Health & Wellness - September 2023

September Special Section

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 location 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.

Merkel Cell A farewell to Jimmy Buffett

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

Tragically, Jimmy Buffett, the famous singer-songwriter, recently passed away of a skin cancer. It has been reported that he died of Merkel cell carcinoma, a very rare skin cancer, and many patients have been asking me about this cancer since his passing.

The good news is that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is rare. Only about 3,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, which is in contrast to about 100,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed each year.

Merkel cell carcinoma is named after the “Merkel cell” – a type of cell at the end of nerve endings in our skin and involved in our sense of touch.

Merkel cell carcinoma is likely so rare because Merkel cells themselves are rare, and it’s an odds or numbers game that drives skin cancer in most cases. Most of your skin is made up of keratinocytes – a cell type that stacks on itself, overlaps like bricks and makes up most of your skin. When keratinocytes become cancer, they make basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. In contrast, Merkel cells are scattered near nerve endings in our skin and make up a very small proportion of the cells in the epidermis.

Imagine that sunshine in the form of ultraviolet rays is hitting your skin. Each ray has a chance of causing a mutation in the wrong gene in the cell that the ray of light happens to strike. You have a LOT more keratinocytes than you do Merkel cells, so the chance of a ray of UV light causing cancer in a keratinocyte is much higher than of a ray of light causing a bad mutation in a Merkel cell.

Some people are afraid of Merkel cell carcinoma because the tumor of a Merkel cell carcinoma is often a pink bump on the skin, and people have been trained to notice the brown or black growth of a melanoma but ignore a new pink bump. However, some melanomas are pink instead of brown or black. These pink melanomas are called “amelanotic melanomas”. In the past year, I have seen four cases

of amelanotic melanoma and one Merkel cell carcinoma. We shouldn’t ignore any new or changing bumps regardless of whether they are brown, black, pink, red, or any other color under the Sun. If you’re not sure what the new growth on your body is, have it evaluated by a medical professional. When in doubt, check it out.

From a scientific perspective, perhaps the most interesting feature of Merkel cell carcinoma is the role that a virus plays in its development. Up to 80% of cases are caused at least in part by infection with the Polyomavirus. This virus infects at least fifty percent of children by age ten and almost everyone by age twenty and usually appears to be a benign infection. At the moment, it appears unavoidable to become infected with this virus, and infection usually appears to have no negative consequences. We don’t get “sick” from it, and there’s no reason the average person would ever be tested for it. However, ultraviolet light, a failing immune system and infection with the polyomavirus account for the majority of Merkel cell carcinoma cases. The primary medicines used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma work by stimulating the immune system and making one’s own white blood cells better able to fight both infections and cancers. These “immunotherapy” medicines are a smart strategy given that Merkel cell carcinoma is usually both an infection and a cancer.

Like most cancers, Merkel cell carcinoma often has an excellent prognosis when caught early. The cure rate for Merkel cell carcinoma is higher than 75% when caught at its earliest stage. For the average person, Jimmy Buffet’s passing from Merkel cell carcinoma serves to reinforce the importance of already common behavior: If you have a history of sun exposure and risk factors, receive a regular skin exam; perform self-checks, and have a professional evaluate new or changing growths regardless of what color they are. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If we are conscientious and treat our problems early, we can all enjoy a few more cheeseburgers in this paradise before moving on to the next one.

Find solutions to back pain with Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center

Brought to you by- Dr. Emily Kurokawa, medical director of the Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center

Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek physician care. Back pain can be emotionally upsetting, and it can lead to sleep deprivation and disability. If you are experiencing back pain, the expert team at Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center will provide personalized care.

There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, nerve root compression or trauma. More rare causes include inflammatory disorders, infection, malignancy or

pregnancy.

Look out for “red flag” symptoms that may indicate serious causes for back pain. These symptoms may present as limb weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence, or pain that awakens you from sleep. Most cases of back pain will resolve with time, rest and non-surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatments may include muscle relaxants, topical creams, prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. You may also benefit from applying heat or ice, resting and seeing a physical therapist or chiropractor.

