Find the answers you need from Chattanooga's top experts

From adult children that need help with their aging parents to those looking to improve their own health in some way, solutions are not far off. The Scenic City is home to many professionals that can offer help.

The ability to walk is vital to our sense of self-reliance, but age inevitably affects mobility and makes most activities of daily living more challenging to perform. Unable to get around as well as they did for most of their lives, seniors can start to feel isolated and depressed, but the good news is that they do have options to restore quality of life.

Kenny Higdon, owner of 5 Star Home Care, said that with a helping hand, a senior can continue normal daily routines to some extent. His company offers professional, comprehensive home care to people who need help performing such day-to-day activities as bathing, dressing, doing laundry, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation. 5 Star helps seniors with mobility issues, as well as those of all ages who are living with a disability or recovering from an injury or illness.

Families who are concerned about the health and safety of their loved one as the result of immobility of frailty should call or visit 5starHomeCare.com. In Chattanooga and surrounding areas call 423-893-8181. In middle Tennessee, call 931-474-7823.

Did you know that one in 50 Americans will develop melanoma in their lifetime? According to the team at University Surgical Associates, it's the fastest growing cancer in the world, and it spreads earlier and more quickly than other types of skin cancer. For young people ages 15 to 29, it's the second most common type of cancer diagnosis. Most people don't think about their risk of cancer at a younger age – but the average age for a melanoma diagnosis is just 50 years old!

"It's absolutely critical that people of all ages have their skin routinely checked by a dermatologist to watch out for unusual skin changes," said Alvaro Valle, MD, surgical oncologist with University Surgical Associates. "This is so important because when skin cancer – including melanoma – is found earlier, it's much easier to treat effectively."

For more information about University Surgical, visit universitysurgical.com. To schedule an appointment for a second opinion on any melanoma diagnosis, call 423-267-0466.

Gum disease is a very common ailment in the world of oral health, but for many, information can get muddled on what's true versus what's not. The team of Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy Daisy Smiles are working to educate their patients and the community on both the realities of the problem and how to prevent it.

"One of the biggest myths out there is that gum disease is actually not common," Dr. Mandy said. "That couldn't be further from the truth. We see different cases all the time."

Gum disease itself, she explained, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth, and is caused by plaque that is constantly forming on teeth.

If you think you have potential gum disease, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. The team at Soddy Daisy Smiles is available to answer any questions or concerns or schedule an appointment for an exam. Contact 423-332-5275.

Research from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) shows that an estimated 28.8 million adults in the United States could benefit from hearing aids. Fewer than 30 percent of this population, however, have ever actually used hearing aids. In fact, research suggests that most hearing aid users wait at least 10 years after the onset of their hearing loss to seek intervention. For those who are candidates, the team at Johnson Audiology offers hearing aids to help treat hearing loss by giving the user access to sounds they are unable to detect with their ears alone, improving speech understanding and awareness of environmental sounds. The large population of patients with untreated hearing loss are not only missing out on these direct benefits, but are also at risk for additional physical and psychological health issues.

For more information about the effects and signs of hearing loss, contact the team at Johnson Audiology to schedule a consultation or appointment at 423-710-1432 or visit johnsonaudiology.com.

Complete Eye Care has a tradition of providing quality eye care for people of all ages and remains a leader in delivering everything from comprehensive eye exams to life-changing cataract surgery, and beyond.

In continuing these traditions, Will Whitmire, M.D. has joined Complete Eye Care. After graduating as Valedictorian of his class at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Dr. Whitmire received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, graduating with distinction. After serving as Youth Minister in his local church, he ultimately pursued his medical education, graduating from the Medical College of Georgia in 2011. After completing an internship with the University of Tennessee, Dr. Whitmire went on to complete his ophthalmology training at the prestigious Scott & White Eye Institute at Texas A&M.

"I joined the Complete Eye Care team because of Dr. Bonner's vision to serve the community with a humility and care the reflects the love of Christ," Dr. Whitmire shared. "I hope that together we can meet the needs of the surrounding community and serve the world around us to the best of our ability both here and abroad."

Looking for an eye doctor? Need cataract surgery? Dr. Whitmire and Complete Eye Care are here to meet all your eye care needs, call 423-332-8222 to schedule an appointment.

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, many are looking forward to all the parties, gatherings and celebrations they bring. However, for some, this time of year can be a difficult one and individuals may even turn to drinking as an escape or a relief.

For those looking to get help now, Focus Centers offers many resources and groups to help end drinking all together.

Just giving up alcohol for the short term can offer benefits to physical health and can cause long term improvement in other areas of life as well. It is not necessary to have a serious alcohol problem before deciding to give up alcohol; however, when alcohol has become an addiction, giving it up has the potential to offer a long-awaited escape from misery and unhappiness, but it's often quite difficult to follow-through.

Contact Focus Treatment Centers at 423-308-2560 for a complimentary assessment today. The new year can be a great time to embrace sobriety, but it is even more affirming to remain sober through out the year.

Chattanooga Wellness Centers provide the Latest Holistic Wellness Services and Cold Laser Therapy advancements to reduce pain, heal your soft tissue injuries and so much more. Dr. Shawn R. Jones is the Director and a 1986 Palmer College graduate who has been helping clients back to health for over 32 years. He and his twin brother Dr. Marcus G. Jones opened practices here in Chattanooga after graduating. He has acquired many additional degrees and certifications including a B.S. in Physical Therapy, Advanced Clinical Training Certification in Nutrition Response Testing, certified in & taught Cold Laser Therapy to Chiropractors, has numerous Class 3 & 4 lasers in both clinics.

Their offices are dedicated to making care affordable to anyone who is serious about healing and feeling much better and they have CareCredit financing available if needed so everyone can afford the care you need and enjoy a healthier pain-free life.

Looking for the experienced, skilled hands and advanced knowledge for Chiropractic and some or all of these Wellness Services below? Chattanooga Wellness Centers are located at 6016 East Brainerd Road, 423-643-2277 and for 2221 N. Ocoee St. Cleveland, TN 37311 Call 423-790-5000.

Upcoming Events