Ask the Medical Experts

Vantage Oncology
Dr. Nancy A. Ellerbroek
25751 McBean Parkway, Suite 110, Valencia  • 661-259-2990
www.SantaClaritaRadiationOncology.com

When visiting an oncologist, what should you bring to the first consultation?

Usually, when someone comes to see me, they have already been diagnosed with cancer and are calling to make an appointment for a consultation. This is the first contact the patient has with our office.
On this call, we ask your permission to request medical records, scans and discs, from your referring physician. We will schedule a consult and ask that you bring a list of current medications, diagnoses, procedures or surgeries, and reports from biopsies or recent X-ray studies such as mammograms or CT scans. We understand that this can be a very challenging and scary time. Therefore, by bringing these items, we can focus our time answering any questions. Feel free to bring a prepared list of issues you would like to discuss, and we recommend that you invite someone who you are comfortable sharing your medical information with, such as a significant other, family member or close friend.  Some people find it helpful to have someone else help ask questions and write down answers for them.
During this challenging time, we will make every effort for you to get the most value from your time with us, but I am always available to address additional questions later.

Promenade Dentistry
Drs. Shawn and Ben Javid
27011 McBean Parkway, Suite 109, Valencia • 661-263-4785
www.PromenadeDentistry.com
What is holistic dentistry and what are some of the benefits of it?

Holistic dentistry is a more natural form of dentistry, also called biological dentistry.  We look for what works with the body as a whole, treating the entire person and not just the mouth, teeth and gums.  At Promenade Dentistry, we subscribe to a treatment philosophy featuring holistic, mercury-free dentistry.  Holistic dentistry avoids treating patients with anything that is not compatible with the body.  We are not big on prescribing medication, and try to avoid giving pills in general, but rather helping the body heal itself.  Since all people have some level of allergies to metals, we avoid using any type of metal in the body for restorations and crowns.    We emphasize the removal of amalgam (silver) fillings that are known to release mercury in residual deposits, which can be hazardous to our patient’s health.  Mercury is poisonous, and can have a negative impact on your entire body.  We believe in less exposure to toxins, keeping our patients safe and heathy and even offer natural toothpaste and other oral care products in our office for our patients.
Ask the professionals at Promenade Dentistry today how they can help you with a healthier, holistic, non-toxic approach to your dental care and overall health.

Smudde Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Allen and Kelly Smudde
27450 Tourney Road, Suite 250 • 661-200-0676  • www.YourValenciaDentist.com

What foods can I eat to improve my dental health?

Taking care of our teeth is not just about brushing, flossing or going to the dentist. Oral health begins with what we eat.
Dairy Products (Especially Cheese): Did you know cheese also helps prevent tooth decay? A study shows that between milk, cheddar cheese and sugar-free yogurt, cheddar cheese has the highest anticariogenic properties, which rapidly raises the pH level in our mouths 30 minutes after consumption. As our teeth begin to dissolve or demineralize below a certain pH level (5.5), eating foods that maintain a high pH level helps.
Red Wine and Grape Seed Extracts: A research published found that red wine and grape seed extract were effective in removing bacteria from teeth. These bacteria, when left to fester, build up dental plaque and acid, which ends up damaging our teeth.
Crunchy Foods (Think Apple, Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers): Munching on crunchy (or “scrubber”) foods help remove plaque and leftover particles from other foods you’ve eaten. They also increase saliva flow, which helps clean your mouth as well.
Keeping a healthy diet of foods rich in vitamins, fiber and phosphorous (almonds, fish, leafy greens) also work.
If you’re looking for a state-of-the-art dentistry that’s dedicated to your dental health and well-being, Smudde Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry can help.

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology
23822 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 103, Valencia • 661-250-6904 • www.SCVAdvancedAudiology.com

Why should you invest in a quality hearing aid?
Beware! Hearing devices are not just a commodity.  They are a medical device and their purchase should not just be based on price.
If you’re older than 45, there’s about a one in five chance you suffer from some amount of hearing loss–and that rate climbs steadily as you age. Almost one-third of people ages 65 to 74 report difficulty hearing, and the number rises to about half at 75, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Hearing aids and other devices can dramatically improve your ability to hear and carry on a normal life. When purchasing a hearing aid, consider your provider, if they have convenient office hours and proper training and experience.  Be sure and discuss the effect of hearing loss on your lifestyle, relationships, etc. and request copies of hearing test results, and disclosures of what hearing aids will and will not do.
For more answers to your questions, ask the experts at Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology for assistance, and don’t forget, hearing aids are a long-term investment in your quality of life.

Adrienne Fang, DDS
27420 Tourney Road, Suite 280, Valencia • 661-253-0588 • www.TourneyRoadDental.com

What are some ways I can improve the health of my teeth and gums?

