Keep Austin Well (September/October)

KEEP AUSTIN

WELL YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL EVERY DAY

MICHAEL J. KHOURI ATTORNEY AT LAW

FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE MEDICARE AUDIT DEFENSE MEDICARE FRAUD DEFENSE

Former Deputy District Attorney Over 29 Years Experience Member of the Texas and California Bars and Bars of the United States District Courts Western and Northern Districts of Texas

Telephone: (949) 336-2433; Cell: (949) 680-6332 4040 BARRANCA PARKWAY, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92604 www.khourilaw.com and www.lawyer-medicare.com ww

austinlifestylemagazine.com

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KEEP AUSTIN

WELL YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL EVERY DAY

MICHAEL J. KHOURI ATTORNEY AT LAW

FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE MEDICARE AUDIT DEFENSE MEDICARE FRAUD DEFENSE

Former Deputy District Attorney Over 29 Years Experience Member of the Texas and California Bars and Bars of the United States District Courts Western and Northern Districts of Texas

Telephone: (949) 336-2433; Cell: (949) 680-6332 4040 BARRANCA PARKWAY, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92604 www.khourilaw.com and www.lawyer-medicare.com ww

austinlifestylemagazine.com

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL

ON OC TOBER 22 , HUNDREDS OF CENTR AL TE X ANS WILL RUN IN HONOR OF A GENER ATION OF MEN WHO REFUSE TO LET AGING SLOW

The first annual Dash for Dad 5K Race will be held at Camp Mabry as part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge®, taking place in 27 cities nationwide this year. Sponsored by Urology Austin, proceeds from the race will support research, advocacy and awareness.

“September has been proclaimed National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,” says urologist David Freidberg, MD, of Urology Austin. “It’s an important reminder for men to protect their prostate health. Austin is a health-conscious community that’s continuously ranked as one of the top cities to live and enjoy life. The Dash for Dad event gives the community an opportunity to renew its commitment to fighting the disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect and treat it.”

The American Cancer Society says prostate cancer will kill almost 30,000 men this year and is the second leading cause of cancer death of American men. The exact causes of the disease are unknown, but awareness and early detection through prostate screenings help men make more informed health choices and potentially increase survival rates.

THEM D OWN .

THE AGING MALE AND PROSTATE HEALTH

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder in the male reproductive system. As men age, the prostate gets bigger and can block the flow of urine from the bladder and cause problems with sexual function. Common prostate problems can negatively affect a man’s quality of life.

Swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, called prostatitis, often causes painful or difficult urination, pain in the groin area and flulike symptoms. Prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection can usually be treated successfully, but when a cause cannot be identified, it may reoccur and become a chronic condition.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that presses against the urethra and restricts urine flow. BPH causes uncomfortable, inconvenient symptoms including painful, difficult, sudden or frequent urination. More than 14 million US men suffer from BPH symptoms.

Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer in the prostate gland.

The risk of prostate cancer rises rapidly for men after age 50; those at increased risk include African American men and men who have a firstdegree relative (father, brother or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). Prostate cancer generally progresses slower than other types of cancer and some men experience no symptoms; it can be detected early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood or through a digital rectal exam (DRE). “New

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Fighting the Disease of Aging Males THE DASH FOR DAD 5K RACE October 22 at 9am Camp Mabry

surgical techniques, including the Plasma Button procedure for BPH, have become successful, efficient and cost effective for both the patient and the surgeon,” says Michael McClelland Jr, MD, of Urology Austin.

The Plasma Button procedure uses a more minimally invasive technique which treats the problem areas of the prostate, leaving the healthy areas unaffected. Dr. McClelland says the procedure is not only shorter, but there is also less bleeding and other complications compared to traditional surgeries.

PROTECTING YOUR PROSTATE HEALTH

Most experts agree that staying healthy, inside and out, is the most important thing that a man can do to protect his health. Each day should include a well-balanced diet of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy. In addition, limit alcohol intake, do not smoke, exercise regularly and stay informed.

