Tri-Cities Healthy Living Magazine Dec'14

ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS

TREATING DEPRESSION: A SCIENTIFIC SOLUTION?

TRI-CITIES

HEALTHY

13 LOCALS WHO LEND A HELPING HAND

Alfresco Kitchen Series:

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december 2 0 1 4

| vol. 1 no. 4

features ON THE COVER

giving back p20 The holiday season is often called a season of giving, but here in the TriCities, there are people who give of their time, talents and money all year long, serving others and making the community a better place to live.

BY DEBRA MCCOWN

stimulating the senses p30

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat and generally enjoy life. A new therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, helping to treat depression.

ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS

TREATING DEPRESSION: A SCIENTIFIC SOLUTION?

TRI-CITIES

HEALTHY

13 LOCALS WHO LEND A HELPING HAND

COVER PHOTO BY WWW.FRESHAIRPHOTO.COM

preparing for the inevitable p34

It’s been said that two things in life are unavoidable: death and taxes. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about either subject, but with wise preparation now, you can make the inevitable easier for those you leave behind.

BY CYNTHIA MCFARLAND

BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE

DECEMBER 2014

| tchealthyliving.com

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departments

9

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beat

TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE

B Y L E I G H A N N L A U B E , D E B R A M C C O W N , K AT I E M C P H E R S O N & BROCK SENG

10

One writer’s perspective.

12

Seasonal celebrations.

13

Are you up for the date night challenge?

14

That’s one bodacious bun.

15

HE ALT H Y

p12

dose

p10

INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS

B Y A N D R E A D A V I S , L A U R E L G I L L U M & K AT I E M C P H E R S O N

16

Migraine management.

17

A sore subject.

18

Sex for seniors.

39

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p16

p17

body

NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUT Y

B Y L A U R E L G I L L U M & K AT I E M C P H E R S O N

40

Seasonal sweets.

41

Fashionable fitness.

42

Understanding senior skin.

43

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balance

MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE

p40

B Y A N D R E A D A V I S , J O A N N G U I D R Y & K AT I E M C P H E R S O N

44

Big laughs for Big Bang.

46

Words that confuse.

47

A dating do-over. p41

p46

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

tchealthyliving.com / 423.794.8780

publisher

MARK BAGGARLY mark@tchealthyliving.com

Life is full of choices.

Choosing a health care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make.

EDITORIAL

editorial@tchealthyliving.com

executive editor

KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY managing editor

MELISSA PETERSON contributing writers

AMANDA FURRER JOANN GUIDRY LESLEY JONES BONNIE KRETCHIK LEIGH ANN LAUBE DEBRA MCCOWN CYNTHIA MCFARLAND LEIGH NEELY editorial assistant

KATIE MCPHERSON editorial interns

ANDREA DAVIS LAUREL GILLUM BROCK SENG

ART & PRODUCTION art@tchealthyliving.com

creative director

JASON FUGATE

production manager

CYNTHIA BROWN

graphic designers

CASEY ALLEN CHRISTINA GEIGER CHRISTINA GIBSON

graphic design intern

KRISTY TAYLOR

photographers

SCOTT CHRISTIAN JOHN JERNIGAN WWW.FRESHAIRPHOTO.COM

SALES director of sales

MARK BAGGARLY

mark@tchealthyliving.com

administration/accounting

JENNIFER BOLDEN

billing@tchealthyliving.com

HEALTHY LIVING MEDIA president

KATHY JOHNSON

kathy@tchealthyliving.com

Healthy Living Tri-Cities, December 2014. Published monthly by Healthy Living Media, LLC and distributed by The Caddy Group, Inc. 2332 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620. All contents copyright 2014 by Healthy Living Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. For back issues or advertising information, call (423) 794-8780. Return postage must accompany all unsolicited manuscripts and artwork if they are to be returned. Manuscripts are welcomed, but no responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited materials. “Promotional” and “Promotional Feature” denote a paid advertising feature. Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

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beat TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE

DEC

5

international involvement December 5 is International Volunteer Day, so if you’ve ever wanted to get involved with a cause you care about, now is the time. If you need a little inspiration, check out our Healthy Giving feature and see how others are serving their communities. Visit unv.org for news about volunteer movements around the world, and add yourself and photos of your organization to the IVD count at volunteeractioncounts.org.

DECEMBER 2014

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beat our voice BAG © TURBOJET; NEWSPAPER © MEGA PIXEL / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HE ALT H Y

a new perspective I had been standing there for years, peering over the cliff, unable to jump.

After all, I had a husband, two kids, three cats, four cars and a mortgage to worry about. I couldn’t just up and quit my job.

BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

The newspaper publisher took care of that for me on a Thursday afternoon in June by informing me that my job of 24 years had been eliminated, effective immediately. I left the newsroom partly in shock but mostly laughing hysterically in my head. He had handed me a severance package that would hold me for awhile as I looked for another job. I was so excited to spend summer vacation at home with my family, my first true summer vacation since I was in college.

We had a great summer. We caught up on several projects around the house, lounged at a friend’s pool and spent a wonderful week at the beach. I found a freelance job pretty quickly and settled back into a routine of writing.

But August rolled around, and I was learning that I really wasn’t cut out to stay at home. My oldest child, who had just graduated from college, had found fulltime employment. My youngest, a secondsemester college freshman, was commuting three days a week to school. My husband was gone every day. It was just me, the cats and

my part-time writing job. I needed something to get me out of the house.

I had applied for several jobs, some of which I wasn’t even remotely qualified for. I applied for jobs that I thought I could do but wasn’t surprised when I got no response.

I quit thinking long term and began thinking short term. Who would give me a part-time job, a way out of the house and a small paycheck until I could find something permanent? I began thinking about places

My husband probably wasn’t thrilled with the idea of his wife bagging groceries, but I found that I mostly enjoyed the job.

I frequented and settled on a local grocery store. I spent the better part of $600 a month at this store, and I figured if a high school student could learn to run the register and bag groceries, so could I. I applied and within a week was called in for an interview. They hired me on the spot.

In the meantime, I had interviewed for an office job at my old elementary school—a fulltime position with decent pay and all the perks associated with a city school calendar—and thought the interview went well. I was surprised and a bit disappointed to get a form e-mail thanking me for my time and letting me know that another candidate had been hired.

So, several days a week, I shed my professional journalist title and put on my grocery store uniform—khaki pants, a store-issued embroidered polo and tennis shoes—and worked a five-hour shift bagging groceries. I quickly learned that I was an oldie among employees. Most of the front-end workers, including managers, were young enough to be my own children. As a bagger, you’re allowed to move among cashier stations, to whichever cashier needs help. I tended to gravitate toward the older cashiers, but I did spend a fair amount of time with the younger ones.

Little by little, they learned bits and pieces of my life: college graduate, married 26 years, two kids, a job at the local newspaper for longer than they had been alive. They told me about their high school classes, and I encouraged them to attend college.

It was an interesting phenomenon, seeing people from the community, both personal friends and relationships I had made through years at the newspaper, and watching their reaction to seeing me in my uniform. Most greeted me by name and engaged in pleasant chitchat. Others avoided me by going through a different check-out line. Some knew I had lost my job; others probably didn’t and were no doubt surprised to see me there. No one came right out and asked me why I was working at the grocery store. Did they wonder if I had divorced? Were we trying to avoid bankruptcy?

My husband probably wasn’t thrilled with the idea of his wife bagging groceries, but I found that I mostly enjoyed the job. I enjoyed getting out of the house, talking with customers and I liked the weekly paycheck that was direct deposited.

I often thought about why I was so content putting other

people’s groceries in plastic bags, and I came up with an analogy.

As a feature writer for the newspaper, I thought of stories as puzzles. When the interviews were done, I had all the pieces of the puzzle. All I had to do was arrange those pieces in a pleasant, readable form for subscribers. It was the same way with the groceries coming down the conveyor line. I had all the pieces—I just had to pack them in a pleasant, orderly way for customers.

With no full-time job prospects, I warned my kids that come November and December, I might be working quite a bit through the holidays. That would be an adjustment, as I typically took vacation to coincide with Thanksgiving and Christmas. It would be OK, I assured them.

After all, I had a husband, two kids, three cats, four cars and a mortgage to worry about.

One afternoon, weeks after my elementary school interview, I got a call from the school system. That position was open again, and was I interested? Yes, thank you, I replied.

I worked one more week at the grocery store, took a week off and started working for the school system at the end of September.

In hindsight, would I, a 49-year-old award-winning writer, do it again? Would I swallow my pride and take a minimum-wage job, while I was still drawing severance and a freelance salary? Yes, I would. A few folks in the community commended me for doing just that. I hope, if nothing more, it sets an example for my kids. I did what I felt like I needed to do. I didn’t worry about the stares that came my way at the grocery store. And I feel good about that.

Leigh Ann Laube spent a total of 26 years in the newspaper business. Always a journalist, she lives in Kingsport with her family.

DECEMBER 2014

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beat happenings

holiday happenings speedway in lights BRISTOL

NOV. 14-JAN. 3 6-10PM | $15 PER CAR Holiday events at Bristol Motor Speedway get bigger every year! Enjoy four miles of Christmas lights and drive around the racetrack!

The speedway also features infield activities for kids, an ice skating rink ($7) and a giant tube slide ($5). More info: (423) 989-6900

the nutcracker MULLIGAN COLLEGE

DEC. 19-21 | 7:30PM (FRI.-SAT.) AND 2:30PM (SAT.-SUN.) $16 ADULTS/$13 CHILDREN The City Youth Ballet of Johnson City will perform The Nutcracker with a cast of enchanting dancers, a blizzard of snowflake ballerinas and a battle between mice and toy soldiers at Milligan College’s Gregory Center for Liberal Arts. More info: (423) 434-2195

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

trail town christmas festival DAMASCUS, VA

SATURDAY, DEC. 6 10AM-7PM | FREE! This “first annual” event at the Damascus Town Park kicks off with a Christmas parade at 10am and ends with a tree lighting. It includes music and caroling, a live nativity, food and hot drinks, shopping for trees and gifts, games, raffles, prizes and pictures with Santa. More info: (276) 475-3831

candlelight christmas PINEY FLATS

DEC. 5, 6, 12 AND 13 4:30-8PM $10 ADULTS/$8 CHILDREN Step back in time to the year 1791 at the Rocky Mount Museum, where you’ll experience old-time holiday customs, including music, dancing, decorations and sacred tales by candlelight. For reservations: (423) 538-7396

christmas in the park

13th annual journey’s end

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 1-4PM | FREE! Celebrate the season at Panther Creek State Park with crafts, Christmas stories and hay rides. Enjoy hot chocolate and sugary treats around the campfire by the Upper Campground Pavilion.

