Category Archives: Wellington Health

Many Options To Improve Your Quality Of Life

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions Is Focused On Keeping Clients Looking And Feeling Their Best

By Mike May

If one of your resolutions for 2022 is to “live your best life,” it may be time for a visit to the Wellington location of 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, which opened last spring in front of the Mall at Wellington Green and has already developed a loyal and devoted following.

The daily foot traffic and stream of clients confirm that many residents of the western communities value what 4Ever Young has to offer.

“There has been a slow and steady growth of patients, but really nice to observe the patients that we have acquired have been repeat patients,” said Polina Tolstunov, co-owner of Wellington’s 4Ever Young franchise with her husband Stan. “They’ve shared that they’re very happy with the modern feel and cleanliness of our med spa. They are having a quality and elevating experience. They have also reported achieving great results with our skilled cosmetic injectors, as well as having wonderfully welcoming and informative experiences with the rest of our staff.”

It’s fair to say that 4Ever Young is in business to help people improve the quality of their lives — and a growing number of Wellington residents appreciate having access to 4Ever Young’s list of products and services.

If you are suffering from fatigue, loss of energy, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, loss of productivity, disrupted sleep, difficulty losing weight, anxiety, depression and/or reduced bone density, then 4Ever Young has a solution to your predicament.

The services provided by 4Ever Young include IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, growth hormone peptide therapy, microneedling, platelet rich plasma, dermal fillers, Botox and Dysport injections, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, testosterone therapy, and facial and skin care.

According to Polina, the Botox injections and fillers have been the most popular services that they provide.

Both Stan and Polina truly feel that when clients spend money at 4Ever Young, it’s not a short-term expense. Instead, it’s a long-term investment in their health and well-being.

“The body does magical things when treated well,” Stan said. “Also, we want our clients to enjoy our unique atmosphere and benefit from the social experience at 4Ever Young.”

“By using our services, you will improve your inner world and your outer appearance,” added Polina, who is a big proponent of 4Ever Young’s hormone replacement therapy. “HRT has been transformational for me. I feel more energetic, and my body looks great.”

Before anyone starts ordering from the menu of services, 4Ever Young analyzes each client’s bloodwork. That analysis will provide a guide for what services each patient will specifically need to improve their overall health and, more importantly, their overall quality of life.

The professionally trained staff at 4Ever Young in Wellington will be able to provide each patient with those necessary procedures, treatments and nutritional supplements.

The Tolstunovs invite anyone who hasn’t considered anti-aging procedures before to visit and give them a try.

“They’re missing out on an opportunity to look and feel their best, inside and out, at any age,” said Polina, who noted that while she is in her early 40s, she feels like she’s in her mid-20s.

Both Stan and Polina practice what they preach at 4Ever Young. The Tolstunovs exercise daily, take supplements, and use the same services and products at 4Ever Young as they offer to their clients.

In fact, the Tolstunovs were 4Ever Young clients before opening the Wellington location last year. After moving to South Florida from New Jersey in 2019, they became regulars at the 4Ever Young location in Boca Raton. They loved the experience so much that they decided to open their own franchise location.

One of the strongest endorsements for any business or service always comes from people who have sampled and tried what there is to offer. At 4Ever Young, the testimonials from current clients are powerful and convincing.

“From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by the friendliest and freshest faces. The facility is clean, welcoming and serene,” said Kristy, one of their clients.

“The staff members were beyond helpful,” added Angel, another client. “They were so nice and made sure we were 100 percent comfortable.”

So, if you’re ready to “live your best life” in 2022, make plans to visit 4Ever Young. Stan and Polina Tolstunov, along with their staff, await your arrival. Walk-ins are always welcome.

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions is located in Wellington Green Square at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 50, near the Fresh Market. For more info., e-mail info@4everyoungwellington.com, call (561) 220-3771 or visit www.fyinstitute.com. Find the Wellington location of 4Ever Young on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4everyoungwellington.

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Latest Treatments For Cataracts And Eye Disease Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids Has Joined The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute Team

Latest Treatments For Cataracts And Eye Disease Ophthalmologist Dr. Steven Naids Has Joined The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute Team

Story by Deborah Welky | Photos by Abner Pedraza

Dr. Steven M. Naids, a highly skilled ophthalmologist with sub-specialty training in cataract surgery and eye disease, has joined the team at the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, which has offices in Wellington, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton.

Inspired by his father, Dr. Richard Naids, an ophthalmologist still practicing in New Jersey, Naids was drawn into the medical field. “Growing up, I saw how he would interact with his patients and the joy he brought to their lives, and I found myself wanting to do the same thing. He is my biggest influence,” Naids said.

A diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Naids received his medical degree from the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha national honor medical society.

He completed his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and trained at the renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where his research interest included visual outcomes after cataract and corneal transplantation surgery.

Upon relocating to Beverly Hills, California, Naids was named an “LA Top Doctor” and national “Super Doctor.” He is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, where he has received awards for outstanding research.

