Hickory Living January 2024 by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary January 2024

On the Cover

Welcome to 2024!

Physician-Owned and Patient-Focused page 10 HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2024

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contents

JANUARY 2024 MacAdam Smith

FEATURES

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

10 • COVER STORY Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Physician-Owned and Patient-Focused 14 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Introducing Lake Hickory Dental

IN THIS ISSUE

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

6 • Welcome To The January Issue 18 • What’s Cooking?! Winter Squash with Italian Sausage 20 • Getting More Joy and Happiness in Your Life 22 • Organizing and Decluttering for the New Year Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

22 Hickory

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

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

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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.

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Casil • Kathy Wheeler Kathy Dicken

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY By Shane Greene Photography ©iStockphoto.com | ElenaMedvedeva

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©iStockphoto.com | Chris Cross

Welcome to the

January Issue! By Kathy Wheeler

appy New Year and welcome to 2024! As you set your goals for this year, consider the activities that bring you joy and include more of those in your life. Instead of focusing on the things you need to quit or give up, focus on the results you want to achieve and the positive outcomes that will result from your sacrifices. For example, if one of your resolutions is to quit smoking, plan a vacation with the money you will save. Think about the energy you will have and improved health you will achieve. Losing weight is another popular New Year’s resolution. Achieving this goal will not only increase your confidence, but could improve your health. You may be able to go off medications, buy a new wardrobe, feel better, and more energetic. By focusing on the positive instead of the negative you can meet any challenge! Don’t give up. If you don’t succeed the first time, keep trying until you do! 6

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Being organized and decluttering can help you reach your goals for the year. There is an article on page 22 to assist you with this task. The reward is a calmer environment to live in, more time and space to do the things you love, and less time spent looking for the items you own!

Our January business spotlight introduces a new dental practice and dentist in our area. Meet Dr. Robert Steljes with Lake Hickory Dental. Their article begins on page 14 where you can read about all of the new technology they have implemented to give their patients some of the best dental care in the area.

Have you ever asked yourself what brings more happiness to your life? It may surprise you what the answer to that question is. I can tell you it isn’t more stuff! Read page 20 to find out! Most of the suggestions in this article are monetarily free.

Don’t hibernate all month, instead plan time with friends and family. If you get the winter blues, buy some fresh flowers, open the curtains to let in the natural light, take a brisk walk, and get some fresh air. Invite friends over for dinner, a movie, or game night! Plan a spa day or rent a cabin for a change of scenery. Whatever you do, don’t stay indoors! Get out and enjoy the season!

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology is our cover story this month. They offer patients cutting-edge treatment in dermatology, plastic surgery, and esthetic services. Read their feature beginning on page 10 and let them help you reach some of your esthetic goals this year!

Thank you for reading Hickory Living. We wish you a fun month and a year filled with good health, success, prosperity, and happiness!

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2024

on the cover

Photos:

On the cover–PPSD Hickory Tate offices’ board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and physician assistants: Left to right, back row: Dr. Charles Johnson, Dr. Steven Siciliano, Dr. Gregory Swank, Dr. George Magel, Michael Sabol, PA-C, Zachary Greer PA-C, Jessica Curtis-Yount PA-C Front row: Dr. Bethany Bergamo, Dr. Dori Hunt, Danielle Shuler, PA-C, and Dr. Rosiane Roeder Pictured left–Board-certified dermatologists, Drs. Hunt, Magel, and Bergamo discuss the latest and upcoming cosmetic products and procedures.

Physician-Owned and Patient-Focused By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

As we start a new year, many people are thinking about making a positive change in how they look and feel. As one example, cosmetic surgery can improve exterior appearance as well as improve confidence and an overall sense of wellbeing.

ments, as well as non-surgical cosmetic treatments and esthetician services. They also offer medical grade skincare products that patients can use at home to extend the effectiveness of the surgical interventions and other treatments that the physician-owned practice offers.

Our skin is the body’s biggest organ and keeping it healthy is crucial to our overall health and well-being. In addition, keeping our skin looking healthy and vibrant also improves our appearance and provides a boost in confidence and wellness.

