HealthScope Magazine Winter 2021

W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 $ 5.9 5

HAPPIER HOLIDAYS

STAYING SKIN SAVVY 5 FACTS ABOUT

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE

COMMON CONDITIONS

HOLIDAYS AS AN ADULT

& HOW TO TREAT THEM

CHILD OF DIVORCE

HEALTHY RECIPES

HOLIDAY

THE SCOOP ON

NUTRITION HACKS

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

TIPS FOR A HAPPY & HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

BEAUTY SLEEP SLEEP YOUR WAY

ANNUAL

TO HEALTHIER SKIN

H E A LT H Y AG I N G

BARIATRIC SURGERY WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT

SECTION

WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURES

KEEPING YOUR MIND SHARP AS YOU AGE MEET OUR

COGNITIVE HEALTH

CAREGIVERS

IN OLDER ADULTS

LOVE, CARE, & SERVING OTHERS

STYLISH TRIMMINGS SEASONAL ACCESSORIES

See page 90 for Cover Model Barby Wilson’s story!

F A M I L Y

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N U T R I T I O N

FROM LOCAL SHOPS

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F I T N E S S

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R E L A T I O N S H I P S

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B E A U T Y

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R E C I P E S

VIC VASCULAR WHEN

EXPERIENCE

HARRIS

CHATTANOOGA

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CLEVELAND

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LESAR

NORTH

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MATTERS

HARTMANN

GEORGIA

423.602.2750

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JASPER

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Photographed at The Edwin Hotel

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Duffy and Lily

Publisher’s Letter

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

— THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

It’s easy to equate good health with “not being sick,” or, perhaps to you, being healthy means daily workouts paired with a protein shake. But the truth is, good health is so much more – and it’s central to our happiness and overall well-being.

Throughout this winter issue of HealthScope® magazine, you’ll find an overall approach to health that emphasizes the importance of caring for and nurturing your body and your mind.

Starting with our features, in “Bariatric Surgery: What You Should Know,” we delve into the world of weight loss surgery, including eligibility, different procedures, and the recovery process. Our feature “5 Facts About Common Skin Conditions” shares dermatologist-recommended advice on caring for your worst skin woes. In “Keeping Your Mind Sharp as You Age,” we discuss cognitive health in older adults and what you can do to keep your mind active for years to come.

Also inside is the section “Meet Our Caregivers,” which shines the spotlight on the extraordinary caregivers in our area who are using their talents to serve their patients. As always, you don’t want to miss our annual “Aging Well” section – here, we cover timely topics ranging from hearing loss to chronic venous insufficiency in older adults.

There are many more topics for you to discover, including seasonal accessories from area boutiques,

top tips for holiday nutrition, and a how-to guide on sleeping your way to healthier skin. You’ll also find delicious butternut squash recipes from locals and a full-body stretch with local trainer Ryn Tucker.

Our special seaGeorge Mullinix sonal section “Off PUBLISHER to Camp” highlights area summer camps and provides tips for preparing children for this exciting rite of passage.

Last but certainly not least, check out our interview with Barby Wilson – our final cover model in a year where we’ve celebrated health and wellness at all stages and ages. Full of hard-earned wisdom and an infectious zest for life, Wilson is the perfect bookend to a powerful group of women who remind us to keep health a priority all throughout life.

Our hope is that you will find this issue of HealthScope® to be both informative and uplifting, and that it will inspire you to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and socially in your pursuit of good health.

Blessings always,

Celebrating 33 Years!

HealthScopeMag.com Follow HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines and Choose Chattanooga® Chattanooga Resource & Relocation Guide® on Facebook and Instagram!

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E X C L U S I V E LY AT

Contents Meet Our Caregivers Love, Care, & Serving Others

30

Amanda Kindred

Providing Support During Adversity

32

Loving People Well

34

36

38

W. Allen Chandler, Jr.

Brenda Knowles

“ Good health and wellness are blessings beyond measure

Changing Lives Through Care & Education

because they are

Cristy Keith

the foundation

Growing Professionally & Personally

for living life to

Emily Monnette

its fullest.”

Addressing a Host of Healthcare Needs

40 Michelle Cahill Kimball

Helping Children &

Their Families Thrive

42

Kaci Floyd Developing a Plan for Her Patients

90

Be Well

70

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46

Understanding Seizures Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

52

5 Facts About Common Skin Conditions Keeping Troubled Skin in Check

58

Bariatric Surgery What You Should Know

64

Project Access A Place of Hope for Thousands

70

Keeping Your Mind Sharp as You Age Cognitive Health in Older Adults

ONE NATION.

FREE FROM GET YOUR

FLU.

FLU SHOT TODAY.

Together, we can stop the spread of the flu virus.

The flu has already started to spread in our area. This virus takes a toll on your body, and for some, it can be life threatening. Anyone can become infected with the flu virus and then infect others who may be more vulnerable to serious complications. So whether you are feeling flu-like symptoms or just feeling under the weather, come see us. Our experienced staff is waiting to care for you seven days a week without an appointment. At American Family Care, our goal is to protect your family’s and our nation’s health.

NOW OFFERING RAPID MOLECULAR FLU, STREP, AND COVID-19 TESTING!

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Contents

Look Well

103

90

Meet Our Model Barby Wilson

92

Stylish Trimmings Seasonal Accessories From Local Boutiques

94

Sleep Your Way to Healthier Skin How to Get Your Beauty Sleep

96

The Body Butter Benefit Keep Parched Skin at Bay All Winter Long

97

Say Farewell to Frizz 4 Ways to Fight Frizzy Hair This Winter

Her Story

Motivating Stories From Local Women 98

Stacy Martin

100 Patricia Russell 102

Susan Stein

103

Shay McCowan

Inspired

Women Celebrating Women 105 Kia Ruffin & Monica Gordon 106 Ann-Marie Fitzsimmons

& Kim Hunt

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114

Stay Well / Annual Aging Well Section

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78

Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency

80

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth

82

Maintaining Mental Health as You Age

84

Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

86

Health Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

88

Combating the Effects of Menopause-Related Aging With Bioidentical Hormones

HealthScopeMag.com

107

Jaleesa Brumfield & Selita R. Brumfield

108 Jessica Whatley

& Rachel Gammon

Feel Well 109

The Fundamentals of Finance Teaching Kids All About Managing Money

110

Happier Holidays Ahead How to Navigate the Holidays as an Adult Child of Divorce

Contents HealthScopeMag.com Winter 2021 • Vol. 33 Issue 2

122 Off to Camp 114

Departments

A Parent’s Guide to Helping Kids Make the Most of Their Summer Camp Experience

Live Well 122 The Scoop on

Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Recipes From Locals

Health in a Minute 16

For Her

18

For the Whole Family

20

For Him

22

For Parents

24 Health & Wellness

126 Holiday Nutrition Hacks

5 Tips for a Happy, Healthy

Holiday Season

Calendar

128 Ryn Tucker’s At-Home

Full-Body Stretch

A Guided Workout

44 Staff Spotlight

26 Ask the Doctor

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Silver Side

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ABOUT THE COVER STAYING SKIN SAVVY

HAPPIER HOLIDAYS

5 FACTS ABOUT

HOW TO NAVIGATE THE

COMMON CONDITIONS

HOLIDAYS AS AN ADULT

& HOW TO TREAT THEM

HOLIDAY NUTRITION HACKS TIPS FOR A HAPPY &

CHILD OF DIVORCE

HEALTHY RECIPES THE SCOOP ON BUTTERNUT SQUASH

HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON

BEAUTY SLEEP

ANNUAL

H E A LT H Y AG I N G SECTION

SLEEP YOUR WAY TO BETTER SKIN

BARIATRIC SURGERY WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURES

Meet Barby Wilson – our final cover model for 2021! Proving that age really is just a number, Barby lives her life to the fullest while making a point to prioritize her health and wellness.

KEEPING YOUR MIND SHARP AS YOU AGE MEET OUR CAREGIVERS

COGNITIVE HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS

LOVE, CARE, & SERVING OTHERS

STYLISH TRIMMINGS SEASONAL ACCESSORIES

See page 90 for Cover Model Barby Wilson’s story!

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FROM LOCAL SHOPS

Photo by Lanewood Studio

Publisher

George Mullinix

Sales & New Business Development

Cailey Mullinix Easterly

Sales & Business Development

Katie Faulkner

Art, Creative, & Design

Emily Pérez Long

Design

Lauren Robinson

Managing Editor

Christina Davenport

Editors

Olivia Halverson Anna Hill Lindsey June Mary Beth Wallace

Digital Marketing Business Development

Joe Beck

Marketing Assistants

Laci Lanier Alysse Parris

Photographers Lanewood Studio Rich Smith

Emily Pérez Long

Subscribe to CityScope ® or HealthScope ® magazines: Call 423.266.3440 or visit cityscopemag.com or healthscopemag.com and click “Subscribe.” A one year subscription for CityScope® or HealthScope® magazine costs $18.

To receive advertising information, change your mailing address, or share your views on editorial: Call 423.266.3440 or visit cityscopemag.com or healthscopemag.com and click “Contact.”

CityScope® and HealthScope® magazines and Choose Chattanooga ® – Chattanooga Resource & Relocation Guide® (the magazines) are published by CMC Publications, LLC, a Chattanooga, Tennessee company. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Views expressed herein are those of the authors or those interviewed and not necessarily those of the publisher, editors, or advertisers. The publisher, editors, and advertisers disclaim any responsibility or liability for such material. All content associated with and included in advertisements (ads, advertorial, and special promotional sections) placed in the magazines are the responsibility of the respective advertiser. CMC Publications, LLC, cannot and does not assume responsibility for any material contained within or associated with any advertisement.

CityScope® magazine Copyright, CMC Publications, LLC, 1993 CityScope® magazine is a trademark owned

by CMC Publications, LLC HealthScope® magazine Copyright, CMC Publications, LLC, 1989 HealthScope® magazine is a trademark owned

by CMC Publications, LLC Choose Chattanooga® – Chattanooga Resource & Relocation Guide® Copyright, CMC Publications, LLC, 2011 Choose Chattanooga® and Chattanooga Resource & Relocation Guide® are trademarks owned by CMC Publications, LLC

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Matthew Chatfield, MD Brandon Cincere, MD Bryce Cunningham, MD Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Trauma Sports Medicine

Merritt Adams, MD Pediatrics

Richard G. Alvarez, MD Foot and Ankle

Jeremy Bruce, MD Sports Medicine

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Daniel Doty, MD Upper Extremity

Jesse Doty, MD Foot and Ankle

Matthew D. Higgins, MD Joint Replacement

Dirk Kiner, MD Trauma

David M. Lowry, DO Interventional Spine

Peter Lund, MD Hand and Upper Extremity

Wendell Moses, MD Pediatrics

Parker Plant, MD Pediatrics

Robert Quigley, MD Pediatrics

Kristopher Case Sanders, MD Joint Replacement

Chad Smith, MD Sports Medicine

Ryan Voskuil, MD Orthopaedic Oncology

Mark G. Freeman, MD Warren Gardner II, MD Trauma Joint Replacement

Hunter Garrett, MD Sports Medicine

Peter Nowotarski, MD Trauma

What sets us apart • The region’s only academic orthopaedic program.

• Two convenient walk-in clinic locations.

• Our team includes 12 experienced advanced practice providers and two nurse navigators available when you need them.

• Sports medicine, physical therapy, trauma care, and more with specialty providers for adults and children.

erlanger.org/ortho 423-778-ORTH (6784)

H E A LT H I N A M I N U T E FOR HER

Pretty & Plant-Based

Are crueltyfree products vegan?

Not necessarily. “Cruelty free” means that the product has not been tested on animals. A product labeled “cruelty free” can still contain animal byproducts.

GETTING DOWN TO THE FACTS ON VEGAN COSMETICS

What is vegan beauty?

In the world of cosmetics, “vegan” simply means the absence of animal ingredients. Instead of beeswax, honey, and collagen, you’ll find ingredients like aloe and shea butter on the labels of vegan products.

What are the health benefits of using vegan cosmetics?

Due to the presence of more plantbased ingredients, vegan products can be rich in vitamins and minerals, which can be beneficial for your skin. However, some plant-based ingredients can cause allergic reactions. Be wary of irritation when introducing new ingredients to your skin.

H O W T O G I V E YO U R S E L F A B R E A S T E X A M ( A N D H O W O F T E N ) According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. In addition to mammography, routine breast self-exams are important for early detection. Here are three examination methods to do at home on a monthly basis:

1 2

In the shower, use your three middle fingers to check the breast and armpit area on each side using a range of pressures.

Visually inspect your breasts in a mirror – first, with your arms at your sides, then, with your arms raised high overhead. Look for any abnor-

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malities such as changes in the nipples, dimpling in the skin, or any swelling.

Lying down on your back is an efficient way to examine your breasts. In this position, the breast tissue spreads evenly across the chest.

Using your three middle fingers, alternate sides applying light to firm pressure.

3

If you do find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Remain calm, and remember that 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. When breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a significantly higher chance for survival.

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H E A LT H I N A M I N U T E F O R T H E W H O L E FA M I LY

Reading Every Day Might Keep the Doctor Away

Waste Less. Cook Your Scraps.

Stop before you toss! You may be throwing out good parts of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Not only are they edible, but with these preparation tips, they can actually be delicious – and pack a nutritional punch.

1. Broccoli leaves are high in antioxidants, vitamins E and K, and calcium.

Chop them up to toss with a salad or slaw. You can also include them in a braise or a sauté.

2. Broccoli stalks contain the most fiber. Peel the outermost layer from the stalk, slice, and steam the pieces. Toss with butter, salt, and pepper, and enjoy!

3. Celery leaves pack a strong flavor and contain high amounts of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. You can use them as you would any chopped herb. Add them to pastas and salads, or grind them into a pesto.

4. Parsley root is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals – especially vitamin C, folate, and zinc. One serving packs almost 20% of the daily value for fiber. Parsley root can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or sautéed.

5. Watermelon rind is a rich source of fiber. Research has shown that it has energizing, libido-boosting effects from the amino acid citrulline.

You can enjoy watermelon rind as a pickled or candied treat.

6. Watermelon seeds are packed with protein, vitamins, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and more. You can roast the seeds for a crunchy snack or salad topping, or blend them into a tahini-like seed butter.

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HealthScopeMag.com

The research is in, and bookworms may outlive the rest of us. In addition to the obvious benefits of improving vocabulary and broadening the mind, daily reading provides a host of researchbacked health benefits.

Using MRI scans, researchers have confirmed that reading strengthens the network of circuits and signals in the brain. It also provides a great way of keeping your mind stimulated as you age.

Other noteworthy benefits of daily reading include reducing stress, aiding sleep, alleviating depression, and a lengthened lifespan. With today’s technology, we have 24/7 access to a vast range of reading materials on our devices. However, it’s important to flip through print books from time to time as well. Studies have shown that taking the time to turn pages helps readers better comprehend what they are consuming. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of a new book?

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H E A LT H I N A M I N U T E FOR HIM

Athlete’s Adhesive W HAT IS KINE SIOLO GY TAP E AN D SHOU LD YO U BE U SING IT ?

Kinesiology tape is a therapeutic tool used to support muscles and joints and reduce pain.

When applied properly, kinesiology tape offers pain relief, increased blood flow, and reduced swelling. Some studies have even shown that kinesiology tape can improve balance, preventing risk to those with a history of falling.

The tape can be applied in the shape of a Y, I, X, fan, web, or donut depending on the result you are trying to achieve. Varying tensions of the tape are better for different conditions. For acute conditions, you’ll only want to use 25% tension. To support muscles and joints or reduce pain, you’ll want a higher tension of 50%.

Forgetfulness What’s Normal and What’s Not Memory loss and brain aging are par for the course when it comes to getting older. You may miss a monthly payment or forget which word to use or where you set down your cup of coffee. These are not necessarily indicative of a larger memory problem. However, if you or a loved one exhibit any of the following signs, it may be time to visit a doctor: > > > > >

Having trouble following recipes or directions Asking the same questions over and over Getting lost in familiar places General confusion around time, people, and places Poor self-care

Fortunately, there are exercises you can do to maintain and improve mental sharpness. Research has proven that activities such as learning a new skill and socializing regularly with friends and family can boost your memory health. Exercising routinely, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are also great ways to promote healthy brain aging.

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Guiding You to Financial Independence

We’ve got one goal in mind: Yours.

Designing and implementing a personalized financial plan simplifies your life and gives you peace of mind about being prepared for the future.

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John Sterner uses The Sterner Financial Group as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. The Sterner Financial Group is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM)(life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. John Sterner, is an Insurance Agent of NM. Investment advisory services provided as an Advisor of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank.

H E A LT H I N A M I N U T E FOR PARENTS

Happily, Ever After Becoming Parents HOW TO PRIO R IT IZ E YO UR MA R R IAG E W HI L E RA I S I N G A FAMI LY

Once a child enters the scene, it’s hard to focus on anything but that child. As a result, your relationship’s needs often get put on the backburner. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can raise children and grow your relationship at the same time. And your family will be stronger for it. Here are three tips to help you and your significant other stay connected throughout your parenting journey.

FIND TIME TO CONNECT DAILY. Choose a time that

suits both of your schedules, and stick to it. Be intentional about unplugging from distractions, and ask questions like, “How are you doing? How are we doing? What is something that made you smile today?”

THE LITTLE THINGS MATTER. Take notice of

the little things that bring your partner joy, and do them often. Grand gestures are great, but small acts of service can go a long way in showing your spouse how much you care.

PLAN AN ANNUAL GETAWAY. It doesn’t have to

be a long trip, and it definitely doesn’t have to break the bank. Enjoy a two-night stay at a local boutique hotel, and use that time to reflect on the past year. What about your parenting style has been working? What hasn’t? Talk about how you can love and support each other better moving forward.

T R AV E L I N G W I T H TOT S What You Need to Know Before Taking Your First Trip With Kids in Tow

EVERYTHING WILL TAKE LONGER THAN YOU EXPECT. Adding young kids to your travel group likely means adding strollers, car seats, and diaper bags to the luggage haul. More gear equates to more time spent loading the car and trudging through airport security. Give yourself extra time to do everything, because you will need it.

PACK LIGHT, AND BUY LIGHT. We’ve already established that you’re going to have a

lot of luggage. So, it’s in your best interest to reduce weight anywhere you can. Only pack the essentials, and (if possible) invest in lightweight gear that will minimize your physical exertion.

SNACKS, SNACKS, SNACKS. This is a helpful travel tip for kids and adults alike. While traveling, you never know when a delay could affect your mealtime. Always keep a few snacks on hand to prevent a regrettable episode of hunger-induced anger.

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Together we can step back and look at how you live. Allow me to use that knowledge to navigate you to the home that fits your lifestyle best. Whether you are looking for new construction, an existing home, downsizing, or listing your home, I’ll be your

REAL ESTATE PARTNER FOR LIFE. Experienced & Successful

A multimillion dollar real estate producer for more than 14 years, Paula has twice received her company’s Downtown Listing Agent of the Year Award and been voted Downtown Partner of the Year.

Real Estate, New Homes & Community Leader

Paula has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of both the Greater Chattanooga Association of REALTORS® and the Multiple Listing Service. Paula is a multiple term member of the local Home Builders Association and has also been a member of its Executive Committee. She serves too on the Board of Directors of the Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.

Call for a Home Valuation

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Red and Green Bell Pepper Bites SERVES 8 For a quick, easy, and veggie-filled appetizer, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Opting for green and red peppers makes this a festive choice for the holiday season!

Directions:

Ingredients:

• • • • •

1 medium green bell pepper 1 medium red bell pepper 1/4 cup unsalted sliced almonds 4 oz. fat-free or low-fat cream cheese 1 tsp. no-salt-added lemon pepper seasoning blend • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1. Cut both peppers in half lengthwise.

Discard the stems, ribs, and seeds. Cut each half into six pieces. Arrange the pieces with the skin side down on a decorative serving platter. Set aside.

2. In a medium skillet, dry-roast the almonds over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer 1 Tbsp. of the almonds to a small plate, reserving for garnishing. Process the remaining almonds in a food processor or blender for 15-20 seconds, or until finely ground.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, lemon pepper seasoning blend, and lemon juice with

an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes or until creamy. Add the ground almonds and beat for 10 seconds, or until combined.

4. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a wide star or round tip.

Alternatively, snip the corner off a resealable plastic bag (a plastic freezer bag works well) and spoon in the mixture. Pipe about 1 tsp. of the mixture on each bell pepper piece. Garnish with the reserved 1 Tbsp. almonds.

Nutritional Information

Calories 39 | Total Fat 1.5g | Sodium 71mg | Total Carbohydrate 3g | Dietary Fiber 1g | Sugars 2g | Protein 3g Source: American Heart Association

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HEALTH & WELLNESS CALENDAR

January 14 Dinner of Distinction

The Erlanger Health System Foundation’s 18th annual Dinner of Distinction will recognize “Distinguished Physicians” and one “Gordon Street Distinguished Community Leader” at The Westin Ballroom from 5:30 until 9 p.m.

