Healthy in Rockdale - Winter

The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Rockdale County area and beyond.

10 Ways to DE-STRESS What Exactly Is a COLONOSCOPY? Reduce the Risk of SEVERE HEARING LOSS WINTER 2017

Serving Rockdale & Newton Area Over 16 Years!

EASTSIDE INTERNAL MEDICINE, LLC BOARD CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF INTERNAL MEDICINE

SYED WASIM MD, MPH

FARHANA QUASEM MD

Most Insurance Accepted!

Walk-Ins Welcome!

On-Site Lab & X-Ray! Doctor on Call 24/7!

MASOOD SIDDIQUEE MD, MRCP (U.K.)

• Hypertension/Diabetes/High Cholesterol • Women’s Wellness • Pap Smear • Drug Screens • Physicals & Sports Physicals • Worker’s Comp. Injuries • Asthma/Emphysema • Thyroid • Depression • Men’s Health • Erectile Dysfunction • STD Treatment • Minor Surgery • Heart Failure

2080 Eastside Drive, Conyers, Georgia • 678-625-7800 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 noon

MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED 2 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

ISSUE GUIDE

WINTER 2017

The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Newton County area and beyond.

The magazine that reflects the healthy lifestyles of the residents of the Rockdale County area and beyond.

CONTENTS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 9, WINTER 2017

5. What Exactly Is a Colonoscopy?

6. 10 Ways to De-stress 8. Foot Infections: The Main Culprits

Graphics/Layout Design: Carol Massey

10. Common Questions About Urogynecology 13. Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention

Contributing Writers:

Lee Udell; Dr. Stephanie Gordon, M.D.; Scot Ward

14. Get to the Truth About Dieting and Weight Loss 15. Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives 17. Staying Well 19. Reduce Your Risk of Severe Hearing Loss 22. Butterfly Cremation Park

SUBMISSIONS Unsolicited queries and submissions of art and writing not accompained by a self-addressed stamped envelope will not be returned. Response time varies and Healthy in Newton cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. To contact the manager by email, address correspondence to dburgamy@covnews.com.

24. Managing Rosacea Symptoms 26. Your Primary Care Provider, Your Surgeon and You 29. Irritable Bowel Syndrome…a Common Disorder ADVERTISING

30. Prevent Colds and Flu Before They Start

Information regarding advertising and rates are available by contacting Debbie Burgamy at 770-307-6235 or dburgamy@covnews.com.

HEALTHY IN NEWTON

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c/o The Covington News 1166 Usher Street, Covington, Georgia 30014 Phone 770-787-6397 / Fax 770-787-6451 www.covnews.com

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Dr. Aburime is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist with subspecialty training in minimally invasive advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and interventional endoscopic techniques, and uses these techniques to provide quality patientcentered care.

Need a Gastroenterologist?

Meet Ekinadese Aburime, M.D., MPH In addition to performing screening colonoscopies, we treat: • Esophagus, stomach, intestinal, liver, colon and rectal gastroenterology disorders • Advanced gastroenterology disorders • Biliary and gallbladder disease • Pancreas disease • Digestive and metabolic disorders

rockdalegastro.com 4 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

Dr. Ekinadese Aburime Gastroenterology

Rockdale Gastroenterology Associates 1301 Sigman Rd., NE, Suite 190 Conyers, GA 30012 To schedule an appointment, call

770-922-4024

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FEATURE

What Exactly Is a COLONOSCOPY? written by Lee Udell

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ou’re over the age of 50, and your doctor has advised you to get a colonoscopy. So, what exactly is a colonoscopy, why do you need one, and what can you expect from the procedure?

Regular colorectal screening is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer – cancer which begins in the colon or rectum – is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women. Yet, thanks to an increase in those undergoing screening, the death rate of colorectal cancer has been dropping for several decades.

A colonoscopy is commonly considered the gold standard procedure for early detection and removal of polyps, growths that can potentially turn into deadly colorectal cancer (CRC). In recent studies of individuals who had colonoscopies, precancerous growths were found in 25% of men and 15% of women.

It can take as many as 10 to 15 years for a polyp to develop into colorectal cancer. But, with regular screening, many cases of cancer can be prevented altogether, by finding and removing these polyps. What’s more, screening can help find CRC early, when it’s small and hasn’t spread. In the early stages, colorectal cancer is easier to treat, with a five-year survival rate of about 90%.

Unfortunately, only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage, mainly because only about half those who should be tested for CRC actually get screened. Despite its proven effectiveness, the idea of getting a colonoscopy invokes dread and apprehension in many people.

Over the years, colonoscopies have gotten a bad rap: after all, aren’t they uncomfortable, invasive, embarrassing and time-consuming? Well, colonoscopies have come a long way, with preparation the day before not nearly as unpleasant as it once was, and the procedure itself performed under a light

sedation, so you never feel a thing.

So, if you’re over 50, celebrate reaching the half-century mark by taking one of the first steps to ensuring you’ll have many more healthy years ahead: schedule a colonoscopy. Here are a few things you should know before your procedure: • Your doctor will instruct you on what to eat and how to empty your bowel prior to the colonoscopy.

• During a colonoscopy, your doctor examines the lining of your entire colon to check for polyps or tumors. If polyps are found, they can be removed immediately and biopsied. A pathologist will provide a report to your doctor within a few days.

• On the day of the colonoscopy, you will get medication to help you relax. Most people fall asleep and remember little, if anything, about the test when they wake up.

• A long, thin, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, is inserted into your colon through the rectum. A tiny video and camera with a light on the end sends images to a video monitor.

• Both men and women should have regular colonoscopies beginning at age 50, or sooner if there are additional risk factors, such as family history, lifestyle, or inflammatory bowel disease.

• If you are experiencing bleeding, a change in frequency and characteristics of bowel movements, abdominal pain or unexplained fatigue, cramping or weight loss, see your gastroenterologist as soon as possible and discuss scheduling a colonoscopy.

• Continue getting a colonoscopy every 10 years, or possibly more often, if you’ve had a polyp removed.

Dr. Ekinadese Aburime at Rockdale Gastroenterology Associates is board certified, with subspecialty training in minimally invasive advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and interventional endoscopic techniques. Call 770-922-4024 today to schedule an appointment at his office on Sigman Road in Conyers, and discuss your screening colonoscopy. n

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10 Ways to De-stress

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very year, do you find yourself in full panic attack mode, starting before Thanksgiving Day and going all the way through to the New Year? With Christmas displays appearing in stores by the end of September, do you find yourself bracing for the massive blitzkrieg of full-scale holiday marketing – and all the stress that can go with it?

