Health Lines
Bladder Leakage
Q.
I suffer from overactive bladder and am wondering if there are any ways I can reduce my leakage. A.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can work to reduce accident causing leaks from overactive bladder. Knowing which type of incontinence you suffer from can also be helpful in targeting it. The main two types of incontinence are stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Make sure that if you wear adult diapers or absorbent products that they fit you correctly and are the right absorbency for your individual needs. Take time to test out various products to find the best option for you since they can each offer various protection levels. Doing so can go a long way in preventing surprise mishaps. If you have issues with night time incontinence, cut off your liquid intake two to three hours before bedtime and make sure to empty your bladder before heading to bed. Additionally, steer clear of caffeine and alcohol which both act as a diuretics. Checking your food and liquid intake can help you target what irritates your bladder. Did you know losing weight can help also? Working out can relieve the pressure added weight can place on your bladder and pelvic muscles. Another exercise you can perform that may not lead to losing weight but is helpful is kegel exercises. By practicing and strengthening these muscles, you can train your muscles to prevent leaks. If these tips are not giving you the results you desire, talk to your doctor or contact us about other options. Dr. David M Coussens, M.D. Arkansas Urology 1300 Centerview Drive Little Rock, AR 72211 Toll Free 800-255-1762 Local 501-219-8900 www.arkansasurology.com
Advanced Designed Hearing Aids
Q.
My next door neighbor recently obtained new “invisible-in-canal” hearing aids from your office. He had tried several sets of hearing aids through the years with limited success. He previously told me, “Never get hearing aids until you have to; they are a nuisance to wear.” He always complained about his old hearing aids that fit behind his ears, yet he is so excited about these tiny, new devices that fit deep in his ear canals. What about these makes them better than the old style that he wore before? A.
Just as every individual is unique, so are our ears and our hearing needs. Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are cus-
tom designed with these unique requirements in mind. Each hearing aid is molded to precisely fit the wearer’s ear anatomy. The audiologists at AAC will make quick, painless ear impressions while you’re in the office. These are sent to the hearing aid lab where the shell and components are precision-crafted to our specifications. The results are hearing aids that fit more easily and more comfortably than standard hearing aids... AND a hearing solution that is personalized just for you, literally from the inside out. Two features of custom hearing devices help them deliver a more natural sound quality: One in the proximity of the receiver (loudspeaker) to the ear drum. Because IIC hearing aids reside deep in the ear canal, they deliver a superior sound quality with less distortion and better comfort of sound due to lower volume requirements. Second, unlike standard hearing aids, whose microphones collect sounds from behind the ear, the microphones of IIC hearing aids sit inside the ear canal, thus taking advantage of the collection properties of the external ear (pinna)... mimicking the ear’s natural process. The result? An amazing ability to tell the direction of sounds, plus, high pitch sounds are heard more naturally. The advantage? You are better able to tune in to what you want to hear in noisy environments. Speech recognition is remarkably enhanced... most people are able to hear even a whisper! ...,and the devices are less susceptible to wind noise. Remember how you used to hear? Well, we never forgot! Now, hear the way you remember... almost as if you were not wearing hearing aids, more transparent AND more naturally! Did you know that many people now have hearing aid benefits through their insurance plans? Whether or no you have coverage, AAC offers a wide range of hearing devices from basic models to leading-edge advanced design instruments to fit any budget. Ask about our Risk-free 100 per cent money-back and low-price guarantee... Discover the AAC advantage. Find out what thousands of Arkansans already know about quality hearing care. CALL TODAY! You’ll be glad you did! We’re ready to help Serving all Arkansas since 1986 Joseph B. Turbeville, Ph.D. James V. Rippy, Au.D Doctors of Audiology. Affiliated Audiology Centers, Inc. WEST LITTLE ROCK 10310 West Markham, #207 Tel. 501-224-6910 TOLL FREE 1-800-264-6944 NORTH METRO 501 W. Main Street – Jacksonville Tel. 501-457-7701 EMAIL: aachearing@gmail.com www.AACHearingDoctors.com
Young Age... Old Looking Smile
Q.
Dr. Garner, I often read your articles and look at your web site. To me, a pretty smile is really important. It’s probably the first thing I notice when meeting someone. I guess I’ve always been a “tooth person”. I’m 59, and recently remarried. My husband and I stay fit and eat right, we watch our weight, and we look much younger than our age... until my husband smiles that is. His smile is not attractive and his teeth are very worn down and yellow. He has always been diligent about going to the dentist but when he was a teen, he went through a phase where he got 15 fillings in two years. His mouth is full of “ancient” dentistry and no matter how many “whitening strips” he uses, his teeth still look unattractive, old and more like they belong to an 80 year old smoker! I know that he is self-conscious about his smile around me and other people because he never smiles in any photos. I don’t care to admit this about myself, but his smile is a real turn off to me. He is such a handsome guy, and I would love to see him have one of your famous smile makeovers. It would be such a boost for him! He is an executive, and I don’t want him be reluctant to smile when he’s in front of other people, making a speech or with me. Also, I’m interested in visiting with you about my smile as well. I had braces back in the late 60s and slowly, my teeth have gotten a bit crooked. The girl in your magazine ad has such a fabulous smile, and her teeth look so fresh, clean and youthful. That’s what I want for myself and my husband as we enter the next phase of life. Do you think that perhaps my husband and I could come in for a consultation visit together to discuss what’s involved? We are both too young inside to have old-looking smiles! Thank you for your time. A.
