Hickory Living Magazine February 2019

Complimentary February 2019 Valentine’s Day Gift Advice The Discipline Of Desire Heart Health Q &A Letting Go Of Valentine’s Day Expectations

Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness The Most Established Spa in Hickory HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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from the publisher Welcome to the February issue.

The theme this month revolves around hearts, both literally and metaphorically. February is American Heart Month. Each year, heart disease takes more lives in the United States than any other disease. I invite you to read the Q & A article on page 26 where an area cardiologist answers questions on prevention, treatment, and symptoms. It contains a lot of good information.

If you are struggling to keep those New Year resolutions, especially those pertaining to your health, don’t give up! You can do this! Schedule the time to take care of yourself, if not for you, do it for those who love and depend on you.

Valentine’s Day comes once a year, but it is our daily attentiveness to our significant other that creates a good relationship. Love and respect are at the foundation of any great relationship, and Valentine’s Day is another opportunity to reinforce that bond. Enjoy February 14th and celebrate the milestones you have achieved together.

Thank you for reading the February issue of Hickory Living Magazine. Enjoy!

MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

Kathy Wheeler Marketing & Design kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

Myron T. Gough Advertising Sales myronlivingmagazine@gmail.com (336) 428-1700

Linda B. Wilson Advertising Sales lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 657-0237

Don Forrest Advertising Sales donlivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 244-6538

Bob Church Advertising Sales conradchurch@gmail.com (336) 686-7271

in this issue

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MacAdam Smith Publisher

Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 546-5511 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Kristie Darling • Meredith Collins • Kathy Wheeler Jessica Fox • Emily Buckley • Lauren Davidson

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography Editorial Stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from iStock.

DISTRIBUTION Scottie Townsend Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing.

Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

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contents FEBRUARY 2019 FEATURES 12 • COVER STORY Pure Reflection Spa For Wellness The Most Established Spa In Hickory 18 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Hickory Park Furniture Design And Service Since 1982

FROM THE HEART

23

8 • Valentine’s Day Gift Advice 20 • The Discipline Of Desire 26 • Heart Health Q & A 28 • Letting Go Of Valentine’s Day Expectations

WHAT’S COOKING?!

23 • Valentine’s Day Treats

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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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Romance is in the air but for many postmenopausal women sexual intercourse becomes painful. There is help!

MonaLisa MonaLisa Touch Laser is a quick and painless treatment performed by Dr. Vickie Lovin at Pure Reflection Spa. This treatment has helped many women regain their sexual enjoyment and can help you too!

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Valentine’s Day

Gift Advice

By Kathy Wheeler

W

e just finished Christmas shopping and now we have to come up with a Valentine’s Day gift for our significant other! Choosing this gift may be harder than all the purchases you made this past holiday season. I have a little advice. Put some thought into it, and make it personal. Many times we buy gifts based on what we like to receive, but men and women have very different interests and preferences.

I recently watched a Steve Harvey show where a woman wanted to know how to tactfully tell her husband not to buy her a kitchen appliance for her birthday. I think the reasoning behind the appliance was its usefulness, similar to her buying him a new table saw or other tool that he wanted. Mr. Harvey’s response was that she has to teach her spouse the rule: it isn’t an appropriate gift for a woman if she has to work to use it. He also pointed out that women like to show their friends what their spouse or boyfriend buys them. So if you are getting flowers, make it her favorite flowers, and it might mean more if you have them delivered to her at work. When choosing a gift, imagine her answering the question, “What did your husband buy you for Valentine’s Day?” While men may appreciate a gift that is useful, women prefer something she wants, not what she needs.

Perfume, a spa gift certificate, or a weekend at a resort may all be great gifts, but when you make it her favorite perfume or spa or a resort she really loves, it tells her that you are paying attention.