A Consumer Reports survey recently found that 90% of Americans find at least one thing stressful about the holiday season. Throughout the holidays, you’re faced with shopping and crowds. Back-to-back diet-busting parties. Interminable chats with distant family and in-laws. And the list goes on and on.

It’s easy to set unrealistically high expectations for everything to be perfect during the holidays. Then, when you take on too much, anxiety and stress surely follow, since our reality seldom measures up to the flawless fantasy in our heads.

So, why should you allow a season that’s supposed to be about joy and hope to become something quite the opposite?

This year, resolve to unwrap more happiness throughout the holidays and dodge holiday stress, while relaxing and actually enjoying your holidays.

One of the most effective ways to fight stress and find serenity is by practicing yoga. This mind-body practice combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lower your heart rate. And almost anyone can do it. In fact, introducing your kids to yoga at an early age can help them learn healthy lifestyle habits and set the foundation for a fit future.

While yoga has many styles, forms and intensities, hatha yoga is a good choice for stress management, and beginners like its slower pace and easier movements. Many of the movements and poses are kid-friendly, so your whole family can enjoy the stress-reducing benefits of yoga. The core components of hatha yoga are: • Poses. This series of movements increases strength and flexibility, and can range from lying relaxed on the floor to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits.

• Breathing. Yoga teaches you to control your breathing, to help control your body and quiet your mind.

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• Meditation or relaxation. Most yoga sessions incorporate these to help you learn to be more mindful and aware of the present moment, while allowing your head to clear out some of the clutter of daily living – and holiday madness.

Studies have shown that one of the biggest health benefits of yoga is stress reduction. In fact, the sense of calm and well-being that flows from yoga have been shown to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Experts also believe yoga helps alleviate chronic conditions, like depression, anxiety, pain and insomnia. And particularly around the holidays, we could all use these kinds of health benefits.

Other ways to de-stress during the holidays include: • Take care of your body. Get regular exercise – including yoga; go easy on the caffeine, sugar and alcohol; get enough rest; and eat healthy.

• Take a “time out” when you’re feeling crazed. Whether you have 15 minutes or 5, step away from all the activity and madness. Take a short walk, snuggle with your favorite toddler, play with the dog, call a good friend, or listen to some music.

• Find humor wherever you can. Look for the ludicrous, paradoxical and nonsensical in daily life. And laugh out loud. A good belly laugh changes your biochemistry and clears out emotional baggage like nothing else.

• Be realistic and know your limits. Don’t let unrealistic expectations push you into attempting more than you can reasonably manage. Learn to say no graciously. Then enjoy the satisfaction of working mindfully and getting essential things done.

• Throw something out every day. Clutter is a proven, low-level, subliminal stress inducer. So, commit to getting rid of one or two extraneous items daily, and toss out some of your stress along with them.

• Don’t be too proud to ask for help. When things start piling up, don’t get grumpy – get help. Reach out to family and friends and look for ways you can cooperatively work together to achieve common goals – while helping each other out.

• Take time to enjoy the moment. Be mindful of what you’re doing at various moments throughout the day, and use even mundane tasks as a chance to meditate and gain peace and balance. Notice beauty, kindness, and love around you, and take time to breathe it in – and even return it to those around you.

This year, resolve to get more enjoyment from the holidays and celebrate the season for what it should be. Take positive actions now to plan the upcoming season to reduce the pressure and stress – and immerse yourself fully in this lovely time of year.

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Foot Infections: The Main Culprits Skin rashes and painful toenails are two of the many signs that your feet might be sick. What illnesses can affect feet?

Read up on the most common foot infections to find out.

PLANTAR WARTS Plantar warts are growths (usually painless, unless they occur on pressure points) on the skin that can spread to and from other parts of the body. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and can appear several months after exposure to the virus. Although they might disappear without treatment, professional help is usually required to get rid of plantar warts for good.

ATHLETE’S FOOT Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes the skin on feet to become reddish, cracked and itchy. This particular fungus thrives on feet because it needs humidity, heat and darkness to develop; that’s also why it’s most often found between the toes or on the soles. If you think you have athlete’s foot, quickly seek treatment to avoid it spreading to your toenails.

TOENAIL FUNGUS Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is usually caused by untreated athlete’s foot that has spread to the nail. At first, the infection just makes the feet unsightly, but it can cause discomfort and pain as it progresses.

These three conditions are contagious. If you think you may be infected, avoid walking barefoot in public places like gyms, pools and showers. Consult your doctor or a podiatrist as soon as possible to prevent complications, especially if you have diabetes.

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If you have plantar warts, athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, please keep your feet covered in public areas!

For any foot and ankle problems, please contact Dr. G. Wayne Newman, Jr. D.P.M., at 770-483-2291 or visit www.associatedfootandankle.com.

Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists

Put Your Feet in Good Hands

WE TREAT: • Ankle Pain • Arthritis • Bunions • Diabetic Foot Care • Fractures & Injuries • Hammertoes • Heel Pain • Infected Toenails • Joint Replacement • Nerve Pain (Neuromas) • Pediatric Foot Conditions • Warts WE UTILIZE: • Arthroscopy • Digital X-Rays • Endoscopy • MLS Laser Therapy • Pulse Dye Laser Surgery

Dr. G. Wayne Newman, Jr.

Board Certified Podiatric Physician & Surgeon Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons Diplomate, American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery Member, American Podiatric Medical Association Member, Georgia Podiatric Medical Association

SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY APPOINTMENTS

Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C. 1567 Milstead Rd., Suite A, Conyers

770-483-2291 Most Insurance Accepted

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Common Questions About UROGYNECOLOGY written by Lee Udell and Stephanie Gordon, MD

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any women are accustomed to visiting their OB/ GYN each year for their routine gynecological care. But for those past childbearing years – or simply those whose needs no longer require the services of an obstetrician – visiting a physician who provides only gynecological and urogynecological care may be a more straightforward, convenient and comfortable experience.

This month, we talk with Dr. Stephanie Gordon of The Women’s Center in Conyers and Stockbridge about how a urogynecologist may better suit your needs for your life stage.

Question: What is a urogynecologist?

Dr. Gordon: A urogynecologist manages clinical problems associated with dysfunction of the pelvic floor and bladder.

Pelvic floor disorders can encompass a wide range of issues, from those affecting the bladder to disorders of the reproductive organs to bowel issues.

Question: What are some of the services your office provides patients?

Dr. Gordon: In addition Well Women Health Care we offer menopausal management, a full range of contraception options, infertility workups, bladder problems, bowel leakage, pelvic prolapse, abnormal bleeding as well as screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

Question: Can a urogynecologist help with problems like incontinence?

