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Weight Loss: An Integrated Approach

August 22, 2013 by christa

Obesity has gone global. Recent statistics have shown that approximately 1 Billion people are overweight on the planet and the two primary causes are increased consumption of a diet in processed foods with saturated fat and a decrease in exercise. Consider some of these statistics: 3 in 10 Americans are trying to lose weight at any one point in time; 35% of Americans are clinically obese; the top three disease killers in the US are related to obesity (heart disease, stroke and cancer) and American’s spend $40 billion on diet related products annually. Alarming.

Research has shown that diet alone will not keep weight lost off alone. Fitness factors in as well. Actually, 80% of dieters are trying to lose weight alone and studies show that 90-95% of dieters will gain the weight lost back within 1-5 years. Exercise is a key component of permanent weight loss, but not without consideration of diet as well. Exercise is also a key component and success factor for people who are successfully able to keep the weight loss off. The role of counseling has also been of great benefit for customizing a weight loss plan and the accountability factor in sticking to a new regime.

In addition to diet and exercise, new technologies and supplements are being introduced with some success into the weight loss arena such as: spa treatments, infrared saunas and the use of cold lasers to disrupt the fat cells, the products of which can then be excreted. Many are also using mobile technology for an accountability “buddy”, calculation and tracking of weight loss and fitness goals. No matter what individual plan entails, gradual, realistic lifestyle changes over time have been shown to produce long term results.

Ekow Wilmot

Owner of BalanceDiet
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Professional Body Builder x20 years
Certified professional trainer (AFAA Aerobics and Fitness Assoc of America)
Body temple of God, commitment to never using unnatural aids, helps others by providing health, fitness, nutrition guidance to those wanting natural solutions
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Butch Wesley

NSCA certified strength & conditioning coach
NSCA certified personal trainer
USA Weightlifting certified sports performance coach
Former Athletic Coordinator-Clayton County Parks & Recreation
NAYS certified Youth Sports Administrator
NCAA Football National Championship Jacksonville State University
Assistant strength & conditioning coach Jacksonville State University

Lisa burris

Graduate of Western Michigan University, BA in Business Administration
Worked closely with family for 11 years then moved to Florida
Established as Marketing director in a physicians office, introduced and certified as a laser tech and is what brought her to Atlanta
15 years experience in business, equipped with multitude of skills including management, marketing, health and medicine applications, business operations and exemplary customer service
Set apart from other candidates by: Penchant for organization, eye for detail, positive and personable nature, ability to multitask and perform in a fast paced environment

Exciting New Drug Therapies for Hepatitis

August 16, 2013 by christa

Hepatitis remains a global problem

Hot on the heals of World Hepatitis Day, which was July 28,2013, hepatitis remains a global problem. Viral hepatitis is a disease for both developed and developing countries that causes an estimated 1-3 million deaths globally and can often- well, be prevented! This disease can cause unnecessary suffering. Viral hepatitis is a group of five unrelated viruses (A, B, C, D and E) that can cause both acute and chronic infections, some of which do not cause symptoms and can lay dormant for decades before people learn they are infected. Like some heart diseases, viral hepatitis can be a “silent killer.” Symptoms can later show up and lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer long after exposure.

Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B is treatable. Common symptoms of hepatitis infections include nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain and dark urine. Transmission of the virus varies as to the virus type. Diagnosis is made through blood tests that can identify the virus. Many acute viral hepatitis infections resolve spontaneously. However, chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and death. Treatment involves symptom management, drug treatment and in extreme cases, liver transplant.

This segment of The Doctors Roundtable will feature Dr. Enrique Martinez, a highly acclaimed hepatologist based in Atlanta, who will discuss the basic information around Hepatitis A, B and C as well as at risk populations and exciting new drug therapies on the horizon. Listeners may also visit the following online websites for additional resources: www.atlantagastro.com, www.cdc.gov/hepatitis and www.hepatitisfoundation.org.

Dr. Enrique J. Martinez

MD training at University of So. FLA
Internship, residency and fellowship in IM at USF
Board-certified in IM and Gastro
Advanced training at University of Miami in Hepatology and Liver Transplantation
Widely published in text and peer review journals, a noted lecturer in liver disease
Now practicing with Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates and based at Emory in the midtown location of ATL

Concussions and New Legislation

August 8, 2013 by christa

In the US, over 173K people were treated for concussion in the past year. In Georgia alone last year, Scottish Rite hospital treated over 1400 kids for concussion. A concussion is a violent shaking of the brain or blow to the head and it is the most common traumatic brain injury. Earlier this year, GA joined over 43 other states by enacting into law a bill addressing the issue of concussions in youth sports, called “The Return to Play Act of 2013.” Collision sports and recreation is a primary area where concussions can occur. There is no quick, definitive test for concussion and many go undiagnosed or untreated. Less than 10% of concussions occur with a loss of consciousness. Symptoms can occur weeks and days after the triggering event that causes a concussion.

