Healthy Hall Winter 2023

What’s new in the world of hearing aids?

The digital age has impacted our lives in many positive ways, and that’s especially true when it comes to devices designed to improve hearing. The technology getting the most ‘buzz’ these days comes from Signia, and their line of Augmented Xperience hearing aids. It’s called AX for short and it’s the engine that allows for some remarkable advances in hearing aid performance.

The digital age has impacted our lives in many positive ways, and that’s especially true when it comes to devices designed to improve hearing. The technology getting the most ‘buzz’ these days comes from Signia, and their line of Augmented Xperience hearing aids. It’s called AX for short and it’s the engine that allows for some remarkable advances in hearing aid performance.

The digital age has impacted our lives in many positive ways, and that’s especially true when it comes to devices designed to improve hearing. The technology getting the most ‘buzz’ these days comes from Signia, and their line of Augmented Xperience hearing aids. It’s called AX for short and it’s the engine that allows for some remarkable advances in hearing aid performance.

The digital age has impacted our lives in many positive ways, and that’s especially true when it comes to devices designed to improve hearing. The technology getting the most ‘buzz’ these days comes from Signia, and their line of Augmented Xperience hearing aids. It’s called AX for short and it’s the engine that allows for some remarkable advances in hearing aid performance.

Signia AX: By the numbers.

Signia AX: By the numbers.

Signia AX: By the numbers.

“These

— Jack H., Signia AX wearer

— Jack H., Signia AX wearer

AX technology allows Signia to outfit their devices with cutting-edge features, like Augmented FocusTM technology. Using two distinct processors instead of the single processing power of other hearing aids, Augmented FocusTM can separate speech from background noise. It helps you stay focused on the conversation you want to hear, while placing background noises where they belong – in the background.

AX technology allows Signia to outfit their devices with cutting-edge features, like Augmented FocusTM technology. Using two distinct processors instead of the single processing power of other hearing aids, Augmented FocusTM can separate speech from background noise. It helps you stay focused on the conversation you want to hear, while placing background noises where they belong – in the background.

“These hearing aids are going to change my life”

AX technology allows Signia to outfit their devices with cutting-edge features, like Augmented FocusTM technology. Using two distinct processors instead of the single processing power of other hearing aids, Augmented FocusTM can separate speech from background noise. It helps you stay focused on the conversation you want to hear, while placing background noises where they belong – in the background.

Signia AX hearing aids now feature new benefits for you:

Signia AX hearing aids now feature new benefits for you:

AX technology allows Signia to outfit their devices with cutting-edge features, like Augmented FocusTM technology. Using two distinct processors instead of the single processing power of other hearing aids, Augmented FocusTM can separate speech from background noise. It helps you stay focused on the conversation you want to hear, while placing background noises where they belong – in the background.

Signia AX hearing aids now feature new benefits for you:

Hearing aids can be a big decision. And one you shouldn’t face alone. That’s why it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional and have a thorough hearing test before making any decisions. And, with obligation-free demos available, Gainesville Hearing lets you try before you buy. But sometimes, it’s nice to know what others are saying about their decision to purchase before considering your own. So, consider this:

Hearing aids can be a big decision. And one you shouldn’t face alone. That’s why it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional and have a thorough hearing test before making any decisions. And, with obligation-free demos available, Gainesville Hearing lets you try before you buy. But sometimes, it’s nice to know what others are saying about their decision to purchase before considering your own. So, consider this:

Signia AX: By the numbers.

