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Anterior Hip Replacements are Faster, Safer & Less Invasive
More than 285,000 Americans undergo a hip replacement surgery annually. Of those, only a fraction of the procedures are performed with the anterior approach, meaning the incision is on the front of the hip. The reasoning is two fold; first, a special operating table is required for the procedure. And second, only the most skilled surgeons are experienced enough to perform an anterior hip replacement.
Dr. Alon Antebi, DO, fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist, and Dr. Justin Sherfey, DO, fellowship-trained orthopedic joint reconstruction surgeon, are two such medical pros. "The anterior procedure is minimally invasive; approaching the hip from the front of the body allows me to move the muscle out of the way instead of cutting through. That significantly reduces recovery time, pain and risk. Recuperation is quick, with patients back to their regular activities in a few weeks," explains Dr. Antebi. "The long-term benefits are also remarkable in comparison to a standard posterior hip replacement, which cuts more tissue, leaving the area weaker and more prone to injury. An anterior hip replacement only requires a three-inch incision and patients are up and walking before they leave the hospital. They're home within 23 hours of the surgery," shares Dr. Sherfey.
The surgeons, whom have performed over 5,000 total joint replacements combined, specialize in procedures that result in less pain, faster recovery, and less incidence of infection, dislocation and overall complications.
Call to schedule a consultation via Avors Medical Group. 705-5100

When it's not a Bug Bite
MRSA & Staph Infections are Serious Business
You or your child wake up with a red, painful bump on your skin. Your first thought: It's probably a bug bite. And, it well could be. But it could also be a more-serious staph infection or MRSA, a "superbug" strain of staph. If you suspect that it could be staph because of the pain, an open/weeping boil or an increase in size/severity, it's time to head to the local urgent care or your primary physician. If the affected person is also running a fever, seems out of sorts or is in significant pain, consider going to the emergency room, as a staph infection can lead to a more serious condition called sepsis.
Now, first things first: If you see a white-head, try to squeeze out the area of infection. Letting the infection build could lead to a condition called an abscess which would require incision and drainage. If there is no abscess, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics. Hot compresses are also usually recommended several times a day to help clear the localized infection. Remember that staph is contagious; if you use non-disposible towels for your compresses, contain that laundry with other contaminated clothing and bedding and wash in the hottest water with bleach, then dry on the hottest setting. Take great care in changing bandages and keep hands washed as well to prevent reinfection or the spread of the bacteria.
Henry Mayo Urgent Care 200-2500


Seniors: Share your Legacy with the World
One of the very best things a senior can do is to share their world with those younger than them - those seeking to discover the secrets (If there are any!) of life and love. Of course, that's easier said than done. Anyone with grandkids knows they often don't have the time or patience to listen. And, of course, finding a venue to open your heart isn't that easy, either.
Here's a solution: Join the social media set and help change the world through the Legacy Project, a wonderful, imaginative way to bridge the generation gap by sharing your wisdom and experiences. The Legacy Project was created by Karl Pillemer, a professor of human development at the Weill Cornell Medical College. Pillemer is a collector of practical advice for living provided by elders from all walks of life. Just log onto his website and share what you've learned with the rest of the world. You can access the site here:
legacyproject.human.cornell.edu.
Home Instead Senior Care 254-8701

Waxing is a Safe Method of Self Care
WAX by Heather Nelson's award-winning techniques insure that every client leaves confident in their appearance and their self-esteem boosted. Just 15 minutes in her restorative salon offers a respite from the daily hustle and contributes to an overall healthy lifestyle. Waxing is a safe method of removing any unwanted hair. At WAX by Heather Nelson, services offered range from a simple brow grooming to a Brazilian, which many women say give them a heightened sense of comfort and hygiene.
WAX by Heather Nelson 644-4346

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Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry Gifts Free Services to 60 Underserved Patients
On Friday, February 16, Drs. Allen and Kelly Smudde and their dental team at Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry provided free dental services for those in need who do not have a dentist and do not have access to dental care. Over the last few years, the Smuddes have donated an estimated value of more than $30,000 dollars during this day of free dentistry to the disadvantaged - and this was another record-setting day of giving; nearly $16,000 in free dentistry was gifted to our community to 60 fortunate patients. Many hadn't been to the dentist in over two decades! During the event, dental pros provided free fillings, extractions, cleanings and more to the SCVians who needed it the most.
Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry is a state-of-the-art dental practice providing award-winning care for patients of all ages. Founded by Drs. Allen and Kelly Smudde, whose families have been in dentistry for over 100 years, the practice has been Voted "Best Dentist," "Best Cosmetic Dentist" and "Best Teeth Whitening" by their local community.
Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry 200-0677

