Top Docs Sequal

A Publication of

MLK champs add vitamin D to regimen

How Our Spiritual Leaders Keep Fit

GSU grad students lead grocery tours

East Lake Farmer’s Market grows

2 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 3

Top Docs Cover Spotlights

Dr. Dharmeshkumar Patel, MD

Dr. Amber Jenkins Dabney, DDS

Dr. John Lipman, MD, FSIR

Dr. Windell D. Boutté, MD

Dr. Naim G. Shaheed, DPM

Family Physician

Family Dentist

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Expert

Dermatologist

Podiatrist

Page 7

Page 9

Page 11

Page 13

Page 14

6 Urban Garden Atlanta’s East Lake Farmer’s Market expands

8 Helping Hands

contents

Free clinic is lifeline for the needy

10 Enchanted Closet Building better girls in 2012

18 Secondhand Smoke Emory program to help low-income families

20 Performance Booster MLK athletes excel with vitamin D

22 Super Foods Spiritual leaders share their health secrets

26 Supermarket Tours GSU grads teach consumers to read food labels 4 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

6 20

Our specialty is treating people suffering from the status quo.

How it is in healthcare, is not how it has to be. That’s why we challenged what a state-of-the-art healthcare facility should look like, how it should operate and even where it should be. DeKalb Medical at Hillandale became the first all-digital master planned hospital in Georgia and brought advanced medicine outside of the perimeter, where people actually live.

We recruited nationally-acclaimed physicians and a dedicated support staff who are passionate about providing worldclass service. We made sure that the hospital didn’t look or smell like one and that the food was actually delicious, all of which make close to home, feel more like home. We even make a point to care for the community outside of our doors.

Every day, we continue to ask ourselves, “What can we do differently? What can we do better than them?” because the last thing we want to be is like everybody else.

To learn more, visit www.dekalbmedicalhillandale.org OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 5

Urban garden planned for Atlanta’s East Lake community

P

By Joshua Smith

lans are under way for the East Lake Farmers Market in Atlanta to grow. Founder Doug Williams is planning to transform the patch of concrete into a place where people not only pitch tents and tables to sell their seasonal goods, but one where fresh produce will be grown in an urban garden.

The community garden will provide fresh vegetables in an area where grocery stores are few, said Williams. It is among a crop of community gardens taking root as the nation’s First Lady Michelle Obama pushes for communities to provide more healthy food choices for families.

Williams plans to use a grant from the DeKalb Board of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to build an urban farm at the corner of Second Avenue and Hosea L. Williams Drive in Atlanta. Williams said he

due to last year’s popularity and members of the community requesting it,” Williams said.

“The popularity in community gardens is fantastic. Anytime members of the community are looking for ways to eat better and live healthier, that’s always a good thing.”

Williams, who started the non-profit farmer’s market in 2009, said the garden will be used to grow a variety of seasonal vegetables, including collard greens, a favorite for him and his wife, Amy. For New Year’s Day, Williams and his wife ate collard greens, following a Southern tradition of eating collards to Fresh collard greens and other veggies from local farmers and vendors will be available to tantalize your taste buds when the bring prosperity for the New Year.

East Lake Farmers Market opens for another season in April.

“I’m from Indianapolis so hopes the urban farm, which will when I moved here in 1997, I consists of raised soil beds, will be fell in love with collard greens,” close to completion in April when said Williams, who enjoys eating the market season gears up again. balsamic-flavored collards greens “We are starting the market with scrambled eggs and countryseason a month earlier than usual style ham. The flavor from that

6 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

combination is awesome.”

Williams said he enjoys collards because they are a good source of vitamin K, which boosts energy levels. Williams will be looking for other collard lovers this spring. The East Lake Farmers Market will host the third annual Collard Green Cook-off in May. Other upcoming events the market will host include the “P’s and Q’s” photography and barbecue bake sell and the “Farm to Garden” event, where farmers display and sell their goods.

The East Lake Farmers Market is located at 11 Second Avenue (corner of Second Avenue and Hosea L. Williams Drive).

For more information: visit http://elfmarket.org or e-mail douglasmwilliams@yahoo.com.

Dr. Dharmeshkumar Patel, MD

M

Family Physician

ore than a third of the nation’s children are overweight and/or diabetic.

In Georgia, nearly 40 percent of children are classified as overweight or obese.

Dr. Dharmeshkumar Patel, MD says he has seen the crisis firsthand through his practice, Georgia Family Care, LLC., which has a location in Lithonia and Lawrenceville. The obesity crisis, he said, is the reason he stresses to his patients the importance of wellness check-ups and living a healthy lifestyle.

What people eat (or don’t eat) can be detrimental to their overall health, Dr. Patel says. Too many people, he says, are unhealthy because they rely on drivethrough fast food restaurants where they load up on fried foods and sodas.

“I am suddenly seeing a lot of kids with obesity and weight problems. Now, you have conditions normally found in people in there 30’s and 40’s found in teens. Our problem is we want everything right now, this second. Families are making the mistake of forfeiting health for speed and convenience,” said Dr. Patel, who serves as Chief of Family Medicine at DeKalb Medical Hillandale.

Patel said that convenience can even be seen when it comes to medicine.

“We see commercials all the time promoting fast flu shots—get in and get out. That is a great selling point, but it’s not the best health advice,” said Dr. Patel.

“You get your flu shot quickly, but what if you need screenings for vital signs, information on family history? You could even be allergic to the pharmacy’s vaccine and need another version, but you would never know until it’s too late.

“I never believed in just getting people to come and go with prescriptions.

No one at our practice does. My staff and I care about our patients and want to see them live well,” Patel said.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi and Punjabi, Patel serves as Chief of Family Medicine at DeKalb Medical Hillandale in addition to running his own private practice.

Dr. Patel and his wife, Rashmi, who

assists him in overseeing his medical facilities, say they have always made health a priority and they encourage their patients to do the same thing for themselves and their children.

“None of us should get so busy with the daily grind that we sacrifice our health,” says Dr. Patel, who with his wife are parents of two sons, Dev, 8, and Jai, 5.

Dr. Patel, who was born in Surat, India, came to America in 1991 to pursue his medical career.

He completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He practiced in Alabama before moving to Georgia, where he worked in DeKalb Medical Hillandale’s Minor Emergency Room. He launched Georgia Family Care, LLC in 2005, serving newborns to senior citizens. He relocated the practice in Lithonia to a new facility on Panola Road in January.

Dr. Patel says it’s his mission to provide the best medical care and live up to his practice’s slogan, “Where Patients Come First.” The new facility offers an on-site blood laboratory where test results can be obtained on the spot. Both of the Georgia Family Care centers also offer some of the latest technology, using neuroconditioning systems to screen for chronic diseases.

“We are always looking for ways to better our patients’ experience here, and technology, along with providing education, has been a great way to do that,” said Dr. Patel.

About Georgia Family Care, LLC Dr. Patel, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. is board

certified in family practice. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Gujarati, Hindi and Punjabi. Dr. Patel is joined in his practice

by Jenny Than, PA-C and Dr. Andrea Andrews, MD to offer several medical services including physicals for men and women.

Georgia Family Care focuses on complete wellness for families. The practice provides sick visit walkins, chronic disease prevention and treatment for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, arthritis, along with immunizations for children and gynecological services. Health classes are offered, as well as one-on-one weight counseling and diet plans with registered dieticians.