Hearing aids can be a big decision. And one you shouldn’t face alone. That’s why it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional and have a thorough hearing test before making any decisions. And, with obligation-free demos available, Gainesville Hearing lets you try before you buy. But sometimes, it’s nice to know what others are saying about their decision to purchase before considering your own. So, consider this:

• 95% of participants in a research study reported being satisfied with Signia AX.*

• 95% of participants in a research study reported being satisfied with Signia AX.*

• 95% of participants in a research study reported being satisfied with Signia AX.*

• 94% of participants reported exceptional speech understanding with Signia AX.*

Hearing aids can be a big decision. And one you shouldn’t face alone. That’s why it’s important to talk to a hearing care professional and have a thorough hearing test before making any decisions. And, with obligation-free demos available, Gainesville Hearing lets you try before you buy. But sometimes, it’s nice to know what others are saying about their decision to purchase before considering your own. So, consider this:

• 94% of participants reported exceptional speech understanding with Signia AX.*

• 94% of participants reported exceptional speech understanding with Signia AX.*

• 95% of participants in a research study reported being satisfied with Signia AX.*

• Signia AX hearing aids have solved a problem that hearing aid wearers have struggled with for years -- the way your own voice seems artificial in your ears. With Own Voice Processing 2.0, that issue is a thing of the past, and you’ll find it easier to acclimate to and more comfortable to wear AX hearing aids.

These numbers are indeed impressive, but what matters most is what Signia AX hearing aids can do for you. This makes the obligation-free demo all the more important, as you can get a true and accurate personal reading before making a purchase. So, try Signia AX for yourself. After all, hearing is believing!

These numbers are indeed impressive, but what matters most is what Signia AX hearing aids can do for you. This makes the obligation-free demo all the more important, as you can get a true and accurate personal reading before making a purchase. So, try Signia AX for yourself. After all, hearing is believing!

• 94% of participants reported exceptional speech understanding with Signia AX.*

• Signia AX hearing aids have solved a problem that hearing aid wearers have struggled with for years -- the way your own voice seems artificial in your ears. With Own Voice Processing 2.0, that issue is a thing of the past, and you’ll find it easier to acclimate to and more comfortable to wear AX hearing aids.

Signia AX hearing aids now feature new benefits for you:

These numbers are indeed impressive, but what matters most is what Signia AX hearing aids can do for you. This makes the obligation-free demo all the more important, as you can get a true and accurate personal reading before making a purchase. So, try Signia AX for yourself. After all, hearing is believing!

• Signia AX hearing aids have solved a problem that hearing aid wearers have struggled with for years -- the way your own voice seems artificial in your ears. With Own Voice Processing 2.0, that issue is a thing of the past, and you’ll find it easier to acclimate to and more comfortable to wear AX hearing aids.

• Auto EchoShield helps reduce the echo so you can hear clearer regardless of your situation.

• Auto EchoShield helps reduce the echo so you can hear clearer regardless of your situation.

• Auto EchoShield helps reduce the echo so you can hear clearer regardless of your situation.

AX HandsFree, lets you take or make calls while in the car, preparing your meal, or any time your hands are busy with other taskscompletely hands free!

• Signia AX hearing aids have solved a problem that hearing aid wearers have struggled with for years -- the way your own voice seems artificial in your ears. With Own Voice Processing 2.0, that issue is a thing of the past, and you’ll find it easier to acclimate to and more comfortable to wear AX hearing aids.

• AX HandsFree, lets you take or make calls while in the car, preparing your meal, or any time your hands are busy with other taskscompletely hands free!

Better performance, better features, better style: Why not have it all?

Better performance, better features, better style: Why not have it all?

Better performance, better features, better style: Why not have it all?

These numbers are indeed impressive, but what matters most is what Signia AX hearing aids can do for you. This makes the obligation-free demo all the more important, as you can get a true and accurate personal reading before making a purchase. So, try Signia AX for yourself. After all, hearing is believing!

• Auto EchoShield helps reduce the echo so you can hear clearer regardless of your situation.

• AX HandsFree, lets you take or make calls while in the car, preparing your meal, or any time your hands are busy with other taskscompletely hands free!

• With My WellBeing, you can now count your steps and measure your movement right from the Signia app to help you be active, be healthy, and be brilliant.

• With My WellBeing, you can now count your steps and measure your movement right from the Signia app to help you be active, be healthy, and be brilliant.