Honorees being recognized this year include Drs. Richard Alvarez, Frank Adkins, and Don Barker, as well as community leader Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger. ERLANGER. ORG/DINNEROFDISTINCTION

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15 Tennessee Running Tour – Trail of Tears

Held in January each year, this race is part of the longest state park running series in the United States. The Trail of Tears starts and finishes at the lodge of the Red Clay State Historic Area. The approximately seven-mile course takes runners across the Georgia state line and back. TENNESSEERUNNINGTOUR.COM

22 Pink! Gala

With the theme “Beyond the Palace Gates: An Evening in the Royal Garden,” the 17th annual Pink! Gala is set to be a whimsical celebration. The

signature black-tie event benefits the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial. The 2022 co-chairs are Mark Hite and Marcus McKamey. Join us January 15-22 as we Color Chattanooga Pink! MEMORIAL.ORG/PINK

February 4 National Wear Red Day®

In honor of American Heart Month, the first Friday of February each year has been designated as National Wear Red Day®. Join the American Heart

Association in its campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women – you can show your support by wearing red, donating, spreading the word, and, most importantly, knowing your risk and creating lasting change for a healthier heart.

GOREDFORWOMEN.ORG

12 Chattanooga Heart Ball

Celebrate the work being done by the American Heart Association at the 2022 Heart Ball, to be held at The Chattanoogan. Featuring a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, and an engaging program, the Heart Ball is an entertaining and impactful evening that raises critical funds for the AHA. CHATTANOOGAHEARTBALL. HEART.ORG

12 Cupid’s Chase 5K

The countdown is on to the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend.

This jam-packed event offers a marathon, half marathon, relay race, 5K, and kids’ fun run, with each race showcasing the natural beauty of the Scenic City. An expo featuring local vendors will also take place at the First Horizon Pavilion.

CHATTANOOGAMARATHON.COM

8 Possibilities Luncheon

Save the date for Siskin Hospital’s annual Possibilities Luncheon. In its 19th year, this community-wide fundraiser will be a virtual event.

Proceeds benefit Siskin Hospital’s charity care patients as they discover life beyond disability.

SISKINREHAB.ORG

26 Rump Run

Help conquer colon cancer by registering for the Rump Run. The closed course for this timed 5K and one-mile fun walk is located at Enterprise South Nature Center, with registration to begin at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the race. Kids’ activities are also in store. 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to support the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation. Sign up on the website by January 15 to guarantee a t-shirt. RUMPRUN.COM

28 Monday Before the Masters

The Austin Hatcher Foundation is hosting a golf tournament called “Monday Before the Masters.” This inaugural event will be held at Black Creek Golf Club and will offer golfers in the Chattanooga community the opportunity to play a round of golf to support the foundation’s mission to erase the effects of pediatric cancer. HATCHERFOUNDATION.ORG

Photo by Michael Hampton

Presented by Community Options, the Cupid’s Chase 5K invites runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs included) to participate in this annual race. Proceeds from this year’s in-person event will support people with disabilities. COMOP.ORG/ CUPIDSCHASE

4-6 Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend

March 2 Gowns for Good

The Gowns for Good inaugural benefit is an opportunity to help uninsured neighbors in need. To get involved, donate a gown or cocktail dress for the charity auction, which will give 100% of proceeds to support direct patient care access. Then, on March 2 at 11 a.m., join Volunteers in Medicine Chattanooga at The Mill for the Gowns for Good event, which will include a luncheon and the live fashion show charity auction. VIMCHATT.ORG/124/GOWNS-FOR-GOOD

May 12 The Moth Ball® by CityScope® Need a girls’ night out? The Moth Ball® by CityScope® is set to return to The Signal on May 12. This event encourages women to pull out their prom, bridesmaid, or any old dress for an evening of food, fun, and fashions from the past. Proceeds from The Moth Ball® benefit women in need in Hamilton County, and the 2022 beneficiary is the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. THEMOTHBALL.ORG

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ASK THE DOCTOR

Q. I have a father who is vaccinehesitant because of things he’s read online. What can I say to help him understand the importance of a vaccine?

Q. I’ve been struggling with chronic depression on and off for most of my life. How do I know if ketamine might be a good treatment option for me?

A. The COVID-19 vaccine is our most effective tool in protecting both ourselves as well as our friends and family. Around 90% of those hospitalized or dying from the virus are unvaccinated. Advancing age is a risk factor for more severe infections. While the vaccine prevents infections and likely reduces the spread to others if you become infected, the vaccine’s most significant attribute is its ability to prevent those hospitalizations and deaths related to the virus. As more and more people are vaccinated, the virus has less opportunity to spread from person to person and mutate (this should reduce the risk of future surges).

Almost 4 billion people worldwide have received a dose, and the safety profile is excellent. Communities with higher vaccination rates and better adherence to the CDC’s mitigation strategies have fared far better than those that have not widely adopted these recommendations.

Jay Sizemore, MD Chief Medical Officer, Cempa Community Care cempa.org

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A.

Major depression is a very serious issue and is the leading cause of disability, impacting more than 16.1 million adults in the United States.

There are several options for someone suffering from depression: therapy, medication, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine, and other complementary and alternative treatments like yoga. Ketamine is not considered a first-line treatment and is recommended to those who have failed two forms of treatment. This is referred to as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Unfortunately, 2.8 million adults in the United States struggle with TRD annually. Esketamine has been approved by the FDA to treat TRD

marketed under the name Spravato.

Ketamine generically can also be used off-label with IV infusions to treat TRD. This practice is done under the care of physicians or certified registered nurse anesthetists. It is recommended that a mental health professional be present during the infusion. Studies have shown extraordinary results in the treatment of TRD, leading to the claim that ketamine may be the next revolution in antidepressants.

Chris Harris, PhD, LPC-MHSP Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapist, Revitalist Chattanooga revitalistchattanooga.com

Q. Who is on a hospice team? What different kinds of care are given?

A. Hospice is a service provided by a team of healthcare professionals with the singular goal of providing the best quality of life for the rest of your life. The hospice team is made up of a medical director, primary care nurses, hospice aides, spiritual care counselors, social workers, and volunteers. These care team members look after the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of both the patient and loved ones.

There are different levels of care with hospice: routine home care, respite care, general inpatient care, and continuous care. The hospice care team will determine a plan of care that best fits the patient’s and family’s needs. You should always talk with your hospice provider regarding end-of-life goals to make sure the patient, family, and provider are on the same page.

Tyler McCurry, DO Family Physician, Hospice of Chattanooga hospiceofchattanooga.org

Q. My 6-year-old gets extremely anxious around needles when we bring her in for physicals. Is there anything we can do to make the experience better for her?

A. My own 6-year-old recently surprised us by eagerly jumping up at her pediatrician’s office to get her flu vaccine. This was a first for her, but now none of my children fear vaccines. Here are some tips that I have used to try to improve their experience with needles. First, always explain that the shot is there to keep them as healthy as possible. Be honest that the shot might hurt but will be over quickly. Never use an injection as a threat of punishment. Be encouraging, calm, and supportive during and after the appointment. Topical numbing creams

can be prescribed ahead of time to help calm the fear of pain from the injection or applied in the office if available. Allow the child to sit up for the injection rather than being forced to lie down. Whenever possible, families should get vaccines together. Doing this will allow parents and older siblings to act as role models and help turn a scary, solo vaccination into a routine family event.

Natasha Ballard, MD Doctor of Family Medicine, American Family Care Urgent Care afcurgentcarechattanoogatn.com

Q. Is it true that eating local honey can improve my seasonal allergy symptoms?

A. While it tastes great, there have been no scientific studies showing that local honey is any more effective in treating allergies than a placebo. Local and unprocessed honey does contain small quantities of pollen from flowers where the bees live, but the pollen in flowers is not what we are allergic to. Allergy sufferers are allergic to airborne tree pollen in the spring, ragweed in the fall, and grass pollen in the summer, which is not found in local honey. It is also important to remember that you should not give honey to children below one year of age because of the risk of botulism, a severe form of food poisoning.

Marc Cromie, MD Allergist, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic chattanoogaallergyclinic.com

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Meet Our Caregivers

Love, Care, & Serving Others There is a lot to know about the loving and caring medical therapists, technicians, nurses, and other professional caregivers who have dedicated much of their lives to serving others recovering from injuries or illness.

What follows are local professionals who are providing the utmost in quality care.

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Meet Our Caregivers

PROVIDING

AMANDA KINDRED, LMSW

SUPPORT DURING

ER L A N GER HE A LTH S Y STE M

ADVERSITY

C

ancer can be a scary diagnosis – which is why the role of an oncology social worker is so important. For the past four years, Amanda Kindred has been helping patients at Erlanger Health System by providing both practical and emotional support. “I help patients reduce barriers that may prevent them from getting the recommended treatment for their cancer,” Kindred explains. With her role encompassing everything from solving a transportation issue to referring a patient to counseling, no two days look alike for Kindred – but at the end of every day, she knows she’s following her passion of serving others. “Service and empathy are my greatest strengths,” she shares, “and I feel very fortunate to be doing what I love every day.”

I love interacting with and building a relationship with the patients I serve.”

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1

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

2

What is your best advice for patients?

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

4

What influenced you to pursue your career?

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

The happiest times for me in this profession are when patients successfully complete a goal they set, and we celebrate together.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and live in between those two in the present.

The key to making a great first impression is to be genuine and to sincerely want to hear what the other person is saying.

My grandfather was a mailman and got to know the individuals on his route, and I was influenced by how he helped those individuals with their groceries and other needs. He then became a volunteer chaplain at the jail, and I knew I too wanted to help people.

I believe that all individuals are created by our Creator and deserve love and care, just as our Creator shows to us.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT AMANDA

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Southern Adventist University – Collegedale, TN Certifications: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Recognitions: Member, Phi Alpha Society

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Trauma & Emergency Management

CONNECT 423.778.3253 Erlanger Health System 975 East 3rd Street Chattanooga, TN 37403 erlanger.org

Meet Our Caregivers

LOV I NG PE OP L E WEL L

A

longside advanced healthcare providers, nurses, social workers, and other medical professionals, W. Allen Chandler, Jr. works daily to alleviate the suffering of his patients.

He explains, “I have the privilege of assisting patients with navigating the difficult medical decisions which tend to arise around both the acute and chronic phases of serious ongoing illness. I also lend my expertise in symptom management to optimize control over serious illness symptoms that can so negatively impact quality of life.” According to Chandler, providing palliative care in a hospital inpatient setting is all about treating others the way you want to be treated.

“I want my patients to experience love in the form of excellent medical care and counsel in an atmosphere of acceptance and possibility,” he says.

W. ALLEN CHANDLER, JR ., PA-C PA LLI ATI V E C A R E SERV ICE S

1

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

2

What is your best advice for patients?

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

5

What influenced you to pursue your career?

My most gratifying moments are when patients express how much better they are feeling after my interventions to treat their noisome symptoms, or after I have helped them sort through a medical decision in a way that preserves their dignity.

Plan ahead. You never know when a disease or unforeseen event may render you unable to voice your own decisions around your healthcare. Discuss and record your wishes about what you want – and don’t want – in terms of medical interventions around the time of a serious illness.

Be focused on the stories of others. Be curious. Ask questions. People feel loved and valued when I make the focal topic about them.

Helping people to feel at ease, heard, and cared for in the midst of very trying, fear-inducing, and often uncertain situations.

I love providing comfort to people who need it – whether alleviating physical discomfort, or spiritual distress growing out of dealing with a serious illness.”

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I wanted a challenge, and medicine certainly has provided that! I spent the first 15 years of my career providing emergency medical care in a Level I Trauma Center, and the last nine years have been spent in palliative care.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT ALLEN

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Trevecca Nazarene University – Nashville, TN Certifications: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Member, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Member, Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Palliative Medicine Emergency Medicine

CONNECT 423.553.1823 Palliative Care Services 4413 Oakwood Drive Chattanooga, TN 37416 palliativecare services.org

Meet Our Caregivers

CHANGING LIVES

BRENDA KNOWLES, AGACNP-BC, FNP-C

THROUGH CARE

ER L A N GER NEUR OLO G Y

& EDUCATION

B

renda Knowles first joined Erlanger Health System as a nurse tech in 2008, when she was still in nursing school. “I’ve continued my entire career at Erlanger, including my transition into a nurse practitioner role with the neurology department in 2016,” she shares. “I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else or working with a different specialty!” While she doesn’t always get to meet her patients under the best circumstances – “Typically, it’s the worst day of their life when they meet me in the hospital,” she says – Knowles’ goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible. “I want my patients to know that I am there to help them, as well as their family, while they are going through this time,” she says.

1

Can you tell us a little bit about your profession?

2

What do you love most about your profession?

3

What is your best advice for patients?

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

I have recently transitioned from almost six years of inpatient neurology, where I worked as a part of the stroke team as well as rounding on general neurology patients, to outpatient neurology. I’m now seeing patients who are following up from their hospital visits for strokes, TIA, or seizures.

I love seeing the difference we can make, specifically in someone’s quality of life with our acute stroke treatments. I also love educating patients in the steps that they can take to hopefully prevent another stroke.

Know your risk factors! There are some that we can’t change, like our age, ethnicity, and genetics, but many we can change.

I feel like I am a very compassionate person. I do my best to alleviate my patients’ fears while doing what I can to help them.

Nursing is a wonderful career to give back to others during their most difficult times.”

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Along with compassion, I provide a little bit of tough love. I can educate and prescribe appropriate medications all day long, but unless our patients take some self-initiative, they may continue to have future health emergencies such as repeat strokes or even seizures.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT BRENDA

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Southern Adventist University – Collegedale, TN Certifications: AGACNP-BC, American Nurse Credentialing Center FNP-C, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Neurology

CONNECT 423.778.9001 Erlanger Neurology 979 East 3rd Street, Suite C-830 Chattanooga, TN 37403 erlanger.org/centersof-excellence/ neuroscience-institute

Meet Our Caregivers

G ROWI NG

CRISTY KEITH, LPN

PROFE SSIONA L LY

MOR NIN G P OIN TE OF COLLEGED A LE AT GR EENBR I A R CO V E

& PERS ONA L LY

W

hen Cristy Keith was promoted to Director of Nursing at Morning Pointe at Greenbriar Cove last year, it was one of the happiest moments in her career. “In total, I have been with Morning Pointe for almost eight years,” she explains. “I feel like I was born to be a nurse. Giving back and caring for others has always been a part of who I am, and truly being able to provide quality care to my residents and make a difference in their everyday life is completely gratifying to me.”

Thinking back over all the residents and their loved ones she has worked with over the years, Keith can’t help but be filled with appreciation for her profession. “I know that I gave a little piece of myself to each of them, and them to me, and those threads make up the tapestry that is my career in nursing,” she says.

Families and residents entrust us with their well-being, so it’s important that I do everything in my power to provide excellent care.”

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1

What do you love most about your profession?

2

What is your best advice for patients?

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

4

What influenced you to pursue your career?

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

I love how self-rewarding this profession is. Knowing that I can apply my personal experience and contribute to someone’s recovery and wellness gives me a sense of personal pride, which in turn strengthens my commitment to this profession.

Being proactive in your everyday health is the best way to maintain good health.

It is important to be open and honest with each person. Be presentable, available, and attentive to their wants and needs as individuals.

Growing up, no one in my family had established a career, profession, or even received a college degree; I knew this was something I wanted out of life. In addition, being a mother of six children, I knew I had to lead by example and give my children a positive role model to look up to and admire.

Nursing is more than treating an illness. It is focused on delivering quality care that is individualized to the needs of each person.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT CRISTY

MY CREDENTIALS LPN Certification: Chattanooga State Community College – Chattanooga, TN

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Basic Life Support Geriatric Nursing Long-Term Care Nursing Nurse Management

CONNECT 423.396.6999 Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove 9650 Leyland Drive Ooltewah, TN 37363 morningpointe.com

Meet Our Caregivers

ADDRESSING A HOST OF HEALTHCARE NEEDS

N

ursing has always felt like a calling to Emily Monnette. But after serving as a nurse for several years, Monnette realized she wanted to offer her patients more in-depth and comprehensive care. She explains, “I went back to school to become a nurse practitioner because I wanted to help patients manage their chronic conditions to help keep them out of the hospital. I’ve now been a nurse practitioner for five years, and I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” At Erlanger Primary Care’s Northshore location, Monnette is able to address a range of health conditions, from treating musculoskeletal injuries and acute illnesses to performing dermatology procedures, administering immunizations, and more. It’s the diversity of the job, plus the relationships she forms with her patients, that she enjoys most.

EMILY MONNETTE, FNP-BC ER L A N GER PR IM A R Y C A R E – N ORTHSHOR E

1

Can you tell us a little bit about your profession?

I see patients in the office on a schedule who are

18 and older. Patient visits range from yearly exams, such as well woman exams, to chronic disease management and referrals as needed.

2 3

What is your best advice for patients?

Be an advocate for your health.

What influenced you to pursue your career?

I became a nurse over 10 years ago because I

wanted to help others.

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

Disease prevention, early intervention,

and managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and mental illness.

I love when patients have good results and improved quality of life.”

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5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT EMILY

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Austin Peay State University – Clarksville, TN Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Family Medicine

CONNECT 423.778.3348 Erlanger Primary Care - NorthShore 1200 Pineville Road Chattanooga, TN 37405 erlanger.org

Meet Our Caregivers

H E L PI NG C H I L DRE N & T H E I R FA M I L I E S T H RI V E

A

s a high school student, Michelle Cahill Kimball worked her first job at Chattanooga’s Orange Grove Center – and it was there that she quickly realized how much she enjoyed working with people who have developmental disabilities. Years later, when Siskin Children’s Institute opened its Developmental Pediatric Center, Kimball’s career goals were reached. “My role at Siskin focuses on diagnosing, treating, and supporting children with developmental disabilities – such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others,” Kimball explains. “I love being able to work through the diagnostic process with the families to determine the child’s strengths and challenges and to develop the treatment plan that works the best for them as a whole.”

MICHELLE CAHILL KIMBALL, CPNP-PC, PMHS SISK IN CHILDR EN ’S INSTIT U TE

1

What do you love most about your profession?

2

What is your best advice for patients?

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

I love being able to help children and their families. Making a difference in their lives, as well as providing information and support to them, is very important to me.

My advice is for the parents – do not be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, the more we can determine where you are in the process of learning about your child, how to help them, and what support and information you need.

A smile, warmth, and being happy to see the other person – those things come out in a person’s tone of voice and set the stage for the interaction.

I like to problem-solve with the families to see what solutions may benefit them as they care for their children. I always seek the positive aspect and find opportunities in the midst of the difficulties.

I love being able to work with children – they are so positive, determined, happy, and resilient.”

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Each child and family has their own unique needs, so I work to meet the child and family where they are and work together with them, their therapists, and their educators to be able to provide as much support as we can to help them have their best outcomes.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT MICHELLE

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Emory University – Atlanta, GA Certifications: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

CONNECT 423.490.7710 Siskin Children’s Institute 1101 Carter Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 siskin.org

Meet Our Caregivers

DEVELOPING A PLAN FOR

KACI FLOYD, MSN, APN, NP-C ER L A N GER UR OLO G Y

HER PATIENTS

A

n innate desire to care for others led Kaci Floyd to a career in nursing, but she’s found her true passion working in pediatrics. “I am blessed to be given the responsibility and opportunity to come to work with pediatric patients and their families,” says Floyd, who treats a number of chronic pediatric urologic conditions, including urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, recurrent urinary tract infections, and vesicoureteral reflux.

“As a mom, I know firsthand the stress and anxiety that comes with having a sick child or a child with chronic conditions,” she adds. “My message to all parents is that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask questions, it’s okay to advocate, and it’s okay to ask for help.”

1

Can you tell us a little bit about your profession?

2

What do you love most about your profession?

3

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

As a family nurse practitioner who specializes in pediatric urology, I provide comprehensive urologic assessments and develop treatment plans for children in both the hospital and outpatient settings.

I love that my profession uses all of me – my intellect, compassion, critical thinking skills, but most of all I love the patients.

I am continually inspired by the resilience, strength, and bravery of pediatric patients.

My happiest professional moments are truly defined by the success stories of my patients. Having the opportunity and ability to make even the smallest difference in the lives of my patients is humbling and far exceeds any award or accolade.

My ability to express compassion and empathy helps me gain trust and subsequently build those long-term patient relationships that, for some, last forever.

I find it extremely rewarding to provide family-centered care that supports both the child and family through open communication and understanding.”

