Live Well from the Inside Out

Transcription

TAKE ME HOME!
South Tampa Edition
For additional information and read our blog, visit us at
www.ifoundMYdoctor.com
Summer 2015
5
Hormone
balance is key in
maintaining a
vibrant lifestyle
for both women
and men.
6
FHCN PHOTO BY MARC EDWARDS
A
Health Care Patron
PRSRT.STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL
Permit No.2397
Carrier-Route Pre Sort
In addition to his focus being off,
Tim also noticed that his sleep pattern
was becoming irregular.
“I was waking up several times a
night, and it was really becoming more
annoying to me than anything else,” he
recalls. “But, I think the biggest change I
noticed was when I would go to the gym
to work out. I just was not getting the
results I expected, or wanted.”
Tim says going to the gym is more
like a hobby than a forced activity, and is
an integral part of his daily routine.
“I was getting discouraged because I
felt like I had hit a plateau in regard to
where I was able to go physically with
my workouts, and I was really upset with
that,” he explains. “Just very dissatisfied.”
After talking to some friends about
how he had been feeling, Tim was referred
to Infinity Medical Institute. After a consultation with Moriah R. Moffitt, MD,
Infinity Medical Institute’s staff physician,
Tim began bio-natural L3 pellet hormone
replacement therapy.
“I had no idea that it was my hormones that were the culprit in all of it,”
Tim says. “For me, I had a lack of concentration and loss of muscle tone. I had
no idea it was linked to hormone levels.”
Bio-natural therapy
Through Infinity Medical Institute’s
bio-natural L3 pellet hormone replacement
therapy, patients can achieve consistent
absorption of the proper, predictable levels
ARTICLES
Bio-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
s a business owner, Tim
Smith’s workdays often
extend beyond your typical
eight hours. To be a successful
business entrepreneur, Tim says, requires
countless hours going above and beyond
to meet customer needs.
“Customer focus is a big key to
my success so far,” Tim says. “I have
an advantage in that my office is in my
home, so I can devote as many hours
each day to it as I deem necessary. And
at the same time, I am able to do other
things in between my work.
“But, about a year ago, I noticed that
my attention span was not what it once
was, and I was becoming easily distracted
and unable to concentrate,” he continues.
“Before, when I was working, nothing got
between myself and my work. But, all of
a sudden, I found myself getting up from
my desk way too often during the day and
switching gears at the drop of a hat. If
something needed to be done around the
house and it came to mind, I’d just stop
what I was doing with the business and
go take care of it. I was all over the place.”
Featured
of hormones their bodies require for optimum health through the simple insertion
of a pellet approximately every three to five
months. These bio-natural hormone pellets
are made from wild yam plants, a natural plant material that is then molecularly
changed in structure and function for a 98
percent bio-identical match to the body’s
own composition, whereas synthetic
hormones can be as little as six to eight
percent bio-identical.
“Hormones affect everything,
including our growth through childhood, our sexual development, our
moods, how we break down our food,
sleep patterns, stress, how much weight
we gain – just about every function in
the body, big and small,” Dr. Moffi tt
says. “They also play a role in many
health conditions such as diabetes, an
over- or underactive thyroid, osteoporosis, obesity, anxiety and depression.”
The bio-natural L3 pellet hormone
replacement therapy is the most natural
and effective solution for hormonerelated issues.
“The body can never restore lost
hormones again unless it is done
endogenously, like we do here with the
bio-natural L3 pellet therapy,” according
to Michael Montemurro, president of
Infinity Medical Institute.
Michael emphasizes that patients
appreciate the all-natural products used
at Infinity Medical Institute.
“Our bio-natural L3 pellet hormone
therapy really helps to give us an edge
as we provide patients with a product
that is all-natural, and we stand behind
it,” Michael says. “It’s the most effective
hormone treatment on the market. It
is felt to be extremely safe because it is
replacing natural, normal hormones with
(see Live Well from the Inside Out, page 4)
Regenerative
Orthopedic Institute
Stem Cell
Treatment
William P.
Mack, MD
Next-Level in Natural
Looking, Fuller Lips
11
Your Desired
Smile
Strong
Foundation
Also In This
EDITION
2
Bay Area
Eye Institute
20/20 Vision
ReSTOR®ed
3
West Florida Pain Management, P.A.
8
South Florida
Eye Clinic
9
10
12
Minimally Invasive Spine Care
Kyphoplasty for
Vertebral Fractures
Eye Floaters
Can Disable
Hank
Insko, DDS
Beautiful Teeth,
No Discomfort
Manatee
Memorial Hospital
New Hope
for Heart Patients
Physical Medicine
Center, Inc.
PRP for Knee Pain
Find us online at:
or on
Page 2 | Tampa Health Care News | Summer 2015 | South Tampa Edition
Ophthalmology
20/20 Vision ReSTOR®ed
Specialized intraocular lenses help cataract patients see at all
ranges without glasses.
E
ven with perfect vision, golf
can be a difficult game. For
those suffering with cataracts,
the popular pastime can be
especially frustrating because as the ball
travels down the fairway, it gets fuzzy
and difficult to see.
CRAIG E. BERGER, MD
Liz*, an avid golfer and retired head
of sales, noticed last year that she was
having difficulty following her ball. “I
couldn’t see where the ball was landing
and follow it all the way to the end,” she
relates. “I’m a hand-eye and eye-hand
coordination kind of player. It’s a little
embarrassing if you have to say, Where did
my ball go?, especially if you’re playing in a
tournament and are responsible for knowing where your shots end up.”
For a year or so, Liz, 57, knew she
had developed cataracts. However, she
finally decided to seek help late last year
when highway signs became more difficult to discern and the condition started
to affect her golf game.
“Last summer, I said, Okay, I think
they’re getting worse,” she recalls, “so I had
my eyes checked and they said, Yes, you
should get it done.”
On the advice of her friend and frequent golf partner, Liz turned to Craig
E. Berger, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmic surgeon at Bay
Area Eye Institute in Tampa.
About cataracts
“Cataracts are the result of a protein
buildup in the lens of the eye, which
makes the vision look cloudy and prevents light from passing through,”
explains Dr. Berger. Symptoms include
cloudy or foggy vision, glare, difficulty
seeing at night, loss of color intensity
and double vision.
Cataracts are common, and most are
related to aging. By age 75, according to
ReSTOR lenses
Bay Area Eye Institute features stateof-the-art equipment for diagnosing
cataracts and calculating intraocular lens
implants, allowing Dr. Berger to make the
most accurate and appropriate lens selections for his patients.
“It was good, because he’s very
particular,” Liz remembers. “Th ey do
various tests and it’s really thorough.
I was impressed that he tested a lot of
different aspects, not only the eyes, but
I’ve never had anyone test for tear production before.”
Moreover, the practice offers its cataract patients intraocular lens implant
options that are not frequently offered
in every ophthalmology practice.
These include Lenstec Softec HD™ ,
Crystalens® , toric lenses that correct
astigmatism and TRULIGN® ReSTOR
multifocal lenses.
“I encourage patients to take time to
gain a clear understanding of the benefits
of each of the different intraocular lenses
before making a choice,” Dr. Berger notes.
ReSTOR lenses help cataract patients
see near, far and everything in between
without the need for reading glasses or
bifocals after surgery.
Liz, who has worn glasses or contacts
since her 20s, wanted something that
would improve her vision and eliminate
her dependency on glasses. “I figure you’re
going to be using these eyes, hopefully, for
at least forty more years, so you might as
PHOTOS FROM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
After having ReSTOR lenses
implanted in both eyes, 78
percent of patients report not
needing glasses at six months
post-op, and 93 percent say they
would have the procedure again.
the National Institutes of Health, most
people will have developed cataracts
to the point that it affects their vision.
However, other factors, such as diabetes,
too much exposure to the sun, smoking
and a family history, can cause the condition to develop at a younger age.
Surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and involves removal of
the affected lens and replacement with
a new, artificial lens called an intraocular
lens. One eye is done at a time, usually
a few weeks apart.
While finding an excellent cataract
surgeon is essential, it’s also important
to find a doctor who, like Dr. Berger,
is experienced at determining the most
appropriate lens implant for his patients.
“Lenses come in many different sizes,
with a variety of features and benefits,”
he explains. “No one lens is ideal for
every patient. It’s important that I have
an appreciation of my patient’s lifestyle
before making any recommendation.”
Cataracts occur as a result of a protein buildup in the lens of the eye,
which makes vision cloudy. Surgery involves removal of the cataract
and placement of a new intraocular lens.
well,” she says. “My friend also had the
ReSTOR, so in the end, I decided to go
ahead and get them.”
The lenses are unique in that they
feature a “pupil-adaptive design that precisely allocates light to the retina more
like the natural human eye,” according
to the manufacturer. ReSTOR combines
apodized (an optical filtering technique)
diffraction and refraction technologies
that allow for clear vision at both near
and far distances. This helps focus light
on the retina for images at various distances and creates a smooth transition of
light between the distant, intermediate
and near focal points.
In fact, after having ReSTOR lenses
implanted in both eyes, 78 percent of
patients report not needing glasses at six
months post-op, and 93 percent say they
would have the procedure again.
ReSTOR worked wonders for Liz’s
vision. “I have 20/20 long and 20/20
short for reading,” she reports. “It
worked out well.”
Commitment to care
“Post-operative patients are given my
personal email and cell phone number
so they can ask questions and keep me
updated about their recovery,” he says.
“We put patient satisfaction at the
center of everything we do in this practice,” assures the doctor, who, in addition
to his practice at Bay Area Eye Institute,
is an adjunct assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of South
Florida Eye Institute. He also spends
one morning per week treating military
veterans at the James A. Haley Veterans
Administration Hospital in Tampa.
Liz, who had her first eye done in
January and the second in February, was
pleased with Dr. Berger and her care at
Bay Area Eye Institute. “He’s obviously
competent,” she assures. “He knows what
he’s doing. That’s all I need to know.”
She’s also thrilled that her vision isn’t
affecting her golf game anymore. “I can
see the ball until it lands,” she assures.
“They did a thorough job and the results
were good.” FHCN–Melanie Casey
*The patient’s surname was withheld at her request.
Scan the
QR Codes
for more
information
Dr. Berger’s commitment to care does
not end the moment the patient’s cataract surgery is complete. It continues into
the post-operative healing process as well.
Craig E. Berger, MD, is