Dr. Gordon: Yes, we understand that women wrestle with this issue, which can cause untold embarrassment, inconvenience and discomfort. We also recognize that incontinence is much more common than many people realize, affecting about 35% of women. That’s why our staff is specially trained to help with bladder problems and incontinence, as well as pelvic floor conditions which can lead to these issues. Our staff includes both gynecologists and urogynecologists – physicians who have specialized training in surgical and non-surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders. So patients can feel comfortable discussing these kinds of issues, knowing that we have the expertise to treat these disorders and find solutions for patients.

Question: What type of non-surgical treatments are available for incontinence?

Dr. Gordon: Depending on your diagnosis, the severity of your symptoms and your overall health, we might try medications, pelvic muscle exercise, lifestyle and dietary modifications, use of a vaginal support device called a pessary, or even biofeedback. Often, these provide relief of incontinence, but if your condition doesn’t improve, surgery is another option.

Question: What kind of procedures are there?

Dr. Gordon: Many of the available surgical procedures for

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incontinence and prolapse are minimally invasive, including some robotic-assisted surgeries that may offer a more effective treatment option. Using tiny, 1-2 cm incisions, a surgeon can operate with greater precision and control, so your recovery is faster and less painful, with a better clinical outcome. Some common surgeries for incontinence include suburethral slings, which are small mesh slings placed under the urethra to help prevent urinary leaks. Another is called a sacrocolpopexy, which is a robotic-assisted procedure that uses mesh to hold the vagina in the correct anatomical position to correct vaginal vault prolapse. There are also other types of vaginal reconstruction for prolapse, with or without mesh implantation. And these are just some of the procedures which can be offered to treat incontinence or prolapse. The right procedure for you will depend on your diagnosis.

Question: A gynecologist sounds ideal for a woman dealing with menopause.

Dr. Gordon: Women who are approaching menopause are shifting to a different way of looking at their reproductive health, and our practice offers a positive healthcare experience for those facing this journey. We embrace both traditional and alternative methods of managing the symptoms of menopause, including hormone replacement therapy. Menopause doesn’t have to be miserable! We can treat all symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, sleep disorders, and osteoporosis. We have many tools, including bio-identical and compounded hormones, hormone injections and pellets, and more. We also take osteoporosis seriously, offering oral medications, quarterly Boniva injections, twice-yearly Prolia, or once-yearly Reclast infusions.

Question: Are there any specific advantages of a urogynecologist over an OB/GYN? Dr. Gordon: A urogynecologist can provide the full range of services, without the inconveniences an OB/GYN practice can sometimes cause. Because our practice provides only gynecological/urogynecological and surgical care – and we don’t deliver babies – you’ll never endure long office waits or, worse yet, being told you need to reschedule your appointment, typical of physicians who also provide obstetrical care.

The Women’s Center was created by Dr. Gordon in 2003 to provide a better healthcare experience for women. Their philosophy is to get to know each patient personally and actively listen to her concerns about her health. Dr. Gordon and her partner Dr. Rice encourage all women to be active partners in the decision-making process and to be as well informed as possible about their healthcare. Schedule an appointment today at either their Conyers office – 678-413-4644 – or the Stockbridge office – 770-302-0878.

Appointments readily available that will fit into your busy schedule!

The Women’s Center, PC Providing Individualized Care for Women

UROGYNECOLOGY AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY • Well Women Health Care and Comprehensive Annual Exams • Pap Smears, Breast Exams, and In-Office Ultrasounds • Full Range of Contraception Options • Menopausal Management — Traditional and Alternative • Adolescent and Pediatric Gynecology • Infertility Workups

STEPHANIE GORDON, MD

TRENT RICE, MD

• Hormone Replacement Therapy • Bladder Problems — Unwanted Urine or Bowel Leakage • Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder and Bowel Leakage — Abnormal Bleeding and Ovarian Cysts • Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment • Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases

LAN VU, NP

MARIA EPLING, NP

KATISHA PATTERSON, NP

PROCEDURES WE PROVIDE • DaVinci Robotics Gynecological Surgery • Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, and Laparoscopic Assisted Hysterectomy • Myomectomy for Fibroid Tumors • In-Office ESSURE Tubal Ligation • Laparoscopic Surgery for Ovarian Problems, Endometriosis, Tubal and Adhesive Diseases • Hysteroscopic Surgery • Colposcopies for Abnormal Pap Smears and LEEP Procedures • Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder Leakage • In-Office Endometrial Ablation for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding • Bowel Leakage, Repair of Pelvic Prolapse, Relaxation and Surgery for Bladder/Bowel Leakage.

Please visit our website at womenscenterga.com for all the information you need about our office!

MOST MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED CONYERS • 2750 Owens Drive • 678-413-4644 STOCKBRIDGE • Newly Expanded Office • 140 Eagles Spring Court • 770-302-0878

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NEW PATIENTS & MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED!

Jason Arnold, MD

Katharine Simmon, PA-C

John Fountain, MD

Darryl Hodson, MD

Allen Filstein, MD

Dr. Jason Arnold Has Joined Our Team!

770-785-SKIN (7546) 1349 Milstead Road • CONYERS Skin Cancer Removal • Mohs Surgery Routine Skin Exams • Mole Removal General & Surgical Dermatology 12 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

GaDerm.com

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kin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. Each year in the U.S., over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people. And during the course of a lifetime, one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. Unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

Early detection is key in catching skin cancer before it can become life threatening, especially with malignant melanoma, the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. While melanoma isn’t the most common of skin cancers, it causes the most deaths. It’s estimated that melanoma kills more than 10,000 people annually in the U.S., and experts predict that more than 76,000 people will be diagnosed with invasive melanomas this year alone.

Melanoma frequently develops in a mole or can suddenly appear as a new dark spot on the skin. The telltale ABCDEs of melanoma are: a) asymmetry, b) border (irregular or poorly defined), c) color (varied with shades of tan, brown or black), d) diameter (typically larger than the size of a pencil eraser), and e) evolving (changing in size, color or shape).

The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). These flesh-colored, pearl-like bumps or pinkish patches of skin are common on the head, neck and arms, but they can pop up anywhere, including the chest, abdomen or legs. BCC almost never spreads (metastasizes) beyond the original tumor site, but it still shouldn’t be taken lightly. If not treated promptly, BCC can cause damage and disfiguration.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It may look like a firm,

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FEATURE

red bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens. SCC tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest and back. With early detection, SCC can be readily treated, but if allowed to grow larger, a SCC can grow deep in the skin and cause tissue damage and disfigurement.

It’s never too late to begin protecting yourself from skin cancer. Clothing is your first line of defense against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause most skin cancers. The more skin you cover, the better.

