Lose Fat the Laser Way - Florida Health Care News
Transcription
Lose Fat the Laser Way - Florida Health Care News
Martin County Edition For additional information and to read our blog, visit us at TAKE ME HOME! www.ifoundMYdoctor.com Summer 2015 3 Dr. Tred’s Ultimate Laser-Assisted Weight Loss System can do what diet and exercise can’t – beat the belly bulge! W 6 Health Care Patron PRSRT.STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tampa, FL Permit No.2397 Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center Say “No!” to Neuropathy Atlas Chiropractic of Palm City Stop Neck Pain and Ease Sinus Infections Also In This EDITION FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON Carrier-Route Pre Sort Resolute Pain Solutions Relief After Failed Back Surgery 10 2 5 8 Safe and successful Dr. Tred’s Ultimate Laser-Assisted Weight Loss System, offered through Slim Body Laser Spa, succeeds for many patients when other attempts at weight loss have failed. In fact, over the last four years, his system has helped more than 2,500 people shed thousands of stubborn pounds and inches. The difference is the laser, which acts directly on the problem fat cells. “Laser energy, when applied to the body, safely causes microscopic pores to form in the fat cells,” explains Dr. Tred. “The fat leaks out and is absorbed by the body. It is then burned as energy or removed from the body safely and naturally.” There is a difference between Dr. Tred’s laser system and some of the other fat-reducing options available to patients. Dr. Tred stresses the safe, natural process his system uses to rid the body of excess fat. “This procedure simply shrinks fat cells, where many other procedures actually destroy fat cells by sucking them out or freezing them and killing them, or by blasting them with ultrasound or heating them up with radio waves,” he informs. “Our laser procedure causes the fat cells to empty their contents, and then the body absorbs that fatty acid naturally through the lymphatic system. It is then burned as ARTICLES Laser Aesthetics Lose Fat the Laser Way ith a long career in education as a teacher and school counselor, Suzanne Dalesandro was always on the go. The Philadelphia native and southern transplant knew her system slowed down when she did, and after retirement, she noticed some big changes in her body, especially in her midsection. “It seemed all of a sudden I got this big bulge there, and I just wasn’t happy with it,” she relates. “I had done dieting before. I did Weight Watchers® and was very successful, and then I don’t know whether it was just the change of being retired because your metabolism does slow down, but dieting wasn’t doing it.” When Suzanne first heard about the laser-assisted weight loss system available from TRED J. RISSACHER, DC Tred Rissacher, DC, owner of Slim Body Laser Spa in Stuart, she was intrigued. She went online and was amazed by what she read, but was even more enthralled when she heard Dr. Tred tell his own story at an outing last fall. “I had tagged along with my daughter and my grandkids to the Palm City Fall Festival this past October,” she states, “and I noticed Slim Body had one of their booths there. I went over and actually met Dr. Tred and his staff and got some questions answered. “I was very impressed with him and his story. I think that was a convincing thing, the amount of weight he lost and the body sculpting that happened to him. I decided it wouldn’t hurt to go in for a free demonstration. I went in and was impressed with it, and signed up that day.” From the moment she walked into Slim Body Laser Spa, Suzanne felt comfortable and relaxed. The spa-like atmosphere and the friendly staff made her feel welcome and at home. She found the treatment itself to be soothing and peaceful as well. “I thought the facility was very inviting, very warm and welcoming,” she describes. “The girls are sweet. Everybody who worked with me was very professional and congenial. They really seemed to take a genuine interest in you. It was enjoyable talking with them. It’s not like all business. It’s very nice that way. “It’s extremely relaxing,” says Suzanne of the treatment. “I looked at it as my relaxation time when I would go. There was no pain, no downtime. It’s very comfortable, and I really enjoyed it. “When I went through the nine-session program, I actually lost about twelve and a half inches, and that was through the three areas, what they call the top section and then your mid and your lower. So they target three areas, and I thought, There isn’t any diet that I can think of that is going to do that!” Featured 8 9 10 After the 11 nine-session program, 12 Suzanne lost 12½ inches. (see Lose Fat the Laser Way, page 4) RENU Medical Aesthetics Noninvasive Aesthetic Renewal Francis J. DuCoin, DMD, MS Age Holds No Limitations Stuart Periodontics, P.A. Gentle Periodontal Treatment Kaufman Hearing Care Personal Hearing Care Center for Artificial Disc Replacement Pain Relieved, Range of Motion Restored South Florida Eye Clinic Eye Floaters? Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates Age Is Just a Number The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center Dry Eye Disease Relieved Find us online at: or on Page 2 | Florida Health Care News | Summer 2015 | Martin County Edition Rejuvenation Noninvasive Aesthetic Renewal Never before have there been so many effective options for facial rejuvenation without surgery. W hen Linda Craig decided to look into having facial rejuvenation treatment, she knew exactly who she wanted to see: Valerie A. Barrett, MD, of RENU Medical Aesthetics. VALERIE A. BARRETT, MD EndyMed™ and IPL RENU Medical Aesthetics provides a comprehensive range of aesthetic and rejuvenation treatments in a spalike atmosphere. Services range from BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, EndyMed and Sculptra® to laser resurfacing, prescription-grade skincare using the ZO® Skin Health line from Dr. Zein Obagi, and Dr. Barrett’s patented RENU Lift™. “When it comes to rejuvenation treatment,” says the physician, “many people do not realize that there are a variety of noninvasive options, such as skin tightening and photofacials. In fact, significant rejuvenation can be done with little to no downtime or discomfort.” Skin laxity and loss of volume in the face can both be addressed noninvasively, she assures. “We treat the entire facial area,” explains Dr. Barrett. “We treat pigmentation, pores and vessels on the skin, and then we re-volumize. Patients can lose Call to find out about monthly specials and seminars. “Photofacials are noninvasive, and you can wear makeup immediately afterward,” she adds. “They are used to treat spider veins, which some women get on the cheeks, chin or the corners of the nose. You also get significant pore tightening, skin smoothing and some skin tightening. IPL photofacials can treat rosacea, as well.” In addition to skin tightening, RENU Medical Aesthetics offers noninvasive treatment for loss of volume in the face. “We can easily replace volume with products like RADIESSE® or Sculptra for a very natural look. We address all aspects of aging, and if you start early enough, you really turn back time. Patients can look up to ten years younger with little to no downtime.” “Outstanding” care Linda knew she was in good hands with Dr. Barrett, but the combination of treatments exceeded even her own high expectations. FHCN PHOTO BY MARC EDWARDS “I’ve known Dr. Barrett since 2006,” explains Linda. “I used to do cosmetic laser work, and I worked with her office at the time. Her practice has been very successful over the years, and for many good reasons. “One reason is the excellence of her work, which I think is harder and harder to come by these days in every field. Another reason is that Dr. Barrett is very patient and not at all pushy. She has a conservative approach, and truly helps her clients set realistic expectations. That is so important in the field of cosmetic medicine.” As someone who has treated others with laser, Linda had a good idea of what areas she wanted to address. “One of my biggest concerns was fine lines around the mouth, the vertical lip lines,” she recalls. “So I went to Dr. Barrett to talk specifically about that. I was also curious about the liquid lift, which is a nonsurgical facelift.” From her previous experience working with the physician, Linda knew what to expect. “The first thing she does is to hand you a mirror. She’ll say, Okay, I’m looking at your face, you’re looking at your face. What is it that bothers you? The great thing about Dr. Barrett is that she wants you to tell her what you want, and then she will tell you whether it’s possible. Hers was really the only practice I considered going to.” a significant amount of volume in the face, which leads to things like nasolabial folds, extending from the corner of the nose down to the chin, and what we call marionette lines, located at and below the corners of the mouth. These are all issues that occur with aging. “People also get laxity, which leads to jowling and loss of the jawline. Sun damage is a concern, especially here in Florida. It can lead to brown spots and pigmentation in the skin, as well as issues like noticeable facial telangiectasias, or spider veins. Some patients have rosacea, and we can address that, too.” One of the most powerful treatments in the cosmetic world today is a noninvasive tool for skin tightening. “In order to address the skin laxity that occurs with aging, we can use the EndyMed machine. It uses radiofrequency heat to stimulate collagen,” notes Dr. Barrett. “EndyMed is noninvasive, painless and produces excellent results. It can be used on any area of the body to tighten skin, but it is most popular for the eyes, face and neck, or in combination with the i-Lipo™.” The treatment is typically performed in a series of three to four sessions. “Patients can expect to get some immediate results, then significant tightening over the next three to six months. We can treat the jowling, neck laxity and the upper chest – when patients start to develop that crêpe-like effect in the décolletage area.” For those with pigmentation or brown spots, there is still hope to reverse some of the sun’s damaging effects. “Sun damage can be treated quite efficiently by performing a photofacial with the IPL (intense pulsed light), a type of laser treatment,” clarifi es Dr. Barrett. “IPL brings up the pigment so that you get a little bit of darkening, but then it sloughs off over the next ten to fourteen days. Linda is very pleased with the results of her care at RENU Medical Aesthetics. “The IPL photofacial greatly helped to minimize sun damage, lightening the dark spots and evening out my skin tone,” she reports. “It was great – not only on my face, but also on my chest, hands and arms. It’s easy, painless and fast.” The EndyMed was especially effective for skin tightening, she says. “It’s a huge improvement over its predecessor, Thermage®, which I used to do,” explains Linda, who has also tried some BELOTERO® and BOTOX/XEOMIN® treatments. “EndyMed is more effective, so everyone can get results. It’s painless, too. All you feel is some warmth as the wand moves over your skin. It can tighten lax skin anywhere, but I think it’s wonderful for the lower face and neck.” She emphasizes how much she appreciates the staff of RENU Medical Aesthetics, and Dr. Barrett in particular. “She’s great to work with,” assures Linda. “She’s very relaxed, unlike so many physicians who just want to tell you what to do. The staff is simply wonderful. I’m very happy with everyone I’ve met there. And of course, all their services have been outstanding.