A roundup of soothing spa offerings to help you survive the holidays.

Is it just us, or does the hustle and bustle of the holidays get more hectic every year? As soon as the calendar flips to December, the days seem to whip by in a blur of tinsel and wish lists, candy and shopping bags. Before you know it, you’re slumped under the tree, wearily wondering where the month has gone and vowing that next year, you’ll remember to slow down and enjoy it all a little bit more.

We’re here to remind you to do just that. Salons and spas around the North Shore are pumping up their usual offerings with special packages and programs for the holidays, and one surefire way to add some relaxation to your to-do list is by indulging in a bit of pampering. We asked the beauty specialists at the area’s most acclaimed spas and salons to offer a sneak peek at their holiday offerings, and they gave us the dish about chocolate pedicures, pre-party primping, and even a few “secret elves.” The spirit of giving is definitely alive and well, too, since these salons make it a point to give back to their clients with discounted services and even charity events for the community. So whether you give one of these luxurious gifts to your best friend, favorite auntie, or simply decide to spoil yourself, these special holiday packages will definitely add a little extra sparkle to the season.

Spa ni’joli & Salon Like any good Santa, there’s seemingly nothing the elves at spa ni’joli & salon in Methuen haven’t thought of when it comes to awesome holiday packages. They offer everything from help getting ready for your holiday party to mini-pedis for preteens, complete with a bottle of polish for them to take home. “We really just try to put the spirit in everybody,” says owner Nicole DeRosa. “We always try to do something different that we don’t typically offer all year round.” Discounted packages at a variety of prices offer full days of relaxation, massages, and spa manicures and pedicures, as well as services for guys, teens, and preteens. The salon itself is transformed, too, with garland, music, and pretty wreaths. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and red and green sprinkles will warm up even the chilliest winter afternoon. “We also always change up the spa pedicures,” DeRosa says, by adding special products with scents like winterberry and chocolate to the treatments. “It’s just something that feels very inviting and fun.” spa ni’joli didn’t forget about holiday parties, either, offering two different pre-party primping packages that include services like airbrush tanning, makeup application, hair styling, nail services, and temporary eyelash application. 116 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, 978-682-9772, nijoli.com.

Indra Salon At Indra Salon in Andover, the spirit of giving back imbues everything owners April Lyn Graffeo and Jose Batistine do, according to Edgardo Gonzalez, director of public relations and marketing at Indra. “They’re incredible individuals, and they’re always looking for ways to give back to the community,” he says. That’s especially true around the holidays, when Indra offers complimentary hand and neck massages to clients, whether they’re getting salon services or just stopping in to buy a gift certificate. “When the client comes in, we make them feel special,” Gonzalez says. “If you want a Diet Coke, we’ll go and get it.” A fireplace, decorations, little gift boxes filled with chocolate, and discount programs add to the spirit, too. But the real magic comes with Indra’s special fundraising events, such as auctions, to raise money for causes that are important to the salon’s employees and clients. For example, the salon’s “Bag a Bag” silent handbag auction earlier this year raised more than $6,500 in a single night to help fund epilepsy research. “A company should always give back no matter what,” Gonzalez says. “Caring for others is the greatest gift you can give. You’re getting in a spiritual way. It makes everything much more rewarding.” 8 Main Street, Andover, 978-460-8800, indrasalon.com.

Bodiscience Holistic Day Spa For Dawn Tardif, founder and owner of BodiScience, an Ayurvedic spa in Beverly, the holidays are all about getting clients to take a break and focus on rejuvenation. “Everyone’s shopping for everyone else; they’re not really taking care of themselves,” she says. “We’re exhausted, and we don’t have the time or energy to spend with family members.” Tardif says BodiScience sends out postcards to remind clients to take time for themselves around the holidays. They also give out extra little presents along with their gift certificates. BodiScience’s Secret Elf program invites clients to make wish lists for the spa services or products they’d like to get, along with the name and contact info for the person who might give them that gift. Then, BodiScience will send the wish list to the right person, and if they order something, the gift will be completely assembled and wrapped when they come to pick it up. Complimentary chair massages also help people relax as they do their shopping. “Around the holidays, that’s something that we’re all about,” Tardif says. “We’re here to give back to people so that they can feel recharged, restored.” 100 Cummings Center, Suite 150F, Beverly, 978-927-9909, bodiscience.com.

Bliss Spa & SalonWhen we caught up with Bliss owner Belinda Gosselin, she’d just put the finishing touches on this year’s holiday packages, including the decadent-sounding Chocolate Delight Package, featuring a spa manicure and pedicure, a Bliss facial, and a 60-minute Swedish massage. She also filled us in on the brand new stress-relieving back treatment that will be included in one of packages. It’s a 60-minute treatment that Gosselin describes as “a facial for the back.” Gosselin says including new treatments in holiday packages gets people out of their run-of-the-mill mani-pedi rut and encourages them to try fun new things. “It kind of opens their eyes to the newer services or what’s up and coming,” she says. Other specials at the North Andover salon are the Holiday Pampering package, featuring a hot stone pedicure, stress relieving back treatment, and Bliss facial; and the Holiday Season Sampler, which includes a mini facial, 30-minute massage, and a manicure and pedicure. Indulgent body treatments accompany yummy treats like pastries, chocolate, tea, and coffee, and guests are free to pad around in slippers and a bathrobe during their treatments. “People will

Maria Lekkakos of M. Lekkakos Salon, Spa & Boutique

come in here [and] they’re hectic all the time and running around. They like something that’s a little bit different,” Gosselin says. “A lot of times they’ll say, ‘It’s the only time we get to relax.” 419 Andover Street, North Andover, 978-689-4400, blissspaandsalon.com.

M. Lekkakos Salon, Spa & Boutique M. Lekkakos Salon, Spa & Boutique in Wenham is known for its facials, so some of the most popular holiday packages are ones that include a massage-facial combo. Especially popular for wintertime are the hydrating facials that combat cold weather-induced dry skin. “We usually try to feed the skin with moisture,” says owner Maria Lekkakos, a former Miss Massachusetts. Hydrating facials treat skin “that’s really, really dry and dull-looking to revitalize it.” At M. Lekkakos, every facial is different and based on the client’s unique skin-care needs. “I think the holiday season is stressful,” Lekkakos says. “One thing that we do for clients is that we personalize and customize [the facials] for each individual.” Plus, the facials focus on more than just the face: they also include a therapeutic massage for the legs, feet, scalp, and décolletage. “That’s what I wanted,” Lekkakos says, adding that she asked herself: “If I could put myself in this bed, what would I want as a client?” She hopes that clients can come into the salon and just relax. “People get so hectic with the holiday season. They’re exhausted from shopping,” she says. “It’s very quiet; it is like a home in here.” 154 Main Street, Wenham, 978-468-9540, mlekkakos.com.

