The All About You Balanced Nutrition program located within the World Gym Fitness Centers in Fayette County is waging war on Childhood Obesity. Under the direction of Certified Nutritionist, Patricia Woody, our innovative World Gym “Health Mall” concept is introducing a Brand New Class entitled “Nutrition in Motion.”

One Magnolia Lane, a specialty store located at 405 City Circle, The Avenue, in Peachtree City, is hosting Power of Pink events on Thursday, October 4th and Friday, October 5 to celebrate the launch of Brighton’s new limited edition jewelry collection that benefits breast cancer charities. The events will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m on both days, and everyone is invited, especially those who want to support breast cancer research and awareness.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 1 the Fayette County Health Department will offer flu vaccine to persons at its health center by appointment only. Flu vaccine will continue to be offered each day of the week in October and November while supplies last. The vaccination is part of a flu campaign being implemented by the Board of Health to get the vaccine to as many people as possible.

By Gary Kim Hayes
Special to The Citizen

There are many Martial Arts schools in Fayette County that provide basic training in a particular style of Asian fighting art. Each has its own master or instructor to carefully guide and impart the ancient knowledge to each and every student.

How would you like perfect teeth in a fraction of the time, with fewer adjustments, appointments and discomfort than conventional braces at no extra expense? Dr. Scott McPherson of Peachtree City Orthodontics is now making it possible for the first time in south Atlanta. The new SureSmile technology combines digital imaging, computer modeling, robotic technology and high-tech material to create a new, highly precise orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth in 40-percent less time. “It’s like a customized prescription for each individual mouth”, says Dr. McPherson.

Many people are not aware that headaches may be caused by nerve irritation or pressure in the upper cervical spine (neck), called Atlas Neuro-Vascular Syndrome.

Southern Medical Products also known as SOMED expands to Fayetteville.

Newly located across from the Piedmont Fayetteville Hospital, the firm which offers medical products and medical uniforms, also specializes in foot and leg care products, including compression hosiery, comfort and diabetic shoes and foot orthotics,.

By Dr. Robert Melillo
Chiropractic neurologist

We are witnessing the epidemic rise in the diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s and other learning disorders. The first question parents ask is “Why?” Why have we seen and continue to see such a large increase in childhood disabilities over the past two decades?

Blood is needed by someone every two seconds in the United States. Volunteer donors are the only source of life-saving blood. Anyone age 17 years or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds and who is generally in good health, is eligible to donate. A person can safely donate blood every 56 days. To schedule an appointment, donors should call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (448-3543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org

Good-bye Bingo, hello high tech. As today’s seniors search for ways to keep their minds active, some are turning from tradition to the latest gadgets typically reserved for the younger generation.

It has been the dream of Dr. Jeffrey Sherman to open his own medical practice. In March of this year, a year and a half after he realized this dream, Dr. Sherman moved his practice, Your Family Doctor, into its new location at the Starr’s Mill Professional Center on Highway 74 near the Starr’s Mill school complex.

By Gregory K. Moffatt, Ph.D.
Special to The Citizen

The fall is fast approaching and some of you are sending a child to school for the first time. Whether it is pre-K, Kindergarten, or first grade, the transition to a first experience at school can sometimes be difficult for children. Today I provide you with a number of suggestions to help ease your child's transition into his or her first school experience.

Dr. Krutika Desai has a Bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Kentucky. After graduating Dr. Desai discovered Chiropractic when she realized she did not want to pursue a career in Science. The health field always interested her and she liked what she read about Chiropractic; hence, she decided to enroll in Chiropractic school.

Who is the only person to wear a baseball uniform in all three of Atlanta’s professional ballparks – Ponce de Leon, Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, and Turner Field? Who was the first Astro to hit a home run out of the Houston Astrodome? Who is the only major league player to hit two home runs on his birthday? Jim Beauchamp, of course!

It’s no surprise that back and neck pain is a growing problem in the United States and will continue to be as the population continues to age. Stress, poor posture, long commutes and poorly designed office chairs only contribute to the ailments people are faced with everyday.