I receive many letters just like yours. Most guys tend to think that the process will take forever, and often just procrastinate until they realize it’s important to their wife... and their sex life. Often, women tell us that they are turned off by ugly teeth, but just don’t want to hurt feelings or be critical of their spouse. Discuss this openly with him and see if he is willing to come with you for a husband/wife consultation. We often do smile makeovers for couples. Baby boomers very much strive to keep their youthful appearance and health. A smile makeover not only gives a great lucking smile in the end, but often restores the teeth to pristine condition again for strength, health, and peace of mind. No one likes to be constantly coming to the dentist with a broken or cracked tooth. Once I restore the teeth, future dental visits are simply a pleasant check up and cleaning. A great smile always reduces the appearance of age on the face. Give us a call when convenient and we will allow plenty of consultation time for you both. Jeff Garner, DDS “The Smile Doctor” Featured on Entertainment Tonight and Dateline NBC General, Cosmetic and Aesthetic Reconstructive Dentistry WestLake 5 10809 Executive Center Dr, Suite 101 Little Rock, AR (501) 227-0112 (800) 671-0767 www.smile-doc.net
Stop Smoking, Dipping or Chewing Today 97% Success Rate
Q.
I have used different methods to quit smoking and always failed, why was it so easy when I used hypnosis? A.
The most important reason it was so easy for you to quit smoking using hypnosis was simply because YOU WANTED TO QUIT!!! You must have the desire for the change in order for hypnosis to work. We can give you all the right suggestions, but if you don’t want to quit or are quitting because someone else wants you to quit, then you can reject all the suggestions given. When you “TRY” to quit using other methods you are quitting on the conscious level. Unfortunately, the conscious you is not the smoker. The subconscious is the smoker as well as the eater, the drinker, the drug user, etc. It controls all of your involuntary habits. (And yes, smoking is merely a habit.) When the hypnotist gives the subconscious mind the proper suggestions; that smoking is not something you care to do anymore it has no choice but to do what you tell it to do. Think of the subconscious mind as a computer. It can only function on what you, the operator, puts in. For years you told yourself that you’re a smoker, therefore you are a smoker. In order to change the image that the subconscious mind has of you, you must give it the proper suggestions. That is what I as the hypnotist will do for you. I will help you get an image of yourself as a non-smoker. I will show you how you can get up in the morning without a cigarette. How your car will start without a cigarette. I will literally take away any cravings you think you might have. I will take away the crabbiness and most importantly I’ll give you suggestions that you’ll easily reach and maintain your ideal body weight as a NON-SMOKER. This is all done using your subconscious mind and simply giving it the positive suggestions for change. Remember the saying, “Whatever the mind can conceive, the body will achieve.” So, when you’re really ready to stop “TRYING”, let me or my staff help you take control of your life. One session is all it takes for you to become a non-smoker or a non-dipper. VOTED THE BEST HYPNOTHERAPIST IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS BY THE READERS OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE 10 YEARS IN A ROW Penny Rea, BC, CI, PMI Penny Rea Hypnosis Clinic Seen on NBC, ABC, FOXas well as Daybreak Board Certified President of the Arkansas Chapter of Hypnotists 18 years experience 523 S. Louisiana, St. #414 Little Rock, AR 72201 1-501-992-9060 facebook.com/pennyreahypnosisclinic www.pennyreahypnosisclinic.com
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Q.
What is the estimated life of an implant before you need to change it? A.
This is a great question that should factor into your decision making process. It is also important for you to understand your long term financial investment from the beginning as well. 10 – 25 years is the most common answer a doctor will give you, others may say 10 – 15 years. But that doesn’t really tell you much as an individual. Let’s explain. Quite often women themselves decide to have revision. Sometimes women want to swap out saline implants for silicone implants because silicone feels more natural looking and feeling. Other time women decide they really wanted to go a size larger. And of course aging continues, and as you age your body changes, so do your proportions. Some women come in for revision in order to keep the aesthetic proportions they had immediately after surgery. There is actually no way to predict if your implants will last toward the shorter or longer end of the time frame, because there are so many factors involved. One of the most important factors is the skill of the surgeon. The filling of saline implants sometimes contributes to rupture, or can lead to a wrinkling or rippling effect. The shaping and placement of the implant is important too. My breast augmentation patients can ask me to see before and after pictures, for references, or any technical questions they may have about the surgery. Your decision to have saline or silicone implants will depend on the look you want and your comfort with the information you gather. I believe the more educated the patient, the happier she will be. Call today to schedule your personal consultation. Dr. Rhys Branman Cosmetic Surgery Center 10809 Executive Center Dr. Searcy Building Suite 100 Little Rock, AR 72211 (800) 877-7926 or (501) 227-0707 www.littlerockcosmeticsurgery.com