Interlocks Salon & Day Spa With a dozen packages and gift ideas to choose from, Interlocks Salon & Day Spa doesn’t skimp when it comes to making someone you love feel special. There are packages just for the guys, hot stone massages, and signature facials. The seasonal pedicure changes to reflect the time of year, so be on the lookout for the special winter pedicure, which will include yummy scents and even special treats, like whoopie pies or pumpkin spice cake, for you to nibble on from your massage chair. But the most fun might come with the spa packages, which range from the simple “Fingers to Toes”—a two-and-a-half-hour package that includes a manicure, pedicure, and one-hour massage—to the seriously indulgent, six-hour “Ultimate Day at the Spa.” That package includes a 90-minute hot stone massage; facial; spa manicure; signature pedicure; shampoo, blow-dry, and styling; and, to top it all off, a catered lunch. 58 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, 978-465-3010, interlockssalon.com.

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The skinny on a new fat-fighting “miracle treatment.”

You can’t miss Dermatique MedSpa in Danvers, where signs in the window shout: no pain laser lipo! as seen on dr. oz! Those displays are referring to Zerona, a new, FDA-approved fat treatment that slims “without diet or exercise,” using a low-level laser that deflates fat cells. Six treatments set you back $1,299.

I’m a sucker for a miracle treatment, and apparently, I’m not alone: Since it began offering Zerona in May, Dermatique—owned by Beverly internist Nathalie Majorek, M.D.—has treated more than 50 clients who’ve lost an average of five to six inches each. Though Zerona is hyped as effort-free, there are certain rules: clients must promise to eat healthy, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and cut out alcohol and caffeine for the duration of the treatment. And it’s not for the seriously overweight: The ideal client has 10 to 20 pounds to lose. “With other weight loss programs, like cleanses, you’re often losing fluid and muscle,” says Majorek, a slim internist who shed an inch from her own waist after six sessions. She typically recommends nine to 12 for clients 35 and older, like me: “The older you get,” she says, “the more the fat that’s been there a while wants to stick around.”

For 40 minutes, I lie on a table in disposable undies while five lasers beam directly at my outer and inner thighs. Clients choose an area of the body where fat loss has historically been difficult, though Majorek says that most lose weight all over. The sessions are remarkably boring, but painless. After six, I’ve lost an inch from my waist and back, a half-inch from my mid-abs, a quarter inch from my hips, and three quarters of an inch from each thigh. Zerona totals this up to a 4.5-inch weight loss, which seems a little like fuzzy math to me and my still-snug jeans; it’s also worth not-ing that the lasered spot fared no better than any other. Still, it’s less than what I walked in with.

Is Zerona the miracle treatment we’ve all been waiting for? Maybe, maybe not. Chances are, two weeks of daily exercise, healthy eating, and teetotaling would alone result in change. But perhaps the fact that you’re forking out $1,299 means you’re less likely to cheat. Which, as every dieter knows, is half the battle. 1 Elm St., Danvers, 978-777-5110.

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For Newburyport’s Anna Jaques Hospital, a multi-million-dollar expansion plan has tensions running high.

The international brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 103 (Local 103) is protesting the decision of Newburyport’s Anna Jaques Hospital to go with a non-union electrical contractor for its $15 million expansion. In late March, the protesters arrived and began handing out what many perceive as inflammatory flyers about affiliated doctors and how their malpractice leads to injury and infection. The group is erecting a large blow-up rat pointing a finger at “corporate greed,” and sending its message across the sky by plane banners. The campaign, “Anna Jaques Exposed,” is flaring up controversy in Newburyport, an end nowhere in sight.

According to Local 103 business agent Louis Antonellis, the group will soon have a storefront downtown, to be used as a campaign base and to educate about the union’s chief issue. The fight is over healthcare, Antonellis says.

Sensational Approach and Strong Reaction “Who is responsible for the unexpected infections occurring at Anna Jaques Hospital?” asks one flyer. Others warn passersby to “Beware.” Local 103’s website, annajaquesexposed.com, links to a number of affiliated doctors with malpractice settlements.

Those that support Anna Jaques say that the union protesters are vulgar, using curse words, making inappropriate gestures, and shouting inflammatory comments at those in opposition. The Citizens Supporting Anna Jaques group has regular “standouts” at Market Square, Three Corners, and the Market Basket plaza. Started by Michael Roy, former owner of Michael’s Harborside and former member of the hospital’s Board of Incorporaters, the group is pro-Labor and “anti bullying,” he says.

Roy feels the union’s campaign is distasteful and offensive, but when he read that the union might continue its protest for a year or two, he wrote a letter to the editor proposing a citizen response in support of the hospital. “You mean we have to tolerate this barrage against our hospital? …It’s like, ‘Enough already. You’ve made your point, now it’s time to go home,’” he says.
Local 103’s campaign leaves many in disgust. “If the union had legitimate concerns, those concerns have been completely lost in the face of the tactics that IBEW’s leadership has used during this dispute. The tactics, like a flyover during the high school graduation ceremony, have been unconscionable. They are an assault on the city itself and its residents, and they have given all labor a black eye,” says local representative Michael Costello.

Antonellis says the union has been in constant contact with Newburyport mayor Donna Holaday’s office and has been respectful of its requests. During the town’s Yankee Homecoming, for example, “we pulled back for a couple of days because we recognized the sensitivity of the area and the event,” he says.

Despite a lack of violations, Costello and others have labeled the union’s “Exposed” protest campaign as extortion. Many say the campaign is really a message to other local hospitals about the price their communities would pay if they do not select the union for a contract. Some individuals dealing with the “Exposed” campaign are afraid to speak, citing concern for their families and businesses. However, Roy says the union has not threatened either his family or his business, Haley’s Ice Cream.

According to Antonellis, the term “extortion” is inaccurate. “The goal is to put Anna Jaques on the spot and let everyone know what their hiring policies are…It’s all about health care.” Local 103 provides 100 percent coverage to all 7,500 union members and retirees in 110 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts, he says. MEC Electrical Contractors (MEC), a non-union group with a sizeable list of health care clients, does not provide health care, says Antonellis. “There’s a difference between providing and offering,” he says.

