Hickory Living January 2021 by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary January 2021

On the Cover

A New You

SettingTreating the Standard for Care Excellence You with

New Year

pages 10

for a

pages 21-28

HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 2021

Show those legs with Confidence Do you limit your wardrobe to garments that cover bulging and discolored veins? Do you suffer from leg swelling, itching, heaviness, leg pain or leg sores?

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HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 2021

contents

MacAdam Smith

JANUARY 2021

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

FEATURES 10 • COVER STORY Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Setting The Standard For Excellence

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

18 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Swisher Skin And Laser Center A New Option for a New You

A NEW YOU FOR A NEW YEAR 22 • Getting Under Your Skin Non-Surgical Cosmetics Can Improve The Face You Wear In 2021 26 • Finding Happiness And Comfort In A Pandemic 28 • Improving The Body You’re In

IN THIS ISSUE

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

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

8 • Welcome To The January 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 • JANUARY 2021

29 • What’s Cooking?! Cauliflower Risotto With Shrimp And Peas

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.

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

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kathy Wheeler

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 2021

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton and The Law Office of

Helton, Cody

Blair E. Cody, III have Merged.

& Associates, PLLC

AREAS OF PRACTICE: • Divorce • Personal Injury • Workers Compensation • Criminal Defense • Traffic Violations • Social Security Disability • DWIs • Wills & Estates • Child Custody and Support

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 • JANUARY 2021

Welcome to the

January Issue By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | ASIFE

elcome to 2021! After last year we need to reboot, make our resolutions, and decide what we can do to make 2021 a great year for health, happiness, and success. You will find some articles in this issue to help you create a New You for a New Year. I believe 2021 is the year that we will work smarter rather than harder. Being organized is essential to achieving any goal whether it is a resolution or not. It may be as simple as creating a spread sheet of contacts, or updating the contacts in your phone, or getting a program to help track expenses. The key is being able to find what you need to complete tasks quickly. For example, my mother loves to send birthday cards and has difficulty writing. It isn’t uncommon for her to call me or one of my siblings wanting someone’s address or assistance writing the address on the envelope. We are happy to help, but she likes being independent and doing things herself, so I created a simple system. A small monthly calendar with all the birthdays marked and mailing labels addressed to everyone 8

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

she would send cards to make it easy for her. A quick Excel spreadsheet and mail merge for labels gives her everything she needs in one place. Multitasking can help you turn bad habits into good ones. For example, I love to read, but it becomes a bad habit when I lounge on the sofa for hours because I’m so interested in a good book. I need more exercise, so I leave my iPad on the treadmill. Exercise becomes more enjoyable and less of a chore if I’m reading while I’m doing it. In addition, I can drink a smoothie or do a face mask at the same time. Hey, throw in a load of laundry and turn on the dishwasher beforehand, and I can take care of chores, exercise, personal care, and entertainment all within 30 minutes. It takes a little longer than 30 minutes, but the more it becomes a routine, the less time it takes. See how many things you can knock out in 30-minute segments! You could use this same principal for eating better. Maybe you need more fruits and vegetables in your diet. Including them in smoothies, soups, salads, or grain bowls adds variety and quantity. When preparing salads,

roasted vegetables, or soups, prepare enough for several meals. Roasted vegetables and soups can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. The same goes for baked breads and treats. Keep out several servings and freeze the rest. This prevents you from eating too much at once and reserves some goodness for later. If you are wondering what to change this year, look at the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort. Concentrate your energy on those areas that will benefit you the most. There are plenty of professionals in the magazine who can help you with your goals such as skin care, weight loss, and cosmetic issues. Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology is our cover story feature this month and a good place to start. Their surgeons, dermatologist, and staff will take great care of you! You can read their article on page 10. Also, check out the services of our business spotlight, Swisher Skin and Laser Center, on page 18. Thank you for reading the January issue of Hickory Living magazine. Here’s to a great 2021!

HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 2021

on the cover

Photo provided by PPSD

Buildings 100 and 200 of the Hickory/Tate Boulevard complex.

