MEDICAL UPDATE

AN ADVENTURE IN SELF-DISCOVERY OFFERED AT GREEN OAKS HOSPITAL



The ROPES/Challenge Program at Green Oaks Hospital is an innovative form of therapy that uses the power of action oriented experiences to help participants make positive changes in their lives. With a variety of group and individual activites on a specially designed obstacle course. ROPES challenges participants to master unusual tasks. At first these tasks seem impossible to accomplish, but in fact, become fun and enjoyable to complete.

Brenda Old, Coordinator of Experiential Therapy, at Green Oaks Hospital explains that “A primary goal of ROPES is to place individuals in physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding situations where skills of cooperation, problem-solving, goal-setting and self-awareness are rapidly developed. Each ROPES event encourages participants to deal with an issue in the here-and-now such as a problem communicating with others or a need to feel successful.”

A high level of fitness or physical ability is not required to participate in ROPES. More important is each individual’s willingness to get involved, to share, and to take appropriate risks with other group members.

ROPES is often called a “metaphor for life” because many of the ROPES activities blend physical challenges with imaginative scenarios that can be related to real-life situations. For more information on the ROPES/Challenge Program, please contact Green Oaks Hospital at (214) 991-9504.



NEW HELP FOR WRINKLES & DILATED VEINS



David Alkek, MD, a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon states that many people are not aware that there is a simple and painless way to eliminate unsightly dilated veins. Dr. Alkek uses a solution that does not cause stinging or sores like saline or other solutions can. In this procedure, called sclerotherapy, a tiny needle is inserted into the vein and the injected solution irritates and collapses the vein, Sclerotherapy is covered by most insurance plans.

Thin, wrinkled and discolored skin, even pre-malignant keratoses can be improved or cleared by using Retin-A. Dr. Alkek states “Retin-A is not magic, but it does help sun-damaged skin.” Improper use of Retin-A can cause redness, peeling and irritation. An experienced dermatologist should recommend the proper strength, vehicle and dosage of Retin-A, as well as a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. For more information on Retin-A or sclerotherapy. call 691-6999.



CHARTER FEATURES FAST, PROMPT AND COURTEOUS EMERGENCY SERVICE



Medical emergencies call for quick action and quality treatment. The very things patients receive at Charter Suburban Hospital.

This 150-bed medical facility operates one of the busiest Emergency Departments in Mesquite. Charter’s Emergency Department operates on very basic principles. “We combine specially trained emergency physicians and an all Registered Nurse staff with high technology, quality care and most importantly compassion,” according to Head Emergency Nurse. Kathy Jackman, R.N.

Charter has more than an Emergency Room, it has an entire Emergency Department where everyone gets involved. “The doctors and nurses in emergency enjoy what they do. They go out of their way to provide the patient and the patient’s family with the best care possible,” Jackman said.

A key to Charter’s success in Emergency Medicine is the fast, prompt and courteous service that each patient receives. At Charter, there is no emergency too minor for their team of healthcare professionals.

Charter Suburban Hospital is located at 1011 North Galloway Avenue in Mesquite. Call (214) 320-7750.



DR. WILLIAM MEANEY GLEN OAKS HOSPITAL



In our litigious society the product and service liability problem is cooling our national competitiveness. The frustrations of this are especially felt in child psychiatry where clinicians are increasingly hampered in their ability to intervene in the lives of our children. When we see their homicidal or suicidal behaviors, their refusal to attend school, their eating disorders, their physical abuse or their drug use we are prompted to hospitalize the child in a modern psychiatric hospital to apply intensive, active, highly structured, multidisciplinary therapeutic environments to produce family, social and behavioral restructuring. Increasingly, however, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers apply their state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic methods, but find that the children have less and less access to these services. Even when services are permitted by an insurance carrier there is a trend toward severe limitations in length of stay. The result can be premature discharge and placement in less desirable aftercare environments.

Each of us has a vote concerning the availability of care for our children, and we at Glen Oaks Hospital in Greenville, Texas, are doing our part to support positive changes for our children-our future.



YOU & YOUR SMILE-COSMETIC DENTAL ALTERNATIVES; RICHARD ZWEIG; DDS



Today there are several alternatives to traditional crowns, fillings, orthodontics and even surgery.

The newest cosmetic procedure is Bonded Porcelain Laminate Veneers. These are durable and resist stains very well. It usually takes only two visits to create a whole new smile! They can be used to mask darkly stained teeth, fix chips or fractures, close spaces, lengthen teeth that are worn, and sometimes teeth can be “straightened” by the use of veneers.

Bonding can be used in the same manner as Porcelain Laminate Veneer Bonding. The advantages of bonding are that a new smile can be created in one visit and it is also less expensive.

Bleaching is used to lighten teeth that are too dark or yellow and is usually accomplished in three to ten visits.

With the availability of financing options, why put off your beautiful smile? Call today for a personal consultation 361-6302. You deserve the best!

Dr. Zweig has appeared on radio and television and has written articles for various magazines and dental journals.



DR. JAMES FOWLER ON FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY



We all want to look our best, but sometimes there are things which are not quite right: it may be a nose too big, a chin too small, eyelids which droop or some other facial characteristic which has changed over time. Surgical correction of these imperfections has been sought by a growing number of people because modern techniques have made these procedures safe and affordable.

Among the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures are the face lift, rhinoplasty (nose), blepharoplasty (eyelids), forehead lift, cheek and chin augmentation and facial liposuction. These procedures can improve yor appearance, but cannot perfect it: it is best to have realistic expectations. Be prepared for several days of swelling or discoloration, depending on the surgery performed.

Dr. Fowler is a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Please call 931-1633 for further information.



INTRODUCING THE CEDARS HOSPITAL



Psychiatric and chemical abuse issues hit families unexpectedly. Asking for help.. .even knowing when and where to turn can be upsetting.

The Cedars Hospital, located just 11 minutes south of downtown Dallas in DeSoto has a dynamic, integrated approach to treatment. By utilizing a multifaceted treatment team and by stressing family involvement, we help the patient and the family reach agreed upon goals.

We have separate adult and adolescent psychiatric programs as well as our Teen Quest and Serenity Programs for adolescent and adult chemical abuse problems. Our Family Program places great emphasis on community/family influence in resolving conflict. Our Hand-in-Hand Day Treatment Program allows kids to stay at home in the evenings yet still offers a full day of intensive therapy/school for 5-12 year olds.

When you need information about treatment or free assessments, call Toni Barker at 298-7323 or l-800-338-6172, or come by The Cedars Hospital, 2000 N. Old Hickory Trail. DeSoto, Texas 75115.



FINANCING NOW AVAILABLE AT AESTHETIC SURGICAL CENTER



“It has long been a concern of mine,” notes Dr. I. Richard Toranto when discussing the difficulties patients have in financing elective cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons generally require patients to pay in advance of any elective cosmetic surgery procedure. “In the past, it was not uncommon to see a look of anguish and disappointment when a patient was told that their surgery wasn’t covered by insurance.”

The answer was to offer some sort of financial program . Dr. Toranto chose Chrysler First Financial, a subsidiary of Chrysler Corp.’ ’My criteria for choosing a credit company was that it be reputable with a long history of confidentiality and concern. Not only do they offer my patients several programs, but they have competitive consumer rates.”

Patients may select a program of revolving credit or individual loans. The procedure is simple. Patients fill out a credit application available in the office and decide how many months they want to finance. Processing usually takes no more than three days.

If you wish more information, please call the Aesthetic Surgical Center, 3900 W. 15th St., Suite 204, Plano, Texas at (214) 596-7332.