It’s About the “Bennies” An MEC spokesperson confirmed that the contractor provides Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance but could not share other information, like retiree coverage, or the percentage of health care premiums the company pays.

The hospital would not confirm the difference in the bids, but according to a member of the Citizens group, the difference was about $200,000. Antonellis attributes this amount to health care costs and says the hospital is simply “taking the cheap route with the health care piece.”

Since its charter in 1900, Local 103 has advocated for union workers. They advertise the best-trained electricians in the field, as well as higher wages to union workers. The union’s website says that “Over the last 25 years, political power has shifted dramatically to corporate and wealthy special interests and away from working families,” and that corporate greed has undone 60 years of progress.

“If it wasn’t for unions, there would be no such thing as employer-sponsored health care,” says Antonellis. “If there is anyone that’s going to take a second look at [its] contractor, it should be a health care facility,” he says.

Every day, hospitals turn people away if they do not have health insurance, but Anna Jaques is saying, “We won’t turn you away if you don’t provide health care…This is Ground Zero on the fight for health care,” he says.

Incredulous Behavior The Citizens group “gave credibility to a lot of people [who] wanted to come forward” in response to the union’s “Exposed” campaign, which Laurie Christiansen calls “vile.” She and others have joined Roy in the crusade against the union protest. Roy is “not a rabble-rouser looking for a fight,” she says.

Christiansen and Roy say the union’s campaign has codified support for the hospital and the Citizens group has more than 80 supporters. At press time, the Citizens had upwards of 400 Facebook connections, while the union campaign page has about 50 “likes.” An initial goal of the Citizens group was to see 1,000 signs supporting Anna Jaques Hospital posted around town. Roy said at press time there were 600 hundred signs up and more to come.

According to Christiansen, the union protest is over the line—and he’s not just referring to the vulgar language and gestures. “How can they obstruct the sign at the entrance to the hospital?” she says. “They sit at the sign and smoke cigars…So [the Citizens group] got into the fray.”

Last year, the hospital saw more than 33,000 patients, Christiansen says. “It’s a huge resource for the community,” she continues, adding that the union’s campaign is about “heavy handedness.”  The union simply printed the list of malpractice settlements, she says, adding, “Most doctors settle.” Her family’s doctors are targets of the union’s “Exposed” campaign. “It doesn’t impact us at all…It’s all very inflammatory and it’s meant to scare people. It’s not factual.”

According to Antonellis, all doctors and the hospital itself have the opportunity to review the union’s information for accuracy for a week prior to its being used in the campaign. Not once in four months has there been a written response, says Antonellis. He also insists the protest is peaceful. There have been no actions taken against Local 103 or its members for slander or civil disturbance.

However, “Would they be exposing all these doctors if they got the contract?” Christiansen wonders.

Antonellis responds, “If Anna Jaques cared about health care, we would definitely take a different approach.”  More than 50 area hospitals support unions, he says. “Holy Family Hospital and others have made the decision to make sure contractors provide health care to their workers.”

Interestingly MEC indicates it has also performed two projects at Holy Family Hospital. However, “as far as Holy Family and Local 103 are concerned, we have a great working relationship,” Antonellis says. “When Holy Family Hospital has medically sensitive or technical electrical/construction work, they are very concerned with making sure contractors ‘provide’ comprehensive health care to their workers.”

Sparks Fly Amid Quiet Response So why go after the doctors? “It’s attention getting,” Antonellis says. The union is not letting the doctors, board of directors, or anyone else affiliated with the hospital “off the hook,” he says. “We all have a stake in the game…We feel doctors shouldn’t turn a blind eye to this campaign.”

The hospital itself hesitated talking to Northshore and, according to a spokesperson, may be placing a moratorium on further comment to the media and hoped the magazine would defer to the Citizens group. “We’re in the business of taking care of patients…we have no interest in addressing distracting information.” The spokesperson did say that the open bid process resulted in selecting the “most well-suited for the project at hand and the one that makes the best use of the community’s resources.”

The doctors posted on the union’s “Exposed” campaign website have not addressed the allegations with the union or publicly. “The only thing the doctors are interested in is taking care of patients and running their practices…Their decision has been not to speak to anyone,” the spokesperson says.

According to Antonellis, the union says it has reached out to the hospital CEO and board of directors to sit down and talk about their concerns; however, the hospital spokesperson did not say if these requests were made or denied.

Staying Power and Stalemate When asked about the cost of the “Exposed” campaign’s use of messaging in the sky, which Antonellis confirms is an airplane-towed banner flown every weekend, he says that it costs the union “far less than the difference in the price of the bids.”

Anna Jaques Hospital’s reputation is not great, Antonellis says. “Some of the statistics we’ve dug up are very believable in the community.” In response to allegations, the Citizens’ website lists the hospital’s accolades.

The campaign “reaches a new level every day,” according to Antonellis, but the union is still open to sitting down and explaining its point of view.

While there is little public evidence of community support for the “Exposed” campaign, Antonellis says, “when [people] take the time to listen, they are appalled by the hospital’s decision.” He forwarded a letter to the editor of the Eagle-Tribune, which stated concern about the integrity of local hospitals that might be trying to save money by leaving workers without health care.
When “the rat, the vulgar language, the gestures, the intimidation…when that ceases,” maybe then the counter protest will stop, Roy comments.

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Thanks to our region’s plethora of noted medical hospitals, facilities, and universities, the North Shore is home to some of the most accomplished healthcare practitioners in the country.  With so many specialists in a variety of fields, we’ve developed this informational section to highlight some of your choices.

The TMS Center of New England: Providing Innovative Treatment for Depression

Do you feel you are taking too much medication to treat your depression? Do the side effects of medication outweigh its benefits? Does depression still have control over your life? You are not alone. Depression can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender or lifestyle and even with treatment, depression can mean a lifetime of suffering.

Over more than 25 years as a neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Karl Lanocha has encountered hundreds of patients who, despite excellent care with traditional medication and psychotherapy treatments, still experience the debilitating psychological and physical symptoms of depression. Until recently, these treatments as well as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were the only treatments available to patients suffering from treatment resistant major depression.

