Dr. David R. Lach, owner of Lach Orthodontic Specialists, is giving back to the community in a variety of ways as part of his commitment to make East Orlando a better place to call home.

Free Colored, Customized Mouth Guards for Youth Sports Teams

In an effort to educate parents, coaches and young athletes about the prevalence of sports injuries and how many of these can be reduced or prevented by wearing proper protective mouth gear, Dr. Lach’s office will be providing free mouth guards to local sports teams.

“Accidents and injuries are a part of sports, but many involving the mouth can be avoided if proper mouth guards are worn,” says Dr. Lach. His office will be offering colored, custom fit mouth guards (valued at $250) free of charge as an alternative to the “one size fits all” guards found in sporting goods stores. “These special devices are carefully designed to provide optimal protection from facial and dental injuries during sports,” he says.

The office also welcomes players from all organizations to join them for an end of the season sports parties with food and games.

Promoting and Rewarding Positive Behavior

Dr. Lach would also like to acknowledge area youth’s accomplishments in academics, athletics, arts, music and community service through the use of the office’s Fin-Tastic Rewards Card.

“The program allows us to work directly with coaches, parents, teachers and community leaders to recognize our youth through a points system,” says Dr. Lach. “Participants simply track points and cash in on free prizes from retailers like StarBucks, McDonalds, Sports Authority, Target, Game Stop and iTunes.”

For complete details about the program, visit www.Lach-Ortho.com.

Smiles for Hope Foundation Offers Orthodontic Care to Kids in Need

The Smiles for Hope Foundation aims to provide orthodontic care for several patients each year that may not be able to obtain the assistance they require because of their financial or special situations.

“We have several children participating in our program now and each time they visit our practice for orthodontic treatment they arrive in style,” says Dr. Lach. “A stretch Hummer limo brings them to their appointment and while they’re here, we have a Family Fun Night of games, inflatables, free food and ice cream.”

Family Fun Nights are open and free to all patients and residents in the community.  Events are hosted every two months. Applicants can enter online or at the practice’s office.

Lach-Star Winner to Receive Free Braces

Recognizing that not everyone can receive free braces through the foundation, Dr. Lach created a contest to win free orthodontic care called “Lach-Star” which is open to all area children.

To enter, contestants must first post a video of themselves dancing, singing or performing to the practice’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LachOrthodonticSpecialists. Then, simply tag the video with “Lach Ortho” and have friends comment on the post.

The contest will end August 5. The top three finalists will perform onstage during the next Family Fun Night on August 9. The winner will receive free braces with the runners up going home with an iPod product.

If you would like more information, visit Lach-Ortho.com or call us 407-359-1960.

How do you choose which dentist to bring your child to for their back to school exam?  If you’re like most, you go by ‘word of mouth,’ right? In East Orlando, the word on the street is about the high quality dentistry found at Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Vista Lakes and Avalon Park performed by the dedicated practice co-owners, Dr. Michael J. Morra and Dr. Marc R. Chapkis. Ask around and your neighbors will tell you their experience at Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is one where they leave with not just a clean smile, but with a happy one.

The doctors have become known for making a patient’s time in the office as relaxing, educational and as stress free as possible since opening their doors in 2004. Current patients rave about how the staff goes above and beyond to educate them first and foremost as to why something is happening, and how they will help a smile look the best it ever has. “When a patient is educated about their dental care, they feel a lot better about what’s going on and what we’re doing, so we try to facilitate that as much as we can,” says Dr. Morra.

They provide all aspects of dental care to adults and children from routine cleanings, crowns, root canals, implants and extractions to cosmetic enhancements such as Invisalign and teeth whitening by Zoom!, a whitening system done in about an hour. “We strive to do all the little things that make their dental visit comfortable, to remind patients that personal service and attention to detail still matter,” says Dr. Chapkis.

The doctors combine their dedication with a “yes” mentality for patients, meaning they will do whatever it takes to see the patient as soon as possible. “We know patients have other obligations in their life and my not be able to wait if they have an emergency like some other offices will have them do.  Pain can’t wait, so we always see emergences the same day,” says Dr. Chapkis.

From giving personal reminder calls to checking insurance at every visit, the dental team at Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are there to make every visit as convenient as possible. “We know everyone has a hectic schedule, and that’s why we try our best to help each patient get better, quickly and safely,” says Dr. Morra. “We do our best to preauthorize treatment costs and benefits so there are no surprises. We try to keep everything as simple as possible for patients because we know what it’s like when the shoe is on the other foot.”

The goal is to ensure that each patient is fully aware of their treatment options and to be comfortable with the recommended treatment. “We’d like to think of ourselves as approachable, kind and compassionate; and that helps us get to know our patients better on our way to accomplishing whatever dental goals we’ve laid out with them,” says Chapkis.

For this time of year, they stress the importance of back to school checkups for kids. “If a child doesn’t have a routine check-up, parents may be setting them up for a lifetime of dental problems,” says Dr. Morra. “Back to school season is a great time for someone else to tell a child how important brushing their teeth really is and to share the consequences of not taking care of their teeth.”

