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That’s the message President-elect Trump used to win. It was a message that

resounded around the country, in numbers and locales that few predicted. It’s something worthy of contemplation.

While the status of the media, Wall Street, academic institutions, the government, and even our political system can be debated, nearly everyone agrees that our health care system is in dire need of repair. President Obama tried, but failed, to fix it. We’re all suffering.

The health care system is too expensive, and even at that, Americans are getting sicker rather than healthier. The rates of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, psoriasis, MS, and Alzheimer’s disease are skyrocketing. What’s going on?

Fixing our health care system, however, is a daunting task and, in my opinion, starts with the recognition of what’s wrong. Here are just a few problems.

1. The system is focused on treating symptoms and not causes.

2. Doctors are reimbursed for procedures and not for positive results.

3. Doctors are under financial pressure to produce because:

A. Health care education is very costly, putting most in significant debt.

B. Health care overhead is extremely high.

C. Regulation and malpractice premiums have

skyrocketed.

4. Doctors (even dentists) are increasingly being employed by corporate entities that are making demands of production to boost profit as the ultimate measure of success, rather than healthy outcomes.

5. The drive for profits reduces the amount of time doctors can spend with their patients. Time is needed to uncover causes.

6. Big pharma encourages treatment of symptoms, offering quick fixes instead of long-lasting solutions or prevention. That’s why they advertise.

7. Insurance companies promote treatment rather than diagnosis and preventive strategies. Their quest for short-term profits is incompatible with long-term health.

8. The proliferation of “Doc-In-The-Box” emergency clinics and drug store clinics encourages bad patient behavior.

9. Hospitals are terrible places for sick people and provide the most expensive care.

10. Nursing homes provide little more than babysitting.

11. Our food system is producing illness rather than health.

12. Random acts of health-promoting behavior (like diets) are costly and don’t produce lasting results.

13. There’s a lack of coordination between all the members of the health system. This forces individuals to coordinate communication for their own care. This requires a great deal of time and expertise few people possess. As people age, they need a health care

quarterback and advocate. That used to be a role played by the family doctor. No longer.

In short, we now have a “sick-care” system. What we need is a move towards a “well-care” system that truly promotes health. Such a system requires a paradigm shift in our thinking. Currently, many of us go to the doctor when there’s something wrong. The doctor is then focused on righting that wrong and solving the immediate problem. Most of us don’t go to a doctor for a “wellness checkup.”

One of the exceptions to this is going to the dentist. It’s common knowledge that going to the dentist twice a year for examinations and cleanings promotes good oral health. So why don’t we do this for our overall health? Is oral health more important than overall health?

While the two are certainly connected, I would maintain that we should all start with overall health and then move on to oral health.

Manhattan Dental Health is a leader in the coordination of oral health with overall health. As dentists, however, we can only go so far. We need the cooperation of other healthcare providers to give you, the patient, the best possible outcome — preventing future problems.

We believe that preventing problems is preferable to treating symptoms. Yet, we know that uncovering causes can be time consuming and costly. And we know that Insurance doesn’t reimburse for such an approach.

The System Is Broken

There’s something about a hammock, a chilled drink, and the sound of the sea that can’t be beat. As temperatures drop and your calendar fills up, the idea of slowing down — way down — is probably sounding more appealing than ever. The Caribbean is calling, and some of the most idyllic, laid-back beaches are awaiting your visit in Bocas del Toro in Northeastern Panama.

The System Is Broken PAGE 1

End Your Caffeine Cravings

Meet Dr. Gamzeh PAGE 2

Ask the Doctor’s DentistPAGE 3

Visit a True Island Paradise in Panama’s Caribbean PAGE 4

Known for its lush landscapes and quiet beaches, sleepy Bocas del Toro is made up of nine main islands, just a hop away from Panama City. One of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, this beautiful archipelago is perfect for adventure seekers and beach bums alike. There’s something for every kind of Caribbean traveler.

Ecotourism is huge here, as it’s home to Panama’s first national marine park, and outdoorsy visitors can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving lessons from Bocas Town, cave exploration at Basti bat caves, hiking to Almirante waterfalls, and zip lining. Walk around to find tours; Bocas Town is very easily walkable, and pedestrian paths lead to great discoveries sprinkled all over the island.

December 2016

Loungers and foodies enjoy relaxed days at picturesque beaches and evenings devouring the best of the best locally sourced and fresh food at El Ultimo Refugio, which serves an eclectic menu of seafood, fusion, and creative cocktails. There are a number of affordable places to stay, but if you’re looking for something a little more out of the way, check out the nice stand-alone forest cabins overlooking the bay at the eco-friendly La Loma Jungle Lodge on the beautiful Isla Bastimentos.

Travel + Leisure Magazine named Bocas del Toro in Panama this year’s best place to travel, so make your reservations before this amazing place becomes more popular with tourists. Whether you’re looking to party with backpackers or prefer to bird-watch your way through the mangroves, you’ll find the escape you need at Bocas del Toro.