As a specialist in neuromodulation, Dr. Lanocha became interested in a promising new treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Clinical research has shown TMS to reduce the symptoms of depression about 75% of the time. After TMS was approved by the FDA in October 2008, Dr. Lanocha became one of the first providers of TMS in the nation. “With TMS, I saw patients suffering from depression for years, if not decades, not only get better, but fully recover,” Dr. Lanocha said. “TMS Therapy is truly a remarkable treatment,“ he explained, “It is a targeted treatment. Unlike medications, TMS does not circulate through the body, therefore it does not cause side effects such as weight gain, upset stomach, or sexual dysfunction.”

After witnessing such results among his patients, Dr. Lanocha left his position of 20 years as Medical Director of Psychiatric Services at a large hospital to devote more time to caring for patients using TMS Therapy. The TMS Center of New England, located in a small, quiet office in Portsmouth, NH, allows for the personalized care Dr. Lanocha strives to provide. “TMS is a highly effective treatment,” he says, “but depression is a painful condition that affects a person’s entire being. I believe that treating depression requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. As a person begins to recover, the right type of counseling can help a person reclaim the life that depression took away.”

231 Corporate Drive
Suite 103
Portsmouth, NH 03801

603-766-5111, www.tmsnewengland.com

Liberty Tree Prosthodontics & Family Dental Care; Creating Generations of Smiles…

Dr. Mahshid Mirghassemi, D.D.S, of Liberty Tree Prosthodontics is a highly trained North Shore dentist specializing in Prosthodontics. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and her Post Doctorate degree in Prosthodontics from TUFTS. Her remarkable dedication to both the art and science of dentistry ensures an anxietyfree experience and unparalleled results for her patients.
Located at the Liberty Tree Medical and Dental Center, Liberty Tree Prosthodontics is a full service provider of individualized dental treatment plans in an incomparably warm and comfortable setting. The office is equipped with the latest in dental technology and dentists trained in the most advanced dental techniques, providing the absolute highest quality dentistry that is available today.

Mahshid Mirghassemi, D.D.S, is a dentist who truly understands the importance of creating a dental plan for her patients that provides the optimal balance between dental health, beauty, and comfort. A member of the American Dental Association, North Shore Dental Society, and the American College of Prosthodontics, Dr. Mirghassemi received her advanced degree in the field of Prosthodontics from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, which gives her a unique expertise in the restoration and replacement of teeth. She is also a contributor to the Dental Outreach Organization, which provides free dental care to eligible children in Massachusetts. She has published and presented in several dental conferences.

Liberty Tree Prosthodontics understands that their patients have busy schedules and always strives to accommodate them. The office has four dental operatories and three dental hygienists, allowing patient waiting time to be kept to a minimum, and the office provides for both night and weekend appointments for maximum convenience. The office provides a wide range of dental services, including prosthetic, implant and cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening and restorative dentistry, in addition to a wide range of preventative care services.

Dr. Mirghassemi is dedicated to high quality and strives for excellence. She has successfully treated complex full-mouth reconstruction cases, such as dental implants, that require a multi-specialty approach. She works closely with highly qualified dental specialists located in the North Shore area.

140 Commonwealth Avenue Suite 209
Danvers, MA 01923

978-777-9999, Fax: 978-777-9119, libertytreeprosthodontics.com

Dr. Bill Daly works for YOU! Board-Certified in Internal Medicine

Are you or a loved one frustrated with your medical care?  Would you like to see your doctor when you need to, on time with no waiting?  Imagine sitting down for relaxed discussions of all your concerns with your doctor himself, not a substitute.  Would you like to come away with clear answers, ready to begin a treatment plan that you understand?  On nights and weekends, wouldn’t you like to call your doctor directly on his cell phone?

Dr. Bill Daly provides each of his patients with the same quality service that he would want for himself!  And he brings you 30 years of experience in internal medicine.  He is also knowledgeable about Complementary and Alternative Therapies, and supports their use when appropriate for your condition.  If you need a specialist, he knows how to find the best for your needs, and coordinates your care with the hospitals of your choice.  The result is first-class medical care, with prompt attentive service by an experienced physician who knows you and your concerns.

Patient Centered Care is the innovative business model that makes this possible.  Dr. Daly works primarily for you, instead of your insurance company.  This ensures that he is available to give you the time and attention that you need, in a relationship of mutual respect.  He does this by charging a very reasonable membership fee, and thereby limits the number of patients in his practice.  Please note that these are specifically the services that healthcare insurance companies do not cover!  This model is sometimes called Concierge Medicine.

Dr. Daly helps to keep the cost of the membership down by charging your healthcare insurance for the medical services they do cover, such as office visits.  But those reimbursements are relatively small, so his primary responsibility is to ensure that you receive the time, attention, prompt availability and respect that you need, because he wants to remain employed by you!  And he always goes the extra mile to research difficult questions or problems, and get back to you with the best information or therapies available.

14 Florence Street
Andover, MA 01810-3611

978-470-0001, www.WDalyMD.com

Dentistry by Design: Aesthetic, Implant, and Neuromuscular Dentistry

Dentistry by Design in Andover is one of the North Shore’s most accomplished, dental practices. In its new state-of-the-art facility, Dentistry by Design puts your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Their trained and skilled staff have years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. They strive to stay abreast of the latest in technological advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

Dr. Nicholas Papapetros has been delivering the highest quality dental care to his community since 1992. Originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, Dr. Papapetros earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then went on to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his dental degree and student awards from both the American College of Dentists and the American Association of Endodontists. After earning his dental degree, Dr. Papapetros then completed a general practice residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Dentistry by Design provides a wide range of dental procedures in comfort and safety utilizing the latest advancements, such as digital x-rays, which use 90% less radiation than raditional x-rays. Cerec 3 allows us to fabricate an all porcelain crown in one hour. STA (single tooth anesthesia) allows us to numb a single tooth painlessly without numbing your lip. We are able to treat Periodontal Disease, without surgery in many cases, using a site specific antibiotic and laser therapy. This flexibility saves you time and keeps your total dental care within one practice. Dr Papapetros and his staff provide incomparable treatment and services for restoring beautiful smiles using veneers and implants. Dentistry by Design looks forward to meeting your individual needs.

From common problems to gum disease, Dr. Papapetros provides an array of dental services to meet your needs all in one convenient location. Using the latest technology, his experienced staff works together as a team to give you exceptional quality treatment from the time you walk in for your initial visit.

