Page 13 - Stuart Exposure - December '23

Stuart Exposure, Page 13

taMpa general news

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Dr. Sonja K. Olsen, a board- Olsen brings more than a decade of experience in

Disease: The Silent Threat certified gastroenterologist providing world-class digestive and liver care, and specializes
in liver disease and disorders, including those related to
and hepatologist, is trained
New Guidelines Advise Screenings in the AACE’s updated NAFLD. Her vast experience and unique credentials are why
screening for NAFLD. She many local primary doctors and endocrinologists refer their
Could you have fatty liver disease? According to the offers screenings at Tampa patients with NAFLD to her care.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), General Hospital (TGH) Olsen is the only physician in the Palm Beach County
individuals with risk factors such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, Digestive Health Center, region with specialized expertise in the management of
high blood pressure, high cholesterol or metabolic syndrome formerly TGH Gastro Group patients with end-stage liver disease, both before and after
should be screened for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease of the Palm Beaches. The liver transplantation. She treats patients with colon, liver and
(NAFLD) by their primary doctor or endocrinologist. pain-free screening consists bile duct cancer; gallbladder disease; alcohol-related and
The vast majority of Americans, nearly 96 percent with of a FibroScan, a noninvasive nonalcohol-related liver disease; drug-related liver injury;
NAFLD, are unaware they have the chronic disease. When diagnostic device used to and all forms of hepatitis.
left untreated, NAFLD can result in liver cirrhosis, fibrosis measure the fat content of the liver, and liver stiffness, which A doctor’s order is needed for the screening, and patients
or failure, and even death. is a marker for scarring. with high-risk factors are encouraged to contact their primary
The AACE recently released new guidelines for the “This new, advanced preventative measure available care provider to determine if a screening for NAFLD is
early screening and diagnosis of NAFLD, hoping to through TGH Digestive Health Center offers patients a greater appropriate. TGH Digestive Health Center, formerly TGH
mitigate its progression and raise awareness to allow for opportunity to detect and treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches, has offices at 2001 N.
earlier identification, disease management and referrals to as soon as possible,” said Dr. Olsen. “Our goal is to provide Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, and 3401 PGA
specialists. If NAFLD is detected and managed early, it’s the most up-to-date and comprehensive information to our Blvd., Suite 500, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. Both
possible to prevent it from progressing and could reduce the patients, and to give them the greatest level of comfort and offices can be reached by calling (561) 659-6543.
amount of damage and fat in the liver. reassurance.”
raising awareness

CTWH Is Educating The and trust. She shares what parents can do to help keep their
Treasure Coast About Human children safe and what should be done if contact has already
been established.
Trafficking Among the recent groups she’s addressed are kindergarten
to fifth grade students at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and
By Jackie Holfelder Church; members and guests of Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter
The whirlwind schedule of Sarah Marie Henry, executive of the Links at its Princess Tiana in Sneakers Running to Stop
director of Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH), continues to be Human Trafficking Tea; Christ the King Lutheran Church and
filled with speaking engagements as residents of the Treasure Community; Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition;
Coast endeavor to learn all they can about this heinous crime Treasure Coast Women’s Republican Club; and Treasure Coast
happening right in local neighborhoods. Classical Academy.
Often accompanied by Detective Brian Broughton, SVU Catch the Wave of Hope can tailor its presentation to the
Detective from the Martin County Sheriff Office, Henry gives youngest attendees. Since recent statistics have confirmed that At Treasure Coast Classical
sobering statistics about how much trafficking is taking place the United States is the No. 1 country in the world for human Academy: Sarah Marie At Indian River Healthy Start
right in our backyards, often by people that your children know trafficking, Florida is the No. 3 state for human trafficking and Henry, CTWH executive Coalition: Sarah Marie Henry,
director; Kiley Baggett, CTWH executive director and
TCCA; MCSO Detective Jessica Staudt, Indian River
Brian Broughton County Healthy Start

Southeast Florida is the No. 1 region in the state for human
trafficking, it’s never too early to raise awareness of how to
protect yourself or your children. To plan a date for Henry
and CTWH to speak with your organization, nonprofit or
business about human trafficking, its myths and how to raise
your awareness, visit www.catchthewaveofhope.org or email
sarahmarie.henry@catchthewaveofhope.org.
Photos provided by CTWH

At St. Joseph’s: Karissa Bolden, PACE Center for Girls;
Anthuannette Hidalgo, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; Kelly
Laurine, CTWH board chair; Sarah Marie Henry, CTWH
executive director; MCSO Detective Brian Broughton

At Princess Tiana Tea: Galean Stewart, WPTV News;
Princess Tiana (aka Jean Laws-Scott); MCSO Detective Brian
Broughton; Sarah Marie Henry, CTWH executive director;
Nirlaine Smartt, Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter of the Links