Setting the Standard for Excellence By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Medicine is advancing in leaps and bounds. When our health is at stake, ﬁnding top quality, up-to-date, and effective treatment is critical, but that’s only part of the story. Partnering with a healthcare provider with experience and skill, someone you trust and believe in, is possibly the most important part of your search. Whether you’re experiencing a significant health issue, such as skin cancer, or you wish to improve your appearance, the professional team at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology (PPSD) has all you need—expertise, cutting edge technology, and of course, abiding interest in your positive outcome. With two offices across the parking lot from each other in Hickory, they are close at hand and very convenient for everything you might require. 10

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

DERMATOLOGY—Surgical, Medical, & Cosmetic I met with Dr. Charles Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist with over 20 years of experience as a specialist in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology. What does this mean? Dr. Johnson treats skin cancer with the newest, most effective procedures available. “What I’m most excited about is offering SRT, superficial radiation therapy, in addition to Mohs surgery for my skin cancer patients,” he explained. “SRT is as good as it gets for nonsurgical skin cancer treatment. We’re the only group in the region doing this procedure.” SRT is not the type of radiation used for breast or colon cancer; rather it’s low dose, like X-ray. It penetrates only 7mm into the skin to only the cancer site. Very small doses are given over about two months at quick, in-and-out visits. SRT treatments are prescribed for superficial basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. It is particularly useful for patients who would not tolerate surgery, elderly patients, and those with multiple medical issues. Dr. Johnson is one of only a handful of surgeons whose expertise is Mohs surgery. He explained, “It’s the gold standard in removing non-melanoma skin cancers, typically on the face, hands, head, neck, and genitals. It’s a tissue-sparing procedure. I remove 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. “Moh’s cure rate is 98% to 100%,” Dr. Johnson said. “Anyone with a biopsy-proven skin cancer should schedule an appointment and consider this effective treatment.”

Photos: On the cover, from left to right

Front row–Gregory Swank, MD, FACS; Dori Hunt, MD; and Charles Johnson, MD • Back row–Rosiane Roeder, MD, FACS; Jerry Pruitt, MD; George Magel, MD; Steven Siciliano, MD; and Bethany Bergamo, MD

Above • Dr. Charles Johnson takes a look at a Mohs slide. • Dr. Johnson with a patient scheduled for Mohs surgery. • Drs. George Magel and Bethany Bergamo specialize in general and cosmetic dermatology.

Drs. Bethany Bergamo, George Magel, Dori Hunt, and Jerry Pruitt 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. Your dermatologist is a trained eye and an honest guide when evaluating how to improve your looks. 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.” HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

“We provide patients with safe, convenient treatments for natural looking results, minimal down-time,” says Dr. George Magel. Treatment plans for renewing youthful radiance may include Botox, peels, and laser treatments, which diminish sunspots and small blood vessels and remove unwanted body hair, plus prescription quality skincare products. Juvéderm has several different products for wrinkles, bags under the eyes, lip augmentation, and sagging skin. They are safe, effective, and can last up to two years. Other lines at PPSD include Restylane and Radiesse. Also popular are Kybella, which targets stubborn double chin fat, contouring the neck and jaw and for those women experiencing thinning eyelashes, Latisse can increase length and fullness. PPSD’s newest treatment is Profound-Microneedling RF. Known as the non-surgical facelift, Profound-Microneedling RF is a revolutionary energy-based, skin-needling treatment. It creates new elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid—building blocks that keep skin smooth and elastic. It’s great for improving aging skin and can helping reduce dreaded cellulite. They also offer a wide variety of treatments such as the Broad Band Light (BBL) and Yag and Alexandride lasers. These modalities provide added benefit to help reduce unwanted veins, hair, and brown spots. COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE PLASTIC SURGERY “Plastic surgeons treat all parts of the body, and we 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 from surgical intervention,” Dr. Swank said. “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.”

Photos, above:

• Dr. Bethany Bergamo consults with a patient. • Dr. George Magel performing a treatment. • Plastic surgeons Drs. Steven Siciliano and Gregory Swank

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

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 said. “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.

