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Ubuntu Offers Diverse Menu of Services Wellness Center Celebrates First Year in Chardon BY CASSANDRA SHOFAR CASSANDRA@GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM It’s been a year of adventure, learning, growing and expanding for Ubuntu Wellness owners Jen Emch and Erin Moore. And the dynamic duo can’t wait to see how their dream continues to unfold in the new year. “I’ve learned a lot more than I ever thought I would and I know we’ve got a lot more to learn, but there’s certainly more rewards than there has been negatives,” said Emch, who is a supervising licensed professional clinical counselor with Family Pride of Northeast Ohio. Emch and Moore, who is also a clinical counselor at Family Pride, said Ubuntu, located on Chardon Square above Square Bistro at 205 Main Street, has steadily increased its services since opening in April 2016. The wellness center offers individual counseling sessions, yoga classes for all levels, yoga warriors (for people suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and emergency first responders), Dancing Mindfulness classes, Thai massage, deep tissue and Swedish massages, reiki sessions, chakra yoga and reiki restructuring sessions, meditation and grounding classes and mindfulness-based stress reduction (individual and group) sessions. They also have begun offering their studio space for various workshops, including essential oils, women’s empowerment events and life-coaching sessions. Their biggest challenge has been marketing, Emch said. “I think it’s just been word of mouth is kind of how we’ve grown,” she said. “Marketing is certainly not our strong suit or anything we went to school for in any
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Erin Moore, left, and Jen Emch, right, opened Ubuntu Wellness in April of 2016. Ubuntu, which means “I am what I am because of who we all are,” has been a fun adventure so far for the two owners, who are also licensed counselors with Family Pride of Northeast Ohio. The wellness center, at 205 Main Street above Square Bistro, offers several services, from yoga classes, meditation and Reiki sessions to massages, counseling and wellness workshops.
capacity so it’s been a challenge. So I really think a lot of our stuff has been word of mouth … and social media marketing.” Moore added the strong friendships, especially those forged by Emch, who lives in Chardon and grew up in Burton, have been essential in building a presence in the community. “I think having good friendships in the community … has helped a lot because even if we’re not having classes here, people can come up and do workshops and really get the word out to not even just Chardon, but to different communities across Lake and Geauga counties,” she said. “Having those authentic relationships with people who are associated with wellness and all its different variations really has helped us quite a bit.” Moore said besides the typical learning curve of being new business owners, she has
enjoyed seeing how her work relationship with Emch has evolved. “Jen is very much an action-oriented person and I like to ruminate and analyze and I don’t necessarily take action as quickly, so it’s nice to have the kind of relationship where we can consult with each other,” she said. Emch added, “I think we balance each other out for sure. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and about each other.” Both women said the biggest thing they want to emphasize about Ubuntu is its diversity in offerings. “I think people know that we have yoga classes and dance classes, and we have massage and reiki and stuff, but at the end of the day, Erin and I are both private practice therapists,” Emch said. “So we really just want to remind people and have people
know we’re here for the individual counseling piece in terms of the whole mind, body, spirit (aspect of wellness).” She added, “When (Moore and I) had talked before, we had talked about the studio just being a trauma informed location and that is still certainly the core of who we are and the services we provide.” However, “wellness is for everyone,” Emch said, adding she wants people to know Ubuntu is there for all of their needs, whether counseling or trauma related or general overall wellness needs. “I think we really stress that and I think we’ve been able to create that environment here where it feels welcoming and open and not judgmental,” Emch said. “We just want to make sure people aren’t ignoring their See Ubuntu w Page 6
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Grumpy Grandpa May Need More Attention from Family BY ANN WISHART ANN@GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM
It’s winter in Northeast Ohio and many Geauga County residents are grumpy. Cold, wet, dark weeks stretch out. No matter that the daylight hours are increasing, it is a time of year when people can really be down, psychologically. Seniors may be more prone to depression this time of year for a number of reasons, said Deanna Brant, trauma practitioner at Ravenwood Mental Health Center in Munson Township. Grief, pain and feelings of isolation can weigh down the spirits, resulting in a variety of behaviors friends and relatives can recognize, she said. The winter blues is different from true Brant depression, which requires specific medical attention, said Brant, who is also chief operating officer of intensive ser vices at Ravenwood. “Lots of things contribute to depression in older people,” she said, but the symptoms are similar. Short-tempered outbursts, sadness, lack of interest, inactivity and anxiety can be signs intervention is needed. The first stop should be to the family doctor to determine if the senior is suffering from a chemical imbalance, which can be treated with prescription drugs, or a disease that affects the elderly. “You need to rule those out, first,” she said, adding it is not always easy to convince grandma she needs to visit a doctor. If he or she isn’t thinking clearly or is deep in despair, getting them into a vehicle, much less to the doctor’s office, can be a challenge. “Grieving in older folks is complicated. People they love start to die and they are truly left alone in their peer group,” Brant said. “Also, they deny depression. They don’t want to be a burden and there is a stigma attached to that.” Right around the holidays is prime time for the blues to hit. If the senior doesn’t have family or friends to visit and draw him or her into activities, the patriarch can withdraw, physically and mentally. They see depression or sadness as a weakness and feel they should be able to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” she said. Symptoms include a lack of interest in anything, inactivity, crabbiness, problems sleeping, loss of weight, trouble focusing, and actions, such as hand-wringing, that indicate anxiety.