Yet the pull of South Florida was strong, as much of Naids’ family had already made the move.

“My family has been in Florida for the past decade,” he said. “I finished my training, went to LA and practiced alongside the top ophthalmologists in world. But with two young kids — and the pandemic — my wife and I realized it was so important to be with our family. So, I brought my family here, and I brought what I’ve learned over the last 10 years of training.”

While continuing to focus on comprehensive care of the entire eye, Naids practices the newest modalities of cataract and refractive surgery, as well as corneal transplantation.

“Cataract surgery has evolved tremendously over the last decade,” he said. “There are a number of amazing technologies to make surgery easier for patients, as well as to provide outcomes that we weren’t capable of obtaining even five years ago.”

Using a laser at the time of surgery is one such evolution, allowing patients with astigmatism to obtain some correction during the cataract surgery itself. Improved lenses for implantation is another scientific advance.

“When you have cataract surgery, we remove the natural part of the eye that has become cloudy and put in a lens that focuses light,” Naids explained. “But lenses have evolved to the point where we can provide an extended range of vision and tailor a patient’s vision to their needs. Assuming that the rest of your eye is healthy, with no glaucoma or macular degeneration, you should come out of cataract surgery with the best possible vision you’ve ever had. In the old days, we’d put in a lens, but you would probably still have to wear glasses every day. Today, cataract surgery has evolved into a refractive procedure, like Lasik. Many patients will enjoy a fuller range of vision after the surgery and may only have to wear reading glasses.”

In the case of a corneal transplant, the organ must be replaced with donor tissue.

“The cornea is the clear, front covering of the eye that protects the eye from the outside world,” Naids said. “But it is also one of the most important organs of the eye in terms of getting light to where it needs to go. A patient may have a disease of the cornea, or an infection, or have experienced trauma to the cornea that has left it swollen, scarred or irregular. In order to get them better vision, we have to replace tissue in full or in part.”

However, doctors have found that only one layer — the innermost — may have to be replaced. “The cornea was the first organ ever transplanted, and the art has definitely evolved over time,” Naids said. “Within the last 15 years, we’ve been able to do these selective layer corneal transplants, and patient recovery is much faster.”

Naids urged patients with frequent dry eye to seek help from an ophthalmologist. It is often much more than an irritating nuisance.

“Dry eye is a multi-factorial disease that results from either diminished tear production or problems with the oil glands in the eyelids. In virtually everybody, it’s a combination of both,” said Naids, who has a specialized interest in the management of dry eye disease. “Millions of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it, and we are probably underdiagnosing. We’ve seen it in people from teens on up. One of the biggest problems with it is that it affects both the patient’s eyesight and quality of life. One could blame it on body and hormonal changes, or on working with computers at home, but, again, in order for you to have your best quality of sight, your eyes can’t be dry. Your vision is affected, and it’s not just uncomfortable. As the day goes on, your vision becomes less clear, and you find yourself blinking to get a good quality image.”

Dry eye syndrome is something Naids takes into consideration when a patient comes in to discuss cataract surgery.

“The cornea is responsible for focusing light,” he noted. “If your cornea is dry, we won’t be able to accurately hit our targets as far as cataract surgery. We’ve got to get the dry eye under control first, even if it means delaying surgery for a few months. We suggest intense treatment in the beginning, and then decide on the best maintenance for each patient… There are a few excellent prescription eye drops out there that increase tear production, as well as some other anti-inflammatory medications. We treat oil glands with thermal pulsation — like a massage treatment for the eyelids — wait a few months, then proceed with the cataract surgery after we make sure the patient feels better. But dry eye is a chronic issue. If you let up, it will come back.”

When he’s not working, Naids enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, playing golf and tennis, and watching his hometown Philadelphia sports teams.

The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute is located at 2575 S. State Road 7 in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 792-1205 or visit www.fleyedocs.com.

 

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Loving Care For Your Pets All Paws Animal Clinic Is A State-Of-The Art Veterinary Practice Located On State Road 7

Loving Care For Your Pets All Paws Animal Clinic Is A State-Of-The Art  Veterinary Practice Located On State Road 7

Story by M. Dennis Taylor  |  Photos by Abner Pedraza

At an age where many children’s idea of a future career involves tiaras or a cape, Dr. Patricia Forsythe of All Paws Animal Clinic knew she wanted to be a veterinarian.

Planning on a career helping animals from the tender age of 5, she later graduated from the University of Delaware in 1981 and went on to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her veterinary degree in 1985. More than three decades later, “Dr. Patty” — as her staff and clients call her — still loves her chosen career path.

“I love people and their pets, and after 36 years, being a veterinarian is the greatest profession for me,” said Forsythe, who ran a clinic in Broward County before opening All Paws Animal Clinic in Royal Palm Beach in 2002.

With her successful practice, Forsythe loves the community she is a resident of and a business owner in. She appreciates that it is a pet-loving community with plenty of space devoted to dog parks for exercise.

