HealthScope® Magazine Winter 2020

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

SINUS INFECTIONS

OFF TO CAMP! LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS

5 COMMON

& WHAT EVERY PARENT

QUESTIONS,

SHOULD KNOW

ANSWERED

AT-HOME DANCE CARDIO

MEET OUR CAREGIVERS

MINDI BLAIR’S EASYTO-FOLLOW ROUTINE

LOVE, CARE, & SERVING OTHERS

A BITE OF BROCCOLI

MANAGING YOUR MANE

DELICIOUS (AND NUTRITIOUS!)

8 COMMON HAIR

RECIPES

PROBLEMS & HOW TO SOLVE THEM

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

HOLIDAY HARMONY

FACT VS. FICTION

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT FAMILY MEMBERS

ALL DRESSED UP

ANNUAL

STYLISH DRESSES

AGI NG WE LL

FROM LOCAL RETAILERS

SECTION

See page 84 for Cover Models Stephanie Sinkfield & Demetria Jordan!

F A M I L Y

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N U T R I T I O N

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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

Merry Christmas from Life Care Centers of America!

Life Care Centers of America’s Chattanooga-area centers offer rehabilitation and skilled nursing to help patients reach their goals after a surgery or illness – even through the holidays.

Life Care Centers of America 3570 KEITH STREET, NW / CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE 37320 / (423) 472-9585

Learn more at LCCA.com.

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We’ve assembled a team of well-established and highly experienced financial professionals. It has given us the ability to address every aspect of our clients’ financial needs. And by limiting the number of clients we serve, it allows us to offer an uncommon level of service and maintain our unwavering focus on helping to create quality financial solutions.

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This is what we bring to the table – and what will ultimately bring you to us. If you are an individual seeking seasoned financial guidance and the comfort of working with an experienced group of advisors who call Chattanooga home, we welcome the opportunity to sit down together.

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Back: Tony D’Andrea, CFP® // Andy Burnett, CFA® // Terry Lamb // Julie Davis // Dennis Wolfe, CFP® // Austin Cone, CFP® Front: Fran Robertson // Cyndi Scheid // Seated: Amy Bee // Sharon Sidorow

©2013 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC 13-BR38U-0017 EG 1/13

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.

CLEVELAND: 170 Mouse Creek Road (37312) ph: 423.458.1426 | Open M-F 8-8, S-S 8-5 OOLTEWAH: 9058 Old Lee Highway (37363) ph: 423.531.9110 | Open M-F 8-8, S-S 8-5 HIXSON: 5546 Highway 153, Suite 120 (37343) ph: 423.486.1911 | Open M-F 8-8, S-S 8-5 CHATTANOOGA: 1521 Gunbarrel Rd., Suite 103 (37421) ph: 423.531.0911 | Open M-F 8-8, S-S 8-5 CHATTANOOGA: 3520 Cummings Highway (37419) ph: 423.822.5942 | Open M-F 8-8, S-S 8-5 FORT OGLETHORPE, GA: 26 Parkway Drive (30742) ph: 706.956.2846 | Open Every Day 8-6 ATHENS: 2037 Congress Pkwy. S (37303) ph: 423.381.0152 | Open M-F 8-8, S-S 8-5

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Patients who received Mako assisted total knee replacement surgery feel the results. In fact, they reported lower pain scores than those who received a conventional knee replacement.1 Journal of Knee Surgery 2017 Nov;30(9):849-853

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Hamilton Medical Center is a Top 100 Hospital in the U.S. for Patient Safety in Orthopedic Care and certified by the Joint Commission in knee, hip & shoulder replacement surgery.

706.272.6000 HamiltonHealth.com/ortho

Publisher’s Letter

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

— WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

As we come to the close of a most challenging year, gratitude may be the furthest thing from your mind. But this emotion can help to ground us, to shift our attitudes, and to push us to persevere in the midst of life’s hardships. Now more than ever, we should be taking the time to be thankful for what we have – our families, our health, our resources, and our community.

What follows is our winter issue of HealthScope® magazine, filled with timely topics that will encourage you to both prioritize and be appreciative of your health. In the feature “Pancreatic Cancer,” we learn that this disease can be difficult to detect in its earliest stages, so knowing your risk is critical. In “Sinus Infections: 5 Common Questions, Answered,” we discover that while sinus infections are very treatable, there are also steps you can take to prevent them. Another feature, “Understanding Substance Abuse,” sheds light on the common myths surrounding a pervasive and often misunderstood issue.

Inside you’ll also find the section Meet Our Caregivers, which showcases local professionals with concentrations in a variety of healthcare fields.

These specialists exemplify the incredible patientdriven care offered throughout our area. And, as always, don’t miss our annual Aging Well section, in which we detail the physician-recommended guidelines and technologies allowing our senior

population to thrive in their golden years.

There are many more topics for you to discover, including winter dresses from area boutiques, solutions to common hair problems, and selfcare strategies for the holidays. You’ll George Mullinix also find delicious PUBLISHER broccoli recipes from locals and a dance workout with fitness instructor Mindi Blair. In our special seasonal section Off to Camp!, we highlight local summer camps and tips for preparing children for this exciting rite of passage.

Last but certainly not least, check out our interview with cover models Stephanie Sinkfield and Demetria Jordan. This mentor/mentee pair share a beautiful relationship built from mutual respect and a commitment to each other. These ladies are sure to motivate you to begin your own mentoring journey!

Our hope is that you will find this issue of HealthScope® to be both informative and uplifting and that it will inspire you to experience gratitude for what you have – both big and small – this holiday season.

Blessings always,

Celebrating 32 Years!

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

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HealthScopeMag.com

the chatel aine ÂŽ collec tion

Contents

Be Well 30

84

Pancreatic Cancer

What You Need to Know

36

Sinus Infections

5 Common Questions, Answered

42

Understanding Substance Abuse

Fact vs. Fiction

48 The Medical Foundation

of Chattanooga

Putting Community Health First

54 Broken Heart Syndrome

What It Is & Who’s at Risk

61 Meet Our Caregivers Love, Care, & Serving Others 62

Jonathan Lowery

Ensuring an Excellent Experience for Residents

64 Kathleen York

Enhancing Her Clients’ Appearance

66 Jessica McLendon

Providing Long-Term Relief to Patients

68 Pam Billingsley

Sharing a Smile with Her Patients

70

Lacy Gill

8

Addressing Clients’ Cosmetic Concerns

HealthScopeMag.com

73

Stay Well Annual Aging Well Section

74

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR)

80 Life’s Simple 7: Managing

Your Cardiovascular Health

76

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth

82

78

Alternatives to Spinal Fusion

Communicating with the Hearing Impaired

Non-invasive and surgical treatments available for the reduction of unsightly varicose and spider veins on the legs, face, hands, and more.

Millions of Americans suffer not just from the pain of varicose veins, but from the shame and inconvenience they bring to their life. In fact, unsightly veins are about as common as mosquitos here in the South. If you suffer from discomfort or simply the displeasure of how they make your legs, hands, and face look, you are not alone.

Thankfully, you can get back to feeling confident about yourself and wearing the shorts, skirts, and cropped jeans you long for. Dr. Gardner and the team at The Vein Institute offer treatments for spider veins, varicose veins, and many other vein-related issues.

This 65-year-old man came to us hoping to find relief after 30 long years of suffering. Dr. Gardner examined him and determined the best method of treatment. After undergoing procedures on both legs, he reported great improvement in his symptoms. He is very happy with his final result – the leg pain and fatigue are gone.

“Dr. Gardner is a great listener and spent so much time with me. I am extremely pleased with every service I’ve received from him! Dr. Gardner spent time with me and explained everything about the entire process. I felt completely at ease with him and his staff, and I could tell how much he cares about all of his patients. I will be sending all of my family members and friends to see him!”

Dr. Vincent Gardner is a board-certified surgeon with over 14 years of experience performing endovenous thermal ablation and laser treatments to benefit his patients.

He routinely treats visible, unsightly, and often painful veins with innovative, specialized treatments to restore a more attractive appearance with long-lasting results.

If vein issues are a concern for you, call 423-551-8346 today to schedule your free consultation. The Vein Institute is located on the top floor of the Southern Surgical Arts building in downtown Chattanooga.

DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA

Suite 321, 1405 Cowart Street Chattanooga, TN 37408

423-551-8346 YourVeinInstitute.com

CALHOUN OFFICE

120 Cornerstone Way #3 Calhoun, GA 30701

Contents

Look Well 84 Meet Our Models

Stephanie Sinkfield & Demetria Jordan

86 All Dressed Up

Stylish Dresses from Local Retailers

88 In Good Shape

Finding the Right Shapewear for Every Occasion

90 Managing Your Mane

8 Common Hair Problems & How to Solve Them

Her Story Motivating Stories from Local Women

93 94 96 97

94

Inspired

108

Women Celebrating Women

Off to Camp!

99

100

102

Local Summer Camps & What Parents Should Know

110 Set Up for Success

10 Tips for Summer Camp Prep

114 Summer Camp:

A Parent’s Guide

Why Camp Is Great for Children (and Their Parents)

104 Seasonal Self-Care

HealthScopeMag.com

Self-Care Tips from Local Ladies

99

106 Holiday Harmony

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Brittany Fulmer Ennen & Marie Webb Julie Fleming Barringer & Joy Sedman Brown Lakweshia Ewing & Dr. Sheryl K. Randolph

Feel Well

Making the Most of Your Child’s Experience

118 Top Benefits of

Summer Camp

Lucia Cook Jessica Hale Janine Atiyeh Cindy Deering

Dealing with Difficult Family Members During the Holidays

YOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE CENTER

MEET OUR PROVIDERS

With a focus in Primary and Infectious Disease Care, the Cempa Community Care Clinic offers a full range of services including nutritional counseling, mental health counseling, laboratory services, and health maintenance for preventative care.

Jay Sizemore, MD, MPH Chief Medical Officer

Michael Davis, MD ID Physician

Shayla Toombs-Withers, DO, FAAFP Interim Medical Director

Melissa Mann-Stuntz, MSN, FNP-C Nurse Practitioner Lead

Amy Farlett, MSN, APRN, FNP-C Family Nurse Practitioner

BrontĂŤ Naples, MSN, APRN, FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

Amber Sharp, MMS, PA-C Physician Assistant

Kimberly Sargent, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Marlee Clemens, RDN, LDN Registered Dietitian

Leading the way in care for people living with HIV since 1986, Cempa Community Care has expanded to become a Community Health Center to help all people fight all illnesses.

LEARN MORE | cempa.org

Contents HealthScopeMag.com Winter 2020 • Vol. 32 Issue 2

122

Publisher

George Mullinix

Sales & New Business Development

Cailey Mullinix Easterly

Sales & Business Development

Katie Faulkner

Art, Creative, & Design

Emily Pérez Long

Design

Lauren Robinson

Editors

Christina Cannon Anna Hill Mary Beth Wallace

SEO/Digital Marketing

Micah Underwood

Marketing Assistant

Alysse Parris

Photographers Emily Pérez Long Lanewood Studio

Rich Smith

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.

Departments

Live Well 122 Mindi Blair’s Dance

Cardio Routine

A Guided, At-Home Workout

For Him For Her For the Whole Family For Moms

24 Health & Wellness Calendar

Broccoli Recipes from Locals

130 Top 5: Fitness Apps

16 18 20 22

126 A Bite of Broccoli

Health in a Minute

Top Picks from Local Trainer Jillian Dawson

25 Staff Spotlight 26 Ask the Doctor 58 Silver Side

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

ABOUT THE COVER SINUS INFECTIONS

OFF TO CAMP! LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS & WHAT EVERY PARENT

5 COMMON

SHOULD KNOW

QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

AT-HOME DANCE CARDIO

MEET OUR CAREGIVERS

MINDI BLAIR’S EASYTO-FOLLOW ROUTINE

LOVE, CARE, & SERVING OTHERS

A BITE OF BROCCOLI

MANAGING YOUR MANE

DELICIOUS (AND NUTRITIOUS!)

8 COMMON HAIR

RECIPES

PROBLEMS & HOW TO SOLVE THEM

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

HOLIDAY HARMONY

FACT VS. FICTION

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT FAMILY MEMBERS

ALL DRESSED UP

ANNUAL

STYLISH DRESSES

AGI NG WE LL

FROM LOCAL RETAILERS

SECTION

See page 84 for Cover Models Stephanie Sinkfield & Demetria Jordan!

F A M I L Y

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N U T R I T I O N

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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

HealthScopeMag.com

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B E A U T Y

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R E C I P E S

Mentor Stephanie Sinkfield and mentee Demetria Jordan grace our winter cover. Their inspiring relationship proves just how important mentoring is for women in business – or at any life stage!

Photo by Lanewood Studio

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 ChattanoogaTM – 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 ChattanoogaTM – Chattanooga Resource & Relocation Guide® Copyright, CMC Publications, LLC, 2011 Chattanooga Resource & Relocation Guide® is a trademark owned by CMC Publications, LLC

We are proud and honored to welcome

DR. VLATKA AGNETTA to our practice and our community.

A board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Agnetta will add even more expertise, knowledge, and exceptional patient care to the Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Team.

“It is my personal mission to always strive not only to be an excellent physician in serving my community with competence and genuine compassion, but to also go beyond that by being a leader in my community and profession.�

VLATKA AGNETTA, MD

www.thedermcenters.com 423-521-1100

B rody J ewelers

213 Chickamauga Avenue Rossville, Georgia 706.866.3033

Come View Our Holiday Selection

Authorized Watch Band Dealer

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

Finding Your Fitness HOW TO SAFELY START EXERCISING AGAIN Whether you’ve had an injury or have just been in a slump, kick-starting a neglected exercise routine can be easier said than done. When motivation strikes, you may be tempted to pick up where you left off, but this increases the risk for injury.

The key to returning to a fitness routine without any setbacks is to push your body enough that it’s gradually challenged but not stressed. But how do you know what’s enough and what’s too much?

Experts suggest starting with 20-60 minutes of continuous aerobic activity three to five days a week, with roughly 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise worked in. After two to five weeks at this level, you can increase both the intensity and duration of your workouts.

When it comes to strength or weight training, your body needs to be able to handle its built-in load before you go piling on more weight. Try doing exercises such as squats, push-ups, and lunges, and start with a few sets of 12 to 15 reps. Over the span of several weeks, work to add resistance until your muscles begin to fatigue.

Make sure that you’re also taking the time to stretch and strengthen your muscles, and don’t forget that all good workout regimens include periods of rest and recovery.

Go It Alone

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HealthScopeMag.com

If you’re someone who has ever feared being alone, you’re not the only one. One study found that participants would rather complete a mundane task or even shock themselves rather than spend 6 to 15 minutes alone in a room with nothing to do.

But being alone isn’t a bad thing, and it doesn’t equate to loneliness. In fact, being alone can help you find out what your interests are and make them a priority. It can also boost your creativity, improve your relationships, and make you more productive and empathetic.

The key to benefiting from alone time is being able to tell when it has a positive effect on your well-being versus when it turns negative. Being alone becomes detrimental when you feel isolated despite wanting social connection or if it feels like punishment.

In general, solitude can be beneficial when it’s voluntary and you feel good about spending time alone. As long as you are still maintaining positive relationships and can return to social groups at your leisure, being alone is nothing to fear!

Savings !

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE

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

Goal Setting 101 Whether you’re trying to master a musical instrument, learn a language, or hone your financial finesse, setting goals is important. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timely) goals is a great place to start, but here are some more tips to help you accomplish whatever you set out to do.

• Take some time to ask yourself why your goals are important to you, not just the ‘what’ and ‘how.’

• State your goals with a positive tone.

• Focus more on the process than on the outcome.

• Regularly reflect on what you’ve done right so far and forgive yourself for any slip-ups.

• Take time to visualize what life will look like when you meet your goal.

• Once you have a vision in place, write down related words or post pictures where you will see them to help keep yourself motivated.

• Don’t forget to reward yourself throughout the process as you make progress.

• Always review and reassess your goals to make sure no adjustments are necessary.

What’s Your Cup of Tea? Over the years, tea has been consumed for a variety of reasons and across a variety of cultures. Most teas fall into four basic types – green, black, oolong, and white – each with a unique level of oxidation and its own set of health benefits.

GREEN TEA is one of the most popular teas, and some studies have shown it to have a positive impact on cholesterol, heart disease, and blood pressure. There is even limited evidence that suggests it may have anti-cancer properties and can prevent tooth decay.

BLACK TEA, whether it be Darjeeling, Chai, or Earl Grey, contains plant compounds that act as antioxidants. It also contains many of the same properties as green tea and thus has similar benefits.

OOLONG TEA, along with green tea, has a reputation for being helpful with weight loss and fat reduction, and some studies have shown it has cholesterol- and triglyceridelowering properties.

WHITE TEA, on the other hand, is thought to have the most antioxidant power out of all of the teas while also offering the smallest amount of caffeine, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

In addition to these varietals, HERBAL TEAS utilize fruits and herbs and come in a whole host of flavors.

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HealthScopeMag.com

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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

Curating a Harmless Holiday Look The holiday season is finally here, and it’s easy to put safety on the back burner as you make sure your home is ready for festivities. Take these precautions this winter to make sure the holidays are delightful, not dangerous.

• Keep your tree hydrated and away from heat sources.

• If you prefer artificial decorations, look for fire-resistant labels.

• Work as a team, especially with tasks such as hanging lights.

• Make sure your lights don’t contain frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections, and opt for LEDs when possible.

• Turn off all lights before going to bed, or better yet, put them on a timer.

• Ensure all candles have a sturdy base.

• Use unbreakable or shatterproof ornaments.

• Avoid decorations that look like fake food or candy if you have young children.

• Keep poisonous plants, such as poinsettias, out of reach of children and pets.

• Use heavy-duty extension cords, and avoid overloading them.

• Keep indoor lights away from drapes, furniture, and carpet.

• Be mindful of power lines when placing outdoor decorations.

F LU F I G HT I NG FOODS Seasonal celebrations are just around the corner, but unfortunately, so is flu season. Smart lifestyle choices can go a long way in making sure you stay healthy, and a proper diet is key to boosting your immune system. Don’t wait until you’re already sick to have a mealtime makeover. Enact changes now for a better chance at avoiding the flu altogether.

Prioritize eating real foods over taking supplements. Instead of taking vitamin C, eat an orange to get added benefits from its host of magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, and antioxidantrich flavonoids.

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Eat your fruits and vegetables. Many people tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables in the winter.

Flip the script and make sure you’re working to get adequate vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporate juices, soups, and frozen produce into your diet in order to get the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables.

