Job Opportunity at DENT Neurologic

DENT needs Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and/or Physician Assistants. This is an opportunity to grow with the Dent's Division of Neuropsychiatry. CV's can be faxed or e-mailed to: 

Horacio A Capote MD, Director, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Dent Neurologic Institute, 3980 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, Phone (716) 250-2000 Fax (716) 819-382. Special interviews will be scheduled.

Family Health Fair - Saturday August 6

Come to a Family Health Fair for people of all ages on Saturday, August 6 from 9-noon. Free Admission, no reservations, free screenings. Information available will include bone density heel scans, glucose and cholesterol screening, hand and shoulder therapy, orthopedic surgery, robotic surgery and more. Over 60 providers will be available to answer questions. Location is Amherst Senior Center, 370 Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY. Call 634-1895 for information. Stop by and pick up a Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine when you are there.

Zerona - The New Laser Free Weight Loss Treatment

By Annette Pinder

Perhaps you have seen it on TV. It has been on Rachel Ray, Dr. Oz, and others. If you did, you might have thought this latest weight loss technology sounds like a gimmick. After all, how could six 40-minute treatments possibly shrink body fat and inches? 

Buffalo cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian, says he and his nurse practitioner, Jenna Goldsmith, NP were highly skeptical about claims made by Zerona, provider of the new laser technology that claims the benefit of weight loss, but after reviewing the materials and process thoroughly they went ahead with it. They now say the results in their practice have surprised them and, for many patients, have been nothing short of a miracle.

Zerona, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August 2010, is a non-invasive alternative to liposuction, and a new way to treat difficult-to-remove fatty areas of the body. Treatments consist of six 40-minute sessions over a two-week period. During these painless procedures, the patient lies down as a cool-laser shines on (but does not touch) the skin over specific target areas. The laser temporarily opens small pores in the membrane around each fat cell, liquefying the fatty tissue inside and allowing it to escape into the interstitial area of the body. The body absorbs, metabolizes, and eliminates the fat through the lymphatic system. Fat cells are unharmed through this process and, once relieved of the tissue, shrink in size, reducing the mass of problem areas. The result is overall loss of weight and inches.

Goldsmith say their patients have been very happy to discover that Zerona is pain free. It is blade free, needle free laser technology with the added advantage of not altering the distribution of fat cells. It simply restores fat cells to a normal or subnormal size, based on ultra-structural studies done by Zerona. 


The results of these studies enabled Zerona to receive FDA approval for its efficacy in reducing inches from various parts of the body in a healthy manner. As such, Zerona does not harm fat cells, which are important in normal body function and metabolism. Liposuction, on the other hand, sucks out the fat cells in hopes of reshaping the body, with outcomes that are operator dependent, meaning the technical skill of the surgeon. Liposuction is quite expensive, has associated down time and requires anesthesia. Zerona has no down time and can be done in as little as 45 minutes with 3, 6, 9 or 12 sessions.

It is important to note that while there are no known negative side effects of the Zerona process, no long term studies have been completed. Most of Dr. Karamanoukian’s patients give the procedure rave reviews. As always, however, it’s best to do thorough research on any new medical technology you integrate into your life to understand all risks and benefits.

Zerona is known to be most effective when used in patients leading healthy lives and seeking weight-loss in problem areas. It is also best for patients who use it with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Individuals who are medically obese or unable to exercise or control their diet are usually not good candidates. Since Zerona doesn’t remove fat cells, it is possible a lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet can cause the cells “emptied” by Zerona to fill up again. Goldsmith says, We tell our patients Zerona is great, but a commitment to a healthy lifestyle is very important to their long-term success.

To learn more about this procedure that might enhance your weight loss efforts visit www.zerona.com.

