Health & Wellness
Kristy Fleming, MD, FAAD. Changing the Face of Dermatology It takes a trained eye to note the subtle shading needed to contour a surfboard. To taper the rails just so. To send the airbrush lightly over the fin box and trace the shape perfectly, symmetrically, precisely. It takes a trained eye to paint the female form, to counter shadow and shape until a living woman appears on the page. It takes a trained eye to dive below what William Asbury called the “large-scale manifestations of classical biology” to the molecular plane below. For Kristy Fleming, MD, each of those became immediately…
As part of Better Hearing Month, Mission Audiology is encouraging consumers to be more aware of their hearing health. Hearing loss currently affects more than 36 million Americans today. Although hearing loss is commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired individuals are younger than 65 years of age. However, with the increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and earbuds, the number of Americans experiencing hearing loss at a younger age is growing. On average, most Americans consider hearing loss a condition that is simply associated with aging, and don’t know how to recognize…
A Revolutionary Cancer Therapy for No-Option Patients Cancer touches everyone. The older we are, the more likely we are to know someone - a family member, friend, colleague, neighbor - who has battled this common killer. Perhaps you have personally been affected. No matter the type of cancer or its stage, the anxiety, worry and fear that accompanies such devastating news is universal. Now imagine the indescribable stress, overwhelming on every level - emotionally, psychologically and physically - of receiving a “late-stage” cancer diagnosis and then being told that there is no standard of care available to you. World-renowned oncologist…
If you are turning 65, Happy Birthday! This Special Edition will take you through the process and explain simply what you need to do. You are not alone if you’ve received stacks of advertising and official looking documents and not sure where to start. A little Overwhelmed? Be wary of misleading mailers that suggest you fill out a form and mail it in, or indicate that they are your new Medicare agent….This is a sales lead generator that will place you on a call list that is almost impossible to get off of!OK, Here are the basics ~ Original Medicare…
It’s a fact of life: As we get older, our joints get stiffer. But when a joint is damaged by arthritis or injury, the stiffness, swelling and pain can make it hard to perform simple everyday tasks like walking or picking things up off the floor. In the worst cases, pain can be constant, even when just sitting or lying down. With today’s advanced surgical techniques and technologies, the most painful, damaged joints can easily be replaced. And yet, many people who would benefit from joint replacement surgery don’t pursue it because they have misperceptions about the surgery. Here is…
Proton Radiation Therapy Offers Better Quality of Life with Fewer Risks
Feb 26, 2017 Jeanne Bellezzo
When three-time U.S. Olympian Steve Scott was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014, maintaining his quality of life and minimizing serious side effects during and after treatment were Scott’s primary concerns. The former track star at UC Irvine decided against conventional treatment options in favor of an advanced form of therapy: proton beam radiation. Scott’s tumor was located near a nerve bundle that controlled his bowel, urinary and sexual functions, which presented significant concerns. Surgery would require a “safety margin” around the tumor, which would disrupt the nerve bundle and likely cause incontinence and loss of natural sexual function. Nor…
Pelvic floor rehabilitation: a phase that a decade ago was almost unknown, yet today is one of the most promising and important areas of women’s health. For some, the symptoms are new, caused by the birth of a baby, surgery or simple muscle weakness. For others, their symptoms – including bladder issues, bowel disorders, pelvic and back pain – have diminished their quality of life for years. Whether from embarrassment or misdiagnosis, pelvic floor problems too often to unidentified and untreated, with many women believing they must simply live with it. The pelvic floor is a combination of muscles, ligaments…
If you’ve got a nagging ache in your neck, or persistent back pain that makes you twinge when you move – you’re not alone. Nearly 40 million people in America deal with chronic, severe pain, and sometimes medication isn’t enough to treat it. About 30 percent to 40 percent of these people use drug-free, complementary medicine treatments during any given year, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The government agency recently analyzed 105 clinical trials on alternative pain treatments. They found that certain treatments may help ease common aches and pains as part of an overall…
The Cancer Research Collaboration (CRC) was created with a single goal — to help patients beat cancer. We have worked tirelessly to bring state-of-the-art clinical trials to patients and to provide investigators with the tools to research the cause of cancer and to find a cure. One of our biggest initiatives is the development and funding of a biobank. This will house tumor specimens and blood samples taken from cancer patients, along with copies for their clinical history. These specimens provide genetic information that will help researchers develop new medicines, vaccines, and tests that will improve cancer diagnoses and patient…
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women over the age of 25. Orange Coast Memorial is dedicated to keeping your heart healthy with our Women’s Cardiac Health Program. We offer an $85 comprehensive cardiac screening just for women, which includes: Complete medical and family history and health risk assessment survey Blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat analysis Cholesterol and blood sugar testing, electrocardiogram and ankle brachial index testing used to assess for peripheral arterial disease Personal plan and coordination of care To schedule your comprehensive cardiac screening, please call (714) 378-7234.