Alcohol abuse is common self-medication and makes the depression worse. “You can’t wait for them to say, ‘Yes, I’m depressed,’” Brant said. “Go with them, especially to the doctor.” It is vital to find out the source of the problem. If the senior’s physical health is not an issue, it is up to friends and family to help. “You have to spend time with them. Often, they can’t get out as much as they used to,” she said. “One of the symptoms is they don’t want to see people. But they need to stay active. You need to encourage social contact. They’re not going to feel better until they do something.” Brant said counselors urge seniors to be active, even if they don’t want to be, because just activity will stimulate the brain and improve their mood. Men over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to seasonal depression, she said. First, they generally don’t share their emotions easily and often don’t want to see a doctor. “Men have a much greater belief there is a stigma attached to getting help. I think men do struggle,” Brant said. They are more likely to commit suicide. Geauga County is not as high as the rest of the nation, where older men’s suicide data is off the charts, she said. “Every day a man ages, his risk (of suicide) increases,” Brant said. Ravenwood has had a program since 2005 for men ages 18 to 25, teaching them to talk about their emotions. “It’s not something they are comfortable with. They are taught to keep their emotions to themselves,” she said. Mostly, they channel any negative emotions into anger, which can cause damage to themselves and those around them. “When men are depressed, they act angry,” Brant said. The Ravenwood program aims to provide them with an outlet so, when they need help, they will seek it out. Friends and family can help those they think may be struggling with depression by encouraging them to pursue hobbies or connect with social groups or senior centers where activities and visiting are encouraged, she said. Technology is also an acceptable option for those who are not near those who care. Cell phones provide daily visits and computers can keep a senior informed about those things he or she enjoys, but Brant added the older users need to be fully educated about the dangers of being online. The 24-hour emergency number for Ravenwood is 440-285-5665 or 1-888-2855665. Walk-in patients are also welcome at 12557 Ravenwood Drive off state Route 44 south of state Route 322.
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Getting to the Root of Your Back Pain Problems SUBMITTED There are many different treatments available for back pain and spine conditions. How do you determine which option is the best for you? First, go straight to a medically trained spine specialist. This type of doctor knows the intricate details of all spine conditions as well as the latest developments in spine care. Spine surgery should always be the last resort after failing conservative or non-operative treatments, but all treatment options have benefits and risks. Not doing anything also has inherent risks. Cleveland Spine Specialists help patients get to the root of painful spine conditions.
Dr. Brandon Raudenbush and his staff educate patients so they understand individual treatment options and help them determine what will provide the best outcome. Patient education is integral to the practice. Whether a young athlete facing an injury or a senior managing the degenerative conditions of aging, the goal is to restore optimal function and comfort for all patients. The CSS staff is highly trained to recognize the best line of care and specializes in treating conditions such as arthritis, degenerated or herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal instability, spinal deformities, and injuries. “Quick and easy access to appointments, along with excellent patient education and communication are important goals of our practice. We have something special to offer our local community,” says Raudenbush.
About Dr. Raudenbush During medical school training at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Raudenbush was introduced to his uncle in-law’s orthopedic surger y practice, an event which changed the direction of his professional life. For the first time, he discovered how to merge his interest of working with his hands with that of car- Raudenbush pentry-like skills and complex medical problem solving. His clinical and research interests include studying the benefits and outcomes of spine surgery, degenerative spine surgery, spine surgery costs and complications, and maximizing non-operative and
medical treatments for spine surger y patients. Raudenbush’s philosophy for treating spine patients is simple: treat others how you would want to be treated. He sees his job as one of an educator, giving patients the best available information and resources needed to make informed and shared decisions about their spine care. He treats every patient as if a member of his immediate family, and he will exhaust all non-operative treatments first, before offering a surgical approach. Having to wait weeks to see a spine specialist while you are in pain is frustrating. Cleveland Spine Specialists offer quick access to care professionals with appointments available within a week of your call. Make an appointment today by calling 844-774-6328. For more information, visit www.clespine.com.
