July15hickoryliving by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary July 2015

Living the Good Life

Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness

Comfort and Beauty Naturally HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2015

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

from the publisher

LIVI NG

Welcome to the July issue. The hot, humid dog days of summer are upon us with the arrival of July. This is typically our hottest month of the year and also the month with the least amount of rainfall. Try to beat the heat when you are outside by applying plenty of sunscreen, drinking lots of water, and taking frequent breaks. This year on July 4th we celebrate the 239th birthday of America's independence. There will be ball games, lots of food and fun, parades and fireworks, and cookouts with family and friends. A great way to show your patriotism, not only on Independence Day but every day of the year, is by proudly displaying America's red, white and blue colors outside your home or office, and even on your car! Most of our communities have a farmers market with locally grown fruits and vegetables. Please patronize our friends and neighbors who grow this delicious food every chance you get.

Hickory

LIVING July 2015

Living the Good Life

Mailing Address - 1670 E. Broad Street, Suite #195 Statesville, NC 28625 828-464-4060 E-mail - HickoryLiving@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Meredith Collins Kathy Wheeler • Lauren Davidson COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

We wish you and your family a happy Fourth of July, and thank you for reading the July issue of Hickory Living Magazine!

COVER STORY Pure Reflection Spa For Wellness Editorial Stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from ThinkStock.

Find Hickory Living Magazine on Facebook. http://twitter.com/HickoryLiving

Myron T. Gough Publisher, Hickory Living

W W W. H I C KO RY L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E . C O M Myron T. Gough Publisher/Owner

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myron@hickorylivingmagazine.com (828) 464-4060

kathy@hickorylivingmagazine.com (828) 238-3224

Linda B. Wilson Sales

Bob Church Sales

linda@iredelllivingmagazine.com (704) 657-0237

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Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. 4

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

content

LIVI NG

July 2015 8 12

• Pure Reflection Spa For Wellness

• Piedmont Obstetrics &

• What's Cooking?!

• The Importance Of Kindness

8 6

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

• As We Celebrate

Comfort And Beauty Naturally

Gynecology Personalized Care For Every Stage Of A Woman’s Life

Go Mediterranean For Outdoor Entertaining–Opa

holiday | food | local business

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

July 4th Celebrations:

As We Celebrate By Kathy Wheeler

Hickory–Friday, July 3 L.P. Frans Stadium 2500 Clement Blvd NW, Hickory Crawdads vs. Greenville Game–7:00PM Largest Fireworks show of the year! Valdese–Friday, July 3 Valdese Family Friday Nights Main Street Downtown Valdese 6:00PM–11:00PM, Too Much Sylvia • Fireworks on football field behind Old Rock School Morganton–July 1-4 Red, White and Bluegrass Festival Catawba Meadows Park 701 Sanford Drive, Morganton Tickets required for July 1-3 www.redwhiteandbluegrassfestival.com July 4th • Free admission • Bands start–1:00PM • Fireworks–9:30PM

©Mshake| iStock | Thinkstock

On July 4th we celebrate the inde-

pendence of America from the government of Great Britain, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the brave beginnings of our nation, and the freedoms we now possess. We celebrate those who serve and have served our country and our communities to keep us safe here at home and from threats abroad. Although it has become politically incorrect to bring God into our country's politics, as citizens, we can still pray that God bless our great nation. The evolution of our government over the past 239 years has grown to include many changes, leaving some citizens concerned that government has become too large and possesses too much power. As citizens, the best way to change this is to minimize our dependency on government. We should never underestimate our ability to make a difference as individuals. As we become more self-

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

reliant and productive as citizens, giving back to our communities, there is less need for government to step in. Just like our forefathers, we have to take our freedoms seriously, and not for granted, and never relinquish our personal power and pride in making America a better place. Although we have much to celebrate, we have work to do and responsibility in keeping America the great nation that it is. This July 4th, as we celebrate Independence Day, I ask that you pray for our nation, teach your children to be patriotic and productive citizens, determine to use your time, talents, and resources to make America a stronger nation and a better place for all. Whether you celebrate in your back yard with a family cookout or join a community near you for holiday fun, we wish you a happy Fourth of July! Let the celebration begin!