Forsythe also enjoys getaways to the Keys and days out on the water with her high school sweetheart, to whom she reestablished a relationship with and is now engaged. “We reconnected after all these years,” she said. “He has grown children, and my family is my pets. I have three dogs and a cat. The dogs are a Shih Tzu and mixes by the names of Sully, Gypsie and Tootsie, along with Pirate, the cat.”

As a complete, state-of-the-art facility, Forsythe said that her practice has great follow through and is interested in the health and well-being of pets for a lifetime. Believing the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, All Paws strives to avoid many future problems with proper care.

“We are interested in dogs’ dentistry and problems that are below the gumlines,” Forsythe said. “We have digital x-ray and ultrasound, and an in-house lab, and we do diagnostics in house.”

Forsythe explained that on average, pets age about seven years for every one year that people age, so early detection of health problems is very important. She said that it’s crucial to have thorough health examinations once a year. This way, gradual onset of disease in seemingly healthy pets won’t go unnoticed. By the time symptoms do appear, it may be difficult and costly to diagnose and treat the ailment, so annual physicals are a necessity.

The diagnostic testing provided in-house at All Paws is the most sensitive and accurate method of early detection of any type of underlying health problems. The laboratory tests can detect blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, thyroid disorders and other hormonal problems. Many of these conditions can be prevented, controlled or completely reversed if diagnosed early.

The facility is among a growing list of veterinarians utilizing cold laser therapy as a means to help patients with acute and chronic medical problems. Commonly known as low-level laser therapy or LLLT, cold or soft laser is a form of photo therapy that involves the application of specific types of light to injuries and lesions to stimulate healing. The effects of LLLT are photochemical, not thermal, often making a pet’s healing process shorter and less painful. The therapy is done at the clinic as an outpatient procedure. There is no sedation required, and it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is very affordable. Cold laser therapy has been shown to be effective with the treatment of a range of medical conditions.

The clinic’s vaccination recommendation is consistent with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). There are guidelines for canines and felines that are required by law. Other vaccinations may be recommended based on the pet’s lifestyle. Parasites, flea and tick prevention and heartworms can also be combated with medication.

“Our clients are our family, and we have a wonderful, caring staff we are blessed with,” Forsythe said. “We have great follow-through to get back to them with the answers for their pet.”

Forsythe added that the clinic treats common skin conditions so prevalent in South Florida dogs.

“We follow your pet throughout their life providing dental care and extractions, if needed. We do the wellness blood panels and follow their health from year to year,” Forsythe said.

Vicki Deitz, the practice manager at All Paws, added that the clinic carries Hill’s pet food, which is specifically formulated to the needs of the dog, as well as the flea, tick and heartworm medications that can help with the many pests common to the South Florida climate.

Deitz explained that the facility has a complete pharmacy, stocking the majority of all pets’ pharmaceutical needs. She also pointed out that the practice has been voted “Best in the West,” three times in recent years.

All Paws Animal Clinic is located at 1011 N. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 790-9225 or visit www.allpawsanimal.com.

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Living Calla Genics Focuses On Med Spa, Rejuvenation And Sexual Wellness Therapies Your Best Life

Living Calla Genics Focuses On Med Spa, Rejuvenation And Sexual Wellness Therapies Your Best Life 

by M. Dennis Taylor

Calla Genics, which opened earlier this year in the original Wellington Mall, specializes in non-surgical aesthetic medicine. The practice provides clients with the latest in med spa, rejuvenation and sexual wellness treatments.

The practice is the brainchild of Dr. Tiffany McCalla, a board-certified emergency physician with two decades of experience. In recent years, she has become interested in addressing wellness on multiple levels, which led her to establish Calla Genics. “Calla Genics has been my passion project for years,” Dr. McCalla said. “I’ve been a physician for 20 years, and I am the proud owner of this new, state-of-the-art wellness center. We opened our doors on July 1.”

The practice offers aesthetic medical procedures, such as nonsurgical facelifts, breast lifts and acne/scar minimizing. They also focus on rejuvenation treatments, such as hair regrowth/enhancement, IV therapy, vitamin therapy, light therapy, hyperbaric therapy and medical weight loss.

The facility has a concentration in platelet-rich plasma procedures, which helps patients feel and look like a younger version of themselves — regardless of their age.

“Our mantra around here is ‘living your best life.’ We strive to add value to seeing the doctor,” she explained.

Included in the list of services are a number of treatments for sexual wellness, such as hormone insertion therapy, wave therapy, PRP shots, PDE5 inhibitors and peptide therapy.

“It’s not only therapies for sexual wellness and balance,” Dr. McCalla explained. “It’s a place of wellness with a holistic approach to that wellness. We offer a 360-degree approach with partners in other specialties and wellness areas — all with a focus on customer experience and results.”

Dr. McCalla, who grew up in Broward County, has been living in Wellington with her family for nearly a decade. She moved to the community with her husband Alan and her older son Karsten, then an infant. Karsten has since been joined by four-year-old Kaleb. They are being raised in their hometown of Wellington. “We live here and plan to be here,” she said. “Wellington is a place for kids to grow into great adults.”