What’s New in Knee Replacement Surgery? BY DAVID A. WEIMER, M.D. Knee replacement surgery is a common and well-established treatment for severe arthritis of the knee. As a result of the improvement in joint replacement implant materials a new prostheses is expected to last at least 15 to 20 years with regular use. The hospital stay has also significantly declined over recent years from an average of 3 to 5 days down to two days. Advancements in anesthesia and pain control as well as improved rehabilitation techniques have allowed patients to leave the hospital in a shorter period of time. The utilization of home physical therapy and nursing have replaced, in most cases, the need to stay at a nursing home or subacute rehabilitation facility immediately following surgery. Patients can enjoy the convenience and comfort of initiating their rehabilitation in the comfort of their own home. One frequently overlooked option for the surgical treatment of severe osteoarthritis is partial knee replacement. Candidates for
partial knee replacement have localized severe arthritis in one compartment of the knee while the remaining compartments do not demonstrate significant arthritic change. The advantage of partial knee replacement is a shorter recovery, excellent pain relief, and restoration of near full knee range of motion. Partial knee replacements can often be performed on an outpatient basis with an average hospital stay of about 6 to 8 hours. Please contact one of our joint replacement specialists to further discuss treatment options for your knee pain. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Weimer’s office at 330758-0577. The Canfield location is 6470 Tippecanoe Rd., Canfield, OH 44406. The Howland location is 1695 Niles-Cortland Rd. NE, Warren, 44484. Dr. Weimer is an orthopedic surgeon focusing on hip and knee joint replacement and reconstruction, including partial knee replacement, complex hip and knee revision and outpatient joint replacement procedures.
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Karlovec Media Group
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Heather Hill Garners www.geaugamapleleaf.com ‘Excellence in Quality’ Award SUBMITTED Heather Hill Care Communities has achieved the “Excellence in Quality” award through Providigm, LLC. This distinct honor is awarded to facilities that attain high customer satisfaction scores, low readmission rates to the hospital and deficiency free survey through the Ohio Department of Health. Our five-star multi-level care facility has serviced Geauga County and the Greater Cleveland Area for more than 75 years. Heather Hill Care Communities is the destination for post-acute care and attributes
its impeccable quality of care to its dedicated team of professionals. Heath Hill’s mission: “Making a difference … one individual at a time” is its hallmark for success. The facility’s expert clinical team under the medical direction of Dr. Karim Raz and Dr. Beejadi Mukunda has solidified outstanding patient and resident outcomes. Heather Hill invites you to tour the campus and appreciates the opportunity to assist you with any healthcare needs. Call 440-285-4040, visit 12340 Bass Lake Road Chardon, or visit www.heatherhillcare.com.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs. Arthritis: What’s the Difference? SUBMITTED Carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis of the hand and wrist are two of the most common complaints I see as a hand and upper extremity surgeon. There are some common overlapping symptoms, such as pain and aching with gripping, but the two conditions are vastly different Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure on the nerve that gives sensation to most of the hand except your small finger. Think of the nerve (median nerve) as an electrical wire carrying impulses and it can be affected by external compression (such as crimping a wire). Symptoms include numb- Zimmer ness, aching pain in the fingers and up the forearm and pain that commonly wakes you up at night. Arthritis, better known as osteoarthritis, is simply the loss of cartilage between the two bones that make up a joint (a joint is where motion occurs). Our joints rely on this layer of cartilage to create fluid motion and absorb shock stresses. As the cartilage wears out, increased friction occurs triggering pain, swelling and decreased motion. I always tell my patients it is exactly like brake pads wearing out on your car. Differentiating these conditions is usually easily obtained by history of symptoms, examination and simple X-rays. Numbness, tingling and night pain are hallmarks of carpal tunnel. Arthritis usually can be local-
ized to the base of the thumb where it attaches to the wrist or in the small joints of the fingers. Deformity and swelling of the joints occurs late in the arthritis process and may not be seen early on. Treatment of both conditions starts with making the correct diagnosis and then first line treatment with specialized supportive bracing. Anti-inflammatory medications can help, but only use under the advice of your doctor if needed longer than a few days. Cortisone injections are very effective even though they often have a bad public reputation. Injections can especially control arthritis symptoms in the hand and wrist for many months or years prior to needing surgery. It is very important to see a hand specialist if numbness, tingling or radiating pain in the hand are occurring because nerve damage can occur if left untreated for a long time. Most importantly, remember that an orthopedic surgeon, in this case a hand and upper extremity surgeon, is best able to properly diagnose and offer non-operative treatments prior to doing any surgery. Have questions about musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, disorders and injuries? Send your questions to Orthopedic Surgeon Scott Zimmer. He may answer them in the next issue. Email them at info@ohiohandcenter.com. Zimmer is the founding director of Ohio Hand Center. For more information, visit ohiohandcenter.com.