a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmic
surgeon. He received his
undergraduate degree in
chemistry from the University
of Florida and in 1995 earned
his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University
of South Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Berger
completed his internship at the Mayo Clinic in
1996 and his ophthalmology residency at the
Tulane School of Medicine. He spent an additional
year at Tulane for sub-specialty training in cornea
and refractive surgery. Dr. Berger is a member
of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology,
American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery,
Florida Society of Ophthalmology and the Florida
Medical Association.
Two offices to serve you better
Dr. Berger is proud to offer his patients the
convenience of two Bay Area Eye Institute
office locations in Tampa: 4600 North
Habana Avenue, Suite 7, and 14462 Bruce
B. Downs Blvd., just north of St. Joseph’s
Children’s Hospital. Dr. Berger is currently
accepting new patients, consults and second
opinions, with available appointments within
two days, if not the same day. Emergency
patients can often be seen the same day.
The caring staff at Bay Area Eye Institute
welcomes your questions regarding
ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery. To
schedule an appointment, please contact
Bay Area Eye Institute at (813) 265-6940.
Visit Bay Area Eye Institute on the web at www.CraigBergerMD.com or find them on
Facebook.
South Tampa Edition | Summer 2015 | Tampa Health Care News | Page 3
Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Fractures
Refinements in treatment of compression fractures offer relief in less than an hour.
O
“
n January sixth of 2014,
I fell against my dresser
and hit the bottom of
my spine,” recalls Jim
Doyle. “I called my family doctor, Dr.
Michael Zimmer, who has been my doctor for the last eighteen years.”
Jim’s primary care physician’s office
suggested he alternate ice and heat to
alleviate the pain.
“They told me, Hot and cold, hot
and cold, and it should heal,” he explains.
“But I couldn’t do anything. I was in the
chair most of the time, because it was
very painful. When it didn’t get better,
Dr. Zimmer sent me to Dr. Trimble.”
Gerald E. Trimble, MD, is a
board-certified pain management practitioner at Minimally Invasive Spine
Care, with offices in St. Petersburg and
Clearwater.
Although he was still in excruciating
pain, Jim says the staff there helped him
feel at ease right from the start.
“The girl at the front desk was
very, very helpful,” he reports, “and
when I explained everything to the
doctor and his nurse, he told me that
he could take care of it.”
Dr. Trimble referred Jim out for
an MRI, which revealed a compression
fracture.
“There was a crack in the bottom of
the spine,” he describes. “When you’re
younger, it heals, but when you’re older,
it won’t. So they had to fill in that crack.”
About compression fractures
Dr. Trimble observes that acute pain can
be beneficial for a patient to some degree
– it serves as a warning signal that a medical condition needs to be addressed.
“Chronic pain, however, serves no
purpose except to make a patient uncomfortable – even miserable,” he explains.
“At Minimally Invasive Spine Care,
we view chronic pain as a disease process,
not merely a symptom that has to be tolerated as part of an underlying condition.
The first objective is always to determine
where the pain originates and then apply
specific techniques to treat it.
MI
SC
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE CARE
OFFERED BY THE DOCTORS AT
WEST FLORIDA PAIN MANAGEMENT, P.A.
GERALD E. TRIMBLE, MD
SUSAN K. SAMLASKA, MD
“We believe that the source of pain,
the pain generator, should be identified, the underlying pain mechanism
addressed and treatment scheduled
accordingly. In each case,” he adds, “we
approach pain relief with the least invasive methods available, with the goal of
postponing – or even eliminating – the
need for invasive surgery.”
Dr. Trimble warns that a fracture in
the spine can be an extremely painful,
even dangerous, problem.
“The bones in your spine are called
vertebrae,” he reminds, “and if the thick
block of bone at the front of a single vertebra fractures and collapses, we call that
a vertebral compression fracture.”
When a patient consults Dr. Trimble
about back pain and the diagnosis is a
vertebral compression fracture, the doctor
will typically treat the fracture with conservative measures, such as a back brace
or medication management.
Find help for your pain
Drs. Trimble and Samlaska welcome questions
regarding the management of chronic pain. For
information or a consultation, please call (727) 5537313. Offices are located at Bayfront Plaza, 603 7th St.
South, Suite 340, in St. Petersburg and 1831 N. Belcher
Rd., Suite A2, in Clearwater.
Jim Doyle
“Vertebral fractures can sometimes
be treated conservatively,” he explains,
“because some will eventually heal on
their own. With a patient whose symptoms are mild, or who is essentially
asymptomatic, we can prescribe a back
brace to postpone or even eliminate the
need for additional treatment.
“If the fracture continues to compress
further, however – or if the patient is simply not improving – we don’t hesitate to
recommend taking more aggressive action
to alleviate the pain.”
The kyphoplasty solution
Newer technologies have enabled
surgeons to provide a fast, effective solution to vertebral compression fractures,
says Dr. Trimble.
“We now offer an alternative called
kyphoplasty, which is proving its value in
three key areas – providing significant
pain relief, stabilizing the fracture and
reestablishing much of the lost vertebral
body height. In the event that the patient
has an acute fracture on top of an old
fracture, that can often be treated with
kyphoplasty as well.”
Kyphoplasty is actually a refinement
of a procedure called vertebroplasty, but
offers additional advantages: during
the procedure, the insertion of a balloon into the fractured vertebra elevates
the compressed bone, helping to return
the spine to a more natural position.
The newly created space allows for the
injection of fast-drying bone cement,
which helps achieve the correction in
the deformity of the vertebra.
“As we inflate the balloon, we can
often reproduce much of the height in
the bone,” describes Dr. Trimble. “The
other advantage to the balloon is that it
pushes the healthy bone to the periphery, leaving a cavity which can then be
filled with bone cement.”
The doctor adds that the kyphoplasty
procedure contrasts favorably with its predecessor, vertebroplasty: “Vertebroplasty
is an injection of cement without inflating
a balloon into the area first,” he clarifies. “It doesn’t attempt to correct the
deformity. Secondly, the vertebroplasty
procedure requires us to put slightly
more pressure on the cement in order to
get it between the cracks of the fracture.
Consequently, I prefer the kyphoplasty
procedure to vertebroplasty.
“The bone cement hardens quickly,
stabilizing the fracture,” continues Dr.
Trimble, “and the stability from the
cement offers significant pain relief for
the patient – usually within hours of the
procedure or even sooner. We are happy
to offer this fast, effective treatment to
our patients.”
FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS
“No pain whatsoever”
Jim’s progress has been significant,
although it took some time due to the
fact that he had been down for months
before getting the kyphoplasty treatment.
“I still kind of wiggled after walking for six months with a cane,” he
explains. “I started to walk without it,
and I’ve been walking around with no
assistance at all ever since. I do have a
rolling walker if I need to get up in the
“I’ve been walking around with
no assistance at all,” says Jim
after successful treatment for a
vertebral compression fracture.
middle of the night. I’m being careful,
and I haven’t had any more falls, and I
have no pain whatsoever.”
He thanks Dr. Trimble and his staff
for all their care and concern.
“They’re all super,” assures Jim,
“from the girl who greets you and gives
you the clipboard to fill in your information, to the girl at the switchboard. The
nurse is out of this world and the doctor
is wonderful. It’s been very, very good.”
FHCN–Michael J. Sahno
Tried Physical Therapy or
Chiropractic, but Still Hurting?
“If conser vative treatment or even
surgery has failed to relieve your pain, our
procedures may be able to help you,” says
Dr. Trimble. “We encourage patients who
have tried these other measures to give us
a call to schedule a consultation.”
Gerald E. Trimble, MD, is board
certified by the American Board
of Anesthesiology, specializing in pain management. After
receiving his medical degree
from the University of South
Florida College of Medicine, he
completed a transitional internship at Michigan State University and Edward W.
Sparrow Hospital and a residency in anesthesiology
at the University of South Florida, where he served
as chief resident and was awarded a fellowship
in pain management. Dr. Trimble was awarded a
certificate of additional qualification in pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology,
the only pain management certification recognized
by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of
Anesthesiologists, and a member of the American
Society of Anesthesiologists, Florida Society of
Anesthesiologists and American Society of Regional
Anesthesia, and has published and lectured on
numerous pain management topics.
Susan K. Samlaska, MD, is
board certified by the American
Board of Anesthesiology, specializing in pain management.
After receiving her medical
degree from the Medical College
of Wisconsin in Milwaukee,
she completed a transitional
internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee
and a residency in anesthesiology at Thomas
Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Dr. Samlaska
was awarded a pain management fellowship
from the Chronic Pain Center, Department of
Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
For more information, please visit www.westflpainmanagement.com.
Bio-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
215 Bullard Parkway
Temple Terrace, FL 33617
(813) 989-1330
(continued from page 1)
biologically identical hormones
that the body is used to seeing,
rather than synthetic versions
of the hormones.”
More to offer
Summer 2015
Barry P. Levine
Executive Publisher
Gina L. d’Angelo
CFO/HR Manager
Judy Wade
Editorial Manager
Tim says his
concentration
is better now,
thanks to
Infinity Medical
Institute.
Michael J. Sahno
Senior Writer
Patti DiPanfilo
Melanie Casey
Editorial Staff
Michael says Infinity Medical
Institute has expanded its services and also offers BOTOX®
Cosmetic, VOLUMA®,
JUVÉDERM®, weight loss
programs such as hCG and
PhenTabz™, Venus Legacy™
FDA-approved fat-reduction
therapy, exclusive PRP treatments such as the Vampire
FaceLift®, Vampire Breast Lift®,
the male ED Priapus Shot® and
the female O-Shot®, which corrects sexual dysfunction and
incontinence. They also now
accept CareCreditsm.
“Some of the additional services we now offer can provide
multiple advantages to patients,”
Michael explains. “For example,
the O-Shot not only increases
sensitivity for females to help
them reach climax, but it also can
reverse incontinence as well. It is
a really remarkable product for
women. The market has always
had a multitude of products for
male erectile dysfunction, but
nothing for females to treat sexual dysfunction. Now, that has
all changed with the O-Shot.
“Same thing with the platelet-rich plasma [PRP] therapy.
PRP is used in the Vampire
