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Ugly, Painful Varicose Veins?
Brian Heywood, M.D., and W. Scott Reid, D.O., of Mid Illini Surgical Associates will offer FREE visual vein exams
WHEN |
WHERE |
Monday, July 19,
4-5:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 22,
(Please call for appointment; space is limited)
Friday, July 23
(Please call for appointment; space is limited)
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Peoria
Methodist Atrium, 900 N. Main St, Ste 530
Pekin
Park Court, 600 S. 13th St., Ste E
Kewanee
Clinic office, 1051 W. South St.
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“If you are one of the many who suffer from the discomfort of varicose veins,” Dr. Reid said, “then we encourage you to call us to schedule an appointment on one of these days to be sure to get your 15-minute screening. It’s free, easy and painless, so you can’t lose!” He added that those who want to be screened should come in shorts or a dress so that their legs are exposed for the screening.
Raising Awareness
An estimated 25 million people in the United States have varicose veins. A leading cause is attributed to venous reflux disease, often occurring from “incompetent” or “leaky” valves in the large vein running from the ankle to the groin in each leg. In addition to varicose veins, other symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration. This condition can be progressive if left untreated, and symptoms may worsen with time.
- About 72% of women and 42% of men in America will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.
- Peak incidence of venous insufficiency occurs in women aged 40-49 years and in men aged 70-79 years.
- Common risk factors include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity and professions where long periods of standing are required.
MISA is hosting the FREE screening events to help educate the community about the dangers of venous and vascular disease, along with risk factors, prevention and treatment options. As part of the program, they will introduce their newest treatment – the VNUS Closure® procedure by VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc.
VNUS Closure® Procedure
“Patients with venous reflux disease can now be treated with the VNUS Closure procedure, a minimally invasive treatment alternative,” Dr. Reid, explained. “In fact, patients treated with this procedure can typically resume regular activities in a day. That’s significant because vein stripping surgery has been the most traditional treatment in the past, and it has often often resulted in a much longer recovery time. As many people who have varicose veins know, they can be quite painful, so VNUS Closure may be the best answer for many of those who have been putting off treatment.”
Patient satisfaction with the VNUS procedure has been high, due both to shorter recovery and less pain. In fact, reports indicate 95% of VNUS Closure patients refer their friends for the procedure. VNUS Closure is also widely embraced by physicians and covered by most insurance companies.
Call us at (309) 672-5975 or (800) 706-6472 for an appointment!
Dates and locations are subject to change.
*This procedure is covered by most medical insurance providers.
Mid Illini Surgical Associates to Offer FREE Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) Kits
Since MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, Mid Illini Surgical Associates is offering FREE Fecal Occult Blood Testing Kits. Those interested can visit these locations to receive a free screening kit. Participants will be asked to fill out their demographics, pick up a kit and mail it back for results.
WHEN |
WHERE |
Thurs, March 18,
11:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
Fri, March 19
11:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
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Pekin
Park Court, 600 S. 13th St., Ste E
Peoria
Methodist Atrium, 900 N. Main St, Ste 530
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For more information on colorectal screenings or colon-rectal cancer, read “What You Don’t Know Really Can Hurt You!” or call 672-5975 for a consultation with Jeffrey Williamson, M.D.
Illinois Valley Center for Plastic Surgery
to
Hold “Dazzle Me” Open House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2009
(Peoria) For those interested in a true holiday makeover, the Illinois Valley Center for Plastic Surgery (IVCPS) has the answer. On Thursday, December 3, from 3 to 7 p.m., Dr. James M.
Sheridan and his staff will welcome current and prospective patients to their new office in the Atrium Building, located at 900 Main Street, Suite 530, in Peoria.
“The ‘Dazzle Me’ Open House is a wonderful opportunity for patients to see our new offices in a
festive setting,” Dr. Sheridan said. “In addition, it’s a perfect time for anyone who might be
interested in cosmetic or reconstructive procedures to get more information.”
Discounts on Procedures and Products Available
As part of the festivities, Dr. Sheridan will offer complimentary facial peels. Plus, IVCPS will
feature 20 percent off BOTOX® injections, dermal fillers and Latisse®, which is currently being
advertised in commercials with Brooke Shields. These are some of today’s most popular
cosmetic procedures, promising an enhanced appearance in time for the holidays. In addition, skin care products by Skin Medica®, Obagi® NuDerm and NeoStrata® will be available at 10
percent off, IVCPS will schedule FREE cosmetic surgery consultations (valued at $125), and gift certificates will be available for purchase.