Long sleeves, long pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses protect you most effectively.

Other parts of a complete sun protection regimen should include: ➧ Seeking the shade – especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ➧ Do not burn. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 every day. For extended outdoor activities, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. ➧ Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds. ➧ Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months. ➧ Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. Be sure to check your skin thoroughly, even the places that never see the sun. Check your scalp, your nails, and the bottoms of your feet, where it might be easy to overlook moles. Get to know your skin, and know what’s normal for you – and what’s different. ➧ See your physician every year for a professional skin exam. However, if you notice a spot or mole that’s different from others, or that changes, itches or bleeds, make an appointment to see a dermatologist right away.

The dermatologists at Georgia Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Conyers specialize in treating all types of skin disorders, including skin cancers. Call 770-785-SKIN (7546) today for an appointment, and protect your skin for life.

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Get to the Truth About

Dieting and Weight Loss

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eight loss is a popular resolution come the new year.

But in spite of that p o p u l a r i t y, the resolution to lose weight is no small task.

When resolving to lose weight, men and women will encounter an abundance of information about dieting and weight loss. It’s difficult to know who to believe and to determine which plans will be effective.

Research published by Shape magazine says nearly one in three young people embark on a new diet each month, but 45 percent give up after one week, and about half abandon their goals within a month. Data released in the Daily Mail in 2013 said that although one in seven (13 percent) women in the United Kingdom stick to a diet for 13 weeks or more, nearly one in five (19 percent) succumb to their favorite food cravings after a month.

What’s the magic formula for weight loss?

Experts advise that there isn’t any. Weight-loss strategies that require fad dieting or restrict certain foods may not produce long-term success. Rather, a lifestyle overhaul is often the most effective weight loss strategy. · Recognize that quick fixes do not work. Drastic weight loss approaches may produce immediate results, but such plans are not sustainable. Drastic plans include certain detoxes and cleanses; diets that eliminate all but a few foods; some prepackaged foods; and food-replacement strategies. Feelings of deprivation or boredom

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may make people following these diets unsuccessful in the long run. Losing weight means changing one’s food and exercise plans over the long haul. · Eat in regular intervals. Researchers at the National Weight Control Registry offer that spacing food evenly throughout the day is the key to successful, long-term weight loss. People who eat healthy food at regular intervals are better nourished, think more clearly and report fewer mood swings than those who eat erratically. · Recognize that not all carbs are bad. People trying to lose weight often hear that they should increase protein consumption and drastically reduce their intake of carbohydrates. While it’s smart to reduce consumption of processed carbs and those that are made largely of white flour, there are some healthy carbohydrates, including beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. · Be flexible. As a person’s body ages, his or her metabolism will change. Men and women should revisit their recommended caloric intake every few years. In addition, men and women can routinely revisit their exercise routines to determine the efficacy of those routines and alter their workouts to reflect the physical changes their bodies are going through as they age.

A person’s first step before dieting or attempting to lose weight should be to consult their physician, who can help men and women achieve their weight loss goals in a way that’s healthy and easy to maintain for years to come.

Colon Cancer Screening

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Saves Lives

aving a colonoscopy isn’t something people get excited about, but preventing colon cancer before it starts should be. Ranked as the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., colon cancer is one of the most highly treatable and preventable cancers when detected in its early stages with a colonoscopy. Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates (AGA) physicians perform this procedure regularly at AGA-affiliated outpatient endoscopy centers and area hospitals.

Because early detection and removal of polyps during a colonoscopy can actually prevent the disease, screening colonoscopies are recommended for everyone beginning at age 50 and younger for those with a family history or other risk factors. While there is evidence that more people are getting screened than in previous years, one in three adults ages 50 or older are not getting this life-saving test.

If it’s time for your screening colonoscopy and you’re in good health, you may be able to schedule your procedure directly – without a pre-procedure visit. When you make your appointment, ask about our Direct Access Program.

The physicians at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates see patients at more than 40 locations across metro Atlanta – including an office in Conyers.

To make an appointment, call 678.745.3033 or visit www.atlantagastro.com.

FAQ: Common Questions About Colonoscopy Screenings What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is considered the single best method for detecting colon cancer in its early stages. A colonoscopy is a procedure performed under light sedation that allows a trained gastroenterologist to look at the inner lining of your large intestine – or colon. The physician uses a thin, flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope to visually inspect your colon.

How long does the procedure take?

The entire process – from check-in to check-out – typically takes about two hours. A colonoscopy itself usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. You should plan to rest for several hours after the procedure.

When should you get screened?

Screening colonoscopies are recommended for every adult beginning at age 50 and at age 45 if you are African-American.* For those with a family history of the disease, or other risk factors, screening could start even earlier. *American Cancer Society

You call a plumber for clogged pipes.

Who do you call for your digestive pipes?

Protect your internal plumbing.

Call the experts.

1501 Milstead Road | Suite 120 | Conyers, Georgia 30012

678.745.3033 www.atlantagastro.com AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

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Urgent Care Access, Primary Care Cost Open seven days a week with extended hours until 7 p.m.

Same-day appointments and walk-ins accepted.

Eagles Landing Family Practice provides care at your convenience with our nine locations throughout Henry, Butts, DeKalb and Rockdale counties, including a location near you: CONYERS OFFICE

1101 Nor Tec Dr | Conyers, GA 30013 (770) 293-8162

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

HOURS

Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Honey Creek Rd SE

Honey Creek Rd SE

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Conyers

Same access. Lower cost.

Extended hours | Open seven days a week Same-day appointments and walk-ins accepted

We understand that you don’t have the luxury to schedule when you get sick.

That’s why Eagles Landing Family Practice is open seven days a week and offers extended hours to provide the care you need at the time you need it.

Whether you schedule an appointment or walk in, our medical care is always billed as a primary care visit, without the additional facility fees associated with urgent care centers or emergency rooms, making us a lower-cost choice for quality care in our community.

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Eagles Landing Family Practice offers many services and exams including, but not limited to:

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Cowan Rd SE

elfp.com 16 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

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• • • •

Sick visits • Wellness exams • Immunizations Gynecological services • On-site laboratory • On-site x-ray Skin care • Mammograms • EKG Echocardiograms • Low dose CT scans

For more information visit elfp.com/walk-in.

View our state-of-the-art patient imaging center at elfp.com/imagin g

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general health

FEATURE

Staying well

Your guide to preventive health

By Tim Reichert Eagles Landing Family Practice

SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS ANNUAL WELL WOMAN EXAM

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

“Early detection is the best protection.”

“Prevention is better than cure.”

It’s safe to say that most of us have heard a variation of one of these common preventive health maxims, if not all of them. But they are more than clichés and sayings – there is undeniable truth in the message.