• With My WellBeing, you can now count your steps and measure your movement right from the Signia app to help you be active, be healthy, and be brilliant.

• AX HandsFree, lets you take or make calls while in the car, preparing your meal, or any time your hands are busy with other taskscompletely hands free!

The right hearing aid helps with more than just hearing.

The right hearing aid helps with more than just hearing.

• With My WellBeing, you can now count your steps and measure your movement right from the Signia app to help you be active, be healthy, and be brilliant.

The right hearing aid helps with more than just hearing.

It’s long been known that better hearing lets us better enjoy life, staying better connected to the world around us and the people we love. But Signia AX hearing aids can do so much more. In fact, 7 out of 10 people in a survey say they feel more confident with AX than with their previous hearing aids, and 80% feel more energized!*

The right hearing aid helps with more than just hearing.

It’s long been known that better hearing lets us better enjoy life, staying better connected to the world around us and the people we love. But Signia AX hearing aids can do so much more. In fact, 7 out of 10 people in a survey say they feel more confident with AX than with their previous hearing aids, and 80% feel more energized!*

It’s long been known that better hearing lets us better enjoy life, staying better connected to the world around us and the people we love. But Signia AX hearing aids can do so much more. In fact, 7 out of 10 people in a survey say they feel more confident with AX than with their previous hearing aids, and 80% feel more energized!*

Of course, better hearing is the number one reason for choosing a quality hearing aid, but increased overall confidence and energy make Signia AX hearing aids worth looking in to.

Of course, better hearing is the number one reason for choosing a quality hearing aid, but increased overall confidence and energy make Signia AX hearing aids worth looking in to.

Of course, better hearing is the number one reason for choosing a quality hearing aid, but increased overall confidence and energy make Signia AX hearing aids worth looking in to.

It’s long been known that better hearing lets us better enjoy life, staying better connected to the world around us and the people we love. But Signia AX hearing aids can do so much more. In fact, 7 out of 10 people in a survey say they feel more confident with AX than with their previous hearing aids, and 80% feel more energized!*

Of course, better hearing is the number one reason for choosing a quality hearing aid, but increased overall confidence and energy

Better performance, better features, better style: Why not have it all?

Signia AX hearing aids give you the performance you need. Features like seamless smartphone streaming, easy charging (including some models with contactless charging), HandsFree mode and integration with the Signia App give you the features you want. But what about the style you deserve?

Signia AX hearing aids give you the performance you need. Features like seamless smartphone streaming, easy charging (including some models with contactless charging), HandsFree mode and integration with the Signia App give you the features you want. But what about the style you deserve?

Signia AX hearing aids give you the performance you need. Features like seamless smartphone streaming, easy charging (including some models with contactless charging), HandsFree mode and integration with the Signia App give you the features you want. But what about the style you deserve?

Signia AX has you covered there, too. With a variety of models and styles, you can choose from in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids. And, with several colors from which to choose, Signia makes it easy to find the AX hearing aid that best fits your life and style.

Signia AX has you covered there, too. With a variety of models and styles, you can choose from in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids. And, with several colors from which to choose, Signia makes it easy to find the AX hearing aid that best fits your life and style.

Signia AX has you covered there, too. With a variety of models and styles, you can choose from in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids. And, with several colors from which to choose, Signia makes it easy to find the AX hearing aid that best fits your life and style.

Signia AX hearing aids give you the performance you need. Features like seamless smartphone streaming, easy charging (including some models with contactless charging), HandsFree mode and integration with the Signia App give you the features you want. But what about the style you deserve?

Signia AX has you covered there, too. With a variety of models and styles, you can choose from in-the-canal and behind-the-ear hearing aids. And, with several colors from which to choose, Signia makes it easy to find the AX hearing aid that best fits your life and style.

hearing aids are going to change my life”

“These hearing aids are going to change my life”

— Jack H., Signia AX wearer

“These hearing aids are going to change my life”

— Jack H., Signia AX wearer

Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Healthy Hall reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by Healthy Hall.

