Complimentary February 2020
On the Cover THE CENTER FOR
ADVANCED
VEIN CARE page 12
February Heart Month page 21
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
1
Don’t Let
Varicose Veins Slow You Down!
Do you suffer from leg swelling, itching, heaviness, leg pain or leg sores? Do you only wear garments that cover bulging and discolored veins?
Dr. Thompson with The Center for Advanced Vein Care can erase those blemished and bulging veins permanently! If left untreated, Varicose Veins can progress to a more serious venous disease.
BEFORE
AFTER
Modern treatment of varicose veins includes endovenous thermal ablation. This technique involves placing a small catheter directly into the vein, followed by laser or radio frequency energy to the vein. In addition, injection therapy, ultrasound guided injection therapy, or ambulatory phlebectomy (removal of veins using micro hooks) may be required.
Procedures are performed in-office, with no downtime.
Treatments are covered by private insurance and Medicare. No Referrals Needed.
Visit the Busiest Vein Clinic in the Unifour. THE CENTER FOR
ADVANCED
VEIN CARE 2
A.D. Thompson, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. 1899 Tate Boulevard Suite 2109 Hickory, NC 28602
828.322.8485 www.hickoryvein.com
Over 5,000 Legs Treated! Call today for Advanced Vein Care and Laser Solutions. HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
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from the publisher
MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445
Kathy Wheeler
Welcome to the
February issue. “The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within.” ––William C. Bryant
February is known as the month of renewals. The name itself is from the Latin word Februarius, meaning “to purify.” In ancient Roman times, it signified an annual month of purification during which a flurry of festivities re-established the people’s focus on living right and living well. We won’t mention those new year’s resolutions right now, to which you may or may not still be adhering. Let’s just think of February as a month when we focus on positive life and calendar transitions, from cold, drizzly winter into warm, rejuvenating spring, from long, dark nights to brighter early evenings. It’s time to think about planting our gardens and landscaping and even to beginning some of those chores, as we remind you in our February issue. Of course, Valentine’s Day is the holiday most associated with February, so we have
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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
an article in this issue to help you celebrate, offering some ideas for personalized Valentine’s gifts. Finally, we mustn’t forget that February is American Heart Month and National Heart Health Awareness Month. It’s full of activities to raise awareness of the utmost importance of heart health to our lives. It’s the perfect time to fine tune our heart-healthy lifestyles in ways that help prevent heart disease, cardiac events, and strokes. To that end, we offer some heartfelt advice from local cardiologists. So, join me in spreading the word about cardio health awareness, and enjoy a special day with someone you love. And most important, fully open your heart to spring, with its possibilities of revitalization and renewal, whatever that may mean to you. As always, thanks for reading Hickory Living magazine.
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contents FEBRUARY 2020 FEATURES 12 • COVER STORY The Center For Advanced Vein Care Hickory’s Dedicated Vein Treatment Center
8
18 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT KOS Endodontics Excellent Root Canal Treatment
IN THE KITCHEN 20 • Yum...Chocolate
HEART MONTH 24 • Valentine’s Gift Ideas 28 • Heart Health Advice From A Cardiologist
IN THIS ISSUE 8 • Lawns Spring Eternal
contributors
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
18 6
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
Kristie Darling JC Summerford • Meredith Collins
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography Editorial Stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from iStock.