Mohs Surgery: Highly Effective in Treating Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that nearly 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. This translates into more than 3 million people in America every year who have nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Hickory offers cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and skin cancer treat10

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Fortunately, Mohs surgery is 97% to 100% effective in treating nonmelanoma skin cancers, Dr. Johnson said. Mohs Surgery is a specialized procedure that removes skin cancer and all of its roots layer by layer. The tissue is examined under a microscope to ensure that all of the cancer is removed. This type of surgery removes cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. Dr. Johnson also explained that patients can feel confident about having Mohs Surgery with a boardcertified surgeon because the surgeon who removes the cancer is “one and the same” as the pathologist who is also board-certified to read the skin pathology and determine when and if all the cancer has been removed. PPSD’s Dr. Charles Johnson has over two decades of experience as a boardcertified Dermatologist and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon. Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of skin cancer prevention as well as treatment with me. He is well-qualified, because for several years, he has

Photo:

Pictured left, Board-certified plastic surgeons, Drs. Siciliano, Roeder, and Swank

been one of the first surgeons to be certified as a Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon, with expertise in Mohs Surgery and cutaneous oncology by the American Board of Dermatology. Dr. Johnson has completed over 40,000 cases of Mohs Surgery for skin cancer, enabling him to be part of the first group of highly qualified surgeons and skin cancer experts to take and pass the Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon exam. Healthy skin that is cancer-free is attractive skin. PPSD’s empathetic, highly qualified professional staff can meet health needs as well as aesthetic goals and objectives for a beautiful appearance. Aesthetics And Skin Care Products Esthetician and Product Specialist Melanie Herman has been with the practice since 2016. Melanie focuses on educating patients about skin care as well as the services, procedures, and products that can preserve and improve their appearance. She said that patients get their best results when they become “more knowledgeable so they not only receive treatments at the clinic but can continue skin care at home.” Ashley Abernethy is the Product Specialist at PPSD in Hickory and has been with the practice since 2019. She said, “Beautiful skin starts with great skincare and sunscreen. Do not forget to reapply!” When I asked her about new or particularly effective products that patients should consider, she highlighted three, including an all-in-one anti-aging moisturizer that is good for thinning, sagging skin, Revision DEJ Face. Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen has SPF 36

Photos:

Pictured above Mohs surgeon, Dr. Charles Johnson, examines skin tissue samples to check for clearance of skin cancer. Esthetician Melanie Herman performing a microneedling procedure. HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2024

and offers a natural, sun-kissed glow. Thinning eyelashes can become thicker and shinier in as little as 8 weeks with Obagi Nu-Cil Eyelash Enhacing Serum. Dermatology Treatments and Services In addition to skin cancer treatment and prevention with professional sunscreen products, PPSD also offers dermatology treatments for skin conditions. The practice offers treatments to improve appearance, such as irregular pigmentation, acne, and dry skin. People with warts and moles may not have cancerous conditions, but it still does not mean they aren’t of concern for health or appearance. PPSD offers treatment that can improve these conditions as well. Dr. George Magel told me that PPSD wants people in Hickory and the surrounding communities to think of PPSD first when they have any skin conditions or concerns. “We want our practice to be associated with being expert in all aspects of skin.” And, he said, the practice treats people like family. “We are experts in the care of your skin,” he said. Dr. Magel is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. In addition to experience in skin cancer surgery and prevention, Dr. Magel is an expert in complex skin conditions. He is also an expert in complex cosmetic dermatology, including skin rejuvenation, laser surgery, and skin peels. He focuses on an individualized, natural look for all of his patients.

Photos, top to bottom

• Danielle Shuler, PA-C, performing a skin biopsy • Michael Sabol, PA-C • Jessica Curtis-Yount, PA-C, is doing a skin check. We recommend patients to get a yearly skin check! Building 100: 828.325.9849 Charles Johnson, MD; Gregory Swank, MD, FACS; Steven Siciliano, MD; Rosiane Roeder, MD, FACS; and Jessica Curtis-Yount, PA-C 12

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PPSD: Caring, Professional, Serving Patients Visiting PPSD’s offices, you will be greeted by caring medical professionals who pride themselves in offering a personal touch. Dr. Rosiane Roeder, a Plastic Surgeon with PPSD is one such physician. She is extremely glad she has been able to return to North Carolina to practice plastic and reconstructive surgery, having graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with her Bachelor of Science degree before continuing to medical school and performing her residencies in general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Roeder believes that the best results for patients are always achieved when surgeon and patient work together. She exemplifies PPSD’s commitment to excellence in cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, dermatology, skin care, and esthetics. With a new year, it may be time for a new you, and it is also always time to care for your skin and health.

315 19th St. SE, Hickory, NC 28602 ppsd.com Building 200: 828.328.3500 Dori Hunt, MD; Bethany Bergamo, MD; George Magel, MD; Zachary Greer, PA-C; Danielle Shuler, PA-C; and Michael Sabol, PA-C

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2024

business spotlight

Photos:

Left–Dr. Robert Steljes and his team at Lake Hickory Dental Below–Dr. Rob is happy to return to Hickory. Opposite page–Dr. Rob using CEREC software. The software can design same day crowns.

