Physicians Guide October 2014

Kathleen Lambert, MD, OncologistRoderica Cottrell, MD,

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

ROCKDALE CITIZEN NEWTON CITIZEN

OCTOBER 2014 FALL EDITION

PHYSICIANS GUIDEINSIDE:

• Chiropractic care during pregnancy• 8 tips for cold weather skin care• Understanding diabetic eye disease• What is trigger point dry needling?

• Steps to support the caregiver• Protein's role in your diet• Easy ways to improve heart health• Advice for aging athletes

ROCKDALE/NEWTON'S PREMIER HEALTH CARE MAGAZINE

Jamie Adams, DC, ChiropractorJohn A. Fountain, MD, Dermatologist

Veronica Garrett, MD, FACOG, OB/GYN Wendell Smith, MD, Sports Medicine

Renee S. Riley, MD, FAAOS, Sports Medicine

Steven Thacker, DC, Chiropractor G. Wayne Newman Jr., DPM, Podiatrist

Dione V. Marcus, MD, Dermatologist

Sabrina Wyllie-Adams, MD, Internal Medicine Alison Ball, MD, Pediatrics

Annamarie Paulsen, MD, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Jessie L. Bender, DO, OB/GYNSuji Matthew, MD, Internal Medicine Trent Rice, MD, Gyn Surgeon

2 • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014 • PHYSICIANS GUIDE • THE CITIZEN

OCTOBER 2014 FALL EDITION ROCKDALE/NEWTON CITIZEN PHYSICIANS GUIDE

MAKE THE BEST CHOICE IN HEALTH CARE

ASSISTED LIVING Yellow Brick House 6903 Main St.Lithonia, GA 30058 • 770-482-4044

Morningside Assisted Living1352 Wellbrook CircleConyers, GA 30012 • 770-922-1654

BANKING Newton Federal3175 Hwy. 278 NE, Covington, GA 300148258 Hwy. 278 NE, Covington, GA 30014By Pass Rd. & Hwy. 36, Covington, GA 30014770-786-7088

CARDIOLOGY Piedmont Heart @ RockdaleAtul Trivedi, MDSyed Shirazi, MDJohn Hennecken, MD1301 Sigman Rd, NE Suite 200Conyers, Ga. 30012 • 770-483-9330

CHIROPRACTIC Thacker Chiropractic Mitchel Thacker, DC Steven Thacker, DC 1927 Hwy. 138, Suite 500 Conyers, GA 30013 • 770-860-8333

Covington Family ChiropracticJamie Adams, DC2125 Pace St. Suite BMorgan PlazaCovington, GA 30014 • 770-689-6987

DERMATOLOGY Dermatology Consultants PC Michelle Juneau, MDBenjamin Kelly, MDBeth Gundy, PA-C Dione Marcus, MD4151 Hospital Drive Covington, GA 30014 • 770-784-0343

Georgia Dermatology of ConyersJohn Fountain, MDAllen Filstein, MDDarryl Hodson, MDCaroline Wells, PA-C1349 Milstead Rd.Conyers, GA 30012 • 770-785-7546

EAR, NOSE AND THROATEar, Nose and Throat SpecialistsArthur Torsiglieri, MDDonald Cote, MDAdam French, MDCooper Brown, PA-C1370 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, Ga. 30012770-922-54584181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102, Covington, Ga. 30014 • 770-385-03211110 Commerce Drive, Suite 108Greensboro,Ga. 30642 • 770-922-5458

FAMILY DENTISTRYFamily & Cosmetic DentistryDavid Brassell, MD1383 Manchester Drive • Suite AConyers, Ga. 30012 • 770-922-6149

Hedrick & Dodson Family DentistryFred Hedrick, MDJeffrey Dodson, MDAubrey Hedrick III, MD1807 Overlake Dr., Suite AConyers, Ga. 30013770-922-3131

FAMILY MEDICINEPremier Internal MedicineAnne Grant, MD5294 Adams St. NECovington, GA 30014 • 770-787-5600200 Brookstone PlaceSuite BSocial Circle, Ga 30025 Premier Healthcare AllianceGanesh Kini, MD2601 Salem Rd.Conyers, GA 30013 • 770-922-1880

Muthu Kuttappan, MD14779 Brown Bridge Rd.Covington, GA 30016 • 770-788-7777

Internal Medicine Associates of Rockdale, P.C.Trinidad Osselyn, MDSabrina Wyllie-Adams, MD 1301 Wellbrook CircleConyers, GA 30012 • 770-922-30232800 Hwy. 138 SWSuite A, Conyers, GA 30016770-602-2970

GASTROENTEROLOGY Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, PC Mahmoud B. Barrie, MDBarry Levitt, MDDavid Rabin, MD1501 Milstead RoadSuite 160Conyers, Ga. 30012678-745-3033

East Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, PC 1269 Wellbrook Circle, NE Conyers, GA 30012 • 770-922-0505

HOSPICEAbbey Hospice215 Azalea CourtSocial Circle, GA 30025770-464-5858Toll free 1-866-252-2239

HOSPITALRockdale Medical Center1412 Milstead AvenueConyers, GA 30012800-424-DOCS (3627)

Newton Medical Center5126 Hospital Drive., NECovington, GA 30014 • 770-786-7053

INFECTIOUS DISEASESEast Atlanta Infectious DiseasesSuji Mathew, MD7143 Turner Lake RoadCovington, GA 30014770-787-4504

INSURANCESheridan & Associates, Inc. Rhonda Sheridan, RN, BSN, CSA, CLTC983 O’Kelly StreetConyers, GA 30012 • 770-760-9474

OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY/UROGYNECOLOGY New Beginnings Comprehensive Women's Health CareVeronica Garrett, MD, FACOGN. Ruth Harris, MDKenya Prade, C.N.P.Shannon Mayfield, C.N.M.1415 Milstead Rd. NE Suite AConyers, GA 30012 • 678-413-0858

The Women's Center, PCStephanie Gordon, MDTrent Rice, MD2750 Owens Drive, Suite AConyers, GA 30012 • 678-413-4644140 Eagles Spring CourtStockbridge, Ga. 30281 • 770-302-0878

Covington Women's Health Specialists, LLCCathy T. Larrimore, MD4181 Hospital Drive, Suite 104/100Covington, GA 30014 • 770-385-8954

OPTOMETRISTMilam’s Community Eye CareStacy Underwood Carson, ODLorie P. Weikers, ODAlisa J. Burnett, ODTerrell Underwood, OpticianJay E. Smith, OpticianKristin Gaynes, Optician805 Commerce Dr. SWConyers, Ga. 30094 • 770-483-4831

ORTHOPEDIC/SPORTS MEDICINE/REHABILITATIONAthens Orthopedic Clinic1401 W. Spring St. Monroe, GA • 770-267-09781077 S. Main St.Madison, GA • 770-267-09781553 Janmar Rd., Ste. ASnellville, GA • 770-274-0007

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports MedicineRenee S. Riley, MD FAAOSRyan J. Tomlins, MD, CAQ4181 Hospital Drive • Suite 204Covington, GA 30014 • 770-788-6534

Resurgens OrthopaedicsRoderica E. Cottrell, MDRobert T. Greenfield, III, MDChealon D. Miller, MDTerrance D. Webb, FNP, ONC3211 Iris DriveCovington, Ga. 30016 770-787-4042

PHYSICAL THERAPYBenchmark Physical Therapy1820 Hwy. 20 SE, Suite 146Conyers, GA 30013 • 770-929-887211186 Hwy 142Covington, GA 30014678-712-3692

Drayer Physical Therapy Institute3122 Hwy. 278 NWCovington, Ga. 30014470-444-1609 PODIATRYAssociated Foot & Ankle SpecialistsG. Wayne Newman, Jr., DPM1567 Milstead Road, Suite AConyers, GA 30012770-483-2291

PULMONARYWalton Pulmonary & Sleep MedicineMichel Jeannot, MD 101 Tara Commons Dr.Loganville, Ga. 30052 • 678-928-9700

PSYCHIATRYRockdale Psychiatric AssociatesAnnamarie Paulsen, MD1397 Manchester Dr. NEConyers, Ga. 30012 • 770-922-0255

RADIATION ONCOLOGYGeorgia Cancer SpecialistsKathleen Lambert, MDSherine Thomas, MD1501 Milstead Rd., Suite 110Conyers, GA 30012 • 770-760-9949

SENIOR ASSISTANCE Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA)135 Hoyt St., Athens, Ga. 30601706-549-4850

TECHNICAL COLLEGEGeorgia Piedmont Technical College16200 Alcovy Rd.Covington, GA 30014 • 404-297-95228100 Bob Williams PkwyCovington, GA 30014 • 404-297-9522

URGENT CAREGeorgia Primary & Urgent CareAndrew Smith, MDBenjamin Fernando, MDRandy Riner, PAConyers Medical Park1301 Sigman Rd. NE, Suite 230Conyers, GA 30012 • 678-609-4912

Wendell Smith, MD5294 Adams StreetCovington, GA 30014 • 770-787-5600

VASCULAR & THORACICPavilion Surgical AssociatesB. Carter Rogers, MD, FACSSteven R. Whitworth, MD, FACS4181 Hospital Drive NE • Suite 303Covington, GA 30014 • 770-787-6957

Look for our Winter Edition

of the Physicians Guide publishing in February 2015

INDEX

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THE CITIZEN • PHYSICIANS GUIDE • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014 • 3

www.newtonmedical.com

Wound and Hyperbaric Center at Newton Medical Center offers therapies for non-healing wounds

The Wound and Hyperbaric Cen-ter at Newton Medical Center is a non-emergent wound care clinic dedicated to providing excellent patient and family centered care for medical conditions with non healing wounds. The center spe-cializes in caring for patients with wounds such as:• Diabetic ulcers• Pressure ulcers• Non-healing surgical wounds• Burns• Vascular ulcers• Arterial ulcers• Bone infections

• Trauma wounds

The Wound and Hyperbaric Cen-ter is staffed by physicians, nurses and support clinicians who work together as a multidisciplinary team to help bring about the best outcomes for patients and their family members. B. Carter Rog-ers, MD, FACS is the director of

the Wound and Hyperbaric Cen-ter where he works alongside Ste-ven R. Whitworth, MD, FACS - his colleague at Pavilion Surgical Associates. The physician team also includes Suji Mathew, MD who is board certified in hyper-baric medicine and is the infec-tion control chair and champion of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program, which is aimed at pre-venting unnecessary use of antibi-otics at Newton Medical Center.

Wound and Hyperbaric Center patients receive a thorough health evaluation, a review of their medications and an assessment of their wound along with treatment options based on wound etiol-ogy. Through medically reason-able and necessary management of the wounds and ulcers of the skin and underlying tissue, wound healing is the ultimate outcome for patients while incorporating cost-effective approaches. Wound and Hyperbaric Center Therapies

available to patients include:

• Surgical debridement

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

• Specialty wound dressings

• Medications and bio-engineered skin grafting

• Compression therapy

• Wound cultures and biopsies

• Treatment of wound, skin and bone infections including antibi-otic therapy and management

• Patient and family education

• Special needs including various off-loading devices and footwear

The Wound and Hyperbaric Cen-ter at Newton Medical Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appoint-ment only. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 770-385-4325.

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WOUND CARE



ONCOLOGY

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Reduce your risk for breast cancerBreast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in females in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death in women. One in eight women will develop the disease at some point in her lifetime. Although there are several risk factors you can’t control such as age, family history and race, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk.Maintain a Healthy Weight. Be-ing overweight or obese, especially after menopause, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Exercising is one way that can help you maintain a healthy weight, and growing evidence suggests that regu-lar physical activity may keep cancer at bay. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous

aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.Limit alcohol. Habitual alcohol consumption has long been linked to a greater risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for younger women who have yet to have their first child. New research from the Harvard Medical School shows that the more alcohol a female drinks be-tween her first menstrual cycle and her first full-term pregnancy, the higher her risk of developing the dis-ease. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.Don’t smoke. Developing breast cancer is just one of the many nega-tive health effects of smoking. Accu-mulating evidence suggests that there is an even higher risk for premeno-pausal women. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, use every resource you can find to help you quit.Secondhand smoke also may pose a

threat to non-smokers. Reduce your exposure as much as possible; choose smoke-free restaurants and avoid in-door public places that allow smok-ing. If you work in a smoke-filled work environment, ask your employ-er permission to increase ventilation where smoking takes place by open-ing windows or using exhaust fans.Limit the use of hormone therapy. Taking combination hormone thera-py for more than three years may in-crease your risk of developing breast cancer. Women taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms should ask their doctor if it’s pos-sible to manage symptoms without the use of hormones. If hormone therapy is necessary, patients should use the lowest dose possible.Breastfeed. Among the many ben-efits that breastfeeding pose for you and your baby, studies that show breastfeeding may reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective benefits have been shown.

