Home, health, and happiness in 2019

Chattanooga is digging right in to 2019 and not wasting anytime getting healthier and happier. With so many local experts who offer much to help keep those new year resolutions, it's no surprise that the Scenic City continues to thrive in improving the lives of those who call it home.

When it comes to caring for your aging loved ones, 5 Star Home Care offers services and care that fit every need, especially for those suffering with alzheimer's or dementia.

Kenny Higdon, owner of 5 Star Home Care, suggests art therapy as one method of engaging these loved ones and keeping their minds sharp. His company employs caregivers who help seniors and those living with a disability or recovering from an injury or illness to perform day-today activities.

"My heart goes out to anyone with Alzheimer's and their family," Higdon said. "We take care of the bathing, dressing, doing laundry, light housekeeping, meal preparation and transportation so they can concentrate their energy on reaching out and staying connected to their loved one."

The business carefully connects caretakers with clients across Tennessee. For families who are concerned about the health and safety of a loved one, reach out to 5 Star Home Care at 423-893-8181.

When you hear the word ultrasound you may automatically think women and pregnancy, but ultrasound is an important component of vascular medicine and provides critical information that vascular surgeons of University Surgical Associates use to perform lifesaving treatment.

Vascular ultrasound is used to evaluate arteries or veins in nearly any part of the body, including blood vessels in the neck, abdomen, arms and legs.

The Vascular Group of University Surgical Associates features an onsite ultrasound lab, called Vascular Diagnostic Services (VDS), staffed with ultrasound professionals. The lab began in 1982 as a mobile unit offering ultrasound services to outlying hospitals in the region. At that time, those types of services were not offered in rural areas. Today, VDS is a comprehensive vascular laboratory – accredited in all areas of vascular testing by the International Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL). USA vascular technicians also travel to the USA Cleveland, Gunbarrel, Dayton, and Crossville offices to perform studies.

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

If you're wondering whether or not your smile can be camera-ready in time for all those New Year's Eve photos, don't fret, Soddy Daisy Smiles has the answers.

"There are multiple cosmetic treatments and some of them can be done in just a couple short visits," said Dr. Robert Shearer. "There are a number of treatments that can help erase imperfections and improve the appearance of your pearly whites so you can move forward with more confidence, prepared to celebrate in style."

He added that while most people have heard of whitening and veneers, as forms of cosmetic dentistry, they are not the only ways to enhance a smile. Bonding and contouring are other ways a dentist can help improve it.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Soddy Daisy Smiles at 423-332-5275 or visit soddydaisysmiles.com.

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.

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 2245 Chambliss Ave. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 Call 423-790-5000.

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