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Committed to helping you live better.

REGROWING & CARING FOR HAIR

AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY LAUREL RESIDENT

TANYA GRAY Describes How Prayer & Early Detection Helped Her

BATTLE BREAST CANCER

New Innovations in PAIN MANAGEMENT from South Central Pain Center

BREAST CANCER DEATHS DECLINING:

Early detection is key

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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SHARES HER CANCER JOURNEY

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

contents

6 COVID-19

15 RECIPE

8 ON THE COVER

15 OUTREACH

10 HEALTH & BEAUTY

16 EARLY DETECTION IS KEY

12 TANYA GRAY'S STORY

20 NEW INNOVATIONS IN PAIN MEDICINE

Lightened-up apple crisp

And breast cancer guidelines Karen Warren shares her journey Regrowing and caring for hair after chemotherapy Prayer & early detection made a difference

Breast cancer support groups Sandeep Singh, MD South Central Cancer Center

Rayhan Tariq, MD South Central Pain Center

SOUTH RIDGE FAMILY CLINIC

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The information contained in Impact Health is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Impact Health for the advice of a health care professional. Buckley Newspapers, Inc., the publishers of Impact Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Impact Health and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements. Readers should not use the information in Impact Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

COVID-19 AND BREAST CANCER

GUIDELINES

he novel coronavirus COVID-19 first appeared in late 2019 and has changed life for the forseeable future. While many people are quick to focus on the ways COVID-19 has impacted their abilities to shop, visit with friends and relatives or travel, the virus has made life especially difficult for people with preexisting health conditions. Medical News Today reports that the symptoms of COVID-19 may be more severe for breast cancer patients. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that undergoing cancer treatment can weaken the immune system, further increasing a person’s vulnerability to infection. Specifically, targeted therapies, chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system and compromise its ability to fight off the coronavirus. Furthermore, these treatments also may cause lung problems that can exacerbate COVID-19 symptoms, particularly among breast cancer patients whose cancer has metastasized to the lungs. In April 2020, new guidelines for the prioritization and treatment of breast cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were released, compiled by a group of U.S. medical organizations, including the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, the American College of Radiology and the Comprehensive Cancer Network. At hospitals where resources and staff have become limited due to COVID-19 treatment efforts, doctors have had to define which breast cancer patients need urgent care and which can have delayed or alternative treatments. These measures can help balance maintaining positive survival outcomes as well as reducing risk of exposure to the virus, according to the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Breast cancer patients have been broken down into priority levels of A, B and C for urgency of care. • Priority A: A patient has conditions that are immediately life-threatening or require urgent treatment. • Priority B: A patient has conditions that don’t require immediate treatment, but he or she should begin treatment before the end of the pandemic. • Priority C: A patient has conditions for which treatment can be safely put on hold. Breast cancer patients are further urged to take extra caution in their daily activities to help reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. That means always wearing a

mask or another face covering when interacting with other people. This advice may be applicable even if a six-foot distance can be maintained. Wash hands frequently, especially when coming in from public places. If possible, ask a friend or family member to do your shopping or run errands for you to limit exposure to other people and crowds. Breast cancer patients may have to discuss the possibility of altering or delaying treatment for breast cancer with their oncologists because of increased risk factors presented by COVID-19. Together, patients and doctors can work to keep breast cancer patients as healthy as possible.

Did You Know?

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment are generally urged to avoid vaccinations other than the flu shot, though that conventional wisdom may not be applicable in relation to the COVID-19 virus.The ACS notes that vaccines require an immune system response to work effectively, and cancer patients’ immune systems may not be able to produce an adequate response to vaccines during treatment.That can make vaccines, including those for COVID-19, less effective. However, while traditionally cancer patients have been urged to avoid vaccinations during treatment, the ACS notes that cancer patients, due to fragile immune systems resulting from both their disease and the treatments for it, are at risk for severe COVID-19 disease. As a result, doctors may still advise their patients to receive the COVID-19 vaccination even during treatment, as having some measure of protection against the virus may still be better than having none at all. No two cancer patients are the same, so those concerned about COVID-19 and the vaccinations against it are urged to discuss those concerns and their options with their cancer care team.

