2021 Medical Guide

2021

MEDICAL GUIDE MEDICAL GUIDE

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO MEDICAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO OUR COMMUNITY

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MONTGOMERY HERALD MEDICAL GUIDE 2021

FREE

Care, Compassion & Commitment

The right place... at the right time.

Please contact Donna Hearne to schedule a visit, and experience the care that Sandy Ridge provides.

326 Bowman Road Candor, NC 910-974-4162 www.SandyRidgeLiving.com

“We invite you to come take a tour of our facility, talk with our staff, and discover for yourself the care that sets us apart.”

Specializing in Alzheimer’s and all types of dementia.

Montgomery County Medical Services Directory Assisted Living Autumn Care of Biscoe

Hospice Care 401 Lamber Road, Biscoe

910-428-2117

Sandy Ridge Memory Care 326 Bowman Road, Candor

910-974-4162

Montgomery Village

910-428-2101

327 Freeman Street, Star

Poplar Springs Rest Home 601 Dover Road, Star

910-428-2981

Dentists Donald L. Davis, DDS

473 Wood Street, Troy

910-572-2811

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry

131 Montgomery Crossing, Biscoe

910-428-2048

Johnny L. McKinnon Jr., DDS 407 N. Main Street, Mt. Gilead 910-429-9744 Terry Wood, PA

201 N. Main Street, Troy

910-576-3971

Family Medicine FirstHealth Family Care Crystal Eller, MD Taressa Bryan, FNP

522 Allen Street, #101, Troy

Mid Carolina Family Medicine Touber Vang, MD Janet Leone Britt, PA-C

1038 Albemarle Road, Troy

910-571-5510

Community Home Care & Hospice

401 Lamber Road, Biscoe

910-576-0023

FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care

251 Campground Road, West End

910-715-6000

Hospice of Stanly & The Uwharrie

960 N. 1st Street, Albemarle

704-983-4216

FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital

520 Allen Street, Troy

910-571-5000

FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital

155 Memorial Drive, Pinehurst

910-715-1000

Atrium Health – Stanly

301 Yadkin Street, Albemarle

980-323-4000

Hospitals

Mental Health Care Daymark Recovery Services 227 N. Main Street, Suite A, Troy 910-572-3681

910-572-1785

Journey Counseling

617 N. Main Street, Troy

Optometrists Carlyle D. Haywood Jr., OD 326 Albemarle Road, Troy

835 Albemarle Road, Troy Troy Medical Services Pediatrics: Thomas M. Bailey, MD Family Medicine: Karen A. Jaramillo, NP Michael McLeod, MD Krystal R. Wright, PA

910-572-2309

Mt. Gilead Medical Services 202 N. Main Street, Mt. Gilead Crystal Fischer, PA-C

910-439-1573

Family Care Associates 507 N. Main Street, Troy John M. Woodyear Jr., MD

910-576-0042

Montgomery County 103 Cotton Creek Road, Star Community Health Center (RHCC)

910-428-9020

910-572-2225

910-576-7371

Pharmacies Standard Drug

522 Allen Street, #102, Troy

910-572-2070

CVS Pharmacy

902 Albemarle Road, Troy

910-572-1396

Walmart Pharmacy

201 Montgomery Crossing, Biscoe

910-428-3313

Biscoe Pharmacy

2295 NC-24, Biscoe

910-428-1149

C & R Pharmacy

116 S. Main Street, Mt. Gilead 910-439-6541

Foot Care Uwharrie Podiatry Colin L. Mofett, DPM

143 N. 3rd Street, Albemarle

Ankle & Foot Surgical Podiatry

522 Allen Street, Suite 201-B, 910-571-5710 Troy

Montgomery County Department of Health

217 S. Main Street, Troy

704-983-5763

910-572-1393

2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 3

SANDY RIDGE:

A safe place for loved ones

Sandy Ridge Memory Care facility has been open for almost 20 years.

According to owner, Harold Van Derveer, it opened in June 2000 with one patient. “We’re the second largest memory care unit in North Carolina,” stated Van Derveer. “Memory care is special care for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. We have 104 memory care beds and 16 assisted living beds.”

Van Derveer explained the difference in assisted living and those who need greater care. “Some of our residents are very active, very capable and need little assistance. Others have reached the stage of their lives that they need more care.”

Van Derveer continued, “With memory care, a lot of it is wandering. They might be up 24 hours a day or they might be up all night. That is what they do. They do what they do. If they want to go to bed at 1 o’clock in the morning, that’s perfectly fine with us. It’s who they are, it’s where they are in their stage of life. We allow anything within reason that is safe. When you get Alzheimer’s or dementia, you regress back to the point of being a 6-month old, a one-year old. That’s the way they do things. You can’t tell a 6-month-old what to do nor can you tell a person with one of these diseases what to do. We keep them safe and provide a quality service – whether it’s food, cleanliness or medical – our job is to provide that service and provide it with quality for patients in mind.”

Shown, at right, is one of the many tranquil areas Sandy Ridge offers for residents to enjoy some fresh air and leisurely conversations.

Photo sourced from www.sandyridgeliving.com.