Massage for Old Injuries Ancient Injuries Don't Have to Make You Feel Old
Jan 28, 2017 Michelle Bryant
Injuries such as chronic back pain, trick knees, and sticky shoulders are not necessarily something you just have to live with. Massage techniques might hold the key to unlocking this old pain. Will Massage Help? The benefits of massage will depend on the extent of the injury, how long ago it occurred, and on the skill of the therapist. Chronic and old injuries often require deeper and more precise treatments with less emphasis on general relaxation and working on the whole body. Massage works best for soft tissue injuries to muscles and tendons and is most effective in releasing adhesions…
Live, Laugh, Leak? Stop limiting your activities. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation can help!
Jan 28, 2017 Yvette M. Manard
Did you know that approximately 1 of every 2 women experiences some form of urine leakage? This should never be considered a normal part of aging. Oftentimes, it can be treated non-surgically and without bladder control medication. Evans Tran, PA, at Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center’s Women’s Bladder Control Center, discusses this embarrassing condition and how Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation can help. Q: What is urinary incontinence? A: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition defined as an involuntary leakage of urine. UI affects many daily living activities and a person’s quality of life. Q: What causes urinary leakage? A: Twice…
We all know that treating an injury immediately after it happens can help minimize the pain and damage as well as facilitate recovery. But after rolling your ankle in a soccer game, or hurting your back when lifting your toddler, or tweaking your knee when stepping out of your car, what's best? Should you ice it to try to control inflammation, or would heat be better to promote circulation? While it's difficult to establish a fail-safe rule for when to apply ice or heat, the general directive is to use ice for the first forty-eight to seventy-two hours after an…
Breastlink Medical Group is a network of breast cancer screening and treatment centers. We believe the best way to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer involves collaborative care between our breast specialty doctors and full patient participation. Whether you need a routine screening mammogram, a breast cancer risk assessment, breast cancer treatment or a second opinion, Breastlink centers are here for you. Dr. June Chen Breast Dedicated Radiologist at Breastlink Newport Beach June W. Chen, M.D. is the director of breast imaging at Breastlink Newport Beach. She is board certified and completed her fellowship in the subspecialty of breast imaging…
In the latter half of the nineteenth century, an anatomist and physician named Julius Wolff theorized, and later produced results that followed the principles of mechanotransduction: the remodeling of bones in response to loading, or weighting. Essentially, what he sought to prove was that healthy bones will adapt to the loads under which they have been placed. For over a century, it has been studied and well-documented that bones that experience more pressure through certain types of exercise throughout one’s life, get stronger. Stronger bones help prevent fractures. However, until recently, no study was done to show how much pressure…
As Generation Xers start to age and join the baby boomers, exercise becomes important to fight excess weight that builds around the belly and chest. This excess weight can cause an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. Exercise is one way to lose weight and become healthier. Make sure to talk to your primary care doctor before starting any new exercise program. Being obese or overweight significantly impacts one’s longevity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 24 million adults over the age of 65 are categorized…
Precision Focused Biopsies A New Way to See If You Have Prostate Cancer
Dec 29, 2016 Robert G. Pugach
I’ve been a practicing urologist for just over 30 years. I have always stressed the importance of annual prostate screening because early diagnosis saves lives. While some feel that delaying the diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer is justified, rising death rates from prostate cancer show that this approach is ill advised. Prostate cancer is detected with a 15 second prostate examination and a blood test. If either of those are abnormal, a prostate biopsy is the next step. It’s virtually painless. I can vouch for that because I just had one done! Traditional biopsies are done with ultrasound guidance…
Bodywork Improves Quality of Life Almost 35 million Americans are age 65 or older, and about 2,000 more reach this age every day. As the U.S. demographic shifts to an older population, it's important to find ways of helping our elders maintain their health and vitality. Massage for seniors is gaining importance as an alternative therapy to increase quality of life, and many massage therapists are getting special training to better serve this growing population. Seniors' Special Needs While similar in technique to other forms of massage, geriatric massage considers the special needs of the elderly. The specialty trained practitioner…