19 Barnard Street
Andover, MA  01810

978-475-5333, smileandover.com

Jeffrey R. Dornbush, DDS: Innovative Restorative & Aesthetic Dentistry

Not everything in Marblehead is about sailing and upscale boutiques.  It so happens that one of the most accomplished dental practices on the North Shore is located in this historic seaport community. Is hiding chipped, stained or crowded teeth making you self-conscious about some aspect of your smile? Do you have a painful tooth or bleeding gums? Have you made a decision to take action but you do not know where to go? If so, you owe it to yourself to visit the prosthodontic practice of Dr. Jeffrey Dornbush.

In his 25 year professional career Dr. Dornbush has established a reputation for innovatively solving both his patients’ ordinary problems and their most complex challenges. Advanced training in prosthodontics at Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry provided the basis for his expertise. A graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry and a Fellow of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontists, Dr. Dornbush brings “Park Avenue” dentistry to Marblehead.

If you long for a personal approach to treatment, if you dream of a healthy and radiant smile, if you value precision of technique and genuinely sensitive care, you will discover that Dr. Dornbush and his skilled and seasoned support team insure serenity, comfort, efficiency, and results.

210 Humphrey Street
Suite 103
Marblehead, MA 01945

781-639-0700, www.drdornbush.com

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After a woman learns she may have breast cancer, she must absorb the news, undergo more diagnostic evaluation and get a breast biopsy. If cancer is diagnosed, she will then meet the experts who will help her fight the disease, learn more about her condition, and make choices about treatment.
It can be overwhelming. The Beverly Hospital Breast Health Center can help guide a woman through this difficult time with both compassion and expertise.
Audrey Duva-Frissora, M.D., director of breast MRI for the Breast Health Center, speaks for the team when she says, “We know that when a woman finds out that she has an abnormal mammogram, it’s an emotional emergency. We fast-track getting her in for additional imaging—including mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI—to help establish a diagnosis. We are pleased to offer the Aurora Dedicated Breast MRI System, the North Shore’s only FDA-approved breast MRI that is specifically designed for breast imaging.”
If cancer is detected, a woman can rest assured that a highly accomplished and coordinated team will be at her side. The Breast Health Center offers a woman newly diagnosed with cancer the option of having her treatment plan created through a multidisciplinary conference. At the conference, cancer specialists from each discipline sit together to review and discuss each woman’s specific data. The result is a comprehensive, individualized plan.
Within the multidisciplinary approach, reconstructive plastic surgery can play an important role in planning and treatment. Fortunately, advances in early detection mean more cancer is being found and treated at an earlier stage, so the need for mastectomy is diminishing. When mastectomy is recommended, or when there are changes in the contours of a breast after lumpectomy, reconstructive surgeons can use innovative techniques to restore symmetry.
“Breast reconstruction after cancer can help women embrace their femininity and feel whole again,” says Jagruti Patel, M.D., chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospitals. “There are multiple options, and each can be tailored to the individual woman.” She adds, “Women should know that reconstructive procedures for patients with breast cancer are covered by health insurance, by federal mandate.”
A patient will receive guidance from her Breast Health team about the right point in her care to meet with one of the center’s reconstructive plastic surgeons. “We begin a dialogue and a relationship, and we coordinate with the rest of the treatment team throughout planning, treatment and follow-up,” says Patel.
“New breast reconstructive techniques are now available to augment or replace traditional approaches,” notes Beverly M. Shafer, M.D., plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospitals. Patel and Shafer agree that advances include reconstructing the breast after skin sparing mastectomies, and the creation of much more natural-looking breasts using a new generation of silicone gel implants together with a “dermal matrix” for support.
Whatever the option selected, for women north of Boston who face breast cancer, Shafer says, “Finding out that breast reconstruction is offered, and that it’s a right, can be a silver lining in a dark cloud. Women learn that something can be done to help restore them to a complete state.”

To learn more about the Breast Health Center or reconstructive surgery, visit us online at beverlyhospital.org or call our HealthConnection at 888-253-0800.

Beverly Hospital
85 Herrick Street, Beverly, MA  01915
978.922.3000
www.beverlyhospital.org

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With the internet, everything we need to know these days is just a “click” away. The ease of “googling” any subject we want to know more about has empowered us; made us informed thinkers, “educated consumers”.
So why is it, that in the most important area of our lives—our health—many of us still take such a passive role in our care? Perhaps it’s because in our parent’s day, we learned that “good patients” followed “doctor’s orders”.
Fortunately, times have changed. Doctor and patient now view themselves as teammates with the shared goal of improving the quality of care provided. Before an appointment, today’s patients do their homework, often using internet resources to gather information and formulate questions for the appointment.

How do physicians feel about patients being so involved in their own care? “I absolutely encourage it” says Dr. Kristina Anton-Schnell of North Shore Primary Care, located at Beverly Hospital at Danvers. “Being prepared ensures that important issues will be covered thoroughly and helps the patient get the most out of their appointment.”

How should patients “prepare” for an appointment? Dr. Anton-Schnell provides this helpful checklist:

• Bring your medical records or have them transferred before your appointment
• Bring a list of any specialists you see and their phone numbers.
• Make notes about your health history. Share this information upfront.
• Make a list of your medications, doses and any allergies you have.
• Make a list of your symptoms and concerns.
• Use on-line information sources such as webmd.com, uptodate.com and emedicine.medscape.com.
• Bring print-outs to discuss.
• Bring a list of your questions.
• Make sure your questions are focused on the specific issue which has brought you to the doctors office.

What are the important questions to ask?

• If medications are prescribed or additional procedures or testing are recommended, ask about the benefits and the risks.
• Ask if there are other treatment options.
• Ask if it would be helpful to get a second opinion.
• Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
• If you’re confused about anything your physician says, ask them to repeat or clarify.

The real issue, says Dr. Anton-Schnell, is that “you need to find a physician you can work with. Keeping you healthy is a team effort. The information you provide, the questions you ask help us to provide better care. I tell my patients, ‘you only have one body…one life. Take care of it.’ The more informed and proactive you are, the better we can help you do that.”
If you decide it’s time to look for a new physician, we can help. The professionals at the Beverly Hospital HealthConnection will listen to your needs and recommend some names that might be good matches. One more tip. Before you choose a physician, meet with them for a consult. Feel free to interview them. Ask questions. Do they listen attentively? Do they provide good answers? Get a sense of personality and “bed-side manner”. Does it feel like it would be a good match? Go For it!

