Summer 2025 | Health & Wellness

Leading the Change in Health and Wellness

written by Heidi Bethel

Meet exceptional providers of local care.

Dr. Jacqueline Donahue, owner of NVision Optix, shows off her practice's recycling bin for contact lenses. Photo courtesy of NVision Optix
Dr. Jacqueline Donahue, owner of NVision Optix, shows off her practice’s recycling bin for contact lenses. Photo courtesy of NVision Optix

NVision Optix
When choosing contact lenses, many people consider whether daily disposables or planned replacement lenses, such as biweekly or monthly options, are the best fit for their lifestyles. Daily disposables continue to gain popularity, and for good reason: They offer an unmatched combination of hygiene, convenience, and comfort, making them especially well suited for teenagers, first-time wearers, athletes, frequent travelers, and anyone with a hectic schedule.

One of the biggest advantages of daily disposables is that they eliminate the need for cleaning solutions, storage cases, and the daily maintenance routine required with longer-wear lenses. Since a fresh, sterile lens is used each day, the risk of eye infections caused by poor hygiene is significantly reduced. This makes daily lenses not only easier to manage but also safer for long-term eye health.

“Comfort is another key factor,” says Dr. Jacqueline Donahue, owner of NVision Optix in Reno. “In dry, high-desert climates like Reno, traditional lenses often leave eyes feeling irritated or fatigued by day’s end. Daily lenses are made from ultrathin, breathable materials designed to retain moisture, offering all-day hydration and comfort. Since they are discarded daily, they never have the chance to accumulate allergens or deposits, making them ideal for those with dry eyes, allergies, or sensitivity.”

Advancements in contact lens technology also have expanded the range of prescriptions available in daily disposables. Options now include lenses for astigmatism and multifocal needs, ensuring more patients can experience the benefits of daily wear. Although daily lenses may have a higher upfront cost, they often prove more economical over time. Most manufacturers offer significant rebates if you purchase a year’s supply. With fewer eye infections, no need for lens care products, and reduced risk of emergency doctor visits, the long-term value is clear.

Environmental impact is a common concern with single-use products, but there are solutions. NVision Optix proudly participates in Bausch + Lomb’s ONE by ONE Recycling Program, which allows patients to return used lenses and blister packs for proper recycling — helping reduce waste while maintaining the convenience of daily wear.

For those who prioritize eye health, simplicity, and consistent comfort, daily disposable lenses offer a modern, low-maintenance solution that fits seamlessly into today’s fast-paced lifestyles. For details, visit Nvisionoptix.com.

Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry and Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center

The dental professionals at Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry and Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center believe in comprehensive care that addresses the whole person. We often tend to think of oral health as separate from our overall well-being.

“Emerging research reveals a powerful connection between our mouths and our bodies, particularly with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. John Bocchi, DDS.

According to an Alzheimer’s Association report, an estimated 7.2 million Americans ages 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s dementia today. This number could grow to 13.8 million by 2060, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure AD.

As Bocchi explains, the mouth is the entry point to the whole body.

“Chronic inflammation is a key player in many systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s,” he says.

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a prevalent inflammatory condition that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. 

“The bacteria in the mouth can travel into the brain, and research has shown the same bacteria in our mouths are in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients,” Bocchi says.

In addition to gum disease, mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings is another link with Alzheimer’s. Patients with old or damaged fillings should consult dentists trained in safe removal and replacement, though not all fillings require immediate action.

Another key player in Alzheimer’s disease is obstructive sleep apnea. OSA reduces oxygen levels during sleep, causing brain hypoxia, which can damage brain cells and contribute to Alzheimer’s. Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center addresses this through at-home sleep testing, CT scans, and comprehensive breathing and sleep exams.

“Treatments such as dental devices, lifestyle changes, and/or CPAP machines can greatly improve oxygenation and reduce brain damage risks,” Bocchi says.

The providers at Sierra Sleep Airway and Wellness Center and Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry offices are dedicated to empowering patients with knowledge and tools to maintain optimal health. The offices even have the first providers in the area trained in Dale Bredesen’s ReCode program for Alzheimer’s disease. For details on this program, visit Apollohealthco.com/alzheimers-reversal.

For details, visit Sierrasleepwell.com or Sierrasmiles.com.

CoolSculpting by Marci
Be summer ready with Coolsculpting. Say goodbye to stubborn fat and hello to a more confident you. Embrace the summer with a smoother, more sculpted body. CoolSculpting is a noninvasive procedure that helps reduce fat in areas of your body, such as the chin, abdomen, love handles, thighs, and arms. Whether it’s a way to supplement your fitness progress or a means to motivate you to get started, CoolSculpting is a fantastic option. The procedure requires no surgery or incisions, there is little downtime, and most people can resume their normal activities soon after the procedure. To schedule your treatment, visit Bodysculptingbymarci.com.


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