There are many things one can do on a daily basis to keep their teeth and gums healthy.  The most important habit all of us can pick up is to brush and floss at least twice a day.  It is the most obvious thing to do but the most beneficial habit for your healthy teeth and gums.  Brushing and flossing removes the bacteria/biofilm that builds up all day.  Bacteria is the cause of many gum and teeth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breathe.  Another way to improve your teeth and gums is to eat a healthy tooth-friendly diet to prevent the bacteria from building up.  Avoiding foods high in sugar and acidic content will avoid vital minerals from being leached out preventing weakening of your teeth.  Eating foods like cheese, yogurt, milk, ice cream balances out the acid in the mouth creating a pH neutral environment that reduces the chances of tooth decay. Eating foods like apples, celery with high fiber rubs off the bacteria around the teeth.  Drinking water to keep your mouth well hydrated is important.  Dry mouth creates a bacteria friendly environment causing rapid tooth decay.  By keeping the mouth hydrated with sips of water or chewing sugar-free gum, the bacteria cannot grow and stick to teeth to cause tooth decay.  Do not ignore gum or dental pain too long.  If you have some pain lasting more than a few days, call your local dentist.   And lastly, regularly going to your dentist’s check-up and cleaning is important in maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Unruh Spine Center
23043 Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita • 661-288-0022 • www.UnruhSpineCenter.com
What is chiropractic and what do chiropractors do?

Chiropractic is unique in comparison with other medical professional as we perform spinal adjustments to correct subluxations. The term “adjustment” refers to the specific force chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally.
The objective of the adjustment is to reduce the subluxation, which results in increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability, reduced muscle spasm, reduced pain and improved function. The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both. Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas in the spinal joints that sounds like a “crack.” Some adjusting techniques are designed to move the spine in a way that does not produce the audible sound at all.
Ultimately, the goal of receiving adjustments is to restore the body to its natural state of optimal health. Chiropractors use and recommend a variety of natural healing methods, including adjustments, trigger point therapy, nutrition, rehabilitation, and counseling on lifestyle. The adjustment of the spine is the primary objective. Chiropractors also adjust the extremities (elbows, knees, etc.) and use other forms of physiological therapeutics, such as traction and neuromuscular reeducation. We also offer pre- and post-natal chiropractic care.

Audiology Associates
23838 Valencia Blvd., Suite 100, Valencia • 661-284-1900 • www.audiologyassociates.net
Does hearing loss play a role in dementia?

According to a study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers, seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. People with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to have dementia and the chances of dementia increases with the severity of the hearing loss.   There is a relationship between the two because hearing loss does affect how we interact, and if we are missing out on conversations and interaction, it is not healthy for brain activity.
Hearing testing should be included as part of regular annual medical examinations.  If you have a family history of hearing loss and/or dementia, then your hearing should be monitored more closely.  Thirty six million people have trouble hearing, 80 percent of which ignore their hearing loss, and if it goes untreated, hearing loss can be associated with other symptoms including anxiety and depression.  At Audiology Associates, we are with our patients every step of the way, establishing relationships and making sure our patients are happy and healthy.  It is about helping those who need help, and keeping our patients’ best interest in mind. Contact Patrice Rifkind, Au.D., Kevin Bolder, Au.D. or Kimberly Monica, HIS at Audiology Associates for hearing assistance.

Desert Drug Pharmacy
18635 Soledad Canyon Road Suite 102, Canyon Country • 661-298-3135
23768 Newhall Avenue, Newhall • 661-799-7017

How will I know if my new prescription is safe to take with my current medications?

A Desert Drug Pharmacy pharmacist takes special pride in ensuring your safety!  When bringing in a new prescription, you can be certain that our knowledgeable team of experts are up on the latest information regarding drug-drug interactions.  Furthermore, our computer technology is also cutting edge, designed to highlight any potential risks or precautions regarding your medication. All prescriptions at Desert Drug Pharmacy come with a detailed drug information guide that highlights drug-drug and other contraindications.  Moazzem H. Chowdhury, R.Ph., says, “It is crucial for your safety to go to one pharmacy and have all your information in the same computer.  That way, a pharmacist can easily cross reference a new drug against your medication profile to safeguard against any potential health danger.”   And it is not always a drug-drug interaction to be concerned about.  Did you know that foods can interact with your medication?  For instance, grapefruit is contraindicated with cholesterol drugs, and antibiotics should never be taken with antacids at the same time.  Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding a new prescription.  The Desert Drug Pharmacy team is always happy to help you with any of your medication concerns.  Call us at 661-298-3135 or at Newhall Pharmacy, 661-799-7017.

Go Dental
27560 Newhall Ranch Road, Suite 309, Valencia • 661-257-0880 • www.TheDentist.com
What is sedation dentistry and what are its benefits?

There are two types of sedation dentistry that are offered – conscious sedation and oral sedation. In conscious sedation, an intravenous line is started and medication is dripped through the line. The patient is completely put out and unaware of the procedure.  They must be very closely monitored and in the case of general and pediatric dentistry should be anesthesia should be administered by an anesthesiologist.  The major benefit of conscious sedation is that the first words out of the patients mouth after the work is done is “Have you started yet?”.  In other words, the patient remembers nothing of the procedure. The downside is the cost, which is in the range of $350 to $600 per hour.  In addition, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours recover from the anesthesia.
Oral sedation is more commonly practiced in dentistry.  Typically, the patient takes a pill prior to the procedure and result is they are more relaxed in the chair.  Often, oral sedation is augmented with nitrous oxide to put the patient in a more “dreamy” state.  Often patients fall asleep but the real objective is to lower anxiety levels in the patient.  Dentist certification and monitoring of the patient is required.  Oral sedation is perfect for those whose fear of dental work is preventing them from getting work done.  The cost is generally less expensive than conscious sedation capping out at $1200 per case.  However, there are dentists that offer this as a free option as a service to their patients.
Either way, fear and anxiety should never be a reason to avoid the dentist anymore!