Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/242056
PREVENTING BLINDNESS Many people who have diabetes don't get an annual retinal exam. The retina is a delicate lining at the back of the eye, explains Dr. Larry Halverson, family medicine physician at Family Medical Care Center. When light strikes the retina it creates a picture that is sent to the brain, causing you to see. "Diabetes damages blood vessels in the retina, which can cause blindness," explains Dr. Halverson. NOW, DIABETES PATIENTS AT FAMILY MEDICAL CARE CENTER ARE ABLE TO GET ANNUAL RETINAL EXAMS. AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE RAISED THE MONEY TO BUY A STATE-OF-THE-ART DIGITAL RETINAL IMAGING SYSTEM. EXAMS ARE PROVIDED FOR FREE TO PATIENTS. LOCAL EYE DOCTORS READ THE IMAGES AT NO CHARGE. Sinus relief For those who suffer from sinusitis, a new procedure is available to help offer relief. "Sinusitis happens when the tissue lining the sinuses has inflammation or swelling. This prevents your sinuses from draining," explains Dr. Jeffrey Fenwick, an ear, nose and throat specialist. Pat Wicks recommends getting a hearing test and hearing aid if you need it. "Don't wait. I can't imagine life without it," she says. He says this can lead to sinus infections, more inflammation and Dr. Jeffrey Fenwick pain. When sinus infections keep happening, it is known as chronic sinusitis. Patients with chronic sinusitis are treated with longer courses of antibiotics, topical sprays and sometimes steroids. If these fail to resolve the problem, then other options such as balloon sinus dilation are considered. ARE YOU A CANDIDATE? CONTACT OUR EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALISTS AT 417/875-3600. WHAT IS SINUSITIS? Symptoms are congestion, pressure, thick drainage and a headache. These are the result of swelling and blockage at the narrow drainage pathways from the sinuses to the nasal passages. 16