Consume healthy proteins and whole grains.

A balanced diet of lean meat, dairy, eggs, fish, and legumes provides your body with the amino acids it needs to build components of your immune system. Lean meats can also help avoid zinc and iron deficiency, which can affect your immune system.

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Guiding You to Financial Independence

Live with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your financial matters are in the hands of advisors you know and trust.

633 Chestnut Street, Ste 1100 | Chattanooga, TN 37450 | 423-385-1411 | SternerFinancialGroup.com 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 CompanyÂŽ, Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank.

HealthScopeMag.com

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

Social Media Shuffle Helping Your Teen Clean Up Accounts It’s no secret that a person’s social media presence is playing an increasingly important role in first impressions. When it’s someone you just met, that’s one thing, but stakes are raised when it is an employer or college admissions officer doing the vetting.

While certain posts or images might not reflect favorably on your teen, neither will not having a profile at all. Instead of taking everything down, try helping your teen audit their accounts and remove anything that might not paint them in their best light.

Start by searching your teen’s name online to see what comes up. Delete any negative posts, and ask other people to take down any posts or images that are under their control. At a minimum, untag your teen in any questionable content, and update their privacy settings.

Consider deleting any content that includes a complaint or posts that come across as provocative, discriminatory, cynical, sarcastic, or mean. While it’s perfectly fine for your teen’s accounts to have some selfies, the poses and quantity shouldn’t leave your teen coming across as self-absorbed, immature, or unprofessional.

Finally, remind your teen that it’s never too late to start curating or sharing content about issues and topics that they find interesting and are passionate about!

A Mom’s Guide to Surviving Chickenpox Common and contagious, chickenpox is an uncomfortable virus that frequently affects children.

What sometimes starts as a fever, loss of appetite, and headache can quickly turn into a series of itchy blisters and eventually scabs. While there’s not much you can do to speed up the healing process, there are some measures you can take to make sure your little one is as comfortable as possible.

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• Give your child lukewarm baths regularly. Adding colloidal oatmeal, which is available at most drug stores, can also help relieve some of the itch.

• Apply topical ointment, such as calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, or another fragrance-free, anti-itch lotion.

• Use non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve your child’s fever.

• Keep your child’s fingernails trimmed short to help prevent skin infections or scarring caused by scratching, and use socks or mittens if needed.

• Try distracting your child from discomfort and itchiness with

coloring books, building forts, watching movies, or anything else they enjoy.

• Dress your child in loose-fitting clothing, which is less likely to aggravate blisters.

• Consider over-the-counter oral antihistamines to further relieve itchiness.

• Try to keep your child eating well and consuming plenty of fluids.

Todd Levin, MD; Jessica Van Mason, MD; Marc Cromie, MD; Jennifer Patel, MD; Hyman Kaplan, MD; Lee Perry, MD Chattanooga • Lee Hwy • Hixson • Cleveland • Ft. Oglethorpe • Dalton • Dayton • Jasper • Ooltewah

Adult & Pediatric Allergy Care

Directions

Honey and Spice Pears SERVES 4 Serve up these seasonal pears cooked in a homemade syrup for a sweet snack or heart-healthy dessert.

Ingredients

• • • •

1 cup light cranberry juice cocktail 1/2-3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/8-1/4 tsp. ground allspice 4 small firm pears, peeled, halved, and cored • 2 Tbsp. sweetened, dried cherries or cranberries • 1 Tbsp. + 1 1/2 tsp. honey

1. In a large nonstick skillet, stir together the cranberry juice, cinnamon, and allspice. Add the pears and cherries or cranberries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Cook covered for 5 minutes, or until the pears are just tendercrisp. Transfer the pears with the cut side down to a serving plate, leaving the liquid in the skillet.

423-899-0431 chattanoogaallergyclinic.com

coat with the sauce or transfer them to plates and spoon the sauce on top.

Nutritional Information

Calories 107 | Total Fat 0.5g | Sodium 19mg | Total Carbohydrate 27g | Dietary Fiber 4g | Sugars 23g | Protein 2g Source: American Heart Association

2. Cook the liquid, still on medium-high, for approximately 3 minutes, or until reduced to a scant 1/4 cup, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in the honey. Spoon over the pears. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Turn the pears several times to HealthScopeMag.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS CALENDAR 13 Cupid’s Chase 5K

Runners, walkers, and rollers – baby strollers and wheelchairs included – are encouraged to participate in this annual 5K race, presented by Community Options.

The race begins at 10 a.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark. This event raises funds and awareness for Community Options’ mission of providing residential and employment services to individuals with disabilities. COMOP.ORG/CUPIDSCHASE

March 2 Possibilities Luncheon

Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation will host its 18th annual Possibilities Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. online. This year, the event will feature Katherine Wolf, whose life nearly ended with a catastrophic stroke just six months after her baby was born. Proceeds from this community-wide fundraiser benefit Siskin Hospital’s charity care patients. SISKINREHAB.ORG

5-7 Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend

January

February

9 Tennessee Running Tour – Trail of Tears

5 National Wear Red Day®

Embrace the cold at this annual race, 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 course is roughly seven miles and takes runners across the Georgia state line and back. Start time is 11 a.m.

TENNESSEERUNNINGTOUR.COM

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The American Heart Association raises awareness about cardiovascular disease every first Friday in February (also known as American Heart Month) with National Wear Red Day®. The AHA encourages women everywhere to join the movement by not only wearing red but knowing their numbers and making positive changes toward a healthier heart.

GOREDFORWOMEN.ORG

Mark your calendar for the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend.

Participants can choose between the marathon, half marathon, team relay, 5K, and kids’ fun run, with each course showcasing the natural beauty of the Scenic City. This fun-filled weekend also includes an expo with local vendors, neighborhood parties, music and food, and more. CHATTANOOGAMARATHON.COM

20 Rump Run

Help conquer colon cancer at the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation’s Rump Run. A timed 5K and fun walk are set to take place on a closed, certified course at Enterprise South Nature Park, with kids’ activities, goody bags, and age group awards also on the docket. Registration and sponsorship information is on the website. RUMPRUN.COM

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

INNOVATIVE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS

CHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL GROUP

Dr. Emily Reeves-Douglas

Bryn Meredith, DO

Dr. Emily Reeves-Douglas has joined Innovative Women’s Health Specialists. As an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, she provides care to women in all stages of life. Dr. Reeves-Douglas is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine.

Dr. Bryn Meredith has joined CHI Memorial Pediatric Diagnostic Associates. Dr. Meredith is a retired lieutenant commander, Medical Corps, United States Navy and most recently served as a general pediatrician at United States Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan.

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

Robert J. Maloney, Jr.

Rachel Harris, BSN, RN

Erlanger Health System has named Robert Maloney, Jr. as chief operating officer.

Maloney previously served as chief operating officer at Mercy Health Anderson in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

Erlanger Health System has officially named Rachel Harris its new senior vice president and chief nursing executive.

Harris has served as the interim CNE since June 2020. She has been with Erlanger since 1980, serving in multiple leadership and clinical positions.

PARKRIDGE HEALTH SYSTEM

PARKRIDGE HEALTH SYSTEM

Deborah Deal, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC

Amir Hamad, MHA, BSN, RN, CCRN

Deborah Deal, Parkridge Health System’s chief nursing executive, has won the 2020 Nurse Leader of Distinction Award from the Tennessee Hospital Association. This award recognizes Deal’s work to optimize patient experience and enhance Parkridge’s quality of service.

Amir Hamad has been named chief nursing officer of Parkridge East Hospital.

Hamad brings 12 years of healthcare experience, including nursing roles in emergency medicine and cardiac critical care, to the position. He is involved in numerous professional organizations.

SISKIN HOSPITAL FOR PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

SKIN CANCER & COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY CENTER

Rochelle Jones, Psy.D.

Vlatka Agnetta, MD

Siskin Hospital has announced the addition of Dr. Rochelle Jones to its behavioral medicine department. Dr. Jones is a clinical psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology and neuroscience. She obtained her doctorate in psychology from Loma Linda University.

Dr. Vlatka Agnetta has joined Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center. The board-certified dermatologist earned her medical degree from Loma Linda University. She is also a fellowshiptrained Mohs surgeon.

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ASK THE DOCTOR

Q. My son has a stutter, and his physician has referred him for speech therapy.

Can you tell us a little about what to expect?

A. Your child will be observed speaking in various scenarios during both structured and unstructured tasks. The therapist may even record your child in order to further evaluate and classify each type of stutter. Some disfluencies – breaks and disruptions in the flow of speech – are normal and may not be considered stuttering. The therapist will also discuss your child’s awareness of the stutter and calculate the frequency of it to determine the severity of the stutter and determine if speech therapy is necessary.

While there is no cure for stuttering, there are various treatment options that may help children who stutter.

For preschool children, therapy may include direct strategies (helping your child change how they speak) or indirect strategies (ways to make it easier for your child to talk). For older children, treatment focuses on managing stuttering.

This may include identifying, adjusting, or decreasing the number of disfluencies.

Mallory Sliger, MS, CCC-SLP Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist Siskin Children’s Institute siskin.org

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Q. I’ve noticed that my son will sometimes come in wheezing after playing hard in our backyard.

How can I tell if it’s just the effects of heavy exertion, or if he might have asthma?

A. First, it’s important to define what constitutes a “wheeze.” Typically, wheezing is characterized by a highpitched whistling sound that one makes when one breathes out. It’s possible to hear wheezing at home without a stethoscope, but it’s easier for a doctor to identify it. If you are hearing this type of sound when your son plays outside, asthma is certainly a possibility! There are different types of asthma – some asthmatics only have symptoms with exertion (exercise-induced asthma), while some asthmatics experience symptoms more regularly (persistent asthma).

Of course, asthma is often characterized by other symptoms as well, especially cough, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. I would recommend that your son have lung function testing to help determine if he has asthma. Treatments for asthma include “rescue” inhalers, also known as inhaled albuterol, which can significantly improve his ability to exert himself. There are also other types of inhalers that can be used for more persistent asthma.

Lee Perry, MD Board-Certified Allergist Chattanooga Allergy Clinic chattanoogaallergyclinic.com

Q. As my father ages, I’ve noticed a decrease in his appetite. How do nutritional needs for the elderly differ from that of a younger adult?

A. It’s common for elderly people to experience reduced appetite. If this issue isn’t addressed, it can lead to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and poor health. Older adults generally need fewer calories, but their nutrient needs are higher than when they were younger – this is why eating nutrient-rich, whole foods becomes extremely important. Eating a protein-rich diet helps age-related loss of muscle and strength, especially if combined with exercise. Bowelrelated issues, including constipation and diverticular disease (a condition where pockets or sacs develop in the wall of the colon), can occur with aging and can be helped by increasing your fiber intake. Calcium and vitamin D are also important nutrients for maintaining optimal bone health. Potassium, vitamin B12, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron are other nutrients that can benefit as one gets older. Finally, drinking an adequate amount of water is important, as the body may become less able to recognize the signs of dehydration in older people.

Amjad M. Munir, MD Medical Director Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga encompasshealth.com/ chattanoogarehab

Q. This year has been so chaotic that I’ve been having trouble focusing on myself and taking time to slow down throughout the week.

What are some steps I can take to fix that?

Q. My eyes keep tearing up all of the time. Why is this happening, and what can I do about it?

A. When our eyes tear

up, it’s a reflex – they’re trying to flush and cleanse their surface. Our eyes get dry for a lot of reasons: aging, too much screen time, or dry environments caused by turning on the heat in the winter. When our eyes are dry, they get irritated, which causes those tears you mentioned to be produced as a reflex to wash out the eye. When we blink, we put a natural tear across our eye that should stay there until the next blink. When that breaks down, the surface is exposed to the air, which causes the watering reflex.

To treat this issue, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears. Try not to use them more than twice a day – if you do, you might need prescriptionstrength eye drops.

Troy White, OD Optometrist KWM Eyecare kwmeyecare.com

A. I hear this all the time, especially with the longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic

and the stress, fear, and uncertainty that has come with it. Many people have a difficult time with self-care. I had a healthcare provider tell me once to listen to my body’s whispers and not to wait until your body has to scream. Taking time for yourself and becoming more aware of your body, emotions, and desires empower you to take charge of your life and your health. There are a couple of ways that I do this: mindfulness and spending time in nature. The Center for Mindful Living is a great resource for our Chattanooga community offering weekly, virtual classes on mindfulness.

Stephanie Wilkins Executive Director Center for Mindful Living centermindfulliving.org

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Pancreatic Cancer Early detection of pancreatic cancer can be difficult. Here’s what you should know, and how to tell if you might be at higher risk.

BY ANNA HILL

The purpose of the pancreas in the human body is to aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar – two very important functions. As with all other parts of the body, the pancreas can be subject to cancer, and unfortunately, it can often be difficult to detect in its early stages. However, there are risk factors to be aware of, as well as ways to lower your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is a disease where malignant cells form in the tissues of your pancreas. These cancer cells often begin to accumulate, which results in the formation of tumors. If left untreated, these accumulating cells can spread throughout the body, starting with nearby organs and blood vessels and eventually extending out to more distant parts of the body.

Risk Factors

Though the exact cause of pancreatic cancer is not known at this time, research has shown that there are risk factors that might increase your likelihood of developing it. These include: • Smoking, or having a history of smoking • Being very overweight or obese • Having a family history of diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer • Having certain hereditary conditions, such as MEN1 syndrome, Lynch syndrome, or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome • Older age Dr. George M. Philips, an interventional endoscopist with Erlanger Gastroenterology in the Erlanger Health System, proposes those with a high-risk family history be particularly vigilant. “I would advise that patients with a family history

DR. J. ERIC TURNER ONCOLOGIST, PEEPLES CANCER INSTITUTE, HAMILTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

DR. JULIE A. KOFFRON HEPATOPANCREATOBILIARY (HPB) SURGEON, UNIVERSITY SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

DR. GEORGE M. PHILIPS INTERVENTIONAL ENDOSCOPIST, ERLANGER GASTROENTEROLOGY, ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

of pancreatic cancer should discuss it with their primary care physician, and if the family history is strong enough or indicative of a syndrome of cancers, then specialist care should be sought,” he says.

It is important to remember that having a risk factor doesn’t always mean you will get the disease, and not having risk factors doesn’t necessarily exclude you from getting it.

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Diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, as it often shows no signs or symptoms.

Dr. Eric Turner, an oncologist with Peeples Cancer Institute in the Hamilton Health Care System, explains, “Many symptoms of pancreatic cancer overlap with other medical conditions, making it a challenge to evaluate. The presentation of symptoms usually depends on the tumor location and stage of cancer.”

Signs and symptoms that often present include jaundice, light-colored stools, dark urine, weight loss for no known reason, loss of appetite, fatigue, or pain in the upper or middle abdomen and/or back.

If your doctor suspects you have pancreatic cancer, there are a number of tests you might undergo in order to reach a diagnosis. You might be sent to a hepatopancreatobiliary specialist, who focuses on diseases of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tree, for a consultation. Dr. Julie Koffron, a hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon with University Surgical Associates and consultant for CHI Memorial, says, “Typically, when pancreatic cancer is a concern, the first diagnostic test is a CT scan of the abdomen, focusing on the pancreas and surrounding organs.” Additional tests might include imaging tests for your internal organs, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, PET scan, or MRI; an endoscopic ultrasound that takes images from inside your abdomen; a biopsy test, in which tissue is obtained from an endoscope or a needle and examined under a microscope; or blood work, in which your blood is taken and tested for specific proteins or tumor markers that would be shed by pancreatic cancer cells.

When testing is completed, if pancreatic cancer is found, your doctor will try to determine the extent of the cancer, which can present from stage 0, which means the cancer is confined to the pancreas, to stage IV, which means that the cancer has metastasized and spread to other parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, or abdominal cavity.

Treatment Options

of pancreatic cancer overlap with other medical conditions, making it a challenge to evaluate. The presentation of symptoms usually depends on the tumor location and stage of cancer.”

DR. ERIC TURNER

Once diagnosed, there are a variety of ways your doctor might proceed in treating the cancer, including the following:

creatic cancer, chemotherapy might be used for controlling cancer growth, prolonging survival, or relieving a patient’s symptoms.

SURGERY The operations that might be used on pa-

beams to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may come before or after surgery, or it may also be used in combination with chemotherapy.

tients with pancreatic cancer include surgery to remove the head of the pancreas, surgery to remove tumors in the pancreatic body or tail, surgery to remove the entire pancreas, or, in rare cases, surgery to remove or reconstruct nearby affected blood vessels.

CHEMOTHERAPY This treatment uses drugs that can be injected or taken orally in order to eradicate cancer cells. In those with advanced or metastatic pan-

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“Many symptoms

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RADIATION THERAPY This type of treatment uses high-energy

CLINICAL TRIALS There are often new clinical studies that are

being developed to treat cancer, and agreeing to participate in a clinical trial, while not guaranteed to treat or cure your disease, might give you the chance to try the latest developments in treatment and provide access to methods that might otherwise not yet be available to you.

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PALLIATIVE CARE Palliative care is designed to improve a patient’s quality of life by controlling or alleviating symptoms of their cancer. For pancreatic cancer, some palliative options might include radiation therapy to shrink tumors, nerve-blocking injections to relieve pain, or surgery to place stents or bypass blocked portions of bile ducts or the small intestine.

The next steps following treatment are dependent upon which type of treatment the patient has undergone.

Dr. Turner explains, “If a patient has undergone surgery with cure as an intent, they are typically placed into observation with ongoing clinical exams, periodic surveillance imaging, and routine blood work over the course of several years.” If the patient’s disease is more advanced, they might undergo different regimens of chemotherapy or other treatments over time. “Patients with end-stage disease are often of-

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fered hospice to manage the symptoms of pancreatic cancer near end-of-life,” Dr. Turner adds.

Prevention While there is no guaranteed method for preventing pancreatic cancer, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Dr. Koffron advises that patients closely manage any other pancreatic diseases to reduce their risk of developing pancreatic cancer. “An example of close monitoring is testing for pancreatic cysts,” she says. “Some pancreatic cysts can develop into cancer cells over time, and specialists can often determine which of these are at the highest risk.”

Of course, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise is good prevention for an endless number of health issues, and pancreatic cancer is no exception. Dr. Philips encourages particular attention to the

foods you consume as a method of prevention. “Avoidance of nitrite-containing processed foods would be ideal.

