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2019
GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH EXPERT ADVICE ON COMMON MEDICAL TOPICS
GET TO KNOW AUSTIN’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROVIDERS
DIRECTORY OF AUSTIN DOCTORS, CLINICS, WELLNESS PROVIDERS AND MORE
WE DELIVER
MORE BABIES IN Austin AND CENTRAL TEXAS THAN ANYONE ELSE BECAUSE OF HOW WE DELIVER THEM.
On one of the most important days of their lives, more moms look to us because of how we look after them. It’s why we’re one of the best healthcare providers in the country.
The Best Is Here.
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DAWN WESTON PUBLISHER NIKI JONES CREATIVE DIRECTOR Specializing in:
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Major depression PTSD Anxiety and obsessive disorders
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Mental health issues related to fertility (loss of pregnancy, postpartum depression, breastfeeding and menopause)
No-cost assessments available 24/7 512.440.4800 | austinoakshospital.com
YOUR GO-TO GUIDE FOR HEALTH
AND WELLNESS IN AUSTIN
ATX DOCTORS GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH IS A FREE PUBLICATION OF AW MEDIA, INC. FOUNDER MELINDA GARVEY CEO KIP GARVEY
Available at more than 1,000 locations throughout Austin and in Lakeway, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock and Pflugerville. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reprinted or duplicated without permission. Visit us online at atxdoctors.com 3921 Steck Ave., Ste. A-111 Austin, TX 78759 512.328.2421 info@awmediainc.com
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CONTENTS
ASK AN EXPERT 4 D ENTAL CROWNS 101, DR. ERIKA WHITEHOUSE 6
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES, DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER
8 POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN WOMEN,
DR. MARC KUNDLER
10 THE FACTS ABOUT WISDOM-TOOTH REMOVAL, DR. THOMAS S. WEIL 12 LIVING AND PLAYING WELL WITH CBD, SARAH SCOTT 14 UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS, DR. CARLO GAVINO 16 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS, DR. ARTHY SARAVANAN 18 UNDERSTANDING SPINE HEALTH, DR. ESTHER YANIV 20 PLANNING FOR AT-HOME CARE, AMY SWEET 22 THE SCIENCE OF REJUVENATION, DR. JESSICA WRIGHT 24 PROFILES 28 D IRECTORY LISTINGS
A legacy of exceptional care for your family. jaw realignment dental implants
wisdom teeth removal
sleep apnea
The specialists at Austin Oral Surgery have been providing exceptional care and
Cedar Park
attention to families in the Austin area for over 45 years. Our 13 oral surgeons are
Central Austin
highly trained, board-certified doctors who finished dental school and an additional four to six years of residency and education. They are hospital-trained in anesthesia,
Dripping Springs
internal medicine, general surgery, and emergency surgery. This comprehensive
Georgetown
training and years of proficiency are critical to a safe and trouble-free experience when your family needs oral surgery.
Harker Heights
Before you make a decision concerning your family’s oral surgery needs, visit
La Grange
with one of our surgeons in any of 12 convenient locations in Central Texas.
Lakeway
512-591-9557 ~ AustinOralSurgery.com.
Marble Falls N. Central Austin
A legacy of exceptional care
San Marcos
Call 512-591-9557 today
South Austin
AustinOralSurgery.com
Temple
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DENTAL CROWNS 101 What exactly is a crown? A crown is a protective cover or cap that seals a tooth, making it stronger to chew with. If a tooth has a big filling or cavity that makes up more than half of the chewing portion, the tooth is susceptible to breaking. If a tooth breaks, it can cause pain, the need for a root canal or even worse: losing the tooth altogether. What are some of the signs indicating I may need more than a filling fix? Often, there are no signs to the patient that indicate a tooth is in need of a crown. It usually takes advanced imaging from X-rays or clinical exams. However, signs could include pain when chewing, broken or chipped teeth or changes with sensitivity to cold.
DR. ERIKA WHITEHOUSE
What can I expect from the procedure and will it hurt?
Derby Dental
The crown procedure is a two-step, painless process. The first appointment is when the work is done on the tooth while the tooth is numb, and you will leave our office with a temporary crown we make for you that day. After just a few weeks, our talented lab technician completes your custom-made strong crown that we will insert at our office during your second appointment. The crown is permanently placed over the tooth and will look and can be treated as a normal tooth.
Dr. Erika Whitehouse is committed to continuing her education to stay up to date on industry advancements and best practices. Her practice, Derby Dental, is a full-service dentist office offering a variety of services, including dental exams and cleanings, wisdom-tooth removal, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental implants and more. Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, Whitehouse grew up going to the same family dentist for years. Her dream is to build long-lasting relationships with her patients and bring that small-town feel to the city of Austin.
“It is important to treat a tooth needing a crown as soon as possible after it is recommended in order to avoid breaking the tooth or injuring the nerve.”
Why would my dentist suggest I get a root canal and not a crown? A root canal is a procedure to treat a dead or dying nerve inside the tooth. After a tooth has had a root canal, it will need a crown to protect it from breaking. A crown procedure is used to fix a broken or damaged tooth and does not require a root canal as long as the nerve is still healthy. This is why it is important to treat a tooth needing a crown as soon as possible after it is recommended in order to avoid breaking the tooth or injuring the nerve. However, sometimes a nerve is damaged beyond repair and that is not always known until after the crown has been completed. So, it is important to keep up with regular follow-up appointments so your dental providers can keep a close eye on all your teeth and address problems early.
For more information, visit derbydentaltexas.com. 4 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
HIGHER
STANDARDS
GREATER
HOPE For leading-edge surgical approaches and high-quality care, visit our fellowship-trained and dedicated breast surgeons at Texas Breast Specialists. Our surgeons compassionately collaborate with you to help you better understand your disease and develop a personalized surgical treatment plan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.TexasBreastSpecialists.com.
Caroline Coombs-Skiles, M.D., FACS Moya Griffin, M.D., FACS Heather King, M.D., FACS Bridget O’Brien, D.O. Julie M. Sprunt, M.D., FACS Sherrie Thomas, M.D., FACS
Austin • Bastrop • Cedar Park Georgetown • Round Rock
Texas Breast Specialists is a part of Texas Oncology.
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HOW DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN CHILDREN’S LIVES What makes a hospital dedicated to pediatric care unique? Children deserve care specialized just for them. That’s why Dell Children’s Medical Center is dedicated to children, from the design of the building to the services and the specially trained Ascension care teams. “Because we provide evidence-based quality care for our patients, our medical center was designed to keep kids comfortable, relaxed and engaged throughout treatment,” says Dr. Meena Iyer, chief medical officer at Dell Children’s Medical Center.
DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER Level I pediatric trauma center
As the only Level I pediatric trauma center in Central Texas and backed by the largest team of pediatric specialists in the region, the emergency room at Dell Children’s Medical Center offers comprehensive care to kids and is ready for any emergency, simple to complex. Staffed by boardcertified emergency-medicine care teams with special training and experience in pediatric emergency care, Ascension care teams at Dell Children’s provide advanced, family-centered treatment in a kid-friendly environment and listen to you so they can provide the care that’s right for your child and family. With five locations offering Dell Children’s emergency care and online ER check-in, it’s easy to get the care your child needs.
