Medical

Class IV High Power is a new form of energy medicine.  Orthopedic and neurosurgeons in California and Florida are using this technology instead of epidural injects and cortico-steroid injects.  Why?  Because it’s non-invasive (no needles, or drugs) and does not have side effects or risks.  Injections run from $600 to $1,200 or more and the research is very mixed on effectiveness.  Up until now, most laser therapy systems for neuron-musculoskeletal conditions only penetrated into the superficial tissues.  This new high-powered laser focuses energy deep inside the discs, ligaments, joint capsules, and mechano-receptors which are nerve endings in muscles, ligaments, and discs that make old injuries hypersensitive.  We are the only HPLT center in the Santa Clarita Valley and the results we have had so far with our patients have been amazing.

“Doctor, I’ve had this pain between my shoulder blades for two months now.  It just gradually came on and I can’t seem to get rid of it.  I put heat on it, tried to stretch it out, but nothing helps.”
This is the typical story of many patients who come to us complaining of pain between the shoulder blades.  The bones in the Thoracic spine (midback) are not as vulnerable to injury as those of the neck or low back.  This is because they are supported by the rib cage.  Despite the added protection, however, pain between the shoulder blades is a common ailment and requires expert treatment to prevent a chronic disorder from developing.

Being female is the most important risk factor.  Certainly men get IT, but IT is almost 100 times more common among women.  What is IT?  I am talking about breast cancer.  
Did you know that more than 90 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history? 

The first question to ask is: What is a dental night guard?  This is a device used to treat a condition known as bruxism or teeth grinding.  It is worn over either the top or bottom teeth to provide a cushion to prevent the attrition of grinding.  This condition more commonly occurs at night and can cause a considerable amount of jaw pain and discomfort.  Headaches can also be a result of teeth grinding.  A dental night guard can be made of acrylic or plastic.

Adolescence is a unique stage of development that requires the support of health care professionals.  Teen health care involves more than routine check-ups.  There are diverse health needs such as physical development, body image, nutrition, sexuality, mental health, and screening for use of substances and other risky behaviors.

Toes and feet can take a beating, especially from sports.  Foot and ankle surgeon Leslie G. Levy DPM and Dana Lavian DPM, FACFAS, say they both treat many soccer-playing children for ingrown toenails.  They blame improper toenail trimming, snug soccer cleats and repetitive kicking for creating this painful problem.

Depression?  Anxiety?  Digestive issues?  Inflammation?  How about weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, memory/brain fog and more?   Does this sound like you? Are your thyroid tests “normal?”  Has your thyroid even been tested?  Thyroid issues are prevalent now, there are many undiagnosed low thyroid cases and much of the time the immune system is not even addressed.  A person may be told they are “fine” when their lab tests are done, but because they still complain of not feeling well, antidepressants may be suggested.

Pink Ribbon Month – October 1 to 31
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, everyone is invited to wear a pink ribbon in honor of or in memory of someone they love during the month of October. Pink Ribbon lapel pins can be purchased from Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s gift shop and human resources office, Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, and many SCV businesses.

Do you suffer from any of the following?
• Loud snoring?
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping?
• Do you sometimes wake up feeling like you are choking?

Every hour of every day in America someone dies of Oral Cancer.  Oral Cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Presently 30,000 patients are diagnosed annually with oral cancer.  The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, accounting for 8,000 deaths each year.
Oral Cancer risk factors include tobacco use, frequent and/or excessive alcohol consumption, a compromised immune system, past history of cancer, and the presence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which can be sexually transmitted.  Recently however 25 percent of all newly diagnosed cases have been in patients under the age of forty with none of the known risk factors.

Like any relationship you value, the relationship between you and your dentist should be a long-lasting one, built on trust, and honesty.  The goal for your dentist is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy oral environment, one that only requires routine check-ups and cleanings.  Should a problem arise, you can find comfort in knowing you have a dentist that knows your history and is there when you need him.

Many parents have a common question about their children: When is it the right time for my child’s first visit to a dentist?  According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, one year of age is an ideal time for dentists to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth, because dental problems often start early.  To avoid dental problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, the dental visit can provide or recommend special preventive care.

Ten years ago Carl underwent bypass surgery for coronary artery disease (CAD), and now, at the age of 59, presented with chest pains once again.  He has CAD because he’s diabetic.  He’s diabetic because he’s obese.  When he first saw me five years ago, he didn’t care about his weight.  After our recent angiogram, he was quite disappointed that three of his five bypass grafts were completely shut down, but was pleased when I told him we opened up the fourth graft, 99 percent blocked, by deploying two stents.

With winter waiting in the wings, bringing with it the flu and cold season, I’d like to share some of my favorite food sources for enhancing you and your family’s immunity.
Garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal and increases immune function. It’s also a good source of selenium, an important trace element, and sulfur, which is important for healthy liver function.

Treatment for early-stage breast cancer has come a long way in the last 20 years.  As we celebrate breast cancer awareness month, it can be useful to thoughtfully consider the past and look to the future to see where we are going.  Many women with early-stage breast cancer used to have few choices other than undergoing a mastectomy; unfortunately, this is still true in some areas.  Although some women are not candidates for lumpectomy and radiation - most are. 

This past year has brought financial difficulties to many.  I am proud to live and work in our community which recognizes a good cause when it sees one.  weSPARK Cancer Support Center is a non profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients, their families and friends.  We offer free support groups as well as creative healing and educational programs to anyone whose life has been affected by cancer.  We have been in the SCV for four years and as one of the therapists at weSPARK I can assure you that our cozy little retreat has helped many people in our valley along their difficult yet hopeful journey through cancer.

Q.  What Can Acupuncture Treat?
A.  According to Acufinder.com: Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions.  Many people try Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as a “last resort” to serious and complex medical problems and find that it can help them when other treatments could not.  
Acupuncture is also often used as a preventative medicine.  Many people see their acupuncturist only two to four times a year for a “tune up” or “balancing” treatment.  This can prevent disease and promote health, energy and vitality.

Author John Schaar had great insight when he stated, “The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating.  The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.”
Everything that you are doing now creates your future.  Are you creating the future that you want your life to be?