These nitrites become processed into nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens,” he explains. Many people are aware that smoking greatly increases your risk of lung cancer or COPD, but smoking might also increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. If you smoke, look into quitting to lower your risk. Finally, avoiding workplace exposure to certain carcinogens – cancercausing chemicals – might reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is never a phrase you want to hear.

But, you can help reduce your chances of developing it by taking preventative measures.

Knowing your risk can make all the difference. HS

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Sinus Infections 5 Common Questions, Answered

Sinus infections are an incredibly common condition – especially during changing seasons and colder months. Many people just accept that stuffy noses and headaches are part of their body’s winter routine, but there are ways to treat them and lower your risk of sinus infections in the future. Here, we answer five common questions about sinus infections and offer some advice on what to do the next time your nose becomes a nuisance.

DR. TODD RUDOLPH TN/NC MEDICAL DIRECTOR, AFC URGENT CARE

BY ANNA HILL

WHAT EXACTLY IS A SINUS INFECTION? A sinus infection – also known as sinusitis – is when the tissue lining your sinuses becomes swollen or inflamed. When sinuses are healthy, air flows through them and fills them easily. However, when they’re inflamed, they become blocked and fill with mucus that allows germs and bacteria to develop. “Once that overgrowth of bacteria takes place, the bacterial sinus infection starts,” Dr. Sue Gouge, a family physician at Galen Mountain View Medicine, explains. This sinus blockage can be caused by many different things, including the common cold, allergies, nasal polyps (small growths in the lining of the nose), or a deviated septum. You might be at a higher risk of developing a sinus infection if you have a medical condition such as cystic fibrosis or HIV/AIDS, or if you’re regularly exposed to smoke, whether that be from smoking, being exposed to secondhand smoke, or inhaling smoke regularly in a work setting.

The most common symptoms of a sinus infection include thick, yellow or yellow-green discharge from the nose or down the back of the throat; nasal blockage or significant nasal congestion, which can cause difficulty breathing; and discomfort, tenderness, or swelling around the nose, forehead, eyes, or cheeks, which might worsen when you bend over. Other signs include ear pressure, headaches, loss of smell, cough, fatigue, and fever, many of which are symptoms of a cold, which is the most common cause of a sinus infection.

LISA BROOKS NURSE PRACTITIONER, PARKRIDGE MEDICAL GROUP – SOUTHSIDE

DR. SUE GOUGE FAMILY PHYSICIAN, GALEN MOUNTAIN VIEW MEDICINE

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HOW DO I KNOW IT’S NOT SOMETHING ELSE, LIKE THE FLU? While allergies and the common cold often lead to a sinus infection and share many symptoms with it, more serious viral infections like the flu have some signs that set them apart. The flu is usually accompanied by severe full-body aches and fatigue, a high fever, chills, dizziness, a sore throat, dry cough, and headache. While sinus infections can cause symptoms of fatigue, headache, and sore throat, a sinus infection is not accompanied by full-body aches, a high fever, or chills. Furthermore, most symptoms of a sinus infection involve the nasal passages. Lisa Brooks, a nurse practitioner with Parkridge Medical Group – Southside, indicates that sinus-specific symptoms are key to discerning what you’re suffering from. “Sinus infections can have many symptoms, such as a low fever or sore throat, but the defining indicator is yellow-green discharge from the nasal passages as well as facial pain,” she explains.

Sinus Infection

Flu Severe Body Aches Fatigue

Runny or Stuffy Nose Fatigue Dry Throat/Cough

High Fever Chills/Sweats Dizziness

Ear/Sinus Pressure

Sore Throat/Cough

Headache

Headache

If you’ve compared the different symptoms and still feel unsure of what you have, talk to your doctor.

HOW DO I TREAT A SINUS INFECTION AT HOME? Though the symptoms can certainly be bothersome – everyone hates having a blocked nose – a sinus infection often resolves itself. There are many overthe-counter treatments, such as nasal decongestants, nasal corticosteroids (sprays designed

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to prevent or treat nasal inflammation), saline nasal washes or sprays, and pain relievers/fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which can be used to relieve headaches caused by sinus pressure. If allergies are what’s causing your sinuses to be inflamed, an antihistamine might be recommended. Another athome method to ease your symp-

toms is warm, moist air, which you can get by using a vaporizer or taking a hot shower. Dr. Todd Rudolph, medical director at AFC Urgent Care, advises the use of strong decongestants to clear up your symptoms. “Decongestants such as Mucinex help to break up the mucus, making it easier to be expelled via coughing or blowing your nose,” he explains.

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HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR? Your body can usually heal a sinus infection on its own. “Antibiotics are not generally needed for sinus infections to improve. You should give your body’s immune system time to fight off the infection,” Brooks says. Furthermore, some prescribed treatments, such as antibiotics, are preferred to be used by doctors only as a last resort. “We want to avoid prescribing antibiotics as much as possible to reduce the chances of the patient becoming resistant to the antibiotics,” explains Dr. Gouge.

Unfortunately, some sinus infections end up being too severe to simply resolve themselves over time, even with over-the-counter treatments. It’s time to see a doctor if you experience any of the following: • Symptoms that last longer than 10 days • Symptoms that worsen after initially improving • A persistent fever • A history of recurring or chronic sinusitis Furthermore, if more severe symptoms develop, such as a high fever, acute pain or swelling around the eyes, confusion, changes in vision, or a stiff neck, see a doctor immediately, as these may be signs of a more serious infection.

If your symptoms persist in spite of over-thecounter medications, your doctor might prescribe steroids or antibiotics, which will resolve swelling and infection. If allergies are the culprit of your sinus infection or recurring sinusitis, your doctor might recommend allergy shots to target the problem at its source. In some rare cases, those who are at higher risk of sinus infection or experi-

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ence frequent sinus infections might be given antibodies, which helps your body compensate for immune deficiencies.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT A SINUS INFECTION? While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent sinus infections, there are several measures you can take to lower your risk. Frequent handwashing and maintaining your distance from anyone who has a cold is a must. While sinus infections on their own aren’t contagious, they’re often caused by colds – a viral infection that is. Another way to avoid sinus infections is to be aware of your allergies and manage them effectively.

“Regular use of nasal saline and sinus rinses are effective in removing allergens, as well as many viruses that can activate the immune system,” advises Dr. Rudolph.

Refraining from smoking or placing yourself in scenarios where you inhale smoke regularly is good advice all-round, and especially important when it comes to maintaining your respiratory health. If you live in a dry climate or environment, consider investing in a humidifier for your home, as adding moisture to the air may help to prevent nasal irritation, which can lead to sinus infections.

Sinus infections, though annoying, are easy to treat, and there are steps you can take to prevent them.

Wash your hands frequently, let your body get good rest, and avoid known allergens to keep your sinuses clear and healthy. HS

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Understanding Substance Abuse Fact vs. Fiction

I

n 2019, 20.4 million Americans reported a substance use disorder in the last 12 months, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration (SAMHSA). Substance abuse, which can be defined as any recurring behavior of using a substance for mood-altering purposes, is a pervasive and often misunderstood issue. We’re here to explore and encourage further understanding about substance abuse by shedding some light on what’s fact and what’s fiction.

BY ANNA HILL

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DR. JENNIE MAHAFFEY

CODY MANNING

DR. CHRIS HARRIS

LICENSED

DIRECTOR OF

CHIEF MEDICAL

MARRIAGE

OPERATIONS

OFFICER,

AND FAMILY

AND CLINICAL

ERLANGER

THERAPIST,

SERVICES,

BEHAVIORAL

ROOTS

FOCUS

HEALTH

COUNSELING

TREATMENT

HOSPITAL

CENTER

CENTER

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Fiction Substance abuse and addiction are the same thing.

Though substance abuse can often turn into an addiction, this isn’t always the case. Dr. Jennie Mahaffey, chief medical officer at Erlanger Behavioral Health Hospital, explains, “Substance abuse is using a substance in an incorrect and harmful way, such as taking a higher dosage or amount of something than is recommended, whereas addiction has altered your brain chemistry and neuronal pathways in a way that it changes the ability of the user to function without the substance.” For example, a college student who regularly consumes more than the recommended amount of alcohol in one sitting might have a binge drinking problem, but when motivated, could stop the habit with relative ease. This would be categorized as substance abuse, not addiction. Dr. Chris Harris, director of operations and clinical services at Focus Treatment Center, clarifies that substance use falls on a spectrum.

“Using a substance recreationally doesn’t always mean you have a substance use disorder, but if that recreational use is negatively impacting one or more areas of your life, it’s a possibility that you may have one,” he says.

Fiction Only illicit substances count as substance abuse.

While it is common for people to abuse illicit substances, legal drugs are often abused as well. Some of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States include marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and heroin, with marijuana being the most popular. However, alcohol is one of the most abused substances in the country, and prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, inhalants and solvents such as paint thinners or acetone, and cigarettes are also widely abused, despite the fact that they’re legal substances. Although they aren’t classified as mood-altering substances, anabolic steroids are often abused by athletes in order to enhance performance or build muscle.

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Fact

Mental health struggles and substance abuse often co-occur in people.

Suffering mental health may lead a person to misuse a substance, while a history of mood or personality disorders may make a person more predisposed to substance abuse. A childhood diagnosis of ADHD is considered a heightened risk factor, as is a history of anxiety, depression, or antisocial personality disorder. There are many signs that might indicate someone is experiencing substance abuse, including changes in that person’s mental health, such as decreased motivation, increased irritability and forgetfulness, feelings of hopelessness, or even thoughts of suicide.

Furthermore, even recovery from substance abuse can impact someone’s mental health. Cody Manning, a licensed marriage and family therapist with Roots Counseling Center, notes, “I’ve seen many struggle to maintain healthy relationships while in the process of recovering from substance abuse because of broken trust between friends and family members. This can have a significantly negative impact on someone’s emotions, and those intense feelings of shame, even over past substance abuse, can often perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse.”

Fiction Substance abuse only affects the person doing it.

Fact Alcohol abuse is on the decline.

In the past decade, there has been a steady decline in alcohol abuse among teens and adults, with a particularly significant decline in teens and adults ages 18 to 25. However, vaping and e-cigarettes have undergone a significant increase in popularity among teens and young adults in recent years, which has created a new method of abusing drugs like nicotine or marijuana. In the past decade, the use of ‘designer drugs,’ which are produced synthetically and aim to recreate the effects of traditional drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ketamine, and others, has also increased due to the utilization of the internet to promote and sell them.

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The effects of substance abuse reach much further than the person experiencing it. Substance abuse can affect not only family and friends, but sometimes even entire communities. Dr. Mahaffey emphasizes how it can harm relationships, saying, “The toll on the family is complex, with separation, divorce, and sometimes even domestic violence resulting.” Substance abuse can also lead to STDs, child abuse, motor vehicle crashes, crime, or homicide. In short, substance abuse is a pattern that can cause a domino effect – knocking down the user, who then knocks down the people around them.

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Fiction

Fact

Counseling is the only effective treatment for substance abuse.

Substance abuse is on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In some cases, those struggling with substance abuse can quit on their own. However, they often end up needing outside help. There are many options when it comes to treating substance abuse, one of which is outpatient therapy. “Much of this type of therapy is directed at fostering internal motivation for change and equipping clients with healthy coping skills to manage stressors and triggers that may lead to use,” Manning says. Additional strategies for overcoming substance abuse include group therapy, medication such as nicotine patches, or, in some cases, inpatient hospital treatment and rehab programs, which can be vital to treating withdrawal symptoms and helping someone kick-start their journey to recovery.

Recent reports from the American Medical Association indicate that there have been significant increases in opioid-related mortalities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide drug test results also indicate an increase in the use of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine since March, and alcohol consumption is up by 14% compared to a year ago. Due to increases in unemployment as well as increased feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and even grief nationwide during the pandemic, individuals have been turning or returning to substance use or abuse in increased numbers. Dr. Harris emphasizes that, while we can help someone if we see them struggling with substance abuse during these difficult times, we should be mindful about it. “Be supportive and encourage them to get help. If they don’t, set healthy boundaries in order to protect yourself,” he adds.

If you think you or someone you know might be struggling with substance abuse, reach out. Speak to loved ones or people you trust about what’s going on. SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also has a national helpline that can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). HS

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Putting Community Health First

Project Access care coordinators help Nancy Bell navigate her medical care.

N

ancy Bell became legally blind after an injury to her eyes led to infection. Over time, the published author who owned

more than 6,000 books couldn’t read any of them due to her blindness.

“I spent two years living in the dark, and you can’t imagine what that did to my psyche,” says Bell. “I was afraid I would spend the rest of my life having to be cared for by others, but through Project Access, I was able to receive surgery and now have 20/20 vision again!”

Bell received care from two Project Access volunteer physicians, Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Richard Breazeale, and is one of more than 21,600 people who have been helped by Project Access since its inception in 2004. Today, 1,140 physician volunteers and providers participate in the program and provide care in virtually every specialty area. Project Access assisted 4,787 individuals in fiscal 2019-2020 alone.

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Future Docs

Project Access is a signature program of the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga and the ChattanoogaHamilton County Medical Society. The organization is devoted to improving community health and work on a variety of fronts, including the Future Docs Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine and Medical Exploration program.

Dr. Mark Brzezienski created the Future Docs program in 2006 during his term as Medical Society president. “We wanted to create a mentorship opportunity to encourage our best and brightest students to consider careers in medicine,” he says.

The Future Docs program has two components – the week-long Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, which allows rising high school seniors and recent graduates to hear presentations on all aspects of medicine and to shadow a different physician every day during the program, and the Medical Exploration

program, which provides a longer, more intensive shadowing and lecture opportunity for college students.

Robert Kropp, a fourth-year medical student at the UT Health Science Center, said the program had a huge impact on his decision to pursue medicine.

“I am a first-generation college student, and I didn’t have any exposure to medicine until I participated in the Future Docs and Medical Exploration programs in my third year in college,” Kropp says. “Through the Future Docs program, I was able to explore many different specialties with many doctors and understand my options. It really had an impact on my decision to go to medical school.”

With the mentorship aspect of the program being so impactful on him, Kropp now participates in a peer mentorship program in medical school. Attracting

talented students like Kropp to consider careers in medicine is the precise goal of Future Docs.

“We’ve had students go on to medical school, residencies, PhD programs, and MBA programs,” says Dr. Brzezienski. “One student even came back to work with me as a research assistant. The seed we planted in 2006 has now blossomed into one of the most popular programs that the Medical Society has created.”

Collaborating to Improve Community Health The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society was founded in 1883, yet it has never before seen a year quite like 2020. CEO Rae Bond and many member physicians have spent most of the year serving on the COVID-19 Joint Task Force and other advisory roles.

“We’ve had students go on to medical school, residencies, PhD programs, and MBA programs. The seed we planted in 2006 has now blossomed into one of the most popular programs that the Medical Society has created.”

–DR. BRZEZIENSKI

George Wilmoth, 2020 Outstanding Community Partner

Robert Kropp

Dr. Steven Thomas, 2020 Outstanding Volunteer Physician

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BE WELL

Doctors Kelly Arnold, Carlos Baleerio, Keith Helton, Robert Magill, Sanford Sharp, Jay Sizemore, Chris Young, David Alvarez, Mark Anderson, David Bruce, Lisa Smith, and Adam Soufleris have all donated their time and expertise to developing innovative solutions to this year’s biggest problem: the novel coronavirus.

Medical Society member and Hamilton County health officer Dr. Paul Hendricks knows better than anyone the toll that this virus has taken. “COVID-19 has had a major impact on our community and our world in the past year.

We grieve for those we have lost to this disease and offer our deepest sympathies to their families. I am constantly impressed with the hardworking employees of the Hamilton County Health Department for their efforts in fighting this pandemic, and I’m thankful for Mayor Jim Coppinger’s leadership,” explains Dr. Hendricks. “I also appreciate the support and hard work of our local medical community and all of our front-line medical workers. I urge all citizens to keep up the fight and am optimistic that the New Year will bring good news in the fight against this virus.”

In 2020, the Medical Society and Medical Foundation underwent a joint strategic planning process to guide

East Side Elementary Walking Track

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their work over the next few years. The focus on improving access to care and improving community health continues as a pivotal priority, according to Bond. “We have added a focus on improving health by improving nutrition, especially for children,” she says. “That led to providing a lead gift to help start the new Brainerd Community Food Pantry, which provides food boxes to individuals and families two Wednesdays a month at the Brainerd United Methodist Church.”

Dr. James Haynes, Medical Society president, notes that nutrition is an important part of overall health and wellness, particularly in young people. “Food insecurity is a serious issue in our community at large and one that has only been heightened by the pandemic,” he says.

Another initiative to improve community health has been the addition of a new walking path at East Side Elementary School – a project that was the result of a partnership between the Medical Foundation, Hamilton County Health Department, and Hamilton County Schools. Through the Healthy Living Fund, resources were coordinated to create the walking path, which provides a safe place to walk and exercise in an area with limited outdoor resources.

Project Access by the Numbers APRIL 2004 – NOVEMBER 15, 2020

Brainerd Community Food Pantry

LifeBridge and Physician Well-Being The mental health and wellness of our healthcare professionals has never been tested more than during 2020. Long hours, crowded hospitals, and a rapidly spreading virus have put a strain on the well-being of the ones we count on. In 2018, the Medical Foundation and Medical Society launched a program called LifeBridge to address the well-being of physicians and to help prevent burnout. Little did they know how much it would be needed this year.

LifeBridge grew out of the tragic suicide of a long-time physician in the community, and his death was a defining moment when physicians came together through the Medical Society to develop the program.

“Since the program began two years ago, we have held motivational events, conducted research on the state of physician well-being here at home, and launched a wonderful free counseling resource for physicians, residents, and medical students,” says Dr. Mukta Panda, co-chair of the LifeBridge Physician Well-Being Task Force. “We want to provide a safe haven for physicians to get the encouragement and support they need as we all face unprecedented challenges in medicine today.”

Next year, LifeBridge plans to launch a Mayo Clinic WellBeing Index tool to help medical professionals do a self-check and to provide ongoing data to shape future programming.

“Life’s not about just powering through; it’s about having a safe harbor to empower and equip you to take care of yourself as well as your patients. That is LifeBridge,” says Dr. Panda.

With a long history of promoting community health and supporting the practice of medicine, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Foundation work to provide leadership in a variety of ways.