Dell Children’s offers the highest level of care for kids with trauma, emergency, neonatal, surgery and epilepsy concerns and has the only comprehensive pediatric mental-health unit under the same roof. 6 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
Is Dell Children’s different than other pediatric hospitals in the area? Dell Children’s has the most pediatric specialists and specialty programs in Central Texas, which means patients have access to advanced pediatric specialty care closer to home, including three centers of excellence: Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, and Children’s Blood and Cancer Center. Dell Children’s also offers the highest level of care for kids with trauma, emergency, neonatal, surgery and epilepsy concerns and has the only comprehensive pediatric mental-health unit under the same roof. Does Dell Children’s only provide care in Central Texas? While the hospital is located in Austin, Dell Children’s cares for kids throughout the country and even internationally. With the recent opening of the cardiac intensive care unit and the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease at Dell Children’s with Dr. Charles Fraser, the care the organization provides to kids is world-renowned. What is a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit? This is the highest level of care a NICU can provide. A Level IV NICU provides advanced, specialized care to babies and can care for the most complex needs. The teams are specially trained to care for congenital conditions, premature babies and more during babies’ most critical days. How is emergency care different at Dell Children’s? As the only Level I pediatric trauma center in Central Texas and backed by the largest team of pediatric specialists in the region, Dell Children’s is ready for all emergencies. The ER team includes board-certified emergency physicians, nurses and care teams with special training in pediatric emergency care. Can you get Dell Children’s care closer to home? Yes, Dell Children’s has expanded its emergency-care services to four additional locations throughout Central Texas, including Ascension Seton Southwest, Ascension Seton Northwest, Ascension Seton Williamson and Ascension Seton Hays. This means your child has access to the same care, kid-friendly services and care teams, as well as access to the Dell Children’s network of nationally recognized specialists—all closer to home. How does Dell Children’s support the entire family? For a sick or injured child, family can be the best medicine of all. Dell Children’s flexible visiting guidelines are designed for patients to have around-the-clock access to family during their stay, including in family playrooms and playgrounds, as well as on-site kitchens and laundry facilities. Dell Children’s also partners with charities to help with housing costs, meals and transportation. It’s all part of the family-centered care that integrates family into each step of the healing process.
For more information, visit dellchildrens.net.
Surgical | Medical | Cosmetic
HEALTHY SKIN IS ALWAYS IN
Contact us today to learn more about our services and specials. BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGISTS MEDICARE/MAJOR INSURANCE ACCEPTED Look good, feel good, do good. A portion of every service, patient visit and product purchase at Tru-Skin Dermatology is donated to The Shade Project and Skin Cancer Foundation to help skin cancer prevention efforts.
tru-skin.com 888.451.0139
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POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER IN WOMEN What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition consisting of symptoms that significantly disrupt a person’s life in response to a particularly traumatic event. The most common symptoms are depression and anxiety, flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of further relationships or intimacy, and becoming uncontrollably agitated or scared. These symptoms can appear immediately after the event or not appear until years later. Flashbacks are not just remembering the event but actually reliving it over and again. Also, not every one of these symptoms is necessary to have the diagnosis.
Why is PTSD important in women?
DR. MARC KUNDLER Rock Springs Hospital
Dr. Marc Kundler is a board-certified psychiatrist, has been in practice for more than 20 years and is the medical director at Rock Springs behavioral hospital. He and his wife, Maria, have four children. At Rock Springs, the mission is changing people’s lives by delivering state-of-the-art, evidence-based treatment and compassionate care to those who are struggling with mental-health and/or substance-use issues. Rock Springs offers inpatient services, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs and medication management for adults 18 years of age and older at its Georgetown, Texas, location, as well as partial-day programs for children and adolescents ages 8 to 17 at its Changes location in Cedar Park, Texas. Rock Springs also has a specialty program and unit designed exclusively for active-duty service members, veterans and first responders called Help for Heroes.
Initially, PTSD was thought to be a disease only occurring in soldiers with horrible war experiences. However, the most common diagnosis now is a result of physical or sexual abuse. Tragically, it is only necessary to read the news any day of the week to begin to realize how commonly women are abused in this country. An estimated 50 percent of all women will experience some type of abuse or stalking during their lives in the United States, and the incidence is even greater in many third-world countries. It is now widely recognized that women are being abused in epidemic proportions worldwide.
Typically, how are the lives of women with PTSD disrupted? The simple answer is completely: an inability to enjoy any aspect of their lives, difficulty holding a job and caring for their family, being homebound and terrified of most any social interaction. Women can experience profound sadness and anxiety throughout most days and often have episodes of dissociation in which the woman completely blacks out and cannot remember large parts of the day. It is also common for a woman with PTSD to have thoughts of suicide. Current statistics show approximately 15 percent of people diagnosed with PTSD will die by way of suicide.
Is there hope for women with PTSD? Yes, there is most definitely hope. As more women come to treatment, we have a better understanding of what works in relieving these symptoms and putting folks on the road to living a normal life. A combination of medication and psychotherapy that is focused on PTSD has been shown to be very effective and help the patient put the abuse in the background over time and become more able to live a normal life. Many of the most severe cases require hospitalization. However, the majority of patients are successfully treated in offices and clinics and can remain at home.
What is the first step in seeking treatment?
“An estimated 50 percent of all women will experience some type of abuse or stalking during their lives.”
It is most important that women or men who are experiencing difficulties in their lives from past or present abuse seek treatment from a medical professional. The first step can be confiding what is happening to a primary-care provider, friend, spouse or other family member or seeking help within the mental-health community. Similar to almost all medical problems, the sooner one comes to treatment, the more can be done. But even people who struggle with these symptoms for decades can be helped. It is never too late.
For more information, visit rockspringshospital.com. 8 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
WE GOT YOUR BACK. CHANGING THE COURSE OF NECK AND BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT
At Austin Spine Health, we are bridging the gap between health and wellness. Not only do we explore the root cause of your pain, we also assess how contributing factors in the present, in combination with associated fear and avoidance, lead to chronic pain and dysfunction. Dr. Yaniv believes spine health is a reflection of overall health, physical and emotional. In doing so, it is possible to reach the goal of getting ahead of the pain rather than chasing it.
Start your spine health journey today. Call 512.428.4500 or go to austinspinehealth.com.
Esther Yaniv, MD
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DR. THOMAS S. WEIL Austin Oral Surgery
Dr. Thomas S. Weil is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a fellow in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Weil began his professional education at Baylor College of Dentistry, where he graduated at the top of his class. He then attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he earned his medical degree, also graduating with honors. He remained in San Antonio to complete a general-surgery internship, his anesthesia training and the remainder of his specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
“Oral surgeons have extensive hospitalbased training in anesthesia to make this procedure pleasant and
THE FACTS ABOUT WISDOMTOOTH REMOVAL Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed? Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop. Eons ago, when our diets were much different and dental crowding was common, the third molars came in or “erupted” and provided another set of functional teeth. With today’s softer, nonabrasive diet and the relative rarity of dental crowding, most often, there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt into place and be functional teeth that can be maintained by the patient. This is what is meant by “impacted,” simply that the tooth is not able to come into a functional position. There are patients who have the space for wisdom teeth, and in these cases, the teeth may be functional and beneficial. In cases in which the wisdom teeth come in appropriately, it is common later in life to develop decay or gum disease around these teeth first. They are difficult for some to maintain and your dentist may suggest removal rather than a filling or crown if this happens. Who would remove my wisdom teeth? While your family dentist may remove erupted or exposed wisdom teeth, many regular dentists do not. Furthermore, impacted wisdom teeth, more complex tooth concerns or higher-risk teeth will likely result in a referral to an oral surgeon. A visit with your dentist or a look at your X-rays would likely answer that question best. Most patients having multiple wisdom teeth removed at the same time prefer sedation rather than being awake. Oral surgeons have extensive hospital-based training in anesthesia to make this procedure pleasant and astonishingly safe. The facility is almost as important as the surgeon, and offices that are board-certified in oral surgery are inspected and certified for anesthesia safety by both the State of Texas and a surgery-certifying board. Certification ensures the monitoring and safety equipment mirrors that of a hospital environment. At what age should wisdom teeth be removed? In general, younger patients are at a very low risk, as the teeth are typically less difficult to remove. For this reason, the recovery is commonly smoother and faster. The best approach is to image and consult a dentist or oral surgeon at a young age, typically during the teenage years, so an assessment can be made about whether the wisdom teeth will likely ever need to be removed. If it is likely removal will be necessary, earlier surgery is generally easier and more predictable. This assessment might happen with your family dentist, orthodontist or directly with an oral surgeon. What are the costs associated with wisdom-tooth removal? Most insurance plans cover wisdom-tooth removal. At consultation, each wisdom tooth will be evaluated and coded depending on how it is positioned within the mouth and whether it is exposed or impacted. Likewise, anesthesia choices are usually discussed and the level of sedation is agreed upon. The costs will vary depending on these factors, and your insurance coverage can generally be explored prior to the procedure. The best way to discover costs and insurance coverage, as well as discuss the procedure, is to set up a consultation visit with your provider.
