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November/December 2023
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
MY LONG JOURNEY TO A GERD DIAGNOSIS The Power of Persistence
November is GERD Awareness Month, which is great timing. Shortly before preparing this newsletter, I was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after rounds of testing — and years of suspicious symptoms I chose to ignore. The telltale signs were subtle but persistent and occurred primarily when I was eating or drinking. After my mid-morning protein bar, I’d always feel a tickle in the back of my throat. It was frequent enough that my coworkers knew I’d just had a snack by the sign of my throat clearing. Meanwhile, my wife and kids couldn’t help but notice me coughing anytime I had a drink of water. The liquid always felt like it went down the wrong pipe. Most people with GERD suffer from heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. Mine was a “silent” case. A periodontist told me he’d experienced the same symptoms and Learn more about the Bravo pH test on the Cleveland Clinic website by scanning the QR code here!
been diagnosed with GERD, but I didn’t want to believe it.
As a dentist, I should have known better. I regularly check patients for signs of acid erosion, a common symptom of GERD, and encourage them to get checked out. But I’m not immune to procrastinating on health matters, and there’s a reason they say doctors make the worst patients. If you’ve experienced similar symptoms but put off testing, I understand why, but I can now also stress how important it is not to delay any longer. GERD is not simply a matter of discomfort, though severe symptoms can make a person’s life unpleasant. Untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage to the esophagus, rapid tooth decay, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. I was risking my health, and others following in my path are, too. I’m glad to say the diagnostic process was not nearly as inconvenient or uncomfortable as I’d expected. The upper and lower endoscopies I underwent did not live up to their negative reputation, and I found it to be a smooth and straightforward process. That part of the testing examined my esophagus for ulcers or other physical defects. When all turned out well, I moved on to the next step. The Bravo monitor involved an esophageal implant to test my PH levels and a monitor I wore around my neck for several days. It looked like a transistor radio but was surprisingly noninvasive. (Learn more about the test by scanning the QR code alongside this article.) The test results were irrefutable.
I have GERD, and Dr. Claire Beveridge at the Cleveland Clinic started me on a low dosage of omeprazole (Prilosec). I’m incredibly grateful so many people care about my well-being. My supportive family, coworkers, and even patients did not let up in their belief that something was wrong. When I wanted to ignore the evidence, they pushed me until I finally decided to take care of myself. Without them, this diagnosis might have been delayed by years. I hope anyone reading this who experiences similar symptoms (or any unexplained symptoms they haven’t had diagnosed) will choose to look after their health and schedule a doctor’s appointment. And if you are in the position of nudging your loved one toward the care they need, I hope you’ll persist. Your hard work could eventually pay off. -Dr. Jason Schermer
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PART OF MEN’S HEALTH MONTH
November is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about unique health issues men face. While the focus often leans toward heart health, mental well-being, and cancer prevention, oral health gets frequently overlooked. However, it’s essential to understand that oral health is closely connected to many leading health concerns men should be aware of, such as heart attacks and strokes. Poor oral health doesn’t just result in cavities and gum disease; it can also affect your overall well-being. Inflammation in the gums can contribute to inflammation in other body parts, a known risk factor for heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can also enter the bloodstream and cause infection in other body parts. One of the most significant concerns is the link between poor oral health and cardiovascular diseases. The bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty plaque in the heart’s blood vessels, potentially leading to the formation of clots. Inflammation in the
mouth may also increase inflammation throughout the body, including in the arteries, which can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Given these connections, men should get regular dental check-ups so oral health issues do not escalate into more severe problems.
Do you have friends or family you’d like to recommend to our care? If you do, we’ll send you and the person you refer a $50 gift card when they complete their new patient visit. It’s our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your oral health needs. This Men’s Health Month, take the initiative to prioritize your oral health. Schedule a dental visit today to ensure your teeth and gums are in optimal condition. Early detection and treatment are vital in preventing more severe health issues.
