Hickory Living Magazine February 2022 by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary February 2022

Heart

Matters Of The pages 24–29

On the Cover

A Focus on Health and Beauty pages 10 HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

contents

FEBRUARY 2022 MacAdam Smith

FEATURES

10 •

COVER STORY Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology A Focus On Health And Beauty

18 •

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Dr. Phillip Bostian, MD Orthopaedic Care For Improved Quality of Life

MATTERS OF THE HEART

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

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

24 • 2022 Valentine’s Day Gifts To Remember 28 • Your Heart Health...Always Affected By Love

IN THIS ISSUE 6 • Welcome To The February Issue

18 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

14 • What’s Cookin’ Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs

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.

Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kathy Wheeler

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY by Shane Greene Photography

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Welcome to the

February Issue By Kathy Wheeler ©iStockphoto.com | krblokhin

February kicks off with matters of the heart and American Heart Month. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than 800,000 people die of cardiovascular disease each year in the United States. It’s worth our attention and a good reminder that those healthy New Year’s Resolutions are important. Too much sodium, sugar, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle are detrimental to our health in general and our heart in particular. Maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and low-fat protein can go a long way to protecting heart health. When it comes to food, fresh is better than processed.

We are very fortunate in Hickory to have such excellent medical care. You can receive health care from some of the most respected physicians and specialists in the U.S. without leaving town. We feature some of those physicians in this issue. On the cover is Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. If you are dealing with skin issues, wanting to make cosmetic improvements, or just need a skin cancer checkup, their team of providers offer excellent care close to home. Read their story on page 10.

Reducing and managing stress is another area to focus on. Exercise can be helpful in alleviating stress. Learning to say no and asking for help is another. Be mindful of stressful relationships and limit your time with negative people. You will find a great article on page 28 about love and heart health.

Dr. Phillip Bostian is featured in our business spotlight on page 18. He is an orthopedic surgeon at Emerge Ortho in Hickory who specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery. Dr. Bostian is patient-focused in determining whether surgery is the right choice for each individual and uses state-of-theart surgical equipment and techniques for the best possible outcome.

Speaking of love...we have some Valentine’s Day gift ideas on page 24. Do something fun and romantic this year to celebrate your relationship as a couple! FYI Super Bowl Sunday is on the 13th, so plan accordingly.

Our staff wish you a fun-filled Valentine’s Day, a great Super Bowl weekend, and much success on sticking to those New Year’s resolutions! Thank you for reading the February issue of Hickory Living.

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

on the cover

A Focus on Health and Beauty By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Whether you’re experiencing a significant health issue, such as skin cancer, or if you wish to improve your appearance, the physicians, physician assistants, and their professional teams at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology have all you are looking for—expertise, cutting edge technology, and of course, abiding interest in your positive outcome. With two Hickory offices, they are close at hand and very convenient. You don’t need to travel far for excellent care. Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology (PPSD) also has offices in Gastonia, Charlotte, Shelby, Denver, Forest City, and new offices in Belmont and Huntersville. The board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons are some of the most skilled and respected in the nation. Together, they develop comprehensive, integrated treatment plans to address all aspects of the skin or body. 10

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Photos:

Above and on the cover, from left to right Bethany Bergamo, MD; Charles Johnson, MD; Steven Siciliano, MD; Dori Hunt, MD; George Magel, MD; Gregory Swank, MD, FACS; and Rosiane Roeder, MD, FACS Opposite page, top to bottom: • Dr. Charles Johnson takes a look at a Mohs slide. • Dr. Dori Hunt addresses all types of skin concerns. • PPSD Physician Assistants from left to right: Jessica Curtis-Yount, Casey Johnson, Zachary Greer, and Michael Sabol (seated).