INTRODUCING Highlights of New Dental Technology Prior to Dr. Rob’s arrival, the office utilized some new technology, but Dr. Rob wants to take this to the next level. “We have added a state-of-the-art dental scanner and have access to 3D X-Ray technology. In addition, we utilize 3D Printers and dental design software that By Amy Casil | Photos by Revival Creatives allows us to plan complex cases and Dr. Robert Steljes is working hard with Happy to be Back in Hickory ensure we achieve the results our pahis caring team to transition McAllisDr. Rob grew up in Statesville but also tients want.” With their digital technolter Family Dentistry to Lake Hickory has Hickory roots. He attended and ogy and modern printers, the office can Dental. Also known as “Dr. Rob,” Dr. graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne Univercreate a printed mockup of a patients’ Steljes took over Dr. John McAllister’s sity and knew he wanted to return. new smile. “It lets a patient try on a new Hickory practice in September. Since “I just loved the Hickory community smile before they go forward with treatthat time, he has worked hard to get while I was a Bear (once a Bear, always ment,” Dr. Rob said. The practice also to know his patients and understand a Bear), and knew this is where I offers same-day crowns using their ontheir dental needs. He and his team wanted to return.” While Dr. Rob didn’t site CEREC technology. CEREC techprovide a range of dental services to find the right office in Hickory after nology enables the dentist to design and patients in Hickory and the surround- dental school, he continued his search make a crown that will fit exactly on the ing communities, from annual checkand jumped on the opportunity to same day that you visit the office. ups to the latest in dental technology. come “home” when it was presented. Dr. Rob and his team are working to “I loved working in Troutman for a The Importance of Dental Care provide a friendly and considerate few years after dental school. It was a I spoke with Dr. Rob about issues that atmosphere for ongoing patients as fantastic learning experience, but I kept he sees in the community as he settles well as welcome new patients to the my heart and eyes open to coming back into Hickory and his new practice. Oral practice. to Hickory. I’m so excited to be back!” health may be one of the most important 14

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aspects of an individual’s overall health. The mouth is a portal for the rest of your body. Left unchecked dental infections can be silent and harm your heart, immune system, gut health and more. Professional Caring Team One thing that was important to Dr. Rob was maintaining an experienced team. “Our patients have come to know their hygienists and assistants, and when transitioning a practice I think it’s very important to maintain continuity. We have an excellent team and they

have been vital to our success. From the hygienists, Megan and Natalie, to the assistants, Anissa and Leanne, there is a wealth of experience in treating dental needs. Since Dr. Rob’s arrival, there has been one new addition. When you arrive at the practice you will be greeted by Carol’s warm smile. She is the new practice manager and will make sure your appointment is efficient and that all insurance issues are handled correctly. The practice is proud to be in network with Delta Dental, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Cigna.

The Motivation to Become a Dentist I asked Dr. Rob how he decided that he wanted to be a dentist. He told me that his mom is a dental hygienist and he has always been interested in dentistry. When he was in middle school, he attended a math and science camp at Wake Forest University. The camp included the opportunity to shadow a professional, and Rob chose the dentist that his mother worked for. He spent 40 hours shadowing the dentist and by the end, he knew that was the career he wanted. Now, that goal has become a reality, and Dr. Robert Steljes and his staff are offering Hickory up-to-date dental services in a modern, friendly, and welcoming practice.

Lake Hickory Dental 1235 4th St. Dr. NW • Hickory, NC 828-322-6731 www.lakehickorydental.com

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2024

What’s Cooking?

Winter Squash with Italian Sausage Servings: 4 • Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS: 2 acorn squash 2 Tbsp. olive oil Salt & pepper SAUSAGE MIXTURE: 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 lb. ground Italian sausage (we used hot) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning 4 oz. fresh spinach ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup pecans, chopped INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment or aluminum foil. Prepare the acorn squash by cutting a slice off the top (stem end) and the bottom of each to create a flat base. Slice each squash in half through the middle. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits and discard.

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.

Winter Squash with Italian Sausage

Roasted winter squash makes a simple and rustic entree when stuffed with Italian sausage, garlic and spinach. Top with dried cranberries and pecans to make it really special. We gave this recipe an Italian flair by adding garlic and Italian seasoning to the sausage stuffing, but you can easily customize this dish to fit your family’s tastes. Try kale instead of spinach, topped with pine nuts and feta cheese. You could also use butternut or spaghetti squash instead of acorn squash. Hope you enjoy this cozy winter recipe — Happy New Year! 18

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Place acorn squash cut sides up on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle the cut sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and massage into the squash. Season with salt and pepper. Turn the squash over, and place it cut side down on the prepared sheet pan. Roast at 400 for 30 minutes. While the squash is roasting, prepare the sausage filling. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, add diced onion and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add sausage, garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, breaking up the sausage with a spatula until completely browned. Mix in the fresh spinach, stirring while cooking, until the spinach wilts. Lastly, add dried cranberries and chopped pecans and combine well. Set aside and keep warm. After 30 minutes, remove squash from the oven, and turn the halves cut side up. Divide the sausage filling among the 4 halves, generously mounding the filling into each half. Return the stuffed acorn squash to the oven for 10 minutes, until the sausage mixture is heated through. Enjoy!.

