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feel like?'" reported John, "The answer is, it's different for everyone. No one has reported pain, and the worst part is a little pressure in the ears- like you're on an airplane. We encourage patients to swallow. Also, some people might feel a little claustrophobic, but that usually passes." More than keeping patient safety in mind, the clinic also caters to their comfort. Lights are dimmed to make the room appear less stark, and the staff kindly converse with Jamie throughout, calling her "sweetheart." John is very clear about one thing; HBOT itself does not heal, but rather promotes healing. It allows all systems of the body to work together, providing it the oxygen it needs in order to grow, heal and recover on its own. There is no objective test to measure success, but it is made apparent through observation and asking the simple question, "How are you feeling?" Denise and her team treated an autistic boy who was nonverbal and unable to keep eye contact. By his 15th dive, the boy was reciting the ABCs and was able to look his mother in the eyes and say, "I love you." In cases of service members being treated for combat or training-related neurological issues, John also relies on the patients' dependents to report their loved one's progress and any behavioral changes. In those with PTSD, this often means their moods change as they become looser, more alert and less jumpy. More importantly, it means an improved state of mind. "We call them 'service members,' not 'veterans,'" said Denise, referring to the soldiers and airmen they care for, "Often training and even the lifestyle itself can cause damage that manifests in ways like PTSD." A 39-yearold veteran with combat related TBI as well as shoulder, arm and back injuries states that after treatment he feels "more alert and better able to handle situations as they arise." He also says he no longer struggles for words, and his reading comprehension, multitasking skills and sleep patterns have improved. Another veteran who suffered TBI, PTSD, blackouts, depres- Cross Creek Dental We'll keep your teeth healthy and pretty for your entire life. J ust as in computers and medicine, dentistry has made enormous advancements in technology. New dental materials, advanced equipment and procedures have allowed dentists to produce miracles in saving, reconstructing and improving the appearance of people's teeth and smiles. •TeethCleaning •Crowns&Bridges •TeethWhitening •OralCancerScreening •EmergencyTreatment •Dentures&Partials •Repairs •RootCanalTherapy •Extractions •Sealants •GumDiseaseTreatment •FluorideTreatment •Fillings •CosmeticDentistry Welcome Dr. Anthony M. Perrino, DDS Cross Creek Dental is proud to announce the addition of AnthonyM.Perrino,DDS,toourpractice.Dr.Perrinohas been practicing for 30 years and has completed a number of post-graduate training courses in advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry, and root canal therapy. He has taken coursesattheprestigiousDawsonAcademy.Dr.Perrinois a member of the American Dental Association, the North CarolinaDentalSociety,theAcademyofGeneraldentistry aswellastheNewYorkStateDentalSociety. 3622 Morganton Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 910.475.7187 | www.CrossCreekDentist.com CityViewNC.com | 39

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