Practice Self

When was the last time you had lunch with a good friend, enjoyed 7-8 hours of sleep, or took a mid-afternoon walk to revitalize your mind and body? Can't remember? Then February is the perfect time to give yourself a little love.

Integrating regular self-care activities into everyday life can benefit our physical, mental, and emotional health. Yet, for some women, the concept of taking time to care for their own needs seems selfish or unattainable.

If you are always busy and stressed, self-care actions can actually help to replenish your energy, boost your mood, and diminish anxiety. Text a loved one, eat a healthy snack, take a short nap, do some stretches, or read something funny while you sip the latest brew from your favorite coffee house.

Journaling, meditation, mindfulness, and affirmations can squelch negative self-talk and help you get in touch with what's really important to you. Add something fun to your schedule every day and learn to say "no."

Self-care also means scheduling appointments with your doctor and dentist. The following metro Detroit health professionals offer the latest treatments and techniques to help you feel and look your very best.

Q: I’m too young to look old! I want a great new smile, and I want it yesterday! How do I "shop" for my new smile?

A: To assure that your smile is picture-perfect, seek an exceptional dental practice. Dr. Craig Goldin, Dr. Marcy Goldin, and Dr. David Whalen of the award-winning Cosmetic Dentistry Institute provide all phases of general, cosmetic, sedation, and implant dentistry, so you can have all of your dental problems conveniently treated in one office.

"Whatever your dental needs are, your visit will be comfortable and painless, as well as efficient and high-tech. With cosmetic dentistry, a beautiful new smile can change your life," says Dr. Marcy Goldin, an adjunct clinical lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Dr. Craig Goldin is the only accredited fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in eastern Michigan. AACD Fellowship is recognized as the highest level of competence in cosmetic dentistry, and only 65 dentists in the world have earned this distinction. He is a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, which allows him to both place and restore state-of-the-art dental implants.

"Beautiful, natural-looking implants can last a lifetime and allow you to smile, chew, and speak more confidently," says Dr. Craig Goldin, who also has advanced training and certification in IV sedation. "With sedation dentistry, patients who are anxious or busy can be totally relaxed and have multiple dental procedures done in as little as one visit."

"Everything we do," adds Dr. David Whalen, "is driven by our pledge to go above and beyond for our patients."

Q: My thinning hair makes me look and feel older and unattractive. Is there any help for me?

A: Yes! Hair restoration is the No. 1 anti-aging solution, and Shear Pointe offers the latest treatment, nonsurgical and surgical hair restoration solutions for women and men of all ethnicities. Our experienced hair restoration experts help you choose which treatments and techniques will give you the hair you desire.

For those who know hair loss is progressive and want to stop it before it gets worse, we can help with topical treatments, supplements, PRP injections, FDA-approved laser therapy, and prescription medication. Some of these options not only stop hair loss but reverse it, too.

For those who have hair but want more than what treatments can provide and don't want surgery, we can help with ultra-custom and pre-custom hair systems, fibers, the most luxurious hair extensions not found in most salons, and top-of-head hair extensions. Top-of-head hair extensions are four pre-knotted hairs tied to one scalp hair that can thicken front hairlines, parting areas, and the top of head.

For those who have no hair, advanced alopecia, must cover their hair for religious devotion, or will be receiving chemotherapy, we can help with ultra-custom and pre-custom medical grade wigs and hair prostheses.

For those who want to surgically restore their hair, we can help with the best hair transplant experience you could ever imagine.

As a Michigan-based, family-owned and operated company for 50 years with a BBB A+ rating, we understand the emotional, physical, and psychological impact of hair loss. We commit ourselves to help you regain your hair and the feelings that only a beautiful head of hair can provide. If we can help you or someone you know, please call 248-645- 1310 to schedule your free consultation.

Q: When laughing, sneezing, and working out, sometimes I experience embarrassing leaks. What solution would be good for me?

A: Women's intimate health and wellness is not always a comfortable conversation, but at Dr. Ali Plastic Surgery & Amae MedSpa, we believe it is crucially important. Fifty percent of women are affected with stress incontinence (leakage), and 80 percent of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness. These intimate issues impact women of all ages, and we are excited to now off er a solution. Viveve is a safe, comfortable, single session, nonsurgical option for women who want to counter the physical changes impacting their daily lives. This FDA-cleared, long-lasting, state-of-the-art treatment is designed to restore vaginal tightness and address stress urinary incontinence unlike any other device out there.