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Valerie A. Barrett, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. After receiving her medical degree from The Chicago Medical School in Chicago, IL, she completed her internship and residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Barrett is a member of the American Association of Anti-Aging, the American College of Physicians, the Aesthetic Academy, the Liquid Lift Association, and is a certified Merz Aesthetics Elite and Allergan Platinum provider. Visit RENU Medical Aesthetics online at www.renuforyou.com. When you look great, you feel great RENU Medical Aesthetics is a multidisciplinary center offering aesthetic and rejuvenation treatments, massage therapy and chiropractic care in a spa-like atmosphere. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call the office, located at 845 SE Osceola St. in Stuart, at (772) 834-3231. Where health and beauty come full circle At RENU, patient care is truly a labor of love. Their goal is to help each patient get to a place in their life where they feel good about themselves and the way they look. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Services include: Laser Body Sculpting Cellulite Reduction Skin Tightening Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Photofacial) Laser Hair Removal KTP for Facial Vessels Skin Resurfacing Procedures Facials/ Microdermabrasion BOTOX/XEOMIN JUVÉDERM BELOTERO RADIESSE Sculptra Restylane® Silk ZO Skin Health from Dr. Zein Obagi iS Clinical Products Martin County Edition | Summer 2015 | Florida Health Care News | Page 3 Pain Management Relief After Failed Back Surgery Spinal cord stimulation can provide relief for patients suffering from spinal stenosis following failed back surgery. O n a scale from one to ten, Margaret Masters’ back pain was a nine most days. “It was mild in the mornings and the early afternoon, but as the day progressed, it really got to be debilitating,” she says. “I had a tough time functioning most days.” Margaret’s job as a retail manager requires a lot of bending and lifting – tasks that have not been easy for her to perform. In 2011, Margaret had a laminectomy because of lower back pain caused from degenerative discs. Unfortunately, that surgery failed. “Most of the lower back pain was gone, but a different kind of pain was now resonating down my legs, and that just made everything worse,” she explains. “I was a patient at Resolute Pain Solutions, and I was told I had failed back surgery syndrome. I just wanted my life back. I wanted to be able to go somewhere with family and walk around all day and not have pain three hours into an eight-hour day. I tried medications, acupuncture, steroid injections, physical therapy, every kind of pain relief. Nothing worked.” Desperate for relief, Margaret says that one day while waiting to see the doctor, she read some information on spinal cord stimulation and wondered if she was a candidate for the procedure. “Basically, when Margaret came to our practice, much like many folks who have failed back surgery syndrome, the surgery hadn’t fixed her problem,” explains Sidney Swartz, MD, a board-certified pain management specialist at Resolute Pain Solutions. “She did have some improvement in her back pain post-surgery, but then when she returned to work and Why SCS? “This is a procedure that has been evolving and improving since its inception,” Dr. Swartz explains. “Today, SCS may be used for back pain, pain radiating down the leg from nerve damage, diabetic neuropathy and crush injuries. “Candidates for spinal cord stimulation are typically patients who have been told nothing can be done about their situations,” he continues. “By the time they get to our office, they have typically failed all other available treatments, including medication management, therapy, injections and even surgery. But there is something that can be done, and it is very effective. In cases with mixed pain (neuropathic and nociceptive) or mostly neuropathic pain, spinal cord stimulation can be seventy-five percent successful in providing significant, long-term pain relief.” In fact, the SCS is one of the most Ramon Alvarez, MD, served his internship at Grady Memorial Hospital and Southwest Community Hospital, Atlanta, GA, and his anesthesia and pain management residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Dr. Alvarez is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management. He is a founding partner of Resolute Pain Solutions. Marc Levine, MD, served his internship at Lenox Hill Hospital and his residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center College of Physicians and Surgeons, both in New York City. Dr. Levine is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology, Florida Society of Anesthesiology, American Medical Association and Florida Medical Association. He is a founding partner of Resolute Pain Solutions. Daniel Battaglia, DO, is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served his internship at the University of Medicine of New Jersey Kennedy Memorial Hospital. Dr. Battaglia completed his residency at Pennsylvania State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. He is board certified in anesthesiology and a Diplomate with the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Battaglia is a member of the Florida Medical Association and the Florida Society of Anesthesiology. Jay Kuchera, MD, is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Medicine. He served his internship and residency at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Kuchera is board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine. He is also a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Academy of Pain Management. Sidney Swartz, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School. Dr. Swartz completed his internship at Louis A. Weiss Memorial Hospital followed by a residency in anesthesiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Learn more at www.ResoluteMD.com/health FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON RAMON ALVAREZ, MD MARC LEVINE, MD DANIEL BATTAGLIA, DO JAY KUCHERA, MD SIDNEY SWARTZ, MD resumed physical activity, the pain in her buttocks and in her right posterior thigh became incapacitating.” Based on her history, Dr. Swartz determined that Margaret was an excellent candidate for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The spinal cord stimulator is designed for patients who have permanent nerve injury. Margaret was relieved and excited to give it a try. “I was so happy to hear that I was a candidate because I just wanted the pain to stop,” she says. “Neuropathic pain can be debilitating and is the ideal kind of pain to treat with spinal cord stimulation,” Dr. Swartz says. “Typically, that includes cases of failed back surgery syndrome, injuries to nerves in general and sometimes even post-amputation pain, although clinically, the outcomes in amputation cases are not quite as good with the stimulator as we would anticipate. “Therefore, spinal cord stimulation can be a highly effective treatment for patients, like Margaret, with failed back surgery syndrome,” Dr. Swartz adds. “For those patients who have low back or leg pain for at least six months following back surgery, a spinal cord stimulator can offer a lifetime of relief.” Margaret found relief for her back pain, thanks to Resolute Pain Solutions. effective treatments available for certain indications, such as chronic pain from CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), angina, peripheral vascular disease and a number of other conditions, particularly in patients who are not surgical candidates. The implantation is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, so there is no hospital stay involved. During the procedure, a stimulating electrode is placed into the epidural space that overlays the pain fibers in the spinal cord. “We position the electrode precisely over the portion of the spinal cord that covers the area where the patient has pain,” describes Dr. Swartz. Trial minimizes errors “One of the greatest benefits of spinal cord stimulation is the opportunity to have a trial period prior to considering a permanent implantation of the device,” explains the doctor. “There really are no other surgeries available for low back pain that allow you to do a trial before the actual surgery. This allows patients the opportunity to see whether it truly reduces their pain. “During the trial, we put leads in through the skin using a special needle called an epidural needle,” he adds. “The leads are steered into place using a tiny wire. When we get them into the right position, we attach them to an external current generator, and the stimulation is directed where the patient is experiencing pain. “If the trial goes well,” Dr. Swartz continues, “we implant the electrode and a small pacemaker-like device under the skin. The patient can then control his or her level of stimulation with one of several programs that are created for the individual.” Finally pain free Margaret says she has finally found the relief she sought, thanks to Dr. Swartz and SCS. “I’ve got arthritis, bursitis, you name it, and Dr. Swartz assured me that SCS would help with the chronic pain,” Margaret shares. “He positioned it just right. He knew exactly where my pain was, and I haven’t had leg pain since the surgery.” Margaret says Dr. Swartz and the staff at Resolute Pain Solutions are caring and compassionate. “They really want to help you feel better; I could really feel that,” she says. “They were helpful and put me at ease about the procedure and what I was to expect. I highly recommend them to anyone suffering with chronic pain.” FHCN–Judy Wade Rise Above the Pain Resolute Pain Solutions’ comprehensive pain care practice combines skilled specialists, innovative technology and extensive resources for the effective treatment of post-surgical and chronic pain. Offices are located at: 601 University Blvd., Suite 203, Jupiter 950 Glades Road, Suite 5A, Boca Raton 107 19th Drive, Okeechobee 10244 US Highway 1, Port St. Lucie 10050 SW Innovation Way, Suite 104, Port St. Lucie 2100 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 100, Stuart For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (855) 678-3737 Got pain? The professionals at Resolute have your solution for a variety of conditions including: • Arthritis pain • Back pain • Bursitis • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Degenerative disc disease • Neuropathy • Fibromyalgia • Neuralgia • Sciatica • Spinal stenosis • Sports injuries • Neck pain • Migraines Page 4 | Florida Health Care News | Summer 2015 | Martin County Edition Laser Aesthetics (continued from page 1) Long-term rewards Suzanne likes the way she looks now that she’s lost the inches with Dr. Tred’s laser system, but she’s even happier with how she feels. She knows losing the extra fat from her belly is good for her overall health, not just for her wardrobe. “It makes you feel good when your daughter says, Mom, you’ve got to go shopping and buy smaller clothes now because yours are baggy,” she notes. “So she noticed a difference right away. “But I can feel a difference. I’m feeling better. Physically, I feel more energetic, which I need to keep up with the grandkids. And I think part of the shift maybe is even an emotional thing that you just feel better, which is important, too. So it is an overall good feeling that I’m doing something good for my body, for my health, The No-Fail Weight Loss Option Doctor commits to his own weight loss program and experiences lasting results. D He also lost 30 pounds in less than six weeks, and his health issue disappeared. “My diabetes responded beautifully to my weight loss. It resolved as soon as I lost weight and got rid of the inches.” Summer 2015 Barry P. Levine Executive Publisher Gail Goldy Suzanne Dalesandro that’s a long-term thing.” Dr. Tred’s story helped convince Suzanne to try Slim