Excellent Root Canal Treatment Starts Here... KOS ENDODONTICS Alexander Kutuza, D.M.D. Endodontics Specialist
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kutuza by calling:
828-322-8710
Dental Symptoms Root Canal Treatment • Endodontic Surgery • Endodontic Retreatment • Traumatic Dental Injuries • •
4th Street Drive, NE, Suite 4 Hickory, NC 28601 www.kosendodontics.com Open Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 5PM
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
7
Lawns
Spring Eternal By JC Summerford ©iStockphoto.com | Henfaes
February marks the beginning of gardening season in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. With spring just around the corner, our long, cool days make the work easier and more enjoyable. Landscaping experts also tell us that delays in yard tending often mean a less successful growing season for grass, ornamentals, and gardens. So drag that tiller, rake, and pruning shears out of storage, and get growing! Feed and Seed After cleaning out your gardens and landscape beds, Brandon Settlemyre of Settlemyre Nursery in Valdese suggests turning out soils to aerate and increase soil temperatures. “Now is also a great time to amend soil and add conditioners or compost,” he says. “Mulching improves your landscape and garden presentation, reduces spring weeds, plus provides insulation and moisture retention for trees and shrubs.” Fertilizing fescue lawns in February will jump start your lawn and bring dark green color with lush growth throughout spring. Jason Drum of Bell Landscape Supply in Statesville says, “Putting down a nitrogen rich fertilizer with pre-emergent weed control will green up your lawn and keep crabgrass and other weeds from germinating, greatly reducing the need to spray them later in the spring.” He adds, “Mid-February is the best time to seed, other than fall, because the seeds will germinate within two to three weeks and grow more roots than if planted in March or April.” Plant Ornamentals Planting flowering bushes, nut and fruit trees in February allows them to sprout roots during warm days but prevents root 8
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
stress from the hotter summer weather. Jason says, “February is also the best time to cut back ornamental grasses, roses, butterfly bushes, and other plants, which ensures the best growth and flowering throughout the warm season.” Prune and Trim The best time to prune established trees and bushes is just before spring growth begins. You can remove dead and tangled branches at the same time, but take only about 1/3 of a tree’s canopy. Brandon says, “Most plants must be pruned at specific times of year. For instance, most hardwood trees can be pruned or thinned out in February. Also you can prune hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, crepe myrtles, rose of sharon, conifers, evergreens, and fruit trees. But you should not prune many flowering trees and bushes because they already have set their flowering buds. Examples are dogwoods, azaleas, forsythia, and lilacs.” Basically, if it blooms on new growth or wood, then February is the time to prune. Vegetable Gardens February is the right time to till the veggie garden, allowing plenty of time for organic decomposition before you plant. Jason says, “Remove existing weeds and apply a 1-2” layer of compost, which will act as a mulch until you are ready to plant. When the last threat of frost has passed, till in the compost layer for an excellent, rich soil to boost plant growth and lessen the need for additional fertilizer.” Brandon adds, “Soil amendments and conditions can also be done this month. You may consider doing a soil test first, which is performed by the state. If the ground is workable, we can
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plant bare root perennial vegetables, like artichoke, asparagus, rhubarb, and horseradish. Starting seeds indoors for cool season veggies is a great idea. Examples are cabbages, broccoli, kale, lettuce, spinach, and onions. We will transplant these outdoors later when the soil temps are at or above 45º.” Sharpen your Tools February is a perfect time for equipment maintenance. As we all know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Start by sharpening your mower blades. “A sharp mower blade will provide a clean cut on your lawn, which will not only give it a neater appearance, but also help to defend against stress which may lead to fungal disease or insect damage,” Jason advises. “The oil should be changed yearly for most lawn mowers and other power equipment. Lubricating with grease ensures a long life for your lawn equipment.”
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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
Brandon adds, “Also sharpen the blades on hedge trimmers and hand shears. Overall, don’t let simple maintenance chores slow you down. It will cost you even more during the heat of the season.” A final word from Brandon: wait until the temperatures are a little warmer to go wild buying and planting flowers. “Don’t get tempted by an early warm up,” he says. “In this area, waiting until the last week of April is the earliest you really want to consider starting those flower beds. Our late freezes are unpredictable, so please don’t get burned by the cold! Shop your local garden center or nursery and ask their advice to ensure you are buying at the right time.” For more information on lawn maintenance, landscaping, and home gardening, search the N.C. Cooperative Extension web pages for a number of publications, https://www.ces.ncsu.edu.