Take Charge of Your Health A government task force is about to give insurance companies an excuse not to pay for mammograms. They are creating new guidelines that recommend women delay screening until age 50! They also recommend insurance companies only pay every other year for a mammogram and stop paying after the age of 74. This is a tragedy. One in 5 breast cancers occur in women under age 50. These guidelines will cause diagnostic delays, force doctors to treat cancer with more aggressive treatments (chemotherapy, surgery and radiation), and cause young women to die needlessly. Young children will grow up without their mothers and families will be devastated. The…
In 1519, a man named William Horma coined a phrase that many of us use in conversation still today. Horma, the headmaster of two colleges in England: Winchester, which was founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, and Eton - educating boys 13 to 18, whose former pupils include 19 Prime Ministers, wrote the words “Mater artium necessitas”, in his book Vulgaria. In 1545, a similar English version was used (convenient for those of us who don’t read Latin): “Necessitie, the inventor of all goodnesse.” We know it now as an English-language proverb: meaning roughly that the driving force behind…
While cardiovascular disease is a broad term that encompasses many different kinds of heart or blood vessel problems, it is often used to refer to damage to your heart or blood vessels by atherosclerosis or a buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries. This type of plaque buildup can thicken and stiffen artery walls, ultimately inhibiting blood flow to vital organs and tissues. This is the most common cause of heart disease, and high cholesterol is a significant contributor. What is Cholesterol? Created by the liver, cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in your bloodstream and in many foods…
Good Feet products are medically tested to alleviate pain and promote healing If you've ever had low back pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis or foot pain, you know how miserable it can make you feel and if you're like most folks, it's worth trying anything short of surgery to relieve the pain. Many physicians recommend Good Feet products, including shoe inserts that have been scientifically and medically tested to alleviate the pain and promote healing. At the Good Feet store in Dana Point, you'll discover shoe inserts that support your feet in comfort so that you can enjoy walking, dancing or playing sports again. This family-owned and operated store…
As the colder and wetter weather approaches us, it is time to think about taking extra care of your hearing aids during these months. While Southern California may not experience a significant change in weather, many people travel during the holiday season to other areas of the country with colder temperatures and even snow. Below are some tips to ensure optimal hearing no matter where you are during the holiday season. 1. The colder weather may have you donning extra layers of clothes: hats, scarves and heavier jackets. Remember to be extra careful when putting on or removing these articles…
Paths that meander alongside creeks and shady groves of trees, open space bursting with flowering plants and inhabited by deer, birds and other wildlife--the outdoors is calling you right now. It’s a perfect time to take a day hike--not only does Orange County have a wealth of trails to explore the natural beauty of the region, but hiking is a great form of exercise. An hour-long hike can burn 468 calories for a 160-pound person, and walking can help guard against many chronic health problems such as obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But a healthy hike is a safe…
The last couple of decades tell a “good news, bad news” story about diabetes. That’s the disease that makes it tough for your body to control blood sugar. Here’s a snapshot: In the last 20 years, the number of adults with diabetes has more than tripled.1 Nearly one in 10 now has the disease.2 That’s certainly not good news. But there are some bright spots in recent reports. In general, control of blood sugar has improved and rates of serious complications from diabetes have declined a great deal. If you’re at risk for diabetes or already have it, consider these…
It’s exceptionally rare to find hair artists who truly cares about their customers’ needs and are dedicated to finding the perfect solution – and have the skill and experience to actually achieve your desired results. With years of experience helping women and men who have fine and thinning hair challenges, Debora Routhe and Elizabeth Nunez are the dream team behind Mission Viejo based Full Strands Inc. They are the go-to professionals for clients seeking non-surgical hair replacement options. Debora is an American Board Certified Haircolorist and a cutting specialist, while Elizabeth is a skilled and experienced barber and cosmetologist. Haircutting…