Body Laser Spa and the laser-assisted weight loss system, and now she can add her own name to the long list of success stories. She hopes her story might convince someone else to give it a try. She has a suggestion for anyone who is considering it. “I am also enjoying more energy and better health than I have had in years. “What’s more important is I’m keeping it off,” he adds. “I have not gained back any of the weight or inches because I continue to use the laser and watch what I eat. “I believed in this product before I tried it myself, but now I can say from experience, It really works!” Lasting results FHCN–Patti DiPanfilo Treatment Areas* Dr. Tred’s Ultimate Laser-Assisted Weight Loss System can effectively treat the following problems in both men and women: • • • • • • Belly fat Chin fat Upper arm fat Muffin top Thigh fat Bra bulges And more Here’s where you can find us: AFTER FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON Dr. Tred was pleased with his accomplishments, b u t h e d i d n’t s t o p there. He decided to continue with his treatments. As a result, he added to his weight and inch loss totals. “As of the first of May 2014, I lost forty pounds and twelve inches and dropped three pant sizes in less than eight weeks using my own Ultimate Laser-Assisted Weight Loss System,” he describes. “If you’re looking for something that’s not a surgery, that’s not putting drugs in your system, where there’s no downtime, that’s an extremely relaxing thing, and if you’re in a position to do it, it’s worth a try. “It worked for me!” * Information supplied by Slim Body Laser Spa PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. RISSACHER r. Tred has devoted his practice to helping people safely lose stubborn pounds and inches. When he started to develop symptoms of pre - diabetes due to his own excess weight gain, he first tried dieting and exercising, but the weight did not come off. The solution, he realized, was the fat-shrinking system he uses with his patients every day. “I decided to BEFORE really commit to my own laser program that I recommend to others,” he observes. “I began the laser program, and within four weeks I dropped ten inches.” 215 Bullard Parkway Temple Terrace, FL 33617 (813) 989-1330 with the results they see.” FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON fuel for the body. It is congruent with how the body normally processes energy, which is why it is so safe. “This laser treatment is an effective method that doesn’t take long,” continues the doctor. “In a series of nine, thirty-minute sessions, patients can lose three to nine inches of belly fat, and their health can improve dramatically, allowing for a long-term solution to keeping the weight off.” Dr. Tred’s laser system can effectively treat many different areas, such as chin fat and muffin top or belly bulge (see Treatment Areas box). The doctor does mention, however, that diet modification and some exercise can help the process to be more sustaining for some patients. “For the results from these treatments to be long-lasting, patients do need to eat right and exercise,” he says. “If a person follows the entire plan, they will be more than happy Florida Health Care News Tred J. Rissacher, DC, completed his undergraduate studies at Indian River Community College and earned his Doctorate degree in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City. He attends postgraduate seminars on the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders. Dr. Rissacher can administer low-level, or “cold,” laser therapy, a new, FDAcleared, noninvasive, effective therapy that can relieve pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Lapex BCS is being used “off label” for spot fat reduction and laser-assisted weight loss. 2311 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite A Stuart Senior Associate Publisher Gina L. d’Angelo CFO/HR Manager Judy Wade Editorial Manager Michael J. Sahno Senior Writer Patti DiPanfilo Melanie Casey Editorial Staff Michelle Brooks Creative Director 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 Slim Body Laser Spa Laser Aesthetics RENU Medical Aesthetics Rejuvenation Resolute Pain Solutions Pain Management Francis J. DuCoin, DMD, MS Advanced Dentistry Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center Back and Neck Pain Stuart Periodontics, P.A. (772) 223-5885 Comprehensive Dentistry VIP Priority Scheduling Center for Artificial Disc Replacement The first 20 people to schedule an appointment may begin their treatments right away. These VIP priorityscheduling times are the most sought-after times available, so call today for your “VIP” time. Kaufman Hearing Care Hearing Health Care Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Atlas Chiropractic of Palm City Chiropractic South Florida Eye Clinic Ophthalmology Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates Vascular Surgery The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center B&As of Dr. Rissacher’s patients Dry Eye Treatment PHOTOS COURTESY OF SLIM BODY LASER SPA 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. Florida Health Care News is published by Florida Health Care News, Inc. Florida Health Care News, Inc., reserves the right to decline any advertising/marketing article. Florida Health Care News is provided for information only and should not be construed as health care advice or instruction. If you have questions concerning articles in this edition, feel free to call our contributing editors. 9 treatments/3 weeks’ time Total inch loss = 8 1/2” 9 treatments/3 weeks’ time Total inch loss = 7” For more information, please visit www.slimbodylaserspa.com. Results may vary from person to person based on different factors, and there is no guarantee for specific results. Testimonials and examples found in this publication, in our article from the Slim Body Laser Spa of Stuart, are verified results that have been actually achieved by our clients as described. However, these results may not apply to the average person and are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. FDA indications for use FDA 510(k) The Lapex is intended to emit energy in the visible and infra red spectrum to provide topical heating for the purpose of elevating tissue temperature for the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, minor arthritis pain or muscle spasm, the temporary increase in local blood circulation and/or temporary relaxation of muscle. Florida Health Care News provides a paid forum for health care professionals to present their ideas about various aspects of health care treatment and procedures. Florida Health Care News, Inc. is not responsible for the health 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. Advanced Dentistry Age Holds NO LIMITATIONS Martin County Edition | Summer 2015 | Florida Health Care News | Page 5 Ali feels much more confident about her smile since having cosmetic dentistry procedures done by Dr. DuCoin. A polished, natural smile can include cosmetic dentistry, but begins with overall good health and a positive outlook. I n her late 60s, Alice “Ali” Hooker was mostly content with the overall health of her teeth, but was dissatisfied with her bite and smile. “I had an overbite that I had lived with my entire life,” Ali says. “I’ve always taken care of my teeth, as far as cleanings and general upkeep, but never invested in getting the ‘perfect’ smile I always longed for. I just never took the time to go that extra step to achieve that. “My bottom teeth were pushing upwards and that was causing the upper teeth to protrude out,” Ali continues. “I kind of felt like my age held me back for years, perhaps. I was hesitant. I figured people my age just did not wear braces.” She had heard of the alternative to metal braces, Invisalign®, from a neighbor and it piqued her interest. Through her fellow church members, Ali was referred to Francis J. DuCoin, DMD, in Stuart. “I saw other people my age with Invisalign, so that kind of helped ease my fears,” Ali says. “And, Dr. DuCoin was highly recommended, so after a lot of consideration, I decided to give him a try.” Why Invisalign? In addition to the many other dental services he provides, Dr. DuCoin proudly offers patients of all ages Invisalign, an effective treatment option for those with crooked or crowded teeth. “The technology has expanded to the point where a much broader range of cases can be treated,” he says. “Invisalign works for nearly eighty percent of patients. You have to be the right candidate. Usually a simple oral evaluation is all that is needed to make that determination.” Invisalign can help patients in a variety of circumstances, like Ali. According to the research from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the following is a list of answers received when people were asked, “What makes a smile unattractive?”: Discolored, yellow or stained teeth Missing teeth Crooked teeth Decaying teeth and cavities What to expect Dr. DuCoin explains the process: “Once we determine that a patient is a good candidate for these well-designed, clear appliances, we take x-rays and impressions of their teeth. “I send the results, along with my instructions, to Align Technology, the developer of Invisalign. Using 3D computer technology, they digitize the information, formulate a customized treatment plan, and determine how many aligners will be required. Our patients wear each stage of aligners, in consecutive order, for two weeks.” Once Dr. DuCoin has reviewed and approved the treatment plan, the aligners are then sent back and he dispenses these to the patient. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally, millimeter by millimeter, through a combination of movements, just as traditional metal braces do. “The patient comes in every six to eight weeks so we can monitor their progress and give them their next sets of aligners,” explains the dentist. The aligners are very comfortable to wear. When patients first put them on, they feel tightness, but within a short time that dissipates. “It is a much gentler appliance to wear than traditional metal brackets,” Dr. DuCoin explains. “It is gentler on the gums, and you don’t have FHCN PHOTOS BY NERISSA JOHNSON FRANCIS J. DUCOIN, DMD, MS “Everyone wants an attractive smile,” says Dr. DuCoin. “Ali had very good teeth before she came to see me, as far as their overall condition. But, her bite – her occlusion was not right. This was now affecting her teeth and gums, beside causing Ali not to have the pretty smile she deserved. She wanted to improve her bite. Not only did we accomplish that, but we also improved her smile and overall look. “When you have an overbite, you tend not to smile as much, and an attractive smile makes you feel better about yourself,” he continues. “We have patients with cases ranging from mild to more severe; it varies from one person to the next. But, the bottom line is, everyone knows a nice smile boosts self-esteem. People go to the gym to feel better about themselves, for example. Invisalign does the same thing. It boosts self-confidence once patients begin to see the results they are wanting.” wires that are poking you all the time.” Invisalign has several other advantages over traditional braces, adds Dr. DuCoin. “It’s easier to take care of your teeth with Invisalign because you don’t have any wires to clean around or brackets that are collecting plaque,” explains Dr. DuCoin. “You take them out when you eat, so there are no diet restrictions like there are with traditional braces. And the treatment is very affordable.” A polished result “When her Invisalign treatment was complete, Ali came to me and said, You know, the teeth are straight now, but something is missing. What can we do to make them look beautiful? I recommended veneers,” says Dr. DuCoin. “A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that