Symptoms can include headache, weakness, numbness, slurred speech, amnesia, sleep disturbances, changes in cognitive function, irritability, etc. Recovery from concussion varies widely and there can be long term effects of concussion, especially repeated concussion. Treatment can include physical and cognitive rest, physical and occupational therapy, cognitive therapy. The new law focuses on baseline assessment, prevention, information on risk to parents, on the field assessment and medical clearance requirements prior to returning to play. Join us in this segment to learn about concussion, the new Georgia law, and what parents, coaches and players need to know. Listeners can also find more information at: www.cdc.gov/concussion, www.concussiontreatment.com and www.kidsandpros.com.

Dr. Angela Yi

Ph. D in Psychology with the Sports Concussion Institute in Los Angeles

Diane King, CTC, RD

GA Concussion Coalition and President, GA Athletic Trainer Association

Buddy Curry

Master Trainer with Kids and Pro’s, former Atlanta Falcon pro football player
Advocate for passage of GA HB 284 “Return to Play” concussion legislation

Affordable Care Act 2013: What Consumers and Employers Need to Know

August 1, 2013 by christa

On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in the United States. Since then, Americans have experienced some positive changes in health care reform such as: drug discounts, some tax credits, dependents’ coverage extending to age 26, and mandatory coverage of some preventive health screenings. By far, and even with recent delays, 2014 is poised to be the most active year for change brought about by ACA. Yet, recent polls showed that 6 in 10 Americans don’t know what to expect as far as health care reform that affects them in 2014. It has been estimated that 43% of Americans still do not know that individuals will be required to obtain essential health insurance in 2014 or they will pay a penalty.

The remaining months of 2013 will lay the groundwork for changes that become effective in 2014 for healthcare providers (fees), consumers (coverage) and businesses (benefit offerings). The Healthcare Marketplace and Small Business Health Option Program (SHOP) will be open on October 1 for policies effective Jan 1, 2014. Medicaid payments will increase for primary care providers in some states. Individuals with no health insurance coverage will now be mandated to obtain essential coverage. Preexisting conditions will mostly be a problem of the past. Millions of Americans are expected to find healthcare coverage. Join us in this segment of The Doctors’ Roundtable as we explore this highly relevant topic as three industry experts (representing law, consumers and employers) join us to discuss preparation for upcoming health care reform changes and we demystify some aspects of what is to come in a few short months with ACA. Listeners can also visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more.

Michele Madison

Partner at Morris, Manning and Martin law firm specializing in Healthcare practice

Jodie Braner

Vice-President of Hays Companies in Atlanta, Broker, Employee Benefits Division

Hospice and Palliative Care

July 25, 2013 by christa

End of life completion and closure is an experience each of us will need to deal with at some point in our life journey. Hospice and palliative care provides a program of support that includes medical, social, emotional and spiritual support through a multidisciplinary team of nurses, physicians, volunteers and social services. Hospice and palliative are often considered when there is a shift from usual medical treatment for a cure to end of life pain relief and support.

Hospice services are provided in hospice facilities, the patient’s home, long term care facilities and sometimes even hospitals. Twice as many people die in hospice care as in hospitals or nursing homes compared to 10 years ago. This type of care used to be thought of mostly for cancer patients. However , in recent years, services have been expanded to a wide range of diagnoses that qualify for care including Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Medicare is the primary payor of hospice services in the United States and hospice has become one of the fastest growing Medicare programs. It is also one of the program’s that has proven to be of value cost/ benefit wise as the Medicare saves approximately $2300 per patient, over the course of their end of life care. This segment of The Doctor’s Roundtable focuses on an overview of hospice services, how to qualify for these services, the benefits and principals of palliative care management.

Dr. Lisa Rosa Re’

MD at University of Seville, Spain
Family Medicine residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken, NJ
Completed fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City
Private practice at Family and Integrative Medicine in Roswell, GA
Specializing in integration of holistic and traditional medicine, a multi-linguistic practice

Ms. Mary Triplett

Program Director, Compassion Care Hospice

Dr. Lisa Rose Re and Mary Triplett on The Doctors Roundtable — The Doctors Roundtable Topic: Hospice and Palliative Care

Craig Ridley - Dr. Rosa Re - Mary Triplett - Tanya Mack — The Doctors Roundtable with Dr. Lisa Rosa Re and Mary Triplett on Hospice and Palliative Care

Preventive Cardiology for Women

July 19, 2013 by christa

When most women are asked what the leading cause of death is for women over 25 yrs of age in the US, the most common answer is “cancer.” However, the correct answer is heart disease. One in three women in the US will die of heart disease and about 8 million women in the US are living with heart disease at any one moment. First cardiac events are more fatal in women than men. Did you know that 42% of women who have a heart attack, will die within one year after this event compared to 24% of men? A woman’s heart is different.