If back pain lasts longer than six weeks despite non-surgical therapies,

then further imaging and/or injections may be needed. Injections may help reduce pain. Our board-certified pain physicians offer a range of injections using corticosteroids in various joints or the spine.

A pain physician may recommend an epidural steroid injection if you have disc disease, spinal stenosis or disc herniations that lead to nerve compression. If you have back pain that does not travel to other parts of the body, you may be offered corticosteroid injections into the facet joints or sacroiliac joints, and if indicated, radiofrequency ablation may be offered for a longer therapeutic relief. Those who have had back surgeries and still have persistent

back pain may be recommended for spinal cord stimulators, which are implanted devices that send electrical impulses to the spine.

Our patients at Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center have success because they have a whole team of experts working for them. If you are a candidate for spine surgery, we refer you to our expert neurosurgeons at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, who are standing by to develop a surgical treatment plan that’s right for you.

Learn more about our services at wellstar.org/nfspineandpain, or call (770) 751-2719 to make an appointment.

EXPERTSPINE & PAIN CARE

If back and neck pain are stopping you from doing what you love, you can rely on Wellstar to help you get back in action.

Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center offers many types of treatments and procedures for managing pain. If surgery is needed, Wellstar neurosurgeons are standing by to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. At Wellstar, you’ll get personalized treatment tailored to your needs. wellstar.org/nfspineandpain

Wellstar North Fulton Spine & Pain Center 1360 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 200 | ROSWELL (770) 751-2719

Did you know that exercise is a powerful anticancer tool? Research has found that exercise reduces the growth and division of cancer cells, and also stimulates cancer cell death. Exercise has even been shown to improve immune system function as well.

Whether you have cancer or are trying to prevent it, the best time to start exercising is now. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing cancer, and also tend to have better treatment outcomes if they do get cancer.

Even if you have cancer and have not been participating in an

exercise regimen, research tells us that you will benefit from starting an exercise program now. In addition to improving treatment outcomes, exercise also helps with fatigue, depression, anxiety, and even sleep.

The good news is that you only need to exercise 30 minutes a day, three times a week, to derive these benefits. An activity such as a brisk walk is perfect, at a pace which allows you to talk but not sing. Resistance training also has many benefits.

As always, please get approval from your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regimen. Choose an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your life. You’ll be glad you did!

PROVIDED

Hear better. Think sharper.

Brought to you by - Newtown Hearing Center

The research is clear: The worse your hearing is, the less you participate in the little things that make life so enjoyable.1,2 From hearing the waves roll in during a seaside stroll to a conversation over dinner with friends, decreased ability to hear decreases your ability to participate.

What’s worse, that decrease in participation can lead to decreased cognitive skills, even to the point of dementia.

The good news? It’s all found in the remarkable WIDEX MOMENT hearing aid, offered at Newtown Hearing Center. In fact, 90% of people wearing WIDEX MOMENT are satisfied with their ability to participate in everyday life.3,4 Hear better. Think sharper. Our brains were designed to hear. So much

so, in fact, that when our hearing deteriorates, our brains go into overdrive, striving to ‘fill in the gaps’ and help us fully engage. Hearing aids can help, but they can also produce sound that seems artificial or overly processed, leaving our brains, once again, scrambling to help us stay connected.

WIDEX MOMENT, on the other hand, delivers clearer, more natural sound to your ear — and your brain. It’s a pure spectrum of the sounds you’ve always remembered, in a way you’ve always remembered hearing them. Now, you can participate in what’s happening, instead of worrying about what you’re missing.

Better hearing leads to better living. To see how this sound quality can improve your life, you may contact Newtown Hearing Center at 470-2942116 or request an appointment at www. newtownhearing.com.

1 Ogawa et al. 2019. Hearing-Impaired Elderly People Have Smaller Social Networks: A Population-Based Aging Study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

2 Hwang et al. 2018. Effects of Participation in Social Activities on Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Korea. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

3 Balling, et al, 2020. Reducing Hearing Aid Delay for Optimal Sound Quality. Hearing Review 27(4);20-26

4 Balling, Townend, Helmink. Sound Quality in Real Life—Not Just for Experts. Hearing Review 2021

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Suicide Prevention Month: Take ACTion this September

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a pivotal time for us at Summit Counseling Center to raise awareness about a pressing issue that affects countless lives. According to the World Health Organization, suicide claims nearly 800,000 lives globally each year. In the United States, it ranks as the 11th leading cause of death, resulting in over 45,000 deaths annually.