Photos, clockwise:

• Dr. Bergamo discusses the benefits of Restylane with one of her medical assistants. • Esthetician Melanie Herman consults with a patient on skincare. • PPSD physician assistants Jessica Curtis-Yount, Casey Johnson, Zachary Greer, and Michael Sabol (seated).

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. Gregory 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. All of the Hickory surgeons at PPSD are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. A TEAM APPROACH Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology has 10 ofﬁces in Hickory, Gastonia, Shelby, Charlotte, Denver, Cornelius, and Forest City. The dermatologists are some of the most skilled and respected in the nation, and they partner with their nationally recognized plastic surgeon team. Together, they develop comprehensive, integrated treatment plans to address all aspects of any issue or condition. 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. I recommend you contact them to learn more and begin taking better care of yourself.

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology 315 19th St. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 ppsd.com

Building 100: 828.325.9849 Charles Johnson, MD; Gregory Swank, MD, FACS; Steven Siciliano, MD; and Rosiane Roeder, MD, FACS Building 200: 828.328.3500 Dori Hunt, MD; George Magel, MD; Bethany Bergamo, MD; and Dr. Jerry Pruitt, MD HICKORY LIVING •JANUARY 2021

HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 2021

A New Year, A New You! The Body You Want in 2021

VITALITY SURGICAL CENTER OFFERS: • Face and neck lifts • Blepharoplasty • Rhinoplasty • Breast augmentation • Breast lift

• Breast reduction • Tummy tucks • Labiaplasty • Brazilian Butt Lift • Autologous Fat Transfer

& MORE!

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Breast Augmentation, Or 2 or more areas of Vaser Lipo When booked at a consult in January, 2021

MEET OUR BEVERLY HILLS–NOW HICKORY–SURGEONS

Dr. McCoy Moretz

Dr. Julie Edween Dr. David Rosenburg

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Call Today For A Consult

828.322.1498

www.vitalitymedicalspa.com 74 8th Street SE, Suite 101 • Hickory Contracted with Most Major Insurance Companies

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

business spotlight Photos:

Left, from left to right Elena Willging, LE, RN; Jenette T. Swisher, MD; and Adair Bowman, MS of Swisher Skin and Laser Center Below Customer receiving a Hydrafacial Opposite Page • Elena sharing skincare product information • Dr. Swisher injecting Botox • Elena performing laser hair removal

expanded her non-surgical cosmetic services into a new space and added operations manager, Adair Bowman, to further grow the practice.

Skin and Laser Center

A New Option for a New You By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene

Feeling beautiful—being beautiful. It’s what we seek when we visit a skin care center. The requirements for getting there? A professional team to help bring out the best, natural YOU. Women and men of all ages are interested in finding a medical skin care practice that focuses on achieving healthy skin and an enhanced, youthful appearance. “Our focus is to help patients become comfortable and confident with the skin they’re in,” Dr. Jenette Swisher says. “We bring years of experience to the table and offer the latest cutting-edge technologies—an ideal combination. We’re professional, personable, and modern. At the end of the day, it’s all about making our clients feel and be their best.” Dr. Swisher is a well-established internist who has been providing aesthetic services for over 13 years. With a reputation for treating patients with expertise and genuine care, she has 18

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

WHAT IS A SKIN CARE PRACTICE? Our skin is our outermost presentation of who we are—our face tells our story. Dr. Swisher and her team customize treatment plans for each client based on their individual concerns. “We listen well, and we love to help people with their skin care needs,” said lead esthetician Elena Willing. “We consider a client’s skin tone, texture, color, and shape when making recommendations and their goals, budget, and time.” “I always look and feel fresh, like a new me, when I walk out the door,” said Candice Smith. Candice has been seeing Elena for five years. “I get Botox, lip fillers, peels, and facials. I have sensitive skin, so she’s careful with the products she chooses.

