Health Care Patron PRSRT.STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tampa, FL Permit No.2397 Florida Health Care News Carrier-Route Pre Sort For additional health care information, visit us on the web at The online presence of Florida Health Care News St. Lucie County Edition Florida’s Largest Health Care Information Publications Florida Health Care News FEATURED ARTICLES Providing Health Care Information Since 1987 Spring 2018 TAKE ME HOME! Stephen Blank, DDS A Dream Smile Becomes Reality 5 2 Relief from Dry, Scratchy Eyes The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center 8 Feels Like Home Abbiejean Russell Care Center South Florida Eye Clinic Eye Floater Laser 10 Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates Walking in Strides Regenerative Biologics Institute Regenerative Medicine to the Max Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center Double-Duty Therapy Florida Pain Management Associates Who Would Your Doctor Go to for Pain Relief? Institute of Colorectal Health & Wellness Nonsurgical Vaginal Rejuvenation Larissa Camejo, MD Sight-Saving Glaucoma Surgery Center for Advanced Eye Care Cataract Surgery Clears Visual Fog Go Epic Health High Cholesterol? LASER AESTHETICS
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For additional health care information,
visit us on the web at
The online
presence of
Florida Health
Care News
St. Lucie County Edition
Florida’s Largest Health Care Information PublicationsFlorida Health Care NewsFEATURED ARTICLES
Providing Health Care Information Since 1987
Spring 2018TAKE ME HOME!
Stephen Blank, DDS
A Dream Smile Becomes Reality
5
2Relief from Dry, Scratchy Eyes
The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser
Eye Center
8Feels Like Home
Abbiejean Russell Care
Center
South Florida Eye Clinic
Eye Floater Laser
10
Vascular Interventional & Vein Associates
Walking in Strides
Regenerative Biologics InstituteRegenerative Medicine
to the Max
Simpson Advanced Chiropractic & Medical Center
Double-Duty Therapy
Florida Pain Management Associates
Who Would Your Doctor Go to for Pain Relief?
Institute of Colorectal Health & WellnessNonsurgical
Relief from Dry, Scratchy EyesComprehensive Care Restores Clear Vision
M a r t h a “ M a r c y ” McClanahan love s books so much, she could read from morn-
ing till night, but her dry, scratchy eyes caused her to blink and squint a lot.
Her optometrist prescribed drops to improve her eyes’ natural ability to produce tears, but she didn’t � nd consistent relief.
“I tried not to drive myself crazy scratching my eyes with my hands,” the Port St. Lucie resident remembers.
Her doctor eventually referred her to Cli� ord L. Salinger, MD, founder of � e Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center in Palm Beach Gardens. He diagnosed Marcy with dry eye disease, which a� icts millions of Americans and causes such symptoms as intermittent blurry vision, excess tear production, itching, burning and stinging.
Dr. Salinger provides extensive test-ing and comprehensive treatment for dry eye disease. For Marcy, the board-certi-� ed ophthalmologist opted � rst to install biocompatible punctal plugs in the tear ducts to block drainage and increase each eye’s tear film and surface mois-ture. Marcy’s eyes sometimes watered too much, however, so Dr. Salinger next sug-gested medical treatments to improve her tear � lm production and quality.
Those treatments included hot compresses, lid massage, vitamin supple-ments containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and anti-in� ammatory steroid eye drops. Marcy showed improvement from the treatments but she still had some dry eye symptoms, so Dr. Salinger turned to the LipiFlow® � ermal Pulsation System from TearScience® to relieve block-ages of her eyelids’ oil glands.
The
SystemFast • Noninvasive • Painless
E� ective • Long-lasting
Visit The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center on the web at www.TheDryEyeSpa.com
Cli� ord L. Salinger, MD, recipient of the “Heroes in Medicine” 2014, awarded by the Palm Beach County Medical Society, is a board-certi� ed ophthalmologist with subspe-cialty certi� cation in corneal and refractive surgery, and dry eye. After completing his undergraduate degree at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, he received his medical degree from UMDNJ-Rutgers Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ. Dr. Salinger completed an ophthalmology residency at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. He is a
member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Cornea Society and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. He is a past associate professor at the University of Rochester and has lectured exten-sively nationally and abroad. In addition to his volunteer work, traveling overseas on many occasions, he has been the education chairman for the Florida Society of Ophthalmology for more than 15 years.
Convenient Location!Dr. Salinger is proud to present the latest
breakthrough medical technology for dry
eye disease. He off ers consultations in Stuart
and Vero Beach. The Dry Eye Spa &
V.I.P. Laser Eye Center is located in
Palm Beach Gardens at:
11020 RCA Center Drive Suite 2001
(561) 624-7878
Revolutionary BreakthroughDuring LipiFlow, which Dr. Salinger calls a “revolutionary breakthrough’’ for treating chronic dry eye disease, an eyepiece con-tacts the outer eyelid and contains a soft, � exible bladder that intermittently in� ates to provide controlled pressure and massage. Heat is also applied to the inner surface of the lid because of its proximity to the glands. � e procedure takes 12 minutes for each eye and is performed in his o� ce.
For most patients, “the realistic expec-tation for symptomatic improvement of dry eye is seventy to eighty percent,” Dr. Salinger acknowledges. “Once we’ve improved the situation and stabilized the dry eye condition, it usually requires a lot less treatment to maintain that bene� t. But if we fall o� the wagon and stop treat-ment altogether, it’s only a matter of time until things get worse again.”
That’s because dry eye and other ocular surface diseases are progressive con-ditions attributed to numerous factors, including age, hormone changes such as menopause, diet, medications.
A year after having LipiFlow, Marcy remains delighted with her results. Drops help her eyes stay lubricated, and some-times she forgets to use them “because my eyes feel absolutely wonderful! Everything is moist, and there are no problems.”