October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

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Cover Story

October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

"EVERYONE'S CANCER IS THEIR OWN. "

JONES COUNTY RESIDENT KAREN WARREN SHARES HER JOURNEY By James Pugh

Photo By James Pugh

cross the United States in a given year, nearly eighty-five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the nation's second leading cancer in women. Jones County resident Karen Warren found herself counted among those statistics in May of 2017. "I was the first in my family to be diagnosed," said Warren, who is now cancer-free. Though Warren had never walked through the process with an immediate family member, she knew of others who had been through the journey she was just beginning. But as Warren said, everyone’s journey is different. "I was a loan officer for 38 and a half years, so I knew of some customers that had gone through what I was going to be going through, and I went to church with a few ladies who had gone through the same ordeal,” added Warren. “I chose three people in that pool to advise me on what to expect because I truly didn't know what to expect. They gave me some excellent advice, and I was able to rely on their experience to help me through what I was about to face." The advice Warren was given seemed simple enough — at the same time quite challenging, especially in an era where technology grants us so much knowledge at the click of a button. "I had people tell me not to get on the internet,” said Warren. “Don't try to see what you got or what experience other people are having. It will scare you to death. "Everyone's experience with breast cancer is different.You have to deal with it on an individual basis. I followed that advice, and I have given the same advice to other ladies going through something similar. Everyone's cancer is their own. It's all different." Weeks after her diagnosis, Warren underwent surgery and a partial mastectomy. While the surgery was a success, Warren’s road to recovery had just begun.

October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

“My oncologist told me there was a 50 percent chance of my cancer returning if I chose not to go through with chemotherapy or radiation,” said Warren. “With chemo, it reduced the return rate by 30 percent, and with radiation, [the return rate] would be lower to 12 percent.” With the information provided by her doctors and not wanting her cancer to return, Warren elected to go through the prescribed treatments of chemo and radiation. “The chemo treatments were tough, but I survived it,” recalled Warren. “I lost all my hair. But it eventually came back. The radiation was a piece of cake compared to the chemo treatments. "There were times that I would wonder if it was worth it to go through the treatments or to not. Now, it's a decision I've never regretted. It was tough, but I've made it to the other side." Her immediate family proved tons of needed support. "My mother, my husband, and my children were very supportive throughout my experience,” said Warren. Outside of her immediate family was the support from her local church, Big Creek Baptist Church. "I missed one Sunday, I believe, and that the week after my surgery,” said Warren. “I would go to church and sit in the back. I didn't want to get exposed to anybody's germs. This was before COVID, so I wasn't worried about that, but I did have to worry about things [because my immune system was weak]. After the service, I would ease out during the invocation. I had great support from my church. I was continually in their prayers. “You have to know that you're going to make it through with the help of your family, your friends, your church family, and with the Lord above all." As of January 2021, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. Warren, counted among the 3.8 million, finished her story with this advice to those now facing a similar journey: "I encourage anyone who is going through this to reach out to someone that has experienced it. They'd be happy, I'm sure, to share their story and give words of encouragement."

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

REGROWING AND CARING FOR HAIR after chemotherapy

hemotherapy and radiation are common treatment options for people who have been diagnosed with cancer. While radiation may be targeted at specific areas, chemotherapy is systemic. This means it affects the entire body. As a result, as chemotherapy kills fast-growing cancer cells, it also kills or slows the growth of healthy cells, including hair cells, that divide and grow quickly, explains the National Cancer Institute. When chemotherapy treatment is completed, the body is typically capable of regenerating new hair, but that can take some time. Women who consider their hair a large part of their identity may have strong concerns and fears regarding hair loss and what their hair may look like when it begins to regrow. Understanding what to expect and what they can do to facilitate the regrowth of hair can help women better handle what lies ahead. New hair typically begins to grow within one to two months of the last chemo treatment. People who have undergone chemotherapy may notice soft fuzz forming on their head roughly two to three weeks after the end of chemo. This will be followed by real hair growing at its normal rate one month afterward. How hair grows back elsewhere on the body, varies from person to person. Speaking with a doctor is recommended if hair is not regrowing quickly, which can be the result of low levels of iron, zinc or even thyroid problems.