Dr. Amy Bremner is a breast-dedicated surgical oncologist. She earned her medical degree at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and then returned to California for surgical training at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, CA.After completing her board certi cation and a year of practice, Dr. Amy Bremner received a breast oncology fellowship at the University of Southern California, specializing in oncoplastic breast surgery.She was trained by one of the elds’ pioneers, Dr. Melvin Silverstein, who increased her technical understanding of oncoplastic surgery and introduced her to the multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment. After completion of her fellowship, the Society of Surgical Oncology certi ed her as a breast surgeon. Dr. Bremner is committed to achieving superior oncologic…
Living with Lymphedema. Benefits of Quality Medical Compression Garments
Sep 23, 2016 Livia De Los Rios
The lymphatic system delivers nutrients to body tissues and removes waste products. It operates similarly to the circulatory system but is a separate system. While the circulatory system relies on the heart to pump blood around the body, the lymphatic system relies on routine movement of the muscles and joints to push lymph fluid through the body. If a section of the lymphatic system is blocked or damaged, normal drainage may be slowed or stopped, resulting in swelling or lymphedema. What Else Can You Do About Your Lymphedema? The following recommendations apply only to the area of your body affected…
In my previous editorial, I talked about why someone might want to have a relationship with their own Medicare Insurance Broker. I remember something I read a long time ago about surrounding yourself with a team of people that you trust. Like having a CPA that you can count on to advise you through all those tax laws. Or a Financial Advisor that can help you understand where to invest your savings. Choosing a doctor that listens to you and actually has eye contact. I could keep going. But, think about it, this is the team YOU have chosen to…
Five quality-of-life reasons it makes sense to exercise and eat healthily
Sep 23, 2016 Paul and Carolyn Fetters
You can’t out-exercise a bad diet. Ask anyone worth their salt who works in fitness and/or nutrition and they’ll tell you it’s the truth. This begs the question: If your goal is to lose weight, can you do so by focusing on your diet only? Yes, you can, but you’ll risk being what’s called “skinny-fat.” Skinny-fat is looking nice and slim with your clothes on, but when you take them off, it’s a different story. Because you don’t exercise regularly, you have little muscle tone, no definition and you look a little soft all around. By exercising you create physical…
It seems hard to avoid the shelves of junk and snack foods near the checkout lines anywhere you shop. Gas stations, local hardware shops, clothing stores and others make one last push to make that extra sale of gum, candy, chips and sugary drinks by making them available in the checkout line. Sadly, often these sales end up as added empty calories to your diet. Dr. Miles Masatsugu, Medical Director with CalOptima, the health insurance provider for thousands of adults (and children) throughout Orange County, has advice for making a healthier store exit: Use Self-Checkout Lanes: Most retail and grocery…
Six years ago, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) ignited controversy in the medical community when they advised against most routine screening for prostate cancer with a PSA blood test. Specifically, the recommendation set off a firestorm of debate in the urological community because most urologists are strong advocates of annual prostate testing with a PSA and a rectal examination. Are you confused? Should men continue to have their annual prostate exam? I asked Dr. Robert Pugach, Medical Director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, his opinion of the USPSTF’s finding and what he advises men to do.…
The 5th Element of Health Therapy for Pain Relief Dr. Oz featured PEMF on his show in 2011 as the biggest breakthrough in pain management he had ever seen. Let’s begin by looking at some statistics. Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Chronic pain affects 100-million Americans, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. One in three Americans is affected by one of more than 100 types of arthritis that usually results in severe pain. Fibromyalgia affects 12-million Americans, most of whom are women. And research shows that 50-70% of patients die in…
With flowers in bloom, pollen released by plants and increased pollution; there are more irritants than ever in the air. This makes it hard for most people with asthma hard to breathe. One way to help simply manage your asthma is to follow an action plan to help you to track your symptoms, ultimately keeping you or your child out of the doctor’s office or hospital. According to a recent study from the University of Southern California, children with asthma who were exposed to higher concentrations of particles were more likely to develop bronchitis. One of the best ways to…
Are you 40, 50, or 60 years old? Do you wish you had the “spring in your step” that you had in your younger days? How about being as strong and fit as you were in college or back in your 20s? I’m here to tell you that this is ALL possible and I am living proof. I’m sure I have met many of you, but for those I have not met, my name is Paul Fetters and I will turn 60 years old later this year. I have four children ranging in age from 20 to 25 years old.…