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Health & Wellness Special Section
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Simple Ways to Avoid Injuries when Working Out METROCREATIVE A desire to live a healthy, active life compels many people to include exercise in their daily routines. Numerous studies have shown that regular workouts that include a combination of strength training and cardiovascular exercise can make bodies less susceptible to injury while reducing a person’s risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Exercising is most effective when it’s part of a daily routine, but that routine can be derailed if men and women are not taking
the appropriate measures to avoid injury while working out. While even professional athletes succumb to injury from time to time, there are steps everyone can take to avoid injury when working out. • Confirm your technique is the right one. Exercise science is continuously evolving, and that means workouts and fitness machines are evolving as well. When using a piece of equipment for the first time or altering a workout routine, men and women should consult with a gym employee or personal trainer to learn the correct technique. Incorrect technique can lead to minor and
serious injuries because muscles are used in ways they are not intended to be used when exercises are performed properly. Research appropriate techniques, taking advantage of online video tutorials if you don’t exercise at a gym, to ensure the exercises you want to perform are done properly. When beginning a new routine, ask a friend or gym employee to observe your workout and let you know if you are doing anything incorrectly. • Be patient. Lifting too much weight or pushing yourself too hard on the treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical machine will increase your risk of injury. This is especially true for men and women working out for the first time or after lengthy stretches of inactivity. Men and women who are elderly, inactive and/or overweight are likely to suffer from poor balance because their muscles are weak. Those muscles can be strengthened over time, but remain patient and stick to light weight during initial workouts so lack of balance does not lead to pain or injury. Take the same approach with aerobic exercise to prevent muscle strains and pulls. Increase weight and the intensity of cardiovascular exercises as muscles gradually strengthen and become accustomed to exercise. • Allow for adequate time to warm up.
Failure to warm up is another contributor to exercise-related injury. Before diving into a workout routine, spend between five and 10 minutes warming up your body with some low-intensity exercises. This increases blood flow to the muscles and makes them more elastic and pliable than cold muscles, thereby improving flexibility. Some low-intensity cardiovascular exercise on the stationary bike or treadmill can greatly reduce injury risk during the workout. • Vary workouts and exercise regularly. Varying workouts is a good idea because doing so can prevent repetitive-use injuries and prevent overuse of muscles. Repetitiveuse injuries such as shin splints and tendinitis require extended rest to heal, and that can derail your routine and nullify your progress. Vary workouts so you are not always working the same muscles, and don’t mistake varying workouts for varying workout schedules. Working out five days one week and one day the next increases your risk of injury. Injuries sometimes happen when exercising. But veteran and novice fitness enthusiasts can employ a handful of simple strategies to greatly reduce their risk of injury while working out.
Orthopedic Surgeon Returns to Roots, Now Accepting Patients SUBMITTED Michael P. Miladore, M.D., a fellowshiptrained hand and upper extremity orthopedic surgeon, recently joined Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates. He was raised in Canfield and graduated from Youngstown State University. He completed medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University and his orthopaedic residency and fellowship at the University at Buffalo. Miladore returned to his hometown to begin his career. “My goal is to come back to the area and deliver the best possible healthcare. Our community is strong and supportive, and it has provided me the education to be able to work as an orthopaedic doctor,” he said. “It gives me great satisfaction to get our families, friends and neighbors healthy and back to the activities they love.” Miladore has offices located in Canfield and Howland and is accepting new patients. He has face-to-face encounters with all his patients at each office visit. He specializes in hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder orthopaedic conditions. The most common diagnoses he treats
Ubuntu from page 2 emotional needs and to know we can help facilitate that stuff as well.” Ubuntu is planning to have an Open House April 9 to celebrate its one-year anniversary. “I do really feel like we’re building a community, which I think is really cool,” Emch said. “People are finding us and we’re finding them. I look at the studio and I feel like it’s everyone’s. I just feel like saying,
are carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, thumb arthritis, wrist and elbow tendonitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendonitis and shoulder arthritis. He states these diagnoses can present as pain, locking, numbness and tingling, weakness and decreased range of motion. He states people do not have to live with their symptoms, and that most patients are relieved to hear that just a brace, steroid injection or quick outpatient procedure will alleviate their discomfort. He has particular expertise in minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release, which enables patients to return to work and activities sooner than traditional techniques. “Each hand and upper extremity diagnosis has multiple treatment options with varying levels of invasiveness,” Miladore said. “And it is my objective to educate patients about their condition and associated treatments, and together, select the one that is best for them.” For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Miladore’s office at 330758-0577. The Canfield location is 6470 Tippecanoe Rd., Canfield, OH 44406. The Howland location is 1695 Niles-Cortland Rd. NE, Warren, 44484.