Brandon Settlemyre, owner of Settlemyre Nursery in Valdese, with his lovely family
Jason Drum of Bell Landscape Supply in Statesville
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on the cover
THE CENTER FOR
ADVANCED
VEIN CARE
Hickory’s Dedicated Vein Treatment Center By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography
“I am always excited when I get to introduce a new, more effective treatment for vein care,” Dr. Aaron Thompson told me. “Typically, when a patient comes to see me, they are ready to be treated, and now I have a new procedure to offer. I believe we’re the only practice using bio vein glue to treat the symptoms of varicose veins. This product has been used in orthopedics, in hip replacements, for example, for about 20 years. Now, as a cutting-edge, one-time treatment for venous disease, we are achieving remarkable results with minimal issues.” 12
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
WHAT IS VENOUS DISEASE? Venous disease causes the internal walls of the leg veins to deteriorate. The small vein valves become defective and don’t function properly. When this happens, either in the deep or superficial vein system, blood begins to flow backwards, and gravity sends blood toward the ankles. This is called reflux. To compensate for this increase in pressure, Mother Nature enlarges the veins, and that’s the problem. Varicose vein symptoms include enlarged, visible veins, usually in the lower legs, pain and fatigue in the legs, swollen ankles and calves, burning, itching or discolored skin, and leg ulcers. In less severe cases, thin, discolored vessels—spider veins—may be the only symptom. If you have severe varicose veins, you have slightly increased chances of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT may cause sudden, severe leg swelling. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. NOT YOUR FATHER’S VEIN TREATMENT “It wasn’t too long ago the treatment of choice for varicose veins was vein stripping, which meant hospital admission and general anesthesia,” Dr. Thompson explained. “After an incision was made in the ankle and in the groin, a catheter was inserted up the entire length of the leg. The up-to-date, minimally invasion techniques that I use in the office today, including bio glue, are virtually pain-free. Typically, patients
Photos:
On the cover– cover–Aaron D. Thompson, Jr., M.D., founder and team physician for the Center for Advanced Vein Care, established in 2001. Opposite page– page–Advanced Vein Care Team, left to right Judy Smith, office assistant and sclerotherapist; Dr. Aaron Thompson, team physician; Ruth Harvey, certified medical assistant and sclerotherapist Above–Education through informative exchanges between patient and physician.
Right–Same day procedures performed in a comfortable office setting with minimal or no down time.
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
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have no bruising, swelling, or pain. They walk in and walk out and can often return to work that day. I rarely prescribe anything stronger than over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil.” “I use bio glue as much as possible, because it is 90% effective, pre-approved by Medicare, and more affordable,” Dr. Thompson explained. Bio glue is used to shut the main vein in the thigh. The procedure is minimally invasive. It involves placement of a very small amount of the glue into the vein through a small catheter. Once the vein is closed, blood is immediately re-routed through other healthy veins in the leg. Unlike other treatments, bio vein glue does not require a regional nerve block or large volumes of anesthesia. Furthermore, there are no pre-procedural drugs involved and patients can return to their normal activities right after the treatment. Unlike heatbased procedures, such as or radiofrequency ablation, there is no risk of skin burns or nerve damage and this method does not require any immediate post-treatment pain medication or compression stockings. PREVENTION “It’s hard to predict who will develop varicose veins,” Dr. Thompson said. “Risk factors include a family history of varicose veins; more women than men develop them, and pregnancy can cause varicose veins to develop. Age is another factor. People over 50 tend to be more susceptible. Obese people and workers who spend long hours standing, like teachers, nurses, and flight attendants, are more predisposed to develop the condition.” Walking is a good activity for everyone, and it can help keep the calf muscles working properly and hopefully, lessen the possibility of vein disorders. Sometimes, compression stockings are worn for several weeks after treatment and may be recommended beyond that at various levels of use, such as while on your feet for long periods at work or while shopping or on long car or plane rides.
Photos, above, top to bottom:
• Team meetings and comprehensive treatment planning in a relaxed, interactive setting. • Friendly and accessible staff for convenient, flexible patient scheduling. • Individualized care and guidance provided to patients from pre-treatment to post-procedure.
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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
Research has shown that venous disease costs Americans more than two million lost workdays and an annual expense of $1.4 billion for treatment. Without treatment, varicose veins will not go away on their own, and more likely, will progress and worsen over time. When this happens, such as in cases of severe varicose veins, the deep vein system may also become damaged and ineffective. Dr. Thompson offers free screening followed by his recommendation for any further tests needed and a treatment plan that will reduce or remove bulging veins and blemishes, improve your health, and enhance your appearance.
