Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/242056
"With this technology we are able to do the exam during a patient's regular appointment and send it to an eye doctor for review," says Dr. Halverson. A treatment plan begins immediately for patients who are at risk of losing their vision. During the quick and painless exam, the patient sits still while a high resolution photo is taken of the retina or the back of the eye. "When we show patients the damage diabetes has done to their eyes, they may be motivated to work harder to get their Dr. Larry Halverson diabetes under control," he says "It's extra work for our clinic, but we are really excited about the potential this has to improve our community's health," he says. "We hope to prevent blindness." FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 417/269-8817. Controlling diabetes also helps prevent heart attacks, kidney failure, amputations and other complications, adds Dr. Halverson. During balloon sinus dilation a local anesthesia is used to numb the sinus tissue. Are you missing out on conversations? "A small balloon is inserted and gently opened to reshape the sinus drainage pathways. This restores normal sinus drainage," says Dr. Fenwick. The balloon is deflated and removed after a few seconds. FOR INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR HEARING EXPERTS, CALL FERRELL-DUNCAN CLINIC AUDIOLOGY AT 417/875-3600. THE CLINIC IS LOCATED IN THE COXHEALTH SURGERY CENTER. Patients are able to go home following the procedure. If you think you have hearing loss, our nationally certified and state licensed audiologists can help. They offer hearing assessments and hearing aid options. SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS Difficulty understanding conversation in a noisy or group setting. Increasing the volume on the TV/radio. You can hear but can't always clearly understand speech. Asking people to repeat what they say. Noticing voices sounding muffled or perceive speech as mumbled. coxhealth.com 17