astonishingly safe.” For more information, visit austinoralsurgery.com. 1 0 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
Before all the baby talk, let’s talk babies Ascension Seton care teams listen to you as a woman and an expecting mom. We take the time to understand the care you need, including any special care your baby needs, and create a care plan that’s right for you, your baby, and your new family. And if your new baby needs pediatric specialty care, nationally recognized care teams at Dell Children’s Medical Center have the most pediatric experience in the region, so you get the care your entire family needs, close to home.
Visit setonbaby.com
© Ascension 2019. All rights reserved.
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LIVING AND PLAYING WELL WITH CBD Hardly a day goes by without most people hearing about the uses of CBD products for our overall well-being: enhanced sleep, improved bone density, minimized anxieties and most importantly, the reduction of chronic aches and pains, all of which improve our golf swings and tennis serves and allow us to keep pace with life. A study from the European Journal of Pain using an animal model found that CBD applied on the skin was shown to lower chronic pain and inflammation from arthritis. Who and what is CBD good for? CBD is not only good for humans; it is also good for dogs and cats who also want to continue chasing the tennis ball or jumping on the bed. Questions to ask when buying CBD products include: •D oes the salesperson know where and how the product was grown, processed and its true ingredients? Hemp Doctors USA deals directly with the farmers, bringing customers farm-to-table products.
SARAH SCOTT Hemp Doctors USA
Sarah Scott, Texas “hempress” and CBD consultant, founded Hemp Doctors USA in 2014, one of the first hemp-derived CBD companies selling American-grown products in Texas. She has been a medicalexercise, post-rehab and fitness coach for more than 30 years, including founding one of the first personal-training, sportsconditioning, medical-exercise corporations in America and one of the most successful groups of personal-training facilities in Austin. Her keen understanding of how CBD works, coupled with her knowledge of sports medicine and human physiology, underscores her expert know-how for CBD’s humanhealth applications.
“Mother Nature is at the heart of all our products. My daily mission is to create a healthier world for people, pets and the planet, with my best wishes for your every good.”
•D oes the salesperson understand how CBD works in the human body? Hemp Doctors USA Founder Sarah Scott has been in the health, fitness, post-rehab and medical-exercise business for decades and has a great understanding of how CBD products affect the body. •D oes the salesperson have direct experience working with people and pets taking CBD? CBD responses vary from person to person, age to age and animal to animal. Hemp Doctors USA has been in the CBD business for almost five years. The CBD salesperson should have a keen understanding of how CBD works and knowledge of sports medicine, human physiology and CBD’s human and pet applications. Are CBD and sports a natural fit? CBD has quickly joined sports, diet and fitness as part of a lifestyle for wellness. CBD is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties, making it a viable product for sports training and overall wellness. CBD products are rapidly moving beyond the realm of alternative remedies and into mainstream uses among the general population and professional athletes. A recent Golf Digest article stated at least 15 to 20 professional golfers are taking CBD on a regular basis to help their overall performance by keeping their ailments at bay. Since CBD is derived from a plant, the consensus is that it is potentially better for the body than taking chemically designed pills or rubbing chemically designed lotions on the body. Is what’s good for the inside good for the outside? Did you know cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the skin? CBD has the capability to interact with those receptors to encourage healing. Because cellular health is the backbone of fitness, it seems fitness and beauty with CBD are much more than skin-deep. Studies have shown potential benefits of cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis, windburn, sunburn, acne, rosacea and eczema. As a powerful antioxidant, CBD is thought to protect the skin from free radicals like UV rays. Free radicals lead to wrinkles and fine lines, but antioxidants in CBD are thought to protect the skin from damage and help fight the effects of aging. It also seems there is no downside in sight with Mother Nature at the heart of it all. Isn’t it everyone’s goal to keep doing what they love doing? CBD and Hemp Doctors USA may be able to help you do just that!
For more information, visit hempdoctorsusa.com. 1 2 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
THE GOAL WAS NEVER TO BE THE BIGGEST. JUST
T H E B E S T.
We deliver more babies. Care for more hearts. Treat more high-risk and complex cases. And handle more emergencies including trauma than anyone in Central Texas. It’s why we’re named one of the best in the country. The Best Is Here.
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UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS What is alopecia? I frequently have patients come to me saying they may have alopecia, thinking alopecia is a specific diagnosis. Alopecia, instead, is a general term that means loss of hair. If one is shedding or losing hair, they are said to have alopecia. Although the scalp is most commonly involved, any part of the body may be affected by alopecia.
Are there different types of alopecia? There are several different types of alopecia, and they are generally categorized into non-scarring and scarring forms. Non-scarring alopecia causes hair loss without permanently damaging the hair follicles and without impairing their ability to regrow. By contrast, scarring alopecia can destroy and lead to the permanent loss of hair follicles.
DR. CARLO GAVINO Tru-Skin Dermatology
Dr. Carlo Gavino is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and anatomic and clinical pathologist. After attending the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, he completed a pathology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Gavino then completed his dermatology residency at UT in Austin. He is a diplomate of both the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pathology. He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the College of American Pathologists. Gavino sees patients of all ages and specializes in general dermatology, cosmetics and surgery. In addition, he has extensive training and expertise in the diagnosis and management of hair-loss disorders.
“Seeing a boardcertified dermatologist, preferably one who has an expertise in hair-loss disorders,
I am shedding a lot of hair. How can I tell what type of alopecia I have? Non-scarring alopecia typically causes diffuse shedding with no associated redness, tenderness, pain or itch. Examples of non-scarring alopecia are telogen effluvium, pattern alopecia and alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium causes a dramatic and rather rapid type of hair shedding. It happens three to six months after a stressful life event and resolves six months to one year later. Pattern alopecia is also known as androgenetic alopecia and can affect both men and women. As the name androgenetic implies, it runs in families and is driven by the actions of testosterone. Unlike telogen effluvium that resolves on its own, pattern alopecia is not reversible. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring alopecia that results in patches of hair loss. It is an autoimmune condition in that one’s immune system attacks hair follicles. It varies in severity and degree of involvement. Scarring alopecia, on the other hand, is usually associated with redness, pain, tenderness, itch and/or formation of pimple-like bumps. Examples of scarring alopecia are frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal alopecia. If I am losing hair, do I need to see a dermatologist? Because there are several different types of alopecia, seeing a boardcertified dermatologist, preferably one who has an expertise in hair-loss disorders, is very important. The dermatologist will gather historical information and will conduct a thorough physical exam to help figure out what type of alopecia you have. Bloodwork is frequently ordered to determine if there is an underlying cause to the hair loss, such as thyroid disease. In addition, a hair biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis. A hair biopsy is a simple procedure that involves obtaining a pencileraser-sized piece of the scalp, sending it to the lab and studying it under the microscope. The history, physical-exam findings, bloodwork results and biopsy results all help the dermatologist formulate a plan to control and treat your hair loss. Do you have any hair-care tips you can share? It is normal to shed 100 to 150 hair strands per day. Shampooing daily is not harmful to the scalp and hairs. The scalp is an extension of the skin and therefore needs to be cleansed daily if possible. Use a conditioner to restore moisture to the hair strands. Gently massaging the scalp while shampooing does not worsen hair loss and shedding. Hairs that shed while shampooing were already going to fall out due to the normal cycling of the hair follicle, or as a result of underlying alopecia. Heat and ultraviolet radiation are harmful to the scalp and hairs. When drying hair, use the blow-dryer as far away from the scalp as possible. When going outdoors, wear a hat to protect the scalp from the sun.
