March is National Nutrition Month and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association wants to provide Central Florida residents with some food for thought. Stroke is the No. 3 killer of all Americans and African Americans are at higher risk for having a stroke. Stroke is a cardiovascular disease that affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Every 45 seconds someone dies of a stroke, however, people can work to reduce their risk of stroke.
“Be aware of your risk factors; those are the personal characteristics and habits that may increase your chances of having a stroke,” said Dr. Evan Allen, Neurology Medical Director, Florida Hospital Neuroscience Institute. “There are some risk factors that you cannot change like your age, gender or family history but you should work on the risk factors that you can change with your doctor. For example, quit smoking, increase your amount of physical activity and eat a balanced diet.”
A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. The food you eat - and the amount - can affect other controllable risk factors: cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and overweight. Choose nutrient-rich foods - which have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories - over nutrient-poor foods. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein and fat-free or low-fat dairy products is the key.
High-sodium diets are linked to an increase in blood pressure and a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Reducing the amount of sodium you consume can help lower high blood pressure or prevent it from developing in the first place. In fact, the American Heart Association recently suggested that most Americans over age 20 should restrict daily sodium consumption to no more than 1,500 milligrams. Keeping your blood pressure at healthy levels is important as high blood pressure is often referred to as the ’silent killer’ simply because it does not typically present symptoms, although very dangerous.
Learning the warning signs of a stroke is also vital is preventing death and long-term disability from stroke. The warning signs are:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you are someone you know has one or more of these signs, don’t delay, call 9-1-1 immediately. For more information about stroke, call the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit StrokeAssociation.org. Join the Power To End Stroke program and assess free tools and resources to lower your risk factors at PowerToEndStroke.org.
Can you remember the last time you walked into a doctor’s office and felt comfortable? At ease? Cared for, not just as a patient in an office, but as a person?
Staff at Digestive and Liver Center of Florida put an emphasis on making a patient smile the moment they walk in the door.
Since 2005 Dr. Srinivas Seela and Dr. Harinath Sheela of the Digestive and Liver Center of Florida have made it their goal to improve the way that healthcare providers interact with their patients one visit at a time. Most recently, Dr. Seela Ramesh, who also shares the same philosophy, has also joined the practice in order to better serve the community.
In addition to providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art gastroenterology and hepatology medical care services under one roof, all three physicians received training from some of the finest schools in the country. Dr. Seela and Dr. Sheela trained at Yale University School of Medicine, and Dr. Ramesh trained at Virginia Commonwealth University. They have taken every step to create a warm, caring environment for patients, especially during the month of March, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in America. Although completely curable if found early enough, more than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease every year, with almost 50,000 people dying yearly from the cancer.
Dr. Harinath Sheela, MD, explains possible treatment options to a patient during her initial visit.
“It’s a terrible disease, but a completely preventable one, which is why this month is all about the importance of prevention,” says Dr. Seela. “Cancer prevention screenings are only available for a few types of cancer so it’s vital we use the opportunity to help everyone we can.” Dr. Sheela agrees: “It’s estimated that as many as 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if men and women aged 50 and older were screened routinely. That is why we put so much emphasis on patient education.”
From the moment the doctors begin to talk about their patients, it’s easy to see that they care. Dr. Seela says they have done everything within their power to create a “unique medical culture” at their office, including a strong commitment to continuing medical and patient interaction education. “Patient care and satisfaction is the center stage of our practice; everything we offer is guided by those principles,” says Dr. Sheela.
The doctors have also put an emphasis on patient education and communication, citing those factors to be two of the largest perceived factors lacking in many offices. “Most patients are frustrated not knowing what will happen to them,” says Dr. Ramesh. “We strive to explain their disease in simple terms, and show them the steps involved in treatment to empower them to be in charge of their health.”
Their Web site hosts a plethora of information in a unique “Patient Resource Center” and patients may also choose to sign up for their newsletter, which features a “Patient’s Corner” where common questions are answered in everyday language. They’ve recently launched a patient appreciation day as well where patients can visit the office and mingle with doctors and staff. “We have also started an ongoing patient support and help groups for those patients with specific medical conditions,” says Dr. Ramesh.