gets bonded onto the front of the tooth,” he explains. “It does not require a lot of tooth preparation and generally done for cosmetic reasons. The technology has advanced tremendously over the years. Instead of preparing the entire tooth, like we used to, we only need to prepare the front of the tooth. The veneer then gets placed on the front of the tooth and thereby changes its shape, color and overall appearance.” Ali says she is much more inclined to flash a big, broad smile when meeting people now. “I used to hesitate when I smiled,” Ali says, “but not anymore. I have a renewed confidence, thanks to Dr. DuCoin. I feel he really listens to his patients and cares about how they feel about themselves. He understands that self-image can be affected by the appearance of a bright, pretty smile. He helps his patients achieve that at any age and for that, I am thankful to him.” FHCN–Judy Wade Fast facts about Invisalign Virtually invisible – Improvements are accomplished discreetly, with little impact on speech or chewing function. Removable – Enjoy your favorite foods, brush and floss as usual, then replace. Healthy – Easily brush and floss regularly, and avoid periodontal complications commonly seen with traditional metal braces. Safe and comfortable – No risk of reaction from metal allergies. No wires to cut or abrade sensitive mouth tissue. Predictable – CAD/CAM technology allows you to view your virtual treatment plan before you start: See how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Convenient – Because your home care is more successful, regular check-ups and cleanings take less time. Francis J. DuCoin, DMD, MS, is a graduate of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He received his undergraduate degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he also earned his Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering. Dr. DuCoin is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and is an Honored Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is also a Master of the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. He served as president of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry from 2003 to 2004 and the board of trustees of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation from 2006 to 2009. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. DuCoin has earned more than 2000 hours of continuing education and has lectured nationally and internationally on dental implants. For that healthy smile Gaps and spaces between teeth Dr. DuCoin and his staff look forward to meeting the readers of Florida Health Care News. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (772) 419-9767 for his office, located at 808 SE Ocean Blvd., Suite 1, in Stuart. Dirty teeth For more information, visit www.fducoindmd.com. Page 6 | Florida Health Care News | Summer 2015 | Martin County Edition CAUSES of Peripheral Neuropathy • • • • • • • • • • Diabetes Vitamin deficiency Chemotherapy Alcoholism Prescription medications Agent Orange and other war toxins Degenerative or herniated discs Spinal stenosis Ischemia Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis SYMPTOMS of Peripheral Neuropathy PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPSON CHIROPRACTIC • Sharp pains or cramps in the feet or legs • Burning pain in the legs, feet or hands • Extreme sensitivity to touch • Loss of balance or coordination • Feeling of walking on pins and needles • Weakness in the arms and legs • Numb feet • Tingling or pain in the toes, feet, hands, arms and fingers • Dependency on pain medications • Discoloration in the feet • Cold feet or hands “I’m just a happy customer,” says Anthony about his experience at Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center. Learn more about NERVE DAMAGE If you or a loved one is experiencing neuropathy symptoms, contact Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center in Stuart or Port St. Lucie today to find out if you are a candidate for the Neuro Spinal Care Treatment Protocol. The Stuart office is located at 104 SE Lonita St., and the Port St. Lucie office is located at 464 SW St. Lucie Blvd., Suite 114. Call (772) 463-2344 for the Stuart office or (772) 343-8511 for the Port St. Lucie office. I Back and Say “No!” to Neuro t was only a few years ago that 84-yearold Anthony Gray gave up boating, a favorite pastime and passion of his. Even before he retired 25 years ago from the commercial casualty insurance agency he owned, he divided his time between the North and South so he could spend more time on the open water. “I come from Detroit, Michigan, but we’ve been snowbirds for about forty years now,” explains Anthony. “We spend about seven months a year in Florida, and we go back up to Michigan and spend five months during the summertime. “I love boating, but now due to my age, I had to give that up about six years ago. But that was a very big part of my life, both up in Michigan and down here in Florida.” When Anthony felt the first twinges of pain in his lower back more than a decade ago, he sought out a trustworthy provider for care. He remembers noticing the Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center in Stuart, as it was in the same shopping plaza as his regular grocery store. He was intrigued by the information displayed by the center, so he made an appointment with Charles A. Simpson, DC, founder of the center. “They had some pictures outside on the wall of this new machine called the DRX, and I thought I would inquire,” he recalls. “I was having some problems with my lower spine, and I signed up for a package of twenty-three sessions on that machine.” The DRX9000™ nonsurgical spinal decompression system slowly and gently stretches and decompresses the discs in the spine. Anthony responded well to the decompression and was relatively pain free for several years. Then last year, the pain returned with a vengeance. His condition was much worse than it had been originally. “The initial treatment worked very well,” he says. “It eliminated the need for an operation, and then old age kind of crept up, and I really got hit with this lower back pain. It happened up in Michigan back in June or July and, at times, it was bad enough that I was almost incapacitated. “It hit me really good this time,” he continues. “It aff ected my hips and my upper legs in the thigh area. I was walking the floor more than I’d like to at night, not able to sleep. The first few steps in the morning of trying to go from the bed to the bathroom were unsure. “I knew that as soon as I got back to Florida, which was in October of last year, I wanted to go see Dr. Simpson. He was first on my schedule. I went back in to see him, but in much worse condition than I was in twelve years ago.” This time, Anthony, who had developed rheumatoid arthritis, was experiencing other symptoms in addition to the pain in his back. He noted pain and numbness in his legs that occasionally affected his walking and sleeping. Anthony was experiencing peripheral neuropathy in his legs. CHARLES A. SIMPSON, DC “That was part of it,” he states, “but it wasn’t the classic neuropathy in that it never affected my feet or ankles, but certainly the upper legs. Some of the doctors up North thought I had everything from neuropathy to Parkinson’s disease; when I got down here, I had it all looked into quite thoroughly. It was just the back, the lower lumbar area, and it was the arthritis. That’s what also prompted me to go right over to see my good friend, Dr. Simpson.” Dr. Simpson developed a treatment plan for Anthony that included multiple modalities, including the DRX9000. But it didn’t stop there. Dr. Simpson needed to address the neuropathy as well as the back pain. “He said that he wanted to, upon my approval, also bring in the physical therapist and get physical therapy to work in conjunction with his chiropractic applications,” Anthony notes. “With the two working sideby-side, we proceeded; little by little, I just got better and better.” Pain, pain, go away Mother and homemaker Cindy Brown gets very little rest with a 17-year-old son who’s involved in school activities and sports. She’s a dedicated fan of his golf and soccer teams and travels to road events for both. Sometimes, she does it in pain. The native of upstate New York has lived in the Stuart area for almost 15 years, and she remembers when Dr. Simpson first opened the Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center. Her husband was a patient first and then her son, but an unusual issue with her neck brought Cindy to Dr. Simpson’s treatment table as well. “My neck was so tight that the blood flow was restricted from going up into the parts of the brain that make your equilibrium do whatever it does,” she offers. “When I would sleep, if I would roll over, it would wake me up because everything would spin. And I couldn’t bend over. If I bent over, things would kind of swoon. Dr. Simpson got my neck to loosen up and it stopped.” That was all it took. Cindy was now a fan of Dr. Simpson, too. When circumstances later led to chronic back problems, she automatically turned to the doctor for his advice and care. “I had several car accidents over the last few years not of my own f a u l t ,” r e p o r t s C i n d y. “ I w a s rear-ended, I was front-ended and then I was side-swiped. So I had a lot of problems with my neck and my lower back – several discs in each area.” The neck and back pain that resulted from the accidents caused Cindy to be very cautious about her activities. She was hesitant to do things she liked to do or needed to do for fear she’d further injure herself or cause severe pain. “I used to like to golf, but I haven’t done that in a long time,” she says. “I’m worried about it because of all of that turning and twisting. And with my neck, if I do a lot of lifting or anything like that, because you’re straining your neck, that just makes it all tight and painful.” Like Anthony, pain from Cindy’s back ran down into her legs and affected her walking as well. “If I sit for long periods of time, then my lower back hurts really bad, and it takes a few minutes before I can start walking correctly because everything tightens up.” Cindy truly appreciates Dr. Simpson Charles A. Simpson, DC, began his education with an Associate in Arts degree from Palm Beach Community College. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University. Dr. Simpson’s specialty areas include soft tissue injuries, spinal decompression, physiotherapy, the Diversified Adjustment Technique, the Thompson Adjustment Technique and the Activator Adjustment Technique. He is certified in soft tissue injury rehabilitation and care. Dr. Simpson is a member of the Florida Chiropractic Association and the Florida Chiropractic Society. For more information, visit them online at simpson Martin County Edition | Summer 2015 | Florida Health Care News | Page 7 Neck Pain opathy for what he does for her and her family. She knows that with her discs, she won’t be pain free unless she has surgery, and she doesn’t want to do that. For now, Dr. Simpson makes her life as comfortable as possible. “I pretty much have pain all the time, but when I go in for treatment, it helps to loosen everything up and relieve some of that pressure,” Cindy remarks. She thinks very highly of Dr. Simpson and remembers when her son was young and began as one of his patients. He was just a toddler. “He is a really, really nice, compassionate, caring gentleman,” she relates. “I let him work on my three-year-old.” Mixed messages people with neuropathy might experience trouble sleeping due to pain or tingling. It can also lead to gangrene (tissue death), which can then lead to amputation. Early diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy may be able to prevent these and other complications from occurring. “The good news is Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center of Stuart and Port St. Lucie has a breakthrough protocol to treat the pain, numbness and tingling of peripheral neuropathy,” reports Dr. Simpson. “It’s called the Neuro Spinal Care Treatment Protocol™.” Timely treatment Many patients with neuropathy suffer from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, and numbness in the legs with difficulty walking and even interruption of sleep. At Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center, the specialized Neuro Spinal Care Treatment Protocol includes multiple treatment elements including the most advanced treatment protocols available to date. This therapy is recognized internationally, and these recent advancements offer hope for many more patients to live a more pain-free and enjoyable life. “For more than fourteen years, we have used these protocols to successfully treat severe and chronic neck and back pain conditions, as well as the symptoms of mechanical neuropathy,” notes Dr. Simpson. “This is a state-of-the-art scientific approach with advanced technology that treats not only the symptoms of the neuropathy, but also the cause of the neuropathy, which allows the numbness and the arteries and nerves to heal.” During his distinguished career, Dr. Simpson has treated many patients with peripheral neuropathy. “Many of these patients have tried everything, including potentially harmful medications and painful testing and treatments,” he states. “This can leave patients still struggling and wandering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now, we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.” unless I have surgery, but I don’t want to do that. But I can lift things and I can do things – I just have to be careful.” Cindy is even thinking about picking up the golf clubs again. “I actually haven’t tried, but my son lately is like, Come on, we need to go out and give it a whirl, so I think that I probably will give it a try soon.” Anthony also notes improvement in his neuropathy symptoms since his treatment. “Now, my legs are fine,” he enthuses. “I walk without the wobbling and I go up and down stairs. I can do anything that I really want to do. It doesn’t handicap me from living a nice life.” Dr. Simpson does not work alone. A dedicated staff that provides exceptional services in a warm, welcoming environment supports him. The office and staff get rave reviews from both Cindy and Anthony. “Everyone there is very nice,” remarks Cindy. “Most of them have been there a long time, and everybody is very friendly, courteous and helpful. You always feel at home when you go there.” “It’s tops,” Anthony says of the office. “I tell you that staff is just wonderful. They’re professional, but they’re cheerful. You always get a Good morning from everybody you walk by. The offices are cheerful and clean. It’s just a pleasant experience to go in there. “I’m just a happy customer,” he continues. “I have no problems. I have no hesitation whatsoever highly recommending Simpson clinic.” Cindy agrees. For her, it’s most important for anyone seeking chiropractic care to trust in his or her provider. “You need to find somebody you feel With her pain under control, Cindy is thinking of picking up her golf clubs once again. comfortable with, and Dr. Simpson is someone who’s like that,” she notes. “He makes everyone feel comfortable.” About going to Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center she adds, “Overall, it’s a great experience!” FHCN “Yes” to life Tre a t m e n t a t Si m p s o n Ad va n c e d Chiropractic & Medical Center has made a significant impact for both Cindy and Anthony. For Cindy, it means the difference between living in excruciating pain and being able to manage her daily tasks. “I think it’s great,” says Cindy. “The minute I start to feel like there’s just too much pain, then I go in and get my adjustments and I do the different types of treatments, and it subsides. “It never goes away completely. There’s no way that it will ever go away completely BODY GRAPHIC FROM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM - FHCN PHOTOS BY NERISSA JOHNSON Many people with lower back conditions, including Anthony and Cindy, also suffer with numbness, tingling and/or pain down one or both legs that can affect standing and walking. The cause most likely is a debilitating disorder called peripheral neuropathy, a common condition with devastating effects that is believed to be incurable. “Approximately twenty million Americans suffer from some sort of neuropathy,” describes Dr. Simpson. “Symptoms can occur in patients with a wide variety of conditions, including restless legs syndrome and sciatica, and it has even been recently linked to statin drugs used to lower cholesterol.” Neuropathy develops when there is damage somewhere along the peripheral nervous system, the vast network of nerves that transmit impulses from the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord – out to the rest of the body and back again. The result is that the messages from the brain to the body get distorted, and that leads to symptoms. “Th e complications associated with neuropathy vary depending on the cause of the nerve damage,” explains Dr. Simpson. “Some neuropathies can be fatal. In fact, one of the most common causes of death in people over the age of sixty is a complication from a fall due to balance issues caused by numb feet.” Falls can also lead to broken hips and concussions. Foot ulcers (open wounds) that develop on the skin and can’t heal due to the lack of blood supply to the affected area are another complication of neuropathy. In addition to the walking and balance issues from being unable to feel the feet, Breakthrough treatment protocol addresses the cause of painful neuropathy symptoms. The Simpson family – Jessica, Brander and Dr. Charles – are happy to welcome new patients to their “family” at the center. nmedical.com. They can also be found on Facebook and LinkedIn. Page 8 | Florida Health Care News | Summer 2015 | Martin County Edition Comprehensive Dentistry PHOTO COURTESY OF STUART PERIODONTICS, P.A. Gentle Periodontal Treatment Revolutionary laser technology achieves predictable outcomes without incisions or bone grafting. I “ was having some dental work done by a local dentist,” recalls Edward M. Reichbach, PhD, 85, “and she said, You’ve got periodontal disease. You need to go to an expert.” The earliest and most common form of periodontal disease is gingivitis, where the gums become inflamed and tend to bleed easily. The condition can escalate to a more serious stage of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Such was the case for Dr. Reichbach, who was subsequently referred to C. Nicholas DeTure, DMD. “I went to Dr. DeTure and learned that I was a candidate for treatment,” he says. “They are the nicest people I have ever worked with in a dentist’s office, and Dr. DeTure did a fantastic job.” The LANAP® solution Dr. DeTure and his partner, Robert D. Follweiler, DDS, offer state-of-the-art laser treatment for periodontal disease in their Stuart office. Dr. Reichbach’s periodontal chart shows that he is much improved after treatment. Before After “Periodontal disease affects somewhere between fifty and seventy-five percent of the US adult population,” notes Dr. DeTure. “It’s transmissible, so you can pass it on to family members. Periodontal disease has been linked to everything from premature birth to stroke to coronary artery disease.” STUART PERIODONTICS, P.A. C. NICHOLAS DETURE, DMD ROBERT D. FOLLWEILER, DDS Traditional periodontal treatment was invasive and uncomfortable for the patient. Fortunately, Stuart Periodontics offers LANAP, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure. Unlike traditional periodontal treatment, LANAP uses a laser that gently stimulates the gum tissue without the need for incisions or stitches. “LANAP is a patented, FDAapproved procedure,” assures Dr. DeTure. “It’s less invasive than traditional periodontal disease treatment, yet equally effective. LANAP provides predictable outcomes, easier recovery for patients and less recession or sensitivity after treatment. “Not all lasers are created equal. Th is one was specifi cally designed to remove dark-pigmented material, such as inflamed, infected gum tissues. The bacteria that cause infection tend to have darker pigmentation to them,” clarifi es the dentist. “Th is laser is the only wavelength out there that will actually clot a bleeding vessel, so it’s perfect for treating infection. “LANAP is a more aesthetic way of treating gum infection, because we are able to preserve much more tissue,” emphasizes Dr. DeTure. “If someone has gum disease that is affecting their front teeth, this gives them a better result appearance-wise than traditional treatment, and it’s also a much more comfortable procedure.” “The best” practice Dr. Reichbach appreciates all that Dr. DeTure has done for him, right from his initial consultation. “It was done in one session,” he recalls, “and the laser does all the work. You don’t feel a thing. Being an ex-combat veteran, I can take a little bit of discomfort, and Dr. DeTure wrote me a prescription for some pain pills, but I never used it: I had no pain whatsoever.” The retired professor was also pleasantly surprised to receive a follow-up phone call from Dr. DeTure himself. “He called me that night and the next morning to ask me how I felt, and I said, I feel terrific! I’ve been to dentists all around the world, and theirs is the best dental practice I have ever seen.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Visit Stuart Periodontics on the web at www.follweilerperio.com. “I expected pain, but I didn’t get any,” says Dr. Reichbach. “I was totally surprised.” C. Nicholas DeTure, DMD, is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and completed three years of graduate training in periodontology and implantology at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Robert D. Follweiler, DDS, has been practicing periodontal medicine on the Treasure Coast for 30 years. He received his degree from Temple University Dental School in Philadelphia. Dr. Follweiler is a member of The American Academy of Periodontology and The Florida Periodontal Association. We help save your teeth To schedule an appointment, call Stuart Periodontics at (772) 283-1400. The office is located at 901 E. Ocean Blvd. in Stuart. Hearing Health Care Tech with a touch With natural binaural hearing, or hearing BRUCE KAUFMAN, LHAS with both ears, information collected in one ear is automatically shared with the other ear, enabling sound to be heard clearly in background noise. With the new Siemens binax BestSound® Technology, which simulates binaural hearing, background sound does not interfere with the patient’s hearing ability. “The binax is a completely automatic hearing instrument,” explains Bruce. “When a patient is wearing them, the hearing instruments will adjust to the environment and communicate back and forth with each other so that the user never has to make an adjustment. “They’re the first of their kind, and I have had a well over ninety percent success rate in the patients that have used them.” Bruce is thrilled to be able to offer his “PROFESSIONAL SERVICE IN A PERSONAL WAY” Bruce Kaufman and the staff of Kaufman Hearing Care look forward to providing hearing help with personal care to the readers of Florida Health Care News. To make an appointment, call (772) 882-1940. The office is located within Eastport Pharmacy at 8972 South US Highway 1 in Port St. Lucie. FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON F ormer firefighter George Snyder blames his work with the New York City Fire Department for the hearing loss that