DeKalb County Georgia Family Care, LLC 2491 Panola Rd, Lithonia. 678-2054999.

Gwinnett County Georgia Family Care, LLC 1430 Five Forks TrickumRd, Suite 220, Lawrenceville. 678-578-4983.

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 7

Helping Hands’ free clinic fills gap for needy

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By Joshua Smith

or Deborah Watson, Helping Hands Outreach was a blessing in disguise. Watson called the Rockdale County clinic to get thyroid information and found out it was offering a free health fair, which provided not only information but an array of health screenings.

“I don’t have insurance and with my mom telling me that she now has diabetes, it was a real wake-up call. This free health fair was right on time for me,” said Watson.

“I received screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure. I’m glad to know for sure that everything is on a normal level.”

Formed in September 2001, Helping Hands is one of a few free clinics serving the metro Atlanta area. The Georgia Free Clinic Network lists 14 clinics between Atlanta and Covington in its database, although there are others around that are not included.

Volunteer medical staff and donations in the form of supplies and money keep the nonprofit Helping Hands running. The clinic offers free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension and

really well because they are filled with great screenings,” said Morris, who has more than 20 years of experience in medical health care. “Sometimes, the free screenings can be a patients’ first line of defense against critical medical problems.”

Gail Mitchell, an in-home nurse who volunteers with Helping Hands, says the clinic fills an important void for those who have no medical insurance.

“I’ve witnessed patients learning Helping Hands Outreach staff assist Deborah Watson through free health about critical ailments that they never screenings including diabetes and high blood pressure. would have known they had, if it wasn’t for this clinic,” said Mitchell. physician exams. It also offers prostate Helping Hands offers primary care screenings, mammogram referrals, women’s wellness seminars, family health and wellness appointments from 2 to 4 p.m. on the second classes and a prescription assistance program. and fourth Fridays of each month and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second and Clinic president Janice Morris and her fourth Saturday of each month. Walk-ins husband, Tolbert Morris Jr., who serves as are welcome for diabetic and hypertension executive director, operate Helping Hands.

The clinic has served more than 7,000 people screenings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on since 2005 through its clinic visits and health Wednesdays. fairs.

For more information, call 770-860-9545 “The health fairs are something we’ve or visit www.helpinghandsga.com. been doing for a long time and they work

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday • 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Friday • 8:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Address: DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale 5910 Hillandale Drive • Suite 301 • Lithonia, GA 30058 For Appointment: 678-418-2120

Hours: Monday Thursday • 8:00•a.m.

5 p.m.

• Friday 12p.m. p.m.

Office Hours:-Monday - Thursday 8:00 -a.m.

- 5 p.m.

• Friday• 8:00 • 8:00a.m. a.m. -- 12 Address: DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale Address: DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale 5910 Hillandale Suite •301 • Lithonia, 30058 5910 Hillandale Drive •Drive Suite• 301 Lithonia, GAGA30058 For Appointment: 678-418-2120 For Appointment: 678-418-2120 8 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

Dr. Amber Jenkins Dabney, DDS

B

––––––––––– Family Dentist –––––––––––

orn and raised in Atlanta, Dr. Amber Jenkins Dabney has had life-long aspirations to work in the dental field.

She began volunteering in dental offices in high school while expanding her horizons through participating in a magnet program for International Studies.

She graduated from high school with an International Baccalaureate Diploma majoring in Latin American Studies and minored in Physics. Dr. Dabney completed her program of undergraduate Pre-Dental Studies at the University of Georgia in Athens, earning a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Biology.

Before entering dental school, Dr. Dabney gained three years of proficiency in the field by working as a dental assistant in downtown Atlanta. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 2001 and has been working in the metro Atlanta area since then. To embrace her ability to deliver high-quality dental care, Dr. Dabney opened Beautiful Smiles Family Dentistry in Lithonia in 2005.

Dr. Dabney believes a doctor and patient become a team for treating dental needs. Her treatment philosophy emphasizes helping patients achieve their dental health and cosmetic goals healthfully and comfortably.

She is committed to keeping patients informed about dental problems and treatments, so that patients can make better decisions about their health. As a result, she maintains an extensive section on her practice website which covers a full array of topics associated with dentistry, dental diagnoses and treatments. The most recent addition to services available at Beautiful Smiles is the surgical placement of dental implants, and Dr. Dabney actively seeks to include new and advanced technology to provide treatment consistent with the standard of care in the dental industry.

Located conveniently near Stonecrest Mall, the contemporary 2,400-square-foot facility features the latest in dental technological advancements including toothcolored resin fillings, low-radiation digital X-rays and clear braces (Invisalign). The friendly staff members and other dental professionals at Beautiful Smiles are well-trained and share Dr. Dabney’s dedication to improving the overall health of our community by participating in local health fairs and school functions.

Beautiful Smiles Family Dentistry • • • • • •

Dental Implants Cosmetic Enhancement Crowns & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Extractions Preferred Provider for Invisalign (Clear Braces)

TOP DOCS On Common Ground presents Metro Atlanta’s

• Partials & Dentures • Traditional & Power Whitening (Zoom) • Tooth-Colored Fillings • Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays • Root Canal Therapy

Se Habla Espanol!

770-484-4051

8200 Mall Pkwy Suite 155 Lithonia, GA 30038 (Across from Stonecrest Mall in Panera Bread Company Shopping Plaza) OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 9

Building Better Girls

By Valerie J. Morgan

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ody builder Monique Hayes Jackson hits the floor and easily does more than 70 successive push-ups—while fielding questions from her audience.

The demonstration is part of Jackson’s health pep talk to a group of girls from the metro Atlanta area. Jackson has come as a guest speaker for the Enchanted Closet. The non-profit mentoring organization serves girls ages 12-19.

“We’re not encouraging them to be body builders—that may not be something they’re interested in,” says Bonita Johnson, founder of the Enchanted Closet. “What we are doing is trying to expose the girls to people who have overcome obstacles to show them that problems and challenges are normal. They can still achieve

Bonita Johnson, Founder of the Enchanted Closet

“Our mission is to mentally, physically and emotionally outfit girls.”

Bodybuilder Monique Hayes Jackson will present a workshop on exercise and nutrition.

and be successful.”

Focusing on building healthy bodies in 2012 is one of the goals for the Enchanted Closet, says Johnson.

Last August, the nonprofit’s GIRL$ MOVE! was launched to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce childhood obesity.

Inspired by First Lady Michelle

Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, GIRL$ MOVE! focuses on healthy eating/cooking; healthy living; and physical fitness.

Jackson is among the guest speakers who will return as a guest speaker this year to participate in the Enchanted Closet’s health and wellness program. Johnson said she is looking forward to the Jan. 21 event where participants will learn about exercise and proper diet from the champion body

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builder. A healthy cooking demonstration is also planned.

Johnson said nearly 50 girls participate in programs offered by the Enchanted Closet. The girls, who are referred by social service agencies and area schools, usually meet on Saturdays in different locations from Fayetteville to Atlanta.

The Enchanted Closet began in 2003 as a community service project, providing free prom dresses to disadvantaged high school students. The non-profit, under Johnson, a microbiologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, expanded its scope in 2007 to include a camp, book club and workshops on leadership, health and financial literacy.

In February, the organization will present several workshops designed to help girls build interpersonal skills.

For more information, call 404-221-3498 or visit enchantedcloset.org.

