Top Docs Spring 2015 by On Common Ground News

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A PUBLICATION OF

SPRING 2015

Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett Henry and Rockdale

Metro Atlanta’s

5 Steps for Better Sleep Avoiding the “Silent Killer” Detox the Healthy Way Superfoods for Summer

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Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 3

Top Docs Cover Spotlight: Dr. Janet L. Bivens Kendrick Family Practice Page 6

Table of Contents

Are you getting a good night’s rest? 5 steps you can take to sleep like a baby

10.

How to avoid the “silent

16.

Detox drinks for healthy killer” benefits What you need to Don’t just hydrate— know about high blood cleanse and pressure reinvigorate

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24.

Superfoods for healthy

bodies Sure fruits are on the list…

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 5

Dr. Janet L. Bivens

Board Certified in Family Medicine

r. Janet L. Bivens and associates have been providing outstanding medical care in South DeKalb County for twenty-five years. Originally from New York, Dr. Bivens (previously Kendrick) relocated to Lithonia, GA in 1989 and opened her practice in 1990. Dr. Bivens is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and an adjunct professor of medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Kendrick Family Practice is comprised of Dr. Janet Bivens and three other providers including Dr. Tinisha Ransome, Family Practice Physician, Ms. Susan Lee, Family Nurse Practitioner and Ms. Ebonique Pillot, Physician Assistant. Many factors contribute to your overall health and well-being. Practitioners of the healing arts have long understood the link between mental, spiritual and physical health. At Kendrick Family Practice we believe in a holistic approach to care which

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includes addressing all aspects of a patient including their mental, emotional, spiritual as well as physical health. With that in mind, we offer on-site psychological counseling and massage therapy. Our holistic approach begins with a comprehensive personal and family history to determine what procedures and tests you may require. Your thorough physical exam (depending on age and gender) may include Pap smear, breast exam, rectal with stool check for cancer, prostate exam and EKG. Age appropriate blood tests might include screening for diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia, thyroid, liver and kidney problems, prostate cancer and HIV. We will also assess your risk for cardiovascular disease, offer nutritional guidance and wellness counseling. We focus on cardiovascular health (especially in women) because 300,000 women per year will die from cardiovascular disease vs. 30,000 from breast cancer. More than 80% of cardiac events could be prevented with lifestyle changes. As family practitioners, we stay up to date with the most current, evidence based treatments and tests;

“Ser ving South DeKalb

Ms. Ebonique Pillot Physician Assistant

avoiding unnecessary procedures that don’t have proven health benefits. For more comprehensive preventive and wellness care, consider our concierge practice. As a member you will receive 24/7 doctor availability, annual wellness program with extensive screening and diagnostic tests, ongoing coaching and online tracking tools, coordination of care with specialists, and your own website. By working closely with Dr. Bivens, our patients have significantly improved their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars. Many have also been able to decrease or discontinue their medications. Learn about all the benefits, the annual membership fee and

Dr. Janet L. Bivens

schedule a meeting with Dr. Bivens to see if our concierge practice is right for you. At Kendrick Family Practice we are experts in treating hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol but we know that you are the most important part of your treatment plan. Healthcare is a partnership between provider and patient. We listen to you, respect your opinion and work together to find solutions tailored to your individual needs. Our Medical Weight Loss for Life program is simple, safe and affordable. We also provide allergy testing and immunotherapy including easy, painless allergy drops that are administered at home. To learn more please

for 25 years”

Ms. Susan Lee Family Nurse Practitioner

visit our website www. kendrickmdfp.com watch our allergy video, compute your BMI or download a coupon for $10 off your first weight loss visit. Federal guidelines mandate that all commercial drivers pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) health exam. New regulations now require health providers who perform DOT physicals to be certified. Kendrick Family Practice is a certified DOT physical provider. As part of the DeKalb County “Get HIPP 2 HIV” campaign. , we offer free male and female condoms and free on-site HIV testing. Did you know that HIV is now considered a chronic medical disease like diabetes or hypertension?

Dr. Tinisha Ransome

It is very treatable (often with only one pill per day) but like any other chronic disease, the earlier it is detected, the better the outcome. Whether you are interested in our traditional practice, weight loss program, allergy drops, concierge practice or want to schedule a hot stone massage, call for an appointment or visit our new website to learn more.