“If you can prevent disease, that can save you a lifetime of ill health,” says Heidi H. Chun, M.D., a physician at Eagles Landing Family Practice.

“What you do today, you’re going to pay for one way or another,” Chun says. “I look at it like a bank account. Whatever good choices you make, you’re putting a deposit in, and whenever you make a bad one, you’re taking it out.”

With enough bad choices, you’re looking at bankruptcy, Chun advised.

“Preventive health is very important because you can make choices, have vaccinations and do screenings that could prevent you from being diagnosed with a disease at a later stage, or have even gone through it at all.”

To help you stay on the road to good health, we’ve put together a guide to common wellness screenings along with their recommended timelines. It is by no means a comprehensive a list of available screenings and exams, so be sure to talk with your physician about which screenings are best for you. Your provider can determine and recommend which tests and scans are appropriate.

Many regular preventive screenings are covered by insurance, with no deductibles or co-insurance, so check with your provider for specific benefits.

From the inside out – trust your care to Eagles Landing Family Practice’s team of more than 40 board-certified providers. See our adjacent ad for more information about ELFP and our services and extended hours.

Women age 65 and younger

AAA (ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM)

Men age 65-75 who have ever smoked

BONE DENSITY

Women age 65 and older; younger women at high risk

BREAST CANCER (MAMMOGRAPHY)

Women age 50 and older*

CERVICAL CANCER

Women age 21-65**

COLORECTAL CANCER FALL PREVENTION

Adults age 50-75 Adults age 65 and older

LUNG CANCER

Adults age 55-80 who have smoked heavily

PHYSICAL EXAM

Varies based on age, risk factors

SKIN CANCER

Inconclusive; report any suspicious moles or spots

Above screening recommendations are from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for otherwise healthy adults. *The USPSTF recommends annual mammograms every other year beginning at age 50. The American Cancer Society says all women should begin annual exams by age 45, and can change to having mammograms every other year beginning at age 55; the ACS states women should have the choice to start yearly mammograms at age 40 if they want to **The USPSTF recommends a Pap test every three years; age 30 or older every 5 years if Pap test is accompanied by an HPV test

elfp.com

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If you experience difficulty hearing, now is the time to schedule your appointment with one of our highly qualifed, certified Audiologists.

How’s Your Hearing?

Have you noticed more difficulty understanding family and friends?

Does everyone just seem to be mumbling? Are you asking people to repeat themselves often? Are you having to turn the TV volume up?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may need to check your hearing…

Did You Know?

www.entspecialists.net Donald Cote, MD • Adam French, MD Arthur Torsiglieri, MD FACS • Donna McGough, F-AAA Kristyn Meade, F-AAA • Susann Shriver, CCC-A

• Untreated hearing loss is associated with isolation, depression, memory problems, loss of income and marital problems leads to a better quality of life, according to a 1999 study by the National Council on Aging.

• At least 29 million Americans have a hearing impairment; 20% in adults ages 48-59; over 50% in adults over 75.

• Patients with diabetes are more than twice as likely to have hearing loss.

• Exposure to noise is the leading cause of tinnitus, and almost always accompanies hearing loss.

1370 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, Georgia / 770-922-5458 4181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102, Covington, Georgia / 770-385-0321 1110 Commerce Drive, Suite 108, Greensboro, GA / 770-922-5458 Call today for an appointment!

18 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

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FEATURE

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF Severe Hearing Loss

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hough it’s difficult for many people to imagine living in a world in which their hearing has been compromised, hearing loss is a significant medical issue that affects millions of people across the globe. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, among adults ages 65 and older in the United States, 12.3 percent of men and nearly 14 percent of women are affected by tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be intermittent or continuous and can vary in loudness. Some are quick to assume hearing loss is a natural side effect of aging, and while the relationship between age and hearing loss is strong, that does not mean men and women cannot take steps to protect their hearing and maintain it well into their golden ears.

a person stops taking the medication that is contributing to those side effects, but that’s not always the case, so it’s best to discuss any potential side effects of medications with your physician before taking anything.

• Be especially careful when enjoying recreational activities that put hearing in harm’s way. Some celebratory activities are augmented by fireworks, and while fireworks may provide some stunning visual appeal to celebrations, that appeal could be coming at the expense of your hearing. Hearing loss is sometimes caused by exposure to loud and sudden noises, such as those made by fireworks. When attending celebrations that include fireworks, stay as far away from the fireworks as possible and wear earplugs if necessary.

Shooting enthusiasts may also be • Limit workplace exposure to putting themselves in harm’s way. noise. Overexposure to noise while on the job is a leading cause of Overuse of earbuds could be putting When visiting a shooting range or going on a hunting trip, protect your severe hearing loss, yet millions of you at greater risk of hearing loss. ears with headphones or ear plugs. people encounter hazardous levels of noise during a typical workday. For example, mechanics The sudden pop of a gun or rifle can cause irreparable are routinely exposed to loud noise that stems from power ear damage if you haven’t already taken steps to protect tools or motor vehicle engines. This does not mean mechanics your ears. should take up a new trade, but they should approach the • Limit use of personal music players. Though it’s hard workday with a goal of protecting their hearing. Mechanics to predict how many of today’s young people will suffer and other professionals who are routinely exposed to hearing loss down the road, it’s fair to assume hearing loss workplace noise can wear protectors that cover their ears figures will be on the rise. That’s thanks in large part to or earplugs that reduce the impact of noise on their ears. increased usage of personal music players and smartphones • Discuss side effects of medications with your doctor before taking them. Many people may be surprised to learn that certain medications can cause hearing loss. Some cancer drugs and certain antibiotics can cause hearing loss, including loss that may be permanent. In addition, when used regularly, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and acetaminophen can increase a person’s risk of hearing loss.

Some side effects related to hearing loss may disappear when

and their accompanying earbuds and headphones that allow music fans to crank up their favorite tunes at all hours of the day regardless of location. The louder and longer a person listens to music through headphones or earbuds, the greater that person’s risk of hearing loss may be. Those who want to protect their hearing for the long haul should limit their use of headphones and earbuds, and be sure to keep the volume down when they are using such devices.

For a thorough hearing evaluation, please contact ENT-Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists at 770-922-5458 or 770-385-0321 or visit www.entspecialists.net.

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Butterfly Cremation Park written by Scot Ward

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n January 2016 Scot Ward Funeral Services and Green Meadow Memorial Gardens will open a cremation park that has been sought after by the East Metro Atlanta Communities. Butterfly Cremation Park will have permanent memorial options for everyone.

This park has been designed to allow you and your family to permanently place your urn in a park where your lifetime will always be remembered and shared.