More info: (423) 587-7046

TUESDAY, DEC. 16 6:30PM | FREE! Celebrate the Latino tradition of Las Posadas: recreation of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. It begins with hot chocolate at the Downtown Center; from there, a candlelight procession will journey down State Street where the “inns” are downtown restaurants and the “innkeepers” are choirs and choral groups.

It ends at the Paramount Center for the Arts, which will invite everyone in for gingerbread and hot cider.

More info: (276) 644-9700

MORRISTOWN

taste of the town trolley tour ABINGDON, VA

TUESDAY, DEC. 2 5:30PM | $48 Ride the trolley through historic downtown Abingdon and sample food, wine and beer at culinary establishments that feature local food from area farmers.

Come dressed with holiday spirit for this annual “cocktails and carols” tour.

More info: (276) 274-5483

BRISTOL

© ROMRF / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HERE’S A SAMPLING OF WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND THE TRI-CITIES REGION IN DECEMBER:

beat the challenge

COUPLE © DOTSHOCK; KIDS © CHERRY-MERRY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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time for two

Each month we present our readers with a new challenge to improve their health and wellness.

This month we’re asking you and your partner to corral a little together time and schedule a date night.

the problem: the challenge: Schedule a date night at least once a month. Of course the kids

Source: University of Virginia

LET’S FACE IT. ONCE WE HAVE KIDS, IT’S ALL ABOUT THEM! US MARRIED FOLK DON’T TAKE ENOUGH TIME TO PAMPER OUR RELATIONSHIP. WITH THAT IN MIND, ACCORDING TO A STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, HAVING A REGULAR DATE NIGHT AWAY FROM THE KIDS LEADS TO REKINDLING A HO-HUM MARRIAGE AND LOWERS DIVORCE RATES. YOU IN?

are great and tons of fun usually, but, this time, find a babysitter or a willing family member and leave them at home. When you’re out on your date, talk about work, life and interests. Follow these date night tips and you’ll be well on your way to revitalizing your relationship.

FLIP THE TOWN. Bring a coin with you when you go out and flip it to decide what to do.

Heads you go to a movie, tails the dance club.

Leaving the night to chance will add excitement to an already much-needed date night.

HAVE DATE-NIGHT IN. Do you hear that?

It’s quiet! Send the kids to grandma’s house for the evening, order in Chinese or pizza and check out what’s playing on In Demand. Nobody said a date night had to be away from home!

GO TO THE LIVE THEATER. Going to the movies is the cliché thing to do on date night.

Instead, go to your local theater and see a play. There are some great theaters within an hour’s drive.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? You can’t leave your kids home alone to terrorize the cat, so they need to go somewhere. If no friends or family members are available, plenty of local organizations offer “Parent’s Night Out” events, including rec centers, pottery studios, science centers and more.

Call around and get some info.

GET CREATIVE. Go to an art studio and create something unique together. Try your hands at painting wine glasses or maybe ornaments for a special occasion. It’s sure to provide lots of laughs and conversation time.

MAKE IT BRUNCH. Maybe it’s just too complicated with practices, dance classes and homework to get away for an extended amount of time in the evening. No worries.

Schedule a meeting place and time and enjoy a tasty brunch while the kids are in school.

DECEMBER 2014

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beat test lab

hot buns E

ver seen an infomercial for a crazy product and think “now that I have to try?” Here in the test lab, i.e. our editorial office, I’m trying out some of the weirdest food, health and beauty as-seenon-TV products. At our office, we like big buns (and we cannot lie), so we’re pinning on some Hot Buns. BY KATIE MCPHERSON

the claims

The marketing of Hot Buns centers on the product being “fast and easy” to use, making “beautiful buns in under a minute.” They dub it a “simple styling solution” that provides perfect buns every time.

Then, once you create your artisanal bun, it should be light, comfortable and stay “high and tight” until removal.

the preparation

One glance around the office for this month’s victim, and I knew I had to take advantage of Cynthia’s (our office manager) amazing hair. The helpful hints section of the Hot Buns instructions suggested smoothing the ends of hair with product, so after a thorough brushing we poured some bottled water on them and applauded our own resourcefulness. Then came the buns.

the experiment

Step one is putting hair in a ponytail.

Easy. It’s placing the Hot Bun sponge at the end of the ponytail and rolling it up that was challenging, what with errant

strands flipping all different directions despite our water trick. This took a fair bit of wrangling for me, and I wasn’t even trying to do it behind my own head.

Once the bun sponge reached the top of Cynthia’s head, trying to snap its ends together proved to be somewhat of an Olympic sport. After fanning out her hair to cover the sponge, it did create a Grade A ballerina bun. However, after the final step of forcefully tugging the Hot Buns elastic over the bun, Cynthia reported her hairdo was a little too tight for comfort.

When it came time to undo the bun, we ran into a sticky situation. The Hot Buns sponge has strips of bristles, not unlike the stiff side of Velcro, to help it hold onto hair. Unfortunately, it’s a little too good at its job, so removal was even tougher than application. Again, doing this behind my own head where I couldn’t see it would have been genuinely scary.

the verdict DOUBLES AS A BRILLO PAD, BUT WITH A FAIR AMOUNT

OF DETERMINATION AND A LOT OF IBUPROFEN FOR THE INEVITABLE HEADACHE, MAKING A BODACIOUS BUN USING HOT BUNS IS POSSIBLE. IT IS NOT, HOWEVER, GOING TO BE EASY OR QUICK OR COMFORTABLE. BEAUTY IS PAIN, MY FRIENDS. BIG BUNS ARE NO DIFFERENT.

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

Š UMIT ERDEM / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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dose INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS

big belly blues

Source: cnn.com

Next time you go for seconds on dessert, think twice.

According to a study done by the Journal of the American Medical Association, our bellies are getting bigger.

Over a 12-year period, men had an average increase to nearly 40 inches (previously 38), while women had an average increase to 38 inches (previously 36.5). With a bigger midsection comes a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and other serious conditions. Interestingly enough, the average BMI (body mass index) has stayed the same. Go figure!

DECEMBER 2014

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dose

the

headache A

s many as 25 percent of people may experience a migraine in their lifetime, sadly the odds favor women at 3:1. So what’s a sufferer to do?

A migraine is more than just a severe headache. It’s a chronic, recurrent neurological condition resulting in periodical attacks full of pain and other symptoms. Doctors used to believe that migraines were linked to the opening and narrowing of blood vessels in the head; however, now they believe the cause is related to the genes that control the activity of some brain cells.

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

symptom checker Symptoms of a migraine can include but are not limited to moderate to severe throbbing, eye pain, one-sided pain, pain that worsens with activity, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or vomiting, or pain that affects daily activities.

Roughly one-third of affected individuals can predict imminent migraines because they are often preceded by a type of “aura” or a visual disturbance, such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision.

know your triggers Many factors can set off a migraine response. Some of the more common ones include ingredients in various

foods, such as red wines, aged cheeses, artificial sweeteners and even chocolate. Other people find that their migraines are triggered by oversleeping, lack of sleep, stress, changes in barometric pressure, bright lights, strong smells or the change of hormones in women.

migraine management Treating a migraine depends on how long one typically lasts and how frequently they occur. It can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Otherwise, it might require prescription medicines, such as Alsuma or Relpax, both of which are supposed to help aid migraine headaches. Some patients who have over 15 headache days over the

course of a month may even benefit from Botox injections.

Make sure to drink plenty of water too because dehydration can make matters worse.

Because migraines aren’t fully understood, there are no specific cures. The most that can be done to help prevent them is to know and avoid your triggers, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.

Those individuals who have had them will always have some risk, especially as migraines are found more commonly in those that have a family history of them.

Sources: medicinenet.com, nlh.gov

headaches

MAN WITH HEADACHE © ANDRESR /SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

of all

WOMAN WITH LIP SORE © CHRISTO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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dose

cold vs. canker

E

ver get a pain around your mouth and can’t figure out what it is? The terms cold sores and canker sores are constantly thrown around, but what are they? Read on to find out more.

THE DIFFERENCE COLD SORES, OR FEVER BLISTERS, ARE TINY, FLUID-FILLED LESIONS ON OR AROUND THE LIPS. THESE BLISTERS ARE OFTEN CLUSTERED, AND WHEN THEY BREAK, A CRUST FORMS OVER THEM. CANKER SORES, OR APHTHOUS ULCERS, ARE SMALL, SHALLOW LESIONS THAT DEVELOP ON THE SOFT TISSUE OF THE MOUTH OR GUMS; UNLIKE COLD SORES, THEY AREN’T CONTAGIOUS.

cold sores 101

canker sores 101

Cold sores are caused by certain strands of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although they are more contagious when oozing fluid, they can be transmitted to others even when there are no blisters through kissing or the sharing of utensils or towels. After exposure, the virus will remain dormant in the nerve cells of the skin but can reappear once triggered by a fever, stress or even fatigue.

Most canker sores are round, white sores with a red border.

They can form on your tongue, gum or cheeks. Although the cause is still unclear, there are still several factors that researchers believe contributes to an outbreak. Some include minor injuries to the mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, acidic foods, accidental cheek bites, emotional stress or allergic reactions.