STATE OF THE ART TREATMENTS Diagnostic tools are constantly improving. After a brief physical exam and history, a duplex ultrasound exam that requires little more than passing a hand-held ultrasound transducer over skin that has had gel applied will be done. This 10-minute exam gives an image that allows measurement of reflux times, the time it takes for the blood to flow in the right direction. If treatment with bio vein glue is not the best choice for a particular diagnosis—allergies might prohibit this course in some cases—there are several minimally invasive treatment options Dr. Thompson might recommend. These include sclerotherapy, ablation, and laser treatment. For small, peripheral veins, foam sclerotherapy may be performed. Medication mixed with air forms foam that is painlessly injected in the vein and causes correction in blood flow. Ablation uses a thin, flexible catheter inserted into a vein in the leg. Tiny electrodes at the tip of the catheter heat the walls of the vein and destroy it. Similarly, laser treatment sends out laser energy or radio frequency energy that kills the diseased portion of the vein, and the vein closes off. Dr. Thompson also treats venous wounds, stasis dermatitis, and deep vein thrombosis. A PROFESSIONAL TEAM “When I realized that there were no vein specialists in this area, and people were having to travel to Charlotte or elsewhere for vein treatment,” Dr. Thompson explained, “I knew I had to open this clinic.” As a general surgeon, Dr. Thompson had a lot of experience treating venous disease. He opened the vein center in 2001. His dedicated team of medical professionals are the heart of the practice. Together, they make certain that patients are seen quickly, treated with courtesy and respect, and experience satisfactory, effective health care. A positive outcome is their focus with each patient. Dr. Thompson earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Virginia and his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Thompson’s staff includes certified medical assistant, Ruth Harvey. Ruth takes patient histories, begins an initial exam, injects spider veins, and assists with other procedures.
Photos, above, top to bottom:
• The team is readily available for consultations, second opinions, evaluations, and case reviews. • Patients receive thoughtful planning with state-of-the-art care from start to finish.
Receptionist Judy Smith takes calls, schedules appointments, and makes sure your questions are routed to the right person. If you have questions or concerns about varicose veins, spider veins, or any symptoms you may be experiencing, call the Center for Advanced Vein Care. Taking care of your health earlier, not later, is always the best decision. Let Dr. Thompson and his team help keep you healthy, comfortable, and more attractive.
The Center for Advanced Vein Care A.D. Thompson, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. 1899 Tate Boulevard Suite 2109 • Hickory, NC 28602 828.322.8485 | www.hickoryvein.com HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
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business spotlight
Photos:
Left– Left–Alexander Kutuza, D.M.D. specializes in endodontics Opposite page, left to right • Dr. Kutuza • The team at KOS Endodontics • Dr. Kutuza and Office Manager Lana
Kutuza, office manager, said. “There have been several times a very nervous patient ends up sleeping (snoring loudly!) in the back. Somehow, Dr. Kutuza has a way of talking with patients to really calm them down, which we think is very important. He explains everything down to the smallest detail about the procedure to make them feel more comfortable.”