Butterfly Cremation Park will have a wide range of pricing options available for all families.

There are many options that are made when cremation is your choice of disposition. I recommend that families find an appropriate time to discuss these options before a death occurs. The next step would be to record these choices in a place that is easily found at the time of death. It is very common for a funeral home and cemetery to help you with these decisions and safely store them for your family. At Scot Ward Funeral Services and Green Meadow Memorial Gardens we strongly encourage families to make these plans in advance when you are in a much better state of mind and have the opportunity to change your mind if you so choose. Please allow these three statements to guide your thoughts if you are choosing cremation… ➣ A funeral is not a day in a lifetime, but a lifetime in a day. ➣ Where will your urn be in 50 years? ➣ I choose cremation… Where will your urn be placed to tell the story of your life?

Reports from CANA show that fifty percent of the deaths in North America choose cremation as a form of disposition in 2016. It is very common for a family member to leave there survivors with the statement “I want to be cremated” but they do not give any further directions after that statement. This creates difficult decisions for the survivors of the deceased.

Many families do not explore the available options for a funeral and memorial until a death has occurred. This

is a very difficult time to be educated and make sound decisions. I can assure you of this… over the last forty years the funeral industry has greatly increased the available options for a funeral services and permanent memorials. I will list the following options that are available when you choose cremation as your form of disposition: • A public or private viewing of the deceased. This may or may not need the deceased to be embalmed.

• A purchase of a casket designed to be cremated or a rental casket to be used for the viewing and possibly the service.

• A funeral service with the deceased present in either casket listed above or a memorial service where the deceased is not present. The cremated remains could be present in an urn with a memorial service.

• When choosing a memorial service, a date could be set close to the time of death or several days later.

• The services for a funeral or memorial can be held at a funeral home chapel, a place of worship or another suitable location.

• In some locations (such as a funeral home chapel with current technology) the services can be recorded for permanent keepsake and/or streamed live on a website for visitors to view from outside locations.

• A gathering of family and/or friends for a meal before or after the services. This could be held in a funeral equipped to accommodate meals, a place of worship equipped to accommodate meals, a residence, a restaurant or another suitable location.

• The cremated remains can be placed in a permanent urn to stay at a residence, in multiple permanent urns to be placed in multiple locations, scattered in a favorite suitable location, in a simple urn to be placed in a permanent place of rest such as a burial of the cremains in a cemetery, placed in a private niche, placed in a community niche or placed in an indoor glass front niche columbarium.

Please contact Scot Ward Funeral Services and Green Meadow Memorial Gardens for more information at (770) 483-7216 or www.scotward.com or www.butterflycremationpark.com.

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Will You Choose Cremation?

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remation has become a growing choice of disposition over the last 20 years in North America. The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) has collected and shared the information below: There are numerous reasons why people choose cremation, and the decision is a very personal one, whether for someone planning their own services in order to alleviate their family from that burden, to family members choosing cremation as a loving and respectful way to memorialize their loved one. Research has shown the following nine factors as considerations in the cremation decision: • People are dying older and choosing cremation for themselves.

• Migration to retirement locations is increasing.

• Cremation has become acceptable.

• Environmental considerations are becoming more important.

• Level of education is rising.

• Ties to tradition are becoming weaker.

• Regional differences are diminishing.

I am a third generation licensed funeral director and a third generation owner of a funeral home and cemetery. My family has had sixty five plus years in this industry and we have adapted to our communities and the choices they want at a time of death.

I grew up around the funeral home in the 1970’s watching families come and ask my grandfather and my father what type of services they should choose, what type of casket, what type of vault and what cemetery they should use for their loved one.

Less than ten percent of families would choose cremation as a form of disposition in the 1970’s in North America. It was very common for them to follow the same services and merchandise of a previous family member which was most likely the same as the previous generations in that same family. In other words, very few changes were made in the families choices and the funeral director just approved those services could still be carried out. Some would say those were days of simplicity compared to the current times we live in now. When a death occurs in 2016, the process of planning a funeral is drastically different than it was forty years ago. Allow me to share a sample of what happens at a death in 2016 as well as what options are available for cremation.

• Religious restrictions are diminishing.

• Greater flexibility in memorialization services.

According to the funeral-industry sponsored Wirthlin Report from 2006, the five primary reasons why cremation is chosen are as follows.

1. Saves Money (30%) 2. Saves Land (13%) 3. Simpler (8%) 4. Body Not in Earth (6%) 5. Personal Preference (6%)

699 American Legion Road | Conyers, GA 30012 P: (770) 483-7216 • F: (770) 483-7218 More than just a funeral home... www.scotward.com WINTER 2017 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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FEATURE

Managing Rosacea Symptoms

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osacea is a reddening of will prescribe isotretinoin, a the skin that primarily powerful acne medication, affects people with fair if antibiotics do not work. complexions.

This may be used on acneA chronic skin condition, like lesions that accompany rosacea affects millions of rosacea. people each year and often · Lasers and light begins with a tendency to treatments: Doctors may blush or turn flushed more use lasers and other light easily than other people. treatments to reduce redness However, rosacea can become and inflammation and to more pronounced on the remove thickening skin. face, producing swelling · E l e c t r o s u r g e r y and bumpy or thickening (electrocautery): This Rosacea is a reddening of the skin that primarily skin. Rosacea can spread to procedure sends electric affects people with fair complexions. other areas of the body as currents into the skin to well. Because rosacea is often help treat it by reducing the noticeable, many people with the condition are interested appearance of blood vessels or removing tissue buildup in learning how to reduce their symptoms. that typically forms around the nose.

The first step when considering skincare treatment is to · Avoiding triggers: Some people have found that visit a doctor to determine if the symptoms you are exhibiting eating spicy food; excessive drinking; stress; or extreme are indicative of rosacea. If a general practitioner is unsure, temperatures can cause rosacea to flare up. Learning about he or she may refer you to a dermatologist. Dermatologists your triggers and avoiding these things can make rosacea specialize in skin conditions and usually can identify rosacea less troublesome, possibly extending the time between with just a visual inspection. Ignoring symptoms of rosacea flare-ups. could put you at risk of exacerbating the redness even further. · Exploring home remedies: Foods and beverages The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but some believe known to reduce inflammation can help reduce the redness it is linked to the swelling of blood vessels beneath the skin. associated with rosacea. These include but are not limited to The Mayo Clinic says rosacea symptoms may flare up for chamomile, green tea and oatmeal. Lavender oil and honey weeks at a time before diminishing. also have antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that may Many people who develop rosacea fall into these make them good for treating rosacea. A study presented to categories: the American Academy of Dermatology found that licorice · between 30 and 50 years old also helps reduce redness and can help promote healthy · fair skin with light hair and blue eyes skin cells. Consult with a dermatologist before trying natural · Celtic or Scandinavian ancestry, and remedies to ensure they do not compete with or interact · most likely have someone in their family with severe with any medications. acne or rosacea.