I keep going back because I’m treated extremely well, and I know my particular skin type is getting the right treatments.” Candice confided that she soon turns 40, but people think she’s in her 20s…a nice place to be! The menu of services at Swisher Skin includes traditional treatments for wrinkle reduction, Botox, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing. Want a brighter, clearer complexion? A Hydrafacial will improve signs of aging, fine lines, skin tone, and elasticity. Laser treatments improve discoloration/age spots, spider veins, scars

and stretch marks, and remove unwanted hair. Collagen stimulating microneedling with PRP, microdermabrasion, medical grade skin peels, and top-quality products are also available options. Looking for hard to find treatments? How about a non-surgical rhinoplasty? Thinning hair? For scalp health, Keravive makes hair fuller. You can schedule body treatments for skin tightening, cellulite/fat reduction, and body contouring. Vaginal rejuvenation treatments are designed for women who experience mild incontinence or dryness/discomfort during intercourse.

Learn more about all of Swisher Skin and Laser Center’s aesthetic services today at Swisherskin.com, on Facebook/Instagram, or call. Look for January’s specials with Keravive offered at an introductory price and Botox at $9.99/unit all month long! Laser specials come in February, along with an open house featuring skin tightening, cellulite treatment, body contouring, and more. Your new, confident self will thank you.

Swisher Skin and Laser Center 828-838-1184 Swisherskin.com

CARDWELL CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATES

Celebrating 30 Years!

Dr. Cardwell’s educational and clinical philosophy is based on Vitalism–the understanding and principles that all organisms in the universe are conscious self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing.

The concept of Vitalism is foundational to the entire concepts of health and wellness in human beings. Our bodies work hard to express health, to maintain health and to recover from illness or conditions that threaten one’s health. Chiropractic is the foundation for Vitalism. Dr. Cardwell has and will continue to practice pure Chiropractic. He has pledged to his community the “ Lasting Purpose”...one that imposes giving out of my own abundance unselfish, spiritual love, compassion and dedicated service to my fellow man.

Offering:

• Spinal Adjustments • Laser • Ultrasound • Acupunture • X-Rays

Thank you for allowing me to serve you for 30 years! Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9am-5pm Closed from 12 - 1 Wed - 9am - 12pm

790 U.S. Hwy 70 SW • Hickory | www.cardwellchiro.com | (828) 323-1177 HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

HICKORY LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 2021

A New You for a

New Year I am a firm believer that finding the good in any situation is a healthy approach and happiness is a choice. That being said, if you have things that keep you awake at night, or you catch yourself thinking about them too often, then it is time to take control of those worries and apply some action to the situation. Just by having a plan will make you feel better and working the plan will bring you closer to the life you want to live. January is the perfect time to reflect on the year behind and plan for the year ahead. What are the things that block your peace of mind or hinder your confidence and wellbeing? Do you need to lose weight, exercise, or improve your diet? Do you need to stop a bad habit? Maybe you smoke or drink too much. Try replacing those bad habits with good ones. Maybe there is something about your appearance that you want to improve. The New Year is time to get a plan and fix the things in your life that are holding you back. 2020 left us all feeling a little out of control but have no fear…control the things you can and make your peace with the things that you can’t. On the following pages you will find help for some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions.

We at Hickory Living wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous

2021! ©iStockphoto.com | SanneBerg

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

GETTING UNDER YOUR SKIN

©iStockphoto.com | Zinkevych

Non-Surgical Cosmetics Can Improve the Face You Wear in 2021 By Kristie Darling

If you’re getting ready for a brand-new year—and who isn’t—starting with the way you look and present yourself to the world might give you all the encouragement you need to tackle other personal improvements this year. There are many angles to approach making real enhancements, and exploring nonsurgical skin care treatments is easy and rewarding. Plus, beauty treatments are often relaxing and stress-releasing…and we all need some of that!

OPTIONS IN NON-SURGICAL SKIN CARE You might begin with the simplest, doit-yourself option: selecting a skin care line of quality products that targets your unique skin. Possibly most important is to decide on sunscreen for your body and face and promise yourself you’ll use it every day. Then, for more TLC, consider getting a skin assessment from a certified esthetician who can recommend a regimen of cleansing, moisturizing, and anti-aging day and night. Your 22

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

natural beauty will bloom. Next step? Select a makeup line you like. A quality foundation, maybe with a bit of tint, some color and shine for your eyes and lips, and you’re good to go!