For information contact Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa located in East Amherst, contact 568-2139 or visit www.lookgood90210.com and www.lookgood90210.com/testimonials

Depression Without Medicine - New Treatment at Dent Neurological Institute

Depression is a devastating brain illness that affects millions of Americans, their families and even their employers. People with depression may exhibit such symptoms as problems with sleep, appetite, level of energy, and concentration. They may show a lack of motivation, unusual feelings of guilt, and experience sadness or irritability. This is now well understood to be a problem in how the brain is functioning. Despite this, many people still don’t seek treatment largely because of feelings of shame. Unlike strokes or seizures where the signs of brain dysfunction become clearly visible to us, depression is not so obvious. Perhaps this is why people think differently about depression and sometimes attach stigma to the diagnosis.

Recently, a new treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was approved by the FDA for people who do not respond to treatment with an antidepressant. TMS makes use of magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain in a specific area known to be involved with depression. This treatment occurs while the individual is fully conscious right in the comfort of the doctor’s office. It is very well tolerated and produces little or no side effects at all.

The Dent Neurologic Institute’s Division of Neuropsychiatry under the direction of Dr. Horacio Capote is the sole provider of this modality in Western New York. Currently, there are approximately 200 providers across the country. Dr. Capote reports that these first 14 months of providing this treatment have been quite gratifying. He says it has been very satisfying to be able to offer such an effective treatment to people who had almost given up hope. He looks forward to helping many more as word of this technology spreads.

Although the FDA indication is for medication resistant depression, recent studies have focused on other groups of patients such as women with post-partum depression who don’t want to pass on antidepressants to the baby while breastfeeding or patients on chemotherapy who are already on multiple medications. In short, a variety of different uses for this treatment are being explored because it is so safe. The coming years will likely see an explosion of other uses for this treatment. Dr. Capote and his team at The Dent Neurologic Institute, with its active involvement in research, will be at the cutting edge. He says that their involvement in clinical trials comes from a desire to provide our patients with the best possible outcomes there are.

It should be noted that treatment of depression is complex and multifaceted. Exercise, nutrition, psychotherapy, social interaction, medications and a myriad of other factors are all important contributors to the treatment of depression. This article is meant to describe a very new and exciting treatment alternative for depression and by no means is meant to diminish the importance of these other issues.

If you have an interest in finding out more about TMS or becoming involved in one of the many research projects currently being conducted, call the Dent Neurologic Institute at 716-250-2000 and the courteous staff there will do their best to address your needs. Even though other treatments haven’t worked in the past, there is hope. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

WNY Resource:

Horatio Capote, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Division of Neuropsychiatry at Dent Neurologic Institute in Amherst. See http://www.dentinstitute.com/new.html.

To learn more about TMS see http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/mind-control-TMS.html

NeuroStar TMS has been included in the American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibit called Brain: The Inside Story. NeuroStar TMS was selected to be included in the exhibit as it is one of the most innovative brain treatments available today. Brain: The Inside Story combines Museum research focus on evolutionary history and the diversity of life with the recent explosion in technology that is giving scientists a deeper understanding of brain chemistry and function, says Michael Novacek, Senior Vice President and Provost for Science at the Museum. For instance, we illustrate how some of the basic components of the human brain, such as the limbic system that allows communication and social behavior, are also found in other mammals. For more information on the exhibit go to:
http://www.amnh.org/news/2010/11/first-look-at-brain-the-inside-story/

See the following video for more information.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMJJ3DpzXdk&feature=player_embedded#at=1

New DENT Dizziness and Balance Center Brings Hope, World Class Diagnostics and Treatment

by Annette Pinder

Have you ever felt dizzy or lightheaded? Lost your balance? Experienced vertigo (a feeling of spinning)? 

One in 3 people will have dizziness or balance dysfunction during their life time. They are the number 1 complaint of patients over age 70 and number 3 complaint of all patients (after headache and lower back pain).

Twenty million Americans visit the emergency room each year for fall related injuries, and balance-related falls account for more than half of the accidental deaths in the elderly. These problems have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and overall safety. Imagine the world spinning around you constantly.