Kendrick Family Practice 5900 Hillandale Drive, Suites 300, 325 Lithonia, GA 30058

770-987-2155 www.kendrickmdfp.com

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 7 www.MDsWhoCare.com

How can you get a better night’s sleep? By Joshua Smith

re you tossing and turning at night, keeping your spouse awake? Are you both tired when the next day? Getting adequate sleep is one of the most important things you can do for yourself when it comes to staying healthy, physicians say. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), those who don’t get enough sleep regularly are more likely to suffer from a variety of chronic diseases including diabetes, depression, hypertension, obesity and even cancer. The National Sleep Foundation states that 25 percent of Americans take some kind of medication to help them sleep. Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans each year, sleep experts say. So how much sleep do

you need? Sleep requirements depend on age. Newborns sleep 16 to 18 hours a day, preschoolers need 11 to 12 hours, and elementary school children need 10 hours. Adolescents should get nine to 10 hours, although most teens sleep only about seven hours. There are individual differences, of course, but the average range of sleep for adults is seven to nine hours, according to the American Sleep Association.

Here are some ways to get better rest night can suppress melatonin Dim the levels, which the body relies on lights to determine the time of day. Many One way to deal with this is to of us keep start dimming the lights around all of our dinnertime, and continue to lights and turn off more lights the closer it electronics on until right gets to bedtime. This will help your body realize that nighttime before we is here, and it will produce want to fall asleep. Studies melatonin that is needed to have shown that constant help you fall asleep. exposure to bright light at 8 • www.MDsWhoCare.com • Spring 2015

Turn off electronics Turn off your electronics— television, cell phone, I pad, computers—at least an hour

before going to bed. The blue light created by these electronics can disrupt your pineal gland, a pea-size organ in the brain that releases the hormone, melatonin, to help you sleep. Mariana Figueiro, a light researcher light researcher of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, says that teens are more adversely affected by blue lights from electronics. In investigating the impact of blue lights from computers, Figuero found that teens exposed to just onetenth as much light as adults suppressed more melatonin than older people, impeding them from a good night’s rest.

Relax Emphasizing relaxation for an hour or two before bedtime can help get you ready to fall asleep, sleep experts say. Do things you find relaxing such as reading, taking a bath, meditating or writing in a journal. A study in Applied Psychology: Health and WellBeing found that participants who spent 15 minutes writing in a gratitude journal every evening had less worries at

bedtime, and were able to have longer, more sound sleep.

Skip dessert Consuming processed foods and sugars right before bed can raise your blood sugar and delay sleep. They can also wake you up in the middle of the night and leave you unable to fall back to sleep. Try incorporating a high-protein snack a few hours before bed, which can provide the L-tryptophan needed for melatonin and serotonin production. Some foods that are high in sleep-inducing tryptophan include nuts and seeds, dairy and some fruits such as mango, papayas and bananas.

Be consistent with your bedtime Consistency is key for your internal clock and sleep drive.

This is a lot easier when you have a full-time job, but it’s important for everyone. So, even if you don’t have any pressing matters to wake up for, create a consistent bedtime for yourself and only break it on special occasions. This will help you fall asleep faster and actually sleep deeper at night, so that you wake up feeling rested, according to MindBodyGreen.com.

Know when to contact your doctor Nearly everyone has an occasional sleepless night — but if you often have trouble sleeping, contact your doctor. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you consult a sleep doctor to identify and treat any underlying causes to help you get better sleep.

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 9

Do you have high blood pressure? It’s the silent killer… By Valerie J. Morgan

ay marks National High Blood Pressure Education Month. That means it’s time to have your blood pressure checked and find out what your numbers are. It’s important to know your numbers because unlike many illnesses, high blood pressure usually has no symptoms. High blood pressure can manifest itself through other

health problems, however. Most people find out they have hypertension when they go to the doctor for something else, according to abouthealth.com. A person may feel fatigued, dizzy, nauseated or have loss of conscience. The first thing a physician usually checks is your blood pressure. Your blood pressure numbers will reveal if it is high or not. During May, National High Blood Pressure Education Month, the Centers for Disease

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Control (CDC) campaigns to educate the public on the impact of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. About 1 in 3 Americans—more than 65 million people—have high blood pressure, health officials report. Many have high blood pressure, but don’t realize it. That is why high blood pressure is called the “silent killer,” several medical journals note. More than 360,000 American deaths or 1,000 each