HOW TO COMBAT Seasonal Affective Disorder

The common cold is synonymous with times of year when temperatures dip. When people spend more time indoors, they're more vulnerable to contagious cold viruses. But the common cold is not the only health issue that presents itself most often when the mercury drops.

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as 'SAD,' affects millions of people every year. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that SAD is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern. Symptoms of SAD, which can include nearly daily and day-long feelings of depression, changes in appetite or weight and feelings of lower energy, last around four to five months.

Researchers are unsure about the exact cause of SAD, but in most people, its onset is believed to be connected to the reduction in hours of sunlight during the winter. (WebMD notes that around 10 percent of people with SAD get it in the reverse, experiencing symptoms of depression at the onset of summer as opposed to winter.) Despite uncertainty about the causes of SAD, the NIMH notes there are ways to treat the condition. And it might benefit people who have experienced SAD to begin treatment prior to winter, as NIMH notes treatments that begin before fall could help to prevent or reduce the depression associated with the condition.

Individuals who suspect they have SAD should relay their concerns to their health care provider, who will then ask patients to fill out a questionnaire to determine if symptoms meet the criteria for SAD. If such a diagnosis is confirmed, individuals may be presented with any of the following treatment options.

LIGHT THERAPY

The NIMH notes that light therapy has been used to treat SAD since the 1980s. The crux of light therapy is to expose individuals

with SAD to bright light every day with the hope that such exposure can serve as a stand-in for natural sunlight. Individuals undergoing light therapy typically begin their day sitting in front of a very bright light box for around 30 to 45 minutes. The boxes filter out potentially harmful UV light, but alternative therapies may be recommended for individuals with certain eye diseases or those taking particular medications .

PSYCHOTHERAPY

According to the NIMH, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been adapted to help treat people with SAD. CBT is a type of talk therapy, and CBT-SAD typically entails two weekly group sessions for six weeks. These sessions focus on replacing negative thoughts related to winter with more positive thoughts. The therapy also tries to help individuals identify and schedule pleasant, engaging indoor or outdoor activities. The NIMH notes that researchers' comparison of CBT-SAD with light therapy found both treatments were effective at improving SAD symptoms.

MEDICATIONS

Doctors may recommend patients with SAD take medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Various types of depression have been found to disturb serotonin activity, and SAD is no exception. SSRIs have been proven to effectively improve patients' moods, but it's important that individuals discuss the side effects of SSRIs with their physicians prior to taking medication.

Vitamin D has been linked to improving symptoms of SAD, but the NIMH notes this is a misconception, as the research regarding vitamin D supplementation as a treatment for SAD has thus far produced mixed results.

Individuals who suspect they may have SAD are urged to speak with their physicians so they can overcome this often treatable condition. ♦

J ANUARY IS T HYROID A WARENESS M ONTH

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty with weight

• Fatigue

Department of Endocrinology

Anusha Ramadhas MD

Esther Y. Lee, MD

Sreedevi Avdhani, MD

Matthey Harris, MD, FACE

Cacia Soares-Welch, MD, FACE

Eniki Mack, MD, FACE

Jennifer John, MD

Deep Shikha, MD, FACE

www.ngdc.com

• Rapid heartbeat you may be suffering from a thyroid disorder and need to be evaluated.

Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic has eight board certified endocrinologists and one certified physician assistant in the Department of Endocrinology. Endocrinologists provide treatment for disorders including diabetes, thyroid disorders, glandular cancers, osteoporosis and parathyroid disease.

To schedule an appointment, please call 770-536-9864.

WHAT DENTAL HYGIENE DOES FOR OVERALL HEALTH

Brushing and flossing your teeth may save you extra sessions in the dentist's chair each year, but the benefits of dental hygiene do not end with pearly whites. In fact, there's a direct correlation between oral hygiene and overall health.

Oral health offers clues about overall health, advises the Mayo Clinic. When a dentist or hygienist checks a person's mouth, he or she is getting a window into that person's overall wellness -including if something is amiss.