FaceLift procedure where we
inject the patient’s own blood
platelets back into the facial area,
and it helps rebuild collagen in
the face and provides the patient
with the volume they have lost.”
Michael says the Vampire
FaceLift procedure is also used
for breast lifts.
“It’s way more economical for patients than an actual
breast lift,” he adds. “The women
treated are seeing amazing results
as far as fullness, volume and
evenness in the breast area.”
The new procedures being
offered, Michael adds, are part
of what makes Infinity Medical
Institute a success.
“I have not been this excited about new products in
a very long time,” he emphasizes. “We wanted to enhance
the business and provide more
options for our patients, and I
think we are well on our way
toward doing that.”
Better for life
Improved quality of life is a key
factor for patients seeking hormone replacement therapy.
“We see a transformation
of our patients as they come
through the door,” Dr. Moffitt
relays. “Women and men come
in saying that they’re not feeling vibrant, energetic, and they
have other various symptoms.
After treatment, they come back
in and they’re smiling. They get
that confidence back. We want
our patients to look and feel
good from the inside out.”
Tim says he has felt a
remarkable improvement since
he began his treatment over a
year ago.
“The mood swings are much
less noticeable now,” he says with
a laugh. “Even my wife says I am
much more focused and relaxed
than before. And I feel like I can
concentrate now without having
to struggle, and my workouts are
on par. I feel really good and I
Tim Smith
Look good, feel great
The experienced staff at Infinity Medical
Institute looks forward to working with
you. For more information or to schedule
an appointment, please call (813) 280-0833
for their location at 1715 N. Westshore
Blvd., Suite 100, in Tampa.
do not regret the investment for
myself one bit. It is really the
best decision I made.”
Tim says Dr. Moffi tt and
the staff at Infinity Medical
Institute truly care about each
patient and take the time to get
to know the individual person
they are treating.
“You can walk into any
doctor’s office and just be
a number to them, but not
here,” Tim says. “The office
staff is friendly, Dr. Moffitt
is great, I feel like they are
investing in all of me, and
that makes it worth it. I highly
recommend their services. I
don’t regret it for a second.”
FHCN–Judy Wade
Symptoms Treated with
Moriah R. Moffitt, MD, is
the staff physician at Infinity
Medical Institute, Inc. Dr.
Moffitt earned her medical
degree from The Ohio State
University, where she was
inducted into the Alpha
Omega Alpha Medical
Honor Society. She also
attended the University of
South Florida Plastic Surgery
Program. She has received
board certification from the
American Board of Plastic
Surgery and is a member
of the American Society of
Plastic Surgery.
Nerissa Johnson
Graphic Designer
Marc Edwards
Nerissa Johnson
Photography
Brian Levine
Project Coordinator
Laura Engel
Production Assistant
Steve Turk
John Gnibus
Vincent Ortiz
Distribution
Contributing Editors
Infinity Medical Institute
Bio-Natural Hormone
Replacement Therapy
Bay Area Eye Institute
Ophthalmology
West Florida Pain Management, P.A.
Regenerative
Orthopedic Institute
Stem Cell Therapy/
Pain Management
William P. Mack, MD
South Florida Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology
*
The most common symptoms men and women face without
sufficient hormones are:
• Painful
intercourse
• High
cholesterol
• Irritability
• Loss of
muscle tone
• Decreased
exercise
• Vaginal
dryness
• Depression
• Stress
• Night sweats
Michelle Brooks
Creative Director
Facial Cosmetic/
Oculoplastic Surgery
Bio-Natural Hormones
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Loss of sex
drive
• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Hot flashes
• Erectile
dysfunction
• Dry skin
• Fibromyalgia
• Palpitations
• Memory lapse
Tampa Health
Care News
• Migraine
headaches
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
mellitus
• Restless leg
syndrome
• Body-joint
pains
• Hair loss
• Mood
swings
• Lack of selfconfidence
* Provided by Infinity Medical Institute
For more information, please visit www.infinitymedicalinstitute.com.
Hank Insko, DDS
Spa Dentistry
Manatee Memorial Hospital
Acute Care Hospital
Your Desired Smile
Implant Dentistry
Physical Medicine Center, Inc.
Pain Management
For all health care professionals having
articles in this publication that offer free or discounted services:
THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON
RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO
REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE
REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER
SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS
PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF, AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF
RESPONDING TO, THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR A FREE,
DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE
SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
Tampa Health Care News is published by Florida
Health Care News, Inc.
Tampa Health Care News is provided for information only and should not be construed as medical
advice or instruction. If you have questions concerning articles in this edition, feel free to call our
contributing editors.
Tampa Health Care News provides a paid forum
for medical professionals to present their ideas
about various aspects of medical treatment and
procedures. Florida Health Care News, Inc. is not
responsible for the medical care delivered by the
contributing editors presented in this edition.
Articles reflect the opinion of the sponsoring professional or organization and do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of other contributing editors.
Contributing editors have approved all text contained within their respective articles.
© 2015 Florida Health Care News, Inc. All rights
reserved. The contents of this publication, including
articles, may not be reproduced in any form without
written permission from the publisher.
Stem Cell Therapy/Pain Management
Stem Cell Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Chronic joint and back pain can now be treated without
surgery, using the patient’s own stem cells and plasma.
D
aniel Donoghue was suffering badly with chronic
knee pain brought on by
osteoarthritis.
“I was in tough shape with my
knees,” he recalls, “and I had the problem
for almost two years. I really couldn’t run,
so I could hardly play softball; I could
barely hobble to first base.
“I was working in the gym about five
days a week to strengthen my ligaments
and tendons, because I figured I was going
to need a total knee replacement.”
Chronic pain from osteoarthritis can
limit mobility, causing sufferers to stop doing
the things they enjoy, as in Daniel’s case.
“It got to the point where I was
just about ready to quit playing softball,” he admits.
Snowbird Lloyd Kellerhouse plays
softball with Daniel when he’s in Florida,
and was facing the same predicament.
“I run a hay farm up north, and I also
play a lot of handball and softball when I
go home. Osteoarthritis affected my playing both,” he says.
ERICK A. GRANA, MD
“Osteoarthritis is one of the most
common complications our aging population will face in the coming years,” reflects
Dr. Grana. “Procedures for treatment of
osteoarthritis are among those most commonly performed in orthopedics, and these
include everything up to joint replacement,
when the arthritis becomes so advanced
that surgery becomes the last option.
“However, before reaching that point,
arthritis patients usually suffer for years
with knee pain that can be debilitating,
greatly limiting their daily activities.
Osteoarthritis in the knees can severely
limit the ability to walk, thereby limiting
a person’s capacity to enjoy life.
“These two patients’ cases were typical
in terms of joint pain,” adds Dr. Grana.
“They came to us because their arthritis
was limiting their activities. Both of these
gentlemen like to play softball, and they
get a lot of joy out of playing in competitive leagues. That was being limited by the
osteoarthritis in their knees.”
What is regenerative medicine?
Lloyd was contemplating surgery,
too, although he knew it was a last resort.
“Doctors told me there was a good
chance that I wouldn’t be able to play
ball anymore if I had a knee replacement,” he explains. “Still, the last year
was pretty painful. I was playing softball, but I needed to get a runner if I got
a hit. It hurt to run.”
Fortunately, Lloyd learned about
a leading-edge treatment offered by
Erick A. Grana, MD, of Regenerative
Orthopedic Institute.
Joint Regeneration
Informative Talk
April 11, 2015, 10:00 am
May 9, 2015, 10:00 am
July 11, 2015, 10:00 am
Sept. 19, 2015, 10:00 am
Refreshments will be served
Many patients with joint problems seek
to avoid the pain, blood loss and scarring associated with invasive surgery.
Today, there is a revolutionary technology that can enable patients like Lloyd
and Daniel to avoid taking on the risks
of a surgical procedure.
“There are other options now that can
be offered to osteoarthritis patients, especially before they get to the stage where
they need joint replacement,” continues
Dr. Grana. “Not only can we relieve the
symptoms, but we can also help reverse
some of the damage that happens to the
joint as a consequence of the osteoarthritis. This is accomplished by regenerating
the cartilage and connective tissues in and
around the joint area.
“Regenerative medicine treats disease and injuries by harnessing the body’s
healing powers,” Dr. Grana clarifies. “The
natural healing process is accelerated by a
combination of growth factors and bioactive cells, resulting in a safe, effective
nonsurgical treatment.”
Dr. Grana has developed a system for
delivery of stem cells, platelet-rich plasma
(PRP) and growth factors into the pain
generators in and around joints, such as
shoulders and knees. This treatment is
called RegenaJoint.
He has also developed a system
to treat the spine in a similar manner using fluoroscopic, or live x-ray,
Daniel and Lloyd are still on the field, thanks to RegenaJoint.
guidance, a process called RegenaSpine.
These treatments restore function and
improve quality of life, enabling patients
to avoid surgery and reduce, or eliminate,
the need for narcotic medications.
RegenaJoint and RegenaSpine use
stem cells from the patient’s own body,
called autologous cells, to regenerate cartilage and connective tissue in joints,
spinal discs, tendons and ligaments.
When combined with concentrated
platelets and growth factors, the stem
cells become a powerful repairing mechanism for aching backs and painful joints.
“We extract stem cells from bone
marrow or fat and platelet-rich plasma
from the patient’s own blood to use in
the problem areas,” Dr. Grana explains.
“We perform RegenaJoint by placing
injections into the knee joint and
ligaments surrounding the knee; the
ligaments around the shoulder and
inside the shoulder joint; or into the
hip joint area. If the problem is in the
back, the RegenaSpine procedure can
be performed on the discs and facet
joints of the spine.
“Patients usually have three goals:
first, to get their pain relieved; second,
to return to the activities that they were
not able to do because of their arthritis;
and third, to avoid surgery. These are
the main goals that most patients want
to achieve, and Daniel and Lloyd both
achieved all three of them.”
Erick A. Grana, MD, is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Board of
Electrodiagnostic Medicine, with subspecialty certification in pain medicine. After he received his medical degree from the University