NEED TO GO A BIT DEEPER? Facials are my go-to for feeling prettier and calmer. It’s how to take care of your skin on a regular basis…easy, inexpensive, readily available. Facials clean, exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish your face, neck, and décolletage. You’ll be refreshed and ready to face the world. For some, getting a facial is their first introduction to the world of esthetics. An esthetician is, “a person knowledgeable about the appreciation of beauty; a beautician.” Every woman should have an esthetician they love. Just like your manicurist, your esthetician can become your new BFF.

BOTOX COSMETIC Talk about targeting aging and people immediately think Botox. The treatment

consists of muscle relaxing injections that help remove wrinkles on your forehead, crow’s feet around eyes, including those 11s between your eyes. Small amounts of Botox can also be used around your mouth for a smiling lift. You’ll look smoother in a day or two, and your younger look lasts up to six months. With just a pinch of discomfort and no down time, BOTOX might be all you need! Remember that your provider needs to be a certified aesthetic injector—look for experienced doctors, nurses, dermatologists, PAs, and other qualified medical professionals.

FILLERS These injectables come in many types and for many purposes. Fillers are nonsurgical and soften lines and wrinkles, add volume, and replace/stimulate collagen that’s lost with aging. Think of filling out the contours of your cheeks, lips, or brow. Deciding to get a filler, such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Radiesse,

Sculptra, Bellafill, and Defyne takes a bit more consideration than getting gel nails or color. They’re all different, so remember, just because your girlfriend got Juvéderm, doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Do your homework when deciding who to work with. Beyond the science of fillers, there is an artistic aspect to injecting fillers. You want to ensure your provider, who’s injecting something into your face, is qualified, experienced, and will chose the right product for your desired outcome. Look for certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, PAs, and nurses.

look. Both microneedling and dermaplaning can achieve younger-looking skin. A consultation with your provider will help determine which procedure is best for you.

FACE THE FUTURE BEAUTIFULLY This new year think about the way you want to look going forward. These suggestions and treatments can get you that look without surgery. However, don’t forget that many times there is no substitution for cosmetic surgery, and even when there is a non-surgical option, cosmetic surgery usually offers a more permanent solution. In either case, enjoy your new look and seize each new day in 2021.

Our goal is to get you back to those you love and the life you love living. LASERS

©iStockphoto.com | InsideCreativeHouse

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation—lasers—emit a narrow beam of light, but “laser” is a generic acronym for an array of devises that produce specific and distinct results. There are resurfacing lasers that heal; anti-redness lasers and pigment pulverizing lasers that reduce rosacea, sun damage, spider veins, aka red moles, stretch marks, birthmarks, and scars; and various resurfacing lasers for smoother, clearer looking skin. In fact, lasers can now zap everything from skin cancers and acne scars to unwanted tattoos, often with little or no downtime. Again, find a qualified provider you trust to steer you in the right direction.

MICRONEEDLING AND DERMAPLANING These treatments reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and create healthier skin. How to choose? Microneedling gently pricks the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin growth. The result is skin that is fuller, smoother, firmer, and more supple with smaller looking pores, milder acne, less sagging or roughness. You’ll see best results in six to eight weeks, with four to six sessions recommended. Small dermaplaning blades scrape off the top layer of dead skin cells and peach fuzz on the face and neck to reveal a glowing under layer of new skin and a clearer, smoother

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920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

PLEASE NOTE... Uh-oh we goofed! In the December issue on page 27, we featured candid shots of The Best of the Foothills Reader’s Choice winners. This photo was captioned incorrectly. It should have read Realty Executives of Hickory who won Best Real Estate Agency, not Broome Associates Our apologies for the error. HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

Take Advantage of One of Our Many Services • • • •

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HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

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Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kutuza by calling:

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Dental Symptoms Root Canal Treatment • Endodontic Surgery • Endodontic Retreatment • Traumatic Dental Injuries • •