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I strive to provide high-quality, individualized care for my patients while taking into consideration they each have their own unique background with different values, goals, challenges, and interests.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT KACI

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Chattanooga, TN Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Recognitions: Member, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Member, American Urological Association Member, Pediatric Urology Nurse Specialists

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Pediatric Urology

CONNECT 423.778.5910 Erlanger Urology 900 East 3rd Street, 2nd Floor C Chattanooga, TN 37403 1755 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 209 Chattanooga, TN 37421 erlanger.org/ urology

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

CHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL GROUP Cassandra Rodriguez, MSN, NP-C, GS-C

Bobby Shegog

Cassandra Rodriguez, a nurse practitioner, has recently been certified as a gerontological specialist by the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission.

Rodriguez welcomes new patients at the CHI Memorial Center for Healthy Aging’s Alexian Village clinic.

Bobby Shegog has been named the director for Siskin Hospital’s Environmental Services Department. Shegog – who specializes in emergency incident management and preparedness – will be responsible for the overall management of Siskin’s first line of defense in infection prevention and control.

PARKRIDGE HEALTH SYSTEM

MORNING POINTE SENIOR LIVING

Amy Whipple, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC

Heather Tussing

Amy Whipple has been named chief nursing officer for the Parkridge Valley family of behavioral health facilities in Chattanooga. Whipple had previously served as assistant chief nursing officer for the Parkridge Valley Adult and Parkridge Valley West campuses since 2016.

Heather Tussing has been promoted to chief operating officer of Morning Pointe Senior Living. Tussing previously served as executive vice president of operations for Morning Pointe. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Kentucky.

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

CHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL GROUP

Chelsea Shugars, MD

Ashley Masterson, DO

Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurologist Dr. Chelsea Shugars has joined Erlanger Neurology. Dr. Shugars specializes in neuromuscular medicine. She worked at the National Institutes of Health before pursuing her medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

Dr. Ashley Masterson has joined CHI Memorial Integrative Medicine Associates – Chattanooga. The family medicine physician is a native of Red Bank and earned her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee.

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

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SISKIN HOSPITAL

CHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL GROUP

Katie Pannell, MD

Justin Wilkes, MD

Dr. Katie Pannell has joined Erlanger Primary Care – Hixson. The board-certified family medicine physician, who completed her family medicine residency at Erlanger, has interests in all aspects of medical care, including preventive medicine, women’s health, mental health, and geriatrics.

CHI Memorial Surgical Associates has welcomed Dr. Justin Wilkes, surgical oncologist, to its team of providers. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology.

HealthScopeMag.com

be well Today’s most important health topics that women of all ages want and need to know for the health and wellness of their family, parents, and themselves.

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Understanding Seizures

BY A N N A H I L L

DR. ASHISH KABIR NEUROLOGIST AND EPILEPSY SPECIALIST, HAMILTON PHYSICIAN GROUP

Most people have heard of seizures, and many people know someone who’s had a seizure – after all, they’re not a particularly uncommon occurrence. However, there’s a lot more to know about seizures than many people realize. Here, we explore different types of seizures, as well as what causes them and how they can be managed for those with seizure disorders.

What Is a Seizure?

According to Dr. Ashish Kabir, a neurologist with Hamilton Physician Group, “The technical definition of a seizure is a burst of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells that causes temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements (stiffness, twitching, or limpness), behaviors, sensations, or states of awareness.” If a person experiences two seizures without identifiable cause that occur more than 24 hours apart, they are typically diagnosed with epilepsy. Most seizures last between 30 seconds and two minutes, but if one lasts longer than five minutes, it’s classified as a medical emergency.

There are different types of seizures, but they all fall under two major umbrellas of classification: focal seizures and generalized seizures. The cause for both types is often unknown. Luckily,

many seizure disorders can be managed with medication and guidance from your doctor.

Causes There are a variety of things that can cause seizures. While not all seizures qualify as epilepsy, epilepsy is one of the most common causes. “Epilepsy signifies a high risk of ongoing seizures which can occur as unprovoked seizures,” explains Dr. Jake McKay, a neurologist and epilepsy specialist with Erlanger Neurology. “To have a diagnosis of epilepsy, you must either have two unprovoked seizures separated in time, or one unprovoked seizure and either an abnormal EEG (brainwave test) or brain MRI (brain-imaging test).”

Outside of epilepsy, several health conditions can predispose people to seizures, the most common of which is stroke in individuals over the age of 35. Brain tumors can also lead to seizures,

DR. JAKE MCKAY NEUROLOGIST AND EPILEPSY SPECIALIST, ERLANGER NEUROLOGY

which are often the key indicator that someone has a brain tumor.

“Additionally, meningitis and encephalitis, which are infections of the brain covering and of the brain tissue itself, can cause seizures acutely and predispose to epilepsy long-term,” says Dr. McKay. Genes can also play a role, as some types of epilepsy are passed down through a genetic mutation.

Other causes of seizures also include: • High fever • Sleep deprivation • Flashing lights or moving patterns • Head trauma • Certain medications such as pain relievers, antidepressants, or smoking cessation therapies • Abnormalities in the brain’s blood vessels • Autoimmune disorders • Recreational drug use • Alcohol misuse

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BE WELL

Symptoms Seizure symptoms vary widely in type and in severity depending on which form of seizure is occurring.

The most common symptoms of seizures include temporary confusion, uncontrollable jerking of the limbs, staring spells, loss of awareness or consciousness, and cognitive or emotional symptoms such as fear or anxiety. However, there are usually significant differences in symptoms of focal seizures versus generalized seizures.

Focal seizures. These seizures occur as a result of abnormal electrical activity in one specific area of the brain and can be split into two subtypes where symptoms are concerned. The first is a focal seizure where consciousness is not lost. A focal seizure where consciousness is retained usually involves emotional symptoms such as sudden joy, fear, or anger. They can also cause involuntary jerking movements and alter the senses, affecting the way things look, feel, smell, or sound, and can induce nausea. These symptoms can often make diagnosis tricky as they can be confused for other neurological disorders or a mental illness. The second type of focal seizure involves impaired awareness or consciousness, which can lead to a dreamlike state or trance. Those who experience this type of seizure might not remember having it or even be aware that it occurred.

Generalized seizures. Unlike the focal type, generalized seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity throughout the entire cortex of the brain. These are more likely to occur in children or those with a family history of seizures, but can also be brought on by things like sleep deprivation or substance misuse.

There are several different types of generalized seizure, including but not limited to: • Absence seizures, which were previously known as petit mal seizures, usually occur in children and are often characterized by staring off into space or subtle repetitive body movements.

• Tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, can cause abrupt loss of consciousness as well as muscle spasms and loss of bodily control.

• Myoclonic seizures, which cause sudden jerks or twitches in different parts of the body but do not cause loss of consciousness.

• Atonic seizures, often known as “drop” seizures, which lead to loss of muscle control that causes the body to collapse or for the head to suddenly drop.

While not all seizures are medical emergencies, it’s important to seek medical counsel if you’re experiencing one for the first time.

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Complications Unfortunately, seizures can cause other health complications or affect other areas of someone’s life. “Seizure patients can often suffer from depression, migraines, and other diseases, and some of the medications used to treat seizures can cause complications as well,” says Dr. Kabir. “Patients with epilepsy who may become pregnant have additional considerations as well regarding the management of their disease before, during, and after pregnancy.” More immediate complications involve injury that might result from falls, and frequent uncontrolled seizures have been known to negatively affect short-term memory.

Diagnosis & Treatment There are several different diagnostic options for seizures, the most common of which is an electroencephalogram (EEG). “This test is performed by placing electrodes on the head using a gel, which allows the EEG machine to record the electrical fields of the brain,” explains Dr. McKay. “There may be certain sparks of electricity (epileptiform discharges) or seizures themselves seen on EEG, which would indicate a high risk of epilepsy.” To rule out epilepsy caused by structural abnormalities in the brain, an MRI scan is often done as well.

Once the tests have been performed and the patient’s medical history has been discussed with their neurologist, an official diagnosis will open a gateway for treatment. “The patient will likely be treated with antiseizure medications initially, and this will completely stop seizures in patients about 70% of the time,” says Dr. Kabir. “The remaining 30% of patients who have treatmentresistant seizures may require additional treatment, but over half of those patients can become seizure-free with complex treatment such as surgery if that is the appropriate course to take.”

If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical provider. Not all types of seizures involve uncontrollable shaking and collapse, but it’s important to remember that there’s a path to treatment and management for every type.

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Meet Dr. Ehsan Benrashid UNIVERSITY SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

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rowing up in an immigrant community, Dr. Ehsan Benrashid always felt a pull toward the medical profession – not only would it provide him with a stable career, but he would also have the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives. As the newest vascular surgeon at University Surgical Associates, Dr. Benrashid is getting to live his passion by having a positive impact on the Chattanooga community, as well as raising awareness about the severity and consequences of vascular disease. “With a greater understanding of how to incorporate healthy habits and practices into their normal lives, my goal is to help save lives and limbs and help my patients feel better in the long term,” he says.

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What do you love most about your profession?

Many people with vascular conditions have complex medical histories – and decisions about their care aren’t always straightforward. But I enjoy the challenge of helping families navigate these difficult medical decisions, and also giving them information that helps them understand their disease process.

2

Why have you chosen to work in vascular care?

As a medical student, I had a lot of positive experiences with the vascular care team at UVA – the ability to help people by preventing a stroke or correcting a ruptured aneurysm really drew me in. The comprehensive nature of vascular surgery and the ability to be your patients’ physician for the long term was also really exciting to me.

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What do you hope to achieve in your role at University Surgical Associates?

The way we treat dangerous vascular conditions continues to evolve and improve – and that means we can bring life- and limb-saving care to more people. I intend to lend my efforts to raise awareness about treatment and prevention and find my place in the broader medical community to impact as many lives as I can.

DR. BENRASHID’S CREDENTIALS Medical Degree: University of Virginia School of Medicine – Charlottesville, VA Residency: Duke University Department of Surgery – Durham, NC Fellowship: Washington University/Barnes-Jewish Hospital – St. Louis, MO

CONNECT 423.267.0466 University Surgical Associates 979 East 3rd Street, Suite C-300 Chattanooga, TN 37403 universitysurgical.com

5 Facts About Common Skin Conditions Anyone who’s ever gone through puberty knows that you don’t appreciate smooth, blemish-free skin until you no longer have it. Though many skin conditions are highly common, they can range from a cosmetic nuisance to distracting discomfort. Here, we’ve talked with dermatologists about what you should know when it comes to troubled skin – and how to keep it in check. BY ANNA H I L L

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Isotretinoin – a retinoid originally sold under the name Accutane – can be safe and incredibly effective on stubborn acne when properly administered and monitored.

Often caused by hormonal changes, cystic acne causes inflamed, red bumps deep in the skin, and unfortunately, it can be resistant to topical or over-the-counter treatments. If a patient’s cystic acne isn’t responsive to prescription creams or antibiotics, a dermatologist will often discuss the option of isotretinoin.

Though isotretinoin is distributed under several different names, the colloquial title of Accutane has persisted, and with that name comes a bit of an infamous reputation. At first glance, the potential side effects can certainly be daunting: headaches, mood changes, joint pain, and even liver damage and birth defects.

However, it’s important to remember that these side effects are rare, and your dermatologist will closely monitor you during treatment.

“We monitor patients on isotretinoin very closely with routine labs, frequent office visits, and, for women, monthly pregnancy tests and contraceptive counseling,” explains Dr. Deanna Brown, a dermatologist with Susong Dermatology. “The good news is that the vast majority of patients complete their isotretinoin course without any problems other than dry skin and chapped lips.”

Overall, the benefits of isotretinoin often far outweigh the risks when it comes to treatment-resistant acne, but if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dermatologist.

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DR. DEANNA BROWN DERMATOLOGIST, SUSONG DERMATOLOGY

DR. MARY BETH COLE DERMATOLOGIST, DALTON DERMATOLOGY

DR. CHRIS LOWE DERMATOLOGIST, GALEN MEDICAL GROUP

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Rosacea – a common chronic skin condition – is characterized by intermittent flushing and redness on the face, and some people also develop inflamed bumps or thickened skin. However, there are several environmental triggers that can be avoided to help prevent flare-ups.

“Some of the most common triggers include spicy foods, hot beverages, hot showers, and alcohol,” says Dr. Mary Beth Cole, a dermatologist with Dalton Dermatology. “Sun exposure is at the top of the trigger list for rosacea, and those hoping to alleviate rosacea symptoms should try to practice good sun protection.”

If you have rosacea, incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is vital.

Look for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, as chemical sunscreen can be an irritant.

For those looking to reduce the appearance of redness that results from rosacea, it’s important to know that a variety of treatments are available.

Topical medications, such as creams and washes, are an option, and vascular laser treatments are available for rosacea patients looking to reduce redness and dilated blood vessels in the face.

It can be easy to mix up dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis when it comes to common skin conditions, but they all mean different things. “Dermatitis is a broad term and refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions in which epidermal changes are noted,” explains Dr. Cole. Eczema is a form of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis. Both eczema and psoriasis may seem similar at a glance due to the fact that they cause the skin to be irritated and flaky, can occur at any age, and tend to be chronic. However, these two conditions are caused by dysfunction in different pathways of one’s immune system.

Eczema is more likely to occur in those of a younger age and often presents in patients who also have asthma or allergies. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is more likely to appear in older age groups, and can sometimes cause arthritis in patients as well. Eczema usually appears around the neck or in the creases of joints, while psoriasis more often appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower legs, and genital areas.

Luckily, whether you have eczema or psoriasis, there are several treatment options available. This might include topical medication, oral medication, or injections, depending on the needs and goals of the patient.

Rosacea can be triggered by your environment.

Eczema and psoriasis may seem similar, but they present differently.

Beauty is in the Details Larry A. Sargent, MD, a nationally renowned Board Certified Plastic Surgeon has recently moved his practice back to Chattanooga.

DR. SARGENT is internationally known for his expertise in Plastic Surgery with patients from over 40 states and multiple foreign countries. He has trained over 60 Plastic Surgeons, and was the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Tennessee for 20 years. His work has been featured on the Emmy Award winning, nationally syndicated show The Doctors, as well as documentaries on TLC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic internationally.

• Most experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in this area • Over 30 years of experience in cosmetic operations of the face and body • State Certified in-office operative suite for patient privacy and convenience • Visit our extensive website to view before and after photographs

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The playground rumors were true: Warts are contagious.

That being said, it’s a little more complicated than that. “Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV),” says Dr. Chris Lowe, a dermatologist with Galen Medical Group.

When someone develops a wart, that means they were likely exposed to the virus through broken skin. Sometimes, the immune system quickly fights the virus off, but often the virus will replicate in the skin’s cells for months or even years.

“As we all have become painfully aware since the advent of the pandemic, viruses are much more difficult to get rid of than we would like, and people react to viruses in different ways,” adds Dr. Lowe. “Most everyone is exposed to various strains of HPV throughout their lives, but some may never develop warts, while others may develop numerous warts.”

Luckily, warts often go away on their own, but there are topical treatments as well as removal options.

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Those little red bumps you have on your arms?

It’s called keratosis pilaris, and you have your genes to thank for it.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a fairly common condition, and as it’s generally harmless, not everyone knows that there’s a name for it.

“Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition in which some of the shed skin sticks to the hair follicles and causes little bumps around the hair follicles that sometimes become inflamed,” says Dr. Lowe. These bumps most commonly appear on the arms but can also appear on the cheeks, thighs, and buttocks.

Unfortunately, this typically genetic condition can’t be fully cured, but it can be treated and may clear up as you age. “KP can be reduced by either chemical or physical exfoliation,” explains Dr. Brown. “Common chemical exfoliants include cleansers and lotions with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, urea, ammonium lactate, or a mild retinol. Physical exfoliation requires the use of a rough washcloth, loofah, or body brush.”

However, it’s important not to over-exfoliate your skin, as that might worsen the condition or lead to irritation. “I recommend chemical exfoliation no more than three times per week and application of a gentle moisturizer to the entire body once or twice daily,” Dr. Brown adds.

When it comes to taking care of your skin, there’s one last thing that’s always important to remember: Use sunscreen every day, and avoid sun exposure to reduce your risk of cancer – another prominent skin condition.

“Skin cancer is one of the most common things we treat,” says Dr. Lowe. Protect yourself from the sun – your skin, and your overall health, will thank you.

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BARIATRIC SURGERY What You Should Know

BY ANNA HILL

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B

ariatric surgery – commonly referred to as weight loss surgery – can seem like a bit of a mystery to those who haven’t taken that step of talking to their doctor about it. However, it’s not only a very safe procedure, but also minimally invasive thanks to technological advancements. Read on to learn more about the procedure, who’s eligible for it, and what the recovery process is like.

DR. JAIME PONCE

DR. CHRISTOPHER SANBORN

BARIATRIC SURGEON AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR

BARIATRIC SURGEON AND MEDICAL

OF BARIATRIC SURGERY & OBESITY MEDICINE,

DIRECTOR, ERLANGER METABOLIC

CHI MEMORIAL METABOLIC & BARIATRIC CARE

& BARIATRIC SURGERY CENTER

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ELIGIBILITY

While the intent of bariatric surgery is to improve health and quality of life through inducing weight loss, not everyone who is overweight is a candidate for it. “Candidates for bariatric surgery are individuals who have suffered from obesity for several years, have tried to lose weight before, have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more, or have a BMI of 35 with associated obesity-related medical problems like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or other conditions,” explains Dr. Jaime Ponce, bariatric surgeon and medical director of bariatric surgery and obesity medicine with CHI Memorial Metabolic & Bariatric Care. The best way to find out if you’re eligible for the procedure is to calculate your BMI and review your medical history with your doctor or a specialist.

TYPES OF SURGERY

There is a range of procedures that fall under the umbrella of bariatric surgery; however, some are much more common than others.

“The most commonly performed bariatric surgeries are the gastric sleeve resection and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,” says Dr. Christopher Sanborn, a bariatric surgeon and the medical director of the Erlanger Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Center. “The duodenal switch is less commonly performed, and the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band – commonly known as the lap-band – is still around but is infrequently performed.”

GASTRIC SLEEVE RESECTION. Also known as the sleeve gastrectomy, this method is a minimally invasive, laparoscopic procedure

WHAT IS BMI? BMI stands for body mass index, which is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. It’s often used as a screening tool, but doesn’t necessarily provide a definitive diagnosis of body fatness or overall health.

that is performed on the majority of patients.

The surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach that holds a significant amount of food and produces ghrelin, which is a hormone that causes hunger. As a result, patients feel full after smaller portions, feel less hunger, and experience improved metabolism without losing out on nutrient absorption.

ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS. Often just referred to as gastric bypass, this surgery is slightly more complex, but is also a laparoscopic procedure. The surgeon creates a small pouch in the stomach, then reroutes the intestine to bypass the lower portion of the stomach and the first portion of the bowel. This procedure achieves similar results compared to the gastric sleeve resection; however, there is an element of nutrient malabsorption following the surgery, and vitamin supplements are often needed in order to prevent deficiencies.

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RISKS & COMPLICATIONS

There are risks that accompany weight loss procedures, as there are with all types of surgeries. These risks might include infection, trouble with stapling the stomach that can lead to leakage or bleeding, or blood clots. However, it’s important to remember that these complications are rare, and that good outcomes are almost always achieved with patient education, a good surgical team, and diligent follow-up post-op. “Other considerations that patients need to understand are the needed long-term follow-up, monitoring vitamins and minerals to avoid anemia or calcium deficiencies, and that, very rarely, ulcers or hernias can develop,” adds Dr. Ponce. “Patients are encouraged and required to follow up to be monitored and prevent any significant complications.”

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Preparing for bariatric surgery can be one of the most important parts of the entire process, given that the procedure is not a simple “set it and forget it” solution for weight loss. Education about the procedure itself, as well as the recovery and lifestyle changes that will need to come alongside it, is vital. If possible, attend an information seminar or webinar about bariatric surgery before scheduling an initial consultation. If you decide to move forward, you’ll meet with a multidisciplinary team that might include dietitians, psychology support, exercise trainers, and your bariatric surgeons and nurses. “Attending support groups prior to having the surgery can also be a helpful step to take,” says Dr. Sanborn.

and are prepped and then placed under anesthesia. “The procedure usually lasts one hour under general anesthesia. Patients wake up in the recovery room, and they will be walking and drinking liquids the same day,” explains Dr. Ponce. “Usually, they stay one night and are discharged home the following morning.”

RECOVERY

Recovery for bariatric surgery is two-fold: physical recovery and lifestyle changes. “Most patients with jobs that do not require lifting or vigorous physical activity can return to their job within one to two weeks or sooner,” says Dr. Sanborn. “Follow-up is very frequent after surgery – usually within the first week and then again within the first month or two, and likely several more times within just the first year.” All of this follow-up is necessary in order to help the patient achieve the best possible outcome, as permanent lifestyle changes will need to be made to reach such outcomes.