Get Screened. Lastly, perhaps the greatest preventative measure you can take against breast cancer is com-mitting yourself to regular mammo-grams and screenings. If you don’t already, perform monthly breast self-exams. Although they should not replace screening mammograms, breast self-exams allow you to be-come familiar with the normal feel and appearance of your breasts so that you are able to notice changes easier. Beginning at age 40, schedule annual mammograms.It is important, however, to discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor, including any family history of breast cancer, as this may influ-ence the exact timing and type of breast cancer screening that you may need. Breast cancer is often found on a mammogram years before a lump is felt. Early detection is key in suc-cessful survival outcomes. When caught in its earliest stages, breast cancer has a 98 percent likelihood of being cured.

By Kathleen Lambert, MD, Georgia Cancer Specialists



CHIROPRACTIC

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Over the years we at Thacker Chiroprac-tic Clinic have been fortunate enough to treat some exceptional athletes. We show-case pictures of these champions on a wall in our new office, where they give us a chance to share in their success. We call it the wall of fame. Triathletes, cyclists, runners, eques-trian competitors, and athletes of all sorts have been effectively treated for a variety of conditions ranging from rotator cuff syn-drome, elbow pain, hip pain, plantar fas-ciitis, knee pain, Iliotibial band syndrome, along with more typical neck, mid back or low back pain, related to the high level of training in their sport.

We’re all prone to those same conditions as a result of much less note worthy activi-ties in our daily lives. Repetitive movements (called cumulative trauma disorder), pos-tural bad habits, over exertion, and injury from weekend warrior activities, create the same aches and pains that world-class ath-letes have. The end result is pain producing scar tissue or fibrosis at the site of injury, as well as potential painful conditions in areas removed from the injury site because of

changes in the way your body moves as a result of the initial condition.

Postural tension sitting at your computer terminal, repetitive movement from long sessions of typing, or working with your arms extended overhead, can create the same type of shoulder and neck pain that competitive athletes develop as a result of their training.

We are not your typical chiropractic of-fice. Our treatment approach includes the recognition that complete recovery involves addressing all aspects of your pain, includ-ing this painful fibrosis and associated movement loss. We utilize traditional effec-tive chiropractic treatment options accumu-lated over 30 years of practice, as well as the latest soft tissue therapy for these often over-looked fibrotic changes in the soft tissues that are at the root of your reoccurring pain.

Active Release Technique is at the center of this approach. Active Release involves the application of gentle hands on specific movements that “release” these areas of mus-cle, tendon, ligament or joint movement re-striction, to restore normal movement and

remove pain. This approach is effective for virtually any area of your body, including those conditions mentioned above, as well as many others.

Injury or condition specific exercise is also a big part of your recovery that you can use to speed and maximize your re-covery. Our new rehabilitation area gives us the ability to train you in all you need to know to allow you to help yourself achieve your best recovery re-sult.

We’re happy to work with your primary care physician or pain management specialist to get your best outcome. Please feel free to investigate Ac-tive Release Technique at www.activerelease.com. While you’re there look up Dr.’s Mitch and Steve under the “meet our instructors” tab.

We also perform injury prevention semi-nars, physical demand assessments, and job specific pre-employment biomechanical

examinations for industry. If you are at a company that would like to learn how we can help reduce your workers compensation exposure through injury prevention and early treatment intervention, please call our office.

Call today at 770-860-8333 to see if we can help, whether you’re a world class ath-lete or just want to be treated like one.

Wall of fame

770-860-8333

Neck PainBack PainSciatica

Headaches

Tennis ElbowGolfers Elbow

IT Band SyndromePlantar Fasciitis

Rotator Cuff SyndromeCarpal Tunnel Syndrome

Knee PainSports Injuries

Dr. Mitchel ThackerBoard Certified

Chiropractic Orthopedist

Dr. Steven ThackerBoard Certified Chiropractic

Sports Physician

THACKER CHIROPRACTICE F F E C T I V E T R E AT M E N T F O R :

Now Accepting AutoAccident Patients

• Personalized Exercise & Rehabilitation Program

• Industry Injury Prevention ProgramsMost Insurance Plans Accepted

2166

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1927 Hwy. 138 • Suite 500 • Conyers 30013

Call today for a free consultation to see if we can help!

We utilize all standard chiropractic methods, plus the most advanced soft tissue treatments including, Active Release Technique (ART), and Graston Technique.



DERMATOLOGY

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Melanoma and breast cancer: A new warning

If you’ve had breast cancer or melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), be aware that having either one raises the odds of de-veloping the other, according to a recent study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science. While earlier studies have noted an association between the two malignancies, this is the first time researchers have explicitly advised doctors to monitor breast cancer patients for signs of melanoma, and vice versa. They also recom-mend that melanoma patients with a family history of breast cancer have regular mammography’s or breast MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging).

What the Numbers SayInvestigators led by photo biolo-gist Gillian M. Murphy, MD, of the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, and a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s International Advi-sory Council, examined the 6,788 cases of melanoma and 27,597 cases of breast carcinoma between 1994 and 2007 documented in Ireland’s National Cancer Registry. They mathematically determined that if there was no statistically significant relationship between

the two, 30-35 patients could be expected to have both malignan-cies. Instead, there were 127. “In general, patients with melanoma or other skin cancers are always at higher risk of developing other ma-lignancies,” Dr. Murphy comment-ed. “But this is about a fourfold in-crease, which raises the possibility of a genetic predisposition linking the two cancers.”The study corroborates the findings of journals such as Annals of Oncol-ogy and Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, which reported that breast cancer patients have between 1.4 and 2.7 times the risk of devel-oping melanoma. And the danger is reciprocal: The International Journal of Cancer noted that female melanoma patients have a 1.4 times greater chance of developing breast cancerTaking great care of patients is what the Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center staff, led by Dr.

John Fountain, Dr. Darryl Hod-son, Dr. Allen Filstein and Caro-line Wells, PA-C, most love to do. Georgia Dermatology’s providers and staff are very experienced and handle each patient’s condition with skill and professionalism.Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin disorders including: skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer removal, Mohs skin cancer sur-gery, skin exams, mole removal and treatment of psoriasis, ecze-ma, acne, rashes, warts and other skin irritations.Did you know that one in five Americans is diagnosed with skin cancer each year? That’s why it is important to follow up with a qualified dermatology provider for routine skin checks. Call us today at (770) 785-SKIN (7546) visit us online at GaDerm.com.

By Beth Slaughter SextonStaff Correspondent

Picture of Melanoma.

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offers extended hours

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care for individuals of all ages and conditions by serving middle Georgia with world class trained physicians Dr. Reneé S. Riley and Dr. Ryan J. Tomlins. Both physicians trained at the highly acclaimed American Sports Medicine Institute founded by Dr. James R. Andrews.

Now Offering Extended Office Hours Every Tuesday Evening

In order to accommodate patients unable to schedule appointments during the day due to work or school, Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is excited to an-nounce that the office is offering extended office hours every Tues-day. Appointments will be avail-able until 7:30 p.m.

Welcome New Physician Assistant Erica Vrvilo, PA-C

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is proud to introduce the community to physician as-

sistant, Erica Vrvilo, PA-C. Erica graduated from the Physician As-sistant Program of Mercer Uni-versity College of Health Profes-sionals with a Master of Medical Science. She focused her experi-ence and education on sports medicine.

Athletic Training & Concussion Program

The physicians and athletic train-ers at Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can be found on the sidelines of local sporting events through the Athletic Train-ing Program and the Concussion Program. Newton Medical Cen-ter is proud to provide Newton County School System with the Athletic Training Program to oversee injury prevention and recovery in the student athletic programs. The program started in 2012 and is administered by Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. According to the Geor-gia Athletic Trainers’ Association, only 30 percent of High Schools have an athletic training program

and only 10 percent are fulltime, making New-ton County School Sys-tem ahead of the game. Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine staffs a fulltime athletic trainer at each Newton County school – Alcovy, East-side and Newton – as well as in Social Circle City Schools and Perim-eter College.

Dr. Tomlins serves as the director of the Concussion Program at Newton County School

System. Through this new pro-gram, athletes that participate in high-risk impact sports will take the ImPACT test, the most-wide-ly used and most scientifically validated computerized concus-sion evaluation system. In the event of a concussion, the ath-letic trainer would then refer to a “Return to Play” protocol that is aligned with the best practices set and reviewed by the American Medical Society for Sports Medi-cine and the Zurich Guidelines. Part of the protocol for a concus-sion includes the Sport Concus-sion Assessment Tool 3, known as SCAT3, to rate 20 symptoms on a scale of one to five.

Some of the extra steps that make Newton County stand out from other athletic programs include having a fulltime athletic trainer

in each school, using the Im-PACT as part of a comprehensive concussion program and having a graduated “Return to Play” pro-tocol in place. Newton County parents can feel assured that the safety of our athletes is in great hands through the athletic train-ing and concussion programs.

Pre-Participation Sports Physicals

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine also serves the Newton County community each spring with the pre-participation sports physical event open for all area schools. The team of physicians and athletic trainers offer a full day of physicals to prescreen ath-letes who may be at risk for spe-cific conditions at a reduced cost of $20. Half of the funds raised are donated to each school’s ath-letic program. The physicals look for specific traits in one’s health or family history, such as asthma or heart conditions, that could po-tentially save the life of an athlete.

For More Information

Georgia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is located in the Physicians’ Pavilion next door to Newton Medical Center at 4181 Hospital Drive, Suite 204 in Covington, Ga. For more information, visit www.Georgia-Ortho.com or call 770-788-6534.

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SPORTS MEDICINE




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If you experience difficulty hearing, now is the time to schedule your appointmentwith one of our high qualified, certified Audiologists.

How’s Your Hearing?Have you noticed more difficultyunderstanding 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?• Untreatedhearinglossis associated with isolation, depression, memory problems, loss of income and marital problems• Amplificationleadstoabetter quality of life, according to a 1999 study by the National Council on Aging.• Atleast29millionAmericanshave ahearingimpairment;20% inadultsages48-59;over50%in adults over 75.• Patientswithdiabetesaremore than twice as likely to have hearing loss.• Exposuretonoiseistheleading cause of tinnitus, and almost always accompanies hearing loss.

Donald Cote, MD • Adam French, MDArthur Torsiglieri, MD • Cooper Brown, PA-C

Donna McGough, F-AAA • Kristyn Meade, F-AAASusan Shriver, CCC-A

1370 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, Georgia / 770-922-54584181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102, Covington, Georgia / 770-385-03211110 Commerce Drive, Suite 108, Greensboro, Georgia / 770-922-5458

Call today for an appointment!

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT

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770-922-54581370 Wellbrook Circle, Conyers, GA

770-385-03214181 Hospital Drive, NE, Suite 102, Covington, GA

770-922-54581110 Commerce Drive, Suite 108, Greensboro, GA

Donald Cote, MD

Adam French, MD

Arthur Torsiglieri, MD

Cooper Brown, PA-C

Our Board Certified doctors are dedicated to the HIGHEST STANDARD of care for your Ear, Nose and Throat.

• Adult - Pediatrics • Snoring, Sleep Apnea

• Sinus & Nasal Surgery • Ear Surgery

• Complete Hearing Aids & Evaluation

• Allergy Testing • CT In Office

Let us help you rediscover your hearing

Patient Portal is coming - Request your access at

entspecialists.followmyhealth.com• Review your medical information online in a safe,

secure environment• Receive email care reminders

• Set and track health goals• Connect/Communicate with your doctor

• Update your health information (allergies, medications, conditions, etc.)

• Fill out and submit forms prior to procedures• Create proxy accounts for children or dependent adults

• Request appointments, view and pay bills

ReSound LINXTM Hearing Aids —The world’s smartest hearing aid - and the world’s first Made for iPhone hearing aid - lets you hear more of everything.

Call today for an appointment.

www.entspecialists.net

AUDIOLOGY STAFFDonna McGough, F-AAAKristyn Meade, F-AAASusan Shriver, CCC-A

Our experienced staff of licensed audiologists provides a full range of diagnostic care

and state-of-the-art hearing aid services.




WOMEN'S HEALTH

Dr. Trent Rice joins The Women’s CenterIt was a chance TV show that caught his attention and led Georgia native Trent Rice into what would become his chosen career. Growing up in Winder, Rice was flipping through TV stations one day and landed on The Learning Channel. The show of the moment depicted a real surgery taking place and Rice was captivated.

“They showed the surgeons oper-ating and I thought it was pretty neat to use your hands to go help somebody,” he said. “I decided I really wanted to become a sur-geon, so I went into medical school with that mentality. Medi-cal school is great, but I wanted to be a surgeon and use my hands to help people.”

Today, Dr. Trent Rice is doing just that as he joins the practice of Dr. Stephanie Gordon, founder of The Women’s Center with of-fices in Conyers and Stockbridge. Rice joins Gordon this month and will be performing surgical procedures to treat prolapse and urinary incontinence, as well as other urogynecology and general gynecology procedures.