of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, he completed his internship and residency at the university’s hospital and was subsequently awarded
a fellowship from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Grana is a former assistant
professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and a member the American Medical Association, the International Spinal Injection
Society and the Florida Academy of Pain Medicine.
On the ball
“I was very satisfied with the procedure,”
reports Lloyd. “They try to be as flexible
as they can when they schedule you, and I
was happy because they treated me well.”
And his results?
“The pain is gone now,” Lloyd marvels, “and the treatment improved my
speed a lot. The only time I get a little
pain is at the end of the day, and that’s if
I’m on my feet all day.”
Daniel reports a similar, remarkable outcome.
“It was a very pleasant experience
and they explain everything very
well,” he adds. “In fact, they actually
showed me the process and it was
really educational. After two weeks,
my knees felt so good that I started
doing more exercises than I had been
doing in the past.
“I was on medication for my knee
pain before, but I haven’t taken anything in six months, nor do I intend
to,” emphasizes Daniel. “There’s no
need; I have no pain.”
Lloyd and Daniel both give Dr.
Grana and his staff high marks.
“Dr. Grana is very nice, he explains
things to you, and he’s gentle as can be
injecting the knee,” Lloyd reassures. “I
was very pleased with him.”
“They are very professional and it was
very well done,” agrees Daniel. “They do
an excellent job.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno
FHCN PHOTOS BY MICHELLE BROOKS
Find out how stem cells can
work for your orthopedic needs.
Call (813) 868-1659 to RSVP.
ON
THE
BALL
“Danny Donoghue had it done,” says
Lloyd, “and he had success with it. So I
went there, too.”
Don’t Operate, Regenerate
For more information, or toschedule a
consultation, please call (813) 868-1659.
Regenerative Orthopedic Institute is located at
8011 North Himes Avenue, Ste. 3, in Tampa.
Visit Regenerative Orthopedic Institute on the web at www.dontoperate.com.
Facial Cosmetic/Oc
Next Level in Natural-Lookin
Dermal fillers are excellent solutions for replacing volume loss in the soft tissue of the lips.
A
pril Witt says she always thought
her lips were too thin.
“Then once I turned thirty,
they just seemed to lose volume
as well,” she confides. “My lips lost some of
their definition.”
“As our skin ages, the dermis gradually
loses its major constituents: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid,” informs William P.
Mack, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in eyelid and
facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery,
“and this loss challenges the full, firm look
of youthful skin. Dermal fillers are excellent
solutions for reducing or eliminating wrinkles and scar depressions, and for replacing
volume loss in the soft tissue of the lips.”
April says she was treated with a product
called JUVÉDERM®, a smooth consistency
gel made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that
helps add volume and hydration. According
to its manufacturer, Allergan, JUVÉDERM
is developed using a proprietary technology
that results in a malleable, smooth gel that
flows easily and consistently into the skin,
rather than the granular consistency gel of
other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers currently
on the market. It is the only hyaluronic acid
dermal filler approved by the FDA to last up
to one year from initial treatment.
“Using a product such as JUVÉDERM,
patients not only get the benefit of a more
youthful appearance, but the results are
also very natural looking,” assures Loralee
Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, the physician assistant working with Dr. Mack. “They don’t
look like they’ve had a procedure done.”
April remembers that while she was
happy with what the dermal filler did for
her lips, she didn’t like the additional anesthetic necessary to reduce the discomfort of
the injections.
“I loved the results, but to be honest, I put
off getting a second treatment because I just
couldn’t again face the anesthetic dental block
used to adequately numb my lips before the
injections,” admits April. “So you can imagine
how excited I was to learn that JUVÉDERM
had come out with a new product that numbs
the lips as they are being treated.”
I n 2 0 1 0 , t h e F D A a p p r ov e d
JUVÉDERM XC, which is formulated with
the local anesthetic lidocaine. This formula
provides patients with a more comfortable
injection experience when compared to the
non-lidocaine formulation.
April says she scheduled an appointment
with Dr. Mack to try JUVÉDERM XC.
“I knew that any dermal filler is technique sensitive,” notes April, “and there
are medical professionals who do not have
Dr. Mack’s skill or training who will do
these procedures.”
“My commitment is to provide my
patients with safe and effective cosmetic
options and to give them a refreshed,
rejuvenated appearance without calling
attention to the fact that they’ve had any
procedure,” assures Dr. Mack.
April says she was thrilled with her
outcome.
“The JUVÉDERM XC made a huge
difference,” she observes. “With the
dental block, there were still areas like
the corners of my mouth that were sensitive, and my mouth was numb for a
couple of hours afterward; I didn’t feel
like I could eat or anything. But with
the JUVÉDERM XC, the numbness
was completely gone within twenty-five
minutes. This was one hundred percent
tolerable, with no downtime whatsoever.
“I would definitely do it again. I didn’t
mind it at all, and no one would ever suspect
that I had lip injections. Dr. Mack gave me
a totally natural look. My lips now have a
nice definition and just the right amount of
volume; it’s very natural.”
BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX Cosmetic is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can
temporarily smooth moderate to severe
frown lines between the brows, forehead and
crow’s feet. Treatments can last up to four
months, and are approved by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA).
“This is an effective preventive measure against the signs of aging,” points
out Dr. Mack. “It can be used as an early
intervention to keep the wrinkles from
getting deeper over time, like rewinding
or pausing the aging process. While we
do see patients well into their seventies,
we are seeing more and more patients in
their twenties using BOTOX Cosmetic as
a preventive treatment.
“One of the most commonly treated
areas is around the forehead – the glabellar
area between the eyebrows – which is a muscle system just like any other,” Dr. Mack
continues. “If you work it consistently –
frowning and lifting the eyebrows repeatedly
– those muscles get stronger over time, and
that contributes to deeper lines and wrinkles.
“BOTOX Cosmetic treatments help
decrease the excess movement of that area,
keeping the face looking more youthful and
refreshed as we age.”
Additional uses
Dermal fillers and BOTOX Cosmetic are
being used more frequently, Dr. Mack
notes, to help reverse the changes associated
with aging, and he offers several treatment
options that can last from six to 12 months.
And because treatments like dermal fillers
and BOTOX Cosmetic help restore the face
to a more youthful appearance quickly, they
can provide patients with a healthy, refreshed
look in time for special events and lastminute vacations. FHCN
TO
learn
more
about these and other facial cosmetic
procedures/surgeries, please contact
Dr. Mack’s offices at (813) 875-5437 to
schedule your private consultation. Dr.
Mack’s Tampa office is located at 3109 W.
Azeele St., and his St. Petersburg office
is in the Carillon Outpatient Center, 900
Carillon Parkway, Ste. #111.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SPECIALIZES IN COSMETIC PROCEDURES AND LASER APPLICATIONS
W
FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON
practice earlier this year. The laser, which
is especially suitable for cosmetic facial
procedures, is used to treat many common
skin problems.
“We use the laser to treat blood vessels on
the nose and veins on the legs,” Loralee reports.
“We’re making people’s skin look healthier by
removing evidence of sun damage and aging.
We’re using it to diminish pores, wrinkles, redness, blood vessels and pigment.”
Cutera handpieces such as the
LimeLight improve skin tone and surface
imperfections due to aging and sun damage,
and the Pearl, another handpiece, provides
a safe and minimally invasive resurfacing
option. Loralee frequently uses both handpieces, as well as a vascular laser attachment.
“People are ecstatic when you can
essentially wipe freckles and age spots
off their bodies,” she marvels, “when
you can remove little blood vessels from
around their noses that women can no
longer cover up with make-up. It makes
people happy, because with a quick, thirtyminute procedure, you can make a person’s
skin look fresher and more healthy.”
With years of experience with lasers,
Loralee is especially excited about the new
Pearl handpiece. She says that her patients
are extremely pleased with the overall
improvement of their aging skin, and with
minimal social downtime.
The laser is used for hair removal, as
well, with its ProWave LX application.
Loralee notes that Dr. Mack’s office is the
first medical office in the country to get
this newest technology.
Other colors in the palette
Loralee describes some of the other services
she provides in Dr. Mack’s practice.
“We use several injectables for fillers, such as Sculptra®, Radiesse® and
JUVÉDERM,” she notes. “Loss of bone
and fat make women and men look aged
and tired. With the use of the fillers, we
can restore the volume loss and make
them look more youthful.
“Actually, we have quite a variety of
products, which I like to consider my artistic
palette, to use for correcting,” adds Loralee.
“In addition to Sculptra, JUVÉDERM and
Radiesse, we have Restylane® and Belotero®.”
In general, fillers are used to help add
volume while providing a smooth and natural look and feel.
Loralee also offers specialized injectables
called neuromodulators, such as BOTOX
Cosmetic and Dysport®. BOTOX Cosmetic is
used to treat the wrinkles that result when you
contract the underlying facial muscles during
facial expression, such as smiling or frowning.
“With BOTOX Cosmetic, we’re able
to soften dynamic wrinkles, which ultimately makes people look more relaxed
and refreshed.”
Loralee describes her philosophy of tackling a patient’s cosmetic skin issues.
“I address people’s aging concerns from
the inside out,” explains Loralee. “I address
them from the inside with the fillers and
from the outside with the lasers, in conjunction with Obagi and other topicals.”
In keeping with her “three-Cs”
approach – conservative, compassionate and
Loralee Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, and
William P. Mack, MD
PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. MACK
ith 13 years of cosmetic
facial procedures, Loralee
Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, is
called an artist by many of
her patients. With her palette of tools, she
is known for taking her time and delivering
treatment with deep thought and enthusiasm. Her motto is, Let the beauty of what you
love be what you do by Rumi.
“If I don’t love it, I am not going to waste
anyone’s time doing it,” she assures. “I focus
on what I am good at and excited about offering to my patients, and I aim at delivering the
best possible result of that procedure.”