Freedom from ContactsAfter nearly a lifetime of wearing cor-rective lenses, Judy* decided they didn’t work for her anymore.
Sometimes, her contacts literally fell out of her eyes, and she su� ered from burning and other discomfort that forced her to remove her lenses to get relief.
Worse, her world went in and out of focus. For someone who had cataract surgery on both eyes, that was especially disconcerting.
“Sometimes, my vision would get blurry, and it was because the contacts were not staying in place,” recalls Judy. “I was just not happy with them.”
She complained to her optometrist, who recommended she see Dr. Salinger. He determined that Judy su� ered from chronically dry eyes.
To alleviate her condition, Dr. Salinger inserted punctal plugs into Judy’s tear ducts to block drainage and increase moisture.
“� ere are three di� erent kinds of plugs,” Dr. Salinger explains. “One is the test plug that lasts a week, just to make sure the person doesn’t have excess moisture that becomes so unpleasant, it’s undesirable. � en, there are two long-act-ing plugs. One dissolves slowly over three to four months, while another version is made of a silicone plastic that doesn’t dis-solve and is potentially a forever plug.
� e permanent plug would not work for Judy because her tear ducts rotate
slightly inward. As a result, she would feel the silicone plastic plug on her eye every time she looked down and in the direc-tion of that plug. � at’s why Dr. Salinger turned to the LipiFlow treatments he’d recommended for Marcy.
Once Judy’s dry eye was stabilized, Dr. Salinger was ready to correct her vision using one of several procedures – PRK, LASEK, LASIK or iLASIK™ – that he performs in his o� ce using eye-drop anesthesia.
Through gentle reshaping of the cornea with a laser, which allows light to be focused di� erently by the eye, he can improve nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Safe, Painless SolutionsAfter meticulous evaluation of Judy’s eye health, medical history and unique cir-cumstances, Dr. Salinger determined that LASEK, or laser epithelial keratomileusis, was the best choice.
LASEK combines elements of PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, the original laser vision correction, and the more pop-ular LASIK. For certain patients, LASEK can o� er some advantages over LASIK.
“LASIK heals more quickly,” Dr. Salinger points out, “but it’s not ideal for individuals with pre-existing dry eye or who previously had some type of sur-gery, like the cataract surgery Judy had.”
LASEK involves loosening and remov-ing the surface epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, with a diluted alco-hol solution. � e exposed surface is then treated with the laser. A protective, soft contact lens is placed over the cornea to make the eye comfortable while it heals.
LASEK eliminates the need to pres-surize the eye to make the � ap, as with LASIK and iLASIK. Firming up or pres-surizing the eye too much carries a risk for patients like Judy who’ve had previous cataract surgery, Dr. Salinger notes.
The epithelium usually heals fully within days or several weeks. Because the return to functional vision is longer than with LASIK, some LASEK patients prefer to have one eye treated at a time.
Thanks to such laser surgeries, it’s possible for patients such as Judy to
improve their near or distance vision after cataract removal, Dr. Salinger emphasizes.
Fascinating, Fantastic Results“We can set each individual’s eyes at what-ever focal distance they might desire after cataract surgery,” he notes.
Judy decided she wanted monovision, which corrects one eye for distance and the other for close-up vision.
Monovision is an alternative approach to manage presbyopia, a normal aging process resulting in di� culty with close-up tasks like reading small print.
“My vision cleared up almost immedi-ately,’’ Judy raves. “For the � rst time in my life, I don’t need contacts or glasses. I don’t need a million pairs of reading glasses around.”
Her dry eyes have improved, too, allowing her to manage her condition with occasional over-the-counter drops. It’s no wonder she recommends Dr. Salinger to others seeking help for dry eyes and other persistent vision challenges.
“He’s very competent and knowledge-able,” she asserts. “He’ll sit and answer your questions, which I � nd most important.”FHCN article by Annette Mardis. Photo by Nerissa Johnson.
Graphic courtesy of LipiFlow. mkb
NOW AVAILABLE, BREAKTHROUGH
TECHNOLOGY DNA TESTING FOR
LASIK SAFETY
Page 2 | Florida Health Care News | Spring 2018 | St. Lucie County Edition Dry eye treatment
St. Lucie County Edition | Spring 2018 | Florida Health Care News | Page 3VascuLar surgery
All stock imagery that is not marked otherwise is
courtesy of istockphoto.com.
Page 4 | Florida Health Care News | Spring 2018 | St. Lucie County Edition
Barry P. LevineExecutive Publisher
Susan SchaeferAssociate Publisher
Gina L. d’AngeloCFO/HR
Roy CummingsEditorial Supervisor
Michelle BrooksCreative Director
Brian LevineProject Coordinator
Patti DiPanfiloAnnette MardisEditorial Staff
Laura EngelProduction Assistant
Nerissa JohnsonGraphic Designer
Nerissa JohnsonJordan PyszFred BelletPhotography
Steve TurkMario Hill
Kent BoothRick BowserRobert Mize Distribution
Slim Body Laser SpaLaser Aesthetics
The Dry Eye Spa & V.I.P. Laser Eye Center
Dry Eye Treatment
Vascular Interventional & Vein AssociatesVascular Surgery
articles in this publication: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON
RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE
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Laser aesthetics
After
Before
Gold Medal WinnerDr. Blank was awarded gold medals by the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (FACD) Scientific Session competition, which is designed to reward excellence in clinical cosmetic dentistry. The FACD is an organization devoted to seeking improvements in the science and art of cosmetic dentistry.