4 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

Van Derveer and his staff go well above the typical standards

in-house laundry, we have an in-house beauty shop, pretty much

when it comes to cleanliness. They have grades of 100 from the

every service they would need is in the building.” They also serve

appropriate agencies for cleanliness in both the kitchen and

three home-cooked meals daily. According to Van Derveer, it is

housekeeping. “You don’t see that often,” Van Derveer noted. “The

good food. “I’m typically here at 6:30 a.m. and often do not leave

quality is there, but it also has to be every day. We are only as good

until after supper time. I eat three meals a day here sometimes and

as we are today. Yesterday is irrelevant. We are only as good as we

the food is delicious.”

are today and where we will be tomorrow.”

Van Derveer stated, “These diseases can happen at any time in

The facility provides most everything a person would need. “We

a person’s life. You never want to see a loved one suffer. We are

clean for them, we cook for them, we have all the nursing care, we

available for those who need the extra care and want their loved

have a doctor who comes in, dietitians who come in, we have an

ones to be in a safe, loving, friendly environment.” • 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 5

NURSING HOME CARE & THE ‘LOOKBACK PERIOD’ Health care plans provide access to medical care and other necessities and reduce out-of-pocket health-related expenses. Each plan is different, and depending on where you live, your coverage may vary.

People quickly find that many healthcare plans do not include provisions for long-term health care, such as paying for nursing facilities. Understanding how health plans work and learning about potential financial reviews for nursing home payment qualification is a good idea for anyone concerned about financing their future health care needs.

HEALTH CARE BASICS In the United States, health care is largely privately managed, with most employers offering access to various health coverage plans. Government subsidized plans include Medicare, which is for retirement-age individuals and younger people with disabilities.

Medicaid is a joint state- and federally-run government program

WHAT IS THE LOOK-BACK PERIOD? The senior health, finance and lifestyle resource Senior Living advises that Medicaid is a “last resort” method of financing nursing home costs. Individuals are expected to use other means of payment first and “spend down” their assets. When financial resources dwindle, Medicaid will kick in to provide coverage.

To ensure that individuals simply do not transfer money out of their accounts to avoid paying for nursing home care by their own means, Medicaid requires a look-back period into applicants’ finances to determine if there were any violations to rules regarding asset transfers.

Most people engage in some sort of long-term planning to protect a portion of their assets so that they can be used to support spouses or children. According to rules, an applicant is permitted to transfer certain monies to his or her spouse, provided the spouse isn’t also applying for long-term care through Medicaid. Most money and

that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and

tangible asset transfers (check with your state Medicaid office for

families.

the most current rules) must have taken place 60 months (5 years)

Unfortunately, health insurance does not pay for nursing

prior to application for Medicaid. Penalties will be instituted when

home care in most cases. Unless an individual meets low-income

rules are broken, namely gifts or asset transfers that take place within

criteria, nursing home care is paid for by the resident; otherwise,

the look-back period. This could delay Medicaid acceptance.

people who qualify for Medicaid can have their nursing home

Paying for long-term care can be complicated business with look-

expenditures paid for by that program. To receive Medicaid

back periods and required spend-downs. It is in a person’s best

assistance, applicants should expect a financial review, including a

interest to seek the guidance of a financial planner who specializes

look-back period.

in elder care to navigate these financial waters. •

6 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

TAYLOR HOUSE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Taylor House Assisted Living Facility

Proudly Serving Older Adults in Proudly Stanly County For Over 60 Years Serving Older Adults in Stanly County For Over 60 Years

WHO WE ARE: Taylor House is an assisted living residence owned and operated

by Baptist Retirement Homes of North Carolina, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization committed to providing quality care and a meaningful way of life for residents and staff… a place where residents and staff become an extension of family that recognizes the dignity and worth of each individual.

SERVING AND PROVIDING CARE TO OLDER ADULTS FOR OVER 70 YEARS

piedmont town of Albemarle. Since 1954, our assisted living community has combined compassionate care, family style living and a wealth of activities to provide the best quality of life for our residents.

We welcome a chance to meet you and give you a tour of the Taylor House. •

For more information, visit

For more information, visit www.brh.org/community/taylor-house www.brh.org/community/taylor-house

319 Palmer Street, Albemarle, NC 319 Palmer Street, Albemarle, NC 704-982-4217 704-982-4217 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 7

SPEC

The Taylor House is located in the quaint North Carolina

Healthy Healthy Food, Food,

Healthy Healthy Families Families 8 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

In Montgomery County, more families than ever are struggling

decisions about how to feed their babies.

to put healthy food on their tables. For young children, a lack of

Better educated moms mean healthier babies. Studies have

good nutrition can put them at risk for health problems including

shown that women on Medicaid who participated in WIC had

anemia, dental problems, diabetes, and obesity. North Carolina’s

lower infant mortality rates, and lower incidence of low birth weight

WIC program helps low income families meet the nutritional

and pre-term births, compared to women on Medicaid who did not

needs of pregnant and post-partum women, infants and children

participate in WIC.

up to the age of 5. WIC is currently serving 1005 participants in

Anyone who receives Medicaid or Food Stamps is automatically eligible for the WIC program. Income guidelines can be found on-

Montgomery County each month.

Supplemental foods for families include fresh fruits and

line at www.montgomerycountync.com under Health Department/

vegetables, juice, cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, whole grain cereals

WIC. You can call our direct phone number at 910-572-8174 for an

and whole wheat bread, peanut butter, and beans. Infant foods

appointment for all eligible family members, Monday –Friday from

include cereal, fruits and vegetables, and additional food for

8:00am-4:30pm. The WIC program is located in the Montgomery

breastfeeding moms. WIC food benefits are redeemed with an

County Health Department, 217 S. Main St. Troy.

