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ISSUE 22

Understanding Glaucoma

HEART DISEASE

An Epidemic That Is Preventable and

Reversible

Redmond

BURKE,MDA 3D Printed Heart to Save a Child’s Life

HIGHER BRAIN LIVINGa new brain. a new beginning DATING

Matters

PublisherMauricio Portillo

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo Del Valle

Marketing DirectorArnaldo Del Valle

Copy EditorLora Incardona

Website DirectorHealthy Media

Graphic DesignHealthy Media

Hair and MakeupCossi Chic Salon & Spa

Contributing WritersGuillermo Lazo, MDFrances ChamberlainDr. Vladimir DiazDr. James D. RoweDr. Michael CottonDr. Joclyn TolentinoDr. Marcela LondoñoCarolina PortesDr. Ritu GoelConsuelo Camarillo de Gonzalez, Lic. AcLora Incardona, M.Ed.Rubel Shelly

Social Media DirectorFaride Del Valle

healthy magazine is a free monthly publication. All contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. The material in this magazine is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. healthy magazine and its contributors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, and the advertiser is solely responsible for ad content and holds publisher harmless from any error.

Contact@HealthyMagazine.com1430 S. Dixie Highway, Unit 315Coral Gables, FL 33146 PH 305-395-4554www.HealthyMagazine.com

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February, the month of love. It’s a month that brings consciousness to not only romantic love but the love we have for others and ourselves. In our family, taking care of each other in sickness and health, which includes helping one another make healthy life choices, is one way that we actively show our love each day.

This month you can find many articles that will help you love each other, such as the articles on the Mediterranean diet, improving brain power and positive dating relationships. No, there are no articles on chocolates and roses, although they are always appreciated!

Regardless of where we find ourselves on the healthy lifestyle scale, I can tell you that there is nothing better than life, even when faced with daunting medical diagnoses. When a child is diagnosed with heart problems, for example, there are so many thoughts that run through a parent’s mind. While the first is always that of horrible dread and fear, thoughts of potential treatments, cures and care that the child needs soon follow.

The cardiology team at Miami Children’s Hospital has made it their goal to ease such worries, to help parents and children deal with the myriad of thoughts, emotions and the downright fear that come with a diagnosis of a serious heart condition. It is so exciting that infants and children in need have access to the newest cardiac technology, 3D cardiac modeling, and that they can receive the miracles it brings, right here in Miami.

Knowing that technology can turn a medical tragedy into a medical survival story has taught me a lot, which is why I am facing life with renewed hope and no fear about what it may bring. No matter what, life is about living and loving others as well as yourself. Every day, be the love you want to experience and embrace every chance you get to make healthy choices for yourself and those you love.

cportillo@healthymagazine.com

Editor in ChiefClaudia Portillo

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Contact@HealthyMagazine.com | 1430 South DIxie Hwy, suite 315, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | PH 305-395-4554 | www.HealthyMagazine.com

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ISSUE 22

HEALTHY BODY, MIND & SOUL

FITNES & BEAUTY

HEALTHY KIDS

16. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

18. FIGHT THE FEAR

20. HEART DISEASE AN EPIDEMIC THAT

IS PREVENTABLE AND REVERSIBLE

22. UNDERSTANDING GLAUCOMA

24. IT ALL STARTS WITH A SMILE...

26. INTRODUCING PLAQUEX

28. TREATING BELL’S PALSY WITH

ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE

30. A MEDITERRANEAN DIET CAN EXTEND YOUR LIFE

32. HIGHER BRAIN LIVING A NEW BRAIN. A NEW BEGINNING

34. HEART LUSH

10. DATING MATTERS12. REDMOND BURKE, MD, A 3-D PRINTED HEART TO SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE14. UNDERSTANDING AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER IN CHILDREN

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14. UNDERSTANDING AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER IN CHILDREN

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DATINGMatters

Dating Matters® is an initiative developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to educate and protect teens from dating violence. The initiative focuses on helping youth ages 11 to 14 in urban communities that are considered to be at high risk for exposure to teen dating violence.

WHAT IS DATING VIOLENCE?Dating violence is behavior that occurs among teens that are in dating relationships. This behavior includes emotional, sexual, physical and psychological abuse, and extends into stalking as well. Whether the behavior occurs in face-to-face situations or through electronic methods, such as social media, it is considered teen dating violence.

DATING MATTERS®The Dating Matters® initiative focuses on providing information to teens about the three most harmful dangers associated with dating violence:

• The negative effects of dating violence that affects physical and mental health, and can have a serious impact on overall educational performance

• The potential for teens to move on to other relationships throughout their lives that continue their victimization rather than looking for relationships that are healthy and free from violence

• The understanding that while it is known that dating violence is a major problem in low income urban communities, very little has been done to help prevent these behaviors or address other risk factors that make teens more susceptible to entering relationships where violence is present

THE CDC’S APPROACH TO ADDRESSING TEEN VIOLENCERecent reports have provided alarming statistics in relation to

dating violence within communities:

• Over the past year, one in ten students has been a victim of dating violence.

• 15% to 40% of those who participated in the studies admitted to being violent towards the

person they were dating.• Only one in four teens even reports violence or

abuse in his/her relationships each year.

These statistics, and many others, have shown that there is a need to educate teens and their communities about the dangers of dating violence to prevent the behaviors from being carried into adulthood. The CDC hopes to do this with Dating Matters® by working within the communities to develop and implement a comprehensive plan that will help teens learn how to promote dating relationships that are mutually respectful rather than violent in nature. This approach also focuses on building public awareness and interaction to create strategies that help to prevent violence throughout the community.

PHASE ONEDating Matters® is currently in its infancy,

undergoing deployment in Chicago, Baltimore, Ft. Lauderdale and Oakland. This first phase is slated for five years and will allow the CDC to determine not

only the costs and sustainability of the program but also whether it is effective in helping to curb dating violence in at-risk communities.

Dating violence is a serious matter and the CDC is also taking measures to help those in other communities by providing materials that teachers can use to educate

their own students in an effort to stop the spread and perpetuation of dating violence within their communities

before Dating Matters® reaches the end of its first phase of deployment.

By Dr. Ritu Goel

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By Frances Chamberlain

REDMOND BURKE,MD

A 3D Printed Heart to Save a Child’s Life

HEALTHY kids

From left to right: Daniel Monroe, Operating Room RN, Edgardo “Eddy” Gonzalez, Operating Room Tech., Dr. Redmond Burke, Director of Cardiovascular Surgery, Jorge Ojito, Chief Perfusionist, Francisco Alonso, Cardiovascular Surgery RN

13HEALTHY VALLEY

Time was running out for young Adanelie Gonzalez, a four-year-old patient at Miami Children’s Hospital who had been born with a serious heart condition, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Even after two complex open-heart surgeries and multiple cardiac catheterizations, she would tell her parents, “I just can’t breathe.”

Her cardiologist, Nancy Dobrolet, MD, knew Adanelie’s condition was deteriorating, but the risks of a third operation were too high. The child’s luck changed when Redmond Burke, MD, Director of Cardiovascular Surgery of The Heart Program at MCH, decided to utilize new technology that created a three-dimensional replica of the child’s heart.

“In the operating room, I hold hearts in my hand. I think about heart repairs in three dimensions,” Dr. Burke said. If he judged the situation from Adanelie’s CT scans ad MRIs, she was inoperable. However, the hi-tech creation of a 3D model allowed him, and his surgical team, to envision new ways to perform the surgery.

Having a replica of the heart allowed him to create patches in the right shapes and dimensions to match her deformed pulmonary veins. Adanelie’s life was being

measured in months and weeks before the surgery. Today she is able to enjoy life like a normal four-year-old child.

MCH’s 3D cardiac modeling team, led by Juan Carlos Muñiz MD, Director of Cardiac MRI, Robert Hannan, a cardiac surgeon, and Chelsea Balli, a cardiac surgery biomedical engineer, worked as a team. Ms. Balli and Dr. Muñiz converted CT scan images to a 3D format using Materialise ™ software and then sent them off for printing to Advanced RP, a company skilled in rapid prototyping.

“Once I had the model, which took 48 hours to make,

having it in my hand was very unique,” Dr. Burke said. “I carried it around with me in my gym bag for two weeks. It was kind of like having a Rubik’s Cube; then I finally figured it out.”

The heart model was created out of a flexible plastic material (digital flex) to replicate the exact texture of a human heart and blood vessels. This allowed the surgeon to

manipulate the model as he would Adanelie’s actual heart, moving blood vessels around to explore possible repairs.

“You can get different colors and consistencies,” Dr. Burke explained. “I wanted a softer plastic, and something very durable so I could carry it around with me.”“All operations can be broken down into ten steps, and this allowed me to show the team every step on the model, clamps and sutures, etc.” Dr Burke said. “I like everyone to be able to anticipate every step.”

Unlike other heart models that might be used for instructional purposes in the OR, this heart model reproduced Adanelie’s specific problems. “This surgery was complicated,” Dr. Burke explained. “The child was so young and previous surgeries had left her heart encased in scar tissue. It was like looking for a grape in a block of cement, but since we had studied the heart model, and had it there in the OR, we were able to perform a much safer operation.”

Because Adanelie’s young life had been filled with unsuccessful heart surgeries and catheterizations, her parents had tremendous doubts about this surgery. “I needed to restore the mom’s confidence and hope,” Dr. Burke said. “With this model, I could show her where the problem was and how we could fix it. She was empowered by this.”

Adanelie’s operation lasted four hours. She was cooled to freezing temperatures so her heart could be slowed and manipulated without damage. Using the 3D model for reference, Dr. Burke’s team used tissue from a donor heart to create a unique vascular tube on the operating table.

“When we restarted her heart at the end of that surgery, we heard the upper level tones for oxygen and saw that the right ventricle pressure was normal. Everyone just said ‘Yes’! It was a thrilling moment.” Adanelie’s heart was working properly for the first time in her life.

The child’s breathing tubes were taken out the second day after surgery and she then asked to go to the playroom. “We couldn’t keep her still after four days and she was discharged five days after surgery,” Dr. Burke explained.

“Can we use this to plan operations and teach?,” Dr. Burke asked. “If someone is deemed inoperable, then I’d say I’m not going to accept that until I’ve seen a model. This is another step to take; I want to hold a model of that person’s heart in my hands.”

Once I had the model, which took 48 hours to make, having it in my

hand was very unique,” Dr. Burke commented.

“I carried it around with me in my gym bag for

two weeks. It was kind of like having a Rubik’s

Cube; then I finally figured it out.

From left to right: Daniel Monroe, Operating Room RN, Edgardo “Eddy” Gonzalez, Operating Room Tech., Dr. Redmond Burke, Director of Cardiovascular Surgery, Jorge Ojito, Chief Perfusionist, Francisco Alonso, Cardiovascular Surgery RN

14 HEALTHY VALLEY

As parents, finding out that our children have a medical problem, such as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), can be devastating; however, when we take the time to learn more about the condition, we are better equipped to help our children through this difficult time.

WHAT IS AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER?Auditory processing describes the manner in which the brain distinguishes and interprets the sounds that are heard. The auditory portion is based on the sound waves that enter the ear. Once sounds enter the ear, they become electrical impulses, which the brain must process in order to determine what they mean. In children with APD, the problem arises when the brain inaccurately processes the sound information, resulting in the child hearing different words from what is actually said, such as hearing “cow” for “couch” or “hair” for “chair.” While it may be easy to misconstrue these words in noisy situations, in children with APD, this happens even when there is no outside noise that affects their ability to hear clearly spoken words.

One significant difference between children with APD and peers with other learning disabilities is their performance in classes or situations that don’t focus on the use of speech. Many children with APD receive good grades in those classes not dependent on speech while struggling in those that require them to understand and follow large amounts of speech for direction.

DIAGNOSING THE DISORDERWhen it comes to diagnosing APD in children, assessments are often administered to children who have other issues such as autism and ADHD; however, with these conditions, the problem is not the actual

processing of sounds in the brain, but is due to the condition from which they suffer. True APD is based solely on the brain’s inability to process sounds, rather than problems with speech or language, although the two can be related. In fact, most children who are diagnosed with APD have no hearing or intelligence deficits and often show some or all of the following signs:

• Trouble understanding what is said to them in noisy environments• Difficulty telling the difference between words or sounds that are

similar• Trouble following directions or understanding what they are

supposed to do• Frequently asking for speech to be repeated• Problems with reading or spelling

It is important to understand that these symptoms can also be the result of other conditions. In order to provide a definitive diagnosis of APD, input is required from teachers, speech pathologists and psychologists; however, the final diagnosis will come from an audiologist who will incorporate the gathered information with the findings from diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of a child’s hearing problem.

After being diagnosed, the audiologist will develop a treatment and compensation plan that is tailored to the child’s needs. Plans vary from child to child, as there is no definitive cure or treatment that works for all children suffering from the disorder; however, by following the recommendations from the audiologist, the chances of children overcoming their APD are quite good.

By Dr. Marcela Londoño

AUDITORy PROCESSINGUNDERSTANDING

Disorder in Children

HV HEALTHY kids

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By Rubel Shelly

Some people waste a lot of perfectly good energy wishing they could do things they can’t. They hear someone play the piano and say longingly, “If only I could make such beautiful music!” They watch an athlete, hear a stirring speech or read a well-crafted novel and lament, “I wish I could do that!”

My theory is that everybody is good at something and that the key both to achievement and satisfaction is in knowing what that something is, then developing it to a maximal degree and using it. In other words, play to your strengths.

One young family I know has a daughter who is casting about to decide what she wants to do when she grows up. As with most seven-year-olds, she sees the world as her domain to conquer. She has ruled nothing out as of yet. You have to admire that kind of optimism—and pray that nothing wrings it out of her.

At the same time, her optimism must have a bit of reality mixed with it, so there has been a dilemma. Her current hot options are being a rock singer and a star tennis player. The reality factor here is that she occasionally hits the tennis ball, but she never hits a note. So her mom and dad have had no great difficulty in deciding between voice lessons and tennis instruction.

With adults, time is more of the essence. We don’t have another five or ten years to cast about among unlimited options, so how do you find your strengths? Begin with four sheets of paper and use these headings: 1) things that are easy for me, 2) things people tell me I do well, 3) things that make me lose track of time and 4) things that are fun and fulfilling for me. Now circle the thing(s) that appear on all four lists. You’ve probably discovered your strength(s).

Conventional wisdom may tell you to find your areas of greatest weakness and shore them up. Does that really make sense? You’ll probably never be more than mediocre at something you dislike, try to avoid or feel frustrated doing. If you’re tone deaf, don’t waste money on voice lessons. Try tennis instead.

It seems far wiser to explore your aptitudes, passions and talents. Focus and develop your energies there. Become really, really good at something you enjoy. You will find tremendous satisfaction in generating excellence in your field and the great likelihood is that people will reward you for it.

Play to Your STRENGTHS

“A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God.”

Ecclesiastes 2:24

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16. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS

18. FIGHT THE FEAR

20. HEART DISEASE AN EPIDEMIC THAT IS PREVENTABLE AND REVERSIBLE

22. UNDERSTANDING GLAUCOMA

24. IT ALL STARTS WITH A SMILE...

26. INTRODUCING PLAQUEX

28. TREATING BELL’S PALSY WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE

BodyMind &Soul

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For adults, it’s easy to comfort children about the things they fear – the dark, things that go bump in the night and other frightful things. But remembering when we were growing up, we had a different perspective. And now as adults, we find other things that can be scary.

It’s human nature to fear the unknown but as we grow in knowledge and experience, the unknown becomes known, less dangerous and less intimidating.

When confronting cancer screening tests, many of my patients have similar fears. The results are unknown and there is a possibility those results could lead to some difficult experiences. Rather than face that possibility, some patients skip their screenings. Unfortunately, the old adage is wrong: no news is NOT always good news.

Too many times my colleagues and I have seen patients with advanced stage cancer that could have been detected earlier. Why didn’t they get screened, which might have allowed doctors to detect the cancer at a more treatable stage? Often, the answer has two common themes: fear of the test and fear of the results.

Some cancer screenings are unpleasant. I have yet to meet a patient who enjoyed the preparation for a colonoscopy (although most have said it was not as bad as they had expected). Even with that being said, a little discomfort is well worth the potential benefits:

Fight

By Dr. Guillermo Lazo, Texas Oncology–McAllen

determining you have no cancer, finding you need to do something extra to prevent cancer (such as removing pre-cancerous colon polyps) or finding you have an early-stage cancer, rather than an advanced stage cancer.

No one wants to find out they have cancer but discovering it at an early stage is always better. Early detection often makes a significant difference in quality of life during treatment. Patients are often able to receive a less intensive treatment with more treatment options. While exact rates vary by specific cancer types, cancers detected at an early stage consistently have better survival rates.

Some may fear the out-of-pocket costs associated with screenings. Most common cancer screenings are now covered by more health insurance plans or Medicare. In addition, free screening events and screening assistance are available in many communities.

You should discuss with your primary care physician which screenings are appropriate for you. Your doctor can outline the benefits, risks and appropriate schedule for cancer screenings, perform many screening tests and provide referrals for the rest.

I encourage all of my patients to fight the fear. Cancer screenings are an investment in your health and a way to take the reins on your healthcare. The more you know – including your family history, what is normal for your body and screening results – the more control you have over your health, which helps remove the fear.

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An Epidemic That Is Preventable and ReversibleDISEASEHEART

Call us today to receive an information package with all our services and to schedule a private tour of your nearest MCCI location.

1-888-670-MCCI (6224)www.mccigroup.com

BY Dr. Vladimir Diaz

>

Heart attacks major warning signs and symptoms may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort.• Upper body pain or discomfort in

the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.

• Shortness of breath.• Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold

sweats

You can prevent and even reverse heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Here are 10 strategies to help you protect your heart:

1 Eat a healthy wholefood diet - Eat at least 8 to 10 servings of colorful fruits and

vegetables a day, which contain important disease fighting micronutrients. Also eat lots of beans and legumes, raw nuts, seeds, avocados, whole grains and some lean meats. Reduce or avoid processed foods. These usually contain high amounts of sugar, salt, harmful trans-fats and artificial chemicals.

Heart disease is our nation’s number one killer, accounting for 1 out of every 4 deaths each year! The primary cause of heart attacks and strokes is the gradual clogging, hardening and damage done to the inside walls of our blood vessels.

2 Avoid too much sugar - which can raise your blood pressure and damage your

arteries-maintain a fasting blood sugar between 70 – 85 mg/dl.

3 Get Moving - avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity is a must for

having a healthy heart. Exercise helps you maintain normal weight. Excess weight is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

4 Don’t smoke or use tobacco - Smoking or using tobacco is one of the most

significant risk factors for developing heart disease.

5 Take time to relax - We live in a fast-paced hectic world that’s often stressful. Take

some time daily to meditate. Sit quietly for 10-15 minutes, take slow, deep breaths and think peaceful thoughts.

6 Take care of your teeth - people with periodontal disease are more likely to

have heart disease and suffer a heart attack than those with healthy gums. Floss daily!

7 Check your cholesterol - Your total cholesterol should be under 200 and

your LDL should be ideally under 80. But more importantly, your ratio of HDL to total cholesterol should be more than 24%. Your ratio of triglycerides to HDL should be below 2.

8 Know your blood pressure - Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80

millimeters of mercury.

9 Limit alcohol - In addition to raising blood pressure, too much alcohol can

add unneeded calories to your diet. If you drink alcoholic beverages, have only a moderate amount – one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

10 Get regular health screenings - Regular screening can tell you what

your risks are and whether you need to take action.

Make sure to consult your healthcare professional for any questions concerning your heart health or when to begin any exercise regimen.

HEALTHY bodY

To schedule a private tour of your nearest location.We can also send you an information package with all our services.For more info visit us on the web at — www.mccigroup.com

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22 HEALTHY VALLEY

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GlaucomaUnderstanding

Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects the optic nerve and is caused by pressure building up inside the eye, resulting in damage. In most cases, the condition is hereditary. If the pressure is not treated by an ophthalmologist in a timely manner, it will eventually result in total blindness of the eye within a matter of a few years.

WHO DEVELOPS GLAUCOMA?Glaucoma mostly affects those who are over the age of 40, but signs of the problem may not show up until much later. Those who have a family history of glaucoma, have diabetes or are at risk for other types of eye diseases should be sure to have their eyes examined at least once every two years, or more often if your ophthalmologist recommends it.

WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?The buildup of pressure in the eye occurs when the fluid inside the eye, called the aqueous humor, is unable to circulate into and out of the eye due to the trabecular meshwork being blocked. At this time, the actual cause of blockage is not known, but when the fluid is blocked, it causes the pressure inside the eye to increase to the point of causing damage to the optic nerve.

While most cases of glaucoma are hereditary in nature, those who have had an injury to the eye, severe eye infections, chemical damage or eye surgery can develop it has well. Other risk factors include:

• Poor vision

• Diabetes

• Use of steroid medications

• Being of African American, Hispanic, Irish, Inuit, Japanese, Scandinavian or Russian descent

TYPES OF GLAUCOMAThere are two types of glaucoma: open angle and angle closure. The most common form is open angle, which occurs when there is no visible damage or irregularities in the eye, but the fluid channel does not allow for proper drainage.

Angle closure glaucoma is caused by the trabecular meshwork becoming too narrowed due to the angle between the cornea and the iris. In this condition, the blockage is caused by the iris, leading to a sudden increase in the pressure in the eye.

SYMPTOMSMost people with glaucoma typically do not have any symptoms until their vision becomes altered, which is why eye exams are so important. When pressure inside the eye increases too much, symptoms can include:

• Tunnel vision• Eye redness• Sudden eye pain• Loss of vision• Headache• Halos around lights• Nausea or vomiting

If any of these symptoms develop, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid permanent vision loss.

Glaucoma can only be diagnosed by an eye doctor, who can examine the optic nerve. The ophthalmologist also uses tonometry to test the pressure in the eyes, along with a visual field test to monitor peripheral vision. Over time, glaucoma patients may need eye drops, microsurgery or laser surgery to relieve some of the pressure in their eyes. Without such treatments, the chances of vision loss and blindness are very high.

By Dr. James D. Rowe

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HEALTHY bodY

MEET YELENA

IT ALL STARTS WITH A

SMILE...

Hello, my name is Yelena and I’m a Certified Registered Dental Hygienist at KR Perio. As a dental

hygienist, I not only provide dental treatment but educate our patients on how to maintain dental health and prevent dental maladies. I see myself as a detective and an assassin. Although it may seem funny, it is a perfect comparison to what we do for our patients every day.

Dental hygienists are trained to look for clues in the mouth and medical histories, making us the Sherlock Holmeses of dentistry when it comes to identifying risk factors. The main focus of health, whether dental health or total body wellness, must be prevention, and eliminating risk is the first step.

Identifying individual risk factors; designing a personalized homecare routine based on particular needs, anatomy, pH predisposition, diet and genetics; and consistent and continuous encouragement to keep up the battle, are what we, at KR Perio, are all about.

When it comes to the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay, our job is to detect bacterial settlements and interrupt their comfortable existence. Our goal is not to

and soil, fluoride’s history started as an observation by a young dentist in Colorado Springs in the beginning of last century turning fluoride into a scientific revolution that placed dentistry at the forefront of preventive medicine.

Fluoride is able to rebuild enamel to a strong, glass-like surface that bacteria have difficulty attaching to, which means weak and easily disturbed settlements, making the environment less acidic, therefore, preventing decay, stain and sensitivity, and breaking the whole destructive cycle. Preventative mission accomplished! In addition to providing dental care, we turn our patients into trained assassins, just like we are, by correcting or improving on certain cleaning techniques and behaviors. Patients have been assassinating the bacteria in their mouths long before stepping into our office. We just train them to be the best of the best. We also make personalized recommendations for tools and products that will help them maintain their oral health. Because, let’s be honest, dental aisles at supermarkets and drugstores can make the head spin.

And then, we go to war. And we are awesome at war. With specialized equipment, we singlehandedly assassinate millions of enemy settlements. But, because this is a war that we usually fight only once every 3 months, we need the help of our patients to keep up the fight, until we, again, are able to provide our awesome assassination skills.

Without the patient’s help, we will never be able to succeed. Our main job is to teach people how to take care of themselves and to motivate them along the way. Like someone once said: “Give man a fish, and you fed him for today; teach man how to fish, and you have fed him for a lifetime.”

I hope to see you in our office and look forward for the opportunity to be a detective and an assassin on your behalf.

kill or eliminate bacteria from the mouth. That is an unrealistic and unattainable goal, neither is it beneficial to either part—us or bacteria.

Our goal is simply to keep bacteria moving and to create an environment that is not comfortable for their prosperity because, when bacteria prosper in your mouth, the byproducts of their prosperity destroy the world they live in—your mouth.

An acidic environment is like the Miami beach for bacteria. They just love it and continue to produce more acid to live even better. Acid, however, is the main cause of destruction of tooth enamel. It draws out the minerals that keep it strong and glasslike, making it much more porous. This results in an increased risk for decay, sensitivity, staining, unsightly deposit buildup, stronger bacterial sticking due to the porous surface to grab on to and an increased risk for gum disease. The more porous the surface, the more bacteria stick to it, and more acid is produced, and more havoc is wreaked in the mouth.

In order to reverse the effects of acidic destruction and to improve the condition of the teeth and gums, at KR Perio we use the most researched mineral in dentistry—fluoride. A mineral in rocks

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26 HEALTHY VALLEY

Introducing PlAQUEX

HEALTHY bodY

When it comes to cardiovascular health, conventional wisdom has long pointed to a catalog of lifestyle modifications and practices to protect against the onslaught of potentially life threatening conditions such as coronary artery disease and hypertension. Doctors advise us, and with good reason, to exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Certainly, the data alone provide a compelling argument for staying the preventative course when it comes to a healthy heart, as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide, affecting men and women equally as they age. The increase in risk and its corresponding relationship with age are important because they highlight a critical truth about the prevention of cardiovascular disease: as we age, a healthy lifestyle alone may not be enough to protect us.

By Dr. Joclyn Tolentino

An Innovative New Treatment Combats Cardiovascular Disease on a Cellular Level

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Plaquex and EDTA chelation are complementary therapies intended to optimize the function of the circulatory system and facilitate the flow of blood throughout the body. The circulatory system is often compared to a road atlas, a visual intended to emphasize the intricate and interconnected nature of the veins and arteries that work seamlessly to carry blood to the furthest reaches of the body and back. It’s helpful to keep this comparison in mind when considering the manner in which aging contributes to the deterioration of the body’s superhighway. Like a well-traveled road, veins and arteries become damaged and weakened over time. The accumulation of plaque can further damage the arteries and restrict blood flow, which can lead to serious, and sometimes fatal, cardiac events.

Plaquex is a remarkable new treatment for repair and restoration of overtaxed and compromised areas within the circulatory system. Because Plaquex (scientifically known as phosphatidylcholine) is a naturally occurring substance found in all living cells, Plaquex therapy has the ability to safely and effectively replenish veins and arteries on a cellular level, repairing damage and restoring elasticity to cell membranes to return them to peak function. The result of this restorative process is a dramatically renewed circulatory system, void of harmful agents, like plaque and LDL cholesterol, and once again permitting blood to flow unobstructed to every part of the body.

Dr. Steven Schnur and Dr. Perry Krichmar, board certified cardiologists and founders of EliteHealth in Miami Beach, recently added Plaquex to their roster of recommended treatments for patients of their busy South Florida practice.

As cardiologists with decades of combined experience in the healthcare industry, both physicians recognize the great potential Plaquex and EDTA chelation pose for patients at risk of cardiovascular disorders.

Long utilized as a treatment for heavy metal poisoning, EDTA chelation is complementary therapy intended to rid the body of harmful toxins and metals. When used in combination with Plaquex, this overall therapeutic regime has the potential to reverse serious cardiovascular damage in a process that is safe and noninvasive. Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, director of EliteHealth’s Vitality Center and an IV therapy specialist, recommends this type of therapy for anyone who “wants to reverse cardiovascular damage to sensitive arteries, as well patients who want to rid their bodies of harmful toxins that contribute to plaque and cholesterol build up.” Both Plaquex and EDTA chelation are administered intravenously over the course of multiple sessions overseen by physicians like Dr. Tolentino at EliteHealth’s accommodating Miami Beach facility.

When combined with all-important lifestyle modifications and choices, Plaquex and EDTA chelation therapy can easily and effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and serious cardiac complications. For individuals who may need assistance narrowing in on the optimal diet and exercise regime to reduce their risks, EliteHealth’s FitForever program offers a wealth of personal wellness resources including access to highly skilled fitness and nutrition experts. For more information about Plaquex and EDTA chelation therapy, as well as any of EliteHealth’s IV micronutrient therapy programs and Elite FitForever

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By Consuelo Camarillo De G., Lic. Ac.

TREATING

BELL’S

PALSYwith Acupuncture

and Oriental

Medicine

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The paralysis comes suddenly, often with the patient waking up in the morning noticing that one side of the face is distorted. The paralysis usually worsens within 2-5 days, causing the patient difficultly in eating, chewing and closing the eyes. Bell’s palsy also causes pain around the ear and numbness with tenderness in the mastoid area of the affected side of the face. Usually the patient experiences headaches first and insomnia due to stress.

Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of paralysis of the face worldwide; the incidence is slightly higher within the Asian race and is more common in young adults, with same incidence for men and women. Cases also appear more often during autumn and winter. Forty thousand people are affected by this paralysis each year, making one person in every 65, or about 0.02% of the world population,

experiencing the condition at some point during his lifetime.

In modern medicine, prednisone or another corticosteroid and

acyclovir, an antiviral drug, are given as a regime to eliminate the inflammation of Bell’s palsy. Exercise is also prescribed to rehabilitate the muscles.

In Oriental medicine, Bell’s palsy is considered a wind invasion of

the three Yang channels—Tai Yang (bladder, small intestine), Yang Ming

(stomach, large intestine) and Shao Yang (gall bladder, shan jiao)—that is blocking the free movement of the energy through the channels. Oriental medicine helps these patients to recover by using acupuncture, herbology and nutrition.

Although a patient has a greater opportunity to recover faster when seen within three months of the onset of a Bell’s palsy episode and acupuncture is applied to the face, patients who receive treatment after three months of an episode also have experienced positive results.

At Behavioral Wellness Center, we offer acupuncture and other Oriental medicine techniques to help you with your needs and to help bring your body back into balance. We invite you to call to set up an appointment to experience how Oriental medicine can improve your health.

“Bell’s palsy” is the name given by Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon, in 1821, to a certain form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one or two facial nerves or the seventh cranial nerve. The facial muscle is damaged in turn, causing weakness or paralysis.