Known as “Dr. Tiffany” to staff and patients alike, Dr. McCalla was recognized as one of Legacy’s South Florida’s 50 Most Powerful & Influential Woman Leaders of 2020 and as one of the Top 25 Frontline Healthcare Workers in 2021. In addition to practicing medicine, she is president of a nonprofit organization comprised of dedicated healthcare professionals working together to improve health and wellness, access to quality care, and academic and career opportunities for underserved populations in Palm Beach County. “‘Saving the world one patient at a time,’ is an often-repeated motto,” Dr. McCalla said.

Dr. McCalla is active in the Palm Beach chapter of Jack & Jill of America. She is also active in the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the oldest Greek letter organization for women of color, established in 1908. Previously known as the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, this group of more than 50 professional women is also the first panhellenic group to focus on service to underserved people in Wellington and the surrounding western communities.

Through Calla Genics, Dr. McCalla provides patients with the most powerful and proven procedures that eliminate the common signs of aging.

“Calla Genics is a true physician-led facility featuring wave therapy, revitalizing sexual health treatments and laser rejuvenation. Our therapies and products provide benefits for all skin types,” she explained.

The practice features the newest technology in plasma skin resurfacing, gentle laser skin rejuvenation, tightening and hair removal, and cryo-slimming technology, which presents a nice gradual process, with no sharp contours, no scars and no downtime.

The practice opened during the uncertain times of the pandemic, and that was included in the services offered. “The pandemic hit the pivoting point, so we addressed the challenge of the needs of COVID-19 patients on a concierge-based medical service,” Dr. McCalla said. “We even provide COVID-19 testing in people’s homes if needed. It’s all a part of service.”

Calla Genics is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suites 9-10, in the original Wellington Mall. For more information, call (561) 252-5398 or e-mail dr.tiffany@callagenics.com. Learn more at www.callagenics.com.

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Creating Beautiful Smiles Orthodontist Dr. Randall Shults Has Been Taking Care Of Wellington Families For Three Decades

Creating Beautiful Smiles Orthodontist Dr. Randall Shults Has Been Taking Care Of Wellington Families For Three Decades

By M. Dennis Taylor

Orthodontist Dr. Randall Shults has been perfecting the smiles of Wellington-area residents for nearly 30 years.

Originally from Littleton, Colorado, Shults moved to Wellington in the spring of 1993 and established his practice, Shults Orthodontics, in the community.

“Littleton is a small suburb of Denver, and a fabulous place to grow up with seemingly unlimited access to the great outdoors,” he recalled. “I moved to Wellington for the similar small-town atmosphere and great local schools.”

Shults was attracted to his vocation of orthodontics early in life.

“My second-grade teacher had the warmest, most beautiful smile I had ever seen,” Shults explained. “I appreciated at a very young age that your smile, and how you choose to use it, is your introduction to others the first time you meet, and every social interaction thereafter.”

His interest in orthodontics only grew as he began his professional training.

“While attending dental school, the chair of the orthodontics department selected two dental students to treat orthodontic patients,” Shults recalled. “I saw the response to well-done orthodontic correction dramatically enhance my patient’s appearance, confidence, self-esteem, and improve her oral health and general physical well-being. The deal was sealed for me. I knew as a third-year dental student what I wanted to do with my professional career.”

Through the years, Shults has acquired impressive credentials and training. He graduated with honors from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1984 and completed his orthodontic residency and certification at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 1989. He also received his PhD in sensory physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and was a recipient of the Dentist-Scientist Training Award from the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, he is a past president of the Palm Beach County Dental Association, past peer review chair of the Palm Beach County Dental Association and has been the orthodontic section chair of the Atlantic Coast Dental Research Center since 2010.

Shults feels that what sets his practice apart is his evidence-based treatment.

“That is choosing the most appropriate orthodontic treatment based on the best science available today,” he explained. “In other words, doing the right things for the right reasons… We help you make the difficult decisions, and then take care of you with compassion and kindness.”

Shults is proud to live and work in the local community.

“I live in Wellington, and my commitment and lifetime passion is to provide patients with excellent orthodontic care. We are here to serve the entire family, from seven to 70,” he said. “We welcome patients with ‘routine’ orthodontic needs or with more complex concerns, which may require orthopedic jaw growth modification or team treatment involving jaw surgery and restoration of missing or broken teeth.”

Shults said that this level of service benefits the client, providing more confident and attractive smiles; easier access for better dental hygiene, which is associated with improved oral health; and overall health and well-being.

“I use Damon Braces because the self-ligation feature eliminates the older elastic or steel ties, making them much easier to keep clean, more comfortable to wear and faster to adjust, which means less time spent in my office and more time to do whatever it is you really want to do,” Shults said. “I often recommend Clear Aligners or Invisalign as an esthetic alternative to braces. Both systems, Clear Aligners or Damon Braces, have their unique advantages and disadvantages.”

The team at Shults Orthodontics is ready and willing to help patients and/or their parents select the treatment that is best for each situation.

