Category: Beth Ciesla

 As we get close to wrapping up 2012, the new year is on the horizon and resolutions are already on our minds.  (Not to rush the season. We still have all of December to indulge!)  But in the coming weeks, we’ll be getting to know more about some of Barrington’s very own experts in health, fitness and fresh starts, starting this week with family physician and Alexian Brothers associate, Dr. Reinhold Llerena.

To learn a little more about Dr. Llerena, we paid him a visit in his office, which is located in a highly traveled spot in town.  It’s right by Barrington’s drive-thru Starbucks on Northwest Highway.

We asked Dr. Llerena for a few tips to a healthy new year and the conversation quickly turned to five health issues that he says can be prevented or more easily managed with early detection.  We’ll get to Dr. Llerena’s list of 5 Most Preventable Diseases in just a minute.
But first, we’re excited to introduce Dr. Llerena as the first medical professional to join the Barrington Online Markplace here at 365Barrington.com. In case you’re new to this website, here’s a quick look at how the Marketplace works…
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At the beginning of each workweek, we introduce you to the latest local businesses, professionals & organizations to join our Barrington Online Marketplace by featuring them here at 365Barrington.com and via our weekly email newsletter. If you’d like to receive those emails, which will also include information about upcoming events in Barrington, just enter your email here and click “Submit”.
Fill out my online form.

You’ll find the new community resource at 365Barrington.com/Marketplace. To have your business, organization, home or event featured, visit 365Barrington.com/Advertise for more information or call Liz at 847-691-3150.
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Now back to our newest Marketplace member.  Dr. Llerena grew up in a household of teachers. Which is probably why, as a family practitioner, it is almost second nature for him to teach his patients how to best take care of themselves to prevent or minimize disease as they age.
“If you are exercising and eat a healthy diet, then keep it up,” said Dr. Llerena. “And see a family doctor every couple of years. After age 50, see your doctor every year because things crop up a lot quicker.”
Dr. Llerena says he takes it hard if a patient he sees regularly comes down with an illness.
“If someone has a heart attack, stroke, an ulcer, or something I know was preventable and I find out they get sick, I take it personally. So, my drive is to make sure people know why they should be having preventative tests, why they should be having certain vaccines.”

Diet and exercise are important to prevention, but Dr. Llerena says so are the appropriate medical tests and checkups.  Here’s what he says are the 5 Most Preventable Diseases More Treatable with Early Detection ……