Remarkably, 94% of adults surveyed in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented. One crucial step in prevention is engaging in open and empathetic conversations about suicide, particularly with loved ones. To guide these conversations, MindWise Innovations has developed the acronym ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) as a simple way to remember how to respond when someone opens up about suicidal

Acknowledge: Begin by acknowledging and validating their feelings and thoughts rather than dismissing them. Remember, it can be

incredibly difficult for someone to bring up thoughts of suicide, and if you don't take them seriously, they may withdraw and not seek help again.

• Care: Show you care by actively listening without judgment. It might be challenging to hear, but understanding their experiences is essential. You can also ask them how you can help, as they may not know what they need either. Offering assistance and expressing your care can be a significant first step.

• Tell: Encourage your friend, family member, or coworker to seek professional help. It's essential to tell a trusted adult or mental health professional about their struggles. Your support in seeking treatment can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.

To further empower our community, The Summit offers MindWise's Signs of Suicide (SOS) Trusted Adult trainings throughout September. These sessions equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize signs, offer assistance, and promote mental health awareness. For more information on our SOS training sessions or to seek therapy for yourself

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 770-998-6736 for more information.

Photo of what is seen under white light and blue light filter.

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 long-lasting 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.

Dental Implants: Amazing tooth replacements

Brought to you by – The Atlanta Center for Dental Health

Dental Implants are popular and effective for individuals who have lost one or more teeth. They offer several advantages and can significantly improve a person’s oral health, appearance, and quality of life. Here are the reasons that so many people are choosing to have dental implants:

1. Replacement of Missing Teeth: Dental Implants are used to replace missing teeth, whether it’s a single tooth or multiple teeth. This is important for restoring proper chewing function and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth.

2. Improved Aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They can enhance your smile, boost your self-confidence, and provide a more natural appearance compared to other tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges.

3. Enhanced eating ability: Dental implants provide strong biting and chewing capabilities, allowing you to enjoy a full range of foods, including hard and crunchy items without restrictions.

4. Comfort: Dental implants

are comfortable and stable. Unlike removable dentures, they do not slip or move when eating or speaking, providing a natural and comfortable experience.

5. Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for messy adhesives or removal at night, as required with dentures. They function just like natural teeth, making daily oral hygiene routines simple and hassle-free. Dental implants are brushed and flossed like all your other teeth.

6. Durability: Implants are a long-lasting solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime, whereas other options like dentures will require periodic adjustments or replacement.

7. Preservation of Jawbone: When a tooth is lost, the underlying jawbone can start to deteriorate over time. Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the bone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone.

8. Improved Speech: Missing teeth, especially front teeth can affect speech clarity. Dental implants can restore normal speech patterns by

replacing missing teeth.

9. No impact on adjacent teeth: Unlike dental bridges, which require the reduction of adjacent healthy teeth, dental implants do not affect nearby teeth. This helps preserve the long-term health of your natural

teeth.

10. Whole Body Health: Dental implants can contribute to better oral and overall health by filling the gaps left by missing teeth, preventing the shifting of neighboring teeth, and reducing the risk of gum disease and further tooth loss.

It is essential to consult with a dental professional to determine if dental implants are the right solution for your specific oral health needs. Factors like bone density, overall health, and personal preferences will influence the suitability of dental implants as a treatment option.

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

Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover the best options for you, please call us at 770992-2236.

ADOBE STOCK

invasive dentistry is our goal for your health and vitality

Brought to you by- North Fulton Smiles

Conservative dentistry, also known as minimally invasive dentistry, is an approach to dental treatment that focuses on preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. The goal is to prevent or minimize the need for extensive dental treatment in the future by treating appropriately and emphasizing prevention.

Conservative dentistry emphasizes early detection and early intervention of dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, fractures, trauma, or even tooth loss. It involves conservative techniques that aim to remove the diseased or damaged portion of the tooth while preserving the healthy tooth structure. It also emphasizes preventative measures, such as regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, supplemental products, and patient education on proper oral hygiene and dietary practices.