“These are issues that debilitate somebody in terms of their social life and general well being,” Rice said. “We take a problem and go fix it. We tend to give them back their quality of life pretty quick-ly.”

Rice said he is excited about com-ing to Conyers and considers this area home.

He is especially happy to be closer to family-specifically the grandparents of his two-year-old daughter Addison.

After graduating from Winder Barrow High School in 1999, Rice went to the University of Georgia and graduated with a degree in biochemistry in 2003. He was accepted into the Medi-cal College of Georgia in Augusta and it was there where he met his wife, Sarah Szlam. She is now a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Scottish Rite Chil-dren’s Hospital on the north side of Atlanta.

The couple completed medical school and went to New York City to do their residencies. Rice finished OBGYN residency at Albert Einstein College of Medi-cine in the Bronx. His wife went to Columbia University for pedi-atrics.

They both went through their fellowship training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.,

where Rice completed his fellow-ship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery/ uro-gynecology and his wife finished her pediatric emergency room fellowship.

Now both doctors are busy with their careers, but they also make time to enjoy being with their young daughter and their fami-lies. The family also likes to travel and hike. Rice has a special inter-est that made him a celebrity of sorts in Nashville and one that might find him a few fans in this area.

“I didn’t come from a musical family, but back in high school, I said, ‘I think I’ll just learn gui-tar,’” he said. “I taught myself how to play. I was around friends in a rock band and found myself becoming more interested in mu-sic. We called our band Center

Street because that’s the name of the street we practiced on in Winder. All these guys were mu-sical. I wrote the songs. It was a good way to grow up and have such good friends.”

Throughout college and part of medical school, Rice was a mem-ber of an Athens-based rock and roll band.

“Currently, I have less time to commit to music, but I still ac-tively write and self produce my music,” he said. “I was a regular at Nashville open mic nights and even had one of my songs played on a major Nashville radio sta-tion. I look forward to immers-ing myself in the Decatur-Atlanta music scene.”

Rice continues to write a lot of songs and describes them as mostly “folksy” with some rock.

“It’s kind of a modern day Bob Dylan type of feel to them where you have to listen to a lot of the words,” he said.

Local audiences have already heard a few of those songs. Rice recently went to his second open mic night at Java Monkey in De-catur where he played the guitar, the harmonica and sang.

With impressive medical creden-tials and exhibiting such a friend-ly and caring personality, Rice is easy to talk to, which is an added plus for his patients. His conver-sation is filled with how he wants to help his patients enjoy their lives to the fullest.

“I grew up around here, so that makes it special in terms of the job,” he said. “What could be bet-ter than taking care of the women where I grew up.”


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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- Hormone Replacement Therapy- Bladder Problems and Incontinence- Treatment for Fibroids, Endometriosis, - Abnormal Bleeding, and Ovarian Cysts - Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment- Screening for Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

PROCEDURES WE PROVIDE• DaVinci Robotics Gynecological Surgery• Traditional Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy, and Laparo- scopic 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• Laser Surgery

Providing Individualized Care for Women

CONYERS 2750 Owens Drive Suite A678-413-4644

STOCKBRIDGENewly Expanded Office 140 Eagles Spring Court770-302-0878

A better healthcare experience

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

Appointments readily available that will fit into your busy

schedule.

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STEPHANIE GORDON, MD

MARCIA HARMON, CNM

TRENT RICE, MD

LAN VU, NP

MARIA EPLING, NP

MOST MAJOR MEDICAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED




CHIROPRACTIC

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Chiropractic and pregnancy, more than just pain relief?

Yes that’s correct! Most people seek chiropractic care for alleviation of aches and pains, but relief of low back pain, neck pain and headaches are among some of the smallest ben-efits that one would achieve with chiropractic care, especially if that person was an expecting mother. With this article, I would like to discuss the many benefits of chiro-practic care during pregnancy. Many women report having low back pain during pregnancy. It seems to be a very common com-plaint with 76% of pregnant wom-en reporting to have pain at some point in their pregnancy1. This pain can be caused by a number of differ-ent reasons but the most common cause is directly related to the align-ment of the spine. As the belly of a pregnant mom continues to grow to make room for her developing baby, it can cause an increased cur-vature of the lumbar spine, called

hyperlordosis. This happens so that the mom’s center of gravity can be maintained, but this can put added stress on the spine and surrounding muscles and also the nervous sys-tem. Also, as the baby grows it can put increased pressure on the large bones of the pelvis called the ilium and sacrum. With this increased pressure, the ilium and sacrum can become misaligned, causing sig-nificant pain in the sacroiliac joints, the two large joints in the low back where each ilium meets the triangu-lar sacrum. During pregnancy, there are also many physiological and hormonal changes that are taking place in the mother’s body which cause the ligaments of pelvic girdle to become more lax. This can also lead to pain and discomfort. Another important concern that arises with pelvic misalignment in a pregnant mom, is space for a growing baby. As the bones of the

pelvis shift, there may now be less room for the baby to fit properly into the pelvis, this is called intra-uterine constraint and it can make the mother’s ability to have a non – invasive delivery nearly impossible. Intrauterine constraint can lead to a breech or posterior position of the baby which may ultimately end up with a ceasarian section if the baby is unable to get into a more favor-able position2. This is where chiro-practic can help! Dr. Larry Webster, the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association or ICPA, worked diligently to devel-op a non-invasive, very gentle, and very specific chiropractic technique designed to relieve intrauterine con-straint, allowing a breech or poste-rior baby to move into a more favor-able labor position. This technique is called The Webster Technique after Dr. Webster of course. Peer re-viewed studies have shown an 82% success rate of breech babies turning

to the vertex, or head down, posi-tion after the mom had received the Webster Technique3. With a bal-anced pelvis, the baby will be in an optimal position for delivery, mak-ing the delivery much easier, safer, and shorter for both mom and baby.As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I spe-cialize in family, pediatric, and preg-nancy health and wellness and am highly trained in The Webster Tech-nique and special adjusting tech-niques for pregnancy and infants. If you are pregnant, planning on getting pregnant or even post – par-tum, consider chiropractic as part of your healthy lifestyle. At Covington Family Chiropractic, your family’s path to better health starts here!

1 Spine 1999 (Mar 15); 21(6): 702-709.2 Icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-chiropractic-practice-based-research-program.html3 J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jul-Aug;25(6): E1-9.

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and one adjustment for only $47!Offer good for a limited time only. Includes initial exam, initial consultation and initial

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• Pediatrics• Pregnancy• Back Pain• Headaches

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OCTOBER 2014 FALL EDITION ROCKDALE/NEWTON CITIZEN PHYSICIANS GUIDE HEART HEALTHDIABETES TREATMENT

Understanding diabetic eye diseaseLiving with diabetes isn’t easy. People with diabetes must routinely monitor their blood glucose levels, pay careful at-tention to what they eat and how much they eat and work to maintain a healthy weight, which is often preceded by taking the steps to necessary to lose weight in a healthy way.

But one lesser known poten-tial side effect of diabetes is the impact the disease can have on eyesight. Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of problems some diabetics face as a result of their condition. Each of these problems has the po-tential to cause significant loss of vision, and some diabetics even go blind. Understanding diabetic eye disease, and dia-betic retinopathy in particular, can help men and women with diabetes take the steps neces-sary to protect their vision be-fore it’s too late.

Types of diabetic eye disease

Diabetic eye disease is a blan-ket term that refers to various problems that men and wom-en with diabetes may face.

• Cataract: Cataracts are of-ten associated with the elderly, and rightfully so, as age is a significant risk factor for cata-racts, which are a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. The lens is made of largely water and protein, and as a person ages, that protein may begin to clump together and cloud an area of the lens. But this clouding can develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes.

• Diabetic retinopathy: The most common diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy is characterized by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. Blood vessels may swell and leak fluid in some people, while other instances of dia-betic retinopathy are charac-terized by the growth of ab-normal new blood vessels on the retina.

• Glaucoma: Glaucoma, which refers to a group of dis-eases that damage the eye’s optic nerve, is another con-dition most often associated with the elderly. But the Na-tional Eye Institute notes that men and women with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as an adult without diabetes.

Stages of diabetic retinopathy

The NEI notes that there are four stages of diabetic retinop-athy:

1. Mild nonproliferative ret-inopathy: The earliest stage of the disease, this stage may be characterized by microaneu-rysms, which are small areas of swelling in the retina’s blood vessels.

2. Moderate nonprolifera-tive retinopathy: This is when blood vessels responsible for nourishing the retina begin to be blocked.

3. Severe nonprolifera-tive retinopathy: During this third stage, the number of blocked blood vessels in-creases dramatically, depriving several areas of the retina with their blood supply. As a result,

these areas send signals to the body to produce new blood vessels for nourishment.

4. Proliferative retinopathy: This is when the signals sent from areas of the retina trig-ger the growth of new blood vessels, which are both abnor-

mal and fragile, growing along the surface of the retina and along the surface of the clear gel that fills the inside of the eye. Though these existence of these blood vessels does not cause vision loss, when these fragile vessels leak blood, se-

vere vision loss and blindness can result.

Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy

People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy. Accord-ing to the NEI, between 40 and 45 percent of Americans with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy, and the longer a person has diabe-tes the greater his or her risk for developing the disease becomes. In recognition of that risk, people with diabetes should get comprehensive di-lated eye exams at least once per year.

Pregnant women with diabe-tes should get comprehensive dilated eye exams as soon as possible upon learning they are pregnant, as diabetic reti-nopathy can be a problem for women with diabetes if they become pregnant.

More information about dia-betic eye disease is available at www.nei.nih.gov.

Understanding diabetic eye disease, and diabetic reti-

nopathy in particu-lar, can help men and women with diabetes take the steps necessary to

protect their vision before it’s too late.



PHYSICAL THERAPY

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Trigger point dry needlingMuscle spasms? Neck and back pain? Soft tissue injuries that never seem to heal? If regular treatments aren’t working to soothe your pain, trigger point dry needling might be the way to go.What is Trigger Point Dry Needling? Trigger point dry needling, also referred to as ‘intramuscular manual therapy’ involves inserting a thin needle to loosen myofascial trigger points-those little “knots” that cause pain- and stimulate the healing of soft tissues resulting in pain relief. “‘A myofascial trigger point’ describes a taut band of muscle located within a larger muscle group,” explains Malynda Carruth, PT, DPT, CEAS, Area Director for BenchMark Physical Therapy. According to Carruth, patients may describe the trigger point as a knot. “These cause pain, decreased flexibility and decreased muscle function and can refer pain to distant parts of the body,” she added. Trigger point dry needling is an effective and efficient method of releasing trigger points that reduces pain, muscle tension, and facilitates a faster return to rehabilitating your injury.

“To say that “trigger [dry] needling” works is an understatement,” said Loretha, a patient at BenchMark, “It’s so much more: effective, minimally invasive, immediate results - just to mention a few.” Loretha had severe muscle spasms in her right shoulder and tried many other treatments that gave her no relief, and her doctor recommended trigger point dry needling.Common Conditions TreatedPatients suffering from repetitive stress injuries, muscle tendonitis, neck pain, headaches, TMJ, rotator cuff impingement, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sciatica, muscle strains, iliotibial band syndrome, patellofemoral dysfunction, and plantar fasciitis may benefit from dry needling. According to dry needling certified Stevi Wheeler, PT, DPT, muscle dysfunction can be the primary or secondary contributing factor to many neuromusculoskeletal conditions.“If active trigger points are found to be causing pain, muscle tightness and/or muscle weakness, the patient could

benefit from dry needling,” explains Wheeler. Meet John L. suffering from sciatica, he found himself unable to perform his daily life activities. Then, he met Wheeler and began therapy. “It was amazing. I had terrible pain from sciatica that went from my leg all the way down to my foot. With the dry needling in my hamstring, lateral thigh and calf, I was able to do things I could not do before. I was walking longer, climbing onto my farm equipment and I was able to go off of pain medication that I had been on for over a year. The dry needling reduced my pain so I could get stronger in therapy, and I was pain free by the end of my time at BenchMark. Dry needling really works! I am now back for treatment to my hand, and I hope to have a similar response!” What Can Patients Expect?Many people question whether the procedure is painful, but the insertion of the needle is normally not felt. Dry needling specialist Jennifer Junkin, PT, DPT, MTC explains the feeling like this: “In dry needling, inserting the

needle elicits a twitch response. As a result, patients may experience a brief cramping and/or deep aching sensation directly in the muscle being treated or other areas of the body. This is a form of referred pain, which is one of the hallmarks of trigger points.” BenchMark Physical Therapy is the region’s leading outpatient physical therapy organization with superior expertise in orthopaedic manual therapy, a hands-on approach to patient care that’s proven more effective for many diagnoses. The company is committed to improving individuals’ health and quality of life through the advanced training of their clinicians and therapy practices. As a result, BenchMark has more advanced certified therapists than any physical therapy practice in the region. If you feel that you could benefit from trigger point dry needling, BenchMark has locations across the region that are convenient to you. Call Stevi Wheeler in Covington at (678) 712-3692 or Jennifer Junkin in Conyers at (770) 929-8872.