According to Lixin Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Dizziness and Balance Center at Buffalo’s Dent Neurologic Institute, 90 percent of all causes of dizziness can be identified with a thorough evaluation. Even more impressive is his assertion that 90 percent of dizziness and imbalance, once diagnosed, can be treated successfully. Yet many people suffer much longer than they should. Years can go by without an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In fact, preliminary data at the Center reveals their new patients had an average 55 months of dizziness, multiple physician and ER visits, and various tests without resolution before their first evaluation.

The most common problem causing dizziness and vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Dr. Zhang says BPPV is caused by crystals to fall into the inner ear canal and resolving this can take only minutes by positioning the patient’s head correctly to reposition the crystals. Patients are often amazed at how quickly and simply their symptoms may be resolved. The second most common dizziness or lightheadedness is called phobic postural vertigo. These patients tend to have feeling of imbalance, or fear of falling, especially under stress, in the crowded places like church, grocery store or shopping mall. Other common problems treated as the dizziness center include migraine associated vertigo, Menieres disease, peripheral or central vestibulopathies and imbalance/fall related problems. Dr. Zhang adds that with extensive diagnostic information, we can provide a fairly specific diagnosis, and treatment protocols. Our successful rate is above 90 percent. Even for patients without much improvement, specific reasons may be identified.

Dr. Zhang is able to provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment all in one location. The treatment is mainly the combination of non-sedative dizziness preventive medications and vestibular therapy. Since the Center opened nearly two years ago, more than 1,000 patients have been evaluated and treated. Prior to that, Western New Yorkers had to travel to The Cleveland Clinic, or elsewhere in the U.S. to receive these same tests. The Center is offering Computerized Dynamic Posturography, the state-of-art technology developed for NASA astronauts, to evaluate patients with unexplained falls or an imbalance condition. The technology may also provide objective data to assess the ability for a patient to return to a normal lifestyle following a sports concussion or work-related injuries.

Lixin Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. is the Medical Director of The Dizziness and Balance Center DENT Neurological Institute 716-250-2000 www.dentinstitute.com/zhang.html. He is accepting new patients.

UB Neurosurgery Only Hospital in WNY to Receive JCAH Gold Seal of Approval for Acute Stroke

The Stroke Care Center at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval and achieved Disease-Specific Care Certification for Acute Stroke from the Joint Commission. It is the only hospital in Western New York to achieve this certification.Less than 1 percent of the 5,700 hospitals in the United States have received this certification. The Joint Commission evaluated the hospital on its compliance with the Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art national standards and performance measurement expectations for the management of chronic care illnesses. Taken into account was physician and staff skill in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke victims. The designation recognizes the full continuum of care provided by the many areas of the hospital that comprise the Stroke Care Center, said Tamara Owen, president of Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital. The accreditation process is a comprehensive independent evaluation of the stroke care that we provide in Western New York. The Joint Commission has more than 50 years of recognized and respected experience and expertise in evaluating clinical care quality in all types of health care settings.

Williamsville Primary Care Center Welcomes New Physician

July 6, 2011

Catholic Health Primary Care Services and Kenmore Mercy Hospital are pleased to welcome Brenda L. Perez, MD, to the Williamsville Primary Care Center.

A Buffalo native, Dr. Perez is board-certified in family medicine.

She received her Medical Degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and her Masters of Business Administration Degree from the University of Buffalo, School of Management, with a concentration in Health Care Administration.

She completed her residency in family and general practice at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center.

In addition to her primary care practice, Dr. Perez was also named associate medical director for Catholic Health Primary Care Services. Prior to joining Williamsville Primary Care, she was a family physician at Catholic Health’s Chestnut Ridge Family Practice.

Dr. Perez joins Suchitra Koneru, MD, Jennifer Teeter, DO, and Sanford R. Pleskow, MD, in accepting new patients at the Williamsville Primary Care Center.