Lenoir–July 4 Festival and Fireworks Mulberry Recreation Center 720 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir Festival–5:00PM • Fireworks–9:30PM Lincolnton–July 4 Festival and Fireworks Downtown Lincolnton Childrens Activities–6:30PM 100 Block N. Academy Street Parade–8:30PM • Fireworks at Lincolnton High School–9:45PM HIGH COUNTRY Blowing Rock–July 4 Parade–2:00PM Downtown Fireworks–9:30PM at Blowing Rock Country Club, 200 Country Club Drive Tweetsie Railroad–July 4 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock • Park open all day • Fireworks at dark • Admission & parking fees

Boone–July 4 Parade–11:00AM starting at Horn in the West Drive ending at Poplar Grove Extension on King Street Fireworks at Clawson-Burnley Park, located off Hunting Hills Lane • Festivities–7:00PM • Fireworks–9:30PM Asheville–July 4 Park Square Park, 121 College Street, Asheville Activities–2:00PM • Live music, games, food and more–4:00PM • Fireworks–9:30PM McCormick Field, 30 Buchanan Pl, Asheville Asheville Tourists vs. Lexington Game–7:00PM • Fireworks afterwards Reserved tickets recommended Lake Julian, Long Shoals Road, Asheville (Park at Estes Elementary School) • Fireworks over the Lake at dark (Bring a lawn chair or blanket!) Charlotte–July 4 U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte • Live Music–4:00PM • Fireworks July 3rd and 4th at dark

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

cover story

LIVI NG

Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness Comfort and Beauty Naturally

Photos:

On the cover–Dr. Vickie Lovin, owner of Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness

By Kristie Darling Photos by Shane Greene Photography

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HICKORY HICKORY LIVING LIVING •• JULY JULY 2015 2015

Pictured–The MonaLisa Touch, Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness’ newest laser for the treatment of vaginal atrophy

Beauty, Wellness, Comfort… the results we seek when we enjoy a peaceful visit at a spa. We know that amazing new products, cosmetics, and treatments can give us a more youthful, beautiful look. And, women today understand that our overall sense of health and wellbeing is enhanced through relaxing massage and bodywork. Cutting-edge technology now provides much-desired comfort and relief from pain for many postmenopausal women, as well. A totally new and exciting procedure for today’s woman is offered at Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness. Comfort for women whose quality of life has decreased after menopause can be achieved with MonaLisa Touch, a laser treatment that delivers almost immediate, long-lasting relief from symptoms such as vaginal dryness, pain, itching, burning, difficult intercourse, urinary urgency, or incontinence. Dr. Vickie Lovin, owner and medical director at Pure Reflection Spa, is excited to offer this life-changing service to women around our region. “We currently have the only MonaLisa Touch laser in North Carolina, and we have women coming from Richmond, Cary, Roaring Gap, Marion, and throughout the greater Hickory area for this treatment,” she shared. “Pain is the most common symptom for women, and it’s very satisfying to help them regain this comfort in their life.” MonaLisa Touch: What It Is One of Dr. Lovin’s patients shared this, “It worked for me! My husband and I had always enjoyed an active sex life, but after menopause intercourse became painful. Estrogen replacement was not an option since I’ve had breast cancer. I found myself avoiding inti-

Above–Dr. Lovin offers free monthly seminars to explain the MonaLisa Touch procedure. Those attending receive special pricing for the treatments. macy with my spouse, which was emotionally difficult for us both. After the introductory seminar, I knew MonaLisa Touch was a treatment I had to try. I am so thankful that I did. It didn’t hurt, and after the second treatment, painful intercourse was a thing of the past.” Dr. Lovin hosts monthly seminars (July’s is on the 14th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) to thoroughly explain the treatment and answer questions, but, in a nutshell, MonaLisa Touch is a quick, painless, simple laser energy treatment that Dr. Lovin describes as, “almost too good to be true. Many women don’t want or can’t tolerate treatment using hormone replacement therapy, creams, or other options, so this quick, internal procedure is the perfect alternative. It reverses menopausal atrophic changes in the vagina that are caused by a decrease in estrogen.” The laser treatment stimulates collagen production, essential in vaginal cell health resulting in increased moisture and decreased pain and discomfort. “The tissue changes are microscopic,” Dr. Lovin explained. “No