EXPERIENCING PAIN? Relief is Just One Step Away! STEP 1: Call BenchMark Physical Therapy for a Free Musculoskeletal ScreeningDid you know that your BenchMark Physical Therapists—Stevi Wheeler, PT, DPT, Jennifer Junkin, PT, DPT, MTC and Malynda Carruth, PT, DPT, CEAS—are musculoskeletal experts who can quickly gauge the cause of your pain and develop a program for your quick recovery?

What’s more...You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see us for this free screening,If you need physical therapy, we’ll handle your insurance precertification and work with you to understand your benefitsIf you need a physician, we’ll refer you to one

STEP 2: Relax. There’s no Step 2. We’ve got this and you’re about to get better – fast!

Your local BenchMark team has expertise in manual therapy, Vestibular, FCE’s, Work Conditioning, Sports Medicine, Ergonomic Assessments, Disability Ratings and Dry Needling.

Stevi Wheeler, PT, DPT Malynda Carruth, PT, DPT, CEASJennifer Junkin, PT, DPT, MTC

BenchMark Physical Therapy in Conyers 1820 Hwy 20 SE, Ste 146 Conyers, GA 30013 P: (770) 929-8872

BenchMark Physical Therapy in Covington11186 Highway 142Covington, GA 30014P: (678) 712-3692



GASTROENTEROLOGY

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Differences between Crohn’s and colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are part of the collective set of conditions known as in-flammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Although Crohn’s and coli-tis share similar symptoms, they are not the same and often re-quire different treatment options.Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are typically diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. Those aware of each condition com-monly mistake one for the other and may not know what to look

for during a partic-ular IBD event.

There are some dis-tinct differences between the two conditions. Under-standing the dif-ferences can assist patients who want

to be actively involved in their treatment.

• Crohn’s disease inflammation can occur anywhere in the di-gestive tract. It may cause irrita-tion from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis, meanwhile, is typically relegated to the colon or the large intestine. Sometimes in-flammation will be present in the very end of the small intestines as well.

• Ulcerative colitis tends to

spread progressively through the colon, while Crohn’s disease may occur in patches without con-tinuous spreading. As a result, with Crohn’s disease there can be healthy tissue between two dis-eased areas.

• During a colonoscopy or sig-moidoscopy, doctors can view the inflamed areas inside the colon. With Crohn’s disease, the walls of the colon often appear thickened and may look like cob-blestone, thanks to the pockets of healthy tissue among diseased tissue. With ulcerative colitis, the walls of the colon are thin and the inflammation is evenly dis-tributed.

• Individuals who have ulcerative colitis tend to bleed during bowel movements, whereas blood may not be present in stool for those

with Crohn’s.

• The name ulcerative colitis de-scribes ulcers present in the mu-cous lining of the large intestines. These ulcers are quite shallow. However, patients with Crohn’s disease could have ulcers extend-ing deep within the bowel wall.

• Another interesting difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is that smok-ing tobacco seems to aggravate symptoms of those with Crohn’s while it eases symptoms for those with ulcerative colitis. However, smoking is not recommended to treat ulcerative colitis, as the neg-ative side effects of smoking far outweigh any potentially positive consequences.



DERMATOLOGY

Dry skin and winter itch: 8 preventive tips to keep your skin hydrated

Have you ever wondered why your skin cracks and dries out in the winter? Why you get nose-bleeds and sore throats? It’s be-cause the winter air has low hu-midity which can dry out your skin and mucous membranes. Winter weather often leads to dry, irritated skin that can cause severe itching and even rashes for some people. Dry air can also make fine lines and wrinkles more vis-ible. These unwanted effects of winter can easily be prevented by following these tips:

1. Bathe daily. A daily bath or shower is a great way to cleanse and hydrate the skin but over showering can be detrimental. Remember the following:

• Shower only once a day. Show-ering more than once a day re-moves your body’s natural oils and can lead to dry skin. This is more noticeable in aging skin and skin that is prone to developing eczema.

• Use a mild cleanser. Deodor-ant bars, fragrances in soaps, and products containing alco-hol all strip natural oils from the skin. Look for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that contains moisturizers.

• Keep it short. Limit baths or showers to 5-10 minutes.

• Use warm (NOT hot) water. Hot water dries the skin by removing more natural oils compared to warm water. The more oils removed, the drier the skin becomes.

• Close the bathroom door. This keeps in much-needed humid-ity. Until moisturizers have been applied to your skin it is very susceptible to drying out.

• Gently pat skin dry. Gently drying off with your towel helps retain water and is less irritating to dry, sensitive skin.

• Apply moisturizers after a bath or shower. As soon as you dry off, your moisturizer should be applied. Moisturizers trap water in the skin, preventing it from evaporating.

2. Moisturize Often. Apply your moisturizer within 3 minutes of drying off after bathing to help seal in much needed moisture. If your skin is very dry, you should mois-turize twice a day (AM/PM) with one of those applications being immediately following bathing.

• Selecting the right moistur-izer. Ointments and creams contain more oil and less water than lotions so tend to be more effective. When selecting a moisturizer to soothe dry skin, look for products that contain ceramides, lactic acid or urea. These help to alleviate even severe dry skin. Hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs in the skin and diminishes with age, can help the skin re-tain water. Dimethicone and glycerin help draw water to the skin and keep it there. Lano-lin, mineral oil and petrolatum (also known as petroleum jel-ly) are also effective in trapping water in the skin.

3. Use a Humidifier. A humidi-fier can add moisture to the air in your home.

4. Check the ingredients on your anti-aging and other skin care products. Some anti-aging products contain retinoids (or retinols) or alpha-hydroxy acid, which can dry and irritate the skin more dur-ing the winter. Using these products less often or switch-ing to a more moisturizing for-mula is often necessary during winter months. Using mild, unscented skin care products can help prevent dryness and irritation and also help soothe already irritated skin.

5. Use lip balm. Applying lip balm frequently throughout the day and before going to bed will help prevent your lips from drying out, cracking and becoming painful.

6. Prevent Nosebleeds. Apply-ing a thin coat of Petrolatum (also known as petroleum jel-ly) inside your nostrils at bed-time will moisturize them and help prevent dryness, irritation and nosebleeds.

7. Wear sunscreen daily. Even in the winter, exposure to the sun causes the skin to age. This exposure increases your risk of developing dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Us-ing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can slow the develop-ment of these unwanted signs of aging and also reduce the risk of developing skin cancers. Sunscreen should be applied daily to all sun exposed skin

and reapplied every 2 hours while in direct sunlight.

8. Take care of your hands. Hands often are the first to show signs of dry skin in the winter.

• Avoid frequent hand washing. Too frequent hand washing re-moves natural oils leaving your hand dry, which can lead to cracks and pain.

• Apply hand cream after each hand washing. Apply your moisturizer liberally to your entire hand including the skin surrounding your nails. This is especially important for peo-ple who frequently wash their hands or keep them immersed in water throughout the day. If you frequently immerse your hands in water, wear wa-terproof gloves to protect your hands.

• Wear gloves when outdoors. Wearing gloves protects the skin from the cold, dry air.

When to see a Dermatologist

If these tips do not bring relief to your skin, make an appoint-ment to see a board certified der-matologist. Very dry skin may require a prescription medicated moisturizer. Dry skin can also lead to a type of eczema called asteatotic eczema which would require a prescription cream or ointment. A dermatologist can examine your skin and determine the best treatment for you. You should also see a dermatologist if you have not had a skin cancer screening or your moles checked in the past year.

By Dione V. Marcus, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist

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WOMEN'S HEALTH

Back pain in pregnancyBack pain, especially lower back pain, is very common in pregnancy. There are several causes for this increased pain. First, the uterus becomes larger and heavier the closer the woman is to her due date. To help balance these posture changes the lower back muscles must work harder and this can lead to pain, stiffness and soreness. Also, several hormones, such as progesterone, are in-creased during pregnancy and can relax the ligaments to allow loosening to prepare for birth. But, if the liga-ments become too loose the joints can become too flexible leading to increased back pain from too much mobility.

There are several things a pregnant woman can do to prevent back pain. The key is to be aware of how she sits, stands and moves. One key movement is to squat and bend her knees to pick things up rather than bending from the waist. Also, it is important to sit in chairs with good back support, or use a small pillow behind the low part of the back to decrease added strain. While sleeping, it’s best to lie on the side with one to two pillows between the legs and under the abdomen for support. This also helps to relieve pressure on the joints. Finally, wearing shoes with good arch support are highly recommended. Flat shoes often provide little support, while high heels can further shift the woman’s balance mak-ing her more likely to fall. A shoe with a good support is one of the best investments a pregnant patient can make.

If back pain still develops, despite adequate prevention techniques, there are several ways to ease the back pain. Regular exercise and staying ac-tive during pregnancy has been shown to reduce back pain. Back strengthening exercises help to decrease the laxity and provide better support. Water aerobics has also been proven to ease the pain. Another way to decrease inflammation is to take a hot bath or shower or apply a warm com-press. Cold compresses are also recommended, but for no longer than several minutes as this may cause the muscles to reset and worsen the pain.

If the back pain persists despite exercise and heat, the consultation of a health care provider may be warranted. This is especially important if the pain is severe or persists for greater than two weeks. Other warning signs include fever, burning during urination or bleeding with concominent back pain. Your health care provider can order a maternity girdle or brace to support the weight of the abdomen, and growing fetus, to ease the tension on the back. Some physicians can perform special manipulation of the body to decrease the pain, these physicians are known as doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO).

Medical doctors (MD) and DO physicians both utilize evidence-based methods of diagnosis and treatments, including prescribing medication and performing surgery. Both types of physicians have the same educational

requirements and are examined by the same state licensing boards. One key difference in training is that osteopathic medical schools require up to 200

hours of manipulation training, placing emphasis on the musculoskel-etal system. This training adds an additional tool to the traditional

forms of diagnosis and treatment to provide care for patients.

Although low back pain is something that is often feared by pregnant woman, the right education, prevention, and treatment can turn an uncomfortable preg-

nancy into an enjoyable experience.

Dr. Jessie Bender completed her studies at The Lake Erie College of Osteopath-ic Medicine and her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center in Reading, Pennsylvania. If you are interested in osteopathic manipulation, please contact our office at Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC in Covington, Georgia.

By Jessie L. Bender, DO Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC

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Physician’s Pavilion at Newton Medical Center

4181 Hospital Drive,Suite 104 & 100, Covington

770.385.8954www.cwhs-larrimore.com

SURGICAL GYNECOLOGY • Hysterectomy • Laparoscopic Hysterectomy • Laparoscopy • HTA – Novasure• Minimally Invasive Surgical Services

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Covington Women’s Health Specialists, LLC

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE PROCEDURES• Hysteroscopy • Colposcopy• LEEP

SUITE DEVOTED TO MIDWIFERY CARE NORMAL AND HIGH RISK PREGNANCY• Family Centered Maternity Care • 3D/4D Ultrasound • Trial of Labor after Cesarean

COMPREHENSIVE WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE• Annual Exams • Infertility • Osteoporosis • Fibroids• HPV Testing and Vaccination• Abnormal Pap Smears • Endometriosis • Contraception Options • Menopause-HRT • Bio-identical Hormones • Osteopathic Manipulation

Delivering our Future,Building our Families and

Commitment to Our Community!

Cathy T. Larrimore, MD

Barbara L. Susin, CNM, MPH, MSN

Kerry G. Dewberry, WHNP

Jessie L. Bender, DO

Amy Denise Cochran, CNM, MSN

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!



Meet the Newest Members of our

Medical CommunityThe Right Care. Right Here.

www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ellis Salloum to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Salloum joined Rockdale Vascular Associates in October. He is a 1993 graduate of University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS and completed his residency at University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri.

Residency and TrainingUniversity of Missouri, Kansas City, MissouriUniversity of Utah Program, Salt Lake City, UT University of Missouri-General Surgery, Kansas City, MissouriUniversity of Louisville, Louisville, KYGeorge Town University Hospital -General Surgery, Washington, D.C.

Medical DegreeUniversity of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson MS

Professional MembershipsInternational Society of Endovascular SpecialistsSouthern Vascular Association – Candidate Angiology Society

Practice InformationRockdale Vascular Associates 1301 Sigman Road, NE • Suite 130Conyers, GA 30012Phone: 678.609.4927www.rockdalevascular.com

Ellis Salloum, MD Vascular Surgeon

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Razvi Razack to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Razack joined East Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates in July. He is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH and completed his residency and fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ.