According to a recent French study, researchers believe pomegranate juice, along with Annual prostate checkups supplements such as omega-3, lycopene and won’t reduce the risk of vitamin D have protective effects again proscancer, but early diagnosis tate cancer. Another Harvard study showed increases survival rates. that three hours per week of brisk walking after a diagnosis of localized prostate cancer At age 50, males should may inhibit or delay disease progression. discuss benefits of annual “I advise my patients to begin living a healthy PSA and DRE prostate lifestyle—today—because it’s never too late,” screenings with their says Dr. McClelland. “Get your annual physi physician. cals and if you’re 50 or over, ask your doctor Males at increased risk about prostate cancer screening tests. If you of prostate cancer should experience any problems urinating, see your undergo prostate doctor immediately.” screenings between The Dash for Dad 5K Race will be held on the ages of 40-45.

October 22 at 9am at Camp Mabry, located at MoPac and 35th Street. For more information or to register online, visit dashfordad.com.

austinlifestylemagazine.com

83

K EEP AUS T IN W ELL

ON OC TOBER 22 , HUNDREDS OF CENTR AL TE X ANS WILL RUN IN HONOR OF A GENER ATION OF MEN WHO REFUSE TO LET AGING SLOW

The first annual Dash for Dad 5K Race will be held at Camp Mabry as part of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge®, taking place in 27 cities nationwide this year. Sponsored by Urology Austin, proceeds from the race will support research, advocacy and awareness.

“September has been proclaimed National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,” says urologist David Freidberg, MD, of Urology Austin. “It’s an important reminder for men to protect their prostate health. Austin is a health-conscious community that’s continuously ranked as one of the top cities to live and enjoy life. The Dash for Dad event gives the community an opportunity to renew its commitment to fighting the disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect and treat it.”

The American Cancer Society says prostate cancer will kill almost 30,000 men this year and is the second leading cause of cancer death of American men. The exact causes of the disease are unknown, but awareness and early detection through prostate screenings help men make more informed health choices and potentially increase survival rates.

THEM D OWN .

THE AGING MALE AND PROSTATE HEALTH

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder in the male reproductive system. As men age, the prostate gets bigger and can block the flow of urine from the bladder and cause problems with sexual function. Common prostate problems can negatively affect a man’s quality of life.

Swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, called prostatitis, often causes painful or difficult urination, pain in the groin area and flulike symptoms. Prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection can usually be treated successfully, but when a cause cannot be identified, it may reoccur and become a chronic condition.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that presses against the urethra and restricts urine flow. BPH causes uncomfortable, inconvenient symptoms including painful, difficult, sudden or frequent urination. More than 14 million US men suffer from BPH symptoms.

Prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer in the prostate gland.

The risk of prostate cancer rises rapidly for men after age 50; those at increased risk include African American men and men who have a firstdegree relative (father, brother or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). Prostate cancer generally progresses slower than other types of cancer and some men experience no symptoms; it can be detected early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood or through a digital rectal exam (DRE). “New

82 austinlifestylemagazine.com

Fighting the Disease of Aging Males THE DASH FOR DAD 5K RACE October 22 at 9am Camp Mabry

surgical techniques, including the Plasma Button procedure for BPH, have become successful, efficient and cost effective for both the patient and the surgeon,” says Michael McClelland Jr, MD, of Urology Austin.

The Plasma Button procedure uses a more minimally invasive technique which treats the problem areas of the prostate, leaving the healthy areas unaffected. Dr. McClelland says the procedure is not only shorter, but there is also less bleeding and other complications compared to traditional surgeries.

PROTECTING YOUR PROSTATE HEALTH

Most experts agree that staying healthy, inside and out, is the most important thing that a man can do to protect his health. Each day should include a well-balanced diet of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy. In addition, limit alcohol intake, do not smoke, exercise regularly and stay informed.