To help the process along, some doctors suggest the use of supplements like biotin. The National Institutes of Health says biotin is a B vitamin found in many foods that helps turn carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. There is some evidence that taking biotin can help thicken and speed up the growth of hair and nails, but more research is needed. Rogaine®, the baldness treatment, also may be advised, as it’s been shown to speed hair regrowth in breast cancer patients who have lost their hair, advises Health magazine.

It is not uncommon for hair grown after chemotherapy to look and feel different from hair prior to treatment. Someone who once had straight hair may develop a wavy mane afterwards. While drastic changes are not common, blonde hair may darken. As hair grows in, certain areas on the head may grow faster than others. Working with an experienced stylist can help a person achieve a look that is evened out and stylish at any length. Cutting hair won’t make it grow faster, but it can help a woman return to a sense of normalcy. It can be nerve-wracking to wait for hair to regrow after chemotherapy. But patience and understanding the road ahead can assuage any fears breast cancer patients may have about regrowing their hair.

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

Prayer &

EARLY DETECTION

Tanya Gray says early detection and prayer made a difference in her battle with breast cancer By Eloria Newell James

aurel native and local real estate broker Tanya Gray says that she believes early detection made the difference in her life. Gray, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, said the annual mammograms, prayer and eating healthy were major factors in her battle with the deadly disease. Gray, a 1967 graduate of Laurel’s historic Oak Park High School, is a 1971 graduate of Jackson State University, where she received a degree in business education and later received a master’s degree in counseling from Mississippi State University. She worked at the Mississippi Employment Services for many years and supervised the job training program. She later joined the staff at then Jones County Junior College before retiring in 2001. It was in 2001 that Gray, who had worked part-time in real estate sales, officially opened Gray Real Estate. Gray, who leads an active life, said she continues to strive to stay active. She loves traveling, reading, classical music and has recently taken up golf – although she says she is not very good at it. Gray, who is a licensed real estate broker, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and is involved in the Democratic Women Organization, where she is past president of the Mississippi chapter of Democratic Women. While living a busy life, Gray said she received a shocking telephone call in November 2019. “I always did my annual mammograms. And I did one in 2019 and they told me that everything was fine,” she recalled. “Then about a few weeks later, I got a call from my clinic and the person said because I have dense breast, he was recommending further tests.” Gray said this resulted in her having numerous tests and procedures, including a sonogram. “After all the tests it was determined that I had it,” she said. “I then started learning a lot about it and that there are a lot of types of breast cancer.”

Photo by Eloria Newell James

Tanya Gray, a survivor of breast cancer, is smiling because her journey through surgery and treatment have been successful.

Gray said this discovery was important because her mother had died from breast cancer in 2006. However, Gray said, through her research, she learned that she and her mother had different types of the cancer. “My mother passed with breast cancer, but hers was totally different than mine. Hers was very aggressive,” Gray revealed. “Mine was hormone/estrogen based.” Gray said because of the holiday season she didn’t tell anyone about her diagnosis. “I waited until after Christmas to tell it,” she said. However, she said, she continued to go to the doctor appointments and explore treatment options, which included referrals to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas and to an oncologist in Jackson, Mississippi. Gray said she decided to take the referral in Jackson where she had family. “I ended up with two oncologists (an oncologist and an oncologist surgeon),” she said. “I ended up having surgery – having a mastectomy and reconstruction of the left breast.”

