courtesy of Shutterstock

Outpatient Hip Replacements are the Future
Once presumed to be a near-exclusive surgery for the elderly, hip replacements are now becoming more common for active, younger patients who need to maintain their high-energy lifestyle. "Our younger patients don't have the time or desire to sit in a hospital bed for days after surgery," says Dr. Alon Antebi. "They need to get home to their families, their jobs, their lives - and if they're otherwise healthy, they can be good candidates for an outpatient procedure that allows them to do just that."

The keystone of outpatient hip replacement in the most innovative practices is the anterior - front - positioning of the procedure. "By using a specially-made surgical table, we can access the hip much easier, reducing muscle damage and surgical incisions dramatically. Because the process is so much less invasive, recovery is faster, scarring is less and pain is substantially decreased," explains Dr. Justin Sherfey.

Aftercare becomes easier, too, thanks to the minimally-invasive method. "Pain can usually be managed with a standard prescription if necessary, though after a day or two, the majority of patients only rely on over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like Motrin, if they need anything at all. They're up and walking right after surgery; hip replacements no longer have to be a major undertaking in most patients. In fact, it can actually be safer than a traditional hip replacement; all that early mobilization reduces the risks of complications like blood clots," says Dr. Antebi.
Dr. Alon Antebi & Dr. Justin Sherfey of AVORS 705-5100

Get that Dental Cleaning Scheduled Now
When you go to Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry for a cleaning, your hygienist and dentist examine your teeth and gums, as well as your tongue, the other soft tissues in your mouth, nearby lymph nodes, your face and your lower jaw. The reason they examine all of these structures is that sometimes there are clues about specific diseases that show up in an oral exam.

Some of the conditions that regular oral examinations may uncover include:
Cardiovascular disease • Diabetes • HIV/AIDS • Osteoporosis • Alzheimer's disease

Regular dental cleanings can have an impact on your overall health, as well as prevent tooth decay and gum disease. No matter how tempting it may be, don't skip your regular dental cleaning. If you don't have a checkup scheduled, book it online or call today.
Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry 200-0677

courtesy of Shutterstock

DON'T LET YOUR LOVED ONE GIVE UP ON FOOD
As we age, our bodies go through a whole catalog of changes, including diminished appetite due to medical problems, or the need for more-bland, less-tasty meals. This can put a damper on our love of food, which in turn can result in malnutrition.

Did you know that malnutrition is a leading cause of hospitalization? If your loved one isn't eating, here are steps you can take.

Talk with their doctor about contributing factors and nutritional supplements.

Encourage your loved one to eat foods that taste good but are good for you, too, like peanut butter or yogurt with fruit.
If you can, make at least one daily meal a social event; eating alone is no fun.

For extra help, Meals on Wheels are available through the SCV Senior Center - and consider hiring an outside caregiver to help shop for groceries and prepare homemade fare. For more information or tips on nutrition, call Home Instead Senior Care. 254-8701

MEET KRISTINA WITTIG, MD: BRINGING QUALITY CANCER CARE TO SANTA CLARITA
Kristina Wittig was very happy living in New York, but when she was ready to seek a fellowship at a major medical center, her husband urged her to look toward Southern California. So the urological surgeon applied to City of Hope, got the position and immediately fell in love with the world-renowned cancer center.
"I love City of Hope's emphasis on treating the whole patient and maintaining long-term personal connections, even after treatment is over," said Wittig, an assistant clinical professor of surgery. "There's no other cancer center like it. Not only do we have the latest, most advanced technology, we offer clinical trials and work in teams to provide personalized, coordinated care."

Her journey led to Santa Clarita, where she lives with her husband and two young sons.

The Santa Clarita practice site offers state-of-the art facilities and quality of care. "It's very convenient for my patients," Wittig said. "They can get their treatments and book appointments without having to drive all the way to Duarte. If you're going through chemo or radiation, the last thing you want is a long commute in traffic."

"We always have the most advanced technology available at City of Hope, along with teams of specialists all in the same place," Wittig said. "Patients can have all their appointments in the same location. It's convenient for them and makes it much easier for us to coordinate the most effective treatment plan. That's what sets City of Hope apart from the rest. And that's one reason why I love working here."
City of Hope 799-1999