All appointments are currently completed over the phone. Due

e-WIC benefit card at any participating store.

WIC also offers families nutrition education, breastfeeding

to COVID 19, WIC has federal waivers in place which means that

support, health screenings and healthcare referrals. Breastfeeding

physical presence is not required to receive WIC benefits through

education is an important part of the WIC program.

May 2021. To refer a family or self-refer you can also complete

WIC

has a designated breastfeeding expert on staff and a trained Breastfeeding Peer Counselor to assist moms in making informed

our quick referral link found on the Montgomery County website.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. •

WHAT IS WIC?

¿QUÉ ES WIC?

WHAT DOES WIC PROVIDE?

¿QUÉ SERVICIOS OFRECE WIC?

WHO IS WIC FOR?

¿PARA QUIÉN ES WIC?

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a nutrition program that help families stay healthy!

WIC provides access to: • Healthy foods • Breastfeeding support • Nutrition education • Resources for families

You can participate in WIC if you: • Are pregnant, a new mom, breastfeeding or have an infant or child under age 5.

• Live in North Carolina.

• Receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, Work First or have a family income less than WIC income guidelines.

• Have a nutritional need determined for the WIC Nutritionist.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Montgomery County Department of Health - WIC Program 217 South Main Street Troy, NC 27371 910-572-8174 This institutional is an equal opportunity provider.

El Programa para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños (WIC) es un programa de nutrición que ayuda a las familias a mantenerse saludables.

WIC le ofrece acceso a: • Alimentos saludables • Apoyo a la lactancia • Recursos para las • Educación sobre familias nutrición

Usted puede participar en WIC se • Está embarazada, es madre reciente, amamanta a su bebé o tiene un bebé o un niño menor de 5 años.

• Vive en Carolina del Norte.

• Recibe Medicaid, Cupones de Alimentos, asistencia de Work First o bien, si los ingresos de su hogar son menores a las guías de ingreso de WIC • Tiene una necesidad de nutrición determinada por un nutriólogo de WIC.

PARA MAYORES INFORMES, COMUNÍQUESE A:

Montgomery County Department of Health - WIC Program 217 South Main Street Troy, NC 27371 910-572-8174 Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece iguldad de oportunidades.

2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 9

A DRINK TO SOOTHE YOUR STOMACH Smoothies are often associated with breakfast, but they actually can be enjoyed all day long.

Smoothies have been around since the 1920s, when the first blender was invented

by Stephen Poplawski. In 1939, the Waring blender company designed a pamphlet that came with the appliance that included fruitbased drinks.

Smoothies can include a variety of ingredients and serve various purposes. This recipe for a “Ginger Papaya Smoothie” from “Super Smoothies” (Crestline) by Ellen Brown employs ginger, which can help overcome nausea and other stomach issues.

GINGER PAPAYA SMOOTHIE YIELDS 4 1-CUP SERVINGS INGREDIENTS: 1

cup chilled papaya nectar

1

container (8 ounces) peach low-fat yogurt

1⁄2 cup silken tofu 1⁄4 cup whey protein powder 3

tablespoons crystallized ginger

2

cups papaya cubes, frozen

4

papaya spears for garnish (optional)

Combine papaya nectar, yogurt, tofu, whey protein powder, and crystalized ginger in a blender or smoothie maker. Blend on high speed for 45 seconds or until mixture is puréed and smooth. Add papaya cubes and blend on high speed again until mixture is smooth. Serve immediately garnished with papaya spears, if desired.

TIP: Crystallized ginger is fresh ginger that has been cooked in sugar syrup to render it both sweet and tender. It is usually then coated with sugar to prevent the slices from sticking together. To find crystallized ginger, look in the baking section of your supermarket rather than the produce aisle.

10 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 11

WHY IMMUNIZATIONS ARE IMPORTANT It’s important to note some of the reasons why health organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization urge all children and adults to be immunized.

Measles is not something that garnered much attention outside the medical community in recent decades. However, in 2019 a series of measles outbreaks put the spotlight back on this highly contagious infectious disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2019, 981 individual cases of measles had been confirmed in 26 states in the United States. That marked the greatest numbers of measles cases reported in the U.S. since 1992. And the U.S. is not the only country in North America facing a measles problem, as the Public Health Agency of Canada reported that, as of mid-May, 54 cases of measles had been reported in the country in 2019. Perhaps most surprising, measles was declared eliminated in 2001, leading many to wonder what’s behind the sudden outbreaks so long after the disease had seemingly vanished.

The CDC reports that the majority of people who got measles in 2019 were unvaccinated. While measles was 12 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

declared eliminated nearly 20 years ago in the United States, the CDC notes it’s still common in many parts of the world. When unvaccinated travelers visit countries where measles is still common, they can bring the disease with them, ultimately allowing it to spread in communities where large groups of people are unvaccinated.

Regardless of why people choose to avoid vaccinations, it’s important to note some of the reasons why health organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization urge all children and adults to be immunized.