KOS ENDODONTICS
Excellent
Root Canal Treatment By Meredith Collins | Photos by Shane Greene Photography
Throughout the years, root canals have gotten a bad reputation. People say they would rather be in many other unpleasant situations instead of having a root canal. Dr. Alexander Kutuza, of KOS Endodontics, wants to remove the fear and anxiety around having a root canal. “We want to break the urban legend about a painful root canal,” Dr. Kutuza said. “Getting a root canal should not be painful. It should benefit the patient’s wellbeing and restore the tooth, resulting in better overall health. Leaving an infected tooth untreated can sometimes result in the infection spreading to the bone and other areas of the body which can cause larger issues.” In our office, we have seen many people overcome their anxiety about a root canal procedure. “A lot of people come to us very scared and anxious,” Lana 18
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
The majority of procedures performed at KOS Endodontics are root canals, but they also do endodontic surgeries and repair cracked teeth. If an initial root canal is not successful, Dr. Kutuza can repair it, and in more than 80 percent of cases, it will be successful. Dr. Kutuza specializes in difficult cases for root canal treatment, including trauma, with the ultimate goal to save the tooth. Throughout all procedures, Dr. Kutuza and his staff work to provide the best care possible in a friendly environment. “We treat all our patients with respect,” Dr. Kutuza said. “We want to make them as comfortable as we can and eliminate their pain.” Dr. Kutuza’s office staff includes four dental assistants who share his same passion for patient care. “Dr. Kutuza and our staff really love what they do,” Lana said. “Dr. Kutuza really enjoys working with people to give them relief from their pain and to save their teeth. We laugh about him being a pioneer and explorer, because he opens new territory and explores where no one else has gone before – root canal systems.” After graduating from medical university in Ukraine in 1992 with a degree in dental medicine, he continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania and completed his endodontic certification from the University of Pittsburg in 2007. He also worked full time for Precision Endodontics and as
an assistant professor at the University of Pittsburg. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and American Association of Endodontists. They have two offices, one in Mooresville and one recently opened in Hickory. KOS Endodontics does accept insurance. They participate with Delta Dental PPO and Premiere and CIGNA Dental PPO.
They also accept dental savings plans for discounts. The Hickory office is newly renovated to a modern state of the art level of care. “Everything is fresh and new,” Lana said. “We have the latest technologies, including digital x-ray and microscope for root canal procedures.”
Don’t put it off any longer. Ignoring a dental problem can lead to abscess, infections, and problems that can cause issues with your whole body’s health. www.kosendodontics.com 828-322-8710 935 4th Street Drive NE Suite 4, Hickory, NC
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Photography by Glenn Roberson
In the Kitchen with Jill Dahan Photography courtesy of Jill Dahan
Ingredients ¾-cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter (I love Kerrygold.) 7 ounces dark chocolate (70 percent or above) (I love the brands Hu, Theo and Equal Exchange.) Jill Dahan
4 large responsibly laid eggs ½-cup coconut sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste Unsweetened cacao powder for dusting ramekins
YUM ... CHOCOLATE
Flourless Chocolate Squidges
February and Valentine’s Day are a perfect excuse to whip up these irresistible gems for yourself, a friend or the “loves in your life!” They’re creamy, yet fluffy with a hint of caramel and a soft squidgy center, very much like a baked truffle straight from heaven. These “too good to believe cakes” are low in sugar and high in antioxidants, all while making your taste buds dance. Only three words needed.…must have recipe. Happy Valentine’s Day to all chocolate lovers everywhere!
Ice cream or frozen yogurt to serve
Instructions Grease each ramekin, and dust with cacao. Melt the butter and chocolate over low heat in a Dutch enamel pan (this helps prevent burning) until just melted. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar with electric beaters for four minutes until pale and thickened. Fold in the vanilla and chocolate mixture in three parts until just combined. Pour into the ramekins. These can be chilled or frozen for later or left at room temperature until baking. To serve, bring them to room temperature and then bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes until risen but still wobbly. Remove and leave to set for 15 minutes before serving either in the ramekins or turn them out onto individual plates. Garnish with ice cream. Makes four to six. Jill Dahan lives in Cornelius and is the author of Starting Fresh! Recipes for Life. You can learn more about her at www.jilldahan.com. To learn more about her nonprofit, Sunninghill Jill Kids, visit www.sunninghilljillkids.org.
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HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
February I love you can be said in a variety of ways. From encouraging your loved one to stay healthy and strong, to showering them with ways to pamper themselves! Our February issue focuses on matters of the heart, both love and life. You will find articles on the following pages on how to stay healthy and some gift ideas for your Valentine!