Dr. John C. Lipman, MD, FSIR

T

––––––––––– Nationally-recognized Uterine Fibroid Embolization expert –––––––––––

housands of women who hadn’t worn white pants in a very long time for fear of embarrassing accidents, wear them today thanks to a physician who is providing them with a choice. Dr. John Lipman is the founder and Medical Director of the Atlanta Interventional Institute, a practice that is focused on the care of women suffering with uterine fibroids.

Dr. Lipman recognized many years ago that women were not satisfied with the traditional surgical approach to treating fibroids.

There are over 1 million women in the United States suffering with uterine fibroids who do not want surgery (hysterectomy) and instead suffer in silence with the miserable periods that ensue each month. Hysterectomies are the second most common surgery that is performed in the United States, and the most common reason is uterine fibroids, which are benign (non-cancerous) tumors.

“A woman doesn’t need to lose her uterus over fibroids. In addition, we have known for a long time that a number of women that undergo hysterectomy suffer psychologically (like a man being castrated) and sexually (loss of libido, loss of orgasm), but we are now learning how the uterus is important in so many other areas,”said Dr. Lipman. “Women who undergo hysterectomy have a higher incidence of osteoporosis and increased heart disease (attack) risk as well.”

Dr. Lipman is a nationally recognized fibroid expert and a pioneer in the development of a procedure which replaces the need for surgery in women suffering with fibroids.

The procedure is called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), and Dr. Lipman has one of the largest UFE experience in the country (over 4,000 procedures).

“Women suffering from fibroids may only hear about the surgical options from their doctor. It is important for women to know that they have other non-surgical options as well,” Dr. Lipman said.

The UFE procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR). These physicians are specifically trained in minimally invasive targeted treatments all over the body.

UFE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, outpatient option that is performed in less than an hour. Under X-ray guidance, Dr. Lipman makes a small nick in the skin at the top of the woman’s leg. He then inserts a thin flexible catheter the size of a piece of spaghetti into the artery supplying the uterus. Microscopic

TOP DOCS On Common Ground presents Metro Atlanta’s

particles are injected which cut off the blood supply to all of the fibroids. While the uterus survives, the fibroids will not. As the fibroids soften and shrink, a woman’s symptoms (heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, increased urinary frequency) start to disappear.

In Dr. Lipman’s hands, the procedure takes less than an hour, and patients are discharged on the day of the procedure with just a bandage covering the initial nick in the skin. The average recovery is 4-5 days, with patients typically returning to work in a week.

According to Dr. Lipman, while fibroids affect 1 in every 3 women of childbearing age regardless of race, it is particularly common (as many as 4 of every 5) in African-American women. One of the factors that contribute to this is body fat. African-American women have a higher average body fat than other racial groups. Estrogen is stored in body fat and can stimulate fibroid growth.

“I encourage women to exercise, eat right, and be as lean as possible. It is important for heart health, prevention of hypertension, Type II diabetes, and stroke, and now it is also important for fibroid health,” Dr. Lipman said.

The Wear White Pants (WWP) movement was started by Dr. Lipman as a symbol of freedom from the imprisonment that some women feel that suffer with fibroids.

“These women’s lives revolve entirely around their menstrual cycles, and can keep them from working or enjoying normal regular activities for several days or more each and

every month.,”Dr. Lipman said. “UFE gives women their freedom and their life back and the ability of being able to wear white pants again is a symbol of that freedom.”

One patient of Dr. Lipman’s wrote “At times, I thought I would literally bleed to death…but since the UFE I’m a new woman. I have my life back. Thanks for performing this amazing procedure (UFE).”

“While UFE is one of the most significant medical breakthroughs for women, unfortunately, many women are completely unaware of UFE. Dr. Lipman added. “Through the Wear White Pants movement, we hope to empower women that they can get relief from fibroids without surgery, and at the same time allow them to keep their uterus.”

About Dr Lipman Dr. Lipman attended Georgetown University School of Medicine and was the chief resident at Brigham & Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School.

He is board certified in radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

The Atlanta Interventional Institute is located at 3903 South Cobb Drive, suite 230, Smyrna. For more information, call 770-953-2600 or visit www.atlii.com.

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 11

The Smile Zone Dental Clinic 8225 Mall Parkway Suite 200 • Lithonia, GA 30038 • 770-482-7400 • www.gaorthostudio.com

Dr. Anthony J. Parker, DDS

D

––––––––––– Dentist –––––––––––

r. Anthony Parker lives by the paraphrase he has adopted from the U.S. Army: “Be all you can be and then some.” As a retired military officer, he practiced dentistry in more than four countries including Operation Desert Shield in Tikrit, Iraq, overseeing large and small dental clinics. Now, he is focusing his attention on patients who come to the Smile Zone Dental Clinic, a high tech medical office located near the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia.

“This is a very contemporary, clean and relaxing facility that offers the top of the line in dental treatment, including digital X-rays,” said Dr. Parker. “Our waiting area has comfortable leather couches and a Kids Zone.

There are flat screen televisions and computer monitors in every examination room. The facility feels like a spa.”

The Smile Zone Dental Clinic offers general dentistry, along with dental implants, teeth whitening and other dental services.

A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, he graduated from Tuskegee University with a

D

Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC, in 1985. Dr. Anthony J. Parker completed a one-year General Dentistry residency at Providence Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Parker retired from the United State Army Dental Corps after 24 years of service, traveling around the world. During his time with the dental corps, he received numerous awards ranging from the “Dentac Rock,” the highest physical fitness score, to the Army Meritorious Award.

Dr. Parker is involved in several professional organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association and the National Dental Association. His community involvement includes Chi Delta Mu Fraternity and the Atlanta Track

Club. He enjoys staying active, marathons, triathlons, traveling, skiing, and motivating others and giving career counseling.

Make Your Appointment Today

The Smile Zone Dental Clinic’s welltrained staff is dedicated to meeting your dental needs. The clinic accepts most dental insurance plans and offers a discount plan for the uninsured.

The clinic is open evenings and weekend hours, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on two Saturdays out of the month 9 a.m. – 1p.m(call for details). The Smile Zone Dental Clinic is located 8225 Mall Parkway, Suite 200 Lithonia, GA 30038 (in the DeKalb Physician Building) near the Mall at Stonecrest.

770-484-8535.

Dr. Jamal A. Duval, DDS ––––––––––– Orthodontist –––––––––––

r. Jamal A. Duval is a passionate orthodontist focused on meeting and exceeding all patient expectations.

Dr. Duval prides himself on giving patients beautiful smiles through his practice, Georgia Orthodontic Studio, which is located in the Smile Zone Dental Clinic, located near the Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia.

Dr. Duval is a native of Macon, GA. He received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga. He earned a Doctorate of Dental surgery degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. He earned his orthodontic certification

after completing his residency at Howard University in Washington, DC. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Duval enjoys teaching for the Georgia Orthodontic Assisting School. It has always been intriguing for Dr. Duval to incorporate the science in conjunction with the art of orthodontics. A strong advocate of continuing education, Dr. Duval stays abreast of the latest technology such as invisalign, Damon and TAD anchorage devices. To ensure that his patients receive the best care and services.

Dr. Duval is a member of the American Association

12 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

of Orthodontist, Southern Association of Orthodontist, Georgia Dental Association and Georgia Dental Society. As a strong believer in volunteer work, Dr. Duval is a participant of Help a Child Smile, Greater Traveler’s Rest Youth Smiles and several mentoring programs. In his leisure time, Dr. Duval spends time with family and friends, traveling, playing tennis and basketball.