According to a recent French study, researchers believe pomegranate juice, along with Annual prostate checkups supplements such as omega-3, lycopene and won’t reduce the risk of vitamin D have protective effects again proscancer, but early diagnosis tate cancer. Another Harvard study showed increases survival rates. that three hours per week of brisk walking after a diagnosis of localized prostate cancer At age 50, males should may inhibit or delay disease progression. discuss benefits of annual “I advise my patients to begin living a healthy PSA and DRE prostate lifestyle—today—because it’s never too late,” screenings with their says Dr. McClelland. “Get your annual physi physician. cals and if you’re 50 or over, ask your doctor Males at increased risk about prostate cancer screening tests. If you of prostate cancer should experience any problems urinating, see your undergo prostate doctor immediately.” screenings between The Dash for Dad 5K Race will be held on the ages of 40-45.

October 22 at 9am at Camp Mabry, located at MoPac and 35th Street. For more information or to register online, visit dashfordad.com.

austinlifestylemagazine.com

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL All new patients will receive a a free home bleaching kit or $100 credit applied toward account upon completion of a new patient exam, x-rays & cleaning.

Breast Cancer Screening Essential for Women of All Ages

Suprisingly more than what you’d expect from a dental visit.

BY L AKSHMI BAL ASUBRAMANIAN, M.D., TEXAS ONCOLOGY—CEDAR PARK OVER THE PAS T DECADE , NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT BRE AS T CANCER HAS HELPED INCREASE AWARENESS ABOUT THE DISEASE TREMENDOUSLY. Every October, the color pink adorns everything from rib-

bons to household items. While awareness of breast cancer has improved, the disease unfortunately remains the second-deadliest cancer among American women.

As physicians, we know that the earlier we detect the cancer, the more likely the patient will survive and beat the cancer. When breast cancer is detected early before it spreads, women could have as much as a 98 percent survival rate at five years.

While this all may sound very simple, in my own practice, I see many women with more advanced stages of breast cancer. It is estimated that this year alone, 924 women in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 157 women will die from the disease.

Many of these deaths are preventable with yearly mammograms, especially for women over the age of 40. However, a National Health Interview Survey found that women age 40 and over getting mammograms actually declined from 70 percent to 67 percent from 2003 to 2005.

While mammograms will detect 80-90 percent of breast cancer in women who don’t have symptoms, they are not the only way to detect the signs of breast cancer. Women should also screen themselves for signs of breast cancer through monthly breast self-exams, which they should begin to administer in their 20s. Any irregularities or concerns that are detected should immediately be reported to a physician. Finding breast cancer in early, more treatable stages leads to higher cure rates.

Physician administered clinical breast exams are recommended for women in their 20s and 30s every three years and every year for women over 40 for the early detection of breast cancer.

Screening is especially important for women who have increased risk factors for breast cancer. However, it is important to remember that even women without clear risk factors should have regular screenings and mammograms.

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RISK FACTORS MAY INCLUDE:

Age: Approximately two-thirds of breast cancer cases occur in women over age 55, though the disease can occur at any age.

Family history: If a woman’s mother, sister, or grandmother had the disease, that woman potentially has an increased risk for breast cancer.

Race: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. Hispanic and African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage and larger tumors and more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Ashkenazi Jewish women are more likely to carry the breast cancer gene that makes them susceptible to breast cancer.

Weight: Excessive body weight increases your risk for breast cancer.

4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 | Austin | (next to Uchiko) 512.459.5437 | drmoossy.com

WHILE SCREENINGS MAY DETECT CANCER EARLY ON, IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO WATCH OUT FOR WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING:

- Change in breast size or shape - A lump or thickening in the breast - Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast - New pain in one spot - Dimpling or puckering of the skin - Itchy, scaly sores, or a rash on the nipple - Pulling in or retraction of the nipple or other parts of the breast - Nipple discharge that starts suddenly - A lump in the underarm If any of these symptoms are detected, contact a physician immediately to start receiving proper medical care. Researchers continue to make advances in the fight against breast cancer every day. Until a cure is found, regular screenings, awareness and healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and exercising regularly are among the best tools a woman has to reduce her risk and survive the disease.