‘Come on in, it’s all of our place.’” Moore said while they continue to work on building their presence in Chardon, she already feels successful. “It was somewhat serendipitous how Jen and I met. I wasn’t expecting to ever own or operate a wellness center,” Moore said. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of one and use the counseling … and here it is.” For more information about Ubuntu Wellness, the staff and ser vices, visit www.ubuntuwellnessohio.com, like them on Facebook and download the MindBody app to sign up for classes and services.
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Fitness Plus Gym Exercises High-Tech Program BY ANN WISHART ANN@GEAUGAMAPLELEAF.COM
Paul Porter, owner of Fitness Plus, has installed new, top-of-the-line, high-tech equipment to his gym at 15980 Valplast Street in Middlefield Village. As members come in the door, they are met with an unobtrusive computer station called ActivTrax, a cutting-edge unit that can program anyone’s fitness from workout to diet and effectively take the place of a personal trainer. Down the steps behind the ActivTrax, 18 pieces of Life Fitness Insignia equipment gleam newly, inviting members to shape up and improve their endurance any time of the day or night. Porter opened Fitness Plus in 1992 before he graduated from Ashland University and has been upgrading and remodeling the huge space ever since. “We try to stay ahead of the curve,” he said, adding he ordered two other pieces similar to an elliptical trainer and a stair machine, both he expects to be very popular. Fitness Plus has had a lot of interior and exterior cosmetics upgrades since 2014, and four years ago, Porter started making the gym accessible to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That was about the time industry in Middlefield started to gear back up to two or three shifts a day and members couldn’t come in during regular hours to work out. “Shift schedules changed. Things got crazy, so we adapted to help everybody,” he said. The front counter is still open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and much of Saturday, but having unlimited member access has been very good for business, Porter said. The ActivTrax is really key to making Fitness Plus a full-time gym, he said. Members build a worksheet profile, assisted by a trainer, and input the data, including workout timing and goals. “There is a series of questions we have to answer to create the user profile,” Porter said. Once a username and password are determined, ActivTrax prints out the member’s workout for that day’s visit. “You carry it around on a clipboard,” he said, adding the member will record his or her number of repetitions as the daily workout progresses. “When you’re done, you enter the data into the system,” Porter said. “It gives you a new, different workout next time you come in.” If the user pushes a button, the machine will provide a video of how a certain exercise should properly be done. “It pretty much takes all the guess work out of your program. If you can color by number, you can use ActivTrax,” Porter said. Members can also access it online at home where it will set up a nutritional pro-
ANN WISHART/KMG
Paul Porter, owner of Fitness Plus gym in Middlefield Village, said his computer unit called ActiveTrax is really the key to making Fitness Plus a 24/7/365 gym.
file and program to help the user improve his or her eating habits, he said. The number of calories, fats, carbohydrates and protein will be calculated to help a member lose weight. “There are more than 100,000 food labels in the system. All the numbers will be calculated for you to help you plan healthy meals into the future. It will plan all your meals for a week and keep you on track to reach your overall goal,” Porter said. ActivTrax also considers a person’s age and gender when setting up the program, but if a person follows the recommendations, he or she should lose that weight, he said.
ANN WISHART/KMG
Nate Ferroni of Middlefield tries out one of the new Life Fitness Insignia weight training machines at Fitness Plus at 15980 Valplast Street in Middlefield Village.
“If you get into your ActivTrax account at home, it will print a grocery list for you,” Porter said, adding if someone comes in to lose 20 pounds and follows the workout and diet recommendations, he or she will reach that goal. His newly-purchased Life Fitness Insignia equipment represents a big investment for Porter — and a strength-building opportunity for his clients. “There’s a piece here for every major part of the body,” he said.
In another quadrant of the gym is the functional fitness circuit training area and around the corner is an extensive display of free weights. Group classes are part of the Fitness Plus offerings. Silver Sneakers for people older than 65 is held on Sunday mornings and classes for barbells and Zumba are scheduled during the week, Porter said. For more information, call 440-632-1212 or go online at fitnessplusonline.com.