Loralee feels privileged to have spent her
professional career in dermatology. She feels
those years have given her a great knowledge
of the skin and additional awareness of the
prescription products available for her palette that may be unknown to others. She
uses prescription and cosmoceutical-grade
products in conjunction with the Cutera
laser to improve the skin.
Loralee has had extensive training
and experience with the Cutera laser,
an acquisition by Dr. Mack that accompanied Loralee’s arrival in Dr. Mack’s
customized – Loralee believes every patient
deserves a plan of care that is uniquely theirs.
“Everyone gets their own customized
treatment plan. It’s not a cookie-cutter
approach,” she assures.
Loralee feels at home with her choice
of profession.
“I think what really attracted me to dermatology was that I could see people of all
age groups and make them feel better about
themselves and help educate them about
how to keep their skin looking good.”
With her “three-Cs” approach to restoring a patient’s youthful desires, Loralee also
finds working with patients very satisfying.
“Spending more time with my patients,
I’m building a rapport with them. I feel like
every patient is a friend,” she states.
culoplastic
Surgery
Frame Your Eyes with
ng, Fuller Lips
Naturally Beautiful Lashes
FHCN FILE PHOTO
F
uller eyelashes have long been considered an attractive feature, and for many women,
mascara is simply a daily ritual. Now, a revolutionary new product may just put mascara
companies out of business.
LATISSE® solution is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for
growing lashes longer, fuller and darker. This safe and effective product is now available at
the office of Dr. Mack.
LATISSE is an easy-to-use, topical solution that is applied at bedtime to the base of the
upper eyelashes. Application takes only seconds, but results are visible well before the initial
treatment cycle is completed.
April
appreciates
the natural
look that is
Dr. Mack’s
signature
in cosmetic
procedures.
Uncommon benefit
FHCN FILE PHOTO
Beneficial effects of dermal fillers:
• Erase or diminish ﬁne lines, wrinkles, folds or creases
• Replace the inevitable volume loss that occurs in the face with aging
• General contouring of the face such as cheek and chin augmentation or
balancing asymmetries
• Lip rejuvenation to redeﬁne the lip borders, the Cupid’s bow, perk up
droopy mouth corners and restore lip architecture
While LATISSE is a new treatment in eyelash growth, it was developed through years of
research by Allergan, the makers of a glaucoma drop called Lumigan. It was discovered that
one of the side benefits of Lumigan was that patients’ eyelashes would grow longer, fuller
and darker. The active ingredient in Lumigan, bimatoprost, was then FDA-approved for
topical application to promote eyelash growth.
Because eyelashes’ natural growth cycle is about five weeks, LATISSE is applied each night for
the duration of that cycle. Research suggests that bimatoprost facilitates the growth of eyelashes
by increasing the percent of hairs in the eyelash growth phase. Lashes can grow longer, thicker
and darker because bimatoprost can also prolong this growth phase.
Dr. Mack’s patients are pleased that his cosmetic
consultations are complimentary.
• Lip enhancement to add volume and plump the lips
BOTOX COSMETIC BENEFITS
Proven track record as one of the most popular cosmetic
procedures in the world
Reduces forehead wrinkles
Reduces frown lines between brows
Reduces crow’s feet lines
Reduces lip lines
Reduces platysmal neck bands
Reduces turned-down corners of the mouth
Reduces excessive sweating of the palms and underarms
May reduce migraine and tension headaches
Minimal risk
No downtime
William P. Mack, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who received American
Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship training in eyelid
and facial plastic surgery at the Albany Medical College in New York. Dr. Mack received
his Bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in Cleveland where he graduated
cum laude, and completed his medical degree at the University of South Florida
where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Following
medical school, Dr. Mack completed his internship and residency at the University
of South Florida. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Florida Society of
Ophthalmology, Tampa Bay Ophthalmological Society and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
Loralee Koontz, MPAS, PA-C, earned her Bachelor of Science degree with
honors in microbiology/cell science at the University of Florida, Gainesville, before
completing her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the same university. She
is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Society
of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and the Florida Academy of Physician
Assistants (FAPA). Loralee volunteers her time to the Junior League of Tampa and
the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
DR. MACK PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES FOR
THOSE SEEKING A NATURAL, REFRESHED APPEARANCE:
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Cosmetic Endoscopic Brow Lift
Minimal Incision Facelift Surgery
Aesthetic Reconstructive Surgery
Skin Rejuvenation:
BOTOX Cosmetic
Cosmetic facial fillers
Laser skin resurfacing
Obagi skin care
Dr. Mack’s services include a full line of skin care products to help
maintain or restore skin health and support the healing process
following surgical rejuvenation procedures.
(813) 875-5437
Please visit www.mackmd.com to learn more about the excellent results Dr. Mack achieves in cosmetic oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgery.
Ophthalmology
Eye Floaters Can Disable …
but Are Easily Treated with Laser
Measuring a patient’s worst vision on the eye chart can
result in the best diagnosis for floaters.
I
“
SOUTH FLORIDA EYE CLINIC
SCOTT L. GELLER, MD
“It is true that, for the majority of
patients, floaters do seem to fade, or the
patient does get used to it, but that’s not
always the case,” notes Dr. Geller.
“Here is the real issue,” he observes.
“Ophthalmologists need to listen to the
patient’s problem and thoroughly examine the vitreous gel, where eye floaters are
formed. If they measure only the patient’s
best vision on the eye chart, they may not
correctly diagnose the problem, dismiss
the patient out of hand and tell him or
her that nothing needs to be done. The
patient is left bewildered and frustrated.
“This is one of the areas of ophthalmology that is routinely ignored by many
ophthalmologists, and the reason for this
is simple. They don’t take the patient’s
visual acuity with the floater in the visual
axis. The degree of lost vision can be
How to Know If Eye
Floaters
Are the Problem
With your eyeglasses on…
outside in sunlight…stare
directly at an object about
100 feet away. Cover one eye
with your hand. Move your
eye up, down, right and left,
and quickly bring it back to
the object you were staring
at. If something moves
across your field of vision
and blurs the object, you
have a significant eye floater.
For eye floater
solutions …
Call Dr. G eller at (239)
275-8222 or toll-free at
(877) 371-3937. South Florida
Eye Clinic is located at 4755
Summerlin Rd., in Fort Myers.
significant, and this is especially critical in
patients who have a lazy* opposite eye, or
macular degeneration in the opposite eye.
“We do it differently,” assures the
doctor. “We always try to measure the
patient’s worst vision on the eye chart to
see exactly how bad the vision gets with
the floater obstructing it.”
Laser treatment
Dr. Geller has performed thousands of
floater laser procedures over 20 years on
patients from all over the world.
“We have a worldwide patient following and have helped people from
Japan, the People’s Republic of China,
Russia and almost every European
country,” notes the doctor. Just last
October, Dr. Geller was a featured lecturer for the third year in a row at an
International Ophthalmology Meeting
in Taormina, Sicily, Italy. Other experts
from Holland and Italy presented
papers on their experiences treating eye
floaters with laser as well as traditional year later. This is due to the physiology
surgery. Patients from other areas of of the eye, not the skill of the surgeon.
“In my hands, with my years of expeItaly came to Sicily to be examined and
treated by Dr. Geller. “I have quite a rience, complications are rare.”
reputation in Europe,” notes the doctor.
Dr. Geller notes that this was not the Finding Dr. Geller
first conference where he presented his Dr. Geller confides that patients often
technique and results to ophthalmologists: find him in a roundabout way: “Recently,
“The first was at the 1989 International Mr. J.K. of West Palm Beach went to
the satellite clinic of a
Congress
of
Ophthalmology in
“ONE OF THE LEADING world-famous Miami
eye institute. They
Singapore. It was folEYE
FLOATER
FACILITIES
told him they couldn’t
lowed by lectures at
do anything for him
several conferences
IN THE US”
except vitrectomy,
in China, includwww.vitreousfl
oaters.com
but they did tell him,
ing the prestigious
There’s an ophthalmolShanghai Eye and Ear
Institute. Other major meetings included ogist on the West Coast of Florida who can
the 1997 European Congress of Cataract treat your eye with laser.
“It wasn’t a direct referral, but the
and Refractive Surgery in Prague, the
1999 Florida Society of Ophthalmology, patient managed to find me and was
the 2001 European Congress of ecstatic with his results. Subsequently,
Ophthalmology in Istanbul, the 2010 I uploaded a video of his procedure to
World Congress of Ophthalmology in YouTube.com and Vimeo.com, which
Berlin and the 2010 American Society can be found among dozens of videos
of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in I’ve posted.”
Dr. Geller cautions that not all
Boston. There was also a peer-reviewed
patients
can be helped with his laser
presentation at the American Academy
of Ophthalmology in Chicago in 2012.” procedure, but is pleased to report
The doctor says that he is sur- that, partially due to his meticulous
prised that all ophthalmologists don’t patient selection process, his patient
use the laser procedure for floaters. results are excellent.
“Many doctors tell their patients, Live
with it, Nothing can be done or Get a Laser selection
According to Dr. Geller, he is one of the
vitrectomy surgery.”
The problem with vitrectomy sur- few surgeons in the country who have
gery, which is the surgical removal the Swiss-made LASAG Microruptor
of the entire vitreous gel, is that it is YAG laser: “This laser was specifically
not without its own problems. Most designed by renowned Professor Franz
patients over the age of 40 will develop Fankhauser of the University Eye Clinic,
an early cataract and will need another Bern, Switzerland, to safely cut memoperation as early as six months to a branes deep in the eye’s interior.
“It is my experience that the YAG
lasers
used for glaucoma or cataract
“VISION PROBLEMS FROM
membranes will not work properly for
EYE FLOATERS HAVE
surgery on floaters. In most cases, these
BEEN MISDIAGNOSED AS
SECONDARY CATARACTS AND
UNNECESSARY SURGERY
PERFORMED” ~ Dr. Geller
hear the same story all the time,”
says ophthalmologist Scott
Geller, MD. “It goes like this:
a patient, usually in the forty to
sixty-five age range, has the rapid onset
of an eye floater. The patient goes to an
ophthalmologist who, as a matter of
routine, takes his or her vision, which is
typically normal for the patient, checks
for a retinal tear or detachment, and,
barring anything unusual, says to the