DERMATOLOGY—SURGICAL, MEDICAL, AND COSMETIC I met with Dr. Charles Johnson, a board-certiﬁed dermatologist with over 20 years’ experience as a specialist in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology. Dr. Johnson explained, “Mohs surgery is the gold standard in removing non-melanoma skin cancers, typically on the face, hands, head, neck, and genitals. It’s a tissue sparing procedure, removing skin cancers layer by layer, each microscopically evaluated for remaining cancer cells before I decide whether to remove another layer. A Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist, pathologist, and cutaneous oncologist rolled into one.” This advanced technique results in the smallest possible skin defect and minimal scarring. The site is repaired during the same one- to four-hour procedure with local anesthesia. More complicated procedures might require a PPSD plastic surgeon to reconstruct defects. “The cure rate for Mohs is 98% to 100%,” Dr. Johnson said. “Anyone with a biopsy-proven skin cancer should schedule an appointment and consider this effective treatment.” PPSD also offers SRT, a nonsurgical skin cancer treatment using superficial radiation therapy. SRT’s low dose of radiation only penetrates 7mm into the skin to only the cancer site. Drs. Dori Hunt, Bethany Bergamo, and George Magel specialize in general and cosmetic dermatology, treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. At Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, patient comfort and safety are priorities. The most important fact I learned after speaking with Dr. Hunt, is that while most skin problems are not emergencies, if we wait too long to address them, the issues can become more difficult to treat. In some instances, conditions like skin cancer and infection can become critical. “It’s not like a heart attack,” Dr. Hunt explained, “that suddenly comes on, and you know you need treatment. Skin issues have subtle, but critical, warning signs that we should all pay attention to…a changing mole, a new growth, and when you see changes like these, you do need a doctor’s immediate assessment. We can diagnose and treat what’s happening and more importantly, we can rule out serious conditions.” A current patient told me, “Dr. Hunt is always completely focused on me—I never feel rushed. I’ve been seeing her for eight years for several types of treatment, and I wouldn’t change for the world.” HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Photos, Clockwise: Dr. Bergamo speaks to a patient

about the benefits of Profound treatments. • Melanie Herman, Esthetician, demonstrates the new Hydrafacial machine. • Dr. Magel performs a laser treatment on a patient.

LOOK YOUNGER WITHOUT SURGERY Non-invasive treatment plans for creating a more youthful appearance and skin rejuvenation of the face and neck might include Botox, fillers, and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an advanced technique that triggers collagen production and keeps your skin looking refreshed and younger. PRP, known as the non-surgical facelift, uniquely combines microneedling and radiofrequency technologies for superior skin tightening and rejuvenation. Tiny needles penetrate the skin at a precise, shallow depth before momentarily releasing a burst of radiofrequency that stimulates collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This results in a smoother, tighter appearance of the face and neck.

a natural-look and minimal down-time,” says Dr. George Magel. Treatment plans for renewing youthful radiance may include a multifaceted approach.

The dermatologists at PPSD listen carefully, evaluate skin conditions, and develop a treatment plan to achieve goals and match interventions to the patient’s budget. Dr. Bergamo says, “Connecting with patients on a personal level, while educating and providing comprehensive dermatologic care, is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of my profession.”

PPSD offers laser treatments to help reduce unwanted veins, hair, and brown spots, along with tattoo removal. A wide range of esthetician services are available, including the new Hydrafacial machine that cleanses, extracts, and hydrates. You’ll see younger-looking, glowing, and healthier skin. PPSD carries medical-grade skincare products such as Obagi, SkinMedica, Latisse, EltaMD, and more. Their esthetician and product specialist can help you formulate the best possible

“We provide patients with safe, convenient treatments for 12

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Botox is a well-known injectable often used to eliminate facial wrinkles and fine lines with a natural-looking result. Juvéderm has several new products for wrinkles and lines, bags under the eyes, lip augmentation, and sagging skin. These treatments are safe and effective. Other product lines include Restylane, Radiesse, and Kybella, which targets and eradicates the stubborn fat responsible for double chins and contours the neck and jaw. “Our non-surgical interventions are performed quickly, easily, affordably,” Dr. Hunt said.