• Immunizations save lives. The CDC notes that advancements in medical science have made it possible for humans to protect themselves against more diseases than ever before. Once-fatal diseases have now been eliminated thanks to safe and effective vaccines.

• Immunizations protect loved ones.

Some people cannot receive certain immunizations due to allergies, illness, weakened immune systems,

or other factors. Such individuals are vulnerable to disease, and especially vulnerable if their loved ones who can be vaccinated do not receive their recommended immunizations.

• Immunizations save money. The human toll of failing to be immunized can be fatal, and the financial toll can be heavy, too. Children with vaccine-preventable diseases may not be allowed to enroll in certain schools or daycare facilities, forcing parents to make decisions that can affect their ability to earn a living.

In addition, medical bills that result from long-term illnesses can be substantial. The majority of health insurance plans cover vaccines for adults and children at little or no cost, and even uninsured families can receive free or inexpensive vaccines through certain government programs.

Immunizations take only a few seconds to receive but can have a positive effect that lasts a lifetime.•

Public Health

y,

Stay healthy this WHAT IS PUBLIC HEALTH?

Public health is something you may not hear about every day, but it is in your everyday lives. Public health is having clean water to shower and brush your teeth. Public health is preventing diseases and injuries.

Public health is having a law requiring you to wear a seat belt. As you can see, public health can take on many forms. At the Montgomery County Department of Health, we work to provide high quality public health services to individuals and families in Montgomery County. When most people think of the health department, they think of the clinical services we provide such as maternity care, family planning, child health exams, and vaccinations. However, the health department also does a lot of other work in the community to make it a healthier place. We are working to reduce infant deaths by offering classes to educate new and expecting mothers about keeping their babies safe while sleeping. We promote teen pregnancy prevention in schools, educate young children about handwashing and dental care, investigate disease outbreaks, and provide nutritional services among many other areas. If you want to learn more about how we are providing public health services or to make an appointment, give us a call at 910-572-1393.•

Visit us at the County Health Stay healthy this year!

Services w physicals child health i care NC Make your appointment27371 today! prenatal 217 S Main St., Troy, NC 27371 (910) 572-1393 wic services

Visitusus at at the Montgomery Visit Montgomery County of Health CountyDepartment Health Department!

Services we offer: physicals sick visits child health immunizations prenatal care family planning wic services health education communicable disease environmental health

2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 13

Annual health exams are a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A person may not see the need to visit the doctor if he or she is feeling well, but not every disease or condition manifests itself in a way that men and women can detect. According the Unity Point Clinic, nearly one-third of the 133 million Americans living with a chronic disease are unaware of the presence of their conditions. Routine physical exams can detect serious illnesses before they do much damage.

No two physical exams will be exactly alike, but many will share some general features.

HEALTH HISTORY A crucial element of a physical exam will include a thorough health history if the physician doesn’t already have one on file. The doctor will take time to ask questions about family history of illness, health habits, any vices (smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.), exercise schedule, and diet. If there is a possible hereditary health condition running through your family, the doctor may suggest certain testing and make note of potential signs to look for in the future.

CURRENT AILMENTS After discussing a patient’s history, the doctor may ask if they are having any problems they cannot explain. These can

THE IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL HEALTH EXAMS 14 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

include changes in eating or sleeping patterns; aches and pains; lumps or bumps and other abnormalities. Again, the presence of symptoms may be indicative of illness or physical changes, but not all diseases produce obvious symptoms.

VITAL SIGNS A doctor will check a patient’s vital signs during the physical.

Areas the doctor will look at include but are not limited to: • Heart rate: This measures the speed at which the heart is pumping. Normal resting heart rate values range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

• Blood

pressure:

A

blood

pressure

cuff

(sphygmomanometer) will measure systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the force with which

the blood is pushing through the arteries. The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries between beats, when the heart rests. The systolic (top number) should be below 120, while the bottom should be less than 80, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• Respiration rate: The doctor will measure the number of breaths taken in a minute. WebMD says between 12 and 16 breaths per minute is normal for a healthy adult.

Breathing more than 20 times per minute can suggest heart or lung problems.

• Pulse oximetry: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine says pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is a measure of how well oxygen is being sent to the parts of your body furthest from your heart. Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to 100 percent. Values under 90 percent are considered low.

PHYSICAL EXAM The examination will also include physical components. The doctor will perform a visual inspection of the skin and body for any abnormalities, such as the presence of skin cancer.

The physician may feel the abdomen to check that internal organs are not distended. Females’ physical examinations may include breast and pelvic exams.

COMPREHENSIVE TESTING In addition to the exam at the office, the physical may include an electrocardiogram, or EKG, to check electrical activity of the heart; blood count and cholesterol checks through blood work; body mass index testing; X-rays or MRIs and bone-density tests.

Physical exams remain an important part of staying healthy.

Consult with a doctor for more preventative maintenance tips. • 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 15

How often TO SEE THE DOCTOR...

Routine health checkups are a key part of staying healthy. Older

addition, patients may need referrals to certain specialists who work

adults may feel like they’re always visiting one doctor or another.

together to provide an overall health plan. That can increase the

But what is an acceptable frequency for doctor appointments?

number of appointments and shorten the intervals between them.