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day were attributed to high blood pressure as primary or contributing cause, according to health officials. While hypertension is a dangerous disease that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, it can be controlled and prevented. First, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to know your numbers. Blood pressure has two numbers, systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure (the top number) is the force on the blood vessel walls when the heart beats and pumps blood out of the heart. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is the force that occurs when the heart relaxes in between beats. Doctors generally consider a blood pressure of 120 over 80 mm Hg or less to be normal

and healthy, according to livestrong.com. If your blood pressure is 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic, you have prehypertension. Systolic of 140 or greater or diastolic of 90 or greater is hypertension, according to CDC web site. Doctors recommend that in addition to knowing your high blood pressure numbers, you should strive to: Eat healthy: A diet is an important step in keeping your blood pressure normal. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is an important step in keeping your blood pressure normal. Maintain a healthy weight: Since being overweight increases your blood pressure, losing excess weight with diet and exercise will help lower

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your blood pressure. Cut down on salt: It is well documented that high levels of salt is linked to hypertension. Limit your salt intake to about one teaspoon or less per day. Most restaurant foods (especially fast foods) and many processed and frozen foods contain high levels of salt. Use herbs and spices that do not contain salt in recipes to flavor your food; do not add salt at the table. Exercise: Activities, such as walking or jogging, can lower your blood pressure. Drink alcohol in moderation: Having more than one drink a day (for women) and two drinks a day (for men) can raise blood pressure.

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 13

Dedicated to pediatric emergencies

nly about 6 percent of hospitals in the country have emergency departments that are fully equipped to handle children.* We have three dedicated pediatric emergency departments right here in Atlanta. Your children and teens have access to boardcertified pediatric doctors and specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because we treat more children than many hospitals in the nation—nearly 200,000 emergency visits a year—our

pediatric-trained staff understands the special physical and emotional care that children and teens require. We also have the only dedicated Level I and Level II pediatric trauma centers in the state at our Egleston and Scottish Rite hospitals. This means we offer the highest level of emergency and surgical care, and our specialists are ready to treat your child’s most serious injury or illness at a moment’s notice. We also have a transport team that uses dedicated pediatric

ambulances and helicopters to provide mobilized intensive care to your child on the way to the hospital. Once at Children’s, we take precautions to keep your child safe, such as providing the lowest dose of radiation possible if X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans are needed. From specialized diagnostics and treatments to equipment made to fit children, our emergency departments are prepared to help handle pediatric medical emergencies.

About Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 24 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 60 pediatric programs specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S.News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit choa.org for more information. *Institute of Medicine Committee on the Future of Emergency Care in the United States Health System.

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rEmEmbEr hoW closE WE arE. If your child has a medical emergency, experience is crucial. So it’s good to know that the emergency department at Hughes Spalding is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine pediatricians who can handle everything from fevers to broken bones. To learn more, visit choa.org/hughesspalding.

©2013 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System® and managed by HSOC Inc., an affiliate of Children’s. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals who perform services at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are independent providers and are not our employees.

Children’s at hughes spalding - 35 Jesse hill Jr. drive se, atlanta Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 15

Hydrate, eliminate and refresh with detox drinks By Mackenzie Morgan

ummer is a wonderful time to detox. With so many readily available summer fruits and vegetables, you not only can use them to stay hydrated but to flush away the toxins in your body. Detoxification removes impurities from the body. After detoxing, many people report

feeling energized. Others report clearer skin, weight loss, and even the disappearance of a variety of symptoms such as sinusitis, digestive disorders, mood swings, fatigue, and even high blood pressure. I have used a number of these detox drinks such as the Lemon Water Remix and the Aloe Water listed here and reaped the benefits. I’ve

included the recipes for the ones I’ve enjoyed as well as others touted as enjoyable and easy to make. I prefer using organic produce, but you may grow your own or shop your grocery store. You can save these recipes for your fridge and pick up ingredients wherever you shop. Here are a few for you to make:

The Refresh Button Peel and chop 2 kiwis with a sharp knife. Put the mango, kiwis, 1 cup of pineapple juice and 4 mint leaves into a blender and process until thoroughly blended. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy.