Sources: mayoclinc.org, uhs.umich.edu

symptom checker Some people can feel cold sores coming on before they appear. They might feel a tingling or burning sensation on or around their lips a day or two before the blisters erupt. They may develop blisters around their lip or nose as well. Some sufferers also experience the oozing and crusting from the blisters, while others experience fevers, sore throats, muscle aches or swollen lymph nodes.

treatment While cold sores usually clear up on their own within two weeks, there are prescription medications available for those who suffer from frequent outbreaks. Xerese and Valtrex are the most common. However, if you prefer over-the-counter, try Abreva.

symptom checker There are three types of canker sores, and each has different symptoms. Minor sores, the most common, are small, oval shaped and heal without scarring within a week. Major canker sores are less common, larger and deeper, and have irregular edges. These sores may take up to six weeks to heal with possible scarring. Herpetiform canker sores usually develop later in life, are pinpoint size, appear in clusters, have irregular edges and heal without scarring in about two weeks.

treatment Although treatment isn’t necessary for minor canker sores, the larger ones often need medical care. Treatments include mouth rinses with the steroid dexamethasone to reduce inflammation or topical pastes with benzocaine to relieve pain and speed healing.

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50 going on 30

S

o how’s the sex life? Startling at first, this question may cause you to stutter. However, as study after study has proven, your answer to that question shouldn’t be all that embarrassing. In fact, believe it or not, it turns out that sex after age 50 has a lot more pros than cons. And they don’t all center around the bedroom.

just “do it”

a body boost

Having sex twice a week can actually reduce your chance of a heart attack by half. In one study, scientists at the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts tracked the sexual activity of men between 40 and 70 and found that men who partake in regular sex are up to 45 percent less likely to suffer from cardiac arrest. The same was true for women.

In general, a healthy sex life can boost your immune system, improve sleep quality and quantity, reduce stress and improve self-esteem. Certain hormones released during orgasm can even increase your pain threshold.

numbers game Regular sex has been proven to help control weight gain and can even contribute to lowering cholesterol levels. When performed regularly, it can raise good HDL levels by as much as 10 percent. Another plus? Engaging in sex can lower blood pressure, too.

Who knew your spouse having a headache would be a good thing? Headache specialists at the University of Münster in Germany surveyed migraine sufferers who have sex during their headaches. When a good percentage of them confirmed the headache once there was gone, it led to the belief that sex is a solvent to migraines.

what’s alzheimer’s?

practice safe sex

Mentally stimulating activities, such as sex, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in older people, and with someone being diagnosed with this disease every 67 seconds in the United States, it’s worth trying, right?

Of course, along with the health benefits comes a variety of risks as well. According to several studies, senior citizens are being diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis and chlamydia, at an alarming rate.

With that said, it pays to undergo an STD screening if you ever find yourself faced with the prospect of a new partner. Also, safe sex is always the way to go. Speak to your doctor about any questions or concerns. An open and honest relationship about sex is a healthy one.

25 again According to research by neuropsychologist David Weeks, couples who have sex three times a week look and feel 10 years younger in appearance, diet and exercise. Why? It’s possibly due to the hormones released during sex or because people who have more sex pay more attention to how they look and feel.

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MAN © BIKERIDERLONDON; COUPLE © LIGHTHUNTER; CONDOM © VOLODYMYR KRASYUK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

dose

headaches be gone!

Sources: ekgclasses.org, aarp.org, foxnews.com

HE ALT H Y

Regular eye exams should begin at 6 months old because vision development and eye health problems are easier to correct if treatment begins early.

healthy vision for life

P

rotective eye wear is essential, whether you’re an athlete competing in contact sports or a beachgoer enjoying a sunny day. Shoot for glasses that block at least 99 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Use meds that cause light sensitivity or wear contacts? Then you should definitely not forget your sunglasses!

Diabetic patients are at a greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can be caused by longterm increased levels of glucose in the small blood vessels in the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off completely or if abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. Diabetes can also cause changes in your regular vision, so it’s important to have an annual eye exam.

Don’t smoke. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your long-term eye health.

Smoking increases your risk for cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Even second-hand smoke is an irritant that worsens dry eye, an uncomfortable condition most common in women after menopause. Pregnant women should not smoke, as they are more likely to give birth prematurely, putting their babies at risk for a potentially blinding disease, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

A woman’s eyes may change during pregnancy due to physical shifts in her body. Usually these changes are temporary and resolve after the baby is born. If vision does become blurry during pregnancy, it may signal high blood pressure or pregnancy-related diabetes and a visit to the doctor is essential.

Eye infections can be caused from bacteria, fungi or viruses and can occur in different parts of the eye, affecting one or both

eyes. Two common eye infections are conjunctivitis (pink eye), most prevalent in children and very contagious, and styes, a bump on the eyelid that occurs when bacteria from your skin gets into an eyelash follicle. Symptoms of eye infections include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain or vision problems.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection.

For those 55 and older, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss. Most cataracts advance slowly and take years to mature. A yearly visit to your eye doctor can help identify cataracts early, but there are symptoms to look for, including cloudy vision, difficulty seeing at night, halos around lights, frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions, double vision in one eye, poor night vision, light sensitivity or seeing faded colors. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in the eye—the part of the eye that focuses light and produces clear images. The natural lens is contained in a capsule inside of the eye. As older cells die, they are trapped within this capsule.

The accumulation of these cells causes the lens to cloud.

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed in less than 30 minutes. The surgery commonly requires only mild sedation, and generally, no stitches are required. New, state-of-the-art, bladeless, laserguided cataract surgery is available. Most people notice a marked improvement in their vision within days.

JOHNSON CIT Y EYE CLINIC & SURGERY CENTER

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

10 MED TECH PARK JOHNSON CITY, TN (423) 929-2111

DECEMBER 2014

225 MIDWAY MEDICAL PARK BRISTOL, TN (423) 989-2020

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Giving Back

Written by Debra McCown Photos by www.freshairphoto.com

In the Tri-Cities, the season of giving lasts all year long.

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They’re in schools, community centers, homes and charities, working with programs that help children and the aged, veterans, the poor and the lonely, people with disabilities and those battling addiction.

They’re out in the community, delivering meals to the homebound and knocking on doors armed with tools and information to help keep you and your neighbors safe.

So if you’re looking for a reason to get in the giving spirit (or just to feel better about humanity), here’s a glimpse at a few folks who spend their time doing good.

ICONS © LEREMY; RIBBONS © IVETA ANGELOVA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The holiday season is often called a season of giving, but here in the Tri-Cities, there are people who give of their time, talents and money all year long, serving others and making the community a better place to live.

shining light on a bright future Gordon HertelG KINGSPORT WHEN GORDON HERTEL FIRST CONNECTED WITH GIRLS INCORPORATED SIX YEARS AGO, IT WAS BY CHANCE. A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE LOCAL CIVITAN CLUB, WHO USUALLY BOUGHT A BICYCLE FOR THE GIRLS INCORPORATED CHRISTMAS PARTY, FELL ILL, AND HERTEL STEPPED UP TO PROVIDE ONE.

W

hen Gordon Hertel first connected with Girls Incorporated six years ago, it was by chance. A fellow member of the local Civitan Club, who usually bought a bicycle for the Girls Incorporated Christmas party, fell ill, and Hertel stepped up to provide one.

Girls Incorporated is an after-school and summer program that primarily serves girls from low-income families, and the bicycle was the big gift to be given away in a drawing to one fortunate girl.

“I went in there to pay for the bicycle, and they said it was $35,” recalls Hertel, a retired plant manager who lives in Kingsport. “I couldn’t believe they got a bicycle for $35, and I said, ‘Well, let’s buy another one.’”

At the party, the little girl who received it was so emotional, Hertel almost broke down in tears himself, he says. Afterward, he approached the woman running the program and asked if he could buy a bicycle for every girl who didn’t have one.

“So everybody got a present in June,” he says. “There was a little girl there, about 11 or 12, and she was so emotional and came to me and said, ‘You don’t even know me. How can you give me a bicycle?’”

“I said, ‘I want you to daydream when you’re on that bicycle and think about what your life can be like,’” he recalls.

“The lady at Girls Incorporated told me that bicycle changed that girl’s personality completely; she’d been a big troublemaker, and she

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went from a troublemaker to a real helper at Girls Incorporated.”

That prompted Hertel to ask himself, “What can I do to change their lives?”

His next project was a savings program: He opened an account for each girl at a local credit union with $20 and taught them how to save and manage money, providing an additional savings contribution for those who made a strong effort.

That led into other things, and through a family member, he brought in tens of thousands of donated dollars to help with transportation vans and needed building repairs.

Now, every year, he plays Santa at the Christmas party, bringing a bicycle for every girl who doesn’t have one. In the summers, he and his wife, Barbara Ann, have hosted pool-party cookouts for the girls at their home.

“When my father was raising me, he said the most satisfaction you can ever get is if you help people that are desperate and have nowhere to turn and you can help get them turned around,” he said. “My aim is to do something to try to get these girls out of the rut they’re in and on their way to a better life.”

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breaking the cycle of addiction Marjorie TesterG BRISTOL MARJORIE TESTER, PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER OF BRISTOL RECOVERY ROAD FOR WOMEN, BEGAN HER CHARITABLE QUEST WITH A LABOR OF DEDICATION: SIX YEARS OF FUNDRAISING TO BUY A PLACE TO HOUSE HER EFFORTS.

N

ow, a little over a year since it opened, there are already success stories coming out of the program, which provides housing, necessities and a nine-month curriculum to help women who’ve suffered from addiction turn their lives around.

“They live at the house, and we help them get employment, we take them to meetings and we teach them life skills,” says Tester. Most of the women who come to her have been incarcerated, she says, but all have been carefully screened to ensure that they’re truly ready to get their lives on track.

“Some of them don’t know how to cook; they don’t know how to clean; they don’t know how to budget,” she says. “We basically teach them the things that you and I take for granted, and when they leave us, hopefully they’re going to be able to make better decisions and live a better life.”

More broadly, she says, it presents an opportunity to break the often generational cycle of addiction, not only empowering the women to improve their lives but providing hope for their children.

The latest project at Bristol Recovery Road for Women is its new thrift shop, which has two goals: to help support the organization financially and to provide the women with job training and experience.

“We serve women from Chattanooga to Roanoke,” Tester says.

“It’s a blessing every day to see a success story— and every little step they take in the right direction is a success story.”

providing a lifeline Janyce Dudney & Liza HarmonG KINGSPORT MEALS ON WHEELS OF KINGSPORT PERFORMS AN IMPRESSIVE FEAT DAILY: THE CHARITY DELIVERS SOME 220 MEALS TO PEOPLE IN AND AROUND KINGSPORT, PROVIDING BOTH NUTRITION AND HUMAN CONTACT TO PEOPLE WHO, DUE TO AGE OR INFIRMITY, MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COOK OR LEAVE THEIR HOMES.