Residency and FellowshipRutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ

Medical DegreeNortheastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH

Professional Memberships American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Practice InformationEast Atlanta Gastroenterology 1269 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, GA 30012Phone: 770.922.0505www.EastAtlantaGastro.com

Razvi Razack, MDGastroenterology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bryan Whitfield to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Whitfield joined Atlanta Orthopaedic Institute in September. He is a 2008 graduate of The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC. Dr. Whitfield also completed a sports medicine orthopaedic surgery fellowship at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Greenville, SC. Dr. Whitfield specializes in sports medicine, hip surgery, and joint preservation.

Residency and FellowshipGeorgetown University Hospital, Washington, DCSteadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Greenville, SC

Medical DegreeThe George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC

Professional MembershipsAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Practice InformationAtlanta Orthopaedic Institute 1301 Sigman Road, NEConyers, GA 30012Phone: 678.413.7900www.atlantaorthopaedicinstitute.com

Bryan J. Whitfield, MDOrthopaedic

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ross Michels to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Michels joined Atlanta Cancer Care in September. He is a 2008 graduate of Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC and completed his residency at Tulane University of Louisiana School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.

Residency and FellowshipTulane University of Louisiana School of Medicine,New Orleans, LA

Medical DegreeMedical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC

Professional MembershipsAmerican Society of Hematology American Society of Clinical Oncology American Medical AssociationAmerican College of Physicians

Practice InformationAtlanta Cancer Care 1498 Klondike Rd Suite 106Conyers, Ga 30094Phone: 770.761.7260 www.atlantacancercare.com

Ross Michels, MDHematology/Oncology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Nicklaus Trent Rice to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Rice joined The Women’s Center, PC in September. He is a 2007 graduate of Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York. Dr. Rice also completed a surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville,Tennessee.

Residency and FellowshipAlbert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New YorkVanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee

Medical DegreeMedical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia

Professional MembershipsAmerican Urogynecologic SocietyFellows Pelvic Research Network Practice InformationThe Women’s Center, PC2750 Owens Drive, Suite A Conyers, Ga 30094Phone 678.413.4644www.womenscenterga.com

Nicklaus Trent Rice, MDGynecology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. David Rabin to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. David Rabin joined Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates in July. He is a 2008 graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY and completed his residency at Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY and a fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.

Residency and FellowshipBeth Israel Medical Center, New York, NYHenry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI Medical DegreeAlbert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY

Practice InformationAtlanta Gastroenterology Associates 1501 Milstead Road Suite 160Conyers, Ga 30012Phone: 678.745.3033www.atlantagastro.com

David Rabin, MDGastroenterology

We are pleased to welcomeDr. Alison Ball to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Ball joined Conyers Pediatrics, P.C. in September. She is a 2011 graduate of St.George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies and completed her residency at University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV.

Residency and FellowshipUniversity of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV

Medical DegreeSt. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies

Professional MembershipsAmerican Academy of PediatricsAmerican Medical Women’s Association

Practice InformationConyers Pediatrics, P.C. 1277 B Wellbrook Circle, N.E. Conyers, Ga. 30012Phone: 770.922.5745www.conyerspediatrics.org

Alison Ball, MDPediatrics

From family practices and OBGYNs to specialists in orthopedics, surgery, heart care and more, call 800-424-DOCS (3627) to find the care you need close to home or work.

Seeking a family doctor or specialist?

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Meet the Newest Members of our

Medical CommunityThe Right Care. Right Here.

www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ellis Salloum to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Salloum joined Rockdale Vascular Associates in October. He is a 1993 graduate of University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS and completed his residency at University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri.

Residency and TrainingUniversity of Missouri, Kansas City, MissouriUniversity of Utah Program, Salt Lake City, UT University of Missouri-General Surgery, Kansas City, MissouriUniversity of Louisville, Louisville, KYGeorge Town University Hospital -General Surgery, Washington, D.C.

Medical DegreeUniversity of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson MS

Professional MembershipsInternational Society of Endovascular SpecialistsSouthern Vascular Association – Candidate Angiology Society

Practice InformationRockdale Vascular Associates 1301 Sigman Road, NE • Suite 130Conyers, GA 30012Phone: 678.609.4927www.rockdalevascular.com

Ellis Salloum, MD Vascular Surgeon

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Razvi Razack to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Razack joined East Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates in July. He is a 2006 graduate of Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH and completed his residency and fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ.

Residency and FellowshipRutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ

Medical DegreeNortheastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH

Professional Memberships American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Practice InformationEast Atlanta Gastroenterology 1269 Wellbrook Circle Conyers, GA 30012Phone: 770.922.0505www.EastAtlantaGastro.com

Razvi Razack, MDGastroenterology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bryan Whitfield to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Whitfield joined Atlanta Orthopaedic Institute in September. He is a 2008 graduate of The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC. Dr. Whitfield also completed a sports medicine orthopaedic surgery fellowship at Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Greenville, SC. Dr. Whitfield specializes in sports medicine, hip surgery, and joint preservation.

Residency and FellowshipGeorgetown University Hospital, Washington, DCSteadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, Greenville, SC

Medical DegreeThe George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC

Professional MembershipsAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Practice InformationAtlanta Orthopaedic Institute 1301 Sigman Road, NEConyers, GA 30012Phone: 678.413.7900www.atlantaorthopaedicinstitute.com

Bryan J. Whitfield, MDOrthopaedic

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ross Michels to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Michels joined Atlanta Cancer Care in September. He is a 2008 graduate of Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC and completed his residency at Tulane University of Louisiana School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.

Residency and FellowshipTulane University of Louisiana School of Medicine,New Orleans, LA

Medical DegreeMedical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, SC

Professional MembershipsAmerican Society of Hematology American Society of Clinical Oncology American Medical AssociationAmerican College of Physicians

Practice InformationAtlanta Cancer Care 1498 Klondike Rd Suite 106Conyers, Ga 30094Phone: 770.761.7260 www.atlantacancercare.com

Ross Michels, MDHematology/Oncology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Nicklaus Trent Rice to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Rice joined The Women’s Center, PC in September. He is a 2007 graduate of Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York. Dr. Rice also completed a surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville,Tennessee.

Residency and FellowshipAlbert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New YorkVanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee

Medical DegreeMedical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia

Professional MembershipsAmerican Urogynecologic SocietyFellows Pelvic Research Network Practice InformationThe Women’s Center, PC2750 Owens Drive, Suite A Conyers, Ga 30094Phone 678.413.4644www.womenscenterga.com

Nicklaus Trent Rice, MDGynecology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. David Rabin to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. David Rabin joined Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates in July. He is a 2008 graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY and completed his residency at Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY and a fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.

Residency and FellowshipBeth Israel Medical Center, New York, NYHenry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI Medical DegreeAlbert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY

Practice InformationAtlanta Gastroenterology Associates 1501 Milstead Road Suite 160Conyers, Ga 30012Phone: 678.745.3033www.atlantagastro.com

David Rabin, MDGastroenterology

We are pleased to welcomeDr. Alison Ball to the Rockdale Medical Center family. Dr. Ball joined Conyers Pediatrics, P.C. in September. She is a 2011 graduate of St.George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies and completed her residency at University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV.

Residency and FellowshipUniversity of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV

Medical DegreeSt. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies

Professional MembershipsAmerican Academy of PediatricsAmerican Medical Women’s Association

Practice InformationConyers Pediatrics, P.C. 1277 B Wellbrook Circle, N.E. Conyers, Ga. 30012Phone: 770.922.5745www.conyerspediatrics.org

Alison Ball, MDPediatrics

From family practices and OBGYNs to specialists in orthopedics, surgery, heart care and more, call 800-424-DOCS (3627) to find the care you need close to home or work.

Seeking a family doctor or specialist?

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PSYCHIATRIC CARE

Mental health needs stronger integrated care systemAnnamarie Paulsen was only a teenager when she persuaded her father each week to drop her off in downtown Atlanta so she could work with disadvantaged children at Economic Opportunity Atlanta.

“I’ve always been a nurturing person who cared about your cut knee,” she said.

That never changed for this Atlanta native, who became Annamarie Paulsen, MD, of Rockdale Psychiatric Associates in Conyers. Double-board certified in child and adult psychiatry, Paulsen says helping people is her passion in life.

“I tell people to get up every day and do good,” she said. “If you’re depressed, acknowledge you’re depressed, but go next door and sweep your neighbor’s porch and you’ll feel better. Service will always help. Action is the antidote.”

For 40 years, Paulsen has been serving others through her work in the medical field; 30 of which have been spent as a mental health professional.

Growing up in North Atlanta, Paulsen went to nursing school in 1974, the first of her siblings to enter the medical profession. One is now in the dental field and the other has an anesthesia group. Paulsen worked as a nurse for many years before going to Morehouse School of Medicine

and receiving her medical degree. She completed three fellowships, including one in child psychiatry, another in adult psychiatry and a third in preventive medicine and psychiatry epidemiology.

Twenty-two years ago, she opened her practice in Conyers and has remained on psychiatry’s cutting edge ever since. She was the first psychiatrist to bring a multi-disciplinary clinic to the area, which means treatment involves the psychiatrist, psychologists, nurses, therapists, and others.

“It’s an early model of integrated care,” she said. “The big push today is integrated care, which means people work together with primary care to help the patient.”

However, she said the biggest innovation for her practice is the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The procedure involves direct magnet stimulation to the frontal cortex of the brain to target the neurons which produce chemical messengers that boost a person’s mood.

“Instead of having a pill travel

from your mouth, to your bloodstream, to your liver and throughout the body to target your brain, we directly stimulate your brain,” she explained. “It’s not shock treatment.”

The doctor said such technology has been in use about 15 years in research institutions and was first introduced in Georgia practices about six years ago.

“I have this burning passion for psychiatry,” Paulsen said.

Her disappointment, however, is that not everyone feels that way.

She said cutbacks in Rockdale and Newton counties in recent years for mental health services for children have “truly adversely affected our youth.”

“There is such a need out here and we’ve been trying to fill it,” she said. “Our phones ring off the hook with desperate people.”

Paulsen’s practice is about evenly divided between child and adolescent patients and adult patients. Her youngest patient is 4 and her oldest is 55. Paulsen says she does what she can in helping patients, but admits the need is great and the resources in mental health are few.

“I know I can’t change problems with scarcity of resources, but I can be a positive force in my little corner of the world,” the doctor said.

She is a strong proponent for people being educated on coping skills, suicide prevention and mental health in general.

“Somebody might say to you, ‘I feel like committing suicide,’” Paulsen said. “You can be empowered to do something. People don’t understand that if they took one specific action, a person could be saved.”

Paulsen said her greatest desire for her profession is to see mental health needs met through a strong integrated care system involving primary care, psychiatry and therapists all working together and of course, appropriate funding to meet the growing need.

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Trapped By Depression

And Treatment

Side Effects?

HOPE

After the 6 weeks of NeuroStar TMS Therapy...I was back to work, I was feeling great, I was enjoying my kids again and I had my life back.

-Craig (Neuro Star Patient)

Annamarie Paulsen, MDChild & Adolescent Psychiatry

Rockdale Psychiatric Associates1397 Manchester Dr. NE Conyers, Ga. 30012770-922-0255

JUSTAHEAD




Allergies can strike in autummn as well

How ragweed causes allergies

People often mistakenly as-sociate seasonal allergies with the spring. But allergies can still appear even long after the final flower buds of spring have stopped blooming.

Ragweed is the most common culprit with regard to autumn allergies. According to Bruce Gordon, MD, a professor at Harvard University and an ear, nose and throat allergy specialist, ragweed has a dis-tinct season. Its pollen is pro-duced in abundance between late-summer and mid-fall. In warmer climates, ragweed may continue to cause allergy symptoms into the winter.

A single ragweed plant can produce one billion grains of

pollen per season. The weed grows prolifically through many areas of the country. Lightweight pollen on rag-weed can travel on the wind up to 400 miles, so even if ragweed isn’t abundant where you live, you still may be af-fected.

In addition to ragweed, pig-weed, sheep sorrel, curly dock, and goldenrod also may con-tribute to autumn allergies.

Mold is another potential foe come the fall. Mold can thrive in compost piles and leaves that cover the ground dur-ing this time of year. In some climates, mold allergy season begins in mid- to late-fall, right after ragweed season,

potentially making mold and ragweed a one-two punch for those susceptible to these al-lergens.

When battling fall allergies,

consider using antihistamines and special nasal sprays, which may help to mitigate the symptoms of these seasonal al-lergies.

Summer has ended, and you’re well into fall. But you’re still sneezing and sniffling all day and into the night. What’s go-ing on?

Odds are you’re among the 10% to 30% of Americans who suffer from hay fever, or al-lergic rhinitis. And most cas-es of hay fever are caused by an allergy to fall pollen from plants belonging to the genus Ambrosia -- more commonly known as ragweed.

Like all allergies, ragweed al-lergy occurs when the body’s immune system mounts a vigorous response to a for-eign substance that is actually harmless -- in this case, tiny grains of pollen released by maturing ragweed flowers.

“Your immune system re-

acts to them as if they were a threat,” says Nathanael S. Horne, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College in Val-halla and an allergy special-ist in private practice in New York City.