As for diet following the procedure, patients typically stay on a liquid diet for two weeks, then advance to soft, puréed foods for two weeks, then follow that with more solid foods. This allows the patient to heal as well as to adjust to new eating habits and portion sizes. When it comes to exercise, patients are put on a progressive plan of physical activity that begins with walking and increases over time at the patient’s own pace. Vitamins are often needed, and support groups and dietitians can be helpful in the recovery process as well. All in all, it’s important for the patient to take an active role in their recovery.

“In general, healthy habits and activity, along with the

THE PROCEDURE

Thanks to surgical advances, the two most common forms of bariatric surgery – the gastric sleeve resection and the gastric bypass – are both performed laparoscopically. This method is minimally invasive and is performed with very small instruments and a video camera for assistance. Patients will arrive a few hours before surgery

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surgery serving as a powerful ‘tool,’ enable patients to lose significant amounts of weight, improve their health and quality of life, and get to do things that were previously more difficult for them to do,” says Dr. Ponce. If weight is something you have struggled with significantly on your own, don’t be afraid to reach out to a provider for a consultation to learn more.

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VIRTUAL event Don’t miss Travis’ inspiring story of how he & his family have found life beyond disability.

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Project Access A PL ACE OF HOPE FOR THOUSANDS

Hope may only seem like a four-letter word, but for patients of Project Access, that simple word can be the motivation for getting their lives back.

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n 2020, Chris Coleman began to have severe pains in his stomach. Because he was unable to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, he

didn’t have access to health insurance and visited CHI Memorial Community Health in Hixson to figure out what was wrong. The self-employed construction worker was referred to Project Access and was matched with a specialist to diagnose and treat his medical needs.

“I had to go somewhere,” Coleman says. “I didn’t draw unemployment from the state. Project Access was my only option.”

Project Access is a nonprofit coordinated care network between doctors, hospitals, healthcare providers, and community clinics that provides donated specialty healthcare for residents in low-income jobs with no access to health insurance. The pro-

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gram also provides care to people who don’t qualify for federal or state programs such as TennCare and Medicaid but cannot obtain insurance.

Coleman was referred to Dr. Donald Hetzel with Galen Digestive Health. After a colonoscopy found numerous polyps, Dr. Hetzel was able to successfully remove them.

“Without Project Access, I might be dead,” says Coleman. “Dr. Hetzel said I was days away from expiring. I’m so grateful for the doctors who donated this care.”

Since its inception in 2004, Project Access has made healthcare available to more than 22,000 lowincome, uninsured residents of Hamilton County.

More than $213 million of free healthcare has been donated by more than 1,150 volunteer physicians and providers through the program, which is coordinated through the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Medical Foundation of Chattanooga.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

“Without Project Access, I might be dead. Dr. Hetzel said I was days away from expiring. I’m so grateful for the doctors who donated this care.”

–CHRIS COLEMAN

“As a physician, treating patients is our passion no matter what difficulties the patient may be dealing with in their normal life,” says Dr. Jon Hildebrand, an ophthalmologist with Eye Specialists of Chattanooga. “Project Access allows us to do this in a quality matter, but most importantly, it finds that much-needed specialist for the patient. It is my honor to be a Project Access volunteer provider.”

Project Access coordinates specialty care services for patients referred to the program by local primary care providers and clinics. Patient care coordinators make sure the patient meets program requirements and then help find the specialists they need. “If procedures or other services are needed, care is coordinated with hospitals or other service providers so the patient’s health can be restored,” says Rae Young Bond, executive director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Foundation.

“Doctors and hospitals have always provided charity care, but it was done in a sometimes informal manner,” Bond says. “Project Access created a coordinated charity care network that makes it easy for hospitals and physicians to participate while easing the navigation of a sometimes complicated healthcare system.”

To be eligible for Project Access, patients must have a current medical condition, be uninsured, be ineligible for health insurance and other health benefits, and have an income 150% below the poverty level.

Before the program started, patients would often have to visit their primary clinic until the condition was bad enough that they would have to access specialty care through a visit to the emergency room, according to Joel Henderson, executive director of Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), a Chattanoogabased free primary health clinic.

Dr. Harish Manyam of The Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute applauds Project Access’s ability to unify the medical community around a common purpose.

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“VIM’s health ministry and Project Access have one shared goal: to be able to provide quality care for every person who needs and wants it,” Henderson says. “Without Project Access, our patients wouldn’t have access to local specialized care. Since VIM opened its doors in 2005, well over 75,000 patient visits have been provided, valued at more than $24 million in clinic rates and $109 million conservative ER rates. Our partnership with Project Access is a key component in supporting this continuity of care for those in the greatest need.”

Project Access also maintains close partnerships with other community health centers, including Erlanger’s federally qualified Southside, Dodson Avenue, and Premier health centers; Hamilton County Health Department clinics; CHI Memorial Community Health in Hixson; LifeSpring Community Health; and Cherokee Health Systems, among others.

Angel Moore, CEO of Erlanger Community Health Centers, says Project Access makes an enormous difference to their patients. “They effectively and efficiently connect our uninsured primary care patients with the specialty care they need, which actually gives us more capacity to care for additional primary care patients. It is a beautiful partnership to provide compassionate care.”

Dr. Jon Hildebrand, ophthalmologist and Project Access volunteer, sees patients for a variety of eye issues.

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The Homeless Health Care Center is another clinic partner. “Project Access is extremely valuable in serving our homeless population as they connect our patients to the specialty care they need most. If it weren’t for Project Access, our patients would not have the opportunity or hope for a healthy future,” says Karen Guinn, Homeless Health Care Center executive director. “The staff at Project Access is a pleasure to partner with, as their care and concern for the individualized needs and followthrough for each patient only comes from the heart.”

Project Access works with partners to provide dignified care to some of the most vulnerable in our community.

According to Dr. Rodney Susong, a local dermatologist with Susong Dermatology and Project Access volunteer, “Project Access is so important to our community because it fills the gap for people who sometimes fall through the cracks in the healthcare system. It provides a safety net to ensure low-income residents have the opportunity to be treated for their ailments. Susong Dermatology is proud to support Project Access in its endeavors.”

For many specialized practices, treating Project Access patients is a team effort. From the staff who check the patient in at the front desk to the doctor who performs the procedure, everyone plays a role.

Project Access by the Numbers APRIL 2004 – NOVEMBER 15, 2021

$213 million Dr. Jeffrey Mullins of CHI Memorial Urology Associates is one of many CHI Memorial specialists who volunteers with Project Access.

Total value of donated healthcare provided to uninsured Hamilton County residents

“Caring for all of our patients is a team effort – Project Access isn’t excluded,” says Dr. Jay Jolley, a spine specialist with Southeastern Spine · Brain · Joint. “Our practice uses every asset available to meet the needs of the Project Access patient from the first appointment to the last follow-up. Working with physician assistants and other advanced practice providers allows me to meet the surgical needs of the patient while simultaneously ensuring that all patients continue to receive the timely and personalized treatment that they need. Project Access patients are treated just like any patient and receive the utmost respect and care from our staff. They deserve nothing less.”

Echoing Dr. Jolley’s comments, Dr. Coleman Arnold, a general surgeon with University Surgical Associates, believes it takes a village.

“I’ve been involved with Project Access since the beginning because I believe everybody can do their part, and I’m just one of the many local providers trying to do my part for our neighbors in need,” he says. “If everybody does a little bit, we can get the work done.”

Dr. Harish Manyam, a cardiologist with The Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute, says, “Project Access continually reminds me of the reasons I became a physician. It is a pure and really direct form of patient care that has unified the medical community around a common purpose.”

A Project Access patient, who asked to remain anonymous, shares the praise of Chris Coleman for the program. Through Project Access, she recovered from two bouts of cancer and is currently being treated for an infection in her hip brought on from a weakened immune system.

“When you are sad, you try to find the blessings to make this short time called life beautiful,” the patient says. “Project Access provided that blessing. I am alive because of it. I couldn’t have paid for my interventions. I would be dead. I always pray for God to take care of the doctors and their patients. They are the true blessings.”

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

— 1,150 Volunteer physicians and providers currently participating

— 22,300 People who have received medical care or been directed to services

— 530 Number of patients currently enrolled

— 3,161 Number of individuals assisted in 2020-2021

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Project Access - Sharing the Gift of Healing in 2021 Since 2004, physicians, hospitals, health centers, and other partners have donated their care and services to more than 22,300 of our uninsured neighbors. Lives have been saved, health has been restored, and many people have been able to continue working and supporting their families because their health crisis was averted.

These wonderful partners have donated more than $213,000,000 of health care services through Project Access.

We give thanks to these wonderful individuals and organizations who provide direct care to our patients, and to the generous individuals and companies who have supported Project Access program operations.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Medical Foundation of Chattanooga 1917 E. Third St Chattanooga, TN 37404 423-826-0269 (Project Access) 423-622-2872 (Medical Society and Foundation)

PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS

CHI Memorial Health Care System Children’s Hospital at Erlanger Erlanger Health System Kindred Hospital Parkridge Medical Centers Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation

PARTICIPATING HEALTH CENTERS

Cempa Community Care Chattanooga Tumor Clinic, Inc. Cherokee Health Systems CHI Memorial Community Health Clinica Medicos Erlanger Community Health Centers (Dodson Ave. & Southside) Erlanger Premier Health Hamilton County Health Department Centers Homeless Health Care Center LifeSpring Community Health University Medical Associates UT Family Practice Volunteers in Medicine

OTHER PARTNERS

Alliance Physical Therapy Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics Chattanooga Endoscopy Center Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition Cool Springs MD CRNA Associates, P.C. Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee Eye Surgery Center of Chattanooga Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation Kirton Dental Lab LabCorp La Paz Chattanooga Mental Health Cooperative Miller Eye Center Novamed Surgery Center of Chattanooga PathGroup Labs Regional Health Council Southeastern Orthotics and Prosthetics UT College of Medicine Chattanooga Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Vision Laboratories Welcome Home of Chattanooga

PARTICIPATING PHYSICIANS – 2021

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY D. Curt Chaffin, MD Marc Cromie, MD Syeda Hamdani, MD Michael Hollie, MD Hyman Kaplan, MD Linda Kim, MD Todd Levin, MD Jennifer Patel, MD Lee Perry, MD Susan Raschal, DO Jessica Van Mason, MD Russell Walker, MD Robert Younger, MD ANESTHESIOLOGY Edwin Abraham, MD J. Frank Adkins, MD Mark Banks, MD Jeffrey Balser, MD Mark Banks, MD Venkata Bareddy, MD Stephen Barnes, MD David Bartlett, MD Burton Beakley, MD Marilyn Bean, MD Justin Blinn, MD Gerald Brocker, MD James Brown, MD Ladd Campbell, MD Cory Carpenter, MD Louis Chemin, MD Colin Clanton, MD Nicholas Cutchens, MD Christopher Davis, MD J. Phillip Davis, MD J. Miller Epps, MD Ashley Ermenc, MD Jonathan Geach, MD Mark Gruwell, MD David Hall, MD

John Hamilton, DO John Hill, MD Russell Hill, MD Ethan Hix, CRNA Brian Johnson, MD Susan Johnson, CRNA Monica Jones, MD Wendy Kaiser, MD Michael Kaminsky, MD Jason Kennedy, MD Britton Knowles, MD Sarma Kunda, MD Tiffany Lance, MD Serena Lau, MD Johnathan Maudlin, MD S. Jack McClarty, MD Sally McKellar, MD Robert Mingus, MD Donald Moore, MD Suzanne Murphy, MD David Musgrave, MD Jenni Neighbors, MD G. Robin Oscar, MD Haresh Patel, MD Vinit Patil, MD Steven Petarra, MD Thomas Peterson, MD Charles Poole, MD Jason Pooler, MD Prabhu Potluri, MD Bobby Ray, MD James Richardson, MD Staci Ridner, MD Joseph Rivers, MD Kyle Roach, MD Oscar Salazar, MD David San Miguel, MD Nathan Schatzman, MD Brian Shepherd, MD S. Morgan Smith, MD Steven Truelove, MD Brian Turner, CRNA Matthew Wright, MD Christopher Yetter, MD Christopher Young, MD Lawrence Young, MD Sloan Youngblood, MD AUDIOLOGY Kenneth Parker, AUD BARIATRIC SURGERY Jaime Ponce, MD BEHAVIORAL/DEVELOPMENT Holli Richey, LCSW BREAST SURGERY Jessica Brown, NP Alvaro Valle, MD Laura Witherspoon, MD CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Selwin Abraham, MD M. Christian Allan, MD Diana Alvarez, MD Trevor Alverson, MD W. Chad Armstrong, MD Allen Atchley, Jr., MD Steven Austin, MD Alison Bailey, MD Gemma Barnett, NP Joyce Beardsley, NP Robert Berglund, MD Joshua Black, NP William Blalock, MD Yuri Boyechko, MD Ernest Brandt, NP G. Keith Bruce, MD Charles Campbell, MD Lisa Carkner, MD Megan Coylewright, MD Walter Few, MD Andrew Fowler, MD Michael Geer, MD John Golding, III, MD Gordon Graham, MD Carol Gruver, MD Juhong Gui, MD Lora Hailey, MD John Hemphill, MD James Hoback, MD Dannis Hood, MD Robert Huang, MD Xiang Huang, MD Salik Jahania, MD Samuel Jones, IV, MD Rehan Kahloon, MD Lowell Ketron, MD Eric Krivitsky, MD C. Sam Ledford, MD E. Philip Lehman, IV, MD Amy Lindquist, PA Ondrej Lisy, MD Georges Lolay, MD

Michael Love, MD Heather Ludwig, NP Vinay Madan, MD Aditya Mandawat, MD Harish Manyam, MD James Marcum, MD Augustus Mealor, MD Michael Mikolaj, MD L. Kendrick Mills, MD Jennifer Mirza, DO Brian Mitchell, MD Stephen Monroe, MD Mitchell Mutter, MD Brian Negus, MD William Oellerich, MD Dharmendrakumar Patel, MD Joseph Pendley, MD Roxanne Phillips, NP Jonathan Powell, MD Joseph Powers, MD Walter Puckett, MD Poonam Puri, MD Vimal Ramjee, MD Kelly Richardson, MD David Salerno, MD Srikanth Seethala, MD Gregg Shander, MD Aaron Soufer, MD Patrick Stevens, MD Mark Thel, MD Roger Thompson, DO Selcuk Tombul, DO William Warren, MD David Wendt, MD Newton Wiggins, MD Matthew Wiisanen, MD Kinsman Wright, MD Michael Zema, MD COLON & RECTAL SURGERY Alan Hyde, MD Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, MD Richard Moore, MD Eric Nelson, MD J. Daniel Stanley, MD COSMETIC SURGERY R. Chad Deal, MD Carey Nease, MD DENTISTRY John Berg, DDS Michael Johnson, DDS Joseph Brogdon, DDS James McPherson, DDS John Stanbery, DDS DERMATOLOGY Phil Andrews, PA Rachel Asquith, NP Samuel Banks, MD Emily Brewer, NP Brandon Brown, MD Deanna Brown, MD Sharon Brown, NP Lisa Carroll, PA Laura Cleary, MD Karen Covi, MD Amberly Ellis, PA Allison Goddard, MD Lana Goodman, NP Brandie Hamlen, NP Cara Hennings, MD Autumn Newman, NP Katherine Nunes, PA Jay Passmore, NP F. Hall Reynolds, MD Lynda Smith, NP Rodney Susong, MD Mark Tusa, MD EMERGENCY MEDICINE Noah Abbas, MD Vlatka Agnetta, MD Jeffrey Atherton, MD Benjamin Baker, MD James Bardoner, MD Harvey Bowden, MD Joseph Bowers, MD Tamara Bowers, DO Zachary Brady, MD Lester Brodie, MD Jason Bryan, NP Ron Buchheit, MD Brandon Busuito, MD James Capes, MD Marlene Catanese, MD DeAnn Champion, MD Clint Christensen, MD Jeffrey Clinkscales, MD Sara Connaughton, MD Mark Copeland, MD Ben Cottrell, MD Allan Dale, MD Whitman Dowlen, MD

Warren English, MD Jackie Fane, MD Gaston Foderingham, MD Jairo Fortich, MD Lyndsay Frankenberg, DO Darria Gillespie, MD Benjamin Graboyes, MD Ronald Gracy, MD William Gregorie, MD Jocelyn Guzman, MD Robert Hamilton, MD Kenneth Hayman, Jr., MD Bernadette Helton, MD Paul Hendricks, MD Jacob Hennings, MD Kevin Henry, MD Amy Hess, MD Robert Hill, MD Todd Hold, MD Brian Ingalls, MD Teresa Jackson, MD Rory Justo, MD Jared Kaminsky, MD Bradley Keel, MD Joseph Kidd, DO Jason Kile, NP Lonnie King, MD William Korn, MD Kenneth Maniscalco, MD John Ryan McAnnally, MD Christopher Mcardle, DO Robert McVie, NP Walter Meier, MD Naveed Memon, MD Sudave Mendiratta, MD Charles Meyer, MD Joseph Minton, MD Paul Miranda, MD Hal Parker, MD Steven Peterson, MD Patrick Popieluszko, MD Jonathan Reinschmidt, MD Brian Reuland, MD Candie Richardson, MD Karen Rogers, MD Marilyn Rogers, MD Shoshana Rosenthal, MD Jamie Scott, MD David Seaberg, MD Briana Shubert, MD Benjamin Smith, MD Daniel Spollen, MD Kevin Stevens, MD Larry Stone, MD Paul Stout, MD Gwynn Swallows, PA Bruce Thompson, MD Frank Tift, MD Ronald Tompkins, MD Bryan Vance, MD Suzy Vergot, DO Jeffery Visser, MD Christopher Wagg, MD James Wagner, MD Brittany Walsh, MD John Watson, MD Heather Whaley, MD David Wharton, MD Jessica Whittle, MD ENDOCRINOLOGY Misty Gilliland, NP David Huffman, MD Abhinaya Jawahar, MD Asma Khan, MD Prashanth Sekhar, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Stephen Adams, MD Emily Ager, MD David Ambrosetti, DO Oana Andreescu, MD Kelly Arnold, MD Anthony Avitabile, DO Byung Ban, DO Mary Bean, MD Julie Bilbrey, MD Maureen Brock, NP Judy Buhrman, NP Georgina Bustamante, MD Thomas Cable, MD Sathish Chandra, MD Ellen Cleland, MD David Close, MD Elizabeth Close, MD Jeffrey Colburn, MD Steven Colby, DO Mark Crago, MD Stephen Cromer, DO Derek Crouthers, MD Paul Dassow, MD Amy Farlett, NP

Steven Fox, MD Catherine Ginn, NP Monique Golding, MD Leslie Griffin, MD John Harris, MD Lisa Hart-Patton, MD James Haynes, MD Laura Hill, MD Deondra Holston, NP Mindi Hudson, NP Bridget Hurt-Hall, NP Catherine Hustad, NP Ronald Jarl, MD Natalie Johnson, DO Jeffrey Jump, MD Jeff Kemp, MD Wade Lenz, MD Ashley Masterson, DO Tiffany Meador, MD Angela Mejias, NP Richard Moody, MD Leslie Moro, NP Scotty Newcomer, DO William Oelsner, MD C. Michael Orquia, MD Justin Ossman, DO Lincoln Peixoto, MD Bruce Pendley, MD Richard Pigg, MD Christopher Reynolds, MD Neal Robinson, MD Nicholas Salt, MD Naina Sharma, MD Michael Shepherd, MD Lydia Speer, DO Owen Speer, DO Sue Strother, NP Philip Sutherland, MD Farhan Syed, MD Malissa Talbert, MD Case Tedder, MD Shayla Toombs-Withers, DO Amy Turnure, NP Megan vonWerssowetz, NP Anthony Whitney, MD Mack Worthington, MD GASTROENTEROLOGY Jasna Beard-Ikanovic, MD Sumeet Bhushan, MD Charles Bosshardt, MD Chad Charapata, MD David Collins, MD William Cooney, MD Peter Deleeuw, DO Shannon Faires, NP Kimberly Garland, NP Elizabeth Goodwin, NP Destin Griffin-Trussell, NP Doloris Hawk, NP Donald Hetzel, MD Marshall Horton, III, MD Arslan Kahloon, MD Steve Kessler, DO Louis Lambiase, MD Sharlotte Manley, NP J. Scott Manton, MD Sharif Murphy, MD Gregory Olds, MD Henry Paik, MD Laxmi Parsa, MD Suril Patel, MD Vijay Patel, MD Jay Philippose, MD George Phillips, MD Hemchand Rambaran, MD Colleen Schmitt, MD Alan Shiko, MD Aparna Shreenath, MD Larry Shuster, MD Camille Sommer, MD Laurie-Anne Swaby, MD Gena Thompson, NP Munford Yates, MD GENERAL SURGERY Coleman Arnold, MD Robert Barnett, MD Teena Brewer, NP Charles Brice, MD R. Phillip Burns, MD William Cockerham, MD Joseph Cofer, MD Benjamin Dart, MD W. Heath Giles, MD Stephen Greer, MD Daniel Heithold, MD John Huggins, MD Darren Hunt, MD Robert Jean, MD Benjamin Kellog, MD S. Clark Kennedy, MD