If you’d like to find a physician who is right for you, call our HealthConnection at 888-253-0800 weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or, visit us online at beverlyhospital.org/findadoctor.

Beverly Hospital
85 Herrick Street, Beverly, MA  01915
978.922.3000
www.beverlyhospital.org

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Written by Alyssa Giacobbe

Photograph by Lauren Carelli

Before you knock it as a left-over hippie fad, consider that eating raw has been around since the birth of humanity. Modern day raw foodists, however, rally around the purported health benefits: increased energy, weight loss, improved sleep, and even a reversal of some more serious health conditions.

“We’ve seen people improve symptoms of diabetes, arthritis, Lyme disease…,” says Anna Forkan, who, with Kristen Overlock, co-owns “raw food education center” Revitalive and the recently-opened Revitalive Café in Newburyport. Since going raw, the pair have lost a combined 140 pounds and reversed their own depression, peptic ulcers, and chronic fatigue.

By not heating food above 115 degrees, say raw foodists, it retains more nutrients, as well as enzymes that aid in digestion. But it’s not a life of rabbit food. Located in the Tannery and open for breakfast and lunch, Revitalive Café offers up such creative raw creations as Meetballs and Marinara (made of sprouted almonds, raw sundried tomatoes, basil, and sea salt), and Mock Tuna Salad, in which pumpkin seeds, celery, sweet onion, and sea veggies are impressively reminiscent of actual tuna on rye. Chocolate cream pie is made with raw organic cacao, coconut, and dates.

In addition to limiting temperatures, the café avoids all animal products, grains, soy, garlic, artificial sweeteners, and mushrooms, the last of which are common allergens. “Our aim is to make eating raw an easy thing to stick to,” says Forkan. “People can enjoy something that looks and tastes like a tuna sandwich. The reality is, you don’t have to starve, and it doesn’t have to taste horrible.”

“Our goal isn’t for everyone to be 100 percent raw,” she continues. “If people ate a salad every day, that would be awesome. Or even if they ate an apple once a day. We’re not dogmatic. We just want to be positive, because you can and you will feel better.” With a little help, of course, from a slice of guilt-free chocolate cream pie. 50 Water St.,
Newburyport, 978-462-1488, revitalivecafe.com.

In The Raw A guide to uncooked eating around the area.

1. Grezzo Organic and locally grown vegan and raw food in an upscale setting. 25 State St., Newburyport, 978-961-1676, grezzorestaurant.com. 2. Rawbert’s Organic Garden Café-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including outstanding raw cookies and handmade chocolates. 294 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com. 3. Life Alive Raw and “flash-steamed” breakfast, lunch, and dinner for beginning or budding raw foodists. 194 Middle St., Lowell, 978-453-1311, lifealive.com. 4. The Natural Dog Holistic pet products include raw meals and treats for animals. 155 State St., Newburyport, 978-499-9909, thenatural-dog.com.

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Dentistry by Design – Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry
Dr. Nicholas T. Papapetros, Andover

Dentistry by Design in Andover is one of the North Shore’s most accomplished, dental practices. In its new state-of-the-art facility, Dentistry by Design puts your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Their trained and skilled staff have years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. They strive to stay abreast of the latest in technological advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

Dr. Nicholas Papapetros has been delivering the highest quality dental care to his community since 1992. Originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, Dr. Papapetros earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then went on to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his dental degree and student awards from both the American College of Dentists and the American Association of Endodontists. After earning his dental degree, Dr. Papapetros then completed a general practice residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Dentistry by Design provides a wide range of dental procedures in comfort and safety utilizing the latest advancements, such as digital x-rays, which use 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Cerec 3 allows us to fabricate an all porcelain crown in one hour. STA (single tooth anesthesia) allows us to numb a single tooth painlessly without numbing your lip. We are able to treat Periodontal Disease, without surgery in many cases, using a site specific antibiotic and laser therapy. This flexibility saves you time and keeps your total dental care within one practice. Dr Papapetros and his staff provide incomparable treatment and services for restoring beautiful smiles using veneers and implants. Dentistry by Design looks forward to meeting your individual needs.

Dr. Papapetros
From common problems to gum disease, Dr. Papapetros provides an array of dental services to meet your needs all in one convenient location. Using the latest technology, his
experienced staff works together as a team to give you exceptional quality treatment from the time you walk in for your initial visit.
19 Barnard Street, Andover, MA  01810, 978-475-5333, smileandover.com

Orthodontics by Design, PC
Dr. Christine McKenna & Dr. Angel Gangoy, Wakefield

ORTHODONTICS BY DESIGN, PC is a private practice located in Wakefield where Doctors Christine McKenna and Angel Gangoy have cultivated an exceptional team of professionals. Established over a decade ago, ORTHODONTICS BY DESIGN, PC continues to be unique in its field as one of the few female-owned orthodontic practices in the area. But what really shines at ORTHODONTICS BY DESIGN, PC is the commitment to offering cutting edge orthodontic treatment to the North Shore. Continual education and innovation enables this practice to combine fundamental orthodontic treatment with advanced techniques and aesthetic appliances.

iBraces “Invisible braces that make you smile”
One of the practice’s most sought-after techniques is the iBraces System, Hollywood’s latest trend in orthodontic therapy. Orthodontics by Design, PC is designated as an iBraces Premier Provider, one of only five practices in Massachusetts with that distinction. By combining revolutionary Computer Aided Design with manufacturing technology, customized brackets are fabricated to fit the anatomy of each tooth, while customized wires are manufactured with built-in prescriptions, resulting in efficient tooth movement with maximum patient comfort. What’s even more incredible is their greatest asset: They’re invisible.

iBraces Appliances are the only 100% customized, fixed appliance system for invisible orthodontic treatment in the U.S. market today. Utilizing the technique of lingual orthodontics—the process of placing braces on the inner surface of the teeth—the braces are completely hidden from sight. They require less wires and adjustments, allowing for fewer appointments, making them ideal for the busy professional, or any candidate looking to avoid aesthetic interference. Please call today for your free consultation.