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Likewise, shopping habits can also be very different for men and women. My husband shops for very specific items. He knows the name brand, where to buy it, and most of the time, could care less what it costs. On the other hand, I want to explore all of my options. Once, and I repeat, ONCE, my husband, two sons, and I went out-of-town shopping at a large mall. My men left me in the first store, while they did their own shopping. Forty minutes later, they came back and swore they had been through the entire mall. I, however, was still in the first store. We will never do that again! So, guys, you can still make the purchasing part of the gift quick, as long as you put some thought behind it beforehand.

loved and creates an experience. Start with a heart-felt card and include maybe a gift certificate for green fees, a massage, stadium tickets to see his favorite team, or concert tickets. If he has a hobby, find something that he would not buy for himself or maybe a new item that he didn’t even know existed.

A family friend once asked my advice on a gift for my spouse.

I replied, “If he doesn’t already have it, you and I can’t afford it.” So what do you give a guy for Valentine’s Day who normally buys what he wants? I vote for anything that makes him feel

Valentine’s Day comes once a year, but the best gift of all is your constant love, respect, and commitment throughout the year.

February 14th is just a day that lets them know you were paying attention. Happy Valentine’s Day!

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

© iStockphoto.com | LightFieldStudios

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on the cover

Pure Reflection

Spa for Wellness The Most Established Spa in Hickory

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

From an expert, and a woman I respect, I received this best, first advice for 2019: “Just remember that aging is not a problem, it is a privilege.” This, from a physician, an OBGYN, in fact, who has made her life’s work helping women feel their best—so they can look their best—and be their best. Dr. Vickie Lovin has been in private practice since 1985, opened A Woman’s View in 1996, and, since 1997, has been owner and medical director of Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness in Hickory. She understands that all women think about aging and are concerned about the changes they see happening to their bodies. However, Dr. Lovin tries to reassure women that though their concerns are real and can often be addressed and treated, sometimes the most important thing is self-confidence and a dose of tender loving care to really appreciate the years ahead with comfort and positive appreciation.

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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

These days, women enjoy how we can enhance our health, wellness, beauty, and comfort in our own skin by visiting a favorite spa on a regular schedule. We cherish our time at the spa, because we leave refreshed and relaxed, ready to take on whatever comes next. If that’s being with family and friends, tackling a work project, preparing dinner, or enjoying intimate moments with a partner, spa time sets us up to move into those activities with positive anticipation. Spa time allows us to breathe.

MonaLisa Touch: What Is It? At Pure Reflection, we begin to feel our best through relaxing massage and bodywork. We look our best with a more youthful appearance by treating ourselves to high quality face, skin, and body care treatments, products, and cosmetics. Sometimes, we need a bit more.

Mona Lisa Touch has successfully treated thousands of women since it was introduced in 2014. It is a laser treatment that can provide improved quality of life and much-desired relief of the symptoms of GSM, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Never heard of GSM? Many women know the symptoms all too well: vaginal dryness, itching, and irritation associated with decreased estrogen and other hormones during and beyond menopause. Painful intercourse can be a result.

Most women don’t know there are safe and effective treatments for GSM, or they are too embarrassed to talk with their gynecologist about their symptoms. More than 90% don’t seek treatment. “Pain is the most common symptom that brings women in for vaginal laser therapy. It’s a life-changing treatment for many women,” Dr. Lovin told me, “and if their symptoms are those of GSM, it is effective for most. Vaginal laser therapy is a medical procedure that encourages new collagen growth and improves specific symptoms of GSM. It is a safe, non-hormonal option, including for those who can’t take estrogen.”

