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Pediatric Food Allergies

Approximately 15 million people have food allergies and about 6 million of them are children. Food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system identifies a specific food as a foreign substance and produces an allergy antibody (IgE) to respond to the substance. Compounding this response is the fact that the most common foods people are allergic to, such as peanut, wheat, soy, eggs are frequently in our diet! Food allergies can be mild to severe and in rare cases, life threatening if they stimulate an anaphylactic reaction.

There are two types of food allergies: fixed (immediate response) and cyclic (delayed). Signs and symptoms of food allergies include: itching in mouth, swelling, GI symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea), hives, tightness in the throat and difficulty breathing. Food allergies should be distinguished from intolerances and sensitivities to food (non immune reactions). Diagnosis may involve: extensive history, nutrition evaluation, lab testing, food challenges, elimination diets and skin testing. Food allergies can also be connected to other allergies. There is no known curative treatment for food allergies at present but treatment involves: strict elimination, education (food labels, meal prep, high risk situation avoidance), emergency planning and availability of emergency medications. There is promising new research in this field- sublingual immunotherapy.

In this segment, Dr. Lakshmi Reddy, a local Atlanta physician that is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy, immunology and asthma will discuss the basics of pediatric food allergy signs/symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Listeners can visit: www.reddyallergy.com and www.aaaai.org for more information.

Dr. Lakshmi Reddy

  • Medical School at Meharry Medical College
  • Residency completed at Washington University in St. Louis
  • Fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Medical College of GA
  • Board certified in allergy, immunology and asthma
  • In private practice in Johns Creek, GA

 

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A great night’s sleep not only makes us feel great and rested, it improves our health. For some, this is easier said than done! Over 18 million Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is a serious condition in which the the airway collapses or becomes obstructed during sleep causing shallow breathing or breathing pauses which can last from a few seconds to a over a minute. These episodes can be severe , occurring several times per hour. Blood oxygen levels drop can drop during these episodes. Over time, OSA has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression and accidents while driving. What used to be considered a nuisance can sometimes be not only a quality of life but quantity of life issue.

OSA is the leading cause of daytime sleepiness. Although anyone at any age can exhibit symptoms and be diagnosed with OSA, men seem more likely than women to have this condition. Risk factors include obesity and a family history of OSA. Occasionally, other medical conditions can affect OSA as well, such as congestive heart failure and neuromuscular disorders. Symptoms include loud and chronic snoring, headaches, memory problems, depression, irritability, dry mouth and sore throat. Treatments include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and other devices and at times, surgical intervention.

In this segment, Dr. Scott Leibowitz, a board certified internal medicine physician and current President of the GA Association of Sleep Professionals will discuss OSA, good sleep hygiene, diagnosis and treatments for OSA and what’s new in this sleep apnea field. Listeners can visit: www.laureatemed.com and www.aasmnet.org for more information.

 

Dr. Scott Leibowitz

  • Residency in Internal Medicine completed at Colorado Health Science Center
  • Clinical research and fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Stanford
  • Author and frequent lecturer on sleep medicine
  • Current President of GA Association of Sleep Professionals
  • Now board certified physician in private practice with Laureate Medical Group

 

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Chiropractic Care: Not Just for Pain!

Over 20 million Americans will seek chiropractic care this year! Chiropractic care has been around for over 100 years and involves care of the musculoskeletal and nervous system through use of a hands on, drug free, non-invasive and natural approach. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills. This type of care has been increasingly covered by health insurance plans in the US and is appropriate for all ages. Typically, patients turn to chiropractic care seeking relief from back pain, neck pain, joint injuries and headaches. However, chiropractic care is appropriate for all ages and for many types of health conditions, both chronic and acute. Chiropractors use such modalities as heat, spinal manipulation (adjustments), nutrition, acupuncture, biofeedback, labs, imaging and exercise to achieve immediate relief and long lasting results.

This segment will discuss how this specialty can assist with many other types of health issues that the public may not associate chiropractic care with at first, such as: infant care (birth trauma recovery, growth promotion, colic, chronic ear infections), pre and post-natal pregnancy support (low back pain, pelvic support prior to delivery), carpal tunnel syndrome and acid reflux problems (hiatal hernia, GERD). Goals of this type of treatment include immediate and long term relief, decreased drug and surgical intervention and promotion of general health.

In this segment, Dr. Forrest Watts, a Doctor of Chiropractic in Cumming, GA will discuss how chiropractic can help many types of patients beyond neck and back pain. Dr. Watts has also received additional training in acupuncture and sports injuries. Listeners can visit: www.drforrestwatts.com and www.acatoday.org for more information.

 

Dr. Forrest Watts

  • Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University
  • Special training in sports injuries and acupunture
  • Certified to treat carpal tunnel problems
  • Private practice in Cumming, GA

 

Dr. Forrest Watts

Common and Lifesaving Blood Tests

Annual blood screening and testing a single, powerful and cost effective tool for preventing disease. Blood tests reveal a snapshot of our health and often detect health problems before symptoms or disease. Regular monitoring, especially over time, can help patients focus on early intervention strategies and good health maintenance. Blood tests are cost effective compared to the costs of disease related healthcare and medication expenses. Physicians often order “routine” blood tests during and annual physical, but often neglect age related or non-obvious blood testing and they often do not focus on risk factors. Blood tests provide information about the function of our cardiovascular status, hormone function, kidney and liver function, our body chemistry and our endocrine system. By obtaining blood samples and evaluating the results, patients can screen for cancers, learn about the degree of inflammation in their bodies, measure our risk factors for certain diseases and help us improve our health and longevity by catching critical changes and showing us where to focus for optimal health maintenance.

In this segment, board-certified urologist, certified medical review officer and owner of Any Lab Test Now, Dr. David Perlow will educate the listeners on top, common annual blood tests that can save lives and help us keep focused on disease prevention. Listeners can visit: www.anytest.com for more information.

 

Dr. David Perlow

  • Medical training at University of Michigan
  • Board-certified in Urology
  • Certified Medical Review Officer
  • Private practice at Georgia Regional Urology and owner Any Lab Test Now!
  • Affiliated with Wellstar Cobb, Kennestone and Windy Hill

 

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Weight Loss: An Integrated Approach

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
  • Watch Video

 

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

 

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Exciting New Drug Therapies for Hepatitis

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

 

Doctor Enrique J. Martinez