Prior to the Super Bowl, former Super Bowl MVP Joe Montana and his doctor friend, James Rippe, toured through Atlanta spreading the word on managing high blood pressure.

By Gregory K. Moffatt, Ph.D.
Special to The Citizen

Hundreds of children have passed through my office doors over the years and I've worked with hundreds more through schools and other organizations. Many of the presenting problems for those children can be reduced to behavioral issues - they were doing something that adults didn't like or they were not doing something that adults wanted them to.

CURE Childhood Cancer board of directors recently presented physicians with the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with a check for nearly $650,000. The donated funds will help the Aflac Cancer Center further develop their Fellowship program, continue pediatric cancer research and provide emergency funds for patient families. Since 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer and the Aflac Cancer Center have worked together to conquer childhood cancer through research, education and support of childhood cancer patients and their families.

Southern Regional Health System (SRHS), in partnership with the Fayette County Partners in Education Program, will participate in the ninth annual National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day on March 2, 2007. In an effort to continue serving the communities of the Southern Crescent, the “Reading Ambassadors” of SRHS will visit local elementary schools to read to students in celebration of this special day of learning.

By Linda Cashdollar

Parents and expectant parents are invited to attend several informative classes offered by the newMaternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital (PFH).

By Dr. Marilyn L. Durden

Many patients at our clinic, after a period of care, report that their digestion, sleep patterns and even heart palpitations improve. These are usually patients who have come to our clinic for neck pain, headaches or back or extremity problems. A look at our physiology and recent research bears out the reasons for their testimonials.

Preventing heart disease is easier than treating it, so knowing your family history may add years to your life.

Talk about your medical history with your family and relay that information to your doctor, say cardiologists at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston.

In a winning effort to reduce childhood preventable diseases in Georgia that are preventable by requiring recommended immunizations, the Georgia Department of Human Resources Board has approved additions to these requirements for children and adolescents. Effective July 1, all children attending child care, Pre-K, Head Start and school facilities must be vaccinated according to the immunization schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP,) the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP,) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP.)

Another new year has arrived, and with it another list of resolutions for millions of Americans. For many at least one resolution will remain the same as past years, to lose weight. Most are hoping for a physical transformation. For others it has become a matter of medical necessity.

By Greg Moffatt
Special to The Citizen

About ten years ago my family was out walking along the country road in front of our home. My oldest daughter was only eight and she was in the lead with our beagle on a leash in front of her. In a moment time seemed to slow down as many things happened at once. I saw the dog jump, my daughter scream and a huge copperhead wriggling beneath her feet. Before I had time to even utter a word, the snake slithered off the road and everyone was fine.

Atlanta-based restaurant chain Chick-fil-A® is stepping up measures to offer a more sanitary dining environment for its customers, particularly children. Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the country are now offering complimentary children’s placemats and sanitizing hand wipes as an added layer of protection to help combat the spread of germs among customers.

By Greg Moffatt
Special to The Citizen

A few weeks ago I stopped by an elementary school to check in on a case that I'd worked on with some teachers there. While I was waiting for our group to convene, I watched some teachers in the cafeteria as they tried to maintain order. Several children were being rowdy and one of the teachers appeared to lose her temper momentarily. She yelled at the group of third graders and restored order. She was doing her best and had a momentary lapse of temper - nothing outrageous. But, if she only knew what I know, I think she might have had more patience.

Project Smile, the charitable giving program that benefits both recipients and donors, turns two years old this month. Through Project Smile, patients of Pickron Orthodontic Care (POC) who have lost or broken their retainer write a tax deductible check to one of five Georgia charities instead of to Pickron Orthodontic Care and POC replaces the retainer at no charge. In addition, POC matches dollar for dollar contributions made by patients as part of the program. In the past two years, Pickron Orthodontic Care and its patients have raised nearly $75,000 for metroAtlanta charities.

By Dr. MARILYN DURDEN
Special to The Citizen

Although the Holidays are a time of celebration with family and friends, there is a certain amount of stress added to our already busy lifestyles. There are a number of things that we can do to help reduce stress and prevent injury.