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Cardinal Physical Therapy Celebrates Five Years in Business BY CASSANDRA SHOFAR NEWS@CHESTERLANDNEWS.COM
In the past five years, Cardinal Physical Therapy owner Marie Szczyglowski has watched a dream not only come to fruition, but to blossom beyond her expectations. The physical therapy center, at 12656 West Geauga Plaza in Chester Township, officially passed its five-year anniversary Jan. 2 and since its inception, has only become more fun, Szczyglowski said. “The Chesterland community has welcomed us so openly and we have become part of their family,” she said. “It has been positively overwhelming to feel their support. Our patients are so thankful for the care they receive, they thank us by recommending us to their family and friends.” Szczyglowksi added, “When the clinic opened, we did not know anyone in the area. Five years later, we have an extended family that is absolutely amazing.” The journey to create her own practice began when Szczyglowksi, who grew up in the Youngstown area, was in college and working two jobs to help pay for tuition. “One job was in a physical therapy clinic as a receptionist,” she recalled. “The staff at this office were my inspiration to change my degree to the physical therapy field. They felt that my innate ability to relate to patients was a skill that could not be taught
and would be an addition to the therapy field. I graduated in 1999 (in) the first Physical Therapy Assisting class from Kent State University.” In 2005,Szczyglowski became a fullSzczyglowski time working mom. In 2012, when Szczyglowski’s oldest son started kindergarten, she knew she had to create a work/life balance. “I had been working in the PT field for almost 14 years,” Szczyglowski said. “My husband was the inspiration who guided me to opening my own practice. He knew how much I loved therapy and he wanted me to be able to continue doing what I loved while still being able to be raise our children.” Since starting Cardinal Physical Therapy, Szczyglowski now has four employees total with lead physical therapist also being an athletic trainer with a master’s degree in physical therapy. When asked what, in her opinion, makes Cardinal Physical Therapy stand out from other similar establishments, Szczyglowski said her staff always prides themselves on being able to offer any new patient an initial appointment within 24 hours. “We treat our patients as an individual
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Debbie Ramacone, PTA, works with a patient at Cardinal Physical Therapy.
verses a number,” she added. “When calling our office, you speak directly to our staff not an automated system (and) we accept all major insurance plans, including BWC.” She emphasized that at Cardinal, every patient in treated like family. “Our staff has over 40 years of combined clinical experience,” Szczyglowski said. “Cardinal is your partner in physical therapy care.” On a personal level, owning her own private practice has been an “incredible” expe-
rience, Szczyglowski said. “To be able to say I am a female entrepreneur in the medical field while still being a wife and mother is one of my biggest accomplishments,” she added. “Celebrating five years makes the accomplishment an even a greater success.” Cardinal Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is located at 12656 West Geauga Plaza in Chesterland. For more information on their services, call 440-688-4186 or email info@CardinalPhysicalTherapy.com
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Karlovec Media Group
Dr. Salerno Offers No Hassle Dental Service BY JEFFREY M SALERNO, DDS I recently read an article a patient wrote about a bad dental experience she had at a competitor’s dental clinic. She saw an ad for a discounted dental procedure and set up an appointment. “It starts with X-rays, I receive a dental cleaning and an exam from the doctor working that day,” she wrote. “After the exam, I am shocked to find out how much work I need and when the fees for the services are given, I realize I have to sell my home to pay for my Dr. Salerno dental work.” She said a dental coordinator convinced her to sign up for a third-party payment plan while also handing her a bill for $350. She showed her coupon and the staff told her the coupon was only for patients without insurance and that she had a “deep cleaning” and it was only good for a regular cleaning. She refused to schedule another appointment. The next month, she received a bill from the third-party company even though she hadn’t had any other dental work done. She was livid. Does this sound familiar? Were you lured into a dental office via a special offer? When you left, were you under the impression all your teeth were rotting out of your head and you needed to spend an arm and a leg to fix them? You are not alone. I often have to apologize on behalf of my profession when I hear about those kinds of
experiences. The truth is, some dental offices practice dentistry very aggressively. Are they wrong? Not necessarily. You may need extensive dental therapy. The question you should be asking is whether or not this dental office’s treatment philosophy is right for you. We believe in conser vative dental options. I find ways to satisfy your dental needs at a fair price and always place priority on your primary dental concerns. Then we address emergency dental problems and offer you a variety of conservative dental options to correct other issues you may have. We work at your pace. You are in control of how much work is performed. We use the best dental specialists in the community. We offer same day dental implant and implant supported denture options. We offer the latest technologies, singleday crown visits, CEREC dental singleappointment crowns and bridges. We use all digital radiography, which significantly lowers the amount of radiation exposure to our patients. My dental hygiene staff schedules the appropriate amount of time to properly clean your teeth and exams are performed same day, by me, unless previously specified. We do not participate in third-party payment options and we offer discounts to patients who choose to pay the same day. We have early morning and weekend office hours, with same day emergency services. Our office is located at 401 South St. Bldg 4a in Chardon. Call 440-286-9011 or visit www.jeffreysalernodds.com to schedule and appointment.
