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Treating Dry Eyes Associated
with Autoimmune Diseases & More
There are a number of diseases that disproportionately affect women. Many of them fall under the autoimmune category like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. Helm Vision Group performs comprehensive eye exams that may help identify and treat these conditions, as they all have ocular symptoms that may accompany them. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition in and of itself but it is also a frequent ocular symptom of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. There are a variety of treatments for dry eyes in addition to artificial tears. Medicated eye drops, punctal plugs, in-office light therapy (IPL), scleral lenses and amniotic membrane contact lenses are just a few. Work with an experienced team to find relief for your dry eyes.
Helm Vision Group 259-3937

Healthy, Clear Nails Made Simple
The Lunula Laser is the easy, convenient treatment that helps turn your discolored and/or disfigured nails into clearer, healthier-looking nails. The only touchless and painless treatment for onychomycosis, the Lunula Laser is a low-level laser that's pain free, downtime free and risk free. Finally, no more embarrassment about unsightly feet!
Dr. Robert J. Abrams of The Foot Care Center of Santa Clarita 253-3668

Mommy Makeovers for Special Moms
Women sacrifice their body during pregnancy and childbirth: saggy breasts, stretch marks and excessive fat and skin on the abdomen are not uncommon. It's spring; summer is right around the corner. Now's a perfect time for Mom to have a mommy makeover and turn back the clock. New techniques in cosmetic surgery will allow patients to have natural-looking results with no pain, minimum down time and quick recoveries. Visit
www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com for more information, before-and-after pictures or to set up a complimentary consultation in the Valencia office.
249-4040

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Try the First Hearing Device that Revolves Around You
Finally, there's a hearing device that lets you hear what you want to hear - even in the most complex hearing environments like restaurants. Oticon Opn works in harmony with your brain to process sounds exceptionally fast; you'll enjoy 30 percent better speech understanding while reducing your listening effort by 20 percent. Studies have shown that users also remember 20 percent more of their conversations. Curious and want to give it a try? You can sign up now for a no-obligation "test drive" running Tuesday, April 18 and Wednesday, April 19 at Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology.

Other great news: Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology has just acquired Audiology Services of Newhall and Audiology Partners of Mission Hills. Audiology Services, previously located on Lyons Avenue, will now serve the community at Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology office on Valencia Boulevard. Nola actually assisted previous-owner Randall Bartlett start the Newhall practice 30 years ago; now that Bartlett is retiring, he is happy that Nola and her team will continue providing his clients with wonderful family-oriented service. Patients old and new are invited to stop in and say "Hello" while enjoying a free hearing aid cleaning and free batteries.
425-9331

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis can Affect Body and Mind
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect men, with about one in seven diagnosed during his lifetime. Prostate cancer doesn't just affect men physically; men diagnosed with prostate cancer face a unique set of emotional issues. The diagnosis of cancer in itself can be overwhelming enough, but the stigma associated with prostate cancer often prevents them from seeking emotional help, according to experts at City of Hope.

"Prostate cancer patients face multiple emotional issues," said Chandana Banerjee, MD, MPA, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Supportive Care Medicine at City of Hope. "At the time of diagnosis, patients can experience a variety of emotions, from fear to anxiety. Studies show that patients fear progression of the disease and the impact it might have on their relationships. Effects of prostate cancer on sexual health are often a major concern and we encourage patients to verbalize their thoughts and feelings."

Some of the adverse effects of prostate cancer are fatigue, increased pain, sleep disturbances, frequent urination, hot flashes, depression, anxiety, decreased libido, changes in sexual functioning and discomfort about being sexually intimate with partners, according to Banerjee.

Treatment for prostate cancer involves hormonal therapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The side effects seen with hormonal therapy can often impact a patient's emotional health, Banerjee said. Physical effects of hormone therapy include loss of muscle and bone mass, redistribution of fat, obesity and diabetes, "and these physical changes can evoke anxiety and depression in patients," she said.

"Psychologists can be employed to help with supportive, cognitive and behaviorally oriented therapies, and psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressants and medications for anxiety. Exercise and strength-training, identifying realistic goals, stimulants and antidepressants can all be used to increase energy," added Kimberly Shapiro, MD, a psychiatrist at City of Hope and assistant clinical professor in the Department of Supportive Care Medicine. Support groups are also often helpful in decreasing anxiety and depression, she continued, "and resources also exist for caretakers to prevent burnout."

The good news is that while prostate cancer can be a serious disease, most men diagnosed with it do not die from it.
City of Hope Santa Clarita 799-1999; Simi Valley 805-527-2770;
Mission Hills 818-660-4700

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Is it Time to put the Brakes on Driving?Many of us have expressed concern about the safety of a loved one behind the wheel; these concerns are often exasperated when that loved one is a senior. Today's driving complexities, combined with health conditions that often affect seniors, could add up to dangerous driving. Here's what to consider when deciding whether or not it's time to hang up the keys.

Are there Warning Signs?
Reaction time is one of the most crucial functions of safe driving. This slows with age, but increasing distance between other cards and objects may help some older drivers.

What about Vision Impediments?
An older person may notice difficulties focusing on objects and switching focus from near to far. The ability to see find detail may diminish, as well as peripheral vision. That's important, since about 98 percent of what we see when we drive is seen first peripherally. Driving at night may also become more difficult due to clarity in sight issues. As we age, we need more light to see clearly.

Is Hearing an Issue?
Some hearing loss is common in people ages 65 and older. Studies show that people who have hearing difficulties are more likely to be inattentive to their surroundings. That's a dangerous situation when behind the wheel.

Giving up the keys doesn't have to come with reduced independence; in-home caregivers can provide transportation, as well as local ride companies like Uber. Senior centers, public transportation and senior living communities also can assist.
Visiting Angels 263-2273

Support for Seniors and Families Dealing with Memory Loss
Home Instead Senior Care pioneered memory care training. They were the first to provide training to caregivers with an evidence-based program focusing on the care and dignity of the person with dementia. This relationship-centered approach helps loved ones remain safe and calm at home, encourages engagement, provides nutritious meals and honors who the senior was earlier in life.

They know family caregivers are looking for help, too. That's why they offer free Alzheimer's Family Caregiver Training to any family needing support. The free training is available through an online e-learning course at www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com, or through the local Family Caregiver Coaching Program available by phone at 254-8701.

Home Instead has partnered with Hilarity for Charity to establish the Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Relief Grant Program, which provides in-home respite care at no cost to families who have been awarded a grant.
To apply, visit www.insidescv.com/alzheimerscaregrant.