Advanced Nerve & Laser January 2019

Advanced Nerve & Laser's online newsletter for January 2019

JANUARY 2019

3941 FM 2181, Corinth, Texas 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com Hope for the Future

OUR GREATEST RESPONSIBILITY

“Our job is to help our pat ients l ive again af ter years of pain and hopelessness. ” There came a time when it hurt to just pick up a cup of coffee, and Mark was ready to give up on life. It was in his most desperate hour that Mark and his wife found our office. We took Mark in, figured out his condition, and came up with a plan. When I spoke to him for the first time, I could see hope in this man’s eyes. I knew Mark didn’t want to get his hopes up for fear of being let down, but at our office, he found something new and he wanted to see where it would go. He started treatment, adopted a nutrition plan, and put in the time. His life didn’t change overnight, but today, I’m proud to report Mark is 98 percent pain-free. The first time I met Mark, he and his wife were in tears. Mark is a patient of mine who suffered from a very rare condition of nerve damage. He was in such pain that it didn’t just hurt to walk; it hurt to live life. Mark went to countless doctors and specialists, willing to try anything just to get out of pain. Every doctor did the same thing: They gave him some pills and sent him to pain management.

I don’t mean to make the work we do at Advanced Nerve and Laser Center sound like a magical cure-all. What we can do is miraculous, but it takes time and hard work. It’s not a 100 percent guarantee. We can’t always help everybody. But for the people we can help — those who put in the work and respond to the treatment — we have the power to make real change in their lives. I’m amazed by what we can do. When I see Mark in the office today, all smiles and full of life, that’s pretty badass. Today there are so many doctors who claim to treat neuropathy, but many of their “treatments” stop at pills or just teaching patients to “live with the pain.” That can’t be the end of the line! Our job is to help our patients live again after years of pain and hopelessness. So many of our clients find us after they spend years hearing the same things over and over from different doctors and being offered treatment plans that don’t solve their problems. It can be hard to imagine a better future after so many letdowns. Helping patients find hope is a powerful responsibility, and my staff and I aim to rise to the occasion by doing more than just being here for their appointment. Nothing makes us happier than hearing all the things our patients are able to do now because they’re no longer living in constant pain. Our process is hard work. It’s a huge victory to hear stories about fathers being able to dance at their daughter’s wedding, grandparents playing in the backyard with their grandkids, or retirees finally being able to take that trip to Asia with their spouse because every step isn’t a painful struggle. We want to hear all these stories and more! Our success is measured by the progress our patients make. The relationships we create with our patients are beyond value. As we start 2019, I want to thank all the patients who have trusted us to help them get out of pain, who are on the journey with us today, and who have sent friends and family to us in the past. Thank you for your support. I look forward to seeing what we will do together in the future!

–Dr. Bao Tha i

Call Now! 940-202-1218 • 1

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Live Long and Prosper

HOW LONGEVITY VITAMINS CAN HELP YOU LIVE A HEALTHIER, LONGER LIFE

New research suggests that you aren’t getting the key vitamins and minerals you need to live a longer, healthier life.

longevity vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables, but we often don’t eat enough of these foods.

A 10-year study published in October 2018 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified several “longevity vitamins” as necessary to living a healthier, longer life. These are vitamins and minerals that can keep chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, and dementia at bay.

“Survival vitamins” are even more critical to your health, and the symptoms are noticeable when you’re deficient. For instance, the main symptom of vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which causes weakness, soreness, and a number of skin issues, including bruising. It usually takes about a month of vitamin C deficiency before symptoms show. Vitamin K deficiency, on the other hand, can be tougher to diagnose. Vitamin K is essential in forming blood clots. When your body doesn’t get enough vitamin K, excessive bleeding can occur. The vitamin is also needed to produce an enzyme that promotes better blood flow. Over time, low vitamin K levels in the body increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you want to live a healthier and longer life, make sure your diet includes these longevity vitamins and minerals. They can give you a significant advantage when paired with a healthy diet and exercise so you can enjoy many more years with your loved ones.

Researchers classified the following as “longevity vitamins”: vitamin D, vitamin K, carotenoids (alpha carotene and beta

carotene), astaxanthin, ergothioneine, pyrroloquinoline quinone, quinine, taurine, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. Some of these vitamins and minerals may sound familiar. Lycopene, for example, is another carotenoid. It’s found in tomatoes and other red fruits and is a powerful antioxidant. In fact, many

Have a Cold? Recover Faster!