Stephen Blank, DDS , is a 1982 graduate of Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago. He has since completed inten-sive continuing education studies. Dr. Blank has studied TMJ under Mark Piper, MD, DMD, at the Piper Education and Research Center. He has
completed the course continuum at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Blank was a clinical instructor with the Hornbrook Group, teaching dentists from all parts of the country in live, hands-on courses on the various aspects of smile design, occlusion, full mouth reconstruction and complete patient care. He is a facilitator/men-tor with the Dental Boot Kamp program. Dr. Blank enjoys teaching dental teams around the country.
Dr. Blank invites you to visit his website at www.PSLDENTIST.com. Or visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PSLDentist
For That Healthy Smile Dr. Blank and his staff look forward to meeting the readers of Florida Health Care News. To schedule an appointment or learn what Dr. Blank can do for your smile through a complimentary cosmetic consultation, call or visit his o� ce in Port St. Lucie at:
184 NW Central Park Plaza
(772) 878-7348
“I had no interest in metal braces like those my son wore as a teenager,” Stephanie declares emphatically.
“Invisalign® is an e� ective option for patients like Stephanie with crooked or spaced teeth. It works well for patients whose teeth are either spaced too closely together or are spread too far apart,” observes Dr. Blank.
I became uncomfortable, he’d just get on the computer and show me what was hap-pening; he’s really one of a kind.
“� e girls in the o� ce are fantastic, too, just so positive and supportive at each step. � e whole o� ce sta� makes you feel like family.
“It really does make you just feel so much better about yourself when your smile is so bright and clean,” says Stephanie.
“Now, I really take pride in my teeth.” FHCN staff article. FHCN file photo. Before and after
images courtesy of Stephen G. Blank, DDS. mkb
Like so many women, elementary school ESE paraprofessional Stephanie Ludwig for many years placed her personal needs
well below those of her son and husband. “My son had just graduated college.
And then my husband bought a Harley. I thought, I work hard; it’s time to do something for me,” Stephanie says with a chuckle.
Stephanie turned to the family’s trusted dentist to ful� ll her dreams.
“We’ve relied on Dr. Blank for many, many years. He took care of my son’s dental needs since he was four, when he chipped a tooth. He’s taken care of both of my parents, my mother-in-law, my husband and me.”
Stephen G. Blank, DDS, practices cosmetic and functional dentistry in Port St. Lucie. Considering each patient’s needs and expectations, Dr. Blank chooses his cosmetic dentistry procedures and methods carefully. He takes his time in evaluating both the patient’s dental con-dition and how the new smile will fit with other facial features.
Affirms Dr. Blank: “Stephanie has been a patient of mine for almost twenty years. She’s always wanted to � x her smile but only recently has been will-ing and able to make it a priority.
“A beautiful smile is the best accessory and can make a positive di� erence in a per-son’s con� dence. � at’s the underlying assumption driving all of our e� orts in the work we do for our patients. We design a plan that corrects any under-lying issues so that the stunning smile we create will last.”
Stephanie’s treatment began with the � rst priority of correcting the large amount of space separating her front teeth.
“Stephanie had several concerns to address,” recalls Dr. Blank. “Her lateral incisors, the small teeth on either side of the front teeth, weren’t large enough to hold her front teeth in the correct posi-tion. One had been crowned years before and the crown wasn’t in good shape. And she had some pretty signi� cant discolor-ation overall.”
She was delighted to learn of a new alternative to traditional braces.
A Dream Smile Becomes Reality
Private Care DentistryWe take great pride in treating one patient at a time like family. We are a private practice with one dentist with 35 years of experience. We are not part of a corporate dental chain. We believe in building relationships with our patients that makes them an integral part of their own success. Scheduling is done to respect your time, with double booking not even considered. We do not measure success by how busy we are, but by our patients’ dental health. Care Credit is available for patients who need assistance with � nancing.
points out Dr. Blank: “� ey can remove them to eat their meals so there are no food restrictions as there are with traditional braces. Patients can � oss their teeth and brush them regu-larly because there is nothing in the way. The aligners are clear, so they are almost invisible. Patients report that their friends don’t know they are wearing Invisalign aligners.
“For patients whose teeth are very crooked but who want veneers, Invisalign can be used initially to give the patient better alignment so that when we attach the veneers, the cos-metic outcome will be much better.”
Smiling with PrideStephanie esti-mates it only t o o k a b o u t nine months to straighten her teeth. “Invisalign was really great, easy to wear and no one could see them,” she recalls. “� ey corrected the slight overbite I had as well as the spaces.
� e next step to creating the smile of her dreams was to remove the discol-oration with a professional whitening treatment called Opalescence.
“It’s a tried-and-true product,” explains Dr. Blank. “We’ve used it for a long time with very, very good results. It pulls out the colors that the teeth have absorbed over the years. With Opalescence, the teeth become lighter within about two weeks and remain strong and durable.”
By mid-year, Dr. Blank replaced the old crown on the one incisor and added another all-ceramic crown to the other.
“I look at myself now and think, Wow,” Stephanie re� ects happily. “I have perfect strangers coming up to me and complimenting my teeth. Friends who haven’t seen me in a long time tell me how good I look. � ey say, We can’t � gure out what’s di� erent.
“Every step along the way, Dr. Blank was so helpful. You’re not ever rushed and you don’t feel nervous in his care. If
The Invisalign Diff erenceInvisalign is an almost invisible method of straightening teeth without metal wires, traditional braces, or brackets, and the aligners are removable for eating and dental hygiene.
“Once we determine that a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign, which Stephanie was, the case begins by taking x-rays and impressions of our patient’s teeth. I submit the data, along with a written prescription describing the tech-nical details and types of movements I want to accomplish, to Align Technology,
the developer of Invisalign. “Using 3-D com-
puter technology, they digitize this information, formulating a treatment plan showing the projected movements step-by-step. We work back and forth with the lab technician, looking at the requirements and evaluating the com-puter analysis.”