is very important.” For more information, visit tru-skin.com. 1 4 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
W
ELLNESS
WAITING ROOM
THE BUNION BATTLE Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brannan Smoot offers his advice for how to cope with bunion pain. BY SABRINA LEBOEUF
Since bunions can be inevitable for some people, there are various ways to I’ve seen the help cope with the pain. spectrum. I’ve Some examples include padding the bunion or operated on Dr. Brannan Smoot is an orthopedic surgeon, and one of his many areas of expertise changing the type of shoes involves foot care and bunions. He estimates that during the course of his 20-year 60-year-olds. you wear. This includes practice, he has performed more than 1,000 bunionectomies. While women do have widening the forefront of the I’ve operated their fair share of bunions, he has helped lots of patients, not just women. shoe, switching to a stretchy “Men get bunions too. More women than men get bunions, and that probably has on 17-year-olds material or lowering the to do with a shoewear issue,” Smoot says. “I think women have trouble with bunions heel. On the other hand, for bunions. because of the shoes they’re expected to wear. A man can get by with a blocky foot shoe there are bunion braces and nobody says anything about it.” There’s not on the market that Smoot When it comes to wearing high heels, Katie Duncan, a content marketing writer, a strong advises against because they only wears them when she’s going out with friends. Even then, she’s narrowed her shoe don’t fix the problem in the choices down to two pairs of wedges, all for the sake of avoiding foot pain. predilection “I think a lot of women’s shoes [don’t] look comfortable. They aren’t,” Duncan says. long term. for age. Although changing the shoes you wear can help avoid foot pain and bunions, there In some cases, these are other ways in which bunions can form. Other causes of bunions include genetic remedies are not enough. —Dr. Brannan Smoot predisposition and certain medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, At that point, Smoot while the age range for getting bunions typically spans from 30 to 40, bunions can form recommends considering at any age. surgery, particularly when the pain “I’ve seen the spectrum. I’ve operated on 60-year-olds. I’ve operated on 17-year-olds for affects everyday life. bunions,” Smoot says. “There’s not a strong predilection for age.” “With regards to surgery, I tell my patients that you should avoid bunionectomy surgery until you have symptoms that are altering your lifestyle,” Smoot says. “You can define that how you like, but for most people, it’s, ‘I can’t exercise,’ or, ‘I can’t stand on my feet all day without pain because of this bunion deformity.’ For some folks, it’s just, ‘I can’t wear highheeled shoes, and I need to be able to do that for work.’ ” When it comes to surgery, most insurance covers the cost of the procedure. Be that as it may, there are still other factors to consider when it comes to bunionectomies. Surgery risks include infection, nerve damage, poor healing of the bone and persistent swelling. More importantly, the postoperation regimen is critical to ensuring the deformity does not return. There are limited weight bearings and foot wrappings patients must observe to heal the foot properly. On the bright side, if all the doctor’s orders are heeded, you’ll be able to wear high heels again after about four months.
Hiding inside most every pair of high-heeled shoes is a woman’s aching feet. However, there’s a stark difference between the pain of beauty and the pain of a medical problem, such as a bunion. Knowing how to distinguish the two and knowing when to seek help from a doctor can be crucial to the future of your feet and your shoe collection.
“”
GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
2019
15
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DR. ARTHY SARAVANAN ARA Diagnostic Imaging
Dr. Arthy Saravanan is a breast-imaging specialist at ARA Diagnostic Imaging. With years of experience and an advanced fellowship in breast imaging, she is an expert at diagnosing breast cancer through the use of mammography, MRI and ultrasound.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS Do mammograms save lives? I think the key message we try to convey regarding breast-cancer awareness is that starting annual mammograms at age 40 saves lives. It is also vital to get yearly screening mammograms after that. Many women are unaware that breast cancer is very common. In fact, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. About one woman will die every 13 minutes. What’s really startling is many Austin women 40 and older have not started having their screening mammograms. The great news is that when detected early by a mammogram, 98 percent of women survive breast cancer. The emphasis is on early detection, which catches cancers when they are more treatable. It’s so important to not wait to have your mammogram. While it’s always challenging to fit another activity into our busy lives, I think that if women are more informed about breast-cancer screening, they will certainly make scheduling a mammogram a priority. According to the American College of Radiology, women should start getting mammograms at the age of 40 and get screened yearly thereafter. If you have an increased risk or family history, your screenings might need to begin earlier. What are some myths and facts about breast cancer? I speak with a lot of patients who share their questions and doubts. There are a few common myths about breast cancer I’d like to clear up. Myth: B reast cancer doesn’t run in my family, so I don’t need to get mammograms. Fact: S eventy-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Myth: I f you don’t feel a lump in your breast, you don’t need a mammogram. Fact: M ammograms can detect cancer several years before a lump can be felt.
“Seventy-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.”
Myth: I ’ll never get breast cancer because my breasts are too small. Fact: T here is no evidence that breast size is linked to risk for breast cancer. What should I expect from a mammogram? Women often wonder when they come for their mammograms what the chances are that cancer will be found. Here’s what data tells us: For every 1,000 women who have a screening mammogram, 100 (10 percent) are recalled for further screening, 20 (2 percent) are recommended for biopsy and five (.5 percent) are diagnosed with breast cancer. What is 3D mammography? ARA has completely invested in 3D mammography, an advanced technology that finds as much as 41 percent more cancer than traditional mammography. 3-D mammography is now the standard for excellence in mammography and it is available in 13 ARA locations. Everyone at ARA wants to make having a mammogram as easy as possible. ARA now offers online scheduling for mammograms and extended hours so you can come after work. Take care of your breast health. Schedule your mammogram online now!
For more information, visit ausrad.com. 1 6 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
ASK AN EXPERT
DR. ESTHER YANIV Austin Spine Health
Dr. Esther Yaniv is a board-certified physiatrist and pain-management specialist. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., she went on to complete her medical doctorate degree at Tel Aviv University and her residency at Emory University in Atlanta. She continued to advance her skills in Charlotte, N.C., where she completed a fellowship in interventional spine medicine. After practicing medicine in Austin for 14 years and completing her yoga certification, she decided to start her own practice, incorporating an integrative approach to treating pain, including applying her knowledge as a certified yoga instructor.