Laser & Peel make Acne Disappear
One of the most effective acne-treatment combos features a laser facial treatment, Laser Genesis, to reduce redness, acne scarring and excess oil production. It also helps prep the skin and open up pores for the next step - the application of a ViPeel, filled with acne-fighting ingredients to kill blemish-causing bacteria, unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin. Two days after the treatment, clients will experience some light-to-moderate peeling for about two to five days, which is managed with post-care products provided. Discounts are available for multiple treatments and medical-grade acne products are available for purchase; clients are professionally paired with the lines that will work best for their age, skin type and concerns.
DermaCure Medical Aesthetics 257-8400

Treat Acne with A Purifying Kit & Specialized Treatment
Have you tried the Environ Acne line? This acne treatment will help purify, soothe and balance oily/problematic skin while eliminating and preventing black heads, white heads, dissolving plugs and reducing congestion. It helps with excess oil, surface bacteria, inflammation and environmental debris. It's $195 for the Complete Kit - and to those suffering from acne, worth every penny. Ready to say "bye" to acne scarring? Try the Dermapen & Vitalize Peel Combo treatment for acne and acne scars. This treatment uses microneedling to break up scar tissue and the Vitalize Peel to improve uneven skin tone, reduce sun damage and to stimulate your skin's natural ability to create collagen. Cost is $300 per treatment.
Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care 254-3686

Could it just be Earwax?
So often, people put off what they're afraid of. Don't like the sound or sensation of the dentist's drill? Chances are you're not showing up for your suggested twice-yearly appointments. The same can be said about hearing health. If you're concerned that the audiologist is going to give you "bad news" about your hearing, there's a strong probability that you'll put off scheduling an appointment.
Here's the good news you should hear now so that you can make your appointment later ("Later" meaning, during business hours tomorrow, of course!). First, your perceived hearing loss could be something incredibly easy to "fix" - like a buildup of earwax or an infection. This happens more often than you'd think.
Of course, your hearing loss could be just that - so here's the other good news. Today's technology means that you can again experience vibrant, healthy hearing - without wires, giant earpieces or huge expenditures. There's nothing to be afraid of!
Advanced Audiology 425-9330

Feel Beautiful from the Inside, Out with Geneveve
Ever noticed how, when you feel youthful and feminine, you look and act more of the same? It's a circular experience, to be sure, and women all over the country are having an "all of the above" moment, thanks to Geneveve. This single-treatment, no-pain, non-invasive process dramatically restores collagen to the vaginal tissues, offering a tightening, rejuvenating result that increases sensation and incredibly improves urinary incontinence, too. Clinically proven to be safe and effective, Geneveve treatments are the platinum standard for intimate regeneration. Have questions? Of course you do! Ask away; the all-female staff at Aesthetic Center of Santa Clarita is happy to help.
Aesthetic Center of Santa Clarita 312-0497

City of Hope Profile: Donald Hannoun, MD
Los Angeles native Donald Hannoun, MD, had his first experience interacting with patients during college, when he volunteered with the Adventures in Caring Foundation in Santa Barbara, California. As part of the Raggedy Ann & Andy visiting program, he would dress up like the iconic rag doll and visit seriously-ill patients, providing emotional support during their hospital stays.
"That taught me a lot about the challenges patients face. I also shadowed a urologist, just by happenstance, which got me interested in urology," Hannoun said. He went on to complete his medical degree and urology residency at Keck School of Medicine of USC, followed by a fellowship with the Minimally Invasive Urology Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Today he serves as assistant clinical professor for City of Hope's Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, seeing patients at City of Hope in Santa Clarita.
"The exciting thing about urology was the opportunity to provide lasting, and in some cases immediate, relief to patients who are truly suffering from these conditions," Hannoun explained. "I also became interested in urologic cancers during my fellowship, where I performed a lot of cancer surgeries. One good thing about urologic cancers is that many respond to surgery without requiring chemotherapy or radiation."
For patients in these local communities, visiting the nearest City of Hope location is a way to benefit from the center's deep well of expertise in a convenient neighborhood clinic environment. "We have all the infrastructure, from radiation oncologists to medical oncologists, and we can even present at tumor boards right there," Hannoun said. "Equally important, we're connected with local hospitals, so if a patient needs a surgery, they don't need to drive to the main campus."
City Of Hope 799-1999