HEALTH SECTION

HEALTH

special section

NATURAL-LOOKING FACIAL RESTORATION

by Phillip R. Langsdon, MD, FACS We all age! One day we are looking young; then out of the blue we start looking tired...or perhaps older. First, we might notice a squint or frown line. Later we start to see the beginning of jowls, neck sagging or possibly some eyelid puffiness. We may notice sunken areas beneath the eye region, then our cheeks may lose volume and smile lines deepen. And then there are wrinkles and age spots. Sometimes we can’t pinpoint what is changing, we just start looking older.

No one likes to lose their youthful appearance, but many of us fear treatment because we are afraid we will end up looking “overdone” or “windblown.” Those odd-looking celebrities with duckbill lips or stretched- out faces don’t give us confidence, however, it does not have to be that way. A very natural look is possible with treatments designed to restore or preserve a youthful facial appearance. It just depends on who is doing the treatment and the technique they use. It is not the name of the surgical technique (like a facelift) or the product (like Botox) that causes unnatural results, it is who is providing the treatment and how it is done.

The biggest fear of all is the facelift, or rhytidectomy. This is the procedure used to reduce facial and neck sagging as well as to remove excess fat and loose skin. Many people equate the term “facelift” with that stretched or overdone look. This occurs as a result of the provider and the type of technique used rather than the name of the technique. A facelift done by surgeons who specialize in the face and do them on a weekly or daily basis has the potential to offer very natural-looking results. The recipient looks rested and refreshed and it is very difficult for any observer to know what has been done.

The same natural-looking results can be obtained with treatment of the eyelid region. Conservative upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be done in a manner that does not create an unnatural shape to the eyelids. Sometimes the very eyelid fat that is causing the problem can be used to improve the deep groove that develops below the lower lids at the junction of the upper cheek, the area called the tear trough. Sometimes surgery can be entirely avoided by using injectable fillers to improve the tear trough. It is remarkable how youthful someone can look by removing the excess eyelid tissue or by using fillers in the tear trough.

Injectable fillers can be given in a simple office procedure using topical numbing cream. Several areas of the face can be improved including the temples, tear troughs, cheeks, smile lines and the groove between the chin and jowl. Medical-grade skin care and in-office chemical peeling can reduce early wrinkling, clear sun damage and improve skin tone and discoloration.

In summary, many treatment options are available, both surgical and non-surgical, to improve the signs of aging. The key is to find the right provider who specializes in the procedure requested and who does lots of those types of procedures.

Phillip R. Langsdon, MD, FACS

is past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and Clinical Professor in the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, UT Health Science Center, Memphis. He is the Director of the Foundation of Facial Aesthetic Surgery (www.FFASurg.org) a nonprofit foundation that provides continuing medical education for doctors who specialize in aesthetic surgery of the face. For more information go to drlangsdon.com.

IS INFLAMMATION WRECKING YOUR WEIGHT LOSS?

By Allison White, Owner, WellnessMD

Chronic inflammation can “confuse” your hunger indicators and the hormones that regulate your metabolism. When your body is inflamed, this can also affect your insulin resistance and cause you to retain water weight.

According to research published in the journal Diabetes, there’s a connection between high levels of inflammatory indicators and future weight gain. Consuming specific anti-inflammatory foods helps to reduce inflammation.

SALMON Fat is the main component in your body’s inflammationbalancing substances, which are called prostaglandins. Some prostaglandins reduce inflammation and others encourage it. To increase prostaglandins, it’s important to eat more foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon. Salmon contains both EPA and DHA; these are the same compounds in other fatty fish like tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower inflammation levels and reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. They also reduce triglycerides, which cuts down on inflammation.

FLAXSEEDS If you don’t like fish, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds. Flax has the highest natural concentration of vegetarian omega-3s, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You can sprinkle flaxseeds on yogurt or oatmeal or add them to a smoothie.