To truly end the stigma surrounding mental health, it’s important to understand the truths behind the causes, symptoms, and treatments of these disorders. It’s imperative to dispel the myths surrounding these illnesses in order to eradicate the fear and misconceptions so prevalent in families. Debbie Hutchinson, Psy.D., Manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs and the Psychiatric Emergency Team at the Laguna Beach campus of Mission Hospital, identifies the following as common misperceptions about mental health: 1. Children with a mental illness are more prone to violence. When a tragic and violent crime occurs, people are too often quick to blame mental illness as…
There’s no doubt that cancer patients can benefit from massage therapy. In fact, bodywork can serve as a nurturing healthcare option during the stressful, doctor appointment-ridden time of oncology management. “Cancer treatment places a heavy toxin load on the body, which massage can help eliminate,” says Gayle MacDonald, author of Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer. “However, too much too fast may be more than the client’s body can comfortably handle. Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience, during hospitalization, the pre- or post- operative period, in the out-patient clinic, during chemotherapy and…
You are not alone. I get these questions all the time. Most people about to turn age 65 get tons of information mailed to them and because it is so overwhelming, they may just push it off thinking they are still working and don’t need to address this information now. Or they may decide to attend local “Medicare 101” meetings only to walk away a bit overwhelmed or in some cases with the wrong information. I recently met with a new client that told me she had been advised that because she was still working, she was not allowed to…
As high temperatures continue, many adults and their families will hit the beach, water park or pool to cool down this summer. With swimming comes the risk for ear infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, an ear infection is most often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear — the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Because the ear canal is dark, warm, and can hold water, it makes it a perfect environment for water-loving bacteria and fungus to grow. This can be exceptionally true in the summer because…
With flowers in bloom, pollen released by plants and increased pollution; there are more irritants than ever in the air. This makes it hard for most people with asthma hard to breathe. One way to help simply manage your asthma is to follow an action plan to help you to track your symptoms, ultimately keeping you or your child out of the doctor’s office or hospital. According to a recent study from the University of Southern California, children with asthma who were exposed to higher concentrations of particles were more likely to develop bronchitis. One of the best ways to…
Little to Lose & A Lot to Gain: Why Everyone Should Weight Train
May 28, 2016 Paul and Carolyn Fetters
Growing older brings about numerous physiological changes including less-flexible muscles, sagging skin, slower metabolic processes and weight gain. Other changes might include bone deterioration and less efficiency of the heart; so finding the motivation to get in shape and stay healthy is crucial to help alleviate or prevent some of these issues. Though we believe that everyone should weight train, we recognize that weightlifting is especially important for women—and it’s women who are less likely to make a habit of this form of exercise. Whether it’s due to the tired myth that women can bulk up from weightlifting, or because…
More Than Just the Ears: How Hearing Loss Affects Quality of Life
May 28, 2016 Dr. Rachel Burnett, Au.D.
Imagine you are in a crowded restaurant: music is playing, sports fans are cheering, and there is a large party next to you. You are with a couple of friends or loved ones enjoying your meal and conversing. With all the noise, you might find yourself leaning in and straining to hear. Pretty difficult, right? Now imagine that level of hearing difficulty in any given environment. This is what individuals with hearing loss experience in their daily lives. People with hearing loss have to put more effort and concentration into listening than someone with normal hearing, even in quiet situations.…
A large number of Orange County’s young and old are sniffling, sneezing or wheezing their way through spring’s allergy triggers. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with a cost of $18 billion, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With increasing amounts of money being spent on treatment against outdoor allergens, we often forget about the small changes indoors that can collectively make a difference in your health. According to CalOptima, the health insurance provider for thousands of adults and children throughout Orange County, it’s important to explore a few common…
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