From losing weight to looking younger to feeling fit, there are many reasons to focus on one’s health. Choosing the right way to maintain a healthy lifestyle can be a daunting task, but the Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 16th annual Health & Fitness Guide provides advice from local experts to help readers achieve and maintain their varied health goals.
| by Anne Van Allen Tranquiliti Wellness Center 407-448-0244 www.tranquilitiwellnesscenter.com |
Reiki energy healing is a noninvasive, gentle healing art that can help put one back into balance and promote healing. Energy channels, or the body’s meridians, that may have blockage brought on by any number of causes, can be unblocked and will in turn become free flowing. A deep sense of relaxation should occur, putting one into a liminal state. Patients often will feel a general sense of well-being. Reiki eases pain, anxiety and stress-related symptoms, as well as boosts immunity. An energy shift occurs to release stagnant energy; bring one back into sync; and help the mind, body and spirit to become aligned as they should be. |
| by Daysi Merino Merino Adult Family Care 407-295-8872 • 347-693-3620 www.merinoafch.com |
When providing home care for another, whether in one’s own home or in a patient’s home, it is common to have problems. However, it is important to note that the caregiver is not failing. Some problems have easy solutions, while others take more work. Sometimes it is best to look into a different home-care setting, where a loved one can relate and experience a homelike atmosphere. Those who are providing care in some way should become familiar with the principles of Family Care Homes. The term refers to homes that are designed to allow people to live comfortably and easily, regardless of age, and mental or physical ability. Features of the designs of family-care homes include hygiene guidance, dressing and grooming, homemade meals, special diets, daily exercise, transportation, laundry and linen washing, medication assistance, private and semiprivate rooms, and short-/long-term respite. Adult family-care homes provide a family-type living arrangement in a private home setting for up to five residents. The staff is committed to helping the residents maintain a comfortable level of independence with the utmost care, respect and compassion. The home-setting experience improves physical health and increases social interaction, which provides greater personal safety while supporting the physical and mental balance that residents need, eliminating loneliness and boredom. |
| by Chanhi Park, M.D., breast and women’s imaging specialist CDI Breast Care at Center for Diagnostic Imaging 407-253-7190 www.orlandocdi.com |
When a woman reaches age 40 or older, it is time to make decisions about annual mammograms. Many may ask, “When do I start?” Some confusion stems from contradictory guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Task Force in November 2009, which questioned the benefit of starting mammograms at age 40. According to the Centers for Disease Control, studies worldwide have shown that mammograms have decreased breast cancer deaths from 30 percent to 50 percent in the past 20 years. That is why the American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual mammograms beginning at age 40 to detect disease at its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. Primary doctors are resources, but patients also should choose a breast-imaging radiologist, a medical doctor who specializes in breast imaging, including mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs and minimally invasive biopsies, to be a partner in breast health. Radiologists work closely with primary doctors to make sure screening programs are tailored to individual risk factors. For women who are at high risk, an annual breast MRI might be recommended in addition to a mammogram. Partnering with a breast team can help women be prepared to make the decisions that are the best for them. |
| by Wade W. Han, M.D., F.A.C.S. Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center 407-944-3340 www.floridaent.com |
More than 45 million Americans, or about one-fifth of the population, suffer from one kind of allergy or another. Some do not know that their symptoms are allergy related. Airborne and food allergens can cause numerous symptoms and chronic conditions in the ear, nose and throat region. Headaches, dizziness, ear troubles, recurring sinus infections, fatigue, lack of energy, chronic sore throats, hoarseness and chronic cough could all be related to allergies. A thorough history by an ear, nose and throat, or ENT, specialist is necessary to determine if allergies are aggravating conditions affecting the ear, nose and throat region. ENT specialists provide some of the most advanced and complete examinations of the ear, nose and throat, as well as the entire head and neck area, including fiber-optic endoscopic cameras used to visualize those deep or hidden structures in the nose and throat in great, close-up details. When indicated, comprehensive allergy testing for airborne and food allergens may need to be performed. Depending on the test results, the ENT specialist determines the best course of action, whether it be allergy medications or sprays, allergy injections and/or simple avoidance of the allergen. For those patients who have a fear of receiving injections, sublingual immunotherapy, which involves placing extract drops on the tongue for absorption, can be done safely at home. This convenience makes it easier and improves the treatment outcome. |
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