Specialized immune cells start churning out antibod-ies to proteins in the pollen. The ensuing cascade of bio-chemical reactions floods the bloodstream with histamine, a compound that causes all-too-familiar allergy symptoms.

In addition to sneezing, snif-fling, nasal congestion, and sleep disruption, ragweed al-lergy can cause red, puffy eyes, itchy throat, and even hives. Severe cases can lead to chronic sinus problems (sinus-

itis) and even asthma attacks.

If people who are allergic to ragweed could avoid the pol-len, they could, of course, avoid the symptoms, Alas, that’s easier said than done.

There are 17 different species of ragweed in the U.S. These plants are most common in the rural areas of the Eastern states and Midwest, but are found throughout the U.S.

ALLERGIES

THE CITIZEN • PHYSICIANS GUIDE • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014 • 27214936-1

1412 Milstead AvenueConyers, Georgia 30012

800-424-DOCS (3627)www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org

The Following Primary Care Physicians are accepting new patients.

All Physician Practices are members of Piedmont Clinic.www.rockdalephysicianpractices.com

Internal Medicine Associates of Rockdale

770.922.30231380 Wellbrook CircleConyers, GA 30012Dr. Trinidad Osselyn

Dr. Sabrina Wyllie-Adamswww.imardoctors.com

PremierHealthcare

Alliance

770.922.18802601 Salem Road

Conyers, GA 30013

Dr. Ganesh Kini

770.788.777714779 Browns Bridge Road

Covington, GA 30016

Premier InternalMedicine

770.787.56005294 Adams Street

Covington, GA 30014

200 Brookstone PlaceSuite B

Social Circle, GA 30025

Dr. Anne Grant

Dr. Muthu Kuttappan

Georgia Primaryand Urgent Care

770.787.56005294 Adams Street

Covington, GA 30014

Dr. Wendell Smith

www.rockdalephysicianpractices.com

Georgia Primaryand Urgent Care

678.609.49121301 Sigman Road

Suite 225Conyers, GA 30012Dr. Harmon Smith

Dr. Benjamin Fernando

Randy Riner, PA

www.conyersurgentcare.com

Dr. Trinidad Osselyn Dr. Harmon Smith Randy Riner, PA

Dr. Benjamin FernandoDr. Sabrina Wyllie-Adams



ORTHOPAEDIC CARE

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Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: A physiatrist’s perspectiveThere are many structures of the spine that can generate pain, often making diagnoses and treatment challenging.Acute back pain starts suddenly and usually heals within a few days to a few weeks with 50% of patients experiencing pain relief within two weeks and 90% within three months. The most common condition causing acute back pain is muscle strain or sprain. Chronic back pain will last for three months or longer and does not correlate to a specific injury. It consists of a low level stimulation to the nervous system creating an environment in which structures that were previously painless are now sources of pain. One should be evaluated by a physician for back pain symptoms that are progres-sive, that do not improve with rest or over- the- counter (OTC) medications, or involve neurological symptoms such as leg weakness and/or difficulty with bowel or bladder.There are many medical providers that eval-

uate and treat back disorders. A physiatrist, also referred to as a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician, is one such pro-vider specializing not only in back disor-ders, but a wide variety of treatment for the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, associated nerves, ligaments, and tendons) and disorders that cause pain and/or diffi-culty with functioning.What makes physiatrists different from other health care professionals that treat back pain and injuries is that they strive to treat the whole person and not just the spe-cific injury alone. Utilizing a multifaceted approach to include medications, active physical therapy and exercise, assistive de-vices, back braces, and injections, the goals of treatment are always to restore normal function and improve quality of life.This area of medicine specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease primarily using “physical means” such as physical therapy and medications. Back conditions commonly treated by physiatrists include:•Sciatica – pain radiating to the leg or foot•Muscle and ligament injuries

•Work injuries•OsteoarthritisA physiatrist will diagnose injuries and problems of the musculoskeletal system through medical history, physical examina-tion, and diagnostic testing such as x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS). Since a physiatrist specializes in improving function, it stands to reason that rehabilita-tion through physical therapy and exercise are an integral part of most physiatrist’s practices. Most physiatrists will use pain treatments such as medications and injec-tions not as the primary treatment, but as an adjunctive means to bring severe pain under control so that one can engage in a beneficial rehabilitation exercise program. Bed rest and inactivity may be necessary as an initial treatment for acute back pain; however, if this is done for more than a cou-ple of days, it can actually prolong healing. Instead, active exercise is a key element for a low back pain treatment plan and should include the following components:

•Aerobic Conditioning – low impact aero-bic exercise such as walking, bicycling, el-liptical trainer or step machine, and swim-ming or water therapy

•Stretching – increasing the flexibility of the back muscles and hamstrings

•Strengthening – the back muscles and core

The exercises should be done through a controlled and progressive program under the guidance of a trained specialist with the primary goal of building a stronger more flexible spine.Whether you are suffering from the first bout of low back pain or a chronic con-dition requiring extensive treatments and even surgery, the best way to minimize the severity and frequency of recurrent epi-sodes is to rehabilitate the back through a comprehensive exercise program lead by a trained medical professional.Dr. Cottrell is a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders at Resurgens Orthopaedics in Covington.

By Roderica Cottrell, MD



FOOT CARE

General foot healthThe human foot is a biological master-

piece. It’s strong, flexible, and functional design enables it to do its job well and with-out complaint-if you take care of it and don’t take it for granted.

The foot can be compared to a finely tuned race car, or a space shuttle, vehicles whose function dictates their design and structure. And like them, the human foot is complex, containing within its relatively small size 26 bones (the two feet contain a quarter of all the bones in the body), 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 ten-dons, muscles, and ligaments, to say nothing of blood vessels and nerves.

Foot ailments are among the most com-mon of our health problems. Although some can be traced to heredity, many stem from the cumulative impact of a lifetime of abuse and neglect. Studies show that most Ameri-cans experience foot problems of a greater or lesser degree of seriousness at some time in their lives; nowhere near that many seek medical treatment, apparently because they mistakenly believe that discomfort and pain are normal and expectable.

There are a number of systemic diseases that are sometimes first detected in the feet, such as diabetes, circulatory disorders, anemia, and kidney problems. Arthritis, in-

cluding gout, often attacks foot joints first. Your feet, like other specialized structures, require specialized care. A doctor of podi-atric medicine can make an important con-tribution to your total health, whether it is regular preventive care or surgery to correct a deformity.

In order to keep your feet healthy, you should be familiar with the most common ills that affect them. Remember, though, that self-treatment can often turn a minor problem into a major one and is gener-ally not advisable. You should see a podiatric physician when any of the following condi-tions occur or persist.

Bunions are misaligned big toe joints which can become swollen and tender. The deformity causes the first joint of the big toe to slant outward, and the big toe to angle to-ward the other toes. Bunions tend to run in families, but the tendency can be aggravated by shoes that are too narrow in the forefoot and toe. There are conservative and preven-tive steps that can minimize the discomfort of a bunion, but surgery is frequently recom-mended to correct the problem.

Heel spurs are growths of bone on the underside of the heel bone. They can occur without pain; pain may result when inflam-mation develops at the point where the spur

forms. Both heel pain and heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, an in-flammation of the long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot. Treatments may range from exercise and custom-made orthotics to anti-inflam-matory medication or cortisone injections.

Ingrown nails are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the skin, of-ten causing infection. They are frequently caused by improper nail trimming but also by shoe pressure, injury, fungus infec-

tion, heredity, and poor foot structure. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, slightly longer than the end of the toe, with toenail clippers. If the ingrown portion of the nail is painful or infected, your podiatric physician may remove the affected portion; if the condition reoccurs frequently, your podiatrist may permanently remove the nail.

Dr. G. Wayne Newman, Jr. practices podia-try with Associated Foot & Ankle Specialists, P.C. in Rockdale County. He is board certified in foot and ankle surgery.

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WALK AWAY FROMFOOT & ANKLE PAIN!WALK AWAY FROM

FOOT & ANKLE PAIN!• Dr. G. Wayne Newman, Jr. D.P.M.

• Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery• Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

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In your lifetime, you’ll walk a distance averaging three trips around the earth. Some of the shoes we wear while doing this walking often submit our feet to nothing short of anguish. With demands like these put on our feet day after day, it’s only natural that we occasionally experi-ence some sort of foot or ankle problem. In each of these cases, ignoring the problem could be an invitation to greater pain or additional complications. Call today to schedule an appointment and discuss treatment options.

Same and next day appointments avaliable!

L to R Back: Cassie,Dr. Newman, Deborah,

L to R Front:Kasey, Nikki, Cindy

www.associatedfootandankle.com



FAMILY DENTISTRY

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Sedation DentistrySedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for certain peo-ple receiving dental treatment. It enables individuals too afraid to go to the dentist to receive the dental care they need while avoiding the common appre-hension known as dental pho-bia.

According to to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS Education), a professional dental organization dedicated to ensuring that patients receive safe, comfortable and anxiety-free dental care, 30 percent of the population avoids

the dentist due to fear. This all-too-common “dental phobia” prevents people from receiving necessary routine dental care, potentially compromising the health and functionality of their mouth and smile.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Therefore, complex dental procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer

appointments.

If you are reluctant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing long or complicated dental procedures, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.

Also, because sedation dentistry addresses some of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist on a regular basis, sedation dentistry patients

are more likely to receive recommended routine care. As a result, they are less likely to neglect their oral health or allow oral health problems to build to the point when drastic dental treatments become necessary.

Authored By: Allison DiMatteoReviewed By: Michael Silverman, DMD

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A caring, friendlyatmosphere withOver 30 Yearsof ProfessionalDedication to eachpatient and ourcommunity.

• Sedation Dentistry• Cosmetic Dentistry• Porcelain Veneers• Periodontics• Endodontics• Implants• Bridges• Crowns

Office Hours:Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 5:30pmFriday: 7:30am - 1:30pm

1807 Overlake Drive, Suite AConyers, GA 30013

New Patients Welcome

770.922.3131email: [email protected]

Dr. Fred Hedrick Jr. Dr. Jeff Dodson Dr. Aubrey Hedrick III


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Did you miss out on the April 15th enrollment time for your ACA health coverage plan?

We’re here to help.Call us to find out what health coverage plans are still available in ‘off season” to protect you and your family.

Rhonda SheridanRN, BSN, CSA, CLTC

Independent Broker Agent

Group and Individual Medicare Plans & Part D Life & Long Term

Care Coverage

Call for a free review & consultation.House Calls and Evening and

Saturday appointments available.

Afraid you will have large out of pocket expenses before you reach your deductible? We can help. Also We have “Gap” plans available to help out

on health expenses incurred before you reach your deductible.

Call us for times on our free community outreach educational meetings on the

Affordable Care Act

770-760-9474983 O’Kelly St. Conyers, GA 30012



SENIOR CARE

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Four simple steps that provide support for the caregiver

One caregiver cannot meet all the needs and demands of a person with Alzheimer’s. Being a caregiver is difficult but some-times caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a necessity family members must deal with. The challenges of round the clock care can test even the most de-voted. Lack of sleep, concern over finances, being on duty 24 hours a day and watching a loved one decline can be devastating. Anger, denial and guilt are com-mon emotions.

The goal is to provide good care for a person diagnosed with Al-zheimer’s. A caregiver that is stressed, tired or in poor health is of no use to anyone. There are steps one can take to make the

best of a difficult situation and they involve care for the care-giver.

A good caregiver is educated on Alzheimer’s and understands as much as possible about the disease process and challenging behaviors associated with the disease. There are many good books and resources about Al-zheimer’s that give caregivers insight into why behaviors occur and strategies for coping with them. Asking your loved one to do more than they are capable of is frustrating for both of you. Understanding that it is a disease and your loved one cannot help it may help you cope. There are many strategies for managing those with dementia that can make the difference between a positive or negative experience.

A good caregiver has a good sup-port system. There are others like you and they need support too. Connect with a support group, talk to friends that may have ex-perienced a similar situation or are a good listener. Don’t suffer in silence, ask for help! Not ev-eryone has a large family or ex-tensive circle of friends but creat-ing a group of people to support you emotionally is important. Do not be afraid to ask for help; asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Your job as a caregiver can be overwhelming and there are many that are willing to help if asked.

Your healthcare provider is your best ally. Make sure your doc-tor is a person you connect with, that answers your questions and that is familiar with Alzheimer’s

or other dementias. There are specialists such as geriatric psy-chiatrist, social workers and cli-nicians that can work with and potentially manage difficult be-haviors and medication to make life better for all involved.

Take time for your self and take care of your self. Neglecting your health and well being will lead to caregiver burn out. Exer-cise, a good diet and taking time for your emotional and spiritual health are important at all times in life but especially when you are a primary caregiver. Be good to yourself. A well rested, sup-ported and informed caregiver is able to provide care and patience to their loved one - everyone’s ultimate goal.