At North Fulton Smiles, our mission is to help patients maintain stable dental health and preserve their dentition for life. Recognizing that dentistry, like any other

procedures, will need to be revisited in a lifetime, we aim to maintain conservative options that preserve dental structures and set up one’s teeth for the future.

We believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and our team emphasizes proper preventative care. In doing so, we elevate our patients overall health and vitality. We use up to date, advanced technologies like Cerec CAD/CAM, digital radiographs and intraoral scanners making it more accurate, safe, and patient friendly to help maintain good oral health for our patients. Our thorough and careful examinations, involving necessary x-rays, photographs and scans help us design a customized treatment plan that addresses dental issues in an appropriate and timely manner, offers solutions for long term stability and esthetic or cosmetic desires.

A smile is a significant part of our faces and confidence. Valuing its beauty and health can be achieved with intention and attention to conservative techniques that ensure ones smile can remain attractive and stable for life.

Let’s check your balance!

Brought to you by - Johns Creek Physical Therapy

Did you know that every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the ER after a fall? Every year in the United States 1 out of 4 older adults has a fall. Death rates from falls have increased by 31% in the last decade and falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Falls can cause fractures, head injuries and even emotional trauma that led to a constant fear of falling again. This can lead people to become more sedentary, which can be detrimental to your health. SITTING is now considered the new SMOKING! And we all know how bad smoking is for your health.

If you have an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor in your life, reducing their risk of falling is a great way to help them stay healthy and independent as long as possible. This even applies to that person looking back at you in the mirror.

Try out this quick self-test for balance. How long can you stand on one leg? If it’s not more than 10 seconds you are at increased risk of falling.

For a limited time, Johns Creek Physical Therapy is offering a FREE Fall Risk Testing featuring Biodex Balance Technology. This computerized test will give you a preliminary baseline assessment

and compares your individual balance score against age related normative data. A printed report can be generated for your own personal records and to take to your physician.

DON’T BE A STATISTIC!

To schedule your FREE Balance Assessment appointment call 770622-5344.

For all your other needs, we accept Medicare.

Johns Creek Physical Therapy 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344

Do You Have Low Back Pain? Free Workshop

Sponsored

by

JOHNS CREEK PHYSICAL THERAPY

• Do you suffer with Back Pain or Sciatica when you stand or walk?

• Do you have low back pain when you sit for long periods of time?

• Do you experience Pain, Numbness, or Tingling into your hip or down your leg?

• Do you feel like you’ve “tried everything” but your back is still hurting?

If you answered YES to any of these questions (or you know someone in denial) then you won’t want to miss the FREE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WORKSHOP on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm

Back pain and sciatica can completely ruin your life. I see it every day. Low Back Pain is the number one cause of disability in the world and affects millions of people every year. Back pain can keep you from enjoying your favorite activities, keep you from spending time with your family, and keep

you out of work. Sciatica is the term given to pain that travels down the back of the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. It can be brought on from a variety of things like sitting, walking, standing, or doing simple everyday activities.

If you are having this type of pain you won’t want to miss the FREE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WORKSHOP on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm hosted by Johns Creek Physical Therapy. At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of Lower Back Pain and Sciatica and how each of these things can bring about back pain and sciatica. You will also learn how you can deal with each condition using natural

treatment methods without medications or injections. This very simple treatment can help you get rid of your symptoms once and for all.

Perhaps you have already had an x-ray or an MRI and you’ve been told that those findings explain why you are having back pain? We will show you that those tests may have nothing to do with why your back is actually hurting.

Don’t let back pain ruin your life! If you have back pain or sciatica don’t miss this FREE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WORKSHOP

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 at 12:30 pm. Register by calling 770-622-5344.

Johns Creek Physical Therapy

4060 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite H Suwanee, GA 30024 770-622-5344

FOR ALL YOUR OTHER NEEDS WE ACCEPT MEDICARE

Marc C. Stewart, PT

At the workshop you will learn the TOP THREE common causes of Lower Back Pain and Sciatica