-Dr. Jason Schermer
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Very friendly and professional staff. They do a great job calming my nerves. Very good at explaining everything about to be done.” -Brent — “We have been going to Dr. Schermer since he started. He is fantastic, and we highly recommend him. He is very friendly and knowledgeable. Unfortunately, we moved to Philadelphia, but we do miss him and his staff very much.” -Laureen — “Dr. Schermer is very well respected and talented. He takes the pain out of dentistry with his gentle touch and compassionate approach. His practice is something to smile about.” -Kelly
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(440) 483-1003
A ONE-TIME DEAL FOR INVISALIGN! ACT BY DEC. 31
We all know that a smile is worth a thousand words. But what if you could make your smile even more captivating without breaking the bank?
Through the end of this year, we’re offering a promotion for Invisalign braces.
We’re excited to extend an exclusive Invisalign offer to our loyal patients. Fora limited time, you can enjoy incredible savings of $2,600 on your Invisalign treatment! This remarkable opportunity is available to you if you complete your records appointment before Dec. 31. Do you know someone who might be interested in getting their dream smile but is not a patient? Please feel free to share this offer with your friends and family! If you refer a new patient who starts Invisalign by Dec. 31, we will thank you with $100. Invisalign has revolutionized the world of orthodontics. Gone are the days of metal braces that are uncomfortable and less aesthetically pleasing. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, allowing you to go about your day without anyone noticing that you’re undergoing treatment. They are also removable, making eating, drinking, and maintaining oral hygiene easier.
well‑being. And let’s not forget, a beautiful smile is a gift that keeps giving. It opens doors, both personally and professionally, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone you meet. We understand that making this type of decision requires careful consideration. However, opportunities like this don’t come around often. If you’ve been on the fence about Invisalign, consider this your sign to take the plunge. Please schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Imagine starting the new year with a new smile. It’s not just an investment in your appearance; it’s an investment in your self-confidence and overall
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed bell peppers are a common meal in many households. And as temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than by turning this classic recipe into a hearty — and healthy — soup!
Q: Did you hear about the teenager who failed his driving test? A: He thought it was a crash course. Q: My neighbor gave me a new roof for free. A: He said it was on the house.
Ingredients •
2 lbs ground beef
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1/4 cup packed brown sugar
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6 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 28-oz can tomato sauce 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained 2 cups chopped green peppers
2 tsp beef bouillon granules
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups cooked long-grain rice Chopped fresh parsley (optiona)l
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Q: What has a spine but no bones? A: A book.
Directions 1.
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
exceptionalsmiles.com
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
INSIDE Dr. Schermer’s Journey From Denial to Diagnosis
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Oral Health Matters
What People Are Saying About Us
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Improve Your Smile
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Stuffed Pepper Soup
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The Power of Post-Meal Walking
WALK YOUR WAY TO BETTER DIGESTION
The answer is yes! Walking is a light movement that can help your food move through your stomach and intestines, making digestion smoother. Not only can walking help improve your digestion after eating, but this simple exercise can also bring many other benefits:
afterward may only minimally aid your digestive process. Be sure to get moving as soon after your meal as possible! As for frequency, ideally, you should go for a stroll after every meal. However, to get started, try going for a walk after dinner. You can increase your number of walks as you get accustomed to the exercise. Ten minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of walking after eating. While you can walk longer if you’d like, 10 minutes is doable even with a busy schedule. Plus, if you walk for 10 minutes after every meal, that’s 30 minutes of exercise daily! Take your dog with you or stroll with your headphones, listening to your favorite podcast. How you walk is up to you, but no matter what, you’re doing your mind and body a huge favor!
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Regulating blood sugar levels Managing blood pressure Reducing the risk of heart disease
Boosting your mood Improving sleep quality
We all know the after-lunch slump leaves us counting the minutes to our next nap. But research shows that sleeping or lying down after eating isn’t the best for health (no matter how good it feels). When you do this, you’re not allowing your body the time it needs to digest your food properly, and you may experience various digestive issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn. So, i s walking the best activity to do after eating?
Of course, regular exercise improves your overall health significantly, even if it’s just a quick walk around the neighborhood! THE POST-MEAL WALK: WHEN AND HOW LONG IS BEST? You gain the most digestive benefits if you walk right after eating. Waiting too long
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