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HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

Finding Happiness And Comfort In A Pandemic By Kristie Darling

Did you know that some universities offer classes in Happiness? And, you might guess, since this pandemic has reached our shores, enrollment is up? It’s not surprising that educators would offer online help for coping, changing, and finding solutions. Mental health workers, researchers, and counselors of all persuasions recommend thinking about happiness as a project to work on for yourself. Here are some places to start raising your spirits and moving forward, more happily. ©iStockphoto.com | dragana991

IT’S A JOURNEY “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves,” said Victor Frankl, Holocaust survivor, psychiatrist, and author. Makes sense. How can you change yourself so your responses are more aligned with happiness and positivity than with stress, despair, and depression? Self-awareness is a big deal. Look gently at what’s got you worried these days. Are you concerned about the future? Your children and family, your coworkers, your friends? Do you obsess about everyone’s health and wellbeing? Worried about your job, the future? Pay attention to new, troubling concerns and decide which issues you can control and which you can’t. Realize you can’t control the virus, but you can control your understanding of it and your ability to stay safe. Without 26

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

starting to boss others around, live by example yourself. Stay informed. Wear a mask when you’re with others, decline in-person social situations but do instigate on-line get-togethers. Call your friends and family…what an idea… and don’t let talk turn to 2020’s doom and gloom. Make a point to do all you can so your decisions and environment are safer and more positive for you and others. Many people stop worrying when they begin to help others. Reaching out is important, either through social media, emails, calls—how ‘bout cards and letters? Volunteer at church or with organizations important to you. Lots of connecting and helpful work can be done from home. DO SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL Isolation can be depressing but getting your body in motion, exercising, and

just breathing deeper can be uplifting. It’s a physical thing. So, get outside! Being in nature, even if your closest nature is the avenue downtown, is a refreshing change. Let it be your mantra. Just walking outside can boost your senses, refill your gratitude reserves, get that serotonin pumping and your heart beating. While you’re exercising, pick a joyous memory to think about—a favorite song, your grandkids, your sweetheart—start there and your mind will seek fields of greater happiness. Change your mind and you change yourself. Plus, health-wise, it’s good for you, remember? Move around, get physical, challenge yourself.

MAKE ADJUSTMENTS, BE FLEXIBLE Once you know what you can control, make a plan. If your financial situation is a challenge, what are ways you can earn more, cut back, invest better, save some for tomorrow, help others? Start with gratitude for what you have and consider if you can share any of that with someone who needs help. Then do it. First, if your financial challenges are serious, research where you can get help and advice in your community. There are resources you might qualify for at https://www.nc.gov/covid-19/familycommunity-covid-19-resources. Then, working in your household, pull everyone together and list behaviors you can begin to improve in order to increase your bottom line. Everything from deleting unnecessary subscriptions, having a yard sale or selling things online, fixing it yourself instead of hiring out, eliminating unnecessary

purchases, to making an appointment with your financial advisor (or getting one) and letting them advise. If finding a job is your goal, put yourself into that project like it was a job…show up, reach out, work overtime. ISOLATION IS A DRAG If there was a time for social media, it is now. Explore new apps and ways to connect online with friends and family. Find places where you share an interest and go there to meet like-minded folks, make new friends, discover new ideas and ways to expand your awareness of the world. Get involved with something outside yourself, even it if needs to be virtually. THINK OF PROJECTS AS THERAPY This can be a time to discover your inner creative or tackle your procrastination problem once and for all. Once I decided to give away some stuff and sell some stuff, it was amazingly

cathartic to clean out, pack up, and re-think my possessions. Clutter can be a big downer. What else has you in the dumps? Got repairs around the house that need done? Craft projects that you never finished? Remember how you’ve always wanted to adopt a furry friend from the shelter? Maybe help your neighbor build that front door ramp that they need? Read some good books? Healing projects come in all shapes and sizes…just pick one or two! Whatever you do, pay attention to your gut feelings and the well-being of people around you. If you have any concern that feeling blue is becoming a serious issue, take action—don’t hesitate. Reach out, stay connected, and seek help if you feel overwhelmed or unsafe. There is light at the end of the tunnel… make sure you travel in the right direction, bring friends along, and take it one step at a time.