Georgia Orthodontic Studio is located inside the Smile Zone Clinic at 8225 Mall Parkway Suite 200, Lithonia, GA 30038.

770-482-7400 • www.gaorthostudio.com.

Duval Orthodontics is located at 110 Tommy Stalnaker Drive, Bldg B, Warner Robbins, GA 31088. 1-478-333-6601 •www. duvalortho.com

Dr. Windell D. Boutté, MD ––––––––––– Dermatologist –––––––––––

D

r. Windell D. Boutté completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University in 1988 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she graduated summa cum laude. While attending Xavier University, she was a recipient of the Minority Access to Research Careers scholarship, which allowed her the opportunity to conduct research at renowned universities throughout the country. During her senior year, she was awarded the National HBCU Student Award for Excellence in Science and Technology, presented to her by President Ronald Reagan. Due to her academic prowess and humanitarian efforts, the President of her university, Norman Francis, chose her to represent her senior class in honoring Pope John Paul II as he visited her college campus.

Dr. Boutté obtained her medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine in 1993 in Los Angeles, California. Under the tutelage

D

r. Windell D. Boutté is the founder of Premiere Aesthetic Center, the home of Premiere Dermatology and Surgery, Aesthetic and Laser Boutique, and Premiere Essence MedSpa, which began serving the Atlanta community at large in 2007. Premiere Aesthetic Center is the first multi-treatment skin and healthcare center in one grand, all-inclusive location in our Atlanta community. Dr. Boutté has been a practicing, board-certified dermatologist since 1997, and she oversees all facets of the Center’s operations.

Dr. Boutté began private practice in June 1997, and opened her first solo practice, Dekalb Dermatology and Surgery in April 2000. She has dedicated herself to becoming not only a specialist of medical skin care, but an expert in innovative skin rejuvenation for all skin complexions. Due to her profound fascination with laser technology, she was the first dermatologist in the Atlanta community to introduce certain aesthetic laser procedures approved for skin of color. She has always made it her priority to research and implement state-of-the-art, non-invasive procedures

of her mentor, Dr. Ronald Moy, she published several research-based articles in dermatology, and was coauthor of chapters in dermatological textbooks. She performed an internship in Internal Medicine at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California.

She then returned to her Southern roots by moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to complete her training in dermatology at Emory University Medical Center.

At Emory, Dr. Boutté trained under Dr. Thomas Lawley, a world renowned expert in medical dermatology and academic research, and current Dean of the Emory University School of Medicine.

Dr. Boutté has earned national and local reputations for providing patients with leading edge technological advances, and she has expertise in all facets of dermatology and aesthetic care. Most recently, Dr. Boutté was featured in the November 2011 issue of Essence Magazine “Get Even Skin” that are safe, practical and effective. She always strives to achieve long-standing skin rejuvenating results of which patients can be proud.

Premiere Aesthetic Center is comprised of three innovative and unique operations.

Premiere Dermatology and Surgery provides general medical and surgical dermatology care. Aesthetic & Laser Boutique offers multiple non-invasive laser surgery options, as well as various aesthetic treatments for ageless, youthful rejuvenation. Premiére Essence MedSpa offers a pampering, elegant environment promoting inner harmony and total wellness.

Premiere Dermatology and Surgery is a full service medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology practice devoted to providing the most premier quality. Services range from Smart Lipo, anti-aging treatments, Acne, Skin Care, Skin Cancers, Pigmentation, Eczema and Dry skin disorders to Hair Loss and Restoration treatments.

Aesthetic & Laser Boutique embodies a state-of-the-art, modern, and contemporary environment that offers the best in aesthetic skin care treatments. From lasers such as

under the Beauty section. She has had numerous media exposure including Fortune Magazine, Atlanta Business Chronicle, guest as Hip Hop Doc with Ryan Cameron on V-103, to name a few. Dr. Boutté is also a member of various national and local professional organizations.

Fraxel® and devices such as Thermage®, to BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers such as Restylane®, Aesthetic & Laser Boutique has something to offer anyone seeking the ultimate improvement in their cosmetic appearance.

This center boasts natural stones, marbles and fixtures that embody elegance and excellence.

Premiére Essence MedSpa invites you to come and indulge in the warmth of French provincial elegance and Southern hospitality.

The Center boasts “THE ESSENCE OF PUTTING YOU FIRST” through the various services offered. Services range from Skin Care, Hair Removal, Cosmetic Services to Body Treatments, Facial Enhancements and many more.

TOP DOCS On Common Ground presents Metro Atlanta’s

Premiere Aesthetic Center 4650 Stone Mountain Highway Lilburn, Georgia 30047 678-344-2450

www.premderm.com Premiere Dermatology and Surgery 4150 Snapfinger Woods Drive Suite 205 Decatur, Georgia 30035 404-286-3178

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 13

Dr. Naim G. Shaheed, DPM ––––––––––– Podiatrist –––––––––––

Fall into boots that feel good

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eather or suede?

Ankle or knee? Cowboy cool?

“With so many stylish boots this season, how can you possibly choose the perfect pair?

Depending on lifestyle, you can comfortably wear boots everyday of the week,” says Dr. Naim G. Shaheed, DPM FACFAS, a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

“Here is the podiatrist-approved advice: All that bootwearing takes a toll. Try boots on in the afternoon, feet tend to swell during the day. Massage and apply moisturizer to the feet. If you must venture out for more than a mile of walking, put on a pair of supportive and comfy sneakers.”

Slouch Suede Boot: Narrow and very high heels transfer body weight onto the ball of the foot causing pain and numbness. Select a lower heel or stacked style of heel for additional support.

Trendy Ankle Bootie: Lack of ankle support coupled with a high heel can cause imbalance. Select a heel no more than two inches in height and don’t walk long distances.

Sleek Riding Boots: Synthetic materials trap in heat and moisture, causing odor. Select natural materials such as leather that allow proper airflow and keep feet dry.

Playful Rain Boot: Rigid shape limits natural foot movement and provides no arch support. Try cushioned insoles and arch supports.

Classic Cowboy Boot: Narrow toebox can cause blistered and cramped toes.

Wear only for short periods of time and allow toes to stretch.

14 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

Common childhood foot complications

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s early as birth, foot complications can present themselves in children. Some complications, such as flatfoot and ingrown toenails can be inherited or caused in the womb.

Others can occur as children begin to walk from an occasional fall.

However, according to Dr. Naim G. Shaheed, most parents are not motivated to take their child to a doctor’s office for foot or leg pain treatment.

A podiatrist can help make sure your child stays on his/ her feet by offering expert medical diagnosis and treatment options for all issues associated with the feet. If there is a family history of foot problems, a toddler should be seen by a podiatrist as soon as the child begins walking to make sure his/her feet are progressing normally.

Here is a list of common inherited and developmental foot complications in children, possible signs and symptoms and treatment options: Clubfoot Looks like a ‘hooked’ foot that twists inward and downward. Recommended treatment is casting or surgery in more severe cases.

Flatfoot Looks like the entire foot is flat on the ground. Feet may be in pain, cause slow ––––––––––– F walking or difficulty keeping up with other 19 children. Recommended treatment is custom foot orthotics, change in the type of shoe worn or surgery in some cases.

In-toeing TOP DOCS Looks like one or both feet point inward.