side effects, no downtime, and many women have relief after one treatment; most after their second treatment.” Three, five-minute, in-office treatments are initially scheduled about four to six weeks apart with an annual treatment recommended for maintenance. Heidi B. shared her experience, “I definitely recommend attending the seminar. Dr. Lovin showed us the instrument that is used and explained the whole procedure. I’ve had amazing results and this has also helped with incontinence.” All women who attend Dr. Lovin’s seminar receive special pricing for their treatments. MonaLisa Touch has successfully treated thousands of women since its introduction in 2008. Dr. Lovin trained with Dr. Mickey Karram, director of urogynecology at The Christ Hospital in Ohio. “If it wasn’t for Dr. Karram’s endorsement and enthusiasm of this, I wouldn’t have been so eager to offer it,” Dr. Lovin said. “He is well respected with an excellent reputation in this field.” HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

In addition to postmenopausal women, women of any age who experience postmenopausal symptoms due to cancer treatments or hysterectomy, and who cannot take estrogen, will benefit. Women who are silently suffering from this painful condition find vaginal revitalization can change their life. A Refreshing Spa for the Whole Woman What first comes to mind when thinking of a spa visit is massage, and Pure Reflection offers several types: reflexology is massaging specific points on the feet and ankles to promote optimal organ function throughout the body. Swedish and deep tissue massage release tension and stress, and warm stones are placed on pressure points in hot stone massage. Sports, prenatal, and couples massage are offered, as well as healing lymphatic drainage. Many people get massaged on a regular basis to help reduce stress, tension, insomnia, headaches, or digestive disorders, to help relieve pain from injured or overworked muscles, to energize, unwind, treat sports injuries, and relax.

Photos–Top to bottom: • Many different facials are offered at Pure Reflection Spa. Their estheticians can recommend what is best for you. • Dr. Lovin performs Botox and injectables such as Juvéderm. • Let Pure Reflection Spa’s makeup artists make your special day even better with a Bare Minerals makeup application! 14

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Skin care for face, hands and feet comes in many forms, including facials–some especially for teenage or men’s skin–microdermabrasion facials, moisturizing eye and lip treatments, and various chemical peels. Top quality skin and hair care products and makeup are available at Pure Reflection, such as Obagi’s Nu-Derm System, ELASTIderm Eye, and Sunfader; Bare Minerals, Aveda, Vivité, and Moroccanoil. Estheticians can evaluate your complexion and make recommendations to help improve and enhance the health and look of your skin. These treatments and products give your skin a more youthful, smooth look, and can lessen age spots, wrinkles and fine lines. Dr. Lovin administers injectables such as Botox, which improves both moderate to severe frown lines and crow’s feet, Juvéderm to reduce wrinkles around the nose and mouth,

and Voluma to improve the look of your cheeks. Licensed estheticians work with patients who want laser treatments. Made by the same company that makes MonaLisa Touch, the Cynosure Elite MPX Laser is new technology; a versatile machine that treats various skin conditions much better than lasers designed for individual treatments. Procedures include hair removal on all skin types, treatment of pigmentation, redness, wrinkles, treatment of facial and leg veins, and Intensive Pulse Light laser for photofacials. Permanent eyeliner and eyebrow makeup, a non-prescription eyelash enhancer called BabeLash, organic manicures and pedicures, as well as regular spa mani-pedis, cellulite treatments, and several types of body wraps can be had. There are cost-saving spa packages, bridal packages, gift certificates in any amount for any services or products, and monthly sale specials. A quiet and restful get-away, Pure Reflection Spa is a treasure trove of pleasures, personal treats, and special gifts for you, your friends and family. A Woman’s View In 1996, Vickie Lovin opened her gynecology practice, A Woman’s View, located just next door to Pure Reflections; both recently expanded into their lovely new space in the Westover Park building on Tate Boulevard. They continue to grow their practice with experienced, compassionate medical staff. “We have fun together and really enjoy our patients–we’re more like partners in their good health and beauty,” she said. “I’m now focusing on doing pelvic and laparoscopic surgery, hysterectomies, and treating pelvic pain on the medical side, and helping women feel better with the MonaLisa Touch and look better with injectable products on the spa side. My life is very full.” So, if you’re feeling like you’d benefit from and feel better after a rejuvenating massage, are ready for a facial, laser treatment or body work, or even if you just need some peace and quiet while you get your nails done, Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness, established in 1998, is there for you. Need a check up or have health concerns? Call A Woman’s View. You will get the pampering you need, answers to your questions, and are likely to develop a longterm relationship with Dr. Lovin and her friendly team. Take time to enhance your physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It’s a good start to a healthier, more beautiful future.

Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness 915 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 174 • Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 345-1290 PureReflectionSpa.com

Photos–Above: An IPL treatment is being performed

on a patient. IPL treats rosacea, age spots, and small spider veins. Pure Reflection Spa carries a full line of Obagi skin care products to give you real results!

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

Photos:

Pictured, left to right–Front row, Ryan N. Richardson, MD, FACOG; Beth Blair, WHNP. Back row, Nancy Sciara, OGNP; J. Robert Goins, MD, FACOG; Azra S. Ayubi, MD, FACOG (Photo provided by Piedmont OB-GYN)

Opposite page–(Photos by Shane Greene Photography)

• Hickory location at 210 13th Avenue Place Northwest. • Piedmont OB-GYN offers the latest technology in 3-D/4-D ultrasound imaging. • Dr. Robert Goins counsels patient Jennifer Deal during a routine prenatal visit. Dr. Goins has shared his passion for Obstetrics & Gynecology at Piedmont OB-GYN for 30 years. Piedmont OB-GYN has three physicians, Dr. J. Robert Goins, Dr. Ryan Richardson, Dr. Azra Ayubi, and two nurse practitioners, Nancy Sciara, RN, MSN, OGNP, and Beth Blair, WHNP. All five rotate between both offices.

Personalized Care for Every Stage of a Woman’s Life By Meredith Collins

Piedmont OB-GYN opened in 1976, and they have provided individualized care to generations of women in the Hickory area. In June, they expanded their services to a previous location north of Hickory, in Hudson. Piedmont OB-GYN is a member of The FryeCare Physicians Network, a group of over 60 providers across seven counties. They are also affiliated with Frye Regional Medical Center. “Being a part of FryeCare Physicians Network affords 18

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

Piedmont OB-GYN the opportunity to benefit from being in a larger health system that’s still local,” said Myschell Pearson, market operations director, Frye Market, Tenet Physician Resources. “They are part of a diverse network made up of other specialties including cardiology, interventional pulmonology, primary care, occupational medicine, internal medicine, urgent care, vascular surgery, psychology, infectious disease and inpatient rehab.”

“There is a huge focus on diversity of women’s health, regardless of age or economic status,” Myschell said. “They treat everyone from adolescent females through senior adult patients. Treatment regimens are customized to the patients’ individual needs.” Piedmont OB-GYN has established a trusted presence in the Hickory area. They perform every type of gynecological service including surgeries, in-office 3-D/4-D ultrasound, treatment of infertility, gynecologic cancers, and menopausal therapy. They also offer laparoscopic and laser surgery, as well as pelvic floor reconstruction. “We’ve been here for over 35 years,” Dr. Richardson said. “We offer most surgeries related to

gynecology and urogynecology, and we are very proud of our low complication rate. We also maintain very few neonatal intensive care days, which speaks to the great obstetric care we provide as a team.” The physicians at Piedmont OB-GYN are passionate about women’s health. “I specialized in gynecology because of my interest and passion for women’s reproductive health,” Dr. Ayubi said. “The reproductive health of women has such a strong impact on every aspect of life,

because it is where the family begins. Women go on to not only be caretakers and mothers, but also as sisters, wives and daughters. It is important for their health to be a focal point; if you have healthy women, you have a healthy population. I felt I could have the greatest impact on general health by providing care to women.”

largely because we identified a need for women’s health options in the Hudson and Lenoir areas,” Dr. Richardson said. “We had great success there in the past, and we are excited to make this our next satellite option.”

The physicians strive to develop relationships with patients and are excited about the expansion to the Hudson area. “We had an office there seven years ago,

www.PiedmontOBGYN.com 828-322-3017 210 13th Ave. Pl NW Hickory, NC 3060 Hickory Blvd. Hudson, NC

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

What's Cooking?! Go Mediterranean for Outdoor Entertaining–Opa

When al fresco entertaining calls for some flavorful inspiration, look to the fresh and abundant offerings of Mediterranean cuisine.

