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Slick as a LINX®
New, less-invasive technique treats stubborn acid reflux disease.
The problem might begin with a burning sensation that starts behind the breastbone and radiates to the neck and throat. In addition to this pain, known as heartburn, there may be nausea, regurgitation, bad breath and tooth decay. These are some of the telltale symptoms of a common condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Dr. Napoliello has expertise in surgically treating GERD with hiatal hernia. The term gastroesophageal refers to the stomach (gastro) and the esophagus, or food pipe. The esophagus empties into the stomach through a circular band of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If the LES does not open and ... -
Multi-Trauma Program
Return to independence after life-threatening injury.
Last year, auto body specialist George*, 62, was living a care-free, unfettered life in his native St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. In early July, George slipped and fell and hit his head on a rock. At the time, he underwent an MRI at the local hospital and was told he was fine. Two months later, Hurricane Irma hit the tranquil island, and life changed dramatically in St. Thomas, George’s life was especially impacted by events on that late summer day. “I was in my house trying to secure my stuff during the hurricane,” he shares. “Part of the roof came down and hit me on the head. I went to the hospital in St. Thomas, and they found I was bleeding in my he... -
Alternative to Surgery
New procedure eliminates pain from spinal stenosis.
At 75, Michael* wasn’t ready to feel old. Yet, maddening back pain made it difficult for him to feel youthful and stay active. The pain from his back traveled all the way down his right leg, which affected his walking and put a stop to his morning exercise routine. Even standing was painful, and Michael found himself instead sitting in his chair doing nothing. When he tried to cook, he had to lean over his kitchen sink, which provided some relief from the agony in his back and leg. “I really enjoy cooking for my family,” Michael shares. “It’s something I have always tried to do several days a week, but the pain I would get in my back when I stood too long at the stove fo... -
Fill’er Up
Nonsurgical weight-loss procedure provides effective alternative to conventional dieting.
Looking back on her first few years in college, April* often wonders how it was she managed to find the time to keep up with her studies. She was a very active co-ed, after all, a member of both her school’s cheer squad and its soccer team. Weight-loss treatment is one of many wellness services provided by the ZMD Center. April remained active even through graduate school, playing recreational soccer and softball whenever she could and working out regularly at the gym. It wasn’t until she entered law school that the demands of her education finally forced her to slow down. “I just didn’t have the time to do all the things I was doing to ... -
Dry Eye and Allergies
Similar symptoms define these eye disorders.
What leads to red, irritated eyes that itch and burn; comes with blurry vision, swollen lids and maybe even some excessive tearing? It sounds like allergies. But it could be dry eye disease. Or both. Not only do these eye disorders have overlapping symptoms, they also often co-exist in the same person. Dr. Alonzo describes the causes of dry eye to a patient “Trying to understand these disorders can be confusing because dry eye and allergies often go together,” confirms Leslie Raymond Alonzo III, OD, a board-certified doctor of optometry at Florida Eye Specialists & Cataract Institute in Brandon. “Sometimes, people think they have allergies, and it turns out they have dry eye, o... -
Pampered Palates
Implant-retained upper dentures for stability and comfort.
Rita* is a retired administrative assistant and a Staten Island native who relocated to Florida four years ago to flee the cold and snow of New York. But she couldn’t flee from a deteriorating dental issue that had been dogging her for years. “I knew for a while I had a problem with my upper gums, but I kept putting off doing anything about it,” shares Rita. “Every time I went to the dentist, I’d hear the same thing about how my gums were receding. “I had pain occasionally, and there was sensitivity because as my gums receded, more nerve was exposed. I was told to expect that.” Dentists typically monitor progression of recession by measuring the gum pockets. These ar... -
Picture Perfect
A model’s confidence restored with veneers.
Rebecca’s* modeling career was skyrocketing. In an industry where image is everything, Rebecca knew that any minor flaw in her appearance could damage her prospects in an exceptionally competitive profession. One of a model’s best assets is her smile, and Rebecca was growing increasingly self-conscious about hers. “A model has to project an image of self-confidence,” explains Rebecca, “and although I felt good about myself, I needed my smile to complement my strong self-image. Even a slight flaw could send a subtle, negative message, and I had a few areas where I knew I needed expert help.” One of Rebecca’s upper front teeth was chipped, a badge of honor Rebecca earned at... -
Dentistry for the Final Frontier
Technology that brought dentistry into the 21st century creates new smiles at “warp speed.”
Everybody has something about their smile that they would like to change. It might be something simple or it might be something very complex. Today, it is possible to change a patient’s smile in a single day with CEREC® CAD/CAM technology. CEREC technology can be usedto fabricate veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays. J. Terry Alford, DMD, who practices general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry at Advanced Dental Cosmetic Center in Bradenton, has been a CEREC dentist for more than 29 years. He was one of the first dentists in America to embrace this exciting and challenging innovation that enhances the patient experience... -
Beware of Hernias
Adults and children alike can develop hernias as a result of heavy lifting, straining, coughing, or any unusual stress that causes a sudden increase of intra-abdominal pressure.
More than 600,000 hernia repair surgeries are performed in the United States annually, and everyone is at risk. Adults and children alike can develop hernias as a result of heavy lifting, straining, coughing, or any unusual stress that causes a sudden increase of intra-abdominal pressure. Some hernias are congenital, or present at birth, whereas others develop as a result of a predisposition for hernia, and anyone who has surgery may experience a weakening of tissue at the incision site that could result in a hernia. Because we are all at risk, F...