Dr. Lakshmi Balasubramanian is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology— Cedar Park, 1401 Medical Parkway, B, Suite 412, Cedar Park, Texas.

➺

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY CENTER OF AUSTIN

THOMAS S. LOFTUS, M.D. BOARD-CERTIFIED NEUROSURGEON 512-836-0900 | ANIspine.com

2200 Park Bend Drive | Building 2 Suite 202 | Austin TX 78758

Dr. Thomas S. Loftus, M.D., Board Certified

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY CENTER of austin

Austin Neurosurgical Institute 2200 Park Bend Drive | Building austinlifestylemagazine.com 2 | Suite 202 Austin Texas 78758

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL All new patients will receive a a free home bleaching kit or $100 credit applied toward account upon completion of a new patient exam, x-rays & cleaning.

Breast Cancer Screening Essential for Women of All Ages

Suprisingly more than what you’d expect from a dental visit.

BY L AKSHMI BAL ASUBRAMANIAN, M.D., TEXAS ONCOLOGY—CEDAR PARK OVER THE PAS T DECADE , NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT BRE AS T CANCER HAS HELPED INCREASE AWARENESS ABOUT THE DISEASE TREMENDOUSLY. Every October, the color pink adorns everything from rib-

bons to household items. While awareness of breast cancer has improved, the disease unfortunately remains the second-deadliest cancer among American women.

As physicians, we know that the earlier we detect the cancer, the more likely the patient will survive and beat the cancer. When breast cancer is detected early before it spreads, women could have as much as a 98 percent survival rate at five years.

While this all may sound very simple, in my own practice, I see many women with more advanced stages of breast cancer. It is estimated that this year alone, 924 women in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 157 women will die from the disease.

Many of these deaths are preventable with yearly mammograms, especially for women over the age of 40. However, a National Health Interview Survey found that women age 40 and over getting mammograms actually declined from 70 percent to 67 percent from 2003 to 2005.

While mammograms will detect 80-90 percent of breast cancer in women who don’t have symptoms, they are not the only way to detect the signs of breast cancer. Women should also screen themselves for signs of breast cancer through monthly breast self-exams, which they should begin to administer in their 20s. Any irregularities or concerns that are detected should immediately be reported to a physician. Finding breast cancer in early, more treatable stages leads to higher cure rates.

Physician administered clinical breast exams are recommended for women in their 20s and 30s every three years and every year for women over 40 for the early detection of breast cancer.

Screening is especially important for women who have increased risk factors for breast cancer. However, it is important to remember that even women without clear risk factors should have regular screenings and mammograms.

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austinlifestylemagazine.com

RISK FACTORS MAY INCLUDE:

Age: Approximately two-thirds of breast cancer cases occur in women over age 55, though the disease can occur at any age.

Family history: If a woman’s mother, sister, or grandmother had the disease, that woman potentially has an increased risk for breast cancer.

Race: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. Hispanic and African American women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage and larger tumors and more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Ashkenazi Jewish women are more likely to carry the breast cancer gene that makes them susceptible to breast cancer.

Weight: Excessive body weight increases your risk for breast cancer.

4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 | Austin | (next to Uchiko) 512.459.5437 | drmoossy.com

WHILE SCREENINGS MAY DETECT CANCER EARLY ON, IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO WATCH OUT FOR WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS, INCLUDING:

- Change in breast size or shape - A lump or thickening in the breast - Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast - New pain in one spot - Dimpling or puckering of the skin - Itchy, scaly sores, or a rash on the nipple - Pulling in or retraction of the nipple or other parts of the breast - Nipple discharge that starts suddenly - A lump in the underarm If any of these symptoms are detected, contact a physician immediately to start receiving proper medical care. Researchers continue to make advances in the fight against breast cancer every day. Until a cure is found, regular screenings, awareness and healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and exercising regularly are among the best tools a woman has to reduce her risk and survive the disease.