plagues him in his retirement. He blames himself for refusing for so long to get the help he needed to improve the hearing that remains. “I think of all the years I spent in the fire department with the siren blasting all the time,” he relates. “We were a very busy company, so we were out all the time. My hearing started to go away. But I guess, if push comes to shove, I just didn’t want to wear hearing aids.” When Bruce Kaufman of Kaufman Hearing Care in Port St. Lucie came to the community where George lives, George was impressed enough to have his hearing tested. Bruce determined that George did, indeed, need hearing aids, and George trusted Bruce’s recommendation. “He was a very nice man,” George says of Bruce. “He showed me exactly what was wrong. I was very happy with him.” patients advanced technology like the binax, but he believes it is only as good as the hearing care professionals behind it. His mission is to provide personalized care that makes the technology truly functional for the patient. “I believe it’s important to take time to really teach my patients so that they become knowledgeable, successful users of hearing instruments,” describes Bruce. “It’s one thing to have the technology. It’s another thing when someone is there to explain it and to show the patient exactly how hearing It amazed George to find out that truly works.” his sneakers made noise on the After 24 years of serving concrete floor at work. the hearing-impaired community in West Palm Beach, the concrete floor,” notes George. Bruce has chosen the Port St. Lucie area “I would recommend Mr. Kaufman to celebrate the concluding years of his to anybody who asks me about hearing career. His practice is also conveniently aids. He is very good at his profession. located for easy patient access in the And if you have a hearing problem like I Eastport Pharmacy. do, and you’re vain about it, you have to “I’ve decided to complete my career put that aside because you don’t realize by giving back to the community in Port what you’re missing. I’m very happy with St. Lucie by offering the most caring, them. It’s better all the way around.” helpful service at the most affordable FHCN–Patti DiPanfilo prices in the area,” he says. Sound sensation George is amazed at the things he can hear with his new hearing aids and is thrilled with the service he receives from Bruce at Kaufman Hearing Care. “I wear sneakers to work because I walk eight to ten miles a day, and I never knew that my sneakers made a sound on Bruce Kaufman, LHAS, a state-licensed hearing aid specialist, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from New H a m p s h i r e C o l l e g e. H e received a special recognition award from Miracle-Ear for Outstanding Service in Caring for the Hearing Impaired in March, 1992. Mr. Kaufman is a long-term member of the Florida Hearing Aid Society. Martin County Edition | Summer 2015 | Florida Health Care News | Page 9 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Range of Motion Restored Outpatient disc replacement procedure offers a leading-edge alternative to disc fusion surgery. I “ guess you could say I’m kind of a tomboy,” reflects Lori Hengber. “I’m really big into water-skiing, swimming, four-wheeling and things like that. I’m not afraid of doing a whole lot of anything.” SCOTT S. KATZMAN, MD, P.A. CENTER FOR ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT 3355 Burns Rd., Suite 304 Palm Beach Gardens 3500 Tyler St. Hollywood 499 E. Central Pkwy., Suite 130 Altamonte Springs 652 Palm Springs Dr. Altamonte Springs 2401 Frist Blvd., Suite 7 Fort Pierce Dr. Katzman explains that patients who have neck problems like disc herniation, cervical stenosis, foraminal stenosis and radiculopathy are treated by most surgeons in the country with a fusion [ACDF] procedure. “This surgical technique requires placement of a device into the disc space, typically locking it into position with screws and plates,” he describes. Rather than a fusion, Dr. Katzman prefers to use an artificial disc implant made of a combination of titanium and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyurethane. He notes that artificial disc replacement has become a well-established procedure in recent years, comparable to total knee or hip replacement. “Disc replacement has actually been FDA-approved for years, although there are not many surgeons offering this procedure yet in the US,” observes the doctor, who has been performing artificial disc replacement for more than a decade. “We now have between ten and fifteen years of data showing its effectiveness.” The skilled surgeon explains that the replacement procedure has several significant advantages over traditional fusion surgery. “A fusion doesn’t move; an artifi cial disc does. Fusion requires a brace for several months; an artificial disc requires none. A fusion can stress the adjacent segments of the spine; with an artificial disc, there’s no extra stress.” Artificial disc replacement is performed on an outpatient basis with no significant restrictions. Moreover, patients are able to resume normal activities within days, not months. “Because the disc itself is moveable, the patient is able to move right away,” emphasizes Dr. Katzman. “Unlike spinal fusion, which requires a lengthy recovery and limits mobility permanently, the disc replacement procedure enables patients to return to activities quickly. It’s an impressive advance, and one that renders the old fusion procedure virtually obsolete. We are now one of the leading centers in the world that is performing these disc replacement procedures.” “Very, very happy” Lori was pleased with her surgery, both in terms of how it went that day and also the results themselves. “Every day I’m feeling better and better,” marvels Lori, shown here with husband Peter and grandson Xavier. “It was a good experience,” she assures. “Everyone was very kind, pleasant and patient that morning. They came into the room and introduced themselves and told me what they would be doing. I just had a peace that everything was going to be all right.” Her return to leisure activities has been especially rewarding for Lori. “Water sports and swimming are really big for me,” she reminds, “but I couldn’t really swim that well because when you’re doing free strokes, your head goes up a bit and you have to turn it around, back and forth. I would end up with really bad headaches just from swimming laps in the pool or the ocean.” In addition to the resolution of the nerve problem that caused her to drop objects, Lori also has found great relief for pain problems she had carried for decades. “I was experiencing both severe headaches and severe pain in my legs for thirty years,” she says, “and living with pain for thirty years is no fun. Since the surgery, even that has gotten better. Walking, Scott S. Katzman, MD, is bo ard cer ti fied by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California at San Diego and earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Katzman served his general surgery internship at the University of California, San Francisco, and his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, where he also completed a spine mini-fellowship. Dr. Katzman has published and lectured extensively on topics in orthopedic surgery, and he is a leader in the development of minimally invasive joint replacement techniques. getting in and out of a car, standing up from a hard seat, sitting at a desk for long periods of time – these were all huge tasks for me. Getting up in the morning was a task. Holding my grandbabies was becoming difficult toward the end. That scared me, because I was afraid I might drop them.” She appreciates Dr. Katzman and his staff both for listening to her concerns and for providing the right solution for her. “I’m very, very happy,” adds Lori. “I knew there was something that needed to be done years ago, but I didn’t want to do a fusion with the plates and screws. I was looking for someone who would do something better than that. The day after surgery, I was actually back to work. “I brag about Dr. Katzman to everyone I meet who shares with me that they’re in pain, because what I experienced has been a very positive thing in my life.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Benefits of artificial disc replacement vs. traditional spinal fusion • • • • • • Full range of natural motion Decrease in pain and stiffness Faster recovery No brace requirement No screws Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure Learn more online at www.centerforartificialdiscreplacement.com or www.advancedhere.com GRAPHIC COURTESY OF CENTER FOR ARTIFICIAL DISC REPLACEMENT A leader in minimally invasive spine surgery Call (888) 975-2127 for all locations: Artificial disc replacement PHOTO COURTESY OF LORI HENGBER Unfortunately for Lori, her fearless attitude comes in spite of her sustaining some injuries – including one at an early age. “I hurt my back when I was nineteen,” she explains. “I did all kinds of different procedures for it: chiropractic care, epidural blocks, cortisone injections, acupuncture, massage therapy. You name it, I’ve done it.” More recently, Lori began to experience symptoms that were not only unprecedented for her but also unusual for someone still in her forties. “I started falling, and I started dropping things,” she recalls. “It was like I didn’t have any strength in my hands to grip things.” After getting an MRI and discussing her case with a surgeon, Lori was more distressed than ever. “The surgeon’s office told me what I already knew, that I had herniated discs in my neck and spinal stenosis. They said that they would go in and do a surgery with some cadaver bone. That was in March 2014, but then I never heard from them for the next six months. When I called to request that my MRI reports be sent back, they called me back to discuss a completely different procedure for my neck. That scared me.” On the recommendation of her boss, Lori consulted Scott S. Katzman, MD, and the Center for Artificial Disc Replacement in Palm Beach Gardens. The response from Dr. Katzman’s office was worlds away from her experience with the previous surgeon’s practice. “My husband, Peter, and I met with Dr. Katzman, and he is a very nice gentleman,” she assures. “I believe he spent over two and a half hours with us, going over everything. He explained that my neck would get worse if I continued to do the things I typically do, like water sports, and that I could even become paralyzed. So we went ahead and scheduled a procedure with him.” Page 10 | Florida Health Care News | Summer 2015 | Martin County Edition Chiropractic Stop Neck Pain and Ease Sinus Infections Treatment also brings relief from headaches and other symptoms simultaneously. L aura Vinci was suffering with multiple symptoms. “I had severe, chronic neck pain, and I mean chronic,” describes the Real Estate of Florida Realtor. ATLAS CHIROPRACTIC OF PALM CITY THOMAS D. KLEINMAN, DC The Atlas procedure Dr. Kleinman, a local chiropractor, has used a protocol known as the atlas orthogonal procedure for more than 25 years. This procedure is based on maintaining the precise alignment of the first cervical, or atlas, vertebra. It is called the atlas because it holds up the head, just as the titan Atlas holds up the world in Greek mythology. According to Dr. Kleinman, it is the balance of the head on the neck that controls the body’s posture and is the key to good health. Misalignment of the atlas vertebra causes the spine to twist in order to maintain its balance. This twist can pinch nerves and put pressure on the spinal cord or the brain stem itself. This can cause a myriad of symptoms sometimes not even thought to be associated with the spine. “The human body is an incredible healing mechanism,” observes the doctor. “However, the trick