September Newsletter

R-e-s-p-e-c-t, when Aretha Frankin sang about it, she put it in a relationship context. When I write about it, I am thinking, what was Congressman Jim Wilson thinking when he shouted out “liar” to the most powerful world leader, President Barack Obama. The uncouth language that Serena and Federer used towards their tennis referees, Kanye West not giving Taylor Swift her due moment during an exciting award ceremony because he felt differently? We are all allowed a moment of insanity in our lives as we are not perfect, however self control and the art of ZIPPING YOUR LIPS are tests of daily self control. We unfortunately are living in an age where it is acceptable to be rude and crude despite whom it hurts. What are we teaching the next generations? Be mean, step on any and everyone’s toes and unleash your emotions where and whenever. Going back to basics is what we need to do. Your tongue can be a deadly sword which can cut like a knife. We must learn to think before we speak and learn to RESPOND properly and not REACT to intense situations. In this economic down turn, there has been an increase of people losing their cool because of stress, however that is no excuse to express anger and encourage insensitive language and physical harm to people who oppose your views. Take a moment, stop, breathe, count to ten and walk away from the situation until you cool off. We should all take the higher ground and avoid severe embarrassment. It is crucial to consider someone else’s feelings and RESPECT OUR FELLOW MAN.

Eddie W. Harris, MD

Can a patient with AIDS pass on the disease thru their tears?
As a result of referencing a variety of studies, the answer would be no. All ophthalmologists use caution in cleaning contacts and lenses for all patients. The commercially available contact lens cleaner effectively disinfects contact lenses exposed to the HIV virus.

CMV (CYTOMEGALOVIRUS) We zeroed in on this disease because over a quarter of patients who develop AIDS have developed CMV RETINITIS. Good news! The drugs that are used to treat AIDS have assisted in a dramatic decrease in CMV RETINITIS by more than 80%.

What are the symptoms? CMV will invade the retinas which are the light sensitive receptors that enable us to see. You may begin to see floaters and specks, decreased peripheral vision and possible blurred vision. The disease usually will start in one eye but often involves both eyes. If left untreated, CMV RETINITIS can cause a retinal detachment and blindness in just two to six months.

What causes CYTOMEGALOVIRUS CMV- Interestingly enough over 80% of adults harbor antibodies to CMV which means they have been infected with the virus, but their antibodies have successfully fought it off. The AIDS patients weakened or non-functioning immune system cannot fight this virus. Persons undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants are at risk also although less frequent than AIDS patients.

There are drugs such as Cytovene, Foscavir and Vistide which commonly treat CMV. The biggest breakthrough drug most doctors prescribe is HAART which is a combination of drugs that suppress HIV. Haart also allows the immune system to fight off infections such as CMV.

You will need to see a Retina Specialist or Dr. Harris if newly diagnosed at least every two to four weeks. Once the disease in a controlled state, your visits can decrease to every three to six months. Remember; go to Dr. Harris at Premier Eye Physicians. An accurate and quick diagnosis can help save your precious eyesight.

Taken from Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 6th Ed (2005)

Premier Eye Physicians would like to introduce to you our business owner of the month, Mr. Maxie Harris. Mr. Harris, (no relation to Dr. Harris that we are aware of anyway) is a native of Camden, Mississippi and is retired from the Army. His company, Integrity First Computer Services has been around for the past five years. Mr. Harris enjoys what he does tremendously. As he puts it, God gave him the knack and the talent to tinker with computers and thus a business was born. His motto is to provide a level of support that exemplifies integrity. His computer skills are numerous to couple with many of his services such as hardware set- up, spy and virus repair, software upgrade, wireless set-up, network and internet set-up and free diagnostics just to name a few. Individual services as well as corporate offices are included. Mobil services around the Atlanta area can be provided. Our own office staff has used Mr. Harris and he comes highly recommended. Have no fear if your computer needs repair… Maxie is here!!

Integrity First Computer Services, LLC.
6243 Thoreau Circle
Atlanta. GA 30349

Phone: 678 852-3317
Email: maxieharris@att.net

Is there a difference between a DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN AND A DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN?

Glad you asked! Yes there is. In a DEFINED BENEFIT Plan, your employer sponsors a limited selection of group health benefits. It includes a health insurance policy and maybe a prescription, drug, dental and possibly a vision plan. In exchange, YOU PAY a premium that is withheld from your paycheck bi-monthly or monthly and treated as a taxable payroll deduction. A DEFINED CONTRBUTION is provided to YOU THROUGH YOUR EMPLOYER. This is a certain amount of tax free dollars to purchase your own health insurance and pay for other out of pocket medical expenses.

Dr.Harris was seen at Quality Living Services at 4001 Danforth Dr.in Atlanta, GA. September, 17th, 2009. The audience consisted of 80 fantastic seniors who intently listened to his speech on eye care along with Q and A session. It is always a joy for Dr. Harris to speak at nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and even schools. If you are interested on hearing him speak, please call 4 weeks in advance and make arrangements at 404 349-1115. Thursdays are highly recommended.