The Needle and the Damage Done
by Monica J. Lakatos, D.D.S., Northshore Dental Associates
For many people, the fear of receiving a dental injection is enough to keep them away from seeing a dentist, even when they are fully aware that it is a necessity for good health. If you are one of those patients, know that you are not alone.
It is estimated that at least 10% of adults have this fear, called Trypanophobia or commonly, needle phobia. Some phobics are afraid of dental injections in particular and some are afraid of all "shots," avoiding any dental or medical care that involves injections and/or needles, like vaccinations, blood tests, etc. But do note that there are options for needle phobic people to get the health care they need.
The use of a topical anesthetic prior to injection is very helpful. This numbs the surface of the skin so that the penetration of the needle is not felt. It needs to be on the surface of the tissue for at least a minute or two to have the full effect.
For extremely phobic people, there is available a strong topical anesthetic that penetrates deeper into tissue. This type of topical anesthetic, called EMLA, can be used in extremely sensitive areas or on extremely sensitive people. It is not always used in dentistry because it tastes bad, compared to the flavored topical agents that work fine for most people.
Using nitrous oxide (commonly called laughing gas) for relaxation helps many phobics get beyond their fear. This is safe for all ages; the only major contraindication to receiving nitrous oxide is for pregnant women. Nitrous oxide induces a calming, relaxing effect that allows the patient to remain fully awake, but with a great reduction in anxiety. Patients who use nitrous oxide report feeling warm and tingly and a general sense of euphoria. They are fully aware of what's going on around them and are able to get treatment without their fear standing in the way.
Some people find it easier to receive an injection if they keep their eyes closed. Dentists will often talk while giving an injection to keep the patient's mind distracted. Injections given too fast tend to be more painful, so the slower the injection, the less it will be felt. This runs counter intuitive to most phobic's fears, because they want it done as quickly as possible. So if you find yourself wondering why it takes so long to give an injection, be aware that it is for increased comfort.
Some patients find that wearing head phones with music or an audiobook playing helps keep them distracted. Dentists can usually work around whatever it takes to relax the patient and allow them to receive treatment. The main goal is for the patient to receive the health care they need with a minimal amount of stress and discomfort.
Monica J. Lakatos, D.D.S., at Northshore Dental Associates, 1179 Whitehall Road in North Muskegon, can be reached at (231) 744-6100. More information is available online at northshoredentalassociates.com, facebook.com/northshoredentalassociates and twitter.com/monicalakatos.
Three Simple Ideas
by Lana Carson, BS Exercise Science, Omni Fitness Club
As the New Year draws closer, people start to think about recommitting themselves to losing weight…again.
This year, before you even begin to think about starting a new diet or joining a health club let me suggest three simple ideas that will last all year.
- Commit yourself to the true definition of "diet." The word "diet" is Greek and literally means "manner of living." This refers to your overall eating patterns, not what you do for a day, a few weeks, or a couple of months. It does not include restricted calories, it does not exclude nature's food, and it does not include sipping meal replacement concoctions through a straw! Eat, eat well, and no more short term diet traps!
- Move your body every day. This does not mean work out every day. In fact, if you are not a regular exerciser right now, you will not become one January 1. The very first step to becoming more active and burning calories is just to move your body more throughout the day.
For example, walk to your mailbox instead of pulling up to it in the car. Stand and walk around while you talk on the telephone instead of sitting. Don't wait for the closest parking space at the grocery store, park a little farther and take a walk. These are simple ideas and they will make a difference. The more you move, the more calories you expend. Once you begin to feel the benefits of moving your body, increase your activity and slowly progress to a more formal exercise program.
- Throw out your scale! This is a big one, I know. What does a scale really tell us? The answer is nothing. Weight can (and will) fluctuate from morning to night, before and after a meal or a workout, day to day, and throughout the month (especially in women). The scale tells us nothing of any importance! If you're overweight you know it. The scale doesn't have to confirm what you already know. A better alternative to the scale is to keep a pair of pants that fits you right now and try them on each month. Notice I said, "month," not day, not week. If they start feeling loose around the waist, hips or thighs, you're losing weight.
The most important piece of advice: take it one small step at a time. Unfortunately, people have a tendency to change too much too soon, only to burn out. A lifetime of habits cannot be changed all at once. Be patient, be realistic and be happy. If at any time you feel deprived, burned out or frustrated, acknowledge it is an indicator that you are attempting too much at once.
This year, instead of resolutions, start your New Year by making simple changes in your habits relating to food and movement. This will do more for your long term goals than any "miracle diet" or "revolutionary exercise program" that is geared toward short term compliance. If you would like help getting started, please call us at the Omni. We're here to make 2008 the start to the rest of your life!
If you would like help designing a fitness program that's just right for you, call MarySue or Lana at the Omni Fitness Club at (231) 739-3391. For more information about health visit omnifitnessclub.com.
Breast Care Center at Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C.
from Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C.
The general surgeons at Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C. have experience in evaluating breast abnormalities by physical exam, as well as incorporating radiologic studies and your risk factors. They do not just look at your x-rays.
A "lump" on physical exam can be benign (non-cancerous) or indeterminate (maybe/maybe not). Our focus is on the best diagnostic approach for your particular situation.
Our surgeons may use a number of different biopsy techniques, depending on the findings. These include total excision, needle or core biopsy, ultrasound or mammographic-guided biopsy. Some can be done at the initial visit; others have to be scheduled for a subsequent date.
"Abnormal" mammograms are the most common reason for patients to be referred to our Breast Care Clinic. Only about one out of 15 abnormal mammograms actually represent anything that proves to be a malignancy. Obviously, one wants to err on the side of caution. We try to perform biopsies in the most minimally-invasive manner; however, there is still a place for excisional ("open" or via an incision) biopsies, depending on the circumstances.
If you have breast cancer, our surgeons are experienced in the techniques for staging and removing the cancer, including breast conservation, sentinel node biopsy, preparing the breast for brachy therapy (localized radiation), as well as coordinating reconstruction with plastic surgeons. All of this depends on your particular cancer, physical exam and many other factors that govern the best choice.
Sometimes you have several options, and our surgeons will explain the pros and cons of each. Our surgeons have helped thousands of women in West Michigan survive the diagnosis.
The Breast Care Center at Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C. works with all primary care or family physicians. If you and your physician decide that a surgical consult is necessary, the Breast Care Center, with Dick L. Kamps, M.D., James J. Rice, M.D., Veronica R. Petty, M.D., Greg A. Myers, M.D., and Eric T. Sevensma, D.O. is located at Muskegon Surgical Associates, P.L.C..