“When it comes to spine and musculoskeletal pain, the doctor and the patient become a team, working together for
UNDERSTANDING SPINE HEALTH What is a spine physiatrist? After obtaining a medical doctorate, spine physiatrists complete a four-year residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In choosing to focus on the spine, Dr. Esther Yaniv has additional knowledge and training to evaluate and treat spine-related pain. While a spine surgeon may offer surgery to address back and neck pain, spine physiatrists help manage pain through nonsurgical (“conservative”) options such as physical therapy and spinal injections. The majority of pain related to the spine is not amenable to surgery. Many of us live with pain that reduces quality of life. Additionally, spine physiatrists are able to counsel and educate their patients, and in doing so, assist them in living and functioning optimally. When should I see a spine physiatrist? There really is no wrong time to see one. Back pain affects more than 80 percent of people at one time or another. If you have neck or back pain and think you have to just live with it or have been told pain is just a part of getting old, consult with a spine physiatrist. Sciatica, or pain down the leg, is also a common presentation and should be evaluated. Oftentimes, patients come in when they’re not in pain to establish a relationship so episodes can be addressed efficiently and quickly. Think of us as the primary-care specialists of the spine. You don’t go to a heart surgeon if you have chest pain. You go to a cardiologist first to get evaluated and treated without surgery, if possible. If that doesn’t work, then you go to the surgeon. What should I expect during a consultation? For the initial visit, Yaniv meets with patients for a one-hour consultation. Pain is complex and, therefore, it is nearly impossible to assess, evaluate and diagnose in a typical 15-minute visit. Not only is pain a physical experience, but it is also very much an emotional experience. To expect good results by simply providing a pill and a pat on the back is unrealistic. Yaniv previously experienced the frustration of not having sufficient time to feel like she was really helping her patients. That is why she is committed to fostering a team approach, spending more time reassuring, educating and coaching her patients. A thorough physical examination and review of imaging studies round out this comprehensive visit. What sets Austin Spine Health apart? Pain is becoming one of the most disabling and troubling healthcare problems in America. And the typical protocol of pain medications, avoiding activity, excessive procedures and surgery is not solving the issue. The field of pain medicine is evolving, and at Austin Spine Health, Yaniv is leading the way. She offers physician-guided yoga, as well as tips for stretching, nutrition and stress management. She is committed to optimizing the patient experience and envisions a collaboration between the medical and wellness aspects of spine health.
the better outcome.” For more information, visit austinspinehealth.com. 1 8 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
W
ELLNESS
WAITING ROOM
THE TRUTH ABOUT E-CIGARETTES Vaping is marketed as a healthy smoking option, but electronic cigarettes can still get you hooked on nicotine. BY HARSHITA AVIRNENI alertness and muscle movement. Since nicotine is “shaped” similarly to acetylcholine, it fits the same receptors and replaces it. This causes the body to reduce the number of receptors and released acetylcholine E-cigarettes and vaping have become a widespread phenomenon into the synapse, which ultimately develops the body’s the need for in the past decade, masquerading as a safe smoking option. Although nicotine, leading to addiction. e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, nicotine and carcinogens still exist, “If a younger person or teenager starts with e-cigarettes, they are four and can cause immense damage to the body. times more likely to use other tobacco products later in life or as they An e-cigarette is an electronic device that heats a liquid solution of get older,” says Jessica Cardenas, program manager for the American chemicals, often flavored, to produce an aerosol, or vapor. E-cigarettes go Cancer Society. “And as we all know, tobacco is the leading cause of by many names, including Juul, vapes, vape pens, e-cigs and electronic [preventable] disease and death in the United States. So, I think from our nicotine delivery systems, and come in a variety of flavors often perspective, that’s a concern, the fact that it does lead to using tobacco appealing to younger smokers, from cotton candy to mango. products and cigarettes later.” Since the use of e-cigarettes is fairly new, a lot of the While vaping is marketed as a tool for smokers to quit long-term side effects are unknown. Vaping does have “A lot of kids cigarettes, David Kolovson, director of communications for many documented short-term effects, such as insomnia the American Cancer Society, worries teenagers who never and nosebleeds, and known long-term effects can include are going to smoked are now turning to e-cigarettes. high blood pressure, lung inflammation and “popcorn try it and get “This isn’t something that kids are going to try once or lung,” the nickname for bronchiolitis obliterans. twice after school and be cool with it,” Kolovson says. “A hooked on it.” “Lung cells don’t repair as well after e-cigarette smoke, lot of kids are going to try it and get hooked on it, and that’s but it’s basically the same as any kind of smoke that causes – David Kolovson really where the problem is. I think it’s really problematic inflammation, whether you’re talking about normal too in just the way e-cigarettes have been marketed to youth…when you tobacco or vaping e-cigarettes,” says Laura Q.M. Chow, a professor at Dell Medical School and the research director for Livestrong Cancer Institutes. have flavors like cherry crush or cotton candy. … Health organizations, generally over the past 40 [to] 50 years, have done a really good job in “People think it’s better, easier because it’s more convenient and it seems making cigarettes seem like something scary. But e-cigarettes, on the safer because it’s not typical tobacco. But [e-cigarettes are] just a vehicle other hand, are vape pens…which seems much more accessible to kids.” for nicotine and it still causes lung, bladder and heart [problems].” Recently, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill raising the smoking age Although there has been no proven research that links vaping to cancer, e-cigarettes contain dangerous chemicals. The base of vapor is propylene in Texas. Consumers have to be 21 to purchase tobacco products, glycol, an FDA-approved food additive that can cause damage to the body including cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The bill went into effect Sept. 1. when consumed in high quantities. E-cigs also contain diacetyl, which causes inflammatory lung disease, and probable carcinogens formaldehyde and acrolein. “[Carcinogens] cause inflammation, cell turnover and they cause cells to change,” Chow says. “Unfortunately, a lot of these chemicals are called carcinogens because they can cause cancer, but some of them are also what we call mutagens, where they can cause mutations in cells that are replicating. And obviously, if there is a lot of inflammation that can occur with the smoking itself, then [with] all these chemicals, there is a lot of cell turnover and there is a higher chance that these cells become abnormal and form cancers over time.” Vaping also causes disruptions in the normal relationship between the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and its receptors. It carries messages related to respiration heart rate, memory
Nearly 11 million adults and 3 million high schoolers share the same addition: vaping.
GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
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ASK AN EXPERT
AMY SWEET Halcyon Home
Amy Sweet is the founder and CEO of Halcyon Home, a woman-owned and locally based private-duty, home-health and hospice continuity-of-care company. Sweet earned her master’s degree in health science from the University of Pennsylvania, becoming a certified physician assistant. Her work history includes oncology, gastroenterology and geriatrics. Her dream of creating a continuity-of-care company with concierge-level care became an awardwinning reality, thanks to a handpicked team that shares her love of care. Halcyon Home provides private-duty (nonmedical), home-health (medical) and hospice (medical) care.
“The goals of hospice care include comfort, safety and cleanliness, as well as meeting the specific patient’s and family’s goals and needs.”
PLANNING FOR AT-HOME CARE What is the difference between home care and home health? Home care is often referred to as private-duty care or personalassistance services. Home care includes a private contract created to provide one-on-one assistance for your loved ones with activities of daily living, or ADLs. ADLs include eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and maintenance of bladder and bowel function and transferring. Caregivers can assist with all these, as well as medication reminders and administration. Home care is nonmedical assistance. Home care is paid through personal savings or long-term care insurance. Home care can be short durations of time or as much as 24/7. Home health is continued medical care for patients who are considered homebound and have a skilled need. Home health requires a doctor’s order and a face-to-face visit with a medical provider. Home health can include physical therapy, occupational therapy or skilled nursing. Home health is covered at 100 percent through traditional Medicare, with no copay or additional cost. Medicare replacement plan costs vary. Qualifying events include a new diagnosis, hospitalization, a fall, a new prescription, decline in ADLs, unsteady gait/balance, wound care, a change in medical condition or a decline in mobility. What is the difference between palliative care and hospice? Palliative care improves bothersome symptoms and can take place at any time of the patient’s life and for any disease process. Palliative care’s main focus is pain management and patients may still seek curative treatments. Hospice is care at the end of life that Medicare defines as the expected last six months. Hospice care is similar to palliative care, as they both focus on pain management. Hospice care is provided wherever the patient lives—home, assisted-living facility, nursing home or hospital—and includes a 24/7 on-call interdisciplinary team. Hospice is a holistic approach to end-of-life care that includes case management and is overseen by a medical doctor and registered nurse, a home health aide, a social worker and a chaplain. The goals of hospice care include comfort, safety and cleanliness, as well as meeting the specific patient’s and family’s goals and needs. All medications related to the primary diagnosis are provided by and covered under the Medicare hospice benefits, including all durable medical equipment: hospital bed, oxygen, shower chair and incontinence supplies. How do I plan for Mom’s and Dad’s care? The most important factor in planning for a patient’s care is to understand that patient’s specific goals and wishes. The right time to learn these goals is before the onset of a debilitating illness. This conversation may be difficult, but it can also be rewarding and strengthen the parent-child bond. It can be an opportunity for life reflection and sharing. There are many resources available. Put “end-of-life decision-making” into your favorite search engine. Here are a few I like: vitaltalk.org, nia.nih.org and deathwithdignity.org. In the absence of such conversations, one has to rely on the caregiver’s (child, spouse, parent, medical power of attorney) best assessment of what the patient would want, evidenced by things the patient may have said or done previously. This is called “substituted judgment.” At Halcyon Home, our teams of experts are available to assist with difficult conversations and can provide solution options.