Dental hygiene matters because, without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth can grow unchecked. Over time, that bacteria can infiltrate and break down the soft tissues in the gums and teeth, eventually leading to decay and gum disease. Greenwood Dental Care in Illinois states that the bacteria from the mouth could travel into the bloodstream and elsewhere, causing a host of issues.

There's a high correlation between an unhealthy mouth and systemic diseases. The United Kingdom-based dental group Fulham Road Dental indicates that gum disease is linked to heart problems, kidney diseases and certain types of cancer. Dentists who notice problems in their patients' mouths may be able to predict potential illnesses elsewhere in the body, advising those patients to seek consultations with other healthcare providers.

Here's a deeper look at some of the correlations between oral health and overall health, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.

 Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from the mouth or another part of the body spread through the bloodstream, they can attach to certain areas of the heart. This causes an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.

 Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

 Cardiovascular disease: While it's not fully understood why, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease may be linked to inflammation and infection caused by oral bacteria.

 Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth may be pulled into the lungs, where it can lead to respiratory illness, such as pneumonia.

It's a two-way street with health and the mouth. Certain diseases can lead to issues in the mouth. HIV/AIDS may cause mucosal lesions in the mouth; those with osteoporosis may have weakened periodontal bone and tooth loss; and research has shown that diabetes puts gum health at risk.

Individuals should make oral health a priority, as it has a significant effect on their overall health and well-being.

AGE-BASED HEALTH SCREENING GUIDELINES

Early detection is crucial to overcoming serious illnesses. Preventive care is something parents prioritize when raising children, but it's a crucial component of healthy living as an adult as well.

Health professionals recommend various age-specific screenings and tests, and these can serve as a guideline for individuals as they navigate adulthood. The following age-specific health screening recommendations, courtesy of Beaumont Health and Columbia Doctors Primary Care, can serve as an preventive

care guideline, though doctors may advise patients to get more frequent screenings depending on their medical histories.

18 TO 39 YEARS OLD

 Cholesterol: A cholesterol check should occur around age 20, then every five years until age 35. Afterward it can occur annually.

 Skin screening: An annual full body screening will identify any suspicious moles or skin lesions.

 Cervical cancer: Women in this age range should receive a Pap smear every three years and an annual pelvic exam.

 Breast exam: Self-examination of the breasts and examination by a clinical provider should take place every year.

 Testicular exam: Men should conduct self exams for testicular abnormalities. Doctors may examine the testicles during annual physicals as well.

 Tdap vaccine: All adults should get the Tdap vaccine if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis, and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

 HPV vaccine: The human papilloma virus vaccine is recommended if you did not receive it as an adolescent.

40 TO 64

 Zoster (Shingles) vaccine: Two doses of this vaccine will be administered between two and six months apart starting at age 50 and up.

 Colorectal screening: A colonoscopy to detect any colorectal illnesses is recommended beginning at age 50.

 Prostate screening: Prostate screenings begin at age 50 unless you are a high-risk individual, in which case screenings begin at age 40.

 Osteoporosis: Doctors may recommend a bone density test and osteoporosis screening at age 50 and up if certain risk factors are present.

 Lung cancer screening: If you are a past or current smoker, it's wise to have an annual lung cancer screening. The American Lung Association says adults age 55 and up can have this screening covered by health insurance.

 Mammogram: Women should begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40.

65 YEARS AND OLDER

 Cervical cancer: Most women can stop getting Pap smears at this age if they have no history of cervical cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy may no longer need pelvic exams after age 65.

 Pneumococcal and pneumonia vaccines: These are recommended every five years for certain conditions and risk factors.

 Cognitive health: Doctors may assess your cognitive health to see if there are any risk factors for dementias.

In addition to these screenings, doctors may conduct annual depression screenings to assess mental health. Routine blood glucose monitoring may be necessary based on risk factors for diabetes.

Individuals are urged to speak to their doctors to map out a health screening schedule specific to their needs.