Shults is married to Rose Carbone, and they have three children. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, paddle boarding, yoga and more.

Shults is happy having his professional practice in Wellington.

“While I was initially attracted to Wellington for its schools and that small-town atmosphere, we love Wellington as a family-friendly community and the safe academic, sports and social programs available to help all our children grow, develop and excel as productive young adults and community members.”

Shults Orthodontics is located at 12180 South Shore Blvd., Suite 101, in Wellington. For more information, visit www.shultsorthodontics.com or call (561) 793-9888.

 

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A Breakthrough In Imaging Next Generation MRI Brings State-Of-The-Art Technology To Palm Beach County Residents

A Breakthrough In Imaging  Next Generation MRI Brings State-Of-The-Art Technology To Palm Beach County Residents

Story by Mike May | Photos by Callie Sharkey

Newly opened Next Generation MRI brings the most unique and highly advanced MRI ever developed to central Palm Beach County.

The Esaote G-scan Brio is the only one of its kind in Palm Beach County and one of only nine in the State of Florida. Nationwide, there are less than 100 of them currently in use. Next Generation MRI’s equipment is not your regular, conventional MRI. The firm’s technology is current, state-of-the-art and imported from Genoa, Italy.

“We have the most unique and highly advanced MRI ever developed,” said Next Generation MRI founder Joe Nasuti, whose professional background includes more than 35 years in the imaging industry. “It’s a combination of Italian engineering and space-age technology resulting in unheard-of capabilities no other MRI can perform.”

This includes 90-degree rotation for full natural body weight bearing stand-up scans and center-line scanning for every body part, flex and extension, motion studies, and 3D images. “We will go boldly where no MRI has gone before!” Nasuti said.

Next Generation MRI opened July 1 and is located across the street from the Palm Beach Outlets in West Palm Beach. According to Nasuti, the services provided by Next Generation MRI outperform other local competitors and are focused on providing patients with quick and accurate answers to medical questions.

To add to the overall MRI experience, Next Generation has added an MRI Café to its offices, where clients can rest, unwind and prepare for the MRI by having a cup of coffee. The goal is to create a low-key, relaxed atmosphere for the client prior to the MRI experience.

To add to the space-age technology aspect of Next Generation MRI’s services, when you are in one of its two MRI rooms, you can look up and see a picture of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise, on the ceiling. It’s alright to lay there and say, “Beam me up, Scotty!”

Next Generation MRI has two MRI bays and will only schedule eight to 10 MRIs a day on each machine. This makes sure that no client will ever be rushed through an MRI procedure.

To get access to Next Generation MRI, you must be referred by a medical professional, such as a chiropractor, orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist or neurosurgeon.

“We are specializing in patients who need an MRI due to an auto accident, workman’s comp claim, a personal injury incident, or a slip and fall accident,” Nasuti explained.

The big key to Next Generation MRI’s services is that Nasuti and his team can perform a vertical MRI, where you are standing up, in addition to an MRI where you are laying on your back.

“With the vertical MRI, we can see your pain better than anyone else,” Nasuti said. “That converts to a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment.”

According to Heather Garland, chief MRI tech for Next Generation MRI, the G-Scan Brio technology in each MRI machine is the world’s first MRI specifically developed to perform more accurate musculoskeletal examinations. The two MRI machines inside Next Generation’s offices are also the world’s only 100 percent natural weight-bearing, stand-up MRI machines. Of great importance to many potential clients is the fact that Next Generation MRI has the least-claustrophobic MRI on the market.

According to Nasuti, the G-Scan Brio reveals what supine MRIs can miss.

“A conventional MRI may not demonstrate the pathology related to these symptoms, but G-Scan Brio gives you a new point of view, so you can accurately diagnose musculoskeletal pathologies affected by a weight-bearing position,” Nasuti said.

The G-Scan Brio also provides more detail, better accuracy and greater confidence.

“The G-Scan Brio is superior to other MRIs because both the magnet and patient can rotate from 0 to 90 degrees,” Garland explained. “Our technology has eliminated the need for many exploratory surgeries.”

Simply put, the G-Scan Brio adds weight to your diagnosis.

“The G-Scan Brio offers a revolutionary MRI approach that increases diagnostic accuracy and confidence for musculoskeletal applications,” Nasuti said.

Once the MRI is complete, it’s sent electronically to Dr. Bruce Rodan, one of the most respected, board-certified radiologists in the industry.

“His preliminary report will be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, which is another industry first,” Nasuti said.

One of Next Generation MRI’s clients is West Palm Beach-based chiropractor Dr. Thomas Rupolo. He’s a big believer in what Next Generation MRI has to offer. “This is the latest and greatest MRI technology on the market,” Rupolo said. “It’s not a claustrophobic experience, and it provides a superior diagnosis.”

Rupolo will be referring all of his patients who need an MRI to Next Generation MRI.

To give you more peace of mind when you visit, Next Generation MRI has installed three bipolar ionization air purification systems that eliminate bacteria and viruses from the air. It’s the same system used by major airlines.