On Common Ground presents Metro Atlanta’s

May cause tripping or sitting on the knees in the ‘W’ position.

Recommended treatment is bracing, casting or exercises including sitting Indian style or first position ballet.

Polydactyly (Multiple Toes) An eleventh or twelfth toe. Recommended treatment is removing extra toes if they interfere with walking or wearing shoes.

Warts Looks like a hard and flat, elevated surface most often on the sole of the foot. Also, painful thickening of the skin.

Recommended treatment are mild acids, lasers, medication or surgical removal.

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A shoe for every sport

here seems to be a shoe designed for every sport out there. But there’s a method to the madness. Sport-specific shoes really can change your game. See the tips below to learn why the shoe you choose could make or break your day on the court or field: Basketball—Whether you’re making the perfect pass or finishing off the high-flying dunk, basketball shoes have several features that will help you prevent injury.

A thick, stiff sole gives support while running and landing from jumps. High ankle construction supports the ankle during quick changes in direction. A basketball shoe should have the strongest support on either side of the ankle.

Racquetball/ Tennis—On the surface, court shoes for tennis and racquetball may look like any other athletic sneaker, but it’s what’s on the inside that makes the Foot Doctor ––––––––––– difference. A court shoe 996 Olympics supports both sides of the foot because of all the quick lateral movements and weight shifts in court sports. It provides a flexible sole for fast changes

of direction. It has less shock absorption than a running or basketball shoe.

Running—The running shoe is perhaps the most personal and intricate of all athletic shoes. Every runner has different needs and there are a multitude of choices out there.

A running shoe must provide maximum shock absorption to help runners avoid ailments such as shin splints and knee pain. The shoe should control the way your heel strikes the ground, so the rest of your foot can fall correctly. Know your foot type (high, medium, low arch) so you can get the shoe with the right support for your foot.

Flats and high heels contribute to heel pain

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r. Shaheed recommends wearing sandals with reasonably strong soles and arch support.

“Especially for girls and young women, thicker-soled sandals with supportive arches might not be considered stylish, but if you want to wear sandals most of the time, you’ll avoid heel pain if you choose sturdier, perhaps less fashionable styles,” Dr. Shaheed says.

It is estimated that 15 percent of all adult foot complaints involve plantar fasciitis, the type of heel pain caused by chronic inflammation of the connective tissue extending from the heel bone to the toes. Being overweight and wearing inappropriate footwear are common contributing factors.

The pain is most noticeable after getting out of bed in the morning, and it tends to decrease after a few minutes and returns during the day as time on the feet increases. Not all heel pain, however, is caused by plantar fasciitis. It also can occur from inflammation of the Achilles tendon, bursitis, arthritis, gout, stress fractures, or irritation of one or more of the nerves in the region. Therefore, diagnosis by a foot and ankle surgeon to rule out other causes is advised.

Initial treatment options for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis should include anti-inflammatory medications, padding and strapping of the foot and physical therapy.

Patients also should stretch their calf muscles regularly, avoid wearing flat shoes and walking barefoot, use over-the-counter arch supports and heel cushions, and limit the frequency of extended physical activities.

Most patients with plantar fasciitis respond to nonsurgical treatment within six weeks. However, surgery is sometimes necessary to relieve severe, persistent pain.

Ankle & Foot Specialist of Atlanta has two locations: 5910 Hillandale Drive, Suite 102, Lithonia and 550 Peachtree St., Suite 1820, Atlanta. The telephone number is 770-981-9011.

For more information, visit www.Ankleandfootdr.com.

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 15

There is a new Children’s location closer to your neighborhood.

Why choose Children’s for your child’s emergency needs?

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he Children’s Emergency Departments are the most qualified for treating children and teens suffering from serious or life-threatening injuries.

Children’s has the only dedicated Level I and Level II pediatric trauma centers in the state. 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.Children’s has boardcertified pediatric doctors and specialists available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We treat more children than anyone else in the nation—more than 200,000 emergency visits a year, an average of more than 550 patients a day. Because emergency staffing is based on volume, you can rest assured our staff is ready to treat your child 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When your child is hurt, every second counts. We have worked hard to reduce our wait times and every effort has been made to minimize the time it takes for your child to be seen by a doctor.

In an emergency situation, care cannot wait. Our triage nurses are able to use a variety of initial treatments—from pain medication and an X-ray for a broken arm, special numbing cream for a cut to ease the pain before stitches or if an I.V. will be needed to medication to bring down a fever—all to make your child feel more comfortable before he sees a doctor.

When you bring your child to Children’s, his doctors have access to operating rooms, X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This allows your child’s

doctor to upgrade his care at a moment’s notice.

After your child is in a stable condition, he has access to pediatric specialists to treat everything from broken bones to brain injuries. So if your child has a broken arm, rest assured he will be treated by a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

We want your child to always be safe.

Children’s has special guidelines to help stop infections and mistakes, regardless of the level of care your child needs.

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hildren are not just small adults. In an emergency situation they belong in a children’s hospital where they can get specialized diagnosis, treatment, equipment and support. Children should be cared for by pediatric doctors, nurses and specialists who understand these differences.

Our Emergency Departments are staffed with doctors who are board-certified in pediatric emergency medicine.

Children’s bodies and the types of illnesses and injuries they receive are very different than adults. That is why all of our specialists go through six additional years of pediatric training. So when your child has an emergency, our doctors will be ready with the right care and the proper equipment.

Our Emergency Departments are outfitted with equipment made specifically to fit a child—from smaller needles and I.V. tubes to anesthesia masks. In addition, we understand that a child’s body reacts differently to medication, radiation and

16 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

anesthesia than an adult’s, so our medication dosing, radiation and I.V. protocols are adjusted for smaller bodies.

Our emergency doctors understand that children react to their environment differently than adults, and they are trained to recognize symptoms and diagnose problems specific to children more efficiently than an adult emergency department.

Hospitals are stressful places, even for adults. However, our emergency departments are designed to put your child at ease and lessen his stress—from childfriendly décor to staff that understands how to interact with children and your family. Your child will feel more comfortable and you can be assured he is in the best possible hands.

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 16 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country.

Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric 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 www.choa.org for more information.

In an EMERGENCY when minutes matter, we’re in the neighborhood.

The Emergency Department at Hughes Spalding.

In a medical emergency there’s no substitute for experience. The Children’s at Hughes Spalding Emergency Department is staffed by board certified emergency medicine pediatricians who can handle everything from fevers to broken bones. So don’t worry. We’re right here when you need us.

To learn more, visit www.choa.org/hughesspalding

35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE ©2011 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.

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 17

Emory to pilot study to promote smoke-free homes

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mory Prevention Research Center will pilot a program this year to help low-income households make their homes smokefree. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded $6.75 million to Emory for the five-year project, which builds on studies aimed at reducing harmful secondhand smoke.

According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure, and it remains a significant threat to public health.

When callers to United Way’s 2-1-1 seek help for food, utility assistance,

housing and other resources in the community, they will be asked if anyone smokes in their home and if they would like to participate in the Emory study.

“The goal of this project is to protect family members from secondhand smoke.

United Way 2-1-1 reaches an important population because callers may have fewer resources to reduce the harmful impact of tobacco use on members of their family,” says Michelle Kegler, DrPH, MPH, associate professor

of behavioral sciences and health education and EPRC director at Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH).

“Most smokers are aware of the negative health effects of smoking for themselves and are responsive to messages about protecting their loved ones.