skincare routine for protection and keeping your skin looking its best year-round. COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY “Plastic surgeons treat all parts of the body and see patients of all ages,” says Dr. Gregory Swank. “People who are unhappy with the appearance of their face or body, whether from aging, weight fluctuation, or genetics can make improvements. During a free consultation, I assess your concerns, explain surgical options and what they can expect. People may have multiple concerns, and I usually suggest we start with your biggest concerns. The more the patient understands what we can and cannot accomplish surgically, the better decisions they can make.” Surgical procedures include breast surgery (augmentation, reduction, lift, and reconstruction), nose and ear reshaping, facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery, as well as body contouring, such as butt lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction. “There are more choices in breast implant options than ever before,” Dr. Swank explained. “Breast implants are safe and truly help women feel better about themselves. I always go over associated risks, including the risks of getting a breast implant placed in the body. After childbirth, some women find that their body isn’t quite the same. Mommy makeovers combine breast reshaping and body contouring.” Body contouring is also important for people who have lost weight, and the surgeons at PPSD work closely with bariatric surgeons and their patients. Cosmetic surgery for men, such as breast reduction, liposuction, and even tummy tucks are common. Other indications for plastic surgery include injuries from trauma, such as dog bites. Reconstructive surgery might be needed to restore the breast after a tumor is removed, after mastectomy, or after skin cancer removal to provide the best cosmetic outcome. Drs. Swank, Steven Siciliano, and Rosiane Roeder are all experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures. There are many conditions that can be corrected at PPSD’s in-house operating rooms where the highest standards of care are maintained. Consumers need to make certain they are seeing a qualified physician who has proper training and credentials. Unfortunately, there are non-plastic surgeons with little or no training who do some of these procedures. Health and beauty are the basis of our well-being. Each can be enhanced and improved. Selecting Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology as your healthcare provider is the first step in protecting your health and beauty. Contact them to learn more and begin taking better care of yourself.

Photos:

Above, top to bottom: • Product Specialist Anabell Long consults with a patient on skincare. • Plastic surgeons Drs. Gregory Swank, Rosiane Roeder, and Steven Siciliano

315 19th St. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 ppsd.com Building 100: 828.325.9849 Charles Johnson, MD; Gregory Swank, MD, FACS; Steven Siciliano, MD; Rosiane Roeder, MD, FACS; Casey Johnson, PA-C; and Jessica Curtis-Yount, PA-C Building 200: 828.328.3500 Dori Hunt, MD; Bethany Bergamo, MD; George Magel, MD; Zachary Greer, PA-C; and Michael Sabol, PA-C HICKORY LIVING •FEBRUARY 2022

What's Cooking?! Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs

Whether you are cooking for Super Bowl Sunday or Valentine’s Day, these Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs are sure to please!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Kebabs Recipe courtesy of Rachel Gurk of “Rachel Cooks” (3 Servings)

Skewers: 2 1 6 1 1 ¼ ¼

Nonstick cooking spray 6 oz. chicken breasts, cubed 6 oz. ham steak, cubed bamboo skewers (8 inches) tablespoon Dijon mustard teaspoon pure maple syrup teaspoon ground black pepper teaspoon paprika

teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce: 2 2 1 1 1

tablespoons butter tablespoons flour cup lactose-free 2% milk teaspoon Dijon mustard cup shredded Swiss cheese salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Directions:

To make skewers: Preheat broiler to 500° F. Line broiler pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Thread cubed chicken pieces and cubed ham pieces onto skewers. In small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, maple syrup, black pepper, paprika and oil. Brush mustard mixture on skewers. Broil about 5 minutes, flip and cook 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.

To make sauce: In small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Add Dijon mustard. Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until thick. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese, whisking until melted. Add salt and pepper, to taste, if desired. Serve chicken and ham kebabs with sauce. Recipe and photo courtesy of United Dairy Industry of Michigan. Vist MilkMeansMore.org.