Dr. Lovin hosts monthly seminars (the next ones are February 18 and March 12) to thoroughly explain the treatment and answer questions, but, in a nutshell, MonaLisa Touch is a quick, painless, simple treatment. The results after a couple treatments are increased moisture and decreased pain and discomfort without perceivable changes to the tissue. “The changes are microscopic,” Dr. Lovin explained. “There’s no downtime, and many women have relief after one treatment; most after their second.” Three, five-minute, in-office treatments are initially scheduled about a month apart, and

Photos:

On the cover–Dr. Vickie Lovin, owner and medical director of Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness Opposite page–Pure Reflection Staff, from left to right, First row–Isabel Juarez, Lidia Sarabia, Ginger Wise, Dr. Lovin, Ashley Mullis Second row– row–Jennifer Sarabia, Hesper Jones, Robin Holland, Ashton Burrell Pictured above–Receptionists Ashton Burrell and Jennifer Sarabia.

Receive a relaxing bamboo massage from Ashley Mullis.

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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Photos:

• Isabel Juarez, an award winning makeup artist, doing a bride’s makeup.

• Robin Holland performing a microblading procedure.

Opposite page • Radiant HydraFacial being done by one of Pure Reflection’s HydraFacial specialists, Ginger Wise.

• Customer receiving laser hair removal from Robin Holland at Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness.

an annual treatment is recommended for maintenance. “The seminar is very informative, she went over everything,” one patient said. “Dr. Lovin showed us the instrument she uses and explained the whole procedure. I’ve had amazing results.” Dr. Lovin can explain how MonaLisa Touch is different from elective, cosmetic treatments to enhance sexual satisfaction. Women who attend Dr. Lovin’s seminar receive special pricing for their treatments.

Dr. Lovin trained with Dr. Mickey Karram, director of urogynecology at The Christ Hospital in Ohio. “If it wasn’t for Dr. Karram’s endorsement and enthusiasm of this treatment, I wouldn’t have been so eager to offer it,” Dr. Lovin said.

“He’s very well respected, with an excellent reputation in this field.”

Lay Back and Just Relax!

When I think about going to the spa, it’s often for massage. Isabel Juarez is a licensed cosmetologist and spa manager, and she told me about massage therapies: “You might not think bamboo is a massage tool, but we’re getting rave reviews about warm bamboo massage, something new here. It’s similar to Swedish massage, but by using a special piece of heated bamboo in the same smooth rhythm, we

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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

can get deeper, broader pressure with less pain that some people experience.

We really get the kinks and knots out.”

Warm bamboo is a full-body massage.

The Pure Indulgence massage, the Spa’s signature luxury, pampers you to the max. The one-hour Swedish massage takes you to La-La land and back. Warm paraffin hand, foot, and back treatments leave your skin moisturized and soft.

People with arthritis love it. “We include shower-less body exfoliation with a scrub,” Isabel explained. “It’s perfect for anyone who needs a staycation pamper session!”

Reflexology is massaging specific points on the feet and ankles to promote optimal organ function throughout the body.

Warm stones are placed on key pressure points in hot stone massage. Sports and prenatal massage and healing lymphatic drainage are fine-tuned to each individual’s condition.

Consider a couples’ Valentine’s massage.

The Be Mine, February’s special, will please you both…a Pure Indulgence massage with a chocolate back scrub, chocolate covered strawberries, and champagne. A gift certificate to Pure Reflection Spa is always special. One of

“It’s so versatile,” Isabel said. “This one, hand-held device removes hair, lightens age spots and pigmentation, improves wrinkles, and facial and leg veins.”

Waxing, permanent makeup, and makeovers—including bridal makeovers, ladies—and more are on the menu. With Botox, let Dr. Lovin guide you…she takes “a go slow, less is more approach—a plastic look is never your best!” The spa’s experienced, licensed estheticians can evaluate your complexion and recommend products to improve the health and look of your skin to give you a more youthful, smooth look. They would never let you go without explaining the importance and necessity of sun protection!

A quiet and restful get-away, Pure Reflection Spa is a treasure trove of personal improvements and special gifts for friends and family. “If you have never had a spa treatment, March is the time to treat yourself. For new clients, we’re offering 15% off all treatments in March,” said Dr. Lovin. “We’re a spa you can trust. We don’t sell hype, and we don’t push you to do more than needed.”

several seasonal facials, February’s is rose infused for pure bliss and rejuvenation.

