For many of us, a new year is a fresh start to introduce healthy habits into our daily routines. Whether it be a eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising more or limiting screen time, we all start the new year with a sense of promise and motivation. We reached out to local leading experts in different health fields for their advice on making 2018 a happy, healthy year.
Dr. Bushra Qureishi
MD, Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Harbor Behavioral Health
7140 Port Sylvania Dr.
567-408-7242 | harbor.org
While people may have heard of Harbor Behavioral Health, they may not be aware of everything you offer the community. What are some of your services? Harbor physicians are specialized to deal with many multiple disorders which are as simple as adjustment to new situations or anxiety related to stressful situations or complex long term issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, major depression , bipolar and schizophrenia. Talk to someone at Harbor so they can guide you in the right direction. Sometimes the need is only short term, but if not addressed appropriately, it can lead to long term chronic problems which become hard to address. Make an effort to make that first call to find out what Harbor physicians have to offer.
If families made one change regarding their mental and physical health in the new year, what would you suggest they do? My one piece of advice is to eat healthy and exercise to your potential. Eating healthy does not mean starving, but making healthy choices, using appropriate portions, and of course, avoiding high caloric drink. Make water your best friend.
Exercising means not necessarily doing extraneous exercise but exercising as much as your potential. YouTube and the internet are full of free exercise videos- so make that step in your life and start using those. Or even just start counting your steps. Buy yourself (or ask Santa to give you) a Fit Bit… and start counting! You will want at least 10,000 steps every day.
What tips do you have for a happy, healthy 2018? Eat healthy and exercise, be kind and considerate of others’ needs, stay away from drugs and other bad habits, and stay happy! Be thankful for what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have. Keep smiling – smiles are priceless and worth a million.
Dr. Amber Leer, DDS
Alexis Road Family Dental
4640 W. Alexis Rd. #200
419-471-1208
alexisroadfamilydental.com
What advice do you have for families regarding their dental health in 2018? As families look ahead to 2018, it is important to come in regularly for cleanings and exams. Oral health affects the whole body. If there is inflammation or periodontal gum disease present, people are at an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. You may already know this, but what people may not realize is that recent research has shown a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, even certain cancers as well! This makes it all the more important to stay on top of your oral health by regular professional cleanings and at home care of brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush, and flossing.
What sets Alexis Road Family Dental apart from other
dentists in the area? At Alexis Road Family Dental, we go above and beyond to ensure our dental family is taken care of. We treat everyone with respect and have many modalities to make your visit to your dental home as comfortable as it can be. I personally follow up with patients anytime I treat them.
Dr. Erin Knierim, DDS
3036 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-474-0733 | drknierim.com
If parents/families made one change and/or new habit regarding dental hygiene in the new year, what would you suggest they do? FLOSS! Flossing is the one New Year’s resolution we would love for all families to make! This is the area most parents tell me they struggle with making it a part of their routine. Many young children don’t have the hand skills to effectively floss yet and require adult assistance.
Are there any myths about children and their oral health you’d like to clear up? I think many people believe that the major culprits that cause cavities are sugary things like candy. Many of the convenient snack foods we give our kids are to blame too.
Most crackers are high in carbohydrates and stick around on your teeth for a long time after you have eaten them – so that means our goldfish crackers, animal crackers and pretzels may be causing cavities too!
What advice do you have for a happy, healthy 2018? Most foods that are healthy for your body like fruits, vegetables, cheese, nuts, etc. are good choices for healthy teeth too. Start your 2018 off with making good food choices and you will benefit in more ways than good dental check ups. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you choose a treat, even the dentist likes chocolate! Just make sure you brush and floss after!
Dr. Haerian
HLS Orthodontics
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-1017
perfectbraces.com
As families look ahead to 2018, what advice do you have for them about their dental health? Start early! The American Association of Orthodontist recommends that all children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An experienced orthodontist can clearly see by age 7 whether developmental issues can turn into problems. Early detection of common orthodontic problems such as crowding, premature loss of baby teeth, crossbites or many other unfavorable developmental issues can lead to the implementation of the most appropriate treatment that can result in a shorter course of therapy. You can see an orthodontist without a dentist referral.