Dr. McKenna & Dr. Gangoy
Partners Christine McKenna, DMD and Angel Gangoy, DMD are graduates of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; they continued on to earn their Post-doctorate Degrees in the Specialty of Orthodontics from there as well. Their active membership in the AAO and other professional organizations is evident in their fervent dedication to the latest and most progressive techniques in orthodontics. One West Water Street, Suite 100, Wakefield, MA, 781-245-1113, orthobydesign.com

Liberty Tree Prosthodontics and Family Dental Center
Dr. Mahshid Mirghassemi, Danvers
Located at the Liberty Tree Medical and Dental Center, Liberty Tree Prosthodontics is a full service provider of individualized dental treatment plans in an incomparably warm and comfortable setting. The office is equipped with the latest in dental technology and dentists trained in the most advanced dental techniques, providing the absolute highest quality dentistry that is available today.

Mahshid Mirghassemi, D.D.S, is a dentist who truly understands the importance of creating a dental plan for her patients that provides the optimal balance between dental health, beauty, and comfort. A member of the American Dental Association, North Shore Dental Society, and the American College of Prosthodontics, Dr. Mirghassemi received her advanced degree in the field of Prosthodontics from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, which gives her a unique expertise in the restoration and replacement of teeth. She is also a contributor to the Dental Outreach Organization, which provides free dental care to eligible children in Massachusetts. She has published and presented in several dental conferences.

Liberty Tree Prosthodontics understands that their patients have busy schedules and always strives to accommodate them. The office has four dental operatories and three dental hygienists, allowing patient waiting time to be kept to a minimum, and the office provides for both night and weekend appointments for maximum convenience. The office provides a wide range of dental services, including prosthetic, implant and cosmetic services, such as teeth whitening and restorative dentistry, in addition to a wide range of preventative care services.

Dr. Mirghassemi is dedicated to high quality and strives for excellence. She has successfully treated complex full-mouth reconstruction cases, such as dental implants, that require a multi-specialty approach. She works closely with highly qualified dental specialists located in the North Shore area, is active in dental conferences, and continuously works to improve her knowledge and skills.

Dr. Mirghassemi
Mahshid Mirghassemi, D.D.S, of Liberty Tree Prosthodontics is a highly trained North Shore dentist specializing in Prosthodontics. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and her Post Doctorate degree in Prosthodontics from TUFTS. Her remarkable dedication to both the art and science of dentistry ensures an anxiety-free experience and unparalleled results for her patients. 140 Commonwealth Ave. Suite 209, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-777-9999, libertytreeprosthodontics.com

Sirakian Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry
Dr. Aram Sirakian, Andover
Individuals choose cosmetic dentists for a number of reasons. Some hope to stem or reverse the natural aging process of teeth while others are self-conscious about unattractive, chipped or discolored teeth most of their adult lives and feel it’s hidden their true personality. After all, a smile is the gateway to positive first impressions. Like a dental facelift, if done correctly, cosmetic dentistry can be the safest, fastest, and most noticeable method to improve your true appearance. But in searching for the right dentist, the process can be daunting. The truth is, many dentists advertise themselves as cosmetic dentists when in fact they have little or no cosmetic training at all. Choosing the right dentist with the proper training and skills is the first and most important step in dramatically improving your smile and overall appearance.

On the subject of aesthetic and implant dentistry, one of the most qualified and celebrated cosmetic dentists on the East Coast is located right here on the North Shore. Dr. Aram Sirakian is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on complete oral rehabilitation and advances in cosmetic and implant dentistry and was one of the first surgically trained prosthodontists in New England. After graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he received his D.M.D., Dr. Sirakian immersed himself in a 2-year Fellowship in Oral Implantology and Biomaterials at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, New York—one of only a handful programs devoted exclusively to the art and science of implant dentistry. This training is quite unique in its depth and its dual emphasis on both the functional and aesthetic aspects of implant dentistry. He then received his specialty training in Prosthodontics from the prestigious Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Sirakian often lectures internationally on advancements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. With two convenient locations on the North Shore: iSmile in Peabody and Sirakian Aesthetic and Implant Dentistry in Andover. Dr. Sirakian combines unparalleled credentials with state-of-the-art facilities to make your makeover the most rewarding experience.

Dr. Sirakian
Knowing you have the right dental implant surgeon beats hoping you do. 69 Park Street, Andover, MA 01810, 978-470-4555, sirakian.com; 210 Andover Street, Peabody, MA 01960, 978-767-8370, sirakianimplants.com

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As summer draws to an end, with less time spent on the beach and the water (sigh), you might be ready to toss your sunscreen and to think less about skin protection. Don’t, says Gary Rogers, MD, a dermatologist and director of dermatologic surgery and oncology for the Cutaneous Oncology Group at Beverly Hospital.

Stay careful, and even increase your awareness—both are key to preventing and treating skin cancer, which is on the rise nationwide.

“You don’t need to become a cave dweller to avoid the sun—just be smart about it,” says Dr. Rogers. This fall, consider these steps part of a prescription for skin health:

• Every day, wear sunscreen on your face, ears and hands. Read labels and choose SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection.
• Plan your time outside to avoid the midday sun—in New England in the summer, fall and spring, this is approximately 11 am to 2 pm.
• Find safe ways to get Vitamin D. “You could meet your daily need for Vitamin D with only five minutes outdoors on a cloudy day,” explains Rogers. You can get Vitamin D fromfood or supplements; check with your health care provider.

Fall is also a good time to “go to school” to learn the signs that a mole or a skin-change should be examined. Ask your primary care provider for information, or go to the websites of the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org/public) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

Once you know what to look for, what if you do find something? Contact your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Most skin cancers can be treated with an office procedure.

For those cancers that need more specialized treatments, patients should rest assured in knowing that they can receive the most advanced care from Beverly Hospital’s
Cutaneous Oncology Group. This team provides diagnosis and treatment in one location, and coordinates the expertise of specialists from dermatology, plastic surgery, medical and surgical oncology, radiology, skilled nursing, and the Lifestyle Management Institute.

The group offers Mohs micrographic surgery to treat skin cancers including melanoma. Performed in Boston teaching hospitals but available on the North Shore only at Beverly Hospital, “It maximally preserves healthy tissue while providing the highest cure rate,” says Dr. Rogers.

The team’s innovations include performing sentinel node biopsy together with Mohs surgery when it is important to find out if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Patients who undergo Mohs surgery can also have cosmetic/reconstructive surgery the same day on the Beverly Hospital campus, if needed. Jagruti Patel, MD, one of the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Beverly Hospital who collaborates with Dr. Rogers, says, “We mesh our schedules in the clinic or the operating room, so that patients don’t have to wait days between procedures, but can focus on healing right away.”