The answer isn’t always so cut and dry, and many health

Johnson Memorial Health offers some statistics.

professionals have mixed feelings even among themselves over

• People visit the doctor four times a year on average.

the magic number. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Studies show that poor or uninsured people prolong the time

recommends adults over the age of 65 visit the doctor more than twice as often as 18- to 44-year-olds. According to Paul Takahashi, a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., adults should see their primary care physicians at least once a year to make sure diseases are being properly managed and to stay current on preventative screenings.

Visiting the doctor more frequently does not necessarily add up to better health, and it actually can do the opposite. Dr. Peter Abadir, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says frequent visits to health facilties where sick people congregate puts one at a higher risk of illness or infection.

between doctor’s visits.

• Individuals with high blood pressure may need to see the doctor four times a year to ensure medications are working properly.

• Patients on dialysis see the doctor several times a week.

Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a family physician and assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, says too often people visit the doctor only when they are really sick. That works to their disadvantage because the appointment will focus only on treating the illness instead of addressing other

Visiting the doctor only when necessary is one way to avoid risky

preventative care and screenings. Balance is necessary in regard

exposure.

to health care.

Doctor visit frequency is not a one-size-fits-all answer. A yearly

Patients can work together with their doctors to develop screening

physical or checkup is a given, even for people who are healthy.

schedules that are customized to their particular profiles. These

People with a family history of certain conditions, like sleep disorders,

schedules can be modified as health history information changes

cancer, high blood pressure, and other conditions, may need to

or as patients age. Doctors can dial back or increase health visits

see a doctor more frequently than those with no such histories. In

as needed. •

16 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

Improving the health, safety and

Improving the health,productivity safety and of your workforce! productivity of your workforce!

Our services:

Our services: mproving the health, safety and • Workers’ compensation treatment roductivity of your• workforce! and management Workers’ compensation treatment

ur services:

and management

• Workers’ compensation treatment • Physical exams and management

• Physical exams

• Physical exams • Substance abuse testing

• Substance abuse testing • Surveillance testing • Surveillance testing

• Substance abuse testing

• On-site biometric screenings and flu vaccinations

• Surveillance testing • On-site biometric screenings • Mobile and on-site clinics and flu vaccinations • On-site biometric screenings • DOT exams and flu vaccinations• Mobile and on-site clinics

• DOT exams • Mobile and on-site clinics

• DOT exams

(910) 571-5170 | www.firsthealth.org/occheal

(910) 571-5170 | www.firsthealth.org/occhealth 910) 571-5170 | www.firsthealth.org/occhealth 50-107-19

50-107-19

How to prevent infections before & during pregnancy Expecting mothers face various obstacles during pregnancy. The

from babies and young children. CMV can cause various

physical changes to a woman’s body during pregnancy can be

problems for young babies, including microcephaly and

a challenge unlike any other she has ever faced, and the mental

hearing loss, and the virus can be passed from infected

challenges of pending motherhood also can prove a lot to process, particularly for first-time mothers.

Maintaining the health of a developing fetus is another challenge that expecting mothers face during pregnancy. The Centers for

women to their developing babies during pregnancy. Wash hands after changing diapers and do not share utensils with young children and babies.

Disease Control and Prevention notes that certain infections before

• Do not touch or change any cat litter. Pregnant women with

and during pregnancy can hurt both expecting mothers and their

cats at home should avoid touching or changing dirty cat

babies. Serious illness, birth defects and even lifelong disabilities

litter. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled

such as hearing loss and learning problems can result from

parasite that can be found in cat feces. Women infected with

infections before and during pregnancy. Thankfully, many infections

toxoplasmosis during pregnancy or right before pregnancy

that occur before and during pregnancy are preventable. The CDC offers these tips to help prevent such infections.

• Frequently wash hands with soap and water. Women no doubt recognize the importance of washing hands after

can pass the infection on to their developing babies, so it’s imperative that women avoid dirty cat litter. Women also should wear gloves when gardening or touching soil so they

using the bathroom. But the risk of infection before and

do not risk coming into contact with fecal matter left behind

during pregnancy also can be reduced if women wash their

by outdoor cats.

hands after preparing food, eating, gardening or touching

• Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. The CDC notes

dirt or soil, handling pets, spending time around people

that STDs, including HIV and hepatitis B, can be transmitted

who are sick, getting saliva on their hands, caring for and

from pregnant women to their developing babies. Such

playing with children, and changing diapers. It’s especially important that women wash their hands after touching raw meat, eggs or unwashed vegetables.

• Avoid saliva and urine from babies and young children as much as possible. The CDC notes that women may be able to reduce their risk of getting cytomegalovirus, or CMV, if they reduce their contact with the saliva and urine 18 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

diseases do not always produce symptoms, so it’s imperative that women be tested and that infected women speak with their health care providers about how to lower the chances that their babies will be infected.

Taking steps to prevent prenatal infections can help women and their developing babies stay healthy. •

2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 19

Our Four Guiding Principles Sandhills Pediatrics is here to support healthy, happy families in a healthy, happy community. Here are the four principles that guide us:

We turn medical care into medical caring.

Medical caring means always trying to do more than expected to

show that the health and happiness of our patients and their families really matters. We aspire to have our patients and their families see medical caring come to life through our actions—it’s more than just words to us, it’s embedded in the soul of our practice.

We are a supportive hand to hold.

We are an extension of the family, providing reliable, compassionate,

and expert guidance for parents, patients, and families. For families facing unknown, unfamiliar, and even scary situations, we seek to provide a confident hand that leads them to a better place.