Alan Koffron, MD Julie Koffron, MD Roger Land, MD James Lovette, MD Christina Parkhurst, MD Walter Rose, MD Rishabh Shah, MD Philip Smith, MD Justin Wilkes, MD GENERAL SURGERY/ CRITICAL CARE Vicente Meija, MD GENETICS Lea Parsley, MD GYNECOLOGY John Adams, MD Olukayode Akinlaja, MD Alicia Allen, MD Blakele Bakker, MD Ashton Ballinger, MD David Barker, MD Desi Batson, MD Salah Beck, DO Joseph Bird, MD Joseph Bird, III, MD Frederick Bossert, MD Sarah Boyd, MD Meg Brasel, CNM Elisabeth Brenner, MD Gary Brunvoll, DO Natalie Bukner, MD Allison Cook, MD Jeanie Dassow, MD A. Mitch Dizon, MD Emily Evitt, MD Claire Fish, DO Robert Furr, MD Bobby Garcia, MD Katie Garrett, CNM Shelly Gibbs, MD William Gist, MD Chanda Hall, MD Daniel Harnsberger, MD Donna Hobgood, MD Robert Hutchinson, MD Chelsea Johnson, MD Kreg Jonson, MD Carson Kaeser, MD Garrett Lam, MD Bradley Leath, MD Erica Lynch, MD Zineb Mashak, MD C. Ann Mashchak, MD Phyllis Miller, MD Amy Miller-Anderson, CNM Shanti Mohling, MD William Moss, MD Elyssa Nagy, DO Enrique Ordonez, MD J. Christopher Portera, MD Jessica Putnam, MD Christopher Radpour, MD Stephen Radtke, MD Emily Reeves-Douglas, MD Beth Rockwood, PA Jack Rowland, MD Mary Sanders, DO Elizabeth Scarbrough, DO Sarah Smith, CNM Meshell Stokes, MD Carol Taylor, PA Lauren Thompson, MD Nivin Todd, MD Natalie Vukmer, DO Vonda Ware, MD Jay White, MD Linda Yu, DO GYNECOLOGY/OBSTETRICS Mark Branch, DO GYNECOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Todd Boren, MD Victoria Brumlow, MD Randi Conner, MD Stephen DePasquale, MD Marie Hamilton, NP HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY Ryan Cleary, MD Marie Hamilton, NP Sumana Nagireddy, MD Harsha Vardhana, MD

HEPATOLOGY Chirag Patel, MD HOSPITALIST Roza Adamczyk, MD Anthony Aird, MD Ozioma Akaranta, MD Rohini Alay, MD David Alvarez, MD Sachin Amin, MD Dorin Andreescu, MD Jaime Bailey, MD James Balvich, MD Ryan Barnes, MD Tamara Bennett, PA Whitney Black, MD Aaron Blakeney, MD Vani Bollineni, MD Amanda Boone, MD David Bosshardt, MD Joshua Carpenter, DO Young Chang, MD Ami Chattin, MD Jason Cox, MD David Dodson, MD Jennifer Dooley, MD Deborah Duffield, MD James Durham, MD John Ekong, MD Joseph Evans, MD Travis Flock, MD Cristina Florea, MD Radian Florea, MD William Fritsch, MD Joe Furr, MD James Gilbert, II, DO Marina Grigorian, MD Ravi Gurusamy, MD Richard Gusso, MD Jody Haddock, MD F. Lee Hamilton, MD Adrienne Harrington, MD Benjamin Harrington, DO Biram Hicks, MD Jason Horinouchi, MD Chun Huang, MD Jonathan Humberd, DO Jensen Hyde, MD Kristen Joels, MD Mark Jones, MD Avni Kapadia, MD Bradley Large, MD Eun Lee, MD Jason Lee, MD Christopher Lewis, MD Kevin Luce, MD Robert Magill, MD Nabil Malek, DO Elise Marshall, DO Eric McCartt, MD Patrick McGinty, MD Ryan McNamara, MD K. Brent Meadows, MD Neil Melnick, MD Nancy Michaelis, MD Robert Mitchell, MD Andrea Morgan-Bedasse, MD J. Scott Muller, MD Hany Naggar, MD Darshan Naik, MD Samuel Nelson, DO Kelly Newfeld, MD Carroll Odem, MD Iwayemi Olayeye, MD Mehul Patel, MD Vekananda Pattabiraman, MD Anja Patton-Evans, MD Richard Pesce, MD Theresa Pollard, MD Philip Rayers, MD Hibitha Revana, MD David A. Rice, MD Naushaba Rizvi, MD Syed Rizvi, MD Matthew Roberts, MD Howiada Salim, MD Chetan Shah, MD Rebekah Sherlin-Chaplin, MD Ashley Smith, MD Marshall Spears, MD James Stanfield, MD Ann Steciw, MD Gregory Steinke, MD Ronald Streko, MD Adrien Strickland, MD Teabra Swafford, MD Wesley Thompson, MD Maria Tudor, MD Jessica Tyler, MD Emily Upchurch, DO Ramses Vega-Casasnovas, MD Raul Vila, MD Subhash Virani, MD Amy Walthour, MD Richard Yap, MD Laura Youngblood, MD INFECTIOUS DISEASES Mark Anderson, MD Paul Cornea, MD Michael Davis, MD Stephen Hawkins, MD Hal Hill, MD James Sizemore, MD Adam Soufleris, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE John Aaron, MD Charles Adams, MD Hadgu Akberet, MD James Alberta, MD Sarah Baker, MD Usman Barula, MD Melanie Blake, MD Cynthia Boss, NP

Robert Bowers, MD Jacob Cantrell, MD Larry Cary, MD David Castrilli, MD Collin Cherry, MD Alycia Cleinman, MD Charles Crump, MD Peter Deversa, MD Arlene Donowitz, MD Steven Dowlen, MD Tracy Dozier, MD AnneSofie Dubeck-Brooks, MD Johannes Duplooy, MD David Elias, MD Russell Fung, MD Helen Furr, MD Monica Gefter, MD Terriest Haire, NP Mary Hammock, MD Mark Heinsohn, MD Ronda Huisman, NP Mohamed Hussein, MD Bessie Ingram-Nunally, MD Dabney James, MD Sonya Johnson, MD Kellie Jolley, MD Liezelle Jurgens, MD Unnati Kiran, MD Gary Malakoff, MD Mario Mariani, MD Jack McCallie, MD Preston McDonald, MD Glenn Newman, MD G. Michael Ozborn, MD Mukta Panda, MD Walter Parkhurst, MD Mittal Patel, MD Michael Prostko, MD Teresa Regan, MD Patrick Rhyne, MD Lonard Rigsby, III, MD Neil Robinson, MD Eugene Ryan, MD Yazan Saba, DO Michael Salama, MD Sarita Sapkota, MD Ted Scoggins, MD Wayne Scott, MD Jerrold Selzer, MD Sohi Shahnaz, MD R. Vincent Smith, MD Richard Sowell, MD Lisa Staton, MD Amanda Tedstrom, MD Shavonda Thomas, MD R. Henry Williams, MD Michael Wood, MD Taylor Wooten, MD Sarah Worley, MD Tye Young, MD INTERNAL MEDICINE/GERIATRICS Terry Melvin, MD MATERNAL/FETAL MEDICINE Stephen Gonzales, DO NEPHROLOGY P. Michael Aryeetey, MD Nathan Chamberlain, MD Lindsay Crawford, MD Donald Franklin, MD Claude Galphin, MD Stuart Ginther, MD Cameron Golightly, DO Mandeep Grewal, MD Taylore Grimm, PA Rohit Gupta, MD Brant Holt, MD Aamir Iqbal, MD Kenneth Kokko, MD John McCarley, MD J. Aislinn McMahan, NP Chris Meshberger, MD Nilesh Patel, MD Christopher Poole, MD Adam Price, MD Adel Shenouda, MD Ralph Stafford, MD James Tumlin, MD Courtney Wampler, NP Joseph Watlington, MD Hans Yehnert, MD Jackson Yium, MD NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY Ranjith Babu, MD Peter Boehm, Jr., MD Peter Boehm, Sr., MD Jennifer Coker, MD Megan Frizzell, NP Michael Gallagher, MD Donald Hakes, PA Paul Hoffmann, MD Anita Jones, PA R. Lee Kern, MD Daniel Kueter, MD Michael Liedke, NP Joseph Miller, MD Joel Morrison, PA Prayash Patel, MD Charles Sternbergh, MD Timothy Strait, MD David Wallace, MD David Wiles, MD NEUROLOGY Joshua Alpers, MD Paul Bates, PA Ravi Chander, MD Juan Cuebas, MD Emily DeCroos, MD Thomas Devlin, MD Sharon Farber, MD Elizabeth Ferluga, MD James Fleming, MD Caleb Heath, NP Sally Horne, MD

Tareck Kadrie, MD Bruce Kaplan, MD Matthew Kodsi, MD Howard Kraft, MD Jussie Lima, MD Jake McKay, MD Jennifer Nichols, NP Nataria Pitiyanuvath, MD Amy Raines, NP Ruchir Shah, MD Zade Shaw, MD Abdelazim Sirelkhatim, MD Kim Smith, MD Megan Stevens, MD Phillip Tallent, MD Ellen Valadez, MD Nathan Wyatt, MD Anjana Vidyadharan, MD NEURORADIOLOGY Avinash Sud, MD NUTRITION Elizabeth Snyder, RDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Patricia Phillips, OT Laura Ray, OT ONCOLOGY, MEDICAL Farouq Akbar, MD Betrand Anz, III, MD Edward Arrowsmith, MD Brooke Daniel, MD Davey Daniel, MD Jessica Fosbinder, NP Robert Graham, MD Derek Holland, MD Darrell Johnson, MD Clint Kingsley, MD Choon-Kee Lee, MD Imtiaz Malik, MD Catherine Marcum, NP John McCravey, MD Emily McDuffee, DO Benjamin Nadeau, MD Sandeep Rajan, MD Amy Riemer, MD B.W. Ruffner, MD Larry Schlabach, MD Michael Stipanov, MD Gregory Sutton, MD Jill Tichy, MD An Tran, MD Mark Womack, MD ONCOLOGY, SURGICAL John Gwin, MD ONCOLOGY, SURGICAL-BREAST Nichole Walker, MD Betsy Washburn, MD OPHTHALMOLOGY John Bierly, MD John Bonner, MD Patrick Bowers, MD David Friedrich, MD John Hildebrand, MD John Kim, MD Robert Levy, MD Peter Lindquist, MD Elizabeth Mabry, MD Paula Nicola, MD Edward Peterson, MD Molly Seal, MD Steven Thomas, MD William Whitmire, MD Rachel Brown, OD Rachel Lusk, OD Daryl Mann, OD Zachary McCarty, OD Leslie Phillips, OD Luckson Previl, OD Paige Thompson, OD OPHTHALMOLOGY, RETINA Richard Breazeale, MD Francis DeCroos, MD Randall Funderburk, MD Brett Gerwin, MD Devon Ghodarsa, MD Rohan Shah, MD John Stone, MD OPTOMETRY Mark Kapperman, OD Robert McGarvey, OD Troy White, OD ORTHOPEDICS Julie Adams, MD Richard Alvarez, MD Justin Arnold, MD W. Timothy Ballard, MD Todd Bell, MD Matt Bernard, MD Elizabeth Bradford, NP Jeremy Bruce, MD Channappa Chandra, MD Richard Chapman, PA John Chrostowski, MD Brandon Cincere, MD Bryce Cunningham, MD Thomas Currey, MD John Dorizas, MD Daniel Doty, MD Jesse Doty, MD Miriam Edwards, PA Jason Fogleman, MD Mark Freeman, MD Warren Gardner, II, MD William Garrett, MD Ryan Gilliand, PA Todd Grebner, DO Barry Heywood, MD Matthew Higgins, MD Dirk Kiner, MD Alexander Lemons, MD Peter Lund, MD Robert Mastey, MD Benjamin Miller, MD Bradford Mitchell, MD

John Nash, MD Peter Nowotarski, MD Christopher Pankiw, MD Donna Pearson, PA Josh Porter, PA Kurt Pulver, PA L. Shay Richardson, MD Jason Robertson, MD Andrew Roden, PA Jason Rogers, MD Brett Sanders, MD Kristopher Sanders, MD Thomas Seales, MD Melissa Shuleva, PA Chad Smalley, MD Bill Moore Smith, MD Brian Smith, MD Jason Spangler, DO Katie Steen, PA Scott Steinmann, MD Megan Stitcher, NP Pat Stone, MD W. Michael Tew, MD Michael Veal, MD C. Jason Wamack, DPM Billy Worley, MD ORTHOPEDICS, SPINE Venkat Ganapathy, MD Benjamin Geddes, MD Scott Hodges, DO James Jolley, MD Rebecca Payne, PA Jessica Scott, PA John Sielatycki, MD Nathan Woods, PA OTOLARYNGOLOGY David Armstrong, MD Daniel Barker, MD Todd Fowler, MD Jack Greer, MD Peter Hunt, MD H. Joseph Lantz, MD Joseph Motto, MD Robert Mynatt, MD Peter Sabatini, MD Alexander Sokohl, MD Christopher St. Charles, MD PAIN MANAGEMENT Gregory Ball, MD John Blake, III, MD Stephan Eselgroth, MD Michael Hermann, MD Thomas Holcomb, NP Sandra Kaplan, MD Candace McKee, MD Thomas Miller, MD Michael Naijar, MD Theresa Popas, NP Dana Simpson, NP Arion Smalley, MD Todd Stanford, PA Erin Stockwell, NP PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Robert Goldmann, MD David Johnson, MD Kathleen Locker, MD Gregory Phelps, MD Jacqui Schollenberger, MD PATHOLOGY John Bickel, MD Christina Birsan, MD Keith Bohman, MD Summer Bohman, MD Thomas Brien, MD Imelda Bulatao, MD Terence Casey, MD Pranil Chandra, DO Stephanie David, MD Lori Emerson, MD Charles Evans, MD Theodore Feintuch, MD Eugene Fong, MD Nichon Grupka, MD Richard Hessler, MD Moon Hong, MD Paul Kaplan, MD Kathryn Knight, MD Vladimir Kravtsov, MD Gary Lanham, MD Andrew Laramore, MD Wayne Lennington, MD Pairsa Manjorri, MD Thomas Mezzeti, Jr., MD Joyce Mills, MD Ronald Oxenhandler, MD Irina Perjar, MD Philip Pollock, MD Lori Proctor, MD Kaori Saito, MD Sanford Sharp, MD David Spence, MD Lynn Swearingern, MD Erin Thibault, MD Neal Wearner, MD Derek Welch, MD PEDIATRICS Jon Boroughs, MD Carolyn Brannon, MD Max Bryant, MD Jane Catterton, MD Tonia Cox, MD Timothy Davis, MD Gary Meredith, MD Michele Pickett, MD Peter Rawlings, MD Virginia Rodgers, MD Arif Shafi, MD Nita Shumaker, MD Josh Smith, MD PEDIATRICS, CARDIOLOGY Wesley Davis, MD

Mark Hays, MD Gerald Johnson, MD Nisha Surenderaneath, MD PEDIATRICS, ENDOCRINOLOGY Marielisa Rincon, MD PEDIATRICS, INTERNAL MEDICINE D. Keith Helton, MD PEDIATRICS, NEUROLOGY Sharlisa Hutson, MD Thomas Ireland, MD Lewis Miller, III, MD PEDIATRICS, SURGERY Michael Carr, MD Pete Kelley, MD Wendell Moses, MD Lisa Smith, MD PEDIATRICS, UROLOGY Paul Zmaj, MD PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION David Bowers, MD David Lowry, MD Erwin Manalo, MD Steven Musick, DO Matthew Rider, MD Jerry Smith, MD Darryl Turner, NP PHYSICAL THERAPY Randy Walker, PhD, RPT Charles Jones, PT PLASTICS Christopher Chase, MD Mark Leech, MD Cindy McCord, MD Jeanne Scanland, MD Arthur VonWerssowetz, MD Jimmy Waldrop, MD Rex Yannis, MD PLASTICS, HAND Mark Brzezienski, MD D. Marshall Jemison, MD Jason Rehm, MD PSYCHIATRY Vijaya Appareddy, MD Jon Cohen, MD Jennie Mahaffey, MD PUBLIC HEALTH Valerie Boaz, MD Andrew Combs, MD Karen Moyer, MD Yogini Patel, MD Deborah Poteet-Johnson, MD PULMONARY DISEASE Carlos Baleeiro, MD Krish Bhadra, MD John Boldt, MD Upasana Chakraborty, MD Benjamin Harnsberger, MD Audrey Haywood, DO Gerlado Holguin, MD Samuel Jacobson, MD Asad Javed, MD Yune-Gil Jeong, MD Carole Johnson, NP Patrick Koo, MD Anne Mainardi, MD Catherine Martinez, MD Jose Mendoza, NP Nathan Mull, IV, MD Sumit Patel, MD Chad Paxson, DO Hisham Qutob, MD Edwin Rao, MD Jigme Sethi, MD Radhika Shah, MD Harsha Shantha, MD Sibaji Shome, MD Pamela Sud, MD Jesse Tucker, MD Dominic Tutera, MD Vincent Viscomi, MD RADIATION ONCOLOGY Maikel Botros, MD Brittany Cannon, PA Tru-Khang Dinh, MD Eric Ellis, MD John Fortney, MD Stephen Golder, MD Norleena Gullett, MD Frank Kimsey, MD Waleed Mourad, MD Marcus Wagner, MD Jonathan Whaley, MD Patrick Williams, MD RADIOLOGY John Allred, III, MD Jeff Alvis, MD Agboola Awomolo, MD Brent Baldwin, MD Chad Barker, MD Jose Barriocanal, MD Stephen Bresson, MD Scott Briggs, MD Kenneth Brinn, MD Justin Buchanan, MD Ryan Buckner, MD Kelsey Budd, MD Jared Burlison, MD Lynn Carlson, MD Thomas Carr, MD Harigovinda Challa, MD Jay Coleman, MD Kevin Cormier, MD Kevin Crawford, MD Marina Doliner, MD Gwendolyn Durgin, MD Lance Faler, MD

Martin Finnegan, MD Peter Furicchia, MD Ernie Gray, MD Harris Hawk, MD Patrick Henderson, MD Daniel Hendry, MD Andrew Hill, IV, MD John Johnston, MD Collier King, DO Kilton Kingsman, MD Chip Kyle, MD Michael Lacombe, MD Lee Lefler, MD James Loyd, MD Richard Lynn, MD James Martin, MD Garth McPherson, MD Tona Munday, MD Saima Muzahir, MD Rachel Nelson, MD Michael Nichols, MD John Nunes, MD Larry Paul, MD Samuel Porter, MD Steven Quarfordt, MD Thomas Rimer, MD Roxsanne Roberts, MD William Rowlett, MD Stephen Sabourin, MD Greg Schaublin, MD Martin Simms, MD Jason Smith, MD Michael Steiner, MD Mark Talley, MD Jeffrey Tipps, MD Jessie Varnell, MD Greg Verville, MD Michael Weston, MD Robert Whittaker, MD Eric Zimmerman, MD RADIOLOGY/INTERVENTIONAL Justin Calvert, MD RHEUMATOLOGY Natalie Braggs, MD Michael Brit, MD William David Craig, DO Jayne Crowe, MD Alan Elliott, MD Melinda Garcia-Rosell, MD Suzan House, MD Jessica Huffstutter, MD Joseph Huffstutter, MD Jonathan Mills, MD Lizeth Romero, MD Charles Sienknecht, MD Elizabeth Simpson, DO Elizabeth Turner, MD THORACIC SURGERY James Headrick, MD Stephen Martin, MD Richard Morrison, MD Jeffrey Poynter, MD Clifton Reade, MD Larry Shears, II, MD James Zellner, MD THYROID & ADRENAL SURGERY S. Michael Roe, MD UROLOGY Amanda Carter, MD Mark Currin, MD Colin Goudelocke, MD Kymber Habenicht, MD P. Edward Henson, III, MD Raymond Howard, NP C. Lee Jackson, MD Hayden Jahn, MD Nathan Jung, MD Jessica Lange, MD Amy Long, NP Jeffrey Mullins, MD Henry Okafor, MD David Sahaj, MD Marty Scheinberg, MD Anand Shridharani, MD Amar Singh, MD Benjamin Waldorf, MD Matthew Watson, DO Argil Wheelock, MD William Young, MD VASCULAR SURGERY Ehsan Benrashid, MD Ashleigh Cates, NP Monica Chamberlain, NP Erica Clark, DO Wilson Clements, MD Ashley Elledge, NP Dan Fisher, Jr., MD Mark Fugate, MD Michael Greer, MD William Harris, DO Elizabeth Hartman, MD Cori Hinson, NP Charles Joels, MD Neelima Katragunta, MD Laura Kim, NP Laura Kirk, NP Daniel S. Krcelic, MD Christopher LeSar, MD Veronica O’Steen, NP Sachin Phade, MD Roxanne Philips, NP Karen Rudolph, MD Candice Seay, MD Stephanie Sheridan, NP Richard Sprouse, MD Glen Schwartzberg, MD Marysol Thomas, NP Christine Warren, NP Jennie Wilson, NP WOUND CARE Christine Jeong, MD Harry Severance, MD

KEEPING

YO U R M I N D

SHARP

AS Y O U A G E

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Getting older is a blessing.