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
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©iStockphoto.com | kotoffei
By JC Summerford
Are you planning flowers, a card, and candy for your sweetie this year? Niiiice—but let’s try thinking outside of the box, so to speak! We’ve got some fantastic ideas that provide a much more personal presentation. Lights, Camera, LOVE. It’s today’s version of the personal mixtape: treasured photos combined with videos, graphics, and favorite songs make a creative, thoughtful gift. A number of companies offer video editing services, but considering today’s intuitive, easy-touse editing software programs—why not make it extra personal and do it yourself? We suggest you first upload your video to a cloud service and send your sweetheart a link, instead of posting it directly on social media! Pictures of You. A nicely framed photo of the two of you is a nostalgic idea that always works. But today, you can print photos on just about anything, and there are countless companies, both local and online, willing to do it for you. We suggest coffee mugs, tee shirts, hats, water bottles, phone covers, glasses, stationary, or note cards. Dinner and a…? Whether it’s a romantic meal at a favorite restaurant or a home cooked feast consumed by candlelight, food often factors into Valentine’s Day. Several companies offer dinner cruises on Lake Norman and Lake Hickory, and if you haven’t done it, it’s a wonderful idea! If you’re doing a cozy night in, plan ahead to watch a movie that sets the mood. You’ll find a bunch of romantic movie lists online, but City of Angels, You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle come to mind. (Or, any old classic with Cary Grant in it!) 24
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
Wine. To go with that special meal, you may be inclined to include wine. If so, you could order some bottles imprinted with your own private label! A basket stuffed with fine wine, cheese, crackers, candies, and so forth is another great idea. We suggest you make it from scratch, or let a local winery or wine store customize it for you. May we suggest Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling, Rosa Regale Brachetto, or Montes Cherub Rose? In Your Own Words. Whether you write your own poem (don’t be shy—your sweetie will be impressed!) or find one that perfectly expresses your feelings—try displaying it as an etched-glass sculpture or pairing it with a photo or graphic in a fancy frame. It’s the card she’ll never throw away! Note Jar. It’s a pretty simple idea, but you could make the traditional jar of notes extra special. Write up 365 notes, roll each one up, tie with a ribbon, and place them in a pretty jar bought at a craft or antique store for your honey bunny to keep on their desk or dresser. It’s a reminder each day of how you feel. We can’t tell you what to write on those notes—it’s up to you! Decorate with Love. Make your bedroom a special environment with matching pillowcases, robes, even monogrammed pajamas. Or, you could go all the way and also personalize
your shared bathroom with embroidered towels, favorite scented toiletries, and candles. Now that’s the makings for one amazing evening! Your Love Story. Several companies offer to write a love story personalized just for you two. You simply answer a few questions online, provide any poems, quotes, photos, or graphics you want to include, and voila! They send you a real, printed and bound book about your relationship. This would be especially nice for older couples. Getting Physical. If your significant other plays sports, you could make him or her feel extra special every time they’re out on the court or course. For example, a number of companies offer customized golf or tennis balls, accessories, bags, and apparel. Sparkle and Dazzle. Ladies are always excited to receive jewelry – it’s a home run gift! But consider customizing something for her (or him). You can engrave anything metal such as a watch or pendant or create a charm bracelet that represents her favorite things. You can also buy rings, earrings, and necklaces that display initials or entire names. Many local jewelers will help you design a piece that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. Sweets for Your Sweetie. Instead of buying a generic box of chocolates, make them more personal by order©iStockphoto.com | NYS444
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ing candy in special shapes, engraved with initials, or wrapped in personalized wrappers and boxes. Or, you could make your sweetie’s favorite cookies or brownies, then decorate them with loving words and symbols. Relax and Rejuvenate A spa day isn’t just for ladies. You’ll love indulging as a couple! Treat yourselves to a customized package with massages, facials, and foot reflexology. You can spend all day, or just a relaxing hour. You’ll both emerge looking and feeling years younger! Whatever gifts you make or buy, we wish you lots of love and laughter this Valentine’s Day!