We find harmony between quality care and convenience.

One of the most difficult challenges for any medical practice is

balancing great, high quality care with speed and convenience. At Sandhills Pediatrics, we continue to seek new ways to achieve the ideal balance between quality care and convenience.

By offering extended and weekend hours, last-minute appointment availability, multiple office locations, and by making significant efforts to reduce wait time and increase efficiency, we’re getting closer to achieving that balance every day.

We serve the whole community as an extension of our family.

We understand that the road to creating happy, healthy families

begins with a happy, healthy community. So Sandhills Pediatrics takes an active leadership role in shaping an inclusive future for the community in which we live and work.

We serve the whole community, regardless of race, class, or means.

We create a safe, supportive medical home. And we extend our efforts beyond our own walls to improve our community through service, education, and outreach.• 20 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

Providing High-Quality Care AVAILABLE SERVICES • • • • • •

Well-child Checks Sports and School Physicals Sick Visits ADHD Pediatric Psychiatry Immunizations

• Nutrition Counseling • Children with Special Healthcare Needs • Care of the Premature Infant • Asthma • Diabetes

Providing High-Quality Care OUR LOCATIONS OUR LOCATIONS

SERVICES

AVAILABLE SERVICES

• Well-Child Checks Southern SevenSeven LakesLakes / Southern Pines / West End Raeford • Well-child Checks • Nutrition Counseling • Sports and School Physicals Pines 195 West Illinois AvenueWest End 155 Grant Street Raeford 116-A Campus Avenue • Sick Visits •Avenue Sports and155 School Physicals • Campus Children with Special Avenue 195 West Illinois Southern Pines, NC, 28387 Grant Street Seven Lakes, NC,116-A 27376 Raeford, NC, 28376 Needs • ADHD/ADD Raeford,Healthcare NC 28376 Southern Pines, •NCSick 28387Visits Seven Lakes, NC 27376 910.692.2444 910.673.1600 • Pediatric Psychiatry • ADHD • Care of the 910.565.1578 Premature Infant 910.565.1578 910.692.2444 910.673.1600 • Immunizations • Pediatric Psychiatry • Asthma Hours Hours Hours • Children with Special • Immunizations • Diabetes M-F 8am Hours Hours Hours M-F 7:45am - 5pm M-F 7:45am - 5pm - 5pm Needs Healthcare M-F 8:20am-5pm M-F 8:20am-5pm M-F 8:20am-5pm • CareWalk-in of the Clinic Early Bird Walk-in Clinic Early Bird Walk-in Clinic Early Bird Premature Infant M-F 7:45am - 8:15am M-F 7:45am - 8:15am M-F 8am - 8:30am OUR LOCATIONS Main Office Only • Asthma Saturday Sunday Evening & Clinic for Sick Visits 8:30am-11:30am Southern Pines M-F 5pm - 7pm

Seven Lakes / West End

Raeford

910.673.1600

910.565.1578

Hours M-F 7:45am - 5pm

Hours M-F 8am - 5pm

Early Bird Walk-in Clinic M-F 7:45am - 8:15am

Early Bird Walk-in Clinic M-F 8am - 8:30am

Grant WE 155 ARE AStreet SUPPORTIVE116-A Campus Avenue Seven Lakes, NC, 27376 HAND TO HOLD Raeford, NC, 28376

195 West Illinois Avenue Saturdays Sundays Southern Pines, NC, 28387 8am-12pm 1:30pm - 3pm 910.692.2444 Hours M-F 7:45am - 5pm Early Bird Walk-in Clinic M-F 7:45am - 8:15am

www.sandhillspeds.com

How to reduce skin cancer risk in winter Sunscreen and the great outdoors go hand-in-hand during the warmer months of the year. For instance, few people can imagine spending a day at the beach without first covering their skin in sunscreen. But skin also must be protected when spending time outdoors in winter.

The World Health Organization notes that one in every three cancers diagnosed across the globe is skin cancer. While that’s a scary notion, it’s important to note that many skin cancer cases are preventable. Protecting skin in winter, a time when many people mistakenly believe their skin is not vulnerable to damage caused by the sun, is one way for people to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.

• Don’t put sunscreen in storage. Even if you won’t be beachfront and basking in the sun’s rays, it’s still important to apply sunscreen in winter. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which specializes in cancer treatment and actively seeks tomorrow’s cures through cutting-edge research, recommends applying a sunscreen with a minimum sunprotection factor, or SPF, of 30. Make sure to apply sunscreen to all areas that may be exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, ears, and hands.

• Frequently reapply sunscreen. The “set it and forget it” approach does not apply to protecting the skin with sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes that you are outdoors to ensure your skin is fully protected at all times.

Skiers should recognize that they are much closer to the sun as they traverse the slopes, and that means the UV radiation 22 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

is more intense on the mountain than it might be in the foothills or lower elevation areas. That heightened intensity only underscores the importance of reapplying sunscreen.

• Don’t forget to protect your lips. The DFCI notes that the lower lip is especially vulnerable to the sun’s rays. A lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied before going outside and then frequently reapplied while outdoors. In addition, women can use makeup with SPF to further protect their lips and their skin.