TART CHERRIES According to Oregon Health and Science University researchers, tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food.” Tart cherries also have anthocyanins, antioxidants that reduce swelling just as well as some pain medications.

BLUEBERRIES Blueberries are a healthy source of bioflavonoids, substances that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. When your body is exposed to fewer free radicals, you’ll have less inflammation.

CURRY Curry gets its yellow color from bioflavonoids as well as from a spice called turmeric. According to University of Texas research, turmeric suppresses NF-kappa B, a compound that regulates the immune systemregulation protein that encourages inflammation.

EDAMAME Edamame reduces inflammation in a number of ways, since they are high in both isoflavones and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating edamame lowers levels of C-reactive proteins, an indicator of inflammation.

GREEN TEA Other blends of tea are effective, but green tea is more active in anti-inflammatory agents since it has a high flavonoid content, according to a 2012 study from India.

NUTS Nuts like almonds and walnuts make great snacks because they are filled with protein and also contain omega-3s. However, it’s important to snack sparingly, since nuts also contain fat and calories and can lead to unwanted weight gain if you consume too many.

GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES The high fiber content of kale, lettuce and spinach makes them great choices for reducing inflammation. Fiber helps to regulate blood sugar and helps your body eliminate waste. Greens are also high in vitamin C, which cuts down on inflammation and fights aging.

OLIVE OIL Instead of cooking your food in butter or lard, try olive oil. The antioxidants in olive oil can improve your health by helping to lower your blood pressure and encouraging blood circulation. Be sure to get the highest quality olive oil that doesn’t contain fillers like canola or vegetable oil.

BERRIES Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are high in antioxidants as well as in fiber and protein. These substances are key for fighting inflammation. Berries make a great snack and can be used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. You can also make a smoothie with berries that is protein-rich and filled with nutrients that will help you lose weight.

AVOCADO Avocado is full of healthy fats and also combats inflammation, so if you’re a fan of guacamole and avocado toast, you’re in luck. Avocados have an impressive amount of potassium, magnesium and fiber, which helps to purify the blood and aids in weight loss. One study revealed that having a slice of avocado with a hamburger will give you lower levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6 and NF-kB than eating a hamburger without this superfood.

When you’re following an anti-inflammatory diet, you should limit or avoid certain foods. Red meat, margarine, beverages like soda and fruit juices, fried foods, and simple carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, bagels and crackers all serve to increase inflammation.

REGULAR MAMMOGRAMS CAN CATCH CANCER EARLY AND INCREASE SURVIVAL.

An annual breast cancer screening or mammogram is the best way for women to take charge of their breast health. When the disease is found early, breast cancer survival rates are higher. More treatment options are available, as well as continued prevention for recurrence, when caught in the early stages.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, experts recommended delaying some preventative care, including annual mammograms. As more is learned about the virus, including how to keep staff and patients safe, Baptist Women’s Health Center is once again recommending routine annual mammograms. These tests, with 3D imaging, are the recommended standard of care for early detection and prevention.

When scheduling your mammogram, a BWHC staff member will likely ask if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or if you will be getting the vaccine or a booster dose. We HIGHLY recommend getting vaccinated, however, after receiving the vaccine or booster, you must wait six to eight weeks before having a mammogram, as recommended by the Society of Breast Imaging and the Society of Breast Surgeons. Some women have experienced lymph node swelling after receiving the vaccine. Although this is completely normal, it can appear abnormal on a mammogram. Waiting a few weeks for a mammogram gives radiologists a clearer picture of whether the breast tissue is normal or abnormal. If the doctor sees anything unusual, you may be asked to come in for additional imaging, to include a breast ultrasound. This does not mean you have cancer; there can be many reasons to take additional images. Radiologists usually meet with patients one-on-one to explain individual situations.