body of harmful toxins is to drink water. Just 6 to 8 glasses every day will help to keep you hydrated and keep your vital organs in optimum health. Ginger cleanses toxins from your body and also acts as a natural pain reliever. Lemon is great for boosting your immune system and cleaning out harmful toxins. Cucumber is an anti-inflammatory and natural diuretic helps you to stay hydrated. Mint sweetens

Lemon Water Remix 3.0 Whether you’re trying to lose weight or you simply want to look and feel healthier, one of the best ways to rid your 16 • www.MDsWhoCare.com • Spring 2015

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 17

which aids in weight loss and lowering blood sugar; Apples are great for fiber; lemons for cleansing and cinnamon helps to curb the appetite. Ingredients & Instructions: You’ll need about 12 ounces of filtered water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and about half a medium apple, sliced. Blend everything except the apples for about ten seconds. Add the apples and drink.

your drink without adding sugar and aids in digestion. Ingredients & Instructions: For this recipe, you need about 12 ounces of room temperature water and the juice of ½ a lemon and a ½ inch knob of fresh ginger. Squeeze lemon juice into the water and grate the ginger into it using a zester or cheese grater. This is a great drink for first thing in the morning.

Fire Engine Fat Burner Give nasty toxins the boot and drop a few pounds while you’re at it. This drink is jam packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other healthy benefits. It’s got apple cider vinegar, 18 • www.MDsWhoCare.com • Spring 2015

Aloe Water Aloe vera juice contains leaf pulp that is rich in natural nutrients and fiber. This well-known herbal remedy for the skin also has many benefits for internal healing, cleansing and repair when ingested as a nutritional drink. When you take aloe internally, it can help improve circulation and digestion and increase energy. Like other herbal supplements, taking aloe vera internally can cause adverse interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Please consult with a medical professional before changing your diet. Ingredients & Instructions: Split the leaf down the center and remove the gel with a sharp knife. Combine the 2

Dr. Betty Dillon Dr. Betty Dillon is a native of Magnolia, Mississippi, and she received a B.S. in Chemistry in 1986 from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. In 1995, Dr. Dillon received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, (DDS), from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN. In that same year, Dr. Dillon became a board certified practicing dentist. In the two years that followed, she developed and perfected her skills in dentistry while serving as an associate dentist with several of her colleagues in the Atlanta area. In 1997, Dr. Dillon set out to start her own practice and opened Gentle Family Dentistry P.C., in Stone Mountain, Georgia. As a result of the success with Gentle Family Dentistry P.C., Dr. Dillon felt the need to give back to the community by hosting “Dentistry from the Heart” which has further led to Dentistry/“Healing from the Heart” whereby Physicians and Dentists join together to deliver free healthcare to the Community. Dr. Dillon is board certified (SRTA), and a member in good standing with the following organizations: • National Dental Association (NDA ) • Georgia Dental Society (GDS) (President 2014) • North Georgia Dental Society (held office of secretary) • The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) • The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) • The American Dental Association (ADA) Dr. Dillon is pursuing fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and currently a Fellow of the American Orthodontic Society. Dr. Dillon owns and operates a 3500 sq foot dental office which encompasses separate pediatric and adult dental units. Dr. Dillon attends the Changing A Generation Full-gospel Church in Decatur Georgia where she is a minister in Trainng under the leadership of Bishop Paul S. Morton. Dr. Dillon has also endeavored in missionary work with Greenforest Community Baptist Church, in 1997, 1998 and 1999, in which she provided dental service to the people in Haiti and Jamaica. Dr. Dillon is the proud owner of the building that houses her practice and the adjacent building at 900 N. Hairston Rd. She desires to create a medical complex that would house other medical professionals offering even more services in the Stone Mountain area. In addition to previously mentioned credits, Dr. Dillon is the mother of a 27-year-old son and a 9 year old daughter. She was named “Thursday Morning Mom” from the Tom Joyner Morning Show in May of 1999. With a personal approach to dentistry and a genuine concern for patients and the community in general, Dr. Dillon is determined to take a proactive approach in becoming involved with the health and well being of the community. When asked what is her secret to her success? She responds: “My faith in God, through whom all things are possible for those that love him; and my children are my motivation to do well.”

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Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 19

tablespoons of aloe gel with roughly 8 ounces of water and some freshly squeezed lemon in a blender and process for about one minute.

