breathing.

• Using nasal sprays or drops: Nasal sprays and drops can help to clear nasal congestion and make it easier to breathe through the nose.

• Using a chin strap or mouth tape: A chin strap or mouth tape can help to keep the mouth closed at night. You can order these on Amazon!

If you are a mouth breather, there several things you can do to help manage your condition, such as:

• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help to keep your

mouth from getting too dry.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you and make dry mouth worse.

• Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help to keep your mouth from getting dry.

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly: Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.

It’s important to see your dentist regularly for oral health screenings. This may be the first step in identifying your risk factors or signs you may be breathing through your mouth. As your neighborhood dentists, Drs. Hood and Remaley give your comfort and trust top priority. We will assure that you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment after a thorough and comprehensive examination. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your oral health. Schedule your oral health screening and give us a call at 770.998.6736 or visit www.RoswellDentalCare.com.

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

What it is and why it’s important to identify the signs early?

Sedation Dentistry: Navigating anxiety for the best dentist experience

Brought to you by –

Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Many people get nervous going to the dentist. So many people have had bad experiences in the past or just don’t like it. Fear of the dentist is common and affects people of all ages. Whether it’s the sound of the drill or fear of potential pain, dental anxiety can prevent people from seeking the oral care that they need. Sedation Dentistry allows patients to relax while undergoing dental procedures. There is an alternative. You can have comfortable, anxiety-free visits to the dentist with Sedation Dentistry. Dental offices like the Atlanta Center for Dental Health offer comfort amenities including bottled water, snacks, courtesy Wi-Fi, a warm inviting environment, relaxing music, noisecancelling headphones, Netflix movies and series, lavender eye pillows and warm neck pillows, cozy blankets, and warm face towels to make your visit as comfortable as possible. In addition to all those amazing benefits, you can also choose from a range of sedation options.

Sedation Dentistry uses medications to help patients relax during their

dental procedures. The goal is to create a calm, anxiety-free environment, making it easier for individuals to receive necessary dental care. This benefits not only anxious patients, but also patients with extensive needs that may require a longer visit, patients with a low pain threshold, or time efficiency allowing more to be done in a single visit.

Sedation Dentistry focuses on keeping the patient comfortable and relaxed while receiving much needed dental care. Some patients choose to have their mouth numb so they don’t feel anything and then just relax with their eyes closed while listening to music.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, inhalation sedation is a popular choice that relaxes you while your procedures are completed. At the end of your visit, you simply breathe pure oxygen and then can drive yourself home.

Many people choose Oral Sedation that allows you to sleep through the dental visit, have all your work completed in one visit, be easily awakened, and not remember the experience of your visit. With Oral Sedation, you simply swallow some pills prescribed for you, lay back and fall

asleep, and wake up at the end with your procedures complete and your new smile. All dental procedures can be completed with Sedation Dentistry from routine preventive care to a complete Smile Makeover.

“Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” -Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic

A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body. Our wish for you is that you look and feel your best!

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in complete dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover which of these options is best for you, please call us at 770-992-2236. Dr. Hepler is highly trained to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.

Trimming down with Semaglutide

How this game-changing treatment helps you lose weight

Brought to you by - Hydralive

Are you tired of struggling with weight loss? If so, you’ll be excited to learn about a treatment making waves - Semaglutide. This medication is transforming the landscape of weight loss, offering new hope for individuals looking to shed those extra pounds and improve their overall health.

Semaglutide, originally developed as a diabetes medication, has shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss. As a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1 RA), Semaglutide works by stimulating the release of insulin, reducing appetite, and slowing down digestion. These mechanisms contribute to both better blood sugar control and significant weight reduction.

Clinical trials have reported an average weight loss of 15-20% in participants who took Semaglutide for an extended period. maintain

their progress with lifestyle modifications alone.

In addition to its weight loss effects, Semaglutide has been shown to improve overall metabolic health. By reducing weight, decreasing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity, it can help prevent or manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

It also has long-lasting effects. Unlike many weight loss medications that require continuous use, Semaglutide offers sustained weight loss even after discontinuation. This means that individuals who achieve their weight loss goals with Semaglutide can maintain their progress with lifestyle modifications alone.

Unlike most weight loss medications that require multiple daily doses or injections, Semaglutide can be taken once weekly in the comfort of your own home. Its ease of use and efficacy make it an attractive solution for

those seeking sustainable and longlasting weight loss results.

At Hydralive Therapy® Milton, we pride ourselves on offering the latest advancements in weight loss treatments, including the use of Semaglutide. Our highly skilled staff of healthcare professionals is here to guide you throughout your weight loss journey. We understand that

every individual is unique, which is why we provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.

To learn more about Semaglutide or schedule a consultation with one of our experts, please contact us at (470) 359-4815 We’re here to support you every step of the way to achieve your weight loss goals.