People with rosacea should use gentle skincare products Although there’s no definitive cure for rosacea, treatments and avoid scrubbing or touching their faces too much. Avoid can help control redness and reduce other signs of the products that contain alcohol, which can cause further condition. A combination of medication, avoidance of irritation. Everyone should also wear a broad-spectrum triggers and some natural remedies may be able to help. sunscreen daily to protect their skin from damaging UV rays. · Antibiotic treatments: Antibiotics used to treat rosacea Rosacea is a common condition, but it is one that can be have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be effective in managed through a comprehensive approach. the short term and are usually applied as creams, but they For dermatological care for your entire family including may come in pill form as well. aesthetic services, please contact Dermatology Consultants · Acne medications: The Mayo Clinic says some doctors at 770-784-0343 or visit dermatologyconsultants.org.

24 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

Put your skin in good hands PROVIDING DERMATOLOGICAL CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Michelle Juneau, MD

Dione Marcus, MD

Fiona Zwald, MD

Kate Kaufman, PA-C

Dermatological Services Available Full Body Skin Exam Dermatological procedures & services Aesthetic services dermatologyconsultants.org

770-784-0343

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FEATURE

Your Primary Care Provider, Your Surgeon and You written by Lee Udell

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our primary care physician has said you may be a candidate for surgery, and you’ve been guided to the right type of surgeon. You may be talking with an orthopedist about joint replacement or a general surgeon about removing your gall bladder. Your surgery could involve foot or ankle repair or gynecological issues, such as treatment for incontinence. The types of surgery available today are vast, but one thing remains constant: the need for you and your surgeon to work closely with your primary care physician (PCP) both before and after your surgery.

While your surgeon is specifically trained to be an expert in surgical treatment for your necessary care, your PCP is the one who ensures your continuity of care – an established relationship that you and your health care provider have, which has grown over the years. Your PCP has taken the time to get to know you and your health goals, helping manage your progress and ensuring your overall good health.

With this continuity of care, you can feel more confident that you’re getting the most appropriate treatment and that you’ll be able to make the best possible recovery following your surgery. Over the long haul, a provider who knows your health history, your habits and your personality can more easily oversee your care from pre-surgery to post-surgery.

What’s more, you can trust your PCP to refer you to a specialist or surgeon whom they know will provide you a high level of care.

In doing so, you can be sure your PCP also has a collaborative relationship with your specialist and will be able to keep an eye on the “big picture” when it comes to your surgical experience.

“This concept is sometimes referred to as the ‘medical home,’” says Richard Madden, M.D., a family physician who serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Your primary care physician has a working

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relationship with their referrals and keeps track of your care with them.”

Together, your PCP and your surgeon will work as a team to decide if you need special preparation for surgery and whether you need to see additional specialists during this period. Before surgery, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your PCP as you’re planning your surgery, so he or she may alert your surgeon to any special needs that you may have.

If you haven’t recently had a complete physical exam, your PCP may suggest you do so to ensure that you don’t have new medical considerations that haven’t been previously identified. This can reduce or eliminate some of the risks associated with your operation. At your presurgical appointment, your PCP can also help you prepare for your pre-surgical appointment with your surgeon, guiding you in asking questions of your surgeon and learning what you can expect from your surgical experience.

Following surgery, you may be asked to follow up with both your PCP and your surgeon to be sure that you receive the best care for your overall medical condition, in addition to appropriate post-surgical care. Studies have shown that follow-up with a PCP after high-risk surgery, especially among patients with complications, is associated with a lower risk of hospital readmission.

If you and your PCP are considering surgical options for your treatment, the next step is scheduling an appointment with a surgeon and discussing your care. The physicians at Rockdale Surgical Associates in Conyers have served the Rockdale and Newton communities for more than 25 years. Doctors Harper and Logan are both known for their caring and thoughtful approach to delivery of patient care. To schedule an appointment, call 770-922-4024 today. n

We are pleased to welcome

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Dr. Melissa S. Logan to the We are Medical pleased to welcome Rockdale Center family.

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Need a General Surgeon?

Meet Melissa S. Logan, M.D.

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Melissa S. Logan, M.D. Dr. Logan received her Medical Degree at The University of South Carolina

School of Medicine and completed a research fellowship at the university’s Department of Surgery. She interned at the University of California, Davis. She gan received herher Medical Degree at Surgery at the University of Virginia. completed residency in General

niversity ofRockdale South Carolina School of Surgical Associates

Rockdale Surgical Associates 1301 Sigman Rd. NE, #190

770-922-4024 Conyers, GA 30012 Need a General Surgeon? university’s Department of Surgery. She

1301 Sigman Rd. NE, #190 ine and completed a research fellowship Conyers, GA 30012

770-922-4024 Meet Melissa S. Logan, M.D. www.rockdalesurgical.com

ed at the University of California, Davis.

ompleted her residency in General Surgery University of Virginia.

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THINGS THAT ARE SCARY Colon Cancer doesn’t have to be scary. Timely screening for colon cancer means a

90% Prevention Rate.

EVERYONE 50+ NEEDS SCREENING

African Americans and those with family histories of colon cancer should be screened earlier (at 40-45 yrs).

Preventative screenings are largely covered by health insurance and Medicare. So,

DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS,

because diagnostic colonoscopy (due to symptoms) carries higher costs!

Don’t put it off any longer.

GET BEHIND SCREENING. BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS

FRED A. LEVIN MD, FACP, FACG

DAVID N. SOCOLOFF DO

RAZVI M. RAZACK MD

KAREN L. WEISS-SCHORR MD

A. STEVEN MCINTOSH MD, FACG

1269 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, GA 1075 South Main Street, Suite 200, Madison, GA 7229 Wheat Street, Covington, GA 1000 Cowles Clinic Way, Cypress Building, Suite C-300, Greensboro, GA

770-922-0505 EastAtlantaGastro.Com 28 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017

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FEATURE

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME... a Common Disorder written by Lee Udell Do you know the difference between occasional stomach upset and irritable bowel syndrome? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects your large intestine, or colon. Symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, gas and bloating, so the disorder is often mistaken for an ordinary upset stomach. However, IBS is chronic, so symptoms may come and go – sometimes the signs and symptoms will be worse, and other times, they’ll improve or even disappear completely. Typical flare-ups last anywhere from two to four days, but symptoms can vary widely from patient to patient, so no two experiences are identical.