Turkey and Onion Meatball Kebabs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce Makes 6 large or 9 small

1 tablespoon cumin seed 1 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped chives ¾ teaspoon honey ¼ teaspoon salt 1 pound ground turkey 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 teaspoons lemon zest ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut in thin wedges 1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch dices 12 cherry tomatoes

Directions

Heat small pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds to toast. Stir frequently, for about 3 minutes or until seeds are fragrant and slightly browned. Remove seeds to spice grinder or mortar and pestle; grind to moderately fine powder. In medium bowl, combine yogurt, cilantro, chives, honey, salt and 1 teaspoon ground toasted cumin. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. In second medium bowl, combine turkey, garlic, lemon zest, salt, cayenne and 1 teaspoon ground

toasted cumin; mix gently but thoroughly. Shape into eighteen 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Preheat grill. On metal skewers (or bamboo skewers soaked in water 30 minutes), thread meatball, onion wedge, pepper square and cherry tomato. Repeat. Finish skewer with another meatball and onion wedge. Grill until meatballs reach internal temperature of 160°F, turning as needed. Serve immediately with dipping sauce. For mini-skewers, use 2 meatballs, 2 onion wedges, 1 cherry tomato and 1 pepper square on each skewer.

Orange, Mint and Onion Salad Serves 6

3 navel oranges ½ sweet yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn ¼ cup black olives, oil cured, pitted

Vinaigrette: ¹/³ cup cider vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup canola oil

Directions

For salad, cut top and bottom off each orange so it sits flat on cutting surface. Remove peel and pith (white part) by taking sharp knife and running it down sides of orange from top to bottom, following shape of each orange. Slice oranges into rounds. Arrange slices, overlapping each other slightly, on large platter. Scatter onion, mint and olives over oranges. For vinaigrette, whisk vinegar with honey, mustard, cinnamon and salt. Slowly add oil while whisking constantly, until well combined. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and serve immediately. Recipe and photo compliments of IdahoEastern Oregon Onion Committee and the National Onion Association. HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

The Importance Of

Kindness

people who made it a priority to help others? Sometimes it may feel that it might not make a difference to be kind, but you never know what sort of impact that kindness may have upon others. My mother always said it’s easier to be kind than it is to be ugly!

By Lauren Davidson

Have you ever had someone go out of the way to help you when you were having a lousy day? Recently, I was having a pretty bad week. On my lunch break one day, I decided to swing through a fast food drive-thru. When I pulled up to the window, I discovered that the woman in front of me had already paid for my meal. She didn’t know me, or know that I was having a bad week. She was just committing a random act of kindness. It really made my day and it got me thinking: This should be something that we all strive to do for one another. What if every day we committed a random act of kindness? Most of us Southerners already have it ingrained within us to be cordial to one another, to open doors, and to be polite. But why not take it one step further and really go out of your way this week to commit an act of kindness each day? Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Almost anything we do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that we do it.” Imagine if we lived in a world without 26

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015

The concept of “paying it forward” has been really popular lately, since Starbucks has launched a campaign of the same name, rewarding customers who pay for the person behind them in line. That’s an easy act of kindness that’s sure to make someone’s day. What about volunteering on days that otherwise might be spent watching Netflix? Serving others at Cooperative Christian Ministries, for example, is rewarding and can really open your eyes to the plight of others. The year after losing my father, I was wary about doing anything for Father’s Day. So instead of staying inside, I decided to go down to one of the local ministries and help serve breakfast. It made me feel so much better, and it made a difference to the folks I served, too. Going out of your way to help someone doesn’t only help them, it also helps you. Have you ever heard the phrase “fake it ‘til you make it?” I’ve always heard that if you put a smile on, you’ll end up being happy. It’s not always the case, but that’s how I feel about being kind. Look for little opportunities throughout the day to make another person’s day–and watch your day brighten with each act of kindness. This week, I challenge you to commit an act of kindness each day. As Aesop once wrote, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Watch the effects of kindness transform your life. If you have any great stories about how random acts of kindness have affected your life, feel free to send them my way at laurenlivingmagazine@gmail.com.

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2015