Next Generation MRI is located at 1700 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 150, in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) WPB-1700 (561-972-1700) or visit www.nexgenmri.com.

 

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EVERY SECOND COUNTS Wellington Regional’s Emergency Department Stands Ready To React At A Moment’s Notice

EVERY SECOND COUNTS
Wellington Regional’s Emergency Department
Stands Ready To React At A Moment’s Notice

Dr. Adam Bromberg, medical director of the Wellington Regional Medical Center Emergency Department, stood outside of the hospital’s emergency room and watched as an emergency medical services (EMS) truck approached with its siren blaring and its lights rapidly flashing in an effort to clear the road and shave a few more precious seconds from the hospital arrival time of a critical patient.

Like a red blur, the truck pulled into the ambulance bay as first responders spilled out of the truck and shuttled the patient through the doors to the waiting ER team inside. The hospital is full of specialized equipment and staff to provide emergent care for nearly any patient who arrives at the ER, but that is often the key word… arrives.

Emergency care extends to the site of the patient, and EMS crews are seen as an extension of a hospital’s ER by extending lifesaving care from the doors and hallways of Wellington Regional Medical Center to the actual location of a critically sick or injured patient. These emergency providers walk into potentially dangerous situations with a singular mission in mind — quickly find the patient, start lifesaving treatments and swiftly transfer the patient to the ER.

Time. In an emergency, it is perhaps the most critical element. There is an ER expression, “time is brain.” The shorter the time from incident to medical intervention, the better the chance of a positive outcome. According to the American Heart Association, 1.9 million neurons can die per minute when a patient is having a stroke. That is 32,000 brain cells per second.

Irreversible damage to heart muscle can start as quickly as 30 minutes from the blockage of blood flow. Cells and tissue lost due to stroke can’t be replaced and do not recover.

“Wellington Regional cares for emergency patients with a team approach,” Bromberg said. “It begins with the EMS team notifying the hospital of a life-threatening emergency patient en route, so our multidisciplinary team can assemble and be ready from the moment the patient enters the ER. Working collaboratively allows our medical team to be prepared for any circumstance and react rapidly to provide appropriate care for the patient. The faster we can begin appropriate treatment, the better the outcome for patients.”

The announcement blares three times over the internal public address system: “Stroke Alert Emergency Room Via Rescue.” Translation? There is an ambulance on its way with a suspected stoke patient. When the announcement goes out, staff from multiple specialties inside Wellington Regional, which was recently named a Comprehensive Stroke Center, immediately rush to the ER and await the patient. Since time can be so critical, the goal is to confirm the diagnosis as quickly as possible and transfer the patient to the appropriate unit inside the hospital for specialized care.

“Our goal is to verify the stroke through a medical assessment, CT scan and an evaluation by neurology with the objective of beginning treatment as fast as possible,” Bromberg said. “It is critical to have the team waiting for the patient’s arrival, so we can begin the evaluation immediately and time is not lost.”

One of the last thoughts Lucille Arcano remembered is moving to return a serve in one of her standing Thursday doubles tennis matches. Suddenly, it felt like the racket was pulled from her hand, and then blackness as she crashed down on the court. She vaguely remembers one of her playing partners asking if she was OK, but she could not respond. Still unable to see her friends, she recalls one of them saying, “I think she had a stroke.”

But Arcano remained silent. She had not been feeling very well for several days leading up to the doubles match. In fact, just the day before, her vision was a little impaired and she was dizzy, but she blamed it on something else.

“I had been experiencing double vision the day before and was dizzy,” Arcano said. “I thought something was wrong with my sunglasses and that was causing the vision problems. I thought the dizziness was caused by my paroxysmal vertigo.”

Arcano, who recently turned 74, said she still felt a little off on the day of her tennis match, but her vision had returned to normal. Because she was no longer seeing double, she decided to keep the tennis appointment with her friends. The avid athlete warmed up with no issues and then set up in her part of the court. The first ball of the match headed her way toward her forehand.

Her memory is spotty after that… the brown color of her friend’s tennis outfit… an EMT asking her name… the Wellington Regional Interventional Radiology (IR) team getting her ready for her procedure… someone taking off her earrings in preparation for surgery.

“The next thing I remember was when I woke up and saw that beautiful Dr. [Emilio] Lopez with his mask on and his twinkling eyes looking down on me,” Arcano said through tears. “I will never forget that face and those eyes.”

Arcano had suffered a stroke. Specifically, she had a blockage of the left middle cerebral artery, the vessel that is primarily responsible for delivering blood to the left side of the brain. A clot in this area of the brain is potentially devastating. After the blockage was confirmed, she was sent to IR, where she had the clot removed by Lopez through a minimally invasive procedure. She was discharged from the hospital a few days later.

“Her exceptional response has been remarkable,” Lopez said. “To go from a possibly debilitating stroke to playing tennis is phenomenal. It was a team effort, from the ER, IR, post-op and her care on the floor — everyone played a part in her outcome.”