Q: How do you know if your puffy under-eye bags are caused by fatigue, allergies, or sinus problems?

A: Typically, they are unrelated, says ophthalmic and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Evan Black. "If you’ve had a good night's sleep and you don't have allergies or sinus disease, or these conditions have been treated, then the bags you see are what's called herniated orbital fat — the most common reason that people have the appearance of bags under their eyes. This is based on the fact that the eye sits in a space called the orbit, which has fat compartments that can protrude under the eye."

To improve the appearance of baggy lower eyelids, the fat may be removed, repositioned, and/or sculpted. Minimally invasive lower eyelid surgery is a no-stitch "bag" removal that dramatically improves the appearance of the area around the eyes.

"It's a 30-40 minute procedure with local anesthesia and sedation for comfort," Dr. Black explains. "Since we are not cutting or removing any skin, surgery risks are significantly reduced. We also use a fractional CO2 laser to diminish wrinkles, improve tone, and tighten up the delicate skin in the lower eyelids. This outpatient surgery is a permanent solution that can turn back the clock and help you to maintain a natural, youthful look."

To learn more about lower eyelid surgery, call to schedule a consultation with one of our expert facial plastic surgeons.

Q: My skin looks and feels so dry and damaged. What can I do this winter for a more vibrant and younger-looking appearance?

A: "There are many options for winter skin care. More often than not, we just need to refresh our skin with a custom-blended chemical peel. For a more aggressive approach to anti-aging winter skin maintenance, I suggest Collagen Induction Therapy that will leave your skin smoother, firmer, and more toned.

As we have less sun exposure, winter is also the best time for anti-aging and brightening laser treatments. We off er the transformative Sciton Forever Young BBL™. With custom settings, this innovative laser treats signs of aging and sun damage, as well as vascular issues, all in one treatment session! Combining these treatment options with topical skin care maintenance, my patients are rejuvenated and ready for spring!

Q: What are the benefits of doing Pilates during and after pregnancy?

A: With pregnancy, the distribution of weight in your body changes. This can leave you feeling clumsy and unstable, and maybe not so motivated to exercise. But staying in shape through your pregnancy is of tremendous benefit. Pilates is perfect for this.

"Gentle exercise is important for maintaining prenatal strength and flexibility," explains Ron Jegadeesh, P.T., M.B.S., and owner of Pilates Fitness & Physical Therapy Center. "Pilates helps to keep the back and abdominals strong, allowing for a more comfortable and easy delivery."

Hormonal changes and the weight of the baby can weaken your pelvic floor muscles. Pilates can help to strengthen this "hammock" of muscle that sits under the pelvis to support your bladder and bowel. Leg-strengthening Pilates exercises can help reduce the likelihood of fluid retention, leg cramps, and varicose veins. Staying strong will also help you get back to your pre-pregnancy body after your baby is born.

Post-delivery, Pilates can rehabilitate pelvic floor dysfunction, correct a splitting of the abdominals (diastasis recti) and improve scar tissue from a C-section. Muscle imbalances are the biggest cause of injury. Pilates can also help correct muscle imbalance that can easily develop when caring for and carrying around your baby.

Q: I don't like my thin lips. What type of treatment can give me a fuller and more defined look?

A: Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Myra Danish customizes lip augmentation for each patient's unique needs and goals.

"The lips should match your other facial features as far as size and shape," Dr. Danish says. "I’m not a fan of overly enlarged lips or lips that protrude like a duck bill. When a patient asks for lip enhancement, I carefully analyze the shape of their lip and face to determine the best approach for a natural, balanced look.

"Generally, lip augmentation entails the use of injectable fillers," she says. "You may need filler to outline the border of the lips or to enhance the Cupid's bow — the double curve of the upper lip. Some patients need filler to reduce wrinkles around the lips. I choose the fillers that will achieve the desired results."

Typically, lip augmentation with fillers is less than a 30-minute office visit with no downtime. The results last six months to a year. Another option is a lip implant. The surgery takes less than an hour, recovery is a few days, and the results are permanent.

Q: What can I do to help relieve my back pain?