Dr. Lakshmi Balasubramanian is a medical oncologist at Texas Oncology— Cedar Park, 1401 Medical Parkway, B, Suite 412, Cedar Park, Texas.

➺

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY CENTER OF AUSTIN

THOMAS S. LOFTUS, M.D. BOARD-CERTIFIED NEUROSURGEON 512-836-0900 | ANIspine.com

2200 Park Bend Drive | Building 2 Suite 202 | Austin TX 78758

Dr. Thomas S. Loftus, M.D., Board Certified

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY CENTER of austin

Austin Neurosurgical Institute 2200 Park Bend Drive | Building austinlifestylemagazine.com 2 | Suite 202 Austin Texas 78758

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL WELLNESS DIRECTORY

@

View interactive issues online!

austinlifestylemagazine.com

Got Dreams?

Of Your Life.

Take Control

Make Them Come True.

Change doesn’t have to be hard.

You can create the life you’ve always wanted.

Lose Weight Stop Smoking Reduce Stress

Feel Confident Achieve Goals Enjoy Life

Donna Woodwell, MA, CH Radiant Mind Hypnosis www.radiantmindhypnosis.com Call (512) 659-5494 today to schedule your free evaluation consultation.

Cosmetic and Holistic Dentistry

austinlifestylemagazine.com

Austin Cancer Centers 4 locations in Austin & Georgetown 512.263.5269 AustinCancerCenters.com

Elizabeth Rayne, DDS 1221 Ben White Blvd., Suite 110A Austin, TX 78704 512.443.5813 NaturalToothFairy.com

Comprehensive care with a personal touch...

• General and Cosmetic Dentistry

EATING DISORDER TREATMENT Cedar Springs Austin 4613 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78746 512.732.2400 CedarSpringsAustin.com

DENTISTRY

HORMONE REPLACEMENT

Moossy General & Cosmetic Dentistry 4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 Austin, TX 78756 (next to Uchiko) 512.459.5437 DrMoossy.com

Eleanor P. Womack, MD 5656 Bee Caves Road, Suite C-103 Austin, TX 78746 512.327.8700 westlakemedicalarts.com

Khouri Law Michael Khouri 4040 Barranca Pkwy, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92604 949.336.2433 KhouriLaw.com

UROLOGY

NEUROSURGERY

Austin Bariatric Clinic, P.A. Amanda Dupont, M.D. 5900 Balcones Drive, Ste. 160 Austin, TX 78731 512.71.9885 austinbariatricclinic.com

Austin Neurosurgical Institute Thomas S. Loftus, M.D. 2200 Park Bend Drive, Bldg. 2, Suite 202 Austin, TX 78758 512-836-0900 ANIspine.com

MEDICAL LAW

SKIN CARE

Garlo Ward, P.C. 907 RR 620 S, Suite 101 Lakeway, TX 78734 512.302.1103 GarloWard.com

Ruthie Harper, MD 3901 Medical Pkwy, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78756 512.343.9355 RuthieHarper.com

Urology Austin 17 Urologists 16 Convenient Locations UrologyAustin.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Body by Frame 6709 Burnet Lane Austin, TX 78757 512.402.2554 bodybyframe.com

• Limited Root Canal Treatment • Limited Oral Surgery

Specializing in the care of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder

• Teeth Whitening • Non-surgical Treatment of Periodontal Disease • Safe Metal Removal • Laser Therapies Available NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADERSHIP TEAM assessments & consultations 10 and 6 hour partial hospitalization programs, 7 days a week intensive outpatient program, 3 days a week comprehensive treatment for male & female adults & adolescents

1221 West Ben White Blvd., Suite 110A

S

(512) 443-5813 www.naturaltoothfairy.com We accept Care Credit

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CANCER TREATMENT

EATING DISORDERS TREATMENT CENTER

Ted Weltzin, MD, Executive Medical Director, CEO Kim McCallum, MD, COO Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC, Executive Director Samantha Symons, MD, Staff Psychiatrist Lea Gebhardt, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Nutrition Director

cedarspringsaustin.com | 4613 bee cave rd., ste 104 | phone: 512.732.2400 austinlifestylemagazine.com

87

K EEP AUS T IN W ELL WELLNESS DIRECTORY

@

View interactive issues online!

austinlifestylemagazine.com

Got Dreams?