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice if desired, and1 tablespoon of protein powder or spirulina powder. Pour and enjoy.

Fruit Detox Because fruit is high in fiber and packed with essential minerals and vitamins, it is a wonderful natural way to detox the body. This recipe incorporates fruit, along with flax oil and lecithin, to provide essential fatty acids while you detox.

Detox Dandelion Tea An alternative to cold drinks, dandelion tea is a powerful way to detox. According to homeopathic science, dandelions are a great source of vitamin A, potassium, iron and calcium. Dandelion detox tea is a diuretic that will eliminate bodily toxins through your liver and kidneys. It aids in weight loss, helps cure skins conditions, and helps to purify the blood

Ingredients & Instructions: In your blender, add: 8 oz. of orange juice, 4 oz. of pure water, ½ cup banana strawberries or yogurt, ½-inch slice of ginger, 1 small garlic clove, 1 tablespoon flax oil, 1 tablespoon lecithin granules (can be found in vitamin section of local grocer or natural food store), 20 • www.MDsWhoCare.com • Spring 2015

Ingredients & Instructions: Brew 6 tablespoons of dried dandelion root and 12 tablespoons of fresh dandelion leaves in 4 cups of purified, boiling water.

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 21

Treating Patients. Healing People. Georgia Urology delivers the most advanced urological available. Our practice serves patients in DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties with offices in Atlanta, Decatur, Conyers, Duluth, Lawrenceville and Snellville. As the largest urology practice in the Southeast, our highly- trained and experienced urologists specialize in medical and surgical services for the management of all genitourinary conditions in men, women, adolescents and children including:

• Urological cancers (including prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular)

• Urinary tract infections

• Male and female incontinence

• Male reproductive health and infertility (including vasectomy and vasectomy reversal)

• Kidney stones

• Pediatric urology

• Prostate problems

• Robotic surgery

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Appointments within 24 business hours for kidney stone pain. 1-855-STONE11

www.gaurology.com or call 404-256-1844 22 • www.MDsWhoCare.com • Spring 2015

Dr. Khamis W. Ibrahim CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Khamis W. Ibrahim has been providing chiropractic care in the Dekalb County community for the past 14 years. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and holds a doctor of chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, GA. He is board certified in physiotherapy and is an active member in good standing with the Georgia Chiropractic Association. Dr. Ibrahim has also done volunteer work with the Special Olympics of Georgia. Located in the heart of Lithonia and only a mile from Stonecrest Mall, his clinic provides a multi-disciplinary approach to physical medicine by providing chiropractic, medical and physiotherapy treatments. His facility, Eastside Allied Health and Lithonia Chiropractic Clinic, treats a wide array of conditions such as Headaches, Neck pain, Shoulder/Arm pain, Upper and Middle back pain, Lower back pain, leg pain and numbness and joint pain related to arthritis. Dr. Ibrahim enjoys helping his patients return to their lifestyle without the pain. Auto Injuries, sports injuries, work-

related injuries and slip and fall injuries can have very serious long term effects if not treated properly and in a timely manner. Dr. Ibrahim has been very successful with treating these types of injuries by properly diagnosing the injury, implementing the correct treatment plan and documenting the injuries to help his patients maximize their healing process. In addition, his facility has been very successful treating patients with Disc Herniations without the use of surgery. His state-of-the-art Accu Spina decompression table has been helping his patients with disc bulges and herniations for years. Disc herniations and bulges have played a major role in severe low back pain and/or leg pain (sciatica). Over 90% of disc herniations occur in the lumbar spine (lower back) and is one of the most common causes of disability in the United States of America today. His facility offers radiology services (x-rays) and if an MRI is needed for further evaluation that can be discussed with the patient and offered at a facility where your insurance is accepted. In addition, chiropractic care has been very

useful and successful with patients who are under wellness care and receive spinal adjustments on a regular basis. Eastside Allied Health will welcome you with very convenient hours and same day appointments. In addition, they will file all the necessary paperwork you will need for your insurance company and they will accept attorney liens in cases where you have been injured. Most insurances are accepted. For more information you can call us at (770) 482-1114 or please visit our website: www.eastsidealliedhealth.com