October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

Gray said she underwent surgery at the Women’s Hospital in Jackson. The surgery was followed with chemotherapy. Gray said her family and friends have been important in her recovery process. “My son took good care of me in Jackson. Then, when I did come home, my friends provided me with all the food I could possibly want. I never went to the doctor one time that I couldn’t take the chemo because of my blood,” she said. “My only concern is that I can’t wear the clothes I had before the chemo,” she said with a smile. “I gained weight during chemo and that’s not normal. My friend Dorothy did all the

cooking/gourmet cooking and others made sure she had all the resources and supplies she needed to prepare the meals.” Gray said she’s “pleased with [her] level of health care.” She said she’s “particularly happy that [she] got the [hair] freeze treatment.” Gray said the hair freeze treatment is designed to freeze the patient’s hair follicles prior to receiving chemotherapy so the person’s hair follicles will not be destroyed during the treatment. She just had her six-month follow up in September. Now, Gray says her hair is returning and she’s “doing well. I’m staying healthy and eating a lot of

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fruits and vegetables.” Gray – who has two sons, three granddaughters, and three great grandchildren – said her family and friends played an important part in her journey through cancer treatments. Gray said she loves her hometown of Laurel, Mississippi and has always seen its beauty. “I have always loved my hometown, long before it’s recent popularity,” she said. “I love Laurel and the people here. “I’m thankful for all the prayers from family, friends and loved ones,” she said. “A good support system is vital to recovery, as well as, prayers made the difference.”

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SUPPORT LIGHTENED-UP

APPLE CRISP

This healthy apple crisp recipe is sweet and simple to prepare but uses very little added sugar. Minutes to Prepare: 10 Minutes to Cook: 30 Number of Servings: 9

INGREDIENTS: 3 medium baking apples, cored, sliced thin 1 tsp cinnamon 2 Tbsp sugar 2 Tbsp flour Topping: 1 cup quick oats 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp heart-healthy margarine DIRECTIONS:

omen diagnosed with breast cancer who want to speak with someone who has survived the disease can do so thanks to a unique program sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The Reach to Recovery program from the ACS connects current cancer patients with breast cancer survivors via an online chat. Patients, regardless of where they are in their cancer journeys, can connect with volunteers for one-on-one support.Volunteers can help patients cope with treatment and side effects while also offering advice on speaking with friends and family, working while receiving treatment and more. Even people facing a possible breast cancer diagnosis can sign up. The program works by asking patients and volunteers to join the program and create profiles on the Reach to Recovery website (www.reach.cancer.org). Patients then look for a match by searching volunteer profiles, filtering through suggested matches and sending an online chat request to volunteers. Patients and volunteers can then schedule a chat and discuss any concerns patients may have.Volunteers with the Reach to Recovery program are breast cancer survivors who have been trained by the ACS to provide peer-to-peer support to people facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Volunteers can provide support to patients, but are prohibited from offering medical advice. More information about the Reach to Recovery program, including how to join as a patient or volunteer, is available at www.reach.cancer.org.

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

Research shows breast cancer deaths declining,

N O I T C E T E D Y ARLto survival Ekey By Kevan Lindsey

n this day and age, there is a high chance that you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer – as one in eight women will develop it in their lifetime. In 2020 alone, over two million cases of breast cancer were diagnosed globally, and unfortunately, roughly 685,000 deaths were reported. According to breastcancer.org, 281,550 cases of invasive breast cancer in women were reported in the United States, along with 49,290 cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Breast cancer not only affects women, but men too, as an estimated 2,650 cases of invasive breast cancer was found in men in 2020. In 2021, it is estimated that 44,130 deaths (43,600 women and 530 men) from breast cancer will occur. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in women in the United States after lung cancer. As of January 2021, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. In Mississippi, an estimated 18,750 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it. Sandeep Singh, MD, Hematologist/