Aging means that you get decades of life to enjoy the world around you, grow as a person, and watch your loved ones grow as well. To make sure that you get the most out of your golden years, it’s important to keep not only your body in tip-top shape, but also your mind. Read on to learn more about cognitive health in older adults and what to do to keep your mind sharp as the years go by. By Anna Hill

How early should an adult start being intentional about keeping their mind sharp?

“It is never too early to start implementing healthy behaviors in order to keep our minds active and sharp,” says Dr. Rochelle Jones, a clinical neuropsychologist with Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation. Though there is little one can do to prevent the natural and normal changes that occur in the brain due to aging, evidence points to the benefits of lifelong healthy lifestyle choices when it comes to maintaining cognitive abilities.

According to Greg Joyner, a nurse practitioner with Morning Pointe Senior Living, “When it comes to growth and development, some studies indicate that our abilities such as short-term memory peak in one’s 20s, then begin a gradual decline.”

Because of this, it’s important to focus on cognitive health throughout life – similar to how it’s important to focus on physical activity throughout life.

DR. ROCHELLE JONES

GREG JOYNER

CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST,

NURSE PRACTITIONER,

SISKIN HOSPITAL FOR PHYSICAL

MORNING POINTE

REHABILITATION

SENIOR LIVING

HealthScopeMag.com

71

BE WELL

Are there things that might predispose people toward earlier cognitive decline?

It’s always important to be mindful of your medical history, and this remains true where cognitive abilities are concerned.

There are a variety of risk factors that might lead to premature cognitive decline, ranging from medical events to lifestyle choices. Risk factors can include the following: CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS .

Things like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, when left uncontrolled, can lead to weakened or damaged blood vessels, which can lead to cognitive problems.

LIFESTYLE. Certain lifestyle

factors such as smoking, illicit substance use, heavy drinking, chronic sleep disruption, social isolation, poor diet, and lack of exercise can lead to the chronic conditions listed above, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of early cognitive decline.

CHRONIC STRESS OR MOOD DISORDERS. Mental health prob-

lems such as depression and anxiety – both of which many adults will experience at some point in life – can cause an imbalance in brain chemistry, which can lead to trouble with thinking skills.

GENETICS. Some studies indicate that there are gene mutations that pass from one generation to the next that can predispose people to early cognitive decline, or, more specifically, Alzheimer’s.

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

Events such as stroke or traumatic brain injury can increase someone’s risk of early cognitive decline due to the way they affect one’s ability to think and recall.

What actions can an older adult take to keep their mind sharp and engaged with the world around them?

For adults looking to do more to preserve their cognitive abilities, there are a wide variety of steps they can take to be more proactive. First and foremost, it’s important to be up to date on the current status of your health and to actively manage any chronic medical conditions you might have with the help and supervision of your doctor. Being mindful of your alcohol intake and stopping smoking can also reduce your risk of early decline.

Another important step you can take toward maintaining good cognitive health is to also maintain a healthy diet. “Not only can this reduce one’s risk of developing chronic medical conditions, but it also can keep your brain healthy,” advises Dr. Jones.

The Mediterranean diet – one filled with fruits, vegetables, fish, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy fats – specifically has been shown to assist with cognitive health in the long run.

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Regular exercise is vital not only to your physical health, but to your cognitive health as well. “Exercise helps to maintain healthy blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins, both of which have been shown to facilitate cognitive functioning,” says Joyner.

Exercise can improve cardiovascular health, stress levels, and sleep – all of which are important when it comes to keeping your mind sharp. However, you should always consult with your doctor before starting or changing exercise routines.

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and routine is essential at any age – seven to eight hours nightly is generally recommended. “Good sleep has been shown to not only reduce the risk of early cognitive decline, but it also generally improves retention when it comes to learning new things,” Joyner explains. It’s also important to do what you can to reduce stress, which can accelerate cognitive difficulties. This might include meditation, journaling,

or setting aside time each day to do something you enjoy, such as reading or chatting with your loved ones.

“It’s important to be up to date on the current status of your health and to actively manage any chronic medical conditions you might have.”

Finally, you can improve your chances of maintaining a healthy brain by exercising it. “Engage in cognitively stimulating activities such as word

games, jigsaw puzzles, strategy games, or card games,” says Dr. Jones. “There are also computer training programs and workbooks specifically designed to work on select cognitive domains, including memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning.”

Ultimately, the goal is to challenge your brain with sustained learning and engagement, which stimulates stronger brain connections and therefore stronger cognitive abilities.

One of the reasons many people want to maintain good cognitive health is so that they can continue to interact and engage with their loved ones. The good news is, staying socially connected can in turn keep your mind sharp as the years go by. Reach out to your loved ones, make new friends, or join a class or a club – the connections you make with others are a positive feedback loop when it comes to your cognitive health.

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SILVER SIDE

Breathe easy – Respiratory tips

By Tina Brouillet

The holidays are quickly approaching, along with unwanted friends such as the common cold, flu and pneumonia. While this is the time to prepare food, buy gifts and get ready for all the holiday festivities, it is important to protect your respiratory system from the germs, cool temperatures and chilly winds. People often talk about health and wellness related to physical, social and emotional well-being, but do they ever discuss their respiratory health or even consider it?

Risk Factors Genetics, disease and the environment can affect the health of your lungs and cause respiratory problems. Environmental factors include smoking,

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pollution and illnesses. The following are ways you can enhance your respiratory wellness: • Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

• Avoid indoor and outdoor air pollution. Consider cleaning your air vents at home and in your car regularly. Utilize filters when possible and develop a routine for changing them.

• Compromised individuals with asthma and COPD should stay indoors and use air conditioning on hot and humid days.

• Use precautions when exposed to people with flu or other viral infections. Use good handwashing techniques, consider vaccinations and use masks.

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Good oral care reduces the bacteria and plaque in your mouth, which can cause inflammation in your mouth and airways and promote infection.

Brush your teeth regularly.

Positive Ways to Improve Respiratory Health Along with avoiding environmental risk factors, we can also participate in some activities that will help us foster wellness, optimal aging and a healthy respiratory system.

Let’s see how easy it is to start.

Sit up tall in your chair or stand up straight. That’s right – posture is super important for our respiratory system to work right.

Now, chat with a friend and share your best joke. Was there laughter? Laughter helps with lung health by enhancing the intake of oxygen-rich air and stimulating the lungs, heart and muscles. It also helps reduce stress levels.

Along with stress-level reduction, physical activity not only strengthens your muscles but also your lungs. Aerobic activity (such as running, walking and biking) gives the lungs a workout for functioning efficiently. Weightlifting, stretching and Pilates all build core muscles and develop your posture, aiding in strengthening the respiratory system.

Moderate activity 30 minutes a day five days a week is the national recommended standard. With all new exercise programs, this tolerance must be built, and you should always consult a physician before beginning a new program.

Incorporating breathing exercises like diaphragmatic, simple breathing and counting breaths is also a way to keep the lungs strong.

What About Diet?

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying well hydrated are good for overall health. A balanced diet supplies the nutrients the body needs to work

effectively. Without balanced nutrition, the body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue and low performance. According to Healthline.com, the top 10 food choices for lung health include: 1. Beets and beet greens: These are rich in nitrates, which have been shown to improve lung function.

2. Peppers: These are one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which is especially important for those who smoke.

3. Apples: Antioxidants and vitamins link this food to a reduced risk for lung cancer and asthma.

4. Pumpkin: These are colorful and full of carotenoids, including beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin – all of which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Turmeric: Curcumin is a component of this spice, which supports anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Tomato and tomato products: These have been shown to reduce airway inflammation.

7. Blueberries: Loaded with nutrients, this fruit preserves and protects lung function.

8. Green tea: The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of this drink are known to inhibit fibrosis and scarring in the lungs.

9. Red cabbage: This veggie is full of fiber, and diets with increased fiber are shown to facilitate stronger lung function.

10. Edamame: This food, also known as immature soybeans, is rich in isoflavones, which are associated with decreased risk for diseases.

Lung health and the ability to breathe easily are important foundations for overall health, wellness and optimal aging. For further information on lung health and wellness, or for support to begin your journey to healthy lungs, visit the following sites: • American Lung Association – lung.org • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – nhlbi.nih.gov Life Care Centers of America

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STAY WELL

Annual Aging Well Section

BY LINDSEY JUNE

Growing older is a gift, but as you grow into your golden years, it’s important to stay on top of your health. Being mindful of health and wellness changes eases the aging process and prevents unnecessary worry so you can fully enjoy this season of life. Here, we talk to experts who share information about topics to be aware of as you age, along with preventative measures and treatment options.

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STAY WELL AGING WELL SECTION

Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency Chronic venous insufficiency disrupts blood flow from the limbs to the heart, but is easily preventable with awareness and movement.

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

The heart needs a constant flow of blood from the limbs of the body in order to function properly. So, what happens when that flow is interrupted? Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the body’s valves don’t work properly and the blood returns to the legs. This causes a pooling of blood in the limbs, which can lead to other health conditions if left untreated. It’s important to be aware if you’re at risk for chronic venous insufficiency so you can prevent unnecessary health issues and keep your heart in working order.

Causes CVI doesn’t just occur on its own. Blood clots in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis, may damage the valves.

Poor exercise habits and long periods of sitting may also weaken the valves. Obesity, age, pregnancy, and smoking are other major risk factors for blood clots, which can eventually lead to CVI.

Symptoms Patients suffering from CVI may experience swelling in the lower leg, varicose veins, leathery skin, itchiness, or pain. Without treatment, the pressure in the limbs can cause blood vessels to burst, turning the skin reddishbrown and causing ulcers, which increases your risk of infection.

Treatment Prevention is key when it comes to chronic venous insufficiency. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and movement keep blood flowing. If your mobility is limited, compression socks can also help with circulation.

If CVI is more advanced, medications and medical procedures are an option. Sclerotherapy is when your doctor injects a solution into the vein that closes an abnormal vein. Additionally, if a major vein is narrowed or blocked, endovascular surgery with stent repair can fix the problem.

Luckily, open surgery is rare and only needed in severe cases. Awareness around the topic of CVI is the most important thing, and can keep your health in check and your blood flowing normally.

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An Expert Weighs In “Chronic venous issues are present in up to 50% of individuals. Pain, swelling, discoloration, and bulging varicose veins are all hallmarks of venous insufficiency.

If left to progress, venous insufficiency can lead to ulceration and even limb loss in extreme cases. A simple, noninvasive ultrasound test can determine if a patient has extensive venous disease. Almost all treatments for venous insufficiency are elective and performed in a minimally invasive fashion in an outpatient setting.”

William Harris, DO Vascular/Endovascular Surgeon, Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

BE AWARE

BE MINDFUL

BE SELECTIVE

3 WAYS TO THINK ABOUT CVI Every year roughly 150,000 new patients are given the diagnosis of Chronic Venous Insufficiency. The cost to care for this patient population is estimated to be $500 million annually.

Knowing your body and what feels normal are important to being aware. Limiting unhealthy habits such as smoking is critical. Lifestyle choices, regular exercise, and eating healthy can make a difference in keeping the blood flowing properly.

If you are experiencing leg heaviness, pressure, or pain when walking that does not go away with rest or limitations to your daily routine be evaluated!

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STAY WELL AGING WELL SECTION

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth Tooth loss is a common problem for aging adults, but these replacement options can restore your smile to its prime.

Understanding Tooth Decay

As we age, it’s important to maintain our overall health to the best of our ability – and that includes dental health. Tooth decay is a major concern for adults and often results in tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 26% of adults aged 65 or older have eight or fewer teeth.

Tooth loss is a concerning prospect, but fortunately, there are replacement options that can restore and even improve upon your natural smile.

Partials

A partial denture replaces the missing teeth when someone still has multiple natural teeth remaining. It is removable, so not attached permanently to the teeth or jawbones. It is made from an exact replica of your mouth in a dental lab. There are different styles with or without metal, or even temporary styles.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace all the missing teeth and help restore your smile. When all the teeth are missing, a denture rests on the surrounding soft and hard tissues to help replace teeth and give support while eating. Sometimes dentures can be supported by implants, which help hold the denture in place.

Bridges

Dental bridges are false teeth used between a set of two natural teeth that fill in a gap. They are often made out of porcelain. Bridges can be bound between two dental implants, or they can be supported by placing a crown on the remaining teeth, securing the false tooth in place.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that provide a foundation for replacement teeth. They are secured directly to the jawbone in place of the missing tooth and attached surgically via screws. As the area heals, the implant fuses to the jawbone. Dental implants are considered one of the most permanent and reliable options for tooth replacement and are ideal for those who have only lost one or two teeth.

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An Expert Weighs In "We lose teeth for several reasons like trauma, decay, periodontal disease, or even genetics. It is important to replace these teeth because, when missing, there is no contact with the opposing arch. This can cause opposing teeth to gradually shift, which can lead to other problems such as fractures, mobility, tooth loss, and gum problems.

There are many options available to replace missing teeth.

The three most common options are implants, crowns and bridges, or a removable partial or denture. If you have any teeth you would like replaced, ask your dentist what the best options are for you."

Mandy Shearer, DDS Dentist, Soddy Daisy Smiles

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STAY WELL AGING WELL SECTION

Maintaining Mental Health as You Age Exercise and social connections are key to staying happy and healthy in your golden years.

Understanding Mental Health

As we grow older, much attention is paid to our physical health. But mental health is just as important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of seniors experience some type of mental health concern – everything from anxiety to mood disorders to depression. Poor mental health impacts the whole body and can severely impact quality of life.

Fortunately, awareness and engagement can keep mental health in check and prevent symptoms from clouding day-to-day life. Here are some ways to maintain strong mental health as you age.

GET ANNUAL PHYSICALS Checking in with your healthcare provider on a regular schedule can help you stay in control of your health. Talk to them about any areas of concern and let them know how you’re feeling, especially if your mental health feels at risk.

EXERCISE Age and other health factors can have an

impact on mobility, but finding ways to exercise is important for mental health. Walking, swimming, or even gardening can add a little movement to your day and help maintain your overall well-being.

STAY CONNECTED Loneliness has a damaging effect on the psyche. As you age, it’s important to maintain relationships and try to get out of the house regularly. Social interaction keeps life fulfilling and entertaining. Like they say, laughter is the best medicine.

EXPLORE HOBBIES In addition to socializing, finding

new hobbies – or revisiting old ones – is a great way to stay engaged and excited about life. It also stimulates the brain, which wards off cognitive decline.

Outlook

Growing older is another part of life, and it can be just as exciting as any other time. Accepting the change of season paves the way for new enjoyment to be had. Mental health concerns are often treatable and always manageable. Age doesn’t have to be scary so long as you stay active, maintain social connections, and remain honest with your doctor and loved ones.

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An Expert Weighs In “Mental health is as important at age 80 as it is at 20.

If there is a history of mental illness, it is important to continue visits with your psychiatric providers as well as your primary care providers and other specialists even when you are well. Listen to those around you whom you trust, as they may provide meaningful insight into changes in behaviors or symptoms you may not notice. Talking with a therapist is not limited to those with a diagnosed mental illness as it can be useful in acute stressful situations such as increased work stress, home-life difficulties and balance, grief, and other significant losses.”

Reglindis Parker, MSN, APRN, PMHNP Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Parkridge Valley Hospital

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STAY WELL AGING WELL SECTION

Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Acceptance and commitment therapy is an alternative pain management treatment with a mindful approach.

An Expert Weighs In “I want you to know having pain is not your fault. It is not your choice. Your brain is just doing what it is designed to do.

ACT helps you understand your pain, gives you new strategies, and helps shift focus to return to what you find valuable in life. Working with people who have been limited by pain for extended periods of time and seeing them get their life back has been a rewarding part of being a physical therapist.”

Brandy Parker, DPT Physical Therapist, Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics

What Is ACT? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 people in the United States suffer from chronic pain. This common and debilitating health condition can be tricky to treat and hard on an individual’s mental health, especially when it feels like nobody believes them.

Fortunately, there are ways to cope with chronic pain. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one emerging option. This mindfulness-based therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body using a biopsychosocial model. It helps patients accept what is beyond their control so that they can get back to the activities they love with a new perspective, adding to their overall quality of life.

How Does ACT Work?

ACT stems from cognitive and behavioral therapy, and encourages patients to accept their situation and set realistic goals. Chronic pain can lead to hopelessness and depression, as well as frustration when treatment options don’t alleviate

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symptoms. But when patients learn to address their pain on a cognitive level, they can avoid the fear that leads to limitations. Breaking free of mental barriers can make life more manageable and improve physical health along the way.

What to Expect?

Before starting ACT, your physical therapist will talk to you about your history of chronic pain: When did it start, where does it occur, and what other treatment options have you tried? From there, they’ll perform a musculoskeletal evaluation to determine the precise origin of the pain. Together, you’ll discuss the factors that influence your condition, like weather, temperature, and your autoimmune health. All of this helps your PT – and you – fully understand your pain so the acceptance therapy can begin.

The main focus of ACT is to help you return to the things you value doing in life. Through this compassionate, nonjudgmental, and mindful approach, you can find peace in your situation and get back to the life you once enjoyed.

STAY WELL AGING WELL SECTION

Health Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss Hearing loss is a common condition that can lead to mental and cognitive decline if left untreated.

An Expert Weighs In “In the upcoming months, there are many opportunities for one to participate in social gatherings. If friends or family find that a loved one is not participating in conversations, they may be having difficulty hearing. When an individual suffers from a loss of hearing, they tend to withdraw from social gatherings and begin to isolate themselves. Medical studies have indicated that a loss of hearing can contribute to health and emotional issues.

It is important for those individuals to seek the help of a hearing professional and have their hearing evaluated to determine if a hearing loss is present.”

Cheryl Ward, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist, Audiology Services of Chattanooga

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is hard enough on its own, but – if left untreated – can lead to additional mental and physical health concerns. According to studies from health organizations like Johns Hopkins, adults with untreated hearing loss experience a 30-40% faster decline in cognitive abilities.

While it may sound daunting, understanding the link between hearing loss and overall health can help you avoid risk factors and learn when to seek treatment.

Impact on Emotional and Cognitive Decline

Studies link hearing loss to mental health, showing a correlation between the condition and depression. Additionally, those with hearing loss may withdraw from social situations; that isolation can lead to reduced alertness, fatigue, and eventually to irritability and anger.

There is also a connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. When you can’t identify sound, your brain receives less stimulation, which can lead to memory loss or dementia. In fact, you are five times more likely to develop dementia if you suffer from severe hearing loss. Cognitive decline can also result in falls and injury.

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Treatment

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, it’s important to talk to a hearing professional.

Hearing aid technology has come a long way and can provide great relief to patients with mild to severe hearing loss. They not only improve your hearing, but your overall health along with it.

Many people are reluctant to check their hearing, even when signs of hearing loss are evident. Taking the first step is always a challenge, but there’s a road to happiness and health on the other side. Don’t let hearing loss get you down – get tested, and encourage your friends and family to do so as well!

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STAY WELL AGING WELL SECTION

Combating the Effects of MenopauseRelated Aging With Bioidentical Hormones Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a natural way to hydrate and tighten your skin.

An Expert Weighs In “Replacing hormones with customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a great way to combat many signs of aging, including skin and hair aging. Estrogen has the greatest impact on hair growth, skin elasticity, and skin hydration. Clinical trials have demonstrated women on hormone replacement therapy after menopause maintain their skin’s thickness and collagen content compared to menopausal women who did not replace their hormones. As compounding pharmacists, we make unique formulations to target skin aging concerns such as scalp solutions for hair thinning, estrogen biopeptide creams for crepiness of the eye area, as well as more typical hormone replacement formulations.”