A

t the core of the effort are two ladies: Liza Harmon and Janyce Dudney. Between the two of them, they oversee cooking in two church kitchens, food deliveries and some 500 volunteers who give time each month.

“We have an amazing organization,” says Dudney. “We have one part-time position, which is the secretary at United Way… but everybody else is a volunteer: the people who cook the meals, the people who deliver the meals, the people who order the food, who put away the food, who take care of our equipment. It’s a big group of people, all of them basically volunteers, doing a lot to feed hungry people.”

Harmon says she’s thankful for the volunteer support Meals on Wheels receives from Eastman, the city and area churches.

“The people we’re delivering to, they’re me, they’re you. They’re very competent people who have lots of talents, and they were really busy, and time has passed, and now they’re maybe on a walker; they have trouble getting dressed,” Harmon says, noting that a daily visit from someone delivering a meal can be as important to a person’s emotional well-being as to nutrition.

“If you have 30 people that care about whether you answer the door or not,” she says, “it just makes you feel like you’re still a valuable person.”

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preventing fire deaths Jack Buckles G ELIZABETHTON WHEN A STUDY REVEALED THAT ELIZABETHTON AND CARTER COUNTY WERE AMONG THE WORST AREAS IN THE STATE FOR FIRE-RELATED DEATHS, JACK BUCKLES WANTED TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE. WORKING WITH THE TENNESSEE STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE, THE LOCAL RED CROSS AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS, HE’S BECOME A CATALYST FOR LOCAL FIRE SAFETY EFFORTS.

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A

s fire marshal for the Elizabethton Fire Department, he was already working with the state’s Get Alarmed program, which provides smoke alarms to fire departments about 100 at a time, when he began to get calls from the community ahead of the winter heating season.

“I was approached by a church in the area, Grace Baptist, and they were wanting to go door-to-door and see if people had smoke alarms and replace batteries,” he says. “We [also] had a request from the Red Cross and a couple of different organizations wanting to go out and blanket the community and go door-to-door.”

So he contacted the State Fire Marshal’s Office to see if he could get more smoke alarms—and ultimately received 2,000 of them.

“They’re not the cheap ones,” he says. “They’re the good ones with the 10-year batteries.”

The good and bad news: When word got out about free smoke alarms and installation, the fire department was inundated with calls. Firefighters have installed many of them, Buckles says, and church volunteers have helped, too.

“When they get out there [to install the smoke alarms], it’s also a chance for them to [discuss] other things about home safety,” Buckles says. “They don’t have enforcement power to get people in trouble; they just give them suggestions for safety throughout the home.”

Glenda Bobalik, executive director of the American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee, says Red Cross chapters around the nation have partnered with fire departments, knocking on doors to talk to residents with firefighters on hand to install smoke alarms and batteries.

“It’s to all of our advantage, as a community as well as individuals, to have a safer community,” Bobalik says.

So far, Buckles says, at least one local woman’s life has been saved. She was awakened by one of the new smoke alarms, which enabled her to escape a house fire in Elizabethton.

“That makes it all worth it right there,” he says. “They do save lives.”

making life better with horses Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center G KINGSPORT FOUNDED IN 1995, THE SMALL MIRACLES THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER OFFERS HELP IN A UNIQUE WAY: WITH HORSES.

T

half a century of service Sandra Willis G BRISTOL

he center provides therapeutic horseback riding programs for special needs children and adults, at-risk youth and veterans who suffer from brain injury or post-traumatic stress

AFTER MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, IT TAKES A LOT OF INK TO LIST WHAT SANDRA WILLIS HAS DONE TO HELP THE POOR. THOSE WHO KNOW HER SAY SHE’S AN INSPIRATION.

“I

ve always loved people and wanted to reach out and do a little bit to help them,” she says. “As a Christian, I think that’s what God expects us to do. I like to help people in our community who are struggling every day just to get the basics that they need to live.”

Ask her about the needy in Bristol, and she’ll readily make you a list: schoolchildren who don’t have food at home on the weekends, elderly people who live alone and are bedridden and unable to cook for themselves, homeless families who have no safe place to go.

“A lot of them will open up and tell you their situation, but we don’t pry,” she says. “I think we’ve been able to help some people get back on their feet and become self-sufficient again and maintain some dignity.”

With a heart for ministering to the poor, she helped found Bristol Faith in Action, an organization of churches that

give needy families a single point of contact for basic assistance, and Bristol Ministry Mall, which gathers several nonprofits under one roof for easier access. She was also instrumental in starting Family Promise, a faith-based group that helps homeless families with children.

Also a longtime school and church volunteer, she has worked with the Red Cross and YWCA and serves as community coordinator for Meals on Wheels in Bristol, an organization she’s worked with since 1973. She also volunteers regularly at the Bristol Emergency Food Pantry, where she has served for more than 20 years.

“I feel like as Christians that’s what God expects us to do is reach out and help people, and that’s what I’ve always tried to do,” she says. “There’s a blessing in helping other people.”

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disorder. It also provides volunteer opportunities that build skills and confidence.

“Horses are masters of teaching social skills,” says Executive Director Sherri Russell. “They’re nonjudgmental. They don’t care if you have one leg, they don’t care what your intellectual disability is or your developmental disorder, they don’t care if your parents are in jail, if you’ve made a mistake or if you have

PTSD. They just love you unconditionally, and they are very flexible.”

For those who come to Small Miracles, Russell says, working with horses is a therapy option that’s hands-on, less structured and outside the medical setting. The horses are a unique bridge to help people live life to the fullest.

helping meet housing needs Stephen DixonG JOHNSON CITY FOR STEPHEN DIXON, CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN EIGHT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, HELPING PEOPLE WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A CALLING THAT’S EVOLVED OVER MORE THAN A DECADE OF WORK IN THE COMMUNITY.

“I

f they’ve been in a bad situation, perhaps if they were homeless or had a traumatic experience, a major illness or death or something like that, and they’ve had this huge setback, and now all of a sudden they’re able to obtain their own home, I think it just changes the course of their life and their family forever,” he says, explaining why he’s passionate about housing.

“To give people hope when they had no hope and to see a dream become reality, to me that’s what it’s all about.

I try to remind our board that we’re not in the business of building houses and building apartments… we’re in the business of changing people’s lives.”

Dixon, who grew up in rural Dickenson County in Southwest Virginia, says he’s seen firsthand the housing struggles that many people face.

Now a senior vice-president and Community Reinvestment Act officer for Bank of Tennessee, he says he’s had the opportunity to help people improve their lives professionally through lending as well as through volunteer efforts with charities and community development organizations.

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He got involved when he was fresh out of college, he says, joining the local Optimist Club led to work with a variety of programs for children and youth, and he currently serves on the board of his local United Way and Boys & Girls Club, among others.

He’s been working on affordable housing for more than a decade and now serves in several leadership roles, including board chairman for Eastern Eight, which covers the eight counties of Upper East Tennessee, and board member for Horizon Community Development Corporation, which covers three counties.

In the last 16 years, he says, Eastern Eight has helped more than 250 people to attain home ownership and maintains upward of 150 rental units, some specifically to serve people with mental or physical disabilities.

“I wouldn’t look at either of these as handouts but a hand up in helping people to improve their lives,” Dixon says. “Whether I’m working to do [home repair] work or from a board member standpoint or committee member or fundraising, I do whatever I can do to help solve those issues.”

serving through united way Judy Moss & Kim HolleyG BRISTOL FROM FUNDRAISING TO FLIPPING PANCAKES TO SERVING ON BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, JUDY MOSS AND KIM HOLLEY ARE TWO PEOPLE THE UNITED WAY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY TENNESSEE SAYS THEY CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT.

a village for reading nelson PyleG BRISTOL AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AND RETIRED TENNESSEE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, NELSON PYLE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT LOW READING SCORES AT ANDERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

“I

’m an educator at heart,” he says. “Kids learn to read in kindergarten through third grade, and they read to learn afterward. If they’re really not able to read, then it’s difficult for them to learn, and the cycle of economic disadvantages continues.”

So Pyle met with the principal at Anderson and devised a program that pairs community volunteers with students as “reading buddies” who read with them 30 minutes a week.

There are also “reading parties” four times during the school year, where they provide books and stuffed animals to the students and talk with parents about how to support their children’s reading skills at home.

“We’ve had remarkable success,” he says of the program, which began on a pilot scale in January and has been expanded to include first-graders at Anderson and kindergarteners at Fairmount Elementary School. In its first semester, he says, the kindergarten students nearly doubled their usual reading score gains, helping to get them on track for better performance on third-grade reading standards.

Pyle says he hopes to continue to grow the program with more volunteers, corporate sponsorships and opportunities for students to get reading support through community partnerships.

“We need to do what works, and relationships work,” he says. “We need to make a difference in helping students change their socioeconomic status, and the best way is through education and the ability to read. The old adage is that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it does make a difference.”

“I

don’t think we could really function here at United Way without these two ladies,” says Finance Director Shirley Johnson. “They are involved in everything.”

Moss, who has chaired both the United Way and Salvation Army boards in the past, says it’s important to her not just to help raise funds for United Way agencies but to personally get involved as well.

“I think if you’re fortunate enough to have [money] to give, I think you should do that,” she says, “but I also believe in giving time.”

Holley, a vice-chair for United Way’s 2014 campaign, says it’s hard to predict when you may need to seek help from a United Way agency.

“One of the other organizations that’s near and dear to me is the Susan G. Komen Foundation, because my sister was diagnosed at an early age, and she’s five years in remission now, with breast cancer,” says Holley, who is also involved in several medical charities. “That can happen in the blink of an eye.

It’s just a realization that none of us are exempt from anything really.”

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serving christmas dinner Emmanuel Episcopal EmmanuelG BRISTOL IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS, THERE’S ONE PLACE YOU HAVE TO GO, SAYS ZANE MYERS, CO-CHAIR OF THE CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AT EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

I

t’s a seemingly chaotic but remarkably organized event put on every year to feed the community—not just with a homemade holiday meal but with a time of community fellowship that’s open to everyone, especially those who might otherwise be alone on Christmas.