As soon as the den-tist approves the plan, the Invisalign software
determines the number of aligners the patient will need to straighten his or her teeth. A series of customized, clear, plastic aligners are fabricated to achieve that goal.
� e aligners are then sent back to the dentist. � e patient is given the � rst set of aligners, which are worn for two weeks. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally, millimeter by millimeter, through a combination of movements, just like tra-ditional metal braces do.
� e aligners are very comfortable to wear. When patients � rst put them on, they feel like there is something tight over all their teeth. But within a short time that dissipates. Patients can often tell which teeth are being moved.
Invisalign provides many advantages,
St. Lucie County Edition | Spring 2018 | Florida Health Care News | Page 5cosmetic Dentistry
Page 6 | Florida Health Care News | Spring 2018 | St. Lucie County Edition stem ceLL treatment
St. Lucie County Edition | Spring 2018 | Florida Health Care News | Page 7Back anD neck Pain
Feels Like HomeNewly renovated short-term rehab center provides a
personalized, home-like environment
A bbiejean Rus se l l Care Center specializes in pro-viding a warm, home-like env i ronment fo r re s i -
dents such as Helen Hinebaugh, who recently needed a little more time to recuperate from a hospital stay.
Prior to her hospital stay, Helen, 85, had been living at home. However, after suffering a fall in her bathroom late one night she was rushed to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center with a rib and head injury.
After being treated at the hospital for three days, Helen’s doctor deter-mined she was in a deconditioned state, meaning she was too weak to function independently without supervision, putting her in danger of falling again.
Helen arrived at Abbiejean Russell Care Center, a privately-owned and operated facility, in early January, shortly after room renovations were completed on the short-term side of the facility. She was immediately put on a personalized rehabilitation program designed to get her back home within a couple weeks. Positive results soon followed.
The system uses an advanced three-dimensional camera and specialized computer software to track the patient’s precise movements and allows them to interact in a virtual world.
The system includes a variety of skilled exercise programs for physical, occupational and speech therapy needs. Abbiejean also employs a full sta� of licensed therapists who provide phys-ical, occupational and speech therapy seven days a week in programs designed to help residents regain their highest level of physical functioning.
Helen took advantage of far more than just the rehab center during her stay at Abbiejean. She also participated in a variety of social activities, including joining in on Bingo games, card games and trivia contests.
Helen’s stay at Abbiejean lasted less than two weeks. She was home in time to celebrate her 86th birthday with her family, but she enjoyed her time at Abbiejean so much that she plans to return on occasion just to visit.
“The best way for me to explain it is that I felt loved there,” Helen relates. “Everyone cares, and they are just so sweet. I loved my room. I loved the food and the people. It was really a great experience.”
At Abbiejean, a large portion of the resident’s recovery is excellent nutrition. Recently, the facility hired a chef with 25 years of experience and a nutritionist to oversee resident’s meal selections. Each resi-dent can design an individual plan that will enhance recovery and overall future health.FHCN article by Roy Cummings. Photo by Nerissa Johnson. mkb
Our MissionThe Abbiejean Russell Care Center seeks to provide residents with high-quality skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care services in a manner that recognizes the value of human dignity at all stages of life. The center is in Fort Pierce at:
700 South 29th Street
(772) 465-7560
Brian helped Helen regain her strength during her brief stay at Abbiejean Russell Care Center.
Come tour and have lunch on us! Please call to set up an appointment
Skilled Nursing Facility ✦-hour RN coverage ✦Wound Care ✦TPN/IV Services ✦Diabetes Management ✦Stroke Recovery ✦Orthopedic Rehabilitation ✦Specialized Physician Services ✦Discharge Planning Assistance ✦Secured Memory Care Unit
Feeling Stronger Every Day“I did my physical therapy twice a day, and each session usually lasted about two hours,” Helen relates. “I would ride a stationary bike for a while and then they would put weights on my legs, and I’d exercise with the weights on.
“It really felt good. I liked doing the physical therapy a lot. And I can tell you, they really know what they’re doing. After only three days, I was feeling much stron-ger and more con� dent in myself.”
Helen is one of many who have bene-� tted from the spacious rehabilitation center at Abbiejean, where residents have access to state-of-the-art equipment, including the most advanced cycle therapy available today and the area’s only virtual-rehab system.
Larissa Camejo, MD, is a Board-Certi� ed Ophthalmologist and Fellowship-trained Glaucoma Specialist. Born and raised in Venezuela, Dr. Camejo gradu-ated at the top of her class from Central University of Venezuela School of Medicine and did her ophthalmology Residence and
Glaucoma Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She later became Assistant Professor and the Director of UPMC Satellite o� ce. Dr. Camejo moved with her husband and two children to Jupiter in 2011. With 11 years of experience in the � eld she opened her practice in Jupiter. Dr. Camejo believes in treating glaucoma early while educating patients on their condition.
Protect Your Sight Through
Leading-Edge CareDr. Camejo is a skilled cataract and glaucoma surgeon. She performs both traditional and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. As a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, she has ample experience and skill to choose the best procedure for each patient for a truly tailored approach. Her o� ce is at 601 University Blvd., Suite 202, Jupiter. Call:
(561) 223-6557
Tammy Lalande was 3 years old when she wore ice skates for the � rst time. Growing up in Lake Placid, New
York, she devoted herself to � gure skat-ing, training four to � ve hours a day, six days a week. All that ice time put considerable stress on Tammy’s body.
“I was jumping, and landing either on my behind or on one foot,” she recalls. “No matter which way I landed, there was impact.”
Tammy became a US Figure Skating gold medalist in figures and in free-style before wrapping up her career as a regional competitor at 18. She turned professional and coached � gure skating part-time while earning her degree in nutrition at the University of Vermont.