In addition to primary care services, the site also houses Kenmore Mercy’s Williamsville Diagnostic Center, which includes a Laboratory Service Center for blood work and other specimen collection, and advanced radiology services including ultrasound, X-Ray and MRI.

Dr. Perez’s office is located at the Williamsville Diagnostic Center (400 International Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221).

For appointments, please call (716) 447-7106.

Autism Organization To Host 4th Annual Bike Riding Program

Upstate NY Families for Effective Autism Treatment (UNYFEAT), is proud to announce they will again be hosting the 4th Annual “Lose The Training Wheels” Bike Riding Program to be held at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Gordon Field House, One Lomb Memorial Drive, from August 8^th – 12^th, 2011. The acclaimed program uses unique adapted bicycles to train children to ride their conventional bicycles without training wheels. “Lose the Training Wheels” provides specialized bicycle riding equipment and a team of experts who oversee the program. Each biker is assigned one 75-minute session per day for five consecutive days. Volunteers assist the trainers with each child. On site training is available for volunteers who must register in advance. The goal is to change the lives of children by teaching them a skill that will build self-confidence, provide inclusion with their peers, and give them a lifetime of fun and exercise!

Lose The Training Wheels™ is more than just a bike-riding program. For many children with disabilities, it’s a seemingly impossible task they can typically master in less than a week’s time. Within days of learning to ride, many children exhibit independent behaviors for the first time ever. This achievement creates a gateway of opportunity, helping them gain assurance and self-reliance in many other aspects of their lives. Medical studies have proven that children with disabilities who learn to ride a bike experience improved mental and physical health.

80% of Lose the Training Wheels participants have learned to ride a bike within a 5-day period. UNYFEAT participants have risen above this percentage each of our prior years.

Once again, filled to capacity, UNYFEAT seeks volunteers during the program to serve as spotters by providing physical support and emotional encouragement. Spotters are requested to commit to one session or a total of approximately 1.5 hours of each morning or afternoon, weekdays from August 8^th – 12^th. This level of commitment is beneficial for the biker during the training process as well as enabling the volunteer to see a child progress through the week of camp and celebrate success with them. Volunteers need to run to be able to keep up with the riders. Volunteers must sign up in advance in order to participate and may find materials to do so at the UNYFEAT website at www.unyfeat.org. Proof of community service hours is available at the end of the week-long camp.

UNYFEAT appreciates donations that can be offered towards the event. Items of need would be bottled water, t-shirts and sponsorships. Inquiries about sponsorships or volunteering may be directed to (585) 248-9011 or by email at contact@unyfeat.org. UNYFEAT is the leading not-for-profit advocacy organization for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families in the Greater Rochester Area. UNYFEAT’s mission is to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life.

ROSWELL PARK CEO RECEIVES AWARD FROM JOHNS HOPKINS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Donald L. Trump, MD, FACP, President and CEO of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association June 10 during his alma mater’s 2011 Reunion Weekend. The award honors graduates who have brought credit to the university by their personal accomplishment, professional achievement or humanitarian service.Dr. Trump earned his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1970. From 1970 to 1975, he completed an internship and residency training in medicine and a fellowship in oncology and served as Chief Resident in internal medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. In May 2009 he was inducted into the Johns Hopkins University Society of Scholars.

Dr. Trump (right), said, “This was a huge honor, and it’s incredibly rewarding to earn this distinction from Johns Hopkins, which has few peers in the field of medical education.” Dr. Trump has served as RPCI’s chief executive officer since April 2007.Dr. Trump first came to RPCI in 2002 as Senior Vice President for Clinical Research and Chair of the Department of Medicine. He leads the Institute’s strong clinical research program in vitamin D-based cancer prevention and treatment and cares for patients with prostate cancer and urologic cancers. He is the principal or co-principal investigator on several grants funded by the National Cancer Institute.In addition, Dr. Trump serves on the boards of directors of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership; is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, with subspecialty boards in Medical Oncology; and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 journal publications, book chapters and abstracts.