The Digestive and Liver Center of Florida staff is currently celebrating their five year anniversary at their Lake Underhill location.
By talking with patients, the doctors have also found that when it comes to colorectal cancer, many are unaware of the risk and what exactly is involved in screening. For instance, many were unaware that women are at risk for colorectal cancer as well.
Screening generally involves a colonoscopy, and although some patients are concerned when they learn they need one, after sedation many report that they don’t even remember the procedure. “Most of the time patients are happy they went through the screening process, because now they have an answer,” says Dr. Seela. “Most patients report the test itself was easy and are willing to recommend it to others,” says Dr. Ramesh.
“It’s estimated that 40 percent of the age group at the greatest risk for developing colorectal cancer have not been screened appropriately,” says Dr. Sheela. “We prevent cancer every day by making sure our patients get their appropriate screenings.”
And it all goes back to caring about what they do, and more importantly, who they’re doing it for. “When you walk into our practice, you become a part of our family,” says Dr. Ramesh. “Before any treatment begins, it’s our job to put you at ease.”
“In our practice, we provide exceptional care without exception,” says Dr. Seela.
Lake Underhill Office
7975 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 360, Orlando, FL, 32822
Downtown Office
3000 N. Orange Ave., Suite C, Orlando, FL, 32804
407.384.7388 - www.DLCFl.com
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Article by Corey Gehrold
One of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through is an auto accident, especially where injury is involved. But, did you know sometimes injuries are hidden and are seldom detected for months or even years?
At Orlando Spinal Aid Center, Dr. Nahali and his staff often counsel auto accident victims regularly about their health, their rights and their lifestyle following an accident. Below are some of the most common questions he receives from patients.
1. I feel fine after my car accident. Should I worry about visiting a chiropractor or specialist?
Most doctors are not trained to detect some of the “hidden injuries” that may occur after an accident. We recommend seeing a doctor trained in the biomechanics of the human body; someone who treats these injuries every day. Usually hospitals will check vital signs, make sure there are no life-threatening conditions and release the patient with pain relief medication. Note: These pills are just for pain issues and cannot correct structural or soft tissue damage.
Dr. David Nahali, Orlandio Spinal Aid Center
In our office, we evaluate auto accident victims, take X-rays and make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers, if needed. Our care does not hurt, and often, patients look forward to being adjusted by their chiropractor. Our primary responsibility is giving you the care you need and submitting the required medical reports to the insurance company so your rights are protected.
2. I haven’t really felt like my normal self since the accident, any idea why?
Aside from the hassle and stress of dealing with insurance companies and getting your car fixed, many victims may also be experiencing obvious pains like muscle stiffness or spasm, neck pain, headaches, numbness and tingling, back pain, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss, fatigue and a host of other difficulties. Or worse than that, you may be injured and feel nothing at all.
Either way, did you know that auto accidents can cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis can ruin your posture (giving you a slumped or “hump back” appearance). Untreated, the discs in your spine may degenerate and create scar tissue, leading to chronic stiffness and the inability to move properly.
3. Should I be evaluated by a doctor before settling my case with an insurance company?
Once you settle your case, you lose the right to have your insurance company pay for treatment if you need it. We are not legal counsel, but a good rule of thumb is to be informed of all possible outcomes before making your decision. We believe that if you were injured, you should get the care you need to get back to the way you felt (and functioned) before the accident.
Even if you are just sore, you should get checked out immediately because you may experience pain, numbness, headaches, muscle stiffness, fatigue and other problems including arthritis many months down the road. Remember, nothing is more important than your health, especially when you start to lose it.
4. Should I see my attorney before I come in for my appointment?
It’s important to get checked out by a doctor first. Often, the findings from a typical exam will let you know if it’s necessary to hire an attorney.