“This year we have focused on supporting medical practices as they deal with COVID-19, promoting positive health messaging in our ‘Ask a Doctor’ column, caring for patients through Project Access, and supporting physicians through LifeBridge,” explains Bond. “We face new challenges every year, but our medical community continually steps forward to provide quality medical care and to collaborate on initiatives that improve the health of our community.” HS

$200 million Total value of donated healthcare provided to uninsured Hamilton County residents

— 25:1 Return on Investment Each $1 of Safety Net grant funds received to manage the program resulted in $25 of donated care

— 1,140 Volunteer physicians and providers currently participating

— 21,616 People who have received medical care or been directed to services

— 543 Number of patients currently enrolled

— 4,787 Number of individuals assisted in 2019-2020

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Project Access - Sharing the Gift of Healing in 2020 Since 2004, physicians, hospitals, health centers, and other partners have donated their care and services to more than 21,600 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 $200,000,000 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 Purpose Point 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 – 2020

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Krystyna Alimurka, MD D. Curt Chaffin, MD Marc Cromie, MD Michael Hollie, MD Hyman Kaplan, MD Linda Kim, MD Todd Levin, MD Jennifer Patel, MD Lee Perry, MD Susan Raschal, DO Russell Walker, MD Robert Younger, MD ANAESTHESIOLOGY Edwin Abraham, MD J. Frank Adkins, MD Jeffrey Balser, 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 Mark Gruwell, MD

David Hall, MD John Hamilton, DO John Hill, MD Russell Hill, MD Ethan Hix, CRNA Brian Johnson, MD Monica Jones, MD Wendy Kaiser, MD Michael Kaminsky, MD Jason Kennedy, 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 Arthur Temlock, 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 M. Christian Allan, MD Trevor Alverson, MD Allen Atchley, Jr., MD Steven Austin, MD Alison Bailey, MD 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 Brian Cooper, 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 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 Ondrej Lisy, MD Georges Lolay, MD Michael Love, MD Vinay Madan, MD Harish Manyam, MD James Marcum, MD

Augustus Mealor, MD Michael Mikolaj, MD L. Kendrick Mills, MD Robert 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 Joseph Powers, MD Walter Puckett, MD Poonam Puri, MD Vimal Ramjee, MD Kelly Richardson, MD David Salerno, MD Srikanth Seethala, MD Gregg Shander, MD Patrick Stevens, MD Timothy Talbert, MD Mark Thel, MD Selcuk Tombul, DO William Warren, MD David Wendt, MD Newton Wiggins, MD Matthew Wiisanen, MD Kinsman Wright, MD Michael Zema, MD COLON & RECTAL SURGERY 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 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 Brandie Hamlen, NP Cara Hennings, MD Autumn Newman, NP Katherine Nunes, PA Jay Passmore, NP F. Hall Reynolds, MD Maren Shaw, MD Lynda Smith, NP Rodney Susong, MD Mark Tusa, MD EMERGENCY MEDICINE Noah Abbas, MD Jacob Avila, MD Benjamin Baker, MD James Bardoner, MD Harvey Bowden, MD Joseph Bowers, MD Tamara Bowers, DO Zachary Brady, MD Nicholas Branscomb, DO 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 Jerry Devane, MD Whitman Dowlen, MD Bryan England, MD Warren English, MD Gastro Foderingham, MD Jairo Fortich, MD Lyndsay Frankenberg, DO Benjamin Graboyes, MD

Ronald Gracy, MD William Gregorie, MD Daniel Gutmann, 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 Brooke Johnson, DO Rory Justo, MD Jared Kaminsky, MD Bradley Keel, MD Joseph Kidd, DO Jason Kile, NP William Korn, MD Seth Koster, DO 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 Thomas Morgan, MD David Nwabunor, MD Hal Parker, MD Pulin Patel, MD Steven Peterson, MD Jonathan Reinschmidt, MD Brian Reuland, MD Candie Richardson, MD Karen Rogers, MD Marilyn Rogers, MD Jamie Scott, MD David Seaberg, MD Briana Shubert, MD Benjamin Smith, MD Kevin Stevens, MD Larry Stone, MD Paul Stout, MD Gwynn Swallows, PA Bruce Thompson, MD Frank Tift, MD Ronald Tompkins, MD Shannon Trowell, MD Bryan Vance, MD Suzy Vergot, DO Jeffery Visser, MD John Von Klar, MD Corey Voss, MD Christopher Wagg, MD James Wagner, MD Brittany Walsh, MD Douglas Warner, MD John Watson, MD Heather Whaley, MD David Wharton, MD Jessica Whittle, MD ENDOCRINOLOGY Misty Gilliland, NP David Huffman, MD Asma Khan, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Stephen Adams, MD David Ambrosetti, DO Oana Andreescu, MD Kelly Arnold, MD Anthony Avitabile, DO Byung Ban, DO Mary Bean, MD Julie Bilbrey, MD Candace Bishop, FNP Maureen Brock, NP Judy Buhrman, NP Georgina Bustamante, MD Thomas Cable, MD Sathish Chandra, MD Nathan Claydon, MD David Close, MD Elizabeth Close, MD Jeffrey Colburn, MD Mark Crago, MD Stephen Cromer, DO Paul Dassow, MD Amy Farlett, NP Steven Fox, MD Jacqueline Gentry, 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 Jessica Huffstutter, MD Bridget Hurt-Hall, NP Catherine Hustad, NP Ronald Jarl, MD Natalie Johnson, DO Jeffrey Jump, MD Jeff Kemp, MD Wade Lenz, MD Chad McDaniel, MD Tiffany Meador, MD Angela Mejias, NP Richard Moody, MD Leslie Moro, NP Scotty Newcomer, DO 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 Ted Scoggins, MD Naina Sharma, MD Michael Shepherd, MD Andrew Slikker, 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 Mack Worthington, MD GASTROENTEROLOGY Jasna Beard Ikanovic, MD Sumeet Bhushan, MD Charles Bosshardt, MD Chad Charapata, MD David Collins, MD William Cooney, MD Shannon Faires, NP Elizabeth Goodwin, NP Destin Griffin-Trussell, NP Doloris Hawk, NP Donald Hetzel, MD Marshall Horton, III, MD Arslan Kahloon, MD Steve Kessler, DO Richard Krause, MD Louis Lambiase, MD Sharlotte Manley, NP J. Scott Manton, MD Sharif Murphy, MD Gregory Olds, 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 Charles Brice, MD R. Phillip Burns, MD William Cockerham, MD Joseph Cofer, MD Benjamin Dart, MD Jacob Dowden, 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

Roger Land, MD James Lovette, MD Robert Maxwell, MD Olivia Morin, MD Christina Parkhurst, MD Walter Rose, MD Philip Smith, 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 Miranda Blevins, DO James Bolton, 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 Jonathan Egly, MD Emily Evitt, MD Claire Fish, DO Terri Forney, MD Robert Furr, MD Bobby Garcia, MD Katie Garrett, CNM Shelly Gibbs, MD William Gist, MD Natasha Gupta, MD Chanda Hall, MD Daniel Harnsberger, MD Donna Hobgood, 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 Staci Moyer, MD Elyssa Nagy, DO May Nokkaew, MD 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 Joshua Stevens, MD Meshell Stokes, MD Carol Taylor, PA Nivin Todd, MD Theodore Tsaltas, MD Vonda Ware, MD Jay White, MD Talla Widelock, MD Linda Yu, DO GYNECOLOGY/OBSTETRICS Mark Branch, DO GYNECOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Todd Boren, MD Victoria Brumlow, MD Randi Conner, MD Stephen DePasquale, MD HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY Ryan Cleary, MD 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 James Balvich, MD Whitney Black, MD Aaron Blakeney, MD Vani Bollineni, MD Amanda Boone, MD David Bosshardt, MD Joshua Carpenter, DO Young Chang, MD Ami Chattin, MD Margaret Cook, MD Jason Cox, MD David Dodson, MD Jennifer Dooley, MD Deborah Duffield, MD James Durham, MD John Ekong, MD Joseph Evans, MD Chunhui Fang, MD Travis Flock, MD Cristina Florea, MD Radian Florea, MD William Fritsch, MD Joe Furr, MD James Gilbert, II, DO Sarah Gregg, MD Marina Grigorian, MD John Gunter, MD Ravi Gurusamy, MD Richard Gusso, MD Jody Haddock, MD F. Lee Hamilton, MD LeAnthony Hardy, MD Adrienne Harrington, MD Nicholas Hatcher, MD Biram Hicks, MD Jason Horinouchi, MD Chun Huang, MD Jonathan Humberd, DO Jensen Hyde, MD Kristen Joels, MD Mark Jones, MD Froilan Joves, MD Avni Kapadia, MD Kyhong-Chol Kim, MD Bradley Large, MD Eun Lee, MD Jason Lee, MD Kevin Luce, MD Robert Magill, MD Nabil Malek, 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 Ashley Smith, MD Marshall Spears, MD James Stanfield, MD Ann Steciw, MD Gregory Steinke, MD Ronald Streko, MD Teabra Swafford, MD Rebecca Thompson, MD Wesley Thompson, MD Maria Tudor, MD 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 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 Collin Cherry, MD Charles Crump, MD Jalila Cunningham, 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 Robert Peterson, 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 Adrien Strickland, 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 Charles Adair, MD Stephen Gonzales, DO NEPHROLOGY P. Michael Aryeetey, MD Nathan Chamberlain, MD Lindsay Crawford, MD Donald Franklin, MD Claude Galphin, MD Stuart Ginther, MD Mandeep Grewal, MD Rohit Gupta, MD Brant Holt, MD Kenneth Kokko, MD John McCarley, MD Nilesh Patel, MD Christopher Poole, MD Adel Shenouda, MD Ralph Stafford, MD James Tumlin, MD Joseph Watlington, MD Hans Yehnert, MD Jackson Yium, MD NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY Peter Boehm, Jr., MD Peter Boehm, Sr., MD Jennifer Coker, MD 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 Prayash Patel, MD Charles Sternbergh, MD Timothy Strait, MD David Wiles, MD NEUROLOGY Joshua Alpers, MD Paul Bates, PA Ravi Chander, 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 Jake McKay, MD Nataria Pitiyanvath, MD Ruchir Shah, MD

Abdelazim Sirelkhatim, MD Kim Smith, MD Megan Stevens, MD Phillip Tallent, MD Ellen Valadez, MD Nathan Wyatt, MD NEURORADIOLOGY Avinash Sud, MD NUTRITION Elizabeth Snyder, RDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Patricia Phillips, OT Laura Ray, OT ONCOLOGY, MEDICAL Betrand Anz, III, MD Edward Arrowsmith, MD Brooke Daniel, MD Davey Daniel, MD Robert Graham, MD Derek Holland, MD Darrell Johnson, MD Clint Kingsley, MD Catherine Marcum, NP John McCravey, MD Benjamin Nadeau, MD Amy Riemer, MD B.W. Ruffner, MD Larry Schlabach, MD Rajni Sinha, 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 Paula Nicola, MD Edward Peterson, MD Molly Seal, MD Rohan Shah, 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 John Stone, MD OPTOMETRY Mark Kapperman, OD Robert McGarvey, OD Troy White, OD ORAL SURGERY Brandon Cannon, DDS Hal Jones, DDS Ivo Miller, DDS Brian Schenck, DDS John Spann, DDS Steven Tipps, DDS Wayne Tipps, DDS 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 Jason Fogleman, MD Mark Freeman, MD Warren Gardner, II, MD Todd Grebner, DO Barry Heywood, MD Matthew Higgins, MD Michael 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 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 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 Douglas Liening, 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 William Rowe, MD Dana Simpson, NP Arion Smalley, MD Todd Stanford, PA 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 Alex Chang, MD Stephanie David, MD Lori Emerson, MD Charles Evans, MD Kristin Fasig, MD Theodore Feintuch, MD Eugene Fong, MD Nichon Grupka, MD Taylor Hartley, MD Anne Herdman, MD Richard Hessler, MD Hao Ho, MD Moon Hong, MD Heath Jones, MD Paul Kaplan, MD Kathryn Knight, MD Vladimir Kravtsov, MD Gary Lanham, MD Andrew Laramore, MD Steve Larue, MD Wayne Lennington, MD Thomas Mezzeti, Jr., MD Joyce Mills, MD Carl Minami, MD Agne Naujokas, DO Ronald Oxenhandler, MD Irina Perjar, MD Philip Pollock, MD Lori Proctor, MD Heather Rietz, MD Kaori Saito, MD Eric Schubert, MD Heidi Shappell, MD Sanford Sharp, MD David Spence, MD Alison Stoner, MD Lynn Swearingern, MD Erin Thibault, MD Neal Wearner, MD Derek Welch, MD Jeffrey Zwerner, 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 Patricia Eason, 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 Patrick Koo, MD Anne Mainardi, MD Catherine Martinez, MD 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 Dominic Tutera, MD Vincent Viscomi, MD RADIATION ONCOLOGY Maikel Botros, 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 RADIOLOGY John Allred, III, MD Jeff Alvis, MD Agboola Awomolo, MD Brent Baldwin, MD Chad Barker, MD Jose Barriocanal, MD Noel Bergquist, MD Stephen Bresson, MD Scott Briggs, MD Kenneth Brinn, MD Justin Buchanan, MD Ryan Buckner, MD Lynn Carlson, MD Thomas Carr, MD Harigovinda Challa, MD Kevin Cormier, MD Marina Doliner, 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

Kilton Kingsman, MD Chip Kyle, MD Michael Lacombe, MD Lee Lefler, MD Eileen Lorenz, MD James Loyd, MD Richard Lynn, MD James Martin, MD Garth McPherson, MD Tona Munday, MD Saima Muzahir, MD Jacob Noe, MD John Nunes, MD Larry Paul, MD Samuel Porter, MD Steven Quarfordt, MD Mohammed Quraishi, 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 Deanna Taylor-Gantte, MD Jeffrey Tipps, MD Jessie Varnell, MD Greg Verville, MD George Watson, 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 Joseph Huffstutter, MD Jonathan Mills, MD Lizeth Romero, MD Indra Shah, 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 P. Edward Henson, III, MD C. Lee Jackson, 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 Hugh Smith, MD Benjamin Waldorf, MD Argil Wheelock, MD William Young, MD VASCULAR SURGERY Ashleigh Cates, NP Monica Chamberlain, NP Erica Clark, DO Wilson Clements, MD Joseph Coatti, MD Ashley Elledge, NP Dan Fisher, Jr., MD Mark Fugate, MD Michael Greer, MD William Harris, DO Elizabeth Hartman, MD Charles Joels, MD Daniel S. Krcelic, MD Christopher LeSar, MD Veronica O’Steen, NP Sachin Phade, MD Roxanne Philips, NP Candice Seay, MD Stephanie Sheridan, NP Richard Sprouse, MD Glen Schwartzberg, MD Marysol Thomas, NP Jennie Wilson, NP WOUND CARE Christine Jeong, MD Harry Severance, MD

Broken Heart Syndrome

BY A N N A H I LL

What Is It?

U

sually, when we think of heartbreak, we think of something psychological – a broken relationship, the loss of a loved one, or getting bad news. However, sometimes heartbreak can be so severe that it’s not just in your head. Profound sadness and stress from grief can lead to physical chest pains and shortness of breath, just like other heart conditions. This condition is referred to as broken heart syndrome, and fortunately, it’s both temporary and treatable.

Broken heart syndrome is exactly what it sounds like. Also known as stress cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning syndrome, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome occurs when extreme mental or emotional stress begins to manifest itself as physical symptoms. It can be triggered by anything that causes severe distress in a person, including: • Loss of a loved one • Unexpected bad news • Domestic abuse • Loss of employment or finances • Divorce • Surprise parties or events • Public speaking • Physical stressors that require serious medical attention or surgery

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In rare cases, some drugs might accelerate stress hormones, which can cause broken heart syndrome. Drugs that may cause it to occur include epinephrine, which is used in EpiPens, some medications for depression, and unprescribed or otherwise illegal stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamines.

The physical symptoms that one might experience from broken heart syndrome include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and chest pains. These symptoms are also common signs of a heart attack, so it’s important that anyone experiencing them is monitored closely and given medical attention if such symptoms persist – especially since heart attacks are far more common. “Around 2% of patients who present with signs and symptoms of a heart attack will ultimately be diagnosed with broken heart syndrome,” Dr. Chad Armstrong, a cardiologist with The Chattanooga Heart Institute at CHI Memorial, explains.

Unfortunately, the exact cause of broken heart syndrome is currently unknown. The most popular hypothesis on why it occurs is that a surge of stress hormones, like adrenaline, can cause temporary damage to someone’s heart, yet there is no knowledge of the exact damage this surge of hormones causes. A temporary constriction of the large or small arteries might also play a role.

Who’s at Risk

While anyone can experience broken heart syndrome, certain risk factors put some groups at a significantly higher risk.

SEX. Research from Harvard Medical School has shown that broken heart syndrome occurs overwhelmingly in women. In fact, more than 90% of reported cases are in women from ages 58 to 75. Alisha Landes, the executive director of The Lantern Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, adds that while women are primarily at risk, a smaller subset of women are at an even higher risk. “Broken heart syndrome is more common among post-menopausal women. The exact reason is unknown - however, it could be likely due to hormonal changes caused by menopause.”

AGE. Though it’s possible for broken heart syndrome to occur in younger adults, the vast majority of reported cases appears in people over the age of 50.

HISTORY OF NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. Anyone who has a history of head injury or trauma, as well as people with epilepsy or any other kind of condition that can cause seizures, is at greater risk of experiencing broken heart syndrome.

HISTORY OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS. Those who have a history of or are currently experiencing anxiety, depression, or other kinds of moodaffecting disorders also have a higher risk of developing this syndrome.

DR. CHAD

ALISHA LANDES

ARMSTRONG

EXECUTIVE

CARDIOLOGIST,

DIRECTOR,

THE CHATTANOOGA

THE LANTERN

HEART INSTITUTE

ALZHEIMER’S

AT CHI MEMORIAL

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

BE WELL

Broken Heart Syndrome vs. Heart Attack

At first glance, symptoms of a heart attack and symptoms of broken heart syndrome may appear confusingly similar. “Symptoms of either condition need to be diagnosed and monitored by your primary physician,” explains Landes. There are a few different testing methods available that medical professionals use in order to diagnose whether you’re having a heart attack or not in these situations, including an electrocardiogram, X-rays, blood tests, and a cardiac MRI. A key sign of broken heart syndrome that is often not present in heart attacks is ballooning or unusual movement in the lower left heart chamber; on the other hand, if a heart attack is occurring, there is often complete or nearcomplete blockage of an artery due to a blood clot that forms as a result of fatty buildup (atherosclerosis) in the arteries.

A heart experiencing broken heart syndrome is usually free of this blockage.