to health care is to find the cause of the symptoms and correct it. Just treating the symptoms will have little long-term effect. “In Laura’s case, as in so many like hers, the problem of misalignment of her atlas vertebra caused a constellation of symptoms, but the focus was fi rst, of course, on her pain. Once the pain was correctly addressed, everything else functioned better.” Laura is now approximately onethird of the way through her treatment. “I feel fi fty million times better,” she marvels. “I knew from the results of my first treatment that I was in the right place, and now my neck pain is already ninety percent better. My ears feel much less stuffed up and are improving, the Whole Food Nutrition Offered Dr. Kleinman has incorporated whole food nutrition from Standard Process® as part of his wellness program. He invites you to learn more about the role of whole food nutrition in reversing disease. Workshops are held at Atlas Chiropractic of Palm City, located in the Palm City Professional Center, 1516 SW Mapp Road. Please call (772) 781-9987 for further information. FHCN FILE PHOTO Following a couple of childhood incidents involving her neck, Laura was a passenger in a motor vehicle accident in 1998. “It was pretty bad, she recounts. When I regained consciousness, I was shocked that I hadn’t broken my neck. However, the pain did get significantly worse. If I turned my head to the right or left, or tried bending it back, the pain was excruciating. I had a lot of headaches, and was always getting sinus infections. I could feel that my posture was no longer correct. Plus, since 2006, my ears had been consistently stuffed up, I was having dizzy spells and I was plagued with fatigue.” Laura says she sought help on several fronts: “I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and went through physical therapy. I was treated by a chiropractor in Connecticut, which helped somewhat, but I still suff ered neck pain every day. I saw a couple of different allergists about my ears. They talked about treating the symptoms, but didn’t address the underlying problem. “I’m living with all of this, thinking that I would be like this for the rest of my life. I thought, What’s going to happen to me when I’m older? “Th en I saw an article in Florida Health Care News about another patient with multiple symptoms similar to mine who found help. I thought, If someone can help me after all of these years, it would be a miracle.” Laura scheduled an appointment with Dr. Thomas Kleinman. Laura says the change in her health has been dramatic. headaches are much better, the episodes of dizziness are regressing, and I have much more energy. “It’s been the biggest blessing of my life, and it happened within such a short time period.” Laura says Dr. Kleinman is wonderful to work with: “He’s phenomenal. He has such compassion for his patients, and the staff makes you feel so welcome. “The entire place emits a positive light.” FHCN Thomas D. Kleinman, DC, is board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He holds advanced degrees in the pharmaceutical sciences and neurology. He has formerly practiced as a registered pharmacist in both hospital and retail settings. He has been in private practice as a chiropractor for 32 years. Ophthalmology Eye Floaters? Laser treatment for eye floaters is safe and effective. E sign. By the statutory definition of legal word to more ophthalmologists that this blindness, that would qualify, if only for is a safe technique,” he explains. “And the short period of time the floater was even more than that, we need to educate in your field of vision.” ophthalmologists that in many instances, Patients with eye floaters of this size − eye floaters can disable. even if their vision is perfect − are actually “The current ophthalmic dogma is quite disabled, stresses Dr. Geller. “Most that an ophthalmologist will say, Well, I ophthalmologists don’t seem to under- have floaters; what are you complaining stand that when a patient is complaining about? So they write off the patient and of serious eye floaters, but their vision is tell them it will go away. In most cases, 20/20, they are actually having a real prob- this is true, but the patients that come to lem,” he says. “It’s not something that’s me have serious problems.” SOUTH FLORIDA EYE CLINIC only in their mind.” When eye floaters are severe, some SCOTT L. GELLER, MD Dr. Geller should know: he is ophthalmologists may offer a vitrecone of the most recognized eye floater tomy, the surgical removal of the gel “By our usual definition, of course laser specialists in the where the floaters not,” says Scott Geller, MD, a board- United States and “ONE OF THE LEADING reside. However, this is rare because the certified ophthalmologist at South around the world. Florida Eye Clinic in Fort Myers who has “ We h a v e h a d EYE FLOATER FACILITIES operation has some a special interest in the treatment of eye patients come from all serious drawbacks IN THE US” floaters. “But imagine if you only had over the world to our www.vitreousfloaters.com and complications, one good eye. Imagine that the floater in facility in Fort Myers and it is an expensive, it was so large that when it came across for treatment,” says Dr. Geller. “Many invasive procedure. your field of vision, you could not even patients come from countries where However, the complication rate for see the big E on the eye chart. Imagine medicine is socialized, and there is a laser treatment of eye floaters is very low. if it were a car on the highway or a road lack of training and proper equipment. Furthermore, there is no risk of infecDuring the past twenty years, we have tion with laser since there is no cutting treated thousands of patients and have with a scalpel. performed nearly twenty thousand laser Dr. Geller has treated many medisessions.” cal doctors for their eye floaters as well. “When other doctors and ophthalMaster of floater treatment mologists come to you for their own Dr. Geller is a master of this treatment problems, I would say that speaks for modality. He has trained doctors from itself. We love doing laser surgery on Holland, Italy, the United States and eye floaters, and love dealing with our Central America. “We need to spread the patients on a personal basis.” FHCN FHCN PHOTOS BY MARC EDWARDS ye floaters − those tiny specks or strings that float into your field of vision periodically − can be concerning. Typically caused by age-related changes to the vitreous humor, the thick fluid inside the eye, eye floaters become more common with age. But can they cause blindness? 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 student fellowship 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. For eye floater solutions... Call Dr. Geller at (239) 275-8222 or toll-free at (877) 371-3937. South Florida Eye Clinic is located at 4755 Summerlin Rd. in Fort Myers. www.vitreousfloaters.com Martin County Edition | Summer 2015 | Florida Health Care News | Page 11 Vascular Surgery AGE Is Just a Number S Advances in surgical techniques allow skilled surgeon to operate on 101-year-old patient. allie de Barcza was having dinner with her mother, Chaille Tullis, at home one evening last February when her mother went to get up from the table. “She got up and pivoted right back into the chair and said, I can’t do this,” recalls Sallie, 78, who was visiting from New Jersey for the winter. “She went totally unconscious and unresponsive.” VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL & VEIN ASSOCIATES PRANAY T. RAMDEV, MD, FACS JUSTIN M. GALOVICH, MD As Sallie tried to revive her mother, a home health aide called 911. “Between her falling into the chair and being in the emergency room at Indian River Hospital was a maximum of twenty minutes,” recalls Sallie. “It was amazing.” It turned out that Mrs. Tullis, 101, who still lived alone in her Vero Beach home, had suffered a serious stroke as a result of a blocked carotid artery. She was hospitalized for two weeks and saw a myriad of physicians, including Justin M. Galovich, MD, a vascular surgeon at Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates. Dr. Galovich initially determined that due to the severity of the blockage and Mrs. Tullis’ age, there wasn’t much that could be done. However, “about twenty minutes later, he called me on my cellphone,” remembers Sallie. “He had gone back and looked at the MRIs and the CT scans that had been done in the hospital, and he said, I think it’s possible something can be done, but I want Dr. Ramdev to take a look at it.” Pranay T. Ramdev, MD, a board-certified vascular surgeon at Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates, determined that despite her age, Mrs. Tullis’ overall physical condition was good and that she was a candidate for a procedure that would prevent her from having another stroke. Bypass procedure “Mrs. Tullis was found to have a complete occlusion of the carotid artery and was having ongoing embolic events,” explains Dr. Ramdev. “In other words, little pieces of plaque were breaking loose and going to the left side of the brain, causing problems with the right side of her body. “Despite her age, until this point she was very with it and functional – she had been playing cards and doing all kinds of things with her friends – and was looking at the prospect of essentially becoming non-functional as she lost more brain tissue.” “This was a woman who was checking her stock portfolio twice a day on her computer,” notes Sallie, who conferred with Dr. Ramdev to determine the best course of action. “The options were to do nothing and accept the fact that at some point she would have a major stroke, or perform a bypass from the subclavian artery, a major artery in the upper chest, to provide blood flow to the brain and eliminate the source of the problem,” explains Dr. Ramdev. Sallie was assured of Dr. Ramdev’s surgical expertise and skill. “I ‘Googled’ him,” she admits. “I was confident. He has his medical degree from Dartmouth. He’s a Harvard fellow who has published, lectured and taught. To me, it was a no-brainer.” The surgical procedure essentially rerouted the blood flow around the obstruction in Mrs. Tullis’ left carotid artery, which eliminated the risk of stroke and permanent damage. “She has done remarkably well,” reports Dr. Ramdev. “She was in the hospital for a few days, and she is back to really great function now. Her short-term memory is not as good as it was, but I think for age one hundred and one, she’s doing fantastic.” FHCN PHOTOS BY NERISSA JOHNSON Physiologic age Pranay T. Ramdev, MD, FACS, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners – Parts I, II, III, and by the American Board of Surgery with a certificate of added qualification in vascular surgery. He earned his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, NH and served five years of general surgery residency at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital. Dr. Ramdev went on to complete a fellowship in vascular and endovascular surgery at Harvard University in Boston. Following his fellowship, he joined the faculty at the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Ramdev has been practicing vascular surgery for more than 12 years. Sallie (standing) is thrilled that her 101-year-old mother is nearly back to normal following carotid bypass surgery. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the average life expectancy in America is now 78.8 years − the highest it has ever been. Many retirees flock to Florida to enjoy their golden years, so our state has a particularly high percentage of older residents. However, just because one is a certain age doesn’t mean that he or she can’t be a candidate for complex surgical procedures. The health of the patient is what matters, not the year on the birth certificate. “I see patients in the hospital who are fifty years old, but they drink and smoke and essentially have the heart and body of a much older Justin M. Galovich, MD, is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California Santa Cruz and his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies. Dr. Galovich completed his internship at Harbor UCLA Medical Center followed by a residency at the University of California Irvine, where he was named chief resident. He completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in 2014. Dr. Galovich is a member of the Peripheral Vascular Surgical Society, the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. He practices out of the Sebastian office. person,” reports Dr. Ramdev. “On the other hand, we’ve got one hundred year olds, or ninety year olds, who are at an extremely high level of functioning. They’re able to do anything a sixty year old is able to do, but physicians often look at these patients and believe that they’re too old to have certain procedures. “However, it’s really a matter of how well individuals take care of themselves,” continues Dr. Ramdev. “Typically, patients who have reached the age of one hundred didn’t get there by abusing their bodies. They’ve taken care of themselves; they’ve eaten well. They’re non-smokers, non-drinkers. We talk about a physiologic age and a chronological age. There are one-hundred-yearold patients who have a physiologic age of seventy, and this is becoming more prevalent.” Moreover, advances in medicine mean that older patients no longer need to be automatically excluded from surgical consideration. “We should not just write patients off because of their age,” asserts Dr. Ramdev. “Thanks to advances in medicine, procedures that ten years ago would have required a major chest incision and a two-week hospitalization can now be done under a local anesthetic. We have a lot of ways of treating patients without any incisions at all.” Home and healing Mrs. Tullis has returned to her home in Oak Harbor and is doing very well, says Sallie, who is relocating to Florida permanently to continue assisting her mother. “We go to the club maybe five nights out of seven.” Even better, Mrs. Tullis’ prognosis is good. At a recent follow-up appointment at Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates, “the ultrasound showed that the artery is wide open and the blood is flowing,” says Sallie. “They said it was fantastic.” Sallie’s mother’s experience with Dr. Ramdev was second to none. “I’m going to sing Dr. Ramdev’s praises to the sky!” exclaims Sallie, adding that the entire team at Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates is excellent. “All of them are utterly professional,” she asserts, “but not stiff and unapproachable. I felt very comfortable with them.” FHCN–Melanie Casey FIND HELP Dr. Ramdev and Dr. Galovich welcome all calls regarding this article as well as other topics related to vascular issues. Offices are located at 960 37th Place, Suite 104 in Vero Beach, (772) 567-8482; 7925 Bay Street in Sebastian, (772) 646-4626 and 2215 Nebraska Avenue, Suite 1A, in Ft. Pierce, (772) 801-2108. Please visit www.VIVAMyVeins.com for more information. Page 12 | Florida Health Care News | Summer 2015 | Martin County Edition Dry Eye Treatment Dry Eye Disease Relieved Revolutionary testing and treatment offer hope for the pain, itching and blurriness of dry eyes. M ary Varnum has suffered with some longstanding challenges to her ocular health. “I had this burning in my eyes a long time ago, about twenty years ago, in fact,” she recalls. “It was burning and burning, and I went to several eye doctors. Finally, one of them referred me to Dr. Salinger.” THE DRY EYE SPA & V.I.P. LASER EYE CENTER CLIFFORD L. SALINGER, MD Revolutionary treatment “There are several worthwhile treatments for dry eye disease that have been used over the years,” reflects Dr. Salinger, “including hot compresses and anti-inflammatory steroid eye drops. Historically, these have been part of our comprehensive medical therapy for patients with dry eye disease. “Mary’s dry eye condition was severe, but we were able to achieve improvement in the frequency and severity of her symptoms with these treatments. However, she still had a long way to go because her dry eye disease was so significant.” Now in a convenient new location! Dr. Salinger is proud to present the latest breakthrough medical technology for dry eye disease. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call (561) 6247878. The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center is located at 11020 RCA Center Drive, Suite 2001, in Palm Beach Gardens. Also offering consultations in Stuart and Vero Beach. The System Fast • Noninvasive • Painless Effective • Long-lasting Considering all the factors When addressing dry eye disease, there are four factors to consider: exposure to the elements, inflammation, the quantity of tear production and, most importantly, the quality of the tears. “Dry eye disease is a chronic, progressive condition that requires some maintenance treatment,” explains Dr. Salinger. “It never completely goes away. We can get the symptoms under better control, but we don’t cure it. If we don’t treat it or we treat it inadequately, then it will progress. And when it’s more severe, it requires more intensive and more expensive treatment. The quality of tears is the most significant component that can be treated medically, and LipiFlow directly addresses the balance between the oil layer and the water layer, thereby improving tear film stability. “Dry eye disease patients are often treated for aqueous deficiency, or not “I have been going to Dr. Salinger for a long time, and I intend to continue,” says Mary. FHCN PHOTO BY NERISSA JOHNSON Clifford L. Salinger, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist, cornea and refractive surgeon and dry eye specialist, and the founder of The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center in Palm Beach Gardens. It turned out that Mary had keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea. “Keratitis causes open wounds on your corneas,” she explains. “It was like fires in my corneas. But when I went to Dr. Salinger, he got them all cleared up. I have been going to him ever since.” Over time, Mary developed symptoms of dry eye disease, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a problem that affects millions of Americans. Symptoms can include intermittent blurry vision, excess production of tears, itching, burning and stinging. “It was especially hard at work,” reports Mary, “because I work in an office on a computer. Staring at a computer all day doesn’t help, because you don’t blink as much. You also don’t want to lie in bed with a fan going, because that dries your eyes out, too.” For Mary, the problem was hard to tolerate. “It was constantly burning and running, and it kept my eyes blurry. It was just miserable.” Dr. Salinger offers both extensive testing and comprehensive treatment for dry eye in his practice. “We offer the LipiView® test for evaluating the oil layer of the eyes; lactoferrin for evaluating the aqueous, or water, layer; a test called IGE for evaluating the presence of allergy; tear osmolarity, which measures the salt concentration in the eyes; and a test called InflammaDry® for assessing the presence of inflammation.” When it comes to treatment, the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System from TearScience® provides a key part of the solution, even for seemingly hopeless dry eye cases that have persisted in spite of traditional comprehensive care. LipiFlow relieves blockages of the eyelid’s oil glands during a short office visit. Opening and clearing these blocked glands enhances the natural production of the oils that are needed for a healthy layer of tears on the surface of the eye. “The dysfunction within the oil glands is not particularly noticeable,” says Dr. Salinger, “and most eye doctors are not accustomed to searching for it. You have to actively look for it with specialized diagnostic equipment that most practices do not have. In fact, our office is one of very few in the state of Florida to have this technology, which uses infrared light to view the oil glands directly.” NOW AVAILABLE: BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY DNA TESTING FOR LASIK SAFETY enough of the water layer,” clarifies Dr. Salinger. “What we now know, however, is that the majority of the condition is typically caused by evaporative tear deficiency, not aqueous deficiency. This problem is primarily due to the dysfunction of the oil glands.” LipiFlow treatment jumpstarts the oil glands, emptying them of a lifetime of blocked-up material so that the new oil being produced is healthier and flows more naturally from the evacuated glands. “It is truly a revolutionary breakthrough for the treatment of chronic dry eye disease,” says Dr. Salinger. He reports that, since obtaining the LipiFlow technology in April of 2012, the practice has recorded that the vast majority of their patients achieve excellent, long-term results, feeling much more comfortable while using less medication. “Since we’ve had LipiFlow, we are finding that less than twenty percent of individuals have requested additional treatment. Approximately ninety percent of patients have reported that their symptoms have not returned at the one-year mark.” Dr. Salinger emphasizes that patients need to comply with the comprehensive treatment program – even if they are feeling better. “As they begin to feel better, dry eye disease patients sometimes reduce or discontinue their treatments, and their symptoms return. When the condition recurs, it’s often more severe and more difficult to address, so compliance is extremely important. It’s like high blood pressure or glaucoma: you don’t cure it, but you can control it. That is the recognized goal now for those of us who treat dry eye disease.” “It worked!” After all these years with Dr. Salinger, Mary is pleased to have such a strong doctor-patient relationship. “Dr. Salinger is very pleasant and he does such a good job,” she affirms. “I trust him. He’s been a very good doctor to me. I have been going to him for a long time, and I intend to continue going to him. I love him – he’s great.” Mary adds that even with just one treatment per eye, the LipiFlow technology has greatly benefited her, resolving the symptoms that appeared so stubborn, even with eye drops and hot compresses. “It didn’t take long,” she assures. “It was a couple of weeks before it took effect. Dr. Salinger said it would take a little bit, and he was right. It worked! “He treated both eyes and that was it; there was no second treatment. And all of a sudden, it was like my eyes just started clearing up. I haven’t had a problem since.” FHCN–Michael J. Sahno Clifford L. Salinger, MD, recipient of the “Heroes in Medicine” 2014, awarded by the Palm Beach County Medical Society, is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty certification in corneal and refractive surgery, and dry eye. After completing his undergraduate degree at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, he received his medical degree from UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ. Dr. Salinger completed an ophthalmology residency at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Cornea Society, and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. He is a past associate professor at the University of Rochester and has lectured extensively nationally and abroad. In addition to his volunteer work, traveling overseas on many occasions, he has been the education chairman for the Florida Society of Ophthalmology for more than ten years. Visit The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center on the web at www.TheDryEyeSpa.com.