patient, You’ll be okay. The retina looks
fine and the floater will fade, or you’ll get
used to it.
“The patient responds, But doctor,
I can’t see.
other lasers are not optically made to
work deep in the eye, nor are they as
precise, which is the most important
safety factor when working near the
retina or crystalline lens.”
Dr. Geller says that, while his greatest satisfaction comes from helping
patients who have been told by their
own ophthalmologists that nothing
can be done, he actually welcomes the
opportunity to share his technique with
others in his field: “Other ophthalmologists need only call me, or ask one of
my patients about their results.
“I’m proud of our track record and of
the patients we’ve helped.” FHCN
*Lazy eye occurs when the nerve pathway from
one eye to the brain does not develop during
childhood, and the brain learns to ignore the
image from the weaker eye.
Scott L. Geller, MD,
is board certified by
the American Board
of Ophthalmology. He
is a graduate of Ohio
Wesleyan University and
Rush Medical College.
While in medical school,
he was awarded a stud e n t fe l l ow s h i p to
study tropical medicine
at a missionary hospital in India, and pursued
additional studies at the famous Brompton
Hospital in London, England. He interned at
Presbyterian Hospital, Pacific Medical Center,
San Francisco, CA, and completed his residency
in ophthalmology at Sinai Hospital of Detroit,
which was affiliated with Wayne State Medical
School and Kresge Eye Institute. Dr. Geller was
fellowship-trained in anterior segment and
refractive surgery with Dr. William Myers of the
Michigan Eye Institute. Dr. Geller is a fellow of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology, and has
presented papers on eye floater laser treatment
at the International Congress of Ophthalmology,
European Congress of Cataract & Refractive
Surgery, European Congress of Ophthalmology
and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology.
“Live with it”- is NOT acceptable
www.vitreousfloaters.com
Spa Dentistry
Beautiful Teeth,
No Discomfort
H
PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. INSKO
eredity was working against
Janelle Boromei’s pretty smile.
“My mom has very small
teeth,” shares Janelle, “so my teeth were
very small, too, and stained. I was selfconscious about them, and I’d never smile
if there was a camera around. What I really
wanted were big, perfect, white teeth.”
Fortunately, the same family that presented Janelle with her dental challenge
also provided her with a solution.
“My uncle is Dr. Hank Insko, and
he’s been my dentist since I was about
three years old,” says Janelle, now 26.
“He’s fun, warm and very caring and gentle. Every day, I see the excellent results he
achieves for all of his patients.
“About a year ago, I talked to him
about my desire to improve my own
smile. I knew that crowns or veneers
could improve the size, shape and color
of my teeth, but both of those options
require shaving or grinding away some
of the natural tooth structure, so I was
excited when my uncle told me about
Cerinate porcelain LUMINEERS®.
“My LUMINEERS were placed over
three years ago,” says Janelle, “and they’re
still bright and beautiful! I don’t have to
worry about whitening my teeth because
my LUMINEERS resist staining and discoloration. They feel totally natural, too. I
don’t have any worries about chewing or
biting into anything with my teeth.
OLDSMAR DENTISTRY
DR. HANK INSKO, DDS
4050 Tampa Road
Oldsmar
(813) 855-4269
“I get so many compliments on
my smile, now, and because Dr. Insko
used such artistry in ‘finishing’ my
LUMINEERS, people have no idea that
these aren’t my natural teeth.
“I smile a lot more, and my smile is
a great testimonial to his skill.
“If someone isn’t happy with his or
her smile, they really should come see
Dr. Insko.”
Restore Confidence with a New Smile
The attractive, natural-looking finish of the BruxZir Zirconia “forever crown” is perfect for those who grind their teeth.
Excellent solution
“BruxZir Solid Zirconia, by Glidewell
Laboratories, is an important evolution
in dentistry,” confirms Dr. Insko.
“This is a fabulous alternative for
patients who have fractured porcelain or
for patients who don’t want gold,” says
Dr. Insko. “I’ve put in hundreds of them
and they look great and they don’t break.”
Using CAD/CAM technology,
BruxZir is made from the best-quality
zirconia. The processing technique used
to make a BruxZir crown, according to
Glidewell Laboratories, creates better light
transmission. “The BruxZirs are more
translucent and they absorb the shade better and look more natural,” says Dr. Insko.
In most dental offices, patients
unhappy with the color mismatch
between the new crown and their existing
teeth would have to return to the office
weeks later, wearing a temporary in the
interim, while the new one is sent back to
the lab for correction. Dr. Insko stresses,
“Patients love the convenience; we can
custom match and stain them in our
on-site lab within a matter of minutes.”
Unlike some other products that
have recently come out making similar claims, the BruxZir Zirconia
produced by Glidewell Laboratories
is a time-tested product with more
translucency than any other solid zirconium. Cautions Dr. Insko, “For the best
results, you want to make certain you
are getting the BruxZir product that has
been years in development.”
Spa dentistry
“A meticulous attention to detail is something we bring to each patient’s treatment
plan, no matter what that entails,” says Dr.
Insko. “We have created an environment
in our office that immediately embraces
patients with a spa-like ambiance, from
the gracious furnishings to special touches
like hand-waxing and soft music.
“So many people say that they have
had unpleasant experiences while visiting
the dentist in the past,” observes Dr. Insko.
“When patients visit our office, we want
to replace their memories with something
better: warmth, personalized attention and
the most beautiful results possible.”
This is true whether a patient desires
the convenience and quick results of
professional teeth whitening with the
Zoom! Chairside Whitening System,
the discreet realignment of a bite with
fasttrack ortho retainers or more comprehensive oral reconstruction with
leading-edge crowns and bridgework.
Dr. Insko notes that laser technology
has provided great advances in the practice of modern dentistry.
“We can use lasers diagnostically
to catch small cavities at such an early
stage that we do not need pain-reducing
Novocain to fill them,” he informs.
“Laser treatment is also possible, both
for the soft tissue of the gums and the hard
tissue of teeth and bones,” he continues.
One of the advantages to laser gum
surgery is the ability to give the teeth a
longer appearance without the need for
restorations to provide that added length.
“Some patients who complain of
‘short teeth’ actually have too much gum
tissue,” points out Dr. Insko. “Lasers allow
us to ‘lengthen’ the teeth simply by reducing that gum tissue. The laser makes it
possible to reduce gum tissue in selected
cases using only topical anesthetic, and
Hank Insko, DDS, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida,
Gainesville, and earned his dentistry degree from Meharry Dental College, Nashville, TN.
He has completed additional training through the Dawson Occlusion Seminar and at the
Las Vegas Institute. Dr. Insko is a certified provider of Invisalign invisible braces, LUMINEERS,
Zoom2 and Advanced Power Zoom, and Laser Dentistry. He is a member of the American
Dental Association, Seattle Study Club, Pinnacle Study Club of Tampa Bay and the Upper
Pinellas County Dental Society. He has been in practice in Oldsmar since 1982.
FHCN FILE PHOTO
C
racked amalgam fillings and
sensitive teeth made it impossible for Marla* to enjoy some
of her favorite foods.
“Because I like to chew ice, my teeth
were fractured and sensitive to cold,” shares
Marla. “I couldn’t eat anything hard.”
Fortunately for Marla, a dental
assistant, she met by happy accident
Hank Insko, DDS, while filling in at
his office for another dental assistant.
When Dr. Insko learned of Marla’s
dental discomfort, he suggested she try
BruxZir Solid Zirconia crowns.
“We were afraid that if we used conventional crowns, which are metal at the
core and porcelain on the outside, that
I would fracture the porcelain,” says
Marla. “He explained that BruxZir
crowns are bulletproof.”
The preparation for making and
placing a BruxZir crown is no different
than that for the conventional porcelain
or gold crown. Patients will wear a temporary crown for a couple of weeks and
then come back to the office to have the
permanent crown fitted. However, if the
shade of the crown isn’t perfectly matched
to the patient’s other teeth, staff in Dr.
Insko’s on-site lab can alter the color of
the crown within minutes.
BEAUTIFUL AND BUILT TO LAST.
With BruxZir crowns, Marla can eat
anything she wants and she can
smile with confidence.
patients find that the treatment area heals
more comfortably and quickly than with
other treatment protocols.”
All of these advanced procedures
are performed in the quiet comfort of
Dr. Insko’s office.
Marla’s outcome
“My BruxZir crowns have been in for
over three years,” says Marla, “and they’re
still perfect! Because BruxZirs are full
zirconium core, I don’t have to worry
about chipping or fractures like I would
with porcelain. I think that’s the biggest
advantage with BruxZirs for people like
me who have hard bites – they’re bulletproof! I don’t have any worries about
chewing or biting into anything.
“My teeth aren’t sensitive anymore,
now, and because the BruxZirs are so perfectly shaded, people have no idea that
these aren’t my natural teeth.”
Marla credits the warm, personalized
care she received from Dr. Insko and his
staff with allowing her to again chew and
smile with confidence. FHCN
* For privacy purposes, the patient’s surname has been
withheld at her request.
Please visit Dr. Insko on the web at www.drinskospadentistry.com.
Acute Care Hospital
New Hope for Heart Patients
MitraClip® device repairs mitral valve without open heart surgery.
A
fter Zelma Goudy underwent
a surgical repair of her aortic
valve a few years ago, she −
and her doctors − thought she
would be feeling better. But she wasn’t. “I
could hardly move,” she confides. “I just
never seemed to recover.
ALESSANDRO GOLINO, MD
“When I went in to see [my cardiologist] Dr. [Michael] Malone, he would
look at me and say, I’m disappointed,”
she remembers. “ He said, You should
be on the road to really recovering, and I
wasn’t. I just kept pushing along because
I thought it would get better.”
For more than two years, Zelma
endured shortness of breath and fatigue
caused by a condition known as mitral
valve regurgitation. “I went in for a
checkup with Dr. Malone, and he did an
[echocardiogram, an ultrasound test of
the heart],” she says. “I just had no energy,
and I was going into congestive heart failure too often. That’s when they decided I
needed the mitral valve repair.”
Unfortunately, Zelma, 79, a snowbird who lives part of the year in West
Virginia near her two children and grandchildren, wasn’t a candidate for surgical
Zelma
Goudy
Please visit Manatee
Memorial Hospital online at
ManateeMemorial.com
Manatee Memorial Hospital has
a long tradition of providing
medical care in a comfortable
and convenient environment for
thousands of patients. Serving the
community for more than 60 years,
the 319-bed, acute-care facility offers
access to more than 500 physicians
and allied health professionals, with
a broad range of specialties.
Physicians affiliated with Manatee
M emorial Hospital can offer
patients the added benefit and