For more information, visit myhalcyonhome.com. 2 0 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
Rejuvenate Austin is a Physician Owned & Operated MedSpa Rejuvenate Austin specializes in CoolSculpting, Kybella, Botox, Ultherapy, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Hair Removal, Dermal Fillers, IPL Photofacials, Body Sculpting, and Vaginal Rejuvenation. Nominated for Austin’s best MedSpa, Rejuvenate Austin restores confidence by empowering men and women through their cutting edge solutions in and out of the spa. New Clarksville location opening early 2020! REJU V E N AT EAU S T IN . C OM • 512 92 3 1071
ASK AN EXPERT
DR. JESSICA WRIGHT Rejuvenate Austin
Dr. Jessica Wright, a former trauma surgeon who’s board-certified in general surgery, founded Rejuvenate Austin in 2013. Wright prides herself and her team on initiating the conversation about sexual wellness, addressing topics such as urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalances. Building a staff of experts, Rejuvenate Austin specializes in CoolSculpting, Kybella, Botox, Ultherapy, laser skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, dermal fillers, intense pulsed light photofacials, body sculpting and vaginal rejuvenation. Nominated as Austin’s best med spa, Rejuvenate Austin restores confidence by empowering men and women through its cutting-edge solutions in and out of the spa.
“All my clients leave with an aesthetic care plan that includes pricing, scheduling and before/after treatment guidelines.”
THE SCIENCE OF REJUVENATION What does a consultation with Dr. Jessica Wright look like? I like to spend significant time with each patient during their initial consultation. This conversation is crucial when moving forward with a patient because it allows me to create a comprehensive treatment plan providing optimal results. All my clients leave with an aesthetic care plan that includes pricing, scheduling and before/after treatment guidelines. Can I get injectables and still look natural? Yes! Injectables all depend on correct placement, product and dose, which make a significant difference in one’s results. While I do recommend injectables for specific clients, I like to educate my patients about ways to achieve their goals without Botox and filler. This can be done through laser resurfacing or “vampire facials,” using microneedling, which deposits your own platelet-rich plasma back into your skin, enhancing collagen regrowth and making the skin look both younger and healthier. What noninvasive services do you offer? Our most popular noninvasive services are CoolSculpting and TruSculpt ID. CoolSculpting is a quick and effective way to eliminate stubborn fat pockets around your body by freezing the fat cells, after which your body naturally disposes of them. TruSculpt ID is a similar process using radio frequency to heat the fat cells to the point of dissolution. Both these procedures are pain-free and require no downtime. If you can pinch it, we can CoolSculpt and TrueSculpt ID it! What are my options for vaginal rejuvenation? Rejuvenate offers a few options for women: O-Shot and Juliet laser. The O-Shot is a nonsurgical procedure that can revitalize vaginal and clitoral function, increasing lubrication and decreasing urinary incontinence. The Juliet Laser can increase post-childbirth vaginal tone and flexibility, improve moisture level, as well as offer cosmetic enhancement. The treatment uses a Laser that stimulates the production of collagen and, as a result, thickens the vaginal walls, reversing dryness and discomfort without the use of hormone therapy. What does the recovery process look like post-vaginal rejuvenation? For the O-Shot, there is no downtime. After a treatment such as the Juliet Laser, recovery is three short days of pelvic rest for optimal comfort. I recommend coming back for a yearly procedure after your initial treatment series to maintain the benefits of the Juliet Laser.
For more information, visit rejuvenateaustin.com. 2 2 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Rock Springs offers inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for adults, and partial day programs for adolescents and children suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues.
WE ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP 24/7 Call to schedule a confidential assessment or to make a referral.
CHILD & ADOLESCENT PROGRAMS ChangesÂŽ Outpatient 1335 East Whitestone Blvd., Suite 200 Cedar Park, TX 78613 737.808.1700
ADULT PROGRAMS Rock Springs 700 Southeast Inner Loop Georgetown, TX 78626 512.819.9400
R O C K S P R I N G S H E A L T H . C O M GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
2019
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PROFILES HEALTH CARE
DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER LEVEL I PEDIATRIC TRAUMA CENTER
As the only Level I pediatric trauma center in Central Texas and backed by the largest team of pediatric specialists in the region, the emergency room at Dell Children’s Medical Center offers comprehensive care to kids and is ready for any emergency, simple to complex. Staffed by board-certified emergency-medicine
care teams with special training and experience in pediatric emergency care, Ascension care teams at Dell Children’s provide advanced, family-centered treatment in a kid-friendly environment and listen to you so they can provide the care that’s right for your child and family. With five locations offering Dell Children’s emergency care and online ER check-in, it’s easy to get the care you need. For more information, visit dellchildrens.net.
DERMATOLOGY
DR. CARLO GAVINO TRU-SKIN DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Carlo Gavino is boardcertified in dermatology, dermatopathology, and anatomic and clinical pathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines, followed by an internship in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He then moved to the University of Texas
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Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, where he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in immunodermatology and stayed on for residency training in anatomic and clinical pathology. He completed his dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and then his dermatology residency at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas. He has specialized training and expertise in the diagnosis and management of hair-loss disorders.
PROFILES DENTISTRY
DR. ROBERT HUNSAKER, D.D.S., M.D. AUSTIN ORAL SURGERY
Dr. Robert Hunsaker is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a fellow in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Hunsaker was raised on a farm in Southern Idaho. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Utah State University in 2003. He then decided to pursue a career in health care, and upon marrying his wife, Lyndsay, the couple moved to Richmond, Va., where Hunsaker received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008. He
enjoyed the management of complex treatment plans and decided to continue his training in oral surgery. Hunsaker was accepted into an integrated program at the University of Kentucky, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree while completing an internship in general surgery and simultaneously completing his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 2014. Hunsaker loves spending time with his wife and five children. He is often on the field for a sporting event, cheering on one of his children. Hunsaker practices at the Austin Oral Surgery location in Lakeway, Texas, and will soon practice at the new Pflugerville, Texas, location.