Check Facebook all year for the special of the month!

For the best results, getting a facial regularly is recommended. “HydraFacial is a hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection simultaneously,” Isabel explained.

“We see clearer, more beautiful skin with all our HydraFacials. They’re specialized

for different conditions, with various prices.” The list of facial types is extensive—check the website. Masks, peels, treatments for blemishes or breakouts, eye and lip treatments will all help you feel better and look better.

If you are thinking about age and its accompanying spots, wrinkles, and hair, please call for a consultation about IPL, a one-of-a-kind intense pulse light treatment that can treat a variety of skin conditions with just one amazing machine.

Thinking about reducing stress, tension, insomnia, or headaches? Relieving pain, unwinding, and getting energized for 2019 may be on your resolutions list.

First stop? Pure Reflection Spa.

Pure Reflection Spa for Wellness

915 Tate Blvd. SE, Suite 174 Hickory, NC 828.345.1290 www.PureReflectionSpa.com

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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business business spotlight spotlight

HICKORY PARK FURNITURE

DESIGN AND SERVICE SINCE 1982

By Meredith Collins | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Locally owned for the last 35 years, Hickory Park Furniture continues to provide customers from all over the world with quality furniture, top-notch floorplan designs, and excellent customer service.

Focusing on three pillars—furniture, design, and service—they have successfully established a trusted, reputable, and locally based company that is widely known in the furniture industry.

Hickory Park Furniture has two showrooms in the Hickory Furniture Mart, totaling over 85,000 square feet. Their showroom on the south end of the building includes the Bassett, Flexsteel, and LaZ-Boy showrooms. It specializes in motion furniture, lift chairs, recliners, and theater seating. The north end showroom is on 18

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

the second and third floors featuring beautiful galleries filled with many other types of furniture. There is also an outlet on the second floor with items that are marked down to cost or sometimes below.

furniture placements. “Our sales staff averages 23 years of experience in the furniture industry,” said Andy Lominac, marketing and public relations director.

“We take great pride in the fact that we have an extremely knowledgeable sales staff.”

The staff’s expertise shows in the store’s impressive 4.9/5.0 stars Google review rating. “If we have a negative review or customer complaint, one of our owners will contact the customer personally and discuss with them how we can make it right,” owner David Bolick added, “We have a very high focus on customer service throughout our entire company.”

Shoppers can find any type of furniture they could possibly need for all areas of their home—bedroom, dining room, living room, home office, and even outdoor living spaces. Upholstered or leather, casual or formal, Hickory Park Furniture has a variety of options to fit your style.

Customer service is also key when assisting customers in the store. “We strive to be very welcoming and friendly. We often receive comments from clients thanking us for being so patient while they are shopping and trying to decide on the best purchase. We understand that furniture is an investment, and you want to take your time to find the best pieces,” Andy continued.

Their design and sales teams are ready to help you find what you are looking for that best fits your need. Two full-time designers, Angie and Elizabeth, can take a customer’s floor plan and recommend

Hickory Park Furniture has built longstanding relationships with manufacturers, many of them located locally. “The vast majority of what we sell is American made and many are manufactured within

a few miles of our store,” Andy said.

Top brands include Hickory Chair, Century Furniture, Flexsteel, Hancock & Moore, Kincaid, La-Z-Boy, Bassett, CR Laine, and Temple Furniture.

taking care of our employees, building a great team, building great relationships within the industry, and building great relationships with our customers,” Andy said.