Baptist Women’s Health Center staff members are proud to take care of patients in the local communities. While many women come in for annual mammograms, others in the area struggle to find a way to get the care they need. BWHC has provided over $4.8 million of care through free or reduced-cost mammograms, ultrasounds and breast biopsies to patients who are uninsured or underinsured. On a nationwide scale, the Mid South ranks among the top for the largest disparity in breast cancer mortality among African Americans, due in part to lack of access to care. This statistic is inexcusable—it fuels our focus and work to change it.

With our mobile mammography van and community partners, BWHC takes the mammography care patients need directly to where they live and work, providing thousands of on-site mammogram screenings every

year.

You can help continue this effort by donating directly to the Breast Cancer Fund at the Baptist Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Designated funds provide mammograms or treatments to those who desperately need help.

Please consider donating by scanning the QR code, visiting www.bmhgiving.org, or calling 901.227.7123.

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF HOSPITALITY IN TODAY’S SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES.

By Andrew Veteto, Director of Sales, HarborChase of Cordova People consider senior living for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s due to a health condition that requires professional support or wanting to lead a maintenance-free lifestyle, senior living communities are designed to enhance the lives of their residents. Many of today’s seniors have embraced communities that offer superior hospitality and resort-style living.

Although the primary goal of every senior living community is to maintain the health and wellness of its residents, a strong foundation of hospitality is enthusiastically welcomed by residents, family members and visitors. A staff focused on creating an exceptional and personalized experience fulfills the needs and surpasses the expectations of residents and guests. It’s important for associates to embrace an “at your service” mindset and possess an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and resident/guest services.

For example, when guests walk in the front door, the receptionist comes around the desk to personally greet them and offer a beverage. This helps to immediately cultivate a sense of goodwill. It’s important to acknowledge and warmly welcome each person who walks through the community’s front doors.

Everyone loves a vacation, and communities that take a “resortstyle” approach to senior living help create a lasting sense of ease and relaxation. An abundance of leisure options, social events and recreational opportunities promotes a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Whether it’s fitness, movies, art, music or yoga, residents love participating and engaging in daily social activities. By basing a customized schedule of events on the individual interests of residents, communities provide something for everyone to enjoy.

Another important aspect of resort-style living is dining. A variety of dining options can thrill residents by providing choice and independence to their daily dining routines. This genuine sense of freedom contributes to an overall feeling of grace and dignity for residents. To enhance this atmosphere of variety and freedom, some communities have added a number of different dining venues for residents and visitors to enjoy. In addition to community favorites, residents love discovering creative dishes, local favorites and unique specials on a constantly evolving menu. Healthy, nutritious and flavorful cuisine helps keep residents engaged and feeling their best.

From first impressions to lasting relationships, a sincere culture of hospitality in senior living communities is an important cornerstone in building toward the future of senior living. Whether offering visitors a refreshing drink, walking residents and guests to their cars with an umbrella on a rainy day, or anticipating needs and lending a helping hand, a commitment to hospitality is an important and vital component to providing a thoughtful, caring and comfortable place to call home.

WHY DENTAL CARE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF SELF-CARE

When thinking of self-care, most people don’t think of dental care. But did you know that signs of stress, health issues and more can show up within the mouth? Even when not experiencing any dental issues, it is important to maintain regular check ups.

SEMI-ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS REALLY DO MATTER.

Visiting the dentist twice a year keeps the mouth’s bacteria level lower than can be achieved with at-home care. Routine visits allow professionals to catch things early, before they develop into larger issues.

Dental hygienists use instruments that reach areas not accessible with regular brushing, getting below the gumline to clean out bad bacteria, and removing built-up tartar. An oral exam checks for gum health, level of oral care and signs of oral cancer, and provides preventative care.

YOUR MOUTH CAN TELL ON YOU—AND THAT’S A GOOD THING!