Since going home, Arcano has completed a few weeks of rehab to strengthen her right arm and leg and to work on her balance. After a loop recorder was installed to monitor her heart activity for atrial fibrillation, she was released with no restrictions. In fact, she returned to the tennis court about two months after her stroke and is actively playing tennis again, as well as playing golf, walking and working out in the gym.

Arcano admits that she was a little nervous in her first tennis match after her stroke, but that is to be expected. She lost that match, but honestly, the outcome was irrelevant. Her return to the courts was enough of a victory for a woman who not that long before had lost her vision and could not respond to questions while lying on those very same courts. Her life is almost totally back to normal with the exception some difficulty writing, but she is practicing it every day, and her handwriting is getting better.

As a former dialysis nurse in Brooklyn, N.Y., Arcano has had quite the life — a life that was saved by the multi-disciplinary team at Wellington Regional and the EMS crew who worked frantically to deliver her from the tennis court to the ER. Once she arrived at the hospital, her care team was made up of several medical specialties working together with the singular goal of saving Arcano’s life.

“Dr. [Christopher] Hawk, one of the doctors involved in implanting the loop recorder, said, ‘My hat’s off to Dr. Lopez. I can save a heart, but he saved your soul,’” Arcano added.

Learn more about emergency services available at Wellington Regional Medical Center by visiting www.wellingtonregional.com/er.

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Cancer Care In Palm Beach County JUST GOT BETTER

Cancer Care In Palm Beach County
JUST GOT BETTER

The Lynn Cancer Institute and the Miami Cancer Institute are integrating programs as the key element of a further expansion of Baptist Health South Florida’s cancer care services. Joining forces, the combined program creates one of the largest cancer programs in South Florida.

Together, both organizations make a powerful team, offering patients personalized treatment options with a multidisciplinary approach based on physicians’ clinical expertise, advanced technology and innovative clinical trials.

The Lynn Cancer Institute is the largest provider of cancer care in Palm Beach County and one of the largest in Florida. The Miami Cancer Institute is Baptist Health’s cancer care anchor, offering a full array of services, and is Florida’s only member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance — an alliance that encompasses collaboration in clinical trials and standards of care.

The integration of the Lynn Cancer Institute and the Miami Cancer Institute will also allow for greater support of the planned expansion of the Lynn Cancer Institute, including new technology and the recent addition of cancer services at Bethesda Health City in Boynton Beach.

With this expansion of services, Baptist Health is paving the way for new and better treatments that can help even more patients conquer and survive cancer. Cancer does not stop for COVID-19, and for that reason, the Lynn Cancer Institute and the Miami Cancer Institute encourage patients to stay up to date with their cancer screenings.

The new integrated programing is just one of Baptist Health South Florida’s recent expansions in services for cancer patients.

The Lynn Cancer Institute also recently announced the opening of its newest outpatient radiation oncology location in Bethesda Health City. From the moment a patient receives a cancer diagnosis, Baptist Health South Florida experts are by your side, treating you with compassionate, individualized care. The team of physicians at Lynn Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology at Health City have more than 54 years of collective experience and will develop a targeted treatment plan that is best for you.

The Boynton Beach location now offers many of the same radiation oncology services and treatments found at other Baptist Health South Florida cancer care locations, including: IMRT/IGRT, 3D conformational therapy with RapidArc, CT stimulation, diagnostic imaging including PET and CT scans, electron therapy, high-dose rate brachytherapy, lung screening, nutrition and psychosocial services, and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

The Lynn Cancer Institute has several conveniently located radiation oncology centers, including at the Sandler Pavilion in Boca Raton at 701 NW 13th Street, Boca Raton (561-955-5966); Radiation Oncology at Delray Beach at 16313 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach (561-955-7200); and the new Lynn Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology at Health City in Boynton Beach at 10301 Hagen Ranch Road, Suite A-960, Boynton Beach (561-374-5440).

Learn more about the Lynn Cancer Institute at www.brrh.com.

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PROTECTING YOUR DIGESTION Cleveland Clinic Florida Offers Specialized Care For Your Digestive System’s Health

PROTECTING YOUR DIGESTION
Cleveland Clinic Florida Offers
Specialized Care For Your Digestive System’s Health

Digestive health relies on a large, complex system of organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, to turn the food we eat into the nutrients and energy our bodies need to survive.

“When any one element of this intricate system fails, it can have major health consequences,” explained Dr. Conrad H. Simpfendorfer, director of liver and pancreas surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida.

These three organs are key accessories to digestive health. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas do not move food through our bodies, yet their role in digestion is vital.

The liver takes the raw materials absorbed by the intestine to make chemicals the body needs to function and detoxify potentially harmful chemicals that are ingested.

The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver and then releases it through bile ducts into the small intestine to help process fats.

The pancreas secretes juices used to break down protein, fats and carbohydrates, as well as hormones to regulate blood sugar.

Some of the most common digestive disorders involve this organ trio.