Medical Oncologist at South Central Cancer Center, recently completed a fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota before moving to Laurel and accepting the position of Medical Director of the Cancer Center. He said, “According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, women in Mississippi who are likely to have advanced stages of breast cancer include minorities, elderly women, and the medically underserved. This reflects differences in access to screenings and access to information about the symptoms of breast cancer. However, women in those categories are not the only ones who I see with breast cancer.” There is good news, though, as the number of women who have died of breast cancer has decreased by 41% from 1989 to 2018 thanks to early detection and treatment improvements. As a result, more than 403,000 breast cancer deaths were prevented during that period. One theory is that this decrease was partially due to the reduced use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women after the results

of a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative were published in 2002. These results suggested a connection between HRT and increased breast cancer risk. In recent years, incidence rates have increased slightly by 0.5% per year. From 2013 to 2018, the death rate for women with cancer dropped by 1% each year. The 5-year and 10-year relative survival rates for women with invasive breast cancer are 90% and 84%, respectively. Although survival has improved over time, large inequalities remain, especially for black women. For example, the survival rate is 9%-10% lower (in absolute terms) for black women than for white women overall and for regional and distant-stage disease. Still, even with the drop in percentage, breast cancer is very much dangerous. There are several ways you can detect signs of breast cancer, but periodic check-ups are always the best way. Dr. Singh believes the two most important recommendations to women for early detection and

October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

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South Central Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer treatment to breast cancer patients in Laurel and the surrounding areas. Dr. Singh continued by saying,

We provide excellent care within our local medical community. We have all of the components of stateof-the-art breast cancer treatment in Laurel including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and cosmetic reconstruction services.

survival of breast cancer are to do monthly self-breast exams and yearly mammograms starting at age 40. “Contact your OB-GYN provider or Primary Care provider immediately if you notice anything at all that might be a symptom of breast cancer.” According to experts, signs of breast cancer can be nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area or a change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast (some describe this as similar to an orange peel’s texture). Also a lump in the breast can be a sign. It’s important to

remember that all lumps should be investigated by a healthcare professional, but not all lumps are cancerous. “I encourage women to get to know their bodies,” said Dr. Singh. “Do not wait to see your provider if you find a lump, have pain in your breast,” added Dr. Singh. “If the skin on your breast appears red, scaly or thick, have inverted nipples, if your breast is red, dimpling and swelling. Women know if there is a change in their breasts. Seek help immediately if you see changes such as this. Remember, if caught early, you have a 97%-100% chance of a cure.”

“One of the things that impressed me when I visited South Central Regional Medical Center was the facility offers the newest technology for breast cancer detection. Digital mammography provides high-quality breast images and special tools that allow the radiologist to see more detail than ever before. This advanced imaging technology helps clinicians detect breast cancer at the earliest stage possible,” Dr. Singh said. “Patient comfort is also important. The Breast Care Center at South Central offers each patient a warmer, softer, and more comfortable mammogram by using the Soft Touch MammoPad breast cushion,” concluded Dr. Singh.

ET CHECKE G D I T C O U L D S AV E YO U R L I F E !

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

N E W I N N OVAT I O N S

e n i c i d e M n i Pa

now offered at SOUTH CENTRAL

REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

ellowship trained pain medicine specialists like Rayhan Tariq, M.D. at South Central Pain Center in Laurel, evaluate your pain and develop a personalized plan to help you manage it. Whether your pain generates from your head and neck; your upper or lower back; your shoulders; or even your knees, it is important to know you do not have to live that way. Innovations in pain medicine at South Central Pain Center are changing lives. Dr. Tariq, said, “The art of pain medicine and the science of pain medicine is getting the right therapy or the right treatment modality for the right patient. I want to help people who are in pain and are suffering. That’s precisely the reason I became a doctor, and as a pain medicine physician, I get to help people who are in pain every day,” Dr. Tariq “I’m an anesthesiologist by background. I did my surgical training at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and my anesthesia training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. I completed my fellowship training in pain medicine at the University of Utah. As the only fellowship-trained pain physician in Jones County and the surrounding four counties, my goal is to give my patients access to the same treatment modalities as anyone living next to a big university hospital would have,” he said. “The medical technology and the team of providers at South Central Regional Medical Center is exceptional,” he said. “While completing my fellowship in pain medicine at the University of Utah, I began looking for a place where I was most needed. I wanted to join a team committed to providing exceptional patient care. I looked for a place that would embrace the latest innovations in pain medicine. After visiting several locations, I visited South Central and it had everything I was looking for.” “The first step to treating pain is finding the right diagnosis. That includes listening to the patient in detail and getting a thorough history of their pain. Often, I perform a nerve block to pinpoint the diagnosis and figure out exactly