Providers look for changes in gum tissues, which can help diagnose underlying issues. Changes in the color of tissue may indicate vitamin or iron deficiencies. Frequent mouth ulcers may be a sign of autoimmune diseases. Excessive teeth grinding may be indicative of stress and cause restless sleep. Unusual decay can be tied to poor nutrition. NOT TAKING THE TIME FOR ORAL CARE CAN IMPACT THE REST OF

YOUR BODY.

Poor dental health increases the risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream, which can impact the heart. It can also impact the health of an unborn child, including birth weight, so don’t skip dental visits while pregnant! Failure to prioritize oral care might contribute to various diseases and conditions including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease and pneumonia. And if you have diabetes, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis or Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to offer your mouth a little extra support.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR PROVIDER

Expect a comprehensive exam of teeth, gums and the entire mouth. Exams often include x-rays and an oral cancer screening. Most importantly, your provider should spend time getting to know you, answering any questions and explaining options. You should leave with your mouth feeling fresh, and proud of yourself for taking this key step to care for yourself!

Dr. Wade Clayton and Dr. Drew Mefford

KEEPING UP GOOD ORAL SELF-CARE AT HOME

To maximize the impact of your visits to the dentist, include the following into your home routine:

• Flossing properly

• Brushing your teeth AND gently brushing the gum line, too

• Paying attention to changes in your mouth (new sensitivities, feelings or textures) and reporting them to your dental team.

Now is a great time to get on track with dental care and oral health. Your body will thank you!

Bellano Dental Health is locally owned with three area locations, and specializes in preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry with a team that is passionate about people and particularly about teeth. For more information or to request an appointment, visit us online at bellanodental.com.

HIGH TECH & HIGH TOUCH

A WAVE OF NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY DEBUTS IN MEMPHIS

by Semmes Murphey In the last year, a wave of life-changing medical innovations has debuted in Memphis. Semmes Murphey physicians have pioneered some of the most exciting technological breakthroughs in the field. This is due in part to one of the clinic’s founding principles: to continuously advance the field of neuroscience. Robotic surgery gets golfer back into the swing

Army veteran and avid golfer Bobby Gallimore found himself unable to walk 50 yards without extreme pain. “I could hardly fish, I couldn’t enjoy walking for exercise anymore, and golf was out of the question,” he says. He needed spine surgery and came to Semmes Murphey’s Dr. Kevin Foley for relief. In March, Gallimore became the first to receive a spine fusion using the world’s smallest spine surgery robot, the Fusion Robotics System. Dr. Foley developed the system to increase the quality and efficiency of spinal fusion surgeries.

The minimally invasive procedure was a success. After a one-night hospital stay, Gallimore was back home with his family. “I can already walk further than I did before, and I’m looking forward to dusting off my golf clubs in the spring,” he says. Soundwaves eliminate tremors

At 78 years of age, Joyce Casillas suffered from essential tremors. She ignored the subtle shaking in her hands for years, but her condition progressed, impacting her arms, face and head with intense shaking. “It felt like my whole body was shaking. I couldn’t even steady myself enough to write my name,” she says. Casillas consulted neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Bond for help.

Dr. Bond told Joyce about MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound treatment, a new incisionless procedure that uses ultrasound energy to target tremor-causing cells. The treatment is an alternative to invasive brain surgery, which involves electrodes implanted into the brain. After weighing her options, Casillas decided to give it a try.

“I was able to be awake during the whole thing. Altogether, it took about two hours, and I had immediate relief,” Casillas says. She is now able to write, eat and cook more confidently. Dr. Bond was involved in the early stages of research for this procedure. As a neurosurgeon, he knew how badly our population needed the treatment. “Many people assume their tremor is a sign of old age and don’t realize that there are treatments out there which can potentially eliminate their tremors. We want to make sure that our patients can get the care to go back to living comfortably,” he says. After being one of the first physicians in America to offer this procedure, he now is using it often, with great success. Through expert patient care and cutting-edge innovation, the physicians of Semmes Murphey Clinic continue to improve the lives of patients in Memphis, the Mid South and the world.