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

business spotlight

Photos,

Left–Dr. Phillip Bostian, orthopaedic surgeon with Emerge Ortho in Hickory Opposite page, top to bottom: • Dr. Bostian explains the latest in knee replacement to a patient. • Reviewing a patient’s x-ray of a hip replacement

JOINT REPLACEMENT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE Just thinking about joint replacement can be overwhelming, but be assured that Dr. Bostian provides the most advanced joint replacement techniques and the least invasive procedures possible. His focus is on your full and quick recovery with a pain-free return to the activities you enjoy. Certain symptoms that indicate you might need a joint replacement include severe pain that doesn’t improve after resting, pain that doesn’t ease up…you feel it day and night…joint deformity that affects your activities or range of motion, swelling, and inflammation. Some patients see Dr. Bostian after unsuccessful non-surgical treatments, such as cortisone injections and physical therapy. In all cases, Dr. Bostian can diagnose and recommend the least invasive treatments appropriate for your specific condition.

Dr. Phillip Bostian, M.D. Orthopaedic Care for Improved Quality of Life

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

“It’s important for people in our area to know that you can receive world class treatment for hip and knee arthritis right here in Hickory—we can do everything that’s done at large medical centers,” Dr. Phillip Bostian shared as he told me about his orthopaedic practice and Emerge Ortho. “We employ advanced technology, effective treatments, and state-of-the art equipment.” Dr. Bostian is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in knee and hip replacement surgery. His practice is patient-oriented, patient-focused. “Everyone has a story, and we should best determine how treatment of their knee and hip pain fits into that story. This is not one-size-fits-all—not everyone needs surgery,” Dr. Bostian continued. “There are plenty of non-operative treatment options to help you with pain in addition to surgery. We work with our patients to find the right treatment for each individual.” 18

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

ONE AND DONE You might not know that hip and knee replacements, often times, can be done in one day, as a same-day surgery. You’re home the same day. And there are options other than surgery for management of arthritis symptoms. Dr. Bostian utilizes innovative pain control techniques, and offers physical therapy, injections, and medications, ensuring your comfort and care every step of the way. “I really feel that what we do changes lives. Keeping patients mobile and active is paramount to their overall health. It’s crucial for people to enjoy their lives without the burden of pain.” THE PATIENT COMES FIRST “We really are a patient-centered practice,” Dr. Bostian continued. “I feel that patients should have access to their physician and the care team. After we complete a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s condition, we listen carefully to their story and goals and develop a treatment plan that works for them. Everyone in my office is focused on a positive outcome, fully capable of making certain our patient is well cared for, treated with respect, and served in a timely fashion.”

EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION During Dr. Bostian’s residency, he learned how joint replacements drastically improve quality of life and understood that orthopaedics interested him most. He graduated magna cum laude from LenoirRhyne University and with honors from the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. He continued advanced medical training at West Virginia University for his orthopaedic surgery residency. “I was raised in this area, so I’m especially invested in my patients—they are my neighbors,” Dr. Bostian said. When he’s not working, he enjoys time with his wife, Amanda, and their two children, Reed and Kinsley. Dr. Bostian likes to hike, garden, and craft BBQ on his smoker. At Emerge Ortho, the goal is to help patients emerge stronger, healthier, and better. Dr. Bostian embraces that mission with compassion and dedication. If you or someone you know is suffering with debilitating pain, it’s time to make an appointment. Dr. Bostian is accepting new patients in the Hickory and Newton offices. Call for an appointment—828-324-2800 or request an appointment at www.emergeortho.com. It could change your life.