Tammy went on to coach at all levels of skating, and it was while she was coaching some 15 years ago that she was diagnosed with glaucoma. � e � uid in her eyes was no longer draining
properly, increasing her eye pressures and jeopardizing her optic nerve.
“Glaucoma basically goes unnoticed and untreated, and often leads to blind-ness,” Tammy informs. “I was blessed that I was aware of my family history with it and was tested very early for it. “
Tammy’s bout with glaucoma resulted in four laser procedures, the last being performed shortly after she moved to South Florida in 2016. Just days after undergoing that fourth laser, however, Tammy began to experience blurred vision and pain in her right eye. Her ophthalmologist immediately sent her to Larissa Camejo, MD, one of the few fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists in the Jupiter-Palm Beach County.
Eye-Pressure Emergency“When I � rst saw Tammy in April, the pressure in her eye was forty-eight, which is dangerously high and was already on proper medications,” Dr. Camejo con� rms. “Normal pressures are up to twenty-one.”
Dr. Camejo promptly scheduled Tammy to have glaucoma eye surgery to avoid permanent vision loss. Dr. Camejo determined that Tammy had a less com-mon type of glaucoma named pigmentary glaucoma, which a� ects younger patients.
Pigmentary glaucoma is caused by an abnormal release of pigment from the back of the iris that over time can poison the natural drainage tissue of the eye, causing an increase in eye pressure and glaucoma. High-impact sports such as basketball can aggravate the release of pigment leading to acute rises in intraocular pressure.
A few days after first seeing Tammy, Dr. Camejo used the VISCO™ 360 Viscosurgical System (Sight Science, Inc.) to perform a pain-less, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
“With the use of the Visco 360 device, I was able to stent the intraocular drain-ing canal located in the angle of the eye to bypass the area of resistance and repair the eye’s ability to drain the built up liquid in the eye, e� ectively decreasing eye pressure,” Dr. Camejo explains. “It is a ten-minute procedure that provides faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. Everything is done under a microscope with a special mirrored lens that allows us to perform the surgery under direct visualization.”
Tammy left the outpatient surgery cen-ter with a clear, protective shield over her eye and instructions to sleep with her head elevated for a week or so. � e next day, her eye pressure had fallen to 11 before stabiliz-ing at 15 while eliminating most glaucoma eye medications at the same time.
“I’m living a healthy, active life as an athlete now,” enthuses Tammy, a certi� ed life coach who runs, plays tennis and does yoga. “My eyes are great. I did not lose any vision, and I’m so grateful to Dr. Camejo.”FHCN article by Annette Mardis. Photo courtesy of Tammy
Lalande. mkb
Sight-Saving Glaucoma Surgery
Tammy is living an active, healthy lifestyle again now that she’s been
treated for glaucoma.
Page 8 | Florida Health Care News | Spring 2018 | St. Lucie County Edition
skiLLeD nursing
gLaucoma/cataract sPeciaList
Visit Florida Pain Management Associates on the web at www.� oridapain.comPain management allows individuals who experience chronic pain to enjoy life and get back into the swing of things. Dr. Cordner treats a variety of painful conditions, including arthritic
back pain, cancer pain, whiplash injury, arthritis, bursitis, vascular disease, re� ex sympathetic dystrophy, herpes zoster (shingles), intercostal neuralgia, sacroiliac joint arthropathy, failed back surgery syndrome, post-laminectomy syndrome, scoliosis, diabetic neuropathy and headaches.
Harold J. Cordner, MD, FIPP, ABIPP, is board certi� ed in anesthesiol-ogy and pain management by the American Board of Anesthesiology, and in interventional pain management by the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Dr. Cordner completed an intern-ship in general surgery and residency in anesthesiology at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ. He is a member of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Florida Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, International Neuromodulation Society and numerous national and international pain societies, and frequently lectures and teaches physicians advanced interventional pain procedures nationally and internationally. Consumers Research Council of America named Dr. Cordner one of “America’s Top Physicians.”
HAROLD J. CORDNER, MD, FIPP, ABIPP
Get back into the swing of
thingsDr. Cordner welcomes your questions about pain management. To schedule a consultation, please call or visit the o� ces of Florida Pain Management
Associates at one of these two locations:
Sebastian13825 US Hwy. 1
Vero Beach960 37th Place
Suite 102
(772) 388-9998
Physicians really do know who the best doctors are
W hen it comes to pain management special-ists, few people attain the same level of
expertise and respect throughout their communities as Harold J. Cordner, MD of Florida Pain Management Associates in Sebastian and Vero Beach.
Eugene A. Melvin, Jr., MD has battled back problems for years. � e excruciating ache in his lower back led to burning pain that ran down his left leg. In 2014, he had a discectomy on his back that provided sig-ni� cant pain relief with intermittent pain complaints. A recent injury caused the pain to escalate with a vengeance.
As an interventional pain manage-ment physician with a practice in Orlando, Dr. Melvin was aware of advanced thera-pies that could help manage his ongoing back and leg pain. He was also aware of the skill and expertise of Dr. Cordner.
Looking for quick relief from his pain, Dr. Melvin � rst visited several pain management physicians in the Orlando area. During his local visits, Dr. Melvin underwent various injections and abla-tions, procedures that destroy a� ected spinal nerves using heat energy, with minimal relief. Prior to his injury, these treatments helped.
“� ese individuals in Orlando were good doctors, but they just did not have the skills and techniques Dr. Cordner has,” observes Dr. Melvin. “Dr. Cordner performed a unique type of injection on me that really relieved a lot of the pain I was experiencing.
“He used a special technique called a Racz catheter procedure, during which he advanced a catheter into the spinal canal through the sacrum. Once he arrived at the correct location, he broke up some of the scar tissue that was in there causing pain.”