Any myths regarding braces/ orthodontics you’d like to clear up?
Myth: Anyone who provides braces or clear aligners is an
orthodontists.
Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes years.
Myth: Orthodontic treatment is just for kids.
Getting braces can be a big step.
What advice do you have for children/teens and their families? Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better and decreases the risk of future and potentially costly dental problems. Braces may cause some discomfort during the first few days of treatment and after some subsequent adjustments. To minimize this problem, eat soft foods for the first few days and, if needed, use a saltwater rinse.
Dr. Christopher Perry
Toledo Clinic ENT Sinus Center
5800 Park Center Ct.
419-724-8368
toledorhinoplasty.com
As families look ahead to 2018, what advice do you have for them about their physical health? Eat healthy, drink water and sleep well.
For some families, this could be the year to find a new doctor. As they look around for one, why should they choose The Toledo Clinic? What sets you apart from other providers in the area? The The Toledo Clinic is the only physician-owned multi-specialty group in Toledo. For patients this means excellent quality medical care at a reduced cost without bloated hospital fees which provides superior value.
If families started one new healthy habit this year, what would you suggest they do and/or incorporate into their routines?
Stop drinking pop and start drinking water!
Dr. David W. Jackson
Associate in Women’s Health
5300 Harroun Rd. #201, Sylvania
419-843-4836
associnwomenshealth.com
As women look ahead to 2018, what advice do you have for them about their overall health? As women look ahead to 2018, what advice do you have for them about their overall health? Many women put their own health last, behind the health of their families – don’t! You need to take care of yourself as well as others. Problems left unattended can many times become worse and take longer to fix.
What sets Associate in Women’s Health apart from others? We are a single, independent provider, with 30 years of experience. For every visit, you will see Dr. Jackson.If you are an OB patient, Dr. Jackson will do your delivery (unless he is out of town, and then a covering physician will do the delivery). We are also independent, so that we can take Promedica and Mercy insurances. Dr. Jackson also performs VBAC (based on his medical judgement). And we are one of only 2 providers in Northwest Ohio with a Mona Lisa Touch laser.
Any myths about women’s health you’d like to clear up?
Myth: You have to have a family history of breast cancer in order to worry about breast cancer. There are plenty of people who are the first in their family to have breast cancer. My wife was one.
Myth: All cycles are 28 days. Not true! Many women have a perfectly normal cycle on a different schedule.
Myth: Once a C section, always a C-section. Some women
CAN have a vaginal birth after C section (VBAC). It’s not for everyone, but it is available.
Dr. Rhee
Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants
2927 N. McCord Rd.
419-517-5500 | pocllc.com
As families look ahead to 2018, what advice do you have for them about eyes? It is important for kids to have a comprehensive eye exam on an annual basis. (Vision screenings at school or by the primary care physician are not eye exams). Also, passing a vision screening does mean the vision is perfect or the eyes are healthy. Many vision problems and eye diseases have a better outcome if detected and treated early.
How often and at what age should children get their eyes checked? Good vision is an important part to a child’s overall development. The largest sensory input is vision. The vision system is not completely formed in young children; this develops from birth until about nine years of age. Clear input from both eyes is essential for the brain’s vision centers to grow properly. If a young child’s eyes cannot send clear images to the brain, vision may not develop properly nor correctable later in life. But if problems are detected early, they can be treated more effectively. Dilated exams should be every 12-24 months starting at age 3 until age 18. (© American Academy of Ophthalmology 2017)
If families made one change regarding their eyes in the new year, what would you suggest they do?
Schedule annual eye exam and pick date or time of year easy to remember, like birthday or before summer vacation.
Why should families choose POC?
The staff at Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants aims to provide the very best in medical care for all of our patients, we provide a full- range of eye care services for patients of all ages.