Dr. Sheridan, one of the most well-respected plastic surgeons in Central Illinois, will present “Body Contouring and Liposuction” at 6 p.m., while Dr. Brian Heywood and Dr. Scott Reid of Mid Illini Surgical Associates (MISA) will hold a FREE visual screening for varicose veins from 4
to 6 p.m. The two practices recently merged and moved to the Atrium, where they have adjoining
offices on the fifth floor.
Appointments Recommended
Although walk-ins are welcome to attend the Open House and presentation by Dr. Sheridan,
appointments are recommended to take full advantage of the day’s specials. In addition,
appointments are required for the varicose vein screening.
Call 691-7800 for an appointment with IVCPS and 672-5975 to schedule a free
varicose vein screening.
(Peoria) Starting November 3, 2009, the Board certified physicians of the recently merged Mid Illini Surgical Associates (MISA) and Illinois Valley Center for Plastic Surgery (IVCPS) will begin seeing patients at their new office in the Atrium Building, located at 900 Main Street, Suite 530, in Peoria.
According to Dr. Paul Sutherland, “MISA has outgrown its office space in the Glen Oak Medical Plaza. Over the past 2-1/2 years, we have added three new surgeons, and we are running out of room. The new location in the Atrium Building will accommodate all of our physicians and staff, while leaving space for future growth.” Plus, the additional space enables the MISA surgeons to see breast, vascular, colo-rectal and general surgery patients on one side of the suite, while plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic patients will be seen by Dr. James M. Sheridan on the other side of the suite.
More Space, Easy Access
The fifth-floor suite in the Atrium features twice the space to serve patients better with 11 exam rooms and three minor procedure rooms. The new location also includes more areas to discuss healthcare needs privately.
“The Atrium is a well-known office building in downtown Peoria,” Dr. Jeffrey Williamson said. “It’s easy to find, with access to street-level parking. In addition, a covered entrance protects patients from inclement weather, and drivers can pull up to the front door. Our new suite will mean patients receive even more benefits and comfort by the same qualified, caring team. Combining MISA and IVCPS means patients have access to one of the most comprehensive surgical teams in Central Illinois – and now that team will be together on one floor.”
MISA and IVCPS will be closed Friday, October 30th and the following Monday, November 2nd to accommodate the move to the new office. They will re-open on Tuesday, November 3rd. Patients may call 672-5975 (MISA) or 691-7800 (IVCPS) for an appointment.
A Comprehensive Surgical Team
The MISA/IVCPS team includes seven specialists:
Effective January 1, 2007, Medicare began funding a minimally invasive screening that detects abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) as part of their “Welcome to Medicare” physical. The program offers free, one-time AAA screenings to qualified patients enrolling in the Medicare system.
Why Is This Important?
Every year 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with AAA – often with no symptoms or warning signs. AAA refers to a weakening in the wall of the large artery that takes the blood from the heart to the body (aorta). Caught early, there are a number of treatment options, but if the AAA ruptures, it can be fatal. AAAs claim the lives of 15,000 people annually. The decision to fund these screenings may save thousands of lives every year.
Who Is At Risk?
AAA affects 6 to 9% of men over 65 and is the 10th leading cause of death for men over 55. In addition, smokers are at risk. Although most know that smoking can contribute to lung and heart disease, few smokers know they are damaging their aorta. AAAs give patients little to no warning that the pressure is building, which can lead to a rupture and internal bleeding that is often fatal. Risk factors also include family history, heart disease, high blood pressure and poor diet.
Who Is Eligible?
Medicare will pay for one-time only preventive ultrasound AAA screenings for at-risk beneficiaries including:
- 1) men ages 65 to 75 who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime
- 2) individuals with a family history of AAAs
- 3) any other individuals recommended for screening by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
What Is Involved?
AAA can be painlessly detected using an ultrasound or CT scan. When the aneurysm is detected before it ruptures, patients can be treated with a high rate of success using either open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair, a minimally invasive procedure in which a tube-like sleeve called an “endovascular stent graft” is placed inside the aorta. The blood flows through the sleeve, thereby decreasing pressure on the aneurysm.
What Are The Symptoms?
Many people do not experience any symptoms, but pain may be reported, often occurring in the abdomen, back or chest area. If you are concerned about AAA or are experiencing this type of pain, contact your doctor for an evaluation. If you have already been diagnosed with AAA, contact Mid Illini Surgical Associates to learn more about the available treatments.
How Is It Treated?
One new treatment option offered by MISA is the EXCLUDER Bifurcated Endoprosthesis. This endovascular repair seals off the aneurysm by placing an endovascular graft inside the diseased aorta, creating a new path for blood flow. The endovascular graft then remains inside the aorta permanently.Thus, the blood stops putting pressure on the aneurysm, and the risk for rupture is diminished.
Scott Reid,D.O., and Brian Heywood, M.D., F.A.C.S., specialize in vascular, endovascular and general surgery.
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