“We say at the church that the best Christmas gift that we can give ourselves is to be of service to somebody else,” Myers says, noting that it’s become as much a tradition for the volunteers as for the people who come to eat. “The tradition has become to serve… and that really, I think, captures the spirit of Christmas.”

This will be the 33rd year for the event, which draws some 600 people to soak in the atmosphere of carols and decorations, fill up on turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes, and enjoy a special community gathering, which they leave with bags of fruit, grocery vouchers and gifts for their children.

Loretta Trayer, whose late husband, Jack, began the tradition more than three decades ago, says the event has grown immensely.

“He funded the food and still does through a trust that he set up to take care of it,” she says, “because he wanted Emmanuel to be able to do that as long as the parishioners wanted to continue it.”

At the dinner, which is traditionally held from 4-7pm on Christmas Day, it’s not unusual to see some of Bristol’s most prominent families serving, spending their holiday doing the most menial tasks in service to the poor, the lonely and those who are traveling through the area.

“I would say that the lesson to be learned about Christmas is a paradox: I can’t receive the kind of joy that I would like to receive through taking; I can only receive it through giving,” says Myers. “I think that’s the story of the Christmas Day Dinner: It’s not about getting; it’s about giving. We all go home exhausted. It’s a long day… but we all go home spiritually full.”

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helping children across the region Claudia ByrdG BRISTOL

“O

ur goal is to raise money for nonprofit children’s organizations in the area surrounding the speedway, and in Bristol, we chose to raise money for 16 counties in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia,” says Byrd, whose late husband, Jeff Byrd, served as general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “We’re giving it to these amazing agencies that work day in and day out with these children.”

The agencies that benefit from the money raised range from those that provide basic needs like food to those that provide after-school care, teen programs, help for children who are abused and therapy for kids with disabilities.

“Our biggest fundraiser, of course, is Speedway in Lights,” Byrd says.

The annual event features a four-mile stretch of more than 2 million Christmas lights that visitors can drive through, followed by a big thrill: a chance to drive around the racetrack. The setup also features infield activities for kids, a snowless tubing hill, and an ice skating rink.

“This is one of those things that we started a long time ago, and every year we’ve added more and more lights,” Byrd

SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER SHE STARTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BRISTOL CHAPTER OF SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES, CLAUDIA BYRD SAYS THE TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED IS APPROACHING $9 MILLION—AND SHE’S MOTIVATED TO DO MORE. says. “We decided that Speedway in Lights was a fundraiser that not only would benefit children but that the entire family could enjoy.”

This year’s Speedway in Lights events are open from 6-10pm every evening through Jan. 3. More information can be found online at bristomotorspeedway.com.

The charity also does a lot of fundraising events during the big races at Bristol Motor Speedway, with a similar approach: add value to race fans’ weeklong experience while helping children in the community at the same time.

Every year in November, before Speedway in Lights kicks off, the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities has its “Night of Smiles,” an event where all of the money raised throughout the year is given out in grants to a variety of nonprofit agencies that work with children.

“We’re just trying to make their job a little better by giving them some money and giving them an opportunity to do something they might not be able to do,” Byrd says, “so it’s very rewarding. It’s the greatest thing in the world.”

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STIMULATING THE senses A NEW DEPRESSION THERAPY, TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION, USES MAGNETIC FIELDS TO STIMULATE NERVE CELLS IN THE BRAIN.

BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE

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Four days after starting a relatively new therapy in the fall of 2013, he started smiling again.

“It was like someone had been asleep for 30 years,” Bowery’s wife, Linda, says.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2008, uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. It’s currently being offered by both the Quillen College of Medicine’s ETSU Physicians in Johnson City and the Tri-Cities TMS Center in Bristol.

Bowery, 75, has a history of depression in his family, and he’s suffered from it for nearly 30 years.

In the mid-1980s, he was admitted to the former Indian Path Pavilion for a five-week stay and treated for major depression. Eventually, he was able to return to his job with the Department of Human Services, and he did fine up until about a decade ago.

“He retired a month before his mother died in April 2002. A year later, he began to feel worse,” Linda explains.

Bowery was put back on medication, but the depression

lingered. He returned to the Pavilion for a two-week stay, but he wasn’t getting any better. Bowery turned to ECT, which uses a direct electrical current to stimulate the same area of the brain (the frontal lobe) as TMS. He did this for seven years and saw some improvement.

Eventually, the ECT treatments were stopped when it was realized that they weren’t working.

In addition to depression, Bowery suffers from Parkinson’s disease and some short-term memory loss. It was his neurologist who first told him about TMS, and he underwent treatments in late 2013. Within days, he began to smile. He wanted to go out to eat, and he began to read the paper and watch the news and sports that he once enjoyed. He was getting his life back.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, major depression can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat and generally enjoy life. Those with depression may have feelings of guilt, the inability to experience pleasure and a preoccupation with death or suicide. These symptoms can be

BOWERY PHOTO BY LEIGH ANN LAUBE . HAPPY © MAJIVECKA; SAD © ASLYSUN; BRAIN © ALEKSANDRS BONDARS ; MAGNET © SANIKEI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

WAYNE BOWERY STAYED IN HIS BED FOR YEARS. HE HAD NO INTEREST IN LIFE—NO DESIRE TO GO OUT, NO DESIRE TO WATCH THE NEWS OR SPORTS. HE HAD BEEN ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS AND TRIED ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT).

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TMS THERAPY REQUIRES UP TO accompanied by irregular sleep habits, a change in appetite, fatigue, lack of interest in physical activity and impaired concentration.

Treatment for depression usually includes a medication regime. For some patients, however, those medications do not work. That’s where TMS comes in. During TMS treatments, a strong magnet switches on and off, creating an electrical field that allows the brain to be stimulated by indirect electricity.

The Tri-Cities TMS Center was the first in the area to offer this innovative therapy.

According to TMS Center Team Leader Brenda Henry, 35 patients have been treated since May 2013.

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30

TREATMENTS BUT DOES NOT CAUSE MEMORY LOSS AND PATIENTS ARE NOT PUT TO SLEEP Since the 1980s, TMS has been used to study the nerve fibers that carry information about movement from the brain to the spinal cord and onto the muscles. In the late 1990s, physicians began to explore the therapeutic potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of a variety of diseases, with depression

being the most thoroughly studied to date.

“We have discovered that we can treat many things with TMS,” explains Dr. Norman Moore, a psychiatrist who practices with Quillen ETSU Physicians, “but the one that has been approved by the FDA is for the treatment of depression.”

According to Moore, patients who are eligible for the treatment must have failed several adequate courses of antidepressant medication—in other words, a sufficient dose for a sufficient time to give it a chance to work.

“You need several weeks of treatment before you can say the medication is not working,” Moore says.

“It requires maybe three months of medications, a

sufficient period of time with the maximum dose.

If we can show that they have had two or three courses of antidepressant medication and they have not improved, then they are eligible for TMS.” Patients who cannot take medications because of side effects are also eligible.

ECT, Moore says, is very effective, and the more severely depressed, the better the patient responds.

But ECT has side effects that Moore doesn’t like.

According to Moore, ECT uses a direct electrical current and usually includes about 10 treatments.

Unfortunately, each treatment requires general anesthesia.

When patients wake up, they aren’t capable of driving and memory loss is common.

TMS therapy, conversely, requires up to 30 treatments but does not cause memory loss and patients are not put to sleep. Patients can drive home immediately following the treatment. TMS has very few side effects, the most common being a mild headache centered at the location of the magnet.

During the initial visit to the TMS Center in Bristol, the staff takes an extensive patient history, including previous hospitalizations, how long the patient has been suffering, how long they’ve been on medication and whether they have tried psychiatric therapy.

“Usually when we bring them in for a consultation, it’s informing them and finding out if they’re a candidate,” says Henry. “Once we’ve

CLINICAL PHOTO BY SUSAN WALLACE, QUILLEN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE . WOMAN © SHEFTSOFF ; PILLS © LANA LANGLOIS ; HEAD © AKIRADESIGNS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

23

OR COURSES OF ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATION WITH NO IMPROVEMENT = TMS ELIGIBILITY gotten their insurance approved or if they’re paying cash, we do the mapping and the first treatment on the same day. The magnet is placed on their head on their motor cortex, on the left side for depression. We send a single pulse of the magnet into that motor cortex, and it will cause a twitch in their right hand. Our goal is to find the best twitch in the thumb.

At that point, the computer will generate the exact area where you do your treatment.”

The magnet is about the size of your hand, give or take a little bit, Henry says, so it’s covering a large area when it pulses. Although the first visit takes a little longer, most treatments take about 45 minutes to an hour.

“The company (neurostar.com) says it feels like a woodpecker pecking on your head,” says Henry. “One of our patients said it felt like somebody flicking them on the head. It’s not going to be light.

It’s probably uncomfortable.

It pulses each time for four seconds, then takes a 26 second break … and this is repeated for 38 minutes.”

Patients have treatments five days a week for four to six weeks.

According to ETSU’s Moore, one-third of patients will see a measurable improvement after TMS treatments, and another third will experience a form of remission.

Henry, in Bristol, says she can tell a difference in

some patients within the first week of treatment.

“It’s different for everybody. For some, treatment number 27 might be the magic number,” she says. “The studies show not to expect anything before treatment number 20. With the studies done prior to FDA approval, most patients didn’t show significant differences before treatment 20.

“I’m glad to say we’ve done enough patients that we can use our statistics,” Henry says. “We have a 75 percent improvement rating.

Maybe not jumping up and down doing cartwheels improvement but some improvement,” she says.

Medicare covers TMS treatment, and other insurances will pay for TMS, but they typically require a prior authorization.

Maintenance treatments are also required. Some insurance companies require that the patient have a trial of ECT. Although TMS requires more treatments than ECT, the cost is normally less than ECT when factoring in facility charges and the cost from general anesthesia.

Henry says what scares potential patients the most is the cost, which isn’t covered by a majority of insurances.

“If their option is ECT or TMS, insurance will cover ECT. There are not enough

people out there pushing to have TMS done because they don’t really know it exists. By the time they get to us, this is their last chance, their last resort. They have nowhere else to go, unfortunately,” she says.