More than four million Americans are diagnosed each year with liver disease, including cirrhosis and viral hepatitis. Another 20 million are affected by gallstones and other biliary diseases.

Meanwhile, pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers, will claim an estimated 47,000 lives in the United States this year.

“Because of their tremendous impact on overall health, liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases require immediate and expert medical care,” Simpfendorfer cautioned.

This is where the experts at Cleveland Clinic Florida come in.

The digestive health specialists at Cleveland Clinic Florida are highly skilled in treating a full range of common to complex liver, pancreatic and biliary diseases. This expertise recently earned Cleveland Clinic Florida the Center of Excellence designation from the National Pancreas Foundation for the care of patients with pancreatic cancer, a high standard of care met by only four centers statewide.

“We have a multidisciplinary team of specialists at Cleveland Clinic focused on treating the whole patient,” said Dr. Mayank Roy, a board-certified general surgeon specializing in liver and pancreas surgery. “Our tumor board, for example, brings together experts from a number of specialties to collaborate on treatment plans for patients with cancer designed to achieve the best outcomes.”

As a high-volume center for minimally invasive hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries, the fellowship-trained surgeons at Cleveland Clinic Florida have tremendous experience in advanced surgical techniques.

“Today we can perform many challenging surgeries laparoscopically, using small incisions instead of traditional open surgery, which greatly benefits our patients,” explained Roy, who works closely with colleagues at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital to offer Treasure Coast patients access to this innovative care. “And we are one of the few centers in the state using robotic-assisted surgery to treat digestive diseases.”

Cleveland Clinic is a leader in fluorescence-guided surgery, using a fluorescent dye during procedures to better see anatomic structures.

“This advanced imaging technique allows surgeons to remove diseased tissue more precisely and preserve healthy tissue,” Simpfendorfer said. “It can dramatically reduce the risk of complications associated with minimally invasive gallbladder removal, one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States.”

Cleveland Clinic Florida has an office in Wellington at 2789 S. State Road 7. To schedule an appointment with a digestive health specialist at Cleveland Clinic Florida, including Dr. Mayank Roy, who sees patients in Palm Beach County, call (877) 463-2010 or visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org/digestive.

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Great Ophthalmology Resources Available Close To Home At The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute

Great Ophthalmology Resources  Available Close To Home At The  Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute

The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute offers specialized eyecare services for the entire family. The list of services provided by the institute — which has offices in Wellington, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton — includes just about every possible ophthalmological service, diagnosis and treatment.

The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute offers a full range of comprehensive ophthalmological care, from routine eye exams to advanced surgical procedures. Services include cataract surgery, cornea surgery, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, eyelid tumors, eyelid conditions, pediatric and adult strabismus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and detached and torn retina treatments, along with general eye care.

At the Wellington office, which opened in 2015, Dr. Jason Gorscak specializes in cataract reflective surgery, medical glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration screening. Dr. Randy Katz treats advanced retinal disease, while Dr. Lee Friedman is the pediatric and adult strabismus specialist.

While the range of services provided by the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute runs the gamut of eyecare needs, some eyecare issues are more common than others.

“As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, I see a wide range of pathology,” Gorscak said. “I see mostly cataracts and glaucoma, as well as diabetics, who are routinely screened for diabetic retinopathy.”

While diagnosing an issue or a problem is always the primary mission, the staff at the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute also feel that it is important to create a positive and warm environment for every patient.

“Our staff always strives to create a friendly and relaxing atmosphere where patients can be comfortable,” Gorscak said.

While the institute works in a competitive industry, there are few other outlets, if any, that provide such an array of services at such a high standard of professional excellence.

“The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute is a multispecialty practice that covers a very wide range of ophthalmic pathology,” Gorscak said. “There are not many other ophthalmology practices in South Florida that do that.”

The institute’s doctors include some of the most experienced experts in the field, and residents of the Wellington area are fortunate to have access to such high-quality, one-stop shopping for eyecare services, procedures and treatments.

Originally from New Jersey, Dr. Jason Gorscak attended Johns Hopkins University and then obtained his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He then completed his ophthalmologic residency at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey before joining Florida Eye in 2008.

Originally from New York, Dr. Randy Katz grew up in New Jersey and earned his medical degree at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. He completed both his internship and his residency at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey before earning his fellowship in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous at the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He has been practicing in Florida for most of his career.

Originally from Miami Beach, Dr. Lee Friedman earned his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School in Illinois. He completed his internship and residency at Tampa General Hospital, and his fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.

The Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute offices are located in Wellington at 2575 State Road 7 near the Mall at Wellington Green behind Whole Foods and TooJay’s. Additional offices are at 1717 Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach and 9980 Central Park Blvd., Suite 204, in Boca Raton.

The Wellington office is open to serve patients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phones are live Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and lunch is from noon to 1 p.m.

For more information, call the Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute at (561) 737-5500, or contact the Wellington office directly at (561) 792-1205. Learn more at www.fleyedocs.com.

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