convenience of services like x-rays,
laboratory tests and MRIs, all
conducted in one place.
repair of the valve. During her earlier
open heart surgery, which was performed
by Manatee Memorial Hospital cardiothoracic surgeon Alessandro Golino,
MD, she nearly died. “I was in intensive
care for fifteen days,” she recalls. “Dr.
Golino is always telling me I’m his miracle patient. He saved my life.”
“She barely survived,” agrees Dr.
Golino. “She wasn’t clotting, and she
developed another valve that was leaking.”
Surgery wasn’t an option to repair
Zelma’s mitral valve, but Dr. Golino
determined that she was a candidate
for a new device called the MitraClip.
“I was nervous at the beginning, but
I trusted Dr. Golino’s advice and his
team,” she says.
or through the skin. Since the hospital’s
Heart and Vascular Center began offering
the procedure last summer, nine patients
have received the MitraClip. Zelma had
the procedure in September.
Revolutionary MitraClip
The MitraClip device, which is made of
a metal alloy called cobalt chrominum,
repairs weakened mitral valves without
the dangers of surgery. It is threaded up
to the heart through a catheter in the femoral vein. The catheter is inserted through
a small puncture in the groin.
“It’s very technically specific,”
explains Erin. “Six physicians are in the
room at the same time, and it’s a definite
meeting of the minds. One person is the
controller and positions the clip. They
About the mitral valve
use transesophageal echocardiogram views
The mitral valve is one of four valves in throughout the procedure to do a continual assessment of the
the heart. Its job,
valve, the anatomy
essentially, is to
control the flow of
and the regurgitablood from the left
tion. When everyone
atrium to the left
is in agreement, they
release the clip.”
ventricle. When
The tiny clip
it doesn’t work
brings together the
the way it should,
blood travels in the
unstable flaps (called
wrong direction –
leaflets) of the mitral
known as a reversal
valve. “The device is
or regurgitation –
left in the site perCOURTESY OF ABBOTT VASCULAR. ©2014 ABBOTT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
which can lead to
manently,” notes
an array of issues.
Dr. Golino, “and the
“Mitral regurgitation causes a back- amount of blood that’s going backward is
ward flow of oxygenated blood going reduced tremendously.”
back and forth between the left atrium
and ventricle, which can induce conges- Exceptional experience
tive heart failure, shortness of breath and Repair of the mitral valve with the
difficulty for the patient,” explains Erin MitraClip can help patients who previCrowell, BSN, CCRN, valve coordinator ously had limited options get back their
for Manatee Memorial Hospital. The con- quality of life. “If you have heart failure
dition is fairly common, with nearly one and you’re used to getting short-winded
in ten people aged 75 and older – about 4 walking to the bathroom, you’re probably
not going out to church or visiting friends
million Americans – affected.
The gold standard for addressing or doing hobbies,” observes Erin.
Zelma noticed a difference in how
mitral valve regurgitation is to surgically
repair the valve. However, not all patients she felt almost immediately upon waking
are candidates for open heart surgery. after the MitraClip procedure. “As soon
Perhaps they are too weak or, like Zelma, as she woke up, she said, I feel better,”
have had a previous procedure that recalls Dr. Golino.
“I just felt like the blood was going
makes it impossible. For these patients,
treatment of mitral valve regurgitation is differently,” remembers Zelma. “I just
felt different. I had more energy, and I
typically medication.
“Unfortunately, medication for wasn’t used to that.”
She only stayed in the hospital two
mitral insufficiency does not do anything because mitral insufficiency is not nights, and it wasn’t long before she was
a disease,” describes Dr. Golino, Manatee back to enjoying the things she loves. “It’s
Memorial’s chief of staff. “It’s a mechan- worked wonders!” Zelma exclaims.
Now, she can do things she hasn’t been
ical problem. You have to do something
mechanical. If you can’t have surgery, pills able to do for years, like clean the house. “I
could do it all day,” Zelma says with a laugh.
will help, but not much.”
The MitraClip allows some patients “I’m able now, if I want to play Bocce ball. I
who are not candidates for surgery to have just didn’t have the energy before.”
“She was able to go shopping and
their mitral valves repaired percutaneously,
THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE
Trust your care to Manatee Memorial Hospital. The
hospital also offers a number of programs to help
educate the public about maintaining or regaining
health. For information about health issues, visit
www.manateememorial.com, or call the marketing
department at (941) 745-7545. Manatee Memorial
Hospital is located at 206 2nd St. East in Bradenton.
Zelma has the energy to
do the things she loves
again.
walk in a popular area where she lives,
Fisherman’s Wharf, which she hasn’t
done in forever,” reports Erin. “She
doesn’t complain of shortness of breath
anymore. Her quality of life has definitely improved.”
Zelma says Dr. Golino is an excellent, caring physician. “His bedside
manner is wonderful,” she offers. “You’re
the only one at that moment. I felt that
way in the surgery, too. I went under
peacefully with him standing by and
giving me encouragement.”
She is also pleased with her experience at Manatee Memorial Hospital. “I
love Manatee!” she exclaims. “The nurses
and the doctors – everyone was so great.
I never felt like I was left alone. I felt like
Manatee was just right there for me.”
FHCN–Melanie Casey
Alessandro Golino,
MD, is a boardcertified cardiothoracic
surgeon and the chief
of staff at Manatee
Memorial Hospital. He
received his medical
degree from the University of Naples
in Italy, graduating in the top one percent of his class. Dr. Golino completed
his European cardiothoracic residency
in 1991 and spent 18 months working as
part of the surgical and transplant team
at Texas Heart Institute in Houston. In
1992, Dr. Golino, in collaboration with
the Texas Heart Institute, implanted
the first left ventricle assist device in
Europe. Dr. Golino completed his general surgery residency at St. Joseph’s
Hospital in Houston, followed by a
cardiothoracic surgery residency at
the Texas Heart Institute.
PHYSICIANS ARE ON THE MEDICAL STAFF OF MANATEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, BUT, WITH LIMITED EXCEPTIONS, ARE INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS
WHO ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS OF MANATEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. THE HOSPITAL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ACTIONS OR TREATMENTS PROVIDED BY PHYSICIANS.
Implant Dentistry
Strong Foundation
Moises
Suarez
Removable denture makes
for a better bite, and this
patient is all smiles again.
M
LUIS A. ALICEA, DMD, MSD
Far more than just an inconvenience,
the loose dentures gave Moises quite a bit
of physical discomfort as well.
“The dentures were not only loose
but improperly aligned, also, causing a
lot of cuts and bruises in my mouth. I
couldn’t eat steak, bread or even anything
that was a little sticky.”
Moises likes to sing, and that just
wasn’t going to be an option with a constant worry about his dentures coming
out. Fortunately, a friend referred him
to Luis A. Alicea, DMD, MSD, of Your
Desired Smile.
“It’s been pretty close to a year since I
first went,” he says, “and I’m happy I did!”
Your Desired Smile offers a wide
range of cosmetic and restorative dental
services in a comfortable, reassuring environment. The staff of Your Desired Smile
has the expertise and empathy to work
with patients whose fear of the dentist
may have prevented them from getting
necessary dental work.
“We address everything from dental implants for missing teeth to minor
dental work with whitening or bonding
to veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays,
dentures, Invisalign® and full-mouth restorations,” explains Dr. Alicea.
All about implants
PHOTOS COURTESY OF YOUR DESIRED SMILE
When a person loses an entire tooth, the
surrounding bone begins to shrink. This
unhealthy bone loss can make the jaw
recede, leading to additional tooth loss.
Dental implants help prevent the deterioration of bone mass, so the patient’s
face retains its natural shape. Traditional
dentures, partials and bridges will not halt
bone recession, but dental implants will.
A dental implant is an artificial
replacement for the root of a tooth that
provides a foundation on which permanent or removable teeth can be securely
BEFORE
AFTER
oises E. Suarez struggled
with the way his dentures fit.
“I had problems
with them, as they were very loose,” he
explains. “The teeth were moving, so
they had a tendency to come out of my
mouth when I didn’t want them to, and
certain words made funny sounds. My
top teeth were holding fairly well, but
they were kind of crooked.”
“I would recommend
Your Desired Smile
anytime, anywhere, to
anybody,” says Moises.
attached. Implants prevent deterioration
of the bone beneath the gums, help maintain the fullness of the face and provide
a balanced bite. They are an excellent
option for patients who want to improve
their dental health. Dental implants are
considered the gold standard for replacement of missing teeth, whether a patient
is replacing a single tooth or a complete
upper or lower arch.
“The first stage is to place the
implants,” explains Dr. Alicea. “Implants
are made of titanium, which is an
extremely biocompatible material. It is
a strong substance that has the ability to
actually bond to the bone, a process called
osseointegration.”
When an implant is placed, the tissue
over the implant site is opened to expose
the bone. A recipient space is created in the
bone to the precise shape of the implant,
which is then placed into the bone.
Once the implant and bone have
fused, over a period of two to four
months (depending on the patient’s
bone quality), the top of the implant is
uncovered and a replacement tooth is
attached to the implant.
Dr. Alicea determines the number,
position and direction in which to lay the
foundation with dental implants to maximize success. He also works carefully with
each patient to achieve the desired design
and aesthetics of the replacement teeth.
“When a patient has lost most or all
of their teeth, our primary consideration
is how we can help to restore function,”
emphasizes Dr. Alicea. “A patient who
wears a full upper denture typically has
fewer problems handling that compared
with a lower denture. However, patients
wearing full upper dentures often find
that they cannot taste food properly
as a result of the palate, or roof of the
mouth, being covered with the prosthesis.
Fortunately, we can make a denture free
of palate coverage, either a removable or
a fixed prosthesis.
“When the patient has sufficient
bone, we can provide dental implants.
When dental implants are used to
retain an upper or lower prosthesis,
it will be very stable and work just
like natural teeth. The prostheses are
made with different types of materials – acrylic, composite and zirconia.
In our office, we use high-impact,
wear-resistant materials that improve
the force of the patient’s bite. The most
esthetic and durable final prostheses
are made from composite or zirconia.
Advantages of these materials include
greater resistance to tartar buildup,
color stability and strength.”
Dr. Alicea can also provide fixed
denture “teeth in a day,” or All-on-4 or
All-on-6, a technique that utilizes only