Bowery had a second round of TMS in August and September—one of only two patients at the TMS Center to need another round—after Linda noticed him relapsing into a depression.

“He was going downhill and was not feeling well,” she says. Those treatments, she says, didn’t work as quickly as before, possibly due to his age and dementia, but she saw improvement. On September 1, Wayne and Linda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner at Red Lobster.

WE HAVE A

% 75 IMPROVEMENT RATING

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TMS TREATMENT, CALL QUILLEN ETSU PHYSICIANS AT (423) 439-8000 OR THE TRI-CITIES TMS CENTER AT (423) 797-4545.

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E H T R O F G N I R A P PRE re a e f i l n i s g thin axes. o w t t a h t d Its beenavsoaiidable: death and t un ia McFarland

By Cynth

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Man Signs © topvector; Last Will © zimmytws /Shutterstock.com

M

any people feel uncomfortable talking about either subject, but with wise preparation now, you can make the inevitable easier for those you leave behind. If you’re waiting to draw up a will until you buy a house or build a sizeable nest egg, think again.

Estate planning sounds like something only wealthy people do, but that’s not the case.

You might only have a modest income and currently live in an apartment, but if you have a child, you absolutely need a plan for the future.

Even if you have no children, you might like to leave something to a relative, friend or favorite charity. The only way to assure that this happens is to have a legal plan, and there’s no better time than the present.

Death taxes and estate taxes can apply, and these vary from state to state. Let’s say you’re a ‘snowbird’ and a legal resident of Florida but also own property in Massachusetts. When you die, the state of Massachusetts requires that property have a real estate appraisal. The appraised value of that property is the basis for the taxes your heirs will pay if you leave them the property in your will.

“There’s a plan in place by the state, whether you like it or not, so if you want direction on how your wealth is transferred, you need to hire the

Kenneth McFarland, CFP, a certified financial planner.

Savvy estate planning can minimize the taxes owed by your heirs.

“I highly recommend reading the book Beyond Death and Taxes by Gregory J. Englund. It takes a family worth $10 million and walks them through a plan so that 100 percent of that wealth is transferred to the next generation. Anyone can use this plan. You’re not going by the numbers necessarily but by the strategies,” says McFarland.

“Legal documents are prepared by an attorney and are the key components of estate planning, although more than one professional will be involved in the planning process,” he adds. “You’ll need to work with an investment professional and an estate planning attorney. Depending on the extent of your holdings, you may also need a tax professional who specializes in estate taxation and an experienced life insurance agent who works with estate plans and trusts.

“The more complex your holdings and the more wealth you have, the more teamwork is required,” McFarland explains. “You can’t just create one document and think that will take

E L B A T I V E IN experts to help accomplish this. The key to estate planning is to transfer as much of your hard-earned wealth as possible to the heirs or charities you want to receive it, rather than it going to the government in taxes,” notes

care of everything. That’s why it’s a team effort.”

When it comes to those “team members,” choose wisely. Don’t just pick someone out of the Yellow Pages.

You want experts who are referred to you by another trusted professional.

Where There�is A Will, There�is A Way No doubt you’ve heard the term “probate,” but you may not be sure when it comes into play.

Probate is the legal mechanism by which the state takes assets that are in your name and transfers them to your beneficiaries after your death. The probate process verifies that your will— if you have one—is valid and handles the payment of debts and taxes, as well as distribution of your remaining property.

The court involvement of probate can be completely avoided if you take appropriate steps ahead of time. For example, if you have mutual funds, you can ask your financial planner to place a “transfer upon death” designation on the funds. This will transfer the fund to your named beneficiary. The same can be done with checking and savings accounts.

The most important place to start, however, is to have a valid, legal will.

“If you die without a will, state statutes specify who gets your property, and if you don’t leave a will, your heirs will end up fighting. You also want to minimize expenses for your loved ones,” says attorney Patricia L. Ferrari, who has worked in estate law for 32 years, handling small business and estate planning, asset protection, insurance claims and disputes.

“I am handling an estate where a brother and sister are now estranged because their mother didn’t leave a will.

People can end up in turmoil fighting over heirlooms and photos that aren’t

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"People can end up in turmoil fighting over heirlooms and photos that arent worth anything except the emotional attachment." worth anything except the emotional attachment.”

Sometimes, Ferrari adds, it’s not the children of the deceased who are to blame for the disagreements.

Outside influences, such as spouses, can speak up and cause trouble. Having an ironclad will can protect your family from such distressing situations after a loved one dies.

“States have strict laws about how a will has to be witnessed, so don’t think you can just write up a piece of paper, have it notarized and this will cover it,” cautions Ferrari.

What about those radio commercials about using online forms and preparing your own will?

“Estate planning is not just planning for death but also for occurrences that happen while you’re living,” explains Ferrari. “What a person needs depends on the property they own and their intended beneficiaries. It’s not ‘one size fits all,’ and those online forms are ‘one size fits all,’ so they may not fit your needs.”

Estate laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to know what’s

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applicable where you reside. In Florida, for instance, if you have a valid will, you can write up a list of “instructions” that designates how you want specific pieces of property distributed. If you absolutely want your granddaughter, Meredith, to have your pearl necklace or your son, Josh, to get your coin collection, put this in writing, sign and date it. Your will or this signed writing is also the perfect place to make known any burial wishes you may have. Be clear about what you want; the more specific your requests, the easier it will be for your loved ones.

“The signed paper on its own isn’t enough; you must have a will in place in order to do this,” adds Ferrari.

“The will would stipulate that you are leaving a signed writing about your personal property.”

Another vital reason to have a will is to name a guardian(s) for your child(ren).

“It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen that both parents are killed in a car wreck, for example,” says Ferrari. “If you die without a will, you are denying your children a smooth transition.”

There are situations where a trust takes the place of a will. A trust takes

the titles to all your assets and, upon your death, transfers those assets to your beneficiaries without going to probate. It’s crucial that everything be titled in the name of the trust for this to carry out smoothly.

Dont Skip the Basics OK, so you need a will. What else?

Even if you are single and have few assets, at the very least you’ll want to have a living will, which is also known as an “advanced directive.” Such a document states specifically what you want and don’t want when it comes to

Financial Advisor with Couple © Andrey_Popov; Power of Attorney © NotarYES /Shutterstock.com

prolonging your life should the unthinkable happen and you end up in a vegetative state or similar dire circumstance.

Ferrari strongly recommends a durable power of attorney with health care surrogate designation. This legal document includes the medical directives covered in a living will, but it also gives the person you name the ability to handle your finances, should you become incapacitated for any reason.

“If you can’t communicate with the physician, this allows the person you designated to speak with the doctors on your behalf,” Ferrari explains. “A regular power of attorney terminates upon incapacitation, but a durable power of attorney, under Florida statutes, survives incapacity and does away with the need for guardianship.

This document is most important because it works while you’re living.

If you become physically and or mentally incapacitated, this person can conduct your financial affairs while you are incapacitated. If it’s a long-term situation, like Alzheimer’s disease, a durable power of attorney takes the place of a guardianship being appointed by the court.”

You might be concerned that a durable power of attorney gives too much authority to someone else when it comes to your finances. State laws take this into account. In Florida, for example, it’s a felony if the person designated with durable power of attorney takes money from your account(s) for their personal use. Under state law, they have a legal duty to make financial decisions strictly for your benefit.

Beware that laws relating to durable power of attorney can vary from state to

state. They can be very specific, so you should always have this document prepared by an attorney. Don’t go the online route here!

If you are married and/or have children, it’s important to have a life insurance policy in place… even if you don’t own a home or anything of significant value. The policy offers

“You are responsible for establishing an estate plan that will accomplish your goals; therefore, it’s imperative to hire competent professionals to help achieve this.”

a safety net that passes outside of probate and automatically passes to the designated beneficiaries.

Keep It Up To Date “It’s important to update your estate planning materials whenever there are significant life changes or events, such as children, marriage, divorce, changes in the valuation of businesses, property being sold or bought, etc. or in the event the government changes laws that apply,” notes McFarland.

"It ’s important to update your estate planning materials whenever there are significant life changes or events.”

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HEALTH MATTERS According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, chronic pain is the #1 reason people go to their doctor. Back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis and neuropathy unfortunately disrupt our everyday activities and needed sleep.

Since the long-term use of Rx/OTC pain killers is known to be unsafe, many are in search of a more natural solution. In clinical trials, 80% of participants had significant relief with a topical treatment called Topricin Pain Relief Cream, which penetrates deeply into tissues stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Also, Topricin Foot Therapy Cream is specifically formulated for pain associated with gout, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and neuropathy (for which it has been awarded a patent).

Non-irritating, odorless and Topricin greaseless, both products are safe for all ages without worry of side effects or contraindications.

As always, we guarantee your satisfaction.

Patsy Meridith, CNC Certified Nutrition Consultant Owner of Natural Foods Market

423-610-1000 3211 Peoples St. Ste 74 Johnson City, TN NFMonline.com

healing for mind & body Study healthcare at milligan

uNursing BSN RN to BSN uMS in Counseling Clinical Counseling School Counseling

uMs in occupational therapy for more info visit:

BEABUFF.COM

graduate and professional studies 38

tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

SUGAR Š DAVID CROCKETT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HE ALT H Y

n er g an sc a b a r ng ody use tifici pr me you al sw op ta r er bol gut eetene ly. b r ize s a acteri nd a

NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUT Y

si f u en o d et r en tea swe you i s ts n k i l be tud ee ficia how wor f f o y i s be bet ge dy ng c art co ter hows t orni ture, chan r bo m r hat s me for u a u n yo ma into you. A ticking to regular sugar in journal N and ca ep yo e e ccord s h int lera t k e ing to research done by to bet ain n to dia orth it s w t to gluco se, which has been linked w eigh st be t. Th ose few extra calories might ju

c re d A coul to

Sources: cnn.com, nature.com

body

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body vegan peppermint patties Who doesn’t love peppermint this time of year? This vegan, gluten-free version of the classic peppermint patty from Angela Liddon, creator of the healthy website ohsheglows.com, is the perfect alternative to the usual sugar-laden version.

