A: In a divorce proceeding, the court may decide issues regarding property division and child custody. However, the vast majority of divorces are settled between the parties without resorting to a trial. Some courts in Idaho have procedures in place to screen divorce cases to determine whether mediation is possible. Many divorcing couples also attend mediation sessions with their respective attorneys to resolve their differences without resorting to a trial. A good family law attorney can advise you on what options are available in your situation to resolve your divorce proceeding. Remember that a general informational series is not a substitute for actual legal representation.

A: Just about everyone has had the opportunity to meet an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a.k.a. oral surgeon, at some time or another. However, the majority of people are unfamiliar with the broad range of services the “Oral Surgeon” can provide. In the United States, oral surgeon and maxillofacial surgeon are used interchangeably to describe those that are trained to perform surgery of the mouth and jaws, including dental surgery, implant surgery with bone grafting to the jaws, in office sedation and general anesthesia, oral pathology, surgical treatment of the tmj, corrective jaw surgery and reconstruction of traumatic injuries or those defects resulting from tumors of the head and neck. Additional training may be received by some to perform facial cosmetic surgery from treatments as simple as botox, to more involved treatments including eyelid lifts and facelifts. Some oral and maxillofacial surgeons also take advantage of the opportunity to attend medical school, in addition to the dental training they receive and are awarded a medical degree (M.D.). Over the next several months, my intent with this article will be to answer some of the most commonly asked questions in my office. Feel free to email or call with any questions you may have.

A: TRUE-TOGETHER EVERYONE ACCOMPLISHES MORE (TEAM)!!!

A: As fall settles around us we ask ourselves each morning the question, what do I wear? Do I need to wear a jacket? In the back of our mind we know it is going to warm up and be a beautiful day. Yes, it is only 40 degrees, but it will warm up to 70 or even 80 degrees so we justify the chill as we start the day without the comfort of dressing warm. TMJ patients or muscle tension headache patients will have an increase in pain if they chill especially if the head and face are chilled. The very interesting thing is the pain does not begin immediately. The pain slowly takes hold and an hour later one is in the grip of pain. We go about our day and contributing that if one understands the pain is a result of the earlier chill, one would reason that as soon as we warm up the pain will go away. Wrong! The pain will linger for several hours and without being informed of the chill-pain connection one would likely never make such a connection. Stay warm! Too warm could be better than living in the grip of pain. Dress in layers to allow “looking cool” as the day progresses. Heaven knows “looking cool” is more important than peace and comfort! We can make it better! For answers to your questions call The TMJ Sleep Center concerning migraines, sleep apnea, TMJ, headaches, snoring or related subjects. Call 234-PAIN, or email drdwight@thetmjcenter.com.

A: Alliance Home Health and Hospice has moved!! New address: 440 E. Clark St., Suite A, Pocatello, ID 83201. Come see us during our Open House on Friday, November 26th. Stay tuned for more information!! Contact Alliance Home Health and Hospice for more information at 208-478-6677 or visit our website at www.alliancehhh.com .

A: If you are behind on your mortgage payments and all other options to keep you in your home have been exhausted, a “short sale” can be done. Your mortgage company is contacted and a process is begun that the lender looks at your situation and they offer to pay off your loan for less than what you owe, ‘short’ of the full debt amount. This will prevent you from having a foreclosure on your credit, which will make it difficult for you to purchase a home in the future. However, by doing a short sale, you are not allowed to receive any equity or money when the transaction closes. This can be a complex transaction. Call a REALTOR to guide you.

A: 1) Yes! Our office now accepts Medicare for medical nutrition therapy for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes as well as chronic kidney disease. We’re very excited to be offering this service to help people improve their health. 2) Dr. Parry will be talking about Celiac Disease and food allergies at our office on Tuesday, October 5th at 6:00 pm. Cost is FREE! 3) Our health fair is Tuesday, October 19th, 6:30-9:30 am, by appointment. FREE bone density screenings by Dr. D’Souzas office and $25 flu shots from Shaver’s Pharmacy will be available. Reduced-Fee Blood Screen includes TWO thyroid tests, CBC, CMP, and Lipid Profile for only $35. PSA, HbA1c and Vitamin D testing also available. Call TODAY at 233-0593.

A: Unlike humans, most dogs with allergies develop symptoms in their skin, rather than their respiratory tract. Atopy, otherwise known as seasonal allergy or inhalant allergy, tends to cause mild to severe itchiness. Secondary skin and ear infections are common. If you haven’t already, make an appointment with your veterinarian for your dog to be checked for other causes of itching, such as skin mites. If allergies are suspected, your veterinarian will prescribe medications to control the allergic symptoms and any secondary infections. Medications may include oral, topical, or injectable preparations. If allergies are severe, allergy testing and hyposensitization injections (“allergy shots”) may be indicated. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may prescribe a hypoallergenic diet. No two allergic dogs are exactly alike, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. It may take time to find the right combination of medications to control your dog’s allergies. If you feel that your dog is uncomfortable despite medication, contact your veterinarian to discuss treatment options.