Treatment and Prevention

The treatment for broken heart syndrome is dependent on how severe your symptoms are. Typically, doctors will recommend medications that are often used to treat heart failure, such as beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors, or aspirin if patients also have buildup in their arteries. Beta blockers in particular have shown to be effective,

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as they also help prevent recurrence of the syndrome by minimizing the effects of adrenaline or stress hormones, both of which can contribute to the symptoms of broken heart syndrome.

In some cases, patients might be kept in the hospital for monitoring. “Patients are monitored often in the hospital for signs of heart failure, which include pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), swelling in the legs, and low blood pressure, which can be a sign of shock from low cardiac output,” says Dr. Armstrong.

Fortunately, most who suffer from broken heart syndrome only do so for a short amount of time and usually see their symptoms clear up within two to four weeks.

It is rare for someone to experience broken heart syndrome more than once, though it can happen. Some doctors do prescribe beta blockers in order to reduce risk or other damaging effects of the condition, though for most, prevention simply means recognizing and managing the stressors in your life.

Broken heart syndrome can be scary, but it is treatable and unlikely to reoccur. If you’ve recently undergone a stressful life event and aren’t feeling like your normal self, talk to your doctor about your concerns to ensure that your heart is in good hands. HS

Keeping Mom

Safe &

Close To You How Can We Help?

Following all CDC, state and local safety protocols for COVID-19 prevention

Locations in Athens, Calhoun, Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Hamilton, and Hixson (877) 776-4683 morningpointe.com

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You deserve financial advisors who work as hard for you.

Call us today and discover the personal service you deserve.

Riggs & Associates

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 1206 Pointe Centre Dr., Ste 140 Chattanooga, TN 37421 423.648.0782

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As an Ameriprise private wealth advisory practice, we have the qualifications to help navigate your complex financial needs. Whether it’s investment management, tax strategies or legacy planning, we can work with you to grow and preserve what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

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SILVER SIDE

DAILY D.O.S.E. OF HAPPINESS

By Amberhope Velbis & Marlene Geren Bwell4ever, LLC

The Happiness Pill: What would you think if you were told there was a medication for long-term happiness? You wouldn’t need a doctor’s prescription, and it would always be readily available. The cost is free, and the only side

effects would be improved mood and life satisfaction. Would you take this medication?

Get Your Daily D.O.S.E. Your brain is a pharmacy full of neurochemicals that improve your moods, increase motivation and happiness, promote relaxation and even foster meaningful relationships. These chemicals are Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins. You always have access to them by how you choose to use your senses.

Scientific evidence shows that everyday minor sensory pleasures enhance both mood and health by stimulating these happy neurotransmitters. Read on to learn some simple ways to get your daily D.O.S.E. of happiness.

Sound Think of your favorite song. Chances are you feel a little happier. A 2011 study in Nature Neuroscience found that music, even just the thought of it, can cause intense happiness due to the substantial release of dopamine. Happier-sounding music, even if never heard before, has a positive impact on mood. Our bodies also become in sync with music. For example, music with a slow and steady rhythm can lower heart rate and blood pressure or vice versa. Likewise, the sounds of nature, such as trickling water, birds or the wind in the trees may reduce anxiety, pain, medication use and recovery time from illness. One health tip: If you need a mood booster, try listening to a good tune.

Sight There is a good reason why Central Park is such an iconic and integral part of America’s busiest city, New York City. Humans need to retreat to nature in order to increase their levels of endorphins and serotonin. We are the first generation who spends over 90 percent of our time indoors, so retreating to nature will improve attention and creativity, thus increasing productivity and positivity while lowering the stress hormone cortisol and decreasing fatigue. Just looking at photos or watching nature shows has proven to be beneficial for health and well-being. One health tip: Fill your personal spaces with plants, photos of nature or the bright colors of nature, especially greens and blues, which are shown to improve mood and well-being.

Smell Did you know that you have brain cells in your nose? It’s true! When you encounter a smell, your brain immediately begins forming connections that associate a smell with emotions and memories.

According to a 2011 study conducted by Masahiro, certain fragrances that elicit positive emotions, such as pine or jasmine, lower stress and improve overall mental outlook. A 2004 study published in Psychology Reports showed that relaxing odors such as lavender have the ability to decrease heart rate, anxiety and stress. Up to 75 percent of emotions are triggered by smell, so it makes sense why anosmia — the complete loss of smell — often leads to depression. One health tip: Try collecting a library of positive scents you like and see how they affect your daily moods.

Taste If you like to eat, we have some good news!

There are many foods high in nutrients that increase the production of happiness neurotransmitters. To find those foods, a good rule of thumb is to eat from the rainbow! Whole foods with vivid colors contain antioxidants that are shown to increase optimism, happiness and lower depression and anxiety. Dark chocolate has also been shown as a significant mood booster. Chemicals in chocolate increase alertness, motivation and physical relaxation.

A 2017 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders showed that participants who ate one piece of dark chocolate every day had 70 percent fewer depressive symptoms than those who did not eat chocolate. One health tip: Indulge yourself in some dark chocolate and colorful foods and see how they affect your daily health and well-being.

Touch One of the most vital parts of human health is the need for physical contact.

When babies are born, physical touch is urgently needed for their health and survival and to create social bonds. This need continues through adulthood.

Physical touch with another person causes the release of the neurotransmitter oxytocin, which helps improve relationships by creating feelings of trust, love and compassion. Oxytocin also helps release endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, which increase optimism and positivity and alleviate anxiety and stress. Even animal contact can make a difference.

A 2019 Washington State University study showed that just ten minutes connecting with a pet can significantly reduce the stress hormone cortisol. One health tip: In the new age of social distancing, take time to share physical contact with a loved one or a pet for physical connection.

It may seem a bit far-fetched to suggest that health and happiness could be promoted simply by what we hear, see, smell, taste or touch, but the evidence supports that our minds thrive off of sensory pleasures. In order to enjoy them, however, we must be present.

So, as much as possible, disconnect from technology and allow your senses to connect you to the natural opportunities for happiness around you. Your senses may discover new joys that you never knew existed!

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Meet Our Caregivers

ENSURING A N EXCELLEN T EXPERIENCE FOR RE SIDEN TS

J

onathan Lowery was first introduced to Morning Pointe Senior Living in 2014 as a college student, and now, six years later, he’s the executive director of their newest facility in East Hamilton. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about senior living and growing with this company,” Lowery shares. “My passion is people. I love meeting new people through my role here, finding common ground with them, and forming long-lasting relationships – I truly have one of the best jobs in the world.” Something that hasn’t changed for Lowery over the years is his commitment to excellent care, and he makes a point to stay involved in the lives of the residents, day in and day out. “It’s my responsibility to make sure families and our associates are working together to provide the very best care to our residents,” he says.

Finding new ways to make a difference for our associates and residents is something I strive to do every day.”

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JONATHAN LOWERY AT MOR N IN G P OIN TE OF E A ST H A MILTON

1

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

2

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

3

What is your best advice for perspective residents and their families?

4

What influenced you to pursue your career?

5

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

One of the things that makes me happy is to watch some residents’ initial apprehension about moving away from their home turn into joy and excitement about moving into our senior community – where they make new friends and find a whole new outlook on their retirement years!

The key to making a great first impression is to be honest and to listen; people can tell when you’re not being genuine.

When looking for an assisted living community, my best advice would be above all else, find good people who you can trust and who will communicate regularly and honestly with you. A convenient location is good, a beautiful building is good – but quality care should be the most important consideration.

I’ve been with Morning Pointe in various capacities since I was in college. What started out as a volunteer position to learn more about this industry has blossomed into an extremely rewarding career.

We don’t just care for a group of residents; we care for 80 unique individuals who have lived successful lives before moving here.

It’s so important to get to know each of these individuals personally, to know their hobbies and interests, and most importantly, to be a friend.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT JONATHAN

MY CREDENTIALS Bachelor’s Degree: Southern Adventist University – Collegedale, TN Certifications: Assisted Living Care Facility Administrator License

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Long-Term Care Administration

CONNECT 423.212.1208 Morning Pointe of East Hamilton 1776 Generations Way Ooltewah, TN 37363 morningpointe.com

Meet Our Caregivers

E NH A NC ING HER CL IE N TS’ APPEAR A NC E

K

athleen York wears a lot of hats in her role at Center for Facial Rejuvenation. In addition to being the clinical supervisor of a talented team of providers, she’s performing daily consultations to help clients decide what cosmetic service best fits their desires and lifestyle – a time she also uses to emphasize small steps to take at home, such as using sunscreen everyday. “I want my clients to look the best they can for their age; my goal is that you never look unusual or distorted,” she says. “I am passionate about fighting age gracefully and embracing the fact that we are older, wiser, and even more valuable!” York enjoys developing great relationships with clients, and she’ll use her expertise to maximize her clients’ goals of healthy, beautiful skin.

KATHLEEN YORK , MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

AT CEN TER FOR FA CI A L R EJU V EN ATION

1

What does your day-to-day look like as an aesthetics nurse?

2

What do you love most about your profession?

3

What influenced you to pursue your career?

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

5

Do you believe in miracles?

I see 10-20 patients a day for Botox/Dysport and dermal fillers, and I am responsible for making sure that every new client in our practice is an appropriate candidate for their desired procedure based on their health history.

I love my two-week follow-ups with clients. This is where we look at their before and after pictures, and I find it very fulfilling to see their happiness. I appreciate those moments where I can see they now stand a little taller with some newfound confidence.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a nurse like my mom. I actually thought I’d be a midwife one day, but life’s twists and turns have guided me here, and I have found tremendous joy in this specialty.

Aesthetics nursing is a highly specialized art form – it’s a specialty that uniquely connects art and science. I love to read research, and every day I am excited about what I can learn and how I can get better at what I do.

I am proud of my profession and the unique role we provide in giving the best care to our clients.”

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Yes, but don’t wait for one! I believe patience, hard work, and a little faith can go a long way toward bringing about change that defies understanding.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT KATHLEEN

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Southern Adventist University – Collegedale, TN Certifications: Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Aesthetics Nursing

CONNECT 423.648.2035 Center for Facial Rejuvenation 7268 Jarnigan Road, Suite 204 Chattanooga, TN 37421 chattanoogaface.com

Meet Our Caregivers

PROVIDING

JESSICA MCLENDON, PA-C

LONG-TERM RELIEF

AT E R L A NG E R ORT HOPA E DIC S

TO PATIE N TS

A

fter more than 10 years spent in orthopaedic and primary care, Jessica McLendon understands that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to her patients’ health challenges, which range from foot and ankle pain to deteriorating bone health. So, at Erlanger Orthopaedics, she offers one-on-one consultations to get to the root of the problem. “I encourage patients to ask questions and provide feedback on what treatment options will and won’t work for them,” McLendon says. “I then help them make choices that will provide long-term relief and improvement. This is especially true for patients dealing with bone loss or weakened bones due to aging, where long-term treatment plans and goals are required.”

Whatever the diagnosis, McLendon encourages her patients to be an active participant in their medical care.

I am happiest when I provide a patient with a new way of approaching a problem.”

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1

What does your day-to-day look like as a physician assistant?

2

What do you love most about your profession?

3

What is your best advice for patients?

4

What influenced you to pursue your career?

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to caring for your patients?

I am seeing patients in the clinic, where I diagnose and treat problems involving the foot and ankle as well as provide evaluation for osteoporosis and osteopenia.

When a patient comes to the office and has been dealing with pain or disability for a long time, and I can provide options for relieving that pain, I get a great sense of accomplishment.

Stay engaged! It is so important for patients to maintain a sense of ownership over their own health, and to remember that even small changes can make big differences.

I have watched many family members deal with chronic illnesses and pain. Seeing the difference that a caring and attentive medical provider can make was an appealing way to help people.

I try to approach caring for a patient as a collaboration.

If the provider and the patient are not on the same page when the office visit is over, optimal improvement will not be obtained.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT JESSICA

MY CREDENTIALS Master’s Degree: Trevecca Nazarene University – Nashville, TN Certifications: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Bone Health

CONNECT 423.778.6784 Erlanger Orthopaedics 979 E. Third Street, Suite C-225 Chattanooga, TN 37403 erlanger.org/ortho

Meet Our Caregivers

S H A RI NG A S M I L E WI TH HE R PATI ENTS

P

am Billingsley was a short-order cook for eight years before discovering her true calling. “My mom and I worked at a restaurant together when she got sick,” Billingsley tells.

“She had to have surgery on her stomach, and afterwards, the site had to be bandaged and monitored, so I took care of her. She told me that I was in the wrong field and that I needed to be in nursing. She said my calling was taking care of people.

I’ve been loving it ever since!” Five years into her hospice career, Billingsley thinks that her passion for her profession is what makes all the difference. She explains, “There is no middle ground on being an aide; you have to love what you do. And it shows! I think the key to making an impression is a smile on your face and knowing you love what you do.”

PAM BILLINGSLEY, CNA AT HO SPIC E OF C HAT TA NO O G A , A L L E O H E A LT H SYST E M

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What does your day-to-day look like as a CNA?

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What is one of your happiest professional moments?

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What is your best advice for patients?

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What would you consider to be your main strengths?

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

I always greet every patient with a smile – that’s my number one. So much is happening in their body, and they sometimes don’t completely understand, so a smile helps ease their anxiety. I then listen to my patients and try to meet their needs. They like the kind words and knowing someone is there to walk with them through their journey.

One patient told me that she loves peanuts, and I surprised her with a whole display of them along with some chocolate candy.

Her face just lit up! I wanted her to know someone was thinking of her.

My best advice is to live day to day and try not to let things worry you. Enjoy your life, and don’t focus on your illness.

Helping people and dealing with every patient as an individual. They each have specific preferences, and I try to pay attention to that.

I love getting to meet new people and giving them the best care I can possibly provide.”

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The patient always has rights, and you want to respect that.

Listen to what they have to say and never rush them – let them take their time and feel comfortable. They have to build that trust with you.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT PAM

MY CREDENTIALS Certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) CPR Recognitions: CNA of the Year, Alleo Health CNA of the Month, Alleo Health

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Hospice Care

CONNECT 423.892.1533 Hospice of Chattanooga, Alleo Health System 4411 Oakwood Drive Chattanooga, TN 37416 hospiceof chattanooga.org

Meet Our Caregivers

ADDRE SSING C LIEN T S’ C O SM E TIC C ONCE RN S

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lients can rest assured that Lacy Gill will recommend the best skin treatment plan for them, whether it’s one of her specialties – including Botox, dermal fillers, and microneedling – or something else entirely. “Because each person has different concerns, every day requires great knowledge and skill to provide the best tailored treatment for the individual,” Gill, who has developed a passion for aesthetics over the course of her nursing career, explains. “I will always be transparent and advise treatments that give the best outcomes for each individual.”

Gill has been with Center for Facial Rejuvenation for the past five years, and she’s looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years bring in the world of aesthetics. “This isn’t just work for me, but an opportunity to positively transform lives,” she says.

LACY GILL, LPN AT CEN TER FOR FA CI A L R EJU V EN ATION

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What do you love most about your profession?

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What is your best advice for clients?

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What would you consider to be your main strengths?

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

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Do you believe in miracles?

I love making people happy. I get to meet a lot of different people and see different personalities. It is so rewarding to build relationships and help my clients transform into a more confident version of themselves.

My best advice is to always wear sunscreen, use prescriptionstrength Retin-A, and make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C. We need to protect our skin to prevent premature signs of aging!

My clients actually tell me my strengths are my ability to listen and deliver results. I have a lot of technical skills in injectables because I have been so fortunate to study under Dr. Yannis and some of the best injectors in the world. Also, I am passionate about what I do and deliver the best results for personal goals that can be obtained.

My philosophy for client care is that it is a delight to tailor a solution to my client’s concerns based on their desired goal. I am honest about how I can help them achieve the results they want.

I strive to give the best customer service and care I possibly can.”

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I do believe in miracles! The current treatments we offer show how so many things are now possible that seemed supernatural in the past.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ABOUT LACY

MY CREDENTIALS Nursing Degree: Dalton State College – Dalton, GA Certifications: Facial Aesthetics Master Program, The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery

M Y S P E C I A LT I E S Cosmetic Neurotoxin and Dermal Filler Treatments Radio Frequency Microneedling

CONNECT 423.648.2035 Center for Facial Rejuvenation 7268 Jarnigan Road, Suite 204 Chattanooga, TN 37421 chattanoogaface.com

National Wear Red Day. Friday, February 5th, 2021

#GoRedChatt Help us turn Chattanooga Red on Friday, February 5th, 2021 as we take a stand against cardiovascular disease. Together, we can save the lives of mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in our community.

TAKE ACTION & GET INVOLVED www.Heart.org/Chattanooga

STAY WELL

Annual Aging Well Section

BY ANNA HILL

As you age, the steps you need to take to maintain your health change as well. By being mindful of these shifts in your health and wellness, you can readily embrace your golden years. Here, we’ve gathered the facts and consulted the experts about a variety of topics that you might encounter as you or your loved ones age, with the hope of helping you stay informed and up-to-date about aging well.

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STAY WELL ANNUAL AGING WELL SECTION

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) This new, minimally invasive procedure is designed to reduce the risk of stroke during surgery for those with carotid artery disease.

Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) is a new, clinically proven hybrid procedure that was designed with patients at high risk for open surgery in mind. TCAR is well-suited to any patients with carotid artery disease who might be at higher risk of surgical complications due to age, comorbidities, or other anatomical issues.

How It Works

TCAR is a unique procedure that temporarily reverses blood flow in the arteries so that any loose bits of plaque are diverted away from the brain, which prevents a stroke from occurring. It accomplishes this via the ENROUTE® Transcarotid Neuroprotection System, which utilizes a filtering device for plaque redirection. After the flow is reversed, a stent is then implanted, which provides long-term plaque stabilization and stroke prevention.

Benefits for Patients

This latest advancement in stroke prevention comes with a whole host of benefits in comparison to older, more traditional procedures, such as: LESS SCARRING – Prior to the development of TCAR, the primary surgical procedure for preventing stroke was carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This procedure used a long vertical incision nearly the length of one’s neck; with TCAR, the incision is much smaller and located at the base of the neck.

SHORT RECOVERY TIME – Most patients who undergo this procedure recover very quickly. Patients nearly always go home the next day with the ability to return to their normal daily lives.

LOWEST RISK OF STROKE – When it comes to stroke prevention, TCAR is the new gold standard. While CEA also carries a low rate of stroke, it also has a higher rate of heart attack or nerve damage due to the incision size. TCAR is less invasive and boasts the lowest reported risk of stenting stroke rate at 1.4%.