EASTSIDE ALLIED HEALTH, LLC Dr. Khamis W. Ibrahim 3081 Stone Mountain St. Lithonia, GA 30058 Office: (770) 482-1114 Cell: (678)520-9010 Fax: (770) 484-1206 www.eastsidealliedhealth.com KhamisDC@bellsouth.net

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 23

to boost y 7 Superfoods By Joshua Smith

ummertime is approaching so we’ve searched the web and compiled some of the best foods that offer the best health benefits for you and your family this summer. You can spot many of these “superfoods” in your grocery store’s produce section because they are just as bright in color as the summer sun. Here is a look at the top 7 mentioned by several sources:

Mango

Mango is known as the “king of fruit.” The beautiful yellow-fleshed fruit offers an array of health benefits including antioxidants such as quercetin, fisetin and gallic acid to protect against breast, colon, leukemia and prostate cancers. Vitamin-rich mangoes also promote good eyesight, help lower cholesterol levels and the leaves of the mango help regulate insulin levels. Diabetics can boil 5-6 mango leaves in water, soak overnight and drink the filtered juice in

the morning to help regulate insulin levels, according to healthmeup.com. As with any chronic illness, do not replace or reduce your prescribed medications without first consulting with your physician. Mangoes are also suggested as a way to prevent heat stroke. Chop a mango in a juicer, add a little water and a tablespoon of honey and this juice will instantly cool you down and prevent heat stroke. So what other benefits does this superfruit provide? Mangoes provide fiber for better digestion. There are many recipes for smoothies, salads and side and main dishes on the internet. And just as you may eat mangoes, you may also use them on your body. Make a paste of mashed mango, honey and milk and use as a body scrub to make your skin feel tender and smooth. Mangoes are good for inside and out! You are ready for summer with this superfruit.

Kiwi

Just one cup of this electric green fruit provides more

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potassium than the same amount of sliced bananas — with less sugar and calories. They may taste sweet, but there’s no worrying about cavities when it comes to kiwi. With just seven grams of sugar in one medium fruit, they have almost three times less sugar than one apple. One cup of kiwi also contains five grams of fiber (the green part has soluble fiber, while the seeds and skin offer the insoluble kind), or about 21 percent of the daily-recommended intake to help promote feelings of fullness.

Spinach

Antioxidants, antiinflammatories, and vitamins that promote vision and bone health are what make spinach so super. Elements in spinach act as potential health promoting compounds in this vegetable. Daily intake of green vegetables like spinach are effective for maintaining bone mass in young women. One cup of this green stuff also packs up to 12 percent of the recommended daily dose of calcium.

your health this summer Watermelon

Watermelon and the Fourth of July go hand-in-hand. But watermelon is more than a cool refreshment on a hot summer holiday. It’s a good source

for vitamins A and C because of its beta carotene. Studies suggest watermelon could also potentially lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Plus, the lycopene in watermelon could help protect the body from UV rays and cancer.

vitamin C, and cancer-fighting compounds. Elements in blueberries inhibit growth of metastatic potential breast cancer cells. Studies suggest blueberries may even improve memory.

Blueberries

Blueberries are nutritional superstars,filled with fiber,

Metro Atlanta’s Top Docs • Spring 2015 • 25

to interactions with estrogen, cauliflower may also help prevent hormone-driven cancers like breast, uterine, and cervical.

Cauliflower

While all the vitamins and minerals are a great bonus, the real star here is cauliflower’s cancer-fighting compounds—glucosinolates. These phytochemicals are responsible for cauliflower’s sometimes bitter flavor, but they have also been shown to prevent damage to the lungs and stomach by carcinogens, potentially protecting against those cancers. And thanks

Tomatoes

that makes tomatoes red—may protect your skin from sunburn. In one study, participants who were exposed to UV light had almost 50 percent less skin reddening after they ate 2½ tablespoons of tomato paste (or drank about 1⅔ cups of carrot juice daily), in addition to their regular diet, for 10 to 12 weeks. Supplements, however, weren’t as effective: in the same study, those who received a lycopene supplement or synthetic lycopene weren’t significantly protected against sunburn.

There’s no question that sunscreen should be your first line of defense against the Sources: http://greatist.com, blazing summer sun. But eating http://www.recipe4living.com tomatoes could give you a little http://www.eatingwell.com and extra protection: consuming more lycopene—the carotenoid healthmeup.com.

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