Each operatory offers satellite television and comfortable dental chairs. Patients can choose to watch television or educational videos on the procedures being performed. The offices also offer digital X-rays, which allows for up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional X-rays. With their continuing education, they are up to date on the latest dental technology, including the use of gentile soft tissue lasers and the placing of dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Dr. Morra and Dr. Chapkis both agree that building rapport with patients is one of the most rewarding aspects of their job, aside from seeing a healthy smile they helped create. “We’re genuine people who try exceptionally hard to be the be

st at what we do, just like our patients,” says Dr. Chapkis.

To learn more…

Interested in learning how Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help you and your child? Contact one of their conveniently located offices to schedule an appointment today.

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at Vista Lakes

(Located at the corner of Lee Vista and Chickasaw trail in the Vista Lakes Publix Plaza)

6415 South Chickasaw Trail, Orlando, Fl, 32829

407.382.2282

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at Avalon Park

(Located in the Timber Springs Wal-mart Plaza)

425 S. Avalon Park Boulevard, Suite 500, Orlando, FL  32828

407.249.9292
www.DentistryAtVistaLakes.com

Article by Corey Gehrold

Personal service with a smile. Building meaningful relationships. Listening.

Those are the building blocks of every interaction Martin Federal Credit Union has with each of their members. It’s not an accident or happenstance; it’s a part of who they are, and who they have been for the past 33 years. As the credit union has continued to grow over the years, they have never wavered from putting clients first while providing a convenient, inviting alternative to traditional, large banks and chains.

Based locally in Orlando, Martin Federal is a community chartered credit union, which means anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and parts of Citrus County can become a member. They offer traditional financial products and services such as checking, savings and money market accounts, as well as most loan solutions - including new and used auto, first mortgages and home equity loans - at rates typically lower than traditional banks.

“We’re still fairly small compared with most banks, and our size allows us to get to know many of our members personally,” says Debbie Bullock, vice president of marketing for Martin Federal Credit Union. “We always try to take that extra step to ensure our member’s needs are met, and they tell us that dedication to personal service is what sets us apart from the rest.”

In fact, Bullock says it’s not unusual for members to come in, be referred to by name and given a hug before swapping a few family stories with their trusted Martin Federal staffer. One of the ways they can do that is thanks to the design of the new Martin Federal branch across from Legacy Middle School. The open and inviting layout includes a concierge desk right up front and what Martin Federal calls “dialog stations” throughout the branch where the staff assists customers while standing next to them, not separated by a glass partition. “This branch was created and built to serve our community for a long time. One of our initial goals was to eliminate the ‘barrier’ that the traditional teller counter created,” she says. “Standing side-by-side with us is far less intimidating to members, and it helps facilitate our conversation a bit easier.”

Not to be left solely with face-to-face options, Martin Federal has also invested heavily in their electronic banking components as well. Recently, the company even launched an iPhone app for banking, and an Android app is on the way by early this month. “We have a top notch online banking platform that offers our members a budgeting tool called Finance Works at no cost,” says Bullock. “We also offer free online bill pay services and free text banking for our members to take advantage of.”

Still, at the end of the day, for Martin Federal it’s all about the level of personal service they deliver to every client, no matter what they’re doing - just like you’d experience in other industries. “I relate what we do to businesses most everyone uses, like a dry cleaner. I love mine because they’re close, they do a great job and they always greet me by name with a smile,” says Bullock. “It’s clean, inviting and there’s always someone there to help me - just like us.”

“As long as we provide top-notch, innovative products while delivering excellent customer service, our members will stay loyal,” she continues. “We’re not the biggest in Central Florida, but we continue to strive to be the best.”

Interested in opening an account or leaning more about Martin Federal Credit Union?

Martin Federal Credit Union

11411 Lake Underhill Road

Orlando, FL 32825

407.857.6328 - www.MartinFCU.org

Article by Corey Gehrold

Though times may be tough, they’re not always filled with doom and gloom. While larger companies reel in budgets and take anchor through a stormy economy, smaller businesses adapt quickly, allowing them to make a big splash in a competitive marketplace.

After gaining popularity among locals, Eastside Bistro decided to expand their venue in summer 2010. “Our decision was based on our volume. We were turning away several large parties on many nights, we were on a wait and they wanted to be sat immediately,” says Shelly Gref, owner of Eastside Bistro. “We were getting calls for large parties of 50 or more people and we did not have enough room.”

Ever since their expansion, feedback from the community has been great according to Gref. Customers have even inquired about extending their hours. With the additional space, business does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Reservations for weddings, rehearsal dinners and bridal and baby showers continue to fill up the schedule. “We are the only venue on this side of town that has an upscale, comfortable and affordable feel,” says Gref. Offering a quality product at an affordable price, Eastside Bistro is an everyday kind of place.

Being a part of a community offering booming business growth and a newly added medical school, The Digestive and Liver Center of Florida near the corner of Dean and Lake Underhill roads chose to expand their facility to fit a growing need. “To have access to medical care for East Orange County, we decided to expand our office so that we can see patients on the same day and perform same day procedures if needed,” explains Harinath Sheela, MD. “This helps avoid visits to the hospital.”