LESS INVASIVE – TCAR is much less invasive than alternatives like CEA thanks to the small incision size. This makes it a much better option for elderly or higher-risk patients who might not want to undergo open surgery.

Ultimately, this procedure is an excellent option for anyone with carotid artery disease at elevated risk, and it is designed with patient health and comfort in mind. HS 74

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An Expert Weighs In “TCAR is a newer procedure to treat carotid disease. It allows surgeons to safely treat patients with narrowing in the carotid artery who are older and considered high risk for open surgery. TCAR has been proven to be a safe alternative to open surgery with as good or lower risk of stroke with surgery. Recovery tends to be a little easier also, with a much smaller incision needed to perform the procedure. For the right patient, it is a great alternative to traditional open surgery.”

Dr. Daniel Krcelic Vascular Surgeon Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

TCAR AVAILABLE IN CHATTANOOGA

BY DR. DAN KRCELIC, A MEMBER OF THE VIC VASCULAR TEAM

A CLINICALLY PROVEN WAY TO PROTECT AGAINST STROKE. LESS INVASIVE | SHORTER HOSPITAL STAYS

Know your Risk Factors for Stroke: • High Blood Pressure

THE VIC VASCULAR TEAM IS LEADING THE WAY AS THE REGION'S LEADER IN VASCULAR CARE.

• Tobacco History

We are conveniently located in Chattanooga,

• Family History

Cleveland and North Georgia serving patients in

• High Cholesterol

What can you do?

our outpatient surgical centers, offering convenience and easy access to care.

Talk to your doctor about a carotid screening. It could possibly save your life.

Vascular Institute Chattanooga | Cleveland | North Georgia

423.602.2750

www.vascularinstituteofchattanooga.com

STAY WELL ANNUAL AGING WELL SECTION

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth Tooth loss and decay is a common problem that many older adults face.

Luckily, there are several different options for restoring your smile.

An Expert Weighs In “It’s important to have multiple solutions for missing teeth available to patients because everyone’s situation and needs are different. Maybe someone has a wedding next week and just needs something temporary to replace a missing tooth for pictures, or perhaps they are saving up for more ideal treatment and want something that is semipermanent until they can afford the best replacement. With options, the patient can choose the best solution for their needs, aesthetic desires, and financial plans.”

Dr. Mandy Shearer Dentist Soddy Daisy Smiles

Though the prevalence of tooth loss in older adults has decreased in recent decades, currently, about a quarter of adults over the age of 65 have no remaining teeth. This can occur due to periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, a genetic predisposition, or simply years of normal wear and tear. The loss of teeth significantly increases your risk of malnutrition and can also affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, there are many options for replacing missing teeth.

Flippers

A flipper is a temporary tooth replacement that can flip in and out of position. Unlike other options, it isn’t dependent on surrounding teeth, and it doesn’t have metal clasps. A flipper is lightweight and a relatively inexpensive, painless option for tooth replacement; however, it is primarily designed to only be a temporary option until a more permanent one becomes available.

Dentures

Dentures are a dental appliance intended to replace both missing teeth and the tissue surrounding them. There are two different options: partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth alongside natural teeth that are still remaining.

Complete dentures are for those who have lost all of their teeth.

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Bridges

A dental bridge is a false tooth or multiple false teeth that are fused between a set of two teeth to fill in a gap created by missing natural teeth.

The false teeth are often made of porcelain to achieve a natural look. Dental bridges can be supported by placing a crown on your remaining natural teeth to secure the false tooth in place, or the bridge can be bound between two dental implants, which is a great option for those missing several teeth in a row.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are false teeth that are secured directly to the jawbone in place of the missing tooth. They are attached surgically via a screw that replaces the root of the lost tooth, which anchors the new false tooth. As it heals, the implant becomes securely fused to the jawbone. Dental implants are considered one of the most permanent, reliable options for tooth replacement, ideal for those who have lost only one or two teeth. HS

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A smile can brighten anyone’s day, but what if you’re afraid to flash those pearly….not-so-whites?

Drs. Mandy and Robert Shearer have what you need to get your grin gleaming! Before you make a trip to your local drugstore for over-the-counter whiteners, consider making an appointment at Soddy Daisy Smiles. Using Opalescence, a professional teeth whitener that offers breathtaking results, they’ll monitor your progress and have you smiling confidently with the pearly whites you’ve been dreaming of!

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STAY WELL ANNUAL AGING WELL SECTION

Alternatives to Spinal Fusion Is chronic back pain getting on your nerves? These treatment options can provide relief while maintaining range of motion.

A spinal fusion is a surgical technique designed to join two or more vertebrae – you can think of it like a “welding” process. The goal of this procedure is to fuse damaged vertebrae into a single, solid bone to eliminate pain and restore stability to the spine.

In the past, spinal fusions were standard for many back problems including degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, herniated discs, and more. However, the procedure tends to be more invasive and requires a lengthier recovery. Over the years, orthopedic surgeons have learned that spinal fusions may not always be necessary – that there are ways to take pressure off the nerves without fusion.

Alternative Options

Depending on your particular case, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following alternatives to alleviate pain while preserving range of motion: PHYSICAL THERAPY – Physical therapy is designed to improve muscle strength and endurance while reducing pain. Beyond that, it is great for overall health and aerobic fitness.

STEROID INJECTIONS – Meant for symptom control, this minimally invasive procedure can temporarily relieve pain in the neck, arms, back, and legs caused by inflammation of the spinal nerves.

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION – With this minimally invasive procedure, heat is used to “ablate,” or burn, the nerve causing chronic pain in the lower back, neck, or arthritic joints. This prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.

SURGICAL OPTIONS – Sometimes surgery is necessary to relieve nerve compression causing pain or weakness, but non-fusion options are less invasive and offer quicker recovery times.

Benefits for Older Adults

One of the most significant downsides of spinal fusion in older adults is a potential loss of motion in the spine. Fusions can also put pressure or stress on the vertebrae levels above and below the fusion, which can cause them to break down and degenerate more quickly. This leads to an increased likelihood of further surgery down the road.

Through nonsurgical alternative methods, older adults can find improvement without the risks of surgery and anesthesia. If surgery is required, non-fusion options can be performed using minimally invasive techniques that allow for shorter operating time, quicker recovery, and minimal blood loss. Most patients go home the same day. HS

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An Expert Weighs In “Spinal fusion should be considered a salvage procedure, which means that it should not be the first option in most cases. I would encourage people to be well-educated about their back problems, particularly if they are considering surgery. It’s important to have a good understanding of the condition and the options. Sometimes a fusion may be the best choice, but consider all options before making that decision.”

Dr. Alex Sielatycki Spine Surgeon Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics

STAY WELL ANNUAL AGING WELL SECTION

Life’s Simple 7: Managing Your Cardiovascular Health As you age, being mindful of your cardiovascular health is more important than ever. By following the American Heart Association’s ‘Life’s Simple 7,’ you can improve your heart health and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

An Expert Weighs In “The beauty of a healthy lifestyle is that it not only reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease ­— the number one cause of death of Americans ­— but it also reduces the risk of developing obesity, sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, and many forms of cancer.

Following Life’s Simple 7 from the American Heart Association is associated with powerful reductions in rates of cardiovascular disease. People with at least five ideal Life’s Simple 7 metrics had a 78% reduced risk for heart-related death compared to people with no ideal metrics. That is the power of prevention!”

Dr. Alison Bailey Cardiologist Centennial Heart at Parkridge

Aging and Heart Health

Maintaining your cardiovascular health is one of the most important factors for living a longer, healthier life. Adults over the age of 65 have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, heart disease, or heart failure as a result of the accumulation of risk factors over the lifespan, genetics, and our environment. Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of heart health issues.

Life’s Simple 7

Life’s Simple 7, developed by the American Heart Association, identifies seven ways to reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart disease and achieve ideal cardiovascular health. These seven steps are: 1. MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for both heart disease and stroke. Regularly monitor your blood pressure, and take steps to lower it if it starts reading outside of a healthy range.

2. CONTROL CHOLESTEROL. High cholesterol can lead to buildup in the arteries, which can cause heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Your healthcare provider can create an individualized medication plan based on your risk factors. A heart-healthy lifestyle is the first step!

3. REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR. Most of the foods that we consume are turned into glucose (blood sugar) that is used for energy in the body. High levels of blood sugar can eventually lead to damage in the heart, eyes, and kidneys, so keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level is vital.

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4. GET ACTIVE. Daily exercise can increase the length as well as the quality of your life. Some activity is better than no activity, and starting slowly is perfectly fine. A goal of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic ac­tivity per week is recommended to maintain a healthier heart.

5. EAT BETTER. A healthy diet is one of the most important factors when it comes to your heart health, as it’s linked to several of the other factors mentioned here.

By watching calories, eating smaller portions, and regularly incorporating fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet, you can reduce your risk of heart disease.

6. LOSE WEIGHT. By losing extra fat and shedding those unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart and the rest of your body to keep yourself healthy and moving. Aim for a healthy weight by staying active and making conscious healthy choices in your diet.

7. STOP SMOKING. Smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as other serious health issues such as lung cancer. If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best steps you can take to improve your health. HS

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STAY WELL ANNUAL AGING WELL SECTION

Communicating with the Hearing Impaired Hearing loss can have a big impact on a person’s quality of life. Here’s what you should know about the condition and communicating with those who are hearing impaired.

Hearing Loss and Its Effects

Hearing loss grows increasingly common with age. In fact, it is one of the most common conditions that affects aging and elderly adults. Approximately 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss, and it affects almost half of those 75 and older.

Unfortunately, hearing loss can have a significant effect on people’s lives. Not only can those with impaired hearing have trouble hearing phones, doorbells, or smoke alarms, but they also experience more difficulty with social and leisure activities, such as talking with family and friends, listening to music, or watching television. Such difficulties often lead to feelings of isolation and self-consciousness, and those with good hearing might need to take a few extra steps to make sure those with hearing loss feel comfortable and included.

Hearing Loss and Communication

Especially now, those with hearing loss might have difficulty communicating with others thanks to the need for widespread mask-wearing in public. Face masks muffle sound and take away the ability for lip-reading, so those with hearing loss face more challenges than usual. For those who can hear well, there are several strategies that can help. Here are some tips for communicating with those with impaired hearing: • Get their attention. Make sure that they can see and hear you before you begin speaking with them. Try not to shout or yell.

• Let them see your face. This is understandably more difficult when face masks are worn, so consider wearing a mask with a clear plastic panel over the mouth so that people can read your lips.

• Don’t eat while talking. Eating and chewing while speaking can greatly hinder someone’s ability to read your lips.

• Avoid crowds or excessive noise. These situations can make it nearly impossible for someone with hearing loss to understand what you’re saying.

For individuals with hearing loss, tools such as a tablet or caption phone can assist with hearing when a conversation is almost certain to be difficult. HS

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An Expert Weighs In “My patients who suffer from different degrees of hearing loss experience significant frustration with communication. This ranges from visiting with friends and family to enjoying their favorite television program. I counsel my patients and their loved ones to follow the communication skills listed in the article. When they follow this guidance, conversation is greatly improved. Also, new technology with hearing devices and accessories, such as television streamers, help hearing loss patients to have a better quality of life.”

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

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MME E ET T O OU UR R MMO OD DE EL LS S

Stephanie Sinkfield & Demetria Jordan

W

hen Demetria Jordan first asked Stephanie

Sinkfield to be her mentor, Stephanie was floored. “I said at the time, ‘I’ll mentor you if you mentor me!’” Stephanie laughs. These ladies shared a mutual respect stemming from their respective successes in business, as well as in life, and over the course of their mentorship, that respect has only grown. They are keeping that mentorship (now dubbed a sisterhood) alive with monthly lunch dates and frequent checkins. Here, Stephanie and Demetria discuss the lasting impact they’ve had on each other, both professionally and personally.

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HS Demetria, how does Stephanie encourage and empower you as your mentor?

DJ Stephanie encourages me simply by believing in me; she just has a way of speaking life into me. She has walked with me through some tough business challenges, and she keeps me going. Stephanie has also been such a resource, and she’s constantly helping me get my name out there in the business world. We need more women who can do that for each other, who aren’t intimidated by it.

HS Stephanie, what does being a mentor mean to you?

SS Mentoring is a way of pouring out everything that is good inside you into someone you see tremendous potential in. It’s saying that I trust you enough that I’m going to give you my time, my resources, my money, my family … it’s a faith walk.

Mentoring can be challenging, and I’ve had a few notso-good experiences where I was pouring into ladies who weren’t interested, weren’t coachable. But Demetria has really restored my faith in mentoring. She has blessed me more than I could ever bless her.

HS What is the biggest lesson you’ve each learned from each other?

SS I have seen Demetria handle herself with a level of maturity that most 60-year-olds don’t have under extreme pressure. Everything she does – and she does a lot, between her business, motherhood, and mentoring other women herself – she does with grace.

DJ Stephanie has taught me to use my voice more. I love how she is so vocal and passionate about women, representation, and supporting others. In watching her use her voice in a very powerful and intelligent way, I’m reminded that I need to do a better job of that.

HS Why is it so important for women to have mentors?

DJ A mentee can benefit so greatly from having a mentor. You’ll have doors of opportunity opened and receive feedback that is essential for personal growth. A mentor can also share with you their past mistakes, and by listening and learning those lessons second-hand, you will save yourself years of trial and error. It just puts you ahead.

SS From a mentor perspective, I think it is our responsibility as women to do whatever we can to enrich other women. HS

Photo by Lanewood Studio

STEPHANIE

DEMETRIA

Mentoring is a way of pouring out everything that is good inside you into someone you see tremendous potential in. It’s saying that I trust you enough that I’m going to give you my time, my resources, my money, my family … it’s a faith walk.

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LOOK WELL

All Dressed Up BRAVE THE WINTER CHILL

WITH THESE STYLISH DRESSES

Now that winter is upon us, it might be tempting to spend the next three months in oversized sweaters and your favorite pair of leggings – we get it! But incorporating a few dresses into your winter wardrobe can be a great way to beat the seasonal blues, and there are plenty of options. With thick knits, high necklines, and long sleeves, the following dresses from local boutiques will keep you warm and stylish straight through to spring.

OVERSIZED SHIRT DRESS BY A - LINE “We love this winter dress from A-line for its cotton cashmere flannel blend, which offers an ultra-soft touch and just the right amount of warmth. Paired with a hip sneaker or an on-trend boot, this dress will provide ultimate versatility for the winter months to come.”

Terri Holley, Embellish www.embellishcollection.com

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NELLE DRESS BY AMANDA UPRICHARD

KIM DRESS

BY TYLER BÖE

“The search for the perfect little black dress is over with this stunner from Amanda Uprichard! Its heavy-weight knit and long sleeves make it ideal for chilly winter nights, while the off-the-shoulder style and high slit make it feminine and sexy.”

“The Kim dress is one of our favorite winter dresses year after year; it’s perfect to take from work to the weekend. The black and brown snake print is a fun twist on classic animal print, and the cozy cowl neck is sure to help you stay warm in colder temps!” HS

Janet Miller, Irma Marie

Ani Yacoubian, Yacoubian Tailors

www.irmamarie.com

www.yacoubians.com

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In Good Shape

W

hen it comes to a night out on the town or an important function, you want to look and feel your best. Enter shapewear. These undergarments work to smooth skin and banish bulges while giving your confidence a boost. But how do you know what type of shapewear is right for you? We’re here to help!

BY CHRISTINA CANNON

STYLE: BODYSUITS What it’s good for: This all-in-one version may look like a swimsuit, but it can pack a punch.

A bodysuit not only smooths out your stomach, it also lifts your bosom and bum, which makes it perfect for nearly any outfit.

STYLE: BODY CONTROL DRESSES What it’s good for: Made specifically for hugging curves, body control dresses work to shape thighs and define waistlines. Some options also lift the bust for an all-around sleek silhouette.

STYLE: CORSELETTES What it’s good for: Also called garter dresses or body briefers, this option is perfect for dresses and skirts. Most come with stocking clips to help keep them in place, and they can even double as lingerie.

STYLE: SHAPING CAMISOLES What it’s good for: This comfortable tummy-tucking style is an alternative to wearing a bodysuit. In addition to working well with fit and flare dresses, shaping camisoles can pair with most blouses that are styled with jeans, trousers, or a skirt.

STYLE: WAIST CINCHERS What it’s good for: If it’s an hourglass shape you’re looking for, this is the style for you. Essentially a wide belt, waist cinchers add definition to your waistline, smooth your stomach, and support your back.

STYLE: LONGLINE BRAS What it’s good for: Back bulges are a thing of the past with longline bras, which have a longer back band than regular bras. With added support for your bust, this is a comfortable option to add a little smoothness to your silhouette.

STYLE: SHAPING SHORTS OR LEGGINGS What it’s good for: Available in a variety of lengths, shaping shorts are ideal for slim-fitting skirts or skinny jeans. As a bonus, many of these products also provide a lift for your tush and can cut down on chafing.

STYLE: CONTROL BRIEFS What it’s good for: This popular style of shapewear mimics boy shorts and works to lift and round your bum, as well as provide a touch of tummy support. Some control briefs even have thigh-slimming properties.

STYLE: ARM SHAPERS What it’s good for: Less prevalent than tummy-tucking and butt-boosting options, arm shapers are everyday shapewear pieces designed to help out – you guessed it! – your arms. These are great for tight tops or long sleeve dresses and can help with poor posture. HS

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Managing Your Mane 8 Common Hair Problems & How to Solve Them

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DANDRUFF

HAIR LOSS

Often caused by excess sebum, a dry scalp, or sensitivity to products, dandruff can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. For the best results, turn to an anti-dandruff shampoo or one that contains zinc sulfur and piroctone olamine. In a pinch, try apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or tea tree oil, which all boast anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a good idea to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the issue, as well as maintain a healthy diet and stress level.

The loss or thinning of hair can result from a wide range of underlying issues including stress, hormones, medication, or specific products. If you notice you’re losing more than the typical amount of hair – 50 to 100 strands a day – try adding protein-rich foods to your diet or switching to a mild shampoo (or one specifically designed for hair loss). Some people have also found success in massaging their scalp with hot oil and avoiding heat-styling tools.

DRY HAIR

OILY SCALP

If your hair is rough and dry, it could be related to menopause, birth control pills, pregnancy, anemia, or a hormonal imbalance. It also could be a sign you’re washing your hair too frequently, which is stripping it of its natural oils. Try to avoid things that are harsh on your hair such as chlorine, heat styling, or chemical treatments. Begin using a gentle shampoo, and try out hair masks or oils to restore hydration. Taking vitamins, such as B5, omega-3, and omega-6, has also been shown to help.