You’ll need… ½

cup raw cashews, soaked

½

cup coconut oil, melted

4

tbsp agave nectar, to taste

2

tbsp almond milk

1

tsp peppermint extract

¾

cup dark chocolate chips

½

tbsp coconut oil Miniature cupcake liners

season’s eatings F

or anyone trying to eat healthy, things can get rocky in December. Instead of avoiding the dessert table at the next party, we say grab a decadent cookie and enjoy. As for sweet treats to keep at home, try this healthier version of an old favorite or get the kids involved for a little kitchen fun.

chocolate cherry thumbprints Want to get your kids involved in the kitchen? Have them break out their thumbs and help with these delicious chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies.

You’ll need… cup butter, softened

2

tsp vanilla

½

tsp baking powder

3

cups flour

1

2

cups white sugar

1

cup cocoa

can Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling

2

eggs

½

tsp salt

½

½

tsp baking soda

cup chocolate chips

1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix until combined. Roll dough into two-inch balls. Place on greased baking sheet or sheet lined with parchment paper. Press thumb into center of cookie to make well. Place cherries into each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes, and let cool. Melt chocolate according to package. Drizzle over cookies.

Recipe and photos courtesy of Family Features. For more recipe ideas to make your holiday jolly, visit luckyleaf.com.

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

Makes about 25 mini patties Place cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak overnight, or at least 2-3 hours, so they blend smoothly. Drain, and rinse after soaking. Add cashews, melted coconut oil, agave, milk and peppermint extract into blender. Blend on highest speed until completely smooth.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Add half tablespoon of filling into each mini cupcake liner. Place on baking sheet.

Freeze uncovered for 20-35 minutes until firm. Pop the patties out of the liners, placing each on top of its liner. Return to freezer for 10 minutes. Melt chocolate and coconut oil in small pot over low heat.

When half the chips have melted, remove from heat and stir until remaining chips melt. Allow chocolate to cool slightly.

Remove patties from freezer, and dunk into chocolate with fork. Tap off excess chocolate and place on parchment paper.

Return patties to freezer until chocolate coating is firm.

Recipe and photos courtesy of Angela Liddon of ohsheglows.com.

PUMPKINS © TOPSELLER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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HOODIE © BEAUTYBYBENZ.BLOGSPOT.COM, TANK © LOOKHUMAN.COM, KICKS © OPRAH.COM; WOMAN © STUDIO1901/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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body

fitness

fashion G

ym Junkie or not, yoga pants have crept into almost everyone’s wardrobe as of late. They have earned themselves the spotlight and have many people asking if yoga pants are the new jeans? Well, they just might be! Let’s just go with it for now, and read on to get caught up on the fitness fashion we should be seen sporting this season.

REPLACING THE LEGGINGS?

Sources: seventeen.com, popsugar.com

HAREM PANTS SEEMS TO BE YET ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE FASHIONS MAKING HEADS TURN THIS YEAR. THESE FULL-LEGGED, LOOSE-FITTING PANTS ARE MADE OF A SOFT MATERIAL GATHERED LOOSELY AT THE ANKLE, AND ARE VERSATILE FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN. AND THEY’RE NOT JUST FOR LOUNGING AROUND. THEY’RE SUPER COMFY AT THE GYM, TOO!

Laugh out loud tanks are all the rage in the world of fitness right now, with their witty slogans on the front of graphic tees. Puns such as “Luke, I am your spotter” from Star Wars plastered across your shirt will provide just enough gym humor to get you motivated (even if you swear you don’t want to be there).

music to the ears

don’t sweat it

Get ready to blare your “I’m sweaty and I know it” playlist on the treadmill, because working out to a beat just got a lot easier (and a lot less tangled). HoodieBuddies, a new type of sweatshirt made with the forethought of making exercising easier, connects your mp3 device through headphones which double as the sweatshirt drawstrings.

Talk about convenient!

Having fun with your wardrobe is important, especially when it comes to the gym. Feeling confident in what you’re wearing will not only help you reach goals, but will make you happy, which in reality is the ultimate goal everyone strives to reach.

So have fun this season and work it!

JUST FOR KICKS TRY OUT SOME TRENDY KICKS THAT WOULD MAKE USAIN BOLT HIMSELF JEALOUS OF YOUR RUNNING ABILITIES THIS SEASON. CUTE, VIBRANT COLORS FOR WOMEN AND COOL, SLEEK STYLES FOR MEN ARE HITTING THE SHELVES ALMOST EVERYWHERE, AND IT’S UNDENIABLY TRUE THAT ONE OF THOSE PAIRS HAS YOUR NAME WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. MAYBE IT’S THE TIE-DYED ONES?

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HE ALT H Y

body

saving your senior skin A

WOMAN © ROB BAYER , SOAP © BOMBAERT PATRICK , BOTTLE © KELVIN WONG /SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

s we age, we find that our same ol’ skin care tricks are no longer adequate. Unfortunately, our skin ages right along with us. Yes, this means it’s time to ditch the cucumbers and try some new methods that have proven to be both simple and effective for the health of our skin.

BRING AN UMBRELLA! SURE, UMBRELLAS KEEP US DRY DURING A STORM, BUT THEY HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES USEFUL ON THE SUNNIEST OF DAYS AS WELL. YEAR–ROUND, THE SUN CAN DRY OUT YOUR SKIN, AGING IT FASTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. THOSE VALUING THEIR SMOOTH, HEALTHY SKIN SHOULD STEER CLEAR OF PROLONGED SUN EXPOSURE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE’S NO SPF OR UMBRELLA HANDY.

b-healthy

ditch the sticks

sleep strategy

Healthy skin thrives on foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Your skin will not only look healthier but will feel it, too. Stock up on green veggies, melons, berries and fish. One meal can make a difference. You may even be able to get away with having a fruit smoothie for dinner!

Smoking, as we all know, is extremely unhealthy, regardless of your age. It discolors the skin and leaves it feeling (and looking) leathery and wrinkled. Pop in a piece of gum or a mint anytime you get the urge to smoke. Once the habit is broken, your skin and body will start to heal as a thank you.

People are usually partial to the position they normally sleep in; however, medical researchers have found that those who sleep with their face on the pillow often develop more wrinkles than those who do not put nighttime pressure on their face. To avoid these extra wrinkles, try a new sleeping positon and make it a habit to sleep on your back.

GULP, GULP EIGHT GLASSES A DAY. THAT MAY SEEM LIKE A LOT, BUT, IN REALITY, IT ISN’T MUCH MORE THAN FOUR TO EIGHT SIPS PER HOUR. DRINKING WATER REFRESHES THE BODY AND FLUSHES OUT TOXINS THAT CAN CAUSE THE SKIN TO YELLOW OR CRACK.

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USING HARSH SOAPS AND FRAGRANCES CAN SEVERELY DRY OUT THE SKIN. SOAP FOR SENSITIVE SKIN IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA AND CAN ACTUALLY CLEANSE AND SOFTEN YOUR SKIN AT THE SAME TIME. THE KEY? PLENTY OF MOISTURIZERS.

Source: retireathome.com

BAN THE BUBBLES

WOMAN © MARCOS MESA SAM WORDLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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balance MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE

Sources: cnn.com, psycnet.apa.org

crazy dream cocktail

If you’ve ever found yourself waking from a dream that was really weird, odds are it was later on in the night.

Studies by the American Psychological Association show that the longer you sleep, the weirder your dreams get. Scientists examined 16 subjects over two nights and observed their sleep, waking them four times a night. The results? The participant’s normal dreams turned into oddities as the night went on. Still get those eight hours though—what’s a weird dream every now and then!

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crafting big bang laughs

BY JOANN GUIDRY

G

rowing up, Steve Holland was a bit of a nerd.

Holland read superhero comic books, watched a lot of TV and was a huge fan of the Star Wars movies.

On a little manual typewriter, he banged out stories that came from his imagination.

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All that nerdiness paid off. Today, Holland is a writer and co-executive producer on The Big Bang Theory, the No. 1 sitcom on network television. Now in its eighth season, the CBS comedy is about a group of geeky genius scientists, who read superhero comic books and can recite the Star Wars movies dialogue word by word. The socially challenged scientists’ world is broadened by their freespirit waitress/actress neighbor. Think Friends for nerds. The show is so popular that it has already been renewed through its 10th season in 2016/17. And the syndicated series can be seen almost every day on various stations.

“I don’t remember a time that I didn’t write stories,”

says Holland, 42. “I knew I wanted to be a television writer, but I just wasn’t sure how to accomplish that.”

First step was graduating from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in TV, radio and film production in 1993. An internship at Nickelodeon at Disney World paved the way to bigger opportunities.

“I became a production then writing assistant on a teen show called All That,” says Holland. “When that show moved its production to Los Angeles in 1996, I moved with it.”

And just like that, Holland found a way to go from Central Florida to L.A. and a TV writing career. He wrote for many television series, including the CBS comedy Rules of Engagement.

BOY ©SERGEY FURTAEV; SWING © JULIA IVANTSOVA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; HOLLAND PHOTOS COURTESTY OF MICHAEL YARISH/WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.; LOGO © IMGARCADE.COM

balance

Sources: thedoctorwillseeyounow.com, webmd.com, helpguide.org, mayoclinic.org

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laughter: it’s good for you

Just as that show ended in 2009, Holland was hired as a writer/producer for The Big Bang Theory.

“I came on for Big Bang’s third season, and it was doing well with its niche nerd market,” says Holland. “But then it slowly became a huge hit with a much broader audience. I think as the characters developed, more people could relate to them in some way. And they make people laugh.”

Each of the season’s 22 episodes takes approximately two weeks of writing/read-through time, followed by two hours of filming before a studio audience once a week. Story ideas often come from the writers’ backgrounds, and there is always a science consultant on set. How the studio audience responds to the script can lead to impromptu changes and multiple scene takes.

“Having that immediate feedback from an audience is very important for the writers and the actors,” says Holland. “When we hear the studio audience laugh, then we know we’ve done our jobs and it really is funny.”

The success of The Big Bang Theory is a good argument that laughter truly is the best medicine. More than 18 million people tune in weekly to laugh while watching Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Howard, Raj, Bernadette and Amy navigate life. Even the sarcasm-impaired Sheldon has coined a phrase for when he pulls a prank on someone: Bazinga! Go ahead, say ‘Bazinga’ and try not to smile!