A: While there is no substitute for seeking professional medical advice, there are things you can do at home to improve your symptoms. Lifestyle changes are among the most important things you can do to help your condition. The first thing is to work on your posture, remembering to sit and stand straight, flexing your abdominal muscles. This means no slouching! Secondly, change your sleep patterns by finding the best position for pain relief, which varies from person to person and condition to condition. Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep depending on your current patterns. Third, improve your diet and eating times. Weight loss, especially in the abdominal area, will strengthen the overstretched back ligaments, muscles, and tendons that worsen posture and back pain. Fourth, and certainly not least, is exercise. There are many types of exercises you may choose from depending on your goals, but the single most important exercise you can do will be one that focuses on core conditioning. Properly coordinated core muscles stabilize the spine and create an incredibly firm base of support for practically all movements. If these lifestyle modifications fail to relieve your pain, you may benefit from a formal consultation.

Q: How can you improve a smile with cosmetic periodontal surgery?

A: As some people age, their gums recede, making their teeth look much longer and their smile appear older. Periodontist Dr. Joseph Nemeth uses the minimally invasive Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Technique® to lengthen the gums, typically with no incisions, no stitches, and virtually no pain.

"We make a small pinhole in the gum above the teeth to be treated," says Dr. Nemeth, the first gum specialist in Michigan to be certified in this innovative technique. "With special instruments, we loosen up the gum tissue and bring it down over the receded areas where it should be. The Pinhole Technique improves the smile tremendously. Patients are extremely happy, and we’re seeing excellent longterm results."

Some people are embarrassed because they have a "gummy" smile. Dr. Nemeth does periodontal plastic surgery to sculpt the excess gum tissue so the teeth will look appropriate and beautiful.

"With these procedures, patients have little to no discomfort. We typically use intravenous sedation so that patients are asleep or in a very relaxed state during their treatment," says Dr. Nemeth, who has certification as a Master in the College of Sedation in Dentistry.

"We love doing cosmetic periodontal surgery," he adds. "Our patients enjoy a healthier, more attractive smile and it changes their life."

Q: Sometimes when I sneeze, I leak urine. Oh well, it's a normal part of aging, right?

A: Incontinence is more common in women and may occur at any age. This problem isn't inevitable just because you’ve had children or you’ve grown older; however, it should be addressed if you experience symptoms. Stress incontinence is associated with lack of control when laughing, sneezing, and coughing or during physical activities. With urge incontinence, you have a sudden need to urinate and may have difficulty getting to the bathroom on time. Incontinence can be related to a surgical procedure, an injury, a medical condition, childbirth, hormonal changes, or dysfunction, such as weakness in the pelvic floor muscles.

Team Rehab physical therapists who specialize in treating abdominal and pelvic health conditions create treatment plans to restore a patient's normal function and to help them avoid a recurrence of their symptoms. Working on a personal and confidential level, therapists use a number of treatment methods including manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, postural retraining, therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and the Pelvic Wave Chair — a bioelectric magnetic system for strengthening weak pelvic floor muscles.

Our therapists also provide behavioral education and training that allows patients to take control into their own hands. This may involve athome exercises, scheduled voiding, or changes in diet.

Incontinence can be embarrassing and inconvenient, but it's not "okay." Contact Team Rehab to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for the treatment of incontinence.

Q: What is the best way for women to optimize and maintain their health and beauty as they age?

A: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

As we age, levels of all of our vital hormones decline, leading to hormone imbalance. Optimal hormone levels are essential for optimal health and quality of life. Benefits of balancing hormones with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy results in significant improvements in: fat loss, muscle tone, muscle mass and strength, skin integrity resulting in reduction of wrinkles, energy levels, sex drive, sexual function and orgasms, sleep, memory and concentration, emotional well-being and stability, mood, immune system, inflammation, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, bone strength, vision, reduction of menopause symptoms, and much more!

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the science of correcting hormone imbalances with the goal of restoring youthful, optimal hormone levels and relieving the symptoms of hormone imbalance and deficiency. The natural hormones prescribed by our medical doctor are safe and effective because they are identical to the hormones our bodies produce.

We have seen astonishing results in the lives of our patients, who are healthier, happier, and have dramatically improved quality of life. Our comprehensive natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy programs, combined with proper nutrition and exercise, will return you to the optimal physical, sexual, and emotional health you experienced in your twenties. Contact us today and get started on the path to a younger, healthier you!

Q: I’ve been taking drugs for several years to treat my acid reflux symptoms. Is there an alternative treatment option?

A: Medications that are frequently prescribed for acid reflux can have long-term side effects, including an increased risk of bone loss and bone fractures. This can be a serious issue, especially for postmenopausal women who may already have thin and weak bones.

Over time, reflux can also cause damage to the esophagus, which may lead to cancer. While medication may treat the pain associated with reflux, surgery has the advantage of resolving the problem.

Minimally invasive reflux surgery, either laparoscopic or robotic, is performed through small incisions. The one-hour hospital procedure is effective and has a very good safety record. Recovery time is brief; patients are back to their normal lives in just a few days. The vast majority of people who have surgery will never need to take anti-reflux medications again.

Q: My child snores while sleeping at night. Should I be concerned? Is it harmful?

A: This is a common question posed by many parents. It's of no surprise, since our children are our top priority, as is their health and comfort.

It is estimated that 12-15 percent of children between the ages of 1 to 9 snore, and 3 percent have obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring may be a sign of a sleep disorder. Some causes of snoring in children are:

Children (as well as adults) who suffer from OSA can experience many associated health problems. Children who breathe through their mouth have a two-to-fivefold increase in upper airway resistance as compared to nasal breathers.

Some things to look for at night during your child's sleep include:

During the day, things to look for include excessive sleepiness. Other signs might be: Were they slow to arise in the morning? Do they have any learning, social, or behavior problems? Do they mouth-breathe?

If you’re concerned about your child's snoring, you might want to try the following:

If you have any further questions or concerns regarding your child's snoring or sleep, please call Dr. Mindy Salzberg-Siegel.

Q: For years, I’ve seen different specialists for frequent headaches. They usually prescribe muscle relaxers and pain meds, which only leave me feeling like a zombie. Could my headaches be related to my jaw joints?

A: Very possibly. To determine if your TMJ (jaw joints) are causing the problem, we utilize advanced technology. If a TMJ disorder is the culprit, this enables us to pinpoint the source and eliminates guesswork. Th rough this, we can determine the most conservative treatment needed to eliminate your headaches rather than simply mask their pain.

In addition to headaches and migraines, TMJ disorders can cause sore jaw joints, ear ringing, dizziness, and night-time clenching and/or grinding of teeth (bruxism). Bruxing can also lead to worn, chipped, broken, or fractured teeth.

During a no-charge, private session, I can learn your symptoms and review your medical and dental history. From this, I can determine if TMJ disorder could be triggering your headaches. If your TMJ does prove to be the source, rest assured that your treatment will NOT include a regimen of narcotics.

Q: My cardiologist said that I may need surgery to improve my heart condition. Surgery sounds pretty scary. How do I make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with it?

A: While the thought of heart surgery can make you feel anxious, you should know that advances in technology and techniques have helped cardiac surgery patients recover faster and have better outcomes than in the past.

"The most commonly performed heart surgeries today are coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair or replacement, and aortic valve replacement," says cardiothoracic surgeon Zewditu Asfaw, M.D.

"I firmly believe that a patient's overall attitude and comfort level with their surgery affects their surgical outcome," Dr. Asfaw points out. "Th at is why I take the time to fully understand my patients and their individual situations first. Then, together, we decide on the best course of care.

"Most people who we consider as candidates for heart surgery do very well and are surprised at how good they feel after surgery. It should be noted that minimally invasive surgical techniques are becoming more commonly used, so this should also be part of the discussion with your surgeon."

Q: Should women participate in clinical trials?

A: According to The American Cancer Society, 1.7 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2018. However, the good news is that death rates have declined for the four most common cancer types: lung, colon, breast, and prostate. Almost weekly, we read about new strategies and extraordinary advancements in cancer treatments, all of which have led to these improved outcomes.

So what can you do if you get a cancer diagnosis? Well, you need to be an active participant in your cancer journey. You need to educate yourself about your disease, options, and any clinical trials available to you.

Clinical trials are research studies that involve participants. It is through these studies that physicians find better ways to treat cancer. Trials may involve screening, prevention, treatment, or the management of side effects.

At Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, we are part of a National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Program. This is one of 47 comprehensive clinical trial networks in the United States. Participation is limited to centers that have proven excellence in conducting trials.

The recent advances in cancer care are due to patient participation in these clinical trials. When a patient participates, they not only potentially improve their own outcome — they also enhance our collective knowledge of cancer and help us better care for future patients.