four (or six) implants per arch. The process begins with cone beam computed
tomography, or CBCT.
“Cone beam technology for patient
imaging, diagnostics and treatment
is a vital element in dental practices
today,” Dr. Alicea adds. “We have the
technology in our practice to capture a threedimensional image of the entire mouth
and all of its surrounding structures.”
Data gathered from the CBCT
scanner provides the dentist with 3D
images of the teeth, jawbone, TMJs,
airway and sinuses.
The CBCT study for implant
placement guides the dentist in making dentures and/or fi xed provisional
bridges. In most cases, the dental
implant is placed in the jaw bone and
loaded the same day, so the patient
leaves the office with fixed teeth. This
process of immediate loading applies to
removable denture prostheses as well.
After four to six months of healing, the
final fixed prosthesis is completed.
Dedicated to
your oral health
Dr. Alicea is accepting new
patients and welcomes the
opportunity to help you
improve your smile and
bite function. He invites the
readers of Tampa Health Care
News to call Your Desired
Smile at (813) 580-5252. The
office is located at 4129 W.
Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1, in
Tampa. Se habla Español.
Looking good, feeling perfect
“By the time Moises saw us, he was
having a lot of problems with chewing and with his dentures becoming
loose,” Dr. Alicea confirms. “He felt
like they were going to come flying
out of his mouth, so at one point, he
stopped singing.”
Thanks to Dr. Alicea being able to
accomplish all the work in his office,
Moises was able to get what he wanted: a
removable denture that fits comfortably
and feels like his natural teeth.
“He says it fits like a glove,” assures
the skilled dentist. “Of course, if a patient
prefers, we can also provide implantsecured dentures that are not removable.”
Moises was thrilled with both how he
was treated and with the outcome of his
dental work.
“I’m doing well with the way things
are now,” he says. “My teeth look good
and they feel perfect! So I’m very happy.
I can chew, talk, whistle and even sing. I
no longer have to worry that my dentures
will fly out of my mouth.”
He thanks Dr. Alicea and the staff,
adding that the entire office is excellent.
“It’s a pleasure to work with him,”
emphasizes Moises. “The staff is very kind.
You feel comfortable, like you’re in the
right place. He even called to see how I
was doing afterward.
“More than a patient, I have been
treated like a friend by everyone in the
office – Sarah, Magda and, of course, Dr.
Alicea. I know I can call them anytime,
and for that I thank them.” FHCN
Luis A. Alicea, DMD,
MSD, received his Doctor
of Dental Medicine and
Master of Science in
Dentistry degrees from the
University of Puerto Rico,
San Juan. Dr. Alicea then
continued with extensive
postgraduate education
in implant surgery, prosthodontics and conscious
sedation. Dr. Alicea is a
past associate professor at the University of
Puerto Rico, San Juan. He is a member of the
International Congress of Oral Implantologists,
the American Academy of Implant Dentistry,
the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology,
the American Dental Association and numerous
other professional organizations.
Visit Your Desired Smile on the web at www.yourdesiredsmile.com
Pain Management
PRP for
Knee Pain
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a groundbreaking treatment in pain management that promotes
long-lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions.
T
here’s no question that Phil
Meerovitz is a hard worker.
“I’ve been with my company for twenty-four years,
going on twenty-five,” he reports. “I’m
an account manager, and I usually start
my day at four forty-five in the morning and finish about five or six at night.
When I’m not driving, I’m on my feet all
day, setting up displays, taking orders or
doing sales presentations.”
ROBERT C. LUPO, DC
With so much time on his feet, Phil
could not afford to have pain in his joints
slowing him down. Unfortunately, such
pain was inevitable.
“I’m a pretty big guy,” he explains.
“I’m six feet three inches and three hundred pounds. I’m forty-nine now, but I’ve
already had my right knee replaced. That
was back in August of 2010.”
Phil did not want to have two artificial knees, so as his left knee also began to
show signs of wear from osteoarthritis, he
underwent pain-relieving injections.
“I’ve been getting cortisone in my
knee for the last ten years,” says Phil. Still,
“When I got home from work, the first
thing I would do is lie down and watch
TV,” he says, “and my knee would swell
and snap, crackle and pop from the arthritis. I had to ice it down as well.”
Rather than undergoing another knee
replacement surgery, Phil decided to try
a treatment offered by Physical Medicine
Center, a multidisciplinary care center in
Tampa offering chiropractic care, physical and massage therapy, medical care and
low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
“I’ve been going there for about seven
years,” he notes, “because once in a while
my back and my neck get out of whack.
I would be hobbling around because the
left knee was so destroyed that it started
to go up my back. I didn’t want to go
through another knee replacement, so
when they told me about this PRP treatment for my knee, I said, Let’s go for it. I’ve
got nothing to lose.”
About platelet-rich plasma
“Platelet activation plays a key role in the
process of wound and soft tissue healing,”
Phil Meerovitz
explains Dr. Robert C. Lupo, director of
Physical Medicine Center. “Over the past
twenty years, autologous platelet-rich
plasma, also known as PRP, has been
used safely and effectively throughout
the medical field – including in orthopedics, sports medicine, wound healing
and cosmetic procedures.”
Now, Physical Medicine Center is
offering platelet-rich plasma therapy for
some of these same disciplines.
“We offer PRP both for musculoskeletal and cosmetic purposes,” reports
Dr. Lupo. “We now have a joint program
for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the
joints of the knees, hips, shoulders and
spine. We also are using it to help re-grow
hair, for acne scars, for rejuvenation of the
skin and for anti-aging.”
PRP is showing exciting potential
with injured tendons, ligaments, muscles
and joints. The therapy has been used by
a wide variety of baseball and football
professionals for the purpose of aiding
in the healing of sports injuries.
“There are several treatments
for osteoarthritis out there,” adds
Manny Bashir, PA-C, “including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication,
cortisone injections and viscosupplementation. However, the only natural
healing of the body is through PRP
injections. When you have an injury
to a certain part of your body, such as
tendonitis or a sprain, the body’s natural
healing process delivers a high concentration of platelets directly to the area.
This is basically what PRP does.”
“PRP therapy is performed in much
the same way as when a patient has
routine blood work through his or her
primary care physician,” explains Dr.
Lupo. “My staff will draw blood in our
office. PRP is taken from the blood and
specially prepared by spinning down the
blood cells to a high concentration. The
blood is spun in a centrifuge and then
the PRP is separated and removed from
the rest of the blood.”
“After we extract the blood from
your body and centrifuge it, we inject
the plasma into the area where you have
the injury,” adds Manny. “Sometimes in
osteoarthritis, the body does not recognize
the pain as an injury because it’s a chronic,
progressive injury. It does not perform the
natural healing process. So we actually
have to do this for the body itself.”
PRP contains many growth factors
Phil is
“feeling great”
thanks to PRP
therapy.
that can stimulate healing, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β),
platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF),
fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and
epidermal growth factor (EGF). “We are
actually concentrating these growth factors to about five times what they would
normally be,” explains Manny, “so we’re
getting this supersaturated liquid injected
back into a joint that already has about
ten different growth factors within it,
which is pretty amazing.”
Thanks to the PRP treatment,
patients like Phil can obtain pain relief
without undergoing invasive joint
replacement surgery.
“Surgery really should be a last
resort,” Dr. Lupo cautions, “because of
the scarring and the problems that can
come afterward, such as infection. We
hear of people all the time dying of blood
clots and things secondary to some simple, elective surgery that could have been
prevented altogether. This is a way to
avoid surgery and still relieve the pain.”
“Like a miracle”
After his very first PRP treatment, Phil
began to see major results.
“First, I noticed that my knee stopped
cracking and popping every time I got up
off the bed,” he recalls. “Then I noticed
the soreness was no longer there – the
pain was gone.
Robert C. Lupo, DC, is the
clinic director and chiropractic
physician of Physical Medicine
Center, which offers chiropractic
care, medical care, and physical
therapy, including spinal decompression, massage therapy,
addiction management, bio-identical hormone
replacement, HCG weight loss, and the ZERONA
laser for body contouring. Dr. Lupo received his
Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University
in Marietta, GA, and has done postgraduate work
in nutrition, chiropractic orthopedics, neurology,
spinal disc injury care, and auto accident injury
care. He is a member of the American Academy
of Anti-Aging Physicians.
“The following weekend, my girlfriend Sherry and I went out Friday
night, Saturday night and Sunday. It
was the first time I’ve danced in probably seven years.”
“Phil actually called us up with a
glowing report,” confi rms Dr. Lupo.
“He said, I haven’t been out of pain in
my knee in years, and I went dancing this
weekend. I’m going out and doing things
I haven’t done in a long time, all because
my knee feels better.”
Just six weeks out from his treatment,
Phil is as excited today as he was initially.
“This past Friday, I was off work and
I worked in the yard the whole day. I did
the yard, I hedged, I trimmed…something I had not done in five years. To be
able to do all the yard work in one day,
and still have energy to go out the same
night without the pain I used to have, I
couldn’t believe it.”
Phil’s friends and colleagues are similarly amazed.
“They see me now, and they can’t
believe it either,” he says. “It’s like, He’s
a new bionic man with no surgeries. Even
Dr. Lupo could not believe the difference
when he saw me. I had a smile on my face,
because I had no pain.
“This stuff is like a miracle,” marvels
Phil. “I wish I had it done ten years ago.
I’m turning fifty next April, but I almost
feel like I’m forty again. I feel great.”
FHCN–Michael J. Sahno
For radiant
health
Physical Medicine Center
is a multidisciplinary
treatment and care center
in New Tampa. The office is
located at 14522 University
Point Place. To schedule
a consultation, please call
(813) 978-0020.

Live Well from the Inside Out

Transcription

Similar documents

View Floorplan and More Features

Focus on REJUVENATION - Florida Health Care News

saint john`s hospital - Hungarian Medical Care company for the

Cosmetic Mind Claims

Print this document

199 1 at the bottom of the page by Karen Emerly. 2 Who does the

Gasparilla Music Festival Suncoast Credit Union Gasparilla

Del Sol Now Open at Channelside Bay Plaza Mayor Iorio Welcomes

Your Guide to Laparotomy

LASIK Surgery - Ridgedale Surgery Center