� e Racz catheter procedure provided better results for Dr. Melvin than any of the other pain-relieving techniques he had tried previously. Dr. Melvin is contem-plating spinal cord stimulation should his leg pain return and will have Dr. Cordner perform this surgery.
Several years back, when Michael Venazio, MD had his own pain prob-lem, he too consulted Dr. Cordner for treatment.
“I’ve known Dr. Cordner for about � fteen years,” re� ects Dr. Venazio. “I refer a lot of my patients to him, and they’re always satis� ed. He’s very well respected in the � eld.”
“I had a fairly signi� cant herniated disc at the L4/L5 level, which was giving me back pain that radiated down my leg,” he explains. “Dr. Cordner gave me a series of epidural steroid injections, followed by a nucleoplasty procedure, which really helped my pain to where it’s minimal to nonexistent at this point.”
� e same can be said for internal med-icine practitioner David DePutron, DO.
“I have cervical spinal stenosis,” explains Dr. DePutron, “and I have a problem whereby arthritic change of the lower part of the cervical spine intermit-tently results in pressure on my spinal cord. � at causes discomfort and numb-ness in the fourth and � fth � ngers of both hands.
“Dr. Cordner treats me periodically to alleviate that intermittent problem. I have had the condition since 1996, and have not had a need for any therapy other than what Dr. Cordner has provided.”
“I have referred literally hun-dreds of patients to him,” adds Dr. DePutron. “We’re lucky to have him in our community.”
All in the FamilyScott Glaser, MD can attest to that. Dr. Glaser � rst got to know Dr. Cordner through the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Glaser became so impressed by his expertise that he called on Dr. Cordner when his father was struggling with a serious pain issue.
Dr. Glaser’s father su� ered with sig-ni� cant spinal stenosis, a condition with which the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Mr. Glaser was living at home alone at the time. He was in such severe pain that walking and standing were di� -cult. As such, it was hard for him to get to the bathroom or even get out of bed, and he was living at home alone at the time.
Dr. Glaser knew there were many excellent pain physicians closer to Palm Coast, where his father resided, but none, in his estimation, were good enough for his father except Dr. Cordner. To him, it wasn’t an issue that Florida Pain Management Associates was a two-hour drive from his father’s home.
“Dr. Cordner’s and my subspecialty of interventional pain medicine teaches us just where to put that medication to get the best results. Using x-ray guidance, Dr. Cordner injected that medicine right next to the irritated nerve in my father’s
back, and it worked. It worked quite rap-idly for my father, within a few days.”
As an orthopaedic surgeon, Kirk Maes, MD, also has good reason to be well aware of Dr. Cordner’s reputation.
“I deal with arthritic patients, and it’s an uphill battle,” says Dr. Maes. “Oftentimes, the goal is to keep our seventy- and eighty-year-old patients out of the operating room, and keep the � fty- and sixty-year-olds on the golf course.
Dr. Maes has the same level of con� -dence in sending family to Dr. Cordner.
“Dr. Cordner gave a member of my family a series of injections,” he explains, “and she was able to run a marathon after-wards. She’s done really well.
Carlos Vizcarra, MD, has referred family members to Dr. Cordner as well.
“For many years, my uncle has had intractable pain from shingles,” he explains.
Unfortunately, Dr. Vizcarra’s uncle lives in the doctor’s own home country of Peru, where physicians do not o� er some of the treatments performed here.
Dr. Vizcarra felt so strongly about Dr. Cordner’s expertise in pain management that he encouraged his uncle to � y to the United States to get the best possible care available.
“My uncle came here and underwent two treatments with Dr. Cordner and he had a great response,” says Dr. Vizcarra. “Dr. Cordner was excellent,””
Another orthopaedic surgeon, David W. Gri� n, MD, FAAOS, also had exten-sive experience with Dr. Cordner before retiring from his practice.
“He has some very speci� c expertise in patients with chronic back pain,” says Dr. Gri� n. “It has to do with the tech-nique of radiofrequency ablation of the nerve for patients with severe arthritic facet joint pain.
“Dr. Cordner is the only physician in the area who performs this particular procedure, and I have a great deal of con-� dence in him,” continues Dr. Gri� n. “I have seen patients who have been very happy with his results.”
Common ConclusionsDr. Cordner stays on the leading edge of interventional pain medicine, so he always has the latest treatment advances for his patients. � e advancement he used with Dr. Melvin was the Racz catheter proce-dure. Both physicians were happy with the treatment’s outcome.
“� ere’s not a second thought in my mind that if you need a pain specialist, it should be Dr. Cordner,” adds Dr. Venazio. “He’s one of the best pain physicians in Florida. He’s intelligent, he’s well-versed, his pain knowledge is excellent, and his technique is stellar.”
“I have referred literally hundreds of patients to him,” adds Dr. DePutron. “We’re lucky to have him in our community.”
“My patients come to me and they are very happy with Dr. Cordner’s approach, his manners, and his knowledge about pain management,” says Dr. Vizcarra. “I refer at least ninety percent of my pain patients to him.”
“He is without a doubt the most skilled and insightful pain management doctor within two hundred miles,” assures Dr. Maes. “He is the go-to guy around here.”
“I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Cordner. Think about it. I rec-ommended him to my dad,” assures Dr. Glaser. “If I trusted him with a family member, I would trust him with anybody.”
Dr. Melvin sums it up perfectly; “� e pain doctor goes to the best pain doctor, Dr. Cordner.” FHCN staff article. mkb
Who Would Your Doctor Go to for Pain Relief? St. Lucie County Edition | Spring 2018 | Florida Health Care News | Page 9Pain management
Deborah A. DeMarta, MD, FACS, is a colorectal surgeon and functional medicine specialist. Dr. DeMarta com-pleted her medical internship and residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. She completed a research and clinical fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Fort Lauderdale
in 1997 and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. DeMarta is the founder and principal o f the Institute of Colorectal Health & Wellness. As a functional medical practitioner, she works with patients to identify the underlying causes contrib-uting to chronic health issues. She then develops individualized programs to restore natural balance using nutrition, supplements and lifestyle changes.