By Amy Brown & Dawn MasseyYellow Brick House Senior Living



OPTCIANRY

Only a strong bank can remain part of the community for over 60 years. While other bankscome and go, we’ve maintained a sound fiscal policy providing our customers hometown service,comprehensive financing and innovative banking solutions. For mortgages, checking or savings,count on us to be here today and tomorrow. After all, we’re not a big bank, just a better one.

Serving you from 3 convenient locations

770-786-7088 • newtonfederal.com

3175 Highway 278 NE • 8258 Highway 278 NE • By Pass Rd & Hwy. 36 Covington Covington Covington

Other Banks May Have Branches,But We Have Roots In The Community.

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High demand healthcare career: OpticianryOpticianry and Optical Manage-ment are rapidly growing fields. Ac-cording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for opticians will increase by 29 percent between 2010 and 2020. Opticianry programs prepare students to interpret lens prescriptions, make and cut lenses and adjust finished glasses to meet customer specifications. Graduates acquire competencies in all phases of opticianry, including:• SURFACING, which consistsof blocking, polishing, andinspectingbothplasticandglasssingle-vision/multifocallenses

• BENCHWORK, whichincludes edging, hand beveling,safety beveling, heat treating,chemical tempering, tintingandmountingoflenses;and

• DISPENSING, which includesmeasuringandfittingeyeglasses

Students also will learn contact lens fitting and receive clinical experience

through exercises taught in on-cam-pus dispensaries.Coursework in Opticianry covers basic ocular science, including optics and anatomy. For individuals who are interested in the business side of eye care, merchandising and marketing classes will prepare students for su-pervisory or ophthalmic management careers.Graduates traditionally obtain em-ployment at ophthalmologist offices, retail optical shops or senior citizen community centers. However, gradu-ates are now entering non-traditional sectors such as film, television and music video fields.Choosing a two-year institution for post-secondary studies offers students a big bang for their buck! Institutions of higher learning such as Georgia Piedmont Technical College provide affordable programs of study that lead to certificates, diplomas and degrees.

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Understanding protein's role in your diet Fitness afficionados have grown in-creasingly reliant on protein to sup-plement their workouts. Protein can help in the building of lean muscle and, when eaten after a workout, can help aid in muscle recovery.While protein is a valuable compo-nent of a healthy diet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that many adults already get enough protein to meet their needs. That's because protein can be found in so many different types of foods, includ-ing meat, poultry, fish, dry beans and peas; eggs, nuts and seeds; and milk and milk products. Some vegetables and fruits even provide some protein, though it's far less than other foods.When examining protein as part of a person's diet, the sources of protein are labeled according to how many essential amino acids they provide.

Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot make on its own, so a person's diet must provide them.A complete protein source is one that provides all of those essential amino acids. These sources are often referred to as high quality proteins. Animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and cheese are considered complete protein sources.An incomplete protein source is one that's low in one or more of the es-sential amino acids. However, two or more incomplete protein sources can be combined to meet the body's needs for essential amino acids. Though it was once believed that these complementary protein sources must be eaten during the same meal, more recent studies have shown they are just as effective as long as they're consumed within the same day



GASTROENTEROLOGY

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East Atlanta Gastroenterology offers newest techniques in gastro intestinal imaging

Our physicians are board certified Gastroenterologists specializing in Di-gestive Diseases and Nutrition. Specific areas of expertise include: Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Dis-ease, Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders, Liver Disease, Irritable Bowel Syn-drome and Chronic Constipation.

We offer two full service locations in Conyers and Covington, and oper-ate a satellite clinic at the Cowles Clinic in Lake Oconee.

Office Hours are typically 9AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. Please call 770-922-0505 to make an appointment or you may schedule an appointment online www.eastatlanta-gastro.com.

If you require hospitalization, our physicians are on staff at Rock-dale Medical Center, Newton Medical Center, and Putnam General. Inpatient consultations can be requested by your

admitting physician.EndoscopyOur physicians are experts in

performing diagnostic and therapeu-tic endoscopies. An endoscopy is a non-invasive exam of the digestive tract using a small fiberoptic camera or “endoscope.” Endoscopies are typi-cally performed under IV sedation in an outpatient setting, and last no more then 30 minutes.

The most commonly performed endoscopy is a Colonoscopy. A colo-noscopy is the preferred method of colorectal cancer screening and preven-tion in the United States. Currently, colonoscopy is recommended every 5-10 years in average-risk individu-als starting at age 50 (age 45 in Afri-can Americans). Most insurance plans will cover a screening colonoscopy as part of “heatlh maintenance” benefits. Please call your insurance provider for more details.

EAGA is affiliated with Well-brook Endoscopy Centers which of-

fer two, free-standing outpatient en-doscopy centers conveniently located directly adjacent to our Conyers and Covington offices. Wellbrook Endos-copy Centers are Joint Commission Accredited and have been endorsed by the ASGE (American Society of Gas-trointestinal Endoscopy). Wellbrook now offers “monitored anesthesia care” during your procedure which allows for a quick, safe, and painless endo-scopic experience.

Other endoscopic procedures performed: EGD/Upper Endoscopy, ERCP, Barrx Ablation, Colonoscopy, PEG Tube, Enteroscopy, Flexible Sig-moidoscopy, Small Bowel Capsule En-doscopy

IV InfusionsEAGA offers the convenience of

outpatient IV infusion therapy. If you require special IV/IM medications such as Remicade, Humira, and Cim-zia, these can be administered in our infusion center. Please ask your physi-cian for details.

Capsule EndoscopyEAGA also offers one of the new-

est techniques in gastrointestinal imag-ing called Capsule Endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy, also known as “pill cam”, is the ingestion of a small disposable cam-era the shape and size of a pill (26mm x 11mm). As the “pill cam” tumbles through the gastrointestinal tract, it capture images and transmits them to a wireless receiver worn by the pa-tient. The receiver is worn for roughly 8 hours and then returned to the of-fice. The receiver is then uploaded into a computer program that in turn cre-ates a video which is then reviewed by your physician. This technique is used to assess diseases of the small bowel and to investigate obscure gastro intestinal (GI) bleeding.

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7229 Wheat StreetCovington, GA 30014

1269 Wellbrook CircleConyers, GA 30012

1000 Cowles Clinic Way | Cypress Bldg., Suite C-300 | Greensboro, GA 30642770-922-0505

WWW.EASTATLANTAGASTRO.COM

Specializing in Digestive Diseases and Nutrition:n Colorectal Cancer Screening and Preventionn Esophageal and Swallowing Disordersn Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)n Inflammatory Bowel Diseasen Pancreatic and Biliary Disordersn Non-Invasive Hemorrhoid Therapy

Fred A. Levin, MDFACP, FACG

A. Steven McIntosh,MD, FACG

Karen L. Weiss-Schorr, MD

David N. Socoloff, DO

Not pictured - Razvi M. Razack, MD

Monitored Anesthesia Care for Your Endoscopy



WOMEN'S HEALTH

New Beginnings is now offering 3 new rejuvenation servicesSotto Pelle •Restoredorincreased sexualdesire •Consistencyinmoods •Relieffromanxiety anddepression •Increasedmentalclarity, focus,memory •Greatercapacityfor gettingthebodyinshape •Improvedenergy,exercise tolerance,musclemass

Botox •Lookasyoungasyoufeel •Takescareofmoderateto severefrownlinesbetween thebrows •Treatcrow’sfeetatthe outsidecornersoftheeyes •Longlastingresults •Nosurgery,NoRecovery

Juvederm •Smoothesoutthose parentheseslinesalongthe sidesofyournoseand mouth •Soft,Smooth,naturallook •Longlastingresultsyoucan seeinstantly

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Call Ginger – 678-413-0858Special Pricing until the end of the year!

Free Consults!

1415 Milstead Road Suit BConyers, GA 30012

WE’RE MOVING, LOOK FOR OUR NEW LOCATION DECEMBER 2012!Come see us at Our New LocationLarge, Modern, Brand-New Space with Lots of Parking!

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Veronica GarrettM.D., F.A.C.O.G.

naomi HarrisM.D., F.A.C.O.G.

sHannon mayfieldC.N.M.



SENIOR CARE

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Are expired medications still safe?

You reach for the nighttime cold relief medicine only to find it ex-pired a few months ago. If you take a dose to ease your symp-toms, will you be putting your-self at risk?

This situation is a relatively common occurrence. Many medicine cabinets are stocked with over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications that may be past their expira-tion dates. It is a good idea to

routinely discard expired medi-cines, but if you happen to take a drug that has passed its expi-ration date, you will most likely suffer no ill effects.

According to the Harvard Medi-cal School Family Health Guide, the expiration date on a medi-cine is not the dates when a drug becomes hazardous. Rather, it marks the period of time af-ter which a drug company can no longer guarantee the effi-cacy of the medication. Since 1979, drug manufacturers sell-ing medications in the United States have been required by the Food and Drug Administration to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date until which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency of the drug.

Expiration dates also may be a marketing ploy. Francis Fla-herty, a retired FDA pharmacist, has said drug manufacturers put expiration dates on prod-ucts for marketing purposes rather than scientific reasons. It doesn’t make financial sense to a company to have products on the shelves for years. There-fore, most drug manufacturers will not do long-term testing on products to confirm if they will be effective 10 to 15 years after manufacture.

The U.S. military has conducted their own studies with the help of the FDA. FDA researchers tested more than 100 over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Around 90 percent were proven to still be effective long past the expiration date -- some for more

than 10 years. Drugs that are stored in cool, dark places have a better chance of lasting because the fillers used in the product will not separate or start to break down as they might in a warm, humid environment. Storing medicines in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life.

Although a pharmacist cannot legally advise consumers to use medication past an expiration date, most over-the-counter pain relievers and drugs in pill form should still be fine. Cer-tain liquid antibiotics and drugs made up of organic materials can expire faster than others. For those who still want to err on the safe side, routinely clean out medications from cabinets once they expire.



ORTHOPEDIC

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Athens Orthopedic Clinic welcomes Dr. Jimmy Spivey

With over 30 years of experience in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Jimmy Spivey is a welcome addition to the Athens Orthopedic Clinic team. Dr. Spivey and Juri Van der Heijden, PA-C, join Dr. David Harkins in welcoming new patients to Athens Orthopedic Clinic’s Covington location at 5303 Adams Street.Dr. Spivey received training at the Medical College of Georgia and completed a fellowship in hand surgery. His years of experience and proven dedication to the Covington community show his great passion for orthopedics. Dr.

Harkins completed his fellowship in surgery of the shoulder and elbow and he is trained in the most advanced technology for shoulder reconstruction and sports injury surgery. Dr. Harkins said that he is very excited about this opportunity and is looking forward to providing high-quality care for Newton and Rockdale County patients.Common orthopedic problems that Athens Orthopedic Clinic treats are: rotator cuff tears, arthritis, fractures, sprains, neck and back pain, and other sports injuries. With a goal of conservative, minimally-invasive treatment, our providers only consider surgery after all other treatments have been exhausted.

Our providers are proficient in many surgeries including total joint replacement of the knee, hip, and shoulder, MAKOplasty, arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction and clavicle repair. Athens Orthopedic Clinic has been serving northeast Georgia since 1966 and also has locations in Athens, Monroe, Madison, Loganville, Snellville, Greensboro, and Royston. The Physicians and Physician Assistants at AOC provide personalized care and custom treatment plans for all types of acute and chronic orthopedic issues. AOC’s goal is to create an environment centered on patient comfort,

convenience, and care. Visit www.AthensOrthopedicClinic.com or call 706-549-1663 to learn more about the practice or to request an appointment.

By Jennifer Sapp, Director of Public Relations, Athens Orthopedic Clinic



DENTISTRY

Looking to improve your smile?Looking to improve your smile? Or, do you already have a great one and want to maintain it? Dr. David Brassell and his staff take the time to understand and meet all of your oral healthcare needs and wants.

We provide our patients with the one-on-one treatment that is very rare today. Our office also tries to meet all your needs in one office. Dr. Brassell performs extractions, root canal therapy, and place crowns, bridges, partials and dentures. We also offer Invisalign braces and teeth whitening.

We see patients of all ages. And, all will feel at ease with our friendly and gentle hygienists.

Our hours are as early as 7:30 am and as late as 6:00pm. We pride ourselves on running on schedule while, valuing our patient’s time. We offer CareCredit and accept all major credit cards. We even submit claims to all dental insur-ance companies.

Our office is conveniently located near Rockdale Medical Center. There is a map and even more information on our website www.drdavidbrassell.com.

Dr. David BrassellFAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

www.drdavidbrassell.com215386-1

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DR. DAVID BRASSELLFAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY1383 Manchester Dr., NE Suite AConyers, Georgia 30012Phone 770.922.6149

Visit www.drdavidbrassell.com



EYE CARE/CARDIOLOGY

BLUECROSS-BLUESHIELD • VSP • MEDICAREEYEMED • UNITED HEALTH CARE COVENTRY • AND MANY OTHERSAccepting New Patients

Stacy Underwood Carson, O.D.Terrell Underwood, L.D.O.

