Meet exceptional providers of health and wellness for the body, mind, and spirit.
Sierra Smiles
Give your body the gift of time to relax and some self care at Sierra Smiles in Reno and Lake Tahoe. With spa-like amenities, including paraffin wax dips, warm neck pillows with essential oils, and fresh cookies at the end of each appointment, patients feel it’s a real treat to come in for their routine hygiene wellness visits.
“We want people to take the time to relax during the holidays, when things can be very stressful,” explains Dr. John Bocchi. “It’s really important that all our patients feel comfortable and confident. Our service is much more than your typical checkup.”
In addition, at Sierra Smiles, a visit for a dental cleaning is part of a comprehensive wellness visit.
“It’s an opportunity to ask questions about oral health, create a plan for keeping your mouth and body healthy between visits, connect with other medical doctors, and be proactive in your health,” Bocchi adds.
These hygiene wellness visits include many critical screenings for prevention of disease — one of them being oral cancer, which is a dangerous, fast-moving cancer that can rapidly become difficult to treat as it develops. It’s most common in adults in their 60s; however, one in five cases occurs in individuals under the age of 55. Men are twice as likely as women to get oral cancer.
Oral cancer risk increases with a variety of factors. The top risk factor is tobacco use. Smoking or using chewing tobacco dramatically increases your chances of oral cancer. Alcohol is another risk factor for oral cancer, as is HPV. Please share these risk factors with your dentist. Early detection is critical to preventing the disease from progressing.
Periodontal screening is performed during each wellness visit. Eighty percent of Americans have some form of gum disease, leaving them vulnerable to infection, tooth loss, and even bone loss. Gum disease also is linked to many health issues, such as premature birth, heart problems, and diabetes. A periodontal screening assesses your gum health. Healthy gums should be firm and pink, fit tightly against the tooth, and not bleed at all.
Sierra Smiles’ staff also performs blood pressure, dental decay, and sleep and airway screenings to help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions that affect your quality of life.
Once all screenings are complete, a friendly, highly trained dental hygienist uses specialized tools for a professional cleaning and adds a few special pampering elements. Treat yourself to wellness and a healthy smile this season at Sierra Smiles. For details, visit Sierrasmiles.com.
CoolSculpting by Marci
Get started on your ideal spring and summer look now with CoolSculpting® Elite, targeting stubborn bulges that you would like to reduce. Results will be apparent eight to 10 weeks after your treatment session. Be sure to get started early with a CoolSculpting treatment to look and feel your best this spring and summer.
At CoolSculpting by Marci in Reno, your treatment is completely customizable, and the staff will work with you to create a plan that’s quite literally made for you. For details, visit Bodysculptingbymarci.com.
Carson Tahoe Health
Carson Tahoe Health employees are on a mission to enhance health and well-being in the communities they serve. Achieving this mission takes more than providing excellent acute care — it takes a holistic approach of providing support and services that extend beyond the hospital walls and encourage community members to support one another on the journey to health. To facilitate building a community of support for patients, Carson Tahoe Health leaders host support groups and classes that meet the specific needs of their diverse patient populations.
Laura Deverse, RD, LD, CNSC, diabetes educator and leader of the Diabetes Support Group, shares why groups are so important for patients with diabetes.
“Diabetes can be an overwhelming diagnosis. CTH’s diabetes monthly support group offers a safe environment for those with diabetes and the ones who love them to find encouragement and understanding with others who are also living with the same daily challenges,” she says. “Our home base in the Center for Health Promotion is also a wonderful environment for learning about other programs that can benefit health. For example, a member of our group learned our Cardio & Strength Training Program through her attendance at support group. She now reports her excitement at her improved strength, is now walking without a cane, has lost weight, and has an improved outlook. Diabetes burnout is real, and our goal is to provide participants what they need to stay motivated and healthy.”
In addition to the Diabetes Support Group, CTH employees also host a breastfeeding support group in Carson and Minden, the Advanced Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Support Group, and the Caregiver Support Group, eight support groups out of the Carson Tahoe Health Cancer Center, and the Stroke Awareness & Support Group that has been serving the community for more than a decade.
Shawn Binn, speech language pathologist and leader of the stroke support group, shares the benefits of the group.
“We provide education, friendship, understanding, and a positive environment for healing with our stroke support group. Our members say they feel less alone and less overwhelmed because they have a place where they can talk about the effects of stroke on their lives as well as learn about possible resources. When a person has a stroke, it changes many aspects of their life, as well as the lives of their families and friends. Having a safe community in which to share concerns and similar problems provides a foundation for a more positive recovery. Our stroke support group helps survivors and their caregivers adjust to the changes due to the stroke.”
Through myriad support groups and classes — including yoga, exercise, and total joint classes — patients find community and healing. For a schedule of groups and classes, visit Carsontahoe.com.
UVAL Care
CBD and other cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol) have neuroprotective qualities that help defend the brain against neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
Damaged nerve cells in the brain cause dopamine levels to drop, increasing anxiety and depression. CBD shows promising results in preventing neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting enzymes that break down our self-repair molecule, anandamide (AEA), thus reducing nerve cell damage.
“Don’t wait to be diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease; be proactive and take preventive measures with CBD,” says Bianca Blesching, UVAL Care founder.
To learn more about the benefits of CBD and UVAL Care products, visit Uvalcare.com.
Downtown Vision
Avoid a cork to the eye with some tips about bubbly from the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Keep the Champagne cold.
- Don’t shake, rattle, or point the bottle toward anyone.
- Control the cork: Tear off the foil, then remove the wire hood. Place a towel over the top of the bottle and grasp the cork. Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any bystanders. Slowly and firmly twist the bottle, not the cork. Do this until the pressure in the bottle begins to push the cork out naturally.
- Celebrate safely: Toast and clink carefully to avoid breaking the Champagne glasses.
To learn more, visit Downtownvisionnv.com.
Advanced ENT Sinus Center
The winter months can affect the sinuses in many ways. Using a sinus rinse can be extremely helpful during the cold season. Some people will continue to experience allergies despite the cold weather, so taking allergy medicines can be important, too. And using a humidifier can be helpful, especially in the bedroom at night, due to the dry climate.
Acute sinus infections are common in the winter months and often will get better without interventions such as antibiotics. If the infection persists or symptoms don’t improve with sinus rinses, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies, make sure to see a health care provider.
“Always remember that decongestant nasal sprays should never be used for longer than three days,” says Theresa Birchfield, PA-C, with Advanced ENT. “Over-the-counter nasal steroids are safe to use for longer periods, but patients should consult with their health care provider if they plan to start them.”
When it comes to the hustle of the season and being with friends and family during the holidays, what’s Birchfield’s top advice?
“Wash your hands! Also, it is important to stay home if you are sick,” she says.
To learn more about relieving chronic sinus issues or seasonal allergy symptoms and other treatments for ear, nose, and throat conditions, visit Myrenoent.com.