This project focuses on creating rules about not smoking in the home rather than asking smokers to quit,” explains Kegler.

Kegler said participants in the study will receive various materials that will be mailed to them and

telephone counseling will be provided.

The United Way 2-11 sites in metro Atlanta, North Carolina, Houston and Missouri will play vital roles in the research project.

“One key component to a thriving community is living a healthy lifestyle,” says Milton J. Little, Jr., president of United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.

“We are proud to be part of this excellent program that could improve the quality of life for so many families and households.”

For more information: www.sph.emory.edu/EPRC.

Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer Almost every adult will suffer from digestive issues during their lifetime. Whether it's a touch of indigestion or abdominal pain that won't subside, you deserve the best possible care.

The Board Certified specialists at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are experts in evaluating and treating every type of digestive disorder, including: • Colon Cancer • Liver Disease • Ulcers • Hepatitis • Acid Reflux

• Diarrhea | Constipation • Intestinal Polyps • Barrett’s Esophagus • Crohn's Disease | UC • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Highly specialized care is provided through several divisions of Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, including: • Infusion Services • The Center for GI Imaging • UC | Crohn’s Treatment Center • The Hemorrhoid Clinic

• The Liver Center • The Center for GI Health • Center for Clinical Research • Center for Functional GI & Motility Disorders

With convenient locations throughout Atlanta and North Georgia, including eight state-of-the-art endoscopy centers, getting the care you need has never been easier.

Providing nutrition counseling and safe, painless hemorrhoid banding For more information, visit our web site www.atlantagastro.com or call 1-866-GO-TO-AGA [468-6242].

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.

18 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

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Healthy C

Parents encourage MLK athletes to boost per

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n DeKalb County, Martin Luther King Jr. High School has produced an impressive sports resume over the past 2 years. Consistently taking home titles as state champions and producing a number of stand-out athletes, the MLK Lions have dominated on the football field and the track field. What’s their secret? Along with coaching and rigorous practice, the Lions attribute their achievements to nutrition and a daily regimen of Vitamin D. Two years ago, the parents’ Booster Club incorporated vitamin D as part of the nutrition program for MLK’s sports teams on the advice of Dr. L. Ray Matthews, who is director of Morehouse surgical critical care at Grady Hospital in Atlanta and a vitamin D researcher. MLK Head Coach Michael Carson, MLK Booster Club President Tony Sylvester, and Rev. B.T. Moore all noted that many MLK athletes were malnourished.

“Most of these students were not receiving a meal from the time they left school until they returned to school the next day,” says Coach Michael Carson.

With advice from Dr. Matthews, a “parent-led” nutrition program was started that included feeding the athletes balanced meals every Thursday and Friday afternoon. The Booster Club parents were responsible for overseeing every aspect of the nutrition program—from hiring the caterer to serving the meals themselves.

“As parents, we wanted to make sure the kids received a healthy meal, especially the day before and the day of the game. I personally made sure that my son ate a nutritious meal.

He took his vitamin D everyday and so did I, ” said Corey Tibbs, whose son, Blake, was selected for the CSS High School All-Star Team because of his outstanding performance as a wide receiver.

MLK quarterback Jonquel Dawson (No. 5) with Coach Mike Carson and UGA-bound wide receiver Blake Tibbs.

getting parents’ support was key to the success of the nutrition program at MLK. Through his work as a surgeon and vitamin D researcher, Dr. Matthews said he has seen patients heal faster and students perform better both, academically and on the field, after a daily regimen of vitamin D and good nutrition.

Tibbs said he read a lot of information on his own about vitamin D before the Booster Club started its nutrition program.

“When Dr. Matthews spoke with us, he validated much of what I had l ready read,” Tibbs said.

Dr. Matthews, who as been researching vitamin D since 2007, said

Dr. L. Ray Matthews

“Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, affecting over 1 billion people worldwide,” said Dr. Matthews, who is a Morehouse School of Medicine assistant professor of clinical surgery/trauma. “Over 58 million children in the United States are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is important for calcium

––––––––––– Vitamin D Researcher –––––––––––

20 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

Champs

rformance with Vitamin D nutrition program and phosphorus metabolism, strong bones, muscle strength, and immune modulation.”

was diagnosed as being vitamin D deficient, as reported during the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine convention held in San Diego. Professional football players with vitamin D levels of less than 30 ng/ml had more injuries including broken bones, sprains, and muscle pain, the society noted.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol in exposed skin in response to sunlight (hence, its nickname “the sunshine vitamin”). Dr. Matthews said most Americans do not get enough sunshine. A healthy dose of sunshine, he said, amounts to about 15 minutes per day.

Dr. Matthews said vitamin D deficiency is linked to several chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, asthma, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and 17 varieties of cancer.

He said athletes who are deficient in vitamin D often times have more injuries.

In 2010, 81 percent of the New York Giants football team

Dr. Matthews credits high daily doses of vitamin D with helping to reduce the number of injuries among MLK’s athletes. Track Coach Eric Merriweather, parents Anthony Sylvester, and the Rev. B.T. Moore say athletic injuries in the school’s track and football programs decreased by more than 50 percent.

They said the students are living proof that vitamin D can make a difference in

performance.

“The football team had only one fracture—a broken ankle—during the entire season,” said Matthews. “That is very impressive considering the fact that they played 13 games and have 85 athletes on the team.”

MLK High School’s Champion Highlights • M LK won the 5-A Georgia State Girls Track Championship in May 2011.

• T he football team finished the 2011 season with a 12-1 record and was ranked third in the state’s 5-A Division.

• E leven football players were named to the All-Region First Team.

• S ix MLK seniors played in the Georgia State All-Star football game.

• H ead Coach Michael Carson was named the “2011 2-5A Regional Coach of the Year” and the “2011 Atlanta Falcons’ Georgia 5-A High School Coach of the Year.”

• S enior football player and track star Jordan Moore earned recognition as the two- time Georgia 5-A boys 110 meters high hurdles champion in 2010 and 2011.

• B lake Tibbs (66 rec., 1,084 yards, 15 TDs) and Joshua Stanford (55 rec., 1,014 yards, and 11 TDs) were both 1,000-yard receivers for MLK’s highpowered offense.

• Q uartetback Jonquel Dawson ranked second as Georgia’s all-time career touchdown leader with 93 touchdowns and over 8,700 career yards.

He threw for 3,380 yards and 39 touchdowns, earning the Regional 2-5A Player of the Year Award.

• M LK was named 2-5A Regional Football Team of the Year.

• D efensive end Kenderius Whitehead shared 2-5A Regional Co-Defensive Player of the Year award and led the state with 19 sacks and 114 tackles.

• T he school won the 2-5A Regional Football Championship.

• T he school defeated defending Georgia State 5-A champions Brookwood High in the second round of the playoffs.

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 21

S

piritual leaders share their super foods for good health

By Joshua Smith

Since faith leaders play a big role in helping to nourish the spiritual health of our nation, we asked some local leaders how they keep their “temples” healthy and what they would recommend to others. Here they share their super foods and health regimens to inspire us for 2012.

Pastor Kerwin B. Lee

Berean Christian Church, Stone Mountain Pastor Lee says keeping himself and the Berean family healthy is a personal goal for 2012.

Beran has campuses in Stone Mountain and Lilburn.

“I want all of us, including myself, to be super fine by the springtime. We will be leading seminars on weight loss and nutrition for that reason,” said Pastor Lee, who works out at least three days a week. “I work on cardio, abs and light weights. I think those are very critical areas in maintaining health and wellness.”