Of Your Life.

Take Control

Make Them Come True.

Change doesn’t have to be hard.

You can create the life you’ve always wanted.

Lose Weight Stop Smoking Reduce Stress

Feel Confident Achieve Goals Enjoy Life

Donna Woodwell, MA, CH Radiant Mind Hypnosis www.radiantmindhypnosis.com Call (512) 659-5494 today to schedule your free evaluation consultation.

Cosmetic and Holistic Dentistry

austinlifestylemagazine.com

Austin Cancer Centers 4 locations in Austin & Georgetown 512.263.5269 AustinCancerCenters.com

Elizabeth Rayne, DDS 1221 Ben White Blvd., Suite 110A Austin, TX 78704 512.443.5813 NaturalToothFairy.com

Comprehensive care with a personal touch...

• General and Cosmetic Dentistry

EATING DISORDER TREATMENT Cedar Springs Austin 4613 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78746 512.732.2400 CedarSpringsAustin.com

DENTISTRY

HORMONE REPLACEMENT

Moossy General & Cosmetic Dentistry 4200 North Lamar, Suite 145 Austin, TX 78756 (next to Uchiko) 512.459.5437 DrMoossy.com

Eleanor P. Womack, MD 5656 Bee Caves Road, Suite C-103 Austin, TX 78746 512.327.8700 westlakemedicalarts.com

Khouri Law Michael Khouri 4040 Barranca Pkwy, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92604 949.336.2433 KhouriLaw.com

UROLOGY

NEUROSURGERY

Austin Bariatric Clinic, P.A. Amanda Dupont, M.D. 5900 Balcones Drive, Ste. 160 Austin, TX 78731 512.71.9885 austinbariatricclinic.com

Austin Neurosurgical Institute Thomas S. Loftus, M.D. 2200 Park Bend Drive, Bldg. 2, Suite 202 Austin, TX 78758 512-836-0900 ANIspine.com

MEDICAL LAW

SKIN CARE

Garlo Ward, P.C. 907 RR 620 S, Suite 101 Lakeway, TX 78734 512.302.1103 GarloWard.com

Ruthie Harper, MD 3901 Medical Pkwy, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78756 512.343.9355 RuthieHarper.com

Urology Austin 17 Urologists 16 Convenient Locations UrologyAustin.com

WEIGHT LOSS

Body by Frame 6709 Burnet Lane Austin, TX 78757 512.402.2554 bodybyframe.com

• Limited Root Canal Treatment • Limited Oral Surgery

Specializing in the care of anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder

• Teeth Whitening • Non-surgical Treatment of Periodontal Disease • Safe Metal Removal • Laser Therapies Available NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADERSHIP TEAM assessments & consultations 10 and 6 hour partial hospitalization programs, 7 days a week intensive outpatient program, 3 days a week comprehensive treatment for male & female adults & adolescents

1221 West Ben White Blvd., Suite 110A

S

(512) 443-5813 www.naturaltoothfairy.com We accept Care Credit

86

CANCER TREATMENT

EATING DISORDERS TREATMENT CENTER

Ted Weltzin, MD, Executive Medical Director, CEO Kim McCallum, MD, COO Brad Kennington, LMFT, LPC, Executive Director Samantha Symons, MD, Staff Psychiatrist Lea Gebhardt, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Nutrition Director

cedarspringsaustin.com | 4613 bee cave rd., ste 104 | phone: 512.732.2400 austinlifestylemagazine.com