CHIROPRACTIC
MORGAN ILES TRULY CHIROPRACTIC
Morgan Iles, doctor of chiropractic, is a chiropractor, family-wellness advocate and owner of Truly Chiropractic, located in South Austin. She designed Truly Chiropractic with community in mind. From offering open adjustment rooms, community events, local coffee and kombucha on tap to the passion of her staff, patients can feel the difference when they walk through the doors. Iles’ philosophy is to educate and empower families to take control of their health through chiropractic, and she begins by using state-of-the-art technology to assess the patient’s nervous system and how it is functioning as a whole. At Truly Chiropractic, the goal is to balance the nervous system and unleash the power
of the body’s innate ability to heal from within. Iles has a Bachelor of Science degree in science and kinesiology from the University of Texas and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University. Due to her passion for pediatrics, pregnancy and family wellness, she has additional certifications in the Webster Technique, training through Epic Pediatrics and the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and instruction with Birthfit. Iles believes in the power of human connection, so Truly Chiropractic hosts regular events and webinars to foster a spirit of togetherness on a collective journey to health and wellness. All are welcome. Truly Chiropractic and Iles invite you to start your healing journey and path to experience life to the fullest degree. Call to schedule your appointment at 512.571.0522 or visit trulychiropractictx.com to learn more.
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PROFILES HEALTH CARE
DR. MARC KUNDLER ROCK SPRINGS HOSPITAL
Dr. Marc Kundler is a boardcertified psychiatrist, has been in practice for more than 20 years and is the medical director at Rock Springs behavioral hospital. He and his wife, Maria, have four children. At Rock Springs, the mission is changing people’s lives by delivering state-ofthe-art, evidence-based treatment and compassionate care to those who are struggling with mental-health and/or substance-use issues. Rock Springs offers inpatient services, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs and
medication management for adults 18 years of age and older at its Georgetown, Texas, location, as well as partial-day programs for children and adolescents ages 8 to 17 at its Changes location in Cedar Park, Texas. Rock Springs also has a specialty program and unit designed exclusively for active-duty service members, veterans and first responders called Help for Heroes. Call 512.819.9400 to schedule a confidential assessment or make a referral. Facing mental-health or addiction issues can make you feel trapped. Rock Springs provides the environment you need to heal. Take a virtual tour at rockspringshealth.com.
HEALTH CARE
AMY SWEET HALCYON HOME
Amy Sweet is the founder and CEO of Halcyon Home, a woman-owned and locally based private-duty, home-health and hospice continuity-of-care company. Sweet earned her master’s degree in health science from the University of Pennsylvania, becoming a certified physician assistant. Her work history includes oncology, gastroenterology and geriatrics. Through her career path, Sweet found her passion was caring for
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seniors. Her dream of creating a continuityof-care company with concierge-level care became an award-winning reality, thanks to a handpicked team that shares her love of care. For more information about how Halcyon Home may provide private-duty (nonmedical), home-health (medical) or hospice (medical) care, call 512.815.9009. Margaret DeVinney, education director, can provide a complimentary consultation about what care level will best serve those you love. You may also send an email inquiry to info@myhalcyonhome.com.
PROFILES DENTISTRY
DR. ERIKA WHITEHOUSE DERBY DENTAL
Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, Dr. Erika Whitehouse grew up going to the same family dentist for years. When it came time to open her own practice, she wanted to bring that same small-town, family feel to the city of Austin. She is interested in building long-lasting relationships that help her patients feel at ease in her care. As a woman in business, Whitehouse recognizes knowledge is power. She is committed
to continuing her education and staying up to date on industry advancements and best practices. She is a member of the prestigious Kois Center, an advanced graduate program for practicing general dentists, is a certified Invisalign provider and a member of several local study clubs, including the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society. Whitehouse is most grateful for her talented team. “I couldn’t do this without them,” she says. “They make Austin feel like home.”
HEALTH CARE
ESTHER YANIV AUSTIN SPINE HEALTH
Dr. Esther Yaniv is a board-certified physicalmedicine physician. Her practice is currently located in West Lake Hills, Texas. As a nonsurgical spine specialist, Yaniv focuses on the spine, neck and lower back. She believes in a comprehensive approach to treatment, which may include physical therapy and pain management, as well as lifestyle modification and weight management. As a certified yoga instructor,
Yaniv understands overcoming physical problems is not just about the body, but also about the mind. Many things can contribute to how each of us experiences pain. Yaniv has practiced medicine in Austin for more than 12 years. She believes the best outcomes happen when patients take an active role in their recovery as part of a collaborative doctor-patient relationship. When she is not working with patients or teaching yoga, Yaniv enjoys spending time with her husband and family. Her passions include fitness and travel.
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D I R E C TO RY
CHIROPRACTIC
DENTISTRY
Morgan Iles
Dr. Erika Whitehouse
Truly Chiropractic
Derby Dental
5353 W. U.S. Hwy. 290 512.571.0522 | trulychiropractictx.com
3410 Far West Blvd. 512.795.0128 | derbydentaltexas.com
Morgan Iles, a doctor of chiropractic, is a pediatric, prenatal and family chiropractor, advocate for education and empowerment, and owner of Truly Chiropractic, located in South Austin. She invites you to start your healing journey and path to experience life to the fullest degree. Call to schedule your appointment or visit the website to learn more.
Dr. Erika Whitehouse is committed to providing the best possible care to all her patients by staying on top of all dental advancements. She is a member of several prestigious study clubs and associations, including the Kois Center, the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society.
DENTISTRY
DERMATOLOGY
Dr. Amber Burgess and Dr. Stanton Henry
Dr. Carlo Gavino
Ortho 360 Orthodontics
Tru-Skin Dermatology
Five locations: 38th Street; Avery Ranch; Bastrop; Liberty Hill; Moulton, Texas
3500 Jefferson St.
11612 Bee Caves Road Bee Cave, Texas
701 E. Whitestone Blvd. Cedar Park, Texas
512.716.0307 | ortho360.com
3101 E. Hwy. 71 Bastrop, Texas
2 St. Mark’s Place La Grange, Texas
160 Creekside Park Spring Branch, Texas
Great orthodontists change lives by changing smiles. Since 2001, the orthodontists at doctorowned Ortho 360 have been doing just that. Dr. Amber Burgess and Dr. Stanton Henry specialize in braces and Invisalign for children and adults. Consultations are free and there’s zero interest on financing. Choose from five locations.
tru-skin.com As premier dermatology experts, the team at Tru-Skin Dermatology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all skin diseases. Tru-Skin is the first practice in Central Texas to treat patients with the revolutionary Sensus SRT-100 Vision. In addition, Dr. Daniel Ladd and his team offer cosmetic services, including skin-rejuvenation procedures, injections and laser treatments at six Tru-Skin locations throughout Central Texas.
DENTISTRY Austin Oral Surgery Central Austin; North Central Austin; South Austin; Dripping Springs, Texas; Cedar Park, Texas; Georgetown, Texas; Lakeway, Texas; Temple, Texas; San Marcos, Texas, Marble Falls, Texas; Harker Heights, Texas; La Grange, Texas 512.591.9557 | austinoralsurgery.com 2 8 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 0 1 9
For more than 45 years, Austin Oral Surgery has provided a legacy of exceptional care to Central Texans, offering 12 convenient locations, saving patients time and travel. AOS doctors are well-trained in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures.
D I R E C TO RY
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH CARE
Dell Children’s Medical Center
Ascension Seton Williamson
4900 Mueller Blvd.
201 Seton Parkway Round Rock, Texas
Ascension Seton Hays 6001 Kyle Parkway Kyle, Texas
Ascension Seton Northwest
Ascension Seton Southwest 7900 FM 1826
11113 Research Blvd. With the most pediatric specialists and specialty programs in Central Texas, Ascension care teams at Dell Children’s Medical Center provide advanced care for kids. Get the care that’s right for your child close to home—only at Dell Children’s.
Amy Sweet Halcyon Home 8133 Mesa Drive | 512.815.9009 | myhalcyonhome.com Please call Halcyon Home and ask to speak with Margaret DeVinney. As education director, DeVinney can provide a complimentary consultation to help you navigate care options and pin down what level of care will best serve those you love. Halcyon provides privateduty care (nonmedical), home-health (medical) and hospice (medical) care.