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HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

Improving the Body You’re In

By Kristie Darling

ou can start with just about any aspect of your life, there’s always something you need to work on or improve. You know… it might be physical, mental, financial, dietary, spiritual, or maybe it’s as simple as charging up your languishing sense of humor. No matter if you’re working hard learning how to eat better or tackling getting yourself to undertake more exercise, the most efficient place to start is with goal setting. If we think about just eating healthy and exercising more, you need intentional, focused goals you can create for yourself, track regularly, and encourage with rewards and results. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN… AND LET THEM EVOLVE Mental thoughts about your goals are not goals. “I’m going to cut out all sugar,” is specific, sure, but is it doable without a breakdown of what that means to you? Listed by steps, the task becomes more attainable. A timeline also helps—are you going cold turkey or starting with only four sodas a week, cutting out donuts at work next week, and all desserts are gone by the end of

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2021

the month? Will you set a new goal for yourself each morning, accumulating new healthy choices over time? Eventually, with dedication, your list and goals will help you eat well for the long haul. Maybe your first goal is to select an appropriate eating plan, research its pros and cons and then commit to becoming an ardent follower. Some come with their own set of plans for you to work through. This method can ensure that your daily intake is healthy and will get you where you want to be. Would a list of substitute foods help you exchange unhealthy foods with foods that are better for you? It can be as simple as choosing organic whenever possible or trading fried chicken for roasted, pancakes for omelets, or water for sodas. Remember, you probably know more than you think about good choices, and, of course, if you don’t, Google University can help. GET YOUR BODY MOVING It seems simple enough…if you want to get more exercise, move more. But it’s not simple—our habits and self-talk get in the way. Without some knowledge,

short- and long-term goals (written down!), or self-declared rules and guidelines, we can sabotage ourselves before we even begin. What motivates you? Is it health, achy joints, fatigue, depression, more pounds than you want to admit, or do you want to build strength and stamina so you can keep up with the kids? Again, write it down! A journal of notes, ideas, and introspection about how you really feel about health, your depression, or your weight can give you a better understanding about how and why YOU need to begin. A chart of successes and challenges can come later, so you can reward achievements. There are so many resources both online and in our community to help. Diet programs, gyms, dance classes, running and hiking clubs, equipment large and small, and simply reminding yourself every day that the dog would really like to go for two walks instead of one can assist you in reaching your goals. Jump in with two feet! Work on tackling improvements that will keep you healthy and happy for years to come. When you wake up each morning, looking and feeling better, you’ll be glad you did!

What's Cooking?! Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp and Peas

Cooler weather calls for comfort foods, and it’s hard to top risotto for a heartwarming dish to share with the family on chilly days. To achieve delicious taste without ditching your healthy eating plan, consider nutritionally balanced one-pot recipes like the one below.

Cauliflower Risotto with Shrimp and Peas Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger

2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup chopped shallot 3 cups cauliflower rice ¼ teaspoon salt, plus

additional, to taste

¼ teaspoon freshly ground

black pepper

2 tablespoons, plus 1 tea

spoon, all-purpose flour

1 ¾ cups 1% low-fat milk ¾ cup freshly grated

Parmesan cheese, divided

1 pound medium shrimp (26

30 count per pound),

cleaned and tails removed

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen peas 2 tablespoons fresh basil

leaves, cut into ribbons

Directions

In large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add shallot and cook until softened, 2 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Sprinkle flour over cauliflower and stir to incorporate then add milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until it comes to gentle boil. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until incorporated then add shrimp and peas. Return to simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally,

until shrimp are pink and no longer translucent, and sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt, to taste, then garnish with basil and remaining Parmesan cheese. If you prefer, serve with a mixed green salad and garlic bread! Recipe and photo courtesy of United Dairy Industry of Michigan Find more family meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org. Recipe courtesy of “Whole in One” by Ellie Krieger on behalf of Milk Means More.

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