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Escape to Bocas del ToroVisit a True Island Paradise in Panama’s Caribbean

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There comes a point in every hardworking

adult’s life when we realize we’re not getting the most out of our daily cup of coffee. One cup becomes two, two becomes four, and before you know it, you have a problem (though you wouldn’t necessarily admit it). So many of us rely on coffee or energy drinks to get through the morning — and then later to make it through the afternoon. Caffeine makes our day.

Is it time to hit the reset button? If you’re not getting the same boost of energy from coffee, energy drinks, tea, or soda, it might be time to start over. Another cup isn’t the answer. In fact, it’s the opposite. Most of us make the mistake of adding, when we should be subtracting.

Step One. Start by drinking a little less every day. How much less is up to you and may depend on how much caffeine you consume. Look at your current drinking habits. How much have you had to drink today — coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks?

A good place to start is to drink one less cup every two days. If you drink eight cups of coffee a day, over the next two

days, stop at seven; the two following days, stop at six; and so on. Keep in mind, the quicker you wean yourself off caffeine, the more likely you are to experience withdrawal effects (headache, irritability). When you take it slow, you have more control.

Step Two. Find beverage substitutes. One of the best drinks you can consume while “de-caffeinating” is warm water with lemon and honey. Many people swear by this combination. It can help you stay awake and alert, without any of the stimulating effects of caffeine. As you drink fewer caffeinated beverages, drink more water. Give yourself something to reach for — as you would a cup of coffee or can of soda.

Your goal is to give your body time to adjust to lower levels of caffeine in your system. After about a week or two, you should begin to notice that you’re getting more from less — if not, you need to continue the weaning process. For some people, it may take as long as a month. Stick with it and you will be impressed with the results. You can still drink coffee, but you’ll only need one cup instead of eight!

As a teenager, I loved playing bass guitar and building things. I have always enjoyed using my hands and being creative. Today, in my home, I am the designated builder, from book shelves to our baby’s nursery furniture. I love the feeling of seeing a project completed.

I’m also a bit compulsive. Once I start a project, I will not sleep until I finish my task to perfection. I’ve found these two qualities, working with my hands and perfectionism, to be a tremendous asset in my chosen profession as a dentist.

In the dental profession today, it seems that many dentists get distracted and just focus on teeth. As we know though, the

mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. Not maintaining a healthy mouth can lead to dire consequences to overall health. And what happens elsewhere in the body effects the mouth as well.

As a graduate of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, this link was a mantra and focus of our academic studies. In many of our classes I learned beside my medical student colleagues. Understanding the interrelation between the medical and dental professions is what sets Columbia apart from other dental schools. Although the coursework was quite rigorous, Columbia University taught me not to underestimate the dental profession, and that, as a dentist, I can have a profound

impact on the overall health of my patients. I take this responsibility very seriously with each patient that I treat.

Like Columbia University in academics, Manhattan Dental Health is in the forefront of a new vision of dentistry and the mouth and body connection. At MDH, we look at the big picture of overall health.

Absolutely! People with diabetes that is well controlled can receive implants, like anyone else. Knowing your A1C, taking recommended medication, monitoring blood sugar, and eating properly are important factors. Everyone who receives implants can maximize their healing by taking in proper nutrients. We’ll be happy to discuss nutrition with you.

... Cover article, continued.

Michael

We perform saliva and bacterial profiles and bite analysis to measure risks of cavities, gum disease, and bite problems. We also evaluate airway and breathing habits. We use a comprehensive digital health questionnaire to calculate medical and dental risks. We look for causes rather than focusing on symptoms. We use all this information and more to coordinate the most predictable and comfortable care, while communicating with the rest of your health care team. This is what sets apart Manhattan Dental Health from the rest. We care not only about rebuilding your smile, but your overall health and well-being.

After graduating Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Gamzeh went on to complete his residency program in general dentistry at the Veterans Hospital in East Orange, New Jersey. During his residency, Dr. Gamzeh treated our nation’s veterans who suffered from severe dental trauma, tooth decay, and damaging gum disease. With his calming and sincere nature, he was able to deliver the finest dental care to even the most anxious patient. Dr. Gamzeh is a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the American College of Prosthodontists. Dr. Gamzeh currently resides in Teaneck, New Jersey, with his lovely wife, Dafna, and his daughter, Nurit.

We believe that the system is broken. And we’re doing our best to promote a better system by writing to our government, writing books for health care professionals, and giving free seminars to everyone who will listen.

If you too believe that the system is broken and that there’s a better way, we encourage you to act and speak out as well. One way you can start is to help us distribute the book Dr. Goldberg has written, “Beyond Ahh” to the members of your health care team. Just call the office, give us the name and address, and we’ll gladly send a copy. We’re not selling this book. It was written as a public service to the health care profession.

Please send these newsletters to others. Give us your friends’ addresses, and we’ll make sure they get copies. Write or pass this along to your government representatives.

And to find out about the seminars, go to www.bodywellnessseminar.com.

Please help us get the word out that there is a better way. Let’s try to fix the system. Don’t wait for someone else. It can start with YOU!

Michael

HIT YOUR CAFFEINE RESET BUTTONCan people with diabetes get implants?

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