where the pain is coming from. I think it is important for a patient to understand their pain etiology, so I take time to explain the rationale for my diagnosis and any treatment modality that can help with such a pain, Dr. Tariq said. “The field of pain medicine has evolved incredibly over the last 5 years. Here at South Central Pain Center, we offer the latest treatment modalities to our patients. My philosophy is to minimize reliance on pain medicines and treat the underlying cause of pain. I frequently see back pain patients. First, I try to ascertain based on my physical exam if the back pain is the result of a pinched nerve or a disc herniation that causes a shooting pain down the leg; or it is due to the arthritis in joints in the back. My treatment options consist of minimally invasive options first that can include for example a specialized type of epidural injection that decreases the inflammation around the pinched nerve and opens up the space around the areas of tightening,” he said. “We also have some more advanced treatment options such as a spinal cord stimulator. It can stop the painful signal from traveling up the

spine to the brain, so it essentially stops the pain signal from being processed at all. This is a same day procedure and patients return to most of their usual activities the next day. Using these minimally invasive treatment modalities, we can help restore function in patients and we can get them back to doing what they like to do, spend time with their family, and be more functional. That’s our goal at the South Central Pain Center,” he said. If you have any of the following symptoms, it is key to seek help: -If you are experiencing a constant aching pain in the back. -If you are experiencing weakness of the legs. -If you are experiencing pain when standing, twisting, sitting for more than 20 minutes, or having discomfort in long car rides. -If you are experiencing shooting pain going down your legs. -If you are experiencing sensations of pins and needles (tingling) and burning pain especially in your feet.” I also treat a lot of patients of all ages who have pain generating from the knee or shoulder. “Knee pain can result from an injury causing torn cartilage or a ruptured

October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

ligament or osteoarthritis, usually called bone on bone type of pain. If you are experiencing symptoms in your knee causing stiffness or swelling; redness or warmth when you touch it; an inability to straighten the knee; or instability or weakness in your knee, call the office.Your condition needs to be evaluated.” Dr. Tariq said. “My office is located next door to South Central Orthopedics where I work closely with orthopedic surgeons Thomas Baylis, MD, Charles Black, IV, DO, Derrick Burgess, MD, William Morrison, MD and Steven Nowicki, MD.” When pain specialists work closely with orthopedic surgeons, they can discuss ways to provide long term treatment and care for those who have pain in their joints. We also have some minimally invasive options for the knee pain if you are not a candidate for surgery or surgery is not the best option at this time.”

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‘Similarly, I also treat shoulder pain,” Dr. Tariq said. “This pain can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, a tendon tear, or a fracture.” Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Many think they just have to live that way, and that is not true,” Dr. Tariq said. “Our newest innovations in pain medicine can be life changing,” he concluded. Rayhan Tariq, MD, Pain Medicine Specialist Rayhan Tariq, MD, completed his Anesthesiology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his fellowship training in Pain Medicine at the University of Utah in June of this year. His areas of expertise include minimally invasive, opioid-sparing pain therapies and he utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to treat pain. Dr. Tariq embraces the newest innovation in pain medicine and has published over 35 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters on various topics in pain management and patient safety. Dr. Tariq is accepting new patients. For an appointment call 601.425.7500. South Central Pain Center is located in the medical office building next to the South Central Emergency Department.

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October 6, 2021 • IMPACT HEALTH

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Eye Care Associates

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