• Doctors On Staff For Treatment Of Ocular Diseases

• Eye Exams For Glasses & Contact Lenses

• All Exams Include Glaucoma Screening And Dilation To Check Internal Eye Health

• Treatment & Management Of Eye Diseases

• Prescriptions

• Repairs/Metal Frame Soldering

• We carry Coach, Ray Ban, Gucci and many more

Quality Service Since 1978

We Feature

www.milamseye.com

770-483-4831805A Commerce Dr.

(Facing Parker Road)Conyers

CO

MM

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I-20

IRIS DRIVE

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Y 1

38

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Hours:Monday-Friday

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MMUNITY EYE CARECMilam’s

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Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death across the globe. Ac-cording to the World Health Orga-nization, ischaemic heart disease, in which blood supply to the heart is reduced, is the leading cause of death in middle- and high-income countries and the fourth-leading cause of death in low-income countries. Perhaps the most troubling fact about the prevalence of heart disease is that it can be largely preventable. The Ameri-can Heart Association notes that there are several ways to easily improve heart health and avoid becoming one of the millions of people to succumb to heart disease.* Embrace aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is essential to cardiovascular health. Daily aerobic exercise, which can be as simple as walking around the neighborhood, can help men and women lower their blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight and lower

their bad cholesterol, which can circu-late in the blood and cause blockages that can lead to heart attack.* Adopt a low-sodium diet that’s also low in cholesterol. Diet can be a friend or foe with regards to heart disease. A heart-friendly diet that’s low in so-dium and cholesterol can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels as well as a healthy blood pressure.* Monitor your blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is a staple of many doctor visits, but men and women should monitor their blood pressure even when they aren’t visiting their physicians. High blood pressure does not always produce symptoms, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t potential-ly deadly. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and can con-tribute to heart and kidney disease. So be sure to monitor your blood pres-sure and discuss with your physician ways to lower high blood pressure.

The two most common childhood vision issues are a crossed or wan-dering eye and uneven focus. Vision problems in children typically emerge when the child is between 18 months and four years old. When a child has a wandering eye, that eye will appear to drift during conversation or when the child is attempting to do something else, like watch television. A crossed eye is often easy to recognize, but few may know that a crossed eye is not a problem of the eye itself but rather the wiring of the brain. When a child has uneven focus, he or she will have one eye that is more farsighted than the other. Uneven focus is more difficult to detect because kids are unaware their vision is being compromised by poor focus. Such focus issues are all kids have known, so they are less likely to ask for help, believing that poor focus is natural. These issues are treatable, but wandering or crossed

eyes and uneven focus require medical attention, as kids who do not receive adequate medical care regarding their vision run the risk that their brains will begin to ignore images coming from the weaker eye. Once the brain begins to ignore those images, nerve connections stop being developed as well. When these issues go untreated, children may experience full and per-manent vision loss in their weaker eye, and that loss may be apparent by the time a child reaches his or her tenth birthday.

Improving heart health need not be difficult

Two most common childhood vision issues



HOSPICE

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YOU NEED HELP…..how do you find it?

Do you have a loved one that is declining due to an illness(es)? Are they tired of going back and forth to the hospital? Have they been told that there are no more treatment options to cure them? Are they desiring comfort mea-sures and support at home? If the answers to these questions are ”YES”, then hospice care may be the right choice to meet the current needs of all. Medi-cal oversight, including skilled nursing visits, hygiene care, emotional and spiritual support, medications, incontinent sup-plies, gloves, oxygen, hospital bed are some of the services offered by the hospice benefit. And all of these services are reimbursed

100% by Medicare and Medic-aid as well as most private insur-ance companies. Hospice should never turn a patient away due to inablility to pay.

All of this sounds wonderful and appears to meet your needs but how do you tap into the hospice benefit? There are a couple of ways to explore the hospice ben-efit. One way to pursue hospice services is to directly contact the patient’s physician and discuss the needs of your loved one. A second option is to directly con-tact a hospice of your choice and inquire about hospice services. A hospice representative can help answer questions and review your needs and how they can be met by the hospice team. They can also offer to contact the physician

to review your case. If the phy-sician deems your loved one to have a life limiting condition of 6 months or less then an order for hospice is appropriate.

So now you and the physician have determined hospice is the right choice for your loved one. The next step in pursuing hos-pice services is to speak directly with the hospice of your choice. Either the patient/family or the physician staff may contact hos-pice. The hospice admissions team will schedule a time to meet with you in your home to explain the hospice philosophy and ser-vices. Once hospice services are agreed upon the patients’ plan of care will be established and services will begin. Hospice staff will schedule regular visits to pro-

mote comfort and support for all. Medications will be monitored and adjusted as necessary for symptom management. Medica-tions will also be delivered to the home. As patient needs change so does the hospice services of-fered. The hospice journey does not end when your loved one dies. Bereavement services are offered and continue for 13 months. Individual and group support opportunities are offered.

If you or a loved one need help, help is just a phone call away. To inquire how hospice can make a difference for you please call Ab-bey, your community hospice provider, covering Walton, New-ton, Rockdale and surrounding counties.

By Helen Graves, RN, MSNDirector of Clinical Services Abbey Hospice

Care of a loved one in their final days is hard enough.

No one should have to do it alone.

GA License # 107-151-H Medicare Provider # 111530

bbey Hospice

Abbey Hospice and its 13-bed inpatient unit located in the heart of Walton County, provides home hospice services to the surrounding 17 counties including Newton, Rockdale, Morgan, and Jasper.

770-464-5858www.abbeyhospice.com



HEART HEALTH

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Is snoring detrimental to your health?

Getting a good night’s sleep is es-sential to personal health. Although sleep needs vary depending on the individual, inadequate sleep leaves a person feeling drowsy and cranky and may affect work performance. Lack of sleep can tax the body in other ways as well, escalating feel-ings of stress and making a person more susceptible to depression or anxiety. Lack of sleep also may in-crease one’s risk for hypertension, stroke and heart attack.

Snoring is a condition that greatly affects quality of sleep -- not only for the person sleeping next to a snorer but also to the snorer him-self. Snoring

Snoring and a condition called sleep apnea are mostly related. Snoring is essentially a partial restriction of the airway. When a person is snoring, some air gets through the trachea, causing tissues in the throat to vi-brate. In cases of complete sleep apnea, no air gets through. Snoring can be mixed with periods of ap-nea, resulting in a series of snorts, whistles and stopped breathing that can make it difficult to get a restful night’s sleep.Sleep apnea

When a person is suffering from sleep apnea and periods of snoring, he or she is struggling to get more air into his or her lungs. Air supplies

may be so severely limited that oxy-gen levels drop. The body kicks into action and awakens the sleeper so he or she can get oxygen. This cycle may repeat itself hundreds of times throughout the night. The sleeper may only awaken slightly and not remember these awakenings in the morning, but he or she will likely feel drowsy, which is a direct by-product of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea and snoring also may cause damage to the heart. Over time, a lack of oxygen can put un-due stress on the heart, leading to a greater risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. Impotence, memory loss and migraines may also result from oxygen deprivation.Snoring treatments

Treating snoring often involves the assistance of a sleep specialist. Changing sleeping position or re-lying on breathing aides that help

open the airways while sleeping also may help. Quitting smoking and losing weight can help reduce instances of snoring as well.Even if snoring has not progressed to complete apnea, a sleep expert may recommend a device called a CPAP machine, or a “continuous positive air pressure” pump. This device blows a steady stream of air through the sleeper’s mouth and nose to help keep the tissues of the throat from collapsing, resulting in snoring or obstruction.Snoring can be much more than just a nuisance and may even be in-dicative of a blockage of the airways common among those people with sleep apnea.If you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea, call Dr. Michel Jean-not at Walton Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at 678-928-9700 to schedule an appointment.


ROCKDALE LOCATION COMING SOON!

Our Commitment is to Improve the Quality of Life for Every PatientOur Commitment is to Improve the Quality of Life for Every Patient

Coming to Conyers in December 2014Open Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

678-928-9700 or 866-562-1866Call Us to Set Up an Appointment • www.waltonpulmonary.com

Services Coming to Your Area:

-Sleep Center-Full Body Pulmonary Function Testing-Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation-Sleep Apnea Treatment (CPAP Set-Up)

Dr. Michel Jeannot is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Disease.

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

Advice for aging athletesRetired professional athletes often speak about the difficult moment when they knew it was time to retire from professional competition. The transition can be easy for some but far more difficult for others. But aging amateur athletes know you need not be a professional to realize there comes a time when your body is telling you it's time to ease up.Athletes are used to pushing them-selves and stretching their limits, but some limits are best not pushed. Such is the case with the limits posed by aging. While athletes don't have to completely fold up shop and hang up their cleats, tennis shoes or other athletic equipment as they approach senior citizen status, there are steps aging athletes can take to ensure they aren't pushing their bodies too far as they grow older.* Recognize your new recovery time. Veteran athletes tend to have a sixth sense about their bodies, knowing how long they need to recover from common ailments like ankle sprains,

knee pain, back pain and shin splints. Despite the body's remarkable ability for recovery, it's not immune to aging, and that recovery time will increase as the body ages. Whereas a sprained ankle might once have been as good as new after a few days or rest, aging athletes must recognize that the same ankle sprain now might require more recovery time. Returning too quickly from an injury can only make things worse for aging athletes, so don't push yourself.* Take more time to warm up. As the body ages, its response time to exercise increases. This means the body needs more time to prepare itself for cardio-vascular and strength training exercis-es. Increase your warmup time as you age, gradually increasing the intensity of your warmup exercises until your body feels ready for more strenuous exercise.* Focus on flexibility. The more flex-ible you are, the more capable the body is of absorbing shock, including the shock that results from repetitive

activities. But as the body ages, it be-comes less flexible, which makes it less capable of successfully handling the repetitive movements common to exercise. Aging athletes should fo-cus on their flexibility, stretching their muscles before and after a workout. In addition, activities such as yoga can work wonders on improving flexibility for young and aging athletes alike.* Don't stop strength training. Some aging athletes mistakenly feel they should stop strength training as they get older. No longer concerned about building muscle, aging athletes might feel as if they have nothing to gain by lifting weights and continuing to perform other muscle strengthen-ing exercises. But the body gradually loses muscle mass as it ages, and that loss puts the joints under greater stress when aging athletes perform other ex-ercises. That stress can put people at greater risk for arthritis, tendinitis and ligament sprains. While you no longer need to max out on the bench press or challenge yourself on the biceps curl,

it is important to continue to make strength training a part of your fitness regimen as you age. Aging athletes need not associate ag-ing with ceasing their athletic pur-suits. But recognizing your limitations and the changes your body is going through is an important element of staying healthy as your approach older adulthood.

At Morningside we understand that taking a vacation or trip can be a challenge for anyone caring for an aging loved one. Our respite pro-gram is designed for both long and short term stays and is the perfect solution for:

1352 Wellbrook Circle • Conyers, GA 30012

❖ Taking a break from the care giving ❖ Planning a vacation or business trip❖ Providing post hospital care for a loved one ❖ Trying out Morningside before making a final decision about assisted living or memory care

770-922-1654

2154

00-1

morningsideassistedliving.com


INTERNAL MEDICINE

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Eastside Internal Medicine, LLCBoard Certified, ameriCan Board of internal mediCine

ostia

i

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm • Saturday 8:00am - 12:00 noonMOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

2080 Eastside Drive • Conyers, Georgia • 678-625-7800

Syed WasimMD, MPH

Farhana Quasem MD

Masood Siddiquee MD, MRCP (U.K.)

Serving rockdale & newton area over 16 Years!

• Hypertension/Diabetes/High Cholesterol

• Women’s Wellness • Pap Smear • Drug Screens

• Sports Physicals • Worker’s Comp Injuries

• Asthma/Emphysema • Thyroid • Depression

• Men’s Health • Erectile Dysfunction

• STD Treatment • Minor Surgery • Heart Failure

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

MostInsuranceAccepted!Walk-InsWelcome!

We look forward to meeting you!


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Awarded Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission

IN GREATER ATLANTANationally recognized as one of only three hospitals in the Greater Atlanta area by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer in Quality Measures for Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care.

National Recognition by Consumer Reports for Outstanding Surgical Safety Outcomes

Awarded Accreditation by the College of Radiology in Mammography, MRI, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy,

CT, and Ultrasound

Echocardiography Accreditation for second time

Named to Georgia Hospital Association Core Measure Honor Roll: Trustee Category

Georgia Hospital Association

ROCKDALE PHYSICIAN PRACTICES

Renovated and Expanded to a 20-Bed Level III Neo-Natal

Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

60 years of healthcare strength just got stronger

60 years of healthcare strength just got stronger

Documents

Physicians Guide October 2014