Risk factors for women and men are well documented and many are preventable. Despite this, alarming trends in the prevalence of risk factors continues. Aggressive cardiac risk factor management, education and intercepting women at key points like childbearing and menopause, can be keys to better outcomes. Risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, poor lifestyle choices and family history. However, symptoms of a cardiac event in a woman differ from a man. Men report crushing chest pain with pain radiating down the left arm. Many women never experience this and report more atypical symptoms of a cardiac event including shortness of breath, nausea and unusual fatigue. Hormones and age are also influential with heart disease in women.

Effective treatment options are available to not only manage cardiac events but to slow down this often progressive disease process. Listen in to this segment to hear local cardiology expert, Dr. Jason Reingold address the topic of preventive cardiology for women. Understanding and managing cardiac risk factors today may reduce the chance of heart disease for women tomorrow.

Dr. Jason Reingold

MD from Emory University
Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology
Internal Medicine Residency program completed at UC San Francisco Med Ctr.
Completed cardiology fellowship at Mass General Hospital in Boston
Regular appearances on Sanjay Gupta’s CNN health program

Summer Skin Problems: Sunburn to Skin Cancer

July 4, 2013 by christa

Intense sunlight, humidity, poisonous plants and biting insects can add up to no fun in the summer sun and problems with our skin. Summertime means more time outdoors, but preparing for the sun with greater thought and planning is worth the prevention to make this outdoor time of year more pleasant. The lack of preventive efforts can allow ultraviolet (UV) rays with sun exposure to leave us with skin problems: sagging, wrinkles, burns rashes and uneven pigmentation.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Approximately 1:5 Americans will have it in their lifetime and it is 99% treatable if found early. It’s important we are aware of heat rash, bug bites, rosacea flare ups, increased acne, excessive sweating and sun exposure considering they are the leading contributors to skin cancer. These health concerns are greater during the summer.

There are many preventive measures and treatments that can help our skin health blossom during the summer time when lifestyles are more focused on the outdoors. In this segment, Dr. Ashley Curtis will discuss prevention, products, some new technologies such as MiraDry and the latest in lasers to help prepare and keep your skin in the best shape. For more information, listeners can visit www.dermatlanta.com.

Dr. Ashley Curtis

MD from Medical College of GA
Dermatology Residency program completed at Wake Forest University
Private practice at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Concierge Medicine

June 27, 2013 by christa

Where did the preferred old days of extended doctor –patient relationships go, in today’s healthcare system? Many are not only asking the question, but both physicians and patients are taking steps to get back to more of an extended knowledge and quality time relationship. Both physicians and patients are meeting their needs by joining the ranks of over 4400 primary care physicians practicing concierge medicine. Concierge medicine or “direct care” is a growing trend whereby the patient pays the physician an additional financial “retainer” (annually or by month) for enhanced benefits such as: 24/7 access, cell phone access, no wait times for appts, coordination of care and longer visit times.

Although there is controversy as to whether or not this delivery model promotes a two tiered health system, both patient and physician satisfaction levels are quite high. Physicians typically have more time to spend with patients during in office appointments as they care for a much smaller patient population (about 300-1000) than the traditional practice (3000-4000 patients). Typical services not included with a concierge physician: labs, ER visits, hospitalizations, medications, and consults outside of the practice.

Join concierge provider Dr. Ellie Campbell and Michael Tetreault, Editor-In-Chief of Concierge Medicine Today, as they discuss this growing trend from both a local medical practice and national trend perspective. Listeners can visit: www.campbellfamilymedicine.com and www.conciergemedicinetoday.com for more information on our great guests.

Dr. Eleanor Campbell

DO from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency in Family Medicine from Medical College of GA
Board certified in Family Medicine
Private practice in Cumming, GA since 2005

Michael Tetreault

Editor of national publication, Concierge Medicine Today

Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenetics

June 20, 2013 by christa

Personalized medicine is an emerging model that extends traditional approaches by using an individual’s genetic profile to guide medical decisions and treat illnesses. Genetics gives us a more detailed understanding of how genetic variability between people can be used to better predict a patient’s response to medicine, titrate doses, and significantly reduce adverse drug reactions. “One size does NOT fit all” in drug therapy. Low cost, easy to use gene testing is now available and moving closer to the mass market.

The FDA recently documented that genotyped patients receiving warfarin therapy are expected to have 31% fewer overall hospitalizations and 28% fewer bleeding incidents that may result in healthcare savings of $1.1B. Over 2 million adverse drug reactions are documented in the US annually and an estimated 100,000 deaths per year are caused by ADR’s in hospitals across the US . Like knowing your blood type, knowing a genetic baseline /genetic variations can be quite valuable. Patient profiles that benefit the most include: on 4+ medications, taking Warfarin (Coumadin) or Plavix, have unexplained symptoms, or where medications have not been effective.

Iverson Genetics, in Washington, is a leader in this exciting field. Today, on this segment, Dr. Christina Mailloux and Randy Satterlee will discuss “P4” medicine: predictive, personalized, preventive, and participatory new pharmacogenetic advances. Listeners can visit www.iversongenetics.com and www.personalizedmedicine.com to learn more.

Dr. Christina Mailloux and Randy Satterlee

Iverson Genetics