2165 Medical Park Drive, Hickory, NC 28602

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Valentine Gift Ideas

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Helton, Cody & Associates, PLLC

With the merger of law offices, Lyndon R. Helton and Blair E. Cody, III now offer a broader range of law expertise. AREAS OF PRACTICE: • Divorce • Personal Injury • Workers Compensation • Criminal Defense • Traffic Violations • Social Security Disability • DWIs • Wills & Estates • Child Custody and Support

Thank you

for voting us Best Law Firm of the Foothills! Pictured: Blair E. Cody, III (left) Lyndon R. Helton (right)

828-328-9966 827 Highland Ave. NE Hickory, NC (located near Lenoir-Rhyne University)

www.HeltonCody.com HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

2022

Valentine’s Day Gifts To Remember By Kristie Darling

As cliché as it might be, the heartshaped box of chocolates is still the most popular Valentine’s gift, and nearly 50% of consumers say candy is their goto present for the one they love.

give him and that you like the scent, too. Gift cards can work but do select a card for something the two of you can enjoy together, like dinner out, a couple’s massage, a wine tasting outing.

pottery? A warm toboggan or long scarf for the cold days still ahead would be appreciated. An oak box for treasures, a bowl or vase you made filled with flowers, a love poem framed for posterity.

Surely, we can do better. Flowers are second in popularity, but, just like chocolates, they don’t last long. Cards are fun, but are best when accompanying a thoughtful present. Sending just a card to express all your love to a significant other isn’t very exciting, although you’ll earn points if you make one that’s heartfelt and true.

UPDATING VALENTINE GIFT GIVING Several ideas come to mind when I consider a really special something for the really special man in my life. Men, gifting to the women in their lives, can use these ideas, too.

Check Pinterest if you need inspiration. With lots of food, snack ideas, recipes, and clever ways to package them for Valentines, online ideas are overflowing this year. You’ll find instructions for making a coupon book to give uniqueto-the-two-of-you treats and special favors, like a private massage. Doing chores, breakfast in bed, a day-off from childcare responsibilities, a mid-week lunch date are all fun. You don’t need to spend too much…I found ideas for Dollar Store gifts that work!

Men, more often than women, give jewelry to show their love, probably because until recently, men didn’t wear much bling. If you do want to accessorize your sweetheart, there’s lots of male-oriented choices besides watches…just make sure that jewelry-wearing is something your man would be into— and choose something that aligns with his tastes. The same goes for perfume… men like to smell nice, but make sure he’s the type who would use what you 24

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

I like giving a handmade something… that I made. This won’t work for everyone, of course, but if you have a talent, use it! Does your honey need a custom painted sign or flag for his garage, the boat, her she-shed? Would your sweetie like a personalized, framed photo collage of you, the two of you, or your family? With an app like Prisma (and there are lots more like it) you can create a masterpiece from a simple photo… and we all have LOTS of photos, don’t we? Do you sew, knit, or crochet? Have wood working skills? Do you make

Experiences are the go-to gift idea you can share. A ski weekend? A hot air balloon ride, flying lessons, or a drive around the racetrack like a speed demon, anyone? Tickets to a game you both love to watch? If you can’t find an adventure that is appealing to you around here, search in cities you’ll be

visiting on vacation or business. For a special splurge, Dynamic Journeys Travel can plan a romantic getaway that you both will love.

mugs with your names and a fun photo, pillows, blankets, wall hangings imprinted with something you both love…and the list goes on and on.

You can gift your partner a master class in a subject of particular interest, like photography, drawing, writing, cooking, acting. I found an online how-to-be-in-a-band master class taught by Metallica, music lessons by Yo-Yo Ma, and hip-hop storytelling by NAS! Who knew? Movie ticket or a stay-at-home night on the couch together with Netflix, complete with wine and popcorn would be fun. Light the fireplace, grab a blanket, and snuggle awhile. Local shops specialize in pottery or painting classes with wine. There’s no end to indoor/outdoor outings you can do together for an unforgettable, experiential Valentine’s gift. Personalized gifts for your relationship are big this year with many options to choose from. Personalizing is so much more than engraving these days. Your phone has all you need to create a beautiful, personalized, perhaps romantic, photo book to immortalize your first year or the last 50 years you’ve been together. Books like this are treasured, and you can have multiples made for family and friends. Perhaps a tee for each of you printed with your favorite quote, matching PJs, coffee

These ideas are only the beginning of ways you can make Valentine’s Day more exciting than ever. Sit back and really focus on those unique favorites you and your paramour really get into…you’ll discover more about both of you, and a gift that reflects your attention will stand out as a love note to remember.