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he disorder affects as many as 1 in 5 American adults, but fewer than 1 in 5 of these will seek medical help. Yet, for anyone with these symptoms, getting medical care is crucial.

IBS is not life-threatening, but some people become incapacitated by it. It may affect work, travel, and can cause patients to withdraw completely from friends and social situations. Some fall into a deep depression that intensifies their symptoms. What’s more, many people with IBS are too embarrassed to talk openly about it, or think that, because it’s invisible or not life-threatening, somehow their symptoms are insignificant.

It’s not known exactly what causes IBS, but a variety of factors can play a role: • Foods – The role of food allergies or intolerance isn’t clear, but certain foods can trigger symptoms for some people. More common culprits include: chocolate, spices, fats, fruits, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, milk, carbonated beverages and alcohol.

• Stress – Many of those with IBS find that their symptoms are worse when they’re stressed.

• Hormones – Women are twice as likely as men to have IBS, suggesting that hormonal changes may play a role. For many women, signs and symptoms worsen during or around their menstrual periods.

• Other illnesses – Sometimes another illness, such as bacterial overgrowth (too many bacteria in the intestine) or acute gastroenteritis (infectious diarrhea) can trigger IBS. Risk factors for IBS include: • Being young. IBS occurs more often in people younger than 45.

• Being female. About twice as many women as men have the condition.

• Having a family history of IBS. • Having a mental health problem. Anxiety, depression, a personality disorder or a history of childhood

sexual abuse or domestic abuse may increase your risk.

Regardless of what triggers IBS, the result is abnormal colon motility—the contraction of muscles in the intestines and the way food moves through them. The colon is extra sensitive and tends to spasm when stimulated by things like food or stress. These spasms can cause food to move too quickly through the digestive tract (diarrhea) or get stuck (constipation).

People with IBS can also be extra-sensitive to the goingson in their gut, and feel pain from small pockets of gas, for instance, when others would feel nothing.

Diagnosing IBS largely depends on a process of elimination, since there are no specific imaging or laboratory tests for the condition. Your doctor will likely recommend a blood test and attempt to rule out other possible conditions, including lactose intolerance, bacterial overgrowth or celiac disease, a disorder that results from an immune reaction to gluten found in certain grains.

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life with diet and lifestyle changes, as well as learning to manage stress. Through trial and error, patients can determine which, if any, changes in eating habits can help control symptoms. Some medications, such as antispasmodics, can help reduce cramping, and laxatives or antimotility medications can help with constipation or diarrhea, as needed.

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of IBS, schedule an appointment with your gastroenterologist right away. The physicians at East Atlanta Gastroenterology have more than 70 combined years of experience in treating digestive diseases, including IBS. With full-service locations in Conyers and Covington, East Atlanta Gastroenterology can consult with you and provide appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for each individual patient. Schedule an appointment today by calling 770-922-0505. n WINTER 2017 | HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE

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FEATURE

Prevent Colds and Flu

BEFORE THEY START

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hough the holiday season is a joyous time of year, it’s also one when many people succumb to cold and flu.

Spending so much time indoors in close proximity to others can increase a person’s susceptibility to flu and cold, so it’s no surprise that the holiday season, when many people spend lots of time celebrating indoors with family and friends, marks the unofficial start to cold and flu season.

Despite what Mom might have told you about going out into the cold with a wet head or leaving home without wearing a coat, such actions do not increase your risk for cold and flu. But being cooped up indoors, where germs from others who are sick can fester, can increase that risk.

Cold weather also can be a factor, but not for the reason you think. According to a 2007 study from researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the influenza virus is more stable and can stay in the air longer when the air is cold and dry. Dr. Peter Palese, a flu researcher who is professor and chairman of the school’s microbiology department, examined guinea pigs infected with the flu virus to determine the connection between the flu and cold weather. Dr. Palese varied the air temperature and humidity in the guinea pigs’ environment and determined that flu transmission was best at 41 F, while the prevalence of transmission declined as the temperature rose. By the time temperatures reached 86 F, the virus was not transmitted at all. Low humidity also helped transmit the virus, and high humidity stopped the spread. Flu viruses spread through the air in water droplets expelled

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from sick individuals’ noses and mouths. High humidity may cause these droplets to fall to the ground before they can infect someone else.

Colds are largely transmitted through surface contact with the virus or direct contact with a sick individual. The cold virus is then contracted on the hands and typically transferred to the nose, eyes or mouth through inadvertent touching of these areas. Spending time indoors in close quarters with other people, which is more common in the winter, can facilitate the spread of colds as well as the flu virus.

There are many ways to reduce your risk of contracting a cold or the flu virus this winter. Perhaps no preventive measure is more effective than getting a flu shot. In addition, wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs, and disinfect remote controls, computer keyboards, tablets, mobile phones, and other items that are handled by multiple people on any given day. In addition, spend as much time outdoors as possible so you can escape potentially contaminated indoor air.

If you come down with the flu, increase the humidity in your home by running the shower with the door open, using a recreational aquarium or boiling pots of water. Maintain a warm indoor temperature to reduce the likelihood that the flu virus will spread.

Other ways to reduce your risk for cold and flu include: · maintaining a healthy diet · getting several minutes of sunlight per day · exercising regularly.

Comprehensive Imaging Services

Office Hours

Mon – Thurs: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Our diagnostic imaging services include: Mammography & 3D Mammography CT Scans (or CAT scans), including Lung CT Digital X-rays DEXA Bone Density Test

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Ultrasound Echocardiography Nerve conduction studies IRIS (retinal screening)

Please visit elfp.com/imaging for a virtual tour!

At Eagles Landing Family Practice, we offer diverse imaging options that assist with diagnosing bone, cardiac, nerve, organ, tissue and vision conditions. Our imaging services are all conducted by skilled technicians within our state-of-the art imaging and diagnostic facility.

✓Accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) ❑ ✓Accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) ❑ ✓Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved ❑ To learn more or to schedule a procedure, call 770-293-8397 or visit our website at elfp.com/imaging .

Eagles Landing Family Practice Imaging Center 50 Kelly Road, Suite 100 | McDonough, GA 30253 p: 770-293-8397 | f: 678-432-3677 | elfp.com

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“Postal Customer”

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 15 Monroe, GA ECRWSS

Our Purpose in

is to Save Yours Rockdale Physician Practices Rockdale Medical Center & Rockdale Physician Practices.

800-424-DOCS (3627)

1412 Milstead Avenue Conyers, GA 30012 RockdaleMedicalCenter.org

Making Communities Healthier.

32 HEALTHY IN ROCKDALE | WINTER 2017