Berean says he enjoys grapefruits, cantaloupes, grapes and bananas and smoothies because you can mix your favorite fruits in one cup.

“Mango-Pineapple is my favorite. Besides smoothies, I drink at least a gallon of water a day. Fruit and water are what keep us cleansed and nothing quenches my thirst more like a good bottle of water,” Pastor Lee said. “Many of us will have health resolutions for the New Year, but the key is to find a team of folks with the same mission who will hold up a poundability. Don’t put it all on yourself.”

22 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

Pastor Debbie E. Hawkins

Face of Victory Church, Conyers Pastor Hawkins enjoys apples and grapes to sharpen concentration, but says the main focus in improving health should be more water intake.

“The No. 1 thing people lack is water. It really is the best nutrient because we are made up of mostly water and the fact of the matter is, we need to be replenished,” said Pastor Hawkins, who launched her new ministry this summer. “I believe in the ‘apple a day’ saying, but we have to strive to drink half our body weight in water. You will feel better and see a difference in your health.”

Pastor Hawkins said there are a lot of little things you can do to maintain health in 2012.

“In a perfect world, we should all get a 45-minute workout daily, but with busy schedules and many people working two jobs to make ends meet, that just isn’t possible. Still, there are some simple things you can do to make up,” said Pastor Hawkins, who produced a workout video. “You can walk or run your stairs non-stop for seven minutes and on the edge of those same steps you can practice four minutes of leg lifts. That’s a great workout at just over 10 minutes right there.

Chores like raking leaves and mowing the lawn are also great for the cardiovascular system.”

Pastor Douglas Gunby

The Contender’s Church, The Mall At Stonecrest AMC Theater Pastor Gunby says when it comes to health and wellness, we all need to do better.

“At our house, we try to eat a lot of fish and vegetables at the dinner table. As a pastor, of course, I love chicken, but ovenbaked or grilled instead of fried is key,” Pastor Gunby jokingly said. “My dad died of kidney failure when he was 36. Every since that happened, I’ve made of habit of drinking cranberry juice and mixtures like cranberrypomegranate juice. Every once in a while, I’ll spoil myself with tea, but you have to keep the body cleansed.”

Gunby, who holds service Sundays in AMC 16 Movie Theater at The Mall at Stonecrest, says he tries to stay fit doing things he enjoys.

“We have a 14-week old boxer that keeps me active.

Besides walking him, I love riding the exercise bikes.

When you’re constantly moving and running like I am, there may be no time for the gym, but you have to stay active somehow,” Pastor Gunby said.

Pastor James C. Ward

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, Lithonia Pastor Ward is affectionately called “The Energizer Bunny” by many of his members. He credits his high level of energy to egg whites, fruit and “Aunt Shug’s” Pomegranate juice.

“I eat two egg whites every Sunday morning. The yokes hold all the cholesterol, but the whites provide you with plenty of protein to keep moving,” Ward said. “I enjoy when members bring me pomegranates because I can make juice out of them just like my Aunt Shug used to make growing up. Pomegranates are good for your heart and a good source for vitamin C.” Pastor Ward’s other super food: blueberries.

He says you won’t catch him in a gym, but running around the church is a good enough workout for him.

“They definitely keep me busy here and I love it. I try to drink at least 10 eight-ounce bottles of water a day and I eat as many vegetables as I can, especially carrots and bell peppers,” Pastor Ward said. “However, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to cheat. I love Waffle House’s country ham.”

Pastor K. Francis Smith

Kingdom Builders Covenant Church, Decatur Pastor Smith avoids red meats and fried food.

“It’s all about the freerange chicken, baked, grilled or any way that isn’t fried, and vegetables. I enjoy steamed vegetables, too, like broccoli and my wife also gives us some neat alternatives such as baked sweet potato fries.

Smith, who says he drinks seven to eight 16-ounce bottles of water a day, says he avoids energy drinks.

“I used to be a Red Bull guy, but I stopped drinking them because they are full of caffeine and sugar,” said Smith, who takes a 45-minute walk or runs four times a week.

Pastor Jeese Curney, III

New Mercies Christian Church, Lilburn Pastor Curney is all for eating what you enjoy—as long as it is prepared in a healthy way. For example, Curney says when you prepare your New Year’s Day collard greens, cook them in olive oil and turkey meat instead of pork.

“I was born and raised in Atlanta, so I grew up eating collard greens. I still love them, but I’ve learned to cook them much healthier,” said Pastor Curney. “The same goes for our meats like chicken and turkey. Grilled or sautéed is the way to go. We all have to do our best to stay away from fried foods.”

Curney, who exercises three or four times a week, says keeping a low cholesterol diet from breakfast to dinner is vital for your health. He starts the day with items such as oatmeal and orange juice and ends the night with dinner that might include a chicken breast sautéed in olive oil with sautéed vegetables.

“Going into 2012, we can’t look at being healthy as a resolution. I don’t believe in resolutions. I believe in lifestyles. We have to make eating better a lifestyle,” said Curney, who tries to drink 100 ounces of water daily. “Water and fruit are great for the body in general.

I enjoy bananas because they are loaded with potassium, something we all need, especially as we get older. I enjoy their taste as well.”

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 23

Power Up Your Plate With Vegetables

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ith only 6 percent of Americans getting the recommended amount of vegetables a day1, access to delicious, easy and versatile veggiepowered meals is more important than ever.

Marcus Samuelsson, an award-winning chef and cookbook author, has joined Birds Eye vegetables to help inspire and enable people to think about vegetables as a pleasure, to shake up old habits proportions of your favorite meals is a quick, and help bring vegetables back to the center of easy way to incorporate more veggies into meals the plate – especially for the next generation. your family already loves.”

Don’t Hide, Highlight Veggies Mix and Match Colors, Vegetables deserve center stage because Textures and Flavors they’re amazing. They are delicious, colorful, Enjoy a variety of veggies at the same time good for you and taste great, too. Inspiring people – especially kids – to discover the wonder to truly showcase the wonder of a veggie- powered plate. Incorporating many different of vegetables starts with highlighting vegetables veggies brings flavor, crunch and a nutritious as the center of the plate, not as an understudy. punch to almost any dish. “My ideal veggie“Vegetables are great for any meal, so put them powered plate is a Vegetable and Quinoa Pilaf. forward as a gift to your family every day,” says It’s loaded with a wonderful broccoli, carrots and Samuelsson. “It’s extremely important that we start making nutritious, veggie-powered meals for cauliflower medley from Birds Eye.” Build a customized veggie-powered plate ourselves and the next generation.” at www.Facebook.com/BirdsEyeVegetables. For Follow the 60/40 Rule every veggie-powered plate created on Facebook, Instead of thinking about dishes as 60 Birds Eye will donate vegetables for 10 meals as percent pasta and 40 percent vegetables, turn part of its Feed Kids Better initiative with Share it around, serving veggies as 60 percent and Our Strength (up to 1 million meals through pasta as 40 percent of the meal. “Flipping the September 2012). —Family Features

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Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf Makes 6 servings

•1 b ag of Birds Eye Steamfresh Broccoli, Carrot and Cauliflower Medley • 1 cup quinoa • 2 Tb. unsalted butter • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped • 4 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced • 1 Tb. peeled and minced fresh ginger • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 Tb. chopped parsley • 1 /2 Tb. chopped fresh mint • 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika •S alt • F reshly ground black pepper Cook vegetable medley according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, rinse quinoa well under cold water in a fine wire sieve; drain.