• Avoid tanning booths. Indoor tanning booths increase users’ risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging. In fact, the DFCI notes that cancer researchers have found that the risk of developing melanoma is 60 percent greater among people who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning. And that risk only increases with each visit to a tanning booth.

• Don’t forget to protect the skin while on vacation. People who vacation in warm climates during the winter may be the envy of coworkers and neighbors upon returning home with a tan, but it’s imperative that travelers prioritize protecting their skin while on vacation. Embrace the same principles of skin protection, including applying sunscreen and wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, that you would when lounging by the pool or visiting the beach in the summer.

Unprotected skin is vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer year-round, including when the temperatures dip below freezing. •

Family Care Aesthetics Include:

Laser Hair Removal • Sun Spots • Facial Rejuvenation • Spider Veins Botox • Lip Filler • Body Contouring • Skin Tags • Acne Scars

TOTAL FAMILY CARE FOR ALL AGES 507 North Main Street, Troy, NC 27371 910-576-0042 John M. Woodyear, Jr. M.D. • Carolyn Green, P.A-C • Cassie McGee, P.A-C • Alexis Benjamin, P.A. Accepting new pAtients • Se habla espanol

The role different vitamins play

A nutritious diet is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. When it’s part of a health regimen that includes routine exercise, a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables can help people reduce their risk for various illnesses, including chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Many adults have known about the value of fruits and vegetables since they were youngsters and their parents repeatedly told them how important it was to eat healthy foods. Despite those early lessons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that less than 10 percent of adults and adolescents eat enough fruits and vegetables.

That’s unfortunate, as fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins that benefit the body in myriad ways.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine notes that vitamin deficiency occurs when people do not get enough of certain vitamins. Recognizing the many functions vitamins serve may compel adults and adolescents to include more fruits and vegetables in their diets.

Vitamin A

The USNLM notes that vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous

membranes, and skin. According to the World Health Organization, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections.

Vitamin B6

The USNLM notes that vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous

membranes, and skin. According to the World Health Organization, vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of disease and death from severe infections.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums, helps the body absorb

iron and maintains healthy tissue. In addition, vitamin C plays an integral role in helping wounds heal. Vitamin C deficiency impairs bone function, and Merck notes that in children that impairment can cause bone lesions and contribute to poor bone growth.

Vitamin D

The USNLM notes that 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine three times per week is enough

to produce the body’s vitamin D requirement for people at most latitudes. It’s hard to rely on food to supply ample vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium that is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones.

24 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps the body form red blood cells and utilize vitamin

K. Green, leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli are good sources of vitamin E. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that a vitamin E deficiency can cause nerve and muscle damage, potentially leading to muscle weakness and vision problems.

Vitamin K Vitamin K helps to make certain proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones. The T.H. Chan School of Public

Vitamins are crucial to human beings’ overall health.

Eating ample amounts of fruits and vegetables is a great and delicious way to avoid vitamin deficiency.

Health at Harvard notes that the main type of vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables like collard greens, kale and spinach. Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but it can lead to bleeding, hemorrhaging or osteoporosis.

2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 25

COMFORT CARE WITH HOSPICE OF STANLY Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie provides comfort care to persons with a serious illness and helps them find comfort, guidance and peace, all while living life to the fullest. End of life care is very different from general medical services and quite specialized. Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie delivers a set of well recognized, high quality services at the end of life to the patient and their family.

Hospice services include: Hospice Nursing Services Focus on managing pain and symptoms that may accompany the illness. A RN is available after hours and on weekends, 24/7, for emergency intervention, questions or support.

Medical Social Worker Services Provides emotional support for the person served and their caregivers, assistance in managing resources, advanced directives and end of life planning.

Certified Nursing Assistants A hospice aide (CNA) assists with bathing, grooming, specific treatments and other activities of daily living. Hospice aide services may be initiated at any time based on the needs of the patient or caregiver.

26 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

Chaplain Services An ordained minister is available upon request. The hospice chaplain offers spiritual support to both the patient and family and is available to aide in funeral services.

Volunteer Services A trained Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie volunteer is available upon your request. A volunteer can provide a variety of services that will assist the patient and caregiver.

Examples including singing, family support, reading, as well as friendly companionship.

Bereavement Services The bereavement coordinator will initiate contact with family members and provide grief counseling for up to 1 year following the death of the patient. Family members will have the opportunity to participate in various support groups and or individual counseling sessions.

Take comfort in hospice.

When is it time for hospice care?

When an individual is told by a doctor that “there is nothing more we can do” or a person is “not responding to treatment,” hospice care can substantially improve the outlook and quality of life.

Here are some signs hospice care may be appropriate: • Increased pain, nausea, breathing distress, anxiety or other debilitating symptoms • Repeated hospitalizations or ER trips • Failure to “bounce back” after medical setbacks • Increasing assistance needed for walking, eating, bathing, dressing and/or toileting • Decreasing alertness, emotional withdrawal, increased sleeping, difficulty with comprehension Hospice care is meant for the last six months of life; however, determining life expectancy is not an exact science and is often overestimated. Most people are surprised to learn that they can access hospice services much earlier than they thought. And, if a patient’s condition changes or they are no longer appropriate for hospice care, the patient can be discharged from the care.

If Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie can assist you with caring for a family member or friend at the end of life, or for more information, call 704-983-4216. •

We help with the symptoms and stress so you can focus on the things you love.