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The new Chardon Smile Center office opened in 2015 with state-of-the-art technology.
A Focus on Service with a Smile at Chardon Dentist SUBMITTED Chardon Smile Center has a focus on service, to both the patient and the community. Dr. Christopher Phillips and Dr. Brian Titus strive to be on the cutting edge of the newest dental practices and maintain a visible community presence. “We are a little spoiled,” said Titus, who speaks with pride of the practice’s technology. Titus said their practice has “all of the newest tech equipment,” which includes the capacity to examine a patient’s mouth in 3D. In addition, their patients love their new office, which they moved in to in 2015 after coming to Chardon in 2008, Titus said. “Our practice provides a very comfortable, nice, warm relaxing atmosphere for our patients that has much less of a ‘hospital’ feel,” he said. Being active in the community allows the doctors and staff to be involved in a host of community activities and events throughout the year. Participating in the Geauga County Maple Festival’s Bathtub Races, the annual health fair at UH Geauga and the Firecracker
5K run allows the company to interact with the community in non-medical settings. Chardon Smile Center is also greatly involved with the sports programs in Chardon Schools. They provide custom-fitted mouth guards to student athletes in their school colors and offer dental education to the students. They also participate in the community arts programs, which includes sponsoring the Chardon community theater. Titus believes dental health affects the overall health of a person. As an example, a person with gum disease has a higher risk of having heart disease. Brushing, flossing and regular checkups are key to dental health. Chardon Smile Center is accepting new patients and offers a new patient special, which includes an exam, full X-rays and routine cleaning for $85 for patients that don’t have insurance. Patients may contact he Chardon Smile Center at 440-286-2474 or by going to www.chardonsmilecenter.com. The office is open Monday Wednesday and Friday from 8:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Karlovec Media Group
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Burton Health, a Tradition Of Caring Since 1996 SUBMITTED Burton Health Care Center, 14095 E. Center St. in Burton, has been caring for the residents of Geauga and surrounding counties for over 20 years. Staff members are dedicated to providing a caring home for supportive living, with compassion towards those who must depend on others to meet their needs. The nursing center also provides a sub acute unit for short-term rehab and post hospital care. A wing has been dedicated solely for those needing this transitional care. Burton Health Care & Rehabilitation Center provides post-surgical care for many orthopedic procedures such as hip/knee replacements and fractures. “Our teams goal is focused on getting people back to their normal living environment as soon possible,” said Erin Kostos, administrator for Burton Health Care
Center. “Our industry used to be known as the place you went to live out the rest of your life, but that’s changing. We’re sending more and more patients home to lead full lives.” In addition, the short-term therapy unit can provide extended medical care, wound care and cardio/pulmonary rehabilitation. Burton Health Care Center accepts Medicare and many private insurances. The center’s staff members are proud of their Veterans Administration contract and making a difference in the lives of those who have made a difference in theirs. Burton Health Care Center is eight miles from Parkman, 10 miles from Mesopotamia, 12 miles from West Farmington, 15 miles from Southington, 18 miles from Bristolville and 20 miles from Lake County. For more information on Burton Health Care Center or to schedule a tour, contact 440834-1084, or visit www.BurtonHealthCare.com.
Why Water Heaters Fail BY ERIC DUNLAP BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING The average life of a water heater is 12 years. We’ve seen some last only two or three years, and we’re still servicing 20-year old units that work just fine. So what’s the trick? You can extend your water heater’s life by knowing what makes it fail and performing a few simple checks and maintenance duties. The number one water heater killer is rust. There are several factors that speed up the rusting and corrosion process: • Sacrificial anode rods wear out. Every water heater has an anode rod inside that electrochemically corrodes so the tank won’t. Once it is spent, the exposed metal parts of the tank are under attack. The solution: Check the rod every year, and replace it if necessary. • Electrolysis from different types of metal. Steel rusts faster when it’s near copper or brass. Water heaters are often made of these alloys, and when they are joined directly to the steel tank, excessive rusting and corrosion occur. The solution: Have protective dielectric unions, plastic lines, and steel couplings installed at the corrosionprone connections. • Sediment build-up. When cold water is heated, it forces minerals out of solution and forms solids – usually calcium carbonate. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank between the heating unit and the water. In addition to slowing heat transfer, the buildup causes overheating that can destroy the glass lining and weaken the steel bottom.