Visit the Institute of Colorec tal Health & Wellness online at w w w.InstituteHealthWellness.com
Excellence in Functional Medicine
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call or visit the Institute,
located in historic downtown Stuart at:
SW Atlanta Ave.(772) 539-9556
INSTITUTE OF COLORECTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
DEBORAH A. DEMARTA, MD, FACS
Nonsurgical Vaginal RejuvenationA n exciting new treatment for vaginal rejuvenation promises to restore what aging and loss of collagen in vaginal tissue
can take away. It also helps women expe-riencing vaginal laxity after childbirth or from the natural aging process.
medicine. � e goal of her holistic approach is to help patients achieve optimal well-ness and feel their best. She founded the Institute of Colorectal Health & Wellness to o� er a comprehensive approach through medical, surgical and aesthetic services that promote health rejuvenation.
To help restore colorectal function, the � ermiVa device gives individuals an additional option for
successful treatment of fecal leakage or unsightly perianal hemorrhoid skin tags.
“Fecal incontinence can be treated through dietary modi� cation and physi-cal therapy to strengthen the pelvic � oor. However, some women need more than that. Previously, the options were pretty invasive,” notes Dr. DeMarta. “� e excit-ing part about the � ermiVa is that it is much gentler and noninvasive.”
� e � ermiVa procedure takes approx-imately 30 minutes, and feels like a warm massage. A treatment is recommended once a month for three consecutive months.
“No anesthesia is needed,” says Dr. DeMarta. “Patients come in, have the procedure and go home. Due to the non-existence of leakage, a pad is not needed, and normal activities can resume immediately.”
Treatments work on both the internal and external regions of the female pelvic � oor. Stimulation occurs through radiof-requency and heat generation to restore collagen in the a� ected tissues. � e for-mation of collagen helps improve laxity of the vagina and surrounding tissues to the pre-menopausal state.
“Most importantly, � ermiVa treatments improve a woman and her partner’ s interest and sexual response that may have diminished through vaginal changes,” notes Dr. DeMarta.
“The ThermiVa is a superior addi-tion to help women and their partners achieve and accomplish enjoyable inter-course,” she adds. “I’m excited to have this option for my patients. It not only results in enjoyable intercourse for cou-ples, but also solves concerns such as laxity, prolapse, leakage, UTIs vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, lack of sexual desire and orgasmic dysfunction.”FHCN staff article. mkb
when coughing or sneezing as well as fecal incontinence.
“� ermiVa works by restoring colla-gen in the vagina, along with restoring tightness, moisture and support,” states Deborah A. DeMarta, MD, at the Institute of Colorectal Health & Wellness. “It can relieve the symptoms that can occur from hormonal imbalance.”
“I’m thrilled to o� er women this pro-cedure,” she continues.
Improving Tone and LaxityMany women may know to expect hot � ashes and night sweats during menopause and perimenopause. � ey may not, how-ever, be aware of how hormonal changes will a� ect the health of their vagina.
A decline in estrogen contributes to vaginal walls becoming thinner and pro-ducing less moisture. � e vaginal canal can also become shorter and less � exible. Results include vaginal dryness that not only makes sexual intimacy uncomfort-able but also raises the risk of frequent yeast infections and urinary tract infec-tions that may become recurrent.
Dr. DeMarta is a board-certified colorectal surgeon who also specializes in integrative and anti-aging and aesthetic
� ermiVa® procedures revitalize vul-vovaginal tissue through the application of gentle radiofrequency energy. Treatments performed in the doctor’s o� ce are pain-less, with no downtime. � ey can help resolve the aging process of menopause, including the vaginal dryness and thin-ning of vaginal walls that can make sexual intimacy less enjoyable or even painful.
Hormonal imbalance can cause pelvic � oor weakness leading to prolapse or the gradual descent of the urinary bladder, rectum and small intestine from their normal positions before menopause.
Two of the most severe complications of prolapse include urinary incontinence
Page 10 | Florida Health Care News | Spring 2018 | St. Lucie County Edition oPhthaLmoLogy
FunctionaL/integratiVe meDicine
WILLIAM J. MALLON, MDADAM M. KATZ, MD
J. MICHAEL SCHNELL, MDSARAH S. KHODADADEH, MDEDWARD S. BRANIGAN III, MD
E dward Holbrook woke up most mornings to another foggy day.
“I began to realize this fog followed me around,” he recalls. “Whether I was in Vero Beach or Georgia or Tennessee, it was always foggy. But it really wasn’t foggy at all. I was just not seeing clearly.”
William J. Mallon, MD, is board certi� ed by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, he was awarded his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, graduating as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Mallon served his internship at Methodist Hospital, Memphis, TN, and completed his residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, followed by a fellowship in ophthalmic plastic & reconstructive surgery in Memphis. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, and is past president of the board of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology.
Adam M. Katz, MD, is board certi� ed by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Union College in New York, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, he was awarded his medical degree from Albany Medical College, NY. Dr. Katz completed his internship in internal medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. After completing a three-year residency in ophthalmology at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan, he went on to complete a one-year medical retina fellowship at NYU and a second two-year retina fellowship in Memphis with world-renowned retinal surgeon Steve Charles, MD. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Florida State University and was recently elected as President of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology. Dr. Katz has more than 20 years of clinical experience treating patients with retinal and vitreous disorders.