Dr. Lee Berk of Loma Linda University and Dr. Stanley Tan of Oak Crest Health Research Institute have studied the effects of laughter on the body since the 1980s.

Here’s some of their research results on why we need to laugh more and often!

seek out laughter 1

Watch a funny movie or TV show (hint, hint: The Big Bang Theory)

2 Share a good joke or a funny story.

3 Go to a comedy club.

4 Host a game night with family/friends.

5 Play with a pet.

6 Goof around with young children.

7 Read the comic section of the newspaper every day.

8 Hang out with funny people.

9 Do something silly like going to a playground and swinging.

10 Make time for fun with family and friends on a regular basis.

KEEPS US SANE • LAUGHING REDUCES STRESS AND INCREASES ENERGY. • A HUMOROUS PERSPECTIVE CREATES PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTANCE, WHICH CAN KEEP YOU FROM FEELING OVERWHELMED.

• HUMOR GETS YOU OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND AWAY FROM YOUR TROUBLES. • LAUGHTER CAN HELP YOU SHARE YOUR TRUE, DEEP FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS WITH OTHERS.

• A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR CAN HELP YOU BE LESS JUDGMENTAL/CRITICAL AND EASE SELF-DOUBTS. • YOU CAN’T FEEL SAD, ANGRY OR ANXIOUS WHEN YOU’RE LAUGHING.

overall health benefits LAUGHTER BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM BY DECREASING STRESS HORMONES AND INCREASING INFECTION-FIGHTING ANTIBODIES.

LAUGHTER WITH BENEFITS Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Strengthens personal relationships Helps defuse conf licts Promotes group bonding

LAUGHTER TRIGGERS THE RELEASE OF ENDORPHINS, THE BODY’S NATURAL FEEL-GOOD CHEMICALS THAT PROMOTE AN OVERALL SENSE OF WELL-BEING AND CAN EVEN TEMPORARILY RELIEVE PAIN. LAUGHTER PROTECTS THE HEART BY INCREASING BLOOD FLOW. LAUGHTER RELIEVES PHYSICAL STRESS AND TENSION LIKE A GOOD MASSAGE, LEAVING THE MUSCLES IN YOUR BODY RELAXED FOR UP TO 45 MINUTES.

DECEMBER 2014

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45

english: it’s two confusing!

W

e here at the magazine know just how confusing the English language can be. If you knew how often we look up whether or not health care is one word or two, you’d never trust us again. But we have learned a thing or two about which words mean what, so let’s set the record straight on a few notorious cases.

Rain: sky water Rein: those things you use to steer your horse Reign: to rule or hold royal office Denote: refers to the literal meaning of a word Connote: refers to all the meanings we associate with a word beyond the literal one (Ex. The word ‘childish’ denotes something like or appropriate for a child, but it connotes something negative, like when it’s used in the phrase “you’re being childish!”)

Affect: to influence or make a difference to; always a verb Effect: a change resulting from an action; always a noun

Farther: refers to physical distance Further: refers to figurative or nonphysical distances (Ex. “The restaurant is farther down the road.”

“Nothing could be further from the truth—we just passed it!”)

Apathy: lack of feeling, emotion, interest or concern Empathy: the ability to understand and experience the emotions of someone else Principle: a fundamental law or doctrine Principal: first in order of importance (primary); the person highest in rank in an organization; a lent sum of money Accept: to receive willingly Except: not including Complement: something that completes another thing or makes it perfect (Ex. “This frame would really complement that photo.”)

Compliment: a flattering remark Council: an assembly called together for discussion or advice; a group of people acting as an advisory body Counsel: formal advice; the lawyer(s) conducting a case in court

Stationary: unmoving and unchanging Stationery: paper with matching envelopes and other materials for writing letters Capital: wealth in the form of money, or the most important city in a state or country that is the hub of its government/ legislature Capitol: the actual building in which that legislature does its thang Illusion: something our senses perceive incorrectly; a misleading image or impression Allusion: an expression that references something else, as in literature Delusion: a false belief about the self or others resulting from a psychotic state Decent: satisfactory, or conforming to a standard of propriety Descent: the act of falling or dropping (“The helicopter made a sudden descent”) or your family lineage/nationality Dissent: to disagree with an opposing view, usually the one held by the majority All together: when a group acts or is acted upon as a whole (“I’d love to spend time with you all together.”)

Altogether: wholly, all things considered

PS: A LOT IS ALWAYS TWO WORDS, LOSE AND LOOSE MEAN TWO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS AND TO, TOO AND TWO… WELL, YOU KNOW…

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

WOMAN © AARON AMAT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

balance

Sources: merriam-webster.com, grammarist.com

HE ALT H Y

COUPLE © ANDREY_POPOV ; CART © FERNANDO EUSEBIO ; TRAVEL © SNORKS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HE ALT H Y

balance

back in the game F

or those seniors who have lived alone for a while or have gone through a divorce or a loss, the idea of going back out into the world to meet a significant other can be difficult to navigate. Dating is not what it used to be! So, sit tight, take a deep breath and read on.

deciding what you want

Before you get out there and play the dating game again, decide what you want. You have every right to be picky.

Do you want friendly companionship or a long-term relationship? Also, what qualities are you looking for in a significant other? Do they need to have a great sense of humor? What about a love of traveling?

where to meet people You can literally meet people wherever you go.

The grocery store, library, the gym. You just have to keep your eyes and options open.

Turn to friends and family members. Maybe someone

knows someone else who would be a perfect match for you. Recently, more and more people trend toward the Internet as an additional option to find that special someone.

Join Facebook and hook up with some old friends!

online love

Source: huffingtonpost.com, aarp.org, bestdatingsites.com

If you decide to go the online dating route, your first step will be to set up a profile page. You’ll get more attention if you include a photo; just make sure that it’s a current photo. No one likes to be misled! Be honest about your age, what you believe in and what you like to do. Don’t make up stuff just to get people to like you. When deciding which site to use, decide if you want a free site or if you want to pay for a membership.

To get started, you can always check out seniorfriendfinder.com, seniorpeoplemeet. com, match.com, seniorscircle.com or ourtime.com.

DATING TIPS BE YOURSELF. DON’T PRETEND TO BE SOMEONE YOU’RE NOT. IT CAN BE TEMPTING TO EMBELLISH THE TRUTH A BIT, ESPECIALLY IN THE NON-PERSONAL WORLD OF ONLINE DATING, BUT EVENTUALLY, THE TRUTH WILL BE REVEALED. BEING HONEST UP FRONT CAN SAVE EVERYONE FROM SOME EMBARRASSING MOMENTS LATER ON.

BE APPROACHABLE. SMILE, MAKE EYE CONTACT AND INVITE PEOPLE IN. NEED TO LOOSEN UP A BIT? TRY IT WITH A MIRROR FIRST. REMEMBER, PEOPLE LOOK THEIR BEST WHEN THEY’RE LAUGHING OR SMILING. NO ONE LIKES A FROWNY FACE.

USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT. IF YOU HAVE A KEEN INTEREST, VOLUNTEER FOR CAMPAIGNS, JOIN A TRIVIA TEAM OR START A BOOK CLUB. IF YOU LOVE TO COOK, INVITE PEOPLE OVER FOR A LAID-BACK DINNER PARTY. IF YOU HAVE AN ADVENTUROUS SIDE, SEARCH OUT PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR INTERESTS. THERE MAY JUST BE A BIKING, HIKING OR FISHING CLUB TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.

MEET IN PUBLIC PLACES. NEVER AGREE TO MEET SOMEONE IN A PRIVATE AREA OR ALONE. YOU WATCH THE NEWS, RIGHT? TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. IF IT FEELS OFF, IT PROBABLY IS. NEVER SEND MONEY TO A STRANGER.

DECEMBER 2014

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47

Opiate addiction is a very dangerous and real epidemic in the United States.

Millions of people every year abuse illicit opioid drugs and prescription medications. According to the CDC, opiate overdoses have passed traffic accidents as the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is a serious medical condition that can be very damaging to a person’s mental, physical and emotional health; it damages families and may even cause death. If you are suffering from opiate addiction, you are not alone, and you can turn to help by contacting the experienced and compassionate staff here at Watauga Recovery Center THE WATAUGA RECOVERY CENTER Intentional Recovery Education Program is our unique approach to assisting our patients in developing a strong, 4-level recovery foundation and teaching the life skills needed for relapse prevention.

3114 Browns Mill Road Johnson City, TN, 37604 (423) 641-0432

“Addiction is a Disease, Let’s Treat it That Way.”

S U O I DEL IC D O O F H S E FR Y. MADE IN-HOUSE EVERY DA

www.wrchope.org

C O ME D INE W I T OU T ON

Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-9pm Catering: 423.773.6107

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tchealthyliving.com | DECEMBER 2014

H US

THE PAT

East Stone Co

IO

mmons

2003 N. Eastman Road , Kingsport 423.246.2246

New service.

Niswonger Children’s Hospital brings a new specialty to the region. Dr. Valentine T. Nduku is helping to establish the Tri-Cities’ first pediatric neurosciences program, an important part of our continuing expansion of specialized services for children. He comes to Johnson City from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, recently ranked as the fourth best pediatric neurosurgery and neurology program in the country.

With the medical direction of Dr. Nduku, Niswonger Children’s Hospital will be able to provide treatment for a wide range of pediatric neurosurgery needs, including: • Epilepsy and seizure disorders • Congenital neurological diseases • Pediatric head trauma

New surgeon.

New program.

www.msha.com/children

Independent member of the medical staff

To learn more about this program, please visit www.msha.com/children.

Life’s even better when you get your premium back.

Find out how you can help protect your family for less, build cash value, or even get your premiums back if the life insurance benefit has not been paid out at the end of the level premium period.

CALL ME TODAY.

Kristy Baggarly, Agent 2332 Volunteer Parkway Bristol, TN 37620 Bus: 423-968-9221 kristy.baggarly.t2kw@statefarm.com

1101001.1

Adjustable Premium Level Term Life Insurance policy series 08025 in all states except MT, NY, WI; 08075 in MT; A08025 in NY & WI. State Farm Life Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL (Not licensed in MA, NY and WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL