Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Dance Your Family’s Way to Healthy and Happy Hearts

With the invention of computers, video games and electronic toys children have become increasingly less active. Childhood obesity and the need for more physical activity are increasingly critical issues in America. One way you can encourage your children to become more physically active is by dancing!

The American Heart Association recommends that children ages two and older participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Dance is a simple activity that doesn’t require complicated equipment and can be done just about anywhere.

“I recommend dance as a fun physical activity for the whole family because it doesn’t require a lot of time, money or resources,” said Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools. “Dancing is a creative form of self-expression that helps build self-confidence. Plus, it provides time well spent with your family.”

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Gwinnett Medical Center Hosts Take the Pledge for a Healthy Heart

GMC Sports Medicine staff provides tips on a heart-healthy lifestyle and appropriate exercise routines at the February 2011 Health Forum.

Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) will host a community celebration to recognize the opening of the new Strickland Heart Center on Saturday, February 18, from 8-11 a.m. at Gwinnett Center. Take the Pledge for a Healthy Heart is a free educational event open to the community, where attendees will be encouraged to sign-up to take a pledge to live a heart healthy lifestyle.  After taking the pledge, they will receive a pedometer.

Highlights from this interactive event include screenings and educational booths, health risk counseling, cooking demonstrations by an award winning chef, complimentary chair massages and fitness classes led by certified fitness instructors including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Cardio Dance. All who participate in a Yoga or Pilates class will receive a free yoga mat courtesy of GMC. Attendees will have an opportunity to win an iPod or iPad 2 every 30 minutes. An assortment of health and wellness inspired gift certificates and giveaways will be awarded throughout the event as well. Special guests of the event will include  9.49 The Bull and 640 AM. A complimentary breakfast will be provided to attendees.

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Patient Has Renewed Health and Professional Life

Bryan Mitchell Shares Weight Loss Journey

When Bryan Mitchell, of Jefferson, Ga., was 12 years old, he was a mountain of strength.  He provided the type muscle for his youth football team that puts a smile on any coach’s face.  Tried as they might, boys could not stop him.  Then, Mitchell weighed in at about 225 pounds.  His stature allowed him to enjoy several opportunities.

But, as Mitchell became a man, his weight started to become more of an issue.  He struggled with his every day routines.

“Once I got so big, it was hard to live,” said Mitchell, who is now 36 years old.  “I couldn’t fit in seats and my legs were wrought with pain.  It was a struggle to do basic things.”  For about two years, Mitchell contemplated having surgery.  He researched a lot of different facilities, but something felt right when he met Robert Richard, MD, and his staff at The Center for Surgical Weight Management at Gwinnett Medical Center –Duluth (GMC-Duluth).

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Mary Rennie

Buford Dentist to Give $10,000 through the Georgia School Spirit Award Program

Who’s got spirit? That’s what Buford dentist Ashley P. Curington, DMD wants to know. She has launched the Georgia School Spirit Award Program and will give $10,000 to the Georgia K-12 school that receives the most votes by midnight, Jan. 31, 2012. Anyone may cast unlimited votes for a specific school at Buford-Dentist.com or at facebook.com/BufordDentist and voters do not have to be one of Dr. Curington’s patients at the North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, P.C. However, only the State’s brick and mortar schools are eligible for the prize (no home or online schools will be considered.)

“I’ve been practicing dentistry for more than 15 years and have formed lifelong relationships with many people all across Georgia,” said Dr. Curington. “I created the Georgia School Spirit Award Program as a way to assist my patients and their schools in the place I live, work and love.”

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Save a Life: Donate Blood and Platelet in Gwinnett

Like the Emergency Room of a hospital, the American Red Cross must be prepared to respond to patient emergencies with blood products 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Through the everyday support and generosity of blood and platelet donors, the Red Cross can be prepared to do this day-in and day-out, no matter when or where these blood products are needed.

“The Red Cross is very appreciative our loyal blood and platelet donors who give of themselves to help save the lives of others,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor services, American Red Cross, Southern Blood Services Region. “We would not be able to meet the needs of patients in the hospitals that we serve without their support.”

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Safeguard Your Healthcare Dollars

More Americans are paying more of their healthcare costs out of pocket every year because they lack insurance, have higher deductibles and co-payments, or have chosen a Health Savings Account plan.

There are ways they can save money without jeopardizing their health and there are steps they should take to ensure they’re getting the best value for their dollars, says physician Angel M. Garcia (www.DoNoHarmDrs.com), an internist who has been in practice for more than 25 years.

Garcia, author of Do No Harm: Saving Our Health-Care System, says patients themselves are the first line of defense in an industry where increasing tensions have created new stressors at every level.

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Gwinnet Medical Center Dietician Offers Holiday Dieting Tips

The holiday season is here, and with it comes all the usual temptations – rich desserts, creamy casseroles and buttery rolls. From holiday parties and client gifts to family dinners, sweet and savory treats are everywhere. It’s hard to not indulge and avoid the delicious food.

However, the experts say there are healthy ways to indulge and even heart healthy choices can be a part of the holidays.

According to Registered Dietician Amy Tella of Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) — Lawrenceville, “there are some tips to incorporate into your diet, that won’t sacrifice health. However, it’s important to realize that trying to lose weight during the holidays may be self-defeating.”Tella encourages weight maintenance rather than the all-or-nothing mindset.

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving for You and Your Kids

The Thanksgiving holiday season is a wonderful time of the year filled with family, friends and, of course, food. While the spirit of Thanksgiving is to give thanks for all that we have, the holiday has become increasingly focused on food and eating. There’s no harm in enjoying a meal with your family on Thanksgiving, but the medical pros at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta remind us the purpose of the holiday is not simply to over-eat.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life aims to help families take small steps that add up to big changes to help prevent or reverse the consequences of obesity.

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Heart Attack Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Sreeni R. Gangasani M.D., FACC

By: Sreeni R. Gangasani M.D., FACC,
Cardiovascular Group PC,
Chief, Dept. of Medicine, Gwinnett Medical Center

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.  About every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack in U.S. Coronary heart disease is caused by build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart.  When plaque builds up, it narrows the coronary arteries, causing the heart to receive less blood which, in turn, leads to a heart attack.

A Heart Attack:  What’s Typical?
Chest discomfort or pain is the most common symptom. It feels like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of the chest and it lasts more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.  Associated symptoms include nausea and profuse sweating.  Pain or discomfort may spread beyond chest to include the shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or the jaw.  Patients may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.  Stomach pain may extend downward into abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.  Patients may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. They may feel a sense of doom or feel as if they are having a panic attack for no apparent reason.  In addition to chest pressure, dizziness may ensue or the patient may lose consciousness or pass out, which is also a regular symptom.

 
  •  
  •  
 
Gwinnett Magazine Staff

Keep Kids Healthy During the Winter Months

As the winter quickly approaches, it’s no secret that many kids will be stuck inside looking for fun and will unfortunately, turn to the TV, the computer or the cookie jar for entertainment during the colder months.

Miriam B. Vos, M.D., M.S.P.H., pediatric hepatologist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, specializes in obesity prevention, complications of obesity in children and pediatric fatty liver disease. Dr. Vos works with children and their families to implement healthy habits into their lifestyle for the winter and beyond. Dr. Vos suggests the following:

  • Increase Physical Activity
  • Reduce Sugar and Sweetened Beverages
  • Family Meals and Consistent Eating Patterns

Continue reading →

 
  •  
  •