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Heart Health Advice from a Cardiologist By JC Summerford
©iStockphoto.com | Peera_Sathawirawong
While you’re handing out heart-shaped Valentine’s gifts this year, the American Heart Association wants you to think also of the heart beating inside your body. February is appropriately American Heart Month, because heart disease kills 2,200 people each day in the U.S. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases could be prevented with simple lifestyle changes. We asked Dr. Jeff Neal, cardiologist with Catawba Valley Cardiology in Conover, to tell us the best ways to get started. Schedule a checkup Dr. Neal says that a crucial factor in staying heart healthy is to get regular checkups. Keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides in check is critical to good heart health. “For healthy adults who maintain normal weight, blood pressure, and do not smoke, the recommendation would be to have a screening once every other year,” Dr. Neal says. “This allows the patient to maintain a relationship with their physician and also to have recommended studies based on age.” Eat smart Dr. Neal tends to avoid recommending any particular diet plan and instead suggests dietary strategies to minimize heart disease. He points out that obe28
HICKORY LIVING • FEBRUARY 2020
sity is a strong factor in development of heart disease. “Portion size and avoiding processed foods are two key components to a healthy diet,” he says. “Adults require between 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day to maintain their current weights.” Neal says people should eat mostly vegetables and lean proteins, plus fruit and limited amounts of whole grains. Dr. Neal says people make the biggest mistakes with portion sizes. For instance, a serving of pasta should be the size of a hockey puck, and a serving size of lean protein such as chicken should be the size of a deck of cards. More general advice: • Begin with small changes and measurable goals, picking a couple of healthy new behaviors each month. • Try to eat foods with lots of soluble fiber, such as beans, oats, grains, nuts, and fruits. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, is a good idea. • Salt is a leading cause of high blood pressure. Remember that processed and fast foods are often high in salt. • Sodas and sugary drinks provide poor hydration. Make water your beverage of choice. • A glass of wine per day is fine for most people, but excess drinking is bad news for the heart.
Get moving Physical activity burns calories, helps with weight loss, and contributes to heart health. “Persistent moderate activity, particularly when done outside such as a brisk walk around one’s neighborhood, has been shown in studies to lessen anxiety and depression,” Neal adds. “Any exercise is better than no exercise at any age.” A little more advice: • If you’re a beginner, take things slowly. Set realistic weekly and monthly goals. Start by walking 30 minutes per day, two to three days a week. Increase your goals over time, including a few sprints or power walks. • Adults should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. • Try to work in some muscle-strengthening activities a couple of days each week. • Break up your workouts into small sessions throughout the day. Housework, dancing, gardening, climbing stairs, biking, and roller skating count! Grab some Zs Exercise helps us enjoy regular, restorative sleep and can also guard against heart disease. Seven to nine hours a night
is optimal for most adults. Dr. Neal adds, “In terms of sleep hygiene, simple strategies to help include not eating at least four hours prior to bedtime, regular exercise, going to bed at the same time, and limiting the bed only to sleeping—not watching TV or social media.” Stop smoking Avoiding tobacco is one of the best ways to help protect your heart and blood vessels. It can make a huge difference, not just for your heart, but your overall health, too. “Smoking directly impairs the function of the lungs, vascular system, blood flow, and also greatly accelerates the formation of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels that feed blood to the heart, brain, and extremities,” Dr. Neal says. “Even one cigarette a day is one too many.” Manage Stress Engage in daily stress relieving activities, such as meditation or prayer, or hobbies like knitting, sewing, or woodworking. Yoga is a great way to maintain flexibility and relieve stress. Warning signs How do you know if you’re having a heart problem? While warning signs can vary, Dr. Neal says, “A cardinal symptom of heart disease that should never be ignored is chest pain, as it may suggest cholesterol plaque blockages of the arteries feeding blood to the heart muscle. This pain is usually described as a pressure sensation across the chest, possibly with radiation to the arm or into the neck or jaw region. Any abnormal chest pressure sensation that does not go away should be evaluated immediately as it may signify an active heart attack.”
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Dr. Neal stresses that “time is muscle.” In other words, the quicker you get to a hospital, the more of your heart muscle can potentially be saved. He adds, “If you feel a chest pressure that is not normal for you, it is advisable to be evaluated at your earliest convenience. Weakness of the heart muscle is usually signified by difficulty breathing, particularly with activity or when lying down.” Swelling of the lower extremities is another worrisome symptom. Dr. Neal concludes, “Although heart disease continues to be the leading killer in the US, lifestyle modifications have an immediate, direct, and profound impact on the disease process and, in fact, can prevent heart disease if done daily.”
Dr. Jeff Neal, a cardiologist with
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