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K EEP AUS T IN W ELL

Skin Check K YLE COLEMAN, MD IS A BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST WITH WESTL AKE DERMATOLOGY & COSMETIC SURGERY. THE S KIN IS THE L ARG E S T O RG AN O F O UR BO DY A ND LI V IN G IN

Whether it is the long commute on Mopac and I-35, a day at the lake, or a weekend on the coast, we all are exposed to more than our fair share of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is present even on cloudy days and passes right through windows — especially car windows. UV light causes microscopic damage to the DNA in our skin cells. Overtime, this damage multiplies and can lead to dangerous and even deadly skin cancers (not to mention the increase in wrinkles and brown spots). In fact, over half of us will get a skin cancer in our lifetime. Most skin cancers tend to grow slowly; if they are caught early, there is a better chance of easily removing them without problems. However, if these cancers are left unchecked, they can be very disfiguring and could spread to internal organs. Some of these skin cancers can even be fatal. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to lowering your risk.

Preventing the damage from the sun is first and foremost and can be accomplished through simple sun protection techniques. First, whenever possible, avoid being outside during mid day sun (the peak exposure hours). Next, when you have to be outside, sunscreens (minimum of SPF 30) should be applied daily to sun exposed areas to prevent the damage that we get day-in-day-out (your make-up doesn’t count). When we are out in the sun for extended periods, sunscreen should be re-applied every 2 hours because it loses its effectiveness over time due to sweat and deactivation. SPF clothing is another form of prevention. This clothing can now be easily found online and in retail stores; it is a great investment for those of us that spend a lot of time outdoors, like avid golfers or tennis players.

The next important aspect of taking care of your skin is early diagnosis.

Skin cancers come in several different shapes and sizes. Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common types of skin cancers; these usually occur on sun damaged skin and appear after the early 30’s but can occur earlier. Hard to find sometimes when they are small, these cancers are often places that bleed or don’t seem to heal. If left for long periods of time these cancers can find their way beyond the skin and may spread through the body. Melanoma skin cancers, although more rare, are the most dangerous types. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body (even the scalp and soles of the feet). Melanomas affect people of all ages. Recently, high levels of tanning bed use have led to a large increase in melanomas in young women. These cancers are typically dark, almost black, spots that CENTR AL TE X A S DEFINITELY TAKES IT S TOLL .

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can grow either from an existing mole or can arise from nowhere. The warning signs for these type of spots can easily be remembered with A (asymmetry), B (irregular borders), C (multiple colors), D (diameter bigger than a pencil eraser) and E (evolution = change over time). Melanomas are the most aggressive of skin cancers and are very dangerous if untreated.

Despite recent advances in therapy, Melanoma is very difficult to treat once it invades beyond the skin. Unfortunately, invasive melanoma has high rates of mortality. So, it is important to see your dermatologist if you notice anything unusual or different.

The best way to find these cancers early and learn the signs is to find a Board-Certified Dermatologist. Current recommendations by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation say that individuals should be screened for skin cancer yearly by a physician and should self screen monthly. During this yearly exam, current moles and sun damage are evaluated closely. From this exam patients can better understand what to look for when doing self exams. Also, having a yearly exam lowers your risk of missing a skin cancer for an extended period of time. People at high risk, such as those with a history of melanoma, are often seen even more frequently. By staying ahead, you can lower your risk of having a problem in the future. The small amount of time taken to introduce healthy skin habits may save your life (not to mention keeping you looking younger).

Kyle Coleman, MD is a Board Certified Dermatologist with Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Westlake Dermatology provides the very latest in skin rejuvenation and cosmetic and plastic surgery as well as stateof-the-art treatment for diseases of the skin. The practice of dermatology continues to be one of the fastest growing medical specialties with ongoing breakthroughs in skin care and repair. Westlake Dermatology patients have access to the most current medical technology and therapies available for lifelong healthy skin at any age.