Sediment can also become a host for harmful bacteria, create odor problems, and become noisy. The solution: Drain your water heater every two months. If the sediment is excessive, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call at 440-286-6002, and we’ll thoroughly clean it for you. • Rust and corrosion on the tank. Leaks can cause water heaters to rust from the outside preventing drains and pressure valves from operating properly. The solution: Check all plumbing connections for leaks, and repair or replace as necessary. • Corrosive gasses. If the air surrounding your water heater contains salt, chlorine, or other corrosive chemicals, they attack the combustion chamber and/or flue. The solution: Do not store corrosive chemicals near the unit. • Too hot temperature setting. The higher the temperature, the faster sediment accumulates. Every 20 degree rise in water temperature doubles the chemical action that causes rust and corrosion. The solution: Keep water temperatures as low as possible. Normal tap water temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. • Soft water. Water is softened by exchanging salt for the hard minerals normally present in water. Salt can triple the amount of calcium carbonate and drastically shorten the life of the unit’s sacrificial anode. The solution: Check the anode rod frequently and replace when necessary. Remember when all else fails Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (440-286-6002) is just a phone call away.
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Health & Wellness Special Section
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Thursday, February 9, 2017
“ A Doctor’s Confession to Geauga County” By Dr. Tad Roediger
And Why I Still Do What I Do ...
Let me start with our family photo ... You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “I know you. You’re Dr. Roediger. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and your family.” Well, perhaps I should tell you a little more about the photo. Let’s start with me, the guy at the bottom of the photo. I know what it’s like to live with constant pain. As a sophomore on the University of New Hampshire football team, I developed sciatica; an excruciating condition that caused sharp pain in my leg and lower back. I was unable to play football anymore and the pain was so bad that at times it was difficult for me to even walk or concentrate. I was told surgery was the only option to alleviate the condition, but even after undergoing surgery, the pain persisted. On the advice of a friend, I decided to see a chiropractor. After the initial examination, the chiropractor was able to determine that I had several bones out of alignment in my spine, and that they were putting pressure on the nerves in my back. The situation was serious, but after a few treatments I noticed the pain had decreased and I felt better overall. Over time the chiropractic treatments allowed my body to heal itself naturally!
MY CONFESSION IS … I’ve never healed anyone of anything! I found the body does all of the healing. What I do is perform a gentle spinal treatment to alleviate nerve pressure without any ‘twisting’ or ‘popping’, and the body responds by healing itself. It’s as simple as that! I have helped thousands of people with a variety of health problems. It’s strange how life is. Now people come to see me with their low back and sciatic problems. They also come to me with their headaches, migraines, chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder /arm pain, numbness in limbs, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, sports injuries, just to name a few. My wife, Sharon, suffered for years with migraine headaches. She took ibuprofen everyday. We found her migraines were from misaligned vertebrae in her neck, we adjusted them, now she rarely has migraines. Courtney, our young adult, gets adjusted to be able to deal with the physical and mental stresses of working in a fast paced restaurant in Chardon. Ty, our youngest, gets checked weekly to make sure his growing spine and body are working at its best.
WHAT SETS ME APART ... in the chiropractic field is my use of the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT); a treatment system that utilizes a small hand-held instrument that applies a quick, lowforce, gentle chiropractic treatment directly to the source of your pain to alleviate nerve pressure to allow the body to heal itself. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I had been suffering from Morton’s Neuroma for 2 years. After treatments, I am now able to walk on the treadmill and take long walks outdoors without the shooting pain in my toe and foot.” – Sue A., Burton "I had been living with numbness in my arms for months. The constant dropping of things and sleepless nights were making me crazy. Within two weeks of adjustments, my numbness was gone and my grip felt stronger. I appreciate the convenient scheduling and being able to get in and out and back to my life." – Mary Lou, Middlefield
“A pinched nerve in my back sent me to see Dr. Roediger. With each adjustment the pain decreased and I was feeling myself again. I am always able to get in and out so my driver is not waiting long.” – Lucinda S., Middlefield STOP LIVING WITH PHYSICAL PAIN! Chiropractic treatment is very affordable and highly effective. Take advantage of a LIMITED TIME OFFER! Call 440-285-0756 before March 2, 2017 to receive the complete initial exam for only $37 (this includes consultation, exam, paraspinal scan and two x-rays of the problem area if needed). I am here to help you reach your health care goals as quickly as possible. Treatment in my office is affordable whether you have insurance or not, treatments are only $39. You don’t have to miss a half day’s work to receive treatment. Now is the time to take care of that ache or pain, improve your quality of life, and take care of your most valuable asset … YOU! Call ROEDIGER CHIROPRACTIC today at 440-285-0756. Amber, Ashley or Suzanne will be glad to schedule your appointment. We are located at 401 South St., Bldg. 2A, Chardon, or visit us online at www.roedigerchiropractic.com.