Tanya Manoni, Pharm. D VP Pharmacy Development, Designer Drugs

Understanding Menopause-Related Aging Aging is a beautiful but challenging thing; with age comes wisdom and experience, but also an increased risk of illness and injury. For women, menopause is a major marker of that transition from youth to older age, and it can feel like a daunting time both mentally and physically. Additionally, research indicates that on average, menopause speeds up cellular aging in women by 6% – meaning that along with the internal change, you may notice more external signs of aging.

If you have menopause-related skin concerns, bioidentical hormones are one way to combat wrinkles and dryness. Not only is bioidentical hormone treatment effective at antiaging, but it comes with other added benefits, like better sleep and improved moods.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are identical in structure and function to the hormones produced by your own body. They are often provided by pharmacists who specialize in compounding so that ingredients are tailored to the individual patient.

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Bioidentical hormones come in several different forms, including creams, troches, pellets, capsules, and injections.

Once your doctor determines that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is right for you, they or your clinical compounding pharmacist will monitor your treatment to evaluate your body’s response.

Anti-Aging Benefits of BHRT

Studies suggest that bioidentical hormones can alleviate symptoms of fragile skin as they increase skin hydration and reduce skin atrophy, resulting in tighter and thicker skin. In addition to the anti-aging benefits, BHRT treatment can help treat other hormonal issues like weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, loss of muscle mass, and fatigue.

Because BHRT treatments are easy for the body to metabolize, they are ideal for women concerned about the adverse effects of aging who seek a more natural path. If you’re interested in combating the effects of menopause-related aging with bioidentical hormones, talk to your doctor or clinical compounding pharmacist so that you can get started on your ideal treatment plan.

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OR IN STORE Designer Drugs Pharmacy 7304 Jarnigan Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421 (423) 954-2585

MEET OUR MODEL

Barby Wilson

F

or Barby Wilson, community involvement has always been a cornerstone of life. Wilson spent much of her formative years serving on boards and fulfilling esteemed volunteer positions, but these days life looks a little different. Ever the advocate for maintaining a strong body and mind, Wilson, who is in her 70s, is using this decade of her life to slow down and look inward. Simplifying her routine, being fully present in the moment, and learning to nurture new and existing skills are among her top priorities, and it’s those very actions that will lead her into the next decade with an infectious zest for life.

HS What do health and wellness mean to you in this decade of your life?

BW Life is fragile, so if you do not have your physical and mental health, your days can be challenging at best, making it harder to enjoy your journey. There are things we have little control over, but we can keep our sources of health and energy a priority as we age. Good health and wellness are blessings beyond measure because they are the foundation for living life to its fullest. It is my goal to live to be 105, so we’ll see how that works out!

HS What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

BW I try to be consistent about self-care by nourishing my mind and spirit through daily Bible study, carefully chosen projects, and knowing when to say no. I am equally resolute about maintaining my physical well-being. Whether it is a monthly therapeutic massage, manicures and pedicures, facials, routine workouts at the gym, or working in the yard, I try to never slack off or be content with the status quo.

HS What have you enjoyed most about this decade? The least? What has surprised you the most?

BW What I am enjoying the most is downsizing and simplifying my life. It has been incredibly freeing to realize you do not need all the “stuff” you thought you did to be happy. I can attest that less is more! What I have enjoyed the least are the issues brought on by the pandemic and watching people struggle to different degrees with the limitations and uncertainties of life. On the other hand, what has surprised me the most is that I have not let COVID make me afraid nor limit my life. I made a conscious decision early on to go about my life (but not carelessly or without regard for others) as normally as possible and that has worked out well for me.

HS What have been your goals for this decade, and how have you worked toward them?

BW I began this decade by doing something I wanted to do for decades. This fall, I completed the coursework and volunteer hours to become a Certified Master Gardener. I do not know what’s next, but I do know my overarching goal is to not let the hectic pace of life dictate how I live each day. I try to stick to the fundamentals, do the little things right, and focus on what I can control. That may mean I do not get everything checked off my to-do list each day, but it also may mean that I don’t miss the special moments of life because I am too busy to experience them.

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Photo by Lanewood Studio

LOOK WELL

Stylish Trimmings

ANI YACOUBIAN RIGGS, YACOUBIAN TAILORS

DECK OUT YOUR HOLIDAY ‘FIT WITH THESE SEASONAL ACCESSORIES

T

he holidays are all about accessorizing – decking the halls, trimming the tree, and topping each carefully wrapped gift with

JANET MILLER, IRMA MARIE

a plump, inviting bow. So, why would your outfits be held to any less of a standard this time of year? Save the garland and twinkle lights for your mantle. We’re talking earrings, hats, and boots, here. Adorn yourself with any (or all) of

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these hand-selected items from local boutiques, or gift them to the winter fashionista in your life.

“The Katie earrings by Mackenzie Harper are a fun, easy way to make a statement with any outfit.

Bonus – they’re as light as a feather!” - ANI

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“With its waterproof patent leather and microfiber lining, the Paulie boot by Bos. & Co. will keep you dry and cozy all season. Pair them with everything from denim to dresses for a cool winter look.” - JANET

“We love hats at Antibes. We carry them year-round in all sizes and colors. It’s the perfect accessory that gives the final touch to an outfit.” - SILVINA

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LOOK WELL

Sleep Your Way to Healthier Skin BE AUTY S LE E P I S RE AL – HE RE ’S HOW TO GE T I T

BY MA RY B ET H WA L L ACE

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W

e all know if you want to feel your best, it’s important to get a good night’s rest. But did you know that sleep is equally as important if you want to look your best? Sleep gives your skin a chance to recover from a whole day’s worth of damage – skin cells regenerate, and your body expels toxins and increases blood flow to your skin. This translates to outward benefits such as fewer wrinkles, less puffiness around the eyes, and a glowing, more youthful complexion.

The first step toward healthier skin is making sure you get enough shut-eye – ideally seven to nine hours every night. Beyond that, there are a few things you can do to maximize your evening hours for the complexion of your dreams. Here are five tips to help you get the ultimate beauty sleep.

Refine your skincare routine.

Cleansing and moisturizing before bed is so important for nourished skin. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and bacteria – you don’t want these irritants settling in and doing damage to your skin overnight. Then, apply a thick topical moisturizer to ensure hydrated, better-looking skin the next day.

Turn on the humidifier.

Going eight or more hours without drinking water naturally causes your skin to get a little dehydrated throughout the night. Installing a humidifier in your bedroom is a great way to combat dryness and keep your skin feeling soft. You’ll definitely want to run your humidifier during winter, when dry, cold air more easily sucks the moisture from your skin.

Spring for silk – especially if you have sensitive skin.

Many dermatologists tout silk sheets and pillowcases because they’re breathable, lightweight, and less irritating to your skin. Plus, silk keeps your skin more hydrated than cotton and other fabrics. If you aren’t able to invest in a full set, start with the pillowcase, which can help prevent creasing and wrinkles on your face.

Sleep on your back.

Bad news for side and stomach sleepers – you may not be doing your skin any favors. These positions cause friction on your skin when your face rubs up against your pillow, which can eventually lead to wrinkles. To slow premature aging, switch to sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated.

Change your sheets weekly.

Is there a better feeling than crawling into a bed made with fresh sheets? To rid your bed of acnecausing bacteria and other unpleasantness, wash your sheets at least once a week. If this seems like a tall order, at least try to shower before hitting the sack, which will slough off any debris and dead skin cells from the day.

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LOOK WELL

The Body Butter Benefit —

K E E P PA R C H E D S K I N AT B AY A L L W I N T E R LO N G

The temperature is dropping, which means it’s that time of year to swap out your lightweight lotion for thick, ultra-moisturizing body butter. Formulated to combat common issues like dryness and flakiness, body butter will keep your skin nourished with regular application (ideally after your daily shower). Here, we’ve compiled a few of the best on the market – so go ahead, butter up!

MOROCCANOIL BODY BUTTER

From popular haircare line Moroccanoil comes this luxurious, ultra-thick body butter that delivers nourished skin in a jar (without the greasy residue). Thanks to a winning combination of argan oil and shea butter, the antioxidant-rich formula locks in moisture for lasting hydration. With three fragrances – rose, orange, and original – to choose from, there’s a scent for every style.

MUTHA BODY BUTTER

Beloved by pregnant mamas for its ability to minimize stretch marks, Mutha’s all-natural body butter works hard to soothe dryness, restore moisture, and fight inflammation. Crafted from a trifecta of shea, cocoa, and mango butters, this product has a subtle citrusy fragrance that will make your skin and your nose very happy. Plus, the luxe formula absorbs in a flash.

SOAP & GLORY THE RIGHTEOUS BODY BUTTER

KIEHL’S CRÈME DE CORPS SOY MILK & HONEY WHIPPED BODY BUTTER

This decadent body butter from Kiehl’s has a frosting-like texture that leaves skin feeling softer to the touch. Packed with nurturing ingredients like shea and jojoba butters, the air-whipped formula absorbs quickly and provides 24-hour moisture.

As a bonus, its lightweight, unisex fragrance has universal appeal – which means you may have a hard time keeping this jar to yourself.

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Soap & Glory serves up the ultimate hydration boost scented with its cult-classic signature fragrance of rose and bergamot. This velvety body butter softens and smooths skin with a blend of shea butter, aloe vera, rosehip oil, and vitamin E. Scientifically proven to hydrate skin for 72 hours, The Righteous Body Butter is the perfect pickme-up for chilly winter days.

LOOK WELL

Say Farewell to Frizz F O UR WAYS TO F IG H T F R IZ Z Y H A IR T H IS W I N T ER

The weather outside is frightful … especially when it comes to your hair during the winter season. Factors like plunging temperatures and dry indoor heat can wreak havoc on your luscious locks, making them brittle and weak. To combat frizz, it’s essential to stay hydrated – and we’re not just talking about drinking more water. Here are four ways to add moisture back to your hair to tame that mane.

1.

BY MA RY BE T H WA LLACE

3. Put a halt to heat. It should come as no surprise that heat styling – including blow drying, curling, and straightening – sucks the moisture out of your hair. To prevent frizzy, damaged hair, skip the heat and air-dry your hair when possible. When you do style, always make sure to use a heat protectant spray, which will build a protective barrier between your hair and those styling tools.

4. Turn down the temperature. Blustery days call for time spent in a steamy shower, but that hot water is doing more damage than you may realize. Prolonged periods of exposure to hot water can severely stress out your tresses, leaving you with frizzy and dry hair. Instead, try washing with lukewarm (even cold!) water – especially as a final rinse – for a shinier, frizz-free mane.

Call in the conditioner.

From serums and oil treatments to leave-in conditioners, there are a number of products out there formulated to fight dryness. Leave-in conditioners in particular will help condition your hair throughout the day, keeping it soft and moisturized – and, most importantly, keeping frizz under control. You can apply leave-in conditioner to your hair as needed following a thorough rinse.

2. Maximize moisture with masks. If your strands could use an instant jolt of hydration, look no further than the humble hair mask. Like face masks, these products work to restore moisture and nourish where you need it most. Plus, you can even whip up a DIY hair mask using ingredients straight from your pantry. While not for everyday use, a hair mask could be a speedy solution to your frizziest hair woes.

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" I have fought so hard for my life, and I fully intend to make the most of it."

HER STORY Every woman has a story to tell, and no two stories are alike. Meet the women who have persevered through challenges and tribulations and come out the other side stronger than ever. These unique individuals have seen their fair share of adversity but continue to inspire those around them with the lessons they have learned and their love of life. Read on for four truly motivating stories by the women who experienced them firsthand.

Photography by Emily Pérez Long / Photos taken on location at Common House

I relocated to Chattanooga in April 2018 for my job. I intentionally bought a house so I could put down roots and build community. Little did I know how important those choices would become. Less than a year later, I learned that I had a genetic mutation called CDH1. It gave me an 80% chance of getting gastric cancer and a 60% chance of getting breast cancer. Researchers estimate it occurs in about 1 in every 9 million people, and I wasn’t sure what to do with my newfound knowledge or what my options were.

I started at the Mayo Clinic with initial assessments. While I was there, a counselor told me about a study at the National Institutes of Health.

That’s where I found a lot of answers, a community of fellow patients, and the solution to my situation. Although it was the biggest and scariest decision I have ever had to make,

I decided to prophylactically have my stomach removed. I found out later when they were reviewing the pathology that they found 17 spots of cancer in my stomach, and it immediately validated that I made the right decision.

Having stomach surgery led to a lot of changes in my life. I now have to eat small meals or snacks every two to three hours. Taking care of myself has become non-negotiable.

I have to listen to my body and give it what it needs, when it needs it.

Fast forward four surgeries and two years later, I am closing the surgery/ recovery/repeat chapter and looking forward to what’s coming next. I have been recently cleared of everything and get to move on with my life, whatever I choose to make it.

Since my diagnosis, things have become very clear, and I can easily identify what is important and what

is no longer worth my attention. I choose to spend my time sharing my story with people. I have become an advocate and like using my voice locally and nationally for research, funding, and genetic testing. I also started a company, Seahorse Snacks, so I can share my love of food and my story with the world!

I am grateful that I learned about my diagnosis when I did, and I was fortunate to have access to world-class healthcare and minimal complications. I have fought so hard for my life, and I fully intend to make the most of it. Even though this was not an easy journey, I have learned so much and truly feel that my life is better and more fulfilling today. I am alive and thriving, and there aren’t any limits to the things I can do.

Stacy Martin HIXSON

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HER STORY

Because I was born in Chattanooga to an African American couple, I am well aware of adversity. Even at a young age, I was cognizant of the sacrifices made to ensure my brothers and I had our basic needs met. I spent countless hours at my grandmother’s house after school while my mother worked to make ends meet.

I matriculated through high-poverty schools and graduated from Howard High School. As I approached my senior year, I was faced with the challenge of post-secondary options and the affordability of college. My family did not have money to send me to college. I would be a first-generation college student, which meant this was a journey unfamiliar to me and my family. Gratefully, I had several mentors and my faith that helped me navigate this uncharted territory. I received a full academic scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and this opportunity resulted in no debt to my family and a changed trajectory for my life.

Earning an undergraduate degree and several graduate degrees gave me access to more opportunities. I became involved with the community while working as a teacher. I became a school counselor to educate students and families regarding social, emotional, academic, college, and career skills, and through my passion, I co-founded The Student Leadership Academy of Chattanooga, which inspires life leadership strategies for students.

Currently, I am continuing this work as a district administrator. I am helping others battle poverty, creating opportunities to remove barriers for student success, and educating parents regarding resources and opportunities for their kids. My advice for anyone hoping to change their trajectory is not to be afraid of uncharted territory but to turn your fears into stepping stones for success. We are often afraid of the unfamiliar, but it is the unfamiliar that can set us free. I am the first of many things in my family, but I am determined not to be the last. I would like to encourage every woman to continuously educate herself. The education I received has greatly impacted my life and allowed me to impact the lives of others for generations to come.

Patricia Russell EAST BRAINERD

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When I was hurt at 15 months old by my caregiver, it was just the start. Surviving an accident at age 10 that left me battling gangrene was horrific; watching my mother battle alcoholism and later be diagnosed with stage IV cancer was devastating; losing my husband to a car accident at 23 when I had a child at home was gut-wrenching; losing my father a decade later to a heart attack was life-altering; and watching my current husband endure years of relentless pain, undergoing one surgery after another, was yet another lesson in powerlessness.

Unfortunately, this is just part of an unrelenting trauma list. Self-soothing – what I’ve come to call my ‘Coping List’ – was just one of the ways I used to run from the pain and would encompass everything from eating and drinking to shopping and overcommitting. I’ve had to learn to surrender these things and replace them with what I call my ‘Loving Myself List,’ which consists of meditation, prayer, exercise, community, sleep, and healthy eating, among other things.

I think tragedy is as random as luck, and I’m grateful to say this and honestly

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believe it. I have learned that everybody throughout my journey, including me, did their best with the tools they had.

I am blessed for the opportunity to tell a small part of my story and thank this community for its love and support. It is that very love that gives me the ability to face my story head-on with grace instead of shame.

I have been armed with so many loving hands on my shoulder as I navigated each new unforeseen situation.

I continue to be amazed that I have survived with my heart still intact and that cynicism and anger have not won.

Through family, friends, counseling, and support groups, I have been able to process and serve some of my pain away. I can now walk alongside another woman, widow, single mother, or addict and give her hope – show her that she is never alone. I am proud of my recovery, and I have now transitioned from a victim to a survivor. It is with gratitude that I say it has been and will continue to be my life’s work.

Susan Stein NORTHSHORE

HER STORY

Growing up in church and with strong Christian values, I always believed that God had a plan for my life. But for the longest, I never could figure that plan out. Celebrating people has always been fun to me. It warms my heart, because you never know what goes on behind closed doors. After watching my mom start her catering business following a lay-off, I saw all the hard work, money, long nights, and tears that went into perfecting her passion. Even though the business was successful, it was the hard work that no one saw that inspired me. Through the years, I have worked many jobs while still asking God what I was called to do. It was the moment a girl named Stephanie reached out to me that everything changed. With my event planning experience, she encouraged me to start an award show in the Chattanooga community. I did my research and a lot of praying and settled on the idea of featuring black business owners. Finally, God gave me a team, and in 2019, we hosted our first Black Excellence Awards.

That day meant so much to me. I had a lot of personal things going on, but to see all those people supporting and celebrating one another was everything.

We had brought together a room full of people who, like my mom, worked hard and made it look easy. It was also at that moment that I realized it was time to stop doing whatever it took to make others smile and make myself smile. For years, I loved on, celebrated, and supported other people, but I forgot me. I was almost 400 pounds and was miserable behind my smile. I decided to have weight loss surgery and take back my life. Some may think it was the easy way out, but it was the hardest decision I ever made. The surgery allowed me to work on myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was finally free from hiding how I truly felt. I felt good about who I was inside and out! Now, not only do I love everyone else, but I also love me!

Shay McCowan EAST RIDGE

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Women Celebrating Women The word inspire is defined as the act of filling someone with the urge or ability to do something, and here in Chattanooga, we have no shortage of incredible women who motivate those around them day in and day out. Whether they intentionally set out to be a role model or random acts of kindness are simply in their DNA, these women are making the world a better place. Read on to learn more about the individuals who encourage others to be the best version of themselves, told by those they inspired most.

P HOTOG RAPH Y BY EMI LY PÉREZ LONG

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inspired: Kia Ruffin inspiration: Monica Gordon

“She is a wealth of knowledge, and I take every opportunity to learn from her.”

MONICA I have known Mrs. Monica Gordon all my life. She was my second-grade teacher at Woodmore Elementary years ago, so to see her as the principal of Tyner Middle Academy amazes me daily. Mrs. Gordon is a woman of strength and inspiring energy.

She goes above and beyond for her students, past and present, and we rely on her guidance and expertise as we navigate life.

Over the years, Mrs. Gordon has helped me grow professionally by sharing opportunities, helping me to level-set, and challenging me to strive for greatness. She is a wealth of knowledge, and I take every opportunity to learn from her. Mrs. Gordon has a passion for helping others and empowers everyone she comes across to be better than they were the day before!

I knew my career path would be working with youth in some capacity because of Mrs. Gordon’s influence. Professionally and personally, she has been present at every milestone in my life. I am grateful for her wisdom, support, and love. One thing that I value about our relationship is that she lets me know I am seen and heard, and I am sure that others would speak the same sentiments. Mrs. Gordon inspires me to keep breaking those glass ceilings and to help others along the way.

KIA HealthScopeMag.com

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INSPIRED

inspired: Ann-Marie Fitzsimmons inspiration: Kim Hunt

ANN-MARIE KIM

I first met Kim Hunt on 11th Street in front of the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, where she was coming to help distribute food to camps and motels during COVID-19. I knew the minute I saw her that we were going to be friends. She bounces as she goes and brightens any room she enters. She’s a light and has my ultimate respect.

Many women define themselves by motherhood. I know I do. “I’m a mom” comes before librarian and volunteer ever do. Being a parent is the most rewarding, heart-wrenching, and exhausting job I’ve ever known.

Long before I met Kim, I knew she had lost a son. If there is any greater fear we have as parents, I’d like to hear it because I don’t think that thing exists. The thing about Kim, even after the loss of Tucker, is that this tragedy does not define her. She doesn’t outwardly live in her loss. It’s there; I’ve seen it and heard it in her voice through the phone speaker. But it is not her.

She floats her love like dandelion seeds around those she cares about and has inspired me to live and love wide open.

“She floats her love like dandelion seeds around those she cares about and has inspired me to live and love wide open.”

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INSPIRED

inspired: Jaleesa Brumfield inspiration: Selita R. Brumfield

“My mom inspires me to share the same type of love she gives to me with others.”

SELITA JALEESA As cliché as it may sound, it’s true when they say that not all heroes wear capes. The woman that inspires me does not sit behind a desk.