Just as over-washing can make your hair dry, it can also cause oiliness. With some individuals, when natural oils are removed, the scalp tries to compensate and produces more oil than desired. To help, use lukewarm or cold water when washing, and avoid playing with or excessively brushing your hair, as this can stimulate the oil glands. Also, sidestep leave-in conditioners and heat-styling tools, and clean your brush regularly. Opt for a shampoo designed to control sebum, and make sure it’s not a poor diet, genetics, or hormonal changes that are contributing to your oily hair.

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Whether the culprit is curling irons, hot showers, or good old-fashioned genetics, we all have our fair share of issues with our hair. And while some things are truly out of your control, the solution for how to manage your mane may just require a small tweak to your routine! Read on for some prevalent problems and their solutions.

BY C H R I STI NA CANNO N

SPLIT ENDS When oil from your scalp doesn’t reach the end of your hair, it tends to dry out and split.

To remedy this problem, make sure you are using a good conditioner or applying oil to the ends of your hair as needed. Get regular haircuts (every 10 weeks is a good rule of thumb), and avoid heat tools, which often exasperate the problem. If you do insist on using heat, incorporate a heat protectant into your routine.

FRIZZY HAIR If you constantly find yourself fighting frizz, your hair is likely lacking moisture. Often caused by exposure to chemicals, UV rays, or styling tools, frizzy hair is best tamed with hydration.

Use masks, serums, leave-in conditioners, or hot oil treatments for added moisture, and avoid over-shampooing.

DULL HAIR

HEAT- OR COLOR-DAMAGED HAIR

When it comes to dull hair, there is a myriad of causes. From everyday styling and the weather to silicone-based products, it’s easy to damage your cuticles – leaving you with lackluster hair. Try using a moisturizing shampoo and rinsing with cold water for smoother and shinier hair. Also, explore products that are packed with protein, which will help repair your hair.

It’s no secret that heat from popular styling tools and chemicals from soughtafter color treatments wreak havoc on hair. While getting regular trims and using products that add moisture back to your hair can help your locks repair themselves, the best course of action is to leave the highlights and hair straighteners behind. HS

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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 Long / Photos taken on location at Hunter Museum of American Art

Coming from a big Caribbean family, I often looked forward to the day when I would get married and start a family of my own. I was excited when I married my college sweetheart, Robert, in 2002, and just as excited months later when we became pregnant. Our initial joy and excitement quickly turned to nervousness as we learned that I had large fibroids and our baby may not survive.

With every doctor visit, I anticipated being asked, “Ms. Cook, are you sure you want to continue with this pregnancy?” and every time I was ready to confidently respond with, “We plan to continue unless God decides otherwise.” Four months later, I delivered my stillborn baby boy, Isaiah, at just under five months pregnant. We were devastated, but we still had hope. After having eight fibroids removed and becoming pregnant again, I de-

livered my second stillborn baby boy, Marcus, the following year.

Did we want to try again? Could we handle another loss? They say that the third time’s the charm, but we decided to give ourselves and my body some time to heal. We knew that God would direct our path, and, at the age of 27, I had a hysterectomy.

At times I felt like a failure, but what felt like a denial ended up just being a delay. Six years after we first became pregnant and only two months after applying, we were approved for a newborn adoption! I vividly remember flying to California and waiting in the delivery room for the C-section to be completed. We were finally starting our family, the one I had dreamed and prayed about for years. As I held Napoleon for the first time and looked at the not-sotiny human who would change our world, I realized I wasn’t a failure; God

had been preparing our custommade blessing, tailored exactly for us.

The lesson in the blessing?

When your path looks different from others and you are being tested and you want to give up, know that if God brought you to it, He will bring you through it.

The pain in our process was for a purpose. The experience taught me a deeper sense of empathy and shaped my true desire to help others achieve their dreams. I have the opportunity to do that in my personal and professional life, and it brings me great joy. From inspiring other women to adopt children of their own to helping people simply be their best selves and achieve goals they never imagined would be possible, it was all worth it.

Lucia Cook OOLTEWAH

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HER STORY

All I can remember was fear and pain as I woke up from what I thought was a dream on that hot spring day. I was lying on the pavement with people standing over me as an ambulance arrived. I was only 18 years old when I had that car wreck. My car rolled several times and severely injured my arm, causing a traumatic near-amputation.

I was hospitalized for 38 days and bedridden for three months. I underwent 13 surgeries in the first month alone, and several more over the following years. It took two and a half years of physical therapy to regain function in my arm. At that time, I was going to college, which made it all the more difficult, and it was a long and challenging path to recovery that completely changed my life.

Because of my accident, I became a long-term patient of Dr. Jason Rehm, and it was a blessing to have him as my surgeon.

I received a great outcome despite my significant injury. I often think about how close I was to having my arm amputated, and I am grateful every day. My medical team was compassionate, reassuring, caring, and humble, and Dr. Rehm was always someone I respected and sought to emulate because of his character and integrity.

By being a patient who received a positive outcome, my adversity turned into hope.

I have since been inspired to become a physician in the hope of giving back to my patients. As a current senior general surgery resident, I hope to help others just as my medical team helped me, and I hope that my story can give others going through similar challenges some encouragement in what is such a trying time.

My accident not only changed my career choice but my outlook on life. I quickly learned at a young age to enjoy every minute of life, don’t take things for granted, and never give up.

Jessica Hale SPRING CITY

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HER STORY

Growing up with three sisters wasn’t always easy. Our bathroom was full of curling irons, hair clips, and Aqua Net. There was no shortage of laughter with my sisters Jennifer, Jayme, and Jenelle. We shared a special bond that only sisters know. As we grew older and moved away, we still remained very close and couldn’t wait to see each other on special occasions and holidays.

In 2005, we faced devastating news.

Jayme, who was 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after giving birth to her second child. After undergoing a double mastectomy and multiple courses of chemotherapy, Jayme was declared cancer-free. We were elated until 2009 when she slipped and fell, and a scan revealed her breast cancer had returned.

It had metastasized to her bones and liver, but despite facing stage IV metastatic breast cancer, Jayme fought and showed us all strength, grace, and courage. She was determined to form a team and walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, a 60-mile walk.

We walked in Philadelphia and celebrated Jayme’s 40th birthday at the finish line. You would have never known the fight she was facing, as she was always upbeat, positive, and never felt sorry for herself. She was an inspiration to all that knew her.

During her final months, we helped her prepare cards and gifts to be given to her children on their birthdays, graduations, and wedding days. In February 2011, we lost our beautiful Jayme. After her death, the void I felt was overwhelming and still hurts every day. I channeled that pain and knew I had to do more.

In her honor, I have participated in 10 Komen 3-Day Walks, covering over 600 miles. I am proud to have raised over $40,000 in her name to support breast cancer. I never walk alone, as I always feel her presence. Every year on February 10, I celebrate Jayme by doing the things she loved, such as getting a massage or seeing a good movie. I even got a foot tattoo. She asked us all to live our life to the fullest, and most importantly, let others know how much you love them every day. I will always feel her presence in my life and will honor her in every way I can.

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HER STORY

As a child, I was unwanted. I was not loved or protected, and I experienced emotional, mental, and physical abuse. I was even callously handed off to deviants for profit, and it was not uncommon for me to go hungry or sleep on the streets to escape the rage directed at me.

On my own at the age of 15, I would excel professionally but constantly stayed in cycles of defeat, not recognizing that deeply rooted emotional issues were sabotaging my success. I spent decades confused by how I tried so hard and cared so much but always seemed to be fleeing from turmoil with no safe retreat in sight.

The perpetual danger that kept me at a hyper-heightened stress level, the PTSD, and the effects of malnutrition as a child did not just damage me emotionally, but also took a serious toll on my physical health as well. While I was striving to do better for my children as a single mother, I was hit hard with debilitating symptoms, and the medications I was prescribed only made my condition worse.

Without a safe support system, I became separated from my children, and desperate decisions followed as I tried to become self-sufficient while dodging harm in a gypsy lifestyle. Ultimately, I ended up completely destitute and surviving alone on the streets of Chattanooga.

The more that I am able to process my story, the better I am able to really see where I was, and the more amazed I am at where I am now. The only change that would redirect my future had to happen inside of me. Thankfully I discovered Christ along this journey and found the authentic love that I had longed for all of my life. That love empowered me to finally break free from a lifetime of oppression and navigate my own way off the streets to build a new life with a great purpose. I became more productive and creative than ever as I infused my passion into creating the Cindy’s CHOICE concept that features integrity-centric businesses that make a difference together. We are primed to make an impact, and I am absolutely elated that I am the one getting to live this destiny.

Cindy Deering CHATTANOOGA

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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 H OTOGRAPHY BY RICH SMITH

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inspired: Brittany Fulmer Ennen inspiration: Marie Webb

“Marie pours her knowledge into others with love and encouragement.”

“A flower does not compete with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”

I believe behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who have her back.

I had the pleasure of meeting Marie Webb for the first time a couple of years ago as we both served on the First Things First board. As a working mother, I was looking for my tribe and a mentor who was successful in her career while keeping a focus on family. After connecting over coffee for the first time, I quickly learned Marie is a guiding light and a true role model who listens intently and will always encourage me to pursue my goals. Marie is a giver – she pours her knowledge into others with love and encouragement.

She inspires everyone around her to be more thoughtful, to be inclusive, and to be kind to themselves and others.

Marie, you are a gift to our community, and I am thankful to know you. Our busy schedules do not allow us to get together often, but when we do it is meaningful. Thank you for inspiring me to be the best wife, mother, professional, and community leader I can be.

BRITTANY MARIE

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INSPIRED

inspired: Julie Fleming Barringer inspiration: Joy Sedman Brown

JULIE

“Joy has a quiet strength that never wavers, and she shares her life lessons with confidence and hope.”

JOY

Joy and I met over 20 years ago as our daughters began middle school together at Girls Preparatory School.

We quickly realized we had a lot in common: We shared a love of sunshine, pools, the ocean, and live music. But most important to us both were faith, family, and friends. I am so thankful our daughters brought us together.

Joy has been my confidante, trusted advisor, and a true friend. She has always made time for me even while holding strong through her own personal family challenges. She is a survivor, strong and brave like a warrior – with an added dose of brains and heart.

During seasons of transition, loss, and heartbreak in my life, she has been a source of strength, wisdom, love, and laughter. Joy has a quiet strength that never wavers, and she shares her life lessons with confidence and hope.

Friends are a gift who support you, who love you, and who join you in the trenches of life. When life is messy, they are there to help you clean up. Friends listen and remember.

Everyone needs “Joy” in their life, and I am so thankful that I have mine.

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INSPIRED

inspired: Lakweshia Ewing inspiration: Dr. Sheryl K. Randolph Sometimes life can give you a hard knock upside the head to help you realize just how much you have to offer the world. For me, one of those hard knocks came from a little woman with a large presence, a strong will, a powerful mind, an anointed voice, and a simply beautiful spirit: Dr. Sheryl K. Randolph.

I met Sheryl 15 years ago as a 20-something young professional new to the city. Having grown up with a strong Christian background, I fought hard to understand how I could live a life of love and serve my community, whether in business or ministry. Sheryl was always there to encourage me, but not with a typical level of encouragement. She offered the type of support that made me feel that as long as I had God by my side, I could conquer the world. One of her favorite sayings is, “Empowered people empower people.”

She urged me to not get stuck in the mediocre things of life, but to embrace walking in the extraordinary side of life.

As a mother, pastor, author, educational consultant, speaker, international evangelist, and mentor, Sheryl has balanced life’s trials and tribulations with grace and a smile. As I think about navigating my own path, her encouraging words resound in my mind: “Life happens. Live anyway.”

“She urged me to not get stuck in the mediocre things of life, but to embrace walking in the extraordinary side of life.”

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LAKWESHIA

The Sounds of the Season

Something new is coming in 2021

Seasonal Self-Care Local Ladies Share Their Self-Care Strategies for the Holiday Season

Between the Christmas shopping, travel planning, house decorating, and holiday meal preparation – not to mention taking care of loved ones – our to-do lists seem never-ending come November.

What is sometimes missing from that to-do list is making time for self-care, although it should be a top priority, especially when life gets busy. Practicing self-care can look like a lot of things – bubble baths, meditation, exercise, gratitude journals – but what is most important is that you find the thing that works for you and your lifestyle.

We asked the following local ladies to share how they’ll be practicing self-care this holiday season; be sure to take a page out of their book!

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FEEL WELL

CAROLINE WALKER CHATTANOOGA

“Self-care is going to look a lot different this holiday season. I won’t be attending the big parties or getting together with my out-of-town relatives. While I am saddened, I have accepted the reality and embraced a different outlook. I have decided to be excited about the chance to throw out the traditions playbook and start a new one. This year, I plan on decorating my house, not for others, but for myself. I will make working out, whether it is running or online cardio dance classes, a part of my daily routine. I will take long baths and listen to Christmas music. I will find time each day to connect with a friend or family member near and far. And most importantly, I will cherish each moment as a gift; I will focus on being grateful for having a place to call home and friends to call family.”

BRENDA FLORES-LOPEZ, OOLTEWAH

“Like for many, end-of-year holidays have always been a special time of the year for me. It seems though, as we get more and more involved with life and its activities, holidays also seem to bring more stress opportunities. As a wife, mother, HR professional, and owner of Valley Flowers, this year I’m looking forward to bringing into focus what’s most important: family, faith, and tradition.

In doing so, I know that I’ll find that nourishing these pillars will be good for those that I love – and that priceless self-care will be good for my soul.”

CRISSY WARREN, NORTH CHATTANOOGA

“As a form of self-care, I try to stick with my normal routine throughout the holiday season. I think it is important to start each day being thankful – just spending a few quiet minutes in gratitude makes a big difference in a day. Physical activity is also an important part of my routine. I try to do something active every day, preferably outdoors; I love fresh air and think that exercise is the best way to alleviate stress! To me, simple times spent with my family, including our pets, create the best memories we can have.” HS

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FEEL WELL

Holiday Harmony Dealing with Difficult Family Members During the Holidays

BY MARY BE TH WALLACE

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he holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, filled with love, joy, and togetherness. But when Uncle Pete starts talking politics, or Grandma Sue asks a rude question, the family celebration can quickly turn from special to stressful. “We have high expectations for the holidays to be perfect, just like we remember from our childhood or like we wish would have happened in our childhood,” says Gena Ellis, relationship facilitator at First Things First. “Unfortunately, our relatives can make family time less-than-pleasant by bringing up past conflicts, complaining about how things are done, or even instigating problems with family members.

With a pandemic taking place during the holidays this year, some family members might cause strife by being rigid or inflexible in planning the annual celebration.”

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So, what’s a person to do when difficult relatives come knocking? Here, Ellis shares her best tips for keeping the peace – and your sanity – this holiday season.

1. Take care of yourself, especially during the holidays.

First and foremost, you’ll be in no shape to interact with difficult family members if you aren’t making your physical and mental health a priority. Ellis advises, “Make sure that you are eating right, getting enough sleep (experts recommend seven to nine hours a night), and finding time for exercise and meditation. Also, if you’ve taken too much on over the holidays, don’t be afraid to ask for help; even a little help can go a long way in reducing your stress levels and allowing you to enjoy the moment.”

2. Set boundaries.

Establishing healthy boundaries, whether by making certain topics off-limits or by minimizing contact with a difficult relative, creates an environment where you can thrive.

According to Ellis, “It may be in your best interest to give yourself some space – for example, by taking a walk around the block when things feel tense, or by opting not to spend the night with your extended family.

By putting boundaries in place like these, you are choosing to remain calm and in control; you aren’t allowing that difficult relative to trigger you.”

3. Manage your expectations.

Expectations are often elevated during the holidays. While it would be nice if Aunt Nel suddenly stopped making passive-aggressive comments, it’s likely that her behavior won’t change from one year to the next, which means adjusting your own expectations is the best path forward. “Having realistic expectations

GENA ELLIS RELATIONSHIP FACILITATOR FIRST THINGS FIRST

of how your family members will behave can help prepare you to react in a more levelheaded way, and even try to have a sense of humor about it,” Ellis shares.

4. Choose your battles.

It can be hard not to fire back to your relative’s provocations, but remember – you do not have to engage in conflict. “Not everything is worth a fight,” Ellis says. “Instead of letting family members get under your skin, recognize that you are only going to be around them for a limited time and refuse to engage.” Redirecting the conversation and taking a breather are both effective strategies for de-escalating a potentially upsetting situation.

5. And postpone the battles worth fighting.

If a complicated topic simply must be addressed, save it for another, more appropriate time. Ellis adds, “Holiday gatherings should be about making and recalling memories, not hashing out issues around the dinner table. Save the conversation for later, and keep the family busy by engaging in activities like decorating gingerbread houses, going ice skating, or playing games.”

Family tension will inevitably flare up during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean your celebration is destined for disaster! By focusing on what you can control, like your reactions and your surroundings, you can enjoy yourself and this very merry time of year. HS

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Off to Camp!

Local Summer Camps and What Parents Should Know

Set Up for Success 10 Tips for Summer Camp Prep

Summer Camp: A Parent’s Guide Making the Most of Your Child’s Experience

Top Benefits of Summer Camp Why Camp Is Great for Children (and Their Parents)

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Set Up for Success 10 TIPS FOR SUMMER CAMP PREP

BY CHRISTINA CANNON

S

ummer can be an exciting time for your child. Attending a camp gives them a chance to make new friends and explore new topics of interest, but it can also be a bit daunting. It’s completely normal for your child to have anxiety about going off to camp, and they will likely experience feelings of being homesick. There are, however, several things you can do before they ever step foot out of the house to make sure they have fun and are making the most of their summer.

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1

2

SET EXPECTATIONS.

GIVE AN EXCITEMENT BOOST.

In the days, weeks, and months before camp, talk to your child about what to expect. It’s also a good idea to occasionally remind them of things they can do to stay healthy and safe, such as drinking plenty of water or not sharing hairbrushes.

If your child is already excited about camp, that’s great! If not, help boost their enthusiasm by taking them shopping for some fun camp gear. If there’s anything they’re really looking forward to, practice the skills involved so that they’ll have more confidence when the day comes.

3

KEEP THINGS STEADY AT HOME.

PROVIDE SOME ASSURANCE. Let your child know how proud you are that they are attending camp. Keep it lighthearted, and highlight all the ways camp can be great by sharing fun stories from when you attended camp. This can go a long way in replacing nervousness with excitement.