Hickory Park Furniture continues to be ranked as one of the top premium retailers by Home Furnishings Business and rated in the Powerhouse 100 by Casual Living Magazine. “Our focus is

HICKORY PARK FURNITURE www.hickorypark.com Located in the Hickory Furniture Mart at 2220 US Hwy 70, #370 828-322-4440

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19

THE DISCIPLINE OF

Desire

By Emily Buckley

Have you ever given up on something you wanted really bad? You strive for that summer bathing suit body but months down the road end up at the beach in a graphic t-shirt and basketball shorts instead. To improve your health, the doctor orders you to cut out carbs, but you find yourself frequently ordering extra rolls and pasta. Or maybe you go from really wanting to learn French to…still wanting to learn French. As my grandpa would say, “You didn’t want it bad enough.”

Some statistics say that more than 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Why would anyone make a resolution if instantaneously there’s a higher chance to be unsuccessful than succeed? Well, it’s not uncommon for a resolve to dissipate if the fire of desire is not fueled by self-discipline.

While self-discipline can seem like a harsh trait to possess, it can bring the most gratifying results. It helps heighten our sense of focus. With more concentration, you won’t be in danger of spreading yourself too thin, thus able to more thoroughly achieve what you set out to accomplish. With your attention centered on your goal, your efforts will multiply and allow you to clearly see areas of success and improvement. This kind of discipline can repair and strengthen the broken strands of our deepest needs; we’ll be better equipped to handle what life may throw our way.

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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Self-discipline serves as a safe-guard against time traps and dangerous detours. It gives us the willpower to say “no” to the snares that could keep us from our goals. Have you ever seen a cheat-day turn into a cheat-week?

Before long, the immediate gratification of a rest-day turns into a routine, then a habit. Fortunately, self-discipline can zap this deadly cycle before it begins. Media, peer pressure, and discouragement will lose their footing because self-discipline is another form of determination. Without it, many accomplishments and inventions would cease to exist!

Along the way, you may also find that being in charge of your own determination adds confidence to the parts of your life which lack it most. By training yourself, you gain knowledge and may develop the skills to lead others in your newfound area of expertise. You’ll uncover a sense of assurance that you can navigate through challenges that come your way, knowing you can create a plan and see it through to the end.

We all want to reap the sweet benefits of obtaining our wish. Let’s begin with the small step of telling ourselves “no” in the face of distractions. Remember that the reward comes after putting in the steady work. After all, discipline is the difference between the little things you want instantly and what you want most.

© iStockphoto.com | dusanpetkovic

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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Deward Clark –Heart Survivor

Experts in Experts in

DEWARD’S DEWARD’S

HEART I’m enjoying a new season of life with my sons I’m enjoying a new season of life with my sons A self-proclaimed “mad gardener,” making the world a more beautiful place A gardener,” makingathe world a more is self-proclaimed Deward’s calling.“mad When fatigue became thorn in his side, beautiful he turnedplace to the is Deward’s calling.

When fatigue became a thorn in his side, he turned to the heart experts at Frye Regional Medical Center.

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What's Cooking?!

Valentine’s Day Treats

16

6 1

Chocolate Covered Strawberries ounces medium to large strawberries with leaves – approximately 18 ounces chocolate chips – dark or milk chocolate ounce of white chocolate

MELTING CHOCOLATE Microwave Method – Melt chocolate chips in a microwave at 50% power.

Start with 1 minute and then 30 second intervals. Stir between each microwave session, until chocolate is melted.

Stovetop Method – Using a double boiler, place the top pot of chocolate over a pot of simmering water. Stir until fully melted.

Directions

Rinse and completely dry strawberries.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.

Melt milk or dark chocolate. Holding strawberries by their leaves, dip into the chocolate, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Set the strawberries on the wax paper lined cookie sheet.

Melt white chocolate. Dip a fork into the melted white chocolate and drizzle over the covered berries.

Place the strawberries uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to cool. Remove and serve at room temperature.