J. Michael Schnell, MD, is board certi� ed by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Dickinson College and a Master’s degree in counseling from Colgate University, Dr. Schnell was awarded his medical degree from the University of Maryland, where he also served his medical internship and his residency in ophthalmology. He is a member of several profes-sional organizations, including the International Association of Ocular Surgeons and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Sarah S. Khodadadeh, MD, is board certi� ed by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. She received her undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and her Master of Science and medical degrees from Wayne State University in Detroit. Following a one-year internship at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn, where she served as chief resident, Dr. Khodadadeh completed her ophthalmology residency at Henry Ford Hospital. She practiced in the Midwest before returning to complete her glaucoma fellowship at Yale University. Dr. Khodadadeh serves on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Self-Assessment Committee nationally for the glaucoma division and treats patients as a comprehensive ophthalmologist and as a glaucoma specialist.
Edward S. Branigan III, MD, is board certi� ed by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University, and then graduated from Downstate Medical Center. Following an internal medicine internship at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Branigan served as a � ight surgeon at Patrick Air Force Base. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Virginia. Dr. Branigan has been practicing ophthalmology in Vero Beach for more than 30 years.
How Cataracts DevelopEdward isn’t alone in facing deteriorat-ing eyesight; everyone develops a cataract eventually, typically by their mid 60s. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people older than 40 and the principal cause of blindness in the world.
� e eye’s lens works similar to a cam-era lens, focusing light onto the retina to achieve clear vision. � e lens also adjusts the eye’s focus so people can see up close and at a distance.
Lying behind the iris and the pupil, the lens is made up mostly of water and protein. � e protein is arranged so that the lens stays clear and allows light to pass through it. But as people age, the pro-tein clumps together and cloud the lens, resulting in a cataract.
Because cataracts progress slowly, people sometimes don’t notice they’re having di� culty seeing until it greatly impacts their normal activities. Their vision may become blurred, akin to look-ing through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting. Colors may appear less bright. Light from the sun, a lamp or oncoming headlights at night may cause more glare than before.
Simple, Safe, Eff ective But poor vision doesn’t have to be an inev-itable fact of aging. As Edward found out, cataract surgery is simple, and the results, which left him with near 20/20 eyesight, are “amazing,” he says.
The phenomenal improvement in his vision has greatly bene� tted Edward’s driving, especially at night. Edward is also happy he no longer wears prescription glasses, though he does need “cheaters” to read � ne print.
He has nothing but praise for his expe-rience at the Center for Advanced Eye Care.
“I was treated with kindness by every-one I came into contact with,” he reports.
� e doctors and sta� at the center pride themselves on fostering a caring environment.
“We want people in our o� ce who care about and genuinely like people,”
Cataract Surgery Clears Visual Fog Amazing outcome eliminates need for Rx glasses
After conducting a thorough exam-ination, Edward’s longtime eye physician, Edward S. Branigan III, MD, of the Center for Advanced Eye Care in Vero Beach, discovered the problem was due to cataracts and recommended surgery.
For nearly four years, however, Edward resisted that advice. He eventu-ally acted on it and had the surgery, which was performed by William J. Mallon, MD, a cataract specialist at the Center for Advanced Eye Care.
In taking care of Edward, Dr. Mallon performed two surgeries two weeks apart. During each procedures, Dr. Mallon began by anesthetizing Edward’s eye with drops. He then made an incision of less than three millimeters in the side of Edward’s cornea – the clear structure covering the front of the eye – and inserted a tiny probe.
� e probe emitted ultrasound waves that softened and broke up Edward’s lens, which was then suctioned out. Dr. Mallon next replaced Edward’s natural lens with a standard monofocal intraocular lens.
“Probably sixty percent of our patients get what we consider a standard monofocal lens, and they do very, very well with that,” Dr. Mallon notes. “It’s all about � nding out what the patient wants and what their needs are.”
Other options are multifocal lenses, which provide distance and near focus at the same time; accommodative lenses, which move or shape the inside of the eye, allowing focusing at di� erent distances; and toric lenses to correct an astigmatism.
Dr. Mallon confirms. “We hire people based on their personality more than their skill set because we know we can train people to learn what we want them to learn.
“When we hire someone, we tell them, Plan on being here for twenty years,” he continues. “We’re bringing somebody into our family, and we want them to � t into our philosophy. We do our best to take care of people and let them have the best experience they can have. We don’t ever like to have a patient who’s unhappy with anything we do.”
Edward’s only regret is that he waited so long to get his cataracts removed.
“Dr. Branigan told me it would get to a point where I would get tired of messing with glasses and get the procedure done,” Edward shares. “And he said, � e day you do it, you will kick yourself for not having it done a whole lot sooner. He was right.”FHCN article by Annette Mardis. Photo by Nerissa Johnson. mkb
For more information, please visit the Center for Advanced Eye Care online at www.caec.info
Seeing betterThe caring staff at the
Center for Advanced Eye Care welcomes your questions
about cataracts, intraocular lenses to correct vision, retinal
issues, glaucoma surgery and any other eye concerns. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, call or visit their offi ce in Vero Beach at:3500 US Hwy. 1
(772) 299-1404
Cataract Risk FactorsIn addition to advancing age, here are other risk factors for cataracts:
• Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources
• Diabetes• Hypertension• Obesity• Smoking• Nutritional de� ciency• Prolonged use of
corticosteroids• Statin medicines to
reduce cholesterol• Previous eye injury,
in� ammation or surgery• Hormone replacement
therapy• Signi� cant alcohol
consumption• High myopia• Family history
Edward Holbrook
St. Lucie County Edition | Spring 2018 | Florida Health Care News | Page 11oPhthaLmoLogy
Page 12 | Florida Health Care News | Spring 2018 | St. Lucie County Edition choLesteroL Lowering