3 EASY WAYS TO RECOVER QU ICKLY FROM A COLD

During the winter months, colds and the flu can spread like wildfire. Getting sick at least once during the season can be hard to avoid, and once you are sick, you want nothing more than for it to be over and done. While there is no way to completely avoid getting sick, there are ways to speed up your recovery. Next time you’re suffering from a cold, try these remedies to get back on your feet a little bit faster. Elderberry Syrup Also referred to as elderberry extract, this syrup is made from a plant called European elder. It can be purchased at many health food stores or made at home (but use caution when doing this, since raw and undercooked elderberries are toxic). Many

people swear by the berries’ ability to ease congestion and relieve a number of other cold symptoms. Plus, elderberry syrup is known for having anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, making it an ideal tool for fighting the common cold. Some research even suggests that it can shorten flu symptoms by up to three days. Eucalyptus If you’re suffering from congestion or can’t stop coughing, eucalyptus may offer the relief you’re looking for. Available in several different forms, including syrup, oil, and dried leaves, eucalyptus can be used as an expectorant or as a way to relieve a sore throat. When you’re at home and sick, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in a humidifier. The results are remarkably soothing! Zinc While many people turn to vitamin C to hurry through a cold, that’s not the supplement you should be focusing on. In fact, an overwhelming number of studies show that vitamin C does absolutely nothing to help shorten a cold. Instead, take zinc. You can find it as a nasal spray or lozenge, or even as part of a vitamin C supplement. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who took zinc reduced their recovery time from a cold by half. Cold symptoms among those taking a zinc supplement lasted about four days, while symptoms among those taking a placebo lasted about eight days.

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4 T I PS TO PREVENT DRY WI NTER SK I N Diabetic Health Watch

Skip Hot Showers After a cold, wet day, nothing warms you up like a hot shower. Unfortunately, too much heat can dry your skin as quickly as the cold outside. Opt for a warm shower that doesn’t leave your bathroom full of steam. You might save a bit on your power bill, too! Drink More Water Most people are dehydrated, which can lead to a number of health complications. For diabetics, not drinking enough water can cause your skin to dry out more easily. Make a point of drinking your daily recommended intake of water by carrying a water bottle with you and swapping out sugary drinks at meals with a glass of water. Dry skin can be a problem for everyone during the winter, but for diabetics, dry skin poses a greater health risk. With these tips, you can help keep your skin happy and healthy all year long.

At the Advanced Nerve and Laser Center, many of our patients come in seeking relief from the pain of diabetic neuropathy. As we help treat their nerve damage, we also aim to help patients lead healthier lives all around. This includes offering resources to help patients better manage and live with their diabetes. Dry skin is a very common winter woe that many diabetics struggle with, even in warmer regions like Texas. Far more than a seasonal discomfort, dry skin increases the risk of infection in those with diabetes. Here are a few tips for keeping your skin refreshed during the winter months. Invest in Gloves While we aren’t likely to see a winter wonderland, Texas winters can come with cool, blustery winds. Wind can dry out your skin, so keep your hands covered with a nice pair of gloves or mittens. Fun fact: Mittens are better than gloves when it comes to keeping your fingers warm! Say No to Scents Scented soaps and lotions may smell nice, but the chemicals used to make those artificial smells can also dry out your skin. Don’t use creams with fragrances and stick to neutral soaps when washing.

CI TRUS AND AVOCADO SALAD

SUDOKU

Inspired by The New York Times

Winter is the height of citrus season, so it’s a perfect time to experiment with oranges and lemons. Roasting the fruits concentrates their flavor and makes the skins edible, creating a blast of flavor for this winter salad.

INGREDIENTS

• •

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 bunch arugula

1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8- inch thick and deseeded 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded

• • • •

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 1 avocado, cut into wedges Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and

lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.

Answer on back

Call Now! 940-202-1218 • 3

3941 FM 2181 Corinth, TX 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Sudoku answer from page 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Most Valuable Thing

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Are You Taking Your Longevity Vitamins? Have a Cold? Recover Faster!

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How Diabetics Deal With Dry Skin Citrus and Avocado Salad

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4 Signs You Need a Root Canal

Do I Need a Root Canal? THE THAI REPORT:

does not disappear quickly after removing the offending food, it may be a sign that the infection has spread to your nerves.

Dental and oral health advice from Dr. Bao Thai’s other half at Swisher Dental.

As a dentist, one of the most important jobs is to help people get out of pain. To do this, I also have to educate people about dental pain. For example, many people do not realize how something like a root canal can help them alleviate the dental pain they have lived with for years! Here are a few common dental problems that might be cured by a root canal. Swollen Gums If an area of your gums has become painfully swollen, or you notice a raised bump above one of your teeth, it might be a sign of a problem with the root of your tooth. Discoloration Root infections cause nerve damage in your teeth, cutting off blood vessels. This can cause your tooth to become discolored as it starts to die. Prolonged Sensitivity It is not uncommon to suffer from tooth sensitivity after eating or drinking hot or cold foods, but if you suffer from tooth sensitivity that

Dental Pain Often far more intense than dental pain caused by other factors, the persistent pain of an

infected tooth can be unbearable. If eating, drinking, or applying any sort of pressure to a sick tooth results in hours of pain, call your dentist right away. If you are suffering from any one of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you need a root canal. But it could be a warning sign of some other problem that you should get checked out immediately. If you do end up needing a root canal, our new associate, Dr. Jennifer Jaoung, can address the problem with a simple procedure right in our office. You do not have to start the new year living with the pain of an infected tooth. Call Swisher Dental at 940-312-6939 and learn how a root canal can ease your pain today. –Dr. Suzanne Thai

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