Cranberry-Orange Mini Cheesecakes

Bri Emery’s recipe courtesy of Leslie Grow for designlovefest • Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Cream Cheese Makes: 24 mini cupcakes

1¾ 1

cup (6 oz.) fresh cranberries cup sugar, divided

© iStockphoto.com | bhofack2

¼ 1½ ¾ ¼ 1½ 3 3

½ 1 3

cup plus 1 Tbsp. juice from one orange, divided Tbsp. vanilla, divided cup ground nutmeg cup ground cinnamon cups (about 32 cookies) gingersnap cookies, crushed Tbsp. butter, melted pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened cup sour cream Tbsp. orange zest eggs

Directions

Heat oven to 325°F. Cook cranberries, ½ cup sugar and ¼ cup orange juice and spices in a saucepan on medium heat until cranberries pop and sauce is thickened. Cool slightly.

Spoon cranberry mixture into food processor and process until smooth. Trans-

fer to a bowl and stir in 1 Tbsp. vanilla.

Cover with plastic wrap, pressed down onto the surface of purée, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Mix gingersnap crumbs and butter until blended; press 1 Tbsp. on the bottom of each 24-muffin-pan cups lined with papers.

Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add sour cream, orange zest and remaining orange juice and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition just until blended.

Add 2/3 cup of the cranberry purée; swirl gently with a spoon. Spoon 1/3 cup into each muffin cup over crusts.

Bake 25 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate for two hours.

Drizzle with remaining cranberry purée and garnish with Cool Whip just before serving.

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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Heart Health ©iStockphoto.com | onsuda

Q&A

By Jessica Fox

In the United States, 25% of all deaths every year are caused by heart disease, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. In recognition of February being American Heart Month, I recently interviewed Dr. Norman McDonald, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with FryeCare Cardiology of Hickory, to get his expert answers on prevention and treatment questions.

PREVENTION

Q

What is considered a heart healthy diet?

A A heart healthy diet is really just a

Dr. Norman McDonald Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist with FryeCare Cardiology of Hickory

In addition to performing heart catheterizations, he is passionate about prevention and works with his patients to improve their overall heart and peripheral vascular health.

To contact the practice, Call 828.324.4804

26

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

healthy diet--one that includes a lot of fiber, lean meats, vegetables, and some fruits. I advise my patients to focus on finding foods that are low in sodium and to make sure they’re monitoring the amount of fat and cholesterol in their food. It’s important to have a balanced diet with different types of food groups and to make sure you’re making good food choices within those groups.

Leaner cuts of meat have less fat on them and lots of protein. I also recommend limiting alcohol consumption and remembering that your beverages (and the amount of sugar in them) are part of your calorie intake.

Q

As a general rule, how much should a person exercise, and how often, to help prevent heart disease?

A To prevent heart disease or to keep your heart healthy if you’re battling heart disease, it’s recommended that you exercise 30-45 minutes three to four times a week. For many people,

that can be accomplished by going for a walk. Wearing a fitness tracker like a pedometer, FitBit, or Apple watch can be extremely helpful to make sure you’re getting steps in every day. My wife and I have a friendly competition where at the end of the day we compare who got in the most steps. More and more, we are seeing how detrimental it is to sit for long periods of time, so get up and move around as often as possible.

Q What are some other good

habits that a person could implement to improve heart health?

A While you can’t improve or change

your genetics or your family history of heart disease, there are a number of lifestyle modifications you can make to improve your heart health. In addition to eating healthy foods and moving around, it’s important that people who have health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol manage those conditions and stay within the range their doctor recommends. If you have sleep disorders or sleep apnea, go see a sleep specialist for treatment to get quality sleep each night. If you’re a smoker, it’s time to quit. Smoking increases your rate of heart disease by 50 percent—or more!

TREATMENT

Q

Are there any new promising drugs or treatments that help people who have elevated cholesterol and blood pressure?

A In addition to oral medications, statins are now available as injectable drugs that may last between a couple weeks to a month. Statins lower LDL or bad cholesterol and have been proven to be extremely helpful in reducing heart attacks.

Q The survival rate and treatment of patients who

have had a heart attack have come a long way over the years. Are there any new treatments or procedures for those who have a heart attack?