Q: How can I get my crown done in one day, and could my snoring be a sign of sleep apnea?

A: CEREC same-day dental crowns is a quick, easy, and precise way to restore your teeth. Using advanced CEREC CAD-CAM technology, we can create a custom-designed full or partial crown in about an hour and place it during the same office visit.

There are no messy and uncomfortable impressions taken, and no need to wait for weeks wearing a temporary that may come off while your permanent crown is made in a dental lab. With CEREC, we use a 3D digital picture of your tooth to design your restoration on the computer screen. Within minutes, the CEREC machine crafts a beautiful and strong crown that looks and functions like your natural teeth.

People with sleep apnea experience multiple pauses in breathing during sleep. Loud snoring, shortness of breath, waking up feeling tired, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness and fatigue may be signs of sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea raises your risk for other health issues, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, type two diabetes, headaches, depression, weight gain, and hormonal changes.

If you are concerned about sleep apnea symptoms, we can prescribe an at-home sleep study. Dr. Baran is certified to treat sleep apnea patients using a custom-fit oral appliance, which in many cases can be a safe and effective alternative for patients who are unable or unwilling to use a CPAP.

Q: I’m having tooth wear problems. I live a healthy lifestyle, I brush and floss every day, so what could I be doing wrong?

A: In my practice, I see more tooth wear than cavities. People are very health-conscious today; however, some healthy choices taken to the extreme can harm your teeth. If you are overzealous and brush your teeth too hard or incorrectly, you may develop severe tooth abrasion — wear by mechanical means. Sipping lemon water and apple cider vinegar is a healthy way to decrease inflammation in the body, but it can also cause acid erosion, leading to the loss of tooth structure.

Taking on too much and trying to do your best at all times can increase your stress level, causing you to clench and grind your teeth. This tooth-to-tooth contact is called attrition. You might develop abfraction if you clench and grind too hard. With up to 200 pounds per inch of force on your molars, your teeth can flex and the enamel can fracture at the gumline.

We can help prevent tooth wear with a custom-made occlusal guard and by adjusting your bite with orthodontics or full mouth reconstruction. Sometimes we use fillings or do periodontal surgery to cover tooth wear lesions.

Taking steps for improved health is good, but don't overdo it. We need to find balance in life. Visit the dentist for tips on proper brushing techniques, relax a little more, and find time to live, laugh, and love.

Q: I need to schedule an MRI, but I don't want to go to the hospital. What makes Basha Diagnostics a better choice?

A: Since 1980, Basha Diagnostics PC has offered patients and their physicians an alternative to a hospital visit for diagnostic imaging. Dr. Yahya M. Basha, the founder and president of Basha Diagnostics PC, says there are many benefits when choosing Basha for your medical testing.

"Our pricing is affordable. Exams at other diagnostic centers and hospitals may cost thousands of dollars, while we charge much less. At the same time, we don't compromise the quality of our patient care and comfort. The technology we use is state-of-the-art: the best in the world. Our highly credentialed interpreting physicians are board-certified and subspecialized, and all of our facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology."

Basha Diagnostics PC provides sedation for people who are claustrophobic — something you may not find at other imaging centers. And while you might have to wait for days or weeks to get an appointment at the hospital, Basha Diagnostics centers can get you in for an exam on short notice.

"We have doubled our capacity in the Royal Oak office and have added a new Siemens MRI. We can do sameday and next-day testing, or even a walk-in based on the need and urgency for the test," Dr. Basha explains. "Our patients, including doctors and their families, come to us from Canada and throughout Michigan. That's a testament to the superior service we provide."

Q: What made you decide to provide a better platform for care for your patients?

A: I want my patients to reimagine their relationship with their doctor, where the focus is on more than just one aspect of their health. For instance, in my practice, I focus on what I call the four pillars of health: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and spirituality. By focusing on the big picture I can help my patients achieve optimal health.

I became a doctor to help people heal. I strive to deeply understand all aspects of my patients life, to teach them and guide them to solutions that will fit their lifestyle, to show them there is a better way that is not just solved by a pill, or a prescription.

The frustration I saw in my patients was a feeling they were not getting enough time with their doctor, long wait times, navigating paperwork, and dealing with restrictions brought on by insurance companies.

I felt that my patients and I were basically looking for the same thing but the traditional model wasn't able to provide that. I have learned there is a better solution. Its a model I have termed Concierge Plus Medicine.