5. If I need treatment, do I have to pay myself?
Remember, Florida is a “no fault” state, meaning your insurance pays up to $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits - even if you were found at fault in the accident. Generally, insurance will also cover 100 percent of auto accident treatment. Typically treatment involves a combination of massage therapy, chiropractic, rehabilitation and any necessary medication. Our office also provides care “on credit” if an attorney is involved.
Been In Recent Car Accident? Got Herniated Discs in your Neck or Back?
Have You Considered Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression? To learn more call
407-277-5555 or visit www.Orlandospinalaid.com.
Automobile Accidents Covered at 100%
Orlando Spinal Aid Center accepts walk-in’s, after hours appointments and most insurances.
Orlando Spinal Aid Center
11325 Lake Underhill Rd. Suite 101
Orlando, Fl 32825
407-277-5555
You only get one chance to make a first impression. You only get one chance to make sure you say the right things and put your best foot forward. But first, above all else, you want to make sure you have The Right Smile.
Dr. Axel Castro offers complete dental consultations before beginning any work on a patient ensuring they know what the next step in their treatment is and why.
Dr. Axel Castro and Dr. Maribel Morales, husband and wife team and owners of The Right Smile Dentistry, realize that there are a lot of reasons to smile in East Orlando and your dentist should be one of them. That’s why they have placed more emphasis on one word above all else at their Lake Underhill practice since opening in 2005: trust. “For a lot of people, the dentist can be a scary place, especially for kids,” says Morales, a mother of two. “My husband and I know that by choosing to sit in that chair with us, it means something. We want to show you the same respect you show us.”
Castro agrees: “The truth is that patients have no control over the procedures that take place in their mouth,” he says. “Because of that, there is a lot of responsibility on our shoulders; and, that’s why we feel it’s necessary that patients feel their treatment is fully explained and they know what’s about to happen, why it’s happening and what they can do to make sure the experience is as comfortable as possible.” One of the keys for building their successful practice from the ground up, has been developing that strong doctor/patient relationship says Castro. “We want patients to feel certain of two things: that they will be treated with compassion and that the treatment performed is absolutely the best for the condition.”
The staff at The Right Smile goes through continuous training to master the latest technological advances in general dentistry and customer satisfaction.
Once a treatment is decided upon, it’s time for the doctors to go to work. At The Right Smile, they know they are only as good as their instruments. “We’ve made sure to make continuous upgrades to our technology here so our patients have less to worry about,” says Morales. Features include everything from same-day computer generated porcelain crowns to state-of-the-art cancer screening systems, digital X-rays and, most importantly, a brand new sterilizing area which is monitored and tested monthly by a private, certified screening laboratory.
Again, the idea behind investing so much effort into technology and cleanliness is to make the patient experience that much better. “When we decided to take the next step and open our own practice, that was something we promised to always emphasize,” says Castro, in reference to a patient’s experience. “We have to maintain that quality experience, otherwise we’ll be just ‘another dentist visit,’” he says. Morales adds: “One of the reasons we got into dentistry as a profession was because it was one of the only ways in the medical field to always be challenged and make sure that others could benefit in a healthy way while improving their self-image at the same time.”
Dr. Maribel Morales often reviews patient files herself before the patient actually arrives to help provide the personal touch that she feels every patron deserves.
The patient first philosophy shows itself again in the doctor’s respect for patient’s time. In fact, the doctors book their days to minimize patient time in the chair and treat them at their appointed time. “There’s nothing worse than having to wait for something you have an appointment for,” says Morales.
The respect and open dialogue approach has taught the happily married couple that often a patient’s most common concern is not pain or discomfort if they know what’s going to happen to them; instead, it’s affordability of care. “Every year insurance coverage provides far less service and an increase in claims denial,” says Castro. For this reason alone, the office has implemented a unique system to assist patients. “We have a procedure to follow up dental claims with insurance companies as well as a system to resubmit denied claims backed by supporting documentation, including claim specific letters written by one of us and person-to-person calls to the company,” he says. For those without insurance, the office works diligently to create customized financial arrangements that are competitive with the insured patient base. “We do it because everyone deserves to have a healthy mouth,” says Morales.