30. A MEDITERRANEAN DIET CAN EXTEND YOUR LIFE

32. HIGHER BRAIN LIVING A NEW BRAIN. A NEW BEGINNING

34. HEART LUSH

Beauty

FITN

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&hv

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A

MEDITERRANEAN

DIETcan extend

your life

The idea that following a Mediterranean diet could help you live longer is one that many have believed for years; however, a recent study has shown that this idea may actually be the reality.

WHAT IS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET?The Mediterranean diet is based on the southern European way of eating. It includes many fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish, while meat, dairy and poultry intake is limited. The diet is very low in saturated fats and includes a daily moderate intake of wine.

The combinations of foods in the diet provide higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants than a traditional US diet, while also providing anti-inflammatory properties that may be linked to a longer life. In order to better understand the impact of a Mediterranean inspired diet, researchers initiated a study to determine if there were any links between the diet and the length of telomeres.

Telomeres are located at the ends of DNA strands in our cells and essentially protect them from becoming frayed or damaged. They are often likened to the aglet on the end of a shoestring as, without it, the cells are unable to multiply properly. Each time a cell goes through the copying process, it causes the telomere to shorten and, eventually, the cells are no longer be able to copy the DNA properly, resulting in the health problems associated with aging.

THE STUDYThe research, which is based on information provided by the Nurses’ Health Study that has been ongoing since 1976, followed the eating habits of more than 4,670 women via food questionnaires and blood tests. The diets of these women were ranked according to how

similar their reported foods matched those that are common in the Mediterranean diet. The results of the study showed that those with dietary habits closest to the southern European diet had significantly longer telomere length than those who did not follow similar diets, indicating a longer lifespan.

The study, which the authors explain “is the largest population-based study specifically addressing the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and telomere length in healthy, middle-aged women,” also determined that each component of the diets did not affect the telomere length on its own. Instead, the researchers discovered that the longer telomeres were the result of a combination of the dietary components and overall health.

ADDITIONAL STUDY NEEDEDThe researchers also factored in the overall health of the women involved in the study in order to develop a clearer picture of the impact the Mediterranean diet has on the length of telomeres. Using these factors, it was determined that genetics may play a key role in the effectiveness of this diet and its effects on telomere length. As such, experts feel that additional study is needed to determine the role of sex and genes in relation to the diet.

While these studies are ongoing, there is promising evidence that following a Mediterranean diet is beneficial to your health and may even allow you to live longer than you might with other types of diets.

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THE GATEWAY TO HEAVEN ON EARTH EXISTS IN YOUR MIND

Lately I have been thinking about ‘heaven on earth’ and I am wondering how many of us really truly believe this to be a possibility. We say things like, “We want to transform,” and “The world can become a place of joy and abundance and possibility for all.” But do we believe it? Do we truly believe it? What if it were true? What would we do then? What if… The demanding and complex modern world we live in has exceeded the capacity of our lower primitive brains’ processing system. The result of this overload is, quite naturally, increased stress, anxiety, foreboding and apathy in our daily lives. Researchers tell us that the stress overload will kill us and that we must change our habits or die. New-age gurus tell us that if we change our thoughts, we will be fulfilled, which is good information, except it’s not working. A recent Harris Poll found that two thirds of American adults are not very happy. This is tragic. It’s tragic in light of modern neuroscience. You and I (and all of humanity) have brain structures referred to by esteemed brain researcher Dr. Paul McLean as ‘angel lobes.’ The name was given to this newly evolved area of our brain due to the association in these structures with higher consciousness, deeper meaning in life, joy, spiritual connection and purpose. When engaged and energized, these dormant new brain areas lead to a profoundly enhanced way to experience the world. We, modern humans, have a brain designed for transcendence, joy and meaning; yet, we aren’t even happy. What’s wrong here?

HIGHER BRAIN LIVINGa new brain. a new beginning

Alexandrian philosopher Plotinus stated, “Mankind is poised midway between the gods and the beast.” I think modern neuroscience confirms that. The lower survival-based brain (having evolved at a time when the environment was predator-rich) is primitive and outmoded but is still the major influence on the experience and direction of our lives. Fear-based lower brain mechanisms arrest our forward momentum, cycling us back into a life of familiar habits (even if they are negative) because, to the lower brain, sameness equals safety. In our 21st century lives, these primitive lower brain survival mechanisms are at war with higher brain growth and evolution. The higher brain wants to change and grow but, below our conscious awareness, the old lower brain says, “Oh no you don’t. Change is scary. Let’s stay the same.” We are indeed “poised midway between the gods and the beast,” midway between the higher and lower brains. Stuck. We see glimpses of our transcendence yet are pulled back down into old familiar patterns. We are living from a state of fear, sameness, stress, anxiety and apathy instead of joy, purpose, passion and meaning. Enough is enough. Isn’t it time we bring our awareness to this uniquely human predicament and take up a path that awakens our dormant higher brains? Imagine a world where the highest part of our brain were awakened in all of humanity and we brought that empowered state to all areas of life. Could we create heaven on earth? If enough of us committed to this shift from the lower stressed brain to the higher enlightened brain, not only would our own lives transform but the ultimate result could only be a beautiful new world for all of us. I am on fire with this possibility! Will you join me?