A The advances in heart catheterizations (a procedure that

uses stents to open a patient’s arteries) has greatly improved survival rates for those patients having a heart attack as well as those who are diagnosed with blockages before they have an attack. For those patients where stenting is not a possibility, there is open heart surgery or bypass surgery.

There have also been tremendous strides made treating atrial fibrillation patients or those patients who have heart rhythm issues using cold or heat ablations. Heart valve replacement is used when a valve is faulty and affecting the way the heart is pumping. We’re fortunate that patients can have all these procedures—including open heart surgery--here in Hickory.

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SYMPTOMS

Q What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

A The typical signs of a heart attack are chest discomfort,

shortness of breath, nausea, and jaw pain. Women often have different symptoms than men experience. To learn more about signs of a heart attack, visit the American Heart Association’s website at heart.org

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27

Letting Go Of Valentine’s Day Expectations

By Lauren Davidson

© iStockphoto.com | gpointstudio

Valentine’s Day…It’s like the Christmas of relationships, right? You get all worked up trying to decide on the perfect gift, make reservations, order flowers…it can become a bit nightmarish. All the rushing around certainly takes the romance out of what should be a holiday focused on celebrating love. I remember the year my fiancé and I made reservations at the nicest restaurant in town. We’d never been before, and it turned out to be completely cringeworthy. I’d insisted that instead of our usual “fancy” homecooked dinner, we should go out. I was annoyed that everyone else at work had been getting flowers and teddy bears delivered and was determined that I would have the perfect Valentine’s Day. It was a selfish moment, but it led to a change in mindset that’s affected my attitude towards not just holidays, but also my relationship. The restaurant that night was overcrowded, and we were basically stuffed in a broom closet. There was a special menu that evening that capital28

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

ized on the high-running expectations of the holiday. My fiancé ordered the scallops for $70. The dish that arrived held three scallops laid delicately atop a tiny bowl of grits. My expensive salad wasn’t much better; it was mostly soggy arugula arranged hurriedly on a small plate. We left in a huff, making a pact that from then on, we’d celebrate at home.

Dear reader, this is probably where I should tell you that it wasn’t just that particular year that I had a bad experience. Ever since the sixth grade, I’m convinced that I’ve been cursed on Valentine’s Day. It started when I worked up the courage to kiss my boyfriend on the cheek. My friends psyched me up, and I strode bravely over to his locker, ready to hand over my Valentine’s card and a kiss. Unfortunately for me, he was opening his locker door at the very same time. I spent the rest of the afternoon icing my nose in the nurse’s office. From then on, I’ve gotten speeding tickets on

Valentine’s, ruined expensive dresses, you name it. I tell you this because for a while, along with my competitive nature, it caused me to hold onto an unrealistic dream of having the perfect holiday. It could be argued that some people (even me, sometimes) also have this kind of fantasy when it comes to relationships.

The point I’m trying to make is that letting go of expectations for Valentine’s and for your relationship is beneficial to your sanity. Instead of going all out on select holidays, why not celebrate every special moment? Why not take an impromptu trip one weekend or make a fancy dinner just because? When you make the shift to let go, I guarantee you’ll be happier in the moment. Life is short; shouldn’t we enjoy it? What’s the point of rushing around, being in a bad mood? Now, this doesn’t mean you should shock your partner by not buying flowers or a gift.

But this year, try being positive and present in every moment. Your relationship will surely benefit from it!

40 years of

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Hickory Community Theatre Presents

As You Like It

W W W.C ATAW B AC H A M B E R .O R G

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Well Crafted.

Crafted.

the romantic comedy by William Shakespeare

february 1 - 17, 2019 in the jeffers theatre for tickets call the box office

at 828•328•2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org

And don’t miss ...

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Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart written & performed by Mike Wiley

Sunday feb 10 • 7:00pm • TickeTS $10

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