Dr. James Haley

PCOS: A Complex Disorder, Explained

BY JAMES HALEY, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder affecting an estimated 6% to 12% of U.S. women of childbearing age. Women suffering from PCOS have increased insulin resistance, which leads to a disruption of normal female hormones and an increase of the male hormone, testosterone. This imbalance can cause the growth of numerous small cysts inside the ovaries, along with a multitude of other problems.

The onset of PCOS begins early, but symptoms usually appear when a female begins puberty. These include, but are not limited to: • Obesity or undesirable weight gain. • Absence of, or irregular, periods. • Difficulty becoming pregnant or pregnancy complications. (PCOS is the leading cause of infertility in women.) • Skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, skin tags, etc. • Loss of hair or development of male-pattern baldness. • Mood swings or depression. • Inflammation, which may cause brain fog, joint pain, aches and fatigue.

Diagnosing PCOS is not simple, it is what physicians refer to as a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning all other issues have been eliminated to the point of arriving at a PCOS diagnosis. Because of this, many women go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for many years. Therefore, it is extremely important to visit a gynecologist who has experience in diagnosing and treating PCOS, so it is not missed.

PCOS Risks

Being overweight alone can cause severe health problems. Compounded with PCOS, other serious issues can occur, including: • Diabetes or prediabetes. • Cardiovascular disease and heart attack. • Insulin resistance. (Too much body fat and the production of excessive androgens can wreak havoc on the liver and the important balance of lipids within the body.) • Endometrial cancer. (Infrequent periods can result in an accumulation of the endometrium, leaving PCOS sufferers three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer.) • Hypertension. (PCOS-related symptoms, like obesity and hormonal imbalance, often will raise blood pressure.

Though PCOS is a lifelong condition and can lead to serious issues, it can be controlled, especially if treated early. Lifestyle changes, medication and surgery, when warranted, are some things that can help. You are the best judge of any bodily changes that might be of concern. By seeing a physician immediately when you suspect something is wrong, you stand an excellent chance of correcting troublesome symptoms of PCOS before they become detrimental to your reproductive and overall health.

James Haley, MD, FACOG and FPMRS, is a double boardcertified OB-GYN and urogynecologist with Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton and Woodstock.

Stockings, stuffed with school supplies and more, are ready for delivery.

A Season of Giving

Cherokee Graduate Gives Students a Christmas to Remember

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

In 2019, Michael Garcia was a senior at Cherokee High School and the chair of 21st Century Leaders. The program connects, transforms and inspires students across Georgia to explore career opportunities and become leaders in their schools, communities and, ultimately, the workforce. During a 21st Century Leaders brainstorming session with other Georgia high school students, Michael came up with an idea for the program’s December community service event: a holiday fundraiser for students at Hasty Elementary.

Michael, who attended Hasty as a child, reached out to the school’s counselor, Mable Ferry, and students in the 21st Century Leaders group started collecting Christmas gifts for children who needed them most.

This is the fourth year Michael has organized the holiday fundraiser, and it has gotten larger each year. With help from his sister, Alisa, who graduated from Cherokee High this year, he was able to expand the fundraiser’s reach to Knox Elementary in 2021. Michael has been working with Gwen Freeman, Cherokee County School District’s Title III family service bilingual assistant, to reach middle school students, as well, this season. The plan is to expand to Teasley Middle. Over the past three years, more than 200 students have received Christmas gifts. The organizers are hoping to touch the lives of about 150 students this month.

Many high school students participate in at least one community service project during their four-year career, but most do not take the initiative to continue them after they graduate. Michael’s inspiration comes from Mrs. Glandorf, his fourthgrade teacher.

A Season of Giving

“I knew what it was like to come from a low-income background,” Michael said. “The week before we left for winter break, Mrs. Glandorf gave everyone in my classroom a beanie and a scarf that she made herself. This act of generosity has stuck with me my entire life, and I cannot be more grateful for this. I actually still have the gift bag, because of how special and meaningful this was for me.”

Michael and Alisa have not come up with an “official” name for their fundraiser, yet. “However, for now, we decided to name it the Glandorf Project, in recognition of my teacher, who was one of the first educators to instill in me the value of education. She was a true champion in practicing what she preached — ensuring every student succeeded,” he said.

Alisa first began helping Michael in 2020. “From not only helping me organize and plan, she is especially influential when it comes to connecting with the students we speak to,” he said. “Since we deliver these gifts ourselves, we use this as a chance to show students that their ‘success’ story is possible, too, because we were in their shoes at one point.”

The fundraiser is successful because of generous people in our community. During its second year, Michael was a server at Tres Agaves Mexican Restaurant in Holly Springs. His boss, Marcy Tirado, let him put out a box and a poster for donations. As a server, Michael learned to build relationships and talk to business owners, and the response from the community has grown each year.

“In 2021, Alex Gomez, executive vice president of Chick-fil-A Canton, donated ‘your choice, your treat’ breakfast cards, so students could get a free breakfast item. I am also inspired by the generosity of Brandon and Karen Williams of Atlanta Facility Services and Marcy Tirado each year. They are true community leaders who have

Michael (pictured) and Alisa Garcia wrap all gifts and deliver them, along with a stocking, to each student.

demonstrated to me what it means to lead with a head and a heart,” Michael said.

Now a student at the University of Georgia, Michael had the opportunity to do a TED Talk his senior year of high school. He spoke about inequities in education, a topic that is near to his heart.

“In order for a student to succeed, they need to have their needs at home met. If they are thinking about something to eat, or what clothes they are going to wear, they can’t focus on learning,” he said.

The Garcia siblings purchase some bigger gifts for students, as requested, but they also send stockings with smaller things needed for school, like markers and colored pencil pouches. Each year, they find that students are more excited about the little things than the big things. “That keeps us going,” Michael said.

If you are interested in getting involved next year, Michael and Alisa accept physical and monetary donations. For more information, contact michael_garcia1015@ yahoo.com, 470-601-7566, or send a direct message on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ michaelgarciatirado.

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Move Over Rudolph, Meet Santa’s Newest Assistant

At Dentistry for Woodstock, Dr. Bruce Fink and his team have been working round the clock (Santa’s got nothing on them!) to offer patients the latest technology. Meet the newest addition to the office: Yomi, a robot-assisted dental surgery device.

Yomi’s here just in time to help patients get that perfect smile for the holidays.

The Woodstock practice is the first in Georgia to have this technology, Dr. Fink said, and is part of his focus to provide superior treatment by removing fear and causing minimal pain.

“The robotic treatment provides minimally invasive surgery and lends to rapid healing time,” he said. “With the CT technology aiding in planning, the outcome is not better; it’s perfect!”

Meet Yomi

The robot is the first and only roboticassisted surgical system cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for dental implant surgery, according to Dr. Fink, and one of 160 around the country. The surgeon (Dr. Fink is the dedicated surgeon at Dentistry for Woodstock) is always in control; the robot’s role is to help plan the procedure and place the implants accurately. Whether it’s a single tooth, multiple teeth or the complete smile, Yomi offers a less-invasive approach to getting implants.

Here’s what Yomi offers:

 Smaller incisions, which means faster recovery.  Robotic guidance control. The dentist always is in control, with Yomi

assisting in the accurate placement of the implants, according to the digital plan.  Preplanning the procedure, which leads to accuracy that complements the dentist’s surgical skills.  Peace of mind. Implants are an investment, so patients appreciate getting more accurate dental care with fewer appointments.  Life-changing results. Dental implants look, feel and function like real teeth, helping patients take control of their oral health.