By Dr. Michael Cotton

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. Michael Cotton is the Founder of Higher Brain Living®, which helps shift energy into the prefrontal cortex, awakening human potential for a lifetime of lasting

joy, and purpose. http://www.higherbrainlivingevents.com/florida/

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LEARN HOW TO

Awaken & Ignite The Brain’s Highest Potential

Confidence

Joy

Abundance

AnxietyWorry

Stress

Monday, March 16, 2015 6:30PM-8:30PMThe Bahia Mar - A DoubleTree by Hilton

Thanks to Higher Brain Living®, we can change the physiology of our brains! This system creates a clear channel and energy surge to the Higher Brain that opens a gateway to expansive higher living like no other psychological, spiritual or physical healing modality. Learn how you can activate your higher brain by attending a live, mind-blowing demonstration!(free if pre-registered, $97 at the door)

Or simply add this revolutionary Higher Brain Living® Technique to your existing practice.

higherbrainlivingevents.com/florida

GET TRAINED IN THISBREAKTHROUGH TECHNIQUE

Also visit us at the 2015 New Life Expo in Fort Lauderdale!

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rEcipE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups watermelon

• 2 cups blueberries

• 2 tbsp fresh basil

• cayenne pepper spice to taste

• ½ limeHeart disease is a major cause of death in the United States and the world. Heart problems can stem from a variety of factors including genetics, smoking, limited physical activity, high alcohol consumption and high cholesterol intake.

The good news is that a healthy diet can help minimize the risk factors that cause heart disease and studies show that consuming juices made from certain fruits and vegetables may help to prevent this fatal disease, which is why people who are concerned about heart health may find that drinking freshly made juices can lower their risk.

Heart Lush juice is full of antioxidants and potassium and is high in vitamin C, which aids in the production of collagen, a protein essential for healthy blood vessels. As the combination

By Carolina Portes

of folic acid and essential vitamins helps keep blood pressure levels normalized, Heart Lush also balances the body in terms of LDL and triglycerides while increasing the level of HDL. Additionally, the blend of ingredients in this recipe has anti-anxiety effects to reduce stress and stimulate circulation, reducing then the risks of cardiovascular disease.

PREPARATION

Mix all ingredients in a juicer or blender. Have fun and stay healthy!

HEART LUSH

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02/28/15

February 28 2015

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ND

AR

COMMUNITY EVENTShv

FEBRUARY 28Mariners Hospital Community Health Fair9:00am – 12:00pmRegistration begins at 8:45am Mariners HospitalTassell Medical Arts Building91500 Overseas Highway, TavernierFor more information, call 305-434-1020.

FEBRUARY 28Community Health Fair9:00am – 1:00pmMDC Medical Campus950 NW 20th St., MiamiFor more information, call 305-237-4103.

Every Wednesday (except 2nd Wed.)Chair Yoga for Parkinson’s12:45pm – 1:45pmOffered by The ParkOptimists, a Parkinson’s Support GroupSt. Matthews Episcopal Church7410 Sunset Dr., South MiamiFor more information, call 305-243-0609 or 305-951-4933.

Every WednesdayDBSA Depression and Bipolar Suppt. Alliance Mtgs.6:00pmAges 18+The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is the Nation’s Leading Peer Led Support Group for people diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar DisorderTamarac Community Center8601 W. Commercial Blvd., TamaracFor more information, call 954-724-2445.

Every 4th WednesdayAlzheimer’s 4th Wednesdays Support Group12:30pm – 2:00pm Ages 21+Mount Sinai Medical Center The Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders4300 Alton Rd., Miami BeachFor more information, call 305-674-2121.

FEBRUARY 7Homestead Hospital Family Health & Wellness Fair9:00am – 1:00pmFree adult screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, body composition, osteoporosis, asthma, vision and foot health.A Children’s Expo dedicated to newborn care and pediatric health and wellness, along with information on healthy pregnancies. Fun kids’ activities. Homestead Hospital, Main Entrance975 Baptist Way, HomesteadFor more information, call 786-243-8664.

FEBRUARY 14Infant CPR (newborn to 1 yr.)6:30pm – 9:30pmBaptist Hospital, South Bldg., 3rd Fl., Classroom 58900 N. Kendall Dr., MiamiFor more information, call 786-596-8748.

FEBRUARY 18Shingles: What You Need to Know7:00pm – 8:00pmBaptist Medical Plaza at Westchester8820 Bird Road, MiamiThis program is free, but space is limited and reservations are required by registering online, emailing Programs@BaptistHealth.net or calling 786-596-3812.

FEBRUARY 21MDA Muscle Walk of Miami7:ooamZoo Miami12400 SW 152nd St., MiamiFor more information, call 305-251-0400 or go to www.musclewalkmda.org/miami.

FEBRUARY 26Banishing Bullying: Be Part of the Solution7:00pm – 8:30pmFeaturing: Trish Ramsey, The Melissa Institute and Shakira Henderson, R.N.This program is for grade school students and their parents. Baptist Hospital AuditoriumSouth Building, 3rd Floor8900 N. Kendall Drive, South Building, MiamiThis program is free, but space is limited and reservations are required by registering online, calling 786-596-3812 or emailingPrograms@BaptistHealth.net.

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