She does not work the typical 9 to 5. But she does hold a very fancy and rather important title: Mom. My mother, Selita Brumfield, has inspired me for my entire life. She is my nurse, psychologist, teacher, chef, party planner, and financial advisor, without ever being asked to be any of those things. My mother’s selflessness is the reason for my success.

My mom is a small town country girl from Tarboro, North Carolina.

Despite growing up in a small town, her vision for my future knew no limits. She is always pushing me to dream big. When I looked up and saw the stars, she encouraged me to look beyond and to the moon. When life got tough, she reminded me of the bigger picture and was always there simply to listen. I look forward to our conversations every morning and sharing hilarious TikToks throughout the day.

My mom inspires me to share the same type of love she gives to me with others. She is the true definition of a light in the world.

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INSPIRED

inspired: Jessica Whatley inspiration: Rachel Gammon RACHEL

JESSICA

As the leader of a mentoring organization, I know the power and impact of mentorship. When I first moved to Chattanooga, I quickly connected with Rachel. Nonprofits get a bad rap for not always being willing to collaborate, but those who know Rachel know that couldn’t be further from the truth for her and her organization. Rachel is committed to seeing and helping people thrive – whether that is through Northside Neighborhood House, her team, other nonprofit leaders, church, or family.

Many people have this scarcity mentality that we can’t help others thrive because it might not leave room for us. Rachel has always been willing to share ideas, resources, and her own experiences. She has been an amazing friend and mentor who truly wants to help and see me and others succeed. Rachel has not only inspired me as a nonprofit leader but also as a wife and mom. She reminds me to focus on my husband and two young boys and models that with her own family. She reminds me that I can be Mom and still have a career that I love!

“She has been an amazing friend and mentor who truly wants to help and see me and others succeed.”

Photo by

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Rich Smith

FEEL WELL

The Fundamentals of Finance TEACHING KIDS ALL ABOUT MANAGING MONEY We all want our kids to grow up and lead happy, comfortable lives. And a big part of life is managing money.

Here, three local ladies share a few ways they are helping teach their children about the value of money, hopefully making an impression for years to come.

Debbie Brown “It’s never too early to teach children the importance of being good stewards with money.

You can begin by using an old-fashioned piggy bank and allowing kids to earn money by doing chores. This is a great way to teach discipline. As they get older, it is important to teach children the necessity of saving money for emergencies and having investments for future goals. I have always talked honestly with my son about how we started saving for his college fund when he was born. I share the cost of tuition so he understands that this was a longterm goal for his parents. It’s important to teach children to give to their church, schools, and community. As with most life lessons, children learn best by example. It is up to us as parents to instill in them the importance of saving, investing, paying bills on time, and helping others.”

Althea Jones “Teaching your children about the value of money and personal finances should start as soon as they can talk. I remember being about 5 years old watching my dad balance the family checkbook and asking what he was doing. He started teaching me lessons then that I still carry today. I must admit that even in 2021, I still manually balance our checkbook, and it is something that I teach my 11- and 8-year-old sons. My grandmother’s gift to both of my boys at birth was a savings account, and as soon as they were able to understand, we started showing them how to make deposits. Last year, we introduced the stock market to the boys and opened Robinhood accounts for each of them. They get super excited to look at the status of their accounts daily on their iPad and make changes based on the trends.”

Amy Haddock “It is natural for all of us to think of teaching our children the value of money by connecting household chores to some type of pay, but another way to communicate the real value of money is to help them to understand how they spend the money they earn. My oldest daughter now calculates the cost of lululemon leggings that she wants by equating that to how many hours of babysitting it takes to purchase. Talk about a wake-up call! Another lesson that my children have learned has been taught by my mom Lisa. Each year at our Thanksgiving dinner, she presents them with money and requests they spend it on someone outside of our family. At Christmas, each child shares the person that they chose to benefit, the gift they chose, and why. This practice has taught us all how to value money by the way we can give to others. It has been a very thoughtful and teachable moment for our entire family.”

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Happier Holidays Ahead How to Navigate the Holidays as an Adult Child of Divorce

BY O LIVIA HALVERSON

W

hether it’s the first holiday season after your parents get divorced or the twentieth, there are some recurring challenges that can be tricky to navigate year after year. The holidays tend to magnify grief, accentuating the pain, trauma, and general awkwardness you may feel toward your parents’ separation.

Chris Ownby is a certified family life educator at First Things First, a nonprofit organization in Chattanooga with research-based resources to help families and relationships start and stay strong. Here, with guidance from Ownby, we explore some common challenges that adult children of divorce face during the holidays and discuss how to handle them in a way that best serves their mental and emotional well-being.

When your parents don’t get along …

“You can’t control how your parents feel nor how they react around each other,” says Ownby. “If they are in each other’s presence around the holidays for whatever reason, remember your boundaries.” You may also want to find a moment when you can talk with them individually and let them know that being in the same room with both of them is uncomfortable for you. “You may even prefer to go somewhere neutral until they are no longer around each other and the air is calm,” Ownby adds.

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FEEL WELL

When you have a bad relationship with one or both of your parents …

“If the relationship(s) are toxic and they tend to affect your emotional health or that of your household, again, remember your boundaries,” says Ownby. Alternatively, the holidays can be seen as an opportunity for reconciliation. You may consider having a private conversation with your parent to begin “burying the hatchet,” suggests Ownby, adding that resolving deep-seated issues is a challenging process that will take time. “But taking that first step could mean all the difference down the road for both you and your family,” he says.

When one or both of your parents has remarried, and the presence of a new significant other feels intrusive ...

“Your parent is likely trying to figure out how to navigate traditions with their new household while still wanting to spend this special time with you and your household,” explains Ownby. “You can’t blame them for that.” On the other hand, it’s okay to set some boundaries here, as well. “You may have special traditions that you want to stay true to only your home. There’s nothing wrong with that, either,” he adds. “Know where your boundaries are, but also consider which boundaries can be changed to create new traditions with your parent. This will ease tensions for years to come.”

When you fear that your holiday plans will inevitably hurt someone’s feelings ...

“Here’s a tough lesson that’s often hard for relatives to hear: You don’t owe anyone anything,” says Ownby. “If you can’t show up to everyone’s house in the same weekend, don’t. You can only do so much. And one of your main priorities is to keep yourself emotionally healthy and your family at home healthy as well. Will anyone be upset? Maybe. But their feelings don’t constitute your obligation.”

CHRIS OWNBY, CFLE FIRST THINGS FIRST

A

s you approach the oncoming season and its accompanying onslaught of family gatherings, it’s important to keep in mind that you are not alone. Ownby encourages everyone who struggles with family conflict to consult the numerous online resources offered by organizations like First Things First. “I also encourage people to find someone they can trust in their circle of friends to speak wisdom into their situation,” Ownby adds. “Chances are that you aren’t the only one who has dealt with family drama during the holidays, and hearing the experiences of others can be really helpful.”

It’s true that many families experience the same sort of situation. “And many have also figured out how to successfully navigate these turbulent waters and find a healthy family rhythm during the holidays despite their parents’ divorce,” says Ownby.

“There is hope for better days ahead.”

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Off to Camp A PARENT'S GUIDE TO HELPING KIDS MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE

BY OLIVIA HALVERSON

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articipating in a summer camp program can be a pivotal time in a child’s life – the developmental benefits are endless. And when it comes to choosing which camp is best suited for your child’s needs and interests, there are a wide range of options.

Here, we discuss the wonderful takeaways that camps have to offer, and we provide parents with some helpful Qs to consider during the selection process. Lastly, we equip you with a checklist to review as you prepare your kid for the adventure ahead. Ready, parents? 1, 2, 3, 4, turn the page to learn some more. 5, 6, 7, 8, summer camp is really great!

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Benefits of Summer Camp Social and Emotional Learning

Being away from home and exposed to a new group of peers, building relationships, trying new things – these are among the many camp dynamics you can count on to foster your child’s social and emotional learning. These activities not only teach important life skills like selfdiscipline and problem solving, they are also known to benefit children academically, professionally, and socially.

A quality summer camp experience can yield significant growth in your child’s self-esteem, independence, leadership, and social comfort.

Technology Hiatus

Many camps prohibit the use of phones or electronic devices. Breaks from technology have been linked to improved sleep, decreased body mass index, and better grades. Additionally, the lack of digital access encourages kids to spend their days exploring new activities. Many children have been known to uncover a new skill during their time at camp. One bullseye later, your daughter may discover that she’s a master archer in the making. After a

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night of scouring for constellations, your son may realize he’s an astronomy fiend. All of this to say, summer camps provide countless opportunities for impressionable youngsters to encounter activities they wouldn’t otherwise experience in front of a screen.

A Break for Kids and Parents

However well-meaning your involvement in their lives may be, it’s healthy to periodically take a step back and let your child have a break from you. In the same way, parents need a break too. Sending your child to sleepaway camp can provide you and your significant other with the opportunity for some much-needed couple time. Go on a date and enjoy each other’s company without any distractions. Be warned, however, that you are likely to experience a dose of “kid-sickness” while your child is away. This bit of sadness and anxiety is normal. When these feelings strike, remind yourself of the wonderful benefits your child is gaining from their experience. You can pass the time by taking care of yourself. After all, your child is spending his or her time at camp growing and making great memories – why shouldn’t you do the same?

Local Summer Camp Profile Baylor Summer Camps

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amilies have enjoyed Baylor Summer Camps for decades! Baylor’s 690-acre campus and facilities allow for a wide array of activities to

match individual skills and interests, and Baylor faculty, coaches, and counselors have the expertise in working with children in a safe and nurturing environment.

From the family-favorite Raider Days to camps for sports and enrichment, boys and girls ages 5-16 are sure to find a program they love while making new friends along the way. Camp Walkabout allows kids ages 8-16 to take advantage of Chattanooga’s outdoor opportunities, including paddle boarding, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Book now while space is available: baylorschool.org/summer summers@baylorschool.org 423.757.2616

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Pre-Camp Checklist There are a lot of preparatory steps involved in getting your child ready for summer camp. Being proactive is key to helping your camper have the best experience. Here are some tips to help you avoid any stressful last-minute to-dos and send your kid off to camp feeling prepared and confident. ❏ Book doctor appointments ASAP. Most camps will require medical forms with a doctor’s signature. If your child needs a physical to attend camp, you’ll want to get an appointment right away before time slots fill up. ❏ Follow packing guidelines. This may sound obvious, but it’s important. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where your child is missing something they need to participate in camp activities, like a swim suit or goggles. ❏ Label everything. Put your child’s name on all of their belongings. You can use permanent marker or fabric labels in sew-on and iron-on form. ❏ Talk about homesickness ahead of time. Assure your child that these feelings are normal and that you know they can handle it. Also let them know that staff will be able to help them through it. ❏ Do a trial run. If your child has never stayed away from home before, arrange a sleepover at a friend’s house before they leave for camp. This will warm them up to the concept of being away from home in a fun and comfortable environment.

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Questions to Ask When Choosing a Camp The camp selection process can be overwhelming when you realize just how many different options there are. Day camps, sleepaway camps, traditional camps, specialty camps – the list goes on and on. When making this decision, it’s important to factor in your child’s unique needs and interests. Here are some questions for you to consider during the camp selection process so that you and your camper can make a decision with confidence and peace of mind.

Qs to ask yourself ...

• What kind of activities does your child tend to enjoy?

• Does your child struggle with homesickness?

• Would your child be better served by a traditional camp or a specialty camp catered to your child’s specific interests, such as the arts, STEM, academics, etc.?

• What do you want your child to gain from their camp experience?

• What’s your budget?

Qs to ask the camp ...

• Is the camp accredited?

• What does a typical day of activities look like?

• What are the safety and medical arrangements?

• Will there be opportunities for parents to visit?

• Is there a process in place for helping children overcome homesickness?

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Local Summer Camp Profile Camp Juliette Low

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sleepaway camp for girls ages 8-17, Camp Juliette Low (CJL) offers one-week, two-week, and mini-session options throughout the summer. Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1922, the camp has a rich history and a dedicated camper, staff, and alumni network. CJL is focused on teaching campers independence, how to work with others, and a love for the outdoors – helping to create strong women who will contribute to making the world a better place.

Traditional camp activities, including everything from campfires, singing, and hikes to canoeing, crafts, and rock climbing fill each camper’s schedule.

Book now while space is available: cjl.org info@cjl.org 770.428.1062 (winter office) 706.862.2169 (summer office)

Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA

Just 1 Hour outside of Chattanooga, TN

Camp Juliette Low

Want to learn more about life at camp?

Follow us at @campjuliettelow

Preparing Girls for Confident Living and Leadership Since 1922 HealthScopeMag.com

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EAT WELL

The Scoop on Butternut Squash

Did you know?

Butternut squash is one of the longest keeping vegetables. When stored properly, it can last up to three months.

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Sliced, diced, and roasted, butternut squash can be a hearty, comforting side dish. In its puréed form, it can serve as the lush base for a pie or a creamy seasonal bisque. It can also elevate a pasta recipe to new velvety heights. What’s more, this oblong fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and fiber.

Ready to give butternut squash a place on your dinner table? Here are some healthy recipes from the kitchens of Chattanooga locals.

Photography by Rich Smith

Alleia’s Butternut Squash Risotto

BY NEHEMIAS HERNANDEZ, CHEF DE CUISINE SERVES 1 Ingredients

• • • • • • •

2 cups risotto, pre-blanched 2 cups vegetable stock ½ cup butternut squash purée ½ cup butternut squash, diced 2 Tbsp. butter ½-1 cup Grana Padano, grated Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Cook risotto with the vegetable stock on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add purée, diced squash, butter, and cheese. Mix well. Continue to stir until desired rich consistency. Add more vegetable stock if too thick, and continue to cook and stir.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top with more cheese.

“I love the simplicity of this dish.

The butternut squash is one of my favorite seasonal risottos because of the rich color and creaminess from the purée. It’s perfect paired with seared scallops.”

- N E H E M I AS HE R NAND E Z

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Rachel Brimer’s Creamy Butternut Squash Soup SERVES 4-6 Ingredients

• • • • • • • • • • •

Olive oil 2 lbs. butternut squash 1 cup carrots, peeled 1½ cups onion, chopped 2 cups vegetable broth ½ Tbsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ tsp. thyme 2 cups whole milk ½ cup cottage cheese Roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Cut butternut squash in half, remove seeds, rub with olive oil, and roast in the oven for an hour, or until the squash is soft and the edges are caramelized.

Peel carrots, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until soft and caramelized.

Chop yellow onion, and sauté in a pan until caramelized. Combine all vegetables into a pot with vegetable broth and spices. In a separate container, blend milk and cottage cheese until smooth. Add into soup and simmer for 10 minutes. Blend soup until smooth, and serve with roasted pumpkin seeds for some added crunch.

“Butternut squash is an essential part of my seasonal tastes!

I love a warm soup on a chilly day, but find a lot of butternut squash soups super sweet. This one hits the savory spot and lets the squash flavor really be celebrated. It’s the perfect cold weather meal that will warm you up while checking a lot of nutritional boxes at the same time – enjoy!”

- RAC H E L B RI M E R

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LIVE WELL

Holiday Nutrition Hacks 5 Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

BY MARY BETH WALLACE

P

ass the figgy pudding and a glass of eggnog – the holidays are here, and that means lots of delicious goodies are headed your way. Unfortunately for some, this time of year can be stressful, especially those who are health-conscious or trying to watch their weight. Others may find themselves overindulging during the holidays year after year, which isn’t exactly the healthiest approach either.

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So, how can you approach holiday eating in a healthy way? The good news is that there’s no reason to deprive yourself of your favorite foods or feel guilty about going back for seconds. With the following tips, you can relax and enjoy every family gathering, office party, and social event – food and all!

1

Start your morning with a balanced breakfast. If you’re someone who likes to “save their calories” for the big holiday meal, you may want to rethink your strategy. When you go into a meal completely ravenous, you increase your chances of overeating, which can cause nausea, indigestion, or just general discomfort. The best strategy leading up to a holiday meal is to honor your hunger throughout the day, which for most of us means eating breakfast. Keep in mind that a balanced breakfast includes fiber, protein, and healthy fats – for example, a bowl of oatmeal topped with almonds and blueberries – which will keep you full and help you maintain stable blood sugar levels.

2

Include some fruits and vegetables. We are certainly not advocating you skip the turkey and dressing this holiday season. However, when you make room for fruits and veggies, you’re not only nourishing your body, you’re also adding some vibrant color to your holiday plate. Incorporating in-season produce, such as kale salads, roasted Brussels sprouts, and even a lightened-up sweet potato casserole, is a great way to ensure a healthier, more flavorful meal. You might also consider bringing a fruit tray or festive salad to your next holiday function, which is often a welcome addition among the many heavy, butter-laden dishes. This way, you’ll have access to something fresh, and the other party-goers will likely thank you.

3

Slow down. You’ve waited all year long for Christmas dinner, so there’s no need to shovel the food into your mouth as quickly as possible. Take small bites in order to truly savor and taste your meal, and allow yourself to pause between bites (setting down the utensils can help with this). Similarly, you may want to take a breather before adding seconds to your plate. Waiting just 10 to 15 minutes after you’ve finished your meal can give your body’s satiety signals time to reach your brain. Chat with your aunt, drink some water, then check back in with your appetite. If you find you still want another portion of mac and cheese, go for it!

4

Don’t forget to hydrate. This simple tip is an important reminder any time of year, but especially during the holidays when alcohol flows freely and various festivities have you constantly on the go. It’s often the case that when you feel hungry, your body is really asking for water. Drinking a glass (or two) of water before a holiday meal can go a long way in helping you distinguish hunger and thirst, and as a result, keep you from overeating.

Even better, set a series of alarms on your phone to remind you to sip liberally throughout the day. And, since alcohol use is directly correlated to dehydration, be sure to limit your consumption and always drink a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks.

5

Remember what this season is really about. Food is an integral part of the holidays – it wouldn’t be Christmas without cookie baking, after all. But shifting your focus to other aspects of the season, such as quality time spent with loved ones, will help create fond memories for years to come. Over the next several weeks, make plans to catch a movie, explore a hiking trail, go ice skating, or start a new family tradition. Catch up with an old friend, laugh, and spread holiday cheer. When you direct your attention toward fun, you’ll find yourself thinking a lot less about food.

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Ryn Tucker’s At-Home Full-Body Stretch P H OTO G RAPHY BY EMILY PÉ REZ LONG

“All of these moves can and should be repeated for several rounds. Spend a couple of minutes with each exercise. Don’t rush it! Linking your breath to your movement is a great stress reliever. Take your breaths slowly and enjoy the calming effects, increased mobility, and gained strength.”

– Ryn Tucker, Personal Trainer/Yoga Instructor

Parivrtta Prasarita Padottanasana Wide-Legged Forward Fold Twist From standing, step your legs apart into a wide stance. Hinge at the waist, lowering your torso and head toward the ground, and place both hands on your mat. Inhale as you center one hand on the mat between your legs, and exhale 128

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as you reach your opposite hand toward the sky. Repeat on both sides several times. This stretch is great for the hamstrings, calves, hips, low back, and spine, and it opens the hips while improving spinal mobility.

Adho Mukha Svanasana Phalakasana Vinyasa Downward Facing Dog Plank Pose Flow From a plank pose, exhale and lift your hips up high as you shift your weight into your heels coming into downward dog. Inhale, reversing the motion as you shift your weight back to your upper body, making sure to keep your core tight. Modify this move by bending your knees generously in downward dog or coming to your knees for the plank.

Not only does this move stretch your hamstrings and back, but it’s also a great core exercise and helps strengthen your entire body.

Anjaneyasana Ardha Hanumanasana Vinyasa Low Lunge to Half Split Flow From all fours, step one foot between your hands coming into a low lunge. Inhale in the low lunge, and then exhale as you press back into a half split stretch. Repeat for several cycles of breath before switching sides. If the half split is difficult, try placing blocks under your hands. This stretch alternates between working the hamstrings and quadriceps, and it opens the hips while increasing balance and stability.

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Marjaryasana Bitilasana Cat Cow Starting on all fours, inhale as you drop your belly and arch your back into cow pose.

Exhale as you round your spine into cat pose, and repeat for several more cycles of

Shashank Bhujangasana Striking Cobra Lying on your stomach, place your hands on the ground right next to your chest. Inhale as you straighten your arms and peel your chest off the ground coming into cobra. Exhale and send your hips back to your heels, straightening your arms out in front of you.

Inhale as you return to cobra.

Repeat for several cycles of breath. This move promotes flexibility and core strength while stretching your hips, thighs, and ankles, along with releasing back tension.

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breath. This pose is essential for maintaining a healthy spine and could relieve back pain. If you are seated for most of the day, this is an especially good stretch to do daily.

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CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care is committed to providing you with the best chance for weight loss success.

Now offering virtual seminars. To register, visit chattanoogabariatrics.com CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care 7405 Shallowford Rd., Ste. 160, Chattanooga, TN 37421 For more information, call (423) 899-1000. _