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Your Heart Health... Always Affected by Love By Kristie Darling

You know the feelings of love—your heart races just a bit more than usual, the pit of your stomach flutters, you may blush or act a little silly. You know it’s love, and you know it feels good. This applies not only to romantic love, but also the loving feelings you have for your children, you best friends, your parents, even your new puppy. Research has shown that the support of loved ones—family and friends—after cardiac bypass surgery can make a huge difference. Patients with strong social support systems generally have a better recovery and survival rate. Happiness, excitement, and love in their many forms can be good for you and good for your heart health. Dr. Christopher Suhar, cardiologist and director of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine tell us, “One theory on why love is good for your health is that blood pressure responds to calmness and peace. If you’re in love, you’re calmer and more at peace, which could translate into lower blood pressure.” And we know that keeping your blood pressure under control is one of the best ways to support a healthy heart. Healing Powers of Love Having love in your life changes the way you respond to stress and ill28

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

ness. While you don’t have to be in a long-time marriage or relationship to experience benefits, studies do show that for men in particular, being happily married can offer cardiovascular benefits. Marriage, or loving someone in a committed relationship can help you better recover from a heart-related procedure. Getting a dose of daily love you can count on and having someone who is there for you—to care for you—helps mitigate distress and gives you something to live for if you do have a serious cardiac episode. Love Makes You Feel Good Especially while we work to get out of the pandemic doldrums with stay-athome orders, stressful news, and radical changes in our workplace that have made it harder meet new people or even date, many of us are creating safe new ways to connect and even find romance. When you love someone, you’ll find a way to keep that relationship strong because you know how good it can be for both of you. All of the close, loving relationships we develop in our lives are significant, positive heart health factors. “Many surgeons counsel their patients about the importance of support after surgery,” Dr. Suhar adds. “This support includes

not only spouses, but close friends and family.” The flip side to these special relationships is that people who feel loved and those who have others to love back, are more likely to work on staying healthy. They follow-through with their check-ups, are compliant with their medications. They know that exercise helps, so couples or groups of friends sometimes tackle that together. Some couples find peace and pleasure in relaxation techniques, like meditation or positive visualizations, and often they engage in these stress releasers together. They encourage each other to keep up the good work, and they are there with comfort in times of sadness or distress. All these support systems help keep us on the positive side of life…they help keep our blood pressure in the healthy zone. Pets Always Love Us Spending time with your fur babies has heart-healthy benefits, too. Just ask seniors who are able to have their dogs or cats live with them or visit them regularly. Research indicates that patients will do better after a heart procedure when their pets are close by—cuddling and talking with animal friends is a powerful go-to when you’re feeling bad or sad. Dr. Suhar believes it is because of the unconditional love that pets give us.

When Your Heart is Broken Broken heart syndrome is real. It’s a recognized medical disorder that is most often temporary and resolves after the stress is past. This can take several weeks or months recovery time. The cure to a broken heart? Letting more love in. Getting more stress out. Times like this are when you really need the support of your partner, your friends, and family. Ask for what you need, even when it’s hard to do. Don’t suffer in silence. Comfort can be had with time and love—the love you get and the love you can give. There are many ways to keep stress to a minimum, even when working through difficult times. It also helps to find a stress release technique you can stick with…walking, swimming, meditation. Pick one or two. “I think having love in your life is paramount to living a healthy lifestyle,” adds Dr. Suhar. “That love can come from many different sources: marriage, a partner, siblings, parents, friends, or a pet. The goal is gaining peace through love, which decreases stress and anxiety in your life and benefits your heart.” Source: www.scripps.org

HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022