Bring to a boil with 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed the water, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Melt butter in large skillet. Add celery, scallions, ginger and garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add cooked vegetable medley and mix well. Stir in parsley, mint and paprika.

Transfer quinoa to serving bowl. Fluff quinoa with fork. Add vegetable mixture and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

1 The 2010 National Action Plan Report Card, National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance.

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 25

26 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012

We are committed to building strong physician-patient relationships that promote high quality healthcare services

5700 Hillandale Drive Suite 150 • Lithonia, GA 30058 • 770-670-6100 • Servicing the Dekalb Community for over 20 years

We welcome Chanon Ridore, CPNP to the practice!!

v Healthchecks and Routine Care Services v Immunizations v Ear Piercing v Asthma Management v Sports Physicals

v Hearing and Vision v Most Insurances Screening Accepted v Newborn Assessment v Monday – Friday v ADHD Consults 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. v Developmental v Saturday availability Screenings

lthough, Dr. Sulton is a native of Detroit, Michigan, she became very familiar with the Atlanta area as she attended Spelman College. She graduated with honors and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She received her medical degree from Meharry Medical College and

completed her internship and training at Tulane University School of Medicine. For three years, Atlanta Magazine has recognized Dr. Sulton as one of Atlanta’s Top Doctors. Dr. Sulton continues to stand behind her mission statement; Contribute to the good health and economic vitality of our community by providing medical services to children and

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teenagers in a compassionate, cost effective manner.

Jacqueline R. Sulton, MD

OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 27

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New education program reminds

ach year, one of every 150 2–year–olds visits an emergency department in the United States for an unintentional medication overdose, most often after finding and eating or drinking medicines without adult supervision.

To inform parents and caregivers about safe medication storage and what to do in case of an emergency, CDC, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Education Foundation and a coalition of partners are launching an educational program, Up and Out of Sight, encouraging parents to follow a few simple steps to protect children.

“Parents may not be aware of the danger posed by leaving medications where young children can reach them. In recent years, the number of accidental overdoses in young

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children has increased by 20 percent,” said Dan Budnitz, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s Medication Safety Program. “A few simple steps – done every time – can protect our children.”

To protect children, parents and caregivers can: • Pick a place children cannot reach. Find a storage place too high for a child to reach or see. Any medicine or vitamin can cause harm if taken the wrong way, even medicine you buy without a prescription.

• Put medicines and vitamins away every time you use them. Never leave medicines or vitamins out on a kitchen counter or at a sick child’s bedside, even if you have to give the medicine again in a few hours.

• Hear the click. Make sure the safety cap is locked. If the medicine has a locking cap that turns, twist it

until the click is heard.

• Teach children about medicine safety.

Never tell children that medicine is candy to get them to take it, even if the child does not like to take his or her medicine.

• Tell guests about medicine safety.

Ask house guests and visitors to keep purses, bags, or coats that have medicines in them up and away and out of sight when they are visiting.

• Be prepared in case of emergency. Program the poison control number into home and cell phones (1–800–222–1222).

parents to keep meds ‘up and away’

Beginning in the 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission required that most medicines have child-resistant packaging, a significant safety improvement that has saved hundreds of children’s lives.

However, child–resistant caps must be used properly.

The Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program is part of the larger public– private partnership, the Project Initiative, aimed at reducing unintentional medication overdoses in children.

The PROTECT partners are also working on innovative safety specifically designed to limit the amount of medication that could be ingested by a child even if a child– resistant cap has not been replaced

properly. A number of leading non-prescription drug companies have committed to incorporating product enhancements for pediatric liquid acetaminophen medicines. In addition, several over–the–counter medications are available in individual doses, which can limit the amount of medication that children could get into.

“Even with improvements to packaging, no medication package can be 100 percent childproof,” warns

Richard Dart, M.D., president of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. “Poison centers receive calls every day about young children getting into medicines without adult supervision; that’s why we encourage all parents and caregivers to follow these simple steps to ensure their child’s safety.”

For more information on the Up and Away educational program, visit www.UpAndAway.org or in Spanish www.UpAndAway.org/es.

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Dr. Nailah Smith, D.C. W

Chiropractor

hen most people think of the chiropractor, they think of massages and back pain relief after an auto accident.

Chiropractic care, however, is not just for back pain and massages. This art of healing also manages headaches, arthritis, disc herniations, fibromyalagia, sciatica, arm and leg pain, says Dr. Nailah Smith, D.C., who operates the Full Body Rejuvenation Center in Lithonia.

Dr. Smith has had the experience of putting her passion of chiropractic medicine and helping people to the test. With her skills and expertise, Dr. Smith was recently able to save the life of a patient who was evaluated for chronic lower back pain. Through orthopedic tests, a comprehensive chiropractic examination and a lumbar spinal X-ray, Dr. Smith detected the patient had calcification of the abdominal aorta, which can be deadly.

“As a doctor of chiropractic, I am able to diagnose a wide range of common ailments and refer patients out to the appropriate specialists dependent on the patient’s condition,” Dr. Smith said.

In this particular case Dr. Smith was able to refer the patient to a

cardiovascular surgeon who later performed triple bypass surgery on the patient.

The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the body. A continuation of the aorta from the heart, it supplies oxygenated blood to the abdomen and the lower half of the body. The main cause of calcification is the buildup of cholesterol. The artery becomes hard as plaque forms to try to heal the damage made to the aortic tissue. The hardening of the abdominal artery can cause a coronary arterial disease or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Had it not been for Dr. Smith, her keen diagnostic skills and persistence on getting the patient to see a specialist for his condition, the patient could have lost his life to the battle of atherosclerosis.

Prevention of atherosclerosis include not smoking, monitoring the fat and cholesterol in the diet, maintaining good blood pressure, and being tested for diabetes.

Dr. Smith encourages people to pay attention to warning signs from their bodies such as morning stiffness and chronic aches and pains. A spinal adjustment, she says, may be one of the keys to you enjoying a more healthy and active lifestyle.

“Regular visits to the chiropractor may save on unnecessary pain medications, days of illness, and risks of having surgery.”

Dr. Nailah Smith, D.C. Full Body Rejuvenation Center 3636 Panola Rd. Suite B Lithonia, GA 30038 770.733.1381 fullbodyfax@gmail.com www.fullbodyrejuvenation.com

“ Put your pain in our hands” CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Safe Gentle Effective Care for Children and Adults *Headaches, *Back & Leg Pain, *Work & Auto Injuries, *Neck & Arm Pain, *TMJ, *Back pain due to Pregnancy, *Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, *Fibromyalgia, *Disc Herniations, *Sinus Pressure, *Plantar Fasciatis, *Sciatica

Massage Therapy

*Swedish, *Aromatherapy, *Neuromuscular, *Hot Stone, *Deep Tissue, *Prenatal, *Sports Massage, *Reflexology

PHYSICAL THERAPY

*Manual/Mechanical Traction, *Electrical Muscle Stimualtion (EMS), *Therapeutic Ultrasound

Weight Loss Management Find out more info at www.drnsmith.bodybyvi.com

3636 Panola Road, Suite B, Lithonia, GA 30038 (770) 733-1381 OCG TOP DOCS • NEW YEAR EDITION 2012 | 31

32 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM • JANUARY 1, 2012