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH CARE
Dr. Esther Yaniv
Dr. Marc Kundler
Austin Spine Health
Rock Springs
3345 Bee Caves Road 512.428.4500 | austinspinehealth.com
512.819.9400 | rockspringshealth.com Rock Springs offers inpatient and outpatient services and medication management for adults 18 and older in Georgetown, Texas, and partial-day programs for those ages 8 to 17 at its Changes location in Cedar Park, Texas. Rock Springs also has a specialty program designed exclusively for active-duty service members, veterans and first responders called Help for Heroes.
Dr. Esther Yaniv is a board-certified physical-medicine physician and certified yoga instructor who provides comprehensive and integrative spine pain management to people who are seeking clarity and understanding of their back or neck pain or who wish to pursue nonsurgical management of their pain. While providing traditional evaluation and treatment of spine conditions, Yaniv also guides patients who are looking to optimize their spine health by emphasizing the mind-body connection by incorporating mindfulness and by identifying the impact of lifestyle choices and stress-coping mechanisms for pain.
HEALTH CARE
Meg McElroy Center for Collaborative Medicine 512.876.2267 | collaborativemed.com
As an advanced functional-medicine expert, Meg McElroy guides patients to feel their best and understand the processes that create and perpetuate dis-ease. Customized plans are created based on results from specialty tests that analyze gut function, immune function, hormones and more. People seek her guidance for issues such as thyroid and digestive concerns, autoimmunity and health optimization. 2 0 1 9 GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH 2 9
D I R E C TO RY
LAB
Marion Kalstein Welch Cryo-Cell International 203.942.6206 | cryo-cell.com Cryo-Cell International is the world’s first cord blood bank, having given birth to the industry in 1989. It has been entrusted to store the cord blood from the babies of more than 500,000 parents from 87 countries. Approximately 40,000 OB-GYNs have recommended Cryo-Cell to patients or collected and sent cord blood to Cryo-Cell, which offers the most secure, efficient and technically advanced facility in the industry.
PLASTIC SURGERY + AESTHETICS
WELLNESS
Sarah Scott Hemp Doctors USA 512.302.4348 | hempdoctorsusa.com Hemp Doctors USA is celebrating its fifth year selling American-grown CBD oils, capsules and salves for people, dogs, cats and horses. Also the founder of Austin’s Ironsmith – The Fitness Doctors, one of the nation’s first personal-training gym corporations, Sarah Scott has spent more than 30 years working as a trainer, coach and visiting professor in the collegiate and professional sportsconditioning, personal-training, disease-management, cancer-recovery, traumatic-brain-injury and post-surgicalexercise industries. She recognized the need to find additional ways to aid her clients in their recovery, to help them heal while recovering from surgeries, athletic strains and disease, and to help them move into their later decades of life still enjoying the active lifestyle of sports. She began this new chapter of keeping Austin strong, healthy and fit with the formation of Austin-based Hemp Doctors USA, which was a direct result of watching her mother suffer a decade with Alzheimer’s disease, her personal-training clients suffer with pain and disease, her epileptic puppy, a skin-cancer diagnosis and years of researching CBD and its potential benefits.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Dr. Jessica Wright Rejuvenate Austin 3801 Bee Caves Road 512.923.1071 | rejuvenateaustin.com New location coming soon to the Clarksville neighborhood Rejuvenate Austin is a physician-owned and -operated med spa led by a board-certified doctor with an extensive background in general and trauma surgery. Rejuvenate specializes in CoolSculpting, Kybella, Botox, Ultherapy, laser skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, dermal fillers, intense pulsed light photofacials, body sculpting and vaginal rejuvenation.
Dr. Arthy Saravanan ARA Diagnostic Imaging 13 locations in Central Texas 512.453.6100 | ausrad.com Austin Radiological Association is a specialty healthcare organization dedicated to providing quality imaging services in Central Texas.
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ELLNESS
WAITING ROOM
INTO THE BLUE A local retina specialist sheds some light on whether tech devices are harmful to the eyes. BY DEBORAH BLUMBERG
Living in the era of technology means we have access to any number of helpful tools, applications and contraptions. But all that convenience also ushers in a whole array of potential health concerns related to our constant connectedness.
Headshot courtesy of Retina Consultants of Austin.
From computer screens to smartphones to energy-efficient bulbs, we’re bombarded with blue light. Some say our increased exposure to this type of light can damage our eyes and even lead to vision loss. With all the hype, you might wonder whether your technology habits are doing you harm. Dr. Sara Chexal, a retina specialist with Retina Consultants of Austin, says you can breathe easy; they’re not. It’s true too much blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm, or the internal clock that tells you when to sleep and wake. But research doesn’t confirm a link to eye damage, she notes. “There’s no clear data to suggest normal screen-time exposure will lead to retinal damage,” Chexal says, adding that’s the case even if you’re typing away at your computer all day. Blue light is just one type of light, and it’s everywhere. Sunlight is the major source. The sun’s red, orange, yellow, green and blue light rays combine to make white light, or sunlight. When we’re outside, we’re exposed to blue light. But in recent years, we’ve been getting more exposure to blue light indoors. Man-made sources include LED and florescent lights and flat-screen TVs. Our computer, tablet and smartphone screens also emit a considerable amount of blue light. Some worry that’s a problem, particularly given how often we engage with screens these days and how close they come to our faces. In one study that drew media attention, researchers found rats exposed to blue light sustained damage to their retinas.
“Much of the research has been done on animals,” Chexal says. “[But] it’s important to remember that our eyes are very different.” The amount of blue light administered in lab studies is also a far cry from what we would experience in our everyday lives, she says. Still, Chexal notes there is evidence that blue light can interfere with sleep, so it’s a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself at night. Scientists have found blue light particularly suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone the body releases before bedtime that helps us get to sleep. “It’s possible too much blue light can affect our circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep,” Chexal says. “Stop screen time early, or filter out the blue light.” She recommends closing the computer and putting away your smartphone at least one hour before bedtime. If that’s not possible, adjust the settings on your phone or download and use an app that filters out blue light. Some people buy blue-lightblocking glasses to use at night while working on their laptops or watching TV. The glasses, which cost between $10 and $20 for a basic pair, filter out the active blue light before it reaches your eyes. A few studies have shown people who wear the glasses several hours before bed report a better quality of sleep. If you decide to buy a pair, Chexal recommends reading the fine print. Some glasses might block 50 percent of blue light, while others say they block almost 100 percent. But most important, she says, is to have good habits when it comes to sun exposure: Don’t get too much sun and wear quality sunglasses. “Be smart,” she says. “Remember we’re getting more blue light from sunlight than from our screens.” GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH
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CUSTOM LOCAL CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE Whether it’s an errand to be run or the care of a loved one, Halcyon Home’s seamless delivery and attention to detail is unique and exceptional in every way. Halcyon Home can provide both medical and non-medical services including home health and hospice. Using creative home solutions and highly trained personnel, Halcyon Home strives to create a tranquil, happy, peaceful life for you.
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Get the facts you need to protect your health. Take control of your health! Talk to your doctor about which of these screenings are right for you. Mammography for breast cancer diagnosis CT lung screening for lung cancer if you have been a smoker for many years Bone densitometry if you are at high risk for osteoporosis Aortic aneurysm screening, a once-in-a-lifetime scan offered as part of your Welcome to Medicare introduction CT calcium scoring to see if you are in danger of a heart attack by assessing plaque buildup in your coronary arteries Ultrasound vein screening to assess varicose veins or check for peripheral arterial disease Schedule at (512) 453-6100.