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Getting More Joy and Happiness in Your Life

In the hustle and bustle of life, many of us search for the elusive keys to lasting joy and happiness. While external circumstances can certainly impact our mood, true happiness often stems from within. Let’s explore practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help us increase joy and happiness. Practice Gratitude–Take time each day to think about things you are thankful for. Keeping a gratitude journal can help reinforce this practice, encouraging a positive outlook on life. Nurture Relationships–Human connection is a fundamental source of joy. Invest time and energy into building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Strong social bonds provide emotional support and also contribute to a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Prioritize Self-Care–Getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise is a place to start. Make time for activities you enjoy like reading a book or practicing a hobby. Self-care enhances your quality of life and boosts your mood. Embrace Mindfulness–Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and foster a sense of inner peace. Set Realistic Goals–Having clear, achievable goals gives life purpose and direction. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, celebrating each accomplishment along the way. Choose Positivity–Attitude plays a role in shaping your experiences. Make an effort to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than dwelling on negativity. Practice positive self-talk and challenge negative thoughts. 20

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Give Back–Contributing to the well-being of others can be a powerful source of joy bringing fulfillment and purpose to your life. Volunteer your time to a cause you believe in, perform random acts of kindness, or simply lend a helping hand to someone in need. Increasing joy and happiness in your life is an ongoing process that involves intentional choices and a positive mindset. Remember, happiness is not a destination but a journey, and these practices can guide you along the path to a more joyous and satisfying existence.

Our goal is to get you back to those you love and the life you love living. After an illness, surgery or • Rehab Wing with Central injury, Conover Nursing Gym and Indoor Track and Rehab Center’s team is • Results Oriented Physical, dedicated to your recovery Speech and Occupational and safe transition back Therapists on Staff home! • Family Owned & Operated

Conover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 828.695.8282

www.ConoverNursingandRehab.com

920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

HICKORY LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Organizing and Decluttering for the New Year By Kathy Wheeler

One of the best things you can do to start 2024 on a good note is to organize and declutter your home. It frees up space to do the things you love and makes room to grow in the year ahead. Being organized and decluttering brings calmness and helps you think more clearly, whereas clutter and disorganization makes every-day-life harder and chaotic. You are constantly looking for items you need, or trying to clear out a space to work. So, let’s get organized!

When it comes to hobbies, keep items you need for particular projects together so you aren’t looking for missing pieces of the puzzle. Finish projects before starting a new one. If you want to buy something new, you can purchase smart, organizational pieces. Recently, I replaced a sofa in my studio with a work bench. The sofa stayed covered up with stuff and no one ever sat on it. The work bench is much more functional. I utilized the space under This past holiday, as I was decorating, I the bench for storage using rolling carts To keep from getting overwhelmed, pulled out decorations I no longer used. to hold supplies. You can organize tools take one shelf, one cabinet, one drawer, Those were donated before Christmas. with a few large tool chests, fabrics can or one closet at a time. You may even I found 10 boxes of Christmas cards be organized in a hanging shelf in a have to divide the closet up into secthat I had purchased over the years closet or a bin for rolls of fabrics. The tions, and that’s okay. If you think about and only used a few from each box. key is to know where to find items, get decluttering the whole house, you will It seemed like every time I opened a rid of what you don’t use, and don’t surely give up before you start! storage bin there was a box of cards have more projects going than you have inside! My mom sends lots of cards space! For those of us who have a lot of hobeach year, so I gave most of them to bies, tend to keep everything, or have her. If you know someone who can use By approaching decluttering and orgalived in our homes for many years, we your excess, that’s great. If not, donate nization with mindfulness and purneed to take a page from the minimalit to one of the many thrift stores that pose, you can create a living space that ist mindset and get rid of what we don’t support worthy causes in our area! The supports your goals and enhances your use. There is something very refreshing key is to get rid of it quickly. I will be well-being. Embrace the opportunity in ridding ourselves of old stuff to make keeping my trunk full over the next few to let go of the past year’s clutter and room for what’s ahead. If you only use months and making many trips to drop welcome the New Year with a clean, an item occasionally, it can be stored off donations. organized, and harmonious home. 22

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in an out-of-the-way space, harder to reach than the items you use often. If you are constantly having to remove items in a cabinet to get to what is behind, reorganize it so you don’t have so many layers and put the items you use less often in the back. The key is to remember where those items are when you need them. There is a wreath I made a few years ago that I still haven’t found!

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