5

PARTICIPATE IN SLEEPOVERS. If your child seems anxious about spending time away, consider having them stay with family or friends leading up to camp. Being around people they know while being away from you can help them gain some independence while being surrounded with familiar faces.

4

Your child is about to have a lot of new experiences. Now is not the time to change up their routine or redecorate their room. Keep everything as normal as possible before they leave for camp, and allow them to come back to a familiar home by not changing things while they are away.

6

KNOW HOW YOUR CHILD FEELS. Take time to periodically talk to your child about what they are most nervous about. Do what you can to address their apprehensions while focusing on what they are most looking forward to, and let them know it’s perfectly normal to feel homesick.

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OFF TO CAMP!

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OFFER UP FAMILIARITY.

Whether it’s a stuffed animal or a family picture, sending a few items to remind your child of home may give them some peace of mind. Stay connected with your child by writing them letters or sending them tasty treats. You can also send them to camp with pre-addressed and stamped envelopes so they can write to you whenever they want.

Take your child to visit the camp before starting. If they can see the facilities and meet the counselors before their session begins, there’s a chance that it could remove any apprehension your child feels.

Signing them up with a friend is another great way to put your child at ease among what is a very new experience for them.

9

LET YOUR CHILD HAVE A SAY IN WHICH CAMP THEY ATTEND. The more involved in choosing a camp your child is, the more likely they will be to stick it out. Giving them a little bit of ownership in the process will go a long way in how comfortable they are.

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PACK A REMINDER OF HOME.

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PREPARE FOR DROP OFF. This can easily be the most difficult time of camp for a ton of children. Express your excitement for your child, and don’t linger too long when dropping your child off at camp. Try to use the time away as an opportunity to rest and recharge! HS

Local Summer Camp Profile Baylor Summer Camps

F

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

At Baylor, afternoons are everything.

Because when classes end, the learning (and doing, and creating) adventure continues. 70+ sports teams. Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Dozens of student-led interest organizations. Our afternoon activities aren’t “extra,” because we want every student to have countless opportunities to do, and be, more.

Bigger adventures. Bolder choices. That’s what it means to

#Leadlikebaylor baylorschool.org

Baylor School | 171 Baylor School Road | Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 267- 5902 | baylorschool.org

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BY AN NA HIL L

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Making the Most of Your Child’s Experience

A

nationwide rite of passage, summer camp is a great opportunity for children to have new and unique experiences all while making lifelong friends. As a parent, there are things you can do to make sure your child has the best summer possible. From choosing the perfect camp, to packing their bags, to making sure they don’t feel homesick, here are some ways to prepare your little one (and you!) for their summer camp experience.

Helping Them Choose There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best summer camp for your child. One of the most important decisions is whether you should send them to a day camp or a sleepaway camp. Both options are fantastic opportunities for your child in regard to fun, engagement, and learning – the decision is ultimately dependent upon your child’s personality and preferences.

Generally, sleepaway camps range anywhere from one to eight weeks in length. This can be an amazing opportunity for your child to meet and befriend other children from across the region or even the country, as well as grow as individuals and gain more confidence in their sense of independence. However, not all children are interested in or ready for a sleepaway camp, which is why day camps can also be a great option. Day camps usually provide similar supervised activities to sleepaway camps and are ideal for children who might be a little too young to spend multiple nights away from home.

Once you’ve decided if you’re sending your child to day camp or sleepaway camp, you can further narrow down your options. There are specialty camps, which focus on a particular theme or activity such as music or a sport, as well as traditional camps, which provide a more general experience that might include a mix of outdoor activities, sports, and arts and crafts.

Once again, deciding on which type of camp your child attends primarily depends on what they would find most enjoyable.

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OFF TO CAMP!

Getting Them Ready Now that you know which camp your child will be attending, there are some steps that you can take to make sure they have a positive experience. One of the most important things to do is to discuss the upcoming experience with your child beforehand just to keep them informed and help them set appropriate expectations. While camp can be incredibly fun, there will always be ups and downs, just like everything in life. It’s good for your child to understand that occasional bouts of loneliness or boredom are normal. Let them know that in addition to being fun, summer camp is also meant to help them step out of their comfort zones.

If your child is going to a sleepaway camp, it’s important to prepare them for feelings of homesickness.

Remind them that it happens to everyone sometimes, and reinforce to them that they can handle it. Try not to offer to pick them up early or take many phone calls from them unless it’s absolutely necessary – camps have staff members trained to handle situations like these. On the other hand, you might need to prepare yourself for “kidsickness.” This may be the first time your child is away from home for a while without you, and of course, you’ll miss them! But don’t forget that they’re having a great time and will come home with valuable experiences under their belts.

Another guideline to note is that most camps require signed medical releases before your child can attend, so be sure to make an appointment for a physical for them ASAP. Finally, another great way to prepare your child for camp is to simply follow the packing list! Most camps – especially sleepaway camps – will provide attendees with a list of what they should and shouldn’t bring beforehand. For day camps, you may need to provide lunches or snacks for your child. If you don’t follow any packing lists that have been provided, your child may feel left out or forced to sit out of activities because they’re missing something they needed, so it’s important to keep in mind when you’re preparing to send them off.

While They’re Gone Now that the time for camp has finally arrived and your child is ready to go, there are a few more things you can do to make sure it’s the best experience possible for you and your child. One good idea is to encourage your child to keep a journal throughout camp to record their thoughts and experiences as the days go by. Not only does this allow them to track how they’re feeling and how they’ve changed during the course of the camp, but it’s also handy for when the time comes for your child to share all their camp stories back home with family and friends!

If your child is at a sleepaway camp, sending them a care package is a great way to connect with them and combat their homesickness. Packing them some goodies or reminders of home can be a welcome surprise – just be sure to check the camp’s rules first. Some items might not be allowed, like food, silly string, or certain electronics. Your child’s camp should provide all of the details.

Finally, be sure to take some time to yourself. Parents work hard and don’t often get downtime. Enjoy this period of relaxation – you deserve it!

Summer camp is an excellent chance for children to learn more about themselves and the world around them, as well as have new adventures they can tell stories about for years to come. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help make their experience unforgettable. HS

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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 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)

Camp Juliette Low on Lookout Mountain in Cloudland, GA

Sleepaway Adventure for Girls Ages 8-17

1-Week, 2-Week & Mini-Sessions: June 6-July 31, 2021

Early Bird Rates through January 15th . Sessions fill quickly - Register Soon!

“CJL gave me courage, support, love and experiences that have shaped me.”

“My girls’ happy place. Spend 3 weeks there in the summer and talk about it the other 49.”

“My favorite summers ever! I’m still friends with the girls I met at camp.”

Want to learn more about camper life? Follow CJL on Instagram @campjuliettelow

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Top Benefits of Summer Camp Why Camp Is Great for Children (and Their Parents)

BY MARY BE TH WALLACE

You may be thinking summer camp is just a way to get your kids out of the house. While that’s certainly true, a summer camp experience also offers so many mental and physical benefits to children – and these benefits last long after the final song around the campfire!

Here, we learn just how summer camp contributes to your child’s health, as well as your own.

Mental Health Benefits for Children

Newfound independence – Without Mom and Dad around, children will have to learn to make decisions on their own. Not only that, but they will also have to be responsible for brushing their teeth, making their beds, and managing their time well, among other things. Summer camp is the perfect place for your child to become more independent and trust their own inner voice, which will help them as they transition into a self-sufficient adult.

Less stress – Summer camp may be a new environment for your child, but it’s a relaxed, stress-free environment. The demands of school and home fade away as your camper focuses on fun, play, and friendship. Their immersion in nature and camp activities will relieve stress and support their mental health.

Boosted confidence – Maybe your child has never tried building a fire, or maybe they’ve never passed a soccer ball on the field. By accepting and succeeding in a new challenge, your child should see an increase in their confidence. This time of personal development encourages kids to face more difficult tasks and tackle even more problems on their own.

Lasting connections and memories – Budding friendships are such an integral part of summer camp. With bonding opportunities galore, your child will be able to grow close to like-minded peers from outside their existing social group. Your child will also get the chance to interact with campers from different backgrounds and worldviews. Along the way, they’ll be making lifelong memories that will help define their childhood.

Diversified interests – Summer camps have so much to offer in the way of activities and programs. Some may focus on a specific skill (swimming, horseback riding, sailing), while others cater to a variety of interests, from arts and crafts to archery and tennis. No matter the camp’s offerings, your child will have the opportunity to explore new hobbies and develop new talents, which in turn instills a sense of adventure and inspires creativity.

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OFF TO CAMP!

Physical Health Benefits for Children Increased activity level – Having a full schedule of activities every day is sure to keep your child busy! With hiking, canoeing, sports, games, and more all on the docket, campers are engaged in physical activity from dawn until dusk.

As countless studies have shown, regular physical activity will improve your child’s fitness, build strong bones, reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression, and stave off a number of health conditions.

Reduction in screen time – Thanks to virtual schooling, children are glued to their laptops and phones now more than ever. Sending them to summer camp will be like a breath of fresh air – they can set their screens aside and engage in alternative activities, which helps reduce the craving for screen time. Research indicates that less screen time and more active lifestyles translate to better sleep and better grades for kids.

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Extra exposure to nature – Being outdoors provides a myriad of physical health benefits to children, including boosting their energy, strengthening their immune system, restoring their focus, and even improving their vision. Time spent in nature can also reduce stress, which is a leading cause of numerous physical ailments.

Perks for Parents Opportunity to decompress – Who doesn’t wish they had a few extra hours to themselves every day? With the kids away, parents can enjoy a little downtime and fewer items on the trusty to-do list. This is a golden opportunity to catch up on the latest Netflix show, or you might spend some time tidying the house, shopping at your favorite stores, or getting in an uninterrupted workout.

Time to devote to other relationships – Without your children demanding your constant attention, you have

more time to spend with your partner, your friends, or on your own. Take this time to have a fancy date night, quality girls’ weekend, or an outing with your own parents. Nurturing these important relationships in your life benefits everyone involved.

Strengthened connection with your child – When your child returns home from camp, the benefits continue.

Your camper will want to share their stories and experiences with you, as well as show you the skills they learned. They may even have some ideas for activities the two of you can do together! Let their development over the summer contribute to the strength of your bond.

These are just a few of the many benefits that your child (and you!) can enjoy this summer. Once you find the right summer camp for them, you can take the day, week, month, or entire summer to congratulate yourself on a stellar parenting decision. HS

Local Summer Camp Profile CCS Summer Camps

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hattanooga Christian School offers a variety of half- and full-day summer camps, as well as before and aftercare, that caters to the individual

needs of families. Campers, preschool age to 12th grade, can come one week, two weeks, or the entire summer!

Camps for younger children are themed around Fairy Princess, American Girl, LEGO Adventures, Kids in the Kitchen, Intro to Sports, and much more. Chargers Day Camp, for kids preschool age to 8th grade, includes lunch and incorporates art, games, water slides, sports activities, and more. All camps provide a fantastic opportunity for kids to have fun, meet new friends, and create memories.

Book now while space is available (registration opens February 2021): ccsk12.com/summer summerprograms@ccsk12.com 423.265.6411

SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE! PREK 3 - 12TH GRADES • ALL SUMMER LONG Register before APRIL 15 and receive EARLYBIRD savings

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CCSK12.COM/SUMMER

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FLEXIBLE PACKAGES • 7AM TO 6PM COVERAGE • LUNCH AVAILABLE • PROVEN HEALTH PROCEDURES

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Mindi Blair’s Dance Cardio Routine A Guided, At-Home Workout P H OTOGRAPHY BY RICH SMITH

Dance cardio is one of the best (and most fun!) ways to get your heart pumping. In fact, studies suggest that moving your body through dance improves your cardiovascular health and boosts your mood. Here, Mindi Blair demonstrates an easy-to-follow routine that you can perform just about anywhere.

“Who needs music to dance?! This is an 8-count hip-hop dance combo that you can do in any order and still look like a pro. Attitude, swag, and energy make all the difference!”

– Mindi Blair, Instructor in WERQ Dance Fitness and Turn Up Dance Fitness, Downtown Family YMCA

Step Touch Extend your right foot to the right and bring your left foot to meet it (2 counts). Then travel the opposite way, extending your left foot to the left and bringing your right foot to meet it (2 counts). Keep soft knees and a loose upper body throughout the movement.

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Ratchet Leg Lift Keep your right arm straight as you bring it over your head, and at the same time, lift your left leg while leaning into your right hip (2 counts). Return to center, then bring your left arm up while you lift your right leg and lean into your left hip (2 counts).

Kick Ball Change Kick low with your left foot straight ahead. As you bring your left foot back to the starting point, tap your right foot out to your right side (2 counts). Switch and kick with your right foot. As you bring it back, tap your left foot out to your left side (2 counts).

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LIVE WELL

Simple Travel Back Bring your right foot slightly around, drawing an imaginary “C” with your foot and back with a left hip pop (2 counts). Then bring the left foot around and back and draw that imaginary “C” with a right hip pop (2 counts).

Body Rock Position yourself in a wide stance with slightly bent knees and a loose upper body. Lean your upper body down to the right (1 count) and come back to the top (1 count). Repeat on the opposite side by bringing your upper body down to the left (1 count) and back up (1 count). Your arms can come out to your sides, stay behind your back, or be positioned anywhere that feels good. HS 124

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GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN AND WE MISS YOU! Follow Us on Social to Stay Up to Date!

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@yourlittleblackdresschatt

EAT WELL

A Bite of Broccoli Turns out, your mom was right – you should eat your broccoli! With high amounts of fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and K, broccoli has health benefits ranging from reduced cancer risk to a boosted immune system. If that’s not enough, this cruciferous veggie is also believed to improve skin, bone, cardiovascular, and digestive health. Best of all, broccoli can be prepared in so many tasty ways – from steaming and roasting to soups, salads, pastas, and more – that you’re sure to find a way to enjoy it.

Here, Chattanooga locals share their favorite broccoli recipes that deliver on taste and nutrition.

Photography by Rich Smith

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Bantam & Biddy’s Broccoli Crust Pizza Dough

BY DAWN GLOVER, KITCHEN MANAGER | SERVES 2

Ingredients

6 cups riced broccoli 4 eggs 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. pepper 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1 tsp. blackening seasoning 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes Directions

1. Steam broccoli by placing 2 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cover with foil. Poke a small hole in the foil and let steam for 2 minutes. Strain as much water from steamed broccoli as possible and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, eggs, cheeses, and seasonings. Mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Shape mixture into a 12-inch pizza crust, 1/2-inch thick.

4. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes, or until crust is lightly browned.

5. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings and return to the oven for 6-8 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Did you know?

Although Thomas Jefferson was known to experiment with broccoli seeds – which had been imported from Italy – in his garden, broccoli wouldn’t become a popular food in the United States until the mid-20th century.

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LIVE WELL

Cheri Hudgins’ Vegetable Frittata SERVES 4 Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion (1/2 cup), chopped 1/2 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 1/4-inch strips 1 cup fresh broccoli florets (can sub with thawed frozen broccoli) 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 2 cups liquid egg whites 1 cup low-fat cheese of choice, shredded Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Pour olive oil in a 10-inch, oven-safe skillet and heat until sizzling.

Add onions, peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until tender.

3. Pour egg whites into the skillet and sprinkle with your preferred seasonings. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, lifting the eggs slightly with a spatula to allow uncooked portions to flow underneath.

4. Place the skillet inside preheated oven to finish cooking the frittata, 3-4 minutes. Top with cheese and return to the oven to melt.

5. Slice the frittata and serve with your favorite fruit.

Chattanooga’s Cheri Hudgins juggles being a mother, entrepreneur, and administrator of an assisted living facility, all while maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly! Cheri loves helping and encouraging family and friends on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.

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You Pick What We

Play Christmas Edition 981THELAKE.COM

Cast Your Vote Now

LIVE WELL

T H E F I T N E S S 5 : J I L L I A N D A W S O N , C H AT TA N O O G A , T N

TOP 5 FITNESS APPS We could all use a little motivation to work on our fitness game, and your phone can actually help with that.

Fitness apps that feature step-by-step exercise routines, expert advice, activity logging, and more have been all the rage in recent years, making narrowing down your options the hardest part! Below, personal trainer Jillian Dawson shares her five favorite fitness apps for a healthier lifestyle – and they’re only a download away.

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Active by POPSUGAR

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Flex Timer

“This app is great because it has single-time challenges or 30-day challenges. The challenges have videos that break down each exercise with details. Then you can add the videos to your in-app schedule.”

“It’s great for interval training workouts like CrossFit, HIIT, Bootcamps, Intensity, MMA, boxing, and many others. You can even hook up your Bluetooth heart rate monitor and track your heart rate as you work out, or you can set up zones to let you know whether your pace is appropriate.”

Fit Radio “I LOVE this app! It has playlists already made for you that have been designed by fitness instructors. You can choose music by genre, activity, BPM, etc. They also have Fit Radio coaches who will talk you through cardio and strength sessions. This app is very affordable and worth every penny.”

3

ATHLEAN-X 6 Pack Promise

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Centr by Chris Hemsworth

“This app is insane. Designed for all levels, it has tons of convenient, fast abdominal workouts, ranging from four to eight minutes. It also includes video demonstrations of all the ab-crushing exercises by celebrity pro trainer Jeff Cavaliere.”

“This app has a weekly planner with meal plans and snacks you’ll actually enjoy eating, workouts and programs you’ll look forward to, and practical techniques to keep your head in the game. You’ll have access to new workouts, recipes, and life hacks every week. It’s simple to use and easy to follow!” HS

Jillian Dawson has been a personal trainer for over 12 years. When she’s not teaching classes at Sportsbarn or Barre One, Jillian is busy being a wife and mom of a very active 7-year-old boy.

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If you have been struggling to lose weight on your own,

a weight loss treatment program might be right for you.

Bariatric Surgery is not only the most effective tool to lose weight, it also helps to prevent or improve Type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure while improving your quality of life and life span.

Jaime Ponce MD, FACS, FASMBS, a physician specializing in bariatric medicine with CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care, has been performing Bariatric surgery for 22 years and has extensive experience with gastric sleeve, gastric band, gastric bypass and endoscopic procedures. With a dedicated dietitian, licensed clinical social worker, exercise support, nurse practitioners and the new addition of a fellowship trained Bariatric surgeon, Dr. Rishabh Shah, our team delivers the highest quality bariatric care available. 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. /chi_memorial /MemorialChattanooga /CHIMemorial