Take comfort in hospice.

We help with the symptoms and stress so you can focus on the things you love.

704-983-4216

www.hospiceofstanly.org 960 North First Street, Albemarle 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 27

The many ways walking The Life in

changed

2020.

When

dramatically the

World

Health Organization declared a COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, hundreds of millions of people across the globe were forced to change how they go about their daily lives, including how they exercise.

Health-conscious adults familiar to exercising at local gyms had to find new ways to exercise in the wake of the pandemic. Many gyms were forced to close in areas hit hard by COVID-19, and that left many people without access to fitness equipment like weights and cardiovascular machines. Resilient men and women soon found ways to exercise, and many of them embraced walking.

Though walking might not provide the same level of intensity that fitness enthusiasts are accustomed to, the Arthritis Foundation® notes the various ways walking benefits the body.

28 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

Walking can lower risk for cognitive decline.

Walking protects against heart disease and stroke.

Walking also has been linked to a lower risk for age-related cognitive decline.

A study from the University of Virginia Health System found that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked more than a quarter of a mile per day had half the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease compared to men who walked less. In addition, a study from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that age-related memory decline was lower among women ages 65 and older who walked 2.5 miles per day than it was among women who walked less than half a mile per week.

Walking strengthens the heart and protects it against heart disease. The AF also notes that walking lowers blood pressure. In fact, post-menopausal women who walk just one to two miles per day can lower their blood pressure by nearly 11 points in 24 weeks, while women who walk for 30 minutes a day can reduce their risk of stroke by 20 percent.

benefits your benefits your body body

! !!

Walking strengthens the bones.

Walking can extend your life.

Walking can improve mood.

New York-based Plancher Orthopedics and Sports Medicine notes that walking can stop the loss of bone mass for people with osteoporosis. In addition, postmenopausal women who incorporate 30 minutes of walking into their daily fitness regimens can reduce their risk of hip fractures by 40 percent.

The AF notes that one study linked walking to longer life expectancy, finding that people who exercise regularly in their fifties and sixties were 35 percent less likely to die over the next eight years than people who never walked.

One study from researchers at California State University, Long Beach, found that the more steps people taking during the day, the better their moods were.

Foot traffic increased as people were forced to find new ways to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Walking is a great way to stay in shape and even provides some lesser known benefits for people who walk each day. • 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE | 29

Montgomery Community College offers an array of higher education options to train individuals in high-demand allied health careers. Our programs include: • Associate Degree Nursing (RN) • Associate in Science • Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assisting • Associate in Applied Science in Medical Office Administration • Diploma in Practical Nursing (LPN) • Diploma in Dental Assisting (DA II) • Nurse Aide Certificate • Phlebotomy Certificate All MCC’s allied health programs are accredited. This means they are approved to offer the curriculum required for a graduate to work in their field once they have successfully passed all requirements.

According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS), careers in health care have some of the best prospects based on wages, projected number of job openings, and projected growth rate of the occupation.

The BLS has developed a star rating system to rate careers based on these criteria. Any occupation with a star rating is a good option. Five stars is the highest rating.

Registered nurse is a five-star-rated occupation, followed by dental assistant, medical assistant, phlebotomist, and licensed

30 | 2021 MEDICAL GUIDE

practical nurse, which are four-star-rated. Nurse aide has a one-star rating.

Montgomery Community College provides training in nurse aide and phlebotomy to high school students through the Career and College Promise program. High school students can earn a credential that will allow them to get a job while in high school or upon graduation from high school. They will earn college credit for taking these courses as well. Students may take these programs as part of a prerequisite for either the Practical Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing programs, which are offered at the college level only.

Most allied health programs at MCC have a multistep application process because of the many admissions requirements. For information about any of these programs visit www.montgomery.edu and select Academic Programs from the Future Students menu, then select the allied health program you’re interested in.

Montgomery Community College Foundation provides a large number of scholarships for students in allied health programs in addition to federal financial aid. To apply for financial aid, go to www.fafsa.gov to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also get help completing a FAFSA by making an appointment with our financial aid department. To make an appointment online go to www.montgomery.edu/financial-aid. •

Healthcare Programs According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs.

Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups! This projected growth is mainly due to an aging population, leading to greater demand for healthcare services. If you want to learn new skills and build a financially and personally rewarding career, one of our healthcare professions could provide your perfect opportunity!

MCC has a variety of healthcare programs to choose from, featuring associate, certificate and diploma options.

Associate Degree in Nursing Providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement and informatics.

Dental Assisting Program Assisting a dentist in the delivery of dental treatment, performing chairside and related office and laboratory procedures.

Medical Office Administration Program Managing the areas of medical/dental office, medical billing and coding, patient services and medical documents.

Human Services Technology Helping people overcome social problems such as poverty, relationship problems, domestic violence, crime and drug abuse.

Medical Assisting Program Performing clinical, administrative and laboratory procedures.

Nurse Aide Program Performing nursing care and services for persons of all ages.

Phlebotomy Program Obtaining blood and other specimens for the purpose of laboratory analysis.

Practical Nursing Program Providing nursing care, treatments, medications and assessments to children and adults.

For more information, contact

Jessica Latham, Student Life and Recruitment Coordinator, at lathamj@montgomery.edu or 910-898-9617