This fall, renew your commitment to staying smart about the sun—a choice that will repay you for many seasons.

To learn more about therapies for skin cancer, call our HealthConnection at 888-253-0800 or visit us online at beverlyhospital.org

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Stretching internal organs never felt so good at North Andover’s Bikram Yoga.

By Beth Daigle

Open-eye meditation, 26 postures and two breathing exercises, 105° room temperature, watchful, auctioneer-like instructors, and lots of sweat. Welcome to Bikram yoga. While this style, also known as hot yoga, has been around for years, it’s now picking up steam throughout the North Shore, thanks, in part, to Teri Almquist, who owns Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley in North Andover. One of just three authorized Bikram studios on the North Shore, Bikram Yoga MV hosted 130 first-time Bikram students in March alone. Almquist’s 49-person studio welcomes anyone looking for a cleansing, therapeutic experience that offers deep stretching and strength-building opportunities.

Almquist first discovered Bikram yoga following a spinal injury that left her immobile from the neck up. While attending her very first class, she realized that Bikram yoga would help her on the road to recovery. The recurring technique and specific order of fixed poses began healing the damage her body had sustained 13 years prior.

Bikram yoga is a challenging, 90-minute practice created by Yogiraj Bikram Choudhury intended to work every part of the body from the inside out, bringing the entire body into balance. Everything from muscles and tendons to internal organs are stretched and massaged while unhealthy toxins are eliminated.

“No matter what your body can do, even if it’s only a little bit, done the right way, you are getting a great benefit,” Almquist says of her practice.
New to yoga myself, I had all of the typical apprehensions before my first session. I began quite fearful of the heat, only to realize that I could manage my body’s reaction simply by accepting it.

If I began to feel light-headed, as can happen in the first few classes, I simply sat down and resumed when ready.

Other students and the instructor’s careful guidance gave me direction as I watched some bend over backward with ease while others did only what their bodies would allow. As Almquist says, “Just move your eyes and eventually the body will follow.”  Now, when I leave the studio, I feel cleansed and invigorated, while breathing for other activities like running and biking has vastly improved, and my muscles are now noticeably longer, leaner, and looser. Bikram Yoga Merrimack Valley, 43 High St., Suite 310, North Andover, 978-689-9642, bikramyogamv.com.

Things That Make You Go Om Four more yoga styles.
1. Ashtanga Also known as Power yoga, Ashtanga offers a challenging and dynamic series of movements that combine breathing with movement. The goal is to gain strength and stamina. yoga.com.
2. Junzi Now available at A Yoga Practice in Georgetown, Junzi is geared specifically to the needs of the male practitioner. 65 Central  St., Georgetown, 978-352-8886, ayogapractice.net.
3. Iyengar This very precise style focuses on achieving optimal body alignment through awareness and control. yoga.com.
4. Laughter A relatively new form of yoga, Laughter yoga attempts to combine yogic breathing with laughter resulting in health benefits associated with a great big belly laugh. laughter.org.

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What to Expect After Day Surgery
Your bed, your favorite chair, your family, your pets…. Your home reflects what you like and what you need to be comfortable. And now it turns out that for people recovering after day surgery, these homespun comforts trump technology. Continue reading Getting Better All the Time

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Our parents or grandparents may remember a time when the family physician made house calls, and all the tools of the profession fit in a little black medical bag light enough to be toted everywhere. Chances were, back then there was only one doctor in town, so choosing your caregiver wasn’t an issue. Continue reading Peace of Mind: The Primary Benefit Of Choosing The Right Primary Care Physican

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As summer draws to an end, with less time spent on the beach and the water (sigh), you might be ready to toss your sunscreen and to think less about skin protection. Don’t, says Gary Rogers, MD, a dermatologist and director of dermatologic surgery and oncology for the Cutaneous Oncology Group at Beverly Hospital.
Stay careful, and even increase your awareness—both are key to preventing and treating skin cancer, which is on the rise nationwide.
“You don’t need to become a cave dweller to avoid the sun—just be smart about it,” says Dr. Rogers. This fall, consider these steps part of a prescription for skin health:

• Every day, wear sunscreen on your face, ears and hands. Read labels and choose SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection.
• Plan your time outside to avoid the midday sun—in New England in the summer, fall and spring, this is approximately 11 am to 2 pm.
• Find safe ways to get Vitamin D. “You could meet your daily need for Vitamin D with only five minutes outdoors on a cloudy day,” explains Rogers. You can get Vitamin D from food or supplements; check with your health care provider.

Fall is also a good time to “go to school” to learn the signs that a mole or a skin-change should be examined. Ask your primary care provider for information, or go to the websites of the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org/public) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).
Knowing what to look for could save your life, or that of a loved one, because most skin cancers are found by people themselves, or by a spouse, friend or even a hair stylist. Early detection and treatment limits disfigurement, and most important, improves survival rates for squamous cell cancers and melanoma.
Once you know what to look for, what if you do find something? Contact your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Most skin cancers can be treated with an office procedure.
For those cancers that need more specialized treatments, patients should rest assured in knowing that they can receive the most advanced care from Beverly Hospital’s Cutaneous Oncology Group. This team provides diagnosis and treatment in one location, and coordinates the expertise of specialists from dermatology, plastic surgery, medical and surgical oncology, radiology, skilled nursing, and the Lifestyle Management Institute.
The group offers Mohs micrographic surgery to treat skin cancers including melanoma. Performed in Boston teaching hospitals but available on the North Shore only at Beverly Hospital, “It maximally preserves healthy tissue while providing the highest cure rate,” says Dr. Rogers.
The team’s innovations include performing sentinel node biopsy together with Mohs surgery when it is important to find out if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Patients who undergo Mohs surgery can also have cosmetic/reconstructive surgery the same day on the Beverly Hospital campus, if needed. Jagruti Patel, MD,  one of the plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Beverly Hospital who collaborates with Dr. Rogers, says, “We mesh our schedules in the clinic or the operating room, so that patients don’t have to wait days between procedures, but can focus on healing right away.”
This fall, renew your commitment to staying smart about the sun—a choice that will repay you for many seasons.

To learn more about therapies for skin cancer, call our HealthConnection at 888-253-0800 or visit us online at beverlyhospital.org

Beverly Hospital
85 Herrick Street, Beverly, MA  01915
978.922.3000
www.beverlyhospital.org

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