“We treat people how we would want to be treated, it’s as simple as that,” says Castro. “The Right Smile provides old school patient service with technologically advanced dentistry. We do our best to help you smile, literally.”
Article by Corey Gehrold
Interested in learning how The Right Smile can help you? Contact their Waterford Lakes office to schedule an appointment today.
The Right Smile Dentistry
12301 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 104
Orlando, FL 32828
407.380.7046 - www.TheRightSmileFL.com
At Vascular Vein Centers, veins are their main focus; but, complete leg health is their goal. They provide expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders while their on-site lab includes thorough ultrasound duplex scanning, which allows for a detailed understanding of each patient’s problems. Since their inception, the Vascular Vein Centers have provided Central Florida with medically-proven, cutting-edge technology in the pursuit of non-operative vein therapy.
On March 1, Vascular Vein Centers will move into their brand new location in Waterford Medical Suites, 11317 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 300.
The same techniques and expertise will continue when the East Orlando Center moves into its new location on Lake Underhill on March 1. But, what really makes the center stand out, according to past clients, is their long-lasting results and personalized care. Below are some of the more common questions VVC encounters regarding diagnosis and treatment of incompetent veins.
1. What exactly do my veins do and why do I have varicose veins on my legs?
Essentially, veins in the legs have valves. These valves keep blood flowing in one direction - from the legs to the heart. If these valves don’t function properly, they “leak” and blood flows back toward the feet, creating a pressure that causes normally small veins to enlarge and bulge. Veins at the ankle and lower leg level can leak fluid, which inflames the surrounding tissue and skin.
Varicose veins are diseased veins that have become permanently dilated with “leaky” valves. In the United States, it’s estimated that 25 million people have varicose veins. By the time we reach our 60s, it’s estimated that 72 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose veins.
2. What are some of risk factors for vein disease?
The risk factors vary. Some of the most common include: family history of vein disease; pregnancy; being overweight; prolonged standing or sitting on a daily basis; hormonal factors; advancing age; clots in the superficial or deep vein system and injury.
3. What does a vein procedure typically involve? Will I miss any work because of it?
The medical staff at Vascular Vein Centers have been pioneers in the use of non-operative vein therapy since 2000.
Therapy consists of a combination of laser treatment of the major incompetent veins, followed by chemical schlerotherapy for the branches. The procedures are short, require minimal local anesthesia and patients are able to resume their normal activities very quickly. Post-procedural pain is minimal compared to traditional stripping procedures.
4. What can I do to improve my leg health?
Veins are controlled, they are never completely cured. However, some steps you can take to improve leg health include:
Exercise daily: Exercises that use the muscles of the legs help veins pump blood. The calf pump pushes blood back to the heart and every step lowers pressure in your legs.
Maintain a healthy weight and diet: Being overweight puts extra pressure on the veins. Foods high in sodium may cause water retention and swelling.
Maintain healthy skin: It’s important to keep your skin lubricated with lotion or baby oil to prevent dryness or itching.
Wear compression stockings every day: Specifically made for treating vein disease and for people who stand a great deal by assisting in supporting weakened vein walls, they provide graduated compression on the leg, with the greatest pressure at the ankle to help pump blood up the leg. As a result, blood flow is increased which helps reduce swelling, pain and possible clots in the legs. It is critical that these stockings be properly fitted for your legs and of medical grade.
5. Will my insurance cover the costs of a procedure?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, recognize the treatment of painful varicose veins as medically necessary and will cover the procedures if three to six months of conservative treatment (depending on the particular insurance) have been unsuccessful in eliminating signs or symptoms.
Would You Like More Information?
If you have questions not answer above by Vascular Vein Centers or you would like to schedule an appointment, call their office today.
Vascular Vein Centers - Waterford Lakes
10931 Dylan Loren Circle, Suite B
Orlando, FL 32825
407.380.8878