The new facility, offering nearby highway access, ample parking and comforting office décor, also has updated software to decrease wait times. With the addition of a patient-resource area, individuals will now be able to research conditions and print materials for their appointment. “The new process will empower patients, which will lead to better outcomes,” says Sheela. Since expanding, the facility has received excellent reviews from both staff and clients. Recognizing continuous growth among the healthcare industry, Sheela remains optimistic about the economy. In addition, The Digestive and Liver Center of Florida ensures it is prepared for upcoming adjustments in healthcare laws.

Not only have new business headquarters recently opened in Avalon Park, venues will continue to develop over the next year. Set to open between summer and fall 2011, Avalon Park will add a sushi restaurant, a bridal event coordination business, a florist and a jewelry shop. In addition, construction will soon begin on a 120-bed assisted living facility. “This will help make Avalon Park a well-rounded community where you can truly live your whole life,” says Stephanie Hodson, marketing director of Avalon Park. Although business remained strong through the downturn of the economy, the community now stands with its highest occupancy levels ever at around 98 percent including office, retail and apartments. “We have a unique niche here that is hard to find in a typical suburbia,” says Hodson. “The real strength of Avalon is word of mouth advertising from residents and those who come in from outside the community.” With a demand for residential apartments and office space, Avalon Park will continue to thrive in coming years while offering a place for individuals and families to live, work and play.

The next time you’re out on the town, be sure to check out local expanding businesses and see how they’ve prospered through a challenging market.

Article by Carol Galbicsek

Have you ever felt dissatisfied with the way that insurance companies operate or the manner that doctors typically rush patients in and out of their offices? Dr. Ismael Beloso and the dedicated staff at Changes Medical & Wellness Spa did - and they did something about it in 2008, opening their own office that successfully blends health care, total body wellness and spa services in a patient-centered environment.

The team has created a “one-stop shop” for health and overall wellness which includes everything from healthy weight loss alternatives to therapeutic massage, osteopathic medicine treatments, laser vein treatments and even spa services such as facials and chemical peels. The Changes approach focuses on reshaping the overall health of clients by providing a total health treatment approach, blending mind, heart, body and spirit together to leave patients happier and healthier than they were before visiting the 3-year-old practice located in Waterford Lakes.

Changes offers state-of-the-art, scientifically advanced and non-invasive wellness solutions for everyone whether you’ve come in for a medical weight loss solution or something as simple as a skin care treatment. But perhaps more importantly, they offer a heartfelt helping hand when patients need it most.

Serving as Medical Director for Changes, Beloso, a board certified physician in family medicine, says he spends an average of about one hour with each patient during their initial consultation and ample time at every visit after that. “The traditional healthcare model lacks in a lot of areas; and that’s why we’ve developed our office to allow each of us to spend time with patients and develop these real relationships,” he says. “We want to make changes that will produce the long-term health results and happiness patient’s desire.”

Mary Frias, R.N., clinical director for Changes, agrees: “Our philosophy is different and that sets us apart right away,” she says. “We’re always available to patients; they can call us anytime, even after hours or on weekends. We have a policy where there is always someone on the other end of the phone.”

That policy comes from wanting to be there for patients, no matter what. “A lot of times patients just need someone to listen to them, we understand that. They need someone to lean on and we don’t want to ever turn our backs to them,” says Cliff Bucasas, R.N., director of operations for Changes.

No matter the procedure, the staff realizes that many patients come in unhappy, seeking that little bit “more.” A little more confidence. A little more swagger. A little more support. That’s why they opened the doors in the first place.

“As cliché as it may sound, we want to help patients view themselves better on the outside so they’re happier with who they are on the inside,” says Beloso. He recalls several patients who they have helped either lose weight or erase a scar on their face and he remembers them changing internally, becoming more confident, more approachable and smiling more because of it. “It’s like their whole demeanor changes,” adds Frias. “They go, literally, from not being able to look at themselves in the mirror to making strong eye contact and having this confident look in their eye, and that makes it all worth it.”

Patients like Simone  Busilio who has undergone several treatments to remove acne scars from her face using a CO2 laser skin rejuvenation technique. “The difference has been amazing and the results have really changed my life,” she says. “I feel extremely better and I really  consider the Changes staff as friends, I owe them so much.”

Aside from support, the office also makes it a priority to educate patients on the right and wrong ways to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. As part of their coaching and treatment process, they work to provide patients with the proper tools and knowledge to make complete lifestyle changes, rather than rely on pills or starvation to see the results they desire. For instance, with their weight loss program, Beloso admits they may not be the most rapid weight loss clinic, but they are one of the healthiest.

A nurse for years, Frias says that in her experience patients typically don’t spend enough time with a doctor and they don’t learn what they need to know in their short, several minute window. “The education component is missing at a lot of offices,” she says. “We aim to change that.”

For the staff at Changes, it’s not only about changing the way their services are delivered, it’s about changing the way people see themselves. “We empower people to make the changes they want,” says Beloso.

“We’re innovators in our ability to treat the patient and not the symptom, but more than